Arabella has been trying to climb out of her crib for a few weeks now, but never really succeeded. Which was fine with Jay and I. I have mixed emotions about transitioning her from her crib. We did think ahead and bought the toddler bed conversion kit when we purchased her crib. But I thought she would be older before we would have to make the change.
This was what she was doing about 10 days ago...
Within the past few days she has figured out how to use her chair to climb out of her crib. Today at nap time she climbed out! I tried to get a movie of her, but it was too dark. She actually thinks it is a game. She climbs out, I go and put her back in her crib. We have done that 4 times and I think she might be down for her nap now. I just can't get over how quickly time flies and how quickly she picks up on things. She is one smart cookie!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Monday, May 10, 2010
Tumbling
Arabella loves to do her forward rolls that she has learned at Le Petite Gym! She was practicing them yesterday and was doing a great job all by herself!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother's Day in Montreal started with snow flurries, but that did not dampen the loved filled day that I shared with Arabella and Jay! Arabella let me sleep in and then when she decided that she wanted me up, she brought me my card in bed and helped me open it. Inside the card was a very nice surprise, tickets for us all to attend the new Cirque du Soliel show, Totem! I love Cirque du Soliel and I think Arabella will too! I can't wait to go later this month.
Arabella then took me out to breakfast and I had my new favorite breakfast item, crepes. Yummy! We were going to check out the Lakeshore, but due to the cold and snowy weather, we went to Ikea instead. Arabella wore herself out and fell asleep on the way home. So we all got to take naps this afternoon, just another one of the perks of Mother's Day, being able to take a nap!
Since Jay did not want to cook dinner, we went out to Mio Vino, an Italian restaurant where you can bring your own wine. It was out of this world! They had so many choices, it was hard to decide on what to eat. We ended up sharing a tomato and mozzarella appetizer, that had a balsamic fig dressing and the cheese was so fresh. I had never seen this type of appetizer prepared this way, it was almost a shame to cut into it.
Arabella enjoyed her favorites, Italian bread and olives, I am amazed at her love of olives, she can eat them everyday. Seriously, a 2 year old that eats kalamata olives, who would have thought! It must have something to do with all the Greek food that I ate from Aladdin's when I was pregnant with her! For dinner Arabella had the Bambino Mac and Cheese, it was prepared how mac and cheese is supposed to be. No powdered cheese here...
Jay had a pasta dish with lobster, shrimp and scallops. It was very good. And I enjoyed gnocchi with walnuts and gorgonzola, It was heavenly!
Mother's Day was perfect in every way. Thank you Jay and Arabella for such a special day. Thank you Arabella for giving me the best present in the world, You, since without you, I wouldn't be able to share in this day! I am the luckiest Mother in the world!
Arabella then took me out to breakfast and I had my new favorite breakfast item, crepes. Yummy! We were going to check out the Lakeshore, but due to the cold and snowy weather, we went to Ikea instead. Arabella wore herself out and fell asleep on the way home. So we all got to take naps this afternoon, just another one of the perks of Mother's Day, being able to take a nap!
Since Jay did not want to cook dinner, we went out to Mio Vino, an Italian restaurant where you can bring your own wine. It was out of this world! They had so many choices, it was hard to decide on what to eat. We ended up sharing a tomato and mozzarella appetizer, that had a balsamic fig dressing and the cheese was so fresh. I had never seen this type of appetizer prepared this way, it was almost a shame to cut into it.
Arabella enjoyed her favorites, Italian bread and olives, I am amazed at her love of olives, she can eat them everyday. Seriously, a 2 year old that eats kalamata olives, who would have thought! It must have something to do with all the Greek food that I ate from Aladdin's when I was pregnant with her! For dinner Arabella had the Bambino Mac and Cheese, it was prepared how mac and cheese is supposed to be. No powdered cheese here...
Jay had a pasta dish with lobster, shrimp and scallops. It was very good. And I enjoyed gnocchi with walnuts and gorgonzola, It was heavenly!
Mother's Day was perfect in every way. Thank you Jay and Arabella for such a special day. Thank you Arabella for giving me the best present in the world, You, since without you, I wouldn't be able to share in this day! I am the luckiest Mother in the world!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Dear Mom
Dear Mom -
I thought I would try and come up with something witty to write to you for Mother's Day, but my creative juices are just not flowing. So when I read the following in the West Island Chronicle, it resonated with me. It was everything that I would like to have come up with but just wasn't able to. So here it is:
Dearest Mom, on this Mother's Day, let me tell you how much I admire and love you. Like most children, I haven't always been very nice to you. I have often taken you for granted without recognizing everything you have done for me. Toady I am older and wiser and I can see what a thankless task being a mother can be. I ask you to forgive me for all those times when I wasn't deserving of you. It's due in large part to your efforts that I have become the person I am today.
