Assorted stuff

I don't really have much to say for this post, so just thought I would babble and post a few pictures. Gary already has a plan for a blog that he will do Saturday or Sunday, so look for another one then.

Calder and I had a busy week this week, starting with our Babyville group on Monday. All the moms have become so comfortable with each other, we find it hard to stay on topic, and we tend to stray. The R.N. facilitator sometimes has to redirect us - but it is a lot of fun, and I really look forward each Monday to bringing Calder to this. He seems to enjoy himself, too - as it is a chance for him to meet other babies. It is the only time where he will sit for an hour and a half on my lap and rein in his active ways. We only have 2 more sessions, and I am feeling a little sad about that! It's been a good way to get out and meet other moms and babies - and - it was free!! I can't pass that up - there are so many great programmes out there for babies and Moms, but a lot of them are quite expensive. This one fit our budget just fine!

Aside from our usual jaunts to the Grocery markets and such this week, we also met up yesterday with a girl and her 2-month old baby from our Babyville group. We went out for a Thai lunch (what a treat for me!) where Calder behaved FABULOUSLY and then we went to a 'Stars and Strollers' screening. For those of you not familiar with this, it is like Mommies and Babies showings in Toronto (if that is what it is called). Every other week at our local theatre (and alternating weeks other ones nearby) they show a newly-released film for all the moms (and dads, grandmas, caregivers - whoever wants to come!) and babies to see. Yesterday we went and saw 'Music & Lyrics' with Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant. Let me tell you, I only went because I wanted to see a movie and I had a free pass. I first thought that I would never pay to see it - it looked way too silly for me. But it was actually a very cute movie - I enjoyed it quite a bit! Calder enjoyed it, too - he was just awesome during the movie - I had such a great time. He had a bottle at the beginning of the movie, and then for the first hour watched the screen with me, smiling and babbling (I think he was impressed with the size of this 'big screen TV') and then, he drifted off to sleep nice and quietly, which was a treat for Mom, and slept for the second hour. Awesome! I definitely want to go again, and for $7.50 is a great way for me to get out with Calder. I told Gary that he should take a Thursday off one day and we'll all go together, I want him to see just how cute Calder is when looking at the movie screen!

Today we are going to go to our usual Friday fitness class. We only have a couple of those left, too. I am going to make sure to join another Mom and Baby fitness class starting in April, because this class has made me feel really good about myself and has also given me some different bonding time with Calder. It's so much fun doing push ups when you have Calder smiling and laughing up at you. :)

The only thing about another Mom and Baby class is that a lot of them are restricted to babies under 9 months of age. The problem with this is that during the sessions, Calder will turn 9 months and will continue on to 10 months of age, so technically, he will be too old for the class. I will talk to my instructor about it today. The only other classes are Salsa Babies (which we don't have a proper carrier for) and a Stroller Fit class, which I think I will take. It starts in early April, and all the classes are along the Waterfront. What a great way to exercise - while taking in the view. I'm sure Calder will love it, too. There are other classes, too - but, they start for 1 year olds - and Calder will be too young. Oh well!

Anyway, I guess this turned into a long post - and I did have something to say after all! I hope everyone enjoys their Friday and weekend - I know I will.

I would have loved this!

Growing up, I always loved miniature things and especially (even to this day!) secret places (let me tell you another day about the antique dresser I saw 4 years ago that I still obsess over).

Well this would have been one thing that I would have LOVED - in fact, do you think Gary will let me get it for this summer? It would fit nicely in our backyard....maybe even Calder will like it - as long as I don't make it too girly. :)
But seriously, it's ONLY $2,299.00 at Costco.ca!!!

Calder is still doing just amazing!! He's going gangbusters at trying to learn how to crawl - not there yet - but I know it will be soon! Here's a picture to tide you over until the next blog....

Fitness, family, friends and first tastes!

Well it was another busy weekend in our household, but I always say I don't mind this kind of busy - where we can see family and friends. Running around and doing errands is another kind of busy entirely.

It all started on Friday - Friday is when Calder and I take our Active Moms 'n' Babes fitness class. Every week we do a different kind of class and this past Friday it was yoga.
Now I have only done yoga once prior to this myself, and Calder none, of course - but there was one point that we were all doing the downward dog and crane, and lo and behold, someone noticed that Calder was doing it too, I kid you not! We were told to bring our cameras that day and I was lucky another girl in class managed to snap a great picture of Calder and I in the same yoga pose. I am still awaiting for that to be sent to me via email, so I will post that at a later date. Calder was certainly active this class, and was all over the floor - someone even asked after class 'when did he start crawling?' - but I said he hadn't started, just was pushing and pulling himself all over the place. Everyone was surprised when I said he was 5 1/2 months old.

