Happy First Halloween 2010!

The kids celebrated their first Halloween today. And what a day it was. We started it off by going out for breakfast. Everyone put on funny ears (including Mommy and Nanna). In the afternoon, we dressed up in more funny costumes and in the evening we put on even MORE funny things. We stopped by both of our neighbours and Eric The Sheriff's (the kids scored some good grub, smile). Here are some pictures of our fun filled day.

  Besos, The Zoo

Pictures from Nanna

After 6 months of stockpiling her pictures, I finally got them off of her camera. Here are a few of the 387...

Getting Ready for Halloween

So we were getting ready for Halloween (read: taking embarrassing pictures of the kids to later show at their wedding) and thought that you'd like a sneak peak. We tried to get a picture of Artemis with anything on but it was not to be. I can hardly wait until Sunday (or do we celebrate it on Saturday? I guess I'll know once the kids arrive...).


Max had finally caught on to our antics and took off (with the ears still on).


Even Ed got in on the fun.

My Little Passion

Today I got to live one of my passions. Skiing you ask, no. Sleeping in (I wish, a close second), no. Enjoying the beautiful fall weather, no (well yes but not what I was going for). If you guessed collecting beer bottles on the side of the road, you’re right! The weather was so nice today that the kids, the dogs, Eric (The Sheriff) and I went for a long walk. I even found two beer bottles!

Here's a picture of me with one of my stash


and the kids (courtesy of The Sheriff)

Who Are They?

People often ask me, “Who Are They”? Meaning, what are their personalities like, how are they similar, different? I think that some people think that they should be more alike because they were born at the same time when really, they’re just siblings. Now Max and Alexander would have been another story…

I usually respond with “Artemis is a tyrant” and “Max is simple”. Not exactly true or how I want my kids to be portrayed but it gets the point across. Then it got me to thinking, “Who Are They”? Here is who I perceive them to be today. Tomorrow is another day.

Max is the talkative one of the bunch. He’s been chatting since March 23, 2010 (one month, adjusted). He really thinks that he’s having a conversation with you or more often himself and is very animated. I can’t wait to know what he’s saying, perhaps reciting Plato or Socrates. He used to be the big eater (of solids), now he isn’t interested much. It could be because he’s teething (they both are) or that he’s just too interested in the world around him. He’s happy to sit in his high chair, chewing on his spoon and watching his sister eat or the cat go by. Speaking of the cat, neither are very interested in her (she isn’t around much and never has been) but she will let them “pet” her when they do manage to find her. He doesn’t mind having his diaper changed, dressed or put to sleep. In fact, like his mommy, he really likes his sleep. Both of them have been sleeping through the night (10hours+) since May 28, 2010 (3 months of age, adjusted). Like his sister, his smile just lights up the room. Lucky for us, he smiles almost all the time.

When Artemis first meets you she’s a bit skeptical (just like her dad). She puts on her “you’re sketchy” look and watches your every move. Within two minutes, she’s in love and gives you a huge grin, from ear to ear. She is very inquisitive and is the first one to do everything; pulling things down, crawling into, climbing over. She’ll be the first to skydive (followed closely by her brother). She’s currently the leader, although part of that is because she’s a better crawler (she’s been doing it for over 3 months versus his two weeks). I would bet that she’s an extrovert and Max is an introvert. Artemis likes to use her brother as a jungle gym but he doesn’t seem to mind too much. When he does, he just pushes her (easily) out of the way. Max has the advantage of being 5 pounds heavier. Artemis is more of a night owl (like her daddy). She will go down for a nap or sleep if she’s tired but more often than not, she’d rather be up and part of the party. She is very persistent and cheeky. When you tell her to “give her brother back his toy” (that she’s taken yet again), she gives you her “scrunchy face” (think Popeye).

They spend a lot of their time playing quietly together or individually (always within eye sight of each other). They’re both cuddly but very independent.

People always comment on how happy, calm and quiet they are. We are so lucky to have such great kids and look forward to finding out more about them every day.

Mutiny

of the Diaper Change. "Who Me?" says She. For any of you that has changed Artemis' diaper, you know what I'm talking about. She flips, she flops, she flies. Whatever it takes to impede your progress. This morning, after trying for several minutes, Ed and I had to tag team her just to get her diaper on.


In the evening we went to Finnerty's and Artemis bid on an item (ironically it was three dolls) all by herself! I was carrying her in my carrier (facing out) and she was waving around her hat. The auctioneer took two of her bids then realized what was happening (I was talking to someone else) and had to restart the bid. Oops!

We've Graduated

...to the bigger laundry basket and we can now stand. For dinner we had lasagna and broccoli. Since Max started to crawl, they've been playing together a lot more. Wherever Max is, Artemis is, wherever Artemis is, Max is. It's really cute to watch except when Artemis takes Max's toy (which is all the time) and he gets upset.

The fun never ends at "The Zoo".

Taken today


Taken September 13, 2010

Artemis Gains Weight

At her last weigh in on September 20, Artemis was no longer registering on the growth chart, she was too light (even for her adjusted age). So, for the past month we have been trying different ways to help her gain weight; formula in her bottle for extra calories, calorie rich foods (avocado, hard boiled egg yolk) and an extra dream feed at night (I was waking her up to feed, eck!).

All of our hard work paid off! Today she weighed 14lbs5oz a one month gain of 15oz (1oz short of a pound). She is "just" on the chart. This is really great weight gain as this is a time where it really slows down (1.5-3oz per week).

