The Doucette Chronicles

Marathon: T-Minus 24 Hours

2011-09-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it's here! Pretty much exactly 24 hours until Go Time. I've trained, not blogged a lot about it like I thought I would, and I'm ready as I will ever be. My stomach has had butterflies flying around in it since last Sunday, but I am so excited to see this through!

Last night most of the runners gathered for a 'carb up sesh' at Daniela's (one of the runners and a dear friend) house. Of course, a gathering of women is never complete with out some talking around a circle and a few tears of emotion, right? All of us kind of said why we were doing this run, and my response was two reasons. Of course, I run for these women and our sisters in Uganda that have been terrorized and mutilated and need our support. But, I would be lying if I was not running for selfish reasons also. In school the two things I hated most were math, and running. I was always the one coming in last, heaving out of breath. I came last in everything sports-related. Basically, if my self-worth were based on my athletic confidence and ability, it would be ZERO. So I am doing this to prove to myself that I can tell my body what to do, not it tell me I can't. Because I can. The moment I ran 6km, I knew I could do this. And now, my furthest run has been 16km (a miracle in itself) and tomorrow I will run 21km.

Simply put, my purpose of running this race is to raise money for these women that have had body parts severed, been raped by numerous LRA soldiers, ostracized from their communities and had their dignity stolen from them. I know it doesn't exactly hit home for many here in Canada, but for me it hits home as a woman. How blessed am I to have been born and raised in this country, a place of freedom where I can walk in confidence and with out fear? A place that I don't have a constant, daily fear of being harmed? How blessed am I that I have a nose, mouth, ears? Legs to run? How could I not inconvenience myself to train for a race, if it means I can help someone that desperately needs it? I am able, so I must.

Last night all the runners were given these special, amazing little cards that a woman in Texas and her four year old daughter made for us. Just to bless us and encourage us! Each one is hand-made, different, and has a hand written (not printed on a computer) note, and this amazing Franciscan Benediction. I think we were all in tears when Tina read aloud:

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half truths and superficial relationships,So that we may live deep within our hearts,May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression and exploitation of people,So that we may work for injustice, freedom and peace.May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,So that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy. And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in the world,So that we can do what others claim cannot be done.Amen.

I think that pretty much sums up this whole cause.

I would LOVE it if you could donate to our cause and sponsor me in my run. Please click here: http://shelovesmagazine.com/she-loves-half-marathon/

Thank you in advance!

Just Your Average Extraordinary Child.

2011-09-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Today Finn had his twelve month shots. Nope, you're not reading an old post. He will be two this month. Yep, I kept putting it off and putting it off, and finally made the appointment and got 'er done. I was expecting tears and flailing limbs, and he did cry especially during the last needle, but for the most part he was AMAZING. Oh, what? The last needle? Yes, he had FIVE shots. Two in each arm and one in his thigh. What a trooper. (Side note, what did we do in these situations before iPhones and kid apps? Probably saved me and Finn today.)

Also during this visit, Finn was weighed and measured...and he was all average. Average weight, height, and head circumference. Pretty much right in the middle for everything. That's Finn though... virtually every medial point any book says, that's where he his. Not too big, not too small; not too chubby, not too thin. He weighed the average amount and was the average length at birth. He sat up at the expected time, crawled and walked at the projected ages. It's safe to say that he's pretty much your average kid. (Except for his cuteness, in my unbiased opinion...)

As I drove away from the clinic, my 'average boy' in the back seat, I pondered that. I began to wonder about his future as a child...will he always be average? Will he think of himself as mediocre, second rate, undistinguished, unexceptional? Dear Lord, I hope not. I remember school...all the kids that are almost-prodigies get all the attention, all the awards, all the blue ribbons, all the trophies. The expressive ones that sing well make the leads in all the plays. The best basketball players will make the team. The class clowns get all the laughs. The smart ones get the A's and their names on the honour roll.

With my hands on the wheel, I made a promise to myself: I will make a purpose to tell Finn his whole life that he is exceptional. Incredible. Talented. More than enough. Amazing. Memorable. Bright. Incomparable. I will tell him that whatever he loves doing, to do his very best; even if he doesn't get the trophy, lead, or honour roll. Those things are just bonuses. He'll be our ordinary kid, with an extraordinary heart, who will do extraordinary things.

