I love my niece!

First off... Ava is so adorable... she is a little angel with a head full of hair! I am completely smitten with her and it really, really makes me hope that I end up with a little girl as Baby Bee #2! I'll post another picture or two at the end of this post.

Next... I am addicted to FreeCycle - the one for my town is a Yahoo Group! I check it every day and I've found some good stuff on there for my sister/niece. I plan on putting some stuff up on there when I get around to spring cleaning... I know there's stuff in my basement that could find a new home other than the local landfill. :)

Logan is too funny! I've been trying to start introducing baby cereal into his diet. Until today, he hasn't been too impressed. However, it should be mentioned that before today I was trying to feed him "plain" cereals - be they rice cereal or oatmeal. No flavor... tastes like wet cardboard... really - I tried some! Well, today I gave him "Mixed cereal w/ fruit". First off, it smelled yummy (it has peach, pineapple & orange I think) and it tasted not too bad. He inhaled it! I had only mixed up 1 tbsp to start... he ended up eating 3 tbsp... and got quite mad each time we ran out! So, plain cereal is yucky... flavored cereal is yummy... got it!

Logan and I start parent & tot swim lessons tomorrow. I am very excited!

I need to get some laundry done before volleyball tonight. Gotta run...

Details (sort of):

I don't know many details regarding my new neice, but here's what I do know...

Baby Ava made her arrival sometime close to 5:30pm. She was 6 lbs 12 oz and looks healthy! She has a head full of dark hair!

I'm going to go visit my sister and Ava today, as I didn't really get to talk much since we visited right after she was brought back to her room. Thus, she had to be introduced to breastfeeding and checked by the nurses, etc. I should be able to get some pictures today.

Edit: The official details... Ava was born at 5:33pm on Feb. 20/08. She was 6lbs 12oz and 18.75" long.

Oi!

My sister is at the hospital... I will have a new niece or nephew sometime today!

Too much Diet Coke with supper = insomnia for me!

I really, really want to be sleeping right now... but it's not working!

So, I'm slightly less annoyed with the gov't right now... though not 100% over today's events. I did get things straightened out and I will be getting paid by Thursday (with my re-payement of the over-payment also being taken care of... though I have a sneaking suspicion they messed that up... though only by a few extra dollars to me for the time being).

I had to deal with another gov't department today as I went to get Logan's SIN (so we can set up an RESP for him). That actually went pretty smoothly. They told me it would be an hour wait, but it only took 40 minutes (I like it when people over-estimate the wait time, as opposed to under-estimating it like my doctor's office always does). My son now has a SIN and soon (perhaps next month) we will apply for a passport - for our trip to Ontario, as we are likely going to drive through the States... and although it's not required until Jan '09 (I think), we would like to have them to minimize any issues at the border.

I have to call the gov't tomorrow, as they F-ed up my T4E (my T4 while on maternity/EI) form (surprise, surprise). It really amazes me how difficult it is to get money back from the gov't when they owe it to you, yet if you owe them... they demand it immediately. Go figure!

Anywoo... enough of that!

I signed Logan and I up for "Parent & Tot" swim lessons... I am super excited! :) They start next week.

There's an AB election in March and I need to figure out who I'm voting for. I, like a growing number of Albertans, am not happy with the leadership of the provincial PC party (King Ralph's successor is losing the support of people who are normally 100% PC). Political analysts are saying that one reason an election was called so soon - it didn't "need" to be called until fall 2009 - is so that the Wildrose Alliance Party doesn't have a lot of time to get fully up and running. The rumor is that Stelmach is worried he might lose. If you're a "true-blue" Albertan... and thus wouldn't vote Liberal (no offence, LJ) until hell froze over (not necessarily my opinion, just the way a lot of Albertan's are)... and won't vote Green (too much oilfield influence)... then there is really just the Wildrose Alliance Party left. I have to do some reading on them before the election.

In other interesting election news... the riding that has the best chance for Alberta's first Green Party member to be elected... is my riding! The man running is very well known... very influential... and has a huge following after he led the group that prevented a controversial high-voltage powerline from being run through central AB. That will be very interesting to watch. He has said that if he is elected, "there will be a lot of uncomfortable men/women in the parliament."

