Pamplemousse

a little closer

2006-12-19T09:30:00.000-05:00

a little closer,
originally uploaded by Monkey's Mom.

blah blah blah

trente et trois semaines

2006-12-06T18:59:00.000-05:00

Week 33,
originally uploaded by Monkey's Mom.

33 weeks. That seems so old yet not. The boy continues to grow like a weed, make his opinions known ("I SHALL NOT EAT CORN! NO MATTER HOW MANY TIMES OR WAYS YOU TRY!"), and crawl like a drunk. He smiles non stop and giggles with delight just when I'm about to lose my mind.

He gurgles, he repeats "ba ba" like he's completely forgotten that "ga ga" exists, he zerberts, he screams, he chews...

He grows and grows and grows.

And I love him more every minute.

change

2006-11-15T09:22:00.000-05:00

First of all. I wanted to share with you a photograph of my little monkey's nose. The deformed nose. Honestly, it looks much worse today than it did last night even. I suppose that's just the healing process, but it makes me feel bad all over again. It doesn't help that everyone who sees it says "Oh, your poor little nose." Yes, I am a bad parent.

The photo was taken this morning while Papa fed him his cereal... just in case you were wondering if he was rabid and foaming at the mouth.

In other news, I've decided to make a change in my life. It's something I've been talking (err, whining) about for some time and I've made the decision to take the plunge.

I'm changing my blog.

It's still in the early stages and I've got to finish designing my template (my newfound fondness for Photoshop has inspired me), move the archives from blogger and some other miscellaneous stuff. So, I'll continue to post here for the time being, but expect big changes ahead! Woo hoo!

Perhaps I'll make the big debut on my blogaversary... that's gotta be coming up shortly. But, I think it's in December and frankly, I'm too excited to wait that long. I'm impatient, ya know.

I finished my Christmas card design yesterday. It's not clever, but it's cute... I started one and ended up scrapping it for a new background. I'm much more pleased with the second incarnation. I'm still tweaking it, so I don't want to post it. But, I will eventually.

logan, the tiger

2006-11-14T15:15:00.000-05:00

Yesterday my sister, Vicki, had a conference with my niece's teacher. Prior to the conference, the teacher had them fill out a self-assessment form. Logan answered yes and no questions about working by herself, solving problems, raising her hand and the like. At the bottom, the teacher asked the student to write a sentence or two about what they think they do best. Logan's words:

I think I do best in: "reading. I think I do good because I em grat. I am grat because I jest em."

Yes you are, Lo. Yes. You. Are.

humpty dumpty

2006-11-14T08:28:00.000-05:00

This morning after breakfast, I sat the monkey down on the leather chair in the living room. I pulled the ottoman over to act as another line of defence in the event the monkey decided to roll.

Evidently I needed a third line.

I was cleaning out his bottle and cereal bowl when I heard a loud 'thud' and then the screaming. I turned around and there was Jacques, face first, on the carpet. I ran over and picked him up telling him how I was so sorry and he was going to be ok, he was just scared.

Then I saw it. The blood.

I'm making it out to be much worse than it actually was. Really, the amount of blood was minimal, but any blood is worrisome to me. What happened, basically, is the boy got a rug burn on his nose and it bled a little bit. I brought him over to the sink and gently dabbed the delicate skin with a warm, wet wash cloth. The tears were streaming and I just held him tight and told him he was going to live to see another day, despite mommy's best efforts to the contrary.

I could have sat there holding him all morning, but I had to get the boy to daycare. So, after he calmed down, I put him in the car and sang to him the whole way DCP's house. I didn't want him to fall asleep because of the bump to his noggin but it's not easy to keep a boy who's been sobbing awake.

Of course, as soon as I walked through the door at DCP's, she said, "Awww, what happened to your nose?" Dangit. So much for that. I said "Face plant this morning." She told me that it would likely get more bright red throughout the day, but that he would be just fine. As I turned to leave I kissed Jacques on the cheek and said "I'm sorry I've deformed your beautiful little face, buddy."

Boy am I glad we got Christmas pictures made on Sunday.

so it begins

2006-11-13T22:54:00.000-05:00

While out picking up the monkey from daycare, I was able to retrieve the CD of pictures Jen took yesterday during our holiday photo spectacular. There are some really great shots. I'm not going to share any for now, though. Just trust me.

The process begins of wading through & eliminating photographs while trying to find the perfect mix. I've decided, for the time being, to create my own card this year. However, Photoshop is not one of my strong suites. As a matter of fact, I removed it last year sometime during one of the many laptop crashes and never got around to reloading it. I have an older version - 7, I think - and it's not coming back to me as quickly as I expected. I attribute that to "mommy brain." It seems to me that someone gave me a version of CS, but lord only knows where I put it.

So it's 11p, about 2 hours after I talked to Jean (who is away on business for the night) and told him I was giving up and going to bed. The problem is that I hate not being able to figure out a problem. I'm a reasonably intelligent person and able to follow instructions. However, truth be told I've not really gone in and played with Photoshop in years. And some of this crap is just plain confusing. Especially when you're impatient and skip around in the reading.

I'm giving myself a week to figure it out and come up with a reasonable Christmas card before I throw in the towel and do something online. I'm already scouring the net for ideas that I want to (ahem) borrow. I found a stock background image that I really love, but after spending the last 2 hours playing with it, I think it's too busy. Dagnabit.

I am off to la la land now... where I shall dream of vector images, palettes, RGB, opacity, layers and brush tools. Ugh, I think that's more like a nightmare.

hanging around

2006-11-13T11:21:00.000-05:00

By the way, the monkey is 7 months old today. Wow. Seven months.

Last night I was playing with the boy after dinner and before bed. We were rolling around on the floor, trying to crawl and rocking about like mad monkeys.

As I was getting ready to take him upstairs, I decided to try to put him on my shoulders, something I'd previously not attempted. He didn't really know what to make of this new seat and spent most of the adjustment time trying to stand up on my shoulders. I finally jiggled him down with his bum on my neck.

I don't think he enjoyed himself much. NOT! If there was volume on this photo you'd hear him squealing with glee. He loved it. I walked him all the way up to his nursery, stopping at every mirror to show him. Each time he screeched louder and louder. I think that we might have to try that again!

I think this puts to rest the debate once and for all. The boy is a monkey. Plain & simple.

holiday card

2006-11-13T08:55:00.000-05:00

It's election day in Ontario. Those of you in the province should get out there and do your civic duty!

Yesterday the fam - Jean, Francis, Jacques and I went to get our Christmas portrait done with my photographer of choice, Jenn Howard. She's done lots of pics for me - my maternity portraits, Jacques newborn & 6 month portraits... and now the Christmas pics. Our primary focus was to get something of the two boys for our holiday card, but we did snap a couple of the whole fam-damily for documentation purposes. I think the only other picture we have is one my mom took about a week after Jacques was born and we all look like we'd been hit by a truck. A big truck... not one of those tiny little Toyota numbers.

The pictures went well and I think she got a couple of cute ones of the boys and maybe one I can stand of the 4 of us. Jacques was still in the "You can't make me smile" mind set, but we managed to coax a few out of him.

Now the search begins for a card. Many of you know that I'm a bit of a pain in the arse when it comes to holiday cards. I always want them to be perfect, but rarely get them to the point that I love... although, admittedly, last year's was funny. The comments we received were pretty hilarious. Jean's old boss, who is a former mayor of Ottawa, said that it was the most clever card he'd ever received. I know we won't be able to out-do that one... but, give me time. I'll figure something out.

The L Family Card... Christmas 2005.

the great debate

2006-11-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

Since moving to Canada I've found the holidays to be a tad confusing. I'm an American, you see, and the roots of American Thanksgiving differ from our friends to the North. Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October on what American's call "Columbus Day." Thanksgiving in October is just wrong.

I digress.

The root of my confusion lies in when exactly to start putting up Christmas decorations. Growing up, our tree seemed to always go up the weekend after Thanksgiving. I'm sure there are exceptions to that rule - like, for instance, when mom decided to start decorating one year before merchants put out the Halloween candy. My mom is a bit of a freak (I mean that in the nicest way possible) when it comes to decorating for Santa's arrival. The family and I give her endless grief about it. Every year she manages to cram more holiday decorations into the house. It should be interesting this year as Camp Busse has moved south and downsized. I wonder what she'll do with all of those decorations.

So, lest I be like my mother, I shall not put up the tree the weekend after Canadian Thanksgiving. I've missed that chance anyway. I considered putting it up tomorrow as we have guests coming over for dinner tomorrow and thought it would be an interesting and festive way to spend the evening. You know - putting them to work. I'd get them adequatedly lubricated, of course. Decorating the tree is no fun without libations. And, I have a couple of folks from work coming in next week and we're having them to the house for dinner... more visitors to see my rather pathetic attempt at holiday decorating. (Martha Stewart, I am not.)

Or, I could hold off for another 2 weeks and put it up when the family tradition dictates.

Ultimately, I think I'm just excited and want to put them up. I'm anxious to see Jacques' reaction, though fear I'm merely creating a baby accident-waiting-to-happen. There are few spots in the house that can hold the tree and the only one that makes sense is in the corner of the living room... a spot that Jacques has yet to really explore, but I am concerned he might get the courage to do so with all of the bright and shiny lights.

So... help me, people.

vingt neuf semaines

2006-11-09T08:27:00.000-05:00

I can't get enough of the giggles. He's a gigglebug, fo sho.

speaking of muppets...

2006-11-08T09:25:00.001-05:00

UPDATE!!! I added a poll at the bottom! GO VOTE!

I was kind of at a loss this morning on what to write. I coulda talked about the election stuff or the Midterm Midtacular, but I haven't even looked at who won or watched Indecision 2006 yet. So, I was poking around trying to figure out what I could write about and considering my recent new-found obsession...

You just moved to Sesame Street where all the great Muppets live. Space is tight so you have to choose a roommate. Which of the characters on Sesame Street or from the Muppet movies would you pick and why?

Hmmm. This is a tough one. My first instinct would be to say Kermit the Frog. He's a pretty understanding and caring fella. But, I'm afraid Miss Piggy would get jealous. Heck, I'm a reasonably attractive mama. Right? So, don't want to bring any discord into the Piggy/Frog romance.

The next option could be Miss Piggy herself. But, I find her to be a tad on the selfish side, don't you? I mean seriously folks. Although she does have some pretty fab costumes, remember when she dressed as Princess Leia? Awesome.

I considered Animal. However, I have a tendancy to believe that he wouldn't be so easy to talk to. He'd be a lot of fun; we could bang on crap and yell at the top of our lungs... perhaps even start a nice little punk band. But, ultimately, I need someone I can talk to, confide in. Ya know?

I always liked Big Bird as a kid. Being his roommate, it would seem to me, would prove to be a logistical nightmare. He would either have to reconfigure his bachelor pad into something more my size or I'd have to grow about 5 feet. Neither of these options seem feasible to me.

Oscar - umm... grouchy. Elmo - annoying voice... The Count - wha ha ha ha ha no. Cookie Monster? Trying to watch my figure, too much temptation in that house. Grover is sweet, but not for me. Bert & Ernie - well, I want one roommie, not two. Fozie wocka wocka no thankya.

Then... it hit me. GONZO! Hello! Gonzo the Great! The Great Gonzo! I was named after Catherine the Great! It's perrrrrrrfect. We're both a bit quirky. I know he's got the hots for Camilla the Chicken, so I don't feel any threat that our sexual tension would turn into anything more. He's my guy.

So, who would you pick and why? Inquiring minds want to know.

filed under: who gives a rat's...

2006-11-07T16:47:00.000-05:00

Britney Spears is getting divorced.

I can't stop laughing.

vote for pedro

2006-11-07T12:15:00.000-05:00

Today is election day for our neighbors Stateside... I hope you all get out there and vote. It's your constitutional right! And your obligation as Americans.

To be honest, I don't really give a rat's hoo ha about most of the mid term elections. Frankly, I'm a bit sick of American politics. Why be so specific, really? I'm sick of most politics.

However, I am certainly interested in the Texas governor's race to see if Kinky Friedman can become the next household-name-Texas-whack-job and follow in the (in)famous footseps of the Governator and Jesse 'the Body' Ventura.

One thing's for certain... I'll be tuning in to (or, more acurately, recording) the Midterm Midtacular. Dan Rather is going to be there! Maybe we'll find out if the Texas Governor's race is "hotter than the devil's anvil."

lap

2006-11-06T08:36:00.000-05:00

Last night after bathing the monkey, I brought him downstairs to complete the bedtime ritual... give him a bottle.

We've cut down on the number of bottles recently, per the last visit to the doctor. He now gets cereal for breakfast, veggies for lunch and cereal for dinner. That leaves him with really just 2 full bottles every day. Because that seems so few to me, I still give him 4 ounces with breakfast. I suppose that I'm hell-bent on keeping the boy chubby.

The boy literally fell asleep with milk in his mouth. (I don't think that has happened in months) I sat him up to make him swallow and he looked up at me, sighed, then went right back to sleep sprawled out in my lap. I watched him for almost an hour. He woke up once and opened his eyes briefly only to drift back off to sleep. His breath was so sweet, his face so soft, his belly hanging out of his pj's... I think I could have sat there all night.

