So SO close!

Not fully crawling yet, but a pro at the army crawl. He now goes wherever he desires. Mostly it's to the metal thing on the floor next to the closet door. Or if I'm  doing my makeup in the hall he likes to check up on that too. 

Since he is moving so much now, we had to figure out something for the massive brick fireplace in the centre of the house. So far all I've done is thrown a blanket on the stone and just hoped he wouldn't hit the wall. Gus of course assumes its his new throne.

So far not a single accident, he bumps his head ALOT but hasn't actually bruised or cried. Sometimes I see him roll from his stomach to his back with reckless abandon and it makes me cringe when he thumps his head on the hardwood. He just squints his eyes and carries on. 

Gus and his buddy. The dog now uses his tongue as defense against the claw. I do not approve of either of these interactions but Gus does have a right to defend himself so sometimes Sam gets a lock right on the face. He makes the same squinty face and carries on.

And lastly, I had a little solo hike with the boys. Gus was patient with me as I climbed up and down jagged rocks. He was rewarded with a swim in the lagoon and salt filled sticks, his favorite seaside snack.

Until next week! (Probably)

Our week

This week I finally got the guts to hoist Sam on my back for the first time. I won't lie it was a little scary but once he was in, he was very secure and it was much more comfortable than having him on my front. I was also able to get so much more done while keeping a cranky pants happy.

He has also become far more mobile this week. He sits up by himself as well as stands alone and crawls, sort of. It's more of an army guy crawl right now but it won't be long before he gets the idea. He will also take steps while holding onto my hands. It's been a very big week for milestones!

We finished our week at Little Qualicum Falls. It was busy but a nice walk anyways with some good views.

Gus is with us at every moment of course. He puts up with alot from Sam. He sleeps next to his crib at night and Sam smiles at Gus every time he sees him. Unfortunately, like us, Gus falls victim to THE CLAW. Sams hands gravitate towards hair. If it is within his reach, its between his fingers in seconds.

Hopefully next week I can report that Sam is crawling!

Fluffy Love!

Cloth diapering was an option I never considered, so when Cam came home from work all excited about 20 diapers he bought on eBay, I was distressed to say the least. I had images of myself scrubbing at pieces of cloth for hours, but when I started researching cloth diapers, my point of view changed overnight.

The first thing I noticed was how adorable they were! No scary pins or white triangles to sort out, they have made these things foolproof with velcro or snaps. and have I mentioned their adorable?!

Obviously we have saved SO much money on disposables and wipes (we also use cloth wipes). We would go through a $35 dollar box of disposables in two weeks! I wont do the math but one high quality cloth diaper is just over 20 bucks. A minimum stash is 20-25 diapers which is all you would need for the duration of diapering so say 3 years. Yup! (BTW I dont know a single person who could stop at the minimum required amount, their just too cute!)

I also feel better seeing him in something that looks comfortable instead of a scratchy paper diaper 24 hours a day. You also save room in your garbage and avoid the warmed up poop smell from the trashcan.

To all my friends who have babies on the horizon (or not!) please keep cloth diapering in mind, I can honestly go on about why their so awesome but the only way to know is to try for yourself.

6 month checkup today

Squee weighs 18.1 lbs. they took his height an head circumference but they were not really accurate so I'm not sure how tall he actually is. I think he is between the 60th and 70th percentile for growth and is on par with all his milestones.

We have had quite a few milestones lately. He is really getting the hang of sitting up by himself and he stands just holding on to my two fingers. He loves yogurt (hates almost everything else though) and prefers to feed himself but if he doesn't want it he tosses it over the edge of the high chair immediately. Gus loves it.

He has a one track mind if he decides he wants something. And if I take something he wants away, he gets hurt feelings. He also tries to roll to whatever it is he wants but he usually ends up pushing the object just out of arms reach.

Alot of personality has come out this week and I'm glad to say he has never played shy with strangers or care whether or not mom is there. Works for me!

He loves the Tetris song. And Gus takes him on puppy rides. Lately I've noticed him reacting quite a bit more to loud noises. We had some work done in the house and a few times when a drill would go off his eyes would get big and watery and he would start to shake. So freakin cute and he's fine after I pick him up but even the into song to Orange is the New Black made him cry.

I think that's all I really have to say for the 6 month update!

Family Sunday

Last night we went to a concert in the park with a couple friends. Sam had a good time and even went on his first swing.

Cam attempted to keep awake on the way home in hopes that he would go to bed early, but nope he still stayed up until 10:30.

