Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Our August so far: Friends, Fun and a Fracture

August has sped by so quickly I can't believe it! Next week I am headed back to work to prepare for the first week back at school. To be honest, I am sad to be going back to work - but, I have enjoyed my time immensely with Calder this summer. I feel very blessed to have a career that I like that also affords me so much vacation time so that I may spend it with my son.

August so far has gone by so fast that I barely know where the days have gone. Sometimes a few days a week Calder and I will head to the community centre and I will go to a fitness class while Calder plays with cars at the daycare centre, his favourite activity. We go grocery shopping together, walk the dog, watch Dora on TV and have lots of fun.

Although we've had a lot of rain this summer, we've still managed to spend some time out in our newly-fenced yard. Here's a few pics of one of our times out there this month:



My friend Carrie and her daughters Jaden and Amaya came for a visit one day (we usually see them a few times a week - for the gym, the playground, the Zoo) and here are some pics of Calder playing with Jaden (he loves her)!



Calder had tons of fun one day as what I like to call him "Mr. Bucket Head". I just had to post these because they're funny!



Calder and I also attended my Cousin Erica's baby shower this month. I don't quite know if Calder grasps the idea of how a baby is in a Mommy's tummy, although, after the shower, he did point to my belly and say "Baby". Um, not quite.

If I do say so myself (and I know I am biased, I am Calder's parent) - but he did a pretty good job at the shower!!



You know I always add a few "just because he's cute pictures".


Just when I was starting to have a personal pity party about our summer, my friend Hang invites herself, her husband Esha and son Ashur over for a BBQ, bringing along some yummy steaks! It was so nice to finally have some company over - and to just be with friends. I really had a great time Hang, thanks!! Calder also had a fun time with Ashur - although Calder was intent on keeping Ashur's Thomas the Train toy! Here are a few pics of Calder and Ashur - I think they will be great friends!


Gary had the day off today, a beautiful day and we ended up going to Port Perry for the day. We had a great time - Calder loved seeing Lake Scugog and playing in the playground there and we had a lovely lunch together at the Piano Cafe. We took some time walking on Queen Street, their downtown, and Calder took a break and played with a train set at a children's store. We had some ice cream and popcorn, too - before we decided to leave. Calder passed out in the car holding popcorn.

After that, Gary and I drove around the area and beyond, looking at some of the gorgeous houses, properties and scenery. When we got back home we relaxed for a bit before we went on a family walk to the park. While Gary walked the dog, Calder played on the playground. Lately he's learned how to climb UP the slide like he sees all the older boys do. Although it doesn't make me completely comfortable, I let him do it - and while I normally stand on the side of the double slide he is usually on, today I wasn't -and quick as a wink, Calder fell off the slide. He fell off backwards and I tried to catch him, but he slipped out of my grasp and he fell on his left slide. Gary and I soon realized that he was hurt badly when he wouldn't stop crying after 10 minutes - totally unlike Calder. And he was favouring his left arm. When he started to say his arm hurt (and pointing to it) that's when we left to go to the hospital. When all is said and done, Calder has a small buckle fracture just above his wrist. He has a soft cast now to accomodate any swelling that might occur and has an appointment at the Fracture Clinic next week. He'll be in the cast for 2-4 weeks - for the first day of school!!

I'm having quite a bit of Mommy Guilt for not being there to catch him, not being on the right side, not being able to hold on to him, for letting him climb up the slide in the first place. I know it was an accident, but I can't help it.

But, Calder seems to be fine now - and here are some pictures to show you he is adjusting just fine!











Friday, August 1, 2008

A trip to the Farm and a trip to the Zoo

This week was a busy one - among other little things that Calder and I did we went to a local farm called Whittamore's. They have a huge play area for kids for $5 per person, but since Calder is still under 2, it was free for him! Hey, there's gotta be some perks for being young and adorable! Calder and I went with my friend Carrie and her two adorable daughters, Jaden and Amaya. Calder just loves Jaden and gives Baby Amaya lots of kisses! Here are some pictures from our day - you can see Calder had lots of fun, and he and Jaden both threw tantrums when it was time to go home!














Yesterday we went to the Zoo with my friend Alicia and her daughter Norah and son, Griffin. Calder had lots of fun playing with Norah and seeing all the animals. He hasn't seen Griffin in a while (he has grown so much!) but that didn't stop him from kissing Griffin a few times! He seems to really love babies, I think he'll be a great Big Brother one day! It was so nice seeing Alicia and her family, we had beautiful weather, although a tad hot at times, but it made for a great day.

On a special note, I finally met Julie! Julie is a girl that I 'met' online through the Today's Parent website. We both were on there when pregnant - she with Rachel and I with Calder. Her daughter Rachel is a few weeks older than Calder. She and I chatted all the time, but lives in London and I in Ajax of course, so we've never met - well we ran into each other yesterday at the Zoo! As she said, we couldn't have planned it better! It was so nice to finally meet Julie, her husband Ron, and of course, Rachel and Natalie - I felt like I knew them already!










Have a great long weekend, everyone!!