I have always loved this quote by Marianne Nash, and just recently came back to my attention during a message at church. It gets me every time. I think I need to design this in to a poster and put it in his room, so he can read it every day or every night when he's falling asleep (in the years to come, of course!) and know that he is meant to shine in this world. He was born to. He has a responsibility to.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. (Marianne Nash)

Finn and the Sprinkler

2011-08-14T23:22:00.000-07:00

Can you believe these photos chronicle Finn's first time playing with a sprinkler? It occurred to me one day that he had yet to have his first experience with one. I remember back to my childhood and how much fun my friends and I had with this simple little contraption. Clearly, it's still cool.

Snack break.

SheLoves Half Marathon: Week 4 - The Worst Yet.

2011-08-03T14:34:00.000-07:00

I think week four was the worst, in a general sense. Two of the seven days were terrible runs, but the bright side is I totally learned a lesson. Apparently it was an important one, because I made the same mistake twice. I think God might have been telling me something here?

On day four, which was a short run, I only ran 3.7km in a half hour. Not a bad distance, mind you, but I felt like crap at the end. On my way back home I was extremely thirsty, and when I got home my head was pounding and I felt dizzy. Oh and my knee was killing me. "Lesson learned!", I wrote in my journal...ha!

Fast forward to Saturday, which was my long run day. My goal was 7km. In the morning Finn and I went to the mall, I got a Slurpee, then we went to the park and played. Later on that evening Chris and I were going on a dinner and a movie date, so I was pretty excited for the day ahead. It was a great day - everyone was in a good mood, there was warm sun, and it being Saturday just made the day even better. One o'clock rolled around and it was time for my run. MISTAKE! Do you know how warm it was outside? About 25 degrees, cloudless sky...just pure sun. The section of the park I jogged in had little shade at that time. I hardly drank any water and I nicely polished off that Slurpee about an hour previous. What was I thinking? After 25 minutes I couldn't go on. I had to pee, I wanted to crap my pants, my stomach was hurting, it was hot and I was sweating a tonne...need I go on? I stopped running and sat on a park bench in the shade to catch my breath. I started to cry. Basically, every good feeling I had from last week's 6km success was completely deflated.

I walked home, dragged myself through the door, climbed (quite literally) up the stairs and sat down across from Chris. I broke down. Tears. Sniffles. Ugly cry face. Shrill voice as I try to explain why I'm blubbering like a baby. I cried to him about what a failure that was, and I began to doubt my ability to do this. How am I going to run 21 kilometres if I can't run 7? How am I going to do this? Chris assured me that it was just a bad run, that I shouldn't have ran in the heat of the day (concept!) and I definitely should not have had that Slurpee. I should have ate better and drank more water. He was right, and THIS time I learned the lesson: what I put in myself will directly and faithfully affect the way I function. Honestly I am glad I learned it the hard way, because now I know and I take more care of what I eat and how much water I drink, especially on long run days. I don't ever want to feel like that again, if I can help it...

Thank God for new days and new weeks. Whew!

Want to know info on how to sponsor me in this run and cause? Click here!

SheLoves Half Marathon: Week 2 & 3

2011-07-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Week 2
I don't think I felt like posting about week two because it didn't go as great as I anticipated. It was just one of those weeks where most things went sour, the kid was fussy, and I was off my running goal by .03km. I forced myself to look at it from a different angle: 4.97km is the furthest I had ever run in one session, so it was actually a triumph after all. Week two taught me that:

Not every run or every week is going to be a good one, and I'm glad to have learned that early on in the training.
I need to look for the positive thing in what seems like a failure.

And that's all I'm going to say about that. Let's move on.

Week 3
Like I said, week three was better! I changed my routine. Instead of just running five days a week, which I learned from others is not a great idea as it can lead to injury faster, I now do:

two short run days
two cross training days
one long run day
two rest days

This is working much better for me, I think. The first cross training day wasn't terrific. I went on the elliptical and quickly learned I was not a fan of it. It was so awkward...so I just went on the treadmill and jogged for a bit. Next crosstraining day I did the bike, and it was much better and really worked my legs!

Where I would defeat my small giant...

Fast forward to Saturday: my long run day. I was nervous - it felt like a small giant I had to defeat. My goal was to do 6km with a run 3 minute, walk 1 minute method. In 45 minutes I not only met my goal but surpassed it by .24km! I had Wake Up by Arcade Fire playing at the time, so it felt pretty epic. I almost cried...I never thought I would ever run that far. I have not felt this good about doing something physical since I gave birth to Finn. It felt THAT good. I walked back to my car with a big smile on my face.

