Kids Fest Thingy

Today was a kids fest at the Filberg Lodge, it's so gorgeous there, holy wowsers. Aside from the beautiful gardens and scenery, taking my two wee toddlers there was nothing short of a nightmare. We should have gone when it started at 10 am, and maybe could have actually gotten Avery's face painted, but the line up was huge, with only one painter. Not that she wasn't very talented, but by the time Avery would have gotten it done, she'd be asleep in the car, on our way home, to have it smudge all over the place. And I can picture that tantrum now...

I couldn't let Steve stand in that line up with Rowan in the back pack for Avery. He did for about ten minutes, while she ran everywhere away from me yelling, "I'm wunning awound!" Her froggy harness backfired, it's not the same as having a dog on a choke chain, it's a flimsy string that's true purpose is to knock them over if they were running out in front of a car. I mean really. Luckily, the place wasn't outrageously busy, and she wasn't so crowded that she was lost or kidnapped. Maybe that is why she decided that she didn't need to be near us?


We did have success with the event when we first got there. Right by the entrance, there's a little petting farm set up, so Avery got to brush a goat, pet some bunnies and a donkey, attempt to feed the lambs pine cones, and miss a kick from a baby calf. Rowan was delighted in the back pack, and Steve bent down so she could see and touch the friendlier animals, too. He's so sweet and considerate with them that some times I have little appreciative moments he doesn't know about, but I am very aware of his cuteness. He was wearing Rowan on his back, and holding Avery's hand most of the time, and I felt weird only carrying the overly stuffed baby bag.



At 12:30, Bobs and Lolo played a show. Avery does not know who they are. I save t.v. time for things like cooking dinner, to keep them out of the kitchen, and then I put on a disney dvd. Avery and Rowan love Winnie the Pooh, of course, but have gotten pretty addicted to Fox and the Hound, Jungle Book (I love the songs on that one), and Nemo aka fishy movie. So, Bobs and Lolo, Avery bought her own bag of popcorn, I was so happy to see the vendors using corn oil on it instead of butter, so my little celiac child was actually able to eat a hot treat while we were out. Rowan had had enough by this point, and was totally freaking out, like blood wrenching screaming. I had meant to pack my beco carrier, so she could cuddle on my chest, or at least my ring sling, to nurse and cuddle, but I was rushing to get everyone eaten, dressed, and out the door, that I totally forgot either one. Avery was having a blast listening to the music, and she was making her way closer to the front, to dance with the other kids, and I know she was very sad to leave two songs into their performance. Weighing out the options though, I don't think the other parents enjoyed Rowan's non stop screaming cries through those two songs, and it was time to get her in the car stat.


Steve and I hit the McD drive thru on our way home, and about 20 minutes after eating that crap, we both felt so sick, and I still have the head ache from this afternoon. When we did get home, 25 minutes later, I put both girls into their room, and read my book for about 2 hours, after taking a Tylenol. Now to those who know me, I never take take Tylenol or ibuprofen unless it is necessary, not that I care what other people do, but this is a true McD headache, and maybe McD should be saved for hang over breakfast after barn dances, or never consumed again.

On a positive note, I am at the climax in my book, I'm currently reading "Drums of Autumn" by Diana Gabaldon, it is the fourth book in the Outlander series. These books have been an incredible series so far, and the characters so real to me. I definitely recommend them to any friends looking for something new to start. I have been taking longer to get through them than I would have in the past, as each book averages 800- 1000 pages, but I only have short time in the evenings to read any more. I'm just happy to be a reader, and that my daughter is happiest surrounded in a pile of books. I hope Rowan gets the reading bug too, but I will admit it's tricky to read anything to her when Avery won't let her touch her books or ponies at all. The books are Avery's crack, so to say.

Enjoy the sunshine, everyone, it looks as though summer is here to stay. I'm happy to report that the pc has been fixed, as you can see by my better upkeep of the blog lately. It feels good to get more posts in because I really love updating my loved ones this way, and sharing our new memories for my girls.

Poor Capone

Hims was a sicky sicky boy seemed to be the saying this week. My poor cat laid on the bed the whole night, and didn't meow at his 5 am wake up to go outside. A little while later, he came out of my room, and barfed all over the floor. He went back onto my bed, and didn't really move until the next day. I thought I should wait and see what the next day would bring.

That morning, I carried Capone out of my room, and put a plate of fancy feast in front of him, and he puked on it. I told Steve I needed to take him to the vet that afternoon. This being two days ago, from today, I brought him in during the girls nap. The vet did blood work, urine test, and this re hydration pack where they inject a sack of water into the back of Capone's neck, to be absorbed over the next 12 hours. Poor man looked like he had lopsided sumo legs. Capone was definitely feverish, and losing a lot of hair. We were sent home with antibiotics, and we're treating it like he ate something bad.

Capone is better! He woke up today and actually went to his food, litter box area. Yipee! It was an expensive vet bill, as any other vet bill is, but our pets are just like children, and we must take care of all the members in the family. I just love that boy, my number one handsome man. (I know anyone who is reading this, who doesn't hear my cuties voice I talk to Capone in, thinks I'm whack. Ha, ha, ha...)

