miscellany monday

1. winter blues

Its freezing here....again. I am so sick of winter. Liv and I just want to go outside and walk to the park and play. Its so cold that I dread even bringing her outside.

2. jobs

My sister started her new job in Chicago today. Pat starts his new job next week....anddd then there is me. No job. I'm kind of jealous, but still trying to be patient. Which I have come to find out, I'm not very good at.

3. healthy goals

I used to be a personal trainer and work out and really watch what I ate. I have been half-heartedly trying to get back into that, but today marks my first day of being dedicated. I told Pat over the weekend that we need to starting cooking/eating healthier. So, I started today off by going to a spinning class at 6:15am and I am going to eat something for breakfast. I'm thinking some yogurt. I'm not a huge breakfast person, but I end up really hungry and making bad food choices. I am going to link up to a few other blogs so that I can get some good ideas.

4. april

I am planning a visit to Chicago and then back home in April. I can't wait. I am a small town girl and I miss my family. I am not sure that Pat understands, but he's trying ha. I have been away from home before, for longer than this, but I didn't have Liv. I just want to share her with my family. They miss her more than me, but thats ok.

Tiger Mom

Pat was reading an article about the Tiger mom. He sarcastically said to me "maybe you should get this book to read". I asked him what it was about and immediately said "and why do you think I am interested in this?".

Has anyone read anything about the Tiger Mom? This is the article I read. Before actually reading anything, I immediately thought she sounded cruel and uncaring. I thought to myself "At what cost would you pay for your child/children to be successful"?

I have hopes and dreams for Liv. I would like her to, above all, be a caring, empathetic, and all around good person. I would also love for her to be successful in whatever path she chooses. The scary part is, what path will she choose? I have no idea. Maybe she'll want to play hockey like her dad, maybe she'll be the gymnast or dancer that my mom had wanted for my sister and I, maybe she'll follow in my footsteps and play basketball and run track, OR what if she decides to make her own path? I would be ok with that.

There are a lot of different kinds of parenting styles. I wouldn't cast myself into any one of them. I am very strict about some things, such as when I say 'no', I mean it. I wouldn't consider myself in the least bit "cruncy", yet I made all of Liv's baby food for her. I did it because I enjoyed it and so did she.
My daughter had her bottle until she was 18 months old. We are going on week three without the bottle. That would seem very soft to some people, but I just felt she wasn't ready...and I wasn't ready.

I let my daughter watch elmo, sesame street, yo gabba gabba and whatever other show I think is ok. However, you will never see her watching spongebob or hannah montana.
I read a lot of blogs. No mother on any of the blogs I read, parents exactly the same. I still am inspired by all of them. Even though I don't think I would ever use cloth diapers, shop all organic, make my daughter practice piano for 'x' amount of hours, or not allow her to watch tv. I still appreciate why they do it.

My point is, I don't think there is a wrong or right parenting style. I think every mom does what they see fit. I think we all share a common goal of wanting our children to have the best support they need to become the best person/people they can become.

isn't this what we all want? A big smile on their faces :)

some good news

Pat got a job today!!!

Whats that? You didn't know Pat didn't have a job? Well, I didn't really talk about it on here because I wasn't sure Pat would like that. Long story short though, He left his job because they basically went back on their word. They told him he would be able to work in town and that was obviously his main goal so that he could be where Liv and I were. That among a few other things were the breaking point for him.

Moving on, because this post is about good news, Pat had his first interview last week and his second this week. He had to do a presentation for his second interview, I would have been a nervous wreck in need of a cocktail before, but he was calm and blew them out of the water! He got his call today!! We are excited that he finally has a job in town and doing something where he will use his MBA. I think he's pretty excited for his new job and I am very proud of him.

I am still jobless and unable to work. Immigration is a long process and we just faxed yet another document that wasn't completed correctly....at least they allowed us to fax it because the last mistake we made caused us a month of waiting for everything to be sent back to us. I also sent a work permit application to be attached to my permanent residency application. This was something we didn't know had to be done and wasn't clearly stated. It was more money of course. Everything is about money. Nothing is free when you want to move and work in another country. This whole permanent residency thing takes about 8-9 months. And by 8-9 months, I mean for them to just LOOK and approve our application. Then it takes a few more months until I actually recieve my permanent residency. We sent my application in November and when I called immigration last week, I was informed that they are working on applications from April 2010!

To say the least, its extremely frustrating.

Either way, we are excited that Pat has this job now and are impatiently patiently waiting for my work permit to go through so that I can contribute. Well other than contributing to growing liv into an outstanding human being :).

I think I need luck on the immigration thing but not so much on the raising Liv thing...she's pretty terrific already.

this is why i needed a girl

Because, I just have so much fun dressing her up. I have more fun dressing her than I have dressing myself.

Oh. and that ponytail...it just kills me. I would like to add that my mini pat looks more like me with her hair pulled off her face.