My kicks, 6km, and post-run face.

Honestly, I felt like if I can run 6km, I can run 21. If I can do something I never thought I would or could do, and I did it, what is stopping me from running 7? 10? 15? 21? Watch out next Saturday...I'm coming for you and your 7km!

SheLoves Half Marathon: Week 1 (Run for Your Sisters)

2011-07-04T14:27:00.000-07:00

`Hey y'all, I'm just going to get straight to the point here: I'm running a half marathon in September. *double take* WHAT? It's true. Last Saturday (one week ago today!) I signed up for this. I have this friend that had a vision to do this herself, and to raise $2500 to pay for reconstructive surgery for women that have been mutilated be LRA Soldiers in Uganda. (Read Tina's story here)

Once I saw this, it was like God took a match and struck it on my heart, and a flame was ignited. Already many other girls, many of them friends from our church, were getting on board. It was one of those things that every time I thought of it, I began to tear up. My heart pounded, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I went out on a limb, signed up, and paid my entry fee for the run. That was on Saturday, and Sunday I began running. I dug out (literally) these old sad 'running shoes' I remembered I had somewhere in a box. I dressed myself in my yoga pants, put on two bras, a tee-shirt, stretched, grabbed my iPod (does anyone else always type 'iPood'?) and stood at the door. Here we go!

I stood at this treadmill for five minute pressing buttons to no avail.

The first run was what I expected it to be- TOUGH. I remember huffing and puffing, my face hot and tomato-like, and wondering how much longer it was going to be. Still had ten minutes. OF MY FIFTEEN MINUTE RUN. Then this song came on - Dog Days are Over by Florence and the Machine. There's a line in the chorus that says

Run for your children, for your sisters, for your brothers...

That line, mainly just run for your sisters, has been on constant repeat in my head this whole week. Honestly, it sounds like a skipping record. Run for your sisters...run for your sisters...run for your sisters... That's what I'm doing - running for my sisters in Uganda. My sisters that had their dignity violently stolen, and had backs turned on them from the people they loved and trusted. Thinking of that made motivated me to keep going. At the end, I was sweaty, red-faced, and noodle-legged.

Me after run #2. You can't see the redness of my face, but know it is there.

Last run of week one! New shoes, new sports bra and feeling pretty great. :)

The next day, though, was easier. So was day three, four, five and six. I am currently running five days a week, which 500% more excersize than what I was doing before. It feels challenging, and great at the same time. The fact that this whole thing is for a great cause is what motivates me. Otherwise I'm not sure I would have got passed Day One.

Please take a second to see why we are doing this- Watoto Living Hope. (we are currently working on sponsorship details, if you feel so inclined to sponsor me!)

Week Two...let's do this.

I think this is where the image is from: loveartalways

A Work of Art

2011-06-25T13:35:00.000-07:00

Here is Finn making his first work of art with paint. That tray of Crayola watercolour paints brought me back to my childhood. They haven't changed a bit!

Ta Daaa!

Father's Day Vol. 2

2011-06-24T14:22:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday was the day of the year in which every father is celebrated and given awesome gifts like ties, tube socks, painted rocks and golf-related items. FATHER'S DAY! The day for us started out interesting...Finn had been sniffly the day or two before, and that morning after he drank his milk he brought the bottle to the shelf to set down and barfed all over it and the floor. So needless to stay, he an I stayed home from church that morning. Chris was playing guitar so he went by himself, sadly. However we turned that to our advantage and surprised daddy with an entire big jar of chocolate cookies (which he devoured over the course of about three days).

Finn made dad a card, complete with his very own artwork.

When dad came home, we presented him with his gifts (the cookies and a 12 month subscription to Guitar Player magazine) and snapped a few photos. He sure loves his daddy! As you can see, Finn had to test out the cookies too.

Not to be forgotten, I had to get in on the action. Happy Father's Day Chris! I hope you enjoyed it. We love you. :)

Beach Day #1

2011-06-06T13:57:00.000-07:00

We decided to take a family trip to the beach today. It was the first of the official summer season (warm weather!) and technically, Finn's first time running in the ocean. Last year he dipped his toes in with one of us hovering over him while he was suspended by the armpits, but that doesn't count as a run. This year, he can walk and run on his own two chubby toddler legs, and that's just what he did. And he loved every second. Chris and I, on the other hand, forgot a towel and wipes so drying off and changing the dipe was interesting. Thank the LORD he didn't do a real number. Yikes.

