She got off the ferris wheel at the mall.

Then she came running over to me as fast as she could, excited as ever, shouting "I DID IT, I DID IT, I DID IT!!!!" 

(INSERT TEARS HERE.  LOTS OF THEM.  YOU MIGHT AS WELL MAKE IT A PUDDLE).

My Friends, I think I've learned one of the best feelings in the world this weekend.  It's called watching your child feel accomplished and proud.  DEFINITELY. ONE. OF. THE. BEST.

Eleanor Douglas, YOU GO GIRL!!!!  You sure did DO IT and we are so, so proud of you too!!!!! XOXO

I'm having one of those moments.

Which makes absolutely NO SENSE because Nory is napping, Jet is also napping, and Phil is out playing ball.  It's just ME and the construction noise outside (which - from a Parkinson perspective - equates to modern day silence).  I could easily make a tea, have a snack, watch a show, read a book, or even nap myself (PLEASE DON'T REMIND ME TO DO THIS AGAIN) and ALL OF THESE THINGS are really enjoyable and awesome and likely a perma-dream of all Mamas out there.  But.....IN THIS VERY MOMENT....I can't seem to find any happiness in these opportunities.  It's like the world's hugest elephant came way out of nowhere and is sitting extra-heavily on my chest.  And the truth of the matter is that elephants are my favourite and normally this would be somewhat of a dream come true but, AGAIN, in THIS VERY MOMENT, I feel as though I'm pinned to the couch forever and ever and I can't help but sit here on the verge of tears.  And write really big run-on sentences.  It's clearly a steep and downward and very slippery slope, my friends!

But I've been here before.  And I know EXACTLY what is going on.  Hello again, Dear Cabin Fever.  So annoyed to have you back.
 
Apparently going to the courtyard with Nory doesn't count as "going out".  Neither does taking the girls to a friend's place.  Or going to the hospital for yet another doctor's appointment.  I NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS HOUSE.  AWAY FROM THIS BUILDING.  I NEED TO GET OUT, OUT.  That is a DOUBLE OUT, people!  And I really need to do it without feeling the urge to rush back to the house as soon as possible.

When Phil returns to the flat this afternoon, we're sending this pro-wrestling-elephant back to the savannah.  We are GOING THE HECK OUT!  (Or at least I am!)

Good riddance, elephant!  Good riddance, house!  Good riddance, cabin fever!!!!!!!!!

THE SHOWER!

Just like she did with Nory, Gem threw a wonderful baby shower for our sweet Juliet.  The theme was "Welcome to the World" and everything was all WORLD down to the very last detail.  The very, very last detail.  The invites?  Worldly.  The decorations?  Worldly.  The food and drinks?  Worldly (I'm not kidding - there were dips from different countries and the water bottles had MAP LABELS!  MAP LABELS, PEOPLE!!!!).  The games?  Worldly.  The favours?  WORLDLY.  Em really did it up for this baby bash and she recruited some of the country's finest chefs/decorators to help carry out her vision (THANK YOU BARB AND CLARKE!!!!!!!).  Here are some pictures of Gem's exquisite party planning:   

 

The map banner.  Also featured outside the flat to let everyone know where the party was ;)

You thought I was lying, didn't you?  NOPE!  Here's the evidence :)

I'm certain this must have taken her a ba-zillion hours.  There's no way I'm throwing this map wreath away.  NO WAY!  It will be a wall fixture around here for the REST OF TIME!!!

Choose your country! 

Our guests REALLY DO mean the world to us :)

Of course, like all things that you want to go off without a hitch, Juliet experienced a tough time with reflux during the party and she spit up on her outfit (and maybe Barb???) before I could snap any pictures of her!  Here are the fashion deets so you can generate an adorable photograph in your mind:  pink, floral dress with white, heart-spotted tights!  The fashion police would have been all over it.  In a good way (because we all know how nasty those people can get.....and by ALL I mean me and other people who watch useless television in the wee hours of the night).

Since Juliet has the best big sister ever, she really didn't need any gifts at all.  Clothes, gizmos and gadgets are covered............times ten.  So, in lieu of gifts (and in an effort to teach our girls KINDNESS), we invited our guests to make a contribution to SickKids Hospital with us.  I was quite overwhelmed to go through the envelopes yesterday and discover that we raised $600 for this amazing children's hospital!!!  A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!!!!  Juliet will make this impressive donation - her first ever! - to the foundation later this evening :) 

Before I conclude here, I need to give the WORLD'S (get it, GEM?!) BIGGEST SHOUT-OUT to the greatest GOD MAMA OF ALL!  Thank you Em for all of the time, effort, heart, and MAP-SEARCHING (ha!) you put into this party.  We are so lucky to have you in our lives and so lucky to have you as a role model for our little ones.  WE LOVE YOU!!!!! XOXO

Welcome to the world, Baby Jet!  There's love all around you and it will be there FOREVER.  Promise, promise.

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

*  I hate the feeling I get when I lose something.  Even if it's not overly important, my heart starts racing and I drive myself crazy searching all over the place for it.  This morning's missing item is my Nikon battery charger.  I was going to surprise Phil with some new pictures of the girls, but the surprise has been spoiled because I messaged him a big BOO HOO about having zero charge and zero idea as to where the darn charger is.  Oh well.  I suppose my iPhone is a good alternative.  Do you know that I hardly EVER use my real camera anymore?  I'm a sucker for convenience.

*  Due to the passing of the Saudi King, Phil ended up with a long weekend.  Yep, today he's just like you Canadian folk - starting the work week on a regular MONDAY.  Also, with it being exam week, this little shuffle created ANOTHER day off on Thursday this week!

