Six Degrees of Separation

It's no secret that I wasn't the biggest fan of my last hairstyle. Really, I didn't love my highlights. I liked the idea of being blonder. I just didn't like how they were done. They weren't even and I didn't totally like the colour. Or the experience.
So, since I'm going to see my beloved Bill in a couple of weeks, I decided that I would try to get these highlights fixed.
I was trying to think of a good place to go to.I finally picked one that I drove past all the time. It looked nice, it was an Aveda salon and most importantly they were able to put me in at the time that I wanted.
When I met the colourist I had a good feeling. She was friendly, cool (but not uber cool) and east going. And when I tried to explain what I didn't like about the highlights she knew exactly what I meant and said she could fix it up. Great!
I liked her immediately.
So, we got on to the topic of why I only wanted highlights not a cut. She was cool with just highlighting. And then she asked me who cuts my hair.
I told her.
She knew him. Seriously.
THEY WENT TO SCHOOL TOGETHER.
I almost fell off my chair. My colourist went to hairdressing school with my Bill. Wow! No wonder she was so good.
And, she idolizes him also. She watches him on Cityline. And, she said that he's always had that "thing" that I describe. Even in school people would watch him and want to see what he was doing. Apparently one time he told her that she looked good with bangs and she has always had some sort of fringe since. (He would have been about 25 when he made this comment).
She told me some funny stories about him. I told her some funny stories. It was a pretty cool conversation. And,I was totally relaxed. It was the type of hair experience you want. I trusted her completely.
The finished product is pretty cool. I have no more big gold streaks. Instead it looks like I've been in the sun. I'm thinking I should go get a spray tan just to complete the look. It's so springy.
I can't wait for Bill to see it.

Real Moms ... Can Laugh

Today I got tagged by the wonderful Haley. And, this is a great Meme. The point of it is that you are supposed to answer the question Real Moms ... then explain it and add a picture. I'll tag people at the end. So ...

Real Moms ... Can Laugh! They know that being ridiculous and silly and not taking yourself too seriously works.
You think I'm kidding? Clearly you have not heard my Harold the Helicopter impression, haven't watched my lame attempts at bellydancing or caught me playing with some of the cooler McDonald's Happy Meal toys.
I took the whole parenting thing very seriously for about 3 months. There was no laughing till I cried. I was totally serious and focussed on nursing and nutrition and all of that. And, then my friends got me to smile, and eventually laugh. I'll never forget Salina putting her teeny tiny newborn in the puppet theatre while the serious moms watched in horror (she was supporting his head). I'll never forget Ginny's wheel falling off her stroller on our walk home from the grocery store with 3 kids and tons of groceries. (It wasn't funny at the time)
As Matt has gotten older I've learned that really it's a million times easier to laugh over spilled milk or giggle at a silly temper tantrum. It's more fun to run around playing tag with the toddlers instead of standing on the sidelines with the cooler parents. I've learned that there's nothing quite like laughing hysterically with your toddler over a dumb joke. And I can't tell you you the enjoyment I get when Matt says something ridiculous and my husband and I laugh about it for days. (like yesterday he told us that for lunch he had macaroni, french fries and monkeys. Monkeys??? )
I'm quickly learning that sometimes when you can't change your situation and it seems a little dire - that you may as well put a positive spin on it because being mad won't fix a situation. We've all heard the saying "Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone".
Life isn't easy. Parenting often sucks. Babies and toddlers take it out of you.
But, from me to you, here's permission to be silly.
Go ahead, do your best Dora impression (even if people stare), laugh at a silly joke, make up some gibberish just for fun and see what happens. You never know. You may just start laughing too.
Here are my tags:
The person who taught me about motherhood - My Mom
One of the coolest moms out there (whom I aspire to be like ) - Multitasking Mommy
Her Husband - because I KNOW he'll have a really good one - Sci Fi Dad
My friend who is amazing to watch in Action - Natalie
And of course - my husband - because he shares this craziness with me

ANTM - My LIttle Critic

For those of you who have been reading this blog for awhile, you will know one thing about me - of all the tv I watch, America's Next Top Model (ANTM) is one of my favourite shows.
I know it's dorky. I know some people think that Tyra is annoying (just kidding!) but really, there's something really enjoyable about the show to me. I love watching the Jays and how mean they are. I love the girls. I love the catfights. I love the pictures. I love guessing who will be kicked off.
It's the one show I don't miss during the week.
But I'm realizing that Matty likes the show also.
Last night was an odd evening. I went to the gym nice and early and then got home before Matt's bedtime. But, I hadn't had much dinner and I suggested to Matt that we eat popcorn and watch Mommy's show.
Usually he says no to watching Mommy's show. But the popcorn, the models, Tyra - it was too much for him to resist.
So, at 8pm we curled up on the couch and watched ANTM.
It was adorable. He was excited by the challenges and I had him pick his favourite model. He chose Miss Jay. (the one on the left) Miss Jay isn't even a model, but whatever. (FYI I like Mr. Jay on the right)

We laughed, we chatted, we ate popcorn. We critiqued. I loved it.
I'm hoping to raise him to understand the importance of a good reality show. Besides, watching ANTM beats Dora any day. Not to mention that the other shows I watch, like House, are a little too frightening for Matt.
Besides. I would be soooo proud if Matthew grew up to be a fashion expert.

Ouchie Ouchie Ouch!!!

Today when I picked up Matthew I was greeted with this looking back at me.
Ouch! This picture just doesn't show well enough how purple his eye really is.
It turns out that he ran into a table at daycare.
I know, I know. Boys will be boys. And Matty is most definitely a boy through and through. But, still ouch!
The thing I love about our daycare is that they are pretty relaxed about this stuff. I didn't get a frantic middle of the day phone call or anything. There was an accident report when Mike picked him up. They'd given him ice and TLC and watched him at naptime. We couldn't have done anything more.
Truthfully, I feel horribly guilty about it all, but I know this could have happened under my watch. Truthfully, I don't know how it hasn't!
So, perhaps the modelling career will be put off a couple of months. There are worse things, I know, than him having a black eye for his 3rd birthday.
As I type this Matt is doing sommersault off the couch and balancing on a table. Yes, boys will be boys. And mommies will forever feel guilty when they hurt themselves in the process.
It turns out that Matt is just fine. My nerves - a little frayed.

Apparently ... I'm conservative

Your Political Profile:

Overall: 60% Conservative, 40% Liberal

Social Issues: 75% Conservative, 25% Liberal

Personal Responsibility: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Fiscal Issues: 50% Conservative, 50% Liberal

Ethics: 25% Conservative, 75% Liberal

Defense and Crime: 100% Conservative, 0% Liberal

How Liberal Or Conservative Are You?

Okay ... So I did this poll.
What????
I'm conservative. According to this I'm apparently completely conservative. Interesting. Check it out.
Just an FYI - I don't really agree with this. But, it's fascinating. I have to say, though. In Canadian politics I'm not so sure that this is totally accurate. Just a thought.