Cozy Time

These are the greatest invention ever, period. Sleep sacks. I bought Rowan one when we sleep separated, and bought Avery one last week. I wasn't sure if Avery would like hers or not, seeing as she's slept with only blankets up until now, but she is so excited to go to bed now. She says, "New sweep sack, woo!" They are warm and cozy all night long, and I am not worried about early morning wake ups due to the arctic temperatures in my wood heat only home, and Avery's looks like it will fit her for another two years; it's super long. I would recommend this item to any mom, and buy it for a shower gift, if I was rich.

Out of Style

The last day of kindergym was last Wednesday, and our local play group on Friday mornings is done tomorrow. I tried to get a couple pictures at both places, but when we're inside at play group, it's a bit more relaxed than the nutso hyper toddler banshees at kindergym. Maybe they could do a separate boys and girls class? Or require the parents to watch their phsyco kids, especially around my Rowan? (Mother bear here.)

Rowan at the last kindergym class.

I am feeling a bit sad about the end of these two things. It breaks up the week being committed to these two mornings out, but Avery really loves going. I have to admit, I'm pretty lucky lately. After three weeks of pretty well straight rain, Avery and I couldn't handle the cabin fever anymore. I mean her new Dora dvd had lost appeal, and painting, or helping me bake becomes repetitive and dull to a 2 year old. I'm lucky because Steve has been working on a job at home, and Avery has free range to run around outside all day. I'm trying to turn a blind eye on unwashed floors, and have really, really loosened up on my anal cleanly ways, but just the minimal duties of cooking from scratch every meal, cleaning up, laundry, etc. keeps me from giving her my complete undivided attention, or going out in the yard all day.

Both girls love the toy kitchen, I sort of wish I had one now.

Avery and Alec, toy swipers in full glory.

Well, Avery is happy as a clam. That is until you tell her she can't do something right that second, or she has to wait a moment. This results in screaming a high pitched, piercing, ringing, glass-cracking, banshee scream. I don't know where or why she has taken onto this annoying habit, but I'm trying to ignore it, so she sees she's not getting attention, and hopefully will stop.

The screams make Rowan cry, too. I've actually noticed Rowan is totally milking it lately, and really puts on a show when Avery does the slightest thing. I can't imagine her being so manipulative, but I do think it's rather a clever strategy. Rowan is also in the annoying squirmy not wanting to be held stage, but wants to be carried all the time, too. I know, this totally contradicts itself, but you moms know what I mean; they want you when you're busy, and don't want you when you need them in one place.

Oh yeah, Rowan can not only climb and stand on chairs, but can push the chair to the kitchen table, and climb both to crawl around on top of the table. If she's not doing that, she's either in the window, or half/ fake climbing over the edge of the couch, as a threat to me to pick her up right then and there. Guess why. Because she wants to suckle breast milk all day long. That's right, she is still a booby leech, and yes, she's eating more food than ever before, but she is one of those nursers who likes a little top up all day long, and doesn't like to be hungry at all. Or it could be that she's a stubborn Taurus, who gets what she wants. I don't remember Avery tantruming at 13 months old.

Finally, I think as long as I stay outside for a few hours after dinner, the garden/ lawn maintenance is pretty manageable. But it is a frigging lot of work, like there is always something to be done, whether it's a back up of laundry, dirty floors, groceries, crazy jungle lawn, chicken coop, weeding, it goes on and on. Oh and isn't it grand that you go do a big grocery shop, only to have a sparsely stocked kitchen 5 days later? Ridiculous really. I leave you with a photo of my boy.

My number one, handsome man. I love you, Capone.

4

Today is day 5 where both girls slept the same night and nap schedule. That is right, both girls down from 12:30- 2:30/3:00 ish. At first I didn't want to jinx anything by saying it aloud, but I think it's safe to say that I now have nap time to myself again. I have been doing my regular chores in that time, like prepping dinner or other tasks, but I also have been really committing to a wii fit workout. That half hour actually kicks my butt, in a good way. It feels really good to be more of my old self again. From doing my hair in the morning, or remembering to apply mascara before leaving the house.

I used to think about having another baby in a few years, like when the girls are both out of diapers. But I have got to say, I actually feel further and further from the idea of another baby as time is going by. Although life is still very challenging for me with the girls outside of our little box, like going anywhere away from home pretty much, but I am liking life more and more as it is getting easier. Plus, I don't really know if I want to go through all of the baby challenges again.

Avery is communicating with me. She gets things, she can specify problems. Now, she is far, far from being rational, but patience must be a learned practice. Rowan is harder to handle these days, believe it or not. She may be into everything, and very hard to hold onto, but she is finally eating more food and drinking soy formula when need be, and together, they are both at a place where they are easier to take care of. For example, I can actually leave the girls with Steve for a whole afternoon, or evening, and have absolutely nothing to worry about, other than engorged breasts. And after two consecutive years of pregnancy, followed by another year of straight attachment to my little Row, I am loving the freedom to do more things. I think getting a break, every now and then, makes me a better mother.