*  Baby weight BE GONE!  Ha!  Not even close.  But I've started working out again.  I had a great time doing Zumba the other night (I certainly didn't look great doing it!) and yesterday I followed along to some ridiculously ridiculous YouTube videos in the comfort of our own living room.  The YouTube thing wasn't my original plan, but Nory wouldn't nap knowing that I was having a blast on the treadmill (a recent obsession of hers).  Little does she know it's pretty boring on there when you're not two.

*  Baby reflux of the GERD variety is really scary.  I can't tell you how many times we have woken up in a panic to the sound of Jet coughing.  It's not just some little "cough-cough" either.  It's a full-fledged, old-man, is-her-lung-about-to-fly-out-of-her-mouth, is-she-actually-choking, how-could-something-so-small-make-such-a-loud-sound.........COUGH.  Her face turns from pink to red to purple (sometimes!) and it seems like it's not going to end.  Ever.  Ugh.  The good news is that the medicine is definitely working and she no longer arches her back in pain during or after feedings.  She not-so-simply coughs.....freaks out her parents....then goes back to sleep.  I'm excited for her to grow out of it so that all of us can rest a little easier!  

*  There was a huge sale at H&M over the weekend and, with all of Nory's wardrobe packed away in the "too small" bins, it was time to pick up some bigger clothes.  Nory was happy to find several cat shirts on sale for 1KD (what a steal)!  We had to get every.single.one.  HAD TO!  You can thank several of her aunties for encouraging this passion for felines.

She insists on carrying her purchases.

*  Right now Aimee and Patrick are on their honeymoon in Hawaii.  They told me in advance that they would have limited access to the interweb which is such a shame because Taylor Swift is there too and I hope so badly that they know that!  #theywouldnotcareanyways

*  "Tubby's" at the HOUSE OF NO RULES have become a popular thing around here.  Fact:  there's nothing cuter than two little girls giggling in a tub full of bubbles.  Soon these events can take place at both flats because we purchased a bathtub from a family that is leaving.  Once June rolls around, it's going to be tubby time, all the time.

*  Juliet's "Welcome to the World" shower was on Friday afternoon.  More on that later!

What's the hold-up Mama?!

*  I'm superstitious.  Especially when it comes to what makes babies sleep well at night.  Nory had this fuzzy, ducky sleeper that allowed everyone to sleep for many hours in a row.  We've recently discovered that Jet has a similar sleeper that is fuzzy and pink.  Hers doesn't work for as long as Nory's did, but when you haven't slept for 4 hours in a row in a very long time, it's THE GREATEST.  Too bad she has reflux and frequent costume changes are a thing.  Who got us that pink sleeper and where oh where can we find more of them?!!!!!

Chasing birds at the Scientific Center.

*  Phil took Nory to the pet store this weekend and ever since, she's been asking for "cheepies" (birds) and a blue fish.  Obviously my answer to the cheepies is NO WAY IN H-E-DOUBLE-HOCKEY-STICKS, but I'm open to the latter option.  If only the pet store sold fish bowls with their fish, we'd be proud fish owners at this very moment.  #goodwaytokeepinventory

Are you smarter than a two year old?

Because I'm NOT.  And I know she's not two yet, but let's face it people:  THIS ONE was two long ago.

I figured I could use some solid advice to survive the next few years, so yesterday I decided to read up on parenting a toddler.  Phil got the ball rolling by sending me an article titled "Stop Tantrums" (catchy, right?!) and I even created a bookmark folder to keep all of these tips and tricks accessible during times of need (um...always?).  I read another article called "Thriving With a Toddler" (dreamy!), as well as "Preventing Tantrum Escalation" (oh show me the way!).  Then this morning, I decided to put some of the strategies into good use as I got Nory ready to play outside.

Welcome to today's "practicum":

While ATTEMPTING TO get her dressed (she was still in her nightgown)....

Me:  Time to get dressed!  Should we hop to your room or run to your room? [Gave her an either/or statement....piece of advice #1.]

Nory:  HOP!!!! 

So the two of us hopped down the hall as I thought to myself, "WOW!  Those columnists really know their stuff! This is going to be EASY PEAZY!"

Me:  Let's get your pants on!  [Notice I did not say please, yet I phrased it in a positive way.....piece of advice #2.]

Nory:  NO!

Hmmm.....that didn't go as planned.

Me:  But it's time to get dressed!

(I hold onto her and try to start the process.)

Nory:  NO!!!!!  (Runs away)

Hmmm......this might be harder than I thought.

Me:  [Trying to revert to humour...piece of advice #3.]  Do these pants belong on my head?!

Nory:  Yes. (She says seriously without a smile). 

Hmmm.....be FUNNIER I told myself.

Me:  Maybe they belong on my arms!!!!!! (proceeds to put pants on my arms)

Nory:  Yes!  (Still serious, no giggling).

Me:  Wait a minute!  I think they belong on Nory!!!!!!

Nory:  (RUNS AWAY).

So that went well.  You'll be happy to hear that we eventually DID get dressed and we eventually DID go outside.  Only to splash in some puddles and end up exactly where we started...

I had PANTS ON MY ARMS PEOPLE!  Isn't that HILARIOUS?!  Isn't it?!  Ugh.  Back to the drawing board ;)

Chicka, Chicka, YA! (This title has absolutely nothing to do with this post. But, whatever.)

Tuesday night we experienced our first outing with BOTH children in tow.  Our hearts were racing as we walked out the door and we kept looking at Kumari beforehand saying, "you're going to come, right?!"  But of course she kept looking at us and saying, "Madam/Sir, you tell me what I will do!"  That's right.  We're the boss.  Of all three people that occupied the back seat of the car said evening...

That's weird.

