Ben is sleeping (for over an hour)... and I'm bored!?!

YOU CAN ONLY TYPE ONE WORD! Not as easy as you might think. Now copy or forward, change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s really hard to only use one word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? purse

2. Your significant other? loved

3. Your hair? shedding

4. Your mother? friend

5. Your father? hero

6. Your favorite thing? chocolate

7. Your dream last night? weird

8. Your favorite drink? tea

9. Your dream/goal? family

10. The room you’re in? living

11. Your hobby? walking

12. Your fear? ants

13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? house

14. Where were you last night? out

15. What you’re not? strong

16. Muffins? chocolate

17. One of your wish list items? house

18. Where you grew up? Toronto

19. The last thing you did? doorbell

20. What are you wearing? shorts

21. Your TV? off

22. Your pets? none

23. Your computer? desktop

24. Your life? crazy

25. Your mood? calm

26. Missing someone? grandparents

27. Your car? gray

28. Something you’re not wearing? socks

29. Favorite store? Gap

30. Your summer? short

31. Like someone? Adam

32. Your favorite color? green

33. When is the last time you laughed? today

34. Last time you cried? Thursday

Side sleeper...

It seems that Ben has found a new sleeping position that he absolutely loves. His side.

Last night, Adam stayed home with Ben while I went out shopping... I came home and Adam said that it was hard getting Ben to go to sleep because he kept rotating and waking himself up. Weird.

At 4am,... he woke up and he was at a 90 degree angle from where we placed him. After his feeding,... I watched him. Sure enough, he propels himself onto his side. If he's not tired,...he starts kicking his legs so that his body starts rotating. He also uses the sides of the crib to push off... very clever and quite entertaining.

I tried to get him to stay on his back with no luck... he preferred his side. So I left him like that. At 7.30am, he was up and rotating again. Crazy kid. Let the games begin.

We be stylin'...

thanks to Grandpa Jerry and Lucretia...

Here's Ben in his new outfits ... a 3 month birthday present. I think he looks like a little grown up man. What a cutie.

Here's Ben,...giving his mom the finger.



Stylin' eh?
"ooooh, I'm cute."

Here's where Ben gave himself a hickey. He's into sucking on everything...and his arm is no exception.A silly smile...almost devilish.

Over 10000 hits,...in less than a year.

Thanks everyone for reading my blog. When I started it August 2007, I had no idea what life would be like now. It was definitely more for me than anyone else. I needed a way to vent emotionally and physically about what I was experiencing throughout my pregnancy. Now it's become a way to showcase my handsome boy (and vent about motherhood).

I really can't complain though. I sleep a good 8 hours a night now... Ben sleeps in his crib during the day... breastfeeding is so easy and it barely takes up any of my time (thankfully he's efficient),... Ben is fun to play with and actually has conversations with me,... bath time is easy,... walking around is fun,... I'm getting out and meeting other moms... and I don't even THINK about work... =)

It's hard to believe that this time last year we were trying to conceive...Here's my very first post back on August 23rd, 2007:

I guess it's official...here's a picture to prove it!


We're pregnant with #1!!!! We've decided to wait until Thanksgiving long weekend (which is almost at 12 weeks) to tell our friends and extended family... but it's soooo hard!

Today's Stats:
Weight: 114.5 lbs.
Mood: okay... cramps, and hunger pains

Last night was pretty funny... Adam and I were talking and mid-conversation I started laughing and crying AT THE SAME TIME. That has never happened to me before and I don't think Adam knew which way to turn (sorry Ad!).

This morning, Linda took me grocery shopping to stock up on morning sickness remedies -- cheerios, plain noodles, brown rice, and CRACKERS... I think in 40 weeks I'm going to HATE soda crackers...

Tomorrow is our first visit to the doctor! I'm super excited... let's hope it's not too much blood work.

Sigh... memories. Oh and as a side note: I HATE!!!! soda crackers, plain noodles, gingerale, and Jergens hand soap, but oddly enough I'm still in love with multigrain cheerios. Go figure.