Now that I have reached the age of responsibility, I'm beginning to realize just how much work is involved in raising a family as you have done. For all the sacrifices you have made, the strength of character and composure you have shown, I raise my hat to you. I regret all the times I was angry with you for saying no to me. I know now that it is much more difficult to say no rather than yes.
I can never be grateful enough for all the good advice you gave me between two loads of washing, advice which I still use today. I can't help smiling when I think of all those times when I caused you to laugh till you cried or when you recounted all your mishaps of the day. Because you will always be a huge factor in my life and because in my eyes you will always be the strongest person I know, I wish you a beautiful Mother's Day. (www.westislandchroncile.com)
Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you more than you know!
I thought I would try and come up with something witty to write to you for Mother's Day, but my creative juices are just not flowing. So when I read the following in the West Island Chronicle, it resonated with me. It was everything that I would like to have come up with but just wasn't able to. So here it is:
Dearest Mom, on this Mother's Day, let me tell you how much I admire and love you. Like most children, I haven't always been very nice to you. I have often taken you for granted without recognizing everything you have done for me. Toady I am older and wiser and I can see what a thankless task being a mother can be. I ask you to forgive me for all those times when I wasn't deserving of you. It's due in large part to your efforts that I have become the person I am today.
Now that I have reached the age of responsibility, I'm beginning to realize just how much work is involved in raising a family as you have done. For all the sacrifices you have made, the strength of character and composure you have shown, I raise my hat to you. I regret all the times I was angry with you for saying no to me. I know now that it is much more difficult to say no rather than yes.
I can never be grateful enough for all the good advice you gave me between two loads of washing, advice which I still use today. I can't help smiling when I think of all those times when I caused you to laugh till you cried or when you recounted all your mishaps of the day. Because you will always be a huge factor in my life and because in my eyes you will always be the strongest person I know, I wish you a beautiful Mother's Day. (www.westislandchroncile.com)
Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you more than you know!
Friday, May 7, 2010
A Little Reassurance
Someone recently told me that being a stay-at-home mom was the toughest job in the world. And HE, yes HE (and not it was not my dearest husband), is right. The past few days have been terribly difficult for me. And I mean DIFFICULT!! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that the recent days would be like this.
I remember after having Arabella I just wanted to stay home with her and going back to work was so hard for me. I has spent almost 16 weeks with her and thought I was the only one who could care for her. I remember after I dropped her off at daycare that first day, crying the whole way to work. I am so lucky to have been working with my best friend, if it weren't for Jonna, I don't know how I would have made it through those rough few weeks. As time went by, I learned that day care was good for her. She was interacting with other adults and babies. And it helped that we had an amazing day care with amazing teachers and people who really cared for the babies and children in their care. I couldn't have asked for anything more from her day care. (So if you are in the Dublin, Ohio area, I highly recommend Joyland in Dublin!) We got into our routines and everything was great. And when we were told we were moving to Canada, I was very excited about being able to stay home with her!! It was going to be great!
But lately, it has been so difficult. She is starting the terrible 2's. And instead of being 23 months old, she has a mind of a 12 year old. She wants to do what she wants to do and when she wants to do it. She hates being told no and she has no problem melting down in public. And it seems like the locals have never seen a child melt down in public before. You would not believe the stares, looks and/or comments that I have gotten when we are out and it happens. You would think that Canadian children don't melt down...would some of my Canadian friends tell me this is not true, please???
Sometimes I second guess my mom abilities and think to myself, why am I doing this, I have a Work Visa, why not get a job. I have been told it would be easy for me to get a paralegal job. But then I remember, I can't speak French to save my soul and I would need to pass a paralegal competency exam for Quebec. Besides, I really do like staying home with Arabella. But recently, I have wanted my 50+ litigation/arbitration caseload back! I had no problem keeping everything organized and under control. It seemed like I was meant to do that work and I loved it. But I also love my daughter and I (think)I am meant to be a stay-at-home mom to her. So when I received an email from my mom today with a forward about being an awesome mom, that little bit of reassurance helped.
So for those of you that need a little reassurance, here is what she forwarded to me (I am not sure who the author is or I would give them proper credit):
Before I was a Mom ,
I never tripped over toys
Or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
My plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom ,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
And my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom ,
I never held down a screaming child
So doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
Watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom ,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
When I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
Could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom ,
I didn't know the feeling of
Having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
To feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
Between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
Could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom ,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
Every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
The joy,
The love,
The heartache,
The wonderment
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom .
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
Before I was a Mom
I remember after having Arabella I just wanted to stay home with her and going back to work was so hard for me. I has spent almost 16 weeks with her and thought I was the only one who could care for her. I remember after I dropped her off at daycare that first day, crying the whole way to work. I am so lucky to have been working with my best friend, if it weren't for Jonna, I don't know how I would have made it through those rough few weeks. As time went by, I learned that day care was good for her. She was interacting with other adults and babies. And it helped that we had an amazing day care with amazing teachers and people who really cared for the babies and children in their care. I couldn't have asked for anything more from her day care. (So if you are in the Dublin, Ohio area, I highly recommend Joyland in Dublin!) We got into our routines and everything was great. And when we were told we were moving to Canada, I was very excited about being able to stay home with her!! It was going to be great!
But lately, it has been so difficult. She is starting the terrible 2's. And instead of being 23 months old, she has a mind of a 12 year old. She wants to do what she wants to do and when she wants to do it. She hates being told no and she has no problem melting down in public. And it seems like the locals have never seen a child melt down in public before. You would not believe the stares, looks and/or comments that I have gotten when we are out and it happens. You would think that Canadian children don't melt down...would some of my Canadian friends tell me this is not true, please???
Sometimes I second guess my mom abilities and think to myself, why am I doing this, I have a Work Visa, why not get a job. I have been told it would be easy for me to get a paralegal job. But then I remember, I can't speak French to save my soul and I would need to pass a paralegal competency exam for Quebec. Besides, I really do like staying home with Arabella. But recently, I have wanted my 50+ litigation/arbitration caseload back! I had no problem keeping everything organized and under control. It seemed like I was meant to do that work and I loved it. But I also love my daughter and I (think)I am meant to be a stay-at-home mom to her. So when I received an email from my mom today with a forward about being an awesome mom, that little bit of reassurance helped.
So for those of you that need a little reassurance, here is what she forwarded to me (I am not sure who the author is or I would give them proper credit):
Before I was a Mom ,
I never tripped over toys
Or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
My plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.
Before I was a Mom ,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
And my thoughts.
I slept all night.
Before I was a Mom ,
I never held down a screaming child
So doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
Watching a baby sleep.
Before I was a Mom ,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
When I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
Could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.
Before I was a Mom ,
I didn't know the feeling of
Having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
To feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
Between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
Could make me feel so important and happy.
Before I was a Mom ,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
Every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
The joy,
The love,
The heartache,
The wonderment
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom .
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
Before I was a Mom
Fabulous Friday Finds
I have been using the most amazing blush by Nars that is the perfect shade to brighten any day. And since you can never depend on how the weather is going to turn out here in Canada, that is just what I need! Don't freak out by the name, but it is called Super Orgasm. Nars has a cult following for its original Orgasm blush and Super Orgasm is following it its footsteps. Super Orgasm has more sparkle and shine than the original Orgasm, just right for summer. I love how it brightens up my complexion and makes my tan stand out. Besides, who can resist such a sparkly, coral shade??? I tried my best, but this picture doesn't do the shade justice. Suffice it to say, if you love the original Orgasm blush, you will love Super Orgasm too!
The blush came in a gift set with nail polish at Sephora. And yes, the nail polish is named Orgasm as well. It looks amazing on your toes and extra amazing with just a hint of a tan. I love it!!! I think it is going to be my go to color for my toes this summer. I also like that it stays on and doesn't chip. I think it last me over 2 weeks on my toes and I was at the beach, pool and running on the treadmill. So it seems to take a beating pretty well.
The blush came in a gift set with nail polish at Sephora. And yes, the nail polish is named Orgasm as well. It looks amazing on your toes and extra amazing with just a hint of a tan. I love it!!! I think it is going to be my go to color for my toes this summer. I also like that it stays on and doesn't chip. I think it last me over 2 weeks on my toes and I was at the beach, pool and running on the treadmill. So it seems to take a beating pretty well.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Thursday's Thoughts
Hearing: A spring rain shower outside my window. Makes me want to take a nap.
Tasting: A Java U Spring Latte - espresso, milk and a hint of mint. Yum!
Seeing: My little Monet's (a/k/a Arabella) crayon drawings on the nightstands, rug and wood floors.
Smelling: Spring rain, lilacs and fresh cut grass.
Feeling: Twinges of sadness. I miss my best friend and I hated having to say goodbye.
Tasting: A Java U Spring Latte - espresso, milk and a hint of mint. Yum!
Seeing: My little Monet's (a/k/a Arabella) crayon drawings on the nightstands, rug and wood floors.
Smelling: Spring rain, lilacs and fresh cut grass.
Feeling: Twinges of sadness. I miss my best friend and I hated having to say goodbye.
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