Blowin' Bubbles

Thank You, Batman

2008-11-03T11:49:00.000-08:00

Or should I say, thank you, Joker.

We've done our best to shelter Kemper from stuff that might scare the bejeezus out of him. We haven't exposed him to movies with guns, or really much violence at all. (As I write that, I am reminded of his comment to the emerge doctor that he hurt his back "doing mixed martial arts"....) He does watch the UFC with his dad, but technically, fighting is a sport. I'm sure many disagree, but it's easier to explain limits and draw lines with MMA. Anywho, Kemper is 3. He has a tough time differentiating between real and make believe. I'm pretty sure he thinks that the friendly monsters on "Yo, Gabba Gabba" are real. We're doing our best to define to him what is real and what isn't, but as of late, have had a tough time.

While we were away with family about a month ago, Kemper got to take in *just enough* of the movie, "Batman, The Dark Knight". Now to try and paint the picture a little clearer here, Kemper doesn't want to watch the movie "The Little Mermaid" anymore, because Ursula frightens him. He will tell you that, and he will ask repetitive questions about Ursula, and "Why is she mean?"

Now, almost a month after the "Batman Incident", Kemper will no longer go to the bathroom by himself, not even for a pee; he won't go to his room alone, he wails and screams bloody murder if he is put in time out, because that is alone in his room... he actually comes flying out of his room and grips his arms around me and will say, "I'm sorry, mama! I'm sorry! I won't ever do that again!". If he is distracted when we are in a room together, and I leave the room, he peeks when he discovers I'm not there. He has not slept a whole night since, and either wakes up screaming or wakes up and runs into our room, or since he's been repetitively evicted from our bed, he now makes his way to Nana & Papa's bed, where eviction is a tad less likely.

So, needless to say, I'm a little nervous about another change this week, when he spends his first night in the new house. I think Kevin and I might have a roommate.

Call Me Selfish

2008-10-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

I am so ready for this to be over. The whole hugeness, hurts to roll over, takes 2 minutes to get up off the floor, back achy, heart burny, hormonal sack of it.

I feel like tapping out, and I still have 5+ weeks to go.

Kemper has been listening much better lately, and I'm sure now that I've documented that, all hell will break loose.

The count down is on for *real* now. We are 8 days away from moving into our new pad. Eight days sounds so much more real than three and a half months. So, the repack begins. I'm starting to pack up stuff we shouldn't need over the next week, so that we are ready to roll next Friday.

Once we're in the new place, I'd love to say it'll be nothing but re-lax-ation once we are in, but I'd be totally b-s-ing myself. After all, the Wiggle Worm I'm growing will be here 4 weeks after, if all goes according to plan. So I'll have 4 *whole* weeks to freak out about rooms not being ready, not having my Christmas shopping done, yadda, yadda, yadda. Part of mommy-hood I suppose!

So, listen, have you got any healthy, easy (relatively), recipes for family friendly, non heartburn inducing eats? I'm struggling here....

2008-10-21T10:18:00.001-07:00

These last few weeks have been a little frustrating.

For one, we are waiting for our new home to be completed so we can move in. Luckily, they have only pushed our closing date out one week, and they gave us about a months notice. For two, Kemper is in full blown toddler mode. Who ever called it "Terrible Twos" was sooooo wrong. "Terrible Threes" it is. So there. I think that everything is wearing thin on Kemp. We've been living with my parents for almost 3 months now, which has forced them to discipline Kemper way more than I'm sure they want, but have respected my "don't let him get away with any b.s." wishes. I've also been off work since early September, and despite taking him to the park, baking with him, and taking him skating; being with mom full time is getting old. He misses his friends at daycare. I still have 7 weeks left before the new little one comes, but I am already tired. Toting around the extra poundage and keeping up with Kemper has taken a toll. Because I'm already this tired, I'm starting to freak-out about what is going to happen when the kicking monster inside comes out? Am I going to have a child that is even more obsessed with Treehouse and Playhouse Disney? I hate how much he watches TV now.... what's going to happen when I'm exhausted with a newborn, and a three year old that no longer needs naps?

I remember the early days with Kemper. They were tiring, but also blissful. I remember just being with him. Just hanging out. If I needed to sleep, I did when he did. How will this work now, when I've got someone who is also going to need some of my attention?

I know, I know.... people all over the world have done it. Which is part of what keeps me sane, but I just don't want Kemper to feel left out. I'm married to an "older brother" so I know that being an older sibling doesn't have long term effect on a person, but seeing as I'm an only child, I naturally worry about ridiculous things.... especially when they concern my first born.

Choose Your Words

2008-08-11T13:23:00.001-07:00

I never quite lost all of the baby weight after having Kemper. It could have something to do with adding an extra 65 (yeah, I said sixty FIVE) pounds to my 5'4" frame. It was quite embarrassing at the time, and I know it was all my own doing.

That is why this time, I've committed to myself to have a healthier pregnancy. I'm not going to deny myself the odd extra yummy, but I'm definitely being more cautious of what gets through the trap this time.

"They" say that weight gain, and growth happens quicker with subsequent pregnancies, but I didn't really document my weight gain weekly, or even monthly with Kemp, I just kept thinking, "Holy shit! I weigh what?" I know that I have been on a better pace with the poundage this time, and in turn feel better about the belly.

I've never been a small girl. Battled with weight as long as I can remember... (actually, I think that the battle was with food, not weight!) I don't ever remember being comfortable in my skin, until just recently. It was before I got pregnant this time, and I came to the realization that I'm never going to be 120 lbs (unrealistic for me), and that I'm a mother and wife, and on the upside of average. I could never find my size in stores, so that must have meant I was average! Right?

So why, when I am feeling quite good about my pregnant growing belly, does someone who doesn't really know me, or matter all that much to me, saying something as simple as, "You're due in December? WOW! You're big! You're going to be HUGE!" bother me so much?

Just like that.

2008-07-20T14:42:00.000-07:00

Just like that we are packing up our little 3 bedroom bungalow.

Just like that I scored 94% on my first Phase of Real Estate.

Just like the "Blundell 3" is turning into the "Blundell 4".

Our house sold within a week of listing it, which is great, but frightening. We will be staying with my folks (lucky them!) for the time being, until our house is finished being built.

When I found out I was expecting baby number 2, it was an ignition of "the fire under our asses" to get our stuff together so we could list the house. In the mean time, we found our dream home, which we put an offer on, and now are waiting to be built for us. I found out a few days after I wrote my first exam that our little family was growing... now what? Continue on with the Real Estate? Absolutely. Being that we have been over the top busy, I had to reschedule my exam for October, since August came creeping up so quickly. Hopefully, studying will be easier once we are settled into ma and pa's.

F.Y.I. I'm scared out of my wits to parent two children.

It Takes a Village

2008-03-06T05:21:00.000-08:00

I have recently embarked on a new challenge. This challenge will benefit my family, by eventually giving me more time with them, and potentially a larger income, and will benefit me by allowing me to spend more time with my boys, and ensuring that I will be able to make it to Kemper's first hockey game.

It has been 9 years since I've forced my brain to consume anything other than how to fit 275 people into a hall for a wedding reception, or how to fit Mega Bloks together to make a beautiful castle. I had been talking about it for a while, and finally called and registered for Real Estate College.

It's been about a month now, of juggling a full time job, managing a family and finding time to absorb what the basics of REBBA 2002 are.

Kevin and I have been fortunate since the birth of Kemper, (and before even, ask my mom & dad about having their daughter move back in while she's on bed rest, and her husband is in school 2 hours away, full time!!) to have tonnes of help from our parents. If we even need a night of peace and relaxation, someone is sure to scoop him away for the evening.

Since Mom's been hitting the books, Kemper's been whisked away to Gramma & Grampa's for a weekend, and had a couple of sleepovers at Nana & Papa's so I can focus on my studies.

I miss the wee man while he's gone, but 100% appreciate all of the help!

Thank you, my little village!

Perfectly Imperfect

2007-12-08T15:38:00.000-08:00

Kemper and I are both Aries. We are both *Rams*. Our relationship reflects our star signs and can be rather interesting. Whether it is because we both have a fiery nature, or because I'm an only child, and sometimes we battle like siblings more than parent and child. None the less, we butt heads almost on a daily basis. I use our little squabbles to judge my own parenting skills. I try to be firm, yet understanding, and I try to make him understand through reasoning with him. This can be a challenge, when you are dealing with someone who is only two.

