Happy Birthday, Calder, my love!

One year ago exactly, as I write this post, I was in labour with Calder. Labour was already about 13 hours and I was getting tired and worried, as things weren't progressing well. Soon after this time, my Doctor made the call that a Cesarean section would be the only route available to me now, and of course, I took it. Anything to see my baby, the little baby that had for so long kicked and punched me inside and hiccoughed very day.


At 11:59 am, Calder was born into this world. It was the happiest moment of my life when I was told "it's a boy!!!" I could cry now about that moment, but I am at work, so I think I'll leave it for now. :)

My wish for Calder today, just like on his Birth day, is that I hope he will be happy. That's it - I know it's pretty simple - but I want him to be happy in the choices that he makes in his life, with career, life and love. He is already such a happy boy - and I hope he stays that way. I love you so much, Calder. Words cannot express how much I love this little man that came into our lives one year ago. Gary and I were blessed a million times over.

Happy Birthday, my little munchkin!

Almost Calder's First Birthday

As we approach Calder's first birthday (and my first day back at work on Monday) I am still feeling sad. Oh, I know - that's life - babies grow up, I have to go to work, he has to go to daycare, and that's just the way it is. But I can't help but feel melancholy about it all. Yes, I am happy Calder is growing up so well - he is so happy in his disposition and also in his soul. He is such a sweet little boy, I am so lucky to have him in my life. And although the last year has had many tough moments for me, I would do it all over again if it meant having Calder in my life - he is worth every moment.

Here is a picture of Calder just over a year ago - in an ultrasound taken at 36 weeks of pregnancy - look at his little face!!


Here is also a picture of me (and Calder in my belly) taken almost exactly one year ago. These pictures were my last belly pictures taken because he was born the following week!!



Have a good week, everyone.

Officially a Toddler?

When do newborns become babies? Some say 3 months of age or thereabouts. But when do babies become toddlers? Is it one year? 18 months? I think that Calder could be called a toddler now - as he sure does toddle about the house! There is officially no more crawling going on here - Calder is standing up and walking on his own. My baby is no longer crawling - he's no longer a baby anymore!!! :*(


Here's a video of Calder walking. I apologize - it's filmed to the side. You would think I would remember that I can't turn the camera like that to videotape. Oh well - you get the point - just turn your head to the side! :)


Calder had a taste of Popsicle recently when we went to the zoo, but I bought some recently and let him try one by himself. Note to self: don't give a baby a blue Popsicle - at the end the lower half of his face looked like a smurf! But, he had fun - even when I had to scrub his little mouth like crazy in the bath that night.



I just love this picture of Calder. No need for a description!


This is a recent picture taken of Calder and his Grandpa during a visit from Grandpa and Avo. Calder now loves the grass and is fascinated by the long blades, especially.



And another adorable picture. One of Calder's many trips to bang on the patio doors and see what's going on in the world outside.


Until next time,
Enjoy your week!

Standing up on his own

The other day, Calder stood up on his own without needing to grab anything to pull to a stand. I think that the crawling days are mostly over, and this makes me sad and happy at the same time. What a conflict of emotions! He has no need to crawl now that he knows how to walk and to stand with no help. My baby is definitely a toddler now.

And toddle he does - he fairly zooms around the house. That and his dancing (I wish I could get it on video, but he is a camera hog and as soon as it comes out, he is right over) is quite entertaining for Gary and I, and family that comes for a visit.

I'm going to leave you with a photo of Calder and I a year ago. Of course, Calder was in my belly at the time! In this picture I am 37 weeks pregnant, and looking quite huge, but I get even bigger. I'm posting this picture I guess because I am feeling a little emotional. My baby is not so much a baby anymore!!!

Calder's 11-month photos

Calder has his 11-month photos taken this week and I decided that I wanted a picture with him, too. Next month, for his one-year photo Gary will take a picture with him, as well as having a family photo done. Then I am done with the monthly photos. Makes me kind of sad! What makes me sadder is that now there is a horrid count-down going on in my head for going back to work. I officially start Aug. 27th, but I will count it as Sept. 1st, because that's the work I start getting paid for! :)

Anyway, without further ado, here's the pictures! Have a great weekend!

