Exciting begingings to the family get togethers

So on Friday we had a gathering with my great aunts and uncles and there children and children's children on the Klassen side. We got together at Eastveiw as per the norm which is great because the kids race and scream in the gym and we 'grownups' can visit.

The point of this post is that Thom decided to end off the festivities with a bang! After i had Beth and him in their PJ's already to go home we were in the back foyer when his puked! All over his winter boots and the floor. He had told me his tummy was spicy 3 or so times that evening but I thought he had to poo (potty training this week-he avoids the potty but trys not to mess his pull ups the results in him complaining about his tummy hurting).

It was exciting to all the were still at the church, but the most exciting part for me was that my Dad cleaned up ;)

I hope that all of you have a wonderfully festive and loving Christmas!

and I will end the post with our families 2008 recap;

In the Barrett household we started our ‘new year’ a little bit earlier then the rest of the world. Jeff, left his position as territory manager at Ecolab and pursued a new career in residential sales with Creative Door Services not only was he excited with the prospect of a new job but he got a new vehicle (no more minivan) Hello Toyota Tundra, Jeff’s dream vehicle! My sister Angela, with her family, Brad and Ava returned home from living away for the last 2 years. Then on December 14, I left my position at Plezia Insurance to become involved in maintenance (a mom at home). Jeff and I celebrated by going for a whirl wind vacation to Florida for Kelly Saltel’s wedding in Disney World while Thom stayed both at his Gramma and Grandad’s and Omi and Opi’s.
Onward we plugged away adjusting to our new jobs and all of a sudden it was February. Jeff was at hockey (I had wanted him to go) and I called him too tell him not to go home; we needed to go to the hospital to get our baby (only 8 days late). Elizabeth Shannon Barrett was born February 16, 2008 with lots of hair weighing in at 7lbs8ozs. After a quick recovery period the 4 of us, at the end of March, with Tim, Lois and Harold went off to Ambergris Caye, Belize to have some fun.
We had a lovely summer, going to the cabin for a couple weekends spending time with Goni, Dave, Suzanne and Jackson and enjoying time at the trailer in Stonewall with Lois, Harold, Brad, Ang and Ava, swimming at the beach and Goni and Dave’s pool and 2 glorious visits to Clear Lake. I began watching Ava in August while her daycare was on summer vacation and I decided to keep her and will continue to watch her. It is very interesting to watch Thom and her interact, although she lived 24hours away for just over a year of her life, Thom and her interact like siblings.
Jeff did change his work vehicle in September; with all the driving he does he changed to a Toyota Camry Hybrid – which he has fallen in love with! A large portion of our family had birthdays in September and it was a very busy month so October was catch-up time. Now it is time to complete Christmas shopping, writing cards and enjoying the company of people we love!
From our family to yours a very Merry Christmas and only the very best for the New Year!
Love, The Barrett Family-Jeff, Chelle, Thom and Beth

Beth is 10 mths today! wow

Here she is riding the horse like a big shot at my mom's school today!
(She,my mom, teaches at the Adolecence Parent Centre - school age mom's with babies or pregnant trying to finish high school. they have a large need for donations as many moms are living on working only part time or on assistance while in school full time. If anyone is sorting through their stuff household items, womens clothing childrens cloths or toys in the new year or anytime and would like to donate to them let me know)


checking out the handles on the horse, and showing off her big chompers


the high chair I just bought her last week, I didnt have one for Thom and just used a boster for space saving but it is nice to have!
the weekend before last here we are standing infront of our soon to be Christmas tree. Brr the wind was just a gusting, but boy was it ever fun tromping through the snow, drinking hot chocola,te around the fireplace they have inside and checking out the holiday display area. We brought my F-I-L Dave along to get his own tree and cut to down our tree aswell- lol (Goni was out of town)
Here is Beth with her nose as red and Rudolph`s inside at Winddrift tree farm

The ginger bread houses that we decorated

How I dress my children when my dad serves them blueberry pancakes (every sunday)

By the pictures it appears that Noreen and Ryan took Thom, Ava, Beth and their son Logan to see the Santa Claus parade. Yep, it appears like Ang and I had a nice relaxing evening, warm, not outside. Ah how pictures can be deceiving

Beth and Noreen
Thom and Ava standing up in the stroller watching for Santa

Ryan and Logan (isnt that the cutest snow suit!)

Beth at baby group about 3 weeks ago - she was very proud of herself for standing up with the assistance of the chair

Thom this summer jumping off a rock

So I just gave my notice at work that I am not coming back. It was a pleasant 4min and 53second conversation (and part of that was being transferred to my boss). Weird that after 5 years that is how long it takes to end a profession. It was a fun place to work and at times I know I will miss it but I would miss being with Beth and Thom so much more.

I have changed from being H M Friesen then Barrett RMT and CMT to H M Barrett Insurance Broker with a CAIB3 to Mama to HMBarrett Level 2 Insurance Broker with a CAIB3 and Mama to just Mama, well and Auntie as I will be watching Ava still (and Ava's friend).

There you have it fokes I will be in maintenance, maintaining the home and family.

On a side note I talked to someone who is considering conceiving and having a child by herself (IE without a partner). I don't blog often about Jeff but I would not want to be a parent without him. During the pregnancy you don't really need help unless you want someone to side with you while you wait in waiting rooms. Well actually what I just wrote is a lie, when I was told my unborn child had a neural tube defect and my levels were so high there was no chance for the fetus, I didnt share that with anyone but Jeff, we kept that information to ourselves until after our genetic councilling (which was after 3 weeks of waiting) we pulled strength from each other and had discussions forcing the reality of the situation to sink in. Then once Thommy (as a perfect baby) did arrive after 3 weeks I got sick, I couldnt walk down the hall without help because my sence of balance disappeared - Jeff would move Thom around the house, cook, and look after our 3 dogs which up till that time had been our babies. Jeff helps me with backing my decisions up infront of the kids and the general public (even if he doesnt agree with me). When people nitpick at your parenting you can become doubtful in your ability which a partner can help hold you up. He also helps when I am tired after a long day, and am being a wishy washing parent (re Kids are Worth It, Barbra Coloroso) he will remind me I already warned it is time to follow through. Or when i am frusterated and need 10min alone or a 1hour bath, I dont have to worry about the kids, Jeff will take care of them.