Eye Spy

Lately my eyes have been bugging me.
Don't worry. It's not a big deal. It's just that I've owned glasses since I was 10 years old. I used to wear them infrequently. In fact, my 5th grade teacher accused me of wearing them for fashion purposes only. (Me? never)
But, as I've grown up, I've been using them more. I don't really think this is an aging thing, since I am not too terribly concerned about aging right now. But, lately it's been really bothering me. I can't drive without glasses. I can't go shopping without glasses. I can't go anywhere without putting my glasses on.
It's getting restrictive because sometimes I don't want to always make sure I have my sunglasses (the prescription ones) at all times. I'd really like to have a pair for my car and for my purse and for a million other places. But, when they are prescription this is not feasible.
So ...
I'm looking into contacts. I know lots of people have them. And I know I'm a bit of a wimp for holding out this long. But really. I'm not sure about touching my eyeballs and all of that.
I've been assured that it's not that bad. That you get used to it.
So, my fingers are crossed that at my appointment today I'll be ready to go. And, then I'm going sunglasses shopping. Yay!!!

Top of the Mornin' To Ya!

St. Patrick's Day is kind of big deal in our family since my grandmother (who has passed away) loved this holiday. It was the day she always celebrated her Irish roots - she was a feisty red head who loved her Shamrocks (in fact, before she died she gave me her beloved shamrock ring).
So, Nana, Cheers!!!
The St. Paddy's celebrations continue to your great-grandchildren!!!

See how Irish my sister looks. Her un-Irish looking baby is compensating by wearing Shamrocks on her head.

Steve, my brother-in-law, combines his love of St. Paddy's Day with his love of Star Trek. Steve, you're sooooo cool.

Of course I got into the spirit as the Shamrock headband made the rounds. The only green thing I had was a tank top. Brrrrrr. Paige already thinks I'm crazy and she's not even 2. Oh dear (I love her expression here!)


Paige wanted to try the green beer. Yum yum.

Yummmm ... green beer.


Kyla and Matt were delighted to clink their own "green beer" (it was green juice) Wisely we provided them with plastic cups.















This picture is in honour of Multi-Tasking Mommy who always has pictures of her festive foods on her blog. I was inspired to make something green. So I came up with this jello pie. It was a little weird. But ... so is drinking green beer.

I know, I look like I had way too much green beer! (okay, it was maybe a little too much beer the night before - love the Irish pubs with friends). It's our group shot. Minus Mike who was taking pictures.
Finally, Miss Kyla, the princess. The words are spelled out in green shamrocks. Too cute!

Who I Am

When I posted about my poor driving experience on the weekend my husband asked me why I would post such a thing. Why, he wanted to know, did I feel I should put something out there about myself that is insulting to me. Don't I care that I failed so many driving tests?

Truthfully, I really cared at the time, but once time passes the things that seem so huge don't matter all that much. I think that's kind of the point of blogging. You're putting yourself out there. And if someone reads it and says "hmmmm ..." (whether good or bad) then at the end of the day I think something has been accomplished.

I also hope that one day Matthew will read this (or some of it) and realize that sometimes we can't take life so seriously. So, I suck at Bellydancing. Laugh about it. So, I damaged the car wheel. Laugh about it. And, I also hope that when he reads about my choices when it comes to him, you know the parenting decisions, he'll understand my motivation behind them. Whether he agrees or not ... that's a whole other story.

But, at the end of the day, like it or not, I am who I am. And, you know, I'm kind of liking me a whole lot these days. I hope you do too.

Here's my favourite quote. It's from Dr. Seuss. It sums my feelings up nicely.

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those that matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

Bedtime Success ... Kinda

We made it through our tough love parenting night just fine.
Last night Matthew was kind of tired. Because we had to bring the car in to get the tire fixed Matt got a lovely excursion around Canadian Tire. He then got to run through the mall, eat food court food and basically burn off some energy.
All evening we talked about the evening plan - brush teeth, use toilet, go to bed.
By the time we got home and he had his bottle of chocolate milk (no comments on the bottle at age 3 ... I know though in fairness he didn't take a bottle until his first birthday) he turned the tv off, at my prodding, and headed upstairs.
Brushing teeth time was great. He even used the toilet. And then he went to bed. After a few cuddles (and no book, but I don't know why) he went to bed. And stayed there.
He was there for an hour while I did some stuff. He was wide awake.
As is my custom, when I was ready for bed I hopped in with him, as he has taken to sleeping in our bed. You see, our bedroom has no monsters. So I cuddled up with my wide awake child and proceeded to drift off at which point he bonked me on the head, said "I don't like sleeping with you, Mommy" and went off to find Mike who put him in his big boy race car bed. We didn't hear a peep from him after that.
So let's review. After months of struggling with Matt in one night he:

1. Does not fight with us when we say it's bedtime
2. Uses the toilet (commenting that's what big boys do)
3. Brushes his teeth happily
4. Decides to sleep in his own bed

I haven't slept so well in months. Is it possible that of all the people fighting the time change it's working for us?
Knock on wood. Last night was great.
I know. I know. It's all about the routine.

Cause Monday is Always a Good Day to Start NEW Routines

We've been a little remiss in the bedtime routine lately.
Matthew is really stubborn. And this makes bedtime really difficult. We were kind of in a routine up until December, and then when we moved things got rough.
In order to get Matt to sleep we've been (collective gasp) been letting Matt have a bottle of chocolate milk. I know.
It started as a one time thing and then gradually increased.
And then I read an article on tooth decay and kids. The truth is that he doesn't sleep with chocolate milk in his mouth, but the lack of teeth brushing is really getting to me. I'm not saying that we DON'T brush his teeth, but still.
Plus, we've been in a little slow in the toilet training department.
So tonight we're changing up the routine. We're letting Matthew go to bed later than normal (8 instead of 7:30). We're having Treehouse and chocolate milk. Then teeth brushing. Then toilet. And then bed with water only.
I get that other people have figured this routine. We've just gotten into the rut of doing what's easiest. It's just that we're beginning to learn that what seems like and easy way out isn't always an easy way out in the long run.
I HATE being this tough. It sucks.
But, at the same time it's really working to be tough. Like, I am being really firm about Matt listening. Tonight Matt was running around the upper level of the mall and he saw the elevator doors open. He was about to go in (with a stranger) and from the other side of the mall I shouted "Matthew STOP!"
AND HE DID!
I was amazed. Is it possible that strict Mommy is paying off? I guess so.
So we shall see how tonight's bedtime routine goes. If I'm extra tired at work tomorrow at least everyone will know why.

Driving Error

Crunch!

