tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58945909724247097432024-03-12T19:21:30.538-07:00Lil Tri GirlCalliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.comBlogger144125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-53646194595647494072008-02-09T08:26:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.583-07:00Booty-liciousWell, I finally splurged on some Paige designer maternity jeans... I did buy them on consignment, in my own defense! So instead of $285, I spent $100 - that means I will have to re-consign them after since I can't really justify the cost...<br /><br />Well, other than the HOT BOOTY ACTION they provide!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5GpLKYMgcC5CvsuhipHt08ogfc5UY58dgM8iguBrlNg-FYCoVcFzLlV22Bh9qrzQsfi9NWOFcqqrR7u95NXoUpNgH-p2Bg8mHrHpEJoP9SqTmk4X-lMJv2ZR1xSsdZHMaj0NhY3yhrk/s1600-h/Photo+46.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK5GpLKYMgcC5CvsuhipHt08ogfc5UY58dgM8iguBrlNg-FYCoVcFzLlV22Bh9qrzQsfi9NWOFcqqrR7u95NXoUpNgH-p2Bg8mHrHpEJoP9SqTmk4X-lMJv2ZR1xSsdZHMaj0NhY3yhrk/s320/Photo+46.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5165018612832808498" /></a><br /><br />These jeans make me feel like a million bucks! And I didn't have to hem them!<br /><br />Oh JOY!<br /><br />In other news, antibiotics have started to clear up my 2+ week battle with sinus infection... that and the NETI-pot, truly disgusting, but definitely effective. Life is almost normal!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-63993803699080841822008-01-30T19:39:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.583-07:00Ohhhn-jahMy husband is an angel - or an 'ohhn-jah' as Carmen would say, when describing her Christmas jammies or the snow-angels that Peter makes in 'The Snowy Day'. He is on a date with Carmen at Grandpa's house, to give me the house to myself... to mope, sulk, wheeze in peace. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCpQ69N2hv1bhrwJwmVJr9nLmyAIM4lMNfKdq_lrcWpCXyObfciyKn8lND2Om8o8LF-lCdiQtxH4Ck4msKXlbI_3o_G0eRp-5glv14_jjBcZYOBZxio27IvP3HfhV-8UnVOTTzz8V3lI/s1600-h/Photo+14.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzCpQ69N2hv1bhrwJwmVJr9nLmyAIM4lMNfKdq_lrcWpCXyObfciyKn8lND2Om8o8LF-lCdiQtxH4Ck4msKXlbI_3o_G0eRp-5glv14_jjBcZYOBZxio27IvP3HfhV-8UnVOTTzz8V3lI/s320/Photo+14.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161483126035310994" /></a><br /><br />I am ill. Dreadfully, pathetically ill. Can't breathe through my nose, can't wear glasses because they are too heavy on my face. I've peed myself about 10 times today (yes, I'll admit it) because my pelvic floor can't withstand the force of my phlegmy coughing. My ears feel like someone is driving bamboo skewers into them. I've had one or two good cries today. A little self-indulgent, but I was feeling really sorry for myself because I can't take any drugs due to this (not-so-little) guy...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBNzVcuJpiuOVdOYuGilmffW6hr6FIMuzekGxHmTRZekNic9J0oDQyyhh6HakTq6DlMSK0jUjiGGlObZMvjGWrHSGNbnAlWVJJINEUxjnLELgXdTnYV7f4Ndo2wmUibT2wGbAhA5BKXk/s1600-h/Photo+15.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCBNzVcuJpiuOVdOYuGilmffW6hr6FIMuzekGxHmTRZekNic9J0oDQyyhh6HakTq6DlMSK0jUjiGGlObZMvjGWrHSGNbnAlWVJJINEUxjnLELgXdTnYV7f4Ndo2wmUibT2wGbAhA5BKXk/s320/Photo+15.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161483130330278306" /></a><br /><br />I've cancelled my classes today and tomorrow, which is a lot of work in itself. Taking care of Carmen is nearly impossible. Today I placated her with Playdough and hot chocolate. I feel so bad for her and Bella, trapped inside all day while the pristine white of fresh snow decorated the front yard. <br /><br />And now it is raining all that fun away. Maybe it is just a dream, like Peter in 'The Snowy Day'. Maybe we will wake up to a winter wonderland again...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxTh_PiDCTDDfng3RJHAjueRlflQvQ2Y-PHDtftOHMIPm_lze1OMqKJu446YXF0dI0MEesPvDf0UOlVQJ5CM58WLDkAyayNkuIajYjsHA4qflKv4Ivc3pEcS4JgyhetTCl24yIirr6OA/s1600-h/Photo+16.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxTh_PiDCTDDfng3RJHAjueRlflQvQ2Y-PHDtftOHMIPm_lze1OMqKJu446YXF0dI0MEesPvDf0UOlVQJ5CM58WLDkAyayNkuIajYjsHA4qflKv4Ivc3pEcS4JgyhetTCl24yIirr6OA/s320/Photo+16.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161483134625245618" /></a>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-38563458559257583772007-12-01T21:51:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.583-07:00Week 15This pregnancy is whizzing past.<br /><br />I bought a set of <a href="http://www.newandgreen.com">newborn cloth dipes</a> to complement my existing set so I can use them right from the start. With Carmen, they didn't fit until 8 weeks and by then I was absolutely disgusted with disposables. These dipes are teeny tiny ones and just handling them brought me back to when Carmen was still a tiny handful under 6lbs. So small. <br /><br />I can't believe we're doing this again. And it's all passing by so quickly! I haven't even taken a single belly shot yet - not ONE. Instead of excitedly going shopping for maternity clothes for my already popped-out belly, I just grab something oversize and frumpy since my sister reclaimed the mat clothes I used last time. Instead of poring over labels to make sure I am getting the right amount of calories and iron, I eat frozen perogies when I get a chance while running after my crazy active toddler.<br /><br />So this weekend I decided to make a change. Went for a massage with my amazing RMT, got my hair cut and highlighted, and tomorrow I meet with my <a href="http://www.mamarenew.ca">Mama Renew</a> group for the second time to talk about self-care. Watching what I eat. Remembering to take my vitamins. Heck, maybe I'll even pull out the camera for a belly shot or two.<br /><br />I remember in my first pregnancy thinking it was so hard, and that it was those 40 weeks that would be the hardest. Then Carmen arrived and I learned quickly that pregnancy is child's play compared to some of the hurdles of being a new mom! So now I am FREAKING OUT that while this pregnancy has been somewhat tiresome with running after Carmen, that being a mom of two is going to be impossibly exhausting!!!! Arg.<br /><br />I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy this. I have to give myself pep talks that it's going to be all right once this babe enters the world to join her big sis. I have to be careful not to over-extend. Supermom can wait. <br /><br />The second trimester has brought wonderful things. Sleep! Appetite! ENERGY! Teaching 6 classes a week between prenatal and postnatal fitness has been draining during my first trimester, but I am looking forward to a month off and a reduced schedule in January. I finally found a few people I feel comfortable contracting some classes to, and new facilities that I don't have to lug equipment around.<br /><br />And for my birthday from my sis-in-law, I just got three months of someone coming in to clean my house!! MY HOUSE! Starting Monday! I am on cloud nine!<br /><br />Now maybe I'll have time to buy a few shirts that cover my belly.Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-80418965979350426842007-11-04T13:11:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.584-07:00The Master ListI figure I should capture this somewhere!!<br /><br />Words Carmen can say:<br /><br />1. Walrus<br />2. Purple, Blue, Green, Red, Orange, Yellow<br />3. Blueberries<br />4. Cheese<br />5. Please<br />6. Trees<br />7. One Two Three<br />8. Baby Beluga<br />9. Happy<br />10. Hippo<br />11. Dino(saur)<br />12. Cracker<br />13. Cookie<br />14. Pancakes (CANCakes!)<br />15. Mommy, Daddy, Bella, Baby, Callie<br />16. Strawberries (sounds an awful lot like blueberries...)<br />17. Apple<br />18. Bubbles<br />19. Puppy<br />20. Doggy<br />21. (Ba)nanas<br />22. Chocolate<br />23. Toast<br />24. Pee pee/poo poo<br />25. More!<br />26. Shoes<br />27. Eyes, Nose, Boobies, Chin, Elbow, Armpit, Arm, Toes, BUM BUM<br />28. Puffin<br />29. Muffin<br />30. Coffee<br />31. Call Me!<br />32. Damnit!<br />32. Enough!<br />33. NO<br />34. Kitty<br />35. Almost<br />36. Firetruck<br />37. Throw Ball<br />38. Cold<br />39. Water<br />40. Juice<br />41. Hummous<br />42. Owee, Bonk<br /><br />Body Parts She Knows:<br /><br />1. Eyes<br />2. Nose<br />3. Mouth<br />4. Cheek<br />5. Chin<br />6. Ears<br />7. Hair<br />8. Head<br />9. Arm/Armpit<br />10. Leg/Knee<br />11. Hands/Fingers<br />12. Feet/Toes<br />13. Boobies, Pee Pee (you know, all the scientific terms...)<br />14. Belly/bellybutton<br />15. Elbow<br /><br />Sounds Carmen can make:<br /><br />1. Cow Mooing<br />2. Chicken Clucking<br />3. Duck Quacking<br />4. Elephant Trumpeting<br />5. Sheep Baaing<br />6. Pig Snorting (sorta)<br />7. Bear/Lion/Tiger/Dinosaur/etc Roaring<br />8. Cat Meowing<br />9. Monkey Oo-oo-oo'ing<br />10. Dog Barking (obviously)<br />11. Crow Cawing<br />12. Wolf Howling<br />13. Owl Hooting<br />14. Fish blowing bubbles<br /><br />Signs Carmen Still Uses:<br />1. Milk<br />2. Water (sticks her tongue in and out!)<br />3. More<br />4. Please<br /><br /><br />Obviously I'm forgetting a bunch. I'll have to keep editing this list...Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-24790759562625240262007-10-25T13:28:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.584-07:00Month Eighteen - Independence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacYUnT-oLADBvRG3k86RSmyccUb-7Egwup3f9DmXiM5qPKUb7jwALCm9_z-nzkbF4fvp9RrYbt3tIyqDkuGqkeBEkY4dbd51sVmUWo5G0EBqI-xeIhhWgA3dzb0VPiBxbw-1Wqs8zTRY/s1600-h/Stunning.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgacYUnT-oLADBvRG3k86RSmyccUb-7Egwup3f9DmXiM5qPKUb7jwALCm9_z-nzkbF4fvp9RrYbt3tIyqDkuGqkeBEkY4dbd51sVmUWo5G0EBqI-xeIhhWgA3dzb0VPiBxbw-1Wqs8zTRY/s320/Stunning.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125381895064995922" /></a><br /><br />Well it's been a whole year and a half. I see pictures of myself pregnant, pictures of Carmen as a newborn and it seems lightyears away. All of a sudden my teeny tiny baby is walking around, chatting, feeding herself, going up and down the stairs, singing... what is next, college?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0GY1CCEnv3GqaplMv9vsWWFSUO4vqV2OWyx89WMje50ey-IlN6Gx3NYDGLWOtm0HHYrAwe7tbJY48rgtSnmdQdXT0-2_4Bz7OPY2g8LeuJH1x7uTdDXE7RNeL0EFM5g59yZNDQzYM8I/s1600-h/Barking.jpgBarking.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG0GY1CCEnv3GqaplMv9vsWWFSUO4vqV2OWyx89WMje50ey-IlN6Gx3NYDGLWOtm0HHYrAwe7tbJY48rgtSnmdQdXT0-2_4Bz7OPY2g8LeuJH1x7uTdDXE7RNeL0EFM5g59yZNDQzYM8I/s320/Barking.jpgBarking.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125381903654930530" /></a><br /><br />Seriously. She is growing into a little girl right before my eyes and there's nothing I can do to stop it. At the same time, I am 'hurrah-ing' her newfound independence - she puts on her toque and brings me my shoes when she wants to go outside for a walk. She pitches a fit if we go past the playground without stopping. Every meal is a battle of wills - who will crack first? She is getting pretty good at pressing my buttons too. I can't decide which is more frustrating, the fact that she knows HOW to push my buttons, or the way I react? Time to do a little growing up myself!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kxoDMzLmw68HQdZE3pGyPiRpq77hCKYnjAUmyIUye8RBHXmdqbzU9PV7OKL2J24ouBpEMKFybyT741ApMdwiH3BFzIuWPEVBid0HnjRWaJ_QolLkonVflbU5sLj_p7GdpAJJMWl64K0/s1600-h/P1010013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5kxoDMzLmw68HQdZE3pGyPiRpq77hCKYnjAUmyIUye8RBHXmdqbzU9PV7OKL2J24ouBpEMKFybyT741ApMdwiH3BFzIuWPEVBid0HnjRWaJ_QolLkonVflbU5sLj_p7GdpAJJMWl64K0/s320/P1010013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125382522130221218" /></a><br /><br />Carmen is teaching her baby to potty train. She says "Baby, Pee Pee!" and we go into the bathroom, take the pants off the dolly and sit her down. I ask Carmen to get some paper for the baby (Mommy says only one piece, please!!!) and when she turns around, I grab a waterbottle sneakily and put a generous squirt of water into the potty! Then she turns around, excitedly wipes the baby and then grabs her savagely by the arm, throws her to the ground and exclaims "PEE PEE!!!" Then we flush the 'pee pee' (Bye-bye Pee Pee!), wash the baby's hands and put her pants back on. There are always plenty of kisses for the good baby!