Here's a picture also of Calder on his hands and knees - he does this often now, and is also now rocking back and forth. I know crawling in earnest will come any day now. You can also see his huge blad spot on his head! But wait - there are some little hairs growing now! Yay!


On Saturday Calder's Grandma and my sister (Calder's Aunt Colleen) came over for a visit. Calder always enjoys seeing them (and they them), and they weren't the last of the family to be seen that weekend. I am really glad that Colleen made it out to see us here, she is suffering with a bit of a bad back. Not a lot would keep our family away from seeing Calder. I know they all say that he has 'changed so much' every time they see him - and I know he must, but I don't see the changes as much as they do. But all the more reason to adore and freak out over Calder. :) And of course, what kind of Grandma would a Grandma be if they weren't nutso over their first-born grandchild like my mother is with Calder. I love how she loves him. In fact, I love how everyone loves him! He is certainly a bright spot in many lives.


Saturday night, Gary and I had a fairly spontaneous visit from our friends around the corner, Tracy and Kevin. They were lucky enough to have a babysitter for their baby that night and came over for some dinner - we were glad for the company. Gary almost has a mantra with people - come over when you want! Thankfully someone finally took him up on it. We had a great time - great conversation, great grub (thanks to Chef Gary) and Tracy and I partook in some great wine. Tracy, as always kept Calder entertained - but this time she was in competition for that as Kevin has quite a few antics himself! Thanks so much for coming over, Tracy and Kevin! The only thing that would have made the night better is if Gary hadn't put out his knee earlier in the week - despite the horrible pain he is experiencing, he managed to make an appetizer and all of dinner - great job, Hon (and I made a pretty yummy dessert myself)! ;)

Some other big news (well at least in our household) is that Calder had his first taste of vegetables this morning! I made him some sweet potatoes this morning and he just gobbled it right up - I think we have a hit! I actually had to go and warm another serving - he LOVED them!



Sunday night, because Gary, Calder and I couldn't make it out to his parents' place as pre-planned, Gary's parents came out to see us - complete with dinner ready to pop into the microwave! As always Calder's Avo and Grandma went nuts over Calder (who can resist?) and Calder regaled them with a few belly laughs. They were even here long enough to watch Calder have a bath. :) I know he's not used to such an audience, but he enjoyed it anyway! I am sorry I don't have pictures to post of that, there was good intention, but the night just slipped through my fingers. I promise next time to post some! Thank you so much for coming over - for bringing dinner, too! :)

So here were are the end of a very busy weekend. I am tired (Calder is still not sleeping through the night) but I am happy. And I'm good with that. :)

I shall leave you with some pictures taken over the weekend. Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Cool Slideshows

Growing

I know he'll be growing for the next 18+ years, it's just so incredible to see how quickly he is growing now. Calder is fitting into some clothes that are supposed to be for one year olds now. His mom has been flying rifling through the bags of clothes we received as gifts and the hand-me-downs too. She's looking at the summer gear and wondering if it will actually fit him in the summer. The hats are fine right now and Calder seems to really like them. He's got some cute clothes that I knew many people will be anticipating him wearing. The Hawaiian shirts are fun, at least for kids. I can't seem myself wearing them. Then again, I can't see myself rolling around on the floor in the buff like Calder likes to do. Hopefully he'll grow out of this before school. It makes for an interesting scene, especially as an observer when Calder is rolling around in the buff and Finn is trying so hard to resist licking Calder's bare back and legs. Elizabeth is usually the one on the scene at times like this and I have had the fortune of poking my head around and seeing the cause of Calder's squeals of delight. Finn is a true friend to Calder and with each day, Calder seems to get more attached to Finn and Finn knows more of what his limits are. Every dog owner wonders how their dog will react around new people, especially kids and specifically babies. So far, Finn has been wonderful. He has been a bit jealous of the attention given to Calder from us and from visitors, and we've made a conscious effort to include him on things. Finn doesn't understand things as we see them, but I believe he is starting to figure out that Calder is here to stay and that there are distinct advantages to hanging around him and being nice to him. The food being dropped by Calder is increasing in occurrence and in taste. Lots of new interesting smells to explore. And, for some reason, he gets petted more and gets more treats when the humans are happy with his behaviour around Calder. Now once Calder can figure out how to throw the balls and Kongs that Finn drops at his feet in eager anticipation, it will be a heaven for Finn. I just love the way that Calder is sitting up now. He doesn't want to lie down anymore. It's a treat to watch his backwards crawling as he tries to manoeuvre his way around the house. It's time soon to get baby gates. I just know that I will get the call one day to pick some up on the way home from work. It'll be interesting to put them up as I am positive that Finn can and will leap over them. At our old house he jumped a 5 1/2 foot fence from a standing position to chase a cat that wandered (the nerve of the thing!) into a neighbour's yard. A baby gate won't stop him from getting next to his new little buddy. Calder is in my arms right now as him mom prepares some food for him. This weekend he starts eating veggies! YAY for Calder. He is giggling with excitement as I remind him about it. He'll likely make quick work of the veggies too. Maybe if we feed him some carrots he'll be able to help us locate his Mom's glasses. If they were wrapped in bacon, I am positive Finn would have found them in a matter of seconds. Maybe that's an idea for an invention I will work on with Calder.