If you don't share my opinion, please don't tell me...just let me relish in the thought of it.

olivia reading her 'olivia' book ha.

expressing herself.

the line up

In attempts to budget myself a little better, I am starting to meal plan a bit more. I love cooking so it also gives me an excuse to do so and try some new recipes. My plan is to shop every sunday or monday for everything we will need for the week. I am not so overachieving as to think that I will cook every single night, so here is what I have in mind for this week:

Most of the recipes are from Pioneer Woman because I'm biased and love her. I will eventually venture beyond, but for now this is what I felt like today.

Spicy Shredded Pork -mmmm I've made this before and its awesome. I ate it served over basmati rice with some fresh lime squeezed on top. Pat ate it in a wrap with cheese and what not. Everyone was happy with this one.

Beef Stew with Beer and Paprika - I've made this once before. Pat was super happy with this one. It was good, but I had too much stuff in mine and not enough broth. I'm a broth person. So I will try to remedy that situation this time.

Homemade Chicken and Noodles - I've never tried this before but I'm feeling icky today and this looks so yummy. I also like to use chicken at least once a week. Its the health conscious angel on my shoulder:).

Turkey Chili - This is the only recipe I'll be making that is kind of mine and that being said, it is the most simple!
I use:
-ground turkey, onion, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and a packet of chili seasoning. I brown the turkey and onions. Then throw everything in the slow cooker and leave it. Its pretty simple. If I want to spice it up a bit, I put some added cayenne.

So, I have a plan. I spent around $100 on groceries for the week. I stocked up on fruits, veggies, and snacks for liv also. Hopefully I can keep this up.

wedding edition - belts

I want need a belt for my wedding dress.

Oh yeah, did I mention it arrived?

Here is the pictures (they aren't the most flattering pictures I've ever taken, but hey I did them myself):

It needs to be fitted. I want it to fit impeccably. I love the simple silhouette, but for it to look good it needs to fit flawlessly. A belt would just pull everything together and also bring our colors tastefully into my dress.

You wouldn't believe how hard it is to find an actual belt and not a sash. I'm the kind of person that gets something into my head and can't settle, so a sash is out of the question. I'm picturing a belt defining my waist a bit better than a sash.

After much searching...this is what I found:


Sarah Seven



Its kind of hard to see, but it has a stretch velvet band and the clasp is underneath the flowers. The belt is totally customizable and I would go for a gray belt with yellow flowers. Also, its only $50, which is more than reasonable.

Let me know what you think. Also, I would like a pair of yellow sandals or opened toed flats and I can't find them anywhere...for a good price. Send ideas my way please!

vday pt. 2

I mentioned before that we spent Valentine's Day dinner at Aunt Donna's house. I have a few pictures I wanted to share from that night. Liv had a blast running around and being the center of attention.

that little cheeser grin gets me.

dancing...

the obligatory valentine's day post.

It was wonderful. It was like a normal day but it felt a little special. I actually woke up this morning to attend spin class, which was cancelled (seriously)...but I still worked out. Then I came home and made everyone a V-Day breakfast of blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, toast, hashbrowns, bacon, and turkey sausage.

It sounds like I'm an overachiever, but I'm not....Leslie helped me :).

While I was cooking, I broke out Liv's V-Day present. It wasn't anything big, but she's recently gotten into coloring and stickers (Thanks to the stickers Grandma Nancy sent). So, Pat and I got her 2 coloring books that had stickers in them and a new box of big washable crayons. She won't let me help her color...she just needs me to watch and possibly help turn the page.

Pat and I usually don't celebrate Valentines Day....like, the first time Pat ever got me flowers was last V-Day and I think the only reason he did it was because he was in Belfast and whats easier than sending flowers? Let me add that they were perfect to me, but it was pretty apparent my loving husband had never sent flowers before :). He did redeem himself this year. He went to play some pick-up hockey and stopped at the mall on his way home and arrived with these bad boys.

aren't they gorgeous?? and red for the occassion.

We went to Aunt Donna's tonight and had salad and pizza. It was nice to visit with everyone and spend the little holiday together as a family.

I need to add this story. I haven't mentioned Shannon here for awhile and if you would like to read more about her you can click here. The reason isn't because I don't think about her. I think about her constantly and the most random things frequently bring her to my mind. I am pretty reserved when it comes to crying in front of people, even Pat, so I save it for when I'm alone. I often try to postpone my crying because, honestly, I could cry over my lost friend for hours.

The reason that brought her to my mind today was because last year, for Valentines Day, she came over with a gift for Liv. It sits on her dresser and is absolutely perfect in every way. Its an elmo. An Elmo that blows kisses and says sweet things. Who cries over an elmo??! Me, but Liv and I will treasure it forever. There are only so many tangible things I have left and this is one of them.

I'm huge and pregnant and she is so happy and excited for me.

shannon and liv



a little something to brighten the winter blues

It may be winter and there may be snow on the ground, but Liv broke out the swimsuit yesterday. Oh yes. She has the cutest bikini bod I've ever laid eyes on ;).

mama's top and livi's bottoms...cupcake shirt bc its a bit nippy

running to get more accessories?

outfit change!

strolling

Here is a little picture from Liv and my walk yesterday. She did a lot of snow eating and a lot of scooting down the hill. Typical. Have a great weekend!

ditching the bubba update

I'll start off by saying, Its going great!

I was so so worried. I mean this child LOVES her some bubba.

