Lucky Leap!

Blogging because, uh, hello. Leap year. How often does that happen? Every 4 years? Pfft. This is a big thing! Haha. 2012 is a whole day longer than what 2011 was. Cool right?

I know a little too much enthusiasm on my part.

Anyways, ill skip to the good stuff.

Im keeping my phone! It was going to be way too costly to cancel my account all together and just as expensive to put it on hold. So i made the fantastic decision to pay $5 more a month for 500 extra MB. So i can still keep in touch and blog and pin and all that fun stuff!

Also! This came as a total surprise but we walked into some goodluck, i guess you can call it? Just went to the mall for groceries and stopped by to check out some tablets. The guy told us they were having an incredible deal going on. Get a tablet for free and pay $20 for 500MB or $35 for 5G. My mouth dropped. This was exactly what i wanted. I Just wanted more data, and a computer. So, tomorrow Im cancelling the extra $5 for more data on my phone and hopefully a cheaper package. We'll see.
And I've always wanted a tablet but just didn't see that in the near future at all! Our only issue is a little slow but that's only because of where we live. Our phones get terrible reception too. Still, its better than our phones.

Talk about luck. So thankful.

Eeeeek!! Im so excited. Happy leap year folks! :)

Can't Believe Im Doing This

Im kind of in disbelief that this JUST came to me, and i planned it all out within 5 minutes. But it needs to happen. And shockingly, Im ready.

Just going to put it all out there and be honest because, why not? My phone bill is around the 250 mark at the moment. Its high, yes, but somehow we deal with these phone bills every 2 months (its seems less). You probably think we're nuts. Let me just add. We DON'T have internet or a home phone. And we JUST got cable. A little more understandable? Haha. No, not really? Oh the conditions to having smart phones.

Im straight up tired of it. So? Im getting rid of it. Im going to get it turned off temporarily, pay the bill. Pay *a* credit card off, THEN get a computer and internet. So Im hoping by the end of march, early April to accomplish this. And, who knows if i can go without it maybe I'll hold off until this summer to get my phone turned back on.

It just makes sense, my battery is garbage and only lasts til noon before i have to charge it again. It also has a hard time connecting to a charger so thank goodness i still have an old school Samsung charger beating around the house. I figure the things i do most on my phone; twitter, blogging, Facebook, Pinterest, all that can be done on a computer, and a lot easier too. If someone needs to get a hold of me they can text or call Matts phone, or email.

I'll admit, Im pretty attached to my phone. Actually its almost like an addiction. And in all honesty, ill probably still tweet here and there through Matts phone and i might go to the library a couple times a month to blog, so i think I'll make it. But seriously, this is huge for me and sadly, PATHETICALLY, ill probably have a little anxiety or something haha.

So? This is it folks. My last entry on my phone.

<3 don't forget about me!!

The Perfect Day

Not going to lie, starting the day at 6:30 makes for a long one. But? I wanted to make it special, being my last day off for another 5 days and all. It was a beautiful sunny Sunday, on the warm side but still cold enough for winter coats. Perfect.

We lazed around until, probably noon-ish then got ready for a walk downtown. We stopped into a cafe and had a small lunch. Then off we headed to the park!

*Note to self: Don't wear your $200 UGGS to a more than likely muddy park. Mkay?*

The swings have always been her favorite, so obviously we spend 85% of our time there. Good arm workout, yeah? ;) haha

I knew she was probably getting tired, but the last thing i expected was for her to fall a sleep. Of all things. Who does that? At the PARK mind you. What a girl. Even after taking her out of the swing, putting her in the stroller, walking home, and putting her in bed she stays sleeping! The nerve. Im still in shock.

So, an unpredicted nap was nice. Mama was able to get some things done around the house. When she woke up we did laundry. Seriously, this kid makes me enjoy laundry days to the fullest. Not only does she help by carrying the detergent down stairs but she's some serious entertainment when we're waiting on it to finish. We sat in the laundry room together for 20 min playing and laughing. Good times.

