peed potty!!

Back in October we started trying to potty train Evan. We brought him to the potty every 2 hours or so and gave him 1 Smartie for #1 and 2 for #2. It was going so well and he responded well with the reward thing. But then he began to not want to go to the potty at all. He would scream and cry when we brought him there and he would get off as soon as possible. We read him books and we played games, but nothing worked. He would fight it so much and then when we would dress him back up he would pee almost immediately. This would get me mad and I found myself disciplining him for this...he completely took control. This made it so difficult because Tyler was at the age when he would cry if I was out of his sight and so I'd be running back and forth and get frustrated.

I decided it was time to take a break because it was getting worse, not better. Daryl disagreed with me at first because he thought that since we are the parents we need to show Evan who's boss and he will learn. Luckily we had busy months ahead of us so I was able to use that to my advantage saying I wasn't going to be working on this while at my mom's in November, or over Christmas holiday's at the lake... I said I would try again in January. Another of Daryl's reasons for not wanting to put it off was that he was going to be leaving for work in January and he wanted to be home to help out with it as much as possible. But I won that discussion and we waited.

A few times in the last 2 months Evan did go potty when he asked to, but I didn't push it at all. On Sunday we (Evan, not me!) officially started going bare bum. I didn't want to do this with all the carpeting we have in the house (!) but the books and friends had all said that that is what some kids need. I also was tired of Evan asking to go, then climbing down after I would help him up...so the stool was put there so he could do it himself. I think THAT was what did it! Evan had a couple of accidents, but nothing our carpet cleaner can't take care of! Then he was so excited that he could climb up there himself and kept saying "My do it, go way Mommy!" So he did, and I did and I heard "Peed Potty!!!!" as he came running out. He's been doing it himself nearly every time since. I just remind him and send him there. He's going to be 2 1/2 at the end of January so I hope this is the start and there isn't too many hurdles along the way now that it's going so well so far.

And it's also super cute! :P

on the road again

I have 5 minutes to spare so I wanted to get this down, since its been on paper this past week. We're moving this week and we're very excited about the move. Now that we're packing up our things and cleaning the house it kind of feels like one of those series finales on TV. I've been having flashbacks of things that have happened while in our house and in town. Although we and other people have joked that we're finally moving to "civilization", we are going to miss so much that the town has had to offer us and what its meant to us.

The things I'm going to miss the most are our house (especially the kitchen and its cupboards!) and yard with its garden, greenhouse and raspberry bushes, and living across the street from the park. I'm going to miss the jobs that I've had here and the friends we have made. It feels bittersweet to be packing because we're so excited about our new house and the city, but this feels like our first real home together. We moved in the month after we got married and we had 2 beautiful boys start out in this house. I remember when we brought our little 6 week old puppy home and how he was the size of the 1x1 square on the kitchen floor (now his head barely fits in a 1x1 square!). I remember walking around our kitchen island in labour BOTH times and watching Evan have all of his "firsts". I still remember exactly where I was standing when I found out my dad had died... I learned to garden and I thought of my dad often while growing tomatoes, peppers etc. I learned how to make salsa (although I know it needs improving) and jam and then even baby food.

I couldn't have gotten a wider variety of work experience here (... hmm, unless I wasn't on mat leave for 17 months of our time here! :P ) and I love that I'm walking away having gained so much from here. I wish I could tell some of the stories, but I wouldn't know where to start! Just lots of babies, babies and more babies, and soo much fun during down times! Surprisingly the same yet totally different. We've met so many people here, through mine and Daryl's work and also as a new mommy. Although so many people have left, and many new people have come, it feels like there's always a HL crew from that time and that place.

Now just a couple things I'm NOT going to miss....
1. Daryl away for work for weeks at a time
2. Having to cram our shopping into a week when we're out of town
3. Having to SAVE and take our recycling with us 3 hours to the nearest facility because there is none here! We've done this for 4 years now!! Curbside recycling here we come!
4. the two seasons...Winter and Mosquito

A few more things I'm going to miss...
1. Being able to get all my errands done in ten minutes (well longer now with kids!)
2. the Northern lights and the LONG hours of daylight in the summer
3. Going anywhere in town and running into 10 people you know
4. Minimal debt :P
5. And being closer to my mom and Charlene :( I'll be a couple hours further away, but I'm assuring myself it won't be so bad! Besides I love visitors!!


With all of this, I'm so excited to start things new because its the right move at the right time. I'm happy our house is going to friends and we know it will be taken care of, and they'll only improve it more. Now we just have to move to yet another house that's painted purple and pink and start all over again. Why do people do that?? Seriously!? This house had teal too when we moved in, so at least we don't have to deal with that again! :P

Labour time!

*Disclaimer* Contains info on labour and delivery, don't read if you don't want to know!!

I've been meaning to write this for a while, but I haven't had time lately...will explain later. My labour and delivery with Tyler was so different than the first time. My last day of work was on June 3rd and on my first day off I was motivated to get things going. I did everything that you're supposed to do (2 long walks, spicy food, exercise ball..) because I thought it would be neat for him to be born on my sisters birthday as well as my Grandma's birthday and my in-laws anniversary (all on the 4th)...didn't happen. On the 5th Evan woke up at 6am and I got up with him, and decided to let Daryl sleep in cause I had a suspicion the Braxton Hicks I was feeling were more than that. I woke him up at 7am and called my mom around then in Grimshaw (3hrs away). She had a flat tire though so had to get that sorted out before she could make her way up. She was going to watch Evan while we were in the hospital. I figured that the way things were going I would have the baby by 7pm as I was comparing to the first time. I also had a Doctor's appt at 3:30pm I was sure I was going to make it to, so I told my mom not to rush.

Daryl and I went about our normal day. I did allt he laundry in the house (about 4 loads) and set up the play pen with bassinette, and finished packing my hospital bag. I did all this at first during and then later, between contractions. At 1100 I was starving again and ate and at noon I couldn't stomach lunch anymore. By this time I was breathing very good through the contractions. At 1pm I couldn't have Evan around me anymore and was labouring in our bedroom. We were expecting my mom at 1pm so I called her at about that time, and Daryl was putting Evan down for his nap. My mom said she'd be there in 15 and then hit construction after she got off the phone with me. At 130pm I felt sick and then my mom got there. All I wanted at this point was to get to the hospital and get some Morphine (helped the first time) and get in the shower as I was definitely not handling the pain well.

We drove to the hospital...my god was that the worst thing out of the whole experience. Anyone who has been or lives here knows that that road to the hospital would not be "labour friendly". Those bumps are horrendous, and even though we live 2 minutes from the hospital, it felt like forever. I was ripping into Daryl by this point. He couldn't seem to understand to drive fast between bumps and slow to a crawl over them :P Poor guy, he was sooo patient and doing a good job, I just didn't notice. I think I had like 10 (maybe I'm exaggerating!) contractions in the car, and it was always after a bump.

We got to the hospital at about 145pm and Cindy was working in ER that day and brought us to the floor right away. Unfortunately no rooms were ready so I walked back to ER and had maybe 3 contractions on that walk back. How I wasn't reading all these signs is beyond me... We got there and Dr Walsh says, "so yeah you're 9.5cm" WHAT! I thought for sure I was 5, if that. I said I just wanted some morphine and I was told I'd be having a baby, not the morphine :P. So they set up to deliver in ER and a labour room became available!!! So Dr.Walsh wheeled me to ER saying he'd push now, I'd push later, and Daryl ran outside to park the car and get the camera. Nearly everyone who was working was there to set up and Cindy stayed for us (yay! She was there the first time too). Dr.Walsh broke my water at about 2pm (again, couldn't believe I was ready) when Daryl got back in the room. I started pushing a few minutes later and Tyler Verne Young was born at 2:10pm! He was contemplating life at the time and came out with his hand under his chin so he got quite bruised in the face with the speediness and then dystocia, but he was here! I wasn't surprised he was a boy and I was honestly a little bit sad he wasn't a girl, but it was only for such a split second. It's amazing how a person can have SOO many feelings in under a minutes time. I was so surprised it was over so soon, happy Tyler was here, and so grateful we made him, so nervous as to how Evan would react (I thought about him a lot while I was pushing surprisingly) and so relieved it was over. I'm so happy we have two little boys that will grow up together. I wouldn't want it any other way :)

We called my mom who was shocked we were done already as Evan was still sleeping, and we decided on the first name. We liked the name Tyler a lot and we were excited to introduce Evan to him. There are many reasons behind Verne for a middle name. My dad used to call us three girls Verne a lot. It was always in fun and I always laughed or rolled my eyes when he did it, it was silly and I really miss his silliness. He also called many other people Verne too, it was one of his things he just did. I thought about this months ago and thought how appropriate it would be since my Grandma's name was Verna and it was in our family as a name more than once. My mom's reaction when we told her was exactly why we chose it. She laughed and cried at the same time. It`s a happy sentimental name for me and for us.

So after the drama, Daryl went and got Evan and he was soo good with Tyler. He said "baby" many times and even said "Tyler"! It was very sweet :) I cried when Evan came in the room and will remember that face forever. He came into the room like such a big boy and was happy to see me as if nothing had happened. We thought he'd have no idea that things were about to change for him. I think he did actually know this was going to happen. Maybe he was just happy the "baby" had gotten him a big new teddy bear as a present for being his big brother. :P

I had had a cough in the last couple weeks and in labour it was difficult because I had to cough the whole time. Afterward Tyler was born I coughed and I heard and felt a "pop" in my rib. It hurt so badly, but eventually it got better, so I figure it was a bruised or dislocated rib or something. Bad Tyler!! Other than that, I felt so much better after he was born. I think I was more uncomfortable in this pregnancy and so I felt so relieved and better after he was born. The first time I felt better while pregnant than afterwards :P

So that's my story this time. Tyler is perfect (besides a heat rash) and Evan is growing up so quickly now that he's a big brother. He talks all the time and loves to climb and get into trouble. When Evan was born I thought it was hard to take care of a newborn...having a toddler makes you realize how easy a newborn really is... :P

I love both of my boys so much and I love Daryl so much, he is truly an absolutely wonderful husband and daddy. I can't tell you how many times in the last 5 weeks (and before of course, but especially lately) that I've watched him with these boys in amazement as to how lucky I am and they are. I always knew it but I'm so grateful.
:)

What I've learned the second time around (so far)

I've been thinking about this entry for a while and have finally been able to figure it out enough to write down. I'm already 25 weeks pregnant (in 2 days) and every day I am surprised with the differences between this pregnancy and the last. Other than obviously showing earlier due to the lax muscles, these are some things that I've realized.

I love Evan more than I can possibly describe, and I hope this doesn't come across in a bad way, but I can honestly say that I love this baby in pregnancy more than Evan when I was still pregnant with him. Hear me out. The experience of birth and seeing Evan now be his own person at 19mos old has made me appreciate this new baby's heartbeat at the Doctor's office, or feeling kicks that I get day and night. I know what those heartbeats and kicks turn into now. I always thought I knew, but there is a difference between knowing and understanding those things. I understand and appreciate how much I will care for this little person and so I can say I do love this baby so much already. I only wish I had this insight when I was pregnant with Evan, but I had no idea what it would mean to me. At the time I thought I loved my unborn baby, but was more a feeling of wonderment, awe and just a "neat feeling". I was completely unaware of the incomprehensible love I would end up feeling for that being that had that heartbeat and gave me those kicks. Although I know its still early, I feel like I already love my two kids equally 100%. The first time around Daryl had a hard time feeling the kicks on my belly because they felt "weird, and alien-like", but even he feels differently knowing how much those kicks will be impacting us in such a short period. And I'm also trying to stay positive here, but I feel so heartbroken thinking of those who have lost their children in pregnancy, especially for the second pregnancy or more, (not to take away from the first pregnancy losses) but because you just know SO much more what you've lost.

Ok, but on a lighter note I've had other differences as well. With Evan I craved Granny Smith apples and a lot of healthy fruity foods. This time around it's processed salty or sweet foods and too much junk food cravings that is just NOT good for me or baby. I have a hard time justifying eating that crap, but I just have to cave every once and a while (every day). Veggies are the hardest thing to want to eat and it makes it harder because I'm trying to be a good example to Evan as well now too. I want him to see me eating good foods, but its so hard for me to eat! I'm beginning to get creative.

When I was pregnant with Evan I got a lot of my energy back after the first trimester was over. I was able to still work 12 hr shifts, do housework, garden in my bathing suit up till the day I had him. This time is dramatically different. The first trimester "tiredness" has NOT left. I am constantly tired, and working 3 (sometimes 4) 8hr days a week leaves me exhausted and trying so hard to get in at least one, hopefully two naps a week. Of course this is likely due to having a toddler to chase around the house, feed and keep entertained. It's taking up all the energy I would have left! :P

So I have been thinking about all of this, and I haven't made time to keep this blog up to date. It's been 2 months since I've even put pictures up on facebook! :0 However, we have now successfully finished moving the office downstairs and everything computer related is re-set up (obviously). Evan's new big boy furniture is due to show up in a week and a half and putting that together is my next new project (since the hubby is away). The goal is to have it done as quickly as possible, so that he can be out of his crib for at least 2 1/2 months before baby shows up in June. So thanks to all the readers who do follow this even though I haven't been posting, on the original and facebook versions. I'm hoping to not be such a stranger.

maternity snowpants??

It would be nice to get an early spring this year, 'cause I don't know how much longer I'm going to be able to wear my snow pants while shoveling! We got a foot of snow overnight and it's been about a week since I needed to wear them for a shoveling session, and they were very tight and uncomfortable :P. I have to say though that I'm very thankful they have 2 snap sizes or else I would have outgrown them a very long time ago. I might have to see if Daryl has a spare set lying around that he doesn't have with him for work. I wonder if they even make maternity snowpants? It would be a waste of money, but I'm sure they do.
While I was shoveling it felt so nice out. It was nice to shovel on a sunny, no wind -20 day. I can't believe I'm saying that, but it sure beats -30's to -40's windchill days all blustery and depressing. Oakley was bugging me but he was having fun so it wasn't so bad. He kept climbing up the snow piles that are almost as tall as me and sliding down right back on the sidewalk I just shoveled. So I didn't do too much today, but I had to do it a couple of times. I did too much the last time, so this time I scooped what I had to and pushed it around so I can drive out later. I'll call the pool boy, I mean show shoveler, later to do all the hard work.
Its white gold out there for so many kids!

I'm dreaming of a warm ocean....

So our Christmas went well. The roads were good for traveling, but it has been so cold. That was the only damper on it all really. It was so nice to have all of my side of the family home. It was too bad we all were coming and going though and only spent 2-3 days together really.
Christmas dinner was great. I have been trying to remember the last time I even had a Christmas dinner. Last year we were home and didn't do one for the two of us (we went to some friends but its not the same) and the year before that in 2006 we went there as well, but I was newly preggers and was grossed out by everything. In 2005 I think we were at the Young's so it has been 3 years since we've had a Christmas dinner with family... This year made up for it though because it was so good. I recommend being ~16weeks preggers to anyone around Christmas....mmmmm food! Great job Leoal!

Well I guess I should talk about the rest of Christmas and not just the food...Evan got completely spoiled and he got a little overwhelmed bya ll the present opening. I think next time will be a slower process, maybe even spread out over a couple of hours to give the little one a break.

It's still soo cold here. Its in the high -20s and the wind chill is still right up in the 30s. Its irritating to hear people complaining in Edmonton etc. about their "3 weeks of cold" oh shut up.. We're coming on 2 months of no warmer than -25..and more often than not in or near the -30's. 2 months! I have never detested winter more than this year. I keep looking at the calander counting down till March at least. I had my hopes up last week when the long term forecast was looking up, but I have to stop believing it. If I'm not going somewhere warm I can daydream! Where I would love to be is here...Bora Bora...someday :)

cheers for times gone by

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
And surely I’ll buy mine !
And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine† ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

CHORUS
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give us a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Meanings

Auld Lang Syne = Times Gone By
Draught = Taking a sip or Drink
Right Good-Will Draught = Making a Toast
Cup o’ kindness = A Cup of Good Cheer
Pint Cup = A Pint of Ale or Beer.

cheers!