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS8u8hlzbxF0Ynje311PtsKgrUwZIvwxSFLNENew4nKust_s5e_ic8NpzR0RzLJyF_g0acjYOdVy08dTjFSj2vomaITh5E28OOPJfPMRFdAF1aLWyYY2S4tExAr8JzlqcPJ_ha33O-Xc/s1600-h/P1010019.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTS8u8hlzbxF0Ynje311PtsKgrUwZIvwxSFLNENew4nKust_s5e_ic8NpzR0RzLJyF_g0acjYOdVy08dTjFSj2vomaITh5E28OOPJfPMRFdAF1aLWyYY2S4tExAr8JzlqcPJ_ha33O-Xc/s320/P1010019.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125381916539832466" /></a><br /><br />We also feed the baby, put the baby to bed and walk the baby around in the stroller. I was pretty unprepared for her attachment to this poor little doll, who gets dragged all over the place, covered in food and dog hair, and manhandled repeatedly. I keep trucks and blocks and all sorts of other toys around, but she LOVES that baby.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8ncfzm4aAfBnBlUvgj4v8eglOHlVXlEqIK8ZIu45-CErT0zlHVtPrhDmV3435nmdDn9TTgpN6oDdycAIVzfUD6WYhf8yionAMmsLq0RqKb2p0jtwo16dZnbkyg1YMF4DvDTUZv1uNg0/s1600-h/P1010001.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN8ncfzm4aAfBnBlUvgj4v8eglOHlVXlEqIK8ZIu45-CErT0zlHVtPrhDmV3435nmdDn9TTgpN6oDdycAIVzfUD6WYhf8yionAMmsLq0RqKb2p0jtwo16dZnbkyg1YMF4DvDTUZv1uNg0/s320/P1010001.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125381907949897842" /></a><br /><br />And colours. She will lie on the ground with a pad of paper in front of her and her Crayola washable markers forever! She has figured out how to turn on the stereo and will start a CD and dance around. Jason and I never really went crazy with the child-proofing and so Carmen is really good at reprogramming our phone, getting dogfood for Bella and feeding it to her, kernel by kernal, as well as spreading the contents of my makeup kit all over the upstairs. I will often find her with my cell phone, bleeping away on the keypad and then talking to her peeps. It's pretty hard not to laugh!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkUiFlzkmryfftcu63f9-7GaeOTCxC3vHTmMutGEwBdcCRtjTie_TtSAGmP-UYSTWCUr-9qNcvnK8o51wcGccvNOVmMsaCpcrNjeVgAwrxHQxaKCaHCHq8zO-G-4nZyx8jFenrtvhNlQ/s1600-h/P1010003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJkUiFlzkmryfftcu63f9-7GaeOTCxC3vHTmMutGEwBdcCRtjTie_TtSAGmP-UYSTWCUr-9qNcvnK8o51wcGccvNOVmMsaCpcrNjeVgAwrxHQxaKCaHCHq8zO-G-4nZyx8jFenrtvhNlQ/s320/P1010003.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125381912244865154" /></a><br /><br />I can't believe we are doing this all over again. I am pregnant again - 10 weeks and counting! I revisit my old blog posts from my first pregnancy and realize how much more quickly this one seems to be going by. I don't know if my baby is a chickpea or a grape this week! I don't know if he/she has eyelids. I just don't have TIME! And the reality of caring for a toddler, teaching my classes and getting through the first trimester nausea and fatigue is staggering. But we are SO HAPPY to have another, so happy that we will have a real baby for Carmen to help take care of, and so happy that we are able to give her a chance to be an older sibling, the same way we both were in our families. So yeah, life is good!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-37847659985282473412007-07-03T15:05:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.584-07:00Month Fifteen - It's been ONE WEEK<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeGEK1vXVBPC-KxKs_AlPjnziOn1AQug4rEYfNxZeu53B6LeV8FDjMBAx6L7Bwl8l4lPlXoEysXseoPC5t608DClCi84TA7Rw2jl1TuWZe8PoYGF0N4_Nmp8XeiCBSnGCFpQfV0yrB_I/s1600-h/Carmen_3016RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdeGEK1vXVBPC-KxKs_AlPjnziOn1AQug4rEYfNxZeu53B6LeV8FDjMBAx6L7Bwl8l4lPlXoEysXseoPC5t608DClCi84TA7Rw2jl1TuWZe8PoYGF0N4_Nmp8XeiCBSnGCFpQfV0yrB_I/s320/Carmen_3016RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083112418758920802" /></a><br /><br />It's been one week since Carmen nursed for the last time... <br /><br />I never thought I'd be one of "those moms" - I remember when I was pregnant that I was really looking forward to breastfeeding for the requisite 12 months and thinking that people that breastfed for longer than that were kinda weird. I remember watching moms whose babies would reach into their shirts, thinking that babies that could ask for it, or would go after it themselves, were too old to continue breastfeeding. Even as a nudie myself, I remember thinking that breastfeeding in public without a a blanket over your breast was a bit exhibitionist. I remember knowing everything and being the perfect mother - before I became one.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lI4oGSxegMl-4yAK-_kKH6GDyK6Un7Pt5c8pTc924mjcemqPhras5r8cY8dhp_Kb0iXlYNohBJyAqxs6-2369YkT8V5xZMxgZQFHHkgGNpzjK4E4nuvlwQGpfD_IqrJR89AQ0fZrL8o/s1600-h/Carmen_3022RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1lI4oGSxegMl-4yAK-_kKH6GDyK6Un7Pt5c8pTc924mjcemqPhras5r8cY8dhp_Kb0iXlYNohBJyAqxs6-2369YkT8V5xZMxgZQFHHkgGNpzjK4E4nuvlwQGpfD_IqrJR89AQ0fZrL8o/s320/Carmen_3022RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083112418758920786" /></a><br /><br />I remember thinking about my breasts as they grew during my pregnancy. I was shocked at the way my nipples became bullseyes on my chest! I worried about stretch marks. I freaked out when my nipples leaked colostrum. I wondered if my breasts would ever look the same again.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6n794JuC3j7xGVHwsTP4fr2APx-KOrKx114dm6OYjaUMi-XiPB6oaDvUAUh-UIBiUhyphenhyphenC3zI_69RKKvFM3aCPXHs4oRV0xvStUoH5w0oZd_6herjEnR_0R_nmytCqAJQ0USjnWekT2Pk/s1600-h/Carmen_2875RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6n794JuC3j7xGVHwsTP4fr2APx-KOrKx114dm6OYjaUMi-XiPB6oaDvUAUh-UIBiUhyphenhyphenC3zI_69RKKvFM3aCPXHs4oRV0xvStUoH5w0oZd_6herjEnR_0R_nmytCqAJQ0USjnWekT2Pk/s320/Carmen_2875RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083112410168986146" /></a><br /><br />But then I had Carmen. The first thing she did was squirm and struggle towards my breast and she latched on so hungrily, I was amazed that something so small could suck so hard! At the same time, a delicious sensation washed over me - I never thought breastfeeding would be *delicious*. The first time I felt my milk let down, I grabbed my breasts in pain and hugged them to my chest. And then the milk flowed in generous streams and I was amazed that my body was capable of such a feat. When Carmen cried, my letdown occurred almost instantly - the physical connection that I thought ended with my pregnancy continued as Carmen flourished outside my womb. I never read about this in books.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJo-JAS4QMY2ln3rVJchSxo2mlpXGUWlkf-Veo8PnSZrT22_A25FU5s4npqGjUFJWFGjgMaI3cqhRBjk0Nf0Z6dnPArcEXBxv1SvEwHB17Hmc37yfVIj_rUT59CdKfF9KQDgzR4y1mXI/s1600-h/Carmen_2877RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJo-JAS4QMY2ln3rVJchSxo2mlpXGUWlkf-Veo8PnSZrT22_A25FU5s4npqGjUFJWFGjgMaI3cqhRBjk0Nf0Z6dnPArcEXBxv1SvEwHB17Hmc37yfVIj_rUT59CdKfF9KQDgzR4y1mXI/s320/Carmen_2877RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083112414463953458" /></a><br /><br />I never thought the Mama Bear inside me would emerge with such a vengeance. While my husband said "Sure, you can hold her", I thought frantically "LET GO OF MY BABY!!!" I began having intrusive thoughts about practically everything - imagining how I could throw my body in front of hers or turn the car just so to avoid her being hit. I made everything that went into her mouth from scratch - organic, pure, healthy... she ate better than Jason and I. I would do anything in my power to make sure she had the best.<br /><br />As she's gotten older, I have relaxed my stranglehold on motherhood. I am comfortable leaving her in the care of others. I don't fret if the dog french-kisses her or if the sippy cup is coated in dog hair. The five-second rule has become the five-minute rule. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVeQ55H11WTWRtn4D6UrIbk7mTut7OBMo-bZh3V_hE_-M1Dy-76g2Pk0y-w9IqRYcKJeVh_bg9DPTwpbVZnbHr-_sEs8CE3q2EE3CZHzTqfrxDGN5ZCQTgx9bi36vnWgPEH5R0DyMI6M/s1600-h/Carmen_2879RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcVeQ55H11WTWRtn4D6UrIbk7mTut7OBMo-bZh3V_hE_-M1Dy-76g2Pk0y-w9IqRYcKJeVh_bg9DPTwpbVZnbHr-_sEs8CE3q2EE3CZHzTqfrxDGN5ZCQTgx9bi36vnWgPEH5R0DyMI6M/s320/Carmen_2879RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083112414463953474" /></a><br /><br />BUT. But I continued to breastfeed her past that 12 month mark. I never worried if she didn't eat every piece of avocado or every chickpea because I knew I was helping to sustain her. I was giving her the calcium from my bones. I was jump-starting her immune system. <br /><br />I healed her bonks on the head with a few sips from my breast. I comforted her with my milk as she drifted to sleep. I thought nothing of popping my boob out, wherever and whenever Carmen needed it. I revelled in the skin-on-skin contact we shared in the bathtub when she would see both nipples at once and have a hard time choosing between the two! I shared something with her that nobody else could. I was her number one.<br /><br />And just like one of "those moms", I secretly relished the way she would reach down into my shirt, much like a greeting! I loved when she signed for milk in times of distress. I loved the way she nursed to sleep without a problem. I loved the way I could nurse her in the lineup at the Sun Run, or over coffee with a friend, without skipping a beat.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Kh11fhqoEyJ1ASfolLVRxaN06_DQnx1L6zECoaJoswT1RneElyg7SI7ere0Vf7FVj2guYCYyBESuWir7UclXxmcG-lT_ka0oUnbzw97i5GsdBYGwc7pYwQuuNMUpdazSfrVYxbHbXFE/s1600-h/Carmen_3035RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Kh11fhqoEyJ1ASfolLVRxaN06_DQnx1L6zECoaJoswT1RneElyg7SI7ere0Vf7FVj2guYCYyBESuWir7UclXxmcG-lT_ka0oUnbzw97i5GsdBYGwc7pYwQuuNMUpdazSfrVYxbHbXFE/s320/Carmen_3035RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083113002874473074" /></a><br /><br />And now... now it's over. It was a choice we both made. Hers, because she is becoming so independant. Mine, so that I can get pregnant again. My only consolation is that pregnancy might allow me to do it all again. That, and her recent need for kisses and hugs - maybe she is missing and craving the same closeness that I am?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintA5kDR2shYT6JFB3PM6bD90gV733G9OkwHiGsYWiEEDVJuiESZXSUgtXdIoUWMlVmLKGeJPiXHlw4Cw3iAJjpUZSBsV9nBfw1hSyF4UhTRQ9SzqDm3L2Ghyphenhyphennmmzf3xKEa_wsuUKiNy8/s1600-h/Carmen_3038RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEintA5kDR2shYT6JFB3PM6bD90gV733G9OkwHiGsYWiEEDVJuiESZXSUgtXdIoUWMlVmLKGeJPiXHlw4Cw3iAJjpUZSBsV9nBfw1hSyF4UhTRQ9SzqDm3L2Ghyphenhyphennmmzf3xKEa_wsuUKiNy8/s320/Carmen_3038RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083113007169440386" /></a><br /><br />My breasts ache. Carmen accidentally kicks me while we play and I reel in pain. In the shower, I knead them to relieve the pressure and small jets of milk escape. Although painful, I want to feel my letdown so badly, but to no avail. Each day my milk becomes less and less. I never knew that the last time she nursed would be "THE LAST TIME SHE NURSED". Like, somehow I would have captured every nuance in my brain and recorded it for those times when she becomes a teenager and tells me she hates me, or that I embarrass her. Now she signs for milk, but it's for the sippy cup that she drinks from with reckless abandon!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CnHbjO7V_CvgzcXgUiNbb_Y_Sl6TF9mmU4JGwiAhgmGNIenbhpw0xwnPjLOq6PBPPGVafv0p8UVc7eRY9Hat3kegw0_PjH8LW4TJR741wTH8gFNOgKm1i5W-5OCuR02n_1gTvw1ut2U/s1600-h/Carmen_3039RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8CnHbjO7V_CvgzcXgUiNbb_Y_Sl6TF9mmU4JGwiAhgmGNIenbhpw0xwnPjLOq6PBPPGVafv0p8UVc7eRY9Hat3kegw0_PjH8LW4TJR741wTH8gFNOgKm1i5W-5OCuR02n_1gTvw1ut2U/s320/Carmen_3039RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083113007169440402" /></a><br /><br />I know this is a stepping stone that I have to go through. I just never thought it would be so hard.Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-67263985969671714672007-06-11T21:47:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.584-07:00Month Thirteen and Fourteen - Time is Precious!Well I hoped to be able to continue my monthly updates, but it just seems like we are always on the go! To the dog park, to the playground, to Stroller Fitness, to sleep! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhk3XWUeLZqgs3iuRouMja1L5RkzbjFZbdtVEd1Dn30HuP6yf3tCtgwqHjFKzt-aFakegUoieIHnbrmmu4NOBbHVwurj6ATFEW46G6lrwH3hGEEbbMja_9vRCCwGTiCXbASbe1ah1lFE/s1600-h/P1010143.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwhk3XWUeLZqgs3iuRouMja1L5RkzbjFZbdtVEd1Dn30HuP6yf3tCtgwqHjFKzt-aFakegUoieIHnbrmmu4NOBbHVwurj6ATFEW46G6lrwH3hGEEbbMja_9vRCCwGTiCXbASbe1ah1lFE/s320/P1010143.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075043044363056450" /></a><br /><br />Most things take longer these days, mostly because my baby is no longer a baby - she is a girl! An individual, an independant soul, a little fairy spreading her pixie dust and laughter all over the house like confetti. I can no longer feed her bits of banana, this girl wants to do everything by herself! That includes diaper changes, baths, getting dressed, snapping the buckle on the carseat and nursing!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNKEX3y32y9AfyC_99DHd0AY3Am9TaRrus9ZeYCgXFjVqnI-LrKTKffCNP3_ump-059uzP7PS0Vg90E4dU1egGCexR47UNkeKQM2HkQtwVcKxDDkvwfRV6Y-EcOZ5G1S3HEDVzFbtXuM/s1600-h/P1010118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNKEX3y32y9AfyC_99DHd0AY3Am9TaRrus9ZeYCgXFjVqnI-LrKTKffCNP3_ump-059uzP7PS0Vg90E4dU1egGCexR47UNkeKQM2HkQtwVcKxDDkvwfRV6Y-EcOZ5G1S3HEDVzFbtXuM/s320/P1010118.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075043031478154530" /></a><br /><br />Oh yes, the nursing. Ah, I remember the foolish post a while back about weaning. WEANING! HAHAHA! Not if Carmen can help it! Carmen's nursing has taken on a whole new, and acrobatic, dimension. She headstands, faceplants, downward-dogs and battering rams into my poor breasts. She flits from one side to the other capriciously, pulls away and smacks her lips, nuzzles some more, twiddles my nipples, crawls around and then comes back again. I am her jungle gym, her activity mat with refreshments. It is hilarious and aggravating at the same time! Nighttimes are the best time - the only time I can hold her in my arms for more than two seconds to nurse properly. But then the dog barks. Or Jason comes upstairs. Or the phone rings. Any small diversion and she is arching her back, trying to escape my lap to see what the hubbub is about! But if I decide enough is enough, she is either screaming in her crib, or back a few minutes later to nibble on my shoulder - the international sign for "I'm HUNGRY"...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1Hs6CCvlkGWj5VjR5bCna21vQdVnxJWoVq8xYwrtLAP4wwAEovRh9_tbqKsdrVRyTBLxhW5kq_t56etEhcRq6LF0sfdRlIix_LHorpT6Jslqo1ZYM4LHTeCvwfHakdKC5_QrKt6gDeM/s1600-h/P1010139.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1Hs6CCvlkGWj5VjR5bCna21vQdVnxJWoVq8xYwrtLAP4wwAEovRh9_tbqKsdrVRyTBLxhW5kq_t56etEhcRq6LF0sfdRlIix_LHorpT6Jslqo1ZYM4LHTeCvwfHakdKC5_QrKt6gDeM/s320/P1010139.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075043061542925650" /></a><br /><br />Signing. I took a signing course. I sign to her all the time. I swear that at one point she was signing back "milk" but I must have been dreaming! Carmen has invented her own form of sign language. Biting my shoulder for milk. Arching her back and screaming for "I don't want <insert random food here>". Stink fumes wafting from her butt for "I just filled my dipes". Smacking the edge of the bed to call the dog.<br /><br />But she does clap and wave. So maybe all hope is not lost. I'll keep trying. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KRREcASGjWsdhzkN98jnMNMujObxjhzwooR98Bm0J_BWroqQhnd7WndLNN9LXogRLVaqGUDJavtP2Cnzc4C2q5S7o-ORAcXhOlM1HQJj91n1RVKrilf8K2ui_MZTzG4BDn3TBPgLodI/s1600-h/P1010137.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9KRREcASGjWsdhzkN98jnMNMujObxjhzwooR98Bm0J_BWroqQhnd7WndLNN9LXogRLVaqGUDJavtP2Cnzc4C2q5S7o-ORAcXhOlM1HQJj91n1RVKrilf8K2ui_MZTzG4BDn3TBPgLodI/s320/P1010137.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075043040068089138" /></a><br /><br />I've been feeling the need to "let go" a bit. While I still make homemade organic meals for Carmen, it's okay if someone feeds her a Kraft Cheese Slice. It's okay if she is covered in dog hair for a good portion of the day. It's okay if I drink a beer while she's nursing (!), or if I let her taste a bit of chocolate. It's okay if she throws her food off the highchair table down to the dog...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuZz75F8B7Vhdz1RMIzcAZVBOalbWemTvcKJ4rFDzPFU117ysLZfiMufLuwBLTslBqWKxxE5c229Wd1cY5lDwX_wdoEnWSznCa0Z-DAPO9gA2YR_dP0PR48a6ZnOc1_rQll1G5S_BFXQ/s1600-h/P1010144.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZuZz75F8B7Vhdz1RMIzcAZVBOalbWemTvcKJ4rFDzPFU117ysLZfiMufLuwBLTslBqWKxxE5c229Wd1cY5lDwX_wdoEnWSznCa0Z-DAPO9gA2YR_dP0PR48a6ZnOc1_rQll1G5S_BFXQ/s320/P1010144.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075044238363964786" /></a><br /><br />Well, so long as the bowl isn't included next time...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KperTn-vHB_x3lgBb3hSGhq7dEij6zBCsnxYcadFPov-JbuUYpvgxEESd1vt3Cp5Ki1pTYd4QfCpU-t4zQ-4uMwp4b84dUkqqgqDHESZtATuvxhpzRKyWKE2GBopWWLYADCJQHs4PWs/s1600-h/P1010138.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8KperTn-vHB_x3lgBb3hSGhq7dEij6zBCsnxYcadFPov-JbuUYpvgxEESd1vt3Cp5Ki1pTYd4QfCpU-t4zQ-4uMwp4b84dUkqqgqDHESZtATuvxhpzRKyWKE2GBopWWLYADCJQHs4PWs/s320/P1010138.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075044444522395010" /></a><br /><br />I've been going out and doing a lot more fun things - most recently, three of my former clients with older babes showed up at my doorstep and (thank god) kidnapped Carmen and I to take over the Foundation for beer and natchos! The girls happily cruised around the (probably filthy) retro furniture while we ladies shared a pitcher and dove into a giant plate of natchos! Fun for all the girls! Jason and I have been active more, on walks and runs and to the doggy beach.<br /><br />Maybe subconciously it's because Jason and I have officially pulled the goalie and are thinking about baby #2. Carmen enjoys other kids so much that I can't imagine her not having siblings. It's a scary prospect though when I think about how much our lives changed with just one! It seems that people are divided in their reactions - either we're crazy, or not crazy. Hmph. In any case, I feel like I need to live it up a bit, before I get pregnant again and give up my body to another lil'un for a few years.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE9zE9SBdoFx5WdxC6l3T6v8uEcdw3DiKM70FrJKH8xbm318KXdasz3zsqM_jQaPt-7Qcn-mbm4NEFMD3qQImNiJ6xLBC-ndpeYVuriRkV6iT8VPL4QQ2VFqjL-ieosS_NEC5q9N3l_s/s1600-h/P1010074.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBE9zE9SBdoFx5WdxC6l3T6v8uEcdw3DiKM70FrJKH8xbm318KXdasz3zsqM_jQaPt-7Qcn-mbm4NEFMD3qQImNiJ6xLBC-ndpeYVuriRkV6iT8VPL4QQ2VFqjL-ieosS_NEC5q9N3l_s/s320/P1010074.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5075043065837892962" /></a>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-47832210526906240972007-04-26T16:20:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.584-07:00Letter to Carmen - Baby Today, Toddler Tomorrow<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTP_Di1o3YCO-qwmg2iek2cAijr4GkQVMrpIjtPy7YcTAKFiF3rWrv8Oi-qJRjWUZA8xuucpTMvd3q_ohf3SP2tPeIvzsy8mDGDn3PL-Hd3KWLaGNi6-kemJBmyHtQPwvAtE8RDJTv0k/s1600-h/CC_4187HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoTP_Di1o3YCO-qwmg2iek2cAijr4GkQVMrpIjtPy7YcTAKFiF3rWrv8Oi-qJRjWUZA8xuucpTMvd3q_ohf3SP2tPeIvzsy8mDGDn3PL-Hd3KWLaGNi6-kemJBmyHtQPwvAtE8RDJTv0k/s320/CC_4187HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702871092021138" /></a><br /><br />I can't believe it's been a whole year. Sometimes the days were long, sometimes the months were short - all I know is that suddenly you are an independant little girl with an attitude and personality and charm and a wicked sense of humour!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1HmwT6aFPAL6g_Y8yKVQqlKhdiqYWGtAKY8wYotmrqWOf_9LVHas39HA4afkmbapJDo3ygRsHrjLMfeAWdU-kNISUkA-p43jYKf0_QFE0l74MnmT1R0jWcZ9G8bEgGTqhgRhkrQRz84/s1600-h/MFC_3203RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1HmwT6aFPAL6g_Y8yKVQqlKhdiqYWGtAKY8wYotmrqWOf_9LVHas39HA4afkmbapJDo3ygRsHrjLMfeAWdU-kNISUkA-p43jYKf0_QFE0l74MnmT1R0jWcZ9G8bEgGTqhgRhkrQRz84/s320/MFC_3203RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702067933136770" /></a><br /><br />Now you want to hold the spoon at breakfast. You crawl up to my feet and pull yourself up using my pantlegs to get my attention. You carry my keys around the house and try to open every drawer and cupboard by jingling them around the handle. The cuteness is astounding.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XcngxhHbfxzZkq6q4qZB94k7uj9KaUSlFdpmOmCl6jhEpQGN3-gCeEFYLrn2tplrsfnJ48ac2CWOduw_b-v1PaDnzLPs3qUg63WqX5S7WVy4umrKeKdb0rsDEaeokwR9RE_GcS8TLhQ/s1600-h/MFC_3091RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XcngxhHbfxzZkq6q4qZB94k7uj9KaUSlFdpmOmCl6jhEpQGN3-gCeEFYLrn2tplrsfnJ48ac2CWOduw_b-v1PaDnzLPs3qUg63WqX5S7WVy4umrKeKdb0rsDEaeokwR9RE_GcS8TLhQ/s320/MFC_3091RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702063638169426" /></a><br /><br /><br />You clap your hands in the right parts of "If You're Happy and You Know It". You wave goodbye to your daddy when he heads off to school in the morning, or to me when you are leaving the room. In fact, if Daddy tries to leave without waving goodbye, you get downright angry! Every morning, you scramble to the edge of the bed and yell "Dahhgay" while whacking the mattreess to get Bella to come over. You are a creature of habit, just like me.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXIRrNhKMK3mZAmbemmiPwpytFeLnf-RdU0bTBv1DO65t-9sDFfnNxOyrLDVmx_zSx7m1nupyBHwxTBFg3jtbaITBgaEes2SxEwcrut-Edays3Yb1p-vn4iOsNbhGuQfuyHU3P_2X2q8/s1600-h/CC_4191RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWXIRrNhKMK3mZAmbemmiPwpytFeLnf-RdU0bTBv1DO65t-9sDFfnNxOyrLDVmx_zSx7m1nupyBHwxTBFg3jtbaITBgaEes2SxEwcrut-Edays3Yb1p-vn4iOsNbhGuQfuyHU3P_2X2q8/s320/CC_4191RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702871092021154" /></a><br /><br />You and Bella have a love-hate relationship - you looooove Bella, but we can't be sure that the feeling is mutual. When we are out walking together, you reach for the leash from the stroller to hold on to her. When we are out giving her a ball huck, you want to hold the green chucker between throws. If I kick the ball to Bella, it sends you into peals of laughter and fits of giggles that are SO contagious! When we are home, you gravitate towards the tags on Bella's collar and yank on them, while Bella stares up at me, big brown eyes pleading, "Make her go away, puleeeeez?" Her food dish is a favourite spot for you, as is Bella's doggy bed, full of slimey dirty doggy toys that you insist on stealing and chewing on. I just hope it is serving your immune system well!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsqVzRxKUIzOG1dKf8tfFFLSrHNdrnTdZb3VjQSVp_wtD6sbll9UZs3JRUTEF90Ckn7FeQcRViSXlYs0Tzy67mal7gRBHSBP-mmBg_W9YOspd_w0p6Zbr6rSeC_SuG1edtLc9bc8raiU/s1600-h/MFC_3090RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQsqVzRxKUIzOG1dKf8tfFFLSrHNdrnTdZb3VjQSVp_wtD6sbll9UZs3JRUTEF90Ckn7FeQcRViSXlYs0Tzy67mal7gRBHSBP-mmBg_W9YOspd_w0p6Zbr6rSeC_SuG1edtLc9bc8raiU/s320/MFC_3090RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702059343202114" /></a><br /><br />For your birthday, we decided to have a small party. Mostly I just wanted to make you a fabulous cake like all the other moms I know. Maybe an Elmo cake, or a Daisy flower or something ridiculous and fancy. I slaved over a Lemon Poppyseed Cake the night before, zesting organic lemons, limes and oranges. I beat eggs, sifted flour, fluffed butter, you name it. The morning of your party I found that it had turned into a Lemon Poopyseed Brick unfit for human consumption. Devastated, I trudged off to the grocery and bought an organic BOX o' cake. This cake called for milk, oil and eggs. This cake turned out superbly. This cake amazed the guests - even when coated in day-glo yellow frosting and bathtub rubber duckies. But you? Not you. As I set the blazing cake down in front of you, we blew out the candles and cheered. You smiled and pictures were snapped. I set a piece before you and... you barfed. Not a single morsel of cake entered your mouth! Apparently you have inherited your father's disinterest in sweets!