An Apology

I apologize for the horrible typos in my last post.  I was madly typing while breaking up the fights of the two monkeys climbing all over me.  Thanks for your comments, I am glad to know that you can read through my errors.

I was thinking tonight about how many times in a day Lexi hits her head.  While I was writing this post she fell off the chair and hit her head on the kitchen table, an hour earlier she climbed up on the toilet and fell off that.  Honestly there are about two to three good whacks daily to her little noggin.  It's a good thing babies are made out of rubber.

We spent most of the day outside today with the nieghbours's kids.  Cali and James rode their bikes up and down the sidewalk, I don't know how many times.  I am sunburnt, dehydrated and exhausted.  I love summer!

I will leave you with video of Lexi from Christmas on her pony.  (Please note Cali's bedhead, I love it!) This was Lexi's favourite present needless to say.  And yes she has fallen off it many times and hit her head.  Poor kid!  She seems to be doing fine despite the numerous head injuries.  Today her favourite word has transitioned from "no" to "why".  She certainly is growing up with more teeth on the way.

  

gasp!

You know how after you get married your spouse points out all kinds of things about you?  Well one of my things is that I gasp, quite often.  I don't even notice it.  I tend to do it the most while I am reading, as I get quite involved in a story.

I remember one incident early in our marriage I was reading "Shopaholic Ties the Knot" by Sophie Kinsella.  At the beginning when Suze throws the bouquet at Becky and when she catches it she realizes that is it a proposal from Luke!!!  GASP!  Ed ran in our room to check if I was okay, as he was often doing during those first few years.

That was a couple of years ago now.  It has become apparent that Ed has grown accustom to my gasping. Last night as I was reading "The Giver" by Lois Lowry, there was a lot gasping going on.  Ed would just glance over and casually ask what happened in the story.

Marriage is great.    

As an aside I love to read and I can't wait for Cali to be able to learn to read books on her own.  I found this great little show when I was Utah a year ago.  It's called "Super Why" each super hero has a "power" that is required to tell a story.  It's great!   I just wanted to share it and I am so glad that Cali loves it as well.

The Library

I have to admit the library is one of most favourite places.  When I was little girl I remember Mom taking me there and allowing me to choose whatever book I wanted.  I remember taking home Raffi and Anne Murray's "There's a Hippo in my Tub" records.  I even remember one special trip when we got to go into the basement and watch "Mary Poppins" on the big screen.

As I grew older it became a place of escape, within its walls I go anywhere.  Books and videos that I checked out could take to me to far away lands, or tell me local folktales.  I still love the library today for that very reason.

Last Spring when the weather was crumby Cali and I made way to the library.  I picked up a few things I had on hold and Cali got out a movie.  Luckily enough one of our favourite staff members was on.  She asked me how I liked the weather and I told her I didn't mind as long as I had the library to go to.  She laughed telling me that earlier that day someone had come in and tore a strip off her about the weather.  I was shocked.  I suppose I assumed that the library was everyone's "getaway", why would you be cranky there?

When Cali turned two I started taking her to the library weekly for "Story time".  She loves it!  Every week we are introduced to new characters in the books we read and after we get to make a great craft that entertains until the following week.

This past Tuesday was no different.  As we were checking out the Librarian approached a woman and asked if he could speak with her very politely and she in turn was very rude.  Once again I was shocked.  I have always thought that working in the library would be a peaceful, pleasant job.  However I suppose dealing with the public is never 100% pleasant.

Anyway this blog post is dedicated to my librarian and everyone who works or has worked in a library.  Thanks for keeping my getaway open, organized, up to date, and full of great activities.  I did find this video on youtube and now I can understand just how stressful a librarian's job can be.

      

Best Video Ever

Quite possibly the best youtube video ever!  If only is was longer!

My friend Theresa took a video when she meant to take a picture of her husband.  This is what happened!  Tack sa mycket!!!

Baby on the Move

Lexi is officially crawling now.  Cali seemed to skip that step, she crawled with one leg straight for about three weeks and then started to walk.  If I had a fully functioning computer I would post a video of it; it was quite funny to watch.

But our Lexi is a crawling baby, up on all fours making her way around and around the island in the kitchen with her big sister chasing after her saying "No, Lexi!  Don't!" as she gets into everything.

It just gets better from here doesn't it?

I got video of Lexi crawling uploaded! Take a look!