Anyways, we made it ON TIME to the hospital where each daughter had a check-up scheduled with the pediatrician.  You read that right:  ON TIME, people!  Actually, we were 20 minutes EARLY.  I'm going to repeat that sentence once more because it makes me feel super happy:  actually, we were 20 minutes EARLY!  Ah, feels good.

Following a brief play in the toy area (a place that totally freaks me out because I can only imagine how many germie fingers have touched the toys my daughter has decided to play with herself), both girls were called in to get measured up.  Shocking to us (and everyone else, I'm sure), Nory is 98th percentile for weight (a whopping 32 pounds!) and 75th percentile for height.  Jet weighed in at a whopping 8.7 pounds (YIPPEE!!!!) and the nurses (that have followed her since the beginning) were thrilled with the result.  GO JET GO!  If it weren't for those darn RSV shots, "preemie" would no longer be part of our vocabulary :)

After they got measured, we were called in to see the doctor.  Nory went first and was surprisingly cooperative for the random man who decided to invade her personal space by checking her heartbeat, her ears, her eyes, her nose, etc.  Makes sense.  HA!  We need to get us some Dora stickers ASAP!

Next up was Juliet.  We began by chatting about her reflux issues, to which Jet responded by showcasing her symptoms.  Vomit all over the exam table.  AWE-SOME!!!!!!  Coughing and wheezing ensued and it was clear that we weren't just those paranoid parents that thought there was something unusual about their child's health (although we can be those parents too!).  More strategies were discussed and we were prescribed some medicine to help stop the burning sensation/pain she might feel after feedings.  Progress in process.

The fun didn't stop there.  Nory had to get her second installment of the chicken pox vaccine (which she handled like a champ!) and Jet had to get a hip ultrasound to double check that her breech baby hips were A-OKAY.  Nory had clearly had enough by this point (we were going on over an hour here) and so she decided to make friends all over the ground floor while Kumari chased her from social group to social group.

Luckily, Jet's hips are perfect like the rest of her and we emerged from the diagnostic imaging department to find Nory and Kumari outside of the gift shop.  Nory came to show me the piece of chocolate the kind lady inside had given to her and, with a stop at the pharmacy still left in our trip, I unwrapped the chocolate and let her have at it.

This face makes me laugh hysterically, yet fear for my life all at the same time.

When he returned from the pharmacy, Phil was a little upset that the chocolate situation had escalated to such a mess but it wasn't long before he was laughing too.  We cleaned her up with a bazillion baby wipes so that she wouldn't dirty the inside of the car.

But the thing is that we have two daughters now.  Jet decided to throw up as soon as Phil put the pedal to the metal.  And THAT, my friends, is how well our drive home in heavy traffic at bedtime went....

Hearts come in all shapes and sizes.

But I believe I've narrowed them down to about four main varieties:

1)  There are those that are bouncy and bursting - quick to love and cheer up and group hug and include. 

2)  Others are quieter, yet equally as inviting - showing compassion through simple gestures, genuine "how are you's" and sincere encouragement. 

3)  There are those that are more fierce, ones with good intentions that are often misinterpreted due to a bluntness aimed to protect.  

4)  And then there are those that are distant and cold.  Like the Grinch's.  They could be harsh.  They could be guarded.  They could be selfish.   

Sometimes, it is difficult to know what type of heart you're dealing with and sometimes, hearts can change.  You could think a heart is of the first or second variety, but eventually learn that it might be closer to the last.  Or perhaps you think you're dealing with a category four, but over time learn that it was a category three all along.  It takes time to figure these things out and it can either be exciting or disappointing to find out the truth.  The good news is that, based on my four level scale of hearts, there's a 75% chance that you're dealing with a pretty good one ;)  It's my belief that almost all hearts want to do right.  They want to LOVE and BE LOVED.  (Actually, I even think this is true for the 4's.  You're DARN RIGHT they want to love and be loved!  Perhaps they just need a little help learning how...)

I'm not really sure where this point of view came from.  I'm not even sure how I could sit here after watching the news and type this whole idea with confidence.  What I DO know is that, one day, I hope my girls see it this way too. 

Eleanor and Juliet,

I want you to know that different hearts love in different ways and it's okay to love differently than someone else.  I want you to keep an open mind around others, give people a chance to show you who they are, and remember that people can change (think about the GRINCH!).  And when it seems you've encountered a heart that refuses to love AT ALL (that gosh darn category four type), resist the urge to lose your faith in people and continue to love the way you know how.

I love you so, so much!  Please, please, please remember me as your type-one Mama who tries to use Christmas references as much as possible.  XOXO

The House of NO RULES.

This is an honest-to-goodness place you guys and we aren't talking about our place, either!

If you know me at all, you know that I am a total rule-abiding individual.  I'm the gal that is always on time for work, follows the recipe 100%, and points out rule-breakers in public (HUN, THE SIGN SPECIFICALLY SAYS "NO SMOKING!!!!").  I'm also that super annoying girl that ratted you out for leaving garbage on the park bench or cutting the line at the grocery store check-out.  This is why spending the entire first recess against "the wall" (for playing on wet monkey bars) still seriously affects me.  And that happened in grade one....age six.  Sorry, duty teachers!   

Then there's my husband. 

He's not so much a rule-abider.  (If you know him at all, you're laughing at this statement and I'm going to - once again - remind you to keep any stories about the Pre-Lindsay-Phillip to yourself.)  That being said, Phil is one heck of a rule-enforcer.  He likes order.  Dress socks with dress socks and sports socks with sports socks.  DVD's should be stored alphabetically, your email inbox should always read "empty", and the money in your wallet should be arranged smallest to largest.  As for coins?  You best go get yourself a coin purse, my friends!  To Phil, things have "places", happiness is a clean house, and children crave order just the same. 

"Cleaning is FUN!!!!!!!!!!!"

