Friday, December 26, 2008

Merry Christmas everyone

The past few days have been quite busy around here, so the Christmas wishes are a little late. We had a wonderful Holiday as a family this year. Christmas Eve we headed over for a visit with J's grandfather, and then to my mothers for her annual Christmas Eve party.

Christmas morning we opened our gifts, had a little breaky and got ready for dinner.....I took a little trip out to Manotick to have a quick Christmas visit with my dad, and then came back to the house to finish getting ready.

We hosted Christmas dinner for both our immediate families this year - J's parents, my mom and my brother and his family. As you can imagine, with 3 toddlers running around it was quite the busy house, and poor Alana was bored out of her mind......it's tough being the only older one.

Dinner was delicious (if I do say so myself); after everyone left, J and I watched A Christmas Carol, and both fell asleep on the couch......

I will post a few pictures later

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

hiding spots


Julien has a new hiding spot

The linen closet.....I was in the bedroom and could hear him chattering away, and when I went to find him Icouldn't....then the chattering started again and I opened the door to find this......

Friday, December 5, 2008

The Christmas season is upon us

Now that we have entered into December, my house is all ready for Christmas. Hubby and I got the house decorated on Monday while Julien was at my moms place. When he came home on Tuesday, I think all the lights scared him a bit.....but by Wednesday he was pretty into the decorations.....now the trouble starts trying to keep him out of everything!!! Here are a few pictures


Christmas Tree


There are lights all the way up the tree, but we have a box that you hook each strand up to and they go randomly, which is why it looks like the bottom is not lit






Julien exploring the ornaments

Mmmm Christmas goodies

Well, last weekend was the start of my baking marathon. We managed to get all of our cookies baked, and even got started on the squares......all this with Julien underfoot! Here are a few pictures

Friday, November 28, 2008

busy busy busy

Apparently I have been pretty busy lately based on my recent (or not so) blog entries.

I have worked a few days, and Julien and I have discovered playing in the snow. He loves to help me shovel the walkway (not something I normally do, but figured since I am home, it gives hubby 1 less job when he gets off work)

Some snow fell off the shovel the other day, and Julien stood there pointing at it and whimpering until I came back and picked it up...it was quite humorous.

We went to visit Santa this week as well, and while he didn't smile at him, he didn't cry either so I was quite impressed.

This weekend my mom and I are starting our Christmas baking.....hoping to get all the cookies off our list and then we just have the squares to do,which aren't all that time consuming.

I hope everyone is enjoying the wonderful white world out there while it lasts.....the nice thing around here is that it hasn't been overly cold!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

been awhile

It's been a while since I have updated the blog....sorry, computer issues at home.

I have been working quite a bit lately (well, about 4 days in the past month, but that's a lot for me) and will be continuing to do so for the next little while.

Wiggle and Giggle is going great, Julien loves to go and play with his little friends there; it's fun to watch him run around.

Halloween was a blast, we went to the local mall during the day.....all the stores give out candy. It was fun to see him, although I discovered he is not fond of clowns at this point.

The santa claus parade was last weekend, and we attended with my bro and his family, again the kids seemed to really enjoy themselves.

Friday, October 24, 2008

animal farm

Last week hubby and I took the little man to valleyview animal farm. He had so much fun. It is quite a large place; a tonne of animals; a big play area for the kids. I really enjoyed watching Julien explore his new surroundings!






When we finished at the farm, we headed down the street to buy pumpkins

























Tuesday, October 21, 2008

ABC's of me

I got an email with this the other day and decided to post here
A= Age: 28
B= Bed size: King
C= Chore(s) you hate- bathrooms
D= Dessert you love: Kahlua Cake
E= Essential start to your day: Waking to a sleeping little boy
F= Favorite actor(s): Harrison Ford
G= Gold or Silver: Silver
H= Height: 5' 2
I= Instruments you play: don't
J= Job title: mommy
K= Kitchen color(s): white
L= Living arrangements: me, hubby and toddler son
M= My name is: Ashley
N=Nicknames: Ashe, Wee,
O= Overnight hospital stay: 1
P= Pets: none
Q= Favorite quote: don't really have one
R= Right or left handed: right
S= Siblings: 1 brothers,
T= Time you woke up today: 5:45 am
U= Unique about you: I can touch my nose with my tongue
!V= Vegetable you love: Broccoli
W= Worst habit: - biting the side of my nails
X= X-Rays you've had: Teeth, abdomen, ankle
.Y= Yummy food you make:baked goods
Z= Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Federal Election 2008

I must say how incredibly dissappointed I am with the voter turnout for this years election. 59% of eligible voters showed up to voice their opinions. I think it is so sad that the other 41% don't care enough to put their vote in.

I am astounded at how many people feel they have the right to complain about the government and it's policies; how they deal with certain world issues etc., when they didn't vote. It is a right that all Canadian Citizens who have reached the age of majority get, and yet almost half of them don't exercise that right.


It drives me nuts

Monday, October 13, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here in blog world. Hope you all had(or have) a great meal with family/friends.

Yesterday morning Julien, mom and I went to the lansdown farmers market. They had a petting zoo set up and Julien made friends with a goat! We also got to see Max and Winston, 2 clydesdale horses that do wagon rides. We fed them each a carrot and went on a 25 minute wagon ride in the Glebe.

We also went to Aunt Gails for a turkey dinner.....great meal but it was busy. There were 4 kids under 3 there last night. Thank God for Morgan and Sydney who helped chase Julien around or I would have had no time to sit......

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

shots today

my little man is going for his 15mth check up and shots today. He's normally pretty good with them, so I am hoping today is no different.

I will also find out his weight ....which means we may just be able to switch him forward facing now. The seat we bought is for 22lbs....so we shall see!

Saturday, October 4, 2008

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Saw the eye doctor

We had our appointment at the eye doctor today, and she said that his eyes seem to be pretty uniform. She wants to see him again in a few months when he is a bit older and will hopefully sit more still so she can get a better exam. But, all looks good and she said not to worry for the time being!

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

what has happened to common courtesy?

I swear, people need to find their manners....

When I see an elderly person, disabled or a mom with a stroller....I always help with the door (even if I have to go out of my way to do so)

But, almost every time I am out with my son....I find that almost no one will help me. Today, at chapters I was struggling with the door and stroller on my way in, and a man came up and held it for me as Iwalked through, and then he got the inside door as well...I thanked him and continued my way through the store......

When I was leaving, there was no one around and I struggled with the first door....and when I had a hard time with the 2nd door, there was a woman waiting to enter the store giving me a dirty look....I struggle some more, and the woman finally comes to help me....but I blocked her way because I was so annoyed....

What was so hard about coming over right away......instead of standing there until I am practically outside anyways......

Sorry for the vent, it just really irks me when people do that........

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Sleepover

Julien had his first sleepover away from us on Friday night. It was hubby's 30th birthday, so we went to dinner with his parents. After dinner, we dropped Jules off at my moms house and headed home to finish getting the house ready for our guests.

I actually managed not to call and check on him at all. I knew that my mom would call me if needed, and I didn't worry.
I am not ready for this to become a regular thing, and I don't think it will happen again for a long while....but I am glad that he has slept there by himself.....and the next time won't be such a big deal for me.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

lazy eye?

Went to see the doctor this morning to check out the little mans eyes....sometimes he will be looking at something at one eye won't focus properly. We are seeing an optometrist next week who will apparently make the referral if it is necessary.....

Here's hoping everything is normal

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Julien loves to help mommy

Yesterday morning while Julien played in his new playroom, I got out the vacuum and started to do a bit of cleaning upstairs. Well, apparently this was much more fun than the playroom. He started following me around, and he would pull the cord when I went room to room. He got so much joy from helping me....so, I put him to work and had him help me put his laundry away too!!!

Monday, September 22, 2008

Julien has learned something new

The other day, Julien walked up to my mom and took a piece of paper out of her hand - and then he handed her a ball and ran away.

Then, the next day at Wiggle 'n' Giggle, he walked up to a little boy, took a ball from his hand and handed him a car and ran away.

I was a little surprised to realize that my 14.5 month old has learned how to play "tradesies"... I didn't think that would happen for a long time. Although, even though he trades, he always makes sure he has the better end of the deal.....and he runs away so fast that he doesn't give you a chance to decline.

busy few weeks

The last few weeks have been pretty busy around our house. Between birthdays, a wedding and getting the playroom finished, there hasn't been much free time.

My hubby is turning 30 this week, so I have been busy getting things done for the party I am throwing him. I got his cake baked and decorated...can't say what it is in case he stumbles onto the page....it's a surprise for him, although he does know about the party.

We got the playroom almost complete...just a few things that need to go on the walls; other than that, it is all set up and Julien loves it. We got him a play house (Step 2 Neat and Tidy cottage) that he absolutely adores....it is so much fun to watch him run around and go in and out of the house!

Yesterday I went to a pot-luck with some on-line friends, it was great to meet them all.....a lot of food and a lot of drinks......

Thursday we started Wiggle n' Giggle.....did he ever have fun. He wasn't interested in the structured activity at all....he just ran around from station to station making different noises - climbing up the slide, throwing the balls around.

It was exhausting chasing after him, but he got so much enjoyment out of all the new toys that it was worth it...and I am really looking forward to this weeks session.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

such a little boy

took JT to get his haircut for the 2nd time yesterday, and now he looks like such a little boy...it is absolutely adorable, but I miss his long hair....he would get a little bit of curl in it when it was humid out....and he had wings over his ears that are now gone too.....

Monday, September 1, 2008

words are comin...

Julien is a late talker....he said mama and dada a long time ago, but then didn't really repeat them (well, he says mama when he is in his crib and doesn't want to go for a nap or to bed) and his first actual word was "bye" back in June...but after a few days of saying it he stopped.

This week however, he has said "duck", "cat", "mama", "dada", "truck" (well, "guck" but he means truck" and "all gone".

And he is constantly babbling to himself, so he probably is saying other words and we just don't catch them...

should we change his name....

....to slappy?

Yesterday, my precious little son must have slapped me across the face at least 6 times.....I finally started leaving the room when he did it...he would cry, I would stay away for a minute or 2 and then come back and he would do it again.....the third time it happened I left for about 15-20 minutes (I didn't leave him alone..he was with his daddy) and he didn't do it again after that....I wonder how long it will take for him to realize I leave him alone when he does it?

wiggle n'giggle

I signed us up for Wiggle n' Giggle this fall....it is a mommy and me class that runs from September 18- December 4....I'm hoping that Julien enjoys it and that I am able to meet some other moms in the area.....right now there is no one for Julien to play with around us, so if I could meet some mommy's and have some play dates over the winter it would be awesome!

I will post how our first class goes in a few weeks. We are also going to try out tiny hoppers this week.....should help burn off some of his never ending energy! I am hoping to go there tomorrow morning!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

busy weekend

Mama and baby Picco had a very busy weekend.....first, we had a playdate with Jenn and her niece, Chloe....they played in the yard for a bit and then went for a walk to the park. I don't think Julien made a good impression on Chloe....he kept kicking her in the wagon and stealing her juice....

















Then, later that day his Godfather came over and we attempted to go to the Ottawa Ex, but we could not find parking anywhere so we settled for the little fair at the local mall.








Sunday was another busy day....we headed up to my aunt and uncle's new cottage on Golden Lake (1.5hr drive) where we had lunch and played on the beach....he's such a trooper!


Thursday, August 21, 2008

returning to work

Today I will be returning to work....part time of course. I am going back to my old job, 3-4 days a month.

