~Day in the life of a military wife~

*Achoo! Excuse me....

2012-02-10T21:15:00.002-04:00

Yes...we have all been hit..hard by this darn cold going around.

Tiana was first, missing 4 days of school(Tues-Friday), then myself,hubby, Ty, then Kallie.Ty and Kallie were both hit the hardest, both making visits to the Doctor, and the hospital. Kallie, we discovered, has Bronchial Asthma, so now, we are armed with an inhaler to combat the coughs. Ty has a viral cold, and the poor little guy has suffered a lot. There have been many, many days of momma snuggles, kisses, and naps. He has had very little appetite, and very little want of any liquids, but somehow, we have avoided hospitalization. Thankfully today his appetite has somewhat returned, and he has been drinking loads today, so hopefully, tomorrow he's his old self again. I miss my funny little happy guy, being his usual self.

Asides from the sickness that has plagued my house, not a whole lot has been going on. We go through the routine motions of getting up, dressing/feeding/shooing out the door to school, mixing in some speech therapy for my middle child, and many Doctor appointments for myself ( with no end in sight soon), and the kids' varying activities.

Doctor's appointments for myself, you ask? I have been seeing my Doctor regularly for weight checks, as my new year resolution was and still is to get healthy, body, mind, and soul. Body wise, I have had many issues going on, varying from extreme exhaustion and fatigue, to extremely irregular womanly cycles, and really crazy hormone issues, so we are in the process of trying to figure it all out. On top of it all, I have been plagued by TMJD issues since I was 16, and those seem to have flared up again, causing a lot of jaw pain on the right side and headaches, making me unable to eat anything hard, chewy, or big. So, as I have results as to whats going on, I will share with you:)

With regards to Erik's military career, he is STILL (*sigh) on his 4's, technically OJT ( on the job training). We had both been hoping he would go with the current group back to Borden for his 5's course, but, sadly, he wasn't asked to go, and chances are, he won't be until at least June. Which means, he will be gone (hopefully) for the entire summer. I'm not happy about this, but its a necessary part of his training, and without this we can't move on to the next chapter in his career, or even be considered to be posted again until he's 5's qualified. But man, talk about bad timing for a course..the entire summer!! We will see I guess, with the military, anything's possible!!

Oh well, that's another day in my life I guess! Time to take a stroll through blog land!!

Howdie!

2012-01-14T15:36:00.002-04:00

Hello, blogland!

Its been a while, so lets dive into the updates.

My baby boy turned ONE yesterday!! Can you believe it?!?! The last year went by so fast!!

My hubby went back to work from pat leave this past October.It feels so great to have a routine again, and for my to have my house back to myself!

Tiana is back to school from Christmas holidays, and Kallie is gearing up for a bunch of things to get her ready for school this coming September.

Our holidays were very busy, but they were fantastic! I couldn't be happier with how they went.

Now that were fresh into the new year, our family has made some big life decisions. I wouldn't call them resolutions, because whenever I've made a resolution it had failed miserably, so I will call them life decisions..lol.

The first big decision was to get our finances under control, and take back our financial future. When my husband and I married (7 years ago this yr), he brought along ALOT of debt from his previous marriage, and we have always had a very difficult time making payments, and keeping things up. Because of this, we have always had to live paycheque to paycheque, and we have literally no savings or money away in case of an emergency. We started seeing a financial counsellor last fall, and last week, we filed for Bankruptcy. It was literally our only option due to the amount of debt, and our income, and to tell you the truth, I cannot be happier than I am now that we filed. Knowing that in October we have a completely clean slate, no more people calling for things I have nothing to do with, no more stress from bills, I feel like I can breathe again. Because of this, we are finally able to save for everyday household needs, and we are able to save for a house deposit, and save for emergencies. For the last few months we have been following a strict budget, and we finally feel like we are in control of our finances again.

The new year also marked the beginning of a new, healthier, happier me. I decided to take better control of what I eat, and what I do, to make my life happier and more productive. I no longer eat anything processed. We don't buy pop, chips, or chocolate anymore. We only purchase lean cuts of meat, and fresh veggies and fruit. We also buy frozen veggies, and some canned fruit, but mostly things that aren't in season that we enjoy. I started limiting how much sugar i take in, and I watch my salt intake as well.

The biggest change I have made is something I discovered a month or so ago. Quinoa. I absolutely LOVE the stuff! Its an ancient grain, low on the glycemic scale, very high in protein content, and has all of the essential amino acids you need in it. It cooks like rice, and can be added to a lot of things. I love this grain so much, I don't eat potato, rice, or pasta anymore! We have also incorporated a lot of nuts into our diets, mainly raw almonds. Very good for high cholesterol, and tasty to boot!!

My goal this year is to get back to my pre-pregnancy pant size. Actual weight means little to me, because being a busy mom, I have a bit more muscle mass than most. I also love a lot of cardio, I'm actually gearing up to start Turbo Jam and P90X. My doctor recommended another 85-100lbs to lose, but we will see what the grand total will be. Right now, by my count, I'm down 40lbs since last September!

So, I think that's all in a nutshell!

How were your holidays?

A MUCH needed update!

2011-08-21T19:52:00.004-03:00

Hello, blogland!

Things have been quite hectic around here, so here it goes.

Not only am I a full time working mom now, but I am also starting a home based business.

My biggest passion in life (besides my kids, calm down) is to bake. I LOVE IT. It was something I swpent alot of time doing growing up, spending almost everyday of my life until I was 17 at my grandparents house, watching my Grandmother bake. She did everything, bread, cookies, cheesecakes, cupcakes, brownies, squares, doughnuts. I inhaled as much knowledge as I could from her, her techniques, her ideas. My happiest memories growing up were with her, in her kitchen, surrounded by the most amazing smells.

My Grandmother passed away last year, and I was utterly devastated. She was the most influencial person in my life, she was the most amazing wife, mother, grandmother and friend anyone could ever ask for. After her passing, my Grandfather asked if there was anything of hers that I wanted, anything that actually ment something to me that I would hold as priceless, and, unlike the rest of the family wanting earrings, necklaces, perfumes she loved, I asked for her recipe books. My Grandfather was more than obliged to give them to me, he knew how special they were to me, all her knowledge that wasn't written down in those pages I had in my head, and now I had the recipes to go along with it. I also recieved alot of her baking ware, various pans, her flour sifter, and my most prized possesion besides the recipes themselves....her rolling pin. So it only made sense for me to go into sometype of baking business. Right now I am in the stages of experimenting with different flavors, recipes, and designs, but my business will be based upon cakes, and cupcakes. I am really excited for whats to come:)

Things at home are fantastic as well! The girls have had a great summer.They both finished soccer the second to last week of august.Our oldest Tiana just started Grade two!! She loves school this year so far, so fingers crossed that it stays that way. Kallie is ajusting to her sister being at school all day, and she is becoming a wonderful helper around the house, whether it be baking, cleaning, making beds...she is more than eager to help. The wee man is now 8 months old, and is fully mobile!! He does the leopard crawl perfectly, its too much watching him go. Erik is gearing up to go back to work the first week of October, just after his upcoming surgery.

Life is fantastic, I cannot complain!

The crazyness has begun, but I like it!

2011-06-07T07:37:00.002-03:00

Our first official summer of insanity has started, and so far so good. Now, I know its technically not summer yet, but school is winding down, and soccer has started for the girls.

Kallies tarted soccer yesterday in the U4 group, and she had a total blast! She laughed and squealed with excitement the entire hour, and I am so happy to see her get along with all the other kids so well! I'm looking forward to when she gets her uniform, and officially becomes a Blue Puma!

Tiana is supposed to start soccer tonight, but we have yet to hear anything on a coach for her team, so no coach, no playtime. They are in desperate need for coashes for the Oromocto Area Soccer Association, so I'm really praying that they find one for her team soon! Sparks is winding down this week and next, and this Thursday she advances to Brownies. We are also looking at a possible day camp for her to go to a few weeks out of the summer.

Ty is growing by leaps and bounds! He is such an amazing, happy boy! Every single day my heart grows a little bit more, when he wakes up, and I see his giant toothless grin staring at me when I say good morning and give him a morning cuddle. He will be 5 months old next week, and I am still in shock and awe at my amazing little dude!

Things with Erik are...well, lacking for a better word. Each day I get up and try to push our relationship a little bit further, to try to get back to what we used to be, but I just don't get anything back out of him. He has been spending his days working out and playing World of Warcraft, while I clean, workout with the Wii, and take care of kiddo's. Things are to the point where I go to bed alone every night, and I wake up alone every morning. I am really hoping and praying we can get back to the couple that we used to be. This August will be 6 years married, and I really don't want it to be our last.

Well, back to the battlefield.

Busy bee

2011-05-29T21:30:00.002-03:00

Hi there,

Things have been absolutely insane here, but, I wouldn't change a thing!

My girls are gearing up to begin soccer next week, and this will create an insane summer for us! Were really looking forward to it for the both of them to get out a few nights a week to learn the sport,make friends, and most importantly, exercise!