As a union it's clear that Nory hit the jackpot and easily has the very worst combination of parents a child could ask for.  CONGRATULATIONS, MY LOVE!  You belong to a family that likes things done a certain way.  Playdough happens at a table.  Bubbles aren't for indoor use.  Juice is for cups with lids.  Kitchen toys go in the sparkly bin.  You can splash all you want outside.  And sauce-less spaghetti is the only way you get to DIY at age two.  Rules, GLORIOUS RULES!!!!!!  It's a beautiful thing, really.

But a house of a different sort exists in our building.  It is one with "no rules" and we often visit because they have a darling toddler whom Nory adores.  The parenting duo at this house are completely opposite from Phil and I (we're talking extremes here, people!).  At this house, Nory can use the water dispenser (gasp!) and run full force into the living room, spilling splashes of water here and there and.....no biggie.  Nory can chase the three-legged cat around the dining room table all the while laughing and screaming and......no biggie.  Nory can spill mac and cheese on the floor, empty the chalk bin, and colour on the wall and........no biggie.  She can even help herself to food on any of their plates (with what I can only assume are the germiest of hands!) and.......no biggie!  It's weird, you guys.  It's like nothing can get to these people.  It's all hunky-dory, all-the-time. 

So then there was this time we were invited over for dinner.  It was during Nory's "potty training relapse" and just about every fluid/solid that could come out of Nory's body did that evening.  Yes, pee, poop and puke, you guys!  The most embarrassing bodily trifecta in our opinion right there in their quarters and these people didn't even wince!  Instead, as Phil's blood pressure went through the roof and I wanted to hide in a closet forever, the not-so-high-strung parenting couple laughed hysterically and struggled to see why we were so bothered by it all.  (I mean.....come on.  Dear readers, you simply MUST understand why we were so bothered by it all.....)

And then there was last night.  When we were at their house again and the girls stripped down to their undies to go wild with the finger paints.  Before it began, I remarked "this is going to be TERRIBLE."  To which the More Relaxed Mama said with a smile, "oh ya, it's going to be AWFUL!!!"  She was smiling, you guys!  With two toddlers and a slew of paint and a soon-to-be-really-gosh-darn-messy living room floor.  S.M.I.L.I.N.G.  It gets better, too!  Because after this excitement, the toddlers ended up in the tub where they flooded the bathroom floor MORE THAN ONCE.  And you know what?  The entire debacle (or as seen so by us) was NO FREAKIN' BIGGIE! 

Le sigh.  This whole friendship has got me thinking.  All these rules we have in place.  These rules we made to keep our house stress-free and ZEN.  They are kind of a bunch of GARBAGE.  Because the real truth is that the ZEN HOUSE is theirs.  Mmmm hmmm....the house where naked is as good as dressed and messy is as good as clean?  THAT HOUSE........WITH NO RULES............is STRESS-FREE.  (I wonder if you have the same look on your faces as I do on mine this second.  HA!) 

Perhaps Phil and I need to have a chat about our parenting style moving forward.  Or perhaps we just need MORE regularly scheduled play dates (like ones that happen every single day) at the HOUSE OF NO RULES.  Yes, maybe it's better to perform "no rules" in a setting that is used to it.  HA!!! 

We love you HOUSE OF NO RULES.  Thank you for teaching us a little bit about the calmness in chaos!!! XOXO

We've been potty training.

FOR MONTHS!  But somewhere along the line I think I forgot to tell you that. 

"Oh Mom, do you have to?!!!"

I believe we started back in November.  Maybe October.  And as expected, the first few days were a total gong show.  Phil and I kept looking at each other, wondering if the nay-sayer's were right......wondering if we really should wait a few more months.  But as a duo we stayed strong (go team)!  We reminded each other to take deep breaths, stay calm, and that pee on the carpets was far better than puke (and there has been plenty of that, too!).  Anyways....it was hard.  There was always a puddle to clean up and it seemed as though we became one-handed people, with paper towel and cleaning spray in the other hand at all times.

HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!

As hoped, it got better!  Within a week or so, Nory caught on to this whole potty business and we were once again on top of the parenting world!  It seemed the days of going to the potty every thirty minutes, singing songs on the bathroom floor and tag-teaming in and out of the tedious situation were behind us!  Nory would say she had to go and we'd run to the bathroom, take care of business, and be back out to play in a flash.  She reached a point where she didn't even need diapers during nap times and would keep a pull-up dry during outings to the mall.  The best part was that all of this was reached without any of these so-called bribery tips and tricks (minus the thrill of flushing the toilet afterwards!).  TOP. OF. THE. PARENTING. WORLD.  THE VERY TOP, YOU GUYS!  

HOWEVER!!!!!!!!!

As totally UN-expected (because we didn't read up on the subject prior to beginning this entire potty-training ordeal), the week after we brought Juliet home from the hospital, our potty training was forgotten and it was as though Nory had never heard of the word "potty" in her short little life.  UGH.  Back to puddles, non-stop clean-up's, and absolute frustration.  And you know what?  Keeping each other calm during ROUND TWO of potty-training?  NOT SO EASY, people!  NOT SO EASY AT ALL!  Phil and I were pulling our hair out, trying to figure out what in the world we did wrong.  We immediately blamed ourselves and felt like we'd been knocked off the parenting podium to this abstract and uncomfortable world of people-that-are-parents-but-really-shouldn't-be.  And since we were also dealing with the exhaustion that comes with a newborn (and still had YET to read any potty training material at all), we ALMOST threw in the towel and put the diapers back on.  Doubts flooded in.  That Nory wasn't ready.  That we pushed her.  That all those who warned us were right. 

But before we full-on QUIT, we decided to try out some bribery. 

"Nory, do you want icecream?  Then go potty!"