I know there are many 1 parent homes, and mothers who have no support network that are able to be wonderful parents. But that is not for me, I would not choose that for myself, I know I need help and am glad to say that I have a parner.

The G3 meeting with the turtle, sweet pea, and bear aka Elliott, Ava and Beth

Beth again - I dont have 1 picture of her with the head on whoops!

Thommy my frog 3years old and his 1st very short hollween (he had a fever all day from the moment he woke up, till about 7pm and once it broke he was his normal self)

Thommy and Ava standing in the stroller to watch the parade, in the background Noreen is holding Beth.

A picture from the summer of Thom and my Dad- cute eh!

We hit some more mile stones since my last post...

Thommy no longer calls Jesus in the manger 'baby jesa' as he did last year, it has changed to be plain 'baby Jesus' makes me kinda sad that he has grown past that. He is also inlove with Santa and the idea that he could get toys from him (and gramma - at the store he when he wants something and I have said no he will responed with 'maybe, I ask Gramma?' -that is his grammer and everything)

He watched the movie 'Cars' and he has a Lighting McQueen car which he calls (and the movie) Queen Lite. He asked Ava 'Do you want to watch Queen Lite with me?' and he calls out to me 'Mama, where is my Queen Lite?" it is soooo funny.

On Friday (nov 14) he repeated everything my brother said in conversation a very annoying development. Luckly that ended with the conversation.

Beth is 9mths old today 18lbs4.5oz Height 26.5inch(she is significantly smaller that Thom was at this age and much easier to carry around).

She danced for the 1st time to music on friday nov14 - to Ava's wiggles music and then with my brother (he was very proud to have helped both kids develop new milestones)

On thursday nov 13 she let go of me at baby group and stood - with her legs bent - for a couple seconds, she did this again on friday a couple times and has continued every day since.

Both kids went to the santa claus parade on Sat with my sister Ava and Ang's friends Noreen, Ryan and their son Logan. That was different then the parades I remeber, 1 float was a transit bus wrapped in christmas lights. The kids seemed to enjoy it. Thommy got a free plane that was handed out by some float and today as he was playing with it he told me santa gave it to him at the parade ;)

Well, Beth finally slept through the night. On Nov 1 to 2nd while sleeping with Thom she slept from 11pm till 6am wow! Now I am just waiting for it to happen again 8)

We have had a good couple of weeks, Thom had a sleepover at his Gramma and Grandad's while I went to a wine and cheese party and Jeff went to his hockey game and a social (Beth came with me)

I lost my voice and Thom got hand foot and mouth disease, impetego and cold sores - poor kid.
Luckly Beth did not catch anything from Thom and we are all healthy now.

Sadly it is our last week at once upon a ryme-such an awsome program through resd. We will hopfully be able to go to one more session before I start working again...

So my Beth is just flying these days,
She tells you what she wants in her own way. My Dad whom she adores will come through the door and she plays coy, hiding her head in my shoulder, then if in a reasonable amount of time he does not pick her up (usually about 1 minute-just enough time to take off shoes) she will start to yell/ cry and it is completely directed at him, and she lunges her body around, until either he leaves or comes and gets her. She does this with Jeff too, he will be sitting beside me on the couch and she will crawl across my lap to him but we have arm rests and she cant get over them, so she will pull herself up to standing and jerk her body back and forth while she yell/crys at him until he picks her up for her cuddle (Jeff loves it!)

Her crawling is crazy good, she defiantly knows where she wants to explore, I have to have the baby gate locked because she goes to it and will pull herself up it. She was in the kitchen playing one day last week and I went to talk to Thom in the living room (at my parents), when I came back in the room she was gone and I had left the basement doors open yikes! but we found her in the entry (they have 2 entrances to the kitchen) pleased as punch!

Beth laughs when Thom gets caught for doing something wrong. She laughs when he does something I would prefer not to have a repeat performance of. She encourages and mocks.

She trys to wave when people leave, it is a very jerky hand up in the air-so cute. And if she wants me and she is being held by someone and unable to fallow me she calls/crys mama-a-mama-a-mama-a mama-a-mama.

Thom went to the Falk farm this weekend and had a wonderful time and has not yet stopped talking about his 2nd cousins which he has not seen since Easter. It is amazing the difference being able to play with kids makes. I can sit and watch and guide not be a main participator. Bliss.

Forgotten Milestones

I forgot to list that Beth can clap-she has been clapping (closed fist) for at least 3 weeks (Jeff figures a month)
She also started to wave good bye (or is attempting to) this weekend.
Can pick rasins up with her fingers to eat
and had her fist temper tantrum with her legs kicking on Sunday (I put her on the table and she was sitting but my tea up was there and she was eyeing it, I moved it out of her reach and she had a melt down -SO funny)
and ofcourse her crawling is getting better and better.

Beth's milestones

Beth reached some new milestone lately;

At Ava's birthday party (Sep 28) Beth sat up by herself for the very 1st time!

Then on Tuesday Sep 30 she pulled herself up to standing - using Thommy's potty to assist her, I found the potty use very funny if she is comfortable climbing over it - perhaps that means she will climb onto the potty and start using it?

And the last recent accomplishment, a couple hours before Thom's birthday part on Oct 4 Beth crawled for the 1st time. Jeff had his drill on the floor in the living room about a foot and a half in front of her. Apparently that was what she needed to make the knees move forward. (Beth has been getting onto her hands and knees for about 2weeks and would just stay there rocking back and forth until she would lie back down on the ground and slither like a snake to where she wanted to be.) She doesn't crawl when she can slither but she is using this new skill at least once a day for short distances.

