KERRI'S BLOG AND BARGE SERVICE

A Few More Halloween Shots

2009-11-01T07:00:00.001-08:00

A very sticky face.

Enjoying the bounty.

Paul on a sugar-high.

The velcro jet pack is the cutest part of this costume.

Another look at Buzz.

Pumpkin Season (Part 2)

2009-11-01T06:33:00.000-08:00

Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear and the Queen

Let's Go Get some Candy!

Just a little bit excited!

Finn is consistent in her preference for Cinderella.

Thanks to Holly and Danny for the cute Buzz costume.

Hallowe'en 2009 was a huge success. Finn took the position months ago that she wanted to be Cinderella and didn't change her mind. Paul had a cute Buzz Lightyear costume that Holly and Danny lent us. Alex was official photographer and manned the candy fort at home.

Paul learned to walk a couple of weeks ago. He quickly figured out that Halloween was about candy. He would walk right into any home, walk to the candy bowl and grab whatever looked good to him.

I taught Finn to say "Trick or Treat, smell my feet, all the way to Findlay Creek". However, when anyone answered the door we'd be lucky to hear a tiny "Trick or Treat". This year Finn was able to wait politely for the candy and even whispered Thank-you.

We trick or treated with Georgia (Princess) Cameron (Knight) and Abby (Unicorn). After Georgia faded we joined up with some bigger kids Andrew (Dinosaur), Emma (scary witch) and some of the other kids from the old neighbourhood. Finn and Paul were tireless. Paul spent the entire night eating candy non-stop in the stroller. If I didn't open the packages... he'd just eat the paper along with the candy. I didn't get any photos out trick or treating because I was busy trying to keep track of the kids. I was the only pregnant pink princess out trick or treating this year.

Pumpkin Season Pics (Part 1)

2009-10-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a selection of photos from over the past month or so. I'll get some Halloween pics up over the weekend. Enjoy!

Catch Up Post - Camping and Paul's Birthday

2009-08-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

A rare photo of Finn and Paul - this one is in Cinderella's pumpkin.

Finn and Lauren B.

Riding the Merry-Go-Round

Paul David channelling David Earl Smith.

Campground bathtub.

Paul and Sarah getting dirty.

Posing in the nude out front of Clearwater.

Splits in the doorway at Clearwater

Birthday Loot for Paul

A Very Happy Birthday Boy!

OK... it's been three months. I guess when the weather got nice, the blogging went by the wayside. Here are some assorted pics from Paul's 1st Birthday and our recent trip to Old Forge.

Tulip Festival

2009-05-14T06:55:00.000-07:00

Dr. Jekyll

Miss Hyde!!!

Georgia and Finn

Georgia, Cameron, Paul and Finn (It's hard to get a group shot when Finn won't sit still!)

Best Buddies

Finn didn't let go of the rope for the whole ride! They wouldn't share a fire engine, they both wanted to drive!

On the Merry-Go-Round

First Ferris Wheel ride!!!

Lights out!

It's been a month since my last post. I've been really busy planning an event called the Pram Push for IVF Funding. The Pram Push went ahead on Mother's Day and was a huge success. I'll make my next post about that. For now, I'll just post some photos of the kids at Major's Hill Park. Yesterday was a beautiful warm and sunny day. The kids all had a blast riding the merry go round and the ferris wheel. The highlight was probably the gigantic blue popsicle. I didn't get a photo of the mess that made.

Assorted Photos and Four Generations

2009-04-07T12:29:00.000-07:00

Paulie rocking the swing.

Too cool for school.

Paul looking pretty in Finn's old sleeper... do some laundry ma!!!

Paul and his great-grandmother. (But looking like his grandfather - Dave)

Four generations of the Knight/Stanford family.

Bye-Bye Soo Soo, Hello Blue

2009-04-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

> The soo-soos that Finn sent to Steve.

A Letter from Steve

A Special Blue surprise

Some clues in the hallway

A Clue on the Door

Finn with Blue - Happy and soo-soo free at last!

Here is the story: She was a confirmed addict. The minute I picked her up from the babysitter she was begging for her fix. She'd scour the house to find her drug of choice and she'd rejoice when she found her hit. I'm not talking about heroin or meth... but I may as well be. I'm talking about her soo-soo.

The only things that she craves nearly as much as soo-soo are the TV Shows Toopy and Binou and Blue's Clues. I had recently purchased a gently used Blue doll... so I decided to enlist Steve from Blue's Clues to help us out.

Alex and I told Finn that she could write a letter to Steve and send him all her soo-soos. He would give them to children who didn't have any... and he would send her a Blue doll as a present. She decided on her own that this was something she was ready to do. She cried a little bit as she put them in the envelope, sealed it up and took it out to the mailbox. A few minutes later we checked again. The mailman had already come by and taken the envelope!!!

Everything was OK until bedtime. When it came time to turn out the lights... she cried. She also bargained and begged. Finally, sleep came. When she woke up in the morning... there was a paw print outside her door. She was so excited!!!! I suggested that she follow the trail of paw prints. She practically hopped from one to the next. When she opened the front door she found a box with a letter from Steve. The letter said: Thank-you for sending me your soo-soos. I have given them to some babies who didn't have any. In return I've sent you a "Blue" doll. I hope you like it. Love, Steve and Blue". She liked the doll... but was definitely more excited by the paw prints. She spent the next hour finding "clues" and writing them in her "notebook".

I'm sure tonight she'll cry for her soo. But at least we can say... I'm sorry but you sent them to Steve and he gave them to the babies. She seems to understand that. I hope it is easier for her because it was her own decision.

Sugar Shack

2009-03-20T12:17:00.000-07:00

Jill, Georgia and Finn on the Hayride

Kim and Pauly Walnuts on the hayride.

Sunbathers -Paul and Cameron

Two very muddy girls. Georgia and Finleigh

Finn's boot in the driveway when we returned home.

Kerri and Finn on top... Jill and Georgia climbing up.

Kerri and Finn in the maze.

