Pre-Trip Update

It has been quite a week for my little one and me already. On Wednesday we left to Wetaskiwin to drop off my dog Cassy to my Mom's and to pick up her van so we have a vehicle to put all of our stuff in (the van that we thought would be good did not turn out to be good - after the vehicle inspection of course) anyway, that is why you do a vehicle inspection everytime! Oh well, we're still looking so I'm not totally disappointed.

We made it home tonight and I am dead tired already. We started packing our stuff for Panorama as well and there will be more packing tomorrow for sure. I am now just realizing how much more work you have to do when you go on vacation. Phew! Anyway, our pre-trip was great. I got to see my family again and we had a great time. It was so nice of my parents to lend us their van. Thank you so much guys! We totally appreciate it. And thank you for all the food that you packed for us Mom! You are the greatest!

Anyhoo, I am so looking forward to the mountains, biking and some swimming and relaxing. Talk to you all in a week!

Ciao for now,
K

Here are some pics from our trip to Wetask.

4 Month letter

My dear sweet boy,

Yesterday you turned 4 months! Wow! you have been constantly growing and changing. I love you more and more everyday as you giggle and talk and do all the amazing things that little 4 month old cuties do.

Lately you have been rolling off to one side and is able to move your left arm out of the way so you are not putting all your weight on it. I love the way you complain once you get on your tummy... it makes me laugh every time :) You have recently started liking being on your stomach for longer periods of time (maybe at least 10 to 15 seconds before you start compalining). Maybe because mommy showed you the little kitty kat sticker in your crib and everytime you flip over, you look for it and stare at it totally amazed. Today I introduced you to the chinese version of Mickey Mouse that Uncle Ian and Aunti Gabi gave you when you were still inside mommy's tummy. When you flipped over you started smiling and talking to Mickey. It was sooo cute!

Also, today you started reaching out for your toys in the pod. Dad and I were so amazed to watch you reach for your toys.

You also love watching the baby einstein videos and what a releif because it gives me enough time to make us good dinners almost every night.



Also, you are getting much better in holding your head up. This is because you have been on your exersaucer a few times now and it is helping strengthen your neck muscles. This has also helped strenghten your legs as well because you can now stand up for longer periods of time. I'm sure you will be walking and crawling in no time.



Lately you have been grouchy and we don't know why. Actually we do know...it's because you have been missing your naps and it has been tough for Dad, Mom and for you. Our hearts go out to you everytime you cry and cry and cry. The other day you did not nap during the day and it was just so tough because all you did mostly was cry thoughout the day and we were pretty exhausted by dinner! Maybe you are teething...or maybe it's just hard for you to get back in your routine again...or maybe it's just growth spurt. As you can see we are learning as we go. But always remember that we love you so so very much! You mean the world to us my son!

Tomorrow, we are taking you to your second vaccination and I am so not looking forward to it. Dad is coming this time to give us support. yay! Don't worry, you are such a little warrior. I know you will do just fine.

On to more fun things.....This month is very exciting because we have finally found a mini van for you to go around the city in. I knew it was the one because you fell right asleep when you got in it. I also know it's not the coolest vehicle out there but for now, because you are so high maintenance, we need a vehicle that will carry all of your stuff! This is important especially this coming Saturday because we are going on our first vacation to Panorama as a family... for a week! We need room to fit your Chariot, our bicycles, food and clothes in one vehicle and that's why we've decided to get a van. Anyway, Dad and I are so excited! Trust me kiddo, we needed one after taking care of you for 10 months inside my tummy and then we still had to do that after you got out and are still doing it. Phew! it seems tough somedays but you are so worth it! We'd move mountains for you my boy if we have to. You are our everything! Happy 4 month birthday Micah!

Love always,
Mom

Running Update, Baby Maija and More

It has been an eventful week so far!

I am now consistently running 5 laps (non-stop) at the park and my goal this week is to run 3 times. I ran on Monday and Wednesday and I will have to run at least one more this week to meet my goal. My baby boy loves running with me (him in the Chariot of Course) as I drag my dog Cassy to do the same as well. Picture this, me pushing Micah and dragging Cassy while I try my best to run the whole time. It is hard work but am so thankful to be outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather. By the time we are done, Micah is pretty much asleep and Cassy and I are pretty much done! It feels good though to know that I am pushing myself to be fit again. Like the old saying goes, 'No pain, No gain!'.

Oh yes! I do dress my boy in a track suit when we go running too. he!he! (I know, I'm such a geek!)




Anyway, I now remind myself to enjoy every minute as time does fly by so quickly. Micah will be turning 4 months in two days and I cannot beleive how fast they grow. His second vaccination appointment will be on Monday and I am not really looking forward to it. Mark is coming with us this time, Thank God! Anyway, I think I'm going to try to give him baby Tylenol before hand (sorry Lorie:) My friend Michelle did that to her son Canyon as he was vaccinated today and she said he did just fine.