And she still loves to be held upright while she stands, she has discovered she can pull herself up to standing while sitting on our bed (it is a sleigh bed with slats perfect for her to hold) and loves to stand there and laugh - she is so proud of herself she just smiles away (She actully only stood by herself holding onto the bed frame when I put her there the weekend of the 19th)

Thoms birthday is done for another year

So we celebrated Thom's 3rd birthday with a birthday party at our house. It was a zoo! There were 6 kids 5 of which were 3 years or younger, The noise level went higher and higher as more sugar was introduced to the blood stream! But after 3 hours everyone was gone and we were left with the feeling of sucess (also feeling of 3 hours + prep time disapearing from my life).

I really like the idea of making birthday cakes (baking and decorating) plus getting all the other food ready and finding just the right dish to hold everything makes me feel like maybe I should pay someone to do this work for me? But as the days pass the feeling will fade and I will get back on my horse telling Jeff it was worth every minute and he will have these fantastic memories of what we did for him.... I will post a picture of Thom's Dino cake and Ava's Monkey cake once I get them from my sister they were a lot of fun to make.

Thom got some fun toys to enjoy which I have enjoyed as well. The best in my mind would have to be the storage containers, the living room is already looking cleaner! My grampa got Thom a semi which holds his cars which is nice to be able to have Thom clean up the cars and not have to look through 3 toy bins to find the cars all at the bottom of the boxs and he got a zip bin full of knex (one of my favourite built it toys)! The point of me mentioning the knex was this awsome zip bin http://www.thingamababy.com/baby/2006/11/review_zipbin_p.html this is a review for one of the 'zip bin's that are available. It is great he just loads the peices on the mat and zip it up put on the lid and all the knex are out of sight! I want to get the med size dino one for all of his dinosaurs, and the large train one for the train tracks and trains. It is wonderful! Obviously I am all over the tidying up today :)

Thommy is 3 wowzer

Well Thom turned three today, amazing! Amazing that he got so big so fast and amazing that everything in his last 2 years past by so quickly!

I think he weighed more today when I lifted him up, he seemed bigger.

This is his first birthday that he could tell me how old he was and knew the number when I held up my fingers. (Thom thinks getting big is an insult, he wants to be small like Ava, but not as small as Beth - funny story, in the car as we were driving in to town to pick up Ava we were making up new humpty dumpty rymes. Thom out of the blue asked how big Humpty's brain was, to which I replied, very small since he fell off a wall. Thom then asked about Ava's brain and I said it was smaller than his because she is smaller. After I said this Thom said 'I want a small brain like Ava and Humpty, I don't want a big brain like Brad (Brad is Ang's husband, a smart fellow). Thom repeated this for emphasis, while I laughed)) Anyways back to how big Thom is...

Today Thom wanted to be big, like his other cousin Jackson - I would like to note the only part of being big I would like Thom to take is the potty training, other than that he can stay my baby for a little longer.

But as I think about it every little bit older he gets the more amazing things he learns, and he absorbs everything and teaches me things and his imagination is growing so big - about a month ago Thom was having his diaper changed and he looked at the was and said his feet shadows were fighting, he started to move his legs about and was saying ' take that' 'I've got you' 'I'm going to get you' it was so funny to see him playing like that with his shadows, he would not have done that 6mths ago.

When he is sick he now tells me, my tummy hurts, my head hurts, I fell bumped my head/leg/arm etc.

This past year, we were having chinese food for dinner and he had a fortune that said something about doing great things or being sucessfull to which he replied that he was going to go to school. He loves the idea of school, riding the bus, playing with the other kids, reading and he just turned 3 wow!!

To some up Thom's past year he has been fiesty (SP?), spirted, lovable, cuddlable, sick (pneumonia 3x, lungs now keeping up asthma medications), giving (he loves to give people gifts, of course he also loves receiving them), playful all with a thirst for knowledge-he love to find something new to explore, read a new book or song (on that he only started knowing words to songs in the last 6mths before that he always just made up his own words), and asking me and everyone else endless questions - why is a very popular word in the last few months.

I realize it is now actually a day after his birthday, but he was born just after 11pm on the 26th so I am not far off.

Yesterday at the park - Thom's last day being 2

Ava pushing Beth on the swings (how cute!)

The koi kissing Thom earlier this summer

On Opi's motorcycle - such a big boy!

Thom skipping rocks at Clear Lake

Beth playing in the sand at Clear Lake (sept 11)

Thom ready for a walk

Same path different spot back in May - from the rear he looks a lot smaller ;)

So a couple weeks ago, my Great Aunt Kae took Thom, Beth, my sister Ang, Ava and myself out to Smitty's for dinner. It was a long day I had all three kids and was ready to go home but if I didnt go out with her that Tuesday it would be months befor I actually followed through and had dinner with her. Unfortunatley after playing all day together as Thom doesnt nap, his fuse gets shorter, he gets crabby faster, becomes more demanding, and his attention span shortens

I dont like going out for dinner very much... I use to like it when Thom was still in the bucket seat, but now that he is active not so much fun....

At home even if we have take out I load his plate befor he sits down so that he isnt waiting using up his good sitting behavour before the food is ready for him. At a restraunt however you wait to get seated, order drinks, look through the menu, wait for your dinner to be ordered, order dinner, wait for your dinner, get dinner, wait for it to cool off enough to eat, eat, wait for the bill, pay, wait for the slip to sign, then finally dinner is over. For an active 2 almost 3 year old you have to have a lot of toys, colouring and books to read to keep them entertained.