Lexi Lou

This past week has been a big one for our little Lexi.  Let me list all the news:

-She turned five months old! 
-Her nose looks fantastic, and on Friday I was told that if everything contiues the same as it is now she won't need surgery!
- She discovered her toes.
- She discovered her hands.
- She ate rice cereal and loved it.
- She sat up on her own for about 5 minutes before falling over!
- She discovered her tongue this morning and can't keep it in her mouth.  Even better we found out that she has a Fountain tongue like her great great aunt and Mommy!
- She has learned to love her new jumper!  (Thanks Michelle!)

Here are a few videos of our amazing milestones this week!

Lexi in the jumper.



Lexi's Fountain tongue.

My Two Girls

These two girls keep me very busy and I love just about every minute of it.  I was thinking yesterday that just four short years ago I didn't even know Ed.  Things in your life can change very quickly.

The past few weeks I have been feeling a little stressed with Ed being so busy with work, coaching, and with his bishopric calling.  I feel like we rarely get 10 minutes alone together.  It seems like when that happens we look at each other and collaspe.  So I am looking for any advice that anyone has to give about coping without a husband and maintaining my support.  

One thing I started to do was to make waffles on Sundays after church when we are all hungry and cranky.  I make the batter the night before so when I come home we have fresh homemade waffles in about 10 minutes.  I altered a recipe and made them very healthy (only 2 points each!)  This has made my life easier.  Any other suggestions?

What else is new with the Yus?  Here are a few videos from the past couple of weeks.

I finally caught a Lexi laugh on video.  She sure loves her older sister!



...Cali got into the hot chocolate mix...



... and Lexi taking a few steps with assistance.







 

Life is Busy

They were right when they told me if I was bored at home to have another child. Life is pretty busy. Here are a few videos of the past week.
Cali loves playdates with her friends. Here a quick video of her and her best friend jumping on my bed.

Cali loves the Wii Fit Plus. This is her favourite game. I love the part where she says "flap those wings chicken Cali".

Here is Cali creating another masterpiece...

...last but not least Lexi walking!!! Unfortunately, the video is not available(You'll just have to believe it :))

Happy Birthday To Me

So today is my birthday.  It has now been offically 10 years since I was teenager.  Time is just flying by so quickly.  I remember this day 10 years ago... today has been much better despite the fact that Cali woke up crying and contined to cry I as got the girls ready for church.  Then Lexi had a blow out and Cali pooped her pants.  Needless to say we didn't make it through all three hours of church today.  We all needed a bath after an hour and a half. 

Check out the cake Ed bought me.  He knows what a big Dora fans Cali and I are.  It means so much to me to have a husband who knows just what I need and takes the time to make me feel special.  I know that Ed and the other members of the bishopric are super busy but Ed managed to spend time with me and the girls today.  Normally we only see Ed for a few hours on Sundays but today we got to spend most of the day together.  That was the best part of today.

Speaking of our little Dora fan here a great picture of her in the Dora jammies that she got for Christmas.  Please note the matching Dora slippers.


Here's a cute little Cali quote.  Last week I had "Harry Potter and the order of the Phoenix" sitting on my bedside table.  Cali pointed at it and her in sweet little voice she said "we get that chicken book at the library Mommy?".  She's so funny, I love her interpretation of the world. 

Lexi had her first laugh Friday night as Cali was taking a bath at Grammie's house.  Mom was holding Lexi on her lap watching Cali in the tub and as Cali was squirting water Lexi laughed "huh-huh".  Mom called out to me "I didn't know that Lexi was laughing already".  I said "she's not"!  I ran into the bathroom and heard the laugh repeated.  So darn cute!  I knew that Cali would be the first one to make her laugh as she just adores her big sister. 

It's too bad we didn't catch the laugh on video like we did with Cali.  I am going to have to try to see what I can do.  Just for old times sake here is Cali's first laugh so many years ago...

First Smiles

I finally caught some of Lexi's first smiles.  She has been smiling for about two weeks now.

Little Momma

When I first brought Lexi home Cali would try to feed her with her play baby bottles.  With much education on how Lexi eats that finally stopped.  So a  couple of weeks ago I found Cali feeding her baby in the bathroom.  I thought it was so cute!  I am happy to report that my education was well received.  Here's to future of breastfeeding!

Cali also had fun a few days ago experimenting with static.  I took a quick video.

I am Behind!

I've fallen a little behind on my blogging; So this a super-post many things to update!

First a little Cali update.  She spent the weekend with her Grammie and Papa.  It sounds like she had an action packed time!  While she was there she drew a picture of our family that I want to share.  She looks like Rollie Polie Ollie, hey?  Cute, cute!  I love it when kids start to draw. 

