Friday, December 31, 2010

Happy Birthday Sadie - December 30th

One Year ago...

Today...

What a difference a year makes!
I love you Sadie!

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Sadie's 1st Christmas

Sadie had an excellent (and exhausting) first Christmas.

First up was my father's house for his annual Christmas Eve open house. We spent the evening with family and friends and Sadie was spolied by our extended family.

She received the following "awesomely" pink outfit from my cousin. I wonder what will happen if she has a girl? I'm afraid!?

This photo doesn't show the true awesomeness of the faux fur trimmed hood:
The kids had fun playing with each other. Sadie was a bit of a bully and made my cousins son cry a few times. Oh well. We decided to take this really great picture in front of the Christmas tree but it's really hard to get a picture of two 1 year olds. It's even harder to get a picture when you want them to wear adorable hats.

Sadie about to make R cry:
Sadie walked away with her adorable hat and therefore the picture never happened. Oh, and aren't the PJ's great? Except that they were sooooo big on her that I had to take them off in the middle of the night because her legs kept getting stuck up in the body of them.
Runaway elf:

Christmas Morning! Santa came and left some great toys under the tree and even one IN the tree!
Our first real Christmas tree (next year our goal is to find one that doesn't look as artificial!):
Sleepy head woke up at 8:30 and made everyone wait for her! Once up she had fun opening more presents.

Ooooh a teddy bear from FAO!
When I was a kid I always wanted to watch the Walt Disney World Christmas Day parade but my dad picked me up at noon. I missed it every year! It's basically an infomercial for the parks, resorts and cruise ships but it's still fun to watch.

Sadie watching the Christmas Parade:

Playing with some of her loot:
By the end of the day she was M-I-S-E-R-A-B-L-E.
Eating Christmas Dinner: (actually, throwing turkey on the floor for the dog to eat and then crying about it when we said "No!")

On Boxing day we went back to visit family to open MORE presents. First stop was Grandmama's apartment and Sadie got to meet her cousin for the first time. Apparently it took 2 years before the "you're never allowed to see my kids ever again" threat ended. Either that our BIL was too lazy to come and pick him up before we got there. It was very weird seeing him. He's grown up a lot and he talks so much. He's a KID and the last time we saw him he wasn't 3 yet and he was still very baby like. He talked a mile a minute and was running all over the place. When we left he asked us "Next time can you bring a different baby?". I guess since BIL only drops one of his kids off at a time he assumed we also have a stash at home???
Sadie and her cousin:
Following the trip to Grandmama's we went to my dad's house again. We came home with so many toys. A bunch of stupid happened while at my dads and I left with my brother crying in his bedroom because I told him off. I'm not going to get into it now because it's worthy of another post which I'll write in the new year --- when I have more time to blog. (;
ANYWAY...Sadie and I wore matching outfits and I didn't even notice until I saw this picture:
And this is what our living room looks like and Sadie is about to get MORE for her bday. We may need to be re-zoned as a commercial property to open a toy store.
Spoiled baby:
Can't wait for Sadie's birthday!! The fun starts tomorrow!!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

10 Things

Going to tag anyone who hasn't already been tagged! (;

10 Things about Sadie that you may not know:

1. In her first year of life Sadie will have spent more than 2 months away from home. This includes: 1 month on St Joe Island, 2 nights in Toronto Hotels, 1 night in Ottawa, 1 night in Kingston, 4 nights at Mt Tremblant, 5 nights on Long Island, and 2+ weeks staying with family and friends in and around the GTA.

2. Sadie was born with a stork bite on the back of her neck.

3. Sadie's hair entirely fell out twice (2 months/4 months) and therefore she does not have a baby mullet or need a haircut.

4. D confessed after Sadie was born that she'd wanted to name a child Sadie since she was 12 years old. I have to admit that I was a bit surprised because I thought we had come up with the name together.

5. We often call Sadie by her middle name, Maggie, because she reminds us of Maggie Simpson when she is wearing her Grobag (sleep sack) and sucking on her soother.