Alas, I proved not to be as comfortable as his crib. He woke up, rubbed his eyes and said "ga ga" as if to mean "Mom, I love you. Now put me to bed." So, I complied.

what am I thinking?

2006-11-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

I am bored. I did a bit of work and for the last 2 hours I've been going through and making lists (one of my favorite past times) of songs I wish to aquire. These are songs for me and songs for Jacques. It's been my obsession to find the perfect mix of songs for the boy. It's not so simple. I'm a tad difficult when it comes to music. But, as my coworkers can attest, I've become obsessed with the Muppets. Oh how I miss thee.

I'm so bored that I just considered waking the boy from his slumber so we could play. Seriously. It was not that long ago that I was begging for him to sleep. Please. Someone. Help me.

So, now I've got chocolate chip cookies in the oven. Lest you think I got all Betty Crocker on ya, they're the premade kind you buy in a package and plop on a pan. I didn't even get the roll that you have to scoop. I'm just that lazy.

bundled

2006-11-03T08:44:00.000-05:00

Last night when Jacques and I were out running errands after I picked him up from day care, the snow came falling. Big, wet, white flakes falling hard and fast making it difficult to see. But, I loved it. It felt like I was driving in a snow globe. I love snow globes.

This morning I had to scrape the car before I left to drop off the monkey. I can't say that I was too pleased about that. I put the monkey down on the floor at the front door to put on our shoes. I looked over at him and couldn't help but to run and get the camera to capture it. He's so darn cute.

there's always duct tape

2006-11-02T21:58:00.000-05:00

Poking around the internet tonight, killing time before I burned the late night oil (which is evidently 10p), I ran across this story.

I suppose one shouldn't make light of such a thing. But, let's be honest here for a moment. Who hasn't thought or joked about duct taping the kids to a chair, or taping their arms to their sides so you can feed them or force the always popular infant tylenol down their throat. Seriously. However, I guess that's where the joke ends. As a joke. You wouldn't actually do it.

It makes me think. In what state of mind does a person have to be to do such a horrific thing? I mean taping the kids, not joking about it. This person can't possibly be sane, right?

better late than never

2006-11-02T18:29:00.000-05:00

Seriously. How sweet is he?

Seriously. How chubby is he?

crack

2006-11-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

Must. Stop. Eating. Caramels. Sugar. Is. Warping. Brain.

you didn't really want it, did you?

2006-11-02T08:39:00.000-05:00

I realized this morning as I was running back in the house to fetch monkey butt's pacifier-on-a-tether that I had not taken a picture before packing him in the car. Anyone who has put at least a partially unwilling child into a car seat knows - once they're in, they're in.

So, here's a picture I took per Julie's insistence. The monkey likes to sleep with his legs tucked under him, arse in the air. I decided to fulfill the request, against my better judgment. I mean, once the boy is sleeping, who wants to turn on the lights to take a measly photograph? I do, apparently. He did get a bit restless when the flash went off, but I ran and turned off the overhead light and he was back in la la land before I could say "boo."

Enjoy the picture. I'm sure that there are some out there who would say that this is his more flattering side. You decide.

cry-y crierson

2006-11-01T20:03:00.000-05:00

I picked up the monkey this afternoon, a little wary of what incarnation might be greeting me on the other side of the DCP's front door.

I knocked and heard DCP yell "Come in!"

As I walked in, she was walking towards the door, monkey in her arms. "Who's that?" She asked Jacques.

"FATSO! HOW ARE YOU?" I exclaimed. He stared me up and down. "Hey. It's me!" Then the arms and legs started going crazy. Perhaps he didn't appreciate the 'fatso' moniker. He finally recognized me. Nice.

DCP's exact words were "I don't even know what his cry sounds like." Well, I suppose the boy actually listened this morning. I begged, pleaded even, "Please be good today. Let's not force [DCP] to ask us to resume our search for day care."

She said that he was very good; played with the other kids, napped and kept a close watch on all things that DCP did. "He's a very happy baby." She also remarked at the size of his thighs. They are pretty impressive.

So, all of us survived the monkey's first day of day care. Let's hope we bode as well tomorrow.

daycare

2006-11-01T13:41:00.000-05:00

The dreaded day is here.

OK. That's not reallly the truth. After yesterday, I wasn't really dreading it. The monkey was HRG (ie: His Royal Grumpiness) for Halloween. I know I told you that he was going to be a monkey, but evidently Jacques didn't get the memo. I suppose he was a monkey in royal grumpiness clothing.

Most of the day was spent pitching one fit or another. I blame it on the doctor. Heaven forbid I take any responsibility myself. By the way - 21 lbs and 27 1/2 inches. 90th percentile weight and 75th percentile height. He's a "compact" little fella.

So this morning Jean and I dropped the boy off at day care. As soon as we walked through the door and DCP (this is how I will refer to the day care provider until I come up with a much more clever title for her) said hello to him, he smiled. Ahhh... that puts the parents at ease. We went through the normal stuff - last time he ate, what foods I brought with me, the contract stuff, etc. Then off Jean and I went. Back to the house to begin our première Jacques free work day.

I didn't shed a tear. Didn't even come close. Of course, this made me question myself as a parent. What kind of mom doesn't cry when dropping her child off at daycare? One of my coworkers replied to me "a confident one." So, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it.

I'll let you know later how the boy did. Papa leaves tonight for Chicago. The Windy City was L Family free for a whopping 72 hours. The stormclouds are rollin' in...

smell my feet

2006-10-31T06:44:00.000-05:00

'Tis Halloween. I know that you're all (or at least those of you that haven't seen my coveted, limited edition Halloween card) waiting with baited breath to see what little monkey butt is going to be for Halloween.

Say it ain't so, Joe! A MONKEY! I'll pause while you all catch your breath. And, I'll allow you to view the monkey in his suit.

Now, the above picture was not the one sent out in the aforementioned collector's item. If you want that picture, you can email me (you'll have to change the 'AT' to an @). It's awfully cute, you'll have to take my word for it.

After it was received in the home of my sister, Vicki, the following conversation took place between her and my nephew, Luke:

Luke: "Dat Curious George?"

Vicki: "No, that's Jacques."

Luke: "My Baby Socks?"

Vicki: "Yes, your Baby Socks."

Luke: "My Baby Socks Monkey?"

So, in their home, Monkey Butt is now officially a Sock Monkey.

terra firma

2006-10-30T14:59:00.000-05:00

OK... the flight.

The weather in Chicago was beautiful yesterday. Warmish but crisp... a perfect Autumn day. Before heading off to the airport, I went to the Trick or Treat along Southport with the DeMille and Lipford families and all of the other parading parents and children. Peanutty was an adorable Elmo while Lilly dressed as a (rather sleepy) pink octopus. They were cute. And, before you ask, I didn't take pictures with my camera. Dummy.

Once I arrived at O'Hare, I dropped off my rental car and headed to the terminal. The check in was quick and painless. Security was longer, but I was able to use Premier security which helped me go through a bit quicker.

After a quick bite to eat I settled in by the gate waiting for boarding. As I waited, I continued my ascent into jPod-ness and passed the time listening to Feist's "Let It Die".

Most of the flight was easy. It wasn't until we began our descent into Ottawa that things started to get hairy. The ride was incredibly bumpy - certainly more so than any flight I've previously experienced, with lots of jostling and bumping.

As we got under the clouds and closer to the ground, suddenly and without warning, the nose of the plane went up and we started climbing at a rather steep angle. My stomach was now in my throat and I was convinced I was about to lose the lunch I had enjoyed at the airport. Both the lady next to me and I pulled out the safety information cards from the seatback pocket to review the safety features. I put mine away and held on tightly, secretly scolding myself for insisting on going to Chicago in the first place.

After circling the airport for about 30 or 45 minutes, we finally landed safely - something I was increasingly feeling we weren't going to do. Neither the pilots nor flight attendants peeped a word as we arrived and it was as though the entire plane breathed a huge sigh of relief once we were on the ground.

I can tell you one thing... that flight made me ever so thankful that I do not travel weekly for work anymore. I'm not anxious to get back on a plane any time soon. And, unfortunately for me, Mr. L leaves for Chicago on Thursday...

Ruh Roh Rorge.

toofus

2006-10-30T09:44:00.000-05:00

It has finally happened. The monkey has cut his first tooth.

I arrived back from the Windy City last night on what honestly was the worst flight I've ever experienced (more later) and got home in time to give the monkey a bath. I decided as I was disrobing him that I should check him out and see what new stuff he's grown, molted, etc. So I stuck my finger in his mouth. HOLY COW! There was a tooth!

I yelled down to Jean "Honey! He has a tooth!" Jean responded "Oh, that's what the blood was."

Men. They're clueless.

Evidently the boy had some blood in his mouth that evening just prior to driving to the airport to pick up the Pamplemousse Mom. I'm assuming it wasn't much as Jean is usually more prone to worry about things than I. If it were an issue, he would have alerted me. Or, maybe he was concerned that his 5 days of baby bliss would be overlooked if he told me there was blood. Either way...

As I type this, monkey butt is on the floor next to me on his knees and elbows rocking to and fro trying desperately to figure out how to become mobile. For now, I'm happy with the rocking.

Lots to do this morning after being gone for 5 1/2 days. I'll try to tell more later.

It's my birthday too yeah

2006-10-23T15:36:00.000-04:00

As I'm sure we're all aware today is the beautiful, talented, intelligent momma of the pamplemousse's birthday. Help me all in wishing her the best birthday ever!

I love you Katie, I wish we were closer.

rainy days

2006-10-23T09:14:00.000-04:00

I think that it's been raining for the last month. Dreary, icky rain. Ick. Yesterday we even had some freezing rain and snow. Luckily there was no accumulation or any reason to go outside. I am afraid winter is rapidly approaching. I hate winter.

How can someone who lives in the great white north hate winter? Well, let me just say I didn't move here for the temperate climate. It was that darn Frenchman. He had me at 'bonjour.'

Well, I'm off to the Windy City tomorrow. 5 days without the monkey. 5 days. Cinq. I think that I'm going to need to be medicated. I feel the tears coming on already.

So, while I'm in Chicago please don't think I'm being rude or going on another faux blog hiatus... just gonna be busy as a bee in a tar bucket. One of the guys on my team departed suddenly and I've taken on his case load. It's gonna take some time just to catch up on where everything is.

Until next week... I bid you adieu.

they say it's your birthday

2006-10-21T09:11:00.000-04:00

Two auntie birthdays in one day! That's almost too much fun to handle in 24 hours. Seriously.

Happy birthday, Auntie Beth. Have a wonderful time at your Senegalese restaurant. We wish (kinda) that we could be there. Jacques isn't so sure about Senegalese food. He's in if that means broccoli and green beans, though.

And another birthday celebration is happening in Texas tonight... Bonne fête, Auntie Laura. We hope that your day is extra special and filled with good friends, family and lots of love. We are with you in spirit.

vingt six semaines

2006-10-19T16:03:00.000-04:00

There. Stop complaining. Love ya. Mean it.

rockabye

2006-10-19T13:42:00.000-04:00

Check this out man. Baby Rock Records.

My sister sent me the Rockabye versions of Radiohead and Coldplay for my bday. She informed me today that Rockabye Pixies is coming out in January. That is TIIIIIIIGHT, man. Sign me up!

This is what I've been looking for! Kick ass.

Big ups to JB who directed my sister to the site. You da man, JB.

I know what you're thinking... Ummm... isn't today Thursday? Yes. I know. I'm working on it. The monkey sleeps. Considering the last week, I'll continue to let him. Patience my friend.

ahhhhhh

2006-10-19T09:37:00.000-04:00

I knew that October was going to be hard with me starting back to work and Jean's travel schedule. The last week has been rough to say the least. I know many moms who have to be "on" 24/7, but I'm not usually one of them. Jean is very helpful, taking the baby for feedings, to entertain and to bathe. I think there was at least one week last month when I didn't put the boy to bed once. But, Jean has been gone or sick or crazy busy for the last week and I have had full responsibility. Normally this isn't an issue at all. Enter... the teething monster.

On several occasions over the last week, I've wanted to tear the eardrums from my ears. On Monday, if the boy took a break from screaming at the top of his lungs and crying, I was in tears. On Tuesday, I had to walk away for fear that I would hurt him. That's a tad dramatic - I would never harm the boy - but I could feel the frustration and anger welling up inside and knew that I had to walk away, quickly, or there would be an explosion.

Yesterday, however, the boy had a good day. I had a fantastic day. I met with my supervisor to discuss an opportunity and got to lay out some of my ideas for the team. It was a fantastic release. A real, adult conversation where no one talked about day care or poopy diapers or how precious my child is... and she was genuinely interested in what I had to say. And I talked... a lot! Afterwards I had the best high. It was a euphoria I've not felt in months. Fantastic.

And last night a friend and neighbor watched the monkey so Jean and I could go out with some of his coworkers. More adult conversations (albeit about work) where the topic of conversation never came around to the joys of breastfeeding, or what foods you should introduce to your wee one, or poopy diapers. Magnificent.

I feel so revived. I feel like a whole new person. I feel... like a mom again. And I like it.

miss me?

2006-10-18T14:10:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm back. I'm not committing to much, but I'm back.

Yesterday I got an email from an aunt in Texas who told me that Grandma was really going to miss my blog, and if I didn't continue writing I should at least send out a regular email with what's going on so that she would still know what's going on in our little corner of the world. So - screw those Spanish thieving bastards. I'm doing this for GRANDMA!

Let's see... what's been going on?

On Thursday I met with another child care provider and she was awesome! She is like a day care mommy version of me and I absolutely adored her. She got down on the floor and played with the monkey. It was so wonderful. Needless to say - we have child care!!!!

It is such a relief. Really the work thing right now is pretty slow, but things will pick up before long and I'll be dying if the boy is at home. Besides that fact, day care is good for the kid. It teaches him to be dependant of people other than me or his papa, he learns important life lessons- like how to share, and it is good for his overall development. That's what I keep telling myself anyway. Anything to justify my decision, I suppose.

We had 6 month portraits done of the monkey. It was slightly disappointing, though. The boy is always so cheerful and smiley. I don't think we could have paid the boy to smile. However, Jenn still got some really great shots. Peppered here are a few of my favorites. For the edited album, view here.

The monkey is a huge fan of broccoli. I think he may enjoy it more than green beans; I thought green beans were the big hit!

And, he's scootching himself backwards. He gets up on his arms and knees and scootches himself backwards. I've tried to get video of it, but as soon as I turn on the camera, the boy rolls over on his side. Little bugger.

Not much else of note to report. Things are coming along with immigration. It's getting to that all important "hurry up and wait" point. Looking forward to that a lot. Not.

For now, duty calls. Enjoy yourselves. I love you, Grandma.

sayonara

2006-10-11T08:59:00.000-04:00

It's been a morning of goodbyes.

Jean was up before the crack o' dawn to catch his crack o'dawn flight. He's off to Phoenix and won't be back until late Saturday night. Poor guy had to get up at 3a... cab picked him up at 4a. Ugh. I don't miss that about traveling, that's for sure.

And one of my favorite mom blogs is signing off for good. Mama Tulip is saying goodbye after learning that bitacle.org has been stealing her blog content. This has been happening to many blogs, including mine.

What to do what to do...

I've been completely unaware until now. I'm mad. I'm more than mad. Livid. Someone is stealing my content for their own financial gain. What a bunch of crap.

Maybe I'm naïve. Well, I know that I am when it comes to this stuff. But, why would someone do such a thing? It's... well, it's mean. It's wrong.

So, I've got stuff to think about here. Do I wish to continue? I don't know. But, I am going to try to fight back. I suggest that you do the same if you have a blog. Check out StopBitacle. For now, I'm going to run and hide until the meanies go away.

fresh air

2006-10-10T09:49:00.000-04:00

After my conference call yesterday, Jean and I took the monkey for a bike ride. It was a nice ride, about an hour and a half long. The day was lovely, a little bit of a breeze with the sun shining brightly. The boy had a great time but about 15 minutes from home just crashed. Too much excitement for one day, I suppose.

The monkey is definitely teething. Drooling, spitting, biting, writhing, grinding and crying. He's a cranky pants and frankly, isn't much fun to be around. By the end of the day yesterday he was tired and mad, telling me all about it as I removed him from the bath. He spent the duration of the dry off and lubrication (ie: lotion) period screaming at the top of his lungs. Luckily, Papa came upstairs and saved me because the boy had me almost in tears.

Here he is in one of his better moments yesterday, happily playing in the new exersaucer we purchased for his entertainment pleasure. Notice the drool.

thanksgiving

2006-10-09T12:00:00.000-04:00

It's Thanksgiving Day in Canada. Columbus Day in the States. Probably just a regular day most other places. I'm sitting on hold at the moment waiting to listen to the "State of the Union" for my department of the company for which I work. But that's the extent of my work for today. Yay!

Today's Auntie Kristin's birthday! Bonne fête, ma tante Kristin! We hope that you have a fantastic day!

I slept in until 11a this morning. ELEVEN! It was wonderful. I needed it desperately.

Yesterday we went to Lucie's house to have Thanksgiving dinner with the family. We had a great time - played a ridiculously complicated card game... and I'm ashamed to admit it, but Jean and I cheated just to end the game. We were all struggling, though.

This afternoon Jean and I are interviewing another child care provider. I'm not really looking forward to it, but I am hopeful. We'll see how it goes.

Until then...

c-what's?

2006-10-07T21:49:00.000-04:00

Many of you kids are going to think that I'm living in the dark age. It reminds me of a comic strip that was hanging in the office of the record store where I was once employed. It's too complicated to explain. I'm not even sure why I brought it up...

Anyway, I have a boat load of cd's in my possession. A metric boat load. I wonder why that's what I say when I mean more than a normal boatload. It seems to me that "metric boatload" would be smaller... but, I digress.

"C-What's?" you kids ask. Well, about 15 years ago (give or take) they were all the musical rage, driving out the cassette tape, vinyl album, 8-track tape, etc. Typically, they cost around $15 - $20 each (in the states). They were like mini-frisbies... or colorful coasters... even, perhaps, fancy large earrings.

Anyway, when I worked at said record store, I acquired a lot of CD's. Random stupid shit such as - ABBA-Gold (before it came out in the U.S. and was only available as an import), RuPaul, Charo-Guitar Passion, It's a Cow Christmas... you get the picture. The sad thing is that I almost came to blows with a coworker over "It's a Cow Christmas" at a demo party (where we divvy up the demo stuff that record companies send out for us to play in the store). Seriously.

I also got a lot of really great stuff... but as I go through them all I realize just how obsessive I was back then. I have about 15 Tori Amos singles... 7 or 8 Blur singles... Sarah McLachlan, Pet Shop Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Live... I have a crap load of singles. It's scary. What do I do with them all? I bought 2 CD racks today that will hold 250 each and I'm not even halfway through the alphabet and I'm realizing that I don't have enough room. Not near enough.

So, why should I keep them? God, I don't know. I have such a hard time getting rid of music. Some of these records got me through really tough times in my life. Others remind me of wonderful times with friends. A few really are valuable. Asking me to part with a CD is akin to cutting of a toe. I wonder why I just said "toe"?

Anyway... If anyone is looking for Katey Sagal's debut record (yes, that's the chick from "Married With Children"), I'm your gal. You want Tori Amos' recording of "Little Drummer Boy?" Let me know. I'm going to bed for now. The rest of the alphabet can wait.

whereabouts unknown

2006-10-06T09:40:00.000-04:00

Per Lotta's request:

teething

2006-10-06T08:10:00.000-04:00

The teething nightmare is about to begin...

Yesterday Jacques was incredibly cranky. He spent most of the day complaining, although there was one bright moment (aside from the passport picture, obviously) - he's started scootching himself backwards. He rolls onto his belly, lifts himself up on his arms, scootches his knees under him, lifts his butt in the air and moves backwards. It seems to take a lot out of him, though, and he often has to stop halfway through the process and lie his head down to the side and rest. It's all quite funny. I've yet to capture on film, but I'll try this weekend.

Anyway, back to cranky pants...

The boy has been slobbering up a storm (as witnessed again in the passport picture), chewing on his bib or anything else he can get in his grubby little hands. It wasn't that long ago when we were struggling with the poo situation - and the boy went three weeks without an unassisted poo. Yesterday he definitely had diarrhea. He poo'd 3 times in one day. This coming from the boy who poops every other day. I wasn't sure if it was the change in diet or teething, but after consulting my resources - it seems that this is more about teething than anything else. I stuck my fingers in his mouth last night and he's definitely trying to push at least one out.

Hopefully the boy will be fine this weekend. It's Thanksgiving weekend in Canada (Monday is the *actual* holiday). We're going to Lucie's (one of Jean's sisters) on Sunday for the family meal. Monday Jean and I have another interview with a child care provider... then Jean leaves for Arizona on Wednesday. He's gone for several days - comes back for a couple and then heads to Halifax for another couple of days.

So... just in time for me to be solo the boy is going to start cutting teeth, I just know it. But, just as granny said to me last night "That's why you keep tylenol stocked for the boy and wine stocked for mommy." I'm going to the LCBO this weekend.

dolt

2006-10-05T19:18:00.000-04:00

It was bound to happen sooner or later. A bad picture of Jacques.

Here's the story. After the birth certificate fiasco and considering the upcoming regulations regarding travel to and from the U.S., Jean and I have been on a tear to get his passport and the boy's passport done. On top of that, I never got around to changing the name on mine, so every time I travel I have to carry my marriage license with me. Pain.

So, today during lunch, I took the monkey to my local Shopper's Drug Mart to take some passport photos. Remember how I was complaining recently that the weekly picture was becoming increasingly difficult to take? HA! What a joke! Try getting a 6 month old to sit still, get perfectly aligned and look at the camera for a passport picture. It's not easy people, trust me.

It doesn't help that my child is especially adorable (sorry) and attracts a crowd every where we go. As the poor chap snapped picture after picture, the crowd behind him began to swell. As I sit on my knees clutching on to the boy's tummy with a death grip, strangers ooooh and awwww and talk about how cute he is. This isn't helping. Jacques' got an audience. He must entertain. So, the jaw starts going and the arms start flailing and he's wiggling out of my death grip.

Finally, after another agent at the store says "Maybe we should leave, we don't seem to be helping" the crowd disperses and we get a picture. Oy.

I saw it and just started laughing. It's so awful, there is just no way that I could possibly not save it. I mean, seriously! I sent it to Auntie Beth and said "He looks like a dolt." She told me I was awful. I said, "Tell me you disagree." Reluctantly, she agreed with me.

Now, honestly, I think it's stupid to put a picture on an infant's passport anyway. Let's consider how much the boy has changed the last 6 months. Maybe that's not fair - he went from a heap of flesh to a little baby boy with a personality. But, kids change so much from their infancy to age 3. And, his passport is only good for 3 years. So stupid in my opinion.

So... there you have it. A bad picture of Jacques. That should make all of the ugly babies out there feel better.

vingt cinq semaines

2006-10-05T07:48:00.000-04:00

Next Friday is Jacques' 6 month birthday!

Yesterday evening Jean and I were sitting at dinner and remarking at just how big the boy has gotten. He actually sat in a high chair at the restaurant unassisted and spent most of the meal trying to talk us into letting him chew on the table. He's eating solid food. He's trying harder and harder to talk, constantly moving his jaw and occasionally making sounds come out. It scares me a little to think about what a jabber jaw he's going to be once he actually figures out how to speak.

He's also back in his regular crib, much to Jean's delight. Jean was always stressed about Jacques sleeping in the portable crib, concerned that the boy was uncomfortable. I appreciated his concern to a point. But, I still contend that a little bit of discomfort (although I don't believe he was uncomfortable at all) was worth the peace of mind knowing that the boy wouldn't suffocate. Tuesday night I lowered the crib to it's lowest level and we put the boy back in. Jean said that Jacques looked very comfortable. I think he was just intrigued by the mobile.

Next week we're also getting Jacques' 1/2 year portraits done. I'm going to bring along his Halloween costume and have some taken in that as well. He's too cute in it not to capture it properly.

In the meantime, enjoy this morning's photo. Jacques is sitting at my desk after breakfast preparing to help me get some work done. He's such a good boy.

squash

2006-10-04T08:09:00.000-04:00

We can now add butternut squash to our repertoire! The first bite wasn't very pleasant, but he quickly recovered and scarfed it down. The most amazing part of it all is that he was wearing a collared shirt and he didn't end up ruining the shirt from the squash! Yeeeee Haw! We're both still learning the best way to feed/eat this stuff.

So far we've had carrots, sweet potatoes & butternut squash. All I have left in the freezer that we've not yet attempted is broccoli. Does anyone out there have suggestions on what we should give the boy after we try the broccoli? I think that likely what I'll do is just let him finish up what we have in the freezer... but, I'm looking for ideas. I suppose I could do research, but why bother when you guys are the experts?

And, in case you were wondering, the finger feels much better today. Thanks for asking.

dirty laundry?

2006-10-03T13:28:00.000-04:00

Is it obvious that Zsa Zsa doesn't care where she sleeps as long as there's a blanket nearby? For the record, this laundry is clean... but it's Jean's hockey stuff and Jacques' blanket. So evidently it doesn't warrant folding.

owie

2006-10-03T09:06:00.000-04:00

I'm warning you... I'm being a big baby. Honestly, I don't know why I'm even typing this. It hurts to type.

I don't know what I've done, but the pointer finger on my right hand is killing me. Yesterday it was a little sore, today - it hurts like the blazes. I can't straighten it and it hurts to bend all the way. Likely I just jammed it or something.

I'm tired, cranky and don't want to work. Too much to do, though. It hurts to type. It hurts to drink my tea. It hurts to write. It hurts.

By the way, I forgot to post the good news yesterday. Monkey Butt has finally learned to sleep even though he's rolled over onto his belly. He turns his head to the side and snoozes. It still doesn't make me feel very comfortable, but at least he's sleeping. About the only way I could keep him from doing it is if I were to stay up all night and be willing to roll him over onto his back every time he rolls onto his gut. Frankly neither of us would get much sleep. Both of us would be cranky. Jean wouldn't like that much. So, he sleeps on his belly.

phew!