Nanna left today after a four-day visit.

Here's a picture of them opening up their presents from Joanne and Kent.


and one of Artemis where you can just see her two bottom teeth. Note that one of her top teeth ("E") is just starting to break the surface. Refer to the September Posting titled "Max's First Tooth" for the tooth chart.

More Then Just a Quarter to this Baby Loss Mother

Today is "Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day".

Lots of people have lost a child, however, when you're going through the loss yourself, it seems like you're the only one in the entire world..

People don't talk about it very much.

I get it. No one wants to talk about dead babies.

This is my life.

The good news, I have been in contact with a lot of really great women who have been supporting me through this lifelong journey. Unfortunately, they can support me because they too have lost a child.

Today I want to share with you the story about a woman that gave me a quarter.

But not just any quarter.

What a Week!

On Saturday, Uncle Andrew arrived.
On Sunday, Ed left for Dallas.
On Monday, Poppa arrived.
On Tuesday, Uncle Andrew left.
On Wednesday, Max started crawling (forwards) and Artemis continued to show us how she can walk (using her shopping cart).
On Thursday, Ed came home and Poppa left.
On Friday (tomorrow), Nanna arrives.

With all the activities, we didn't get much time to take pictures but here are a few.

"You're Going the Wrong Way!"

If you don't know what I'm talking about, rent "Planes, Trains and Automobiles". Even if you don't want to know what I'm talking about, rent it anyways, it's a classic staring Steve Martin and John Candy.

Speaking of which, Max is now crawling... backwards. Considering I don't know where he's going, he might actually be going the right way (smile).

Today Artemis got her other tooth in ("P", bottom, right).

Ed made it off safely to Dallas this morning at 4:30am! He is at an annual security conference that they (the Americans) booked over Canadian Thanksgiving. Can you imagine if we did something like that to them (can you tell I'm bitter, smile).

Everyone is looking forward to Poppa's visit tomorrow.

It was such a lovely day out that Uncle Andrew (who arrived yesterday) and I loaded up the kids (in their backpack carriers) and took the dogs for a long walk. I was fortunate enough to collect 16 beer bottles!

Chinese Product Alert

After that "Chinese" dog food was linked to dog deaths, Ed and I committed to not bringing anything made in China (or with products from China, or products with unknown origin) into the house. Not all Chinese products (that would be pretty difficult), however, products that were edible or that could be ingested; hand toys, food, bottle liners, etc...

Today I was showing our new Baby Mum Mums to Eric (The Sheriff) and he said "Oh, they're made in China" to which I responded, "No, I am diligent about reading the label, these are certified organic by the USDA NOP" (I have to admit that I have no idea who this is). Unfortunately, I was wrong.

After reading all the "creative" information (it was hard to tell), all the products are from China, certified by the USA and imported by a Canadian company (in BC).

Another product bites the dust. Anyone have any other options?

Baby Mum Mums

In case you didn't know...

Baby Mum-Mum Rice Biscuits are made with premium, organic Japonica rice, potato start, sugar and sea salt. It is also gluten-free, egg-free and peanut-free, with no artificial additives and preservatives.

The makers web site states that they are "no mess". Note that this does not apply to my kids. There's stickiness everywhere (goes well with the snot, smile).

Here are a few pictures.

Life in General

Max's two teeth are still coming in and almost picture worthy. Artemis' lone tooth hasn't moved much and the other tooth is still just hiding below the surface.

Max is starting to (half) pull himself up and can stand (holding onto something). He's on all fours most of the day, rocking back and forth but seems more interested in standing.

Artemis is getting really fast at crawling and when she knows that you're coming after her she "hightails" it the other direction.

They're getting solids 2-3 times a day. They love veggies and cereal, not so big on meat/eggs and fruit. They could eat carrots and sweet potatoes all day long. Yesterday we started them on "Baby Mum Mums" and they were generally able to feed themselves.

They've started to drop things (from their high chairs) and then look at where they've gone. Let the games begin.

They've had head colds for over one week but it doesn't seem to bother them very much (still sleeping at night, taking naps, eating well). All the snot, everywhere is getting to me a bit...

Here's a picture of the kids hanging out with Daddy,


and Artemis chilling out under the chair eating the strap from her high chair.

Weekend at Yvon's

We spent the past day and a half at our friend Yvon's "cottage" (more like a mansion) on a lake in Quebec (2.5 hours from our house). We've been going every fall for the past 8 years (except last year) and look forward to it, as does he. He is an incredible cook who loves to cook for others (we always gain a few pounds) and loves the dogs (he's their "godfather"). He is amazing with kids and they were on their best behaviour even though they're both sick with a head cold (AND teething)!

Yesterday we dressed the kids up warmly (the sun was shining and it was really warm out) and we all went out for a walk.

Here's a picture of Yvon with the dogs.


Max in his carrier (riding on Daddy's back).


Artemis in a carrier on Mommies back.


Evening activity (in front of the tv).

Double Trouble

Not to be outdone by her brother, Artemis got her first tooth today (bottom, left, "O"). I have a feeling that the other one is soon to follow. We'll be sure to take pictures soon.

Not to be outdone by his sister, Max has been gearing up for his first crawl. For the past few evenings, after I put him down to sleep, I'll go in to check on them and he's been up on all fours and rocking back and forth.

It won't be long...