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! 

Babysitter Mickey / Holiday Mickey

This house LOVES Mickey Mouse.  And after this performance, we might just love him even more.  I never thought that was possible........

P.S.  Her moves are KILLER ;)

Baby Juliet's First (Official!) Photo Session ;)

With Auntie Gem out of the country, I had to do my best to capture some newborn pictures of Juliet on my own.  Nervous but without a better option, I got out some props and went to work with my iPhone (yes, my iPhone!) while Nory napped and Phil kept busy with a relaxing massage.  I had the full intention of using my Nikon, however I forgot to charge it the night before and didn't want to delay the pictures beyond this precious three week mark.  Not going to lie - it was definitely a challenge with one person.  It was also a challenge with a wee one that likes to be warm (shots without clothes were impossible!) and snuggled (the cozy blanket seemed to work well as a temporary alternative to ME!).  Alas, we worked it out and the two of us made some camera magic happen (or so I like to think).  Of the hundreds of photos I took, some of them actually turned out!

Weighing in now at (we think!) 5.5 pounds, Jet is such a little peanut.  She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to be held and cuddled and sleeps best when she's nice and warm against one of us.  Although she's up to eat quite often (being more of a grazer like her Mama), we'll take the exhaustion if it means she's staying strong and healthy!  She's actually starting to out-grow some of her "up to 5 lbs" outfits, which are her very own since Nory never had clothes that little.  The next collection is for "up to 7.5 lbs", which I hope she enjoys as it's (mostly) all hand-me-down's from that point onward ;)  Haha.

You'd be shocked to learn that - KNOCK ON WOOD, times a billion - Juliet is not a crier.  I feel scared even admitting this to you (and I hope the Baby Gods don't strike me down and pull a 180 on me), but it's been the truth for the last three weeks.  Jet lets out the odd grunt or tiny shriek, but it is certainly not a cry and on this much sleep, I think it's our saving grace!  Thank you, Juliet!  You go, Girlie! xo

With this (likely!) being our last baby, I find myself skipping out on my to-do's to enjoy every second possible with her and her big sister.  I can't believe Nory is going to be two in February!  Ah!

We love you Baby Juliet!  Your invitation to snuggle is open 24/7.  And if you could teach your sister to be a little more cuddly like yourself, that would be a very nice thing to do (albeit a miracle)!  That sissy of yours is a wild one!  XOXO

Do you think she'll be an athlete?

(I suppose she already is one!)

***** Track Star! *****

Biker Girl!

Basketball Player!

Soccer Player!

Strong-woman type stuff?  She must get this from God Daddy Dain :)

LISTED.

I figured that it's way easier to make lists than to form full-fledged, logical sentences right now.  It's also easier to drink your survival coffee with a free hand.  Hence, a bunch of lists that I typed up with one hand only.  GOLD STAR!

Things We Gotta Do

*  write thank you cards (all billion of them)

*  pack up Christmas (hey, when it's over, it's over!)

*  renew passports

*  organize storage room

*  put away Christmas gifts

*  cut Jet's nails (un-fun)

*  book a cleaning with dental hygienist (also un-fun)

*  go to Ministry to book RSV vaccine appointments for Jet (yet again, un-fun)

What I Missed Most About Being NOT Pregnant

*  sleeping on my stomach

*  hot tubs and boiling hot showers

*  licking the spoon (after baking!)

*  caffeine

Shows We're Excited For

*  Girls (January 11th)

*  Bachelor (January 5th)

*  Celebrity Apprentice (January 4th)

Top Phrases Said Around The House, Circa December 2014

*  I'm tired.

*  I'm exahusted.

*  She just ate!

*  Do you have to go potty?

*  I love her so much!

How are you doing?

It seems to be the polite thing to ask someone after they've had a baby.  I try to respond in a realistic, yet optimistic way because I'm not sure I want to get into all the details on how I'm truly feeling (e.g. "I'm tired, but good!").  In fact, I often divert to the girls because talking about how awesome they are comes way more easily than talking about how much of an emotional wreck I  (often!) am these days.  "Jet is so snuggly!" or "Nory is a great big sister!" are some of my go-to responses. 

But if I were to be 100% honest with people, I'd be given the sorry-I-asked face in about point two seconds.  I'm a hot mess, you guys!  There's a billion emotions that go through my body each and every day and it seems to me like every single one of them is dependent on how good of a mom I feel in that very moment.  Happy?  I just rocked that burp session!  Anxious?  What if I don't swaddle her tight enough and the blanket goes over her face?  Overwhelmed?  Am I giving both of my girls the attention they need and deserve? 

