Christmas '09

Yeah, I realise it's a few days later than, but Merry Christmas anyway! And what a good one we had. Little family of four. Avery was into opening presents this year, and Rowan, well, she liked the paper. This was the first Christmas I've actually felt really excited about in a long time. I think knowing Avery would get it this time made the anticipation feel magical, like when I was a kid. Of course she doesn't get the whole Santa thing.

We woke up that morning at about 6, and ate breakfast. Once Daddy had drank his coffee, he stayed up late the night before wrapping, we got down to present business. I figured there was no sense in waiting, and trying to keep them out from under the tree. Steve turned the t.v. onto the burning log channel, and we went ahead trying to open one gift at a time, so we were paying attention to each other. It was kind of chaotic at first, but it went really fast. Rowan got a Raggedy Ann doll from grandad, and Avery got jealous, and stopped Christmas then and there. Once she'd taken Rowan's doll, and played with it for 10 minutes, we resumed baby present time. In that break, Steve and I were able to focus on each other a bit.

After we cleaned up the mess, the girls were pretty busy on the floor, I called my mom and grandparents, then I made my bacon skillet breaky. The girls got books and clothes. I bought them the table and chair set earlier this month, and I donated a huge garbage bag full of baby toys to the Santa toy drive. I mean, they only need so many toys, and as they get older maybe Santa will bring them more. How many rattles does a baby need? Besides, Avery's outgrown that stuff, and seriously reads books all day long, so I like that their one toy box is only half full of toys. An uncluttered and clean home makes me happy, and I'm trying to battle the mess, one day at a time...

After lunch the whole family had a nap. That was really nice. Wood stove roaring, and cuddling under a duvet is pretty ultimate. After nap, we all got packed up, and headed into town, to have dinner at Steve's dad's house. It was really awesome not cooking. Steve's step sister, husband, and son, Lucas were there, as well as Steve's younger brother, Dustin. We had another gift exchange, and all visited until dinner. We forgot to bring the girl's chairs, so I didn't really get to sit at all through dinner. Avery was busy taking off all of the tree ornaments, while Row just tried putting everything in her mouth. Oh well, the little things moms do, I guess.

After dinner, I helped clean up until Rowan started to totally melt down. We stayed for dessert, which I made. It was a peanut butter pudding pie. It was pretty good, easy to make, though a little rich. I'm pretty critical of my own baking/ cooking, however. I warmed up some goat milk for Avery, Steve packed the car, and we made our way home. I'd like to mention what a great dad he is, Rowan cried being in the car, being in the dark, and not with me, so he crammed himself in between their car seats, and held her face and hands while she fell asleep. What a sweet guy, he's always thoughtful like that.

So Christmas was great, and I hope to be at my parents next year. They're supposed to be moving home next summer, and I can't wait! It's so special having little ones, it really brought back the festive feeling, more so then when it was just Steve and I.

We were all helping with each other's presents.

Rowan was in an awesome mood.

Santa brought Avery a new "baby colours" book. She destroyed her first one, and really loves it. Once she opened this gift, she didn't put it down.

Avery's shirt from Grandad. We think it suits Rowan more, ha ha. (Click on picture to see it bigger.)

Avery squatting to open her gift. Only a toddler or yogi would sit this way. ;)

Knee Stands

Look what Rowan can do now. She actually pulled herself to stand yesterday, with a major fall on the head right as soon as she was on her feet. She has been found in different little spots sitting on her knees like this since then. It's funny how after babies start moving, the milestones just run together so quickly from then on out.

Avery also surprises us with a new word daily. Saturday morning she said her first two word sentence, "Hi Daddy."

I have to get Steve to upload his camera with all of the good xmas pics, so until then I'm waiting to write about Christmas. Should be in the next few days. Ok, bye.

Hustle 'n' Bustle

December certainly has flown by! I can't believe Christmas is only a couple days away. Anyhow, Rowan has met a couple of milestones, I've yet to mention. She cut her first two teeth at 7.5 months, one right after the other, just like Avery's came in. She can sit unsupported, 7.5 months, and she started crawling just before 7 months.

Rowan sitting up in her ridiculously cute and tacky, yet too small Xmas jumper.

Avery is unimpressed with an active baby. I used to just have my cuddle bug baby demanding my attention, but now that she's in Avery's toys, it is war. Basically any time Rowan touches one, Avery screams and rips it away. We're trying to gently explain sharing to her, and reminding her that Rowan loves her, and is curious, too. Avery is really good, however, about selecting and giving certain toys to Rowan to play with, which of course is rewarded with plenty of praise. Avery's books are the one thing she does not want Rowan to touch.