Then? *Dun Dun DUN!!* Shapeable Foam Soap came into her life. Bath time will never be the same. For either of us. Its a heck of a lot easier to get her in, but a heck of a lot harder to get her out. So, we played with this new, fascinating soap, turned the water purple, and made mama's bathroom smell of grape, oh my!

Best. Day. Ever.

Happy Monday!

Things Are Happening!

Unfortunately, I've been kind of absent from the social media bit lately, as you can tell. There's a legitimately valid reason, i swear.

Due to some lucky recent event, i went from getting 8hrs to 23.5hrs at work. My schedule is full! I work Monday-Friday. Matt still works his 40hr Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Once i get home, its 5pm and i have to get dinner on if it isn't done already, cuddle my baby, get her ready for bed and some nights do bath time.
I've remained faithful in taking Leah to play group twice a week as well. Its been a bit hard being away from Leah for so much of the day, i miss her like crazy. Fortunately though, i get to spend all morning with her and still be home in time to put her to bed. All my troubles, frustrations, and stress is left behind at the front door, because as soon as i hear "MOMMY!!" and see that sweet little face overcome with happiness and the biggest smile I've ever laid eyes on, running into me full force and knocking me off my feet, everything else in the world disappears. Doesn't even matter. She makes it all worth it. And this is making me a better Mommy.

Its been crazy and hectic, and once Leah is settled in bed Im ready to hit the hay myself. This was my first week and Im pretty sure its going to take a while to get back in the groove of things.

Im so thankful for the increase in hours. All of our debt should be paid off before the summer!

Also, we're secretly hoping, trying, and saving to go on a 2-3 day road trip out East. Back to my roots. Hopefully for about 1.5-2 weeks at the end of June, beginning of July.

Things are looking up! Finally.

Oh, and im also happy to admit that mine and M's relationship has improved! Things are just going so good at the moment. Im slowly trying to take all this in and just relish the fact that we have so much that we're thankful for.

There's a light at the end of the tunnel after all.

Fighting For Faith

I don't exactly how to say all this so Im just going to come right out and start. And in all honesty, its taken me a couple of days to write this.

I believe in God. I feel like He has guided me and helped me to get to where i am right now in my life. I've cried to him, laughed to him, prayed to him. Although Im aware i don't have the best relationship with him, or the relationship id like to have, i am grateful for the one i do have. I can only hope and do so much to make sure my children are as close to God as i am.

To make a long story short, Matt's mother was actually a practising Jehovah's Witness. His parents divorced when he was 10. Him and his older sister grew up Atheist (That being said, he didn't have the typical, "fun", average childhood). Fortunately his sister more so than him.
And yes, this upsets me in many ways that he would rather believe in science and evolution. Recently we had a discussion over this. And i think he just hasn't given much thought to what he actually believes in. He said he does believe in God, because he believes there is a higher power. But he is such a "matter of fact" person. He lives to educate himself and i can honestly say he is one of those people who knows a ton of pointless information (on the plus side, he always has an answer for my curious brain). Im not going to sit here and explain his reasons for believing what he does but, say what you want, or think what you want. Im confident that somewhere in that mind of his he knows there is a God. And i feel like its my job and responsibility to help him find his way. I think it will be hard, and take time, a lot of time. But i so badly want him to know the feeling and the love of having Him in his life.

I haven't had the average childhood experience either, you can read about that here (The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. My Life in a Nutshell), but i have always felt the spirit of God with me. And I have Him him to thank for who i am and what i have today. Through everything, i remained faithful to Him, and Him to me.

Praying doesn't mean getting everything that you want. My mom once explained to me (for a child to understand): God isn't always going to give you what you ask and its that simple. You could pray to go to Disney Land and He may not want that for you right now, because there could be undoable consequences. He has other plans. He always has a plan for you. You are in His best intentions. He doesn't want you hurt.
And I've chalked this up to, there are 3 possible answer He will have for you; Yes, No, I have other plans.