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiuXWkSde1xYb5CCbtt2xst_Fz-6HAb5xLSYPMooF5YwaFkUMxuwGzo4mOiV_oc3DlvdPeMNggNJO341rE0sRk6bw5jDB-7mlBzUyrb8nNRbbrDUzDJYRDswP9FAw5BmewwDJtGSqxxQ/s1600-h/CC_4198RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEiuXWkSde1xYb5CCbtt2xst_Fz-6HAb5xLSYPMooF5YwaFkUMxuwGzo4mOiV_oc3DlvdPeMNggNJO341rE0sRk6bw5jDB-7mlBzUyrb8nNRbbrDUzDJYRDswP9FAw5BmewwDJtGSqxxQ/s320/CC_4198RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702871092021170" /></a><br /><br />You are absolutely infatuated with other kids and love to be around others. Not that you aren't a bit of a bully - usually you stick your fingers into eyes and mouths or pull hair or bite - all in the name of love, I'm sure! One of the gifts you got on your birthday was a little stroller with a baby in it and it is definitely your favourite new toy. That poor baby has been dragged from one side of the house to the other, and I can hear you crawling around with the baby, your other little hand slapping the floor "THUNK slap THUNK slap THUNK!" Quiet, you are not.<br /><br />Crawling up the stairs is now a piece of cake, and cruising around with the edge of the coffeetable turns into quite the bout of mischief if I have forgotten to pick up the opened mail, a glass of water or the diaper bag. You love banana pancakes and hummous with pita, Cheddar Bunnies and the lentil mush that your babysitter, Daniela, sends home with you every once in a while. I'm hoping that you are turning into a foodie like your Daddy and Mommy.<br /><br />You are quite the acrobat and have hurled yourself headfirst off the diaper change table while my attention was on the "business end"... a few minutes and massive amounts of vomit later, your Daddy and I rushed you to the ER. Your daddy drove with a furious calm while I bawled and tried to keep you awake in the back of the car. Once we got there, you were fine. I think we lost years off our lives. I'm sure it won't be the last time!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5h46U8wpetQDM7c3AoBbWsJGG2x5_ErJQRA1gom45VxNeEhhhvRu_ck0-qDAHBdTScehLNcrZLbeRlmhfn1rz91pzkTwnmCT3M5t6n3yFAVXhiCgXSY_-ZeQkbRjGY28rBNx5Qm67Bc/s1600-h/MFC_3095RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5h46U8wpetQDM7c3AoBbWsJGG2x5_ErJQRA1gom45VxNeEhhhvRu_ck0-qDAHBdTScehLNcrZLbeRlmhfn1rz91pzkTwnmCT3M5t6n3yFAVXhiCgXSY_-ZeQkbRjGY28rBNx5Qm67Bc/s320/MFC_3095RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702063638169442" /></a><br /><br />You love books. You love dogs. You love books about dogs and will sit with your Baby Einstein "Dogs" book forever, turning the pages and saying "Gog gog gog". You love when I stick my tongue out and pant with the "Dogs pant when they are warm" page. You love when I count to four on the "There are many different kinds of dogs" page. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8v-wzfrTAvYfr-QJGrKe-3kGs4lyzDdl68o18lLJbHgQGBz5OcgGS2WMmAGAtO40DGPIWQ072RKciosvCLjiQc3vEQ56oMVtEm2VdEL5naXOjJkW3cLTirEcKvRKvGya-hzG65vBRmY/s1600-h/CC_4200RWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8v-wzfrTAvYfr-QJGrKe-3kGs4lyzDdl68o18lLJbHgQGBz5OcgGS2WMmAGAtO40DGPIWQ072RKciosvCLjiQc3vEQ56oMVtEm2VdEL5naXOjJkW3cLTirEcKvRKvGya-hzG65vBRmY/s320/CC_4200RWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702875386988482" /></a><br /><br />One of the cutest things about you is the way you will sit for half an hour in front of the buckle on your diaper bag, carseat, highchair or backpack carrier and try to put it together. You are obsessed with figuring things out and anything that keeps you IN you want OUT of. I hope you will be a problem-solver, a figurer-outer. I hope you will like math.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-qh223rY_j-lw-VPCgb11V_e7t5i-j6hnqAnQmFyiPwA4hPS__Fk5rIl61NaY8Fn3RaOjmDa6iTLswwwcPeJL7_A9yONSKW4EV9IYemop-SxaN2Z9-kxDteWAjf5uZA3s-vdMP9AK8o/s1600-h/MFC_3185H_2Web.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG-qh223rY_j-lw-VPCgb11V_e7t5i-j6hnqAnQmFyiPwA4hPS__Fk5rIl61NaY8Fn3RaOjmDa6iTLswwwcPeJL7_A9yONSKW4EV9IYemop-SxaN2Z9-kxDteWAjf5uZA3s-vdMP9AK8o/s320/MFC_3185H_2Web.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702063638169458" /></a><br /><br />But whatever it is you blossom into, I know I will love you forever.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWOWLeyMOFsxdIUrHduZZY3Q-vD6Cirvm8ZVAtaJZDROWFYTnoEf3XKDY_KODRFApikjawtgLUf0RTd2LSBw8Vja2RyBxkTYovXqLWGqoCdMVPCv5OMaDYcHQeINn2LLLeCf-El5hsxY/s1600-h/CC_4201HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqWOWLeyMOFsxdIUrHduZZY3Q-vD6Cirvm8ZVAtaJZDROWFYTnoEf3XKDY_KODRFApikjawtgLUf0RTd2LSBw8Vja2RyBxkTYovXqLWGqoCdMVPCv5OMaDYcHQeINn2LLLeCf-El5hsxY/s320/CC_4201HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5062702875386988498" /></a>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-61902734404835639132007-03-27T17:33:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.584-07:00Month Eleven - The TransitionWARNING - NUDE BABY AHEAD!!!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddnjcWWvNg5rjwyoMvMQDhc99i_fF85gH5mubDukKQWmghK1IjNnetfGzlnxlxBdYmd-L5GphspZ_uGqoi7dWRn1fRWdf_WoFGHWmPZ04x1CaftJ9srDyJFjhx_GUxir-VZNoHhsXbF0/s1600-h/Carmen_Month11_006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiddnjcWWvNg5rjwyoMvMQDhc99i_fF85gH5mubDukKQWmghK1IjNnetfGzlnxlxBdYmd-L5GphspZ_uGqoi7dWRn1fRWdf_WoFGHWmPZ04x1CaftJ9srDyJFjhx_GUxir-VZNoHhsXbF0/s320/Carmen_Month11_006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046809768147282962" /></a><br /><br />The last month has been a doozie. It seems like my little baby is quickly turning into a little girl and I don't know how to stop it! Life as we know it will never be the same.<br /><br />Most importantly - Carmen says MAMA! I know there might come a day when her calling Mamamamamama at the top of her lungs might get nervewracking, but right now I can't get enough of it! Clapping is a lot of fun too!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEenFNavJWGNmkKe-qLBZRGzxjozvO2QmweVV03XCUlA5x_Bn4BgTvlgsf0KRnwa2UE_6g5DduMHSNVtRRfOMp-pJyo1mZbPivggOMr4y6qU2IKSwnuAfR-lSrGIhniEqU_ARtxhpK16g/s1600-h/Carmen_Month11_008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEenFNavJWGNmkKe-qLBZRGzxjozvO2QmweVV03XCUlA5x_Bn4BgTvlgsf0KRnwa2UE_6g5DduMHSNVtRRfOMp-pJyo1mZbPivggOMr4y6qU2IKSwnuAfR-lSrGIhniEqU_ARtxhpK16g/s320/Carmen_Month11_008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046809776737217570" /></a><br /><br />We've been waiting for quite a while for Carmen to gain some purchase on the ground with her little legs and now she's finally done it. Carmen is crawling - EVERYWHERE. And it's like she's just discovered that the rooms in our house are connected together and she can travel from one to the other! She follows me from the nursery to the bedroom to the bathroom, collecting dust and dog hair along the way. Part of me wants to attach little clothes to her knees so she can be my little Swiffer and help out with the housework! She doesn't sit still for a minute and I have to watch her like a hawk. Thankfully she hasn't discovered Bella's food dish yet, but I know that is coming!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kYsELr6H0-c-J3VcZyqIhL_ObXsLhcE7KA0uDKW2e1gYUgFf_co7bIYgXZWYAuj6HqxdC0kfr6Vs77XZ3pqGLpGfxbq0SahJUL9LEd11YQRyuIcrnC6-JI3E1f1zG3WbV3vwjwtS5T4/s1600-h/Carmen_Month11_009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kYsELr6H0-c-J3VcZyqIhL_ObXsLhcE7KA0uDKW2e1gYUgFf_co7bIYgXZWYAuj6HqxdC0kfr6Vs77XZ3pqGLpGfxbq0SahJUL9LEd11YQRyuIcrnC6-JI3E1f1zG3WbV3vwjwtS5T4/s320/Carmen_Month11_009.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046809785327152178" /></a><br /><br />Along with this comes the reality of our sleep situation. I usually nurse Carmen before naps and bedtime in our big bed, then I leave her to fall asleep there. At nighttime Jason transfers her to her crib, but for naps I used to leave her there. Suddenly the afghan that used to keep her little body pinned no longer works and she is crawling around on the bed the minute I leave! So I just spent the last hour and a half trying to get Carmen to sleep in her crib for her afternoon nap. She kept getting up and crawling around, playing with the bars, singing and chatting away! She finally went to sleep - right at the time I would regularly get her up! ARG!<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaf_hK_SOHOwtqsHzWCfH5PWXkiMKknkb1rwwV1iu2DB_SZvQMFc40TYmQWOOCyXwbLIDt8rgpaRhsnWdgEDg8IQtVAZRzIgDq0F2KqXGGtzaMr_BNOXQC2uPJ5dkqxfPF9tyiPF9FPI/s1600-h/Carmen_Month11_001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmaf_hK_SOHOwtqsHzWCfH5PWXkiMKknkb1rwwV1iu2DB_SZvQMFc40TYmQWOOCyXwbLIDt8rgpaRhsnWdgEDg8IQtVAZRzIgDq0F2KqXGGtzaMr_BNOXQC2uPJ5dkqxfPF9tyiPF9FPI/s320/Carmen_Month11_001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046809789622119490" /></a><br /><br />Two more bottom teeth have appeared, but they certainly don't rival the size of Carmen's giant front tooth - we call her Fangora! Seriously, we could use her mouth as a beer-bottle opener - BUT WE DON'T!!! <span style="font-style:italic;">Yet</span>. <br /><br />As for dinner table accomplishments, Carmen is able to grab a cup herself and drink out of it successfully 95% of the time! The other 5% of the time, she drinks out of the far side of the cup and pours the contents down her front. The learning curve is steep, I tell ya!<br /><br />Over the past little while, I've been thinking about when is the right time to wean Carmen from breastfeeding during the day. So far, she's weaned herself down to 4 times a day - in the morning, before each nap and before bedtime. I think the morning and nighttime is fine, but continuing to breastfeed during the day is somewhat limiting. She was fine for my trip to Whistler, drinking pumped milk from a sippy cup or not at all for a few days... Aside from the obvious freedom, I wore a REAL BRA the other night for Date Night and thought about how good my girls looked! Maybe that sounds vain, but after having my body dedicated to a small being for nearly two years, it would feel great to feel more like a sexual being than a Free Range Organic Heifer!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQYl7A3rJaI5zEdhaBgk0lwdsblLyAYHKqf9nBmQjiza7kXLWT4_vkoDRozEdKcirdeTX6AwFJX2YbWaasxbWAM1t0jSLPuN43TC5MlaP6GwQ4Kz3yFLwEZ1J2-aw2bIoDW7lMx3HYeM/s1600-h/P1010007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQYl7A3rJaI5zEdhaBgk0lwdsblLyAYHKqf9nBmQjiza7kXLWT4_vkoDRozEdKcirdeTX6AwFJX2YbWaasxbWAM1t0jSLPuN43TC5MlaP6GwQ4Kz3yFLwEZ1J2-aw2bIoDW7lMx3HYeM/s320/P1010007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5046810356557802578" /></a>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-18559676016559919592007-02-28T14:20:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.585-07:00West Coast Mamas on the Weather Network<center><embed src="http://www.dropshots.com/dropshotsplayer.swf" Flashvars="url=http://www.dropshots.com/photos/241586/20070303/175520.flv&post=1" width="320" height="310" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><span style="font-family:arial; font-size:8pt;"><a href=http://www.dropshots.com/>Photo Sharing</a> - <a href=http://www.dropshots.com/>Upload Video</a> - <a href=http://www.dropshots.com/>Video Sharing</a> - <a href=http://www.dropshots.com/>Share Photos</a></span></center><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">*one of my moms was kind enough to save the segment while she had the news streaming on her computer...</span><br /><br />Today for my outdoor <a href="http://www.fit4two.ca">Stroller Fitness</a> class at Trout Lake, the Weather Network came to tape our workout and interview me - yay!!! A light dusting of snow, some sunshine and 24 of my favourite moms were out in full force to show Canada how great it is to be a new mommy in Vancouver!<br /><br />I even wore mascara! You know, so my eyes would <span style="font-style:italic;">pop</span> on TV!<br /><br />If anyone wants to check us out, the segment on West Coast mamas getting active during the winter starts airing this Friday, and continues to air for 2 weeks! Yay!<br /><br />And since I got such great free advertising, I thought it was prudent to invest in a nice Lululemon uniform for the event! Check out my pants!!! Sassy!<br /><br />*editor's note: Unfortunately you cannot see my pants in the interview, nor did my eyes pop with my mascara... sigh. But trust me, the pants - they. ARE. HOT.Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-32115149330222647882007-02-25T11:26:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.585-07:00Month Ten - Big Bad CarmenIt's Carmen's tenth month and she is changing so quickly. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAKn-hXKe9K15RB78JVD2OHBoe1aUHBQ17-y8BBK3fRT16MPYg4wodXBt2jFzNTTqysgw5f_3hjWqMGEhhURosi92VPSnMy4mMsF2qpcq0PrFQ6ArMtf-rHdkE8ugPhYfhM_1esYYnMo/s1600-h/P1010003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAKn-hXKe9K15RB78JVD2OHBoe1aUHBQ17-y8BBK3fRT16MPYg4wodXBt2jFzNTTqysgw5f_3hjWqMGEhhURosi92VPSnMy4mMsF2qpcq0PrFQ6ArMtf-rHdkE8ugPhYfhM_1esYYnMo/s320/P1010003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035646290028513122" /></a><br /><br />She got a tooth, which arrived with much fanfare the morning before her tenth monthiversary with us. And this tooth is not just any old tooth - this big pearly white shines like a beacon when she smiles and cuts like a saw when she eats! Every meal at the highchair is followed by a palate-clensing glass of water and playtime with the toothbrush. We have to watch her fairly carefully so that she doesn't gag herself, but she LOVES chewing on the soft bristles of the brush and waving the yellow plastic wand about her like she is casting spells! She also likes to brush OUR teeth with it, and when I brush my teeth with my electric brush, she insists that I come over to polish her new accessory as well, sans paste.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jQjZQ1mgBIV2NaqdJCZhqRJ-EAvt0QXFYP_5o20hpplBNLb7Fr8dH8uqLjcrAdsWxkqGsBeDGah-ZeNmx5StVejIbLlam0MIOvKU_scf_0_FokcvX-ymB3bmsozebOL2-Zm-rllPJyw/s1600-h/P1010002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jQjZQ1mgBIV2NaqdJCZhqRJ-EAvt0QXFYP_5o20hpplBNLb7Fr8dH8uqLjcrAdsWxkqGsBeDGah-ZeNmx5StVejIbLlam0MIOvKU_scf_0_FokcvX-ymB3bmsozebOL2-Zm-rllPJyw/s320/P1010002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035646294323480434" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkS4CUpdOplNCLwXaR18kuheMcy1kcgiN4G9v5MMgVJoHOfw4WnwGwp0Azte9cKslGM2vqxnXcwtH-ZL8gFXtW8qPnM_PhKdQkdJll_I6mkID3Vj4qx-YXFELInnnRf8E0jHcSjwbqpA/s1600-h/P1010004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkS4CUpdOplNCLwXaR18kuheMcy1kcgiN4G9v5MMgVJoHOfw4WnwGwp0Azte9cKslGM2vqxnXcwtH-ZL8gFXtW8qPnM_PhKdQkdJll_I6mkID3Vj4qx-YXFELInnnRf8E0jHcSjwbqpA/s320/P1010004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035646307208382354" /></a><br /><br />More and more often, when I turn my back while Carmen is sitting upright, I will turn back to find her still sitting but a foot or two from where she was before. She's getting around SOMEHOW, but I don't know how! Scooching on her heels and bum? Who knows? Eventually I will catch her in the act!<br /><br />Carmen's interest in the world around her is growing - she is like a little sponge. She cheerfully chants "Duck Duck Duck" while attempting to gnaw a hole through her little rubber ducky's head. She constantly launches herself sideways in my arms or in the highchair so that she can see below whether or not Bella is around. She gets excited when she hears the telltale jingle-jangle of Bella's collar and the tick-tack of her claws on the hardwood each morning when Bella drags herself off the couch and into the bedroom to say hello. Carmen stares, transfixed by the wagging of her tail, and laughs if I get Bella to bark. <br /><br />I've started a Friday knitting circle with many of the women from my different classes since we have babes of similar age. They play together (or konk each other on the head with toys) while we eat, knit and chat. It's amazing to see the way Carmen interacts with other kids! She loves being around other babies, and has started to get a bit aggressive in her toy-stealing! I guess being the non-mobile one for so long is making her compensate by being a bully? Not sure...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MyKA_iXiva3P05J0KT0bG76CXdN2Bk8gSCP8HufBf3hQ9LUCHIb6EF9UTIFSpNSCRJaiBBOuY7Xh0cwA3dNh2Uht-mO2xeffv44QLpe93O8rd4pAueEpSqgSTLLAnXajgylK8lbeNqs/s1600-h/P1010006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MyKA_iXiva3P05J0KT0bG76CXdN2Bk8gSCP8HufBf3hQ9LUCHIb6EF9UTIFSpNSCRJaiBBOuY7Xh0cwA3dNh2Uht-mO2xeffv44QLpe93O8rd4pAueEpSqgSTLLAnXajgylK8lbeNqs/s320/P1010006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035646311503349666" /></a><br /><br />Before, I used to be able to vaccuum, use the electric mixer and the milk steamer on the coffee machine while Carmen was in the room. Not so much anymore! She freaks out at loud, unexpected noises and needs to be reassured that there isn't any danger. She is also developing quite the sense of humour. The other morning I was laying in bed beside her trying to fake sleep to get her to nap. She was doing everything in her power to make me laugh - sticking her fingers in my nose and mouth, plucking my bra strap, gurgling and cooing while conducting an imaginary orchestra with her arms! I was shaking, trying not to laugh, but I didn't fool her! Carmen 1, Mommy 0.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNz65CpVevLwvS9WSJmPTsP-e19w_kRJXehxG2pS0V2rQiTj1R8UNQ2ejYs26EXj6AMehptze426JntMC0QDETr8H0Lchqt_9WJh2LR8ryyAlquUeCSJiLG3HEYLDyT-AXR154wg3oMc/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNz65CpVevLwvS9WSJmPTsP-e19w_kRJXehxG2pS0V2rQiTj1R8UNQ2ejYs26EXj6AMehptze426JntMC0QDETr8H0Lchqt_9WJh2LR8ryyAlquUeCSJiLG3HEYLDyT-AXR154wg3oMc/s320/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5035646302913415042" /></a>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-13498044429077546882007-02-05T20:45:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.585-07:00GigglefestI bet you can't watch this without smiling!!!<br /><br /><center><embed src="http://www.dropshots.com/dropshotsplayer.swf" Flashvars="url=http://www.dropshots.com/photos/241586/20070204/125713.flv&post=1" width="320" height="310" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed><br /><span style="font-family:arial; font-size:8pt;"><a href=http://www.dropshots.com/>Photo Sharing</a> - <a href=http://www.dropshots.com/>Upload Video</a> - <a href=http://www.dropshots.com/>Video Sharing</a> - <a href=http://www.dropshots.com/>Share Photos</a></span></center>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-30446614027837070102007-01-29T16:13:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.585-07:00Month Nine - Doin' Just FineAhhh, <a href="http://www.nunuboo.com">Nunuboo</a> - what would we do without you?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RhfWJPEd-1X4-T1jZbzCx6G4YKmRYKzECp2iWxKM5KwGcstL6yvSyXbwSCftBPynUBq-UAtzZyxQcoG9tNS6LrT22fDX9naxHt75pxjRtJ3Wtgh1dCiaTQ1osQw2lfOiOhyphenhyphenlU2sq_H4/s1600-h/Carmen_1725HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0RhfWJPEd-1X4-T1jZbzCx6G4YKmRYKzECp2iWxKM5KwGcstL6yvSyXbwSCftBPynUBq-UAtzZyxQcoG9tNS6LrT22fDX9naxHt75pxjRtJ3Wtgh1dCiaTQ1osQw2lfOiOhyphenhyphenlU2sq_H4/s320/Carmen_1725HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027176965201792242" /></a><br /><br />To sum it up in one word, life has been <span style="font-style:italic;">busy</span>. With Jason back at school and my classes back in session, our lives seem like a bit of a whirlwind and the month-long vacation feels like it was over months ago! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25x2858z5xgqVewiZK03IHswfq8wEGh1Qywdlc_2XDFBvn4ZFcsAHdqHqd87I-57KSO20ckoNfv9rTtGChhDCA-LbKRgpw3GqAx_APXJyLrp096O70cUGrxv2HY2X7eWtBmuVhzuBC38/s1600-h/Carmen_1747HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj25x2858z5xgqVewiZK03IHswfq8wEGh1Qywdlc_2XDFBvn4ZFcsAHdqHqd87I-57KSO20ckoNfv9rTtGChhDCA-LbKRgpw3GqAx_APXJyLrp096O70cUGrxv2HY2X7eWtBmuVhzuBC38/s320/Carmen_1747HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027176771928263906" /></a><br /><br />Carmen is still getting around the room backwards and has yet to make any forward progression... I would worry more, but I'm kind of enjoying this last bit of freedom before she becomes really mobile and tries to stick chopsticks into the electrical outlets that we have yet to childproof!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEYFuIW7zDYYZ3v1j4jK2OlOW_zCY-Njf9wreS445aa8yBf55X5Iw6a-DuCz8JTlU8DVf9Nbonw9q40b5R_um1hJOWN0cBlXAITIT6LhTkyLxf6lX0tb4i4m3aUIiseie1yTyIoAHPcw/s1600-h/Carmen_1853HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHEYFuIW7zDYYZ3v1j4jK2OlOW_zCY-Njf9wreS445aa8yBf55X5Iw6a-DuCz8JTlU8DVf9Nbonw9q40b5R_um1hJOWN0cBlXAITIT6LhTkyLxf6lX0tb4i4m3aUIiseie1yTyIoAHPcw/s320/Carmen_1853HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027176591539637378" /></a><br /><br />Besides, who needs to crawl when she gets the royal treatment while travelling? Carmen has gone cross-country skiing, enjoys regular jaunts with Bella and I in the stroller, and is quickly outgrowing her first carseat - she is 18lbs! Most of the babes in Carmen's playgroup are much larger, but I can still (barely) remember when she was under 6lbs! <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59qe9DkgOFdFzPV4qvg12ro6-dRXOOFw8NW-OFfsIcui1KPftnALklSElK7dPbDQh_ls-HFiCUt14rYUmGXbvX8lzdVlt40PpdX_MU7YKKuNP8RHy04Nw42ON-blhwdshxEPIMeYSEPU/s1600-h/Carmen_1830HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59qe9DkgOFdFzPV4qvg12ro6-dRXOOFw8NW-OFfsIcui1KPftnALklSElK7dPbDQh_ls-HFiCUt14rYUmGXbvX8lzdVlt40PpdX_MU7YKKuNP8RHy04Nw42ON-blhwdshxEPIMeYSEPU/s320/Carmen_1830HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027176595834604690" /></a><br /><br />Going to the grocery store is one of Carmen's favourite destinations. She finally fits in the grocery cart, sitting up all by herself and ready to pull anything off the shelf that her little paws can get hold of. I'm sure that one day I will find packages of teething biscuits inside her jacket, stolen from the Famous Foods when I wasn't looking!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT3akftLrikfoSUTK1YVFjrgquYTmIzPeYM1YemVvmgHXVC52VpOb0JNBQDvVCqWP4DHlBg2VmIwXyTahhTez666h-DQSVX6amvAeZjXfMH9Ll5u0Didoukzt4is_1oPzYBUM3H0RPgk/s1600-h/Carmen_1807HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcT3akftLrikfoSUTK1YVFjrgquYTmIzPeYM1YemVvmgHXVC52VpOb0JNBQDvVCqWP4DHlBg2VmIwXyTahhTez666h-DQSVX6amvAeZjXfMH9Ll5u0Didoukzt4is_1oPzYBUM3H0RPgk/s320/Carmen_1807HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027176595834604706" /></a><br /><br />Speaking of teething - it's all the rage again these days. Drooling, crying, refusing to eat... and yet, NO TEETH!!! Seriously. Many days, the only thing she will allow in her mouth is the nice cold yogurt I offer up when all other nutrient sources are refused. Carmen cops a bit of attitude in the high chair, banging her feet against the foot rest and her head against the back of the chair, holding her breath until her eyes bulge out and her face turns red. Clenching her gums together, if I manage to get any food in between her lips, she will forcefully spit it out in my face... THIS IS ORGANIC BUTTERNUT SQUASH, kiddo! Homemade with love and the sweat of my brow! THE NERVE!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHesISm8k-_MP8CBe70gHMqOF-fbGjh9htfUtv8428-qau1pMtSC0CDvEsZi7_1l3AcDyChXk4gC9dUrDIYbhuai5TodbReneub7S6XChk-HrMe8ZYDDKWtPYflW4LYum0_y5CtKTgOk/s1600-h/Carmen_1806HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHesISm8k-_MP8CBe70gHMqOF-fbGjh9htfUtv8428-qau1pMtSC0CDvEsZi7_1l3AcDyChXk4gC9dUrDIYbhuai5TodbReneub7S6XChk-HrMe8ZYDDKWtPYflW4LYum0_y5CtKTgOk/s320/Carmen_1806HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027176600129572018" /></a><br /><br />But the sleeping - that's the payoff. Our kid can SLEEP, better than most I've heard of. I can always count on Carmen's punctuality with her morning and afternoon naps. And the nighttime! We sleep! Hours and hours! LOVE IT!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCei5MRkC6GLPrmxFHG6RrOv29cbEyp1f8VNdjRASsvJHc1RZdsCrYU-QDGe2Gp1e6inb5_p28C0YH_9fXbEUcJetXUIv3tQi3cD6nvQb0P5ENNKH_ql6HcXSf49rBNCXpQB6VIWNj_B0/s1600-h/Carmen_1782HWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCei5MRkC6GLPrmxFHG6RrOv29cbEyp1f8VNdjRASsvJHc1RZdsCrYU-QDGe2Gp1e6inb5_p28C0YH_9fXbEUcJetXUIv3tQi3cD6nvQb0P5ENNKH_ql6HcXSf49rBNCXpQB6VIWNj_B0/s320/Carmen_1782HWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027176600129572034" /></a><br /><br />As a couple, Jason and I have become addicted to boardgames like Carcassone and Settlers of Catan or Texas Hold'em in order to preserve some semblance of a social life, since our little girl hits the hay at around 7:30pm! We've gone out for many dinners on our own, while our sleeping babe is looked after by family or friends. It's sad that I don't manage to connect with many of the people I used to see on a regular basis. Times change, I guess? It's not for lack of trying, but it's hard to do "nights" now, or pubs, or anything else that is not baby-friendly.