Still waters

When it comes to bath time, Cam gets so unbelievably excited. As soon as he hears the shower or bath run, he boots it right to the bathroom. He is becoming more and more like Biscotti everyday. (If only he would grow some hair). hehe Every night, we think ok, this will help him calm down for bed and he'll have some fun time and get to bond with his dad. Boy are we wrong. Every night, as Cam gets excited for his bath, it ends up being such a struggle (for us as the parents). You see, Cam is one of those babies who doesn't like to be contained, strapped in seats, sitting still or not being able to move - this includes in the bath tub. Why can't he just sit there and enjoy playing with his toys like normal babies in the tub? He is constantly standing and crawling and grabbing at the faucets, the drain and all our products on the shower caddy. And when I tell him to sit down, he just laughs and thinks it's funny. (What a guy!) I'm surprised he hasn't really gotten hurt yet from all the tumbles. Needless to say, his bath time has now been cut short due to his lack of cooperation and inability to follow the rules of the water. As I recall during one our swim classes when he and all the other babies had to go in this boat, he was the one that had to climb overboard. I hope this doesn't mean that he will be the one to break all the rules? He certainly is keeping me on my toes. It's a wonder why I haven't lost all the baby weight by now. Anyway, I hope one day he will calm down and enjoy a peaceful bath that lasts longer than 5-10 minutes but for now we'll just have to keep up with the tides. 

No sympathy

I thought I would try something a little different today. Most of the time when Cameron falls or takes a tumble or Biscotti swats or scratches him, the plan is not to react. If you react, then he will usually cry. If you laugh it off or redirect the focus, everything is fine and he just smiles or continues on with his day. So as Cam pulled open the stove drawer on my big toe, (ouch!) I wanted to see how he would handle my reaction, so I fake cried. Apparently to him that is funny. I thought he may look at me and want to give me a hug, but he wasn't having it. He laughed it off. There was no sympathy going to come from him at all. Maybe he is just doing what I do to him? A taste of my own medicine perhaps? All I was looking for was a little hug or even a snuggle. Maybe next time... or maybe when he actually understands it all. One day. 

But speaking of snuggles, I have recently become very fond of his snuggles before bed and just as of last week he has fallen asleep with me while lying in bed when we were at James' parents' place. Since he now has trouble going to sleep in the pack and play, I have discovered he will fall asleep with mommy lying down in bed with him. I love these precious moments. It could be that since I have given up breastfeeding that this way I feel that bond with Cam again and that he still does need me during his most vulnerable times. I will treasure these moments and hold on to them as long as I can. That is, just as long as it doesn't become a habit where this is the only way he will fall asleep. ;)

TGI..M?!

I've come to like Mondays and sometimes even wish for the weekend to be over just so that they come even more quickly. I am crazy? Well I would be if I was still working and wishing for Monday but since I am off, it really doesn't matter what day of the week it is for me. So the reason for my Monday obsession is tv. I have a line up of 3 shows that night to watch and get so excited. Tonight is the final episode of the bachelor. Yes, I watch the bachelor. Sad I know, but I suppose you could call it my guilty pleasure. And I know there are others out there who watch the same thing, cause always when it comes to the last episode, everyone's status on facebook changes after the person chooses. It's quite amusing actually. Anyway, I just had to get that out there, cause I am anticipating for it to be 8pm and it's only 10:30 in the morning.

So now onto other exciting stuff. Today Cam is 10 months old. I can't believe how fast time has gone by. In 2 months he will be 1 years old! Eeeek. That is such a huge milestone and I am already thinking about his birthday party. I want to make it really special for him even if he won't remember it. But speaking of remembering, this past weekend, James was over at his parents and they were watching old videos of when they were young. James was so happy to have those and to be able to look back at the way they were, their hairstyles, voices and how they gave their dad a chocolate bar for his birthday and then a cd holder. Boy times have changed. We both thought we should start taking more videos of Cam so that he too can one day sit down and watch them and see what he was like as a child. I've taken a few videos so far and with Cam's birthday approaching, I get more and more excited about filming that special day and see his reaction to everything that goes on. These are the moments that I look forward to experiencing and sharing with loved ones. As I was lying in bed last night, I kept going over and over the videos of Japan's earthquake disaster and devastation and cannot even fathom what that country is going through and the amount of loss and suffering. With Cam now in my life, I have such a different perspective on life and how much he needs James and I, so to think that mothers and fathers and childrens' lives have been lost or forever changed is just so heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to all those suffering right now.

Care 

Oh what a feeling!