6. Sadie would have been born on December 29th however there was a major trauma happening at the Hospital that night which pushed her delivery out to 00:45 AM on the 30th.

7. Most of Sadie's clothes (80-90%) are second hand and an equal number of her toys are. We initially bought everything new but soon saw the excess of it all. That said, we're picky and Sadie has good quality brand name clothing. We also only buy plastic toys that can be washed. Fabric or wooden toys are 100% new.

8. Sadie's crib has been disassembled since May. I recently found the pieces to put it back together but who are we kidding? She'll probably still be sleeping in our bed when she's 14.

9. Aside from a French Fry (just one, ever) all of Sadie's junk food experiences have been blue. This includes a lick of a blue popsicle, a spoonful of blue jello and maybe a taste or two of blue kool aid. Yes, I'm a bad mom who loves blue "food".

10. Sadie is not having a First Birthday party. We're doing something totally awesome but it isn't a party!






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Monday, December 13, 2010

Weekend fun??

I'm a hypocrite. While sick, I went to 2 Christmas parties. Pretty bad, don't you think?
I did it because these were D's work parties. She gets so little recognition as a mom at work that I felt awful denying her the chance to show of her daughter/family.
The first party (when I was just starting to feel sick) was Friday night at D's office in Downtown Toronto. It was a cute little event with a Santa, food and a craft. We were able to get a family portrait done and Sadie got really close to Santa before she started screaming.
The absolute highlight of the evening was D's co-worker who showed up with his wife and son in matching outfits!! His wife wore a sweater dress (super short) with argyle tights, he was in grey pinstripe pants, a white oxford and an argyle sweater vest. They're LO was in an identical outfit to his. IDENTICAL. I mean to say, it was essentially American Girl for a 30 year old man. American Dork, perhaps? I wish we'd taken a picture. (;
I was lucky to have Saturday free to suffer before going back into Toronto for the big corporate party. I was feeling better, and I was well drugged.
I insisted we drive. Had we taken the train the trip would have been free (2 can ride for 1 with monthly pass on weekends) but I sooo wasn't into that. We took the train Friday night and it felt like enough for the rest of the year.
When we got there my first reaction was that the party was the tackiest thing I had ever seen in my life. There were over 20 gigantic bounce castle things, rides, carnies, and really scary looking costumed characters. You can thank Disney for making me completely jaded. It's their fault for setting impossibly high standards.
I had to be reminded that from a kids POV it was really cool and that's what it was all about. I'm sure within the next couple of years Sadie will really have fun (I still think it was tacky).
I was also able tackle the TV bench which I had put together incorrectly. The fix wasn't nearly as hard as I had expected and it is now fully assembled. It looks great and I can't wait to put the matching shelves together. Unfortunately I am still sick and feel pretty crappy. I'm just trying to ignore it!

In other news:
-Sadie wonked her face into our headboard and has a black eye!!! I'm happy that Christmas is still a couple of weeks away and that parties and Santa pictures have already taken place.

-My mom has officially moved in after packing up her house on the weekend. Her house sold on the second accepted offer (first fell through) for 80% of the original asking price. I'm so glad that is over with and I think we're incredibly lucky it sold. Some houses in that marker stay for sale for YEARS.

-I also think I have D's bday surprise settled but I may need the help of a fellow blogger for some advice. A facebook message will be on it's way!

- I am suspicious of silence. My highschool BFF had her baby on the weekend and I had a feeling because she wasn't on FB. Her husband was pratically live blogging it but I'm not one if his friends. So I wonder if a baby has been born?

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Saturday, December 11, 2010

Can't sleep without my baby!

For the first time since she was born I'm in a different room and for the first time in 7 months, a different bed.
I want my baby!!
Alas, I'm sick and trying to not infect her. It's been a pretty miserable day trying to avoid too much contact with her. She follows me and cries for me to pick her up. Breaks my heart to pieces. I can't wait to be better so I can scoop her up and give her kisses!
*tears*


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Sperm is on SALE

I find this really funny. We didn't end up concieving using Fairfax... But if you did and need more:

FAIRFAX CRYOBANK GIVES BACK!
There is no greater gift than the gift of parenthood

One Day Sale!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
7:00am EST until 6:00pm EST
Buy One Vial; Get the 2nd for 50% Off *

In this joyous time of the year, Fairfax Cryobank wants to extend our gratitude to our clients who have utilized our services to help create their families by offering a one day holiday sale.


