Brattypants

Hello Again

2012-02-22T12:35:00.001-04:00

Ready for Superbowl

Well, I feel that it's safe to say that I had disappeared, yet again. I feel like the more I want to be blogging, the less time that I have to do it.

This past month has been full of changes and lessons in being a mommy. At the beginning of the month I started back to work. I know, cue the tears. But, honestly, it's going very well. A little amusing to try and be somewhere at a certain time, first thing in the morning, where I had basically scrapped anything of the sort in month 2 of mat leave.

Gavin's had his first real illness. Well, not that bad, but for me, it broke my heart. A super-duper cold, followed by an ear infection. He's such a trooper. Even the doctor was surprised he had an ear infection where he was still eating fine and didn't have a fever. I've decided that if there's something that I absolutely hate in the world, it's watching your child be sick (or in pain) and there is nothing you can do about it.

On the brighter side of things, he's doing so much better, and back to his "badness" self. Busy, busy, busy, that child.

And...in 5 days he turns one.

I'm still not sure how I feel about it. Excited that he's one, developing well and healthy. Sad that my baby is growing up so fast. Really - where did the time go?

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T19:47:00.000-04:00

R.I.P. Papa

2012-01-29T19:27:00.001-04:00

On Friday night, we lost a wonderful man – my husband’s grandfather.

He was sweet, caring and had a great sense of humour. I know he will remain in our hearts forever.

We’ll miss you Papa…

Four Years Ago…

2012-01-23T08:26:00.001-04:00

…today, I married my best friend.

For years, we said that if we were to ever get married, we would elope. Instead, we had a destination wedding in the beautiful Dominican Republic. It was an amazing wedding that exceeded any of the dreams I had as a little girl.

Happy Anniversary hunny! Love you! xoxo

Walkin’ in a Winter Wonderland

2012-01-22T16:35:00.001-04:00

After a little snowfall on Friday, we finally went out and enjoyed it this afternoon.

Flip, Flip, Flip...

2012-01-19T21:17:00.000-04:00

New Year, New Beginnings

2012-01-16T21:07:00.001-04:00

This time last year I had no idea what was to come. I had lots of hopes and dreams, but really, I never could have imagined how much my life would change….how much I could love another person. My only resolution last year was to have a baby. I had that 3/4 conquered when the calendar rolled over to 2011, but it was really the only thing that was on my mind. We were going to have a baby…

This year, however, I have to make up for lost time. Sure, last year was full of a lot of changes and learning experiences (as I imagine many of the next years will be filled with), but this year I have to move a few things to the top of the list.

The first and main one being to make a healthy lifestyle change aka lose the baby weight. I have always struggled with my weight and just before I found out I was pregnant I was probably the healthiest I had ever been in my life. So, if I want to spend many a days chasing the wee one instead of sitting on the sidelines, I need to get my butt in gear.

My 3 lifestyle change resolutions for 2012:

lose the baby weight and fit into my pre preggers clothes
run in a 5 k marathon
walk (or hopefully run) a 10 k marathon

Time to get my head on straight and grab my running shoes, cuz here we go!!!

Image: Vlado / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Gavin’s 1st Christmas

2012-01-16T14:03:00.001-04:00

I know Christmas was a few weeks ago now, but I couldn’t move on without sharing a few photos.

It was another great holiday. Busy…but great! And Gavin really seemed to enjoy himself….even if he was more interested in the wrapping paper and boxes than any presents he got.

Only 344 days until next Christmas! (hahaha)

Hi Santa!

2011-12-26T15:13:00.000-04:00

Wordless Wednesday: “My First Christmas”

2011-12-21T21:38:00.000-04:00

Peek-A-Boo!

2011-12-11T12:53:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, Gavin showed us that he knows how to play peek-a-boo by himself! Today, he played with Grammie and Grampie:

Wordless Wednesday: Peek!

2011-12-07T21:03:00.001-04:00

Learning to Crochet

2011-12-02T14:45:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine decided to learn to crochet. It made perfect sense. She spent countless hours online looking at little baby booties, hats, headbands, etc. I thought it was a great idea, but she was braver than I was. If anything, I would know someone who could make some custom hats for me (maybe?).

However, the night she started I was reading her facebook status and comments, and I was quick to notice a theme. A lot of people were commenting how much she would love it and how easy it was once you knew what you were doing.

A couple of days went by and I couldn’t resist my curiosity any longer. After watching a few how-to videos online, I headed to town to buy the supplies I would need.

And am I ever glad I did! I love it! Sure there’s been lots of trial and error and a few curses here and there, but for the most part it’s been quite a relaxing, enjoyable new hobby.

So, with the festive season upon us, I wanted to make some holiday hats for Gavin. I’ve only done two so far, and I know I have a long ways to go, but I think they came out kinda cute:

For this stocking hat, I followed a video I found on youtube here. It was a 5 part “series” and I found it very helpful.

And, if you know me, you will not be surprised to see….

My sweet little snowman

Naptime or Playtime?

2011-11-21T13:57:00.001-04:00

Naptime just got to be more fun.
This afternoon after I put Gavin down for a nap, I could hear his delighted squealing coming from down the hall. After much practice with the baby gate, he’s learned to pull himself up in his crib as well.

