30 Months Old

Wow! I have a 2-1/2 year-old. How did THAT happen?! Two and a half years of James. What a huge, huge blessing to have had him in our lives for these last 30 months. I don't think I've ever been a happier person as I have been being a mom to my son. It has always been my dream to be a mom, and I am living the dream people! No, no, it's not all rainbows and roses. Definately not. But I love all of it - the good days and the bad days, and even the days when I want to just curl up and hide in a cave, I still wouldn't trade it for anything. Nothing. I really can't think of one thing I'd rather be doing.

James is a joy. He is truly a character, and keeps us laughing all day long. His latest ambition is singing, with favourites being the "ABC's", "Twinkle Twinkle", "Mr. Golden Sun", "Five Little Monkeys", and the theme song for "The Wonder Pets". Get him started on any of these songs, and you will likely be serenaded for a good hour. Often we can hear him singing for a long time when he's been put down to bed for the night. He generally wakes up happy, and is happy most of the time. He doesn't get cranky unless he's hungry (like his mommy), or if he doesn't get his way (like his daddy?). His favourite thing to play indoors is cars. He can play with his Hot Wheels for long periods of time - making up funny stories, and conversations between them. Outdoors he loves to play with his "Dora car" and his golf clubs. Otherwise, he can be kept busy dancing, running and jumping. The neighbours have a trampoline (thank you Lord), and this wonderful invention usually gets him good and tired out before bed. Today daddy is going to finish making his new (purple) sandbox, and I'm sure he will be thrilled with it! He still continues to stop traffic with his cute comments and looks. Today he told our waitress she was "brown", as she has dark skin. Super funny!

James is a lover. James loves a lot of things. He definately loves his mommy, and tells me that often with big hugs and cuddles! He also loves daddy, his cats, his hamster, his grandparents, his Uncle Matt, his bed, and various other objects. Whenever James "loves" something, he holds it close to his face and scrunches up his lips when he says "I just love my _________ mommy".

James is growing up. I am constantly learning of new things James can do on his own. Some recent accomplishments are: learning to turn on the basement lights by himself, getting himself food out of the pantry and fridge, helping himself to gum out of my purse, washing his hands, adn riding his tricycle (still mastering those pedals though). This week my brother and I were working on a project outside, and I saw James go into the porch. After some time of not coming back out, Matt went to find him. He came out and said, "Oh James is just sitting and having a snack". I didn't know what he meant, where did James get a snack? "Oh, no, he's inside the house in his chair in the basement, watching cartoons and eating a bowl of grapes". What?! He had let himself in (didn't know he could open the door yet), got the bowl of grapes out of the fridge, walked downstairs with them, turned on the TV, and settled in! Oh my goodness! James has no ambition to use the potty or toilet yet, and is still in diapers. I plan to make a few attempts at training this summer, but if it doesn't go smoothly, we're just going to wait until we're stuck inside this winter.

James has lots of friends. James has lots of boys to grow up with, which is so awesome! His oldest friends are Emery and Levi, who are both 4. His buddy Gabriel, whose mommy I met online is born the same week as James. Next is Isaiah, who is just 5 months younger and also Griffin. Rounding out the end is Jaxson, who trails James by a year and two months. All these boys play together pretty well, and I am so thankful that he has these boys to grow up with. Sadly, his favourite person is his cousin Emily, and he doesn't get to see her very much. He also loves his cousins Thomas, Simon and Maggie, and talks about them regularly.

James is learning the hard way. James has a very stubborn streak in him. Yes, this must come from daddy for sure! He absolutely does not know how to listen. Nearly 75% of the time, he will do the complete OPPOSITE of what you've just asked him to do. This is becoming increasingly more frustrating as days go by. One day this week James received 8 punishments for not listening. I realize that he's two and a half, and this is part of the age. However, when he disobeys in situations where he could get hurt, or worse (like running away in a parking lot), I need him to listen. The day after the 8 punishments he actually had noticeably improved, but it seems to be a process. The little devil on his shoulder seems to have a louder voice.

James gets injured a lot. I am beginning to wonder when the child abuse complaints are going to start. James is SO accident prone! I don't know what to do about that one - he can fall and get hurt doing NOTHING unusual! He has several mosquito bites on his face right now, rash on his chin, arm and legs, and various bruises and scratches over his face and body. Anyone who knows us and James will know that these are nothing but self-inflicted. This kid can't run through a door without hitting it. He can't walk through the grass without tripping and scraping himself. He keeps us hopping with lots of kisses, the ice ready, the Polysporin within reach.