Here's something you may not know about me. I do not excel at driving.
The Ontario Graduated Licensing System came into effect the year I turned 16. For those who don't know, this is a system where to be fully licensed you have to take 3 tests - one written and two driving. The first driving test is comprised of the basics such as driving on city streets, parking, parallel parking etc. This is considered the easy test. The second test is the highway driving test where you are tested on more advanced skills such as merging onto the highway and yet another parallel park. This is considered the hard test.
A lot of people complained about graduated licensing. For me (and those who share the roads with me) it was a good thing.
I passed the written test with flying colours. That is where my driving success ended.
I went on to attempt 5 G1 exit tests. Yes. That's the "easier" of the tests. I won't get into details. They will scare you. I will say that in one test I actually freaked out the teacher so much that he asked me to pull over so he could drive back. However, he did complement me on my parallel parking skills.
It wasn't just a series of errors. I was horrible. I took driver training with 2 different teachers. Neither were successful in eliminating my fear of other drivers, merging into traffic or pretty much driving in general.
My parents took me driving on many occasions. Though they swore they were clear headed, if they secretly had a few drinks before getting in the car with me I would not have blamed them. It was scary.
My brother-in-law made a concerted effort at teaching me. Though I have to say he was the most calm instructor he could not manage to help me get through a test.
Finally, when I got engaged, I secretly went out and took tests. The only people who knew were my Young Drivers teacher, Mike (my then fiancee) and Sabrina (one of my closest friends). For the first time in my life I had a teacher who made me feel confident behind the wheel. He would shout at me when I wasn't aggressive enough, tell me that pedestrians weren't royalty - so don't give them so much space, and would get pissed off if I didn't go through a yellow. In fact, when it came time to teach me highway driving, he took me on a lesser known entrance to the DVP and told me to speed up because I was on a highway.
I loved the guy. He was not going to teach me if I was going to be afraid. I got rid of my fears, hopped in the car and drove.
In between lessons Mike would let me drive his car. My big issue was parallel parking and backing up. So for weeks on end we spent hours in the car. Mike had his headphones on and closed his eyes and I would sob and wail and scream and cry and try my best to back up. Eventually I mastered it.
And then I took my driving test. AND PASSED. Fifth time was a charm, I guess.
In fact, I got a perfect test. When the instructor told me that I was so shocked and excited and proud that I started crying. I could not stop crying. He went in and found my instructor who tried to comfort me. But, I had to explain these were happy tears. He had to take me in and to the correct lineup because I was so emotional.
Of everything I've done in life, this was the one thing that I was unwilling to fail on no matter how much effort it took.
I drove Mike's old car for a few months and then we bought a nice shiny new car. It was kind of a dumb move, since I still wasn't that great a driver, but I was proud.
My second test was not that exciting. When I found out I was pregnant I booked a test, grabbed my mom (since our shiny new car had a huge dent on it which I thought would hinder my passing abilities) and I passed on the first try. I think my giant stomach helped matters. And there was no traffic.
However, I am still a pretty crappy driver.
I'm lacking in hand-eye coordination. I sometimes speed and sometimes drive under the speed limit. I listen to the radio too loud. I talk on my phone and use my blackberry while driving. I am not horrible, but I would not rate myself perfect. By any means.
I've never gotten a ticket - except for parking.
I've never been in an accident. That is, I've never had an accident with another person/car. I've driven into parking garage pillars, posts, garbage cans, etc.
But then today ... I drove into a curb. Or kind of into and over it. Who knows. It was the loudest thing I've ever heard. I completely destroyed my front tire.
WHO DOES THAT????

Matty inspects the damage ... "Mommy broke the wheel."

I was so excited to take Matthew to the park today. But, he started to scream when I was driving into the playground parking lot. I looked back at him and accidentally drove over the curb. Holy crap. It was the loudest noise ever. I'm kind of accustomed to doing stupid things like this, but today I actually broke my tire.
I didn't think I'd done any damage until I went to get out of the car and realized that I was a lot closer to the ground than normal. Hmmm ...
Another mom came over. And asked if I was okay. Considering Matthew was singing away and none of the air bags had gone off I was. I said "I just don't know why the car is so low."
She was like "well, your tire us flat."
Crap.

This is the real reason we were here - not to fix the car

So, I called Mike and he came over in our borrow Saturn (thanks, Beck) to observe the situation.
While we were waiting we actually did play in the park. It was warm. We had fun. And then Mike arrived.
He wasn't mad at all. (used to me perhaps?)
It turns out that he has changed flat tires before, so it was fine. Our car actually had a jack and spare tire. I didn't know cars came with all that stuff. So, Mike changed the tire while Matt said over and over again "Daddy is fixing the wheel. Mommy broke it. She crashed our car."
Thanks, Matt.
So ....
I'm now a little traumatized by my stupid driving experience, but thankfully all is well. We'll get a new tire the tire will get fixed and I will watch out for curbs. Fun fun Sunday afternoon.
The funniest part of all of this is that Matthew thought the whole thing was planned for his enjoyment. He loves fixing things, and what is more fun than a broken car and a playground at the same time??

How great is it that Mommy brought her camera for such an occasion. "Stand next to the broken car and say Cheese!"

My Revelation

Part of my angst yesterday, in addition to being sad about my friend, is a bit of a guilt issue. I've written about guilt before. I'm a person who feels guilty about a lot of things, who says sorry a lot and who cries at the drop of a hat. You could say I'm overly sensitive or that I wear my heart on my sleeve.
I don't think that's a bad thing.
It's who I am.
But add a child to the mix, which I did about 3 years ago, and guilt can be an overpowering emotion.
When I first went back to work I felt incredible sadness for leaving my child. I also felt incredible guilt. This post isn't about that. I'm proud of my decision. Matthew is fine in daycare. We're happy.
But there are times when I'm not.
And, sometimes, work sucks.
In fact, someone mentioned to me the other day that they don't call work "work" because it is fun, but because it is work. That kind of bummed me out. I mean, you spend the majority of your day there. Sure, you're there to do a job, but really.
I do kind of like work sometimes. In fact a lot of the time.
And today, I was feeling pretty good about things at work. It was bonus day (yay!) and it was Friday (yay!)
So back to my original point. I was still feeling pretty guilty for going to work and leaving my child. I was going down that path of wondering what my priorities were and whether I should be working.
And I realized something.
I have to choose to be happy.
That sounds pretty simple. But it's true. If I'm going to make the conscious choice to leave Matt everyday and go to work, even though it's out of necessity, I'm going to stop being so negative. The stuff I don't like I'm going to put up with. And then stuff I like I'm going to enjoy it.
I remember thinking when I first went back how nice it was to sit for extended periods of time, to have the luxury of a quiet cup of coffee if I needed it, and to have a conversation that was not centred on all things baby.
I've forgotten about that lately.
So from now on I'm going back to being positive, to looking for the good in my day, and meeting the challenges head on. I know they aren't all wonderful and fun, but onward we go.

PS This will be one of the posts I look back on and think wow. I was really dorky that day!

Sending Love

Last night over dinner my parents told us that a friend of the family has breast cancer.
The sad thing about this is that her son is about a year younger than mine. I can't imagine going through something like this knowing you have a young child, hoping for the best and fearing the worst.
I haven't seen her in awhile. In fact, it's been more than a year. We had dinner and chatted about breastfeeding vs. formula and sleep issues. It's one of those friendships you can drift in and out of - and catch up with the person when you see them.
I didn't really expect that the next e-mail would be announcing breast cancer.
Part of me is sad and worried. The other part of me feels kind of guilty. I realized that I trust way too much that people will just always be there when I want to hang out. I'm so guilty about letting friendships go too much, focusing on the people who are close at the time (distance wise in many cases) and saying "maybe next weekend we'll go see ..."
Luckily most of my friends are okay with this. Maybe part of this is due to the fact that I ama bit of a high intensity person and so sometimes Laural in small doses is a good thing. Or, maybe it's cause people know that if they are my friend I LOVE them.
But my point is, this is something I'm going to change.
So, please, go out. Call someone you haven't talked to in a bit just to say hi. It's totally worth it.
And, while you're doing something nice, say a prayer, think a good thought or do whatever it is you do to wish my friend luck. Her name is Lisa, and right now I think she needs whatever hope we can send her way.

