Wishes for Kemper

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...

...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

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

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!

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

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:

1. The wee man started eating rice cereal. Mmmmm
   
2. Kemper spent the evening with Nana and Papa while mommy and daddy went to a movie.
3. He's becoming more mobile.... even if it means he has to roll himself all over the living room.
4. Aunty Jen had her first night flying solo with the young lad while mommy and daddy went to Boner and Michelle's wedding.
5. 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

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

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!

Picnics in the Park

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?

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....

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!

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!

Me wearing the same gown 26 years ago, May 1979 

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

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

Rollin', rollin', rollin'!

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!

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

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?

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.