It started out so promising. It was a sunny but chilly morning. The kids were co-operating and we were all ready to pile into the car at 9 for our planned outing to Proulx Sugarbush. We had a short detour to pick up our friend Kim who was coming along to help with the kids and to enjoy some maple treats. We arrived at our destination and I unloaded the strollers and started to get the kids into their winter clothes. That is when we realized we were missing a boot. Finn always kicks off her boots in the car. But when I tried to find them under her seat to put them back on... one was missing. I searched high and low... no boot. She'd obviously kicked it off before we'd got in the car. Oh crap!

There was no way to continue on our outing without a boot. The farm was as muddy as a farm could be. I checked with Jill, who had just arrived at the farm with Georgia and Cameron. No spare footwear.

So I handed Paul and the stroller off to Kim and Jill. Finn and I had to head back to Orleans to find some boots to purchase. Of course, kids rubber boots can be found anywhere... unless you are desparate to find a pair. After 3 other stops... I found some at Loblaws. Of course, they didn't have Finn's size... so I bought socks and some slightly too big boots. Naturally, I was rather frustrated. Our onboard GPS was chirping at me to turn around... "you are going the wrong way!". I made a small comment to Finn about wanted to throttle her. She wasn't sure what I meant by that. She managed to cheer me up during this whole ordeal by being so chatty and cute. She kept asking me... "we are going back to buy me some boots?" and "I lost my boot... eh?"

Finally, back that farm with new boots... we managed to salvage a great time. There were slides, a petting zoo, maple taffy, and sugar shack and lots and lots of mud. I've posted a few pics from our day. We didn't get home until 3. We were all muddy, tired and sunburned. The girls had a blast and the boys got some fresh air. I wasn't too surprised to find Finn's boot sitting upright, in the middle of our driveway, like a beacon welcoming us home.

As for memories of my Dad. He was a huge fan of maple products. I mostly recall maple walnut ice cream and fudge. I'm sure he'd have loved to have watched Finn running and jumping in the mud puddles... generally enjoying the outdoors.

A New Foodie

2009-03-13T11:15:00.000-07:00

Quinoa Pilaf with Parmesan and a Poached Egg

I've recently joined weightwatchers, again. My goal is to lose the last 20 that I gained during my pregnancy with Paul. Last week, I lost a pound, so we are now headed in the right direction.

Since I have a limited number of points each day, I'm careful to make sure the food that I do eat is healthy and delicious. Here is a recipe of my own creation... quinoa pilaf with parmesan and a poached egg.

1/2 cup of organic quinoa, prepared as per the box instructions. (I used vegetable broth instead of water to give it more flavour)

1 cup (or slightly more) of diced and sauteed vegetables. I used peppers, onions, zucchini, and grape tomatoes. I sauteed them in 1 teaspoon of olive oil. I added some dried basil flakes at this stage.

Combine the quinoa and the veggies together. Shred some parmesan cheese into the pilaf. I topped it off with a poached egg which leaked eggy goodness all over the quinoa pilaf. Yum Yum.

This whole dish is 6 weighwatcher points. It would be only five if you left off the parmesan cheese (but why would you do that????).

An Expression I'd seen Before

2009-03-09T08:52:00.001-07:00

When I saw this photo, it occurred to me that I'd seen Finn's posture and expression somewhere before.

And here it is.... Dave is holding the beer stein and looking on in amazement at it his buddy #35.

Just goes to show... that in a small way, we live on through our descendants.

Bahamas Part 2

2009-03-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Finn during one of her runs.

Paul first dip in the sea.

Our family heading for dinner.

Alex and Finn in the "bubbly pool".

Panorama from our balcony.

Stanford family visits Atlantis

Lounge lizards.

Finn and her big popsicles.

Paul at Atlantis.

Alex finally convinces Finn to swim in the sea.

Our vacation to the Bahamas turned out to be a great break for the whole family. It is a beautiful country with friendly people and terrific food. Here are our favourite memories, in no particular order.

1. A man on the elevator asks Finn what her little brother's name is. Her answer was... Pauly-wally.

2. A couple from Greely (just outside of Ottawa) bought Alex and I drinks at the steakhouse after watching us wrangle our kids during dinner in this fairly upscale restaurant. If you need to buy topsoil... look up Willy in Greely!

3. Watching Finn run around outside before dinnertime. She loved this routine!!!

4. Swimming with Paul and drinking a daquiri while Alex and Finn had naptime. Everyone thought Paul was so cute.

5. Our doppleganger family. We kept running into another family from Ottawa with a 4 year old daughter and 6 month old son.

6. Meeting Anne, Elan and Abby. We met another family from Ottawa with a 2.5 year old girl, Abby. After meeting on the plane, the zoo and on the beach, we realized they are good friends with Ben and Cal. Small world.

7. Building a fort out of beach chairs to make Finn feel safe enough to go near the ocean. By the end of the week she was brave enough to go in the sea with Alex. Then she even walked out to the breakwall at low tide and saw all kinds of little fishes.

8. The amazing fish at Atlantis. It was worth all the inconvenience of getting around this huge resort to see sharks, manta rays, sawfish, jellyfish and other amazing creatures.

9. Sitting and watching the junkanoo performer on the beach with Finn.

10. Alex: liked building sandcastles and swimming with Finn.

11. Finn finally got brave enough to come into the bubbly pool with me (hottub). As she was carefully climbing in she loudly announced "I peed". The three 20-somethings using the pool wisely cleared out leaving the tub for us.

12. Finn asking to meet Sharlene, the hotel rep. who booked us over the phone from Ottawa. Sharlene was friendly and gave Finn an angel ornament made of shells, which Finn treasured and carried everywhere.

13. Finn survived the week on Chips Ahoy, Lays Chips and huge popsicles while watching her shows on the laptop. She was in heaven.

14. Taking Finn on the waterslide. She squealed and said that was fun. But wouldn't get the nerve to try it again.

Bahamas Pics Part One

2009-02-20T18:44:00.000-08:00

Guest post by Alex on Friday night:

Hi Everyone,
We're having a great time in Nassau, as you can see from these first pics. The weather has been cooperating and our trip to the Zoo was a lot of fun. I'm sure Kerri will post more soon, but I had a few minutes to update the blog, so I took it. We wouldn't be having as good a time if not for Kerri's planning and organization, she's making this a great trip for the family. I'm almost over my cold, and hope to be pulling my weight soon!