I'm loud by nature. Loud. Our walls are thin. We share a driveway with our neighbor, who is great, but must by now think that I am an absolute horror as a mom. When Kemper does something he was asked not to, inappropriate, or just doesn't listen, I shout. Some may call it yelling. Yes, I will call it yelling. I hate that I yell. He's not by any stretch a bad kid, and usually only gets the business when he wants my attention, which is usually when I am on the phone, or making dinner. I've started letting him help me in the kitchen when the stove isn't involved. His favorite recipe: ceasar salad; his favorite ingredient: croutons.

My question to you, do you have any kid (toddler) friendly recipes?

For Kevin Sakes!

2007-11-11T06:40:00.001-08:00

Little big man is an observer. A listener (most of the time). A repeater.

We threw out the *Nuk* a couple of months ago, which I must say, was easier than I thought. I think I was more attached to it than he was. We're lucky because he understands and comprehends most of what we tell him, so when it *disappeared* I told him that the little babies needed it, and since he was a big boy, he got big boy toys. These big boy toys have become his favorite toys. He's got an obsession with the movie Cars, so I got him a *Mack* from the movie. That was all he needed. Easy. Wow.

Now, every time anyone tells him that he's such a big boy, he of course, must tell them that "I'm a big boy, cause I don't need a Nuk anymore, and I get big boy toys." This is still a big deal to him. A few weeks back he was really sick with a bug, and he asked me, "Can I have my Nuk please mom?" When he was told it was gone he said, with a puffed out bottom lip, "But I want it back...." *sighs* If I gave in then, I'm sure he would talk me into it again at some point. He lived through the flu without the Nuk. So life does go on.

Yesterday Kevin took the front rail off of Kemper's crib, and made it into a toddler bed. He has since had two naps and one full nights sleep in it.... without falling out.

This morning, I awoke to the same old, "maam. Maam. Maam?" I don't think he fully understood that he could get out on his own. This morning, I just laid in bed and called him to get out on his own. And he did, and crawled into bed with us. Hopefully, next weekend will involve a little bit of snuggling before the "maam" stuff starts.

In other news, in trying to be toddler friendly with our words, Kevin said last week,
"For heaven sakes." And Kemper asked him, "Are you for Kevin sakes?"

2 cups Cute + 2 cups Smart + a dash of Attitude = Kemper

2007-08-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

28 months.

Wow. I know I've said it before, but time goes by so fast!

We've been busy working around the house. Kitchen reno has taken about two months longer than we expected. We are almost there now, just the dreadful finishing... eck. I was happy as long as I had working plumbing, and luckily I am married to a plumber, and I had a *functional* kitchen for pretty much the whole reno. We've pretty much taken our time, and enjoyed the summer as much as we could.

As for Kemper, he is smarter by the day. Seriously.

He sings "Oh, Canada", and alway's says "and then we play hockey". He is so

his fathers son.

His personality is fabulous... most of the time. He has a problem with mommy some days, and it really does break my heart that he has fits at me. People say its normal, but my sweet little angel has developed a temper that he can switch on like nothing. He is testing his limits, and we're trying to make sure that we are setting clear boundaries.

Kemper has been out of diapers for a little over a month now, and we are *so* proud of him! Hooray for Big Boy Underwear!

.... working on the kitchen, just like daddy!

Because He's Two.

2007-05-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've been saying that a lot lately.

Making excuses I guess.

He's a full blown *toddler* now.

We have our moments. Probably because he's gone from "mommy's precious little angel" to "daddy's little devil". He's not really that bad. He's not really bad at all, it's just a big change going from a little person who wants to know so much from you, to a little person who is telling you how things are, and is daily trying to gain more independence.

We are starting to see new found fears in our little man. The other night Kemper and I were having a shower (sometimes it's just easier to do two showers at once), when Kemper started losing his mind. He was crying hysterically. Tears and shakes and screaming about something. He was telling me something went down the drain, but when I did a scan of the bath tub toys, they were all there.... hmmm..... then I noticed that the sliver of soap that was left on the edge of the tub was MIA. Ah ha. When I finally (after about TWO minutes) got him to stop sobbing, I explained to him that the soap went down the drain, but it's okay, cause the fishies will sure like that we shared our soap with them. Okay. We made it through that one.

"Where's the soap, mommy?"

This has been pretty much a daily question since the soap incident. I make him tell me where the soap is. He's pretty cool with that.

Unfortunately, now that he has figured out that more than just soap can go down the drain, shower and bath time has been much more interesting... We're hoping we can keep his fears to a minimum, and I find it rather unfortunate that something he used to love, is almost stressing him out now.

We'll just keep reassuring him....

On a brighter note, one of his first full sentences was the following:

"I watch daddy play hockey on Saturday."

And he pretty much tells everyone... ladies at the grocery store, people walking by, his baby-sitter..... The last time he watched Kevin play hockey was almost two months ago...

Don't Leave Home Without One

2007-03-25T19:40:00.000-07:00

Today my friend Tab and I got together for the first time in over a year.

Tab called yesterday and asked if Kemper and I wanted to go to the Sweet Water Festival at the Wye Marsh. And I thought to myself, "it's supposed to be a great day tomorrow," so I said sure.

The morning started out great... I got to sleep in until 9:30(!!!) this morning. It was great. But then, I had a late start to getting ready for our adventure. By the time I got up and dressed and Tab got in to town, it was a little after 11.

We finally made our way to the Wye Marsh. Maybe I am naive, because I never think anyone goes to any of those things. Perhaps its because I'm a local and I always take these places for granted.... There was no parking in the parking lot. The parking was about a 10-15 minute walk away from the actual entrance.

No big deal, right?

So how about when you are with an almost 2 year old (next week!), and your forgot to bring a half decent stroller, and you are creeping up on nap time.... time to turn around and get the three wheel stroller....

The stroller at our house was locked in our shed, with the key on Kevins key ring, it the change room at the arena..... so we picked the next best place and stopped at Nana and Papa's.

By the time we rounded up a stroller and made it back to the Wye Marsh, I was actually a little suprised Kemp was still awake!

We managed to push through the crowds (we pretty much avoided the whole maple syrup production) and make it to the trumpeter swans. Watching Kempers amazement at the swans made the whole ordeal worth it.

A great way to end the week.

No More Excuses.

2007-03-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

We bought a computer.

Finally.

We just couldn't put it off anymore. And when I say we, I mean me. I've wanted a laptop for a while, and it just makes sense for us, so two weeks ago I bit the bullet and went out and got one. After a couple of long phone conversations with Be11, I am finally online.

So really, no more excuses on why I haven't been sharing Kemper's growing with everyone.

Latest and greatest, we are right into the potty training. We've started a neato chart for Kemper to stick stickers on when he has successes. He's been doing well with peeing on the potty, and has been working on number twos. We tell him he's "like daddy", which makes him very excited.

He talks like a telemarketer. Just rambles on... the only difference is, I can understand most of what he's saying to me!

Until next time....

Of Shift Work and Potty Training

2007-01-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

It's been months, I know. I think about posts all the time. But when you are lacking a home computer (just not the top of our priority list right now), there just isn't the time to sit and blurb out all the goodies.

So here we are.

Kemper is now a little over 21 months. And he is smart. Like, scary smart. Our daycare provider calls him "her little parrot". You say something: Kemper repeats.... so it better be something nice. Unless, ofcourse, you think it is appropriate for an almost 2 year old to say, "holy crap". I guess I'll have to cut that one out too. I've had to minimize my potty mouth. And I do have a potty mouth. I work with all men, and I know that's no excuse, but I also encounter truck drivers on a daily basis.

While we're on the topic of potties, Kemper has been peeing on the potty for the past couple of months. It's not every pee, but he's asking to go, so it's a start. We've had a few #2 successes, but I think he's afraid to poop on the potty. We're not pushing the issue right now, but we're putting him on when he wakes up and before bed and bath time. It's good. We still say "yes" and give high fives everytime we hear the tinkle in the potty!

He loves hockey. Is passionate about hockey.... and goalies. So I guess my hopes of him not following in the skate marks of his goalie dad, are dashed. Santa brought him an indoor mini net. The other day, he brought me a stick and ball, and went and sat in net and said, "goalie." So like any good mom, I proceeded to pepper him with shots! *L*

He is the biggest little Leafs fan, and I suppose this is his right through birth. His favorite player is "Tuckaaaah", just like his mommy.

Kevin is finally all done trade school, and I'm working 3 shifts, but we finally seem to have some sort of normalcy at home. All to be scraped away when we list our house and start house shopping late spring/early summer. I'm sure a move will make life interesting, but with a little one, life *is* more interesting.