So yesterday was spa day. A group of my mom friends and I had booked the entire spa to ourselves to enjoy a facial, massage and pedicure sans bebés. I was so excited to be pampered, have some chit chat and indulge in some treats as well. I was able to run 16k yesterday morning so to sit back and relax was certainly well deserved and as much as I missed the little guy, I have to admit, I loved to have some freedom again. I think I was way too relaxed and maybe I have been these past few days because I have now forgotten things so much lately and this is not like me. Maybe I'm just feeling too distracted? I've forgotten my purse twice at someone's house this week and now yesterday I forgot my ugg boots at the spa. What is wrong with me?! Maybe I still just need more sleep. Aside from my forgetfulness, I have been starting to feel like my old self again and getting my body back. I have completely weaned Cameron off of breastfeeding - yay! Maybe I have mentioned that before, but it is finally starting to feel good. The first time I gave him a bottle of formula, I cried. Not sure why, but I did. It could have been the start of him feeling not so attached to me anymore and eventually not needed me at all (even though I seem to be the only one able to give him a bottle, which defeats the purpose of me weaning him) but that's a whole other story. Anyway, it feels good that I no longer have such a short window of possible freedom anymore. Oh what a feeling! On top of that, I am feeling good about my running longer distances. I mean I still dread having to go on Saturday mornings, but once I'm out there, it really does feel great and when I finish it's amazing to have started my weekend off feeling refreshed and energized. Now if I only I could get my head out of the clouds and stop forgetting things. How long does this "baby brain" thing last for anyway? It better be gone by the time I go back to work, or else I'm in trouble!

Piece of cake

Or so we thought our long slow Saturday runs would be in this half marathon training, but were we ever wrong! It seems to be that every week during the week, the days are clear and sunny and then Saturday comes along and we have freezing cold temperatures, high winds, blowing snow or today; ice pellets and rain. We ran 14k today and were just soaked afterwards. I must say I am feeling good about getting it done, but boy am I really sore and stiff from all the uneven terrain. A lot of it's from my hard workout yesterday though. At one point, Erin, Gail and I all bent down (or should I say tried to bend) to pick up a glove and we all moaned. Seems like I wasn't the only one with tough workouts this week. I am trying to get my body back in shape after this baby and I am really having a hard time doing it. I've only got 10 lbs to go and then maybe a little bit extra for fun, but it is really difficult for me. I know the general rules, I work out most days but it's my love for food and lack of willpower that is killing me. I am a big sweet tooth and I love to snack on the bad carbs. Put a box of crackers in front of me and I can't help myself. When I get hungry, I crave bad food. This has got to stop and I am hoping that by training for this half, it will get me back into shape. I was in the best shape of my life training for the last one I did, so it's time to buckle down. Maybe if I actually write all this, I won't be able to keep using all my excuses. Someone may hold me to it one day. I've now got less than 2 months til I go back to work and I really need to be able to fit into my old pants as I can't afford to buy all new clothes. As much as it would be nice to have a brand new wardrobe, I want to feel good in my clothes again and I can't wear my lulus everyday to work. So if you see me out you may just have to simply remind me to put down that piece of cake.  

Red light, green light

You would think I would know the difference by now. I have never ever zoned out while driving. Ever. Never even come close to falling asleep. I'm always quite alert when it comes to driving. Especially now with having Cam in the car. Except for today. Now don't panic, we didn't even come close to an accident but it totally shocked me as I drove through a red light. Luckily, it was only a one way intersection on Wellington where the only problem could have been if a pedestrian was crossing at the time. Luckily there was no one. And luckily, there were no cops around to see me (even though I was right in front of Parliament) Phew. I was completely embarrassed though. I was one of those people that I shake my head at every time I see something like that. Now I am the fool. I entered this zone and was thinking about how Cam is going to be once we leave for our trip and his grandparents have to feed him for 5 days. You see he will only take a bottle from me right now. It's so frustrating because I am in the process of weaning him from breastfeeding and as much as it's working, he doesn't like to be fed from others - including James sometimes. This isn't how it's supposed to go. I just wanted to have a little bit more freedom sometimes - like to be able to go out in the evening to run errands once James comes home from work, but this hasn't been exactly how it has gone. We leave for NYC at the end of this month and Cam is not coming with us. It will be a time to relax, catch up and enjoy being away - just the two of us. I'm really looking forward to it, but I keep stressing about whether or not Cameron will take the bottle from grandma. It hasn't happened yet, but we keep trying. Now I know, that he is not going to starve and he will eat if he is hungry, but I can't help but still worry. I suppose the lesson here is, to not worry about something I have no control over, he is going to be just fine and will eat if he is hungry. No need to start missing what is right in front of me as I tune out the world as someday, it might get me into trouble.

Until next time,
Care

Head over heals

Is where I am going to end up if Biscotti (my cat) keeps prancing around my feet each time I am in the kitchen. Don't get me wrong; I love the little guy dearly and rarely ever get mad with him, but this certainly gets me frustrated. There have been numerous times now that I have stepped on his paws, tail or just about tripped over him while I am trying to get stuff done in there. Poor guy, he just wants my attention and quite honestly, I am really trying hard to give him the same amount of attention before Cam came along. I'm sure there are some days it could be better, but I do make sure he gets real play time just before bed. You see if I don't do that, he usually won't sleep on my pillow with me. Some of you might think, what's wrong with that? But I truly love him being there cuddled around my head. Even if sometimes he uses his back paws to kick me in the head, like he did this morning as I came back from the washroom. I am a weirdo, I know. Or maybe just obsessed with cats. He is my baby and always will be and it bugs me when people say, "he's just a cat." I get that some people feel that way, but I don't. He is part of my family and I like to treat him just the same.

