Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Gotta Love Babies

Unfortunately, I did not post yesterday. Not because I didn't want to, I was simply too busy enjoying my babies and friends. Yesterday was a wonderful day, I had a very nice nap thanks to Wayne, and spent a nice relaxing day playing and enjoying the 'baby' days.

When Lucas was a baby (he's officially a toddler since he walks now) I was constantly told to enjoy them while he was young. I fully understand the reasoning behind this now. Each milestone and accomplishment Lucas worked toward Wayne and I anxiously waited for. We wanted him to crawl, to eat solids, to walk, to talk. Now that he's older, I realize how much I've missed his baby days. Now don't get me wrong, I love how independent my little boy is. However, I long for the days I get to hold and cuddle with him. These days are already few and far between.

Now that Emily is almost 10 months, I don't want her to grow up too fast. At first, I was thinking that the day she could crawl couldn't come sooner. What parent doesn't want their baby to be able to entertain themselves by moving around? It's only been about 2 and a half weeks since she started crawling, and she's already scaling pillows on the floor, and just today pulled herself up to the couch--as in standing holding onto the couch! I can't believe how big my baby girl is getting.

On a different note, I think Lucas is officially becoming jealous of his little sister. Because he was only 10 and a half months when she was born, I didn't know if there would be any jealousy or not between them. Recently, he won't stop hitting, kicking, shoving her, taking her toys, etc. Perhaps this is normal sibling rivalry, but all I know is that I definitely need to nip this in the bud right now. The violent outbursts, that is. Emily is so small, and still too young to fight back against Lucas. Once she realizes how, well, that will be something to behold.

As much as Lucas attacks his sister, the two also have their amazingly charming times. Such as when Emily babbles, and Lucas repeats her, and they play at all the different noises they can make together. Or when Lucas shares his crackers, and even his water with Emily. Sometimes, he even kisses her without us prompting him, or hugs her.

It's sad to think, but my babies are growing up. Lucas is already a toddler. Before I know it, Emily will be in high school and Lucas going off to College/University or wherever his little heart takes him.

But for right now, I'm going to just enjoy the good times while I can. I'm going to love every good minute the babies have to give me.

Monday, June 7, 2010

Relax

Isn't it true that with your first baby you're very by the book or follow every word on what the doctor advises? I've realized how different I've treated both babies, regardless of their age difference. It's sad, but I feel much closer to Lucas, then with Emily. Not that I don't love Emily just as much, but I connect more with Lucas. Perhaps it's just our personalities are similar, but I must say, Lucas is my favourite baby boy! Granted, he's my only baby boy. I wonder if Emily had been a boy, if I would have felt the same way.

Emily is a little tyrant lately. She's teething, and boy is she teething. She's overly moody, and whiny, and yet, I can't remember her not being this way. I know there was a time, but I can't recall how blissful it was. Probably because I was more focused on other problems needing to be fixed, or was too sleep deprived. Lucas is only making matters worse. He's officially hit his terrible two a whole 4 months early.

It's a war here.

Today, as a reprieve, I took the children to a grassy hill at the park today. No one was around, and the babies had the best time of their lives. Who would've thought that they would prefer to be crawling/walking around in the grass, playing with sticks, grass and weeds? We had such a great time, we were almost late for Emily's doctor appointment. I think we're going to do this again tomorrow.

I took a video of the trees blowing in the wind. If there's one thing my babies can agree on, it's that the trees dance. They love to watch the trees dancing to the wind, in any season. They'll be playing in the living room and stop, mesmerized by the trees dancing outside the bay window.

There's something wonderful about laying in the grass just watching the trees dance. Perhaps that's why the babies had such a wonderful time today. I'll post again tomorrow about our hopefully relaxing time at the park.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Another Day Another Post

I first, and foremost, must thank my one follower, Deanna. She's my cousin and a mother of 3. She too is going through the trenches of motherhood, and I very much look up to her and any/all advice she has.

I was feeling like these posts were falling into a dark corner on the great void of the internet. At least, now I feel as if someone is listening. I have also learned that a few friends have also started reading. I must apologize, the first few posts are a bit dark, but then, doesn't everyone have their dark days?

On a happier note, last night was my brother's 30th birthday surprise party. It was a wonderful night. There were a few awkward moments, but besides those, everyone had a wonderful time. Even my grandmother was humming along and tapping her cane to the music.

Partially, I found that Wayne and I being able to go out without the babies, made our night. There aren't very many times we get out alone. When we get the opportunity, we definitely take it. Surprisingly my brother was actually surprised and after every drink he was given, he remembers the night. At least, that's what he says.

Well, now for the 'support' portion of this blog. I've found that Wayne and I definitely need to find some more alone time. Not necessarily just the two of us, but with other adults as well. The awkward part I referred to during the party was when I was talking with my aunts and uncles. It felt weird talking about anything other then the babies. I must say there were a few pauses in the conversation, and I didn't really know how to continue adult conversation without mentioning the babies. It's horrible. Note to self, more time becoming aware of world events and anything else, not just my babies.