It feels so strange to be up this morning, getting ready and knowing that in 2 hours or so I will be dropping off my son for someone else to watch while I go to work....

I am fortunate that my mom or mother -in-law will be looking after him on these few days, but it still feels very odd.....

Wish me luck

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

the magic of giggles


It always seems to amaze me the power my son has over me.....one little cry breaks my heart, but a giggle sends me soaring with happiness.

He has the most infectious laugh I have ever heard from a little one. We were in a waiting room the other day, and he had been cooped up in his stroller for about 3 hours...it was getting difficult to amuse him, so I took his little purple hippo that is meant for a bathtub, and started to give him kisses with it.....

Well, he just roared with laughter. There was a woman (a bit crotchity if I do say so myself) who looked at me with the biggest smile on her face when she heard him.....oh, it just melts my heart to hear him giggle

Monday, August 18, 2008

my little cutie pie



We attended a first birthday bbq yesterday for my cousins little girl.....it was so cute to see the 4 little ones running/crawling around. My niece and nephew are 18.5 mths, Julien is 13.5 months, and Teagan is 12 mths.....only downfall is the pool in the backyard, there is no secondary fence, so you really have to keep a close eye on them..... Julien doesn't really like the big pool all that much, but he has a blast in the little one!




Saturday, August 16, 2008

fat lip

well, Julien experienced his first fat lip today.

He was playing with a toy, and then started screaming....I figured he hit himself in the head, or dropped it on his toe.

He kept his mouth covered, and I gave him lots of kisses and cuddles...then I saw blood. My first thought was that he had knocked a tooth out....I got a cloth, wiped his mouth and then saw his swollen upper lip.....

I felt bad, but he looks so cute I had to smile.....

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

gymboree play centre

Today we went to Gymboree with my Cousins wife and his daughter...she is 6 weeks younger than Julien.

He had a pretty good tie---enjoyed running around with the balls more than anything else...he is not a very adventurous kid when you try and get him to do something....he wouldn't play on the air log, didn't want to do most of the parachute play....but he still enjoyed himself.

I just wish it wasn't so expensive.....$40 membership fee, and $65 a month.....today was free though.....

He tired himself out, and now I have a few minutes of quiet time while he naps

Monday, August 11, 2008

toys here, toys there....toys in the kitchen cupboard?

My toddler is extremely active - he loves to do laps of the main floor, including the kitchen. On thursday, he was running around with hubby while I got dinner ready.....he likes to carry toys in his hands as he runs.

His latest fascination is that the cupboards open. SO, yesterday, hubby went to get something from the pantry, and what met him was a little horse and a little zoo keeper, that go with my sons little people toys.....sitting on the shelf next to our rice....just at his height. It was so funny, made us chuckle

Sunday, August 10, 2008

I'm such a mom

Hubby and I attended a wedding on Friday night. I didn't know many people there, but, we would be chatting and kids would come up.....so of course, I had to pull out the photo of my beautiful little boy!

I thought after, wow....I used to think people were nuts when they showed strangers pics of their kids.....such a mom thing...

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Diaper changing 101


Apparently, I didn't take this class.

My son does not like to have his diaper changed....he would rather sit in a filthy diaper, than lie still for 1 minute so I can clean him up and change him.

Picture it, he's lying on the floor, I am trying to pin him down with my body, undo the current diaper, wipe and apply cream, and attach new diaper. I am a relatively small person, only 5'2".....so I have little arms and hands.....

He twists, he turns - all the while screaming in my ear.....he escapes.......the diaper is hanging on by one tab, he is running all over the room thinking I am playing a game...and he falls down.....poop all over him and the carpet......

I scoop him up, and try pinning him down again....he squirms, twists, and now poop all over mommy too......

Finally, after about a 20 minute struggle, we have a clean diaper on a clean bum.....and clean floors.

But, he's cute...so ya gotta love him!