"Nory, do you want chocolate?  Then go potty!"

"Nory, do you want a sticker?  GO POTTY PLEASE!!!!"

Nory didn't bite.  NOT EVEN ONCE.  NEVER!  What kid doesn't want icecream?  Or chocolate?!  Or stickers (which were awesome and purchased SPECIFICALLY for this very purpose, might I add)?!!!!!  I suppose the answer was:  OUR STRONG-WILLED, CANNOT-BE-FOOLED daughter.

So we resorted to bribery of different sorts.  Bribery that might be more appealing to Nory...

"Nory, do you want to go on your bike?  Then we have to go potty!"

"Nory, do you want to wash your hands and play with the water?  Then go potty!"

"Nory, do you want to play with the flashlight?  Then go potty!"

Luckily, these things worked (albeit temporarily!) and gave us the wee bit of momentum we needed to get the ball rolling again!  In the meantime, I finally did the potty research I maybe should have done from day one.  Turns out these relapses are completely normal, especially during times of stress like WHEN A NEW SIBLING IS BROUGHT INTO THE HOUSEHOLD.  Phewfffffff.  Maybe we weren't the worst parents after all!

SO.

As it stands, Nory (KNOCK ON WOOD times 100000000) seems to be back on track in the potty department.  HOORAY!!!!!! 

BUT.

Remember how I did that bleepin' research?  Turns out that relapses can happen more than once and it's still absolutely normal.  Oh joy. 

With that, it's time for some more coffee before the little ones awake and the fun continues!  Wishing all you potty-training mamas and papas lots of patience and good luck! xo

In honour of this sunny, Sunday morning...

.....allow me to share some of the conversations we've had with our absolutely fierce, incredibly hilarious, brilliantly manipulative, (almost!) two year old:

After referring to both Mickey and Minnie Mouse as "MICKEY" for MONTHS....

Me:  (excitedly pointing out her MINNIE Mouse pajamas)  Oh!  Look who is on your pajamas!  It is Mickey Mouse!

Nory:  (using her serious tone) NO, NO, NO.  MINNIE Mouse.

__________________________________________________

During yesterday's car ride.....

Phil:  (happily)  Nory's starting to say 'yes' more, eh Hun?!

Me:  (also happily)  That's because we're YES GIRLS, right Nory?

Nory:  NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (bursts into laughter)

__________________________________________________

While getting ready to go outside this morning....

Me:  Nory, do you want to wear your green shoes or your purple shoes?

Nory:  Ummmm.......slippers!

__________________________________________________

Remember it takes a village, my friends!  She might end up on the next red eye to your hometown!  Then again, things LIKE THIS make us want to keep her ;)

"Sister!  Sister!  Sister sleep!  Sister sleep my bed!"

Wardrobe Woes.

When the newborn sleepers are too tight and the 0-3 month ones are too big...

Bedtime just got seriously cuter.  And funnier.  And before you know it, she'll be out of these ones too!

Things that have happened since I last wrote:

1)  We read a book (or attempted to read a book) called "Eleanor" which made Nory go absolutely giddy.  It's no longer a Parkinson-approved bedtime book.

2)  We took Jet to the hospital after some concerning coughing-until-her-face-goes-purple-and-vomit-comes-out fits. Turns out she had a bad cold (now gone, thank goodness!) mixed with reflux.  Moving forward, feedings are to be upright (as well as the 30 minutes following a feeding) and they suggested she sleeps in an inclined position.  These things have helped, but she still has a cough/wheeze/irritability throughout the day which means there has been lots of cuddling.  LOTS!  Surprisingly though, she still manages to be a quiet little thing (and strong too)! 

Under observation at the hospital.  It was FREEZING in there!!!

Nory believes in pet therapy for reflux ;)

3)  I ate a chicken mcnugget happy meal.  Ew.  It's shocking that I'm still alive to talk about it...

4)  I updated the little blurb in the blog sidebar.  The family profile needed to be revamped to include our newest little lady :)

5)  Nory had a blast with her twin at the mall.  Her twin was much quieter but equally as active.

6)  We (ah-hem, ELEANOR) brought a white cat to the courtyard.  Said cat has since been whirled through the washing machine in an attempt to return it to its original colour.

7)  I admitted to my limited contribution in the execution of Juliet's baby shower.  To which I was reminded that I've actually played a key role...

8)  Phil and I had a really romantic evening of eating Kraft Dinner (chez moi) and watching YouTube videos to figure out our various baby carriers (THANK YOU, PHIL!).  I'm pretty sure we could call that a date at this point.....

9)  Juliet's due date arrived and we decided that December 5th was so much trendier.  And warmer.  And better for Phil's basketball schedule ;)

10)  Nory served me a donut, a cake, and eggplant for lunch yesterday.  My reaction was so enthusiastic that she decided it was a great dinner choice too.  YUM!!!!!!!  #thankgoodnessforpretend

11)  After 8 failed attempts with the Moby Wrap, four failed attempts with the Ergo (plus infant insert), and three failed attempts with the Baba sling, Juliet finally caved last night and allowed me to go hands-free as she slept in the Moby.  PHEWF!  Let's hope she continues to find comfort in the most complicated wrap ever sold.

12)  Nory and I matched.  You guys know that matching is my FAVOURITE!  Even our steps match!!!!!! #thatishowweroll

Oh - and THIS just in - Nory was crying "sick, sick" and then proceeded to vomit twice about twenty minutes after that.  So if the blog ever gets quiet (which it often does)......and you're wondering what in the world we're up to over here.....just know that we're LIVING THE DREAM ;)  HAAA!!!  Let's hope she doesn't pass whatever this bug is along to Juliet!

MADAM.