Ben's first trip to the neighbourhood pool...

It was a total bust. So fun. But boring. We got there... Ben was wide awake, checking everyone out. I sat with my new mommy friends at the edge of the baby pool (it's a foot deep and slightly warmer than the regular pool).

I dunk in Ben's feet. Success. No screaming. I splash some water on his toes. No screaming. This is looking quite promising. One more dunk and he's asleep. Completely passed out in my arms with drool.

He slept the entire time... my mommy friends and their babies splashed and swam and Ben kept sleeping. He woke up -- as we were leaving,...as if to say, "but wait,...I'm not done!"

We got home and chatted on the couch. He told me about his dream... I told him what he missed out on. He giggled. I laughed. Then he passed out again (busy day, I guess)...and so he's sleeping in his crib now.

i'm obsessed.

Ben has recently discovered his thumb...and his toys.

We also think that Ben might be teething. He loves this teething butterfly. We chill it in the fridge and that seems to help him...

This is a 9 month outfit...that he has recently outgrown. His arms aren't quite long enough but his toes are touching the end of the sleeper. He's had it on once. It's 9 months. Did I mention it's 9 months? What is up with this kid and his growth spurts. See,...I told you he was growing like a weed. A field of weeds. That's our Ben. (His face almost says, "mom,...this outfit sooo doesn't fit anymore.")
Here's Julia, Veronika, Ben and I at dinner. We met 6 years ago online but only got around to meeting now. Ben and Veronika are 3 weeks apart!

Ben's birthday present to his mom...

(was better than Ben's birthday present to his dad)....

My gift -- 11 hours of sleep. Adam's gift -- 10. Sucker.

Glorious. (His naps sucked today...but whatever).

losing my hair...

literally and figuratively...

The lack of pregnancy hormones is now causing my hair to fall out...it's like all the hairs that wanted to fall out have finally decided to make a run for it. So annoying.

In terms of our house situation,...we're looking. We're going to an open house tomorrow -- it looks awesome on paper but who knows. It's cheaper than our current place, still in the beaches, with laundry and storage...but no parking. =(

I had a great 29th birthday...Adam made me waffles with strawberries and a homemade card, then we went to the mall (which is a treat for me because Adam HATES!!! going to the mall) and then we went to my parents' house for swiss chalet and a cake that Adam had made - yum!

In other news,...Ben is growing like a field of weeds. A field!!! His Toronto Maple Leaf outfit (9 months) is currently almost too small -- his feet are crammed in the toe area. He was 26 inches long at our appointment...which is in the 97 percentile. According to the sizing chart at the Children's Place...he's supposed to wear 6-9 months...sigh. My baby is growing up way tooooo fast.

Pictures...

Grandpa Jerry and Ben

Ben's toddler picture...no longer a baby face =(

His new "pout"...


Trying to smile with his hand in his mouth...

His first dip in the river...
Daddy and Ben

Mommy and Ben

Sisters at the cottage...

A baby, ...and ants.

you've got to be kidding me...

Our weekend was great...Lisa & Vince's wedding was awesome -- she looked stunning. It was great to get out of the house too. Thanks Linda and Eric for watching Ben,...we so appreciate you both taking the time to give up your Saturday night!

On Sunday, we decided to drive to the cottage despite the rain...it was Ben's first trip! He slept in his playpen in the same room as us and Leigh and Jesse. Talk about an action packed room. Whose idea was it to have beans for dinner?

Ben got to put his feet in the water for the first time too,...he screamed at first, but eventually got used to the water! We'll post pictures soon...

... we have ants. Not the tiny ones, but the big ones. I guess since we're living practically on the beach..with sand...that it's like a permanent ant hill for them.

I'm ready to lose my mind.

In other news... Ben and I went out with the mom group again...this time was so much better. He slept!!! I got to enjoy conversation and food. Last night we went out with Jerry for dinner. Ben slept. I got to enjoy conversation and food. I'm really starting to like the 3month mark.