There are things that can't be explained and questions that can't really be answered
Things don't always go as planned, and sometimes things have to be bad before they can get better. But God had a plan for me. He still does. And i have faith that He'll lead me the way He wants. I know He loves Matt. I know He's watching over us. And i know He listens to our prayers everyday. He's always listening, he's always watching. He's never judging.

An Update. All About Leah

I know I've been giving tid-bits about how she's developing and learning and growing here and there but i thought i should dedicate an entire post to her. Because, you know, i kinda love her, a lot.

New words seem to be sprouting up everywhere these days. Not just words she's asked to say, things she actually knows about. (there's just too many for me to write about, but Im sure you get it)

She's following instructions better too. Which is nice. All it takes is for me to start counting. When i say "that's one" she knows Im serious. When i say "two!" she's on her way to do what i asked. Obviously i get to three quite a bit and she goes on a two min (usually just a one min hee hee) time out, and when its over she does what was originally asked of her. Don't get me wrong, we still get those lovely meltdowns and tantrums but we're all taking it by day and learning as we go.

Her favorite colour is orange. Maybe because that's one of the only colours she's absolutely certain she's right about. I think she likes saying the word too haha.

Her favorite shows are Toopy & Binoo, Bubble Guppies, and Max and Ruby.

Her favorite toys at the moment are her puzzles, her doll house, her Mr & Mrs Potato Heads, Woody & Jessie.

Her favorite place to go is to play group. And she likes shopping.

Her favorite food. Ha. What food? This girl hardly eats anything worth talking about. But, i would have to say spaghetti, pizza, fries, cheese, grapes, and her new fav, "chocy toats" aka toast with Nutella.
She likes cereal too. Well, the milk anyways. She doesn't actually eat the cereal really. I should probably just give her a bowl of milk, yea? :)

Her favorite person? Me. Duh.

Latest bad habit. You've all heard about this one. Taking out her earrings!!! Most expensive child habit EVER. And after i give her trouble and telling her not to do it again, she has to look up at me with those big blue eyes and sweetly say "ok". What a stinker right?

Her bedtime routine consists of snack (or late dinner), bath, a bit of tv and cuddles, teeth brushin', stories, more cuddles, BAM! And she's out. Most days.

She's 25 & 1/2 months. 25 lbs. Yeah yeah, i know. Maybe one day soon I'll stop counting her age in months. Well, maybe not.

My gorgeous little 7lb 11oz baby girl has almost doubled her weight twice and is becoming so smart. Its sad, but she isn't really a baby anymore. She's a little girl.

Man, i love her. She'll always be my baby. Always.

A Tot-tastic Fashion Haul

So it seems the little girlfriend is getting taller! But as usual, not gaining weight. Not losing either, so that's good! And with that comes shrinking clothes and a need for bigger ones.

There's nothing that bothers me more than having long sleeve shirts going up to the middle of her forearm, belly button playing peek-a-boo or her pants breaching her shins. It doesn't look nice either. Pjs are different. They're just for sleeping. 

She's at such a hard size in clothing. At some places 18 month pants fit her perfectly in waist and length. At other stores its 24 months, and at a few she's just a 2.

A couple days ago i really wanted to get her some clothes. Mainly things for the fall and spring but Matt and i fell completely in love with some extremely cute clothes at Winners.

Super skinny Levi jeans? Sold.
Guess jeans for little people? Sold sold sold!
Dressy Baby Phat shirt? You know it, sold.
Faux suede jacket with leopard print lining? SOLD.
Cute feather crop top? Yeah, sold.

Its official. She has nicer clothes than me. Even if its only two outfits.

Check it out. Cute or what!!? *dies*

Ps. Please ignore the odd socks and chocolate face haha. You know, typical.