I also love that she made me skinnier than Ed!  Haha!  Speaking of which I am joining the Biggest Loser contest in town starting in January.  I plan to win!  I will also keep you posted on my progress as well.  Maybe I will be skinnier than Ed again!

Cali is working on potty training again.  The M&Ms are helping this time... more incentive than stickers!  Hope it sticks!

Here is a cute video of her singing the Alphabet Song.  Little Miss Entertainment!

Lexi is 5 weeks old and has porked out; she is now about 11 lbs!  She is also wearing size 6 month sleepers.  She's so much bigger than Cali was it will be interesting who ends up being bigger in the end.  Her one month Chinese party is this weekend.  Hope you can make it!

I finished reading "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova.  Excellent book a bit longer than I am used to but fully worth it!  I was little disapointed in the ending... I would have made it different.  I won't give details so I don't ruin it for anyone.  So email me and we can talk about it if you like.  I love to talk books! 

Also did I mention that the book isn't scary?  For anyone who is like me: I was a little afraid to read it but I will assure you it's not scary... I found it suspensful, but not scary.  So when the movie comes out in the new year I taking Ed to go see it.  So he will now what I was up to all weekend.

 As I mentioned in a previous post I am only reading children's literature this year to give my brain a break.  The Historian was not planned it just happened...

Anyway I am now reading the Harry Potter series.  I remember during my first year of university my friend told me that her little brother was making her read it because he thought it was such a great book.  I thought "oh look a nice little kid's book".  A few years later is popularity exploded.

I never read the books being swamped with school work.  So I decided to read them this year, thinking that all the hype would let me down.  Well they are as good as everyone says; what an imagination J.K. Rowling has.  She is simply amazing, I would love to read more of her books.  Anyway for anyone like me they are certainly worth the read.

So I think that I have updated this enough for now.  Must get back to Hogwart's.... or my kids...

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone! This year Cali went trick or treating for the first time. I think that she had a great time from what Ed said; I stayed at home with the baby. I am sad that we didn’t get any more pictures of the special day. Cali dressed as a cow, Ed was a cowboy, I was a labour and delivery nurse and Lexi was a newborn. We were pretty cute I must say considering our costumes were kind of thrown together; things are different with two kids.

Cali walked right in the front door with her treats and sat down started eating. I think that she finished off all of her candy within 20 minutes. That’s my girl!!!  I don't hold back on the candy during Halloween.  That's what that night is all about!

After the trick or treating we headed over the Lindsay and Shane’s for the annual party. We had a great time there. The food was AMAZING! I wish I had more of an appetite. I really wish that I had of got some pictures. I am going to have to steal some off and Lindsay and post them later.

Anyway here are some pictures of Cali dressed up and a video of her as a “kitty cow”. Cali has been a kitty for about a month now. It’s so cute how they pretend at this age.  I am just loving two!

Our Return from the Hospital

We got home from the hospital on Sunday and we were greeted with a sick little Cali Belle. Mom said that our poor little had had the runs all day. Despite her illness Cali remained in a high spirits giving lots of love and attention to her “little stister”.

We dealt with the runny poops all day Monday and that night my milk started to come in and needed to feed Lexi every 2 hours. So Ed and I weren’t getting much sleep, maybe an hour at a time every 2 hours. Then at 5am Cali wandered into our room white as a sheet with books to read. Poor little pumpkin thought it was the morning. So I picked her up and cuddled her in our bed, then she got sick all over the sheets. So we had to strip the bed and change the sheets in between our strict feeding schedule.
After Cali was sick she asked for a snack so I prepared some peanut butter toast and then fed Lexi. The next thing I know…

There was peanut butter in her hair, all over her, and the table (yes I took a picture). I had to laugh, what else can you do? We were so tired and our little pumpkin was obviously feel well enough to make a mess so I wasn’t too worried. I gave her some Tylenol and she shortly fell asleep with me in the bed.

The next day I had to go to the doctor for Lexi’s and my check-up. I walked into the waiting room and noticed that I was the only one in there without a mask (hooray for H1N1). So I found a secluded spot in the corner and fell asleep in the waiting room. I was gently awoken by my doctor, who assured me it wouldn’t be much longer. My doctor is honestly the best. We work together in the ER on nights so it’s not the first time he has caught me asleep. The receptionist found it quite entertaining, I am glad that I could give everyone a laugh that day.  Oh the postpartum days.