I figure this is something every parent goes through. You become so absorbed into your baby/babies, you become detached from the outside world. I've started my new awakening by turning the channel on the television to the radio/news and reading up on 2012. I don't believe the world will end, but what if the world as we know it changes? I figure I'll read up on what I can and learn whatever I can, just in case, so I'm prepared. At least the babies will be older by 2012.

Ever watch those movies such as 2012, The Day After Tomorrow, and that and wonder what you would do if things like that started happening? Every time I watch one of those movies I end up crying. I can't help but cry, how would I save both my babies in a flood/catastrophic event? Thank god for Wayne, I know he would do everything he could in such an event.

Well, time to wind myself down, and probably feed Emily another bottle. Hope all is going great for you reading out there!

Saturday, June 5, 2010

Making It All Worthwhile

As I mentioned yesterday, I had my driving test, and passed. One less on my list of things to do. I am officially a holder of the G class license. I also went to renew my driver's license, and that left Wayne alone with the babies for almost 2 hours. The babies were still alive when I got home, of course. Wayne wasn't even the least bit frazzled looking. Again, I resented him. He was, however, quite tired. Emily and Lucas both awoke within minutes of my leaving, and Wayne had to get up to take care of them.

Yesterday was a much happier day for me. The babies were not nearly as cranky or whiny as they usually are, and I even got a great nap in the afternoon. I woke, fed the babies dinner, then got treated to some fast food from my dad--thank you. As I was finishing my meal, one of my best friends called. Last night was the Relay For Life. She asked if I was up for heading over and participating with my old work crew. Seeing an opportunity to get out for me and the kids, I nearly bolted out the door in anticipation.

Relay for life is really important to me. I didn't realize until last night, how important it was. My friend died of cancer at 23 (under 3 months before her 24th birthday). Two days before her 24th birthday, I found out I was pregnant with Lucas. I felt as if she were with me, and missed her terribly. Taking the babies with me to Relay For Life helped a lot. It made me feel as if I were helping in some way. I definitely want my children to understand the importance of such events.

On a funny note:
Lucas said 'Peepee' last night while I was changing Emily's diaper. Now, I don't tend to
use baby words with my babies, so I was quite confused as to where this word came from.
Yes, she had a pee diaper, but that's not the point. I thought it cute, but still confused on
the word.
This morning my mom was bouncing Lucas on her knee. She said 'Yippee!'. Lucas, in
turn, said, 'Peepee!'. Now whenever Lucas says it, at least I know what it means. He
was saying yippee to Emily because she was done her diaper change. God I love him!

Days/nights like these make babies all worthwhile.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Term 'Irish Twins'

I feel obliged to apologize to anybody or persons I may have insulted by using the term 'Irish Twins'. I do realize that this term was used condescendingly towards the Irish. I mean no offense whatsoever. When I use this term, I only am referring to my children, and other siblings, born within 12 months of one another. Although, it has now broadened towards siblings born less than 24 months apart.

It was actually something I kept thinking about last night, among other worries, that kept me from falling asleep soundly.

Now that I've gotten that off my chest. I have a driving test today. That means, that Wayne is in charge of the babies while I'm gone. As liberating as this feels, I can't help but feel a little apprehensive. Wayne is a wonderful father, most of the time. Not to say that he's a horrible father at any time. Just that he tends to do things differently from me, and doesn't know all the little things the babies like and don't like. He also feeds them differently and does everything differently then I do. Obviously, he isn't me, and I can't expect him to do everything my way. That being said, I do still feel apprehensive about him watching the children so early.

Usually, Wayne doesn't wake up, unless he has to, until much later. That's why I've already put the babies down for a nap, and hope they stay asleep as long as possible for their father's sake. He's not exactly a morning person. Who is, though, when you wake up to two screaming and hungry babies?

Well, I best be off to my test. I reiterate, I apologize to anybody or person I may have insulted by using the term 'Irish Twins'. I do not use this word condescendingly at all in any of my posts, and think the Irish to be a very fun and interesting lot.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Rounding Off the Day

As every stay-at-home parent knows, the night/evening is the most chaotic time of the day. At least, it is at this house. Doubly so, since Wayne is away at work. I have to make dinner and/or feed the children (the or when my mother makes a generous dinner to include us), feed myself, entertain the children while making dinner and after dinner. Then there's the whole night time routine, bath or no bath, brushing teeth, and winding them down for a good night's sleep.

A good night's sleep only entails Lucas sleeping through the night, and Emily only waking up once. An amazing night's sleep is when Emily sleeps through until 7 or 8am the following morning. This is a very rare occurrence, but it has happened.

Once the babies are sleeping, it's mommy time. First I check e-mails and messages. Usually, I need to make myself something to eat--since, eating while the babies eat is near impossible at times. Then I watch my shows, read a book, or do anything to make me feel like I can relax, since this is the only time of day I can sit back and not care. Unless a baby wakes up.

Now for dinner. Lucas eats almost anything. This little man got his first two teeth when he was 4 months, and had a full set by the time he was 10 months. Emily is almost 10 months old now, and only has her first two teeth. Naturally, I feed her mushed up food/baby food.