Until next time,

Care

Why oh why?

So my sleep lately has been getting a bit better now that Cam has been sleeping through nights now for about a month. But for some reason I still feel completely exhausted on some days. Today is one of them. Now I am not one to take naps, I don't know why, I just always have to stay busy. James, on the other hand, naps could be his job if he had the option. Why can't I just sit back and take it easy sometimes?! On the weekend, James and I both agreed that I am just high strung. I sweat the small stuff and get stressed about stupid things or can't let things go. Do I want to be like this? No, but sometimes I just have no control over it. Maybe I need an attitude adjustment. lol Isn't that what parents say to their children? I think I need to say it to myself sometimes. I'm not saying I'm this bah humbug all the time, but sometimes I just need to let it go. I will only have one rant today and then mention the uplifting moment that took place today. 

So I love sleep. I miss it. Then you would think I would nap. So I learned that lesson today. I woke up with a splitting migraine today and couldn't go to my workout. I felt bad for Cam cause he always gets excited when we go to grandma and grandpa's house for a workout. His face just lights up when he sees them. Anyway, I decided to stay home. I couldn't wait to go back to bed and take a nap this morning, but I had to continue with my daily routine of being a mom. Hopefully Cam didn't notice my zombie-like stage today. He finally went down for a nap around 9:30 and as I nestled back into my bed and got all warm and comfortable, a stupid car alarm starts going off. Just what I needed for my already exploding head! It soon came to a stop and I was able to fall asleep for an hour. Of all days for Cam to have a short nap, today was not a good one. His nap was just over an hour. For some babies, that might be a normal nap, but Cam usually goes for the 2 hr naps. Why or why could that not be today?

My migraine is still lingering right now even though I took my prescription for it - maybe it isn't working fully cause it expired in November 2010. I didn't care though, I took it anyway. I needed to feel better. What I am really craving right now though is a diet coke. Caffeine. I don't drink coffee, so it's either tea or a DC. I wish I had some in the fridge. For now, I'll have to manage without.

Now onto the uplifting part of my day. Even with feeling crappy all it takes is for Cameron to do something cute and it will automatically put a smile on my face. While lying on the ground, Cam approaches me with his big gummy smile and what looks like, about to plant a big kiss on my face. Instead, what does he do, but bites my nose with the 2 sharp bottom teeth that he has. Ow. He laughs and does it a couple more times all proud. I'm now kinda afraid of him with those teeth. Will he give you a kiss or a bite? You never know when he will strike next. Good thing he's cute!

Until next time,

Care

No means... absolutely nothing

So a few months back, I wanted to teach Cam that "no" means, well, "no". It actually worked. I repeated it about 10 times in a row as he kept trying to put a coaster into his mouth until he actually cried. From then on, I think he really did understand. Every time he would go towards the cat food dish, I would say, "no" and he would look at me with big blue eyes and then start crawling away. I couldn't believe that it worked. Until today that is. After talking to Andy (a good friend) the past 2 weekends about my experience and then him trying it out with Mia everything changed. Now I'm not sure if Cam overheard us or the novelty has just worn off, but now "no" means nothing to Cam. Instead he laughs and continues to do what he is doing, grabbing the cat food. I found him with a piece in his hand and as I started approaching him to get it from him, the quick little gaffer proceeded to put the piece in his mouth. Disgusting. Lovely, now I have to figure out a way to stop him from doing that. If you know my place, you know it's quite small and now I have to figure out somewhere to hide the food. What is next - the cat litter?! I hope he doesn't discover that one.

Until next time,
Care

Duck and cover

Now that Cam has gone down for his morning nap, I thought I would be able to sit, relax, write a bit in here and have a nice cup of tea, that I have kept reheating the water for in the microwave. You see, about a month ago, our kettle broke, making it less easy for us to boil water for oatmeal, tea and Cam's cereal. So in the meantime, I've used a glass measuring cup in the microwave to boil the water; until just now. With my back turned to the kitchen and I write here peacefully I hear a major explosion and the microwave door pops open and boiling water flies everywhere. My heart is still racing. The kind where you are in your car and you have to slam on your brakes to avoid getting into an accident or when you get pulled over by the cops for speeding (not that those things happen to me often) but you get the point. I suppose reheating and reheating the water after so many interruptions with the little guy is not such a great idea. I have no moved onto boiling the water on the stove top. I don't know why I don't like this method as much, I mean, it's the same amount of effort and dishes, so why do I even have a preference? I will try this week to go an replace my kettle. I miss it. And I don't think James knows how to make his oatmeal otherwise. hehe At least now my kitchen is nice and sterilized.

Well I think my water is now ready, my nerves are calm and so maybe I can enjoy my hot cup of tea. I just hope Cam falls asleep soon. I can hear him chatting with himself in his crib making happy noises which actually puts a smile on my face so that's ok by me.

Until next time,

Care