Avery now wants to be picked up like a baby pretty much all the time. She clings her legs and arms around me like a monkey, and she's actually really hard to get off. If I'm on the phone she screams and pulls at me, or if there's any other kids around. It's a little draining. If I'm trying to get something done especially. The screaming is where I'm not really sure what to do. I mean, Rowan baby squeals, so should Avery get in trouble when the baby's doing it constantly? I really don't know...

Self portrait with the monkey cling on.

In festive preparation, I spent about 7.5 hours baking on Saturday. The only breaks I took were obvious baby's demands, and to sit for dinner. (I made that, too.) Steve was outside working on the gate while Avery napped. She sleeps from 12:30 - 3 pm every day. I get a lot done in that time, or some days catch up on sleep, too. It depends on Rowan's needs that day, I mean, they do sleep at different times, and wearing the little pork chop for her nap, and cooking is getting harder; she's so heavy!

Back to Saturday, I baked short bread cookies, molasses cookies, and sugar cookies, which I iced and decorated myself. I made enough for 5 little tins, which were gifts to: Steve's dad, our neighbours, Pants and JB, Lisa's family, and my friends, Jenna and Andrew. I kept some leftovers, of course, but I keep getting into them. They're really quite impressive. My husband said they look like they're from a bakery. Now I wouldn't go that far, my piping job was messy, but his compliment has inspired me to bake more. Kidding! I want to gobble them down!!!!

Click on photo to see the beauty better. I forgot to take any close ups of individual cookies.

I had bought a turkey, so it's in the freezer, but we're now going to Steve's dad's for dinner on Christmas day. I'm looking forward to not cooking, and the girls will have a chance to wear their little red dresses again. We'll do the morning here at home, then go to town after nap. I will be the designated driver, like always, but I have no problem with it because I get to go out on boxing day night with my best girlfriends!!

I won't lie, I've been anticipating this for months. I'm going to stay at my best friend, Stacey's house, and her dad will even cook us breakfast the next morning. I have been saving my milk, in the freezer, any chance I could because I will not come home until I have rested enough, and am sober enough to drive. Steve and Rowan are becoming more in love as she gets older, and she's finally starting to soothe with him; although, night might be a little hard. They'll be fine.

Well that's a pretty big update. Merry Christmas, everyone!

These are the handmade ugly dolls my BFF, Stacey, made for each girl. On the backs, it has an A and R for their own stuffy. Such an awesome gift! Avery's been using hers like a pillow, and Rowan really likes playing with hers so far.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christmas Tree

It's December, and what a busy time it's been! I splurged on two pairs of polar fleece p.j.s for Avery, and they're keeping her very warm at night because she kicks her covers off. This picture is her waiting for me in the morning, while I change Rowan's toosh. Avery thought it was rather hilarious to read aloud in the laundry basket. (Daddy got the shot)

We've had our Christmas tree set up since last week, and I'm having a harder time keeping Rowan out of it then Avery. Avery thought it'd be helpful to push Rowan over, and say, "Out out," to her. Poor baby. Avery was happy with the results of the push, it seems, and has continued to do it all day.

I love having decorations up, it makes our home feel so festive. I have bought almost everything to start some Christmas baking. My new obsession is allrecipes.com, where I've been looking at different recipes for ideas. I feel like I'm turning into such a domestic geek. I'm actually so happy. In a Martha momma kind of way.

We celebrated my birthday this weekend. We took the girls out for brunch, and met up with my brother Sebastien, Cathy, and nephew, Piper. Unfortunately, I forgot my camera, and Seb's battery died in his. It would have been a good cousins picture opportunity. My pesto benny was delicious, as usual. I had to leave as soon as we were done eating because Avery had enough of sitting in a high chair. We stayed home after, I baked an angel food cake, and we had an easy dinner of b.l.t.s and salad. The box cake was great, after I spent 3 hours in the kitchen, attempting the cake from scratch. It was a messy disaster!

So here's a couple pics of the tree going up. Avery was very helpful, she liked passing the bulb to me, and pointing where she wanted it to go, to then take it off, and put it back in the box. She got it finally, and has been pretty good about staying out of the tree.

Daddy and his girls.

Rowan's super model pose. She prefers this to sitting up.

Avery about to get mad that Rowan is getting closer to the tree.

Looking for more bulbs.

Sleep Conclusion

So I tried crying it out with Rowan. Since her crib is already set up in our bedroom, and our house only has two bedrooms, I switched the mattresses between the two, and Avery slept on her own mattress, in our room. The first night went well, she actually fell asleep rather quickly, and I did my check ins on the clock. I was really tired the next day, Saturday, and thought that night would go even better. Um, ya, no. Rowan cut her first tooth that day, which I didn't notice until the next morning. She had a hard time going down, and woke up a lot in the night. At about 2 am, and next to nothing sleep, I grabbed her right up, and brought her to bed.