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWrn7tWmTnrt6_3oFNGgzGiAURPQ5CxGyRO0pRh2B74uZxgzqSYnoVKixhoamxwh4wZJbLNERHjqZc0ND2IVy0jWvM4409XSGQTl_VRNzuH6s4-cSvMom-cBEHOHvxcLJCrlx9rBlPC0/s1600-h/Carmen_1840SSFCWeb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWrn7tWmTnrt6_3oFNGgzGiAURPQ5CxGyRO0pRh2B74uZxgzqSYnoVKixhoamxwh4wZJbLNERHjqZc0ND2IVy0jWvM4409XSGQTl_VRNzuH6s4-cSvMom-cBEHOHvxcLJCrlx9rBlPC0/s320/Carmen_1840SSFCWeb.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5027181157089873154" /></a><br /><br />While I'm working, Carmen is now getting taken care of by another SAHM with a son the same age as Carmen - her Italian boyfriend Nico! Carmen loves to hang out with Daniela and Nico and it makes my teaching SO MUCH EASIER and less stressful! Now I don't need to worry about Carmen pulling the hair of 6-week-old babies in my class, and I know she's having fun with someone her own age, not to mention getting meals and naps on a proper schedule. Thankfully my classes are full, so I am making enough to make childcare feasible!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-48211725517575177892007-01-18T19:28:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.585-07:00ValidationI was part of the high-tech industry for over 10 years and I worked my butt off.<br /><br />Nearing the end of my pregnancy, it was really hard to drag myself into work each day - I hated my job. Well, not all of it. I liked the people I worked with and I enjoyed using my brain when interesting problems arose. But for the most part, the work I was doing became more and more tedious... add to it the instability my company and the fact that I dreaded beginning the start-up/buy-out/layoff continuum all over again... well let's just say my job satisfaction had hit an all-time low.<br /><br />But now!<br /><br />Now, instead of monitoring fires hazards in supercomputers, or helping people download porn faster - I have a REAL JOB!!!<br /><br />I get to help these bellies...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf64t6-BRF3Vw4MH_wV2u92pPb1QWbaxOHEouLKz5fgXAU391z8LlNZXh1jwBmLHTaZOFM0gpu2-ea96RTFq2Jz0ezg5NVJ1dg9X5x4oJgfVsDIW1zRTYcRSCkZ8b1IEA3BxsMERGL60/s1600-h/IMGP0921.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEf64t6-BRF3Vw4MH_wV2u92pPb1QWbaxOHEouLKz5fgXAU391z8LlNZXh1jwBmLHTaZOFM0gpu2-ea96RTFq2Jz0ezg5NVJ1dg9X5x4oJgfVsDIW1zRTYcRSCkZ8b1IEA3BxsMERGL60/s320/IMGP0921.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021580886792693922" /></a><br /><br />Turn into these babies...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UIl-6lSqt-NXbwQvVUb0JHeAHjedkDLVSXbzcTzLUSla1MeY6KmCz89vl878xnyaibGi1WeVoUnkE6Y2lGnVIdWQW-JdTrQae9_cbDQKnDd2X9ngwIMFLwZRoLmzdCQQm-BP0-O9Tz4/s1600-h/Picture191.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0UIl-6lSqt-NXbwQvVUb0JHeAHjedkDLVSXbzcTzLUSla1MeY6KmCz89vl878xnyaibGi1WeVoUnkE6Y2lGnVIdWQW-JdTrQae9_cbDQKnDd2X9ngwIMFLwZRoLmzdCQQm-BP0-O9Tz4/s320/Picture191.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5021580891087661234" /></a><br /><br />This past Monday, I had my very first class of Prenatal Fitness clients over to my house for a reunion with their brand new babies! And now my prenatal clients are my POSTnatal clients! I have former moms-to-be in my Stroller Fitness and Mom & Baby Fitness classes!<br /><br />How cool is that???<br /><br />From these moms, I got many gifts and thank-you cards, but my most favourite was the email I got from the wife of a former co-worker, who came to me as a client:<br /><br /><span style="font-style:italic;">I really wanted to say thanks... for the beautiful handmade gifts, the great classes, all the advice and helping me to have more confidence to squat and lunge this baby out! I was really quite nervous at the beginning of this pregnancy about being fit and having the endurance to get through labour. My fear was that I would not make it, have to have lots of medical interventions and go down a birth path that I don't want. After lots of thinking, reading and learning, I now realize that I may in fact go down a path that I don't want/hadn't planned but I'm okay with that because I feel like I've made the effort to work towards the kind of birth that I want for me, my husband and our baby. (okay - I'm welling up now!!). <br /><br />When I walked into your class, I was a tad nervous of what was ahead. You were wearing your one of your Tri shirts and I had heard lots of rumours of "super fit Callie" from my hubby... Through all your classes though, you kept the class at a level that everyone could accomodate to and there was never any judgement for the level of energy you had or how far you pushed on any one day. I walked away from class each night feeling great. It was also my first "mommy" contact. Soooo great to be around other pregnant moms to gab about stuff that I am sure is not on the priority list of other non pregnant people. So I am glad that we ran into each other again. Even though I didn't really know you before, I do remember you as one of the "cool kids" at the Alcatel Xmas parties...<br /> <br />Anyhew, I was just on the website and there is no section for "what are people saying about Fit 4 Two?"... so I don't know where you want to keep this, but please feel free to use this email however you wish...<br /> <br />Here is the more official testimonial...<br /> <br />Going to Fit 4 Two classes during my pregnancy was a blessing. Both Callie's prenatal classes (Balls and Bands and Prenatal Fitness) gave me a safe and supported way to work out and meet other Moms. Callie creates an environment of non judgement and fun in her classes and genuinely cares about the participants. Even though there are (many) days where my energy levels were low during this pregnancy, I always felt re-energized at the end of class and great about what I had accomplished for me and the baby. I attended classes from early in my second trimester until my 39th week. Callie provided ways to modify exercises as I grew and changed so that I could participate as fully as possible and get a great workout at whatever stage I was in. I would recommend Callie's classes to anyone looking for an informative, fun and inspiring place to exercise during pregnancy!<br /> <br />Looking forward to sending out that birth announcement!!!</span><br /><br /><br />Talk about validation. These moms & babes are the better than any performance review I've ever had!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-31740445775066047132007-01-14T23:02:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.585-07:00Cross-Country CarmenOur little girl's got 'tude!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq545CRrVqKwLx6tAsTel4oTjYUwUufJB_6qvAqBhPkrYAfjM4LetiH-QSYnsw3o4VNS7OwX2FE6eNsezuwmOWUrnLSodKaPgC1X2OgehMMNHmjrxFNC9RztlYTe4bp8BPHjHoyN2WEc/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHq545CRrVqKwLx6tAsTel4oTjYUwUufJB_6qvAqBhPkrYAfjM4LetiH-QSYnsw3o4VNS7OwX2FE6eNsezuwmOWUrnLSodKaPgC1X2OgehMMNHmjrxFNC9RztlYTe4bp8BPHjHoyN2WEc/s320/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150082862540818" /></a><br /><br />We just back from Whistler, where we stayed with Grandma & Grandpa Wolff... Carmen was dying to hit the slopes! We made it out for a day of cross-country skiing and had a blast! Daddy made a great sled-dog for Carmen's little cross-country chariot...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m6YBPYBBmtr_uMcnl_inhAaf3I9dNJdHVuEDXT6gFWANfrPGNSR3Zt3tr95q1MW1gig6FvzI2EOb1gc_zPSQ1Fk3JpTIAx2GtQSJ_9JbERbnjZeXDEsvMTttcgehEOv9qvyjQkuViEw/s1600-h/P1010003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_m6YBPYBBmtr_uMcnl_inhAaf3I9dNJdHVuEDXT6gFWANfrPGNSR3Zt3tr95q1MW1gig6FvzI2EOb1gc_zPSQ1Fk3JpTIAx2GtQSJ_9JbERbnjZeXDEsvMTttcgehEOv9qvyjQkuViEw/s320/P1010003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150087157508130" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzCtA_DdYRkkV55VYfCPZZB3yyBsNEOaWz3TsPK_iUpOLmb-ZoE-mtMAkz-Ii3Y7ThJVJycl_VFPw3rNxhUAHJUvRkkOwv9tnNsF_udFHAAMm1vwCP_1vfB1nmjWM8ejTXl6LU1piqFo/s1600-h/P1010005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUzCtA_DdYRkkV55VYfCPZZB3yyBsNEOaWz3TsPK_iUpOLmb-ZoE-mtMAkz-Ii3Y7ThJVJycl_VFPw3rNxhUAHJUvRkkOwv9tnNsF_udFHAAMm1vwCP_1vfB1nmjWM8ejTXl6LU1piqFo/s320/P1010005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150091452475442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZe5-vZtLRYWGF21as2TsKOpqCjbRZ4NQjbfP0OmgvVnoR4mrjm8eNlecsvxODySB5hznc4CGKVYTIxT7tiCla4-Ja2cXJl6SJT8slu8IWEcdqYZbBXk1hgF8vYRq3wE4EQF1oAS-Cbg/s1600-h/P1010004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzZe5-vZtLRYWGF21as2TsKOpqCjbRZ4NQjbfP0OmgvVnoR4mrjm8eNlecsvxODySB5hznc4CGKVYTIxT7tiCla4-Ja2cXJl6SJT8slu8IWEcdqYZbBXk1hgF8vYRq3wE4EQF1oAS-Cbg/s320/P1010004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150095747442754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyjWzOXUb63ca3CJrTJgAbAP97EfDZgqWtYMRANAJpNaueOebs_IMMREViBSXa7ncE7s-84dRs1hjeaeHuBAYqNjiltcsQkmDmysh9-EQMi57miKFVr8NLO8aRBCDfEjBIHBEp7NgPmM/s1600-h/P1010011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGyjWzOXUb63ca3CJrTJgAbAP97EfDZgqWtYMRANAJpNaueOebs_IMMREViBSXa7ncE7s-84dRs1hjeaeHuBAYqNjiltcsQkmDmysh9-EQMi57miKFVr8NLO8aRBCDfEjBIHBEp7NgPmM/s320/P1010011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150104337377362" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa5pZpTPquDZAkRaOlIIxCW8pDwVPZTXTQkq8WjCdSLvPT3iBf_0Q3puWd0XxmlxDjVmpNV2ee7RqHhQMUB_M0GzWsJQBjfBFS0oT5Na23KtTf3CUFdWLd6P94shtzqXgVYdCzGiMI38/s1600-h/P1010014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHa5pZpTPquDZAkRaOlIIxCW8pDwVPZTXTQkq8WjCdSLvPT3iBf_0Q3puWd0XxmlxDjVmpNV2ee7RqHhQMUB_M0GzWsJQBjfBFS0oT5Na23KtTf3CUFdWLd6P94shtzqXgVYdCzGiMI38/s320/P1010014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150718517700706" /></a><br /><br />Carmen and I, after a trip to the warming hut for some boob!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_5IX0xMXeBnro2JatO9NvmjQ863VChvG1w_iHp1BxkYondy8aut5tHGfYUrrjp67xne68B9QqNJhApQ6moIrep-0bu7IinZZF6-nARGPJJrqti_5Xt7wLufro2hO7Z0Q_c9pFKK9JdI/s1600-h/P1010008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_5IX0xMXeBnro2JatO9NvmjQ863VChvG1w_iHp1BxkYondy8aut5tHGfYUrrjp67xne68B9QqNJhApQ6moIrep-0bu7IinZZF6-nARGPJJrqti_5Xt7wLufro2hO7Z0Q_c9pFKK9JdI/s320/P1010008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150864546588818" /></a><br /><br />Grandma & Grandpa Wolff ready to go!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKgOugHRCOh23Z_FNOH4ogqOwAXpVtvngXE-Oo-bFNKvWuXEOSOOMucRyJRbzsOj_Whm92CfiFo2hTb_50urqc52VSC8LOAo3XgOdO9E-u-LxUloBHS19i38JjMMSqcpSp81NwTDHtkg/s1600-h/P1010015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsKgOugHRCOh23Z_FNOH4ogqOwAXpVtvngXE-Oo-bFNKvWuXEOSOOMucRyJRbzsOj_Whm92CfiFo2hTb_50urqc52VSC8LOAo3XgOdO9E-u-LxUloBHS19i38JjMMSqcpSp81NwTDHtkg/s320/P1010015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150727107635314" /></a><br /><br />Jason, oh-so-good at taking pix of the two of us!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0v6IxQQma_08bYofcCdAUrAmp1AQYhjlZoafRLmCnhiPhI5TpyTcXnCFw_4aTSeinMoi97Q6IOjsEdzYPEyOPouJ7uNs_mpB8kmnDQdIRSmbpBCJk_mblOgH7piW55USa7oJBuf1fcPk/s1600-h/P1010016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0v6IxQQma_08bYofcCdAUrAmp1AQYhjlZoafRLmCnhiPhI5TpyTcXnCFw_4aTSeinMoi97Q6IOjsEdzYPEyOPouJ7uNs_mpB8kmnDQdIRSmbpBCJk_mblOgH7piW55USa7oJBuf1fcPk/s320/P1010016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5020150731402602626" /></a><br /><br />Carmen helping me and Grandma knit!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-42631706553169558782007-01-08T17:26:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.586-07:00Resol-WHO-shuns?Ah yes, it's that time of year again... I believe my last year's resolutions were something about not fretting so much about finances and to do the Squamish Tri. <br /><br />Sigh. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">0 for 2</span>.<br /><br />After eight months of stroller-fitting my way back to my pre-pregnancy weight, the idea of doing triathlon training on top of my 5-class per week schedule is less than appealling! Not to mention that my <span style="font-style:italic;">weight</span> has NOTHING to do with my <span style="font-style:italic;">shape</span> - although my muscle-tone is great, I am just beginning to start running again and I haven't swam since I was PREGNANT... don't even get me started about the bike. Mine has flat tires and hasn't seen the light of day for over a year. Poor pretty blue Trek.<br /><br />I really need to change the title of this blog to "<span style="font-weight:bold;">lil-tri-mommy, waiting until after second baby to return to training</span>".<br /><br />I could open a rant about the finances thing, but I won't. Money will always stress me out.<br /><br />So this year I resolve to watch what goes into my body... not that I'm so bad - we eat home-cooked meals almost daily. My only real vices are Kraft Dinner, natchos and Caramel Macchiatos! BUT we do eat a lot of meat, dairy, and non-organic produce. Since I've been making Carmen's food, I've been so careful to make sure everything she eats is organic, pure and natural and homemade... I should really do the same for myself, no? After all, I'm still breastfeeding her, so some of the nasties could make it into her body, right?<br /><br />So far Jason is off to a great start helping me by stocking the fridge with organic milk from the local dairy, organic swiss chard and spinach, non-medicated chicken breasts, you name it! I try, but every time I go to the grocery store (Famous Foods!!!), I cringe at the higher prices demanded for the better-for-you foods - that damned money thing again. <br /><br />Anyhow, I resolve to get past that. And to try and do some extra Yoga, Pilates, or stretching everyday, so my back no longer makes me feel 90 years old.<br /><br />Oh yeah, and I did go and watch the Squamish Tri last year - they changed the course into a much suckier version. I'm doubtful that you'll see my name on the 2007 registration!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-23923681402211087012007-01-01T21:00:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.586-07:00Month Eight - First Christmas!Okay, so I'm a little late! What can I say? Carmen's first Christmas has been a busy one!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge00YEvF9tufgrMP6eH0L-lAgV6u1Ia0DLU_LmY9yauKawhJeyZI6bgekkiFIUiIulnpK_OM0cpoR4p9GZj7VAMTDxO5jPXkvg9ZtY-iZUK_-Mg48DCPa0nggmE3uB_mbaTTvy0I5JaMk/s1600-h/ChristmasCard+copy.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge00YEvF9tufgrMP6eH0L-lAgV6u1Ia0DLU_LmY9yauKawhJeyZI6bgekkiFIUiIulnpK_OM0cpoR4p9GZj7VAMTDxO5jPXkvg9ZtY-iZUK_-Mg48DCPa0nggmE3uB_mbaTTvy0I5JaMk/s320/ChristmasCard+copy.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015298230612612754" /></a><br /><br />It's been a great month. With Jason and I both on break from school and work, we have lots of time to go for walks with Carmen and the dog, entertain at the house and enjoy each other's company. For Carmen's first Christmas, we decided to hit the Island before the big day to visit my parents, grandparents and brother & sis-in-law. Surprisingly I was able to take a break from my email for 5 days to relax and just hang out! I even went curling with my mom and managed to win a bottle of wine for being one of the best "seconds"... who knew?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtfSR8KsK8fOI83Lo5R77KECiq6yJItRhhyphenhyphen1CbWEOm1s_SZJyGZqMIxYdfr1RLx0-IGUeuc9-hAvMHT7eqC8EvLjFBpMBb6tcBZThhWoxBdTSHxKq9dosWeZL7Zy_JserkaEmmkohNcc/s1600-h/P1010004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtfSR8KsK8fOI83Lo5R77KECiq6yJItRhhyphenhyphen1CbWEOm1s_SZJyGZqMIxYdfr1RLx0-IGUeuc9-hAvMHT7eqC8EvLjFBpMBb6tcBZThhWoxBdTSHxKq9dosWeZL7Zy_JserkaEmmkohNcc/s320/P1010004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015298900627511010" /></a><br /><br />On Christmas day, we opened gifts - mostly Carmen's - and then went on a walk through the Endowment Lands. I think this is something that will become a tradition for our little family! I cooked a turkey and we had a few people to the house to join in the feast - I served it on my late Grandma's china and it was great!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TW3B8BJSc-bzsltgUrxZs4279qaDsBiIEothr4tQd9i0zkRRTkHL51C9uqBgJboFa0DYnoRj2pfOsBn8Jvautb8JHaA0Zw-7VF4zA-TVas1tq4u6kSrzDdT5HTPUQScKm88_MHegQvw/s1600-h/P1010001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6TW3B8BJSc-bzsltgUrxZs4279qaDsBiIEothr4tQd9i0zkRRTkHL51C9uqBgJboFa0DYnoRj2pfOsBn8Jvautb8JHaA0Zw-7VF4zA-TVas1tq4u6kSrzDdT5HTPUQScKm88_MHegQvw/s320/P1010001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015298239202547378" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq_ivQiJZVfIIX9pk4O-s_x6bBUtSE5VXYV036V6_H07ZNaajHc_yLo6b5nKmB26pJzsqu9JTfCoQvbgQ7gaDewmvgEGlR_LkzVWWplodxPf4bkRaT20jNRR8zpZO5AoicRLxlBlnUmk/s1600-h/P1010002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxq_ivQiJZVfIIX9pk4O-s_x6bBUtSE5VXYV036V6_H07ZNaajHc_yLo6b5nKmB26pJzsqu9JTfCoQvbgQ7gaDewmvgEGlR_LkzVWWplodxPf4bkRaT20jNRR8zpZO5AoicRLxlBlnUmk/s320/P1010002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015298247792482002" /></a><br /><br />Since then, we've been having many visitors from out of town over to the house, as well as family. Carmen has gotten to know their kids a little bit, and has even learned to share her toys with them! However, for the first time ever, Carmen started to cry when I pried a little playmate's watch out of her mouth. She's also started to throw toys over the edge of her Exersaucer and then peer down below, silently willing them to come back into her grasp! <br /><br />Carmen's fully standing in the Exersaucer and on our laps, but hasn't started pulling herself up yet. She gets around on her tummy quite well. Backwards, that is. She still hasn't got the forward movement thing going!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDCr4yMo0txxWH02qw9iQifz_wT2izmgs44TAXuLYfWj2Em5s0R_QolvZYBaDyHTHoJhSYLep2OViPbfTV0I8YD5ldlQp55pP9iObz2alvKR2YunlR1tPOILDWd90VwGmLdjauS-VzEg/s1600-h/Bathtime_005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDCr4yMo0txxWH02qw9iQifz_wT2izmgs44TAXuLYfWj2Em5s0R_QolvZYBaDyHTHoJhSYLep2OViPbfTV0I8YD5ldlQp55pP9iObz2alvKR2YunlR1tPOILDWd90VwGmLdjauS-VzEg/s320/Bathtime_005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015298234907580066" /></a><br /><br />She is a happy happy girl, chuckling and giggling, chatting away in her own little language. She has said "Dada" to Jason, but is not doing it consistently. Right now her favourite word is "Diggy diggy diggy", but we can't figure out if she's trying to say "Doggy" or "Tickle"! Either way, it's pretty cute to listen to!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YPXyjWVlx0gKNUknOVGUjgESR8lc5St6g5IIsKEUwPBnCCIqjBSbaGoJwW01fSvPug45pxK12YcPH8FUJxHDhMs4t7OtHPktx6PVxhA-Uw5vK8_ljhb0kmOjzgOZs7itInABN_KT6ww/s1600-h/P1010014.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2YPXyjWVlx0gKNUknOVGUjgESR8lc5St6g5IIsKEUwPBnCCIqjBSbaGoJwW01fSvPug45pxK12YcPH8FUJxHDhMs4t7OtHPktx6PVxhA-Uw5vK8_ljhb0kmOjzgOZs7itInABN_KT6ww/s320/P1010014.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5015298904922478322" /></a><br /><br />Lastly, I think all our signing to Carmen has paid off - I swear that she signed "Milk" to me today! I know she recognizes it when I do it, but I saw her little hand grasping at close to her chest and I asked her "MILK?!?" with the sign and she laughed and got really really excited! So cool!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-60584415831973165902006-11-29T13:50:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.586-07:00Snowed in...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/5273/1124/1600/229806/Bathtime_006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/5273/1124/320/788919/Bathtime_006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Contents: One bored WAHM, one dog desperately wanting to play outside, one little girl with a snotty nose and drooly mouth.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/5273/1124/1600/925269/Bathtime_007.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/x/blogger2/5273/1124/320/394719/Bathtime_007.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Contents: Peppermint tea and Baileys*<br /><br />*credit goes to <a href="http://www.nunuboo.com">Nunuboo</a> for the introduction of tea and Baileys at this year's cookie swapCalliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-51487795829408332712006-11-24T20:05:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.586-07:00Month Seven - Funky Butt<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/1600/P1010008.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/320/P1010008.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I knew it was only a matter of time... we've been playing with solids for a little while now and Carmen is finally getting the hang of it! Of course, now that her tastebuds have developed, the rest of her body needs to catch up - in this case, it's her digestive tract that has recently proven that it's ready to handle the grown-up stuff!<br /><br />PEEEEEEEEEEEEE YEEEEEEEEW!<br /><br />I went into the nursery yesterday morning and noticed a tang in the air quite unlike anything I'd smelled before in Carmen's vicinity. I immediately opened the diaper pail, expecting to find a mountain of unwashed diapers. Nope, nearly empty. Maybe something rotting underneath the change table? Nada. The stench drew me towards the crib, towards my daughter, happily playing with her Linkadoos. Bingo.<br /><br />As I uncovered her funky butt, I recoiled in shock and horror - gross doesn't begin to describe it. You see, not only do I have to change it, but then I have to go and rinse it out as well since I wash my own cloth diapers. I've picked up a fair amount of dog pooh in my day, but this just seemed infinately more disgusting.<br /><br />So I decided that this was not the life for me! Now, for Carmen's morning constitutional, we both get naked from the waist down and I sit her on top of my lap on the toilet. And whaddya know - she actually poops in the toilet!!!!<br /><br />Yep, my daughter's a genius.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">There is a girl named Carmen</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">She is a poop machine</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">She poops into the toilet</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">And keeps her diapers clean</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">OOOOOH, she keeps her diapers clean</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">She keeps her diapers clean</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Carmen Jade sits on the can and keeps her diapers clean!</span><br /></div><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/1600/P1010007.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/320/P1010007.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br />In other news, Carmen is sitting up pretty much on her own - a skill she picked up from all the older kids in her sign language class. She is eating apples, bananas, pears, avocados, yams, rice cereal and even butternut squash! She still hasn't cut any teeth, though. She's bald n' toothless just like an old man.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/1600/P1010003.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/320/P1010003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Cousin Ashley also visited with Auntie Karen for a week a while ago. Carmen and Ashley were the best of friends, sharing some tub time together, spending a lot of quality time with Grandma Wolff, and holding hands in the back seat of Grandma's pickup while sitting beside each other in their carseats. It's really cool to see them with each other - makes me remember how much fun I had running around in my Grandma Wolff's house with my cousins!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/1600/P1010006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/320/P1010006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Everyday there are new sounds coming from Carmen's mouth, she also seems to understand more of what we are saying. New toys to play with, new corners of the floor to explore - she is always on the move. Things change so fast.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/1600/P1010002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger2/5273/1124/320/P1010002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-5646733996241473312006-10-29T14:14:00.000-08:002009-09-13T14:21:19.587-07:00Halloween FUN!Carmen is the <span style="font-weight:bold;">CUTE LOOT PATOOT</span> for Jason and I, the bank robbers!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010007.