This Could Be Bad

I may be in over my head. Im crazy stressin right now.

Tomorrow morning after our cleanings at the dentist we're going to be picking up our two nephews (2.5 & 5). They're going to be staying with us while their Mommy is in the hospital having their baby sister. She's having a c-section Tuesday morning so the boys will be with us probably Monday-Thursday at the earliest. I really hope she doesn't have to stay until Friday. The 5 year old is good. The 2.5 year old is a handful. MY 2 year old is battling the WORST cold she's ever had. Chances of the boys getting sick the second day they're here? Pretty high. Chances of them already being sick when they get here? Extremely high. (they're always sick, especially the 2.5 year old. You know, its a kid thing.)

So, yes. Im pretty much screwed. Thank God Matt is going to be off. Otherwise this would not be happening. Going from one child to three is going to be a bit hard. I know, your probably thinking "its not THAT bad!" But weather it is or not, their mother is not going to be here and Im just kind of nervous. Im going to need some major patient vibes sent my way. Just sayin.

Leah. My poor little baby. She is so miserable. My heart is just breaking. Her nose is running like a faucet and she has the worst cough ever. Last night i went to a movie with my SIL and didn't get home until 1:15am. Leah was awake with Matt. Apparently something ate her socks (that she never had on) and she was on a serious mission to find out what. Around 1:30 i took her in to read a story then started to cuddle. She fell asleep so fast but each time i would lay her in her bed she'd wake up in a coughing fit. So we ended up "sleeping" in the chair. Every 20-30 min she'd wake up coughing. So, that was fun.

All day she just wanted to cuddle, watch movies and read her favorite book. 'Mommy Is A Soft Warm Kiss'. 

A page from her book: "Mommy is my noodle soup when i am sick in bed. She stays with me and reads me books and cools my achey head." <3

She slept a little on and off this evening. I hope she goes to bed at a reasonable time tonight. Mama needs some sleep for this week ahead.

Parent Life. These is Hard Times Yo.

Not going to lie. Sometimes being a parent is hard. Like really hard. Like pull-your-eye-lashes-out-go-hide-in-a-dark-hole-and-cry kind of hard. People say its going to be difficult sometimes but you never imagine how mentally challenging it is. Or how sometimes you don't have an answer or a solution, and you don't know what to do, there is nothing you can do. How people will look and glare and silently critic because your child is cranky, whiney or having a bad day.

Its not a nice feeling. But hey, what can you do. Parent life.

Today was the last day of our Tales For Tots group at the library. It started off pretty good. She was sitting on her cushion patiently and sang all the songs. I guess at some point she just had enough and got bored because she started to whine. Then whimper. Then yell at me "Home! Home!". So you know, that was nice. The teacher is reading or giving the kids instructions and my kid is being loud and whiney. All i can do is try explaining things to her. When that doesn't work, we leave. I guess there isn't much else i can do.

We didn't even get to do her craft. We ended up leaving the room and she still wanted to go home, so that's what we did. And of course, if that wasn't enough, she insisted on walking rather than being in the stroller. I told her she can walk but she has to hold my hand. She didn't want that either. So i picked her up and plopped her in the stroller. Que screaming fit. She jumps out and dramatically flops herself onto the sidewalk. Right there and then i sat her on the step for a time out.
After a minute i asked if she would hold my hand. She said yes and we finally started for home. After a few minutes she wanted "up". I told her i couldn't carry her right now and she got upset. I put her in the stroller and she whined, screamed and cried the ENTIRE way home.

Weather anyone else sees it or not, my daughter is incredibly polite and sweet. She may be the biggest whiner you've ever seen but she will not be rude. (Well, thats a lie i suppose. Shes in the "mine!" stage and draws her eye brows down while saying so, but other than that she says and uses all of her manners) I know the majority of girls are usually more whiney than boys but it seems like my kid sticks out like a sore thumb. Because it always seems to be her. The catastrophic whiner.