At Smitty's that evening, it took forever to get our meals, I even asked for the kids mac'n cheese to come out as soon as they were done so the kids would not get cranky-still it was a long time. I took Thom for a walk through out Smitty's to give him a change in scene ory as a booth is a bit confiningm and also to talk the seniors that were eating -thank goodness for friendly seniors they were our saving grace!

The point of this post is eating out has changed drastically for me in the past 3 years, I have to bring in two bags, a diaper bag and entertainment bag. I need to be hyper villigent to ensure Thom is not bugging the people on the other side of the booth as he is standing up on the bench after 45 minutes to look around and he gets interested in what the other kids are playing with. With potty training I am asking all they time if he has to go potty, then as he needed to twice during the evening, I have to go into a tiny stall, help with his clothes, hold him so he doesnt fall in (the collapsable potty seat will not hold his weight 38+lbs) scrub his hands clean after he touches the toliet (gross). And during this whole time entertain a 6 month old too. (Thankfully everytime I left the table Ang or my Aunt held Beth.)

My Dad, Ang, Ava, Beth, Thom and myself did all go to the Thirsty Duck for my birthday lunch on Wed. I will admit going with my Dad verses my Aunt was much more comfortable, my Dad sees Thom all the time and know how he will react and how to react aswell as my parenting style, so I do not need to worry about backup reinforcment on my rules. Also the location - very relaxed environment with people very interested in chatting with the kids and the food came so much faster a 45 min lunch verses 2+hour dinner!

I miss going out and just relaxing, but I dont want to leave Thom at home. It is odd, I think it is good for him to be comfortable in a restraunt and know how to behave but teaching patients and manner can be such a pain in the butt for me! This also inclued trying to exhibit these qualities myself once I get frustrated with how long the server takes for every request or the juice spilling, or opening creamers to drink (both Ava and Thom think that is the best milk - from the tiny coffee creamers), or inside voices not being used.

On the flip side now that I have complained, I would like to say in a restraunt or anyplace I love when Thom can feel comfortable asking a server or clerk for an item be it juice or a toy from a high shelf and he says 'could you please...' and 'thank you' or 'please may I...' in those moments I just feel so proud, it makes my heart happy you know that warm feeling that spreads and it just makes you know it is going to all work. Maybe I should also say thank goodness for grandparents when you want to enjoy a relaxing meal ;)

the feeling of love...

I just left Thommy's bedroom. Both kids are asleep and I am still filled with the warmth of my son's love.

Thom cannot or will not go to sleep without me. If I am not with him he is fine but if I am, he needs me. Jeff and I have tried to get him to go to sleep by himself and/or with Jeff to no avail. Some days I think if only - there is so much stuff to be done why must it be this way. But every night I am there reading books, singing songs, making up stories, praying then sitting or laying with him until he falls asleep. Occasionally it is 10 minutes most days it is 30 or 45 min or more. I have to admit the day he stops wanting me to stay with him it will be hard. I am lucky, I have a 2 almost 3 year old who will cuddle towards me with his clammy hand touching me to know I am there either in a chair or his bed. When I am in his bed, he will fall asleep and I get to hear how his breathing changes or see which way he prefers to turn his head. I love it, who cares about the dishes, laundry or tiding up one of these days he will be maturing and may be uncomfortable with displaying affection for his Mama.

There are so many thing I treasure about my kids and the fact that they both want me in order to fall alseep makes me feel treasured in return.

Everyday is a great day...

My family has been having a wonderful summer!



We went to my inlaws cottage on Lake of the Woods with Christy, Phill and Cayman and had a super time. We stayed up late while the kids slept and just had good oldfashioned fun. Thom roped Christy into doing some puzzels which was entertaining, they were not puzzels for 2 year olds but 10 year olds so Christy did most of the puzzel except the pieces she told him to put in ;)



On the Sunday night we went home and packed, before we left for the cottage I washed every piece of wash in the house thankfully, I had to pack for Thom Beth and I as we were going to work with Jeff for a week. I also made our lunchs for the first couple days, made snacks (baking ofcourse), and packed 2 coolers of food as the we were spending 4 nights in a cottage a Clear Lake. It was almost 3am when I went to bed and Jeff and I were up a 6am (plus up at night to feed the little one) so I was exhausted. Luckly I slept while Jeff drove to Brandon. Jeff cleared everything out of his truck and made room for a cooler in his vehicle which held our snacks lunch and items needing refridgeration -thank goodness for those new plugin coolers, so convenent!



In Brandon we went to this giant playland while Jeff visited customers, which was just fantastic. Thom got to run off some steam and Beth and I climbed behind him as adults can go on the structure too. Beth tried out an exersauser for the 1st time and loved it! When Jeff was done in Brandon he picked us up and we were off to a couple more buisnesses in small towns. When we (he) was done we ended up staying the night in Virden, MB.



The next morning we were off bright and early as Jeff wanted to get his work done and the family to Clear Lake as early as possible to unpack and enjoy the evening. The towns blured together we saw some amazing view and stopped in towns I am sure we would never go to if Jeff didnt have customers to see. The most amazing views I saw was in Birtle - wow I cant imaging being a settler tired cold or sweaty seeing this valley and not stopping, it is one of those places you know only God could make no man made locations could be so beautiful and insperational!



We got to Clear Lake around 7pm unloaded the truck and went straight to the beach for a little splash! A wasp stung me on the way to the beach and the cold water felt great! Thom just loved our location. we were right across the street from the beach, there was a warm pool just outside our door and we were on the main drive perfect to go out for walks in the evening when Jeff got home! We had one rain day but the rest of the weather was perfect. The kids and I went for some hikes, the gift shop has a rental of up to 4 fish nets, a magnifin glass, a tray and a book about bugs for $2 (it was the best $2 spent the whole time) Thom caught leaches, minnows, little fish, all sorts of larvae and he was in awe of it all - it was magnificent!! We hung out by the beach, playstructure, pool, walked, swam, took in a movie at the theater (Kung Fu Panda - Beth's 1st movie) and ended up staying an extra day as it was just perfect! Beth learnt to sit by her self out there ( July 23)Our 1st vacation ever including before kids that we went by ourselves, every other trip has been planned with family or friends either all going together or meeting up. Going with friends and family is wonderful but so is all the family time when there is no one else. I am looking forward to including both alone and group trips in the Barrett future!