Tomorrow starts the Jazz festival... and our deck repairs. Please let me make it through Thursday.

Dye job.

So I did it. I finally coloured my hair. It's been years...but recently I have had one too many comments about my incoming greys that I opted to dye it. I waited until Ben went to sleep after his last feeding so he wouldn't be bothered by the chemicals...

The colour is an auburn-y brownish blond colour... and it hides my greys quite well. (Although Adam still managed to find one this morning -- I still think it was blond though).

This coming weekend is a busy one...

Today, Erin and I are taking our kiddies to the beach. Tonight, Adam, Ben, Grandma Linda and Papa Rick and I are going to Astoria for our birthday dinners. I've been craving Astoria since I got pregnant and found out I couldn't eat feta cheese. I don't even need to look at the menu to know what I'm going to order ..hehe.

Tomorrow, Adam and I are venturing out alone... to attend Lisa & Vince's wedding. It's our first time away from Ben for a long period of time... Grandma Linda and Papa Rick are babysitting...

Sunday, we're heading to the cottage for a night... so I probably won't post again until Monday. Sunday is also our 5th wedding anniversary!!!!! I can't believe it's been 5 years already!

Happy weekend, everyone!

Does anyone know where Ben is???

No?? Well,...he's still in his crib because he's still sleeping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yup... a full straight 10 freaking hours of sleep. Then he woke up, ate, and went back to sleep for another 1.5 hours. That was Ben's birthday present to his dad. Sleep. Did I mention he slept for 10 hours. I'm still in shock. Glorious sleep. I didn't even sleep this much when I was pregnant!

Sigh. Now... key question. Was that a one time deal? Do we have to wait until July 16/09 for him to do it again?

Happy Birthday, Ad!

Here's to 29 years young.

(Ben is watching TV in this picture... not paying attention to the candles on the cake...we're officially in trouble).

Here's one of Ben... 12 weeks + 1 day (but who's counting).

such a handsome boy...

Ben smiles if you call him a handsome boy....and if it happens to be in front of the mirror --- he laughs out loud!!!!

It was by far the funniest, cutest thing I've ever seen. He was all smiley on his change table so I showed him his handsome self in the mirror...and he started laughing. His head went back,...his eyes closed and out came this huge giggle. The more I laughed,...the more he kept laughing.

Talk about self absorbed. He's handsome alright. And he already thinks that's funny.

3 month growth spurt...

and mommy's tired.

I figured something was up yesterday when all Ben wanted to do (ALL DAY!) was sleep. He even took naps in his crib, which I normally have to fight him to do. By dinner, he was eating every 2 hours and never really seemed satisfied.

Our bedtime routine is going well -- Adam and I finally have time alone in the evenings. Ben is in bed by 8pm after a bath, massage and a feeding. Last night, he woke up at 1.30am though,... and again at 4am... (which he normally doesn't do anymore). Sigh. Poor kid. Growth spurts must suck. I'm sure getting his first tooth will suck too.

The cutest thing he does now... heh. He spits out his pacifier to have conversations. I think he thinks Mom and Dad are "agoooos". Every time I see him, he says "agoooo"...and then waits for me to respond. Such a cutie. It makes getting up several times in the night,...worth it.

12 weeks... where has the time gone?

I felt like 12 weeks took forever when I was pregnant with Ben... but now that he's here...the time is flying!!!

Here's some recent Ben pictures...

Ben -- mid-sneeze! How funny is his face?!?
His hair... sigh. Hairdressers are going to have a field day with this mop.

Ben...

Busted... tummy time is not supposed to be nap time. But, Ben has other plans. I think he figures... 'I can lift my head, so now I'm sleeping'.

Updates...

Finally... I have some time to write... it's been a while. (Ben is sleeping in his crib!!! Yay!)

This past week has been INSANE. INSANE!!!! After the wedding (more on that later), I was so exhausted that my mom had to come over to help me look after Ben. The room was spinning and I couldn't see straight.