Yes, it has been too long

2006-11-09T18:10:00.000-08:00

and I say every time that I miss posting for a while that I will try to post more often. But as we all know, life is busy!

Kemper is a little over 19 months now, and I can't get over how smart he is. We are probably a little biased being that he is our offspring, but seriously, he's a tiny little mimic machine. You say it, he says it. This has been more than amusing in some cases; how many 19 month olds do you know that "Raise the Roof" *woot woot*, or say "Alright, diggity"? (That may only be humorous to those of you who watch The Family Guy). It has also been a real whip on my potty mouth. I work in a receiving department, in a factory. I drop more than the occassional F* bomb, and I know how awful and unlady like it is, but at work, it's almost second nature. I've been doing very well at home, due to two words (that will remain unmentioned) being repeated by Kemper.

He loves hockey. I mean LOVES it. He loves reading daddies "Hockey News" magazines, and pointing out the "Goagies". If he sees the Toronto Maple Leaf symbol he says "Hotee" over and over until you acknowledge that "yes, it is hockey". He says "GOAL" and "YES!" and points at the TV when his favorite team, The Leafs score. It's actually quite a riot!

We will be slapping the blades on him next weekend for the first time at my works Christmas party. It should be interesting.

It's been so long that I have about 12 chapters to catch everyone up on; so I will do my best to post again before Christmas!!!

All That's In Between

2006-08-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

It seems like time skips along quicker and quicker these days. I guess that's partly because Canadian summers are so short.

I apologize for the lack of updates. We've been busy.

Kemper is 16 months now. Everyday is something new and great. He says new words almost daily, and is more mobile that I thought a sixteen month old could be. He inquires about everything he sees by pointing and saying "uh?" When you tell him what it is, he does his darndest to repeat it back to you. He knows lots of names of people now and everyone is thrilled everytime they hear him say their names.

Kemper loves Loops at Gramma's. Papa loves sharing red slush puppies with him, and Pops let's him serve himself crackers. Everything he eat's gets followed by a "mmmmmmmmm", almost like it's the greatest thing he's ever tasted.

Our sitter is on holiday's for the next couple of weeks, so his Gramma has joyfully voluteered to keep him. He'll be spending 3 nights at Gramma's house, (first time for that length of visit without mommy and daddy) and then Gramma will take him back for another night. Nana and Papa have voluteered to give Gramma Friday off and take him for the day. And as of Friday at 2:30, I'm on holidays!

We're heading to some friends' place in Stratford that we haven't seen since thier wedding in August '03. A lot has changed since then. They have two girls now, and we've since gotten married and had Kemper. We're so looking forward to spending some time with them. We don't really have any other solid plans, but I'm sure we'll do some day trips here and there.

I'll let you know how many times I've called Gramma's house when his visit is over!

As We Celebrate

2006-07-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

Canada's birthday, we enjoy some downtime at Kevin's family's cottage. Kemper's second visit, and most active one. We tried swimming and playing with the hose and just enjoyed the outdoors.

We've had success in the daycare department. She is wonderful. And Kemper loves her, and the kids that she cares for. Third times a charm I suppose. It certainly makes being back at work much easier.

Here are some pic's from the weekend, enjoy.

Head and shoulders.....

2006-05-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

head, head, head!

This is one of the newest rhymes that we are learning. Kemper's definitly got the head part down! He pats his head repeatedly until near the end of the tune when he starts either pulling his ears or poking his nose. So smart, my little monkey!

I know I haven't posted much lately, but being back at work full time takes up a lot more time than I though. I'm not really sure what I was thinking; it's forty hours a week out of the house, that have to in someways (lunches, diaper bags, etc.) be prepared for. I've also been going through a heck of a time with day care lately. I've been through two providers in the two months that I've been back at work, and I've been two weeks without any at all. Well, when I say *any at all*, my mom has once again, saved my day. I really am lucky to live this close to my parents, and to have them do pretty much anything for us.... but that's another post all together.

Kemper has made so many changes lately. He walks. Like crazy. He's all over the place. He doesn't crawl much at all anymore. It's wonderful, and sad all at the same time. I mean, I'm so proud of my little man! You're walking! Look at you! But wait, you're walking away from mama.... *sighs* He's growing up so fast. He's learning so quickly. He loves playing "Itsy-Bitsy-Spider" (he doesn't the up the water spout part), and "Patt-a-Cake" (he pats and marks it with a B), and daddy's favorite- "SCORES!" when he will throw his arms in the air and then pat whoever's head is nearby (most recently he's been patting his own head!), while daddy says, "Waytagoboys, waytagoboys!"

Needless to say, Kevin and Kemper are making out quite well together while I'm working afternoons. I'm pretty sure that we're ready for me to go back to both day's and afternoons (I've been on afternoons for three weeks while trying to solve the daycare issues). We're excited to have family time in the evenings again, starting next week, when Kemper starts at his new babysitters! Yay! I met Gayle last year at a Wilton Cake Decorating course, but didn't know she was doing daycare until recently. We did some interviews in the past couple of weeks. Nothing really jumped out though. I think you should get a warm fuzzy feeling, and not fuzzy from the dirt on the floor fuzzy. (One of the places was disgusting and I wouldn't send my dog there. And he rolls in dirt.) When we went into Gayles today, I got that feeling. It was an internal sigh of relief. My heart has hurt lately with the thought of him not going to a daycare where it's wonderful, and fun, and sunny and great. So anywho, we will try for a couple of weeks, (she want's to make sure she can handle him with everyone else since he's the youngest) and see where it goes. I have a good feeling though. Keep your fingers crossed for us.

I have so much to say, but not much time these days, I will post again as soon as I get a chance!

Happy(?) Birthday Kemper

2006-04-03T11:34:00.000-07:00

What a week.

I thought I was being a smarty pants by taking last Friday off to prepare for my boo's first Birthday. He and I would have all day to do the things we needed to do. Get stuff together, bake his cake, get in a little playing here and there and so on. Well, smart in taking Friday off. I also had to take Thursday off. When I took Kemper for his 1 year Birtday pictures on Wednesday, something didn't seem right. He seemed a little off, but everyone has their days, so we went on that. Wednesday at lunch time, I dropped him off at his sitters, and a few hours later Kevin picked him up. He played with his friend AJ for a bit on Wednesday and then Kevin took him home. Dinner time came, but didn't work out so well for Kevin. Kemper projectile vomitted everything he had eaten all day, all over Kevin. And then came the diareaha poops. Kev tried to get a hold of me at work, to no avail. Sunofa... When I got home at a quarter to eleven, all I could smell was puke and poop. My bathtub was filled with clothes, both Daddy's and Kemper's, and my men both looked worn right out. Thursday, filled with more puke and poop, and a red sore bum. My poor boo. Thursday night, spent in the ER, "This could last for 5-7 days...." Great, nothing else you can do for us? Thanksalot. Kemper and I returned on Friday to the ER. "He hasn't kept anything down for days...." Same doctor, same response. Thank you for wasting my time, I guess. By the time we left the ER I felt like ass. Probably not eating all day, quick fix, Drive Thru at McNasty's.

By 4:00 on Friday afternoon we started making phonecalls to postpone the Birthday party until next weekend.

Back to Work

2006-03-16T17:35:00.000-08:00

....and the chaos that follows.

It's been an interesting past couple of weeks. I'm now back at work full time. My day starts around 4:30 am, when I get up to get ready for work. Sometimes I can hear the wee man in his room before I leave, so I get to give him some kisses before I leave at 5:30. I stayed at my parents the first week back, because Kevin was supposed to be in school. Teachers ended up going on strike, but I think I was just to lazy to move everything back to our house when we really didn't know when Kev would be back in school. Not yet anyway. Second week, my babysitter is on holidays, so between Nana and Gramma, Kemper has been spoiled all week. I have been cranky lately. Kevin has been cranky lately. I'm just tired. I feel like I'm not giving Kemper enough. I feel like he's not getting as much time as I wish I could give him. I'm not horribly upset about being back at work, cause the money is nice, but I wish it were part time. These hours are kickin' me in the bum right now. One of the guys that I work(ed) with got the axe on Tuesday. For me, this means no midnights until they hire someone to replace him. It also means a third week of early mornings next week. I like that we have dinner and bath time together, but I really do miss everything else....