Tag!!!

Gotta say, I love tag! I play it with Matthew. I play it on the internet. I'm actually one of those people who will fill out the e-mails that are 100 questions that you have to send to all your friends. LUV them (when I have time).
So, being tagged by Haley is super cool. In case you don't know who she is check out her blogs. What's not to like - she loves America's Next Top Model and blogs about celebrities.

Anyway ...

THE TAG: FIVE REASONS WHY I BLOG

FIVE REASONS WHY I BLOG:

1. I LOVE the comments. Sometimes they make me cry (in a good way). Bloggers are very supportive people.
2. It's cool to know that people care what goes on in my life
3. It encourages me to keep writing
4. It's nice to have a forum to talk about things that are important to me.
5. Matthew is my favourite topic, and I love writing about him and seeing how he is growing.

And I tag ...

Multi-tasking Mommy, My husband, Ruthie, and Leece (who I hate since she's in Mexico!)

No No No

Our conversation tonight:
Matthew: "Mommy. I want my show. I want Treehouse."
Me: "Nope. Mommy's show is on."
Matthew: "No. I want my show. I want Treehouse. I WAAANNNT TREEHOUSE."
Mike and I together: "No. No Treehouse."
At the time we had on Entertainment Tonight which was being drowned out by his screaming.
"OK."
He looked right at us, walked over to the tv, and turned it off.
Wow!
If only I had the nerve to be so outspoken.
Part of me wants to tame this toddler. But part of me wants to let him be like this, because that's what's going to get him ahead in life.
(and we really didn't need to watch ET anyway.)

Painting ... Not for the Faint of Heart

Today was supposed to be our "do nothing day." I promised to sleep in and have no plans for the day.
The sleeping in part worked. I didn't get up until 7:30 and then had no mad panic to have a shower. I came downstairs and even made us all breakfast - something I never do. And then I was sitting, and trying to figure out what was bothering me. This ...

I HATE this colour of green. Every time I walk down the hall I want to scream. So, despite our plans for a quiet day I pulled out the primer and the green painters' tape and went to town.
Notice how similar the greens are: (the walls were also dirty and filled with old smoke from the previous owner)


When our big container of primer came out Matthew realized what was going on and asked to paint as well. Why not? I found him a little paintbrush and thought I'd let him do some painting which he thought was a lot of fun.


It was a lot of fun so Matthew painted and painted and painted.


He soon realized that the crappy little paintbrush I had given him was not nearly as effective as the large roller that I was using. When I said no to him using the roller he took matters into his own hands...


LITERALLY!!!


We tried to stop him, but every time I tried to say no he smiled and I started to laugh. I ran for the camera and Mike had to leave the room because he was finding the mess so stressful.


But the truth is, he was actually doing a great job of getting the wall covered, and we were having fun, so what was the big deal? He was being helpful, and the paint was water-based.
At the end of it all it turned out very well. Matty was very proud if his masterpiece. A nice bath and he was fine.


I had told Mike we'd just prime it all then leave it for a bit and decide on a colour.
As if.
Halfway through I left Mike painting and Matt watching Cars and went off to Home Depot to choose my paint colour. I went with a taupe - called "Designer White" which is a pale taupe. (for the record - not remotely white, so I don't understand the name) It is growing on me. It's the colour of my skin. Strange. I think I would blend into my wall if I tried. So that's a little weird. But it's soooo much nicer than the horrible green.


I know that the colour is a little bit boring, but I'll take light, airy and boring over that horrible dark hospital green anytime.
My favourite part of it all is the little footprint Matt left on the floor. I know, it's hardwood and we need to clean it off, but part of me would like to keep this momento forever.


Oh! What am I saying. We have every intention of flipping this house and moving on up. So, the footprint will go. Thank goodness for digital cameras :)

Gymnastics ... Season 2

Yesterday at gymnastics we got the forms to enroll for the next session of gymnastics. I almost signed up on the spot, but then took the form home to think about for a bit.
Part of me really wants to go back. And I asked Matthew. We were sitting in the Tim Horton's drive through for about an hour (okay 5 minutes) and so I explained that we had to decide if we wanted to go back or not.
Here's the thing. Having a three year old, which he will be next month, gives us a couple of options. We can do the Mommy and Me class again which we are currently in. Or, I could bring him, do the warm up, and then he could go off with a class.
So, I asked Matt which he wants.
He was decisive. He wanted the class with Mommy.
Now, to me this is pretty cool. This is the answer I was looking for (deep down) though NOT chasing my hyperactive toddler through a gym is also quite appealing.
But, still I hesitated to sign up.
The thing is, as much as he likes it, I kind of think he doesn't. He's not his normal social self. He wants to hold my hand the whole time. Unlike at school where he loves his teachers and hangs off their every word, here it's a different story. One of his coaches he pays no attention to. The other he kind of likes. But, he's just as happy with me holding him the whole time as he is to swing on the bars.
Here's where the Mommy guilt thing comes in.
I feel like this is all happening because what he really needs is one-on-one time with me.
I'm beginning to think that he's so programmed during the week that on Saturday morning maybe he doesn't want to go and do an organized sport where he is told what he has to do and when.
I'm kind of with him on that.
I like the idea of it. I like the activity. But it is really rushed to get out the door and be on the other side of town for 9am every Saturday morning.
I'm not saying I won't sign him up for any activities. I know this child and he loves activity. I just think he may get more out of something less structured. Like an art class. (god help me I have no artistic ability - maybe Becky could take him?) Or a music class. Or just a walk in the park. I kind of think he'd be just as happy to go for a run since he loves to run laps around the gym.
Not to mention garage sale season is coming up.
Matthew and I bond over the good deals and sense of accomplishment that brings. Not to mention the fun trip to Tim Hortons that most garage sale days bring.
You know - I think we'll sit out the next session. But maybe in the fall ... we'll see.

Making It Right

Earlier this week I wrote about my issues when I took my son to Chapters on the weekend. I was pretty annoyed.
But, then I got an e-mail from someone at Indigo (the company that owns Chapters) who had read my blog. It was a very nice e-mail. I felt much better.
And then the store manager called me today.
We had a very nice conversation. I'd said my piece in the letter. He called to apologize. We had a really nice chat. He made me feel welcome in the store. I explained where I was coming from - that kids will be kids, and let's use some tact.
He agreed.
So, I'll go back.
After all, this book just came out, and I really wanted to buy it. And I have. And it's great.
And soon the book that I've been waiting forever for is coming out - and I plan to buy it the minute I can. So ...
I really wanted to clear this up.
Cause how sucky would it be if I couldn't go to the store that I normally really love.
Good work Chapters!!!

LOVE

Today Matthew said "I love you, Mommy."
We were in a big rush this morning, but he needed an extra cuddle. And so we sat, as time passed way to quickly, and had an extra morning snuggle.
And, when I got up to finish getting ready he said to me "Thank you for the hugs. I love you."
Wow.
When Matthew was little I wasn't sure he would ever say this to me. I can remember sitting with a good friend of mine when our babies were really little. We were sitting in a playgroup with these two infants who went from nursing to screaming and back to nursing then back to screaming.
We were exhausted. And frustrated.
And she turned to me sobbing and said "sometimes I feel like this child hates me."
I looked at her and started to cry too. No one had said it before, but I felt exactly the same way.
No matter what I tried, how much I fed him, how many parenting books I read this child would cry and cry and cry. And then nurse. And then cry some more. And he didn't sleep.
And I often had that nagging feeling that this baby just didn't like me at all.
Year one was not easy. I don't talk about it a lot because it's hard to explain to people how I loved my child so much but just didn't feel adequate or successful. And I really truly wondered if my child even liked me. (well, except for the whole nursing thing).
It slowly got better.
Eventually Matthew started to sleep through the night (18 months - though he still sometimes wakes up).
He started talking, and expressing his feelings and being this generally cool kid. And, then over these past few months I've started to realize that he actually does like me.
But today, when he told me he loved it, it melted my heart.
If someone told me two and a half years ago that one day, out of the blue, I would hear the words "I love you" it would have made it so much easier.
I love you too, Matty. With all my heart.

whine whine whine

Maybe it is just my week to whine but whatever...
On sunday we took Matt to Chapters. We love that store. Usually. I love books. Matt loves the Thomas table. I love sipping a latte while Matt plays.
Sunday was different.
Matt way playing with the trains making train noises. He was doing more of a "woo woo" noise than a "choo choo" noise. Still - clearly a train. I was watching him and smiling.
Then a store employee walked over to me. He said "sorry to bug you but your kid's screaming is disturbing our customers. Please tell him to be quiet."
And then he walked away before I could say anything.
WTF!?!?
This is Chapters. It was Sunday at noon. My child was being good and playing. I had books in my hands to purchase.
Two days later I am still furious.
I probably should have spoken to the manager but I didn't. Why? Because I had that indignant anger where I wanted to hit someone. And I thought I would likely cry. I know sometimes tears are effective but not on Sunday. Plus we were having family time and I didn't want to ruin it by getting angry.
When we were leaving I explained to matthew that mommy was upset because the man said something mean and I explained I would be happy if we left.
He was okay with that.
And then we went home.
And as I love to do I wrote a letter. I addressed it to the store manager. And to bring my point home I also cc'd the CEO and VP marketing for indigo/chapters. My explanation - this is customer service at its worst. I was humiliated.
I sent the letters off today. I am curious about what the results will be. Will they respond? (I hope so) I sincerely hope that at the end of the day they fix the problem. Because after all, this store is supposed to welcome kids.
The sad news is that I am currently boycotting the store until I hear back (just the one location not the whole chain). And today one of my favourite authors had a book come out. And I need something to read.

Hair ... or The Day I Cheated on Bill

Last week I cheated on my beloved Bill (my hair stylist) - he's near the bottom of that link.
I didn't mean to. I promise.
I've always gone to Bill to cut my hair and gone elsewhere for colour. Bill doesn't colour hair; it would be someone else at his salon who does it. So, I never think twice about going somewhere else to get my colour done.
Here's why.
I usually tell people that it is because it would cost a lot of money to get highlights done at Bill's Salon. This is likely true. However, let me tell you, my beloved internet friends, the truth behind the hair colour thing and cut thing.
When I go and see Bill I work hard at being cool. I plan the outfit in advance. I book the appointment weeks ahead of time. Closer to the appointment I think up conversation topics and events in my life that have been interesting and/or humourous. You have to understand that Bill is a celebrity in his own right and I'll say, "so what have you been up to?" and he will say something like "not much, just went to Italy and France, and then was on Cityline a few times." My life pales in comparison.
So when he says "how about you?" I can't wing it. In fact, if I saw him outside of my well planned visits I think I would have no idea what to say.
You have to understand that this is the person who talked me into going to journalism school and taking as many driving tests as necessary till I finally passed (incidentally we both got our licenses at the same age). I respect and admire him - and I want him to at least think I'm successful in life in my own right.
He is the king of cool to me.
Now the average appointment with him is about 45 minutes start to finish. I feel I have a sufficient cool quotient to get me through 45 minutes every few months.
Hair colour would add at least 2 hours.
I sware I am not cool enough. I would run out of conversation topics. I understand that I would not be spending all of the time with him, but I would feel the need to make whomever is doing the colour like me, and I may fail. And so much for my reputation.
So, I go elsewhere.
And, I haven't found a place I like so I always try different salons.
Last week I went to a new place near my house.
I booked highlights. I explained I didn't want a cut.Prior to going to the appointment I talked with the guy doing highlights. It was very clear.
The guy's name was Dominick.
I went in for the appointment. It was going okay. Now, I have to admit I was totally thrown off by the fact that he was straight and oozing with testosterone. Weird. But I had to trust him once the bleach was in my hair. We ran out of conversation topics really quickly.
So, the topic of who usually cuts my hair comes up. Usually hairstylists have heard of Bill. He's known. Once I had someone actually study the haircut while doing highlights. It's what I expect. Give the guy some respect.
But Dominick had never heard of Bill, and since he hadn't heard of Bill, the conversation moved on to the topic of celebrity hairstylists in general. Somehow Jie came up. He is quite famous (I first read about him in Toronto Life, I think). I've never been to him or his salon, but I just thought everyone knew of him - especially hairstylists. But, Dominick had no clue. So I whipped out my blackberry and googled him.
Apparently this annoyed Dominick. He felt the testosteroney need to prove he was better.
So, there I was with my hair in foil arguing with a hair stylist I'd never been to about another hairstylist I had never been to, who I don't really care about, but whose honour I was defending for the mere fact that he was being criticized for absolutely no reason. And, I'm guessing that despite Jie's arrogant reputation he is not nearly as annoying Dominick.
And, then in the middle of me waiting for my hair colour to sink in he comes back to tell me that he's been to Jie's website now, he's not that good, but that he liked the lime green hairstyle. Ummm, hello. That is not what you should tell someone who has not yet seen her colour,. (check out the portfolio and though it is lovely the green do it is not what I was going for)
Then he left and I sat and sat and sat and contemplated all that was this appointment.
Finally my hair was ready to be washed and styled. Or so I thought.
We washed out the bleach and colour - and he pulls out his scissors.
"So, how are we cutting it?" he asks me.
I looked at him dumbfounded and finally said "we're not cutting it."
The guy freaks out - completely. And starts shouting "I plan my colour around the cut. You must cut it."
Finally I gave in. I know. Stupid. But the guy was wielding scissors and I was scared. In the end the hair cut wasn't so bad. I was very insistent that it was a trim. The experience sucked. He managed to criticize Bill's haircut, my hair type (normal) , my hair colour and my face shape. He insisted that I straighten my hair since my hair doesn't look healthy in its natural state.
Amazingly, I left there looking pretty darn good - especially since my hair had been significantly lightened and I had, afterall, just learned that "blondes are much hotter than brunettes".
I'm now living with the look.
To be honest, it's growing on me. I like how my hair looks straightened. I kind of like the highlights (despite one meltdown the other day).
What I don't like is the way I feel after being there.
The thing I love about Bill, what I have always loved, and what everyone else probably loves is that he doesn't try to change everything about me. My hair is my hair. It's got body. No matter what hair cut I've had that has always been incorporated.
I'm guessing if he knew I was straightening it every day he'd probably tell me not to - not because it doesn't look good, but because it's not me. He's all about enhancing things about yourself. He cuts my hair with the bit of natural wave I have because why fight it. He encourages layers so my face doesn't look round (though he never says that). He makes sure that when I leave I feel beautiful and that I like myself.
These days when I get up in the morning I feel like to be pretty I need my brand new straightening iron. I need to style and fluff and then leave the house looking decent. And, that's not how Bill makes me feel. Somehow he has this amazing power to look at me, fluff my hair, tell me I'm gorgeous and then send me on my way.
Sure it's a little pricey, but it's worth every penny. And, the truth is that at the end of the day, knowing that someone like Bill has a high regard for me makes me feel pretty damn great most of the time - even if I can't be bothered to pull out my straightening iron or touch up my new blonde highlights. (I actually plan to go dark when my roots show)
I wonder if Bill knows this. Maybe I'll print this and mail it to him (he doens't read my blog). And then he'll get just why so many people love him.
You know, I'm pretty sure that Bill will forgive me for cheating. I've done it before and he forgave me. And, I'm pretty sure if someone was threatenng him with scissors and a complete meltdown he'd probably do the same thing.
Who knows - maybe he'll think the blonde is hot. Ha.
Posted below are a couple of pics. One is me now - straightened hair and all. The other is the old me, dark hair and a few waves. I'd love to hear your opinions on the looks. So ... what do you think????