2006-10-02T21:27:00.000-04:00

I managed to survive my first day back at work. It seemed to go by very quickly, thankfully. I got a lot handed to me today - and a client that is due the day after tomorrow. (Normally we get 6 weeks or so to prepare a client for implementation.) So much for easing back into things.

Jacques was very good today. He played down on the floor next to me and napped upstairs. Only once, when I was on the phone with the guy who helped me get the documents off of my old computer, did he scream when I was busy. Hopefully tomorrow will be much the same.

I did finally get all of the documents off of the network drive and onto my new laptop. I then went through everything on the network drive and deleted like a bandit. The "My Documents" folder alone was over 2 gigs when I started... and now my entire list is under 300 megs. Now that's something.

Tonight I did more house cleaning on the files I moved over. I finally was able to burn all of my pictures onto CD so that I didn't have to worry about losing them. The CD drive on my old laptop died about a year ago and even though I uploaded everything to Snapfish so I could order a CD, I was having a hard time swallowing the $50+ it was going to cost me to do it. This time I got them all done - from 2004 to the present and for maybe $15. Can't beat that with a stick.

I even got around to the filing that's been piling up on my desk. The top of my desk is now clean and I feel much more relaxed. I think that I've been in denial about returning to work and just refusing to do the paperwork related things that are normally done immediately. At least all of the bills were paid on time, just not filed in their color-coded folder.

Now... bed is calling me.

remiss

2006-10-02T16:12:00.000-04:00

I meant to post this yesterday but had a few other things on my mind, I suppose.

As some of you know, breast cancer has been "my cause" for several years now... and October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This month, schedule your mammogram - or encourage a loved one to do so. Visit this sight every day and help fund free mammograms for those in need.

Let's do what we can to help end this!

daily grind

2006-10-02T08:52:00.000-04:00

Ahhhh... my first day back at work. I can't log in to my case management system, I am not listed as an associate in our project management tool and I don't have any of the documents from my old laptop. This should be a fun day.

We had a good weekend, despite the crummy weather. Jacques had his first bite of sweet potatoes on Friday and loved them. Much more of a hit than the carrots. I did bring the carrots back into rotation last night. He seemed much more amenable to eating them. There were still a few faces of disgust, but for the most part he ate them joyfully. Either tonight or tomorrow I shall add butternut squash to the list. We'll see how well that goes over.

This weekend I also put him in the Halloween costume, just to see how well he'd do in it. He loved it and looks so darn adorable in it I can hardly stand it. I can't wait to share it with you... but wait, I shall.

Yesterday Jean and I went out and bought a new car seat for the little monkey. We'd been pushing the old one a little too far, I believe. I think the maximum weight for those are 22 lbs, and while I don't think that he's 22 lbs yet, it was getting to the point where we were struggling to get him strapped in. It didn't help that occasionally he'd throw a hissy and arch his back.

OK... must get to work. On what, I don't know... but whatever.

bonne fête!

2006-09-30T10:13:00.000-04:00

I'm a little aggravated because I sent pictures to Kodak Gallery almost a week ago to send custom birthday cards to Auntie Kelly-Kelly, Aunt Vicki & Auntie Alicia. It seems that these jerks don't want my business anymore because I don't think anyone has received their card. They used to be so quick... not anymore.

Either way... I hope that each of you have a fantastic birthday! Hopefully your cards will get there one of these days!

final day of freedom

2006-09-29T11:02:00.000-04:00

I start back to work on Monday. Dreading it. Big time.

Jean and I interviewed a child care provider last night. Not even sure why we bothered, honestly. I didn't like it as soon as we walked through the door. It stank. Badly. Like, well... like dirty feet.

The house was dark. The lady was nice, but not very open. She barely even looked at Jacques, much less make any attempts to get to know him or us.

I told Jean last night that if that was her best attempt at marketing herself and trying to win us over, god help her. In my mind, she should have given us a tour, sat us down and told us a little about herself and then ask us what questions we had. The questions I did ask were met with minimal answers. I asked if she encouraged the parents to stop by any time. She made a funny face and said "No one has ever asked that before much less done it."

Ding. Thanks for playing.

The search continues...

vingt quatre semaines

2006-09-28T13:17:00.000-04:00

I'm losing track of time. I think it's understandable that last week I wasn't sure how many weeks Jacques' was - after 3 weeks of no weekly pictures... but I had to go back and check last week's picture to see how many weeks old he is today. 24.

I didn't want to jinx it yesterday and post on the web but I feel pretty comfortable today proclaiming it. The boy has figured out how to roll from his belly to his back. As I was getting some paperwork done in our basement office yesterday, I had Jacques down on a blanket next to me. It never fails that within 10 seconds of me putting the boy down on his back, he rolls over onto his belly. I turned my head and turned back around and he was on his back. I thought to myself "Wait? Am I seeing things?" He rolled back on his belly... I turn around... He's on his side. I immediately start exclaiming "Jacques! Did you roll over onto your back? Yay! What a good boy!" These exclaims are always met the same way - toothless grins and giggles - which delights me.

I decided that this wasn't going to be a fluke. I put the boy back on his belly and sat there watching until he rolled over on his back. It didn't take long. He basically drops his left shoulder and the momentum of his weight sort of pushes him from his left side to his back. It was pretty awesome.

He spent much of the morning and early afternoon rolling his way from the middle of the basement floor to the wall. Over and over he went, leaving a path of toys in his wake. It was awesome.

So last night I put him to bed, hopeful that he would be as successful in the crib as he was on the floor. He made it through most of the night - only waking up once (at 430a) - and hardly fussing even then. I went into the nursery and looked down at him - he was on his back with his head to the side and mostly asleep. I reached down to rub his back. He opened his eyes and flashed another gummy smile. I rolled him onto his back, he sighed and went right back to sleep... and slept until 730a! Sleep... wonderful sleep.

As you might imagine, taking the photographs is increasingly difficult. As I said before he doesn't stay on his back long enough for me to really take a decent picture... so... you'll have to settle for what I got...

FLIPPIN BLOGGER IS DRIVING ME NUTS. I'VE SPENT AN HOUR TRYING TO POST THIS. I'M ABOUT TO START A FUND SO THAT I CAN GET OFF THIS P.O.S. AND ACTUALLY GET A REAL BLOG. THIS IS INSANE.

if I were a rockstar...

2006-09-27T13:34:00.000-04:00

... this would be the cover to my debut album.

Tell me that's not flippin' adorable! My friend TJ's son, Joaquin. Evidently he wishes to be Lucas from Rockstar Supernova for Halloween!

the end

2006-09-27T12:39:00.002-04:00

The moment I've been dreading since I pooped out that little 9 pounder is quickly approaching. I must return to work. Let's all say it together. UGH!

Recent events have made me even less eager to return. I kind of feel shafted. But, I must suck it up and deal. Life is too short to remain pissed off. The decision is made... move on.

So, now comes the joy of finding childcare for my little Pamplemousse. We will now have to place the delicate power of rearing in the hands of a stranger. What on earth do I even ask the prospects? In my head all I can think of is "You're not planning on killing him, right?" Or... "You don't wish to run away to some far off place with my little boy, do you?"

I know all of this is irrational. Most of the people in this world are wonderful. But, there are bad ones out there. Really bad. I've watched Dateline NBC and I believe everything I see on that show. (Not really.)

Why is this so hard? Aside from family and my good friends Julie & Cathy, I have not left Jacques with anyone. The thought of a stranger being responsible for someone whom I care so deeply for and who is so utterly helpless for himself... well... it's just $*#@% scary!

It doesn't help that the only song that I seem to be singing in my head is "The End" by The Doors. Not comforting.

c word

2006-09-26T19:04:00.000-04:00

I was out running errands today and while at the grocery I decided to spice things up in Jacques' diet. It was time to branch out from formula and rice cereal - shake it up a bit.

CARROTS.

This is very delicate word in our home... "the 'c' word" we call it. Our dog, Zsa Zsa, goes nuts as soon as anyone says it. I've called them orange sticks to try to confuse her. She figured it out. As soon as someone even thinks about saying it, she starts scurring about in a fit. She tucks her bum under and starts running around in circles. It's quite funny, honestly.

Anyhow... I kind of feel like I'm lagging a bit in the "solid" food department. Why anyone would call orange carrot paste "solid" I'm not sure. Jean and I have recently (ie: last night) started putting Jacques in his high chair to join us for dinner. Mostly he stares at us longingly while we bring each delectable morsel to our mouths. Occasionally he even reaches out like "Please, mother. I'm interested in some of this fare of yours."

Normally I'm one to research something to death. What is the first "solid" food - outside of cereal- that I should feed my child? I recalled reading somewhere that one should first feed an infant vegetables before offering the tastier fruit varieties. I thought to myself "I like carrots. Jean likes carrots. Heck, Zsa Zsa loves carrots. I think we've got our man... errr, vegetable."

I digressed a bit, didn't I? Sorry. So, at the grocery today I found some frozen baby food smashed up carrots. I bought them. And after eating our meal, we decided to give Jacques some. Here's what happened:

So, it wasn't an immediate success. But, Rome wasn't built in a day. How that in any way has anything to do with Jacques eating carrots, I don't know. I felt a cliché was required and that's all I got.

The best part, though, was that Jean and I thought it was hilarious. This, of course, delighted Jacques to no end. "Hey! Mama and Papa are laughing. Excellent!" And he beemed from ear to ear. That is, of course, until we tried to shove another bite into his mouth. I'll try again tomorrow, though. Rome wasn't built... yeah... yeah. Whatever.

like a puppy?

2006-09-26T13:17:00.000-04:00

Jean is continuously trying to talk me into letting Jacques sleep in the bed with us. I know better, though. The boy moves constantly. Inevitably, Jean will get aggravated with him and push him into me. Then my sleep is ruined. So, I always say no. It's a bad idea.

Last night I was up later than usual, trying to work through a couple of things in my head and in typical Katie fashion I was doing spreadsheets. At about 11pm, I went upstairs and moseyed into the nursery to say "bonne nuit" to the boy. I check the portable crib - he's not there... the regular crib... no Jacques. Finally, I look in the bouncy chair (where he's been banished several nights so that we can strap him in and he can't roll over)... not there either. "Has the boy vanished?" I ask myself. Then, it dawns on me. "Please... no." I wander into our bedroom and Jacques is asleep on my pillow next to his father and Jacques is grasping papa's finger with his hand. "Oh honey. Why did you do that?" I asked Jean. He said "But look at him. He's so sweet. His face, his feet." Then he leans down and kisses him on the cheek. I said, "You're going to disturb and wake him." Jean responded, "I've been doing this for the last hour."

Oh brother.

We continue to admire the boy. He sighs. Jean says, "It's like having a puppy for the first night. You just want to stare at him for hours."

Ain't that the darn truth?!

In not so related news... my (fake) niece, Jacqueline-known by most folks as Peanut, is going to be a "seeester"! Her mommy (one of my closest friends in the world) is preggers! And I've been given the green light to share the wonderful news with you good people. I'm very excited about it. Still no word on whether they will be welcoming a little boy or little girl into their family. There has been some serious brainstorming about what to nickname this little bundle. 'Peanut' was given to Jacqueline prior to knowing her gender and continues today. Several have been shot down, for fear that it, too, will endure and not be manly should this latest baby be of the male variety. So, if you have a suggestion - put it in the comments. This is your chance, people... nickname that (unknown gender) baby!

note: If you can come up with another way for me to refer to my (fake) nieces, that would also be appreciated. I feel like I'm saying they don't exist or something.

cyprus hill

2006-09-25T13:20:00.000-04:00

My little jumperoo is loving the Jolly Jumper... he jumps and squeals and laughs and talks... it's loads of fun.

dancing queen

2006-09-24T18:35:00.000-04:00

Jean and I watched Napoleon Dynamite for about the millionth time today. It's one of those movies that we see in the guide and just can't pass up. It's so wrong, but yet so right. It's one of the funniest damn things I've ever seen and this dance epitomizes it.

Good shit, man. Good shit.

autumnal

2006-09-22T13:52:00.000-04:00

Another writing collaboration from Crazy Hip Blog Mamas... This episode is "The best part of fall is..."

Ahhhh... Autumn. It is honestly my favorite time of year. There are a million different reasons, I suppose. Unfortunately the first two that come to mind are the beginning of hockey season and COLLEGE FOOTBALL. (Hail to the victors valiant! Hail to the conquering heros! Hail! Hail!) I'm a sports junky at heart.

It's so very nice to live in a place that has 4 seasons, even if 3 of them seem far too short. Parliament Hill is a postcard when the leaves change colors. I have some beautiful pictures from last October when my mom and step dad came to visit us for my birthday. Unfortunately, the good ones (ie: ones my mom took) live on my old laptop and I'm unable to post any of them. You'll just have to settle for one that I took. (I was way too focused on a tourist who was wearing an incredibly ridiculous ensemble... and I wanted a picture of it in the worst way.)

I live for sweatshirt weather. I love it when I can go outside not bundled in a coat but still feel a bit off a cool breeze, the wind kissing my cheeks. I can hardly wait to see Jacques in a heap of beautifully colored leaves... He's such a tactile little boy, he will be in heaven!