One final note... the Blogger spell-check still isn't working... I appologize for my horrible spelling! :)

*&%!

I really *hate* dealing with the government 99.99% of the time... almost all government agencies are filled with ineptitude and idiocy.

In January I updated my phone number for my EI benefits. That's right... just my phone number... I did not touch my address, as it had not changed. Well, I was supposed to be paid today but that didn't happen so I called in. It seems that somehow the computer said I changed my address to moving out of country. The woman said there would have been a screen come up saying to call in with my address because it was out of country. No such fricking screen came up. I did not change my fricking address. I changed my phone number. Frick.

This has affected a repayment to the EI office, as they gave a double-payment to most of western Canada in December. If I get charged interest because of a late payment I'm going to be even more pissed than I am right now (If that's possible).

Frick I'm annoyed.

I'm also annoyed that Blogger's spell check isn't working for me. I'm sure I spelled at least one word wrong in the first paragraph. But, oh well. I'm going to town to get out of the house and clear my head.

Fricking government.

Random Thoughts:

1. Some people are dumb. See the comments on Nej's blog... that's one example. Here's another example.

2. I hurt my back. I think it was a combination of shoveling snow (we had a pretty good snow dump Sunday night) and playing volleyball on Monday. Picking up Logan when he's in his crib hurts me the most... it must be the way I twist or something. On Friday I have an appointment with my chiropractor, followed by a 1/2 hour massage. Looking forward to it (maybe my headaches will go away too... pretty sure my neck is out).

3. I feel bad for my sister. She found out today (ultrasound) that her baby is breech. Thus, a c-section will likely be scheduled soon, seeing as how she's due on March 8th.

4. There are two new shows out that are supposed to be similar to Sex and the City. Cashmere Mafia is by the creators of SatC and Lipstick Jungle is by the author (Candace Bushnell) of SatC. I've now seen one episode of each show (just watched Cashmere Mafia tonight). Now, I know you can never create anything that equals Sex and the City, but I was quite disappointed by Lipstick Jungle. I'll probably still watch it... at least one more episode to see if it changes my mind... but I found it a little boring. I didn't mind Cashmere Mafia, but it still doesn't have the same pace that SatC had. I'll likely watch that show again. Someday I'll have to get the SatC DVD set.

5. My husband's a sweetie. He gave me my Valentine's Day flowers today, seeing as how he doesn't know what tomorrow will bring at work (it could be a long day) - a small bunch of pretty, pink tulips. He also tried to be extra sweet and brought me some frozen yogurt. I've been attempting to get back on the weight-watching wagon and as such, I've given up ice cream (I was eating a lot of ice cream lately)... also the reason he didn't buy me chocolates. Anyways, he wanted to bring me a healthier treat (it says it's low fat). I compared lables... yes, the frozen yogurt has less fat... but the ice cream has less calories and less carbohydrats (for the same-sized serving)! Well, it's the thought that counts! I had a little bit... it is yummy frozen yogurt (mango swirl)!

6. My son is grumpy boy... today anyways. He might be heading into that dreaded phase... yes... teething! :D I still love him lots... even if he's been incredible whiney today... which, coupled with my sore back... made for a bit of a grumpy me! Here are some pics (the bottom one is with his second-cousin, who is 11 days younger).

A new kitty for me!

Okay... so this post is a *tiny* bit early... but I'm excited. ;)

Last night JB asked me if I thought I could handle a third cat. I said, sure... there's not really any difference for me, just one more litter box. A friend of ours has a kitten now that her two boys are a little older (4 & 2.5 years) and so JB got thinking that when our youngest (the future Baby B, who isn't even a twinkle in JB's eyes yet) is nearing 3, we would get a kitten.

Now, I can handle a 3rd cat. I'm not sure Luna could handle a 3rd cat! Bijou will love it... I don't think Luna plays with him as often as he would like. So, a kitten would be great fun for him!

Anyways, that's a way's off.

My sister is coming over in about an hour and I want to burn a set of CDs for her before she gets here (some classical music for my future neice/nephew), so I should run. Chat you later.

Bah!