Life is good being a family of four. I am so happy right now, and I like that we're all growing and moving forward together...

Scuzzy Scams

My mom called me this afternoon, to tell me that someone had called my grampa, and told him this huge outrageous story about me being in Montreal, and needing money. This totally freaked me out, and I wondered if someone had stolen my credit card info or something. I went online with my mom on the phone, and saw that my credit card statement didn't have any weird purchases or funky business. So I decided to call Grampa.

First, I'd like to mention that my grampa and I have a really special relationship. We've been sending letters back and forth since I was a little girl, and he has shown me unconditional love my whole life, like no other male figure I had as a child. Grampa told me that the call came from an out of service phone number, and it lasted about 3-4 minutes. The woman calling sounded almost like me he said. She started by telling him that his granddaughter was with her in Montreal. Then he asked, "Jessica?" With my name as information, she said that it was me, and how I love my grandfather so much, yaddy yaddy. A big lie proceeded about me being in a car crash, after flying into Montreal with a girlfriend. And the finale, asking for $5000. My grampa said that it went really fast, they called at noon, so it really caught him off guard. He was thinking to himself that if I have a husband, and my mother, why wouldn't they call them first? If they'd asked for a couple hundred dollars, he said it may have been a bit believable.

I was relieved that they hadn't said my name first. It made me feel afraid of some unknown person knowing that much information about me, like my grandparents name to look up. But actually, the truth is people pull these scams on seniors often because they are usually lonely, and just want to talk to someone. My grandparents live in a retirement community in the suburbs. My grama joked, "How could she go to Montreal? She can barely leave the house alone!" True, Grama, very true.

I am so glad my grampa listened to his intuition, and was aware enough to know that this didn't seem right. I think beyond feeling anger, I actually feel sadness that the person(s) involved in this scheme would use my love for him as the key to their plan. They could steal anything, but that is mine to give, and I own that. To think of my old, sweet grampa may have fallen for that is what ultimately is the worst part of what happened. And I hate to think of all the other seniors who are taken advantage of in such a cruel way.

Celiac Confirmation

We had a dietician come to our house this morning, we've been interacting with the child development people a bit because of Avery's celiac and health problems. Because she's only two, the only way for her to communicate is typically behaviour, and she is a very high needs toddler. The experience with our dietician was so great! In the first few minutes she was here, I asked her if she minded me nursing Rowan (people seem to get weird about 1 year old babies nursing these days- I know, ridiculous) and she said she nursed her three children all until the age of two, so I instantly felt connected, comfortable, and relaxed with her.

The conclusion of Avery's assessment with the dietician was that she needed a multivitamin included into her diet, which is great because I take one, and hadn't really thought of Avery taking one too, even though, of course, she should. And the other thing she mentioned is that we should give Avery one teaspoon of benefibre daily because it is completely vegetable fiber, made from chicory root, and is gluten free. I read further into it, and people with celiac usually do need to take an added fibre because they don't get the same requirements as others who are not eating gluten free. This may help us wean Avery's current laxative, or at least use a lesser dosage as her body regulates the new fibre. Keep in mind Avery has had traumatic experiences with pooping, so she is not like a regular toddler in that department. We are not pressuring her into potty training at all, and leaving it until she wants to go, even though she smells Rowan's poops almost instantaneously, and tells me that "Wowan pooped!" So you know she knows what the potty business is all about. ;)

As for her milk intolerance, people with celiac typically have a lactose intolerance, but symptoms can clear after some solid gluten free diet and healing time. This being said, we're left unsure with Avery's case because her stools were black, indicating blood in them, so our best bet is to keep her casein/ whey/ lactose free. I did try giving her some lactose free milk in February, and it was not much time after changing to a gluten free diet, but I just wanted to try, and even though she's on a laxative, it did bung up the exit system a bit. The dietician recommended trying again in another 6 months, and after that once or twice a year following.

Most diagnosed children's symptoms disappear into their teenage years; although, they are actually highly recommended to stick with their gluten free diets because the celiac disease is incurable, and their guts seem to tolerate the bad foods because they are virtually undamaged, due to the history of good eating. I found this new fact to be a bit of a downer, I had hoped Avery would eventually be able to communicate what bugs her with us, as she gets older. Not that I thought she would necessarily outgrow it, but maybe not everything would need to be omitted. As it stands, I have completely tried my best to not cross contaminate her foods, and use separate cooking utensils, and cutting board, kept in a separate drawer, to avoid any small bit of gluten because any bit can hurt and damage her intestine.

I do feel a sense of hope with this mornings appointment. I mean, it's just another confirmation of Avery truly having celiac disease. Talking to the dietician, and telling her Avery's symptoms, she said herself that yes, it sounds very safe to say it's undiagnosed celiac. Over all, providing a gluten free life for Avery has been pretty easy, and the change in her is the biggest gift to all of my hard work. She's such a sweet, sweet girl, and brings such joy into my life.