Thursday, August 30, 2007

A SIGN OF THE TIMES

Kids grow up so fast. A saying that every new parent hears, over and over again, from veteran parents. And it certainly goes by in a blink.

My oldest daughter is going off to school this year. OK, so it's only a few days a week. It is a serious milestone. Go get em girl...sniff, sniff. :(

My youngest is learning to do things without Mom. One of her favourite sayings, " I do it, I DO IT!"

Cherish every moment...the good, the bad and the ugly. You can't get it again once it's gone...no matter how much you wish you could.

TEMPER, TEMPER

I have two sweet little angels. My two daughters. 2 and 4 years old. And they both have a propensity for what I affectionately call the FREAK OUT! It's the age...it must be I tell myself, because up until very recently it wasn't something that happened(OK, maybe on a very rare occasion) with my youngest. But then again, she has just entered into that terrible two zone.

Both my girls have become quiet skilled at the FREAK OUT. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, watch out. There is nothing spared. It goes full tilt. Crying, screaming, arms swinging in the air, feet stomping. There is no reasoning with either of them.

It calls for serious intervention. Right now, my tools of the trade to quell the angry FREAK OUT beast? Counting to 5. Because when I get to 5, I mean business. Take a deep breathe...not me...my girls(although, secretly I need to take a few deep breathes to remain calm).

Any other creative FREAK OUT intervention tools out there? Will gladly accept.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

EMBARASSING MOMENTS

I think every mom has embarrassing kid moments. Things your kids do that embarrasses the heck out of you, but is just pure and true curiosity or innocence on the part of your child. Sweet moments that make you laugh.

I love these.

My 2 year old daughter did something very embarrassing the other day at the Y. We were getting dressed after swimming lessons. Inside a stall. And like every curious child, she wondered what was on the other side of the stall wall. So, imagine to my horror, she peaks her little head under the wall, to look at the people on the other side. YIKES! I was shocked at the time, telling her to stop doing that RIGHT NOW. But when I replay the story in my head I chuckle a little.

My older daughter, now 4, has done so many funny and embarrassing things. When I think of her, I remember a long list of embarrassing moments. She has always been a bit shy, especially when she meets people for the first time. One of her favourite things to do was hide between my legs. What's so embarrassing about that you say? Well, when your daughter sticks her head up your skirt, the only one not laughing is MOM.

Oh, I could go on. Maybe I will share a few more later. Feel free to share your embarrassing kid moments.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

WEEKEND FUN

It's Sunday night. And I am exhausted. It's not that we did anything special this weekend. The usual.

Saturday @ 9
nail appointment(not as posh as it sounds...the kids were with me) followed by a trip to Nanny and Grampy's house. A few hours there. Drive home. One kid falls asleep. Thanks goodness for that. Home @ 1 o'clock. Hang out at home. Both girls are up. Dinner. Visit with neighbours. Home. Bed @ 8:30.

Sunday @ 9
Coffee...ah. Thank goodness for that. Breakfast. Playtime outside. Walk in the neighbourhood. Special K and M & M meet their little friends...off to the park we go. Play. Get wet. Drink. Walk home @ 12:30. Lunch. Nap for one. Break for Mom. Play time for Special K. M & M gets up. Dinner. Dress up time outside. Go for a walk. Visit our friend. Stay for a pop and conversation. Walk home. Bath time. Bed @ 8:30. Phew...I'm tired.

More fun to come tomorrow. We are going to the CNE...taking the train. The girls are so excited. Pictures and stories to come.

Monday, August 20, 2007

MOMMY GUILT

Boy, it sucks!!!

Not the most eloquent way to say it but I think it says it best.

I leave for work every day at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. It's great because I get to be home with my girls all day but it's hard when I have to leave. Monday is particularly hard. My girls have had Mommy home all weekend and then I up and leave them. But luckily I am leaving them with Dad. That doesn't make it any easier.


"Mommy don't go. Don't leave me.", says my 4 year old.
Sometimes she cries, sometimes she even grabs my leg. Some days are better than others.

When does it get easier? Anybody?

COTTAGE MEMORIES

The girls and I have been home from the cottage for a few weeks now. It feels like forever and a day ago.

Back to running around and work for me.

It is amazing the change in the girls when they are up at the cottage. Such freedom.
When they are up at the cottage they are up early and in their swimsuits. They hit the lake, coming out only to eat and when it gets too dark to swim.

They got to see frogs, fish and even a mink...of course, Buddy, my parents dog chased it away. It has yet to return.

The days are endless up a the cottage.

Oh, to be young and carefree again...but at the cottage that's exactly how I feel. Too bad Daddy had to work. Next time...we will make sure of that.

We are so lucky to have a family cottage. My parents are giving a gift to my kids that is priceless. Life long memories of special time with family...there is nothing better.

Monday, August 6, 2007

SUMMER FUN

It feels like forever since I posted anything. The girls and I have been enjoying the summer and have spent a few weeks up at the family cottage. There is nothing better. There is so much freedom for kids at a cottage. Sun, sand, swimming and just all around relaxing.

Stories from the cottage to come. Stay tuned.