She's capable of eating/gumming cheerios, and puffs, has had bits of bread and mushed up banana, but before all this, we tried out new foods every 3 days as the doctor advised. We weren't nearly as cautious with Lucas, however, Emily was 3 weeks early and had preemie tendencies.

My greatest accomplishment with the babies, is that I have generally made their baby food. I highly recommend a Magic Bullet for any parent interested in making their own baby food. I steam the vegetables in the microwave. It's the easiest way to do it, and keeps all the juices with the vegetables, which is key to making their mush. You want to keep the water to blend the veggies to the right consistency. Now, the 'right' consistency depends on your baby. Store bought baby food is quite runny, my babies always preferred it thicker. Obviously, the more water, the smoother/runnier and easier to digest the vegetable.

I have also steamed some fruits this way. Although, with most fruits you need to peel them, and I've found the fruit to be a bit too sour for my babies bums. In this case, I've used store bought.

Now don't get me wrong. I've used my fair share of store bought baby food too. I use both. With Emily, I must admit, I use far more store bought baby food, then I did with Lucas. It only makes sense, I think. I had much more free time when Lucas was young. There was no other baby to feed and care for.

Well, it's all what you prefer, and your baby/babies too, of course.

Off to spend some quality time with myself for the next hour or so. I believe it's the one thing that keeps me most sane. This, Wayne and my friends and family. I thank them greatly for all their love and support.

Good Day Gone Sour

Emily woke up twice last night. Even though Wayne fed her, I still woke and had quite a hard time falling back to sleep. To top that off, she woke at 6am, rather then the usual 7am. Despite that, I felt remarkably well this morning. I brought Emily downstairs and carried her on my hip while I made her bottle. Of course, Emily peed then and I could feel it, however, I have felt her pee in her diaper before. To my surprise, she peed through the diaper and all over my one side. Again, I was still in a fairly good mood, and just went and cleaned myself up, then cleaned Emily.

All was well and good this morning. I was able to grab a nap when the babies went down for a sleep, and felt nicely refreshed when I awoke later on. The babies ate their lunch, no problem. They played fairly nicely together, and Emily rarely whined for my attention. When it was time for Wayne to wake from his nap, I had Lucas scale the stairs to our bedroom. To my amazement, Emily followed suit.

I don't believe I have told you this, but Emily only recently learned to crawl. It hasn't even been a week since she started, and she's already climbing everything. I was happily surprised to see her start climbing the stairs (also a little worried she would fall) and was able to catch the last bit of climbing on video.

After waking their father, we all went downstairs, and that's when things started to go bad. First, my head started a throbbing headache... why? I have no idea. Emily peed through her diaper, again, because her father forgot to change her. Lucas was getting into everything he knew he was not allowed to, and most of all, Wayne was in a sour mood. Perhaps I'm still carrying some anger toward him from yesterday.

As you can probably tell, the babies are sleeping at the moment. Their afternoon nap, if you will. I have been trying to get the babies to sleep in the same room. Emily has been in our room since the beginning (in her own crib), and now I think it perfect time for her to move out. Mostly because she wakes both Wayne and I constantly and I think it doesn't help the tension between us at all. However, their morning naps together don't always go so well. Should Emily wake up, it wakes Lucas, and vice versa.

Wayne and I are anxiously awaiting news about a place to move into. Currently we're renting off my parents, which is a whole other story of problems. We're hopefully going to get into a 3 bedroom so each baby has their own room, and Wayne and I have our own private place again.

I hope to get Emily and Lucas in the same room, simply because we don't know how long it will be before we get to move out. Money is always an issue (can't live with it, can't live without it) and there's a waiting list for the place we want to live. We have a meeting to find out more on Monday, so I'll keep you posted. Also, if you've had to move two children into the same room, please feel free to help me. I am extremely open to all opinions and advice.

I suppose most mothers are. Once family, friends and even strangers know or see that you're pregnant, you get all sorts of opinions and advice--wanted or not. My favourite advice came from my friend's sister-in-law, she told me that everyone would have advice for me, and to just listen and decide whether or not you want to take that advice/opinion to heart or not. When asked, this is the only sort of advice I give to anyone who wants my advice/opinion on pregnancy/motherhood/parenting.

Well, my head is no longer aching, so I best jump in the shower while I've still got the chance. If anyone out there is reading this, I hope I've offered something to brighten your day.

If not, here's a little story to get you laughing:
Yesterday while making the babies lunch, Lucas came into the kitchen and sat on
a chair. I kept glancing over to make sure he wasn't getting into anything.
Quiet as he was, I half expected him to be doing something bad. However,
every time I glanced at him, he was sitting nicely with his hands somewhere
in his lap. Once I was able to truly see what he was up to, I found that he
was chewing something in his mouth. Instantly alarmed, I hurried over, only
to find an apple in those hands. He had been eating an apple he'd grabbed off
the table the entire time, and hiding it in his lap. By the time I had
realized what he was up to, he had eaten half the apple. I laughed so hard.
Here he was being all sly and thinking he was eating something he wasn't
allowed. An apple.