-Alex

Kerri: I agree that the holiday is going great! We have been getting an early start since the kids seem to be getting up with the sun.. or earlier! Paul had his first swim in a pool and he loved it. Finn dipped her toes in the sea, a wave washed over her knees and now she won't go within about 50 feet of the ocean. Thank goodness for the pool! She is enjoying the friendly people, especially Charlene who gave her a shell angel. We stayed up until past 10 watching a Junkanoo performer. We had a great meal at the Black Angus. A couple from Greely sitting next to us took pity on us... and bought us drinks. Thanks Willy. If you need to buy topsoil buy from Willy in Greely!

Wally Drives the Pink Bus

2009-02-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

It takes a confident man to drive the pink bus.

Outta my way Mom!!!

My handsome men! (The wet-look suits Walnuts!)

The Artist as a Child

2009-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Finn's Drawing of Papa

Assorted Faces

I've posted two pictures of Finn's recent artwork. The first is the most amazing. As you can see, she drew a face with eyes, nose, mouth, hair. Also, you will see hands and feet (coming directly off of the head). I asked Finn who it was. She said "Papa". The square beneath Papa is a "marshpillow". The dots on Papa's face are "sprinkles". And the squiggle in the corner is her signature. As parents, it is amazing to see your kid make a picture that actually looks like something. I think Papa would have really liked his portrait!

The second picture is just a bunch of faces that she drew. She didn't tell me if they were portraits of any specific person.

The Difference Between 1st Time and 2nd Time Parents

2009-01-28T11:47:00.000-08:00

I'm in Mommy Nirvana for two reasons. First, Paul is sitting up and playing with toys. He can't move... he just sits and plays. (Finn learned to crawl and even pull up to stand before she could sit and entertain herself). Second, Paul and Finn are both going to bed around 7:30 and sleeping all night (for the most part). I've posted a video of Paulie Wally... for his fans.

For about a month, Paul had been waking up intermittently all night long. He wanted to nurse, he wanted the pleasure of my company, he wanted install himself onto Daddy's side of the bed and for Daddy to bug off. (Hence his new nickname, Oedipus) To solve this new problem, Alex and I did what countless parents before and after us will do. We moved Paul's bedtime to the same time as Finn. I read him a bedtime story, nursed him and laid him down in his crib for sleep and left the room. The first night he cried on and off for an hour. The second night... not quite as long. By the end of the week, Paul was falling right asleep and sleeping until around 6 or 7 a.m. (sometimes he wakes briefly around 4 a.m. to nurse, but typically falls back to sleep right after).

We had done the same thing with Finn, with the same results. BUT... with Finn we didn't do it until she was nearly one. Prior to becoming a parent, and during Finn's first year, I had a notion that I would NEVER let my child cry it out. I thought it was mean and that it would shatter my child's sense of security in her world. Alex and I tried everything to get Finn to sleep. We would even stand next to her crib and pat her back or hold her hand and say "SHHH, SHHH" (The so-called shush-pat technique). It should be called the sore back technique since it involved long periods hunched over the crib and then sneaking away quietly when Finn finally fell asleep. Invariably, she'd wake up when we stopped patting and it would be back to the drawing board.

Suffice to say, around age one, when I returned to work, we all needed some sleep. We decided to let her cry herself to sleep and it eventually worked. (It took longer because we would often undermine the technique by going in the room to settle her down, and because she was older and it took her longer to get the hang of things.)

Anyhow, I'm a firm believer that parents should do what works best for them and their children. But I also believe that children need to learn to fall asleep by themselves and they will not be psychologically harmed by crying. In fact, we say no to kids all the time (ie... no you cannot eat sugar from the bowl). In that case, any parent (I hope) would hold firm even in the face of intense protest crying. I think falling asleep is the same thing. Paul wakes up in the morning, babbling to himself and gives me a big smile when he sees me. No harm done and everyone gets some sleep!

Dave Memory: The other day Finn said "Don't bug me". This is a classic Dave-ism. Right up there with "older than dirt" and "like kissing your sister".

Six Months Old

2009-01-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

Paul at Six Months Old

Finn at Six Months Old

Paul will be six months old on the 26th. Since it is always a good idea to compare your children in order to foster a strong sense of competition... let's compare. At six months Finn weighed 15 lbs 5 oz. Paul weighs 16 lbs 11 oz. One point for Paul.

Both Finn and Paul could sit up if you helped them up. Finn could roll front to back or back to front... Paul only rolls back to front. One point for Finn.

Finn could get right up on her hands and knees and was almost crawling... Paul can lay on his belly and flail his hands and feet. One point for Finn.

Finn had her first real haircut at a salon... Paul is ready for his second. One point for Paul..

Both were eating solid food, but Finn had more experience by six months. I guess I wasn't in such a hurry with Paul.

I'd say that Finn is a quicker study when it comes to physical stuff. Paul is happier to listen to a story or play with his toys. Paul has a more easy going personality... Finn always wanted to move and didn't have much patience for toys. Since we are planning a trip to Bahamas in 8 weeks, I'm kinda hoping that Paul will be satisfied to sit in one spot (like a blanket on the beach!!!) for a little while longer.

Four Generations of Yamniuks

2009-01-22T06:25:00.000-08:00

Grandma Yamniuk's 90th Birthday

4 Generations!!!!

P.D. Stanford and his Great-Auntie Natalie

Bro and Sis

Another farmer in the family?

I guess the fact that I've had one post in the past month shows that I'm a little busy these days. Paul is now eating baby cereal (which he greatly enjoys) and he can sit up and play with his toys. I'm trying to get his sleeping schedule back on track after the holidays and a visit to the Creek. Finn is learning to skate.

Speaking of the creek, we had a great visit. I attended my grandmother's 90th birthday party. She is an amazing person who has lived a memorable life. I'll post some pics of 4 generations of Yamniuk women... you don't see those everyday!

I've been watching the Barack Obama inaugeration and like everyone else... I'm inspired!