Sometimes i pray that i am doing the right things. I just don't know what else Im suppose to do. I don't encourage whining gin any way or form and if she's whining while talking to me i tell her that she needs to stop because i can't understand her.

If you have any experience with this or advice PLEASE help a sista OUT!

Also, i don't think I've ever used the word 'whine' so much in my entire life.

Im WAY Too Excited...

.... for Summer!! We haven't really had a real Winter but honestly? February is almost half over. Snow is no longer welcome. At all. I think we've played in the snow maybe 3 times this year. Now that i think about it, that's probably the number of times that its snowed a "reasonable" amount. And when i say reasonable, i mean a MAX of 30 cm. All other times it fell and melted all within a day or two. Even the possible 30cm melted in two days. Pathetic.

I love winter fashion, so Im not entirely excited for shorts and tank tops. Meh, its not that bad, i just hate being sweaty. Hopefully this year ill be more comfortable wearing certain clothes. What i am excited for is camping! Beach! Swimming! The zoo!! Canada's Wonderland!! Leah is at such a fun age. Her enthusiasm is contagious and thereby making every experience with her filled with the ultimate excitement and glee.

She's so inlove with animals. She knows so many of their names and what sounds they make, she would enjoy the zoo so much.

Last year we attempted camping with some friends with us. She went to bed well (i think the fresh air knocked her out). She slept okay.Behaviour wise, she was amazing. This year we plan to go just the three of us and try for 2 nights. So excited!!

A huge plus: Matts company has a day during the summer that they all go with their families to Canada's Wonderland. And its all said for. Hoping she'll be tall enough for rides though. She's such a little shorty.

This summer is going to be an unforgettable one! So many sweet memories will be made. Did i mention? Im so stinken excited!!

Girls Day!

What a fabulous day today was!
We started our day off with going to our usual Wednesday play group. It was so busy i could barely find my kid!
Then we went for lunch, just the two of us, which was so bitter sweet! <3
After that we headed to the library and played some educational computer games. And obviously borrowed some awesome books!

I love my little pea :)

Also, M and i both went for runs today. Felt great to get out again. We're going to finish the night off watching a movie!
Talk about an awesome day. Hope you all had a great day too :)

My Whole30 Challenge. Im Losing It.

On January 31, 2012 Matt and I started a new diet called the Whole30. Its similar the the Atkins diet I've been told.

What Is It??
A diet meant to cleanse. Your cutting out all the inflammatory, insulin spiking, calorie dense, but nutrient sparse food groups for a full 30 days. Let your body heal and recover from whatever effects those foods may be provoking. Your pushing the restart button on your metabolism.

What Foods CAN You Eat?
For 30 days your going to eat lots of meat, fish, eggs, tons of vegetables, and some fruit, and plenty of good fats. The fewer the ingredients the better. Better yet, no ingredients because that means its natural and unprocessed.

What NOT To Eat.
-Do not have any added sugar of any kind weather its real or artificial. Pay attention to ingredients. They find all sorts of ways of sneaking in sugar. This means no honey, splenda, and no maple syrup.

-Do not eat any processed foods.

-Do not drink alcohol

-Do not eat legumes. This includes beans, peas, lentils, peanuts and peanut butter.

-Do not have any dairy at all.

-Do not eat grains of any sort.

-Do not eat white potatoes. They are carbohydrate-dense and nutrient poor.

My Reasons For Going On This Diet
-The main reason im doing this is because my body has definitely not been the same since giving birth. I wanted to this for the cleansing and healing purposes.

-I've been slowly gaining weight back again. I want to get below the mark I've been plateaud at for FOREVER. I have one pound to go to reach that goal by the way.

-To change our eating habits. We used to eat out 1-2 times a week. Not only is it an unhealthy habit but its an expensive one too.

-Overall, i want to be a healthier mama.