The baby is growing super fast, having just recieved his 4 month old vaccinations mid-may. I seriously cannot believe how much of my life has changed since welcoming him. I don't find my life any more busy than I did previously, but with his birth, he made me feel parts of me that I didn't know I had. Emotionally, spiritually, I cannot believe how rocked my entire being has become!

He has created so much more humanity in me. He has helped me realize just how special it is that I am able to be home with my family on a daily basis.I used to grope and be upset at the fact that I didn't get to go out often, and that I needed to find part time or full time work to balance out my life....but the truth is, I am so unbearably grateful that I get to be home now. I know deep in my heart that I am supposed to be home with my children. That I was ment to be a mother, and I feel like it was ment for me to be at home during these early years.

So, I am now embracing each day the best that I can. I am enjoying and appreciating every single smile that I get out of all of my children. I laugh and smile with them more now that ever before. I am also finding that I am learning to leave the small things, and not be upset over them. There is always tomorrow, and I am cherishing the beauty in every today that I have.

Currently, I am working towards bettering my physical self, through twice daily exercise with my Wii. I absolutely love it, its single handedly one of the best purchases we have ever made! I have so much working out with my Wii Fit programs, as well as a few other games I have picked up, and I am already noticing a difference in my endurance.

Its all a part in working towards a happier me, and a happier mommy for my family!

Happy Easter, and an update!

2011-04-24T17:12:00.002-03:00

First off, I want to wish everyone a Happy Easter !

We spent today having an easter egg hunt around our home, followed by the kids happening upon our kitchen table strewn with loot! Now, we don't go crazy with chocolate, as we don't believe that's what Easter is about, but we do spoil them with a few necessities, and a few treats/toys.

This year, they each recieved a new spring jacket, an umbrella, a Zhu Zhu puppy, coloring book/crayons, construction paper, a few suckers, and a few chocolate eggs. They are both beyond happy!

We spent the day watching the girls play outside, and watched a movie. We just had a really great ham dinner, and now I'm sitting on my couch, blogging and catching up on people's blogs as the baby is sleeping on the couch next to me. I absolutely love my life! I have no complaints! I have a house to live in, plenty of food on my table, and happy, healthy children.....what else could I possibly need??

Now, an update on the family.

Tiana just had her 7th birthday! She is growing like a weed so they say. She's 4'7" tall, and takes a size 6 shoe. Perhaps modelling is in her future?

Kallie is happy as a clam. We are in the process of being referred to a specialist in regards to the bowel issues Kallie has had since birth. She is always constipated, and were at the point that were fearful of the damage this ongoing problem is causing her body. Bowel problems run in both sides of our family. Crohn's disease, Celiac's disease, IBS to name the main ones. We have no idea if it could be a gluten issue, or a lactose issuse, because the only symptom she has is the chronic constipation. Hopefully, we get answers sooner as opposed to later.

Ty is growing like a bad weed. He is 13 weeks, 3 days old now! We weighs about 14 lbs, and he just fits into 3 month clothing now. Heès such a bubbly baby, he loves to chat and squak and his legs go like a pro runner! I can't imagine the trouble he's going to get into when he starts crawling and walking! At the moment though, he's battling a yeast infection in his "creases", mainly his neck, elbow, knee, and roll folds. A week with antibiotic cream, and he should be back to the soft, smooth, chubby boy I know!

Thats about all on my end, hope everyone is well!

Short, but sweet update!

2011-04-13T13:43:00.002-03:00

Hi everyone! Wow, I have been so, rediculously busy!!! But, you know what...I LOVE it! Here's a crash update of the last few weeks! Our new baby boy, Ty, is now 3 months old today! He weighs in at 14lbs, and 40 cms long! He JUST fits into 3 month old clothing now. He is so bright and bubbly, and even better, he sleeps all night! He's been sleeping all night since roughly 5 weeks old. Today is also our oldest child, Tiana's 7th Birthday, so Happy Birthday princess! Our middle child, Kallie turned 4 on February 13th. SO. MANY. BIRTHDAYS! Erik is loving being home on Pat leave. I am enjoying it as well, as I have a bit more time to myself, and I also have another adult to talk to most of the time. The kids love having daddy home at breakfast time, and he enjoys taking our oldest to the bus stop every morning. I know October is going to come fast though! Sadly, on March 15th, we lost my Grandfather. All I can say to sum him up to everyone is that he was an amazing man. He is finally resting in heaven, reunited with my Grandmother that we lost last July. That was a huge toll on the family, but it was a bit more comforting to know that he is where he wants to be, and thats with my Grandmother, together again. My mom had her right total knee replacement done on March 23rd, and she is recovering very well. She had had alot of complication with her left one, and that resulted in her needing to have it redone, as well as a PICC line inserted, followed by 6 weeks of IV pump antibiotics. So needless to say, we are super happy that things went so much better this time around. She is currently going through Physiotheraphy, and she will be going back to work in June. The girls call her Bionic Nana now....lmao! Well, I suppose that's all I have time for at the moment, I took a quick break to check email and to update, and now I'm off to decorate for Tiana's birthday party! Cheers!!

decisions, decisions...

2011-02-14T13:58:00.002-04:00

First off....Happy Valentine's Day!!

How is everyone?

My day is going well! I got up to a dozen long stem roses from my husband...something I have never received before. So far the day has been quiet, which has been wonderful!

Right now I am in the process of applying for work, while I'm researching schooling for myself. Since I was little, I wanted to go into Nursing, and at the moment I'm looking into Practical Nursing, which is a 2 year program. I have always believed that you should work in something that you love to do, so that each day your completely satisfied going to work, working in a job you love, with people you love to work with. I love to help others, and I'm always hearing about how selfless I am, always putting others first, so health care was a natural choice for me.

But, having a family came first to me, I wanted to have children young so that I could enjoy my children fully, being able to do different activities with them as they grew. I had, and still have no problem with starting my career later in life, I mean, I know of some people who go back to school in their 50's or later! My personal goal is to have my career in place by 30, so now is the time for me to get moving.

Having 3 kids provides alot of challenge to this, seeing as the school I would attend is in downtown Fredericton. Thankfully, I have a good friend who will provide child care to all of my children for a very reasonable price, and she lives relatively close to our home. She is a good family friend, who knows our children well already, and our children play with her children all the time. My schooling will also provide challenges to my husband as well, seeing as he will need to find alternative arrangements to go to work. but all in all, they should be easily arranged!

Now, if only the financial aspect of everything was as easily planed!! Unfortunately, I can't apply for a student loan until AFTER I'm accepted into the program, but I have to pay a portion of the tuition upon acceptance into the program to hold my seat. Plus, I want to be sure all of my tuition is covered, as well as our child care expenses. So, now its to get applying, and see what I can do in terms of financial arrangements!

A happy Mommy am I!

2011-01-31T14:31:00.002-04:00

Ya know, I love being a mom!

I love the busyness of it all. Its weird, you don't realize how much you love it, until your no longer doing the everyday "chores".

Since the baby was born, I have been enjoying my recovery downtime as much as I can, sleeping when I want, having hot showers/baths when I feel the need or want to, because my husband has literally taken over everything. I don't do laundry, I don't have to cook (but I do anyway, because his skill is limited), I don't have to do baths for the kids, or clean the house. I am extremely lucky to have a husband who is working so hard to take care of me and our children. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining, but man, I can't wait to get back to normal!

I miss my daily routine of cleaning, cooking, baking. The busyness of getting the girls up and ready for the day, and now the added craziness that comes with a new baby. I'm looking forward to being able to lift again, as right now I'm restricted to 8lbs or less.

My biggest excitement right now, is the fact that I am under my pre-pregnancy weight, and I am not even 3 weeks post partum!! I must admit that I did a HUGE happy dance, as I had completely accomplished my goal of coming out of my pregnancy having lost some weight.

Before I got pregnant, I had lost 40lbs, and I was determined not to put that weight back on, and with my Doc's recommendation of only 15 lbs of pregnancy weight gain, I was able to do just that. As of right now, I am 3 lbs under my pre-pregnancy weight, and the Doctor guesses that I have roughly 5-8lbs of fluid to lose. I am so happy! My pre-pregnancy jeans fit already, but not as comfortably as I would like from the c-section incision still healing, but, yay!!!

I'm healing rather well, although I definately feel it in my belly/hips if I overdo it, like climbing the stairs too much, or standing for too long, or I twist the wrong way. All of the bruising is gone now, except for one small thumb print sized bruise on my right arm that's fading.

Baby Ty is growing so unbelievably fast already! I wish I could keep him so tiny forever!! He's weighing in at 8lbs, 6oz now, and has grown an inch in length, and an inch around the head already. He's more alert now, spending an hour or more at a time awake. I love all of the little coo's and ahh's, and the way he tries to eat your neck and face when he's hungry. I don't want him to grow up!!! The girls love him more and more each day, they start their day everyday by coming and kissing him good morning, and wont go to bed at night without saying goodnight. Its so amazing to see how good they are to him, and how much they love him already. They are such fantastic big sisters!!

I'm back!

2011-01-19T12:17:00.003-04:00

Hi guys, miss me?