After Clear Lake I had a week to wash and put everything away, then I was going to be watching Ava during Ang's daycares 3 week holiday. Unfortunatley, Thom got impetego somewhere and on the Monday got antibiotics. Since it is very catchy I had to be hyper viligent about making sure he didnt give it to Beth as he loves to touch, hug and kiss her. Luckly I went to my Grandparents trailer out in Stonewall Quarries where my Mom entertained/distracted Thom and thus kept Beth safe.



I have had a wonderful first week watching Ava, as had Thom and Ava. I know that we are very lucky to have Ava living back in Winnipeg so we get the opertunity to see so much of her. I love how much fun we have been having and look forward to it continuing.



So there is a catch up from the last 3 1/2weeks I will post a few pics shortly but I think my little ones are waking up.

Beth is growing...

Friday was a very busy day for my little Beth.

In the morning she was able to accomplish the other half of her roll. She loves rolling onto her stomach and Friday she rolled back onto her back. She then rolled back and forth a couple times in a row (I think she was just checking to ensure she could keep doing it). We went to the childrens museum with Aunty Christy and Cayman in the afternoon, where the boys played away the hours and Christy and I had a nice chat. Beth was very content in her carrier which was wonderful, I nursed her and she went back into her carrier till it was time to leave. I am so happy she likes the carrier so much I although I brought in the stoller (which I will not next time) it was nice that I could just park it along the wall and not be force to have it right by me squishing into all the people.

On the drive home Beth became insistant that she had to eat. So we stopped at my parents (who were on a vacation last week) and Thommy and his Unc played away while I nursed Beth. On a side note Thom has been just inlove with Unc lately. My parents just came home from vacation and yesterday when he got to see them for the 1st time he probubly spent half his visit with my brother. Then again today I left him with my mom while I went to Superstore, when I came back he was not with my mom but had left her to go play with Unc. The reason this is so amazing is 8 months ago Thom went through a period when he didnot want Unc to talk to him nor did he want to be with him. (Tim was not so impress as he is Thom's godfather) luckly those days are over now Thom love to be with him so much my brother is worrying over where to put his liquer cabinet in the house, Thom (and Ava) are so lucky that they have an Unc that loves them so much (too bad he doesnt read my blog lol).

Anyways back from the segway, when we got home I changed Beth's diaper and while I was talking to her she put her feet in her mouth for the 1st time, wow!

That evening I got the new baby centre update on 5month olds (yes crazy, she'll be 5mths on the 16th) and it mentioned that babies will focus in on one task and practice it repeatedly to master it for example blowing raspberries. And no suprise Beth loves to purse her lips and blow to make a raspberry noise!

She also is trying to crawl on her belly she moves her legs back and forth like you would if you were crawling, however she hasnt gotten her body up highenough yet. (She use to do an inchworm like crawl, where she would lift her but in the air then lower it and lift it up again and continue along till she would run into something but she hasnt done this in at least a week to a week in and half)

Just if anyone is interested in her size these days, at her 4mth appt, she weighed 15lbs and was 24 inches long. (when she was born she was 7lb 8oz and was 20 inches long). It seems like a lot of growth to me, on the chart she is in the 75percentile for weight and something higher for height (I cant remember oops) but with the new World Health Organization breast fed only chart she is in the 50th percentile - average. I like that chart better just because it is based on breast milk not formula and breast. Thom in comparison was in the 95th percentile for height and weight-more like a lot of chubbiness and he could not get his feet to his mouth until he started moving and lost a little of the roundness.

In my mind, I would love to have 20 kids and see the differences between all of them. Here are some differences between my two so far; Beth has WAY more drool then Thom did. She also is like an owl turning her head all over to see what is going on, Thom moved his body back and forth to check out what was happening. Thom was startled by flashing lights and noises when he was little, Beth went in the exersauser my parents have with all the bells and wistles and loved it (I think Thom broke her in with lots of noises while she was still in the womb). Beth likes to sleep, Thom fought it, and he still fights sleep. Beth sleeps on her stomach (not by my choice) and Thom still seldom will sleep on his stomach. Beth likes to be cuddled, cozy and warm, Thom likes that only when he chooses (like a cat). Beth talks more, Thom laughed more.

Oh and I read on a friends page that when you have the second child you get triple the use out of all of your toys, in my house it is true. Thom played with his toys when he was a baby. Beth comes around and uses all of the toys and while she is using the toys Thom gets reinterested in them and trys them all out again.

pics and stuff

Thom in his 80's shirt (which he choosed) jumping on the bed at the trailer with Ava
Decorating cookies for baby Elliott's parents
Beth in the bike trailer which I was using as a doulbe stroller, Thom squeezes in beside Beth
At the paths in Brandon
In my in-laws pool, Thom wants to keep swimming

Ava and Beth sharing a ride
Happy baby
Beth has a long toung- like my brother Tim and Gene Simmons
Thommy at the lake in the boat
Beth at the beach in Stonewall - loves the sand

Driving home today Thom saw a Saab convertible driving on the hwy and he said to me 'that's a fancy fun car, I want that fancy fun car'! So funny!

Thom at the trailer this past weekend was talking to my mom and said to her - 'I played with my boys' we all snickered, then she asked who his boys are, his reply 'Julien and Cayman' Again very cute.

My MIL took us for lunch today to the Olive Garden, and I was very proud of Thom he was content for almost the whole meal! The salad helped when he started getting bored, he loved the tongs, because they are joined together he could serve it. I always plate the food then bring the plates to the table perhaps at home I should let Thom plate the food for me - I am envisioning a large mess with alot of laughter.