The smell of apple cider, pumpkin pie... mmmm... I can't wait.

And this year will begin our Halloween tradition. Although it hasn't been solidified, I'm really looking forward to it. You'll just have to wait and see what little Pamplemousse will be, although I'd be willing to bet you could make a pretty good guess.

vingt trois semaines

2006-09-21T11:07:00.000-04:00

It's been a while, I realize. I'm trying to get back to my normal routine. I apologize if it takes a little bit of time.

Little monkey butt is 23 weeks old today. He's such a wonderful little boy, even if he does drive me crazy sometimes. He's got such a good disposition... many people have expressed their wonder at how the boy can wake up in such a good mood whether he's slept for 10 minutes or 10 hours. He's always smiling and laughing, which is so much fun. He's getting more and more expressive and is very interested in everything. He was such a good sleeper until he became a roll over machine. He's not yet grasped the way to roll from his belly to his back and pitches a fit after being on his stomach for a few minutes. For now I let him explode for a few minutes and then assist. I figure he's got to learn one of these days. But, nightime is difficult again because as soon as he's down, he rolls over.

This week he discovered his feet. Well, that's not entirely the case... we know that he's always been a foot guy - he grabs everything with his feet and toes. But, recently he's taken to grabbing his feet with his hands. At first he did it when I'd change his diaper, now it seems to entertain him for hours.

Additionally he's sitting up pretty well. He's learning how to recover when he starts to wobble a bit. I still won't let him sit up without supervision, but I think it won't be long before he can.

In other news, I babysat Keira last night. She's experiencing some of the same issues Jacques was at her age - namely lack of poop. Celine and John resorted to a suppository earlier this week. I had a good time with her... she's so tiny compared to my pork chop that it's nice to be able to hold her for more than 5 minutes without losing the feeling in my arms.

Enjoy the picture...

I apologize for the size of the pictures. Having a problem again with Blogger hosting them, so I went with ImageShack.

what's my name, again?

2006-09-20T14:33:00.000-04:00

Contrary to popular belief, I am not suffering from a hangover - despite the new brew I was introduced to last evening. It was Brahma, from Brasil. It was tasty.

Last evening we had a dinner guest... a gentleman that works with Mr. L. We had great fun - laughing ourselves silly. Unfortunately, not family friendly material for the most part. I spent a good portion of the evening trying to figure out how I could blog about it. I came to the conclusion that I just couldn't. Some things just need to be kept to yourself.

Back to the "not a hangover" part. I have a splitting headache. One of those it hurts my brain to move ten centimeters. Jacques seems to understand that I'm feeling a bit under the weather as he's spent a good portion of the day fluttering between naps and cooing at me. I have to admit that his smile does help my disposition.

I've been suffering from some sinus/allergy crap since basically the moment I walked off the plane in Austin. I've had headaches on and off, but managed to kind of stay in some sort of a Sinutab stupor to stave off utter incapacitation. I've got this spot in the back of my neck that has been killing me for the last week and a half, which I believe is the culprit of this particular pain. It hurts so bad I can hardly remember anything... like, for instance, I forgot that Mr. L needed me to take care of his laptop. Unfortunately, I've got too much to do to stay in bed all day - which would be my preference.

So... I'm off to mail Jean's laptop to Chicago. Mine was laid to rest last week and I got a new one while I was in Austin. Just in time for our return, Jean's has crashed. I spent 2 days trying to back up documents so that he didn't lose everything, but I was unsuccessful. So, I'm sending it off with a lick & a promise - hopeful that the folks at work can wave their magic wand and move the necessary documents. Cross your fingers for me.

ahoy matey!

2006-09-19T11:56:00.000-04:00

Who knew that such a thing existed? Today is International Talk Like A Pirate Day. Just goes to show ya, there's something for everyone in this world. If you'd like to learn how to talk like a pirate, you can learn a few random phrases or perhaps you're interested in the Five A's. But, don't miss the Pirate rap. Seriously.

OK... you may be wondering how this all entered my little pea brain. Blame last night's episode of Wife Swap. So what if the pirate family was a little bit kooky? At least they were enjoying themselves. The other family was scary. This is coming from a person who loves organizing. I, too, have dreamed of a label maker for my birthday. Good things come from label makers, people.

interview

2006-09-18T10:06:00.000-04:00

We made it home from Austin without a hitch. No major flight delays or meltdowns. I've got a bunch of pictures to go through to edit & post... so try to be patient. Until then...

I've been interviewed by "5 Minutes for Mom".

5 Minutes for Mom is a mom blog run by twin sisters who also own a retro pedal car store and another store with lots of toys for learning. Their blog helps moms find great websites and helps webmaster moms get exposure for their mom-owned sites.

cinq mois

2006-09-13T13:13:00.000-04:00

Pamplemousse is five months old! Let's see what's been going on in his world the last few weeks.

He has become a roll-over machine. His strength continues to amaze me. He's really gotten a hang of pulling his arms out from under his body and pushing himself up on his elbows. Granny Jan said yesterday he sat up on his elbows for about 3 or 4 minutes while watching TV.

He's gotten his first cold. I can't say that this is a milestone I was particularly looking forward to experiencing. However, I am glad that it has happened while I am in Texas with someone who has been through this with an infant, even if it was 30 years ago.

The boy has definitely started teething. He's rubbing his tongue against his gums big time. And if you rub your finger against them, he's in monkey heaven.

He's getting much better at finding his balance when he is sitting up. He still sways like a drunken sailor, but if he starts to fall, he often can recover.

I think that's about it... or that's all that I have time to remember at the moment. It's time to feed the monkey. Lord knows that when the monkey meal time calls, you answer.

anniversary

2006-09-12T11:22:00.000-04:00

One year ago today Mr. L and I got hitched in beautiful Cabo San Lucas. The wedding day was perfect... no stress, beautiful ceremony... And to think, I was about 2 months pregnant at the time. Who woulda thunked it? Obviously not me!

It's been one heckuva year for Mr. L and me. We got a huge surprise with little Pamplemousse and sometimes I think we're still recovering from the shock of it. In all it's been a lot of fun. We've wanted to strangle one another a couple of times. Lord knows most couples go through that their first year of marriage. But, not a day goes by that I don't thank my lucky stars that I have such a wonderful man by my side. He makes me laugh harder than anyone I know. He makes me love him more and more every day. Watching him with Francis makes me long for the days when Jacques can run along beside them begging to partake in their adventures. He's a great father, great husband and my best friend.

I love you, honey.

finally

2006-09-08T17:33:00.000-04:00

OK... after much delay, here is a picture. I still haven't tried turning on my laptop again. Perhaps I'll get the courage sometime this weekend.

The boy has become a roll over machine. He's screaming at this moment because he's rolled himself over onto his belly and he doesn't like it. He's tired and fighting sleep. I suppose that happens.

Jean and Francis made it into Austin without a problem. Their flight was about an hour late arriving, but nothing too bad. It made things a little more precarious since we were already pushing Monkey Butt's limits as far as bedtime goes, but everything turned out fine.

Sorry that I am not posting more pictures. It's been a busy day... I will try to get to it this weekend, if I can get my laptop worked out.

where are they?

2006-09-07T09:26:00.000-04:00

I apologize. I know that I've always been very good about posting pictures for you on Thursdays and now you've gone 2 weeks in a row without them. I really do feel bad. I promise to post one tomorrow. Come hell or high water, I will get it done.

If it's any consolation, Jacques has met a lot of folks in the last two days and everyone says basically the same thing - he's a big boy. He's not getting any smaller, that's for sure.

Went to my grandma's house yesterday. She's as crazy as ever. Man I love that lady. I sure do miss her. She never fails to put a smile on my face. Then my Uncle Kenny & Aunt Barbara came over to meet Monkey Butt. After Grandma's house, Jacques and I wandered over to Auntie Bobo's abode & met Uncle Ken as well. The four of us met a bunch of folks at Uncle Julio's for dinner at 6p. It was great to see everyone - my cousins Ray & Brian... Brian's wife, Heather, and their 3 kids - Mason (who is so big it's scary), Ethan and Endi... some of the girls I used to work with - Margarita (who is due in February and looks fabulous), Holly and her SO Aaron, and Debbie, who looks happier than I've seen her in a while... The problem with a dinner where you have so many people is that I didn't get to sit and chat with everyone as much as I'd like. But, I still got to see everyone and chat for a few minutes which was just wonderful.

This morning we're off to do a little shopping. I'm in search of a dress to wear for my anniversary dinner. Hard to believe our first anniversary is just around the corner. Then Jacques and I head to Austin to pick up Jean and Francis!!!! I'm so excited to see them.

Must get on my way... love to you all!

funky town

2006-09-06T09:46:00.000-04:00

Jacques and I have made it to Fort Worth. We arrived yesterday afternoon around 1p. Our drive from Austin was very easy and the boy slept 99.9% of the time. That makes life easier for mama.

My laptop has fried again, it seems. When I logged in yesterday to try to download some pictures, I got the blue screen of death. I haven't tried it today. I'm close to throwing the darn thing out the window. It's becoming more of a pain than it's worth.

Yesterday I got a visit from my cousin Rachel... she is a nut and cracks me up. Then Auntie Amy, Grandpa, Nanna, Jacques and I met Auntie Laura & Vince and Granny Jo for dinner. Food was great and Jacques enjoyed his paparazzi experience. That boy really loves being the center of attention. I suppose that's true of most babies.

Today we're going to Grandpa and Nanna's office to show off the baby then we're heading to my Grandma's house. I can't wait to see Grandma. She's going to love Jacques so much.

Later this evening we're meeting a bunch of folks at good ole Uncle Julio's for dinner. Should be good times. I'm really excited to see everyone and watch their reaction to little Monkey Butt. I'm not sure that you really get the full grasp of how big the boy is in pictures. And no one really believes me until they actually see them - but those are some serious thighs.

We head back to Austin tomorrow to pick up Francis and Jean. Almost 7 days without my hubby. We've been busy but I really have missed Jean a lot. I know how proud he is of both his boys - and it makes me a little sad that he doesn't get to see everyone's reaction to Jacques. But, I'm trying to take a ton of pictures so that he can enjoy it vicariously.

OK... I must get ready for my day. I'll try to check in again soon. I had started a slide show with some pictures we'd taken so far, but with my laptop fried, I don't know when I'll get them up. Maybe this weekend.

the lake

2006-09-03T09:15:00.000-04:00

The visit has been wonderful so far. We've had lots of good food and fun... and MB has behaved himself for the most part. Yesterday morning we took him out for his first boating experience. We toured the lake and gandered at the "vacation" homes. Many of these homes are nuts. The boat houses are bigger than my house. Some of them look like hotels. I am not exaggerating.

There is movement at Roger Staubach's house - which is just across the cove from Camp Busse South. I've not seen him yet, but don't worry. There are still two days of stalking left.

I took the jet ski out on my own yesterday. I got it up to 37 mph and thought I was a crazy person. Papa Roy took me out first to show me the ropes and literally made me pee in my pants a little bit. Bladder control isn't so easy after you birth a 9 pounder. Auntie Beth and I went out together as well. I think I might have scared her a little bit; but I don't recall the last time I had that much fun. I can't wait for the boys to get here. They are going to have a ball.

We've been taking lots of pictures - although they're really dispersed over 3 cameras. I'll have to be sure that I get them all before we part ways. Today is Grandpa and Nanna's last day in Austin, but I'll see them again on Tuesday when we head up to Funky Town.

Perhaps we'll take Monkey Butt to the pool today. He did get to put his feet in the lake yesterday... Granny, Nanna and Auntie Beth took him down to one of the beaches.

Will post more soon. For now, I must go check on the baby.

i will survive

2006-09-01T16:49:00.000-04:00

We made it to Austin!

I can't say that it was always easy... but I did have many nice people that stopped to help me when I looked especially lost and/or pathetic. Monkey Butt was fabulous on the flight from Ottawa to Chicagoand we had a great visit with Auntie Julie and Lilly. (I have pictures to share once I actually turn on my laptop and download the things.)

The flight from Chicago to Austin, I didn't get quite as lucky. The plane was full and Jacques had enough of the traveling and being off his normal routine. He's sitting in the portable crib in my mom's room right now fighting a nap that we've been trying to get him to take for the last 3 1/2 hours.

Nanna and Grandpa made it here this afternoon. Everyone is amazed at just how big Jacques is. I guess the pictures don't do him justice.

The weather is great... IT IS HOT! I really forgot how I miss the folks in Texas. Unless you've been here it's really hard to 'slpain it. Suffice it to say that the chicks in Texas are smart asses by nature... and I love it.

I know that I still owe you a weekly picture. Don't think I've forgotten... we're just busy and cranky... I'm hopeful that he'll get a good night's sleep and have a good day tomorrow.

Hope everyone has a fantastic holiday weekend. Be safe and enjoy the "official" end to Summer.

insomnia

2006-08-31T03:25:00.000-04:00

It's 320a. I have been awake since 145a. I think I went to sleep somewhere around 10p. I'm tired and I can't turn off my brain. I have to be up in 40 minutes so I'm not even going to bother trying to go back to sleep. Now I just have to keep myself occupied.