Speaking of more babies, I also went and visited my girlfriend Heather today and her 2 week old baby 'Maija Louise Hausmanis'. Yay! finally a girl! and more friends who have kids! I can't wait for Maija, Canyon and Micah to meet. They are going to be such good friends for sure! Here is a picture of the two beautiful girls! Congratulations to the brand new parents, Paul and Heather! I know it is overwhelming right now but it will get better in time....I remember how so many people kept telling me that when Micah was born and you know what, it's the truth! Things do get better in time. She is such a beautiful baby! I am very excited for our kids to be growing up together :)

Maija Louise Hausmanis with beautiful Mom, Heather




Anyway, I am all alone tonight as Mark went to the 'Tool' concert... in the box seats....for free too! Lucky guy! Oh well, I am not really a big pots and pans kind of girl so I just told him to enjoy! I know he will too and I know we'll be hearing it more from his blog later on.

Speaking of blogs here are a few of my favorates that I check pretty much everyday. Please feel free to check them out too..........you might learn a thing or two from them :) [Note: I have also placed the links under the 'my fave links' section on the right side corner of my page]

Enjoy! K

http://www.thetopps.blogspot.com/

http://allaboutkaren.blogspot.com/

http://family-anderson.blogspot.com/

http://www.theesh.blogspot.com/

http://jennandlucas.blogspot.com/

http://jfbandsteph.blogspot.com/

http://mokhan.blogspot.com/

Edmonton Trip

It feels like I was gone for a week but Micah and I were only gone for 4 days. Our trip to Edmonton was fun! I got to spend time with my family and got to see my relatives on my Mom's side during my cousin Joey's wedding. It feels good to be back home though, to be back in our routine especially with my little boy. We took the bus up there and Micah behaved so well. I am so lucky to have such a good baby. The wedding was great but we spent most of the time on the sidelines because he would get overwhelmed by the crowd. All in all, I am still getting back in the swing of things and hopefully by the end of the week I will feel normal again.

Anyway here are some pics and a video of Micah rolling over.

Enjoy!
K


Micah in the bus just hanging out

Micah with Auntie Karen (she's so awesome!)

Micah and Jesse (Jesse is such a good cousin, he was swinging Micah and giving him company)

Micah with a new friend, Ethan (Man! Ethan is huge! he is only two weeks older than Micah)

Micah hanging out with his cousins Jesse and Alexandra

My family and relatives in Edmonton

Micah is quite fond of the Baby Einstein videos

With Mark and my brother Ian

Micah with Grandma and Grandpa

My family

My cute nephew Jesse and niece Alex

Jesse as the coin bearer (he walked down the aisle with crocodile tears- it was pretty cute)

And another beautiful picture of my niece Alex. She is just such a cutie!


And last but not least the video, Enjoy!

Doing things for me

Micah is almost 4 months old and I am now to the point where I can start doing more things for myself. First off, I have started reading. I was not into reading before but now I am. My first novel that I have read is 'The White Oleander'. I must say that it is very good. I now have to watch the movie and I can't wait to do my comparisons. People have said that the book is definitely way better than the movie but I guess I'll just have to find that out on my own. The next book that I have chosen to read is 'The DaVinci Code'. I am only at Chapter 4 but it's pretty good so far. I am making mental notes to watch the movie on this as well. I am really enjoying reading now. It is such a good exercise for my brain. I figured I might as well start using it again :)





Speaking of using my brain, I will be redesigning Mark's website in the up coming months. We bought a flash template and I am very excited to create and re-design his site. Watch for this in my future blog.

Also, I have started running again. Ever since I bought the Chariot, there is no excuse for me not to run. There is this circular park close to our place and it's a good size park for running/walking etc. We figured out that if you run 5 laps, it is about 2.5 kms. I used to run around this park so easily. Last week I have started and just ended up running a maximum of 3 laps because by the time I do lap number 3 I am dead tired! Today, I have managed to run 5 laps non-stop pushing Micah in the Chariot and dragging my puppy dog Cassy as well. Let's just say that by my last lap, all I kept on thinking was 'Do Not Stop' and I kept on chanting 'I love running' over and over again. It feels good to start doing things for me again. I kind of lost the 6 week workout plan but I still manage to work out with Mark at least 3 times a week. It won't be long until I can start doing things like running up and down the stairs by Princess Island Park. Yeah right! probably next year.



Anyway, lots going on this week. I have started packing tonight because Micah and I are taking the Red Arrow bus on Thursday to go to Edmonton. My cousin Joey is getting married and we are spending our weekend there. I have to read one of the readings at church and am pretty nervous about it. I tried to find an excuse not to do it, like 'what if Micah is hungry during that time and I need to feed him?' anyway, I don't have a choice, it's probably no big deal anyway. We'll see how it goes. It will be good to party with my side of the family though. Mark will be driving on the Saturday to meet us there. It's going to be a fun weekend for sure.