On Thursday, (feeling better), I decided to venture out with some moms and dads (thanks to Yun!)... I also discovered that our car had a flat tire, so Ben and I hopped on the TTC and had a very nice summerlicious lunch with 5 other babies and 7 other adults. My mom came over for dinner on Thursday night and together, we gave Ben his bath. He's into a very structured routine now...My dad came over on Friday to help me fix my flat tire. Yay for dads...

Friday, Grandma Linda also came over and hung out with Ben and I... we had a very nice visit.

Saturday was a Ben and Daddy day... Adam hasn't really seen much of Ben and I this week...

Sunday, Roni and Adam went golfing to celebrate their birthdays... and I ended up meeting up with my parents and my grandma for another summerlicious lunch. Ben and I took the streetcar for the first time.

Today, Leigh is coming over to visit Ben... I can't wait.

So yes. We've been busy.

The wedding --- was great. Ben was an angel.. (figures)... he slept most of the car ride and only woke up to eat and poop. He hardly cried during the whole trip (I guess there was just so much to look at!). Dave and Marce looked really happy and Adam and I are so happy that they're finally at a point in their lives where they can be together.

Here are some pictures from the last couple of days...

Ben and I at lunch...
My mom, Ben and I at lunch...

Us on the subway...

At the wedding...


Me and my new "sister"...
Ben -- excited about getting a new aunt!



Grandma Rose, Me, Shirley and Ben...

We're back... and exhausted...

We're back... Ben did awesome (even slept through the entire night!)... but I'm exhausted.

So I'll write later.

and post later.

time for another nap.

Dave and Marce's Wedding Weekend!

Adam, Ben and I are off to Gatineau Quebec for Dave and Marce's wedding! I'll be MIA on the blog until Wednesday...

Ben's only 2 months old and yet he's been to 2 firework displays and as of tomorrow ...he'll have been in 2 provinces. Impressive, non? Let's hope he survives the drive. During my first trip to Ottawa,... my parents had me drugged up on gravol. I slept the entire time. Let's hope Ben can do the same (sans gravol!)....

We'll post pictures when we get back...

Bon voyage, mes amis!

Our first date...

(since Ben!)

Adam and I finally went out for dinner without our little man...we had a great dinner at an Italian restaurant near our house...Thanks Grandma Linda & Papa Rick for watching Ben!

Here's us on our date!

We really missed Ben though...this is Ben and Adam when we got home! They still look alike!
Ben...snoozing on his mom...

Are you taking Signal Analysis and Communication??

Because if so,... ADAM IS YOUR PROFESSOR! ... Okay,... well his title is actually "Sole Responsibility Instructor" but whatever. A technicality, really.

It's a 3rd year engineering (science!) course... and he has to design the problem sets, the lectures and the exams! He also gets to pick his own teaching assistant!

I'm so proud of him!!!!! I wonder if he'll let me sneak in and sit in on a lecture? I promise to be a good student...

Our new bedtime routine...

and it totally worked... Ben slept for 7 hours straight!!!

Here's our new routine...

-bath at 7.30pm
-a nice massage
-a feeding
-swaddle
-BED

and it totally worked... Adam and I had 2 hours of solid peace and quiet and then I got 5 hours of straight sleep in a row. Ben woke up at 3.30am...and was back to sleep by 3.50am. He slept until 6.30am and he woke up happy!!!

yippee!

Happy Canada Day!

We celebrated Canada Day with Mikey, Jody, and Jack. Mike is Adam's little uncle =) which makes Jack ~ Adam's cousin... and he's only 4 months older than Ben. But, who cares... it's nice that the boys are so close in age and height! Ben -24.5 in. long... Jack - 25 in. long!


Us with our kids!

Here's Jack and Ben! They're so loving to each other!

Jack even lets Ben sample his hand as a snack!

Isn't Jack a cutie?!?

Ben -- missing out on the fun.


At fireworks!
Ben slept right through them!