What a Difference a Year Makes

The long weekend has been rather delightful thus far. I can’t describe how nice it is to actually enjoy this summer, compared to the previous summer when it seemed like we were just barely getting by. A year ago, Cakes was colicky and we spent at least an hour a night singing “Burning Ring of Fire” to calm her. One year ago, it was stinking hot and we were stuck in our one-bedroom apartment waiting for a house we thought would never be built. A year ago, sleep was just a fond memory, I had only one pair of shorts that fit, and I spent hours per day hooked up to an electric breast pump, like a cow.

Exactly one year ago today, I was in the hospital receiving a blood transfusion after a six-week post-partum hemorrhage. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. But that’s a post for another day.

Yesterday, I joined the Toronto mamas for an afternoon play date. Of course, on a day when I desperately want Cakes to have a good nap so she will be her most charming self, she sleeps for only 20 minutes.

The ladies were all as lovely and articulate in person as they appear in the blogsphere. I was having a good time, but unfortunately, Cakes was bouncing off the walls. After she stole all of WonderBaby’s biscuits and then pushed her over I, mortified, thought it was best to say adieu.


When we returned home, we went for a BBQ with two couples across the street. One couple has an 11-month-old boy they achieved via in-vitro, and the other just brought home a little girl from China (the same age as Cakes). Makes me very thankful we were able to make Cakes the old-fashioned way. We brought some tabouleh Big Papa had whipped up and they grilled Tandoori chicken and asparagus. They brought out exersaucers and jumpers and we let the little ones go nuts on the grass. Cakes lasted well through dinner but soon after, we could tell a meltdown was imminent so we dashed before dessert.

Cakes passed out five minutes after we got in the door, so I didn’t feel bad deserting Big Papa to hook up with the blogging gals again for drinks. It was much more relaxing without the babe. Conversation flowed easily and we discovered a shared penchant for gin and tonics (hooray!).

I actually went to high school with Sunshine Scribe! I’m a little embarrassed as I was a loser in high school. But, as we all know, people change, and I don’t think she held it against me.

I look forward to seeing these ladies again.

Big Papa’s working today. Cakes and I spent most of the day at the park. They have the wading pools open now and we tried it for the first time. She loved it! Lots of her friends were around too, and we had a very pleasant day.

Tonight I went next door for wine and dessert. It appears so far, the big fence isn’t a barrier to our newfound friendship.

Wow, it is nice to be among the living again.

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Today the Toronto Star selected the "best of Canadian culture". Find the full article here. Let me know your thoughts on these, particularly the books.

I'm glad to see Atwood and Munro on this list. Lives of Girls and Women isn't my favorite Munro--I would have rather seen For the Love of a Good Woman (what do they have against short stories?) By the same token, where is Carol Shields?

I'm very happy to see Green Grass, Running Water on the list. If you haven't read this, you simply must.

Anyone particularly happy with a pick? Any glaring ommissions?