Above - This is the new "do" straightened and lightened.
Below - dark hair with a little more body.

The Victory Drill Book

Matthew's current favourite book is the beloved Moo Baa La La La. It's a good book. I've been reading it to him for so long that we don't actually need the book - we just recite it.
I've had lots of favourite books growing up, but the one iconic book that stands out for both my sister and I is the Victory Drill Book.
I'm not sure why Becky and I took to this book quite so much.
Quite simply put, it is a book full of words. It's a traditional drill book from probably the 1950's. It's a very simply laid out book that starts with the most basic of words and goes up to very difficult words.

At the front of the book there is a guideline that says the average number of words per grade level. My sister and I took that quite seriously, and I think we quite honestly believed that we could be the best readers in the world.
On our annual trips to Florida, where my parents would drive the 23 hour drive in 2 days, we would have Victory Drill book competitions. We would speed through the lines of words as fast as humanly possible. We would time ourselves. If you flip through the book you can see we have actually counted the words, and written numbers next to some of the words (i.e. 400 and 800).
Tonight when Matthew wanted yet another story I pulled out the Victory Drill Book. He was not impressed when I started just reading off lines of text.
To me it was pretty funny.
I remembered the good times we had in serious reading competition.
In the letter to parents at the front of the book it claims that doing the drills in this book would lead to "reading success".
I think that the authors of the book would be happy to know that I did go on to reading success. I do think that the hours and hours spent reading those words helped me develop some pretty amazing spelling skills. Growing up I almost always had perfect spelling tests. And, I did go on to graduate from journalism school. Thanks, Victory Drill Book!


I'm not going to force Matthew to do drills. I don't actually think that my parents ever pushed us into doing these drills. In fact, I think my parents never knew why we were so impressed with this book. They certainly provided us with books that had pictures. But, I guess somethings are just a bizarre hit.
Hey, Beck, I think we should have a reading face off - one more time. Just to see who is the faster reader!!!

Where'd my Baby Go?

I spent the last few days with Matthew. On Monday he had a half day at daycare, on Tuesday we went on a field trip and then spent the afternoon together, and then yesterday I took him to get some photos done and then we hung out for the day.
I realized something yesterday. My baby is no longer a baby. He's a kid.
Take for instance the GO train ride to Toronto. He was really good. We sat on the train and chatted the whole time. He listened to me. We had fun.
Don't get me wrong, he's very definitely in need of constant supervision, but suddenly it seems like he understands so much more. I would say things have changed within the past couple of weeks. He's cool. He makes me laugh.
One of the things that I LOVE about being an aunt in particular to my older niece Kyla (and what I'm looking forward to with my younger niece Paige), is that she's fun to hang out with. She makes me laugh. She tells me stories. I feel like she wants to be with me.
It's fun going to Walmart with her and trying on silly shoes. Same with Payless. Did you know they make light up shoes for adults at Payless? They are clear vinyl and really high heels that light up when you walk. Not a fashion statement I want to encourage, but I've never laughed so hard as when I showed Kyla the fancy shoes.
And the thing is, Matt is becoming just like this. And, I LOVE it.
I love that he can talk me into getting him Mrs. Fields cookies because they are his favourite.
I love that he knows just what he wants to watch on tv.
As he gets older it amazes me that I just keep loving this child more and more.
Today when I got home from work I was taking him out of his car seat. I said to him "I was really sad when I went to work today because I missed you."
He looked at me, gave me a huge hug and said "I missed you too, Mommy." And then he looked at me and said "Mommy, let's ride the GO Train tonight."
Too cute.
In a couple of months he will be 3. I booked his birthday party today. He doesn't really care where it is, but I went with the suggestion of his 4 year old cousin who knew exactly where the party should be.
I'm getting really excited.

The funniest gym night ever

Last night my sister and I went to the gym. (Beck, please do NOT kill me for telling this story).
We had this personal training session set up where we were going to set up a routine for weights and stuff. So we had to go to the gym early.
When you have a session you have to go to the front desk and let them know you're ready.
As we were walking to the desk (maybe 5o steps from the change room) my normally reserved sister saw someone we went to school with. Specifically someone we went to elementary school with. For the sake of argument we'll call her Marsha Brady because she is just that annoying.
Neither of us liked her. She wasn't awful, just really annoying. And not someone we would choose to hang up with as we got older.
So, Becky sees her and says to me, "OH CRAP MARSHA BRADY!"
It was so loud.
Usually my sister speaks quietly. People ask her to repeat herself. Not today. I think the entire gym heard her.
So there we were, standing at the front desk giggling because she had just shouted this. And, the thing is, we're totally recognizable.
My sister has curly red hair and is really skinny. I have dark brown hair (currently highlighted) and am a little on the chubby side. When we are together, people who have not seen us in years recognize us.
I'm not sure if "Marsha" was just so focused on her workout that she didn't see us, or if she ignored us. But, she's not the type of person to ignore us, so I'm pretty sure she didn't see us.
This may have been because Becky decided to hide behind me for the rest of the evening. She insisted on finding the most distant treadmills and actually did a crouching walk to avoid all eye contact.
The highlight for me was offering on numerous occassions to invite her to belly dancing. I thought Becky may kill me.
Soon our friend left. But, I tell you, the gym is a small place. I'm sure to run into her again.
And, on another note. We had ana awesome training session. I'm totally into doing weights now. I'm hoping some of the trainer's suggestions pay off.