Wow, what a crazy week it has been, crazy, but amazing!!

As you all know, we welcomed our 3rd child Thursday, January 13th, 2011, a baby boy, we named Ty. He weighed in at 7lbs, 13.9 oz, and was exactly 20 inches long.

What an amazing, but terrifying day that day was, but I wouldn't change a thing. The cesarean section went as perfect as perfect can go, but following my section, I had a postpartum hemmorage.

Everything happened so fast once the hemmorage started, that I really don't know where to begin. They tried Pitocin to force my uterus to contract as well as uterine massage (oh..my..god talk about pain) but that didn't work, and the clotting and bleeding got worse. They then tried Methergine, another drug used to force your uterus to contract which is only used on severe hemmorage, as well as the uterine massage (again, severe ouch...) and that got us no where. The last attempt at stopping the bleeding and clotting was with a drug called Hemabate, which is used to stop life threatening hemmoraging. Once that was administered, they sedated me with Fentanyl and gas, as they did a uterine sweep, which is literally a hand up inside of your uterus while the other hand shoves down on top of it sweeping all of the blood and clotting down and out, which thankfully worked. If it wouldn't of worked, I would have been rushed back into surgery, for an emergency hystorectomy.

After all of that, I remained in L&D for 4 hours, with a uterine massage every 15 minutes to be sure it stayed contracted. Lets just say I'm extremely thankful for the gas mask and the incredible amounts of morphine I was given, because I honestly have never felt pain like that in my life, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone. For the remainder of my hospital stay I was kept on Heparin injections (blood thinners to prevent clotting), as well as morphine, and iron supplements to help restore my hemoglobin levels.

Today I am 6 days postpartum, and I have never seen such severe bruising. My belly is purple, a deep, almost red purple. I had recieved 13 staples along my incision as a precaution due to the excessive force from the uterine massages, to make sure my incision wasn't torn open. My arms are purple from the Heparin injections, and I am still in what seems like a permanent light-headedness from the low blood count.

But, despite everything that happened, I wouldn't change any of it. I knew my risks going in, as I have had the hemmoraging in both previous pregnancies, although never this severe. This pregnancy might have been difficult, with a bit of a scary finish, but it gave my my precious, perfect baby boy. No matter how scary it all still was and is to me, I created a life because of it all, and I am absolutely and completely thankful for being able to create it. I have all of my children, all perfect, all healthy, and I couldn't be happier!!! Some people may think I'm crazy for putting myself through the risks of my second and third pregnancies because of the severity of the risks, but I know I made the right choice. The joy my children give me every single day more than make up for anything I went through to bring them here.

Needless to say, I am also glad that I got a tubal ligation done during my section, so that was my last pregnancy! Erik will also be having a vasectomy done this spring, so there will be absolutely NO chance of more babies, 3 has always been what we wanted, and we are incredibly happy to be able to have 3 children.

He's here!

2011-01-14T19:47:00.003-04:00

Hi everyone!

Just posting a quick update, to announce the arrival of our baby boy, Ty Philippe Daniel Chiasson, who arrived via C-section on January 13th, 2011. He weighed in at 7 lbs, 14 oz, and was exactly 20 Inches in length.

I am slowly recovering from my surgery, but I had some major complications following my surgery that are going to extend my recovery time. I will try to post again soon, and add photos!

The calm before the storm...errr...wait.....

2011-01-12T20:03:00.003-04:00

So, tomorrow is the big day....c-section number 3, Birthday of our new baby:)

Annnnnnd.......we have a snow storm.

*Sigh*

Come hell or high snowbanks.....I will get to the DECH tomorrow, and I will have this baby!!

See you on the other side!!

Where does the time go?

2011-01-06T10:05:00.002-04:00

Wow, talk about time flying!

I mean, sheesh, it seems like yesterday that I just found out I was pregnant, and here we are, exactly 1 week from meeting our newest, and last addition to our family. Talk about overwhelming. I mean, this pregnancy hasn't been a walk in the park, actually far from it (bedrest, I hate you), but I wouldn't change any of it because it's what needed to happen, to bring us our new baby.

I am so incredibly thankful to have been able to carry 3 pregnancies full term, when I know so many women struggle with fertility. All of what I went through seems terrible, with my only "uncomplicated" pregnancy being for my second child, Kallie, but I would do every single thing over again for my babies.

My first born, Tiana, will be 7 this coming April. Totally unbelievable!! Starting out at 22 inches long, and 9 lbs, 14 oz, she is now 4 feet 5 inches tall, weighing nearly 80lbs. She has a love of chocolate milk, cheese, apples, banana's, and raisins. Her favorite thing in the world is ceasar salad. She is an incredible reader, she loves to read us (Erik and I) bed time stories before she goes to bed at night, and she is an awesome big sister, though sometimes overprotective. She already wants to be a kindergarten teacher when she grows up, which is totally wonderful to me!

My second born, Kallie, will be 4 in February. She started out at 19 inches long, 7 lbs, 11 oz, and is now just over 3 feet, 5 inches tall, and 40 lbs. She has an unhealthy addiction to bananas, green grapes (any grape really), raisins, and corn on the cob. She loves anything her sister loves. She follows her big sister around everywhere, and wants to do anything she can do. She doesn't know what to do with herself without her big sister. She loves to do puzzles, and play with barbies. Her vocabulary is amazing, and she is very well spoken for a child of barely 4.

And now, we have another new little person joining our family next week, and I am so excited!!!

I feel as though I am a bit behind though. Today I am starting my "to do" lists of household things that need doing before my trip to Resort DECH (haha...). The list for household things are bigger for my husband than they are for me, seeing as I can't do any lifting, but incredibly, there aren't too many things all together.

I still need to pack my bag for the hospital, but the baby's bag is already done and ready to go. We have installed the car seat base in the van already, as well as rearranged the seating in the van for the girls, and they are adjusting to it just fine. We have extra batteries purchased, and extra space on our smart phones for any extra photo's taken.

I am still in total denial......wow. Exactly a week today.....cue the nervousness and nausea....

New Year, New Adventures!

2011-01-02T08:18:00.002-04:00

Our biggest adventure of the year, will begin in 11 days, with the birth of our 3rd child! If we make it to C-section day that is.

I have been in ALOT of pain the last few days, but I am coping with it as best as I can. I try not to complain, but after weeks of this same pain, I am definately ready for him to be born so I can have some relief!

2010 was a crazy busy year for us, with Erik's military course, our posting, this pregnancy, school for our oldest, as well as a few family deaths, that this year, were focusing on us. This year is going to be about our health, our family, and just enjoying it together, as a family. We have a few little adventures planned later in the year for all of us, a few small road trips to visit family, a day or two in St Andrews, and possibly a few weeks of vacation in Newfoundland this summer.

We are also focusing on our financial selves this year, getting the last little bit of our debts paid off, and our credit back in perfect working order, so we can purchase a home, or build later on down the road. I am hoping to go to work outside of the home by the fall, or to go back to school. All in due time things will work themselves out, but I'm excited for whichever comes! I have been home with the kiddos since Kallie was born full time, and she will be 4 in February, so I'm looking forward to getting out of the house.

Not much else to comment on, so I'll end this here. Wishing you all a wonderful 2011, from my family to yours!!

We have survived another Christmas!

2010-12-27T14:27:00.002-04:00

It came, it went, and we conquered!!

Wow, what a few days it has been. Where to start?

Christmas Eve was spent driving into Saint John, to spend part of the afternoon with my dad's side of the family. There was a huge buffet of food, and alot of laughs!! It was amazing to have a few hours to spend some time with everyone, but I wish I could have stayed longer. We needed to stop by my mom's to gather up gift's and let the girls see their Nana for a bit. From there, we had to head back to Oromocto to gather up our gifts, and our cat, and headed for the night into Erik's mom and Dad's house, which has become our yearly tradition.

We arrived there around 5 pm, and from there the rush began to get the girls dressed for Church. Every year they go to the Christmas Eve Mass at the Roman Catholic Church on the northside of Fredericton with my in laws, usually we all go, and its a wonderful, wonderful mass. This year I decided to stay home, due to the pain and discomfort in my hips and back. I really wish I would have toughed it out, because I know how much it means to my girls to have us all there together. But, none the less, they had a great time.

After church, we got them changed into their pajama's, and snuggled onto the couch to watch a special part of a Veggietales movie that stick's out to us at Christmas time. Shortly after that, Kallie's godfather Terry (aka The Funky Cowboy) came over for a visit with his dad, and some close friends who were in visiting from Florida. They stayed for a few hours, and we had a ton of laughs!! By this time, it was 10:30pm, and I started to crash fast. We put on Jeff Dunham's Christmas special, and I got as far as Achmed. I headed to bed, but didn't sleep all that well, which is the norm lately.

We were up early on Christmas day, which is to be expected in a house full of excited little girls. 6:30 am, and we were downstairs, with coffee and tea in hand, watching them squeal as they opened their stockings. After the stockings were cleared out, we cleaned up the wrappers, and headed to make breakfast. Obviously, it couldn't cook fast enough for them, but we did manage to get some ham and eggs into them before they tore into the mass amounts of gifts under the Christmas tree. By 10 am, all was tore open, cleaned up, and we had two extremely happy little girls.