Apparently the immunity to caffiene that I worked *so* hard to develop through my university years has worn off. There is, once again, such a thing as too much coffee too close to bed time!

The new look:

Before hair cut...

After hair cut...

It's not *that* cold!

You sure do get funny looks (and comments) from the grocery store cashier when you buy a 4L pail of ice cream when it's -30C. Who would have thunk it?!

What can I say... they had a really good price and we were out of ice cream.

If hell freezes over...

...I imagine it would feel a lot like central AB right now! Yesterday (during the day) temperatures were around -32C with windchill making it feel like anywhere from -40 to -50C. Last night it dipped down to -38C with a windchill of around -60C. Today's not much better... -28C with windchill around -40C. Fricking cold!!! A guy at JB's work left his vehicle sitting, not plugged in, for 6 hours and the battery froze solid. That sucks. We're leaving the vehicles plugged in 24 hrs/day right now just to keep things in running order... plus, thanks to the remote start, I can start the van and let it run for 15 mins every now and then. :)

So, my son has horrible timing when it comes to getting sick. He got sick yesterday (it began sometime Sunday night after I put him to bed) and we ended up having to brave the cold and go to the doctor's in the morning (he threw up... not spit up... at least three times during the night/early morning). I packed an "emergency kit" for the van before heading out. I found out at the doctor's office (my normal doctor was stuck in the mountains!) that there is a gastrointestinal virus going around the region... in kids and adults too. So, I had to take Logan off his formula and give him pedialyte for 12 hours, then slowly re-introduce formula. Right now he is back up to 4 oz formula (his appetite isn't what is usually is - he normally takes 6 oz per feeding) and I'm still giving him some pedialyte, as he now has diarrhea (though, thankfully, he isn't throwing up anymore)... which the doctor told me to expect with this virus. Logan is definitely feeling better though - we actually got some smiles out of him last night and he's being pretty cheerful today thus far. Poor little guy. The winter cold/flu/sickness season sucks... but it sucks even more with a baby!

We've switched over to Vonage internet phone. After a couple initial bugs, everything is working great and we love it. Our combined phone and internet bills are going to be half of what we were paying before!

Is the writer's strike ever going to end? I miss my evening dramas! Though the next three episodes of House are new... so that will entertain me for a while. A person can only watch so much reality TV without going nutty!

Planning...

...for our trip to Ontario that is! We've started thinking about our trip to Ontario this fall for LJ's wedding. JB is going to check today to see if he'd be able to get the time off (I will make it a condition of my return to work) - it shouldn't be a problem. The only thing is that since he won't have been there for a year, he can't bank hours and thus it will be a week without pay... but oh well... we'll just have to make sure the bills are covered.

If JB can get the time off, we figure it will be cheaper to drive (unless we find an amazing seat sale somewhere). Plus that way it will be easier to pack all of Logan's stuff... there's a lot of stuff with such a little baby (carseat, playpen for sleeping, etc.). I'm very excited and have started putting money aside!


Edit (2:50pm): Well, we are back from Logan's 4 month shots (poor little guy) and he's fast asleep. He now weighs 16lbs 10oz (little porker!), is 25.5 inches tall, and has a big head! Here's the updates on his percentiles...

Last time... Logan's 2 month percentiles:
- Length = 33rd
- Weight = 63rd
- Head circ = 73rd
- Weight:Length = 75th

This time... Logan's 4 month percentiles:
- Length = 75th
- Weight = 85th
- Head circ = 93rd
- Weight:Length = 75th

Wanting / Needing a Change!

Okay, so I feel the need to make a change... with my hair that is. It's the longest it's been since high school, but all I do is pull it back into a ponytail/bun every day. So, I need some ideas. Does anyone know of some good webpages to look at hairstyles - for med to long, wavy, thick hair?

Feeling better today...

So, after a rough night (Logan didn't sleep so well) and a good cry at 4am... I'm actually feeling better today. I've got a load of laundry in, the dishwasher is going, and Logan is sleeping (so I'm going to clear off the kitchen table). Sometimes I just need a good cry and then I feel better. But, we'll still keep an eye on things...

What's wrong with me?