Kumari has been calling me "Madam" since we hired her.  I remember how much it bothered me in the beginning...how I was constantly reminding her to drop that title and call me Lindsay (minus the Madam!).  But the woman refused (as she does with many things that act to dissolve that strict employee/employer boundary) and I have since dropped the issue altogether.  Oh well.

But then the other day I got thinking.  The fact that I am called "Madam" is SUPER, SUPER weird.  I mean, I am the "Madam" of the house.  THE BOSS.  Someone apparently important.  The one that gives Kumari - the lady who is not only older and wiser than I am, but the lady who has raised a bazillion children throughout her career - orders on how to raise our babies.  HA!  Really, think about this.  Little old me, less than two years a mom - giving BABY INSTRUCTIONS and HOW TO'S - to a woman who has, I'm sure, worked with every type of baby you can imagine.  HA!!!!!!  It's super weird, guys.  SUPER, SUPER weird.

In other news, today I wanted to both jump out the window AND add at least ten more children to our family all within the span of a few hours.  Stop with the faces, people - if you're in the club, you've been there ;)  GOODNIGHT ALL!!!! xo

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

*  I finally managed to get into The Real Housewives of Orange County (#firstworldproblems).  Currently watching Season 8!

*  Have any of you tried gel nails?  I dove in for the first time last week and I'm just not sure what to make of them.  I mean, leaving the nail salon without having to worry about smudging my nails was a good thing, but these supposedly "un-chip-able nails" starting chipping for me on day #2.  DAY TWO, PEOPLE!  Clearly I need a lesson in gentle nail care because people are shocked when they hear this result.  #notevenanailbiter #youstillhavetogetthemremovedatthesalon

*  Jet is still fighting this nasty cold.  And it's getting more and more difficult to clear her nose because her eyes are starting to focus better and she can see the dreaded nose-sucker coming!  Nights have been a bit longer than usual (wait - days have been too), but I'm trying to stay positive and savour all of these "cuddle me please" moments because they simply won't last forever.  (For some kids, they don't exist at all!  #nory)

*  HASHTAGS.  I dig them. 

*  Yesterday I made some homemade cheese crackers and during my time in the kitchen I decided that I will forevermore only make heart-shaped crackers.  It's my belief they taste significantly better that way.  So I'm sticking to it!  We also had family pizza night and Nory took on the role of sous-chef.  She did a great job putting the seasoning on the pizza crust and a really, really great job of putting the cheese on too (only the second part is true....unless you like lots of tablespoons of seasoning on your pizza).  Next time, we will all grow from this wonderful family experience and limit Nory's role to "cheese gal".  She will totally excel at that ;)

*  Today Nory and I are getting a ride into "town" to go and cheer on the bulldogs at a basketball game!  We will meet Phil after his practice and then head over to the old campus to cheer on those boys that we still love so much!  GO BULLDOGS!!!!!!!!  Also, I can't wait to get out into civilization.  The type of civilization that does not revolve around a doctor's appointment. 

*  Emily (and not so much me) is really busy planning Jet's "Welcome to the World" party and Nory's second birthday party.  She is the "go big or go home" type, which means these are going to be some pretty OUTSTANDING events :)  Thank you God Mama Gem for all the hard work you put into making beautiful memories for our family!  WE LOVE YOU! xo

*  Somewhere along the way I have developed a pretty intense fear of cats.  I mean, our family cat (now in cat heaven....maybe) has always caused me to be a little bit anti-cat, but since his passing I've become even more skeptic that I could possibly develop a loving relationship with these spastic creatures.  My notion on unpredictable creatures remains true to this day:  they scare me.  Cats.  Birds.  Other animals in nature.  And, at times, toddlers. 

*  I get really attached to my travel mugs, you guys.  For the last 4 years, I have used a green Starbucks mug that Phil and I purchased during our wedding trip to Cyprus.  One piece of the lid had broken off, there was condensation in the formerly pretty outside casing, stains on the inside and some taste retention had also taken place (you know, where your coffee tastes like coffee with a little extra something).  Anyways, I took the plunge (as I did with gel nails - there's a theme to this post, people!) and purchased a new flashy Starbucks mug before Christmas.  Well, GOOD NEWS!  The old one has been tossed and I am IN LOVE with my brand new one :)  In fact, it's become my go-to mug for both INDOORS and OUTDOORS.  HOORAY!

*  Receiving the news "you haven't gained weight, but you haven't lost much either" from your doctor is a little odd.  Is she disappointed in me?  Is that a bad thing?  Didn't you ban me from intense physical activity for weeks?  Haven't I been trying to survive this transition period of toddler plus newborn?  I don't know.  But now I feel guilty and, not only is my FitBit ON, it is being used as a motivational tool.  If Jet can't sleep at night, you can bet I'll be walking the flat...back and forth....back and forth....

*  The final season of Parenthood is giving our tear ducts a workout.  I'm telling you, we didn't even last 30 seconds in last week's episode before we were crying like babies on the couch.  And I don't think it's because of my hormones.  Or because we're overtired.  I think they were legitimate tears that normal people would cry out! 

*  We have REALLY, REALLY wonderful friends here.  The type that message you just because, drop off hand-me-downs for the girls, or send you videos of your little one dancing up a storm.  It's so nice to belong to this community in Kuwait :) 

"The Dip"

I don't know why we call it this and I'm not sure why Jet likes it so much.  But it is an ideal, go-to position of ours.  It allows you to be entertained with various cute baby faces all the while providing a good range of motion to soothe her back to sleep.  It also allows you to eat the snack you made several minutes prior and drink a coffee while it's still somewhat hot (three cheers for being HANDS-FREE)!  Maybe we should patent this idea too...... 

She's ONE MONTH OLD!