By 11 am, the house was filled with the smell of roasting turkey, and oh my goodness it smelt AMAZING!! We had turkey dinner for lunch, as everything was fully prepared by 1:30. I could honestly say I could eat that meal every single day of my life and die happy, it was that fantastic!

We spent the rest of the day cleaning up, playing cards, laughing. It was a great day! We headed back home to Oromocto around 6:30 pm, to prepare for Sunday's drive to Bathurst.

Yesterday we spent the day driving to and from Bathurst, as well as the few hours in between we spent with Erik's Grandmother. She was so happy to see all of us, and she was very surprised that I came along, seeing as I am so extremely pregnant. We had a fantastic lunch with her and Erik's uncle JP, and Erik's dad came to visit shortly after, as well as his uncle Claude. We headed home by 2:30pm, and were back in our house by 6:30pm.

I'm definately paying for it today though, I am so sore, and tight and cramped all over from the long hours in the car. I also have the added bonus of nausea, and I'm hoping that means he's ready to come soon. I would love to make it to my C- section date of January 13th, but man, the agony I am in!

Last week before the hooplah of the holidays I had one of my weekly OB visits, and she decided to send me for an ultrasound to check the baby's position. Turns out that alot of my pain is from the boy being Frank Breech, which means his head is under my ribs on the left side, his bum in my pelvis, and his knees and feet up towards my ribs on the right side. So, its either I let them try to turn him in case I go into labour naturally, or we don't and I go for immediate c-section no matter what, which is what we are going to do.

Well, this is getting rather long winded, so I'll save the rest for another post!

Almost that time of year again.

2010-12-14T14:11:00.002-04:00

Thankfully, this will be my last Christmas big as a house pregnant! I must say this pregnancy has been quite the ride, with alot of different feelings and experiences thus far, but I know its all worth it in the end. Soon we will have a beautiful baby boy to join our fabulous little girls, and our family will be complete!

Tonight marks the beginning of my Christmas shopping, and I must admit, I'm a little stressed out about it. I know the malls are hectic, so I'm going to stick close to home tonight, and hit up the Oromocto mall to see what I can find there, as we are only buying for our kids this year. We are having the girls make home made gifts for anyone else this year, as we just spent literally thousands of dollars getting our finances in order for us to get a mortgage in the next few years.

We also have a few things left to pick up for the baby, so that will get accomplished tomorrow. For the main part, our kids are getting alot of clothes, because the grew so fast that not much fits!! Were hoping to find a few key toys though.

This week begins my weekly visits to my OB in Fredericton. I really can't believe we have come this far, this fast! The sheer amount of movement I still feel is just insane, very hard, sharp movements that are really, really becoming quite painful. Other things I have been experiencing this pregnancy are swelling on my right side, mainly my ankle. My left hip is perma-charlie-horsed from it being popped out of joint 3 times but my rough little man in there. My belly button is pushed so far out that it actually hurts!! I didn't know that was possible!!

My pregnancies for the girls were very much the same, except for the weight gain. With Tiana I had gained nearly 96lbs, and for Kallie, only 12 lbs. As of right now, I am only up 7 lbs, which I take as a blessing, seeing as I was only alloted 15 lbs of weight gain by my Doc this round. So, I'm really amazed just how different it is to carry a boy than it was to carry my girls.

I suppose, I should really get dressed, and get a list started for my shopping tonight!

4 more weeks!

5 Weeks to go...eeeeeep!

2010-12-06T14:42:00.002-04:00

So, its been about a week or so, so lets get down to whats been up.

I have had not one, but 2 baby showers now, and both were small, and intimate, and they were fabulous! We got quite a few much needed items, and what monetary gifts we got went towards the purchase of a good 3 or 4 months supply of diapers and wipes. We are now fully stocked with NB and size one diapers. We are so incredibly thankful to our friends and family for their gifts, and the time they took to celebrate this new little life that's coming so soon!!

Speaking of soon, did I mention that I am 34 weeks pregnant on Thursday?? That totally blows my mind. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that I'm going to be a momma again, let alone it happening so soon!! At my doctor's appointment on the 1st they went ahead and booked my Cesarean section, and filed all of my pre-surgery forms. Which means....its roughly 5 weeks (give or take a few days) until our new addition arrives. W.O.W.

Christmas is coming very quickly, and I could care less. Normally I'm all about decorating, and shopping, but being this pregnant, I really have no motivation. We've decided with how uncomfortable I am, and how much will need to be done that were going to go to my in-laws for a few days over the holidays, as if we were home for the holidays from being posted away. We will be spending this weekend with them decorating their home for the holidays, and doing the Christmas tree, so I don't have to do so much in terms of decor, but the kids still get the total Christmas experience, with a bit of a vacation. We will spend Christmas eve and Christmas day there, and boxing day too possibly. The kids are excited to spend Christmas at Mimi and Papa's house:)

Next weekend we will be making the trip to Bathurst to visit Erik's Grandmaman, as well as the new siblings we learned he had. We found out about 2 weeks ago that Erik had a brother and sister from his father after his mom and dad divorced, and just started having contact with them. His brother is 25, and lives in Saint John, but spends weekends in Bathurst. His sister is 23, engaged, and pregnant, due in June. What a fantastic Christmas gift, to meet family you didn't even know existed?? We are super excited to meet them!

All of next week itself will be consumed by dreaded Christmas shopping.....I know..we haven't even started yet!But, we had a few financial things to work out first, and now that those things are dealt with and put to rest, we can finally focus on Christmas. Usually I'm done, wrapped and ready to deliver by now! Oh well, it will only take a day or two of shopping to get it finished, and the wrapping part I LOVE to do, so that will be fun:)

Back to Business!

2010-11-23T09:07:00.003-04:00

Hiya!

So I have FINALLY been paroled off of bedrest, and and able to start getting my home back in order.

What happened? Long story short, I started cramping very bad, along with some pretty bad shooting pain, so I went into L&D, better safe than sorry. They ran a fetal fibronectin test, as well as a few other tests to determine if I was in preterm labour, and it turns out I wasn't, but things were certainly looking like it was heading that way. Doc ordered the weekend on strict bedrest, and I saw her again on the following Tuesday. I was still having some pain, so she ordered strict bedrest for the following week. My next visit with her she still wanted "loose" bedrest, meaning mostly resting, but I can get up and do things 15 minutes at a time, just no lifting or driving.

Friday I was paroled! yay! So, now its back to business as usual here, and I am so thankful for it! My husband did fantastic keeping the house in decent order, cleaning, dishes, and laundry all kept up. But...no one keeps house better than Mommy...lol.

Friday we headed to Saint John to Costco to replenish some house supplies, and to pick up my mom. Saturday we headed in to Fredericton for haircuts for Tiana and I, and a bit of groceries. Sunday we started some Christmas decorating (this year I'm limiting my decor to the large living room we have, I'm too round to do the hole house),made a big pork roast for supper and had my in-laws over, and then headed to Erik's hockey game.

Woke up Yesterday not feeling so hot, Tiana has been battling a head cold all weekend, and she decided to share. I took the day yesterday to do not much of anything, and I watched the entire first season of Grey's Anatomy start to finish before supper yesterday.

I still feel like junk in my head, the sniffles and pressure is driving me crazy, but I won't let it keep me down. I've got the entire upstairs clean, and 8 loads of laundry ready to start. I'm going to pop some ingredients into the bread machine for a fresh loaf of bread for tonight, and tidy up down here until CFHA comes to fix our front door. Its only taken them 2 and a half weeks to get to it, after us reporting that we came home to find our front door pretty beat up and the door frame busted, we thought someone tried to kick it in. CFHA here isn't nearly as on the ball as CFHA in Borden....boys I miss Borden a bit more each day.

Who knows what the rest of the week will bring, but this weekend is baby shower #1 in Saint John. I'm looking forward to catching up with alot of friends and family that I have yet to see since I have been home in NB.

Next weekend, is baby shower #2 in Moncton, which is being thrown by Erik's mom's family. Its literally been more than a year since we have seen some of them, and I can't wait to catch up! I really mised alot of his mom's families cooking, and I can't wait to get into that chicken fricot next Saturday!!

Well, back to work:)

Tis' the season....to bake!!

2010-11-14T16:54:00.002-04:00

I cannot express how excited I am for the holidays!!

One of the most special memories I have always cherished of my grandmother, even before she died, but moreso now, was of her and her holiday baking. She would bake every Sunday, her entire life, even with 7 children. I loved to spend Sundays at her house, watching her mix, and measure, clean out the bowls, and start something else. The house smelled spectacular, and she always had a smile on her face while she did it. She even got my grampy into it in the fall, when the apples were fresh. He was enlisted to peel the apples for all of her pies, and she made ALOT of pies. As they grew older, my grandfather got a electric apple peeler, and man, did he ever love that thing!!