He had a late morning nap today and another at 3 plus he had a meal of salmon and fish (go BLW!) with a bath after. He is sleeping at the moment I can only hope this lasts...

Late night partier

It's 9pm but I know where my child is. He parties all night and sleeps in far too late. Last night he didn't fall asleep until 10:30. He shows no sign of sleeping any time soon...

A big boy!

Since Sam rolls around so much we decided to lower his crib. Also, something we really didn't want to do was use bumpers. But with the amount of flipping he does, even when he's sleeping, there's always a thump in the middle of the night or a limb almost sticking out the side. They do have holes in them (that his fingers are already poking at) which is better than the thick puffy ones I remember and I tucked them a couple inches below the mattress. Now that I see him sleeping in his crib I wonder if they should be untucked incase he gets his nose in the corner?

It's amazing how something as simple as a bumper causes all kinds of arguments.  But that's another story for another day and now that he is asleep I still have so much unpacking!

We're home!

Sammy at Riley park in Calgary.

Well it was a long trip but we are home. By the time we got to Vernon he started to really hate his car seat. I put him in it now and he arches his back right away. Not that I blame him!

Gus man enjoyed the front seat for most of the ride. I stayed in the back for entertainment purposes.

So we got to Vernon Monday and got so lucky with this campsite. It was on an RV park but the entire waterfront was for tenters so we had a prime spot. We picked up a jolly jumper in Calgary after Sam tried out his second cousins and loved it. I've got video of that too to upload.

He has been a pretty good little camper. Though he cannot be left alone on a bed anymore, he just rolls around too much. First thing today we are baby proofing as he is much more mobile than when we left.

I wish I had taken more pictures of the beach!! He floated in the okanagan lake wearing his hat, sunglasses and wet suit. Not once did he fuss about the water and I think he actually fell asleep at one point on the waves but it was hard to tell with his sunglasses on.

I think I mentioned we had fun! I don't feel too bad about leaving because our beach is across the street but I will really miss the time we all got to spend together.

Sorry it's not that detailed, writing this on a whim before the monkey wakes up and sorry I don't have more pictures!

Hometown Bound

 

Sam and his great grandpa. This picture is just priceless to me I love it so much! I love their smiles and I love how small Sams feet look in grandpas hands. It's not often a baby gets a great grandparent, let alone three and he has been lucky enough to meet them all.

For the most part it was an uneventful drive. As we were leaving Saskatoon we hit some gravel, which sent us first into oncoming traffic, then back to our lane where we slid down into the ditch into a bog full of cattails. I still can't believe how lucky we are that it wasnt worse. In an hour we were towed out and back on the road, no worse for wear, except for the mosquito infestation in the car and the bog mud caked on the outside.

Despite our little accident we got to Calgary safely. Had a quick nap and went to the mall. Met up with De, got some shopping done then met up with Ryan back at my moms place. Sam was (mostly) well behaved. We stay probably until monday until rolling out back to BC. Looking forward to meeting my second cousin tomorrow!

Veins sucked dry

So we made it to grandma and grandpas place out in eastern Saskatchewan. I can't believe we already have to leave tomorrow night. It's been a very relaxing couple of days and I'm not ready to leave!

Gus has been enjoying the squirrels and being fed like a king. 

Sam ate his first bites of carrot (I had to stop feeding it to him for fear he was going to make himself sick with the amount he ate!)

We had ourselves a nice thunderstorm and some beautiful weather but tomorrow night we head back to Alberta.

I think I forgot to add in this picture! Sam had himself all wrapped up on a hospital bed it was pretty cute!

Holiday day 3!

Sams first tent sleep. He is sucking on his bottom lip because he's been teething this entire time. The first night was a little rough, he was waking often and we all felt a little squished. We spent the night near Whistler at a very well maintained campground. They let people paint the rocks and put them all around the campsites. 

(^ For Tiffany)

Night two was spent near the river just outside Pemberton. We have lots of red itchy souvenirs from this place but with the sound of the water and the rain we all slept so well. Sam slept three hours later than he did at home which left us all rested and ready to move on.

We drove up and down a few mountains before stopping at salmon arm for a swim. Sam did well, he got his whole body in the lake without any fuss.

Cam drove from there all the way to Calgary because by the time we were done swimming it was almost dark and neither one of us really wanted to set up camp in the dark with a potentially crabby baby. We stay here until probably tomorrow night when we head off for the land of golden seas!