Goodnight Calder, Daddy loves you!

Happy Valentine's Day!

As I have gotten older, I have realized that Valentine's Day has truly become such a commercialized event. I remember being single and feeling so left out come Valentine's Day - more so than any other holiday. When Gary and I started dating, we celebrated our first Valentine's Day with a dinner out and a trip to the symphony. Now, we recognize it in small ways - exchanging cards and a nice dinner in - as I think that we feel that it is every day, not just Valentine's Day - that we should express our love for each other.

But, I have a feeling Valentine's will once again become a more important event now that we have Calder in our life. He certainly makes me want to celebrate this day - even though he is still too young to know it. It is every day that I feel love for the people in my life - and certainly every day, without question, that I feel extreme and profound love for this little boy who entered my life on August 31st, 2006. I can't imagine my life without him now, as cliche as that sounds, but so true. Thanks for choosing me as your mom, Calder. I feel truly blessed.

Here is a picture of my little Valentine, who is peacefully sleeping as I write this.
Happy Valentine's Day, everyone. Make sure that you tell the important people in your life that you love them, today, and every day. :)

Love, Elizabeth

Exploring his world

I have gone a little nutso with photos lately, so I am going to try to compile them in a slideshow-type of display, so as not to make an extremely long post. Enjoy!

Food

Calder seems to have become bored with his rice cereal lately, but that does not stop him from giving me a few good shots of him during this time. Lately when he's eating, he is more interested in his bowl, or in the tray. Mmmm, yummy tray, he must think - because he tries to eat it! Although, this might be because he is still teething on and off. Today we introduced him to oatmeal (although I have no pictures of that) and he seemed to really like it. He gobbled it up, very quickly!

Cool Slideshows

The Family Room

Calder really wants to crawl, you can tell by the way he wiggles about when he wants to get somewhere. But he hasn't quite figured it out yet. He has, however, figured how to turn himself in the direction he wants to go, and somehow, gets there. I've watched this fascinating process and I think he is actually pushing his body back - so kind of a backward tummy-scoot. One minute he's in one place, the next, 6 feet away. Here are some pictures of Calder exploring the family room, the place where we play the most.

Cool Slideshows

Baby Einstein

Thanks to our dear friends, Hang and Esha (who are expecting their own little bundle of joy in May!) who lent us some Baby Einstein DVDs for Calder to watch. He has recently started watching them, and is fascinated. So far his favourite DVD is 'Numbers Nursery' - he just LOVES the tiger in it! He goes a little crazy for it. He sat in this chair for quite a while watching the show, and I couldn't help but stare at him and watch his reactions. Priceless!

Cool Slideshows

Sleep and other stuff

Other than all the goings-on in life, Calder continues to be a happy boy. He is still not sleeping well, mind you - 4 hours seems to be his average - sometimes it's 2 though - and needless to say, Mommy is TIRED with a capital T! But, it is all worth it - and as my mom says, this too, shall pass. Ok, someone said to me (who had a 2 year old) that she is just getting sleep now - but yes, I know it will pass. (eek - I really hope it's not another 1 1/2 years!)