Remember when I said I was going to need a margarita when I got off the plane in Austin? I think I'm going to need a vat o' them.

Please, dear lord, let Jacques be good today. Otherwise I might literally go nuts... not that it's a long drive for me.

no luck

2006-08-30T15:43:00.000-04:00

Sorry folks. No picture today. Jacques is very cranky and I'm losing my mind. He's been screaming and crying for the last 2 hours. I've tried playing with him, tried getting him to go to sleep (I layed down with him even), took him for a walk... nothing seems to be working. And I have shit to do. I'm seriously about to cry.

texas... here we come!

2006-08-30T08:44:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you folks in the Lone Star State are ready... but we're heading down there first thing mañana. Jacques and I have a 7a flight out of Ottawa. 7a. Yeah... that's what I said.

We've got to be up at the crack o'dawn... even earlier than Jacques normally wakes up to eat. And we connect in Chicago. We have a ridiculously long lay-over, but Auntie Julie & Lilly are going to brave traffic and come meet us at the Hilton for brunch. It will be wonderful to see them and a great way to pass the 5 hours between flights.

Today I've got to get laundry done and stuff packed. I still have two quick errands to run, but I might wait until Jean gets home from Montreal. Which reminds me... CRAP! Tonight I have to cook dinner. Hmmm... I better start thinking about that now.

So, tomorrow we arrive in Austin shortly before 4p. I'm pretty sure I won't update tomorrow, which means you'll have to wait until at least Friday for a picture. Unless I feel generous and take one this afternoon to post. Problem is that he's gonna be wearing scruffy clothes today. Got to save the "good" ones for our trip, ya know. Maybe it's time for a diaper shot.

Anyhoo... wish me luck traveling alone with Monkey Butt. I am going to need it! (and a margarita...)

blogging

2006-08-29T20:44:00.000-04:00

I started this whole blog about Rick Mercer and then showed my sister some of his stuff and finally just gave up. Evidently it's pretty darn Canadian and you folks south of us don't find it as funny. It is funny, if you understand anything about Canada & Canadian politics, check him out here. It's a great time waster where you can view old skits.

I have recently started reading more and more blogs and finally decided it was time to get organized. I hate missing shit on the blogs I read... so I started subscribing to the feeds using Bloglines. The only concern that I have is that I'll spend more time reading shit on the internet. I really don't need encouragement, people.

So, if you're addicted to blogs like I am... and an organization freak, also like me... I recommend it. By the way, if you want to subscribe to good ole Pamplemousse, you can click here or down on the Bloglines button below.

Off to bed. Got a busy ass day tomorrow!

sleepy pants

2006-08-29T09:33:00.000-04:00

As you read yesterday, Mr Monkey Butt had his 4 month immunizations. "They" say that after your baby is given shots, he may be cranky and will definitely be napping more. He wasn't cranky but he certainly was tired!

We were out much of the morning yesterday and went for two walks in the afternoon. Honestly, I had a horrific headache and was just trying to keep him occupied so that he didn't get too cranky. He napped several times, though hardly his normal 3 hour late morning/early afternoon nap. At about 6p, though, he fell asleep in his swing. This is fairly normal. He will usually fall asleep while I'm making dinner and sleep while Jean and I eat. Since Jean is in Montreal, I didn't have dinner... so Monkey Butt was a little late in taking his evening nap. He was obviously pretty crashed out, so I let him sleep until almost 8p. At a quarter to 8, I took him out of his swing to give him a bath. The boy hardly moved. He nestled his head on my shoulder, sighed heavily and went right back to sleep. I decided to forego the bath and took him to his nursery to change his diaper and put him in a sleeper.

The boy slept through the whole thing. He put his legs up in the air, but managed to stay off in la-la-land. Those of you who have seen me clothe Jacques know that I am hardly gentle when I change him. But the boy was undisturbed.

I stayed downstairs for a while waiting for Jean to call and try to bore myself to sleep. I went up and checked on him several times and he was out like a light. I was fully prepared for him to wake up at 2 or 3a - dying for a bottle - but he slept until almost 6a! And after I fed him, he went back to sleep until 830a! That was one worn out baby.

Now he's in his jolly jumper chewing on his bib and smiling at me. We've had no repeat roll over incidents... but I'm not really trying to encourage it at this point. I'm not sure that I'm fully prepared. :-)

sign language

2006-08-28T21:13:00.000-04:00

Sign Language
Have you (or would you) introduce sign language to your infant?

Yes, absolutely! It is a great way for babies to communicate before they can talk.
Not sure... I have never considered it.
No way. It is hogwash.

view results

shake, rattle and...

2006-08-28T18:00:00.000-04:00

ROLL!!!!

My brilliant boy rolled over this afternoon. He was down on his mat staring up at me and smiling. I got up to start making a bottle when... WHAM! ROLL OVER!

And, he did it in quite the interesting way. No wimpy rolling over from his belly to his back. Always contrary, he did it exactly the opposite way - from his back to his belly. Of course, I instantly started exclaiming "Oh my goodness! You just rolled over! You are positively brilliant!" Zsa Zsa started running around in circles and getting in my way as I lunged for the camera to take a picture before he moved.

No kidding, folks... he is a boy wonder.

dictionary

2006-08-28T14:34:00.000-04:00

Jacques --

[adjective]:

Fuzzy to the touch

'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com

pork chop

2006-08-28T13:35:00.000-04:00

Today was Monkey Butt's 4 month check up. I woke him up at 845a to get him dressed and ready for our 930a appointment. I never cease to be amazed at how happy the boy is when I wake him. He definitely doesn't get that from me.

One thing is for certain about Dr. G. He runs a tight ship. Whenever we go, I have not waited more than 5 minutes. This morning, I barely got the boy's clothes off before the doctor walked in. I've heard horror stories of people having to wait forever to see the pediatrician.

He took one look at him and said, "He's a big fella, isn't he?" To which I replied "Yeah, he doesn't miss many meals."

Officially he is 19 1/2 lbs and 27 inches long. He's a pork chop.

We sat down to do the immunizations and the doctor said, "I need to take a look at those thighs to see what kind of needle I need to use here." (looks at the thigh) "Whoa, think I need to pull out the big guns for this one." I told the doctor about my blog and how I had joked recently that I should measure the circumference of his thigh instead of measuring his length. The doctor laughed and then started telling me how wonderful the internet is. He recently decided that he would roast his own coffee beans and went on a search to find a roaster. Evidently, if you're interested, coffee beans lose 30% of their flavor 3 days after they are roasted. Just more information for your noodle thanks to Jacques' pediatrician.

So, big needle in hand, Dr. G poked the right leg and Monkey Butt uttered not a sound. I kept him occupied with Pup so I don't think he even noticed what was going on. With the left leg, we weren't so lucky. As soon as he started pushing the shot into his chubby thigh, Jacques started to cry. But, as soon as the needle was out, he was chewing on pup's nose and all was well in the world again.

Our next appointment will be on Halloween! Which reminds me... must order his costume post haste.

one year

2006-08-27T13:24:00.000-04:00

One year ago. A parking lot in London. Bodies were transferred. Boxes moved from one car to another. No money exchanged hands. Heavy hearts. Long looks.

One year ago.

Sounds ominous, doesn't it?

One year ago today... Zsa Zsa and I moved to Canada. My friend Julie (pregnant with Lilly at the time) drove Zsa Zsa and me to a parking lot in London where we met Jean. We moved my stuff from Julie's car to Jean's... popped into Wendy's for a quick bite... and then we were off. Julie gave me away. I was no longer a resident of Chicago. Well, technically I was. (At least as far as the Canadian government was concerned.)

I've been in Canada for a year. Wow.

pretty boy

2006-08-25T13:15:00.000-04:00

Last night Jean and I were going through the old pictures of little Jacques - from the hospital up to the week 19 pictures I took yesterday.

We both came to the same conclusion... Jacques was an alien-looking baby and not very cute. I don't mean that to sound as bad as it probably does. All newborns are a bit odd looking. Even if they are delivered via cesarean, you must consider the fact that they've been holed up (literally) in a dark, cramped space. But if they've gone out the normal route, you've squeezed their tender skulls through a rather tight space.

It didn't seem to matter to us, though. We thought he was beautiful. We still do. But, until the boy was about 6 weeks old, he had some extra terrestrial features.

And all of you people helped us believe the lie that he was a beautiful baby. I thank you for that. Really. I do.

my husband, the shit

2006-08-24T20:35:00.000-04:00

I'm not one to post profanity in the title... I usually save that for the heart of the post. But, this time it's deserved.

We've been trying to get things in order for the trip down to Tejas. Since I'm flying down a week before Jean and Francis, I have to get a travel authorization letter drafted and notarized so that I can bring Monkey Butt into the States on my own.

I've had a letter drafted for a couple of weeks. We keep talking about needing to get it notarized, but you know how it is... other things take priority.

Well, time is running out. Jean leaves early Monday morning for Montreal and won't be back until late Wednesday. Jacques and I leave early on Thursday morning. So, this afternoon I went online to find a notary that I could get to work in the evening.

It wasn't so hard, really. Thank god for Google. I found Capital Notary Services and was able to make an appointment for 7p.

So shortly before then, we packed up the baby and headed to get the paper signed/notarized. Monkey Butt and I stayed in the car while Jean ran in to take care of business.

He got back in the car and told me that I should congratulate him on his fine negotiating skills. He got both copies notarized for the $45 fee. We drive a little further down the road when he says, "You should know that I told him I was going to play a trick on you. The night before you were going to leave, I was going to tear up the notarized travel letter and freak you out."

I told you, he's a shit.

dix-neuf semaines

2006-08-24T10:13:00.000-04:00

First, I'd like to finally share a picture of little Keira. Here she is napping before her big photo shoot.

Jacques is a whopping 19 weeks today... almost exactly as I write this. I was carrying Keira around last night and boy is there a difference. First of all, she's not as wiggly. Secondly, she's more than 10 lbs lighter. You'd be amazed at how much that is.

I did measure and weigh him today. It doesn't seem that he's grown any. He's a little more than 26 inches long and just over 20 lbs. I did, for posterity's sake, measure the circumference of his thigh... a whopping 10 1/2 inches. That seems quite large to me. Of course, you only have to look at them to be overwhelmed by their stature.

photos

2006-08-23T13:34:00.000-04:00

I realized that I didn't post a link to the Month 4 photo album. I've switched to Snapfish because they will let you select photo albums and burn them onto a CD. Currently, Kodak Gallery only lets you do a CD of every photo you've uploaded. Or, at least when I was researching it last month that's all they'd do.

Here is a link to the Month 4 album. I apologize to those of you behind a firewall. Many of the pictures have been posted here on the blog... so don't think you're missing out on too much.

I'm going with Celine tonight for Keira's newborn pictures. Should be a lot of fun!

word cloud

2006-08-23T10:11:00.000-04:00

This has taken words that I've used within my blog and created an image. It's interesting to see what words are larger than others. Get your own "word cloud" here.

blood pressure

2006-08-22T14:21:00.000-04:00

In the interest of full disclosure, I must forewarn you. I'm in a seriously pissy mood. You've been warned. Read on with caution.

I spoke to a United Airlines representative yesterday afternoon. When my reservation to Austin was made, they were not notified I'd be traveling with an infant. So, I was trying to avoid any delay at the airport and advise them. After getting the run around from the agent, I was advised that I should go to the airport to have a paper ticket issued for Jacques. We only have to pay taxes, but still a ticket must be issued.

Luckily, I don't live that far from the airport and it's a relatively small one at that. Even though we're in Canada's capital, it's ain't that big of a city.

I strapped Monkey Butt into his car seat and off we went on our little excursion. I arrive at the United counter only to find it empty. Now, having traveled on United most times I've flown out of YOW, I know that the same people that check you in at the counter also board you at the gate. So, my assumption was that there was a flight leaving shortly and I'd only have to wait a few minutes. I waited for 30 minutes, with Monkey Butt in tow, until an Air Canada agent came up to me to see if she could assist. She advised that she did not believe that anyone could issue a ticket on United as there are no United agents that work at YOW. They are Air Canada agents who are cross trained to check in United passengers. She went to confirm with one of said agents. She returned to advise that her hunch was correct. So, 45 minutes in the airport for nothing.

All of this because I don't want the ticket sent to Texas before it is sent to Canada. So, back on the phone with United. The agent was rude (shock) and told me there was no way to send the ticket to me directly. That is when I pulled out the mom voice. "Your agent sent me on a wild goose chase to the airport, with an infant, and wasted over an hour of my time. I'm now sitting on the phone with you wasting more time. You will issue the ticket and send it to me directly. No if's and's or but's."

"May I place you on hold?" Yeah... sure... whatever. Jackass.

So, after sitting on hold 3 times, it is determined that the ticket can be sent to me in Canada if I have a credit card with a Canadian billing address. It just so happens that I do. I give him my American Express card. I'm placed back on hold. He then returns to tell me that my card is declined. For less than $8. I tell him that's impossible. He curtly replies "The ticketing desk has advised me the card is declined. I need another card." My blood is boiling. I'm about to lose it. "Can you please repeat the card number back to me, sir?" He's entered the card number incorrectly. I breathe. I give him the number 2 more times and am placed on hold again. Finally, the ticket is issued. Now, let's see if it gets here in time.