(Had to throw this one in. Buds4life!)

My collection is nearly complete!

Had a crazy busy day today packing for tomorrow. As you can see I had help. He started on the change pad and made his own way over. He does it without me seeing so I'm not exactly sure how he moves himself. I will go with teleportation for now.

Being organized makes me happy. The condiments are in mini containers and that will literally help me sleep tonight. Now I'm not going to go as far as to say I enjoy packing (or cleaning) but the payoff is so satisfying. I feel relaxed and less stressed about how this trip could go horribly wrong if someone decides they won't sit for more than an hour.

Also 'stripped' my cloth diapers for the first time (apparently your supposed to do this every couple months, its been four) They didn't stink but they smelt like a towel that sat for a few days. I soaked them in the tub with super hot water and Oxyclean and now they smell brand new! I hope anyone who has had or is having a baby seriously considers cloth. The thing that sold me was how much softer they are than a disposable. Along with the fact that chemicals don't touch your baby 24/7 and their super cute!!

Ok one more of teleportation boy.

Looking forward to tomorrow!!

Two more sleeps!

Apparently I took this picture on the 27th of June. I dont even remember doing it but OMFG is it ever adorable!! I know Gus loves his baby but seeing him act so lovingly toward something that stole his spot in bed just blows me away. Its like he has found a new purpose in life and for the most part he is happy with this role (probably not at 2am...)

A new chapter!

As we prepare for our well deserved vacation I thought it would be a good time to let's say, put in an effort on my blog. It could crash and burn, but I thought it would be better to update this way instead of harassing friends who don't give a crap about babies on Facebook. So this will be the first test post to see how updating from my phone actually looks online.

The actual plan is to update from the road. We are traveling up through the mountains and down to Saskatchewan so I figured it was a good way to update.

Ok so we need some test pictures. How about this one.

Someone yesterday said he was an old soul just observing everything. I think he looks at everyone with angry bewilderment but same diff.

We had a good day at the beach, he didn't get upset about the water touching his legs today (though he got teary eyes when a cold cloth touched his belly) but we had to leave at the peak hour because it was just too hot for both of us. 

He's now having a nap next to me with a cold cloth over his eyes. Both cam and I like to sleep with pillows on our head and I can see this soothes Sammy as well. Of course I would never put him to sleep alone that way but when I rock him to sleep at night he has to have his eyes in the crook of my elbow. One more picture just so I can see how this all looks on my blog

For momma...

So yesterday we got some news that I can only explain as gut-wrenching. Cams mom has been given a month at the best before cancer wins. I still have faith in my heart that she wil once again surprise all the doctors and specialists and keep fighting this horrible disease for longer than any of us suspect, but for the first time in my life I am forced to learn to accept the fact that I might lose someone whom I love so dearly. Almost one year ago to the day, we were brought out for a memorial and on that very day Judi announced to everyone that she will begin a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Cancer truly is one of the most difficult and heart breaking things that anyone will encounter in their lives. Whether they themselves have it, or their loved ones have to stand by and watch the person they hold so dear go through batteries of tests and doctors visits, along with chemo and never ending bruses from needles daily. Not to mention seeing the one they love frustrated by the fact that day to day tasks become more difficult if not impossible. Simple things, like taking a walk results in an afternoon nap and earlier than normal bedtime.

The first thing they were going to try is something called whipple surgery preformed by one of the best able surgeons for the job. Judi was certain she was going to come out of it with flying colors. She wrote each one of us notes saying how much she loved us via a poem and that we shouldnt worry because soon she will be cancer free. There is no cure for pancreatic cancer, and the surgery was our only shot at beating this monster. Never in my life had I prayed so hard that a poem would ring true, but unfortunately they were unable to remove the tumor because of its location. That was the second big blow.

Since then, months had gone by and some days I even managed to forget she was sick as I think she did too, at moments. Now that its almost rounded a year, the doctors are still surprised shes been able to stay relatively healthy and have her pain fairly under control since this type of cancer is very aggressive and most people don't make it very long after they are diagnosed. Personally I feel so blessed every day to have had so much time with her and it makes me believe there truly is something bigger than us, giving us the time we need to soak in every second. From the taste of her cooking, to the way she smiles at some silly story we told her about Gus.