Last but not least, here is a video of my little boy hanging out in his pod.
He is just so adorable!







enjoy!
K

More Micah Milestones

Hello everyone!

There's been a few milestones that my boy has discovered coming close to his 4 months of age:

Rolling: He started rolling a few days ago and it is pretty amazing! He will complain quite loudly once he gets on his tummy though. He hasn't figured out how to roll back onto his back yet but I'm sure he will figure it out soon enough. Today while I was in the other room, I heard him complaining and when I went and checked up on him he was on his tummy!



Longer Sleep: He is now able to sleep for 11 hours! yay! I am a very happy mom right now!!!

Bridging: He can also use his legs while he is lying down to do a bridge. It is how he moves around. He pushes up on his legs in a bridge, then bends it and moves to the left and he does that over and over again until he is at the opposite end of his crib.

More baby talks: My favorate for sure. He will say 'ah goo' so many times now and he will definitely let you know how he feels about everything.

Giggles: He now giggles too! I love it! I can spend hours and hours playing with him just so I can hear him giggle. It is the best sound ever.

Standing Up on his legs: He can now stand up for at least 5 to 10 seconds when you stand him up on his legs. Very strong boy!

Holding his neck up more: I bought him an exersaucer at Sproutz Kids for $10 and he loves it! It is helping him hold his neck up more which makes it easier for him to do when he is using his snugly or when he is in his Chariot.

Wild Flails: He now flails a lot more. The other day when Auntie Karen was over and we decided to bathe him, he flailed like crazy and splashed all over the bathroom. It was pretty funny. He was splashing himself, Mom, Dad and Auntie Karen and he was just totally enjoying it.

As you can see, he is developing really well. We are so blessed to have a very healthy, happy baby.



Anyway, time for bed. Hope all is well.

Ciao for now,
K

First time at the lake

Micah and I decided to meet my girlfriend Michelle and her son Canyon at MacKenzie lake the other day. It was so nice to just enjoy a Tuesday day outdoors especially when it was over 30 degrees. We are definitely loving life as moms. No work to worry about and lots of fun with our little boys. I was so proud of Micah for being so brave. He had his first dip in the lake and it was so cool. He didn't like it at first because the water was very cold but then once he felt the sand with his feet the second time he pretty much enjoyed it I think. He felt so good and refreshed after! I am proud of you my boy!



Anyway, just wanted to share this moment with you. I'm sure you'd rather be doing the same thing than being stuck at work reading this right now (sorry). I will try to enjoy it for all of you ok :)

Luv, K

Too Many things...

Well, I feel that I have been lazy with my blogging lately. I guess there's just too many things that's been going on recently, hence my title. From friends and family having to go through problems and being there as best I can for support, to being a mom and plus do the other things that you're suppose to do. Man, sometimes I just feel I want to be in a bubble and not think for awhile! I just feel so blessed to have such a healthy and happy life with my family. People will go through struggles in life and I sure am glad and thankful when it's not you that is going through it. It just makes me realize who your true friends are. I know life is busy but there is no excuse for family and friends. This is especially true when the people that you care for are having problems or celebrating accomplishments or even if you don't have anything to celebrate about. I guess just being there for someone is something that is so important to me. And probably for most of us. Anyway, this feels good to get it out of my chest.

On to other things, my little boy is soooo amazing! He is now over 14 lbs! We bought him a chariot from Sport Swap and he loved his first ride in it. Here are a few pics of him in his new ride. I am very excited to start running with him using the Chariot. Today, I actually went on my first run with the dogs around the circular park beside our place and it felt good. I was scared to do it at first but I went anyways and it felt so good to run again (even though it was just for a short period of time). Now that I finally got over the laziness and too many excuses, Micah and I will be enjoying most of August outside for sure.







Oh we are now also officially looking for another vehicle (probably going to be a van). I know, I know...why a van? because as much as I don't like being in one or let alone driving one, it is the most convenient vehicle to use when you have a little one to drive around. So upon contemplating and thinking if we really need a van, we are now deciding to finally get one. Not a new one but a used one...we might have a possible pick but we'll have to see if it will work out. More on this in my future blogs.

See what I mean, too many things in my head that needs to be blogged about. I am also now going to start eating well again. Don't get me wrong, if you know us well, you know that we are the most finnicky eaters on this planet. Mark and I eat very healthy but we have been continuously buying little treats lately like pies and chocolates and eating late at nights. I guess we just got used to it when I was still pregnant. Lots of treats and eats. But now that I'm not it is time to go back to my 'one day free day' regime. A free day of eating whatever I want and the rest of the week to just eating normal heatlhy foods. Blah, blah, blah enough of this already.

What else do I have to say....can't think of anything right now but there will be more in my upcoming blogs.

Hope you are all doing well in blogger land!

Good night!
K