This is why it meant so much to me - SO, SO MUCH TO ME - when I was NOT asked how I was doing the other day.  Instead, I was TOLD how I was doing:

You're doing a great job, Linds!

I'm going to hold onto this one little sentence forever.  It was everything I needed in that moment.  And in this one too.

Thank you to that special person who didn't ask, but told.  You're the best! XOXO

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA!

The caffeinated edition returns!  When you're up every two hours (on the dot!) it's the only way you make it through and remain somewhat kind.....

There's been a lot of this going on......

*  Two more sleeps until Christmas!  Phil and I are busy wrapping presents this afternoon as both girls nap.  We're excited for Christmas morning this year - more than we have been in MANY, MANY YEARS - because we did LEGITIMATE Christmas shopping for each person.  With no vacation to pay for and no baggage limits to abide by, we decided to put an exclamation point on the stressful few weeks we've had!

*  The heat has been switched on!  It's nice during the day (sweater weather, though), but at night it has been SO COLD!  Even Dana sent me a message the other morning to agree with my temperature description.  In fact, I believe she used the word "freezing"!  BUSTED!  Haha.

Patrolling the courtyard!

*  I've become much less paranoid about having Kumari watch Jet.  I mean, I still make sure she's been fed and changed and that she's asleep before walking out the door, but at least I MAKE IT OUT THE DOOR and have some quality time with Nory in the courtyard.  And - IN REALLY BIG NEWS - I actually LEFT THE PREMISES the other evening to go see Christmas lights (and the water fountain!) with Phil and Nory at the nearby mall.  WHOA!!!!!

If she wasn't buckled in here, you can bet she'd be running for the "wawa"!

*  I am not returning to work until after spring break (the second week of April)!!!  This marks the start of quarter four and all parties involved decided this decision was best for our family, the school, and my students.  I, personally, really want to make up for the time I lost with Nory when I was in the hospital and on bed rest.  She's growing up so fast and I - for my own sanity - can't handle any more mama guilt.  HOORAY FOR EXTENDED LEAVE and SUPPORTIVE WORKPLACES!!! 

*  The other day I had a mani/pedi at the house (compliments of two of our friends!).  The nails turned out AMAZING and I'm so happy to have pretty hands and feet once again.  That being said, the experience slaughtered my mental health a smidgen when I was called fat and pale with hairy arms.  Yep, apparently I need some exercise, waxing, and tanning!  #wouldnothappeninCanada

*  Tomorrow morning we are having a Christmas Eve brunch in the courtyard with other families who are here for the break.  I have to think of something to bake for the gathering.  My hope is to get this done tonight so that I'm not scrambling in the morning!

*  Passport photos for babies are impossible.  We had the same troubles with Nory but at least she was a little bulkier and stayed put a little easier.  Jet's head doesn't seem to want to face the camera, nor do her eyes want to stay open.  Let's hope the task gets done and a passport photo is secured soon.  Otherwise, y'all better book your flights to Kuwait.  #sorry

*  Having a baby around Christmas time might have given Nory the impression that presents are a daily thing during the month of December.  Every single day (NO JOKE!), we've had either a knock at the door with a gift delivery or we have opened our door to find presents outside.  And so many people have decided to give Nory something along with Jet.  Our saving grace is that at age 22 months, this daily routine should already be forgotten by Eleanor next year.  FINGERS CROSSED, haha!

Thirty minus one!

Friday was my birthday and I turned the big 2-9!  My mom asked me if I felt bothered getting closer to age thirty and I laughed as I told her that I just LOVE birthdays so the number doesn't upset me one bit!  BIRTHDAYS RULE.  Why doesn't everyone love them?!  (Ah-hem, Phil???!!!)

I'm also not one of those people that believes December birthdays are a bad thing.  The whole "but you get ripped off on presents" theory is totally lame and defeats the purpose of the holiday season in instances where it might hold some truth.  DECEMBER IS THE ULTIMATE MONTH (you've heard my spiel before)!  And soon enough Jet will realize just how lucky she was to be born in the fabulous Month Number Twelve! 

This year, we kept it very low key.  Dana came over and we (eventually!) made three different varieties of cookies:  shortbread cookies, sugar cookies, and macaroons!  We decided to share them with our different friend groups to help ease any homesickness for those who are stuck in Kuwait for the holidays.  We've got super reviews so far!  (Our fridge is now empty).  

Next year we hope to be on a wonderful holiday when we celebrate my entry into a new decade :) It will probably be one of those holidays that isn't really relaxing (with TWO little movers and shakers), but it will be awesome nonetheless.  Oh - and I will be all mature and stuff like that ;) 

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes!!!  Your messages and phone calls made me feel extra special! xo