Now I won't lie, I felt like a fat piece of crap mom for doing that. I feel pressure to have her out of the bed, and then a part of me wants my space, too. My conclusion is it isn't the right time for us, and we're not ready to sleep separate. I think, like Avery, when she sleeps through the night without milk, then we can try again. Steve also thinks that she is too little, and he was very supportive of letting me decide how to handle it.

Yesterday I went to Nanaimo with a couple of my girlfriends. With NO babies! It was my first day away from them both, and I loved the break. I went with intention of Christmas shopping, but also used my birthday money, and bought myself a new winter jacket, which I haven't had a new one in about 5 years. I also bought a lulu lemon knock off hoodie. Yep, pretty darn happy about that. I picked up an adorable Disney Princess table and chair set for the girls, from Toys' R' Us. I am so happy with it, I have wanted to get one for quite some time. And to save space, in our small house, I put the annoying musical excercauser out on the highway, with a free sign, and it was picked up within 10 minutes.

I've been trying to really cut out some of the clutter in our home. I feel like the piles of toys, and hunks of plastic everywhere are driving me nuts! Like I clean all day, and it still feels messy. I think it's because there's too many toys. I like that Avery is outgrowing a lot of them, and I'm letting them go. I have a bag filled for the toy drive, I just need to bring it into town.

That's about it. Rowan's sleeping in our bed, and I think I feel the most rest when she's there, and Avery is quite excited about her little table. It even has a storage part in the middle.

Avery is so happy! She turns the chairs backwards, just like when she stands up at the counter.

Temper Temper

Well there is actually quite a bit to update, so let's see how much energy I have for this post. Ha, it's only 8:30 pm, and I get tired so much earlier than I ever used to!

I have been cuddling Rowan to sleep, and putting her down in her crib. Every morning though, I wake up with her in my bed. I don't remember bringing her in there. How do moms stay awake to nurse and put their babies back into their own beds? It's actually kind of funny. Last night, I stood beside her crib, and just held her hand and lightly touched her face, while she drifted off. I waited until I knew she was tired enough, and I think she likes lying sprawled out to get into her deeper night sleep. I also think she wouldn't nurse as much, in the night, if we weren't beside each other. According to the public health nurse, she only needs milk once or twice a night, and it's comfort, not necessity. I just don't wake up really, and give her the goods; it's hard not to when her face is so close to the milk supply.

Avery went to bed tonight with no fight. Yay! She bawled the last couple of nights. I'm not sure if it was some tantrum thing, or that she was holding her pooh in. I gave her a suppository yesterday, and she didn't go. How that is even possible, I'm really not sure. I woke her up from her nap at 3 because I've been letting her sleep until 3:30, and I think it could have been contributing to the sleep protests at night. She was tired from not getting enough sleep at night time, and creating a nasty little habit.

Ok, so there's the sleep update situation. I'm still not sure about crying it out for Rowan. I mean, she's teething, and I don't want to misinterpret her cries. I also like the idea of getting her used to sleeping in the crib before falling asleep solo.

Now, Avery has been having these raging tantrums lately. They aren't kidding when they say Aries have explosive tempers! Holy doodles! That kid freaks out. I guess she gets frustrated not being able to communicate with words what the matter is, but I mean really. The other morning it was that I was going to change her diaper when she woke up. Nothing out of the ordinary, we've done it daily since she was born. She lost it; cried on the floor for 10 minutes straight. I walked out, made breakfast, and went back in, and she stopped luckily. This morning, I made oatmeal for her, and cereal for myself. The usual. Well, I think it might have been because I didn't give her the juice first??? Total diva, slaps my face, throws the oatmeal on the floor, and starts wailing. Throws herself on the floor, where she cried for over an hour. Not kidding. The only thing that would soothe her was me holding her, and because there's two babies, that is not always possible.

I realise this photo makes me look like a very mean mom, but try to find the humour in it, I really don't think she knew why she was crying at this point.

I've got to say the tantrums are a little draining. After I woke her up from her nap, we had total chaos. Avery threw herself down, and bawled her little heart out. I picked her up, and her whole shirt and hair was drenched in snot and tears. Rowan had her 6 month immunization this morning, so I needed to cuddle her a bit, too. Well, sheesh. I even made hard boiled eggs and sliced avocado for Avery's snack, which she refused with face slaps. You know she's hungry, and the tantrum gets worse with the low blood sugar. She was only happy if I would carry her around, and hold her. Could this be a jealousy of Rowan, or just that she's so overwhelmed with emotion, and doesn't know how to deal with it? Steve says we'll never really understand the logic of a two year old. FYI Daddy: She's not two yet, and yes she's in her second year of life, technically.