It's been more than six months since my Dad passed away. I miss him more than ever. I visited his memorial in Stoney Creek. It is a beautiful memorial... but it isn't enough. My mom saw Finn look up to the sky and wave...Finn said "Hi Papa". Is it possible that she sees something that we can't? I wish he was here.

Here are some assorted photos!

Christmas 2008 Photos

2009-01-01T13:11:00.001-08:00

A Snack for Santa and the reindeer... and a bite courtesy of Finleigh.

Finn and I.

Santa was here!

Post-Christmas 2008

2009-01-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

Finn horsing around with Uncle Ben and Auntie Cal.

Ben, Cal and Finn.

Two peas from the space pod.

AWHHHHH!!!!

Babyclub reunion photo. That is Jake, Neve, Lauren, Addie and Finn

Another present for Finn! (It was a pink Canucks jersey. Thanks Uncle Ben and Auntie Cal)

Finn sliding with "Auntie Cow"

Paul resting with Baba.

Alex and Paul getting ready to ring in the New Year.

I guess the fact that I haven't been able to post since the 18th goes to show that it was a busy Christmas in the Stanford home. I'll get a post with some Christmas photos up soon.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Guy and Other Tricks

2008-12-18T14:09:00.001-08:00

"Twinkle twinkle little guy"

"Ta-da"

Grandmama and Grandmamama

2008-12-14T11:25:00.000-08:00

Finn and her Great Grandmother and Grandmother.

Finn and her Grandmamamama.

Paul and his Great-grandmother (We think Paul's hair might be inherited!)

Here are some photos of Finn and Paul with their Grandmother and Great-grandmother. Since Finn's grandmother is called "Grand-ma-ma", Finn's great-grandmother is now known in our family as Grand-ma-ma-ma-ma.

It now occurs to me that we should have taken a photo with Alex in it. Then we'd have a photo of four generations together. We'll have to do that at our next visit.

I remember when my family tried to get a photo of four generations with my Greatgrandfather (Clarence Smith), Grandfather (Owen), Father (David) and my brother (Jarrett). Jarrett was about 7 years old and kept mugging and messing up the shot. I'll have to try to dig up a copy of that photo.

Before and After

2008-12-08T14:55:00.000-08:00

BEFORE

AFTER

Today was Paul's first (and badly needed) haircut. The pictures say it all.

Prorogies and Other Tasty Treats

2008-12-04T11:38:00.000-08:00

I guess Stephen Harper has dodged a bullet... for now. Hopefully, he's learned an important lesson about what happens when you disregard the political needs of the country in favour of your own ideology. I think six weeks will allow myself and other liberal/democrats to assess the stability of the coalition government. (Cracks already seem to be showing over Dion's leadership.) What I'd really like to see is all parties working together on a budget that makes sense for everyone. I'm not too optimistic about that. We'll see if a coalition can hold itself together long enough to topple the conservative government in the New Year. I'd love to hear what my loyal readers are thinking about all of this.

It's not only the government that can't get its act together. I've posted some pictures of my failed Christmas photo shoot yesterday.

Memory of my Dad: My dad once paid to have my Grandpa Yamniuk's car fixed after a small accident because he said he didn't want to explain the concept of an insurance deductible to his 80 year old Ukrainian father-in-law. Wise move pops!

Another Parade, Counting and a Weigh-In

2008-12-03T12:03:00.000-08:00

Finn Eating Snow during the group shot.

Finn and Paul - post parade.

Finn watching the tube.

Finn and L.B. getting a better view of the parade.

Walnuts being cute.

This posting is for the grandmas and aunties and everyone else who tires of my political ramblings! Alex and I took Finn and Paul to another parade. She really enjoyed herself. Mostly she enjoyed lying flat on her stomach and eating snow. In fact, I tried to take a group shot of all the kids (We met up the D.B. sr, D.B. and L.B. at the parade) and in each one... Finn was eating snow. Oh well.

Finn: Is learning to count objects. When she concentrates she will do a good job up to about 5 objects. That being said, she sometimes keeps counting even after she runs out of objects. (She can recite numbers up to 20 in English and higher than that in French). She can't look at 2 objects in my hand and tell me there are two objects there. For this reason I'm not quite ready to give her credit for understanding the concept of counting... but she might get it very soon.

Paul: Paul had his 4 month checkup today. He weighs 15lbs 12 oz and is 66.5 cm long. That means he is a pretty tall boy (90th percentile). Paul can roll back to front when he wants to now. He can sit for a few seconds... but needs help to keep his balance. Did I mention that he is really really cute too?

Memory of Dave: Nothing fancy. This time of year you'd have a great chance of finding him glued to the tube and hollering (loudly) at the football game. He'd probably be happily munching on mixed nuts and drinking a beer.

Did you Ever Have to Finally Decide?

2008-12-02T12:24:00.000-08:00

Are you watching question period? What a corker! As you probably know... I'm an unrepentant lefty. So I should be thrilled with all these shenanigans... right? There is a part of me that loves the idea of a united liberal NDP party. I'd love it more if Layton or Ignatieff was the leader. All that being said... there is something about a coalition government grabbing the reins without an election that doesn't really pass the sniff test for me. This country elected a conservative government fair and square. The liberals and NDP could have formed a coalition during the election... but they didn't. It just doesn't seem right for the parties to grab control of parliament before Harper even tables his first budget. The parties should be working together to create a budget and economic plan that will work for all Canadians. If the Conservatives can't get enough support for a budget by January then FINE... the coalition can vote down the budget. It just doesn't seem to be in the best interest of Canadians to be faced with political instability right now.*

*I reserve the right to revise my opinion if Stephen Harper says or does something to piss me off.

What would my Dad say about all this? Let's just say he'd probably be watching golf... not question period.

Tomorrow I'll post some photos of the kids to help everyone with political indigestion to feel better.

Parade!

2008-11-26T11:35:00.001-08:00

The Big Man himself!

A Warm Spot to Watch the Show

Big Bear

Eating a candy cane.

Bundled up for the cold.

The parade was well appreciated by Finn. Highlights for Finn were the candy canes and suckers that were being handed out. Alex and I liked the nerds in Star Wars costumes and seeing our neighbour Dave driving the truck pulling Santa himself. Paul decided it was too darn cold to come out of the stroller and took a nap instead.