Field Trip

Today was my first ever field trip as a parent.
I was anxious. In my never ending quest to measure up as a parent I wasn't quite sure how it would go, if I'd fit in or if I'd screw up.
Turns out it was awesome.
Four teachers plus myself took 20 children aged 2.5-6 years old to a nursing home where they sang songs, read stories and did crafts. We were there for about an hour.
The trip itself was not all that eventful. There was a lot of helping kids with their coats, making playdoh snowmen and wiping a few tears.
What made it so awesome was the feeling of being needed and wanted and special. I'm used to my son wanting to hold my hand. I'm used to my nieces wanting to hold my hand. I'm not used to a whole bunch of kids loving me cause I'm the new adult in town. I don't know how to explain it better than the word heart warming.
I know that at work I'm needed. But this was different. I got the feeling that if I wasn't there the kids may have fallen or not been able to get their coats on. And when I offered my hand or gave them a hug or put them in the right direction there was this unwavering trust.
It was cool.
It also broke my heart just a little that I miss this every day. But on that I won't dwell, because as awesome as that hour was - it was an hour. I could not do that all day every day.
What I have realized is that I need to get out there a little more. I will definitely be volunteering for more field trips. And maybe I will volunteer for other stuff. I used to work with seniors, and I may see if there are any volunteer opportunities. I think it would be well worth it.
I had planned to leave Matt at daycare and have an afternoon off. But that did not happen. He wanted to stay with me, so we filled our afternoon with a haircut for Matt (side note - this kids hair place has so many kids who have grown up getting their hair cut there and never left that they had to install a larger chair for the "college kids". hilarious). He sat in a bumper car and watched a movie. Life was good.
And then we bonded and had treats.
It was fun.
Oh - and we bought another monster truck.
Fun all around. And since I've had 5 full days of not watching what I eat tonight I'm getting my butt kicked into gear with a session with a personal trainer followed by belly dancing.
Yikes!

Ballet, Cousins, and a Day Off

Today I took a day off.
I had no agenda, and nothing special planned. That is until my sister mentioned that Monday is ballet for my niece, so I had the amazing privilege of attending the baby ballet class.
This was by far the cutest thing I'd ever seen. Of course, Kyla was the most adorable ballerina in her class. They totally made me laugh when they danced around and followed the teachers. And, at one point Kyla ran out of the room to give me a hug which totally made my day. Too sweet.
After ballet we went for a quick Starbucks and then Kyla and I went to pick up Matthew just before lunch.
Lunch for us was weiner wraps. Yummy! We bought pillsbury crescent rolls and wrapped the weiners in them. We added a bit of ketchup and then baked them. Delicious. Kyla and Matty totally got in on the act, helping roll and squeeze the ketchup. Plus, the two of them devoured the hot dogs when they were done.
After lunch we went to my sister's house to see my new second cousin (my cousin's baby). This baby is adorable. Matt was totally smitten by her. He kept saying "Kallysta is soooo cute." And she was. She slept the entire time and had little chubby cheeks.
I have to admit, though, I was a little jealous. She sleeps all day. In fact, my cousin sets her alarm clock for feedings every 3 hours. I am really happy for her, just like I was happy for my sister when she had a quiet baby. But, I have to say it's not all that fair. Why is that I went for a good year on NO sleep? And, I was in severe pain after Matt was born. My cousin is going to step classes and she has a seven week old. Not me. At seven weeks I was barely able to get through a day.
And, just as a side note, if one more person says to me "this is why you need a second - because it will be a quiet and easy baby." ahhhhh! No. I'm not willing to risk it for the experience of a quiet baby. There's always the possibility of a more active more screaming active baby. And, that I could not take. Anyway, way off topic!
The baby really was quite adorable, all jealousy aside, and I wouldn't trade my monkey for the world, even if I am still recouperating my sleep.
So after a bit of a visit I took Matt and Kyla on yet another adventure. We went to the $2 sale at Once Upon a Child and then to McDonald's. I got the best stuff for both kids at the clothing store. Kyla was smitten by the "Irish Dancing" dress I bought for her. It is black velvet with a tartan skirt. It's actually kind of funny, but she loved it, and who was I to refuse her. I almost said no since I thought it would be too small, but I took a chance on it since it was, after all, only $2. I don't think it will fit her for long, but it will get her at least to St. Patrick's day, and that's all you can ask for when you're a four year old with an Irish heritage.
Matthew was not quite as excited by the racks of clothing, but I managed to find him a pretty cool monster truck which I bought and opened and then he had a major temper tantrum becasue he wanted the blue monster truck not the red one. I felt really bad because there was a super pregnant lady watching the whole scene, and the ladies in the store were (bordering on rude) trying to help me calm him down. I had visions of her going into labour from the sheer terror of what was to lay ahead. I finally picked him up and took him out of the store. I was pretty close to just buying the monster truck that he wanted, but thought no, this is not good parenting. So I convinced him that we would get the blue truck the next time we are at that store, and miraculously he stopped crying.
Once we solved that problem Matt, Kyla and I walked across the parking lot to McDonalds where we enjoyed some fries and time in the play place.
This play place was really big and there was a huge climbing apparatus. It was pretty cool because Kyla could get through but Matt couldn't. I wasn't quite sure what to do. They wanted to stay, but he was just too little. I felt bad, but I was kind of curious how it would play out. Just when I was about to intervene they came up with a solution. It was pretty darn cute. Matt would climb first, and then Kyla would come behind him and give his butt a push and they'd get up the next step. I had to laugh. They were both pretty exhausted by the time we left.
The day went by way too quickly. It was fun.
But today has also left me wondering, how on earth do stay-at-home moms do it??? One day of this and I'm wiped.

Valentine's Weekend

Wanna know what I did this weekend?
I bet you do.
I did a whole lot of nothing followed by some relaxing and some napping.
It was fantastic!
After some pampering (well, kind of, I got my hair done but that's another story) on Friday morning, Mike and I went away for a weekend in Muskoka.
It was amazing.
We basically planned nothing other than the hotel. We didn't rush to get there, and we had no pre-set plans. The entire weekend was about relaxing and having some time together.
We spent a lot of time in the jacuzzi and some time in the pool. We decided to forego all of the outdoor activities available (snow shoeing and cross country skiing). It just sounded way too exhausting.
On Saturday we got up and went for brunch (yummy) and then we went swimming which meant mostly hanging out in the jacuzzi. And then I had a two hour nap. And then once I got up we went into the town where we decided to skip lunch and instead have lattes and buttertarts. It was divine. It was like dating all over again.
I can't believe we haven't had this much time alone since Matthew was born.
One of my favourite moments was over brunch on Saturday morning. We were sitting sipping coffee when this man walked past. I sware it was Stuart Smalley from Saturday Night Live. I, of course, found this hilarious. And, then just because I could I started to (quietly) do a couple of the cheerleader cheers from vintage SNL episodes. It was just funny. We hadn't laughed about stupid things like that for awhile.
It was nice.
The snow was also nice. It wasn't freezing or anything. So, it was pretty to look at.
Anyway, totally worth it.
And, bonus, I'm taking a couple of extra days off of work this week. I fully plan to return to my office relaxed and refreshed.