Now that I am a mother, I want my children to experience the love, and the joy of baking that I have because of my grandmother. When Tiana was born, I started baking. I have always loved to cook, but the baking ment so much more to me, to see the smiles on people's faces when they had something sweet, made by hand.

The girls love to help make cookies and cupcakes. They love to decorate, and they mainly just love being able to help make something that everyone would eat and love.

I have already made my list of sweets and breads that I am going to make for christmas, and I am anxiously awaiting December first to get started!!! On top of stocking my freezer with homemade bread and rolls, I am going to be making Lemon and Banana breads, as well as chocolate chip, gingerbread, shortbread, and chewy molasses cookies. Chocolate fudge, date squares, and who knows what other goodness as well!!

To me, nothing beats a homeade, from the heart gift during the holidays. Anyone can go and buy a box of chocolates, but it takes something special to go and make, by hand, with love different sweets and breads, dinner rolls, and cakes. I would rather put thought and muscle into kneading the bread dough by hand for someone, than taking 2 seconds to think " hmm, would she like these chocolates?".

This year will be especially special, knowing that I have a bread machine with yummy recipes to try out, as well as my early christmas gift from my husband, a stand mixer, to get me going!

Being so close to the end of my pregnancy, I'll take whatever help I can get:)

one of THOSE days.....

2010-11-12T17:23:00.003-04:00

Yep. One of those "hide in your bed where its warm, and safe and quiet" days. But, a mommy's work is never done, even when your on bedrest.

Thankfully, this day is on its way out! Come on Saturday!!

Today started eing awake for the day at 4:45 am. yep...way...too...early. Normally I sleep until 7:30 or 8 am, when hubby is home to get up with the kiddos. When he isn't, I'm up at 6:30am, getting the kids day started with school prep, breakfast, and out the door to the bus by 7:30am. So, 4:45 am is a bit of a shocker to the system.

Pulled a muscle in my back by pushing a hamper of clothes across the floor. For real....I did. It kills, my back screams when I breathe too deep, when I don't lay just right, or sit with it perfectly straight.

The boy has been particularily rough on my ribs today, but, only 9 weeks left to go until he is evicted! Welcome 30th week of pregnancy!

My prescription heartburn stuff that was working so fantastic doesn't work very well at all anymore, so now my throat constantly feels like its on fire.

Its just been one of those "come on, gimmie a break" days.

I cannot wait for a hot bath to relax these back muscles, and an early visit to my bed and my duvet tonight, hopefully without many night time trips to the bathroom. I tend to hover around 9-11 trips a night now, depending on how low the boy is. I would DIE for a night with 3, maybe 4 times.

Things aren't all bad though. My family rocks, my house is warm and full of food. I Have an amazing husband that always pulls through when needed, and I am very thankful for that.

But...we all have one of those days!

Never Forget.

2010-11-11T10:22:00.002-04:00

My Hero doesn't wear a crown, a fancy jacket, or tight pants. He wears a beret, cadpat and combat boots. He wouldn't fight a fiery dragon, but he will fight for your freedom.

Take the time to remember all soldiers, past, present, and future. They all have families, that, at times, struggle with their career choice, a career that fights for your freedom.

Support your troops, and remember those who have fallen.

I will never forget.

Wow.

2010-11-10T16:28:00.002-04:00

All I really can say is Wow.....I am a terrible, terrible blogger!! I mean, I keep promising to write sooner, and to stop taking such long breaks...but honestly...shit happens...thats all I can say!!! LOL.

So whats new? Lets see....

I am now 29 weeks, 6 days pregnant. Tomorrow, we break into single digits until this boy recieves his eviction notice! I seriously cannot believe I am having another baby, let alone the shocker that this is my boy, or the HUGE factor that he will arrive in 9....short....weeks!!! Eeeek!!! Where did the time go? I remember the time passing so slowly for my girls, and this one, its just...poof!

Physically, I feel like I can't stretch anymore already. Like my body can't give another single centimetre of space to this quickly growing, superhuman pin ball machine that is renting my uterus for the time being. I cannot begin to say how happy I am that I have only gained 7 hole lbs so far. Thats totally unheard of for me..I mean, for Tiana, or #1 as we call her, I gained 94 lbs. For Kallie (#2), I gained 12 lbs. So for me to only be at 7 lbs, I'm completely floored!!! I may actually come out of this lighter than I did going in! Woohoo! The Doc only recommended a max of 15lbs of weight gain in total for this, considering I had a few lbs( ok, more than just a few, more like 20 or 30...a girl can dream right?) left to lose before I got pregnant.

Emotionally, I can't say that I'm ready, but I can't say that I'm not ready either. I'm not ready because I worry about how the girls are going to be with him. They are so prepared for him, that I constantly have to explain to them that its too early for him to come yet, because they want him to be here so bad! Kallie wants to cuddle him, and hug him, and kiss him. Tiana says she wants to do all the feedings, except for at night, thats "your job mommy". I guess we will just have to wait and see how things work out. In the end I know they will adjust, and I hope it happens sooner rather than later.

Thats all I really have an update for this far. Things here at home are fantastic, and Tiana loves her new school. Kallie is still adjusting to life without her sister through the day, but soon enough, she will have a new baby brother to keep her occupied throughout the school days!

Hello blog..its me again

2010-09-16T09:03:00.002-03:00

Well. Here I am again, not that I have forgotten about you, but I didn't really know how to follow up after my last post. Life seems to have gone back to normal, as normal as it can go when someone so important to you isn't in the equation anymore.

Today, I am 22 weeks pregnant, expecting our 3rd baby, and our one and only little boy!! No matter how many times I say boy, it just does not sink in...not at all. I look through all of the baby items we have bought or recieved so far, and none of it seems real. My girls are extremely excited for a brother, they keep telling me how they're going to read to him, and snuggle him, and feed him (but not at night, momma, thats your job). I can't wait to see how they both do with a new baby in the house!

The day I found out that we were having a boy, I did the normal excited mommy to be things, called my mom, told my mother in law....then picked up the phone to call my Grandmother.

Then I stopped dead in my tracks, and cried, knowing that she wouldn't be there to answer the phone. That I wouldn't hear her voice with its slight Newfoundlander accent telling me how happy she was, and how she couldn't wait to bake for the baby shower. This baby will make Great Grandchild #15 for her, and it makes my heart ache when I think of how this child wont get to experience the amazing love that she had for him before we knew what he was, and just how big of a role she played in my girls' lives. I know in my hear that she is overjoyed where she is, and I know how much she loves all of us including our little bean.

Since ther passing, there have been a few occasions where there was nothing I could do but cry. I went upstairs one night to find my oldest, Tiana, crying in her bed, literally bawling so hard she almost couldn't breathe. When I finally got out of her what was wrong, I didn't know what to do, how to console her. She was crying because she missed Nanny, and didn't know why she would leave us. All I could do was hold her, and cry with her, and explain to her that Nanny was in pain, so God chose to take her to heaven to be an angel, so her body wouldn't hurt anymore. That Nanny didn't want to leave us sad, and that she's still with us each and every day, in our hearts and in our memories, and she is watching over us. I told her whenever she is sad about Nanny, that it's ok to cry, because Mommy cries too, and that tears are a good way to let the hurt out.

After she was settled, I came downstairs, called my mother, and completely bawled my eyes out to her, which in turn got her crying too. This was by far one fo the hardest things I have ever had to face as a mother, the first real death my children have had to deal with, and I'm so thankful that I had someone to turn to who understands.

This past Sunday was another hard time for me. I was in our basement, looking through my kids' winter hats, mitts, scarves, etc to get prepared for the coming cold (boy it got cold fast!), and I ound the hats and mitt sets my grandmother had knitted especially for the girls, and I folded to the floor, and bawled. It hit me so hard, that I couldn't breathe,and when Erik tried to take them from me so they wouldn't get wet from my tears, I shoved him away. Those items became so extremely important to me, that for someone to try to take them from me, felt devastating.

I know that 2 real break downs following such a valued loved ones death is nothing major, that most people have quite a few more, but somehow it just feels right to share them, to put them "down on paper" will somehow help the grieving process just a little bit.

Anyway, enough of the "hard stuff".

Things are going well for Erik here on base, and hopefully, he will have his promotion soon. We have setted into life here, with our oldest having started school the beginning of last week.

She is so incredibly happy to be taking the school bus!! She's a bouncing, happy child at 6:30 am when Erik goes in to wake her, to get our day started. She practically runs to the bus stop at 7:30, and gets picked up at 7:40. She has even started to walk home from her bus stop alone, someting she was determined to do, at 2:30. I'm not worried about her, as the bus stop is literally up the street, and I can see her from any of our windows coming down the street. She absolutely loves her new school, and the new friends that she has made so far.

Hopefully, we can get our youngest into a play group a few days a week, and next year, into preschool. She can't wait to go to school lik her sister.

Other than that, not a hole lot going on here. I have started to meet a few other mothers, and I'm sure they will turn out to become great friends! I'm really starting to enjoy life back home in NB again! I know things take time to settle in, and calm down, and I'm glad that our lives have begun a routine schedule again.:)

Why can't I cry?