Anyhow, I solved the tantrum today by letting her fill her own little cup full of teddy graham crackers. She was happy to carry it around. Once she settled a bit, I brought the real snack in, and we ate it together, on the floor. Rowan sure is a little trooper, and I hope she isn't so dramatic. I knew Avery would be this little diva from the get go, but it's a bit much to handle some days. I mean, I'm only human, and having two babies screaming and needing you at the same time, can suck the life out of you. But I keep my composure, and breathe, and tell myself it won't last long, and we're doing whatever it is we have to to get through that moment, even if the next moment is another melt down. I love them both, and it's good to get all of this hard stuff done in one stretch of time.

Taking the teddy grahams in and out of the cup is a very fun activity.

Sleep Regression

All I can say is what is going on? There will be no sleep separating with Rowan until Avery's sleeping is back to normal. I don't know why, but she has been waking up between 4:30 and 5:30 am, the last week or so. She wants to be up for the day. We used to be able to warm her a bottle of milk, and she'd go back down until 7, but not lately. She's been cutting her naps short, which makes her over tired and cranky, in the afternoons. And now tonight, she would not go to bed.

We've reached our limits. We go in repeatedly, and she throws all of her blankets and soother on the floor, even though that makes her really mad, too. It seems like going in the room makes it worse. I don't want her in our bed. She wakes everyone up, and doesn't sleep; it's like total play time to her. I don't want it to become habit either because honestly, I haven't slept a night through in 2.5 years, and I'm looking forward to a night alone with my husband.

I don't mean to sound selfish. I'm into attachment parenting, wearing babies, cuddling, breast feeding in bed, but I have learned that not every element works for our family, and what works for us might not be the same as what works for other families. I don't want harsh judgements either for it, but the truth is we've let Avery cry it out now.

Avery cried for a solid hour this morning, and we just didn't go back into her room. It just makes it worse, and I think our biggest mistake was inconsistency. I am hoping she won't cry again tomorrow morning. As hard as it is to listen to, it was our decision, and like I said, it works for our family. I'm totally dreading doing it with Rowan. I know the longer we wait, the worse it'll be. Luckily, I've been able to lie her down when she's really tired in the day, and she'll go to sleep alone, in her crib.

Ahhhh!!! Maybe it's exhaustion, but having babies has made me face tougher decisions than I ever thought I'd have to make.

Rowan's New Bed

Here's Avery helping Daddy set up Rowan's new crib. Row's been sleeping her naps in it, and when she's tired enough, I've lucked out, and she's fallen asleep on her own in it. Too bad it's a total nightmare getting that baby down for the night!

Rowan's new annoying habit is to fall asleep for a nap around 6:30 pm, and wake up one hour later, flustered and cranky. She used to look up at me, know I was there, and go back to sleep, in my arms, and I would continue to spend the next couple hours with Steve, until we'd go to bed. Now Rowan wakes up, and will only go back to sleep if I lie in bed beside her. I am into co-sleeping, and I love the private parenting time to nurse between us, as it is really our only alone and intimate time together, but I also can't commit to being in bed at 7 or 8 daily, and I don't want this to become routine for her.

I have tried the transferring to her crib, once asleep, and it ends in chaos when she wakes up. I'm not exaggerating, she is by far the fussiest baby to live. Taurus Momma suck, who only wants me. It's a little draining. Everyone has their own way of sleep separating, and it's what works best for their family. I might try putting her down, at night, when I know she's really tired, and see how she does. It can't hurt to try.

On the bright side, it's nice to have her crib set up. It's a safe place for her to nap, as she's just getting way too heavy to wear, and cook, in the afternoons. I think because it's in our room, she is pretty content when she wakes up.

Daddy and Rowan enjoying an after dinner nap.

Lesson

So, I've been at home a lot the last couple of weeks. We've had crazy amounts of rain and storms, the town even flooded. Record amounts of rain. It's been kind of nice, even though I do have a bit of cabin fever. Like I need a break to myself. I haven't been to yoga in a couple weeks, and I'm still fighting off this weird infection, and I think I'd be too uncomfortable in class to go.

Being home so much, I notice that I have more time for one on one with the girls. And it's been a sad sort of realisation, but in the midst of day to day clean-up, cooking, chores, and Rowan, I hadn't been paying as much attention to Avery as she needs. I guess as babies grow older, we let them play independently, while we try to get 50 million things done. Those things are never done or caught up, and I'm really trying to let go of expecting them to be, even though that's challenging.