Random Friday

In honour of Random Friday (which I keep forgetting to do, but thanks to Ruthie I'm resurrecting) here are some random things Matt has started saying.

• "Just two more seconds" - this phrase comes out whenever he wants to do something longer (like watch tv) or to calculate time. The other day at Zellers we saw booster seats for the car. I told Mike he would use one when he is older and he said "yes. In two seconds I will use a booster seat."
  
  
• "Two Millllllllllion" - this is used to denote anything large. Something expensive is two millllllion dollars and someone old is two milllllllllllion years old
  
  
• "How about no?" - I often say stuff like "how about we go to the store?" and he will always say "how about no?" as an option. It's awfully funny.
  
  
• "Yo-ho-ho" - If he is made he screams this. I can't help it. When he screams this at us, Mike and I crack up every time. Where did this come from? The other day he also stuck his hand up his sleeve and said "I'm a pirate." okay.
  
  
• "You're a sexy race car, mommy" - Yes. This is from Cars, I think. Who knows.
  
  
• "Daddio and Mommio" - whenever he wants to butter us up for something he adds "io" to our names. I know - adorable
  
  
• "I'm Lightning BuQueen" - he runs around screaming this all the time. We've tried to tell him it's Lightning McQueen but he will have none of it.
  

I know there are a ton more, but these are some of my favourites. In the past month or so Matt's language has exploded. I think he's been hanging around the older kids at daycare and is copying their sentences. Too cute.

Loving Valentines ...

Yay! Valentines.
I loved my Valentines Day!!!
Like most of Southern Ontario we woke up to a ton of snow. I really love snow - at least I love the first snowstorm of the season. I love that we have a walkway to shovel (this is not sarcasm - it's our house ...) So, I was pretty psyched about it. I looked out the window when I rolled out of bed nice and early - almost 5am.

By the time I'd had my shower and made coffee it was about 5:20. I was about to turn on the tv when I saw a card sitting on the couch. It was from Mike. It was a really sweet card and at the end it said to wake him up when I read the card for my super awesome gift.
I could have waited like a nice wife would have. But I ran up the stairs. We don't always "do" Valentines. So I was pretty freaking excited. I didn't even go for a slow wake up. I turned all the lights on and said "I'm ready for my present, Baby!"
I am positive Mike was fully expecting this because he came as close to hopping out of bed as possible, and rushed downstairs.
And, out came the most amazing wonderful Valentine's gift ever.
My Coach bag!!!!
I've wanted one for sooooo long. And, contrary to popular belief, this is not something I would buy for myself. I was thrilled. And, he picked one I would like. It was awesome.

And then back to reality. We still had to get to work. So, I got dressed in my super Valentinesy outfit and shovelled. And got all my Valentines for work. And got Matt's Valentines.
And then we went outside.
Crap. The snow was really really really deep.
It came up to Matt's shoulders. He could hardly walk. And we had left his boots and snowpants at daycare. And then he dropped his bottle in the snow and I couldn't retrieve it. It was tense.
But I got to the train on time. And it was delayed. (surprise).
And, just as I was getting on the late train I got an e-mail telling me that the daycare was closed. Crap. I still got on the train because it was there. And I had a million Valentines to deliver.
So, my incredible amazing sister took Matt for the morning while I went to work.
Really, I also had to show off my purse. So, it was essential to go. And I had a lot of work, of course.
So ...
I went to work for the morning. And, today work was good. Some of the crappy stuff that has been going on wasn't. And, I was dressed in a heart covered outfit. And I was happy. And I delivered Valentines. And I got a whole bunch of Valentines which was SUPER cool!!!!
By noon I was ready to go home to relieve my sister.

My sister! Like the hat? It's her daughter's skirt - the girl can accessorize

And, it was pretty cool because I then got to spend time with my nieces and my sister and of course Matty.
We all went to Starbucks. It was fun and stressful. I'm not so sure that taking 3 tired and stir crazy children to Starbucks is the best idea. But, in our defense, we were planning to go to Chapters but the Starbucks was closed there and we were needing some coffee.
After awhile in Starbucks Matt really was losing it and so we went to the mall. For 2 hours. It almost killed me. We bought popcorn and looked at boots. For 2 hours. Mind you, half an hour was spent in Old Navy in the rocket ship. It was an interesting couple of hours.
Finally our day ended with Matthew telling us we needed to have pizza for dinner. So we all went to Pizza Hut and had a nice Valentines Dinner.
Perfect-o!
This is actually our Sunday evening Valentines Dinner, but you get the point

Cracking the Toddler Code

We've been having some major issues with our toddler.
I'll call it the terrible two's because I'm pretty sure that's what it is. One minute he wants something and the next he is screaming because he doesn't. One minute he's happy the next he's sad. Take for instance gymnastics. He alternates between loving it and running around like a crazy boy to stopping and lying on the floor and saying he's "way too tired, Mommy" and then 2 seconds later bounces right back.
It's driving Mike and I insane.
And the biting. Every so often he bites. It's not so bad, certainly not as bad as when he was younger, but the sudden random bites are PAINFUL. I have the bruises to prove it.
But in addition to all of this he screams.
Last night was fun. I gave him a bath before I went to the gym. As I was trying to convince him to get out of the bath he screamed
"I DON'T WANT OUT. NO OUT. LEAVE ME ALONE MOMMMY. I WILL SLEEP IN THE BATHTUB TONIGHT. GO AWAY. NO. DON'T GO AWAY. STAY. WITH ME. IN THE BATHROOOOOOOM."
I couldn't help it. I laughed. And, I didn't laugh a little. I laughed a lot. It was funny. And if I've learned nothing else about being a parent I've learned that when you have to choose between screaming back or laughing - unless it's life or death laughing is the better option.
The thing is - Matt laughed back.
And we were killing ourselves laughing for a good five minutes.
Till I said "time to get out now."
And he screamed back "NO. NOT GETTING OUT."
What did I do? I laughed and picked him up.
And, instead of his usual kicking and screaming he started to giggle. And then shout and then I'd laugh and then he'd giggle.
This worked all evening.
I was pretty impressed. Perhaps I'm breaking through.
So I went to the gym and when I got back he was asleep. (I know - it's my master plan - lose weight and avoid the bedtime battles). Therefore I did not get to try the laughing thing again last night.
But I tried it this morning.
Whatever he screamed at me I laughed back. Before he was out the door (this is about a 40 minute time span) he had started screaming and then laughing at himself.
It's fantastic. I'm loving this new theory.
I plan to keep trying it.
Frankly, I don't care if it looks bizarre that I laugh when my toddler has a temper tantrum. You know why? Because I have already tried the tactic where you get down to the child's level and speak in the toddler tone. It's way way way more ridiculous. So for now I'm sticking with laughing.
And, as they say: "Laugh and the world laughs with you. Cry and you cry alone"