Like I said, we are now truly taking in every drop of the days we get with her, memorizing her smile, the sound of her laughter. I can't imagine not having this woman in my life, she is my second mother and I know she loves me like a daughter. I would like to believe that shes being taken away becuase she has a bigger purpose such as helping lost souls find their way into heaven, or being that little voice in your head saying hold on... just another day?- but I can't help but feel ripped-off by God. I feel like I've only just met Judi, how can you be so cruel and try to take her away/how could you?? Our love is truly endless for this amazing woman and to think of not being able to call her whenever I need her makes my heart ache so deeply. Whenever I'm not with her, I'm thinking of her. Hoping the pain isn't that bad. Hoping she is laughing at whatever show they may be watching on their Boxee Box, and not worrying about us.

I know she isn't worried about herself, which just comes naturally to her, but she worries for her husband, her children, and all those who love her. How they will cope when she is gone. Its an easy thing to tell anyone not to worry, but for her to actually focus on herself, well I have seen first hand how difficult that is for her to do. Its like the gene for being self-serving is just missing for Judi. She cannot do it. A blessing and a curse in itself because all we want is for her to take care of herself, but all she wants is to take care of us, and help us through any problem we may be facing.

However long we get to spend our earthly time together, we will continue to cherish every second, share laughter, tears and hopefully a few more home cooked meals from momma as we get to laugh about something that really doesnt matter. As long as we are together thats all that matters for now...

Please pray for this family with me, that Judi can once again shock her doctors in another year from now.

For my daddy...

Since there is a mail strike going on, I realized I won't be able to get my fathers day card out to my dad. So to continue my new-found tradition of blogging the events that pass my every day life, I thought I would write a little bit about us.

I will be the first to admit we didn't always have the relationship we have today. At one point in my childhood I had to make the difficult decision of choosing between my old life, my mom and new baby sister, or moving to a new city where I knew nobody. Unfortunately I went about it in the worst way possible, by abruptly leaving the home I grew up in via taxi and moving into my moms place in the course of a mere few hours. It still makes me sick to my stomach to think of what I did to my dad, but I was afraid he would stop me if I didn't do it in the manner I did. I'll spare the painful details, but it resulted in us not speaking for a year. My mom finally forced me to spend a weekend at my dads place to make amends. And apologies were exchanged, but I don't think either of us felt the same about eachother after that point. The trust between us was lost, but we made nice as best we could.

I did end up moving in with my dad at the end of my twelfth year and proceeded to spend my first summer in the city partying with my friends. I came and left at all hours, and looking back on it, I didn't realize how selfish I was being. At the end of the summer, I was supposed to move down to Lethbridge to be with my high school boyfriend. Knowing in my heart that I couldn't do it (for various reasons I won't get into, because thats not what I'm blogging about!) My dad spent his whole day driving my sorry butt down there so I could break it off with my now ex (but best friend- like I said, another blog for another day) and patiently waited until I was ready to head back to Calgary to live with my dad and sister. That was the first eye opening experience that showed me my dad wasn't the bad guy I had made him out to be...

A few months had passed and I eventually got myself a job at a gift shop. I met a guy I thought was cool, and promptly moved in with him (I later found out he was a drug dealer- sorry daddy, I didn't know!!) so to make a long story short, my then 'flavor of the month' some would say, ended up in the hospital for a month in a drug induced coma, due to a severe asthma attack. Well my dad, once again, was there for me. I'm sure he didn't approve of anything I was doing at the time, but regardless, he loved me and was there for me when I most badly needed him. We started talking more often and I started opening up to him more about my life. When the dude and me didn't work out, daddy was up in a flash to move me out of the one-roomed basement we called our house and I was quickly back home again. This time more greatful to be there, for the things he had done for me general in the past few years and throughout my childhood.

Now a few years have passed, and I've done alot of growing and changing since then. He has married an incredible woman who I know makes him truly happy, and he has a whole new life up north to keep him busy. I say this with no resentment, becuase after everything he has gone through, nobody deserves true happiness more than him. I am so proud to be able to call him my father, through all our ups and downs, he has done his best to see me through them all and has always done what he thought was right as a father. His strength and wisdom has helped mold me into the woman I have become. I'm still working at my own fairy tale ending, but don't worry about what twists and turns life will throw at me next because I know I have his support and advice anytime I need it. Plus I have seen what life has thrown at him and know if he can do it, so can I, because I am my fathers daughter.

So this is my thankyou to my father, for EVERYTHING he has done for me, for thinking of me, and worrying about me and being there through some of my toughest times. Tougher times are still to come but I am SO greatful and lucky to have him here for me now and forever!