I'm lucky that Avery is such a little independent Aries, but during the times I'm usually trying to get something precooked, cleaned up, etc, I've been sitting on the floor with her and Rowan. She's been so much happier. We all are. I also did the whole dinner, clean-up, bathed both girls, dressed them, and put Avery to bed with her book, bottle, teeth brushing routine. Steve and I usually do that as a team because one or both girls is typically having a pre- bedtime melt down. I really enjoyed it. There was such a love feeling with Avery and I that night, I even had time to sing to her, and read an extra book, and Rowan just sat happily in her bumbo, like she knew I needed that snuggle with Avery.

It's funny how life is just whizzing by, especially with these two little girls. I'm happy to somehow find a minute to myself, and reflect on the life lessons right in front of me. Maybe my children will be my greatest teachers.

Spectacles!

Blurry vision, no more. Here's my new specs. I'm pretty darn excited! I love seeing everything look so crisp and clear. And my husband digs the new look. Oh boy!

Boat Rocking

I have been totally slacking on the blog, and I have a bunch of ideas for posts, so my apologies. I've been busy of course, but fighting an infection, too, and I'm all around lethargic, and just plain lazy. I've been napping along side the girls, daily.

I just want to quickly record that Rowan's been getting up on her hands and knees, and doing the rocking baby, before crawling thing. I haven't really been propping her up for sitting, she still just falls over, but she can slug crawl and roll like crazy. She also loves doing the rocking thing when she's on our chests.

The boat's rocking!

Woof Woof

This morning could mark the cutest thing ever so far in the history of my two girls. We started out with Avery in the swing, and Rowan on my chest, in her baby carrier. After about 20 minutes, we walked around the yard, and went to the fence to see our neighbour's chickens.

Our dog, Diogi, also known as Gogi or Pogi, started barking at the chickens. Apparently this was the funniest thing ever in Rowan's life because she was giggling hysterically, like I've never heard from her. Then I said, "Avery, puppy dog says 'woof woof'". Well, Avery turns and says back, "wooh wooh", and repeats it over and over. We must have stood there for about 5 straight minutes, Diogi and Avery woofing at the chickens, and Rowan laughing into baby hysterics.

You could say that was about the sweetest thing ever, and I'm blogging it, so I never forget it.

Puzzles

I have to say I'm amazed with Avery daily, but she really surprised me recently. She's had two wooden puzzles for a long time, and I didn't care if she chewed them up because they are wood, but I took them away, 6 months ago, with the intent she'd do the puzzles as she got older, and we'd have all of the pieces. I brought them back out, and she surprised me by taking all of the pieces out, and putting them back all by herself, with no help from me.

And like these puzzles, she is really into the stacking, building, and putting things together stage of development. A trick that has been working so far while grocery shopping is putting the canned goods by her, in the cart, and she stacks them while I get the shopping done. That is until we get a cookie from the bakery. I think that is probably the best part of grocery shopping to her.

Her obsession for the last couple of days is lining up the three pictures on my windowsill, in my bedroom, while I put on my mandatory daily mascara. I don't look human without it.

Lining up the pictures, standing on the head board

And so the tantrums can be a little wearing, but the best part of this growing little person is watching her become who she is. Be it motor skills, new words, a favourite book, or a rare kiss for Momma, I feel so lucky to be her first guide in life.

Can't forget Rowan, she plays in this noise machine, while Avery plays in the window

Cozy Time

The monster now likes to keep the cozy feeling a little longer in the mornings, and requires her favourite blanket to be brought out of her crib, and wrapped around her. Her morning starts waiting for porridge, Red River is the favourite, and since I need about 20 minutes to make the cereal, and change Rowan, Avery usually watches Sesame Street, and reads library books, in her cozy pink blanky.

The blanky pulls my heart strings because I was a blanky kid, too. It also reminds me of when my yoga teacher tells us to bring some of shavasna home with us, and it's like Avery takes a piece of her cozy time with her, too. Cute.

Walking with her book and blanky

The fuzzy side is ultra cozy

Solids

Well we've officially hit the 6 month mark with Rowan, and have brought out the sippy cup, bowls, and spoons. Back to making my own baby food, and freezing it. Sooo easy. I waited until Steve was home to give her her first cereal, as it's a photo opportunity. Enjoy!

Here comes the first bite

What is this?

Not bad, not bad

Hot Lemon Ginger

Pregnancy, nursing, tandem nursing, pregnancy, nursing: This has been the story of my life for 2.5 years now. I woke up today feeling the edge of a cold bug feeling. Achey, tired, sore throat, basically like my immune system is saying slow down again. Since I can't take anything that could transfer through my milk, besides Tylenol and Advil, which I'm on the fence about, I make myself a hot lemon ginger. It's pretty easy, but I thought I'd share how. :)

-1 lemon peeled
-1-2" of freshly grated ginger
-mug of water, the one you'll drink from, full
-2 tbsp honey

I put the peeled lemon in my magic bullet, with the ginger. You could use a blender or food processor. Once it's blended well, I put the puree in a pot on the stove, with my mug full of brita water. I actually pour the water in the bullet cup that had the puree, so I get all of the puree out. Bring the water and puree to a boil, stir in honey, strain into mug, and let it cool to good drinking temp.
Like I said, super easy, but effective natural remedy.