In an effort to try to get Calder to sleep better, AND fall asleep on his own (which he used to do so easily) Gary and I bought a crib toy that plays lullabies and has lights and motion. It's a rainforest scene, and is really quite amazing (where were these things when WE were little?) - but Calder seems to be too stimulated by the light to have that going for any period of time. I am proud to report, though, that Calder has fallen asleep on his own TWICE now! Woo hoo! :) Anyway, it's a start. I only have to stand by his crib and touch his face or put my hand on his chest and EVENTUALLY he falls asleep. I say eventually because he sure is not like his father, who can fall sleep at the drop of a hat, Calder fights sleep sometimes like he is going to miss the party of the century. And another note - Daddy has successfully put Calder to bed! Yay, Daddy! I am so proud of you!

I'm also adding two pictures of Calder that I couldn't resist - he just looks so chubby in one and the other I just love his face in the shot. It just makes my heart break and melt at the same time.

Have a wonderful day, everyone.

Cool Slideshows

5 month picture

Happy Hump Day, everyone!

Just a quick post - today's been a busy day - Calder and I went to the mall with my friend, Tracy - and had a nice catch-up. Calder was such a good boy - he was awake the whole time and telling us stories and laughing at Tracy's antics. Thanks Tracy! :)

I also wanted to post Calder's 5-month picture that was taken just this past Friday.
It turned out well - I am very pleased. I didn't really like the photographer as much as other ones that we have had (he wasn't much of a kid person, I don't think and he didn't take as many pictures) - BUT - he managed to get a few nice shots of Calder. Calder was in a smiley mood, as usual (thankfully) but whenever he smiled, he would look right down, so a lot of shots were of Calder smiling at his lap or of to the side. This one was the best - and I must say, he looks adorable. :) Our next appointment is in early March - for his 6-month pictures! Omigosh, where is the time going? My little baby is growing so fast.

Have a great day, everyone!

Great Weekend!

Hello everyone, I'm back. Had to sneak on here while my wife slept so that I can get a blog in. I had a fabulousweekend. Although it wasn't looking that way when it first began as I almost went back to work Friday night right after getting home. Thankfully, some folks in California were able to correct things and alert me before I left back for the trek to the office. It was nice to spend a bit more time with Calder and my wife. My wife's mom and sister came over for a bit on Friday night. Calder is a happy boy, but a shy one. He's also a definite momma's boy. Oh my, did he ever prove it this weekend. He started off acting shy with his grandma and aunt, then proceeded to shed several tears until his mom returned. It began that night and it was only a taste of what was to come this weekend. My mom came over on Saturday to visit Calder, and to keep me company while Elizabeth went out for dinner with her mom and sister. Elizabeth was happy that my mom was able to come. I don't think she has full confidence in me putting Calder to bed. I fully admit that he is a handful (especially lately) and in my heart, I would rather have him up for a bit longer so that I can spend more time with him. However, I would want him to get rest, so I can rest. Well, everything was fine until his bedtime. Calder knew something was amiss. Where is momma? Oh my gosh Calder, where is momma?!?!?! She wasn't around and Calder began to freak with a capital F-R-E-A-K!!! Poor little guy, and my poor mom, who; with her vast experience with children was in for a treat. I couldn't console him and when she tried her magic, she failed and actually passed him back to me to quelch his screaming. Yes, you heard it here first folks. Although I felt proud I could dampen his screams and wails for his mom, I still felt kind of bad. I can only imagine what his first day at day care will be like! We need to nip this and fast! With it all said and done, it was really nice to spend 6 hours with Calder... even though my wife wasn't around. Actually, I highly doubt I could keep his attention with her here. The whole weekend Calder was peering around heads, corners and furniture, craning his neck this way and that way in an attempt to find his mom. Ah, how nice it is to be the center of attention of this little guy's attention. I know it for a brief few minutes at a time as I read to him or make him giggle uncontrollably through various fictious ad-lib songs or silly things I do. The length's I would go through to make him smile. And although I figured something was up, I ignored it. Maybe it was self-doubt, maybe a touch of paranoia, or maybe, just maybe, I knew this little guy was up to something. I believe he was caught in the act here. Busted for trying to recruit our dog to search for mom. The proposed transaction, or bribe, to our dog was captured here. Finn, just lay there, acting like nothing at all was happening. "Nothing suspicious here folks! Don't know why you are looking at me". He is loyal to his dad until Calder could actually hold a treat to make due on the offered bribe. When Calder gets that skill, I am toast. I fall in rank with Finn. I can't offer Finn smelly diapers to sniff or food soaked bibs/shirts. Well, I can provide the latter on pizza nights, but that's another story. On Sunday, my dad came to pick up my mom and the group of us went to Swiss Chalet where Calder sat in a high chair at the table for the first time ever (in a restaurant).He was busy chatting up the ladies next to us and trying to lecture a decorative streetlight for a while. He let loose a belly full of laughs when I lay him on my head. Elizabeth took a few shots with her camera phone, hopefully she can get one of those up here. It was such a wonderful laugh, so adorable, so pure. It was a great weekend. I don't want it to end.