And, oh is he loving it!

Wordless Wednesday: Hi Mum!

2011-11-09T12:18:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween

2011-11-02T07:25:00.001-03:00

Just Movin' Along

2011-10-22T22:22:00.002-03:00

Two weeks ago...

Happy 6 Months Sweetie

2011-08-26T21:29:00.001-03:00

My Dearest Little Boy,

Tomorrow you are going to be six months old. SIX MONTHS OLD. How has this happened already?

Each day that we spend together, playing, laughing, reading and so on is so special to me. You’re growing so fast that I already feel like you are more of a little boy than a baby.

So quickly you’ve gone from this:

To this:

Just this last month, it seems like you’ve been growing like crazy, both mentally and physically. All of a sudden you’ve found your hands and “piggies” and know how to control both of them so well. Maybe a little too well, in fact. I’ve had quite a few great laughs over the past weeks watching you lay in your little chair, sucking your thumb and playing the music on your toy with your toes. It’s like you’ve been doing it forever.

I knew I’d have to soon “baby-proof” the house, but I didn’t realize that it would pretty much happen over night. Within a week you mastered rolling over, both from front-to-back and back-to-front. Which is wonderful. However, you’ve also mastered rolling across the floor very quickly to get to where you want to be. I guess I had thought that type of moving wouldn’t come until you were crawling. Boy, you just keep teaching me new things.

I’m here my dear boy, rooting you on everyday. The way you’re developing makes me feel so proud and when you flash the “Did you see what I just did?” smile my way, my heart almost bursts.

I’m learning to cherish every moment, and live in the now. It’s something I wasn’t so great with before, but if I don’t, I’m going to miss things. And right now, the most important thing to me is the memories that we’re making. Together.

Happy Six Months Sweatheart. I love you always,

Mummy xoxo

Wordless Wednesday: Christmas in July

2011-07-20T10:55:00.005-03:00

Jumpity Jump

2011-07-13T18:08:00.000-03:00

Yesterday, Mum, Gavin and I packed up and headed to the city for the day. The mission was shopping…shopping for Gavin. We have a decent selection of clothes/baby gear in town, but it is nothing compared to what is available in the city.

One of the items that I had on my list was the Evenflo ExerSaucer Jump & Go. Even though you can start using them at four months, and Gavin is just about five, I figured that he would be too small.

And I was right…he’s a little too small, but he still enjoys it!

Wordless Wednesday: 1st Day in the Shades

2011-07-13T09:18:00.002-03:00

4 Month Checkup

2011-07-08T15:45:00.002-03:00

On Tuesday we went for Gavin's four month doctor's appointment. It was a little different than usual because the doctor had a student working with him - much to Gavin's delight. It was so amusing to watch him. Once he got used to her, he flirt up a storm. Smiling, squealing and batting his lashes. Too funny!

He's growing like a weed. I was delighted to see Gavin weigh in at 12 lbs 4 oz, and a length of 56 cm. My little boy is growing so fast; almost 7 pounds since birth!

After his checkup, and the normal "first time mom" questions, it was time for his immunizations. I must say, he is such a little toughie. Of course, he cried. What do you expect, being jabbed with those awful needles? And not once, but twice.

Once we were back outside, I rocked him and walked him, wishing to take away his pain. It was only a few minutes when he cooled down, and quietly curled up in his car seat, peacefully falling asleep in the back of the truck. As I buckled myself in, I let out a sigh, feeling the delay of my heart breaking. I held in my tears, while I also felt a smile at the corner of my lips. "That's my boy - he's stronger than his Mama".

photo credit: jscreationzs

Happy Canada Day

2011-07-04T12:29:00.001-03:00

Time's A Flying

2011-06-02T13:25:00.001-03:00

I can't believe that Gavin is already 13 (almost 14) weeks old. Where has the time gone? In some ways I feel that he has been a part of my life forever, and in others I feel like it was just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital.

In everything that he does, I am always encouraging him and excitedly by his side waiting for the next new thing he has learned. I love watching him sit with his head held high and smile at people as they come into his sight. Or the way I can cuddle my hands under his arms and he wants to take right off walking. Those beautiful little baby steps. It's so exciting watching him become his own little person.

And at the same time, I can't believe that already he doesn't want to be cuddled much in the day. He wants to be sitting on my lap, smiling, while I make funny faces at him. He wants to stay awake so that he doesn't miss anything, not curl up to me and sleep the day away.

And, yes, I know that it has only been 13 weeks. But already, I can't believe the changes that have happened in all of our lives. I've always felt like it was a miracle, waking up in the morning and seeing my beautiful baby boy sleeping in his bed beside me. Now I wake to the rustle of his arms and feet as he plays and coos because the sun is shining into our bedroom window and he's happy to greet the day. No matter how sleepy I am, in the two seconds it takes me to pop my head over his and say "Good Morning", he flashes his incredible smile and it warms my heart in a way that I never knew was possible.

Days Gone By

2011-05-29T16:48:00.001-03:00

Since Gavin made his arrival, we have had a lot of special days with him. Here's a little photo recap of a few of the fun ones we have had.

St Patrick's Day:

Easter:

6 Week Photo Shoot: