Sunny Days

Isn't life better once the temp rises above ten degrees?

Happy to Report

Cakes brought home her first report card on Friday. I opened it as soon as we got through the door, with both anticipation and trepidation. I don’t know why the trepidation, because (no surprise) it’s all good. Some of it makes me laugh, like “Cakes prefers undirected activities to directed ones,” but it is all very positive and reassuring. It’s crazy, just when I think I can’t get more proud of her, I do. Just like that, she’s gone from a baby to a bright, creative, sociable, kind, vibrant little person, and I’m in awe of her.

I read every word of her report card out loud to her, and it’s awesome to see how proud she is of herself. Her dad was on shift Friday; he got home Saturday morning, and as soon as he walked in the door she was waving it at him for him to read. You’ve never seen a prouder papa.

Speaking of pride, aren’t you proud of our Olympians? Cakes and I watched the game tonight, and man that was something special. Though she didn’t quite get why someone had to win. “I want them to both win,” she declares. What a gal.

A List in Lieu of Something Thoughtful

Wow, I find myself with a glass of wine and a precious free hour and I don’t know what to do. I’m not up to writing a book review tonight, and I desperately need to write something here, but I don’t really have anything I’m itching to spill. I do have a few small things though, that don’t warrant their own posts:

1. Wasn’t it fun watching the opening ceremonies last night with Twitter? How did we watch these marathon television events before we could snipe away during the boring bits. I may have to watch the Oscars this year too.

2. Seriously though, there weren’t that many boring bits. I thought it was pretty well done. My highlight, for sure, was kd lang singing Hallelujah. I turned off Twitter and sat back and enjoyed.

3. Weren’t you dying when the fourth phallus wouldn’t rise?

4. Is anyone else watching Survivor Heroes vs. Villains? I am for the first time in five years. I can’t resist Boston Rob! Love him. Also glad to see Tom, Stephanie and Colby back. Who is your money on?

5. I go back to work in six weeks, and I need to update my wardrobe. What are your essentials? Where are your favourite places to shop? What is the must have for spring?

6. What can I do with my almost five-year-old girl that I will enjoy too? With the baby who never stops nursing, I haven’t been spending enough time with Cakes, and I need to remedy that.

7. For those who co-slept, when did you kick the baby out of your bed? Any tips for me? I’m starting to get a little weary of waking up with four inches of space.

8. I just signed up for zip.ca. What movies or shows should I put on my list?

Reading Frenzy

Further to the post below, another reason I’m loving nursing: I have the perfect excuse to read for hours each day. I read a total of fourteen books in January! I’ve also been managing to blog pretty regularly over at Read, Play, Blog, so there are some new book recommendations over there is you’re so inclined. I’m also keeping a list on the sidebar over there of everything I read.

Before my nightstand pile gets low--do you have any recommendations for me?

Breast Is Best (For Me)

Update: I have just realized there is some new breastfeeding controversy going on. Don't know the details (and don't care to) but honestly, I didn't time this post to capitalize on it!

Sherwood will be six months on the 29th. Isn’t that crazy? The dude is twenty pounds (!), with fat thighs that you have to squeeze, and cheeks like apples that I chomp on while he pulls my hair and giggles. He likes to sit with us while we eat dinner. His jaw hangs open and he drools, and it’s hard to hold him on your lap while you eat anymore as he swipes at your fork and tries to yank your placemat off the table.

The boy is ready for solids. I’ve purchased cereal, new dishes, cutlery, bibs and all the accoutrements I can justify. I have no reason not to start, but I keep putting it off, even though he is starting to nurse every two hours again. The thing is, I love nursing him. Each week he feeds a little faster and I don’t want to give up any of this precious time.

I’m amazed I’ve reached this point. Breastfeeding was hell at first; I didn’t think it would ever be easy, let alone pleasurable. But it is. I can feel the endorphins flowing when he suckles. We’re relaxed, and it is such an intimate, sensual feeling—I’m not a good enough writer to do it justice.

I had such a different experience with Cakes. She never nursed. At six months, we had her going to her own bed at 7 pm sharp. She never slept with us. Sherwood wrangled his way into our bed months ago, and I just can’t kick him out. He wakes up once during the night, but there is nothing easier than nursing him, half asleep, then curling up around him again. And it makes my day to start it by waking to a little pat on the cheek from a chubby hand, and a beautiful, beaming smile from my amazing boy.

A few months ago I was bemoaning the fact that he wouldn’t take a bottle, and I couldn’t get away from him for very long at a time. Now I don’t want to let him go.



If you’re coming here because you googled something like “breastfeeding problems” or “breastfeeding is hard” (as I did six months ago) you’re not alone. It’s incredibly hard at first, but it really, really is worth it. Stick with it, not because of pressure to breastfeed, but for selfish reasons. Did I mention I'm eating cake every day and still losing weight?

Childcare Dilemma Solved!

Sherwood will be six months on the 29th. Can you believe it? (There is a big post on him coming soon. He is all kinds of awesome). I’m still planning to go back to work on April 1, and McHotty will stay home for three months. We’re going to juggle vacation time to look after the kids in July and August.

I know it’s a long time before I need to worry about childcare, but I’m one of those people who plans things ridiculously far in advance. I had looked into daycare for two kids and I just about died—it would pretty much eat up my entire take-home pay. So I’m overjoyed that we’ve found the ideal solution. I’ve gotten to know my neighbour who lives two doors away. She has a girl who is less than a year younger than Cakes, and a baby girl who is just three months older than Sherwood. She mentioned she was thinking of doing a home daycare, but wasn’t sure if she wanted that much work. We only need someone about 10 days per month. How perfect is that!

I’m so thrilled to have this settled, and what an ideal situation. I really like my neighbour, each child will have a playmate, and I won’t be working for nothing. Plus, the morning drop off will be a hell of a lot easier (the two girls will both be in half-day kindergarten).

*Huge sigh of relief*