Goodnight Calder, Daddy loves you!

Life

What is life, anyway? I am not trying to get all depressive here, because this is not the point of this post, but sometimes I stop and wonder. What is it? Some people think that life is life - that once it’s over, that’s all there is. I am more of the train of thought that thinks that life is a process that our souls go through in their journey to a higher state of being. That we are here to learn something, or to go through something that our soul has to figure out still. I don’t think anyone ever really knows what their soul’s purpose is...but I think I know what my purpose in life is. I think it’s Calder. For whatever reason, I think he is the reason I was born. Perhaps he won’t be the next Prime Minister, or he won’t discover cancer or anything like that - but I think he will make a great contribution to life. Maybe not to the world, but he will make a great contribution, one day - to someone else’s life - even more than mine.

I know that I will learn, and have learned, a lot from Calder. I have learned patience, unconditional love - and what happiness is. I don't know where my soul will be in the future, but I think that it will be that much richer after Calder.

I hope you enjoyed my thought for the day - after all, this is a blog about Life with Calder.

5 Months Old

Hello all,

Yesterday Calder turned 5 months old. It came and went without much to-do, but I made sure to wish him a 'Happy 5-month Birthday'. :) It's funny how when one is pregnant, it is measured in weeks, then when a baby is born, it is measured in months, and, as we age - measured in years. Is there a point when we are measured in decades? Just a silly thought.

I really can't believe it has been 5 months since Calder came into our lives. Almost half a year ago. Just a bit over a half a year until Calder is 1 year old - until he starts talking, walking - so many more milestones to come. For now, I will content myself with the way he is now - I have heard that so many people rush and rush with their first babies, and don't get to enjoy them while they are young - they are always waiting for the milestones to happen. I am trying not to be like that - I want to remember always how small Calder was - and appreciate how he is now, not just be constantly waiting for the next big thing to happen.

Yesterday we were due to get his 5-month picture taken, but there was a problem with the camera (yes, that's ONE camera - Gary was astounded there is only one) at the Superstore, where we get our photos taken. It has been rescheduled for Friday, so look for it sometime after Saturday, when I can pick it up and get it scanned.

Calder has been busy today and this will continue into the weekend. Today I decided to go and visit my work to see all my colleagues and friends there. What a feat that is, getting a baby ready to go somewhere. I swear it's a workout! Calder was a little overwhelmed at BVG seeing all the new faces, seeing lots of kids, and hearing lots of noise. But, after he had some food, he graced us with some smiles. It was nice seeing everyone again, although I must admit that it was a bit weird being back - it's been 7 months since I have worked! Ack!

Here is a picture of Calder after his big trip to BVG and a nap in the car. Quite relaxed and pleased, I would say.

Tomorrow Calder and I have another Mom and Baby fitness class and then we are off to take some photos in the afternoon. Tomorrow night, Calder's Grandma and Auntie Colleen are over to visit him - they are going through Calder withdrawl, they say. The next day, on Saturday, Calder's Avo and Grandpa are over, too - as they also miss him very much! Saturday night I am out for a night on the town with my sister and mother so Calder and Daddy are going to have some quality son and father time together. See, a lot of stuff going on!!!

Calder's sleeping continues to be a bit erratic - but I am trying very hard at making sure that when he falls asleep, it is when he is in his crib, not in my arms. This results in a very hard time in putting him to sleep sometimes, but I think there will be a payoff. He is still often very happy when he wakes up, though - despite how upset he seems sometimes when he goes to bed. Here is a picture I took the other day when Calder woke up from his afternoon nap. What a monkey - he's always on his tummy now!

Calder is also enjoying his time rolling over - although he still sometimes has a little freak-out when he is on his tummy - like he forgot how to roll to his back - but he is generally rolling away - the other day he was in his play tent, and 1 minute later - there I found him - on the carpet - out of the tent. Little monkey.


Well that's about all from here for now - but I will leave you with a picture that I just love of Calder. I couldn't resist taking it the other day, in his new sleeper. Take care, everyone!

Love Elizabeth