On a *much* brighter note, the first steps were taken this week. He took his first step towards daddy on Tuesday morning, and took 6 from Mommy to Gramma on Tuesday night. He's doing well now, taking steps here and there. I'm a little sad, because he's not mama's little baby anymore, but on the other hand I am sooo proud of him. He looks so smart standing all on his own!

Well, it's about my bedtime, so I will do my best to keep a little more up to date now!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Kemper's First Day at Daycare..... and the Projectile Vomit

2006-02-12T06:50:00.000-08:00

Not related, but both happened this week.

With my days as a stay at home mom quickly nearing an end, we figured we should get the wee man into daycare, so it's not complete craziness when I return to work. I often said while I was off on Mat leave that I didn't know how our mom's did it when they had to return to work after only a few short months with us. I think now I have figured it out. We didn't know that our mommies were leaving us, so it didn't matter quite as much. I've just gotten so used to being with Kemper every day, all day. Back in the day, you knew that soon you'd be back to work, and among the sleepless nights and poopy diapers, you'd be adding either part or full time employment into that mix. Now that Kemper is starting to make strange, and be clingy, ofcourse, it is time to leave him with someone he does not know. Not to mention, all of the children. He sees other kids pretty much only once a week now, when we go to our play group. I know that being surrounded by the other kids will be beneficial, but he's the smallest, and I'm secretly scared he'll get picked on. I know that our sitter wouldn't let that happen, but it's one of many scenerio's that I've made up in my head... and when I say many, I mean many.

His sitter said that he did not bad. He cried off and on all day, and made strange here and there.

As I walked up the stairs away from him, my heart hurt. I was just hoping that he didn't cry.... please don't cry. If he cried, I'd have to go back down and get him. Pick him up. Love him. He needs his mama. But he didn't. He was fine. As I got into my car I looked in the rearview mirror, Isaw his little mirror, his car seat, his blanket... I backed out of the driveway and headed towards the store. My heart hurt a little more. I thought, "I can't do this! I can't go back to work! I can't be away from him for more than eight HOURS a day! I'm quitting work! That's it!" But I went into my mom's store, and I started to work. I thought about him all day. I refrained from calling, because I knew if he was crying when I called, I would have to save him. When I finally bailed on the store 5 hours (yeah 5 hours) later, I couldn't get to the sitters quick enough. I didn't speed or anything, I have pretty much stopped speeding and driving like a moron since I've had Kemper. I was so excited to see him. And he was so excited to see me too! I couldn't stop hugging and kissing him for the rest of the night. I put him in his car seat, I'd kiss him.... I'd take him out of his car seat, I'd kiss-kiss-kiss him. I'd give him some dinner, and kiss him. I guess this is really no different than any other day, I just appreciated these kisses that much more.

That was our Wednesday.

Thursday, we hung out all day, and looked forward to Thursday night with daddy. Since before Christmas, before Hallowe'en I guess, Thursday nights have been daddy and Kemper nights. I go to the store for three hours and they get to have "Man Night". I enjoy this time out of the house alone, and I know that he's in good hands. When I got home, he came crawlin' whinin' towards me. I just thought this was the same reaction that he'd give me when I'd leave him, the "where did you go with out me?" reaction. It wasn't. He wasn't feeling well. He wanted his mama.

Kevin says to me, "He puked. A lot."
Me: "Was he crying again."
Kevin: "No, he was having a bottle on me. He just barfed. All over me."
Me: "Poor baby doesn't feel well."
Kevin after going to get his puked on shirt, "See?"
Me: "Gross, it stinks!"

He continued to play and then come back to see me. Play for a bit, where's my mama.... and then it came, and came and came. I have never seen that much of anything come out of a little person. It was everything that he had in him, and it was on me, and it was all over him. I picked him up and we went into the bathroom. I stripped off both of our puked covered clothes, and I put my jammies on and started running the bath water for him. He started shivering. He never shivers. What-the-friggin-heck? He was pastie. Pastie white. With black eyes. My God, one day in day care and he's friggin sick? Ofcourse, this was the first thing that both Kevin and I thought, and ofcourse said. All Thursday night he would fall asleep on me, and I would put him down and he would wake up.... vomitting. Babies shouldn't vomit! They should *spit up*, not carry on like a grown person who's drank too much. Sweet-Mother-of-Mercy. I didn't sleep too much Thursday night. We pulled our mattress into the living room floor, which is usually saved for Friday night movie nights. The whole purpose was so that Kemper could sleep in his play-pen which won't fit in our room. We wanted to be close to him to hear if he was being sick again. Not five minutes after I put him in there he was sleep-puking. What-the-hell. I put him in between Kevin and I. I had earlier talk Kevin that we should take him to the hospital. Kevin said it's probably just the flu. I didn't care. I didn't end up taking him in, but at 1:30 decided if he was sick anymore I was calling the ER to see if I should bring him in. He wasn't sick anymore. Thank God. It was awful. I know that he'll be sick again in the future at some point, but what I wouldn't give for it to be when he's 16 (wishful thinking) and he's drank a few beers. *sighs*

On a brighter note, he seems to be back to his old, and by old I mean young, self again.

Side Note: We really don't spend that much time in the bathroom, bath time just seems to be photo op time.

Daddy's First Over Nighter.... alone.

2006-01-27T08:40:00.000-08:00

Went well. Very well.

I was able to leave in the afternoon, totally confident that my men would be alright. I can honestly say that I wasn't worried at all. I don't know if that makes me a bad mom, or makes Kevin a good dad. I think it's the latter.

Bon Jovi kicked some serious butt. If it wasn't "the" best it was definitly one of "the" best shows I've seen, but that's a different story, for a different blog.

This was the first time that I was away, by myself, for more that a few hours. It was great, and I had a wicked good time with Debbie and Sandra. It was when I first woke up in the morning that I really started missing them... all of them. Kemper, Kevin and Corson too. I didn't rush home though. I hung around with my ma-in-law for a few hours and didn't leave to come home until around 12:30. By the time I stopped at Walmart to make my weekly deposit, and made the journey home it was almost 3 O'clock. The first thing I see is my sweet little man's face, greeting me with a great big smile. My men had a great night and day without me. I'll tell you, it makes having to go back to work and do the midnight shift much easier when you know that everything will be okay.

I'm not overly excited about going back to work, but I've accepted it now. Only a little over a month left.....

Here's one of Kemper's newest tricks, I'm sure you'll get as much of a kick out of it as we did!

family

2006-01-24T09:48:00.000-08:00

family
Originally uploaded by Kemper's Mommy.

This is one of the photo's we got taken for Christmas.

Busy Bee

2006-01-19T06:57:00.000-08:00

Kemper is pretty good at letting us know when it's bed time now. We'll be hanging out in the livingroom playing, when suddenly he takes off frantically in the direction of the bathroom. I'm not sure if he thinks his daddy's in there or he has figured out the bath time routine, but if the door is closed, he sure lets me know. When I open the door it's straight to the tub (thank goodness it's not to the toilet), where he watches the water fill up. He dances back and forth in an excited manner! Bath time! Bath time! I'm so glad that he likes the big boy tub. We were a little worried when we made the transfer from the kitchen sink to the big tub. I only had to get in with him once, and he seemed okay after that. Now he would stay in there all night if he could! He loves splashing and carrying on, and just being in the water.
I know at some point, this love of baths will not be a love anymore, so we're enjoying the time when he does want to be clean and smell nice!

9 Months, and Where Have We Been?

2006-01-04T09:55:00.000-08:00

Wow.... where exactly did the holiday's go? Well, they've been and gone and we have lots of new toys and clothes to prove it! Kemper was more than spoiled by everyone. Thanks everyone!

My lack of Blogging was 1st of all due to the video I was putting together for our parents for Christmas. It turned out awesome! Secondly, there was so much going on over the last month that I just didn't have time to sit down and chill at the computer!

In one month, so much has changed. As you can see in the first picture, Kemper has now graduated to the big tub. Not crazy about it at first, but soon enough was loving all the space to play around. The wee soldier cut three more teeth in 2 days. He stands up in his crib. He stands up at the furniture. He moves around the furniture. *sighs* I can hardly believe that he is 9 months old. He eats crackers, and grilled cheese, and vegetables.... and cheerios, and yogourt... wow. Everyday Kevin and I look at him and think, "Wow.... this little man used to eat 8 times a day, and in between eating, he'd sleep, and poop.... and that was it. Now he's crawling all over the house, he's got his own little personality, he dances.... "

What an incredible first 9 months.

We have a couple of bites for daycare. It sure is making my life a little easier. March is sneaking up quickly. Then we'll be in for a whole new world!

Thanks for stopping by!

Almost 8 Months

2005-11-30T09:55:00.000-08:00

...and I apologize for the lull in my writing lately. I've been busy, as you can imagine. Christmas shopping, Christmas baking, hanging with Kemper, and working on the house. I haven't been up to my parents to play on the computer for weeks.

Kemper is changing by the minute. Brighter everyday. And more and more gorgeous everyday.

We've had a family Christmas mid-November and we were able to see all of the family on the Fawcett side. It was great. Great Gramma & Great Grampa were thrilled to see Kemper, and Kemper was equally excited!

This past weekend was my works Children's Christmas party. As in the past couple of years my dad, Kemper's Papa, did his Santa gig. He does an absolutely fabulous job, but despite his jolly nature, Kemper was less than thrilled to be on "the big scary hairy mans" knee. I don't know who was more broken hearted, Kemper or Papa! We'll be trying out the Santa thing again this weekend at the Blundell Family Christmas, and then again at The firefighters Christmas party the weekend after. We don't want to traumatize him, but the my nurse told me that he shouldn't remember much, if any of this stuff.

The wee boy unfortunately has my skin, which seems to be dry already. I'm doing my best to keep him full of moisturizer. Anyone out there have any suggestions?

I will certainly do my best to post more often this month!

7 Months

2005-11-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

Kemper will eat almost anything!

"ROAR"

"What's that I see?"

Can you believe that it has already been seven amazing months since Kemper blessed our lives? The old saying of "time flies when you're having fun" is ringing so true. Lately, Kemper and I have been enjoying daily walks to take in the crisp fall air. He loves looking at the trees, and he gets a kick out of passers by telling him how cute, or handsome he is. I'm sure he's thinking, "I know!"

A few new things this month, and two of them are teeth. He cut his first tooth on his 6 month birthday and his second two weeks later. He had some days where he was obviously uncomfortable, but it was nothing terrible. *listen to me, it's like I know what he's feeling in his mouth* He started getting rice rusk cookies/ crackers, and he thinks he's the man, feeding himself. We have been having some difficulty around feeding time. He seems to cry through most, if not all, of his sit down meals. I'm sure now that he's just tired of the rice cereal, so I've cut that down and given more veggies, but you would swear that we didn't feed the poor child the way he carries on. He still loves his bottles. He grunt's like a little animal when he sees them, and they best be top priority to the mama if she's got one in his sight.

He still cries at Neptune. A lot. But, very rarely, have we given in. It feels mean at the time, but I'm not about to rock a 6 year-old to sleep. At night, his bedtime runs very smoothly. He loves his bath, and has recently started to fuss when you take him out, maybe trying to tell us, "Hey, I'm not DONE yet!"

Despite my obsessive and compulsive hand washing the past month or so, Kemp man still managed to pick up a cold. It's really nothing serious as of yet. Just a little cough, which we didn't know was real for the first day because he "fakes" so often. He thinks it's pretty neat that he can make the *cough cough* sound and mommy or daddy will say, "My, that's a terrible cough you have!" He's been a little sleepier the past couple of days, and that's either the cold, or another growth spurt.

Kemper and Daddy time is going quite well. I feel so much more comfortable leaving the pair of them alone now. I think my only nervousness before was that I was the milk maker. He wasn't used to a bottle before, so I felt bad leaving Kevin with a babe that may, or may not, take the food he was offering.

The Christmas season is quickly approaching, and daddy and I have got our elves working tirelessly to make Kemper's first Christmas a wonderful one. Taking shifts at the store will really help make Santa's job an easier one. I'm working 3 shifts this week... short ones, but I'm still with out the wee man for 3 shifts! I guess it will ease me back into the work force.

Well, we're off to enjoy some of this beautiful fall day that has been sent our way!

Last Week.... in a Nutshell

2005-10-25T09:33:00.000-07:00

It's been so much easier, for obvious reasons, to leave Kemper with his dad lately. Since he's been weaned I've been out on my own a couple of times. Last Thursday I went to work at my mom's store, "Bake and Bits". I left pretty much as soon as Kevin got home from work. I got a couple of calls that night. One was, "Yeah, so how do you open this diaper genie thing?" The "Diaper Genie" is relatively new to our house, so that was understandable. The next one was Kevin saying, "what's wrong? I got a message from your mom saying, "'Pick up the phone, Kevin,'" and he said she sounded upset. Here's the thing, my mom often sounds upset on the phone.... she swears she's not, but sometimes she worries me! I got home around 9:30 to see the wee man in the kitchen sink... and he gave me a big huge smile. So nice to be welcomed home with a sweet smile. I was worried about him being asleep, but apparently he had a nap so he was a little behind schedule.

Friday was a nice evening in.

Saturday I got crazy stuff done around the house. Cleaned all the nooks and crannies. Tucked in speaker wire here and there. After all, it won't be long and he'll be crawling. He's already motoring around the livingroom backwards. He's got the hardwood floor figured out!

Saturday my cousin Sarah was getting married. I missed the ceremony, but really wanted to get to the reception. I knew Kevin had a long day, so my mom and I had intended on going. My mom ended up having a really busy day at work, too. So, I decided that I would go on my own. I'd never gone to a wedding by myself. I am so glad that I went. I ran into two of my most cherished friends Karla and Mark. I haven't seen them since their wedding back in September '03. We've had brief contact, mostly through the Blogging World, but this is the first time I've got to give them great big hugs since a tradgedy struck their hopes and dreams. Their beautiful daughter, Ava Marie, was born with wings on April 14th, 2005, and after seven short hours with her loving parents and family she flew on up to Heaven.

Ava's mommy and daddy are two of the strongest people I know. Despite what they've been dealt, they are dealing. The best way they know how. Together. They are not sitting around feeling sorry for themselves. They are out there making sure Ava's memory is and forever will be, very much alive. They are making their baby girl proud.

Kemper's mama kissed his head when she got home.

Love ya, love ya!

2005-10-20T06:29:00.000-07:00

Our sweet angel, sleeping on a fall walk at Gramma's house.

Every fall, when everyone is heading back to school, I find myself longing for the good ol' days. The care free days of college where it was my decision whether I got up to go to class, and just the wonderful times of new friends, and a new city. Not so much this year. I think it may be because I am now my little man's slave, and not a slave to "the man". It's funny how just a few months off and I have not had a back ache (despite carrying the 18 and a half pounder around all day), a stress migraine, or wanted to completely blow my top! Only a few months left, but I hope to be a different person when I head back to work in March. Enough, about that though...

What's new over here? Kemper is now weaned from his mama. I was indecisive near the end at whether or not to keep the before bed feeding. It was an easy enough decision as I stood in the mirror and saw the breast pads through my T-shirt.... enough of that already! When I was pregnant I told Kevin I would nurse for a month, and then I would return to my selfish ways... I wanted to go back on my acne meds, and I wanted to have a cigarette. Little did I know that when Kemper was placed in my arms my selfishness would subside. All I cared about was Kemper and his health. I have given him everything I could, and I managed to nurse for 6 and a half months. And I will continue to give him the gift of a non-smoking mommy. I think at the beginning of my pregnancy, it was just, like I said before, the selfishness of wanting to be *my own* person again. I don't need cigarettes to be my own person.

Kemper had his first and second over nighter in the same week! Kevin and I were lucky enough to join his brother Shane and his girlfriend Sandra for the Leafs game last Tuesday night. It was nice to be able to leave him and be comfortable with it. When he was brand new, I had a hard time leaving him at all, let alone for the night. I felt good about being out as a couple with my husband, but I did miss the little one. I held back from calling Nana and Papa just to see what he was doing. I was there to pick him up at 7:30am. Corson was more excited to see me then Kemper was! *L*

We went to Kevin's cousin Chris and Carlissa's wedding on Saturday. Again, was 100% comfortable with it, but just missed him. It got a little easier through the night as I was distracted by dancing. We returned to the hotel around midnight, and I told myself that "yes, it is too late to call.... and if they needed me, they'd call!" We had breakfast the next morning at Kevin's Uncle Don and Aunt Linda's with Brain, Amanda, and Grandma and Grandpa Fawcett. It was a very nice visit, and when we said our good-byes, I was ready to be home.
24 hours and he didn't forget who we were!

He's been blowing raspberries for a while now, but now he's trying to do the little indian chant on his own, and to move his fingers up and down on his own lips to make silly sounds.