I guess that I hadn't had enough abuse today. I decided to check the Office of the Registrar General's web site to see whether or not the birth certificate had been issued. I am not so pleased when I see that my inquiry produces the following results:

"Upon review of your request, we can provide the following:A birth registration could not be located. If you have not completed and submitted the Statement of Live Birth for this child to your local municipal office, you must do so before the birth can be registered and a birth certificate issued.If you have completed the Statement of Live Birth and the municipal office has record of registering the event, please submit the date of registration and the municipal registration number by letter to our office.Please note that it generally takes approximately 6-8 weeks to process a birth registration from the time it is received by our office and is acceptable for registration."

I'm now about to blow. I think there is literally steam coming out of my ears and a blood vessel about to burst in my forehead.

I call the ORG. Busy signal. I call again. Busy signal. Third time's a charm, right? Wrong. On the fifth try, I get through. Of course, I'm in queue... but it only takes 30 minutes this time. AMAZING! I speak to an agent and she advises that the inquiry I submitted with the Notice of Birth Registration number was just sent last week and it takes some time. And, she basically tells me that I shouldn't have requested the birth certificate until I received the letter from the ORG. Well, that's contrary to what 3 people at the hospital told me... why that surprises me I'm not sure. I explain to her that I'm traveling next week and my travel letter expires in the middle of my trip. She says that she'll send another inquiry and try to give it another push. I'm not holding my breath. This is getting ridiculous.

And... did I mention that I've had the runs for the past 4 days? Yes... it's a lot of fun in the house right now.

where the heart is

2006-08-21T11:37:00.000-04:00

Time for another writing collaboration from the Crazy Hip Blog Mamas. This episode's topic: Home.

As my regular readers know, I moved about a year ago from one of my many "homes" (Chicago) to (Oh) Canada to be with the love of my life. Whenever either Jean or I are asked where I am from, however, the answer is always "Texas." Inevitably, when someone from Canada learns that I am an American they start asking questions. "What do you think of George W. Bush?" "Are Canadians that different from Americans?" "Do you like Canada?" "We don't really say 'eh' all of the time, eh?" The list goes on.

Texas will always be "home" to me. Texans are friendly people. They welcome you and want to show you what hospitality is. I can't wait for Jean and Francis to experience that in a few weeks. Watching them will be a hoot.

I've moved a lot in my life... Texas... Tennessee... California... Michigan... back to Texas... Illinois and now Ontario (and those are just the states... don't get me started on the places within the states). I love each of those places for their own reasons - either the scenery or the fond memories they evoke.

At the core, I'm a city gal. I prefer the hustle & bustle. I like the anonymity that the big city provides. I don't want everyone in my business. But, there is something entirely peaceful about being out in the middle of nowhere watching the stars in the sky and listening to the crickets.

Who knows where Jean and I will end up... who knows where Jacques will call "home" when he grows up. All I know is that we will do all we can to make it a happy one.

roll over beethoven

2006-08-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

Over the last week, Jacques has been inching ever closer to rolling over. He goes from his back to his side without a problem but just can't seem to take it that one step further and roll over to his belly. I've tried moving his arm down to assist and even dangled the winkel in front of him. After researching online (of course) it seems that I should put him on his belly and encourage him to roll over on his back. Who wants to do that? That's the easy way.

Honestly, I'm not particularly anxious for him to roll over. Right now he's pretty easy. At most he scootches his way around the floor on his mat. Rolling over only leads to other things. Bad things like crawling... and walking...

Watching Jacques over the last few days, I'm reminded of the time my mother was trying to teach our Dalmation, Frankie, to roll over. This is not something I'm particularly proud of, quite honestly, but I figure I should tell the story before Granny decides to take an ad out and tell her version.

Frankie, evidently in Mom's mind, was a bit of a copy cat. She was a smart dog, but thick headed. Tricks seemed to come pretty easily to her, but rolling over was proving to be most difficult. My dear mother decided that she would cut a Snickers bar into bite sized pieces and reward me with one of those dear morsels whenever I would, on command, roll over. The sad part about this is that I was old enough to know better and tell her where she might like to put that damn Snickers. But, she was my mother. And, she must have asked politely... or, I felt guilty about something that I either had or had not been caught doing. So, my mother would say "Katie... lie down. Good girl [Snickers, please]. Roll over. Good girl. [and another Snickers]" She did the same thing with Frankie, guiding her in the roll over follow-through... and after about 5 candy bars I, err, Frankie got the hang of it. Actually, to be fair, I think that in all it took her only a couple of times before she figured it out.

So, maybe what I should do is feed Jean pieces of candy to show Jacques how to follow through with the roll over. Do you think he'd do it? Hmmm? DO YA?

keira

2006-08-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

Jacques, Jean and I went to visit Keira and her parents last night. Keira Rylee is absolutely adorable. And SOOOOO little. I don't remember Jacques being that little. Oh, that's right... it's because he was born 10 ounces bigger. Pork chop.

She's so tiny. I guess I said that already. And so cute. She spent the duration of our visit asleep, mostly hugging up against Celine. Although, I did hold her for a few minutes. She didn't move. Such a cuddle bug.

Jacques was more interested in checking out what I was doing to look at the baby. Jean was convinced that Jacques was jealous. I think that the kid just only has eyes for his maman. I relish these days.

I am sad to report that I don't have any photographs because I'm a jackass and I forgot my camera. John took some pictures and Jean asked him to email them so I could post. I think John has other things on his mind. But, Celine is in the hospital until Sunday and I'm sure we'll go visit again this evening... so I promise to bring my camera. Visiting hours are only from 6p - 8p which I find a bit odd.

I have to run... Jean is getting an oil change on the magic bus and going to pick up Francis... so I am trying to get the bathroom painted before they get home. But first, the baby must be fed...

enfant

2006-08-17T10:21:00.000-04:00

John and Celine have phoned... John was on his way home to shower and try to catch a little bit of sleep and Celine must have just woken up from the nap that John said she was taking.

Little Keira was born by Cesarean this morning at 638a. She was 8 lbs, 9 ounces. Celine sounds exhausted but remarkably alert for a woman who's just coming out of a drug induced stupor.

We're going to go visit them this evening. I'll hopefully have pictures to share tomorrow!

dix-huit semaines

2006-08-17T09:19:00.000-04:00

Eighteen weeks. Crazy, crazy. By the way, we got a call from John last night. He was on his way to the hospital with Celine. She had been admitted at least overnight because she was, well, leaking. When I talked to John at about 630p, she was 3 cm dilated. I was hoping to hear from them again, but when the phone rang this morning at about 745a, I was upstairs dead to the world and Jean was in the shower. So, no update. Jean called and left John a message. Hopefully I'll hear soon.

I decided to take the plunge and get on the scale with Monkey Butt this morning. I did it before either of us ate, so as to make me feel better. Jacques, according to our scale and my inexact science of weighing him, is exactly 20 lbs. He's also a whopping 26 inches long, give or take a bit. The wiggle worm hardly sits still long enough for me to get the measuring tape out.

We've also changed his nighttime routine a bit. We're beginning an hour earlier than usual from our 8p start time. Some of this is because of the introduction of cereal. Feeding him cereal is quite a process (I emphasize the the PRO for my Canadian contingency). Immediately after he requires hosing off and a bottle... then it's off to la-la land.

So, at the latest he's been falling asleep at about 8p. He sleeps until at least 5a. I'd say that's sleeping through the night. I believe most parents would deem that acceptable. The good thing about Jacques is that even though he's wide awake when I put him back down after the 5a feeding, he'll talk to himself for about 30 - 45 minutes and then go right back to sleep... and proceed to sleep until close to 9a. Unfortunately for Jean, that means that he misses those two beady eyes staring at him while he prepares & eats his breakfast. It was their morning ritual and Jean enjoyed the audience. Now that Jacques is sleeping later, I think Jean feels gypped.

Here are this week's pictures. I took them early this morning before he slobbered all over his shirt. Now that he's zerberting his way through the day, it makes the clothes a bit messy. I have relented and taken to putting a bib on him all day.

I can only seem to get one picture to post. Darn Blogspot. At least you got one, right!?

busy as a bee in a tar bucket

2006-08-16T18:26:00.000-04:00

Is that the proper saying? It seems odd to me, but for some reason I can hear my mom saying it.

So this morning I rose at the ripe ole hour of 9a. Actually, the last couple of days it's been anywhere between 9a - 10a. After feeding Jacques at about 10, I showered and decided that it was time for Jacques and I to tackle some errands.

First of all, let's please remember that even though I have been in Ottawa for almost a year now, I have spent most of that time sans personal transportation. Therefore, I know my way to the Loeb, Wal-Mart and the Beer Store. I'll let you guess which route I learned first.

I remembered that to go to Ikea and Michaels, I was to take a road fairly close to ours straight down. Unfortunately, I chose the wrong one. Figures. I reached the dead end and decided to backtrack. I knew that the stores were just off the 417 Hwy... so, I decided to get on... going East. Wrong again. The exit I chose to take also seemed to be a poor decision. The signal was out and I had to wait 15 minutes just to turn around and get back on the highway going the wrong direction. All the while, Jacques sat in his car seat making the zerbert noise with his mouth. This is his latest trick. And he's delighted beyond belief when someone does it back to him. As a matter of fact, at this moment he's half on his floor mat scootching himself around in a circle, chewing on one of the arches and making the zerbert sound. It's kind of funny.

Finally I made it to Ikea. I had a couple of things to look for today. One of which was lighting for the tiny little bedside tables I found to put next to our ginormous bed. I found these unique little lamps that were light blue and looked similar to a vase. I thought they were cool and artistic and couldn't beat the price $9.99. When Jean saw them, his reaction was "I can't believe you'd buy something like that." He doesn't like the fact that they're "crooked." I attempted to position them so they're the least visibly crooked, but I think they're going to have to grow on him.

Additionally, I was looking for a toy chest of sorts to put in the living room to house some of Jacques' belongings. He spends the majority of the day here, and the "stuff" continues to mount and drive both Jean and I crazy. (Although we seem to take turns on the day.) Didn't have any luck there. I'm also trying to work on a collage of frames for our living room, so I checked those out but decided to try to work with what I have for now...

I headed next door to Michaels to peruse the frames there. We've got a couple of artist proof's that Granny Jan gave us in the midst of her house purging that I'd like to have framed. She also gave us a fabulous pencil drawing of the courtyard of the hotel where Jean and I got married that we'd yet to frame. We found a frame that looked great back in March... but the only one they had in stock was chipped, so we decided to hold off. I found the same frame unflawed, so I did pick that up. I would share a website of her paintings with you, but it appears to be down at the moment... I'll have to investigate.

Then it was off to Home Depot (again, I seemed to take the long route) to pick up some black spray paint to use on the frames that I have at home. The spray paint was Jean's idea. But, someone please remind me the next time I decide to spray paint something to WEAR GLOVES. I've spent the past 4 hours trying to remove black paint from my hands and underneath my nails. One of these days I'll learn.

Now I just have to get all of the pictures printed that I want done. I think I've picked them all out... I'm hoping that the collage will be a work in progress that just continues to grow. And the bedroom is getting closer. One of these days I'll post a picture.

I believe it's getting close to dinner time for little Monkey Butt so I'll bid you adieu. Eat, drink (please have a drink for me) and be merry!

government = inefficient?

2006-08-15T12:01:00.000-04:00

I have complained about this numerous times, I am sure.

Over the last 2 months, I have been expecting Jacques' birth certificate. While in the hospital, I had no less than 3 nurses explain to me how simple the whole process was - especially now that you can register the birth online as well request both the birth certificate and social insurance number at the same time/place. So, the Sunday after Jacques was born, I did just that. I registered the birth and paid $33. I requested the birth certificate and paid $25. I was advised that after the birth has been registered, the birth certificate will be issued within 15 business days.

Have I mentioned that Jacques turned 4 months on Sunday? So, we're going on 4 months now and STILL no birth certificate. Before our first trip to the states, we went to our local municipal office to get a Travel Authorization Letter. Another $27. And we were told then that the letter is really only good for requesting a passport. We were leaving the following day. No way we were going to get a passport in time.

So, we traveled back and forth to the States twice without an issue. But, I continue to call the Office of the Registrar General in Ontario. Often I get a busy signal. I'd say once out of every 10 calls I actually get through.

After getting the run around a few weeks ago, I finally determined that I needed to get the registration number and date from the city of Ottawa to provide to the province. That information was relatively simple to attain. Then, the hassel of calling the ORG. After what seemed like 6 hours of constant calling, I finally got through. I was advised that they would open an inquiry into the matter, but that it takes typically 8 weeks from the date that it was registered by the municipality to register in the province. It had been 8 weeks and I not so politely advised them of that. The lady apologized and said that it should go through "any day now."

Last Friday, I reached my saturation point when I received a letter from the ORG advising me that the birth was registered by the province on July 31... more than a WEEK before I had made the phone calls trying to track down this thing.

Finally, yesterday I got through to the ORG (after sitting on hold for a glorious 54 minutes) and the gentleman who answered said "OH! Great! You recieved the letter. We just need the registration number off of that letter in order to issue your birth certificate."

So, explain this to me.

1) I registered the birth on 4/16 and requested a birth certificate and SIN at the same time.
2) On 5/31 it was sent from the city of Ottawa to the province of Ontario
3) I call the ORG about 5 times trying to figure out why there's a hold up
4) On 7/31 the province registers the birth and mails me a letter
5) 3 times last week I called the ORG... they had no record of the registration... they had to open an inquiry or whatever they called it.
6) Last Friday I receive the letter from the ORG telling me that the birth is registered. Nowhere on this letter does it explain that if I've already requested a BC, I should call them to advise them of the registration number that THEY ASSIGNED.

It's the epitome of governmental inefficiency. Not only can departments not talk to one another - they can't even talk to themselves! It's ridiculous. Tell me again why people in Canada pay such a ridiculously high tax rate? And, on top of this, I've paid now $85!

Supposedly the BC will be issued within 15 business days. I'll believe it when I see it.

My apologies to Sherri who has heard this story in blow by blow detail over the past few weeks. I know that she will be just as excited as I will (if not more) when I get the darn thing.

mon ami le winkel

2006-08-15T10:22:00.000-04:00

You know how they make a tether for pacifiers so that when your little one spits it out(or grabs as Jacques is want to do recently) it doesn't end up on the nastiness that is the floor at the Wal-Mart? I'm starting to believe that instead of attaching his pacifier to it, I need to put the Winkel.

The boy loves that darn thing. Maybe it's because I don't care if he spends the day with it in his mouth. Maybe it's the bright colors. Any way you slice it, this may be the boy's first love. Besides his Papa and Maman, of course.

quatre mois

2006-08-14T13:05:00.000-04:00

Holy shit. I can't believe that I forgot to post that yesterday Monkey Butt turned a whopping 4 months old! And yes, we did discuss this month's fractions. He just looked at me and slobbered but I think he got it.

And last night, there is no doubt... THE BOY SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT! We were a little late getting back from chez Celine, so I don't think he probably got to sleep until 9p... but he went down without so much as a peep. And, he slept until after 8a this morning. No middle of the night feeding! Both Jean and I got up this morning and went to his crib to tell him how fabulous he was. He layed there kicking his legs, smiling and squealing. It was fantastic. Hopefully it wasn't a fluke. The night before he slept until almost 6a. So, maybe we're getting closer to no middle of the night feeding. That would make my return to work in October so much easier.

A toast to little Jacques. Congratulations for allowing your maman et papa (and yourself) sleep the whole night through!

master and commander

2006-08-14T11:31:00.000-04:00

Friday afternoon was fun. Celine, Jacques and I went downtown and had lunch then wandered around a bit. It was a little chilly down there, the wind had really picked up, so we didn't get to roam as much as we'd hoped.

Friday evening Jean and I cleared out the master bedroom. We have a good sized armoire that lives up there and Jean was convinced that we could move it down to the garage. I must have said "but then we have to move it back upstairs" about 5 times before it clicked in his head and he said "But wait, if we move it downstairs, we'll have to bring it back up." Hallelujah! It worked! So, we decided that I would paint the armoire upstairs and the book case and bed side table would be put down in the garage for Jean to take on.

After putting Jacques to sleep, Jean and I started sanding the armoire to scuff up the finish to help the painting process. I painted the armoire while Jean started sanding the other furniture. After I finished painting, Jean completed the other 2 pieces and we crashed.

We woke up early on Saturday and touched up the furniture then prepared the bedroom walls for paint. Little Monkey Butt was fabulous the whole day, even though our focus was mostly elsewhere. He napped and entertained himself on his floor gym.

After putting a coat of paint on the bedroom walls, both Jean and I were very disappointed in the color. We were going from a turquoise blue to a light blue, but the color looked very gray. It was not at all what we were looking for. Jean suggested that I take the paint to Rona to see if they could add some color to make it more blue. So, off I went.

The gentleman at the paint counter was very kind & patient. Even though Jean had purchased the paint at the Sico store, not from Rona, he tried 3 separate times to make the paint more blue. After those attempts, I asked "Is there any way we can get this paint to work?" He advised that it had an ounce of black in it, which is why it was covering gray. So, I decided to start over. I picked a new color and came back home.

Jean started the edging while I fed little Monkey Butt. While I was feeding, Jean kept calling down telling me that the color was exactly the same and that he would do one wall and I could come upstairs and try to figure out which one it was. My blood began to boil. After burping Jacques, I went upstairs to see what the color looked like. There was a dramatic difference. It was exactly what we were looking for. I said to Jean "What on earth are you talking about?" And he started snickering that evil little laugh of his... and I withheld the urge to knock him upside the head.

By Saturday evening, we had finished painting, brought the furniture upstairs and put the bed together. We were both exhausted and crashed in our comfy new bed.

Yesterday Jean and John went to Gatineau to go mountain biking, while Celine and I went back downtown with the intention of checking out the Caribe Expo. Celine and I never found the expo, but we did wander around the market a bit. I got home and took Jacques to run a quick errand. I decided to take him in the Snugli. Jean and I had tried it once before when he was just getting control of his head, but he seemed very aggravated by it. This time, he was so excited. He kicked his legs about and squealed with delight when we walked past a mirror and he saw our reflection.

After a fabulous dinner at John & Celine's, we came back home and decided to tackle the TV/Cable/Home Theater set up. After a couple of glasses of wine, my patience was basically nil and I gave up after 3 attempts.

This morning, we took on the TV set up again and after wrangling with it for at least 2 1/2 more hours, we got it working! So, we have now officially moved the plasma downstairs, with the HD working and the home theater set up. Now I'm struggling with the remotes and had to take a break.

We've still got to either pick out new hardware for the furniture or paint what we have. I'm still hopeful that I can get new stuff, but I'm not going to be surprised if we have to just settle for some paint.

Once we get it all in order, I'll take some pictures for you to see. And, just for the record, Jean and I are on speaking terms. I think there were a couple of times he wanted to strangle me and vice versa, but that is usually the case when home improvement projects are undertaken.

paint

2006-08-11T10:29:00.000-04:00

We've decided to take on a new project for the weekend. I think Jean got a wild hair.

For our anniversary, we bought a king sized bed. We've been thinking about it, well, since I became uncomfortably large during pregnancy. We've sort of been stashing money away for it and finally broke down last night and bought the mattress.

So, this weekend we're painting our bedroom furniture and the bedroom. These projects are fun for me. Only problem is that I believe Jean expects it to happen very quickly and easily. Inevitably there is some snaffu. It's just the nature of home projects.

I'm heading out to run errands and have lunch with Celine. Wish us luck on the weekend project. Hopefully we'll both still be alive, well and talking by the end of Sunday! :-)

slogan

2006-08-10T12:06:00.000-04:00

The Incredible, Edible Jacques.

Tell me that's not appropriate. Get your own slogan here. Mine was "Solutions for a Small Katie." Nice try.

dix-sept semaines

2006-08-10T09:24:00.000-04:00

We're inching ever closer to 4 months. He is 4 months old on Sunday. You know what that means... another fraction! Woo hoo! He has no idea what to look forward to. A whole day of me saying "You're 4/12, which is also 1/3, of a year old!"

No update on weight/height again. Although maybe after his morning nap I'll check it for you and post it. You must understand that weighing him is not an exact science for me and requires me to get on the scale at least 3 times. This is not something that I am particularly anxious to do. Instead of losing weight since our last trip to Chicago, I believe that I'm putting it on. I blame Zsa Zsa. I should probably blame Dairy Queen... but it's just so darn tasty!

coolest kid in cool town

2006-08-09T14:14:00.000-04:00

Check out the shoes!

He's got Vans like his mama!

cranky pants

2006-08-09T09:51:00.000-04:00

Generally speaking, little Monkey Butt is a happy baby. He smiles through his binky, that infectious, toothless smile that just plain melts my heart. The one that makes me say (about 100 times a day) "If you were any cuter, it would be criminal."

Yesterday late morning, we went out to run some errands. We had to run to Wal-Mart (God, I miss Target) and the grocery. I knew that it was somewhat dangerous as it was his normal nap time. However, I was afraid that if I didn't do it RIGHT THEN, I'd get sidetracked and never make it to the grocery... and we were nearing the end of our milk supply.

Nary a sound exited his mouth while we were at Wal-Mart. He happily stared at the ceiling or at me while taking everything in. At the grocery, he started to get cranky on the frozen food aisle - but that's always the end of our shopping excursion, so I popped the bink in his mouth and headed for the register. We made it through the check out line, while he flirted with our favorite sales lady. She commented on how big he's getting and he began his favorite game of "Let me oooh and ahhh to make you believe I can talk to you."

We got home and I immediately put him in his swing for his afternoon nap.

At about 7p, the ends started to unravel. I put him in the Bumbo and made my regular attempt at rice cereal. He swallowed at least half of it but got downright pissy when I wasn't shoveling it in fast enough. It's not easy to do when he won't take his damned mitts out of his mouth. After about 20 minutes of arguing and temper tantrums, I took him upstairs for the bath.

Luckily, the bath always seems to calm him down. I'm not sure if it's the sound of the water or the fact that I encourage him to kick and splash to his heart's content. I brought him downstairs to give him a bottle. After sucking down about 8 1/2 ounces of formula, it was off to his crib.

With the ends already frayed, he lost it. And for no apparent reason, honestly. I believe that he was just exhausted and fighting sleep. Jean went upstairs to give him his soother but the boy wouldn't cooperate. I tried to coax him to sleep, even picking him up to rock him a bit. Veins that I didn't know existed popped out of his little, red head. After talking to him and explaining that he was just tired, I sat down on the floor with him in his crib and said a few more comforting words and he calmed down.

The night wasn't very easy either. He woke up several times screaming. Perhaps he was having Wal-Mart nightmares (lord knows I do). At about 2a, he began quarter-hour screams. I'd get up and he'd look at me, smile and go back to sleep. Finally at about 345a I couldn't take it anymore and I brought him downstairs. I figured I'd give the bottle another try.

I was exhausted, cranky and in no mood for this. Then, he grabbed a finger with each hand and took both of his feet and dug his toes into my leg... all as if to say "Don't leave me mommy. I need you. I love you."

So, I lingered with him a bit. I told him how much I loved him and how I don't want him to grow up too fast. I smiled at him and he smiled back. I rubbed his back, his belly and his feet. He sighed contentedly and I took that as a cue that he was ready to go back to sleep.

He slept in this morning. Normally he starts talking (read: squealing) to himself at about 630a. This morning not a peep until after 8a. And by 9a, he was out like a light. He still lying in the swing clutching on to the winkel, dreaming away. I hear the deep breaths and it makes me smile.

over the river and through the woods...

2006-08-08T10:31:00.000-04:00

It's official... the whole fam-damily is going to Texas for a visit! Yee haw!

Jacques and I are meeting Auntie Beth in Austin on August 31st. The next day, Grandpa and Nanna are driving from Funky Town down to Camp Busse South (Granny & Papa's house) for a Labor Day Weekend Rendezvous. Beth goes back to the City by the Bay on Tuesday... while Jacques and I will follow Grandpa and Nanna to Funky Town.

Then, Monkey Butt and I are back to Camp Busse South late Thursday. On the way back, we'll pick up Francis and Jean from the airport!

I'm so excited I might pee!!!!

iPod revolution

2006-08-07T09:27:00.000-04:00

We live in a world taken over by gadgets. Jean wanted to buy me a video iPod for our anniversary, until I explained to him that my 60 GB photo iPod would certainly suffice. It's hilarious. The pod isn't that old, but it's taken over our lives. Last weekend when we went camping, we had to bring the pod and speaker just so we had music. It really is on in our house almost all of our waking hours. Jean has a travel speaker that he keeps on his desk and takes with him when he is on the road. And we're both still anxiously awaiting the day we can mount the pod in our cars... we're just being cheap at the moment.

Yesterday we had to bring CD's (gasp!) when we went to Lucie & Bert's house. I know what you're saying... C-what's? It's this frisbee like contraption that you used to insert into a music player. It wasn't that long ago that it was a new fangled thing... I still remember my first CD purchase. It was Bob Marley.

Anywho... I know that this might sound ridiculous to some of you, but I've really considered buying a small iPod and speaker to put in little Monkey Butt's room for his listening pleasure. But in doing so, am I creating a noise monster? Probably. But, seriously, what lengths wouldn't you take to keep an infant or toddler happy and sleeping? Think about that.

My sister, Vicki (frequent blog commentor & invaluable advice giver), just got back from a trip to Hawaii with my my niece, Logan, and nephew, Luke. (Luke is the one who calls Jacques "baby socks"... how cute is that?) On the trip - the following photograph was taken:

Now you take a look at that picture again & tell me that I shouldn't buy Jacques an iPod. Seriously! Look at the blissful look on Logan's face. She's singing along happily... And Luke... well, he's definitely up to something. Just read his shirt!

Which Muppet or Sesame Street character would you choose as your roommate?
	Animal
	Bert & Ernie
	Big Bird
	Elmo
	Fozzie Bear
	Gonzo
	Kermit the Frog
	Miss Piggy
	Oscar the Grouch
	OTHER

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