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Friday, December 10, 2010

The house is a wreck

I need help. Our renovations ended mid-November. We've been trying to pull things together but with an 11 month old, it's difficult.
Last weekend we went out and bought a bunch of stuff at Ikea. 16 boxes worth. Everything, of course, requiring assembly.
Honestly, I'd hoped we could have avoided it but with the amount we spent on renovating, and with having LO's around, we decided Ikea was good enough for now. We'll replace stuff as we go.
I've already assembled our guest bed, kitchen table and 2 chairs. The bed took about 5 hours and was one of the most complicated pieces of furniture I've ever had to assmble (Hemnes day bed that turns into a queen). The TV bench is half done but I've made a tragic error that will require major undoing to fix. I wanted to cry. Next up, the dining room table with 4 chairs and a desk with bench seat. We also have 4 bookshelf units (2 Billy, 2 Hemnes) but I'm going to wait until after Christmas because I'm not looking forward to anchoring them to the wall.
We've also started to paint and the main part of the house is almost done. Sadie's bedroom (aka playroom) has become a dumping ground once again. This time for painting supplies and the aforementioned Ikea boxes. The only amount of progress I've made in her room was the removal of the ugliest glass bi-fold doors I have ever seen in my life. Imagine frosted mirror, 80's/Asian inspired. We've purchased new bi-folds to replace them. Add another thing to my list of things to do because I'm the "handy" one. Also add installing a second baby gate and securing all of our drawers and cupboards. Sadie has already pinched her
Fingers a couple of times!
ALSO... Our Christmas tree, purchased LAST Friday, is still sitting on our back deck. I'm slightly worried we've killed it but it was only $20 so I'm not too concerned. This is our first *real* tree. I fought long and hard over this. I didn't want our 7 foot artifical near Sadie because if a cat can bring it down, a twaddler can too!
Do you believe me that I need help? I really wanted all of this done BEFORE Christmas!




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Thursday, December 9, 2010

The reason I have time to blog...

We just got back from storytime at the library:


Sadie is just a bit tired....!

Some randomness:

- Thank you for your responses to my work rant. I know I have been so lucky to have this time off and I should really focus on that. I do fear I'm going to be sobbing at my cubicle for a while. This is the last mention of it because I want to focus on the rest of December.

- D's work gave her 2 extra vacation days this year so with her lieu day from November 11th she has booked off December 29-31 (27&28 are stat days). She's really lucky because those days were off limits due to a vacation freeze until just recently. I'm glad we'll all be home for that big week. It's crazy - Christmas, Sadie's Birthday, and New Years all in a row!

- I'm in the process of planning Sadie's winter schedule. It's a bit harder this time (I'm mentioning it again) since I'll be at work. She's already signed up for Kinder Gym and Library Time but I'm starting to question my choices. We normally LOVE the Library program but to work with my schedule we're booked in a class that is lead by someone I do not like and it is not at my preferred community centre. I've been thinking of withdrawing and switching it with swimming but will January and February be too cold to drag a baby to swimming? Ugh. Not sure what to do!

-Sadie loves basketball! We took her with us to a Toronto Raptors game on Sunday afternoon and she had such a good time. She clapped and jumped up and down and was the delight of those sitting around us. We ducked out a few minutes before the game ended so we could get our coats and leave relatively calmly. It was a good game!



- Tomorrow is the first of 2 Kids Christmas parties at D's work. This one is at her office and apparently Santa is normally played by one of the newer 20ish aged associates. Not sure what to expect! Sunday will be the big big party with all the bells and whistles.

-Boo just woke up!

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Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Letting it out

I don't want to go back to work. Period.
I've been telling people I'm looking forward to it but that's such a complete and total lie.
I really used to love my job but now I can't imagine giving a flying fuck about any of it.
Will I fit back in or will I always feel like I'd rather be somewhere else?