He still only has the one tooth, but I'm pretty sure there are more on their way shortly. He's constantly gumming on something, usually whatever he can get his mouth on, even his pudgy little toes.

Tonight we begin a new phase, as mommy heads to work at the store when daddy gets home from his day at work. Daddy will be flying solo from dinner until bed time tonight. I might be home on time to say good night, if he's up past 9. If not, I will learn how daddy feels when he is out late and only gets to kiss the sleeping head of our beautiful baby boy.

So, good night Sweet Angel, mama will see you in the morning.

Six Sweet Months

2005-10-08T16:19:00.000-07:00

Here's the K-dog in the kitchen sink. He loves, loves, loves the bath!

This is the little man on his 6 month birthday! Look at me now!

Our First Family Photo

2005-10-08T08:07:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken by Gramma B., who was fortunate enough to be at the hospital when we got the wee man back from Orillia the night after he was scooped away from us with low blood sugar.

I can hardly believe he was that small!

PS I know you're probably thinking "enough with the old pics! Let's get some new ones!" I'll do my best to get some on tonight!

Wrapped around his baby finger

2005-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Kemper has picked a fine time to start saying mum-mum-mum-mum-mum.

As I lay him down for his morning nap and walk away, ofcourse the tears start. It's kind of a *I'm-not-even-tired-why-are-you-doing-this-please-just-hold-me-and-love-me* cry, but you know how we're trying to break the poor lad of needing us to fall asleep. So I walk back down to check on the teary eyed boy, and to re-insert the Nuk in his mouth, when he looks straight up at me and in a teary voice he says, "mum-mum-mum-mum-mum". Almost like, "see, I know who you are, and I want you to PICK ME UP!" Let me tell you, it takes everything (and I *do* mean everything) not to pick him up and cuddle my wee soldier.

We have been able to have some mommy-baby bonding time through the nights recently. On Saturday night I was awoken by some serious crying. This is quite unusual for Kemper, who usually just wimpers a bit and maybe talks a little. When I went into the nursery he was on all fours crying and rocking back and forth. Something had to be upsetting him... and Sunday, we discovered what that was!

Kemper got his first TOOTH!

Jen and I decided to do something to celebrate the beautiful fall day, so with Kemper in tote we took off to the Collingwood area to get some apples. We had an interesting time with no map or real idea of where we were going, but we found some fresh local apples. Originally we had planned on looking for a U-Pick orchard but ended up being just as satisfied with some already picked ones. We asked the girl at the apple stand if she knew of any good places to eat, and she recommended Piper's in Thorbury. The food was fantastic. Kemper had some yummy beans and rice cereal (no, they don't serve baby food, mama brought it with us). He played in the highchair while we ate. And I'm not really sure how I ended up with my finger in his mouth, but.... that-kinda-feels-like-a-tooth! Holy smokes! So that's what all the fussin' was about! Poor lil dude!

I have come to the conclusion that I am in for itwhen Kemper gets older. Perhaps even just a little bit older. He has been such an incredible baby. I mean, who really deserves a baby *this good*? If Kemper cries, there is something wrong. He's not a "well, I just feel like crying" baby. And I have gotten *countless* comments on what a happy baby he is. And he is. This morning when I went to answer his calls from his crib, he just looked up and smiled in the darkness. What a perfect angel. The most beautiful smile I've ever seen.

I never imagined I would love being a mom this much.

Wishes for Kemper

2005-09-28T12:10:00.000-07:00

I was thinking this may be a good avenue to have our friends and family post some wishes for our sweet baby boy... please post a comment to send him wishes!

Thanks!

Like the Leaves of Fall...

2005-09-26T10:22:00.000-07:00

...our little man is changing.

Fall is one of my favorite times of year. I am so lucky this year to be sharing the fall with Kemper. We are enjoying our nightly walks with Auntie Jen and Corson. Now that the cooler weather is here, Kemper is often in some warm and fuzzy fleece and his mama can't stop cuddling him. I've been told on more than one occasion to take it all in now, because he won't want mommy mauling him with hugs and kisses forever. I will certainly take what I can get now.

Kemper's newest trick: sitting up solo.
He looks so darn sweet. All little and cute, and sitting up straight!
(I'm having issues with posting pics right now, but will post some of this feat asap)

We're getting on a pretty good schedule with eating, naps, bathtime and bedtime. The past week or so, he's been sleeping from 9ish until 6 or 7.
It's funny though, when Kemper was wee and he was waking up a few times a night, it never really bothered me. (Mind you, there were a few nights that I could've done without the company!) I think I just looked at it as quality time, and that it wouldn't be forever, so again, I should take it in.

Kemper goes to sleep on his own in his bed pretty much every nap and at bedtime now. There again, are exceptions, like when his Papa feels the need to rock him to sleep. Can't blame him though, it really is one of the best feelings in the world.

Well, that's all for now... but I'll post some new pics as soon as I can!

da-da-da-da-da

2005-09-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

To Kevin and I it sure sounds like he's callin' for his DA-DA, but he's actually just figured out how to put a couple of sounds together and spew them out repetitively. It really is a beautiful sound!

For a while he seemed to stop "talking" as much, and did a lot more observing. Now he's found his voice again, and will talk and screech up a storm while hangin' out in his Exersaucer.

On the food front, Kemper has now added squash, sweet potatoes, and wax beans to his pallet. All seem to go over quite well. He has informed me that cereal must come first or else he has no interest in it. He is also having a 4 oz. bottle of formula with lunch and dinner. We'll probably add one more bottle of formula to the mix later this week. Kemper is yummin' up the formula, so needless to say, weaning is going quite well. I guess we'll see how it's working on mom when we add another bottle to the mix.

With the cooler temperatures here, I guess it's official, my first "summer off" in I guess 13 or 14 years is over. We're looking forward to the next 6 months to hang out together!

Well, that's all for now!

See you soon!

If I Had a Million Dollars

2005-09-15T06:17:00.000-07:00

I would shop til I dropped! I've found that since I've had my wee boy, I've wanted nothing more than to buy him things here and things there! He's been blessed (by blessed I mean spoiled) by everyone he knows, or doesn't know for that matter. When we were in the hospital and even soon after, we were spoiled with gifts from friends and family, aswell as from people that we'd never met. Things from friends of our parent's, gifts from co-workers of our parents. It is truly incredible.

Recently my cousin Nicole and Aunt Katherine went to New York City for a visit... and they came back with gifts for Kemper! How thoughtful! He's got an navy blue FDNY onsie and a red FDNY t-shirt for when he's a bit bigger.

This week Nana, Papa, Kemper and I made the trek down to the much anticipated Vaughan Mills. Did I mention I like to shop for my wee man? Oooh, Roots and Old Navy and The Childrens Place! Luckily I had other people to buy for... I managed to scoop up some deals on gifts for our God sons, and a few other things here and there. My last purchase of the day, was certainly my favorite. Kemper's Halloween costume... Ohmagawd! We already new he was the cutest boy in the whole wide world, but this just reiterates that fact. I'll give you a clue.... *ROAR*

We're going out to buy a new car seat for the K-dog today. I'm sure he's not yet over the weight for his current one, but he won't be long now!

The whole "Crying it Out" is working... but let me tell you, he sure does cry! Some day's more than others, depending on how tired he is. It's a lot less stress on the mom when she's not holding the screaming, frantic, "I'm so NOT tired" baby.

Well, I'm off to start baking a cake for my gramma's birthday. I'll post pictures if it's pretty!

Mmmm... Peas and Carrots!

2005-09-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

In the past week we've introduced 4 new things.

First we tried some peas and yummy yummy! Personally, I can't even handle the rancid smell of the green matter that pours from the wee Heinz jar, but I still dab it to my lip to make sure that it's at an edible temperature.

Second we moved onto a brighter more stain leaving vegetable.... bright orange carrots. These too were a hit with the wee lad.

Just yesterday I introduced formula into a mid day feeding. I originally hadn't intended on nursing this long, but now, I'm actually having mixed feelings of letting it go. I think Kemper and Mommy are both ready for this though.

And the last, and the most trying event of this week, is starting to let the Kdog "cry it out". I guess I've spoiled him until now.... well I don't guess, I know. I couldn't help but hold him until he went to sleep. It was such a wonderful feeling. Until about a month ago. He started swatting and crying and carrying on to do anything he could to not fall asleep. This in turn was upsetting the mom, which would only make the babe feel worse I'm sure. Crying it out seemed mean... until I tried it.

