Things that are really exciting:

Besides these fun performers....

1)  We are the proud owners of two goldfish.  Both of which are named "fishy".  They have become a bit of a traveling roadshow too, with Nory dictating which room she would like the fishbowl in at different parts of the day.  

2)  Nory turns TWO on Thursday!  I can't even believe it.  Her party is on Friday and it is CAT themed!  She's been talking about her "cat party" all week long.

3)  Jet is starting to understand that night means SLEEP and day means PLAY.  Hopefully I didn't jinx anything by saying that....

4)  Valentines Day is this weekend!  So many people dislike this day, but I'm a holiday gal through and through.  FEEL THE LOVE, PEOPLE!

5)  I was supposed to return to work this week.  INSTEAD, I'm thankful to have the option of unpaid leave and I still have two months left with the girls!!!!!!!!!!

6)  Right now, every 1 Kuwaiti Dinar is worth over 4 Canadian dollars!!!  Did we send money home today?  YESSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!

JUDGEMENT.

I've become pretty used to brushing off "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING LADY-WHO-THINKS-SHE-IS-A-MOM?!" judgement from strangers.  In my last post alone, I mentioned being questioned for bringing a "SMALL BABY" to the mall and for bringing the same "SMALL BABY" to a noisy basketball game.  I handled both considerably well (I think!) and it's all due to the two years of "practice" I've had with Nory.  Yes, PRACTICE.  As in, it happens so regularly that the number of incidences where you must respond to such remarks accumulates into nothing other than a very large, very epic curriculum.  Which makes the word "practice" seems appropriate.  And, therefore, I've been "practicing" for two years.  (We could actually include the pregnancy part, too, but I'm too tired to factor that in at this point).   

The truth is that the minute you become a mom (WOWEE!  CONGRATS!) you are also catapulted into this strange world where people of all sorts (even those who have never, ever been a parental figure) take a bizarre, personal interest in how YOU decide to raise YOUR child.  I capped the YOU and YOURS there, you guys!  Obviously, with intention.  People begin to judge you for everything.  And not just for the really big decisions, but also for the itty bitty ones that result in a spontaneous plan of attack.  Like when your child's nose is suddenly leaking boogies-for-days and you decide to use the bottom of their dress to wipe it off because a) you don't want them to eat the so-called boogies-for-days and b) you forgot a kleenex and c) they are already dirty from crawling around the dusty pavement and it's better they continue to muck up their own attire rather than muck up your own shirt which is still (relatively!) clean.  So ya, those itty bitty, last minute, what the heck am I going to do decisions?  Those seem to be worthy of judgement too.  P.S.  Just to recap here, the boogies-for-days were on MY CHILD'S dress, not yours.  We clear?! 

Anyways, the point of this post is that I really don't care about the judge-y strangers anymore.  I have surpassed that initial "oh my gosh a stranger just judged me and I'm the worst mom ever and will be raising my child indoors from this point forward" that happened two years ago.  I've learned to laugh it off as best I can and carry on.  But in this respect, there is one category of people that I simply can't and don't think I will ever shake off.  That is, the people who are close to us!  Family and friends.  When these people pass judgement on our parenting it plain old HURTS.  For days.  Because they, of all people, should know that every decision we make (no matter how big or how little) is made out of love.   

So.

With that being said.

If our child doesn't sleep the way you want them to, or eat THE WAY you want them to, or eat WHAT you want them to, or play the way you want them to, or know the stuff you want them to.......if WE don't react the way you want us to, PLEASE keep it to yourself.  Or at the very least, tell people that aren't going to tell us about it.  It's hard enough dealing with the judgement we already pass on ourselves.

I guess this is the part where I say thank you in advance?  Or where I bail for more coffee.  I guess I'll do both.  THANK YOU and COFFEE! xo

IF YOU WERE HERE FOR TEA.

*  Remember how I told you I had cabin fever?  And that I needed to get out?  WELL WE DID!  Last Thursday night we went to an outdoor festival with food, shopping, and entertainment.  Nory loved it and stole the spotlight by dancing up a storm with her Daddy.  It became one of those interesting moments where random people stood by and whipped out their mobiles to take pictures of our child.  And because Nory was so darn cute, I really couldn't blame them for becoming the paparazzi.

*  Friday was a BIG DEAL for the Parkinson family because it was the first day that we went out JUST US FOUR and also the first day that Jet went to a semi-crowded place (the Avenues!).  We started where we always do at Magic Planet (so Nory could hop on a few rides and run about) and then made our way to Tim Horton's for a coffee and a snack.  Of course we had to be criticized for bringing "such a tiny baby" out in public while we were there, but rather than saying what was REALLY on my mind, I maintained some self control and thanked them for their concern.  P.S.  She is almost 12 pounds and two months old.  P.P.S.  Thank goodness they spoke to the caffeinated version of me.

Nory pushing Jet through the mall.  BEST BIG SISTER EVAAA!!!!

*  Friday night I returned to the Avenues (GOLD STAR!) for a friend's birthday celebration.  We went for pedicures (the birthday girl READ MY MIND!) and then we ate dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  And THEN we battled our way through an INSANE NUMBER OF PEOPLE to get a few errands done.  It was so much fun!  No really, it was!  Happy Birthday "Coco"!!!!!

*  Saturday morning Phil had practice and so I took Nory into school to play on the slides with a friend.  She also took it upon herself to sit, splash, and drink every puddle in sight, which might be why she has a runny nose this week.  (Or was it because she licked the elevator wall the other day?  I can't keep up.) 

Needless to say, I always bring along a change of clothes...

*  Sunday afternoon, Jet attended her VERY FIRST BASKETBALL GAME!!!!!!  She got all dressed up in team colours and showed her support by sleeping her way through EVERY. SINGLE. QUARTER.  Nory also wore some Falcon Blue and looked pretty in a new sparkly dress.  She was a little more busy than Jet was (HA!!!!) and I was super thankful we brought Kumari along so we could trade off and each catch a bit of the game :)  A big thank you to Roxanne who also helped manage the Parkinson Glam Squad!  I wouldn't have caught a minute of the game without these two! xo

Matching RULES.

*  The blog's been quiet this week for one MAJOR reason:  Jet has pulled THREE all-nighters in a row.  Saturday night - no sleep!  Sunday night - no sleep!  Monday night - no sleep!  AHHHH!  And you have to believe me when I tell you that Nory is the loudest sister around and we do not run a quiet household during the day.  The lights are on, music is playing, Nory is running and jumping and laughing and screaming.  You'd think that Jet would have her days and nights figured out already.  Alas, when it's quiet and dark in the wee hours of the night, Jet feels the need to perk up and party on.  Sigh.  The good news - the REALLY, REALLY GOOD NEWS - is that she slept from about 7:30 to 7:30 last night (waking only to eat quickly) and I'm hoping this AMAZING trend continues.  Oh please let it continue......

*  Parenthood is OVER, you guys.  I can't even believe it.  How can a program draw you in for years, make you part of the family, and then say FAREWELL in a mere 42 minutes?!  Luckily other shows have returned and Scandal freaked me the heck out so badly that I might forget about the Braverman's altogether.  #yaright #butscandalwasstillsuperscary

*  Nory and I haven't been outside to play in DAYS.  DAYS!  Normally she says "BIKE!" and "FRIENDS!" first thing in the morning, but we've been so wrapped up in endless hours of tubby time, along with endless hours of painting/drawing/stickering that the courtyard has temporarily lost its appeal.  Perhaps a certain birthday present will draw her back to the sunshine.......

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