James makes us proud. James makes us so proud. He is very polite, and cheerful to most people. Yes, sometimes it would be better if he was a little more shy - but people seem to genuinely appreciate his friendly nature, and I like that. He's super smart, and can memorize things like crazy. His smarts never cease to amaze us. His imagination is great, and his memory is amazing!

James is the best gift God could have given us. I think I can say with a fair bit of honesty that I have not taken too many days with James for granted. I am SO often reminded just by looking at him of what a blessing and miracle he is. Sometimes I have found myself crying in my bed, thanking God for James and begging for his protection. I can't even think about what one day without James would be like... I couldn't handle it. I am excited to see James as a big brother, and though I know this may be a hard adjustment for him, it will be good for him. It never ceases to amaze me how well James just fits into our family. We couldn't have planned or tried to pick out a better kid. He's perfect for us. If only to have James in our lives, I would go through so many more losses. God is good, He is SO good to us!

Sneaking Up to 23 Weeks

(Five month photo with James seen here.)

Helping Daddy

Here James is helping Daddy get his new "hideout" ready in his new bedroom...

Wish I Was Sleeping

Argh. It's 4:30am and I am wide awake. This has been my fate for the last week or so... I'm dealing with some insomnia, restless legs, and just the inability to get comfortable at night. This would not be so bad if my mind wasn't constantly racing with the thought of "Oh boy, how am I going to keep up with James tomorrow, and not lose my patience?!". When I'm tired, the first thing I lose is my ability to keep my patience - it just flies straight out the window. So I'm hoping that if I kill a bit of time tonight, I might at least catch another few hours of sleep before that beautiful little voice wrestles me out of my bed. If anyone has any really good suggestions for this, I'm all ears!

<--- Photo of James wearing some Bomber slippers that we actually received for Baby Banana. They easily fit James, so I think we'll let him wear them in for his sibling.

There certainly are a lot of differences being pregnant with baby number two, versus baby number one! The time is not just flying, it's passing at light speed! I'm so busy with James, that I really forget how far along I am until I see my ticker, or notice my next appointment coming up on the calendar. It's quite amazing actually! I also haven't been gaining weight like I did with my pregnancy with James. When I was pregnant with him, I'm fairly certain I gained 20lbs in the first three months. I'm not too diligent in weighing myself, but I don't think I've gained more than 10lbs with this pregnancy. That feels good... although I'm sure it's going to slowly start sticking more and more. I'm also not noticing as much movement as with James. This might just be the nature of this baby, but I think it's because I'm so busy that I just don't notice. That, and because I'm always on the move, baby is rocked to sleep more often. When I was pregnant with James I did a LOT more sitting and resting, and could take all the time in the world to just lay around and feel him move.

I keep wondering how I should prepare for Baby Banana's arrival. For those of you with two or more kids, what do you wish you had known, purchased ahead of time, or prepared beforehand? I definately plan on making a few frozen casseroles, because sometimes it's hard enough to get supper on with James around - let alone two! Otherwise, I feel like there is a giant adjustment sneaking up on me - but I'm so thrilled to be enjoying this pregnancy, that I just assume it's going to be perfect! Give me a reality check... what should I do to get ready?

Flashback

This video is one of my Top 10 movie moments of all time. When I'm feeling joyful I often find myself thinking of this version of "Joyful Joyful", and singing it. I want to leave you with this fun, and God-filled message of joy for Mother's Day.

I'm So Proud

One of my very closest friends, Robin, just had her FIRST art show this weekend! It was part of a group of artists who held a fundraiser for Breast Cancer in a store called Shop 61 1/2 on Albert Street in Winnipeg. My mom and I went to the fundraiser, partly to commemorate a friend of ours who died from breast cancer last year, but also to support Robin! It looked like she was doing a great job, and her display looked really good. Robin, I'm so proud of you! I can't wait to see you really take off with your art.

P.S. I just noticed that my pregnancy ticker has now passed the 20 week mark! Woohoo! Less than 20 weeks to go before we get to meet Baby Banana! God, You are GOOD!

Bummed

I'm having a bummer of a day. I don't really know why - nothing about my day has been horrible, in fact, I even got some really good news about a friend who is expecting after having lost her first baby. I've tried to look at the bright side, and count my blessings, and all those things. Then I realized something, I hadn't spent any time with God today. Usually that would snap me out of my bad mood, I would pray about it, or put on some music and worship - but today I just feel even more bummed that I forgot to hang out with God. Perhaps I can blame hormones, I'm not sure. I'm just having a rotten day.