Memory of my Dad: Dad and mom took us to the Stoney Creek Santa Claus parade every year. We used to get hot chocolate and Grandma and Grandpa Smith's place afterwards (since they lived on the parade route). I used to dread the shriners and their genie with his huge scimitar. He used to scare the kids by scraping it on the road just in front of our feet. Of course, my Dad used to enjoy watching us get all scared. I guess he figured it built character.

Stuck to the Ceiling

2008-11-19T07:38:00.001-08:00

Finn frequently grabs me by the hand and says "Come play Mommy". Then she leads me to her dollhouse. She picks which doll I get to play with (usually the Daddy doll). We then proceed to re-enact this scenario. Finn will hold her doll's head up against the ceiling in the bathroom of the dollhouse. She will then say "Help, help!!!". Then my doll with save her doll by pulling her down from the ceiling. Oftentimes we will then switch rolls and Finn's doll will save my doll from the ceiling. Finn created this game all by herself... I just follow her lead.

Soooo... this begs the question... what is with the ceiling in the bathroom??? Does Finn have some weird bathroom phobia? (This might account for our toilet training woes!) Could she actually be afraid that she will be sucked up to the ceiling? My guess is that Finn isn't totally convinced about this whole gravity thing yet. I think to Finn, falling up is just as likely a fate as falling down. What a strange and scary world it must be for a two year old... since ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

Paul: He is holding objects better everyday. He also loves TV and will stretch into a really awkward position to try to see what is on. He is still the happiest little guy... he truly almost never cries. When I come into his room in the morning... he is usually awake, looking at his hands or the blanket. He just gives me a big happy smile when he sees me. The funny thing though... when he does cry, he crys like his heart is broken and it hard to calm him down. At his age, Finn cried at the drop of a hat (or whenever I dared to set her down)... but it was more of a demanding cry... not gut-wrenching sobs.

Memory of my Dad: He'd play the classic dad-game. He'd pretend not to be looking while standing on the dock at the cottage. We'd then sneak up and push him into the lake. Always good for a big laugh from the little guys. I play a million versions of this game with Finn. I try to grab a toy from her... but then let her win our little tug of war. Sometimes I pretend to forget where we are going... and ask her to show me the way. I think its fun for her to feel like she is faster, stronger or smarter than Mommy!!!

Flu Shots and Other Thoughts

2008-11-13T11:24:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was our family outing to Ridgemont High for our annual flu shot. Before we went, I called Ottawa Public Health to find out a little more about the flu shot. As I suspected, the shot contains the preservative thermosil, otherwise known as mercury. There is quite a bit of debate out there about the safety of thermosil.

The public health nurse advised me that "there is only a very small amount of mercury in the injection". And that I'd have to weigh the risks of the mercury to the benefits of the flu shot.

Well, if someone offered me the choice between a really healthy and delicious bowl of vegetable soup or a Big Mac... but then advised me "there is just a little bit of arsenic in the soup". Well, guess what, I'd pick the Big Mac for my lunch.

All that being said, Alex, Finn and I all got the flu shot yesterday. We can't risk getting the flu and bringing it home to Paul... who is still too young to get the shot. As the parent of a baby... I really hope EVERYONE gets the flu shot. Even if you hate flu shots... this year tell yourself that you are DOING IT FOR PAUL!!!

Finn yowled when the shot went in... but recovered VERY quickly when I produced a lollipop. Some kids at the clinic were positively FREAKING OUT. If anyone has a good trick to prevent kids from developing a phobia of injections... let me know.

Paul: Has spent all day thinking about ways to solve our global financial crisis. What a good little boy!!!

My Dad: I asked myself after my last post whether my Dad would have like Grapples. At first, I thought... yeah. He loved grape stuff. Especially grape pop. Every once in a while I'd find cans of grape pop in the fridge at my parents place. But then I thought... no. If my dad wanted an apple... he would have just wanted an apple. Not an apple disgraced by grape flavour.

I remember when milk had that contest where the carton would moo if you won a prize. My Dad asked Jarrett and I - "so what happens... the carton moos and I win a prize?" Jarrett said - "Yup". My Dad then replied "Well I'd be pretty pissed off if I was all ready to enjoy a nice refreshing carton of milk and suddenly it mooed and I was stuck with a damn t-shirt and no milk". Good point Dad!!

Grapple With This!

2008-11-11T09:54:00.000-08:00

I tried a new product called Grapples last night. They are regular apples, infused with grape flavour. No added sugar or calories. Just added grapeyness. I first saw the product on a TV show called "Unwrapped" on the Food Network. When I saw them in the store I decided to try them. Alex, Finn and I all agreed that the apples are quite tasty.

The problem is that they come packaged in more plastic than an electric razor. What is the point of a nice natural grapey apple, if it is surrounded by plastic that will never leave the environment. So... I sent an email to Grapple. I said " I like your grapey apples... but I won't buy them again unless I can buy them without all that plastic"... or something like that. I got a reply almost immediately. Apparently, Grapple agrees that the apples come with too much plastic and are considering alternatives.

I also took the time to fill in their customer survey. They asked what other flavours they should consider for Grapples. I think they should try Cranberry. (But I suppose then they'd have to call them Crapples.)

Anyhow... give Grapples a try if you see em.

BTW: It isn't lost on me that today is Remembrance Day. I'm grateful that there are people in this world who will put their own life on the line for the sake of improving the lives of others. I'm also hopeful that my kids will never have to.

Quad Queens and Other Stories

2008-11-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

It all started with Quad Queens. I was playing Texas Hold-Em with friends. The game came down to me and my friend Holly. We were heads up... and I was holding a pair of queens. Two queens came on the flop. I made my first ever four of a kind and I won the game.

My luck has gone downhill since then. Last night, Alex picked up Finn to take her to bed. He was holding her in his arms when she basically lost her entire dinner. Yup... the old up-chuck so to speak. Alex ended up with spaghetti and pears all over his beloved Steelers jersey.