Cali is still dealing the poops, but remains in good spirits. Everyone has wanted to know how she is dealing with her little sister; well she is doing just great. We have only had one run in with jealousy thus far and it’s been almost a week. We are so proud of her! She wants to help all the time and asks to hold Lexi quite often.

Lexi is doing great as well. Her jaundice is clearing up and she is filling diapers like no one’s business. So all is well here and I will update as often as possible on our little family.

Here is a better video of the girls together. No nose picking this time!

It's a Girl!!!!

So here's the story...

I asked Mom to come out on Friday to help watch Cali so I could put the car seats in the car and tidy around the house. Well as it turned out I felt the baby drop around 5pm that night and asked Mom to stay. My first contraction was around 9pm and continued through the night. At one point they were even 6 minutes apart. Around 5am I thought that I would try to get some sleep so I laid down and the next thing I knew it was 8:30am. Needless to say I was a little disappointed that I hadn’t had the baby already. My labour with Cali was 13 hours from start to finish so I figured this thing should be done by now.

So I got up and started doing things around the house and my contractions continued on sporadically throughout the day. Finally around 5pm the contractions jumped from 5 minutes to 2.5 minutes. So I figured it was time to go. As we drove to the city I still didn’t think that the pain was intense enough to be checked, so Ed and I were talking about going to the mall for a bit and walking around. Just as we were about to make the turn to the mall I had a strong contraction and suggested that we go to the hospital instead.

So I walked up the maternity triage and told them that I didn’t think that I really needed to be there; however I would like to be checked since I had been in labour for so long. I basically just wanted to know that I had accomplished something. So they hooked me up the fetal monitor and noticed a few decelerations in the baby’s heart rate but weren’t too concerned as she remained very active. I was left on the monitor for quite some time. I still figured that they would send me home as the pain was quite tolerable. I was then checked by the doctor at 9pm who told me that my cervix was very thin and that I was at 6cm, so I wasn’t going anywhere. I was so relived to hear that news I almost cried.

We were then transferred to the delivery room where I jumped in the bathtub and enjoyed the hot water from the shower. The whole time I was able to talk to Ed and we were making jokes. Again with Ed’s help I was able to have another drug free labour and delivery. He is the best labour coach ever, couldn’t have done it without him. After about half an hour in the tub I felt it was time to get out, then I felt the pressure of the baby’s head and I knew it was time to have the baby. Ed found the nurse quickly for me and I was able to start pushing.

Once the baby’s head was out they asked me to stop pushing but as any woman who has had a baby knows that almost an impossible request. So they let me finish pushing the baby out. As it turns out the cord was wrapped around our baby’ s neck twice. They wanted me to stop pushing so they could cut it, but since it didn’t take me much time to finish pushing they were able to unwrap it quickly. Ed said her face was quite blue, but by the time I saw her she had already started to pink up. Her one minute and five minute APGAR score was 9; so she was just fine.

Lexi was born to us on Saturday October 24th 2009 at 9:55pm weighing in at 6lbs 12oz and 19 inches long. Dr. P. Connick was our fantastic doctor and Ingrid was our amazing labour and delivery nurse. We had a fantastic experience at the hospital all the staff were pleasant and very knowledgeable. Without their help I don’t think that Lexi would have made it. It scares me to think that we could have lost her.

So that’s the story of how Lexi came to us and we don’t ever want her to leave!

Our Likeness in Snow

Yesterday we received a beautiful dump of wet sticky snow. Something that is rare and appreciated here in Southern Alberta. Most of our snow here is so dry that it just blows away. You honestly don’t need to shovel it, a broom will work fine. However yesterday Mother Nature gave us this beautiful blessing; snow made for building snowmen.


So Ed took it upon himself to take Cali outside and teach her how to build a snowman. Cali had a blast as you can see in the video that I am posting. Here you can see that they built a snowman for each member of our family. Ed even thought to add the detail of my prego belly. It’s quite cute.  As you can see ( I hope) I tried to make Ed and Cali's eyes look Asian.  Tell me if I did a good job.

Cali and I also attended the local MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers) group this morning. I was a little nervous that Cali would be sad when I left her to play alone with the other kids, but she was just fine. When I went to pick her up she thanked the supervisors and even blew kisses to them. She had a great time!

MOPS is a great program. If you have one in your area I encourage you to try it out. The kids play and are supervised while you go upstairs and visit with your friends. Today the Moms made candles and scrapbook cards. Next month they are planning a spa day. I hope to attend but I am not sure what life will be like with the new baby here.

Anyway here is the website if you want to learn more about it: http://www.mops.org/

Happy October!