Today is the morning of our 5th day. I haven't cheated once. Its been extremely hard though. Especially since Im still giving my daughter the foods i can't eat. Boy, what i would do for just a simple waffle with some maple syrup and CHOCOLATE! That's what's been the hardest for me. Chocolate is my weakness.

But? Im extremely excited about this. I've lost exactly 4lbs ALREADY!! I only have 4 completed days under my belt. Im beyond happy and super stoked at this point. And? I know what Im putting into my body. Its healthy and natural, and Im still drinking water. Probably not as much as i should, but still.
Darn. I always forget to take a before picture. Guess what Im about to go do then haha.

I truly recommend this to everyone.

Age Is Just a Number

Im young. I get it. Im already aware that the minute i walk in the door Im being judged. I've grown accustomed to the stares and glares i sometimes get.

Honestly though? Im not that young. Im 22. It actually really upsets me when people are brave enough to say that to my face.

So, let me get this right. Because i "look" young, i shouldn't be a mother. Sorry, but you can shove it. I realize that our world has changed a lot since 40 years ago when people got married at 16, started having children at 17 and continued to be a stay at home mother for their entire life. (As my grandmother has)

STILL! Can't you see? My grandmother was still 17 when she became a mother for the first time. And she is an unbelievably incredible mother and grandmother. A lot of people back then started their families at a young age. This doesn't define the type of parent you are or the behaviour of your children. Your actions do.

Matt works over 40 hours every week and is also in the Canadian Forces. I have a part time job at a restaurant. We have a child. We're comfortable financially.

Is that good enough for you?

In all seriousness, the ONLY thing i wish we had under control before she came, was our debt. Its an added stress. But please, tell me. Who doesn't have debt? Not many people. (hence why we're just getting out of a recession) Other than that, she came at a perfect time. We are so thankful and so blessed to have her.

Say what you want. Think what you want. But in the end, age is just a number and i already know that i am a damn good mother. I have a well-behaved child, and go to bed each night with a smile on my face and love in my heart. And that's all i need in this world.

Some Kids' Parents!!

{{Warning:}} May contain snarkyness and mild course language. ;) Your discretion is advised.

Today we went to play group. Just as we usually do on Wednesdays. And as always, there were a TON of kids there and obviously a TON of parents. (We prefer the quieter Mondays usually)

The location of it is just a classroom in an elementary school up the road. We ring a door bell and the lady lets us in. I understand that its a room designed for toddlers and babies, but its just a little too much for me when the adults gather on the floor --not with their children-- just talking with other parents. Seriously? Go stand on one side of the room  with everyone else. I totally get it when your playing with your child but they *weren't*.

Also? This is where is gets juicy! Or rather, smelly and lumpy...Pukey.

This woman's ~3 year old threw up. I don't know where, other than it was all over him. Chin. Neck. Shirt. Hands.  I heard someone say something like "yeah i can smell sour, curdled milk." mother: "yeah that's my kid." **They all laugh**

That's totally *hilarious*, man! NOT!!

I didn't even know what kid threw up until Leah and i sat down at he colouring table together and i look up and there he is. Sitting directly across from us. Covered. (plz, excuse the vulgar language) But it was fucking GROSS!

I just don't get it. This lady's toddler was covered in vomit and her one year old had been crying her eyes out when we got there and just completely cranky the rest of the time. Like, damn woman! Take your upchucking child and cranky baby home!!! How can someone be so inconsiderate of other peoples children. At least clean the spew off of him.

Most Wednesdays Leah asks to leave after just 30-45 mins. I think that's because of the amount of people. I am so thankful that her discomposure didn't fail me today.

There. Its out. I would of said something but Leah was very animate about leaving so that's what we did. We got the heck OUT.
 
After all was said and done, we still had fun together, like we always do.

My apologies if you are offended by this post, but seriously? Just keep your sick kids home. Especially when they are THAT sick.
Done :)