Beth this afternoon as I was visiting my brother was laughing at Thommy. He was rolling on an exercise ball and every time he would mover around she would laugh. It was very relaxing!

Oh, if anyone uses Teddy's Choice diapers they are $10 off a box.

With the nice sunny weather we were having I didnt feel like sitting at the computer to post anything. Now with the rain, I guess it is time.

Thom the other day did something cute in the car as we were driving. Beth started to cry and Thom's ever ready response (which he must have learnt from his Dada) 'Beth's hungry Mama feed her'. Well I had just fed her and it was time for her to sleep, which she was fighting. Thom leaned over in his car seat and picked up her hand and as he did this he said 'your little hand in my big hand'. Well, I just thought that was the nicest thing, it makes me abit teary thinking about it.

Beth loves to roll over onto her stomach. Because she doesnt roll back on to her back easily I had been flipping her back onto her back. It is pretty commical because she rolls over, and I wait until she is in a deep sleep. Once I thinks she is sleeping soundly enough I flip her back onto her back. No more than 10 seconds go by and she flips back onto her stomach - she knows how she wants to sleep.

I was going to end this post with some 'pics' as Thommy say however blogger keeps giving an error so, until next time...

Rolling over

Beth loves to turn herself over. If I put her down on her back and she is not sleeping, flip onto her stomach she goes. When she gets onto her stomach she lays there chewing/eating her hands making unusual noises. She still cannot roll front to back so once she gets there she is stuck - no run away rolling babies yet =)

Beth in her sleep when she gets hungery starts to look for me, before she would just wimper and flaile her arms then scoot over to whereever she felt me (if she didnt find me in a couple seconds, sometimes she would go back to sleep). Now she wimpers and rolls over then she gets very frusterated that there is no milk coming from her hands that she wakes up.

This has gone on for the last four nights, I wonder how long it will continue.

It is so sunny yeah!

It has been so hard to come and post with this nice weather that has been sent to us! Even with the rain on the weekend it was still warm enough to go swimming at my nephew Jackson's 7th birthday party and plant more trees/shrubs on Sunday. The count is at 50 planted this year, 1 of these is a transplant from a different area of the yard and the 11 we planted last year brings us to 60 trees/shrubs minus 4 that didnt make it through the winter - that seems like a lot - yet there is not shade in our yard yet (thank goodness for the porch), I guess in a couple years though we will be looking for sun light!
The work week started beautifully, Cayman and Christy came by for a visit and we played out side, flew a kite and had the usual wonderful time with them over!
Tuesday, Jeff was working in Brandon, so we joined him for the ride and got dropped off at
Riverbank Discovery Centre and walked some of the 17 kms the non profit group has created since 1995 (Assiniboine River Corridor) and enjoyed the Eleanor Kidd Gardens. It was just beautiful a real shock to find that this wildlife areas and paths all begin right in the city. Anyone going through Brandon stop and enjoy this gem.
Wednsday, Jeff was working in the interlake so we got dropped off at my grandparents trailer at the stonewall quarries trailer/rv park and we enjoyed a lovely day, just relaxing, playing in Thom's kiddie pool and just wasting the day away - again a great day!
Thursday we have baby group so Jeff dropped us off at my parents, then we had breakfast with them, and just bummed around that day (thanks to my grampa lending me his truck every thurday). As we were driving to my parents from Healthy Baby, Thom was counting in the truck and he got all the way to 11! Amazing he cant count higher then 4 when I want him to perform for me but he obviously know. (He also says the alphabet ELLOMNRSTBCD and so it continues - he has letters just not the order, he also goes in the kitchen and asks for dello - which is jello too cute!) Then in the evening I got my minivan back whoo hoo :) Now I just have to get use to filling up a vehicle with gas again ouch! Ava and Ang came to my parents after work so the kids got to play. It was a great evening, Tim was home, my brother in law brad came with pizza and my mom was there, a good visit.
And yesterday we were outside for alot of the day just enjoying the yard. we of course had to water and with at almost 3 year old helper it probubly took about 1 hour extra and we were both wet, luckly Beth slept in her carrier even when she got a little wet. When we were watering the trees we count to 40 before he can move on to the next tree, which seldom works ;) but he got to 28 - good for him!!

On a side note, I barely had to wear Thom in the summer, he was born in late sept and by July he was walking and trying to run. Okay that was just background, what my point is, I am so hot! Everytime we go out side I start sweating, we walk to the store or where ever but I cant take her off when we get there as I have sweat marks! yuck! even the small of my back gets it. We went to visit another little boy in town and I carried her in my arms to prevent this. When we were in Belize, I switched from a front carrier and went around carrying her on the side in a sling however, now Beth does not like being carried on the side and prefers the front as she likes to look around.
Does anyone else like to wear there children as a large accessory to their outfit? (I relate Beth to a large broch as she rarley cries when she in in her carrier and she is very happy and people come up and comment about her (usually asking about him in the navy coloured item) Do anybaby wearers have a suggestions, Jill?

Another Day Goes By...