Yesterday she laid down for 2 naps because she woke up at 6am. First nap, she cried for about 30 minutes and then fell asleep for an hour and a half/two hours. Second nap, she cried for about 20 minutes then started talking. She normally takes a "2nd nap" which we like to call a lay down because she never falls asleep...so this was normal and I took her out when she started crying the second time. Last night there were some tears again...BUT she only cried for maybe 5 minutes and was asleep all night. I heard her fussing around 6am again but left her and she fell asleep until 8.

As I type this, Liv is down for her first nap of the day. The change from yesterday was that she did not cry when I put her in her crib and she actually lied down. Yesterday she wouldn't even lie down...she was so upset she stood up and cried over the edge of her crib. She is in there talking, which...is so normal for her. I'm just happy she isn't crying. Oh god the crying gets to me.

In the end, I'm really glad I bit the bullet on this one. Even Pat said "it wasn't that bad". He was definitley the most iffy about getting rid of her bottle. So, now everyone is happy.

I should probably add what we do now at bedtime and naptime. We changed our bedtime and naptime routine. Usually, I would give her a bottle and that meant it was time to go to bed. Now, I read her a few books and make sure to tell her when there is just one more (she likes to say "one more":)). Then I give her a big hug and kiss, tell her I love her and its night night time. I'm actually pretty proud of liv...maybe a little of myself, but I think I underestimated her on this one. Yay us!

miscellany monday

1. on a mission

The mission is to kick the bubba. Day one is today. Liv is currently switching between crying and screaming. I laid her down for an early nap because she woke up at 6am today. Normally, I would give her 3oz. of milk and put her back to bed....not anymore I guess. So, we will see how it goes. Also...she WILL NOT drink milk out of a sippy cup. I do offer it to her though. our new routine will include reading a few books before nap/bedtime and she will get a sippy of warm milk, whether she drinks it or not. I think right now she think milk only belongs in a bottle so eventually I hope she will drink it out of a sippy cup.

(update: Liv fell asleep, sans bubba, after 30 minutes of her crying fit she was having! WIN)

2. goals

I made some goals last week and so far so good. We didn't go swimming last week, but we went to the zoo. I am going to bring Liv swimming this week. I want to bring her when her dad is playing drop in hockey so we can see him after. She will think that is pretty cool that her dad is playing "hockeeey!". I also went to the gym 3 times, did laundry every other day, and went on a date! I have yet to re-style my dresses...but they are sitting in my craft stuff for when I find the time.

3. piano bar

Speaking of my "kind of" date. We went to a friend's apartment on Saturday, and a new friend (Katie) and I walked to a piano bar while the boys watched the fight and hockey game. It was SO much fun. I had never been to one before and it definitley didn't dissapoint. I'm so removed from the bar scene that I definitley suffered yesterday but it was well worth it.

4. crafting

I've been doing it for awhile and I really really want to start an online shop. I am just not sure how to do it while in Canada. I am really contemplating it though. I need something to do with my time, which is mostly what it would be about. I could use some advice with this. I have looked into etsy, big cartel, and storenvy...all have their perks, but it seems like etsy gets the most exposure and might be the best to use when starting out.

Here are a few pictures of some things I have made currently and in the past. I think my main focus would be baby/toddler headbands and clippies, maybe some children's vintage clothing, and I have a few other ideas also.

a trip to the zoo - picture overload

We got out of the house today!

I was also reminded that it needs to be done more because of how stressed I got getting ready to get out of the house. I will plan ahead better next time.

We went with Kelly, Jasper, and Owen. It was so nice to see them and hang out. Liv loves her cousins and it shows in the pictures :).

jasper

granola bar anyone?

sharing

she only did one fake-out ha.

Owen's turn.

always snacking this girl.

it looks like they shared a little joke.

the good stuff

We went to Liv's doctor's appointment today. Well...I shouldn't say doctor's appointment because we never saw a doctor. It was more like going to the health department. Which is fine...my only complaint is that I loved how our doctor in the Sault, Dr. Mackie, knew Liv and had been her doctor since she was born. I had a lot of confidence in him and its scary to not have a doctor for Liv. Anyways, we are going back next week because they wanted to give her a chicken pox and flu vaccinne, but that would have been 5 and we thought it was a bit much for one visit. I am glad we made that decision because she had one in each arm and one in her leg. She was pretty riled up by the time the nurse was finished.

Ok, now the good stuff I was talking about...Liv's stats.

Height: 33.5in. (92nd percentile)
Weight: 30lbs (off the charts!)

The nurse asked me the rhetorical question "has this been her weight/height pattern normally?". Yes. She is a big girl. She can wear a 3T in some things, such as shirts and leggings. If she isn't wearing a 3T then she is most definitley wearing a 2T or 24 month size. Kind of crazy.

I took pictures as promised!

shirt: old navy
jeans: baby gap (consignment)
hair clippie: made by me.

uhhh yeah, 3T shirt and 2T jeans ::gasp::

just try taking that "cuckie" away...I dare you.

baby butt, gets me every time...oh and her "cuckie" collection

Add caption

trying to eat something....maybe dog food. figures.

not so good there livi?