He cried for probably a total of an hour and a half yesterday, and as much as I don't like to hear him cry, it's healthy for babies to cry. I'd sneak it every once in a while to make sure he wasn't stuck anywhere, and even to give him his Nuk back. But then.... he fell asleep! I am so glad that I finally tried this. I had thought about it, but I thought I was mean to do it. My mom suggested to me the other day to just try it. So I did. You know, maybe mom's do know everything! I know that I've got a few more years to put in until I know quite as much as my mom, but I'm working on it.

It's the little things lately that have been making me grateful for one of my best friends. Thanks mom!

Five Months

2005-09-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

Five months ago today, we were oogling and adoring our new little man. Can you believe it's been 5 whole months already?

A few things that have happened this month:

The wee man started eating rice cereal. Mmmmm
Kemper spent the evening with Nana and Papa while mommy and daddy went to a movie.
He's becoming more mobile.... even if it means he has to roll himself all over the living room.
Aunty Jen had her first night flying solo with the young lad while mommy and daddy went to Boner and Michelle's wedding.
Mommy, Jen and Kemper went to the Elmvale Jungle Zoo.

I haven't been feeling that great lately. My allergies are really taking a beating on me this year. I look like I walked into a wall face first, and I feel about the same. Unfortunatly, my mood is trickling down to Kemper. I guess because I'm out of whack and I don't feel like playing and carrying on quite as much as usual, he's feeling bored and cranky. The pharmacist gave me some new allergy meds to try and they seem to be working a tiny bit better than the old stuff I was taking.

I'm feeling a bit better and that energy is moving on down to Kemper. Yay!

Four Generations of Blundells

2005-08-29T05:51:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we joined the family in celebrating Great Nana's 87th birthday. This was the first time that Kemper was able to meet his Great Nana. It was a great time, despite the rain that we brought with us.

If you were to meet Nana, I don't think you would guess that she's 87. Although her vision has for the most part left her through Glaucoma, she still gets around pretty well. She lives on her own in an apartment (although if she had her way she'd still be in the old farm house).

There's nothing better than sitting around listening to some of the stories that Nana has to tell. We're looking forward to hearing many more!

Happy 87th Birthday, Great Nana!

A Date with the Dukes

2005-08-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Kevin and I had our first night out sans baby. We both grew up watching the Dukes of Hazzard so we were really stoked when we found out there was a movie coming out. We had asked my parents to watch Kemper for us about two weeks before we had actually planned on going.

Nana and Papa were excited to have their first night with Kemper sans mommy and daddy. We decided to go to the late show, so unfortunately, Kemper was sleepy not long after Nana and Papa got to our house.

Kevin and I had a great time, although it was definitly different not having my boy with me.... even if it was only for a few hours.

The next big step is this Friday. We are going to Boner and Michelle's wedding, and my friend Jen will be watching Kemper for us. This will be the first time that someone besides myself or Kevin will have to feed him dinner, bath him and put him to bed. I'm sure Jen will be fine... I sure hope so anyway.

I've Got My Toes!

2005-08-23T08:47:00.000-07:00

Picnics in the Park

2005-08-23T06:45:00.000-07:00

We've been pretty lucky this summer to have company almost every week! Gramma Brown has made and effort to come up as much as she was able to this summer to visit with us. There have been weeks where we were lucky enough to have 2 visits in a week! Gramma has to go back to work in the next couple of weeks when school starts. I'm sure we'll still see her often, but I must say, her visiting this summer has been nice for me. Sometimes through the day, you just want to talk to someone who doesn't wear sleepers with feet and drool! I'm talking about Kemper here, not Kevin! I absolutly love my time with my son, but 8 hours is a long time sometimes.

I've been fortunate enough to see my friend Jen and my cousin Stephanie almost daily lately with our nightly walks. We plan on continuing this, minus Steph, because she goes back to the University of Waterloo in less than two weeks.

Gramma Brown and I had been planning a picnic in the park for most of the summer, but everytime we got together it would be yucky weather. Finally, two weeks ago the weather was nice enough and we were able to get our picnic in. There is a waterfront park very close to our house so we ventured out with stroller and picnic basket in tote. Once we reached our destination, we couldn't help but notice how WiNdY it was! We were able to enjoy our lunch, but didn't spend as much time down by the water as we may have like to, as the wind was threatening to blow Kemper away!

Thanks for a fun summer Gramma B!

Am I Crazy?

2005-08-18T07:00:00.000-07:00

Until last night, I'd never mentioned one of my new found fears to anyone. Since becoming a mom I've developed the "over-protective-mom-gene" that I swore I'd never have. I think it's something that takes over when you are pregnant.

Before I was expecting, I used to be pretty fearless, other than ofcourse my aracnaphobia. I'd stay home alone on weekends when Kevin would be gone and feel fine. Afterall, Corson (our dog) was with me, and frankly, I never really thought that anything could go wrong. Suddenly, with finding out I was pregnant came this protect mode. I started being afraid of being alone at night in our house, even with Corson with me. When Kevin would go out of town for the weekend I would sleep with a bat beside the bed! Who was this crazy lady who had taken over my body? I used to LOVE a great scary movie (although Texas Chainsaw Massacre made my chest hurt!), but when I was with child I couldn't stand them! I've been a little better with watching them since I've had Kemper, but I still close my eyes sometimes watching CSI!

This was not my new paranoia....

Ever since I had Kemper, I've been afraid of someone taking him. I heard the Elisabeth Smart story and it made me sick. What would stop someone from coming in our house and taking our boy? We live in a bungalow, and I normally didn't have a problem with the windows being open, our pooch is pretty alert and lets us know if something is going on around us. But, what if? What if Corson slept though it? What if there was little or no noise in the room next to ours? Jeepers.... So to help myself sleep better at night, Kemper's window is closed and locked! (and double checked!)

As crazy as I feel, I guess it's "mother's instinct", or maybe it's my mom's over-protectiveness being passed on to me! Thanks MA!

A Few Pics....

2005-08-15T11:16:00.000-07:00

Kemper at 4 months, on August 2.

This is the first time I got to hold the little man.

Tannin' in style!

Mmmmm..... milkshake!

Mommy & Kemper at Great Grandpa & Grandma's in Dorset.

Kemper on his first boat ride.... Lookin' pretty darn cute in that life jacket, don't you think?

We're having so much fun!

2005-08-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Now, it has been quite a while since I have posted. Call it laziness I guess.

There have been so many changes in the little man lately. I've started him on rice cereal and he seems to have gotten the hang of the whole eating thing. It's really amusing to watch him eat. His chubby little cheeks squishing out cereal down his chin! Mama's little sweetie pie. He's holding himself up on his arms now, and he thinks he's pretty darn smart.... so do I!

Kemper just rolled from his belly to back yesterday for the first time. We're so proud of him, but we just can't believe how quickly the time has gone by.

Kevin and I have promised that we will not ever say "I can't wait" with Kemper. More or less, we want to enjoy every moment we have with him. We don't want to rush to the next stage!

I think Kemper might be teething.... he just seems out of sorts. We would certainly never label him as a crier, but this past week, he's cried much more than normal. I suppose it could have something to do with the lack of pooping as well. Kemper used to poop like 5 or 6 times a day.... at about three months he slowed down to once a day and the last couple of weeks he's been skipping a few days at a time. Apparently it's normal in breastfed babies, but I think I'll make a doctors appointment this week. I didn't start food until about a week after his new BM schedule, so I'l have to talk to the doc about this too. He still spends most of his day happy and himself, but he has moments....

I've finally committed to a routine of excercise for myself. I gained a whopping 65 pounds while I was pregnant, and I still have 15 to lose. My best friend Jen and I have committed to walking every night. Walking with Jen is great because she's a fast walker. Kevin's a pretty quick walker too, but because he play's ball a couple of times a week isn't able to walk every night with me. And frankly, I don't know if he'd want to walk as far and as much and Jen and I are. Kemper and Corson, our pooch, both seem to be enjoying the walks as much as their mom is!

I just found out from my old partner at work that our position (shipper/receiver) may be switching to 3 shifts at work. I sure hope we don't. I worked shift work for a brief period of time when I started there, and I hated it. I can't even imagine it now, with having a baby. *sighs* I'm not really sure what I plan on doing now. Ideally, I would love to work from home, but I'll have to find something that I'll enjoy doing with a significant income. I like spending money way too much to not have any of it. I'm sure I'll be able to adjust to working shift work.... or will I?

Hope everyone is having a wonderful summer, we sure are!