2010-08-03T20:16:00.003-03:00

My Grandmother passed away, Thursday, July 29th, 2010. She passed quitely in her sleep, in the early hours of the morning, before any of her children, or my Grandfather could get there to be with her.

My mother was totally devastated, as were the rest of the family. I was equally devastated, I sat on the floor, and shook. Violently shook while I spoke to my mother as she held my grandmother's hand, and continuted to shake as I phoned Erik at work for him to come home. But I didn't cry.

Why didn't I cry?

I showered, and packed a bag while Erik got the girls ready and made arrangements for them while we were in Saint John to help with arrangements. We packed the car and took the girls to my mother in law, and drove a bit more than an hour to Saint John, and that whole drive, I did not cry.

Why?

The next 2 days were a blur of people, condolences, floral arrangements, viewings, and family gatherings. I have honestly never felt closer to my family than I do now. I have an amazing family, that pulls together when tragedy hits. With no questions asked, everyone gathered, for each other, and for my Grandfather, who's life partner, wife of nearly 57 years just moved into the next life to wait for him.

It was the most beautiful, awe inspiring thing I have ever, ever seen. There were so many stories, so many familiar voices, so many comforts. Through all of the pain, you could feel the peace and joy that my grandmother had left.

I don't know if I didn't cry because I could feel her comfort, and her peace. I don't know if it was because I had the comfort of being able to hear her voice that one last time, to hear her say she loved me, and to tell her how much I loved her. I don't know if I should feel guilty. I don't know if or when the tears will come.

I mourn, and I grieve my grandmother. There isn't a minute, an hour that has passed where I haven't thought of her, or heard her sweet voice, or her contagious laugh. I take comfort in the fact that she is in no pain now, that she has taken her place with her brother and sister, and her parents, and that she is waiting for all of us to join her when the right time comes.

I sit and think of all the funny little stories, and all of the ways that she has made me laugh. I cherish every, single moment that I have ever had with my grandparents growing up, and I appreciate that my girls have experienced the joy and love of life that they both seem to infect everyone with. They had an amazing life together, and because of that life and love they shared, I am here, a part of that amazing family that they created, and I couldn't be more proud.

I think I am beginning to understand why I didn't cry, and why I haven't cried. The sheer appreciation of her joy and her love of life makes me feel as if there is no reason to cry. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother. She did so much for everyone. She was so incredibly selfless, putting everyone else first. She had such pride in our family.

In my heart, I truly know that she is at rest. That she loves us all so very much, that she doesn't want us to cry for her. She wants us to be happy, and laugh and smile at all of the families stories, and to create our own stories. She wouldn't want us to be sad that she is gone, but be happy that she has been taken to her rightful place in heaven,and she isn't in pain. Where she is there is no cancer, no Crohn's disease, only a kitchen full of endless baking supplies, and a table big enough to hold all of her bingo card's.

I miss you and love you Nanny, and thank you for so many priceless memories.

Another day....

2010-07-28T13:50:00.002-03:00

And what a beautiful one it is!

I'm feeling quite a bit better than I was the other day, although my grandmothers condition hasn't changed. She is still in a coma, and her circulation is still good, so the doctors are hopeful for at least a few more days, although, that could change at anytime. Everyone is still in good spirits, and that helps alot. Everyone knows what is coming, and for the most part, we have all accepted and started to cope with what will happen, and I am so, so thankful to have gotten to talk to my grandmother, and tell her how much I loved her, and kiss her and feel her warm lips on my cheek that last time.

With that being said, every single time the phone rings my heart jumps into my throat, waiting for that one phone call no one ever wants to recieve.

Today, I decided to stop dwelling on it. I know my grandmother is going to an amazing, spectacular place, and she has many loved ones waiting for her there. Yes, I still expect it to be hard, but where she is going there is no pain, no sorrow, no anger, and I know she would want us all to be happy for her pain and discomfort to be gone.

I called the school board here in Oromocto today, to find out which school Tiana will go to in the fall. According to them, she will attend Assiniboine Street Elementary. This will be the first year that Tiana takes a school bus to school. She is incredibly excited to take the bus to school! Her stop is only a minute or two walk down the street, and she goes 4 and a half days a week. We go to her school on August 30th to register her.

I am 15 weeks pregnant now, and I started to feel flutters about 2 weeks ago. Its all very exciting, even for the 3rd time! I saw the doctor on Monday for an internal exam, to be sure things are closed up the way they "normally" are, and I also recieved the fetal doppler thing, where they check for the heart beat . I heard it for a fraction of a second, as did the doctor, but not long enough to get a count of beats per minute. My doctor believes that the placenta is attached to the back wall of my uterus, making it harder for us to get the heartbeat because the baby is still so small. The good news, at this point though, is that we can find out what the gender is at this point!

I have been debating on going to Moncton for a 3/4d ultrasound for us to see the gender, but Erik really wants to wait until we have the ultrasound from the doctor first, to see if they give us a gender. We will see, I have been asking for the 3/4 d ultrasound for my birthday, I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I'm anxious to get some baby shopping underway!

With the school year coming up, that also means that christmas is coming up, and I have so much to buy! Tiana will need alot of clothes replaced for school, because she is so tall, the majority of her pants are too short!I'm also hoping to get my christmas shopping done early, where I will be going in to deliver early in January. Now you can see why I am so anxious to get this shopping all under way!

Well, Tiana is bugging me to watch Harry Potter with her, so I guess its time to close this. I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Sometimes things can be a little overwhelming.

2010-07-26T21:26:00.002-03:00

And, we need to step back a bit.

Things have gotten so crazy. My life has been turned upside down, so fast, that its like I was sucker punched.

My life is changing very rapidly. I am expecting my third baby. Sometimes I think I'm insane, but I can't help but be happy, and hopeful, and excited for the future. On the other hand, I'm fearful of what the future holds.

I have spent alot of time thinking the last week or so, about life, love, and what all this means. You see, my grandmother is very, very ill. She is my maternal grandmother, and she means absolutely the world to me. She was a huge part of my life growing up, I spent days, and nights with her and my grampy. My mother worked alot growing up because of my parents divorce that I would go to my grandmother and my grandfather for anything. A hot meal, to chat, to watch my grandmother make pies while my grandfather peeled apples.

I learned alot from them what it means to be happy. They were always together, but doing their own thing. They were pleased with the simple things in life. Baking. Cooking. Sitting out front together. Playing bingo. They had both worked long, hard years to raise their children, and they took pleasure in small things. They didn't buy alot of things new, but when they did, they bought quality pieces so they would stand the test of time.

They had a marriage that stood the test of time. I never, ever saw or heard them fight. I don't think anyone ever did. They're marriage has lasted over 50 years thus far, and it kills me to know that it will end this year. My grandmother is currently in palliative care, dying of lung cancer.
She was diagnosed in March, the doctors said it was a small tumor easily removable by surgery, and a round or two of radiation.

They couldn't operate because of her dimished lung capacity due to the many, many years of heavy smoking, so they treated her with steroids to increase her lung capacity, and 2 weeks of radiation, an hour and a half every day. We found out the beginning of this month that it had spread to both lungs, her kidneys, and her liver. They gave her 2 months. Its been less than 2 weeks, and the end is near, so they say.

She deteriorated so fast because of the additional stress of her Chron's disease. She hasn't been able to eat or drink barely anything because of the medications causing her bowels and stomach to flare up, and cause uncontrollable vomitting and severe constipation. She is currently comatose, and we believe she has very few days left.

Its been amazing to see my family come together in a time of sadness and despair, to stand with my grandfather and help him through this. I can see the amazing love that he still has, even after all these years for my grandmother. When she was coming round the odd minute or two before she went into a coma, she doted on her like they were 20, and newlyweds. He has a sparkle in his eye whenever he's with her, and its awe inspiring.

I have accepted what is coming, and I truly believe that my nanny is going to better place, where there is no pain. Only joy, love, and eternal rest and happiness. I believe that the 75 years she has had have been very, very well spent, and that there is absolutely nothing she would change. My only wish is that it didn't cause so much pain to my grampy, and that his jest for life didn't change, but it is. Its leaving him, each any every passing day that he see's my grandmother in so much pain. I wish that they would both find peace, in this life, or the next.

If there is anything that I have learned from my grandparents, its that you need to love life, no matter what it throws at you. You walk into it head held high, and you take what you get, and you deal with that ever happens. You love, truly love with your hole heart that special someone, and you never let go, no matter how hard life gets. That to be able to spend your life enjoying everything and everyone you have is one of the greatest blessings of all, and the rest are all fringe benefits.

Settling in....

2010-07-19T14:38:00.003-03:00

Hello Blog land. How I have missed you.

Its been a long, busy, exhausting few months. Alot has happened, and we have alot more coming up, but hopefully, things have some what settled down now here at home.

First things first, we are just settling into a new PMQ, and a new posting. We were posted back to the East Coast, to CFB Gagetown in Oromocto, NB. We arrived back here on July 6th. Today is Erik's official day back to work. Things are very familiar here for us, as Erik had worked for a little over 2 years as a civilian on base here. Hopefully he is settling back into his old job with some old faces, as well as alot of new ones.