It's a real wonder that all of these endless nights, dirty clothes, and cups of coffee have added up to 30 whole days of life for our littlest one.  Sometimes (like at 2 a.m. when I can no longer keep my eyes open....even a smidgen!), the days seem to drag.  At the same time, it's completely logical that the clock ticked all the way to ONE MONTH while we snuggled Jet silly and kissed her forehead a billion times.  Happy moments seem to accelerate time in every instance I can think of.  No matter the case, here we are at ONE MONTH OLD!

Jet continues to be a quiet and EXTRA cuddly little sweetheart!  The only time she really shows any discomfort is right after we take her out of the tub to dry off.  She is NOT a fan of being cold (hmmm...where might that trait come from?) but Phil and I have developed a post-bath-time "mute button" which should probably get patented and shared with parents across the globe ;)  It goes like this....

1)  Phil heats up beanie in the microwave.
2)  I lay Jet's towel out on the bed and wrap the hot beanie inside it.
3)  We give her a bath.
4)  One of us gets the (now warm!) towel from the bed and the other gets Jet out of the tub.
5)  Wrap her up!  Bring her back to the bed and lay her beside (the still warm!) beanie! 
6)  Laugh about how INSTANTLY her cry switches off and then pat her dry and get her ready for "bed".

I'm telling you people.  Short-term results for this procedure are FIVE-STAR!  I will get back to you on the long-term outcome of our post-bath-time mute button :)

Wait.  Back to step six where I remark "get her ready for bed".  HAAA!!!  Jet is still getting up to eat every 1.5 to 2 hours on average (sometimes sooner!) and I think that's been the hardest part of being her parents so far.  Nory was already sleeping in long stretches at this point, but the doctor said that Jet has more catching up to do and this sleep trend is very normal for preemies in the first little while.  At yesterday's weigh-in, she scored a 7.5 (pounds!) and in the past three weeks she has grown 5.5 cm!  The pediatrician was so thrilled!!!!  WAY TO GO, JET - that nickname of yours is proving to be more and more fitting.  Let's hope you get over your first cold (BIG BUMMER) as quickly as you have done other things.

Before I sign off here, I would like to thank really bad (or amazing!) television for keeping me somewhat alert during all these exhausting, nighttime hours.  I would also like to thank a noisy little toddler who also lives here for keeping me ON MY TOES during all these exhausting, daytime hours.  Our house is a bit of a circus right now and, at this point, I'm almost certain we could start charging admission.  Just ask our good pals in Kuwait!  The night time show is usually the best ;)

Oh how I love being a Mama to two little girls.  They are the GREATEST.  No sleep and tantrums included.

Speechless.

MARRIED!

It's strange that I have been able to handle five Christmases away in a row, yet crumbled to pieces (ah-hem, cried for 1.5 days) from missing my brother's wedding on Saturday.  Why did I cry for 1.5 days (instead of just one?!), you wonder?  Because the thing about being 8 hours ahead is that the fun is still going on in Ontario even though it's a shiny new day in Kuwait.  It's unkind to wake up the following morning and realize that the entire family is still dancing up a storm.  Thank you Time Change for prolonging my achy, achy heart. 

Oh well.  The truth is that I would have likely cried as much if I were at the event too!  My brother and his wife are two incredible people, with each of them being so thoughtful and compassionate - making it very clear that FAMILY is the MOST IMPORTANT THING.  They (both of them!) have this special ability to make you feel important and when you tell them anything at all, you know that they didn't just hear you, but they actually LISTENED to what you had to say.  They're the greatest!  By marrying Aubrey, my brother Graeme has grown our family in the most beautiful way :)  We love you both so very much!

Because we weren't able to make it to the wedding, we were asked by the wedding party if we would like to send a little video to show instead.  Being the least tech-savvy couple on Earth, we said yes!  HAAAAA!!!!  One very long night of iMovie tutorials ensued and I decided in those very frustrating hours that I have never missed my grade 6's so much!  Next time I have an "assignment" like this one, I'm recruiting their help.  And next time I give an "assignment" like this one, I'm giving them all A's.  The new generation knows what's up ;)

Here is what we came up with!  FYI:  Aubrey is AMERICAN!

CONGRATULATIONS, GRAEME AND AUBREY!!!!!!!!  Although we missed your special day, we hope that this star-studded video made up for it just a wee bit.  Wishing you a lifetime of happiness and adventure together! xo

The tale of two moms.

Actually, it's just the tale of one mom and that mom is ME!  They say that every child is different and I'm beginning to think the way you parent each child is different too.  Or at least it is in some ways...

When we brought Nory home from the hospital, she slept in a bassinet by our bed (a sorta expensive wooden one).............................for ONE night only.  Haha/Whoops!  Yep, I remember telling Phil that NOT ONLY did we need a crib in Nory's own room, but we also needed an adorable bassinet for her to sleep in during the first several weeks.  And since Phil knows way better than to argue with a pregnant (first time mama!) lady, the arrangement I envisioned came true!  Too bad said arrangement made the financial output so unjustifiable.  Haha/WHOOPS!  It's just that Nory's little grunts and moans were driving me crazy and I couldn't get any sleep with her in the same room as us.  In fact, I even contemplated turning off the baby monitor some nights because it had the same effect as an in-room baby at times.  Anyways, Nory was relocated to a crib in her own room and stayed in there from that point forward.  Money was wasted, but sanity was saved so....whatever.