Our trip to Montreal and assorted stuff!

About 2 weeks ago, Gary had a business meeting to attend in Montreal so Calder and I came along for the ride and we stayed in Montreal for the weekend. It was Calder's first time flying in an air plane, and also our first time away with him and his first time sleeping in a place other than home! Yes, it was a trip of firsts, and they all proved to be successful ventures.

Calder fared well in the airplane, a much smaller plane than a normal flight as we flew out of the Toronto Island Island Airport with Porter airlines. I'd definitely fly that airline again! What with comfy leather club chairs, trail mix, cookies, free pop and cappuccinos at your disposal, plus a cheaper flight than Air Canada, it was a great experience.

Calder sat on my lap for take-off and the landing, and did very well, sipping water from his sippy cup when offered so his ears wouldn't be bothered by the pressure changes, and enjoyed looking out the window at the world below.

Mommy, Daddy and Calder had lots of walks around Old Montreal and surrounding streets, eating yummy meals and Calder even had his first taste of Raspberry Gelato! He loved it so much even though it was a bit tart. Mo! As Calder would say, when he wants more of something.




We also took a trip around Montreal in a horse-drawn carriage.

Remind me not to do that again unless I have taken an allergy pill - I was a wreck. Calder enjoyed it so much, but too much I think as he fell asleep part-way through the ride - his face cuddled against my leg. We moved him to Daddy's should and I think after that he was much more comfortable. He loved the horses though, every time he saw one in the city he would say Do! (his word for dog - we're working on that - it's a horse!)




Might I also say that our room was just luxurious on this trip. It was in the Hotel d'Armes and it was in a building that dates from the 1880's, I believe. I've included a few pictures for you to see.



Every night there was a wine and cheese for the guests, and although we only went once, Calder was on his best behaviour. He loved the cheese! Every morning we'd have breakfast together and Calder always attracted a lot of attention, from Francophones and Anglophones alike. He was always a good little boy, albeit a flirt with the ladies.

Over the past two weeks or so Calder and I went to the zoo twice - first with Daddy, and our friends Denny and Alicia and their daughter, Norah, and then with Grandma, Auntie Colleen and my friend Carrie and her daughter, Jaden. I think it was after all the walking with Daddy and Grandma both times at the zoo that Calder took off with walking on his own. Now he toddles around the house like crazy.










He is also practically running with his walker - it's amazing and hilarious to see! Over the past week he's really come along, and will walk quite far before finally grabbing something for support or falling down. Twice we've even had a family walk around the block - yes, Calder walked for most of it, although he did hold my finger - I didn't want him to fall on the concrete!

Here's a cute picture of Gary and Calder playing 'Strutter' on Guitar Hero. I HOPE Calder doesn't grow up wanting to be the next member of Kiss - I can't imagine him with all that makeup!!!

Calder also has two another teeth - his eye teeth - making that 7 teeth. One just popped up this past night. Maybe that would explain his horrible sleeps of late - the other two nights he was up from 2 to 5 am, and 2 to 4 am, and last night he was up from 3:15 to 5:45. UGh! One night I had to put him in the car and drive into Whitby for him to finally fall asleep.

If anyone has any tips for getting a baby to sleep on their own (Calder has to fall asleep in my arms) please let me know - I am getting desperate!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Calder's 10 month picture

I've had this picture for about a week, and I apologize for not posting it yet. So, without further ado, here is Calder's 10 month picture. I may sound like a broken record, but with each month he is beginning to look more and more like a little boy and not a baby anymore. :(


Yesterday since it was so hot and humid out we decided to go to Calder's Avo's and Grandpa's pool for a swim. Calder and Daddy had a fun time in the pool together! This was only Calder's 2nd time in the pool, but he seems to love water.




Have a great week, everyone!