Best Friends.

2011-05-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Since Finn has decided to grow up and get a hair cut, he has decided that Dad will be his best friend. Whenever Chris is around or off work for a couple days, Finn follows him around like Chester the Terrier, always at Chris' side. He wants 'up' all the time and cries when Chris goes to the bathroom. It's hilarious. They play Hot Wheels together, read books together, play Lego...all the fun boy stuff that mom's are supposed to stay out of. Is this just a natural part of boy genes? Cars, laughing at farts, Lego, and Thomas?

I knew that Finn held his father in high esteem when one time the three of us (well, the two of them but I was trying to butt myself in) were playing with the car ramp thing, and I as the mother of course thought Finn was way too cute to leave him standing there, so I was trying to give him kisses. Finn calmly walked over to the books, picked one up and handed it to me, and continued on with his playtime with dad. He didn't act annoyed or shove me away, but it was definitely his way of saying, "Mom, get out of here. This here is man stuff. Oh and stop kissing me, it's lame."

And, side note - I'm not jealous, at all. I might joke about it, but I can't think of a better dad for Finn than Chris. I'm so happy that Finn already finds things he likes about his father, and really loves just being with him. I can handle being the one that he comes to for snacks. :)

Big Haircut

2011-05-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

Ah, the first haircut. It doesn't seem like much to many people, but moms know the significance. It's a point when your baby becomes a little boy, and is no longer mistaken for being an adorable little girl that happens to wear boy clothes. For the rest of the day after Finn got his first haircut, I chased him around with our camera, snapping photos of what felt like our newly grown up little boy. Am I weird for thinking this? Maybe...but I don't think I'm alone here! ...am I...?

Sitting good for Aunty Jenna!

A reward for his hard work...

Lunch time, and suddenly four years old.

Rockin' Awesome Easter.

2011-05-02T13:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Don't you love Spring? We went to the park yesterday in the gorgeous sunshine, and didn't have to put on a sweater. Today, it's pouring buckets. I love it all...rain and sun, cold and warmth. :)

Last weekend was Easter and we spent it with my family in Osoyoos. Finn's grandma (my mom) entered him in to the Easter parade contest, where the kids decorate their trikes, bikes and wagons. The judging took place in the Smitty's Restaurant parking lot (I love small towns) and Finn won 2nd place in the Most Creative category! What a champ. (Thanks Papa for helping with the decor...)

Of course, the parade happened to be smack-dab in the middle of lunch and nap time. Why wouldn't it be? So naturally, Finn passed out in the stroller and we had to wake him for the big debut in the parade. He wasn't too happy about that...

Super cool Canucks jersey from Uncle Chad, Carly, Gigi and Papa!

Alas, the parade was a success and I'm happy for the memories. These photos will live on forever and bring many laughs through the years, I'm sure. :)

I don't know what to call this post.

2011-04-02T12:48:00.000-07:00

Well, we have finally moved! We are so excited to be in our new home. I'm still having issues trying to decide where to put pictures...so I will wait to post photos. For now, here are some recent photos of the little one:

Loving the new backyard!

Splashing in 'puddles' with dad.

St. Patrick's Day breakfast

Some awesome post-nap hair.

Squishy face beyond cuteness.

Also my best friend, Jenna and Koby had a baby boy named Jacob. I love him. It's nice being an aunty!

The Doucette 'GottaHave' List

2011-03-03T15:52:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of new mama's out there and they just keep coming! I thought about doing a post like this a while ago - just telling what kind of things I love, and a couple that Finn has loved too. So here goes...hopefully someone out there benefits from it! And everything is under $100. Well more like $75. I'm a little bit cheap.

Arbonne ABC Herbal Diaper Rash Cream - $18

This diaper rash cream is the BEST I have come across. I have used Aveeno and something else I can't remember, and so far this is the only one that has gotten rid of Finn's diaper rash. Not only that, but it was cleared up within a DAY. And sometimes he gets bad rashes. It's good. Real good.

Sony BabyCall baby monitor $50-$70

Does anyone else feel like it's a gamble buying a baby monitor? I was nervous to get one. I didn't know what was good and what was bad, and I didn't want to spend $150 on it. One day Chris and I needed one RIGHTNOW (we were house sitting - usually we were in our one bedroom and therefore didn't need a monitor) and zipped to the drugstore. This was the middle of the road option we went with (I think it was $70, but I've