An update on things with him CF wise; Erik completed his "step" QL3's, a 12 week long QL3 program designed for semi-skilled or skilled recruits that do not require a full vehicle tech program. Shortly after arriving here, Erik reported to his superiors that we have arrived, and immediately got to talking about why he is only a P3 rank, when he should be a good year or more into his Corporals. They are currently putting in for him to be immediately given the Rank of Corporal, along with back pay to the dates that he was given (almost 2 full yrs ago), as well as the remainder of the full signing bonus that was given to other men that have less training than Erik does. Guess we will see what happens!

Tiana has successfully graduated from Kindergarten, and will go into grade 1 here in September. Were all very excited for that. I'm a little nervous about the fact that she may need to take a bus to school though, as we live about 4 kms from the school that she will more than likely go to. She is looking forward to it, but I just don't know.

Kallie is now very well day time potty trained, and were beginning to work on night training. Since she is still having a bit of a constipation problem that we haven't quite figured out yet, she refuses to poop in the potty, and will only go in a pull up, but all things in due time.

There is till loads, and loads to do here in our new place, but I just can't seem to get moving to do anything. I have curtains that still need to go up, as well as photos, and alot of clutter not put away yet. The movers still haven't contacted us in regards to our claim for all of our lost/damaged items.

The next big deal in our house, si the fact that we are expecting baby number 3! I am currently 14 weeks pregnant, and feel totally, thoroughly exhausted. Hence why I don't have the energy, or the motivation to get anything done. I feel huge, and started showing about 3 weeks ago. No pants close now, and thankfully I invested in a bella band so I can maximize the wear I get out of my normal clothes. I am due January 20th, which seems forever away!

Ahh well, back to the mommy/wife duties!

I'm a horrible blogger...

2010-03-09T15:02:00.002-04:00

So, here I am, again.

Its not that I have forgotten to write, its that I have had lack of interest in writing, and frankly, ALOT of things on the go.

So, lets see, whats the run down.

Well, Kallie turned 3 in February. She had a wonderful birthday! She had her bestest friend Ella over, along with Ella's mommy and daddy, and baby bump Elijah. we had cupcakes and such, and it was a great evening:)

Erik FINALLY started his course!!! March 8th was his first day, and thus beginning the last period of our time here in Borden. His course is set to end June 29th,and we will be (hopefully) posted back East. Our choice are Gagetown, Petawawa, and Edmonton. We will se what happens, we should expect a posting message end of April, early May.

Other than that, a hole lot of cleaning, school for Tiana, and potty training for Kallie has been happening here!

Welcome to the new year!

2010-01-10T12:48:00.002-04:00

Well, I'm back.

Its been a crazy few months, I can tell you that. We have successfully made it thorugh another year, another christmas, and are moving into a bright and prosperous new year!

We had a wonderful Chirstmas holiday home in New Brunswick. We got to catch up with alot of family, and a few good friends, and the girls had a fabulous time with their Mimi and Papa.

We flew into Halifax, NS, on Dec 19th at noon, and by 7 pm we were back in Fredericton, ready for whatever. We decorated the tree, and had alot of great food!!! Christmas was even more special than it usually is, because we have been so far from home for the longest time, that it made us appreciate the time we had home even more. I got a few great presents, my favorite two being my new laptop, and my new heavy fleece bathrobe!!! I was so spoiled!

We came home on Jan 5th, and we arrived home just after 8 pm. We flew from Halifax to CFB Trenton(Ontario), and drove the almost 3 hours back to Borden. It was a long day, but it was well worth all of the hours in the car and on the plane to have a great holiday!

Now we are settling back into the day to day trek, and have set out with a few goals for this year. We want to save at least 5000$ to invest this year, as well as buy a new vehicle, and for me to lose the rest of the weight I wanted to lose. I have kept off the 45lbs I had previously lost, so I'm ready to give things a boost and get back to my pre-kiddo's weight!

Hope you all had a wonderul holiday season, and wishing you all a prosperous new year!

Tis' the season.....

2009-11-25T14:00:00.002-04:00

Well hello world.

It's me.

I haven't been in hiding, just have been very, very busy.

But, alas, the holiday season is upon us!!!

Am I the only one who hasn't started christmas shopping?? Ugh, I feel so overwhelmed by what I have heading my way, the packing, cleaning, arranging, and SHOPPING.

You see, we have recieved free Military flights home for the holidays, and we fly out of CFB Trenton on eaither a CF airbus or a CF Hercules on December 19th, and head to Halifax, NS. From Halifax, we are heading 4 hours back to Fredericton, NB.

Once we are home, I have the 20-23rd to get ALL of my shopping done, wrapped, and delivered.

Right now I am making lists of what needs to come with us in our suitcases, lists of what needs to be done at home, questions that we need to get answers to pertaining to our flights, arranging care for our cat, lists of emergency contact info, and it just keeps going and going and going.

I have ideas of what I am going to be buying for christmas, it just needs to be done! LOL.

Things here have been good, but really hectic.

Back to my lists!

A horrible blogger....

2009-09-26T18:22:00.002-03:00

Sorry.

Really. I must say this. I have become the world's worst blogger.

I guess life has gotten so hectic that I forget about my blog, or I just don't have a hole lot to say.

August flew by rather quickly.

My mom had a great week long visit, other than the retards at Air Canada not putting her luggage on the plane.The girls would not leave her be for 2 minutes. When we dropped her off at the airport the day she left, I cried my eyes out.

It wasn't until then I realized just how much I really miss home. There are so many things that we have at home, than we have here, but there are also alot of things we have here that are not available at home. I miss my uncle's bakery. I miss Deluxe ( a restaurant there), I miss my nanny and grampy. I miss the cool air at home, and I miss the water. The numerous rivers and lakes that were so handy.

Tiana started school, and she absolutely LOVES it. Here in Ontario, children ages 4 and 5 go to school in whats called Junior K and Senior K, and they are split into A group and B group. A group goes Mondays, Wednesdays, and every other Friday, B group Tuesday, Thursday, and every other Friday. Tiana is A group.

Every evening we go to the big park that is next to the tim Hortons and Canex here on base, and the girls wear themselves out. We have met a few couples there that have become really great friends, so I am branching out bit by bit and feeling more comfortable in my Military Wife position.

The girlfriends I have met through the park have been an amazing relief for me, to have other grown ups to talk to, that have gone through the same things as me. We've dubbed our little group The Park Princesses, because between myself, Michelle, and Ryane, there are 8 girls that meet there every night, not including baby to be in Ryane's belly!! Michelle's husband is currently a few hours from ehre on a course, as well is Ryane's husband. Erik is clearing out of pret-c, and will be on a pat platoon of CFSEME. He starts his next course on October 14th, given the date is reposted.

I know this hasn't been the biggest update, but right now I am battling the worst Flu. Myself and the couch have had a great time together, with all the naps and stuff.

I will try to post again in a relatively short time.

Busy Month!

2009-08-25T13:26:00.002-03:00

This month sure has flown by!

My friend's flight arrived a bit later than expected, but it landed ok, and the vacation began! He spent the first week or 2 here, and we got alot of couch time in, watching Season 1 of Big Bang Theory, seasons 1,2 and 3 of Supernatural (with season4 on pre-order). We have also watched The Blu Collar Comedy Tour trilogy, and we are currently finishing up the Lord of the Rings.

He spent a little over a week in Sarnia, visiting some family there, and this week is his last week here, leaving Saturday.

About 2 hours after he leaves, my mothers flight comes in!!

This is her first time leaving NB, and also her first time flying, so thats kinda exciting. She's going to be here for until September 9th. Tiana starts Senior Kindergarten on September 10th.

We have been crazy busy, Erik in physiotherapy, my friend being here to visit, along with my doctor's appointments and getting things ready for Tiana to start school.

My birthday was August 9th, and our 4th wedding anniversary on the 13th. We had a big bbq with friends here for my birthday, and for our anniversary we had a nice, quiet dinner. Things have been so hectic, that its nice to take a day here and there to relax.

Well, back to the excitement!

The Belgian is coming! And such....

2009-07-30T18:43:00.003-03:00

Welp, I am so freaking excited, I could burst!

Saturday, at 12:30 noon, my best friend Mike arrives, via international flight from Brussels, Belgium, where he is from. He's going to be here for almost the entire month! I can't wait! We have alot of plans made, and alot of those plans include one of the longest movie marathons ever (for us).

I have been cleaning out the spare room to have a bedroom set up for him, and trying to keep the rest of the house in order with that, and boys, it has been very difficult. Kallie is so curious that you can't do anything without her, but I love how when I sit on the floor to do something, she automatically just drops into my lap, saying " dat momma? dat?"

Tiana spends her days mostly outdoors, unless were in torrential downpours, and the times she does come in usually only involves a " mom, can I go to Gabby's?", or " mom, can I go to the park?".

Now don't panic, yes I do let her go to the park, but the "park" is only across the street from my house, and she never goes alone, always with a few other kids, who carry a walkie talkie to keep in touch with their parents( my immediate left next door neighbors).