While Alex took Finn upstairs for a bath, I collected their soiled clothes and promptly put them in the wash. Except... I forgot to check Alex's pockets. So I washed his jeans and his fancy cell phone too. Ugggghhhh!!!!

I hope that is it for the curse of the quad queens.

Memories of Dad: Here is a bad luck memory of my Dad. I remember once when he stepped on a pin and it went right through his toe. I was still a pretty little kid. So he acted like it was no big deal and pulled the pin right out of his toe. Ouch

Paul and Finn: Paul has started to use his exercauser. He loves grabbing at all the toys.

Yes They Did

2008-11-05T07:26:00.000-08:00

The election of Barack Obama as president is an inspiring reminder to us all that we can achieve anything we want and that the future is filled with promise. I wish my Dad could have seen it. I think he'd have been pleased.

Why I Love Halloween

2008-11-03T11:30:00.000-08:00

I love Halloween because it is one of the last holidays not to be totally vanilla-ized. It's dark, it's edgy, it's pagan. It encourages kids to eat mounds of usually forbidden candy. There is always the threat of an egging incident or a smashed pumpkin.

Mind you - its not how it was when I was a kid. First, we used to shout "Anything for Halloween!" at the door... not the politer "Trick or Treat?". Although, I love that "Trick or Treat" implies retribution to be administered if you fail to deliver candy. Also, the night before Halloween was traditionally Devil's Night. When I was a kid you could count on eggs thrown at the school and soaped windows everywhere. You brought your pumpkin inside on Devil's Night... or kissed it goodbye. There is no Devil's Night here in Ottawa. Maybe teenagers would stay out of trouble... if we let them loose to be BAD one night a year? Maybe not.

Finn: Was a duck this year. She trick or treated with her friend G.D. The girls were invited into the first house they visited. After that... they thought they were supposed to enter every house, search for the candy bowl and help themselves. In between houses they gorged themselves on potato chips while riding in the wagon. Finn's favourite part was answering the door for the trick or treaters... she was bouncing with excitement.

Paul: Was a cute little puppy dog. I wore him in the baby carrier and he fell asleep. Very sweet.

My Dad: I remember that we always had TV dinners before we went out trick or treating. It was a big treat. When we were little my Dad took us out. I remember him wearing one of those ugly rubber masks. It was the 70's, he probably did not need much of a costume. When I was one... my parents dressed me like Aunt Jemima. Those crazy kids!!! I couldn't find the Aunt Jemima photo... but I found I fine Halloween photo from my second year.

Hallowinter!!!

2008-10-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

You know it's going to be a long hard winter when you have 15 cm of snow before Hallowe'en. Finn was excited to see the snow. We dressed her in her snow suit and sent her out to play. She liked to shovel handfuls of snow into her mouth. I guess that tastes better than sand (her usual outside snack).

Finn: We took her to the community centre on the weekend for a Halloween party. She wore a cute duck costume. Her favourite part was the games. Once she figured out that she could win candy... she didn't want to do much else. She also got very excited when she saw Darcy... the guy who teaches the Tots of Fun class. He was dressed like a sasquatch. She was very star-struck and wanted to follow him around like he was a celebrity.

Paul: We've been spending the mornings cuddling in bed and nursing. He loves that and I think he's getting fatter. Still no rolling over. Yesterday he was laughing at Alex who was making funny sounds. Really cute!

My Dad: The snowfall brought up lots of very general memories. Mostly of my Dad's ongoing quest to have a perfectly shovelled driveway. He loved to shovel the snow. When we were kids he never seemed to mind if we played in the snow banks on the edge of the driveway... even if it meant he'd have to shovel all over again. I always picture him with his plain black or blue toque with a shovel in his hand. It's hard to believe that we lost him in the summer and now the snow is here.

One Reason to Respect Sarah Palin

2008-10-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

I have to be quite honest with you, I can't support (or even really tolerate) the Republican party platform in the U.S. As for the vice-presidential candidate, Sarah Palin, I think she was an inspired choice for only one reason. She's given John McCain a snowball's chance in that election. I guess that is a good thing for Republicans. I don't respect Sarah Palin's views on much of anything. But I admire her for one thing. She is the proud and loving mother of Trig Palin, a little boy born with Down Syndrome.

There are many devastating chromosomal and genetic conditions that a child can be born with. My family lost our unborn daughter, Ellie, to a heart defect and probably a chromosomal condition as well. I don't envy any family faced with the heartbreaking news that their child has one of these terrible conditions or the difficult decisions that can come along with that.

Here is the point of my post. Down Syndrome is not a devastating medical condition. It is not incompatible with a healthy, happy and WORTHWHILE life for the people living with it. Why is it that 90% of expectant parents faced with this diagnosis decide to terminate the pregnancy? Maybe it is our society and it's twisted view of perfection. Maybe most people haven't talked to a person with DS or their families. Maybe most people would make a different decision if they had the facts.

The Down Syndrome societies across Canada are trying to get the message out. Let's be a world that celebrates diversity and considers a life with Down Syndrome to be a life worth living!!! I've posted a really sweet video that emphasizes this point.

Groovy Girl

2008-10-21T09:34:00.000-07:00

Finn: Loves to go swimming with me. She is quite bossy when we swim. She prefers the warm shallow pool to the deep pool. She likes to stand under the slide and let the water run over her hair. She calls it a shower. Right now she is afraid of sliding down the slide. Sometimes she climbs out of the pool and takes off running. One time a lifeguard caught her as she peeled away toward the deep end. She was wearing water wings so I wasn't worried... I just didn't want her to wipe out.

Paul: His favourite toy right now appears to be Finn's blonde groovy girl. Maybe my mother has finally found her future shopping partner!!!!

My Dad: I remember when we were really little my Dad would take us with him to work on Saturday mornings. At the time he was a real estate agent. On the way, we'd stop at a diner style restaurant called Gulliver's Travels for breakfast. We'd also stop at his office. I'd love to look through the MLS cards. I liked to tap dance on the hard plastic mat under my great-grandfather's desk chair. I loved to play with all the ink stamps. In those days, people used alot of ink stamps. Today I still love using a real ink stamp to mark my copy letters or my file copies. I think I'm one of the only people at work who still uses an ink stamp.