Axl Rose

Today on our drive home from Superstore, Avery kept yelling, "Woah-a-woah, woah-a-woah, woah-a-woah." We were listening to my all time favourite band, Guns 'n' Roses. That's right, I've got a mini Axl Rose on my hands.

Fred and Wilma

Here they are, our costumes from Saturday night. This is before we went to the party. It was super awesome, and fun to be alone with Steve. He did get way too drunk to drive, and I was really upset with him because he kept saying it was my night, on the way there. We got d.d's to drive our car home, and so it was alright. I guess. Daddy Dumb Dumb moment, but really everyone was pretty sauced. I just wish I'd have known before I cracked a third beer because I could have saved us $100. Yep. But I knew I couldn't drive the 45 minute drive home after that.

The next day was the longest day of my life, and I've come to decide that being hungover with babies is the worst thing ever. It's really not worth it. I'm just glad that Steve was here, and we were able to take shifts between parenting and sleeping.

Truthfully, I had a hard time missing Rowan. I knew Avery would be fine if she woke up to Jenna, but Rowan is just Mommy sucky all the way. She refused the bottles, and cried basically the whole time we were gone. I feel so bad about it, but I know Jenna is amazing with babies, and she says it was ok, but I can't help it. Sigh, I hope she gets better with time. She is definitely more challenging than Avery ever was.

C'est la vie.

Momma Machine

Today is a good day. So far I've baked about 40 cookies, I used margarine instead of butter, and doubled the batch, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed, laundry, and found the time to sew the last piece of my Hallowe'en costume.

I am busting at the seams with excitement for tomorrow. After Avery's nap, we're taking the girls downtown to walk the main street where our local shops hand out candy. Not that they need the candy, I just want to take them out in their costumes. We'll also get dinner in town, so we can completely avoid a meltdown, and then bring them home. Once both girls are cozy, my good good friend, Jenna and her husband Andrew, are coming over to watch the girls while Steve and I go to a Hallowe'en house party all by ourselves!

We haven't gone out alone since our anniversary in August. Which is really sad. I feel like we need time to love each other with no babies. We have the coolest costumes, but you'll have to wait and see the pictures, when I post them because they're secret.

About being alone, I'm really feeling like I want to transition Rowan out of our bed earlier than Avery. Because it was harder to get Avery out, and I haven't slept alone with my husband since Avery was born, except our wedding night. And no, I don't want to get pregnant again. ;)

The plan is to get a crib for Rowan, and once she's asleep, put her in it. She'll be set up in our bedroom, and close by to nurse in the night. Once she's older, and sleeps through the night, then we'll move the crib to Avery's room, where they will share a bedroom. I just don't want to put her in there earlier because I'm afraid of disrupting Avery's sleep, and it's not fair to her.

I've been looking for a second hand crib for months now, and there just doesn't seem to be any, so I guess we have to buy brand new. I'd have bought a mattress brand new, but on the bright side, we'll know that it was smoke free, and didn't have any other baby pooh on it. Ha!

So, the sun is out, and after nap, we'll go out and play in the yard. Amazing what a little vitamin D can do for you! Oh, and Rowan is 6 months today. Yay! I'm waiting until tomorrow to give her her first cereal. Photo opportunity, and Daddy will want to be here.

One of Those Days

I haven't felt this way in a while. I know it's due to be woken up every hour last night, between both girls, and have been awake since 5:20 am. I was going to go to town this morning, and bring them to a park, but instead we've been home not doing much. Which is fine because Avery's not even her happy self, instead a super cranky toddler. Her bottom eye teeth are really bugging her as they come up.

I think Rowan woke up so much because she's started rolling from her tummy to back now. Yay! This means I can't leave her unseen, unless she's in a baby apparatus, like the excercauser. She's also trying really hard to get up on her knees. All getting closer to crawling.

I feel really bad that I'm being a lazy mom, and staying in so far, but I don't get a break ever, as I have NO family help around, and it's really getting to me today. It usually doesn't, so I think it's ok to feel poopy once in a while. Maybe I should go try to have a nap.

Sorry for sounding so bummy.

Pumpkin Patch

We brought the girls to a local pumpkin patch this morning. The field was a bit sparse, so I'm glad we went today and no later. We missed the heavy rain, and were feeling festive in a wee drizzling rain. Sort of a misty, spooky, Hallowe'en feeling.