2005-07-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Me wearing the same gown 26 years ago, May 1979

2005-07-23T20:12:00.000-07:00

Kemper and Aunt Debbie (the 49 year old who was the first to wear this gown)

2005-07-23T20:10:00.000-07:00

Kemper carrying on a tradition. Christening Gown is 49 years old.

Rollin', rollin', rollin'!

2005-07-15T16:30:00.000-07:00

So at just 3 months and 11 days, the wee man is rolling over! I could see it coming, but didn't think that it would be happening this quickly! As soon as he got the hang of getting his head over, whew, look out!

Kevin and I aren't sure if it's because we've never seen any other babies grow up, or whether ours is just advancing quickly, but it seems like Kemper is just a quick learner!

49 years old, and still beautiful!

2005-06-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

The 49 year old I'm talking about is the Christening gown that my son will be wearing this weekend when he is Baptised. When Kevin and I were married in the Catholic Church we decided that our children would be baptised Catholic. Kevin was baptised United. I was baptised Catholic and I went to a Catholic elementary school, but lost touch with my Faith when I went to highschool. I knew there was a God, but I just didn't agree with some of the things that "Good Catholics" were supposed to be about. I don't think you're neccessarily a "good Catholic" just because you go to church every week, especially if you talk about other people and are just not a nice person. I don't go to church every week. I don't even pray every day, but I know that when I need him, and always, God is watching out for me. I want these beliefs instilled in our son. God forgives our sins, but we should do our best to be a kind and considerate to eachother.

After the Christening I will post some pics of Kemper as well as myself (26 years ago!!) in the gown.

The joy that is Kemper

2005-06-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

As I sit here in front of the computer, my little one sits beside me on the counter, just staring my way. The bond that we have developed in just a few short months is incredible. Everytime I look at him I smile, and everytime I smile, he smiles. What an incredible being my husband and I have created. It's hard to tell because he is so young, but he seems genuinely happy. When he wakes up in the morning or from napping, you just have to say "hello" to him to find a smile... sometimes no words are necessary, and just looking down at him in his big crib is enough for a grin.
Kevin and I are so lucky to have come upon this wonderful soul that is Kemper. I love you baby boy!

What are little boys made of?

2005-06-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

The song goes something along the lines of "dirt and snails and puppy dog tails, that's what little boys are made of". I'm sure that we'll get to that point, but as for right now, he is everything wonderful! We can already feel the love that radiates from this little boy; by the way he looks at us..... the way he coo's to try to communicate with us... what an angel!

At his two month check up, I asked the doctor the same thing I asked at his 1 month check up, "Is that thing ever going to fall off?" By "that thing", I was refering to his cord stump. In everything you read and with everyone you talk to, the stump should fall off within 7 to 14 days. Kemper's finally fell off on June the 6th. That's 9 1/2 weeks!

Another milestone met this week, last night he slept from 10:30 until 5:30! I'm certainly not expecting this every night from here on in, but it sure was nice! I only got up once through the night to "pee", a.k.a. checking on Kemper. Sleeping peacefully, like the lil' sweetpea that he is.

Zoooom- there goes the first 2 months!

2005-06-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

Considering it felt like I was pregnant forever, the past two months have flown by. Kemper had his two month vaccinations today, and I'm not sure who it hurt more, Kemper or mommy! His doctor suggested Infants Tylenol a couple of hours before we went, so I'm sure that eased at least a little of his pain. Truth be told, he cried more when he was put on the scale that when he got poked! Our "wee one" is weighing in at a whopping 14.5lbs! He is a big boy, and when people ask how old he is, they are always quick to say "my goodness, he's big, isn't he?" The doctor said he's healthy, and looks great, but mom & dad already knew that!

2 month pictures are on the way!

2005-06-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

What an angel!

2005-06-03T12:53:00.001-07:00

What a proud daddy!

2005-06-03T12:53:00.000-07:00

"Oooh it's cold out here!"

2005-05-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Kemper's First Picture

Our First Overnighter

2005-05-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Today we're all heading to Kevin's dad and step mom's place. Kemper gets to meet some of the other side of his family tomorrow at a meet'n'greet shower. I thought that I packed a lot when it was just Kevin, Corson (our dog) and myself. Well! Let me just say that since Kemper's come along, Corson doesn't really get to come on road trips anymore! Despite having a four door vehicle (mind you it is a Civic), we just seem to pack it full with everything baby! Corson gets to stay at Nana & Papa's in Penetang this weekend, he really likes it there..... they still let him sleep on their bed....

I decided to start packing this morning as soon as I got up so we could leave as soon as Kevin was ready after work. So I have a pack of diapers in the trunk from our shopping trip yesterday, makes it easier than packing some in a bag, a large diaper bag filled with stuff for baths, blankets and receiving blankets.... Kemper is a wee puker! Then ofcourse we need sleepers, and onesies, and pants, and sweaters, and shortsies, and his cute little overalls, and bibs, and hats, and of course the kitchen sink! I'm sure I'll get better at packing, but as for now, I don't really know what I'll need, so PACK EVERYTHING! Now, this trip we are staying in a house, with heat, and a crib for Kemper, and a wee bathtub, etc.... I think my plans of camping later this summer might be shot! (That is unless we get a bigger vehicle!!!! *L*)

Kevin will be continuing on to the cottage tomorrow, so I packed him some stuff in a back pack... and for the first time, all of my stuff fits in our smallest suit case! I guess this is how it will be from here on in! Who would've thought that *I* would sacrafice some (most) of the trunk space for someone else.... mind you, that someone else is the most perfect little man in the whole wide world!

We're grateful everyday for our little "Superman"!

Mandi's a mommy!

2005-05-26T13:04:00.000-07:00

On April 2nd, 2005, along with my husband, I was brought into the wonderful world of parenthood.

My husband and I were married on May the 8th of 2004, and had decided earlier that we would begin trying to have a baby soon after the wedding. I found out I was pregnant on August 1st after spending the recent weeks being tired and having crazy heartburn. My mom had told me that she had wicked heartburn when she was pregnant with me, so that was my first clue. My husband was very excited, but at first I was reluctant to get too "into" being pregnant, because so much can go wrong those first few months. Despite my crankiness and horrible nausia, I made it through the first 12 weeks with no major problems. With the first 3 months out of the way, I did my best to enjoy being pregnant. I gained a lot of weight quick, partly because I was using food as a vice after quitting smoking. ( I quit the day I found out I was pregnant). I was big and uncomfortable, but couldn't wait to meet the wee one inside of me. I was planning on working until March 11th, but ended up finishing on March the 8th. Only a couple of days early, not too bad. March the 9th I was hospitalized for Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. They say that any pregnant women can get it, but I think it was because I was super *HUGE*! *L* I stayed in the hospital for 3 days, after under strict orders from my wonderful O.B. I was on complete *BORING* bedrest until our wee one would make his entrance. I was to either an appointment for a Non-stress test, Bio-Physical Ultrasound or regular Doctors visit, about 4 days a week. Finally, after 3 long weeks of my poor parents having to look after me (my hubby was commuting 4 hours a day to trade school everyday) I was put back in the hospital on the 30th of March, with plans of induction on April the 1st.

I was induced at 9:30am on April 1st. I started contractions around 1 o'clock.... 7 minutes... 11 minutes....17......12.... nothing really regular until around 8..... they brought me into the labor and delivery room around 11. After hours of labor and pain and complications, they gave me an epidural.... that was around 6am. by 8 am they had decided that I would need a cesarean. I was begging for a section at 5am!

At 9:18 am on April 2,2005 our wonderful bundle of boy bounced into the world! Kemper Jeffery Blundell, 8lbs 7oz. It was love at first sight!

Kemper had his first road trip that night to Orillia by ambulance. His blood sugar level was low and they couldn't get it up. They don't do baby I.V.'s in Midland, so he would need to go to Orillia's Soldier's Memorial to have one put in... but he would come back to me as soon as he was stabalized. That was the happiest and scariest day of my life. Thank goodness for morphine! It helped me get a little sleep that night. Turns out that he got there and his blood sugar was fine, so he would be brought back in the morning. Well don't you know that the weather was absolutely terrible and abulances were doing emergency runs only. He wasn't even 24 hours old when he was taken from me.... for a full 24 hours. The drivers who had taken him to Orillia volunteered to take him back the next night. Kevin and I were so grateful for that!

We promised Kemper if he came back to us, he could go on a tropical vacation. Really he was jaundiced and needed to go under the Billi-rueben lights for a day, but he didn't know the difference yet.

Next time I'll post some pics of his first few days.