My dad continued to take me to work with him pretty much until I graduated from university. I spent several summers working at Milmine's. My dad treated every client and customer with compassion and respect and with Appreciation. Not too many businesses these days really appreciate their clients. Mostly, they treat clients like a nuisance.

My New Hobby

2008-10-20T14:28:00.000-07:00

I've started playing a game called Stockstars. They give you $100,000 in play money and you invest it on the stock market. The game tracks everything for you EXACTLY as though you had real money invested. I've made roughly $6000 in one week!!! That being said, I was down more than $10,000 at one point. YIKES. I've learned quite a bit already. First of all, I've learned that it would be unwise for a stay at home mom to quit her day job to become a day trader. I've had several good trades turn ugly when I unwisely decided to play with Paul or change his diaper, instead of watching my stock. You'll find Stockstars on the Financial Post website.

Finn: Has learned to refer to herself as "I". As in... I want it, I want it, I want it!!!! Also she has learned to put on her jacket herself. She lays the jacket in front of her. Puts her hands in the sleeves and flips it over her head. GENIUS!!! I'm referring to her babysitter who taugh her this cool trick.

Paul: He is giggling like crazy when we play together. He can roll over onto his side... but chooses not to roll right to his belly. He hates being on his belly.

My Dad: (Keep in mind that my Dad was probably less than 30 years old when this happened) Once when I was a little girl, my dad was cleaning my ears with a q-tip. I guess he pushed too hard and I started to cry. He proceeded to tell me that he had lost the q-tip in my ear. Naturally, I completely believed him. In fact, I believed this to be true for years. Until, one day when I was many years older it occurred to me that it could not possibly be true. I asked him about it many years later and he had no recollection of telling me that he'd lost a q-tip. But he thought it was funny that I had believed that for so long. The moral of the story is that kids believe anything their parents tell them.

Dad and Finn

2008-10-19T10:01:00.000-07:00

Alex has travelled to Buffalo with the boys for a Bills game - kickoff should be any minute. I would complain about being left with the kids all weekend... but it just isn't true. I had plenty of help because Finn's grandmaman stayed for the weekend. As well, Uncle Ben and Auntie Cal provided dinner on Friday AND Saturday night. We Really miss Alex!!!!

Finn: I put her to sleep in Ben and Cal's bed last night. I thought that she'd hop right out to come and see me. But no. She was happy to sleep in a grown-up bed. She had lots of fun playing with Grandmaman, sharing a frog tart with Grandmamamama and playing hide and seek with Auntie Cal.

Paul: Smiles when he sees me look at him from across the room. He was cute and smily all weekend. That's our Paul.

My Dad: I thought I'd do a memory of Finn and my Dad. When Finn arrived in Stoney Creek she used to run straight for the teddy bears in my old room. This one time she brought every single bear to my Dad and piled them up around him. I took a picture. They were great buddies. In the morning... she'd always want to run into Baba and Papa's room to climb into bed with them. My Dad and my Mom always loved that time.

A Turkeylicious Discovery

2008-10-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

Happy Thanksgiving!!!!

We shared our Thanksgiving dinner with Ben and Cal on Saturday night this year. That gave us the rest of the weekend to relax (as much as we ever get to relax) and to spend time with the kids. It also meant leftovers. Alex and I made the classic hot turkey sandwich for lunch yesterday. We had some St. Albert cheese curds in the fridge. My brainwave: Throw some cheese curds on the hot turkey sandwich, cover with gravy and voila - the Turkey-poutine sandwich. OH YES FANS... it was every bit as delicious as it sounds. Give it a try if you have leftovers this week.

Finn: We took the kids to Saunders Farm. Finn had her bejesuses scared out of her on the haunted hay ride. It wasn't advertised as a scary ride... but it came with ghouls, zombies and even a chainsaw weilding maniac. At the end she said "it was fun". I have a feeling she will be renting horror flicks when she is a teenager.

Paul: Is holding his toys and can sometimes get those toys into his mouth. He's noticed his feet and I think he'll make a grab for them soon. Good news!!! Neighbours have just had a baby boy. Paul has a new friend.

My Dad: No particular memory today. My dad loved Thanksgiving. It meant great food and that his family was home for a visit. I missed him terribly this weekend.

High Five

2008-10-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Here is another patented Kerri million dollar idea. I've always said I'd love to have one "super card". It would be my ID, my credit card and you could somehow program it to be a gift card, a Subway card, a library card... even a passport and SIN number...everything. It MUST be possible... right??? Well, then it occurred to me that instead of a card, it should be a microchip implanted in one's palm. Then you just run your hand along the "palm reader". Voila. You could go for a jog... and stop for groceries on your way home. No purse or wallet required. You could never, ever, lose your information (save for some terrible accident resulting in the amputation of your hand). Isn't that the most brilliant idea you ever heard!!! My amazing husband, Alex, came up with the name for our million dollar idea. THE HIGH FIVE.

Paul: Loves it when I sit him up to look around. He thinks he's a really BIG boy now.

Finn: We've now placed her potty behind the curtain since that is where she likes to hide when she has "accidents". She seems to appreciate the privacy. What do all you toddler shrinks have to say about that???

My Dad: He loved to mash potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner. It was his goal to achieve the perfect mash... smooth, creamy, no lumps. He'd spend along time just whipping the potatoes until he was red in the face and tired. My dad loved Thanksgiving. He always insisted upon the classic meal turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and my mom's stuffing. Thanksgiving will never be the same and I'm having a little trouble getting excited for the holiday this year.

Tory Platform

2008-10-07T09:44:00.000-07:00

I'm watching Harper deliver his new platform. I think he just compared himself to Noah (you know the Ark builder!). How are the liberals supposed to beat that? UH OH... the sound on the TV just cut out. I think Harper pissed off GOD.

Paul: BIG DAY. Paul rolled off the nursing pillow that I propped him up on. It was a big roll and he was very pleased with himself. Also he is holding toys and was giggling when I tickled his chin.

Finn: We went swimming last night. Finn is learning to float in water wings. When I let go of her hands she gets excited and starts to laugh. That causes her to swallow water and cough. Finn is learning to swim... but insists on trying new things at her own pace and on her own terms. You gotta respect that.