On the way to the field, we towed Avery down in a wagon, which we also used to tow our pumpkin back up to the farm. Avery was not happy about not walking along beside us, as she hates strollers, car seats, and anything that stops her from being on the move.

Avery was enjoying playing in the mud mostly, and I think we were in the patch for about half an hour. When we got back up to the farm house, it was raining pretty heavily, so we didn't go out to see the goats, swans, and chickens. It was just too close to melt down time. There was a scary with scene set up by the pay table. I think it was totally cool to pick our own pumpkin, and I will definitely go back next year.

Avery didn't even flinch from this scary witch scene.

Earrings!

I took Rowan to get her ears pierced on Monday. My friend, Erin, is in town, so I had her help with the monster. She's so helpful and awesome with kids. Could be because she is a daycare supervisor. Lol.

We went to the same stuck in the 80's shop as I took Avery, where hers were pierced. They put this magic freezing cream on at 10 am, under bandaids, then you leave for 1 to 3 hours, so the baby's ears are fully frozen. We walked to the library, and we picked out 12 new cardboard books for this week. Then we walked down to my favourite restaurant, and Avery surprised me by gobbling down an egg, toast, and a bunch of fruit. I didn't think she'd be very hungry, so it was a good thing we ate!

After that, we walked back to the salon, and it was time to pierce Rowan's ears. Erin sat with Avery, and stopped her from grabbing hot curling irons and such, while I went to the back room with the lady. She took off the bandaids with no reaction, proving the ears were frozen. It was a quick procedure really, she marked the lobes with a marker, and shot the gun a couple times beside her head, on each side, to get her used to the noise. She also had a dancing and singing stuffed frog toy distracting Row, and pierced her ears. We were out within ten minutes.

The piercing cost $20, plus tip, and $4 for cleaning solution. I couldn't find the old bottle from Avery's ears. The great thing about piercing Rowan's ears this early in life is she won't play with them while they're healing because she doesn't know they're there. It takes about a month to heal, and I just clean the earrings during bum changes. Easy.

A Few Fall Pictures

Avery and the pooch

Daddy and his girls

Mommy and her girls

Avery stacking cups, and looking super adorable

A Thankful Re-cap.

Guess I seem to be slacking on the blog a bit. Just seems like it's hard to find any time to myself lately, without having a billion things to do. Especially with thanksgiving weekend. Holy wowzers. It's different not being the kid anymore, but the provider; it sure shows how much work my parents did for me, and gives me a new appreciation for them, and their hard work. Another good thing to be thankful for!

When we were at Superstore, a month ago, they gave us a free turkey. Now I know you're thinking, "Ew, Superstore," but they've actually been renovating ours, and it is super awesome inside. Alot of organic and wide range of wholesome products to choose from. And before that, I just bought dry goods there, and produce from the farmer's market, Thrifty's, and better yet: our garden. :)

Free turkey, cooked to perfection.

Steve being goofy, while carving the turkey.

Ok, so a forgotten free turkey was in our freezer. We actually had no plans, and I was talking to Chelsea, who has no family around either, and remembered the turkey, and asked her if they could come here for dinner. It was so perfect and spontaneous, and I LOVE spontaneity! We decided to share the work load, so I made the turkey, stuffing, and veggies, while Chels made the cranberry sauce, potatoes, AND pumpkin cheesecake. She used to work in bakeries, so you know the dessert was amazing!

Just look at our scrumptious dessert!

I'd never made a turkey before, but have made a fair share of roasted chickens, and I think it wasn't much different. I also had the help from my sister in law, who gave me the full run down, step by step on how to make Steve's mom's stuffing, gravy, and fixing that turkey up. I am glad for her help, and it was so delicious!

Yes this spread shot has no veggies, they weren't quite done cooking, but came to the table steaming hot.

Well, the whole dinner turned out beautifully. Avery didn't like anything but the asparagus and potatoes. I thought to myself, "That seems backwards; wouldn't a kid want everything but the veggies?" After dinner and a quick clean-up (I'm obsessive about cleaning up as I cook, so there's little to do later), we had tea and cheesecake, and watched a National Geographic show on moose. What strange animals, only one province away, yet I'm really unfamiliar with them. I mean they're friggin huge and scary as hell, but I'm trying to think of them in a Canadian way.

And so to wrap the festivities up, I'm really thankful for Steve, and we drive each other crazy, but he's really a great guy. I'm thankful for my friends, I have a few very close ones who uplift and fill my days with pure love and joy.I'm especially thankful for my girls, they've given me the greatest purpose in life.