I also feel discouraged. Sometimes I feel like I try so hard to be a great person, and it just backfires on me. I try to make everyone around me happy, and though they aren't complaining, they aren't exactly sending me praises either. I'm at my best when I'm on good terms with God, feeling lead by Him to do things for others, and then seeing them happy. I guess I haven't had any of those moments lately. Being discouraged sucks on so many different levels. It makes me want to quit trying, and dampens my mood. I know that this post isn't going to be profound in any way - and that makes me feel even more discouraged. I like it when I can post something that encourages YOU. But I don't have anything like that today. I just feel blue. Perhaps it was because we didn't go outside much today. It was windy, and neither James nor I are big fans of wind. Maybe I just didn't get enough vitamin D. Ya, maybe that's it.

I also don't like friendships "changing", "drifting away", or any of those other terms that people use, like "growing apart". I am a loyal-till-the-end friend. You can hurt me, and I'll stick by your side. You can go through something I'm not, and I'll try to follow along side you. You can move far away, and if you keep in touch, I most definately will. I don't like losing my friends. So, when I find out that I am, I get really, really sad. That's also a part of this I think too. I can sense that I'm losing a friend, I have no control over it, and I hurt.

Popsicle Buddies

20 Week Photos

(See me at 20 weeks with James here.)

Random Stuff

I read A LOT of blogs, when I have time. Usually it's during James' naptime, and then I just go hard on reading ALL of the blogs in my Favourites folder. It's a lot! Because I have SO many to read, and because I usually get challenged a lot by each one, it often means I don't leave a comment. Perhaps you can relate? Sometimes I don't comment, because I have to absorb the word that has just been spoken to me through your writing. So please don't be discouraged. I DO read your blogs, and I love them!

I'm getting back into reading again, but it's not good! I get so into the book that it feels impossible to put it down. Poor James get totally neglected (okay, not really, but sometimes I just want to sit and read)! Right now I am reading a drama/mystery by Harlan Coben called "Promise Me". I love drama/mystery books, but if they don't get interesting within the first few pages, it loses me instantly.

I made the mistake of baking homemade Oreo-type cookies. I technically made them as a treat for James, but I don't think he's had more than 3. I've averaged 3 an hour for the last week. Okay, maybe not THAT bad - but it's pretty bad. Between those cookies and the jar of olives in my fridge, well, you get the picture!

On Thursday last week we got to see baby at my first "normal" ultrasound! It was wonderful! I got to watch the entire exam on my own screen, and yes, I do think I got to see baby's bottom. Do I think I know the gender? Well, yes and no. I have a guess. And really, that guess probably still puts the accuracy of the gender at about 50/50. So we'll see! I'll be proud if I guessed right! The baby looked really healthy. I had been concerned about this baby's lack of movements, but apparently my placenta is in the front - and that sort of cushions all the movements and kicking. Also, this baby appears to be really relaxed. It doesn't spend nearly so much time hoofing me like James did. Rather, this one just likes to wiggle around. Could be a nice change if the babe remains this way OUTSIDE the womb! Baby was also seen playing with it's toes, stretching, and in general wiggling around. The technician said the baby had a very healthy umbilical cord - hahaha! When I drove into Winnipeg for the appointment (through some flood water I might add), I was listening to a praise CD I hadn't listened to in a while. Almost all the songs seemed to really speak to my heart, given that I was on my way to go and see my healthy miracle baby! I spent a lot of the drive crying tears of joy, and just thanking God for this beautiful, precious blessing. I feel gloriously happy! On a disappointing note, there are no photos to share of baby Banana. Yes, James named the baby "Banana", so that will be the nickname. A CD of photos of baby Banana was $50, and we decided not to go for it. I had plans of making a really awesome slideshow, to one of those songs that had me in tears... but I guess that will have to wait.

I am excited to have begun the process of preparing James' new room! So far that involves moving things out - like the computer desk (now in the kitchen, which I love), a writing desk (in our spare bedroom), and the bookshelves (which will go down to the basement). There is also a lot of other miscellaneous stuff in that room, namely filing cabinets, boxes of stuff, a CD tower, etc. that all needs to find a new home. James' big boy bed is ready to go - it was actually my old bed, and before that it was my mom's. I plan to repaint, hopefully create a crawl space hideout, put up some blinds, and have someone make some simple valances - and that is basically it!

This week has very few plans. I see my OB tomorrow morning, and then go to a Norwex party in the evening. We have a playdate on Wednesday morning planned. Thursday I have a morning meeting, and Bible study in the evening. And that's my week! Hope you all have a good one. I'll post a 20 week photo soon - I left my camera at Rebekah's house!