My Dad: My Dad's favourite apple variety was the Cortland. Crunchy, not too sweet. I bought a few the other day. Look for them at the store... they are tasty.

Kerri's Blog and Hedge Fund

2008-10-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

I changed the name of my blog since I've decided that it would be a good time to start a hedge fund. To get started I need about 10 million dollars. Please be sure that your cheque is certified. I plan to put your investment under my mattress. I feel confident that I will significantly out perform your current mutual fund.

Finn: Celebrated her 2nd birthday yesterday. She and her honoured guests (Georgia, Lauren and Darren) had a good time. Balloons, stickers and some ice cream cake too.

Paul: Had his first shots today. He woke up from his nap crying very hard. I fed him and he kept crying. Poor kid... I don't think he's feeling too great.

Memory of My Dad: A few summers ago we started playing frisbee golf when we visited the cottage. My dad really enjoyed playing with us. I think he really liked any sport he could play with a beer in his hand.

Along the lines of sports and beer, I heard this story from my ex. My dad once went golfing with my ex and my ex's two brothers. As they paid their green fees, the lady at the desk looked at my Dad's mini cooler. She said "there is no beer allowed on the course". My dad said "Don't worry, its just a few Cokes". When they got onto the course, my Dad reached into the cooler and handed each of the guys a beer.

Gimme Some Sugar!!!

2008-10-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

The other day I was changing Paul. I couldn't hear Finn so I knew she was up to trouble. When I came out to the kitchen she was sitting on the floor, she had a tablespoon in her hand and she was eating sugar from the sugar bowl. (Not sure how she managed to get it off the counter). She had no idea that this was not perfectly acceptable so when she saw me she smiled and said "yummy-yummy". (In this deep little voice that she reserves for this particular sentiment alone) I said "No... honey... no... sugar is just for cereal and coffee". She was disappointed when I took the bowl away. Since then whenever we ask what she wants for dessert her first suggestion is "sugar"?

Paul: We went out shopping today. No fewer than 5 other shoppers stopped me to comment on his crazy hair. Enjoy it now Paul, with your genetics you won't have it for long.

Dad Memory: I had a bunch that came to me. First, my Dad was a very good waterskiier. When I was a kid he'd entertain us with many tricks. He would start out by standing on the dock. He'd step into the water just as the rope got tight... and away he went. (Or if it didn't work then there would be an equally entertaining wipe out just in front of the dock.) Also, he could hold the rope with his foot (no hands). At the end of the ski... he'd ski right up onto the beach... so he wouldn't get wet (at least that was always the plan). He also liked to bend down and grab a drink of water with his hand while he was skiing.

If he was driving the boat while we went tubing... then he would try to make us fall off. He'd slow the boat down to make a huge wake, then circle back to take the person on the tube through the huge waves. I remember when he did this trick to SBP in 2005. He turned to me and said "watch this". Then Ben caught so much air that we could see sky under the tube. After he dumped a tube rider... he always laughed like this "hey-hey-hey-hey.

Things I'm Grateful For...

2008-10-01T11:23:00.000-07:00

Okay... so it's been 15 days since my last post. Maybe I'm over-reaching trying to blog everyday. Here is an update regarding the kids.

Finleigh: She was playing with my Bell calling card and she started running it down the wall on its edge. It took me a few seconds but I realized that she was swiping the card. Note to self: she is always watching us!!!

Paul: Paul said "Hello" yesterday. I was saying hello to him and he said hello back. I thought it was a fluke... but then I said "hello" again and he said something that sounded just like "hello". Alex heard him too. He loves to talk to us and tries to copy. He got his first cold yesterday. Lots of coughing and sneezing. The little trooper is as jolly as ever.

Me: I fell down the stairs yesterday. I'm awfully sore today but I'm grateful I didn't break anything.

Memory of my Dad: I remember the time that Dad nearly cut off his finger with carpet cutter when he was fixing the pool table. He nearly passed out at the sink when Mom washed it off to see how bad it was cut. I was a teenager and I got the job of driving Dad to West Lincoln Memorial hospital and waiting with him for stitches. I guess I remember feeling glad that I was able to do something for my Dad instead of him always doing stuff for me.

Dedications

2008-09-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

I've always said that after I get tired of the daily grind of the public service, I'd like to buy a barge and retire to cottage country. I'd make a living by delivering wood and other supplies to people building cottages on islands. Now I won't have to change my blog title when I decide to pack it all in. You'll see that I frequently change the title of my blog when I feel like it.

I'd like to dedicate this blog to my dad, Randy Pausch and Leroy Sievers. All three of these men died of cancer in the last few months. Randy Pausch was the author of The Last Lecture. If you haven't heard it... you should look it up on You Tube. Leroy Sievers was a journalist and a friend of Ted Koppel. He had a blog called My Cancer on npr.com. His blog helped me to better understand my father's own struggle to come to grips with his terminal illness.

Today's Memory of Dave: One time we were travelling home from the peach festival. Jarrett and I were still little kids. We saw search lights in the distance. My dad decided that we had to find out where they were coming from. We drove around Stoney Creek until we found the source. It was the grand opening of Fiesta Mall. It seemed like a really exciting adventure at the time. He also told us all about search lights and how they used to be used to spot airplanes during WWII. Fiesta Mall later went down in history as the biggest dirt mall of all time. Later it was torn down and replaced by big box type stores.

Finn: I've wondered how long Finn will be able to remember her Papa. Inevitably her memory of him will fade away. But for now she remembers him. When we arrived in Stoney Creek, I announced "We are at Baba's house". Finn looked at me with a hopeful expression and said "Papa?". Sorry Finn, not this time. Also, a week ago she pointed to Alex's glasses case. She asked "Papa?". Finn remembered that she always liked to play with his glasses case. If only there was a way to keep her memories from slipping away.

Paul: He's been a good boy so far this week. He's learning to fall asleep by himself. When he starts to get cranky, I just lay him down... and he happily falls asleep. When he's happy he smiles at me with a great big wide smile. Things are simple for Paul.