Were already in "First year of School" mode, as i have begun stocking up on items she may need for school. We've got crayons, and duotangs, and notebooks, and pencils. She picked out her own backpack, and it was more than I wanted to spend, but it is her first school bag, and its very special to her, and damn if i'm not jealous of that child's princess back pack.

My mom is coming to visit the same day that Mike leaves, so once she is here were going to do the major back to school clothing shopping. Does this girl ever need clothes!! She is easily into a size 8 pants, and a M or L shirt. Size 1.5 shoes. You read that right. She's 5. in size ONE AND A FREAKING HALF. Ugh. Should be interesting to find clothes that fit her age.

My birthday is in 11 Days, and my 4th wedding anniversary is in 14 days. My...time flies when your.....busy?? I'll be 25, and will be celebrating with a big bbq here at our house, with 2 of our neighbors (and their children) as well as Mike. Broccoli salad, chicken, pork chops, burgers, and hot dogs, should be great! Possibly cheesecake as well.

No idea on anniversary plans yet.

Off for another adventure!

Busy summer...only beginning!!!

2009-07-24T21:13:00.002-03:00

Wow, its been a minute.

So much has gone on, that I can't even find a place to begin.

So, I will focus on small things that my busy mind can remember.

For starts, we finally got a family Doctor here in Borden. Not even 10 minutes from where we live, which is a huge bonus. We go for our first appointments with him next week, which I am looking forward to.

Once my medical records have been recieved, we will begin to see if we can't figure out the cause to these crazy headaches, lightheadedness, and sense of vertigo. My mom seems to think that I'm a bit anemic, but being anemic is usually the symptom to a bigger issue. Hopefully the testing will continue into my stomach issues, and get that straightened out....first I have mild chron's disease, then I don't....I just want to know whats going on with me.

The kids have been doing fantastic. They have been really busy, in and out. Tiana is constantly in and out of the house, and she has so many friends here. Kallie loves her movies, and now and then when she does venture outside, has really taken an interest in bugs and dirt and all things climbing.

This week I am preparing for my friend's arrival, on August 1st. I can't wait! Mike is coming all the way from Belgium, and we have alot of fun things planned for his visit. I'll try to post pictures while he is here!!!

Erik is currently in a tasking, until the start of his QL3's in October. He's working int he military post office, he's the guy new people have to clear in through. Interesting enough.

Bath time for Kiddies!!

more soon:)

100th Anniversay of Aviation in Canada

2009-07-06T14:11:00.002-03:00

What a fantastic weekend!

On saturday we stayed around home. We headed for a short trip into Barrie for a few items, and other than that, we enjoyed our day home.

On Sunday, we headed for a 3 hour road trip to Trenton, Ontario, to visit my cousin Mike, his girlfriend Ashley (who is currently expecting a baby boy this fall), and their little girl Mya. While we were there, we all ventured to the 8th Wing Airfield, to take in the air show that was being held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of aviation in Canada.

The weather was perfect, and the kids were so, incredibly well behaved! Kallie is absolutely in love with airplanes now, and Tiana, well, she was too busy with Mya to really care what was going on!

The snowbirds were absolutely spectacular! They also had parachuting demonstrations, as well as cargo drops, a mid air re-fueling demonstration featuring 2 F-18s, and the globemaster. They also had alot of aircraft on the airstrip for families to venture into, take pictures of, and get info on. We took the girls onto a hercules plane, and had a few pics of them taken.

We had a fantastic time, and I am so looking forward to seeing another airshow soon!

The grand finale was a F-18 doing "tricks" that aren't supposed to be capable with that type of aircraft, it was truly breath taking! The way the pilot showcased his talent, rolling and flipping was just completely rediculous!

It made for a long drive home though, leaving shortly after 5pm, and not arriving home until just after 9pm. For that being our first "roadtrip", it really was a great one! I can't wait for our next one!

The countdown has begun until the arrival of my best "guy" friend, who is arriving here to stay for a month on August 1st. Mikey is braving a direct flight from Brussels, Belgium! I am so looking forward to all the fun were going to have, including a Marineland trip for my birthday on the 9th, a trip into downtown Toronto, and who knows what else!

Only 25 days to wait until he arrives!

Weekend ahead!

2009-07-03T15:06:00.003-03:00

What a busy, busy week, and just because its Friday doesn't mean its over!

With Canada day activities, housework, and family activities, when bed time rolls around, I'm down for the count in no time flat. This weekend doesn't mean a break, it just means more time for more fun things!

This weekend we are taking saturday to go into Barrie to do some shopping and such, and Sunday, we are heading to Trenton to take in the air show.

The weather hasn't been very good this week. Alot, and I mean ALOT of rain, thunder,and lightning this week. I'm hoping the weather is nice for the air show:)

I hear a toddler playing, which means naptime is over.

Short and sweet!

Laid back kinda day....

2009-06-24T22:05:00.002-03:00

Today has been one of those days where you have a million and one things to do, but not enough time, or energy to do them. So, We spent most of today inside the igloo ( the name I have dubbed our house, as we have 2 Air Conditioners going all day long because of the immense heat), just doing little things here and there.

In between a load here and there of laundry, we watched Wall-E, Lilo and Stitch, and some of Over the Hedge. I also managed to squeeze out one batch of muffins, oatmeal chocolate chip ones. A short drive down to the Canex for a few things, other than that, not much happened.

Tiana is set to start school at a private school here, called Prince of Peace Catholic Elementary. There are only 100 kids in the school (grades pre-K to 6), so I know she will do well there. It wont be overwhelming for her to go everyday, as up here she is in "B" group, meaning she goes to school Tuesdays, Thursdays, and every other Friday, whereas "A" group goes Monday, Wednesday, and every other Friday.

So, in preparation for her upcoming school year (she starts September 10th), I bought her her first Bible. Its called The Children's Bible, told in 365 stories. I bought it off of amazon.ca, and Tiana was so excited when it came in the mail!

Were on Story number 4, which tells of Adam and Eve eating the forbidden fruit. I'm so glad to see her take a bit of an interest in the stories, because I would love for her to have some preparation for Catechism and such when she goes to school.

Wow. For today being a relaxed day, I am completely exhausted! I guess it was just one of those catch up days. Erik comes home from the field tomorrow, and I cannot wait!! Being surrounded by little people sometimes makes ya feel like your going crazy!

Ya know, trying to explain to small kids that fighter jets aren't "out to get them", isn't exactly the easiest thing in the world. The other day there were 3 flying over Borden, First one was so low that you could see the numbers on the side of the jet, and the massively huge shadow that flew over the roof of our house. Second was just as rediculously low as the first, but flew over a house or 2 down from us, and the 3rd was flying much higher.

I swear it took me at least an hour to convince her that they weren't trying to hurt us, that they are people who watch the skies to keep us safe. When they flew over again, she wasn't nearly as scared, but still covered her ears.

We are planning on going to an air show on the base in Trenton, Ontario next weekend. I hope they aren't scared!!

~New beginnings~

2009-06-24T13:15:00.002-03:00

I have never been so busy in my entire life!

But, we are moved, and settled into our new home, here in Borden, Ontario, and I must say, I love it here!

The weather is absolutely wonderful, my house is spacious and safe, and my children are really, truly happy. They have alot of friends, who come to get them early in the morning, and they don't come in until dinner time. By the time bedtime comes, they are both thoroughly exhausted and content, and can't wait to do it all over again the next day.

Were slowly settling into Military life, still is kinda weird seeing Erik in combats everyday, but I am learning to welcome each day for what it is, a fresh, new day to become something wonderful.I have had a week or so to start exploring, and slowly, I am branching out on my own. I don't get lost on base as much anymore (haha), and I can venture into 2 neighboring towns whenever I want or need to on my own, and know that I can safely make it home.

I go into Angus, Ontario quite frequently to the grocery stores there, and a few other outlet stores. We have also adventured into Alliston (New Tecumseth), Ontario to buy patio furniture. Its amazing to drive such a short drive to town, but to see such expansive farms in between.I let Erik drive into the larger neighboring city, Barrie, Ontario, because I'm still a bit nervous of the 8 lane highways.

Its so interesting to explore the surrounding areas, and I can't wait for the Farmers markets to start to open.I have also, believe it or not, made a few friends already! The parents of the kids that my girls play with are really great, helpful people. They help out with questions I might have, and they give great advice as to how things work being a Military family, I'm trying to absorb as much of their knowledge as possible!!

So, so far so good :)

Erik left this morning at 5am for 2 nights/3days in the field, so these are my first few nights alone at home with the girls.Today was fantastic! I took them outside to play in the kiddie pool that Jen, our neighbor sets up each morning (shes a stay at home mom that watches kids as daycare up here is hard to get into, waiting lists are rediculously long), as well as the home made water slide, and the kids play, all day long.

Its nice to sit with other mothers and chat, tan, and watch the kids grow.Both of my girls were completely exhausted by dinner time, and are now both asleep, and its only 7pm here!!!

I'm going to spend the rest of my evening with a good book curled up in the lazy boy, downstairs with the A/C on.
It feels great to have my life back on track!!