Stay away January 4th. I hate you.

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Blast from the Past: Monkey Love

Love at first site....


or was that at first bite...?


Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Vacation Time!

It's that time of the year (for us) to start thinking about vacations for next year. The past two years have been pretty slow so I think we're due for some new adventures.
I have 7 weeks next year because you still earn vacation while on parental/mat leave (I know I'm getting evil glares right now). 3 weeks are from '10, 2 of which are unpaid, and 4 weeks are my regular vacation entitlement for '11.
Since D is turning 35 in January I am in charge of surprising her with a trip. The problem is that her birthday is in JANUARY and I do not fly. So it looks like we may be going to Niagara falls unless I can get over my fear!!

Places we're "thinking about" for 2011:
1) If I could get my ass on a plane, we really want to go to Puerto Rico.
2) Norwegian Gem, departing from NYC, 9 day cruise --- it goes to San Juan but only for a few hours!
3) Walt Disney World -- of course. We haven't been since my 30th birthday in '08 and we want to go again soon.
4) Sesame Place/Philadelphia/Washington Road Trip
5) Boston/Family Week in Provincetown Road Trip
6) North Carolina (friend has a vacation house in Calabash)

My vote goes to 2, 4 and 6... I hope Sadie is ready for some crazy Road Trips!

Fertility Stuff

The other night I had a dream that I was 3 months pregnant. The fertility clinic had called and said they had an ICI vial of mine and that I had to come and get it. I did, used it without telling anyone, and didn't know I was pregnant until testing 3 months in.
I woke up in a panic! WTH?
The first thought that popped into my head was that "we'd just decided to do a 3 year gap!!"
Had we? Further, what is up with me thinking any of this can be planned?
TTC has been a topic of discussion and something that is constantly on my mind. I'm always asking people how far apart their kids are and if they like the gap. One mom said that she couldn't even remember her second son as a newborn because it was "such a blur". That was a perfect 2 year gap. Another mom said she wished she hadn't waited 3 years because the kids have no activities in common.
D seems to be leaning towards wanting a larger gap so we can have more time to enjoy Sadie, alone. I'm starting to agree.
Other things we need to consider are work and my age.
I want to be at work for more than a year before going on leave again.
As far as age, I would like to be done with my second pregnancy by 35 (I'll be 33 in the spring).
So 3 years would work but... given our history it would be crazy to start to TTC too late. I think our plan to start in September may be spot on. We only have 6 vials - 6 tries - and then we're done.
I have an appointment January 16th with the recommended doctor at my old clinic. I guess we'll see what happens at that point!

ETA- I wrote this last night but didn't publish. I had another pregnancy dream! I was 9 months and giving birth on December 24th, into the 25th!! What does this all mean? Maybe it's because I'm thinking about last year?




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Sunday, December 5, 2010

Santa!

Sadie finally met Santa! She didn't like him very much....
Santa was very good with her and even gave her a small teddy bear that she hugged. It was too cute!

Friday, December 3, 2010

Foto Friday

My Boo Who.


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Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Step by Step...

Ooh baby.. (;
Sadie is walking! Or rather taking a few steps and then falling down. It's ADORABLE!
She took her official first step on November 26th and has since progressed to 7 consecutive before falling. She can walk between close objects (3-4 steps) and is otherwise cruising all over the place with just one hand. I was hoping she'd stay on the floor a bit longer but it seems like she'll be leaving her crawling days behind and quickly! I'll have to get a video of her crawling because I love the way her knees sway back and forth. ):

In other "big girl" news, Sadie is finally eating without any difficulty. She has three table food meals a day!
A sample of yesterday's menu:

Breakfast: Cantaloupe, Watermelon, Earths Best Blueberry mini-waffles, yogurt.

Lunch: Mandarin Oranges, pomegranate seeds, Granny's homemade beef and vegetable Chilli, multigrain bread and shreaded cheddar cheese.

Dinner: Pomegranate Seeds, Green Beans, Brussel Sprout, and lean ground turkey.

So, yeah... Our kid is finally a foodie!


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