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010007.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010005.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010005.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Not bad for a 1/2hr costume, eh?Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-31319334198934912242006-10-20T11:38:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.587-07:00Month Six - Bye Bye Bouncy ChairWell, we finally had to say good-bye to putting Carmen into the bouncy chair during dinner... I turned my back for a second and caught her trying to launch herself out of it by pulling on the poor unsuspecting musical caterpillar!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010013.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010013.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />Enter the highchair - da da da daaaaaaaah! We loooove the highchair, a very thoughtful gift from my former coworkers! Since I've started Carmen on solids (mmmm, pablum!), the highchair has come in very handy keeping her locked in, her bib on, and her little hands busy. She's gotten really quick with her hands now, blocking the spoon like a little Karate Kid - Heeeeeyah! If I do manage to get some of the dreaded pablum into her mouth, she uses her prowess at making raspberries to spit it back out in my face and all over my glasses! What a comedianne!<br /><br />The highchair is also great for keeping her in one place while I turn my back - she is quite mobile now, rolling over and over to get places and grab toys. I'm not exactly sure how she's moving forward but she is, inch by inch. Smart cookie, that one!<br /><br />She is so mobile now that I don't know how much longer I will be able to take her to class. Too bad, since she smiles and giggles for the most part and loves all the exercises we do together and the songs I teach the other moms in class. BUT she's also rolling into the little teeny 6-week old babes and trying to poke their eyes, which is not so good! So I've been looking into getting a bit of help here and there.<br /><br />Nobody ever told me how hard this was going to be. Some days, usually those that I have a few classes to teach, I find myself just trying to <span style="font-style:italic;">get through</span> the day, watching the clock and listening for the telltale scooter revs and Bella's yips and wags of delight signalling Jason's return home from school. I know that I want to stay home with Carmen and not return to my engineering job, but some days I think "<span style="font-weight:bold;">OH MY GOD, this is MY LIFE</span>". <br /><br />I know why many women are eager to return to the workforce since staying at home is such a drastic change from life before baby. I hope that getting help with Carmen during my daytime classes will be a step in a good direction. Even though my "break" during the day will be to spend time with other moms and <span style="font-style:italic;">their</span> babies, I know it will still feel like a break. A chance to take off my "mom" hat for a few hours a day would be welcome!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010015.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010015.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />As Carmen has gotten older, she's developed a bit of a foot fetish... she sticks them in her mouth whenever she can. If there are socks in the way, she quickly pulls them off to reveal her tasty tootsies. Here she is, caught in the act!<br /><br />And since she is so on-board with the stroller now, when she gets tired, she has taken to turning her head this way and that until her touque comes down over her face. If I try to move it out of the way (lest she suffocate!), she wakes up and gets angry. Sigh.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010009.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />BTW, I knitted that sweater while I was pregnant and it FINALLY fits her! Our little tiny girl still only weighs just over 14lbs. Sounds like she will be taking after me in that respect!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-75038310838419231622006-09-16T21:59:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.587-07:00At the Trade Show...So while exhibiting at the <a href="http://www.baby-fair.com/">Vancouver Baby Fair</a> this weekend, I've gotten many many free samples... but the most interesting so far has definitely been the <a href="http://www.omyonline.com/files/products-cappuccino.php">O'My Cappuccino Flavoured Personal Lubricant</a>! Guess it'll help all us new moms get pregnant again!Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-44291570364206223172006-09-14T17:36:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.587-07:00Month Five - Month of CutePeople aren't kidding when they say that months 4-5 are the cutest months going! Carmen is the Cute-inator, cute cute and more cute, all cute all the time!<br /><br />I can't get over the amazing belly laughs that come out of her mouth now when I pretend to eat her neck, or zerbert her belly! When I get Bella to bark while we're having our playtime on a blanket, she is in a fit of giggles! Even Bella grins from ear to ear as Carmen busts a gut, so cute!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010002.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010002.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />And her fascination with sounds is hilarious. I love the way that she sets out to master a certain sound by repeating it for days on end... then she tires of it and moves on to something else. So far we've gone through the razzing and a funny fast sniffing in and out of her nose! For nearly a week it was constantly <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />Sniff-hee-hee-hee! <br />Sniff-hee-hee-hee! <br />Sniff-hee-hee-hee!</span><br /><br />from the carseat, from the crib and now, most recently, from underneath receiving blankets that she "hides" under to play Peek-A-Boo! I crack up everytime, she will sit there for ages with the blanket pulled over her eyes as I ask "Wheeeeeeeeeere's Carrrrrrrrrmen?" and then rip it back quickly... she squeals in delight that she has tricked me!<br /><br />Now from the floor, I hear Pbthpt! Pbthpt! Pbthpt! as she spits all over everything around her (including my glasses if I'm too close). Crazy girl!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010007.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Carmen has also decided that the stroller is the only thing going... maybe that is because Mommy finally wised up and pimped up her ride? I stole the sheepskin from one of our chairs to give her Highness a nice plushy throne, propped the back up so she can sit up higher and faced her out so she can see Bella strolling along jauntily ahead of us! Now we get out on a daily basis and Stroller Fitness is so much easier!<br /><br />In the last week or so, Carmen has taken to rolling over onto her front - even with the giant cloth Mother-ease diapers that used to keep her high-centered on the floor! So we have to be much more careful now with her laying on the dinner table when we eat (!) and leaving her on the diaper change table. I actually spent over 20 mins trying to get her to roll over on video and finally succeeded! The only problem is that once she's on her front, she can't roll back over. Instead she either poops, pees or spits up in frustration until we roll her back over!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010003.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010003.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />The biggest gift Carmen has given us is a reliable bedtime and morning wakeup. For a while she was waking up quite early, chit chatting happily from the crib until Daddy went in to diaper change and bring her to me. One morning Jason and I just decided to leave her and see what would happen... she went back to sleep!!!! So now it's bathtime at 8:00pm, boob at 8:30pm and sleep shortly after - wake-up at 6:30am and everyone is happy!<br /><br />Jason had 5 minutes to make a little book for school, enjoy!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010003.0.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010003.0.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010004.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010005.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010005.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/P1010006.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/P1010006.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-67125139019475034042006-09-06T16:48:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.587-07:00First YearWell, we did it! Jason and I celebrated our first year of marriage on Aug 20th, 2006!<br /><br />And what a year it's been... we've weathered a few storms, had some sad times, a lot of laughter and love - we even survived the (still ongoing) renovations in the downstairs!<br /><br />How did we celebrate? Yet another sojourn to the Island to visit my parents for a restful extended weekend at Macktush, their campsite. Between the built-in babysitting of Carmen's keen grandparents, and the endless squirrels for Bella to chase, Jason and I were able to take some time to relax together, go kayaking, drink wine and chat. He made me a rack of lamb with fresh rosemary, with some nice French wine that we had given to us at our wedding. All of this followed by the top of our wedding cake that we had kept in the freezer all year!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/Anniversary007.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/Anniversary007.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I think we looked prettier cutting this cake a year ago, but oh well!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/CJ1_300_6078.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/CJ1_300_6078.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/1600/CJ1_300_6092.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7509/661/320/CJ1_300_6092.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5894590972424709743.post-45327029753321943552006-08-28T14:24:00.000-07:002009-09-13T14:21:19.587-07:00A Penchant for Non-Relaxing HobbiesHobbies are supposed to be relaxing - mine usually start out that way but eventually result in copious amounts of four-letter words streaming from my mouth! Knitting, quilting, triathlon training... all send me into fits of swearing!<br /><br />But. They all start out soooo good.<br /><br />For instance, check out the beeeeyouuuutiful fabric I just bought for my brother and new sis-in-law's wedding present! I'm making them a lap quilt and wanted it to be <span style="font-style:italic;">funky</span>!<br /><br />Step 1. Pick out a pattern. <br /><br />Step 2. Visit quilting store and salivate over numerous fabrics.<br /><br />Step 3. Repick your pattern when you can't make your fabric "work" with the first!<br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/35/4305/640/P1010003.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/35/4305/320/P1010003.jpg'></a><br />Lap Quilt Pattern <a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' border='0' style='border:0px;padding:0px;background:transparent;' align='absmiddle'></a><br /><br />Step 4. Rack up credit card bill - sigh heavily.<br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/35/4305/640/P1010002.0.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/35/4305/320/P1010002.0.jpg'></a><br />Nice Japanese-Inspired Prints <a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' border='0' style='border:0px;padding:0px;background:transparent;' align='absmiddle'></a><br /><br />Step 5. Get home, wash/dry/iron fabrics and put on bias.<br /><br />Step 6. CUT CUT CUT!<br /><br /><a href='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/35/4305/640/P1010006.jpg'><img border='0' class='phostImg' src='http://photos1.blogger.com/hello/35/4305/320/P1010006.jpg'></a><br />Cut Up n' Ready to Go! <a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'><img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' border='0' style='border:0px;padding:0px;background:transparent;' align='absmiddle'></a><br /><br />Step 7. Get swearing... I mean SEWING!<br /><br />Blissful, no?Calliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03728966822856415143noreply@blogger.com3