7th Photo Tag

This photo just made me burst out laughing! This is quite honestly the 7th photo in my 7th photo folder. Perhaps it's time to take some pictures off my hard drive?! Anyway, here I am at 39 weeks pregnant with James. How fitting, is it not?

PUMPED!

Our little southern Manitoba region is not exactly what I would describe as "toddler-friendly" during the winter months. First of all, it's cold. There is very little chance that my two year-old was going to spend much time outdoors in -40 windchill this winter. At that temperature, there is also litte chance that I'm going to try and pack him up to do any type of travelling. It's just too cold for that. There is also nothing fun or interesting to do within a decent driving distance in winter. The indoor activities include Morning Out for Moms, which is geared more for the moms than for the kids, and the usual playdates. Out here there is no indoor pool, recreation centre, or even a McDonald's playland. Simply, there is nothing for toddlers to do all winter - and they just get cabin fever, and so do the parents!

So, when we went out to BC a few weeks back, I was kind of super aware of all the options there were for kids. It seems that even the small communities had set up activity programs geared specifically for toddlers. These programs and activity places ranged from franchise-type indoor playlands, to a simple open gym time. I was inspired to do something about our lack of toddler activity/fitness programs when I got home. I felt that at the very least, it should be possible to set up an open gym time twice a week (one morning, one evening). The open gym time would be a three hour session, one morning from 9am - noon, and one evening from 6pm - 9pm. At the open gym time we went to in Abbottsford, we would provide a bunch of balls, hula hoops, trikes, ride-on toys, a slide, a climber, a blow-up bouncer, etc. There will likely be a small fee per child, which will go towards improving the program, and adding acitivity equipment. I hope to also extend the invitation to neighbouring towns, send out flyers, posters, and hopefully make it a real hit.

I made a comprehensive list of all the items we'd need, prices, and wrote letters to various community groups, including the RM, asking to help with the finances and the setup of this kind of community program. Since then, I've received very positive feedback from the RM, and some options for obtaining funding through a special farming community grant. I'm getting pretty pumped to see "Tiny Tots Gym Time" become active this coming fall/winter! The main problem might be finding a space for it, and storage facilities for the equipment. Hopefully our local school will come on board to help with this - because as a small community we just can't get programs like this off the ground without cooperation. If you have any ideas of what you would like to see in such a program, let me know! I'd love to hear your ideas!

My Little Singer

Surprise Package

My surprise package winner was chosen by James on Monday, and I will be putting together a package and sending it out by Friday! Watch those mailboxes! :) This is going to be SO fun...

UPDATE: Okay, in all fairness, I can't help but to put up a little hint so that I don't make all of you wait with endless impatience for a package. Hint: The winner of the surprise package has 2 or more children.

Tribute to James

This is a little slideshow tribute to James, with a bunch of my favourite photos of him over the last 5 months - from Maui to BC, and home. Lately, we just fall more and more in love with him each day. He makes us smile, laugh, and just brings us more joy than we could have ever imagined. We love you James. You are by far the best thing that God ever gave us!

Almost 18 Weeks (Pregnancy Photos)

Almost 18 weeks pregnant with James...

Almost 18 weeks pregnant with this little one!

The Latest Addition...

... or at least what WILL be the latest addition, to our family room.

Puddle Jumping

And don't forget to email/comment with your mailing address if you want to get a package in the mail. Friday is your last chance!

My First Etsy Purchase

This is my first purchase from ETSY. I am SO pumped to get it - I've dreamed of having a wrap since I had James. If you haven't already browsed ETSY, you should do it! Don't miss my previous post, with a chance to get a surprise parcel in the mail from ME.

Surprise Packages

Don't you just LOVE when you get something in the mail that you either (a) didn't remember ordering or (b) didn't know was coming? I LOVE surprise packages. There is something really special about getting something in the mail. I love cards, letters, photos, candies, little gifts... and I even loved receiving my replacement Corelle plate a few weeks back. Packages are so intriguing. I was just reading someone elses blog today who had received a package. It reminded me of something, and also inspired me. It reminded me of the beautiful free gift that we have all been offered from Jesus. Easter is coming up, and I absolutely have grown to love and appreciate this holiday. I need to be reminded daily that a man gave His LIFE for me. So in light of the approach of Easter, and the celebration of the free gift of life we've been offered, I have an offer for YOU.

Simply comment or email me with your name and mailing address, and I will randomly select one of you to receive a package in the mail from me. I don't know what it will be yet - it will depend on whose name I draw. I LOVE giving gifts, and it would be so much fun to surprise one of you. So start sending in your emails. Friday of next week will be the email deadline. This contest has no location limitations - I'm happy to ship locally or internationally.