Beth,
So often I post about Thom and I feel like she might need a little more blog time. Seeing how she isnt terribly active, no chasing her around greenhouses yet, what to say it a bit more limited!
Amazing how with the first child, every first I would call people and tell them about it.
Lets me write about a couple new things for my beautiful, happy second child.
-Yesterday, I put Beth down directly on the grass, usually I place her on a blanket but I didnt bring one onto the lawn & I just put her down. So that was her first time with grass. She suprisingly did not fuss and just laid there contently while everyone was around her Omi, Thom, Jeff and me. (Thom was unsure about the first time he was on grass Apr, 06)
-I am pretty sure if I recorded the imatations she does as someone talks to her, you would believe she is talking as she repeats you stories. She is just fantastic at imitations, I believe she said 'I love you' the other day - or she at least wanted to I could see it in her eyes :) (Thom was not nearly as much of a talker, he was more of a fusser).
-Her eye lashes seem to be growing longer and thicker! It really showcases her lovely blue eyes (and makes her look more like a girl, as she is a very sturdy looking child)
-I have now packed away all the new born to 0-3mths clothing. It was very sad as Ava has so much clothing I dont think Beth wore 1/2 of it as she is growing so much quicker then her cousin. Also very different body shapes so the clothes look different on Beth then Ava, it is like it is a whole new wordrobe. I was very excited that yesterday, Beth fit a dress I bought for Ava when she was a year old (the dress is size 9mths)- so cute like a dress tennis players wear. Then I felt sad as my baby is almost four months and is growing and changing so fast. I will say she looked so cute with her little nike runners (an impulse buy, totally impractical) and the sporty dress!
-Next week she goes to the doctors for her 4mth checkup and shots. She would not take tylenol at 2 mths and spit it all out so I am interested to see how this time goes. as a side note she also will not take Oval or gripe water if gassy either. only milk from the source for her.



Okay now I will go onto another very exciting topic . . . I bought a new breast pump yesterday and some glass bottles. I had the Avent Isis pump and Avent bottles which I just did not feel comfortable using as they have been removed from the shelves due to BPA's. I still have the pump, as I dont feel right throwing it out but I dont want to use it. (I threw out all the plastic sippy cups and bottles earlier (with a couple exceptions for brands that are okay) Beth will still get BPA's from any store bought canned foods, store grade food wrapings, and who knows then other places she will get them. Although I do not have any other plastics to be worried about in my house she will go to friends and may eat a plastic single serve fruit cup which is a 7. So long story short, I just want to limit the kids exposure as much as 'I' can. Anyways, back to my excitment, I have been looking at a new pump since Beth has been born but havent been able to justify it, since I have one in my cupboard, but since I am not comfortable with it, I have only pumped by hand once and that was far to hard (worring about Thom bumping me or the milk I was expressing). So now if we ever desire, in the future once I have built up a supply and make sure Beth will take a bottle Jeff and I can go out without the kids! I know that Jeff and I did not leave Thom very often when he was a babe and only for very short times as he would not take a bottle. But Thom is very excited to try to feed Beth with Jeff and I think it would be nice if they could try that in the future - I dont know what I will do but I would love to get a pedicure and I would prefer not to bring Beth with all the chemicals in the air.

Yesterday

Yesterday, Beth sat unassisted for the very first time! yeep is it not much to soon for that first! I look at her and am so amazed by what she has learnt, smiling, laughing, engaging us in a conversation of coos and happy shrieks. She from her back even rolls up to 90 degrees then her arm get in the way and she stays in that position. I love that she is so interactive but at the same time I am sad because with every first, it means there will not be the antisapation of something happening and eventually she will be 5 going to school, 12 and babysitting, 16 driving a car and finishing school then moving away. I know this is abit early to be lamenting about her moving out but she is our last baby. I will never again have the first smile, when she first raised her arms to get picked up (side note the first person she did that for was my mom to her joy!) and those other amazing moments again. I know, I have hundreds of firsts still to come with Beth and Thom and it is amazing to see there diferences and I know they will continue to amaze me for the rest of my life - think positive glass half full.

Yesterday, was a big day for the girl. Usually people ask me about my 2 boys, however at Dollerama, a sales clerk asked me about my 2 girls (how someone could mistake Thom for a girl I have no idea but it was a nice change to have Beth's gender correct) Tim also said after Beth got out of the bath yesterday that she looked like a girl to him aswell. (Tim believes if you paint on a beard and give Beth an ugly shirt she could go a Jeff for Halloween)

Thom went into the sprinkler for the first time yesterday and loved it. he remembered the rule you dont go in the sprinkler with your clothes on so he went to my moms friend and asked her to undress him - he has only me her a couple times very briefly! He also told her to take of her clothes and come play in the sprinkler - however she declined. Very Funny!

Our Weekend

hard to tell due to the camo out fit but I would have to say it is Jeff playing crocket
Omi, with her only grandchildren Thom, Ava and Beth the
Thom and Beth
Thom on the swing in the yard - check out the grass 8)
Beth 14wks old

Beth 12 wks old - 1st trip to the lake
Ang and Ava at the ceremony
Thommy and Ava running
Leanne and Glen
Ava and Omi after the ceremony

So we went this weekend to my cousins wedding in Gimili - Thomas, Jeff, Beth and I. We put the dogs in the kennel, and drove up Friday. The location was lovely, and the weather took a break from the raining and was wonderful. It was an outdoor ceremony and an indoor reception.

I am going to recant the ceramony for you the way it occured for me:

We got there 20 min before the ceremony and quickly ran to mom and dads room and got dressed, My parents helped change the diapers, wash them and dress the kids. Then 4 min before the ceremony we left the room and took our seats. Right after my Aunt walk down to take her seat Thom informed me he peed his pant-which I felt in my hand as I was holding him up. So before Leanne and the bridesmaids walk down the isle, we ran back to the room where I changed Thommy into some jeans with his dress shirt. We ran back to the ceramony and arrived just after the bridal procession. A few minutes in my sister who was holding Beth a few rows up brought her back to me as she was hungry, some readings had just begun so I feed her (cant beat breast feeding in a place like that - no bottle to heat up). The pastor begain to tell a story about Paul and wives sumitting and what it ment. Maybe 10 min in Thom and Ava got bored, my Dad got up and brought them to the water (which was so beautiful and calm!). If you are wondering where Jeff was during this all he kept jumping up and taking pictures. And you need not feel bad for my Dad since Thom has been born he alway leaves the formal occations and takes care of the kids it is his 'out' and he loves them too much not to take it. Anyways, Beth is still eating the vows have begun and Thom goes and makes friends with a man that is drinking by the water and this guy is skipping rocks for Thommy as Thommy keeps handing more rocks to him. Leanne and Frank are pronouned man and wife and are about to kiss. Beth is done eating I sit her up and she lets out the noisest, loudest, longest poop! The row in front of us all bends over shaking with laughter! I leave again to change a diaper and return as the wedding process walk out. Thom has finished playing with the man and him and Ava are running around, Jeff is still taking pictures and Grampa takes Beth to go show her off. Tim (my brother) brings Thom back to the lake to play and skip rocks, and us girls chat until Jeff comes back to us. We all agree it is a perfect time for a family photo and all set up for it. After a couple takes Thom and Ava leave and I try to get Thom back for a pic of the 4 of us. We get one attempt but Thom was way to distracted by Ava playing and off they went to play in the newly soded lawn - picking it up runing, getting grass stains the usual fun times at an outdoor ceremony! So that was all I picked up from the ceremony - nothing I diddnt even see the kiss because I was laughing to hard I had tears in my eyes! Oh well I can see the pictures at another time.

The reception was nice and relaxed I think it was the most comfortable time I have had at a wedding since I before I had kids. We were far enough from the head table that the noise the kids made was not overwelming and each table had shakers so everyone was noisey at times.

Beth was held a lot, and eventually went to sleep in my lap and was transfer to her car seat around 10pm and slept the rest of the evening. Thom stayed up and partyed -even tryed to dance - and he and I went to bed around 1am a very late nite!

Once Jeff downloads his camera I will post some family pics.

In the morning Thom, Beth and I had almost the entire olympic size pool to ourselves. We stayed in for over 1 1/2 hours and it was the first time Beth enjoyed being in a pool! We rushed to pack up our room ate a late breakfast with my grandparents, parents, siblings, neice, kids, husband and Karli!

In the late afternoon we planted 38 small trees and bushes and Thom went to bed eary so Jeff and I set up he new weight bench - I can bench press 200 lbs!

Today we flew kites and have just been enjoying more family time.

So, Beth had her first weekend at the lake and it was pretty uneventful. All four of us had a nice relaxing weekend, we did a couple opening up chores, played some games and ate too much. Thom stayed up way to late every night and enjoyed playing with his older cousin Jackson. And ofcourse Beth enjoyed being cuddled, and loved by the family (and I enjoyed the extra hands to help with the kids which increased my one on one time with Thom and Beth)

Now back in the village it is the same old routine. Pick up rocks, pick up more rocks, pick up lots more rocks, then explain to Thom why he cant go to my pile of rocks and move them back on the mud. Thom loves to go outside and is loving that we are trying to get the yard ready for grass. He has his back hoe, 2 dump trucks, a grader, and a bulldozer all set up to 'help' me. He even askes if it is time to go play in the mud. hmmmm I like to think that is a good thing.

Today we did break our routine. We took out the bike trailer for the first time because it was too windy in our yard-days like today the soil blows in our faces while picking at the rock yuck! So I figured it would be a perfect time to start training, I figure that by August I would be able to make it to Evelyn's house and back for a visit by bike- about 32kms round trip.... I am pretty sure I am wrong it will take years to train for that trek who am I trying to kid. It took about 1 hour to get set up then figuring out how to get the car seat with Beth and Thom crammed into the trailer. After we biked to the store because apparently the air disapeared from all of the wheels. Let me tell you I was sucking air to make the .7km to the store (in my defence I had a trailer with 60lbs of kids and kid stuff in it with four very flat tires and I am only 12 weeks post partum). The bike ride did get better after adding air to the wheels and all three of us did have a great time, especially the break that we took at the park :)

On a side note, I realize that my excuse of only 12 weeks post partum is pretty weak and I will continue to 'train' with the bike and trailer. However I am realistic and I think I will be driving to Evelyn's in the future then maybe biking to the park from there. And perhaps I will bike with Beth in the baby carrier on my front and only Thommy in the trailer. I am open to any sugestions people have on how to get my two kids comfortable for the bike riding I see in my near future.

Out of the mouth of babes

So it seems Beth is almost ready to talk lol!

Jeff swears she has said 'Dada', on the weekend my Mom and Dad both said she repeated 'Opi' and yesterday as I was talking to her she said 'baby Beth'! I gave birth to a wonder child ;)

Thomas last weekend while on the phone to my parents said that Beth was his 'best friend' (I don't know how he has any knowledge of a best friend, but it sure was a wonderful moment). On Friday night my parents brought over chinese food and Thommy's fortune said that he would be very sucessful in buisness. To this he replied 'I am going to take the school bus and go to school'. When I told Jeff the story we both found it amazing that he figured out that he needed to go to school to get an education for his sucess! Or perhaps he thinks it is sucessful to be in school, either way I was impressed!

It was very interesting going to the zoo with Thom this weekend, very different from our last visit. It took over 4hrs to see only about 1/2 or the zoo! Thomas was so interested in everything, asking questions, explaining things to me, running around, looking, watching, touching! Amazing the difference, when we were there over Sept long weekend, it was fun, but to see how much his little brain has grown filled me with awe. This little boy is growning not only physically but mentally and every question he asks and comment he makes displays that fact. (On a side note about 2 wks ago the word why became very predominant in his vocabulary!)Unc teaching Thom to skateboard

Thom telling me about the dragon

checking out a leaf in the conservatory

entrance to the tigers

the zoo keeper talking to us about what might be the oldest black and white lemer in captivity in the whole world. Our Zoo has many of the oldest animals in captivity and 2 of which are in the Guiness Book of world Record, they are currently looking into if the black and white is the oldest

Thom telling me about his very first horse ride

Dad Beth and me outside the Discovery Centre

Thom checking out the rabbits in the Barn at the Zoo