I have to admit I have been waiting for this month for about... 9 months. I was so excited to flip the page on my calendar and last week when got our first snowfall I was completely ecstatic! Cali and I went out and played in the yard for the first time in a few weeks. The 33 degree weather we had was going to kill me! I swear we have never had a better September than this year and I couldn't even enjoy it!


With winter approaching quickly I am ready to start decorating for Christmas! I know I must wait until Hallowe'en is over. I have completed my shopping I just need to wrap the gifts. I am just having difficulty finding a time when both Ed and Cali are out of the house or sleeping. Perhaps that will be next prenatal insomnia task. I am getting so excited for Cali to see her gifts! Christmas with kids is the best!

Thanksgiving was much enjoyed by our family. Ed's older brother Darryl came down from Edmonton and my parents came up from Okotoks to spend the day with us. The food was great as usual and we just had a great time spending time together as a family.

I am now 37 weeks and 4 days. So anytime now would be good. I think that I have everything ready now. I cooked up a storm all weekend and now our freezer is full with meals. I also washed and folded all the baby clothes, which now thanks to my daughter are scattered about the house. I am sure she will be willing to pick them up later :)

Another event; Ed and I puppy-sat over the weekend for a Chihuahua named Leah. I must admit that we both had some anxiety about it at the beginning but we survived quite well. Cali loved having a dog in the house, and referred to her only as "cute little doggy". She loved to help with Leah's care, so I am hoping this will be a similar reaction to her little "stister".

I just have a couple of videos that I want to share of Cali singing. It's funny Ed always talked about how he wanted his children to enjoy music; I think it’s safe to say he got his wish. Cali loves to sing and serenades us throughout the day.

My Favourite Song

This is by far my most favourite song.  Every time I hear it I am ready to pack my bags and leave the prairies.  Only another three years, right????

The end of September

It feels like a lot has happened since I last blogged.  I reached a milestone in my pregnancy on Monday by changing to my baby delivery doctor.  Yep, I am now 35 weeks (tomorrow 36!).  He and I work together in the ER so it nice to already know each other.  I think that he is great and very cautious which I don't mind.  He decided to send me for another ultrasound to make sure that everything was okay with the baby.  He thinks that because we nurses work so hard our babies tend to be on the small side and he also wanted to make sure there was enough fluid as well.  Can you see why we like him so much in the ER?  He knows that nurses are hard workers!  

Anyway we headed into the city yesterday for the ultrasound and everything looks great according to the report.  The baby weighs a little over 5 pounds, which is great.  Cali weighed about that much at this time as well.  Comforting to know that this one will also be a little peanut if the ultrasound was accurate.  I am betting on 6lbs 5oz  for this one.  The Ultrasound Tech also told me that this baby has hair (unlike her older sisiter) and looks like a girl still.  So we are go to go... we just need to think of a name.  I am still leaning toward Cassandra or Natasha... Ed was thinking about Erin last night.  We are still working on it...

Cali went home with her Grammie last night to spend a few days there so I could get some rest.  I slept until 11:30am today, but I just don't know to do without her.  The house feels so empty.  Last night Ed and I didn't know what to do either.  After supper we just looked at each other, trying to think of something to do.  Luckily enough Ed had bought me the "Beatles Rock Band" a few days ago so we played that until it was time for bed.  We had a great time playing it and I have to say I was not so bad on the drums, but as my drummer friend told me years ago Ringo wasn't a drumming genious.  Anyway that music brought back a lot of Astral Drive Juniour High memories and I ended up with some crazy dreams last night.

In other news Cali can now jump even higher and here is the video to prove it.  Her Dad is so proud!     

Cali also attended her first traditional birthday party.  She had a blast and didn't want to leave, even though I made her wear a dress.  Hey, I always had to wear dresses to birthday parties until maybe grade 6.  I swear that birthday party so well planned; I am stealing all the ideas.  I had absolutely no idea we were there for three hours, the time just flew.  This is a picture of Cali painting her plate which they later decorated with fish stickers and sand; it was a mermaid theme party.  We have the plate up on the fridge still.

That's about it from here, now I will get back to thinking of what to do without Cali around the house.

I am really excited!

I just heard about this new show on Nickelodeon for kids. It's called "Ni Hao Kai Lan". It's so perfect for Cali as it teaches the Chinese language and culture. Something that we are sadly lacking in Strathmore. I am sorry to say that Cali is growing up white. So I bought these movies hoping that it will add a little Asian influence in her life. If you are interested here is the intro to it.