I have been in such a slump since Christmas. My house is a disaster... I seem to barely function some days... I feel like a failure as a mother and especially as a wife. I've been having near-daily headaches (probably due to poor sleep and eating habits, lack of water, etc.) and that doesn't help anything.

Could I be suffering from postpartum depression? If I can't seem to get back on track soon I think I'll go talk with my doctor (thankfully I have a doctor that I like and trust... so I think I could actually be honest with him regarding how I've been feeling).

On another sad note... my uncle's funeral is Friday afternoon. JB was able to get the afternoon off and I have a babysitter arranged for Logan.

A few more details...

My Uncle Steve apparently "dropped" while talking to the geologist on site at the rig. So, it sounds like a heart attack. This makes 3 uncles (all on my Dad's side) that all died of heart attacks while at work on the rigs. Seems to be something running in the family.

My Dad's family isn't overly close, but there are three sets of families (uncles, aunts & cousins) that we are closer too... and Uncle Steve's family is one of those. :'( We went over for a quick visit with my aunt and cousins last night - it seems to be really affecting my one cousin who will be getting married this fall. Poor guy!

Anyways... funeral is likely this Friday (only my 3rd funeral ever).

Thanks for the kind thoughts...

Loss in the family...

My uncle Steve (one of Dad's brothers) passed away. I don't know the details yet, just that something happened at the rig.

*sigh*

I feel like I'm in a bit of a slump. I had such good intentions for the new year... and don't get me wrong, I haven't given up on any of my resolutions yet... the past week I just haven't gotten anything wrong (partly due to a sick little munchkin) and it makes me feel very lazy and not very good about myself.

On a very unrelated note, here is a song I want to learn so I can sing it to Logan (for some strange reason he likes listening to me sing... heaven knows why as I am a *terrible* singer!):

~ ~ ~

Little Mr. Roo
by: Carly Simon
from: "Best Of Pooh & Heffalumps Too"


Little Mr. Roo
Reaching up for the moon
So many things you've got to do
And no time for dreaming

Little Mr. Roo
Let the stars shine over you
Don't grow up too fast, too soon
Save some time for dreaming

Settle in, settle down
Let me see that sleepy yawn on your face
Close your eyes
I will love you completely and always

Little Mr. Roo
The moon shines silver over you
No one knows you like I do
And little Mr. Roo
Reaching for the moon
Don't grow up too fast
Too soon

I'm here... really!

This will be short, but I'll post again soon (really!).

LJ asked how my appointment with the trainer went - well, it was good. I have a new program set-up, I registered Logan at the daycare, and I put some money in Logan's account. So I really don't have any excuse not to go to the gym! I'm actually going today. My sister-in-law and I are doing a baby-swap... on Tuesday afternoon's she'll watch Logan while I go to the gym and on Thursday morning's I'll watch her oldest son while she does her paper route. The less time Logan spends in the daycare... the longer the money will last!

Logan has a bit of a cold right now... poor little guy. My one friend said "Welcome to the first winter with a baby!" when I told her. So, yesterday I bought a humidifier for his room to try and help his breathing at night (seeing as how there is no such thing as cold medicine for babies any more - they were all taken off the market not too long ago).

We are (finally!) doing "Christmas" with my family this coming Sunday. Dad got home from Saudi last Friday, but my sister was away at a weekend visit with her boyfriend this past weekend that couldn't be rescheduled.

This picture is from Christmas morning:




Edit: Not going to the gym afterall... decided that Logan's cold isn't any better than yesterday and I don't want to get my nephew's sick. Plus, I think I pulled something at volleyball last night... ouch!

Bah humbug!

Darn insomnia... I don't know why I'm wide awake... I know I will regret this later (not that there's much I can do about it)... and by later, I mean when Logan wakes up next!

Here's a random thought - what are people's experiences with teeth whitening products? Any good ones out there? Do they harm your teeth? Cost?

And here's an interesting fact... my ex (DMcL) just signed onto Facebook and after a couple back and forth messages wants to chat via phone, if I'm okay with it. So, I'm going to call him tomorrow evening. As a related side note... JB is fine with me staying in contact with DMcL.

Well, I'm going to attempt to go to sleep... again... hopefully...