Bison Stew

So it's not really my style to blog about food, but I've recently switched our family to organic local meats. Seeing as we live in a rural community, we're fortunate enough to have a few different farms and options close by. Steve's convinced we're getting chickens this spring. Ok, fine with eggs, bring 'em on, but meat birds, nope no way. I can't handle that unless someone else is paid to do the meatifying work.

Anyways, yesterday I made a little stew up, with the help of my slow cooker. I love putting it on the low setting, for super tender meat that falls apart. I used local bison. I should've taken a picture. Oops. I felt proud to feed my family this festive fall stew.

So here's the yummy stew recipe, made with local orgainc bison and everything else was from our garden except the canned tomatoes because I haven't canned ours yet:

-1 lb stew bison (or regular beef stew meat)
-1/3 cup flour
-S+P
-2 tbsp olive oil
-2 cloves minced garlic
-1 medium onion, chopped
-2 cups cubed acorn squash (sub for potatoes, if you don't have squash)
-2 cups trimmed green beans
-2 cups chopped carrots
-3/4 cup chopped cabbage
- 1 14 ounce can tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups beef broth

-In bag or bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper. Coat meat with mixture. Over mid-low heat, add olive oil to pan, once ready add the coated meat. Fry until browned, and put in slow cooker. Add everything else except broth. You want to add the broth last so the liquid sits about two inches under the vegetables and meat; otherwise, the stew is soup.

Sit and Feet

Thursday the 1st, Avery said sit. My girlfriend, Chelsea, had us over for a morning visit with delicious fresh muffins. Lucky us... When she was feeding her dog, and said sit, Avery said it too. Uh-oh, A-da, and Mama have been the only words up to date. Actually for a long time. It's so exciting! The next night I told her to sit down, during bath time, and she said sit a couple times back to me. Pronounced, "Ssss-it." She's been trying to copy words I say for quite some time, but Avery's language is not understandable, although, it's soooooo cute!

Rowan discovered her feet that day. The cute little foot grab while I'm bum changing is now all the time. We had "happy baby" pose in yoga, Thursday night, and I was picturing her doing the same move at home.

I knew there was something special about that day. Love my girls!

End of September

That's right, another month has gone by. Holy doodle! I feel like today's a special date, Avery's officially eighteen months. Sort of another goodbye to a piece of her babyhood. And Rowan is five months today. As if! She'll begin solids soon. Wow... I still pretend she's newborn, and wish she had the smell. Where and why does it go? I'm not sure I want another baby, and I'm sad how much faster round two is going. I guess I'm learning the true value of these moments, as I'm getting older.

Steve hung a swing for Avery. Finally! We had our yard majorly cleaned up this spring, and there was no limbs left on any tree that we could hang a baby swing from. For now we're hanging it from the frame of the green house, and Steve plans to build a nice swing/ slide set for them next spring. The monster loves it, and has now become part of the fun on our trip outside, after nap time. I wear Rowan, and push Avery.

Avery loves her swing!

Rowan peeking up at Mommy, from her beco carrier.

I made applesauce a couple of days ago. Yay, canned baby food! It was a huge job. I used a big Pampers box full of apples. Luckily, my friend lent me her apple peeler. That thing rocks! It peeled, cored, and sliced them for me. I then cooked them into applesauce, and canned it all. Lesson learned: DO NOT wear a baby during any part of canning that requires boiling liquids. No, I did not burn her, or wear her then. I'm not totally dumb, but I did burn my right arm tons, from all the splatters. I made ten jars of applesauce, and have a new appreciation for the stuff.

Yesterday I made jam with a big batch of plums. I didn't have enough, and thought I'd wing it by adding the rest of a box of strawberries, from the fridge. Oops, I didn't know you have to follow jam recipes to a T; otherwise, they don't set. I went ahead and made the jam, and it seems thick and gooey, but runny in the jar, but when put in the fridge, it is now just about jam. It's hard to say where I went wrong, I couldn't find a recipe for the pair anywhere, and according to the canning hot line, their acidity might not be compatible. Yes, a canning hot line. The leaflet, in the pectin box, says, "In a jam? Call any time for canning recipes or help." I feel like I'm becoming the hugest mom nerd ever, and am totally comfortable with it. If you told me I'd be a wife with babies five years ago, I might have believed it, but enjoying canning and gardening, I'm not too sure I'd believe that!

We have been taking the girls to the pool on Sundays. Steve has even spoiled us with brunch after. I love going out as a family, and Avery loves the pool. I also think it's good to introduce Rowan to the water early, so she's not afraid of it. Unfortunately I didn't get any pics from inside the pool. since we're both carrying a baby.

Avery and Rowan before we go into the pool

Steve and the girls

Avery busy with crayons

That's about it, really. I'm loving the wood stove now that it's crisp and definitely autumn out there. Took Avery for a new bunch of library books this morning. Until next time....