With Jet, things are SO MUCH DIFFERENT!  I still wake up to every single noise she makes (sometimes she giggles in her sleep and it's the sweetest thing ever!), but this time around I just can't move the girl to any place on her own.  Not because I no longer value sleep.  Not because there's no other place for her to go (we have a baby-bed-like contraption in almost every room of the house), but because.......I don't know.  Sleep deprivation and all, I just can't.  Maybe it has to do with her being born early.  Or maybe it's because I realize how fast these smile-in-their-sleep days go by.  Nonetheless, I can't stop checking on her and, until I'm good and ready, she's staying beside me!  And thanks to a darling couple in our building, there will be no more getting out of bed, sitting up in bed, or straining my eyes across a dark room to see Juliet's sweet face.  The all-star couple lent us this glorious thing called a "co-sleeper bed" and it means that all I have to do is OPEN MY EYES and - BAM! - I can see Jet sleeping soundly beside me.  (That, you guys, is the magic of different parenting ideas and the wonderful mamas who share them!)

Easy peazy!  One quick look and I know she's okay :)

I'm curious to see how our approach to parenting changes in regards to other things.  I remember with Nory we were (or at least I was!) SUPER anti-pacifier.  Then, with Jet, my opinions on it became much more flexible as I started to think that she might be the type that could benefit from a little extra soothing.  And you know what?  We bought some pacifiers and tried them out!  Jet totally disliked them (or has so far), but if she HAD found comfort in using one, I would have been okay with it.  It makes me wonder what all of these parenting decisions depend on.  Is it prior experience?  New knowledge?  The children themselves?  I have no idea.  But I do know that parenting remains the most intriguing job ever.  It's like I've never been so sure before but I've never second-guessed myself so much....

There's a reason I posted a picture of JET sleeping and not ME!

In other sleep-related topics of discussion, have you guys noticed how people become progressively LESS CUTE SLEEPERS as they grow older?  I mean, at what point does the open mouth, snoring, drooling, sleeping face come into play?  If you've ever been on a red eye, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about people!  It ain't pretty.  But newborns are.  If only evolution decided to keep that quality forever more......

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

I have a confession to make.  Posts of these sort are cop-out posts.  Like ones that I write when I don't feel like sorting my thoughts into longer, more meaningful posts.  Or the ones I write when I truly have nothing longer or more meaningful to say.  Perhaps you know that already.  Glad you came back anyways ;)

*  HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!  Phil and I had a very quiet NYE together.  We enjoyed some appetizers and pretend bubbly all the while trying to keep our eyes open for a single episode of Greys Anatomy (romantic, right?!).  Then Phil took one look at me - decided I looked like an exhausted wreck (the romance continues! ha!) - and sent me to bed by 10 o'clock!  And - GET THIS - I slept for EIGHT HOURS IN A ROW!!!!!!!!!!!  Not because Jet slept that long.  But because my husband is the best ever and didn't come knocking for a rest until 6 this morning.  THANK YOU HUN! 

*  You know there's a newborn in the house if.......you decide a sweatshirt is still clean when "there's only a bit of spit-up on it."  Ha!!!!!!!!  Phil didn't even question my train of thought either.  

*  I started watching a show called "Face Off" this morning.  By started, I mean I only lasted two minutes.  It's a reality show about the incredible people who do special effects make-up.  The concept was great (the show has been on for 7 seasons!) but the effects were kinda frightening at times and so I had to quit it.  The last thing I need right now is nightmares ;)  In other tv news, Chasing Life has proven to be quite enjoyable :)

*  Nory.  Oh Nory.  Today we went to a nearby mall and what the entire experience taught us was that our daughter is officially "TWO".  TWO.  Of the terrible variety.  Eek!  Things that happened on our journey?  A huge, very public hissy fit about NOT purchasing some colourful spoons (#mortified).  The realization that she can reach the passenger door handle (#lockitup).  And an independent escape from her car seat (#nowwhat?).  When re-positioning her in the car seat, she continued to tell me "STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT!" until Phil turned around and said "excuse me?!".  To which our darling daughter reciprocated, "EXCUSE ME?!!!!"  And it's a gosh darn GOOD thing that laughter came out of the three of us because the alternative would have been a full fledged tear fest given the embarrassment Nory put us through in the mall.  Sigh.  We're not quite sure how we're going to navigate the upcoming challenges of this parenthood thing, but we're 100% certain that ELEANOR DOUGLAS is going to put us to the test.  Unfortunately, it's not one of those "study like mad and ace it!" sorta things either.  Otherwise, I'd rock it.  On my first attempt.

*  My brother is getting married in two sleeps and it's really hard to be here and not there.  REALLY, REALLY HARD.  You know, I thought I'd be able to "woman-up" and deal relatively fine.  I even thought I could "mom-up" and make it out okay.  But, you guys, it's tough!  Especially when you think about it AFTER your toddler has a serious meltdown in a jam-packed children's store....HA!

*  I love black and white photos.  LOVE, LOVE.  You might recall that our entire wedding album is black and white and I often turn my Facebook/Instagram photos into B&W too.  Not only do they reduce things down to a simplistic moment in time, they get rid of some of the blur that consistently happens with a toddler.  WIN/WIN! 

*  Bad news - my iPhone's touch screen capabilities are starting to get fussy.  As in, I SOMETIMES have to restart my phone in order for it to work.  My fear is if I ever have to make an important call and I am unable to do so before restarting my mobile.  I'm going to try restarting it every morning to see if that helps prevent the issue.  I'm not ready to part with this phone just yet.  Nor am I willing to fork out the cash for a new one! 

*  GO CANADA GO!!!!!!  We've been fortunate to be able to watch some of the World Junior Games with Canadian pals over the break.  This morning we watched the USA vs Canada game and MAN, the last few minutes were stressful!!!!!! 

*  REALLY GOOD NEWS!!!!  We have applied to get all of our passports either renewed or acquired!  We also applied for Jet to become an official Canadian citizen!  (We = Phil, by the way).  We're hoping to have these documents returned to us as soon as possible but, as with Nory's citizenship, the process can take 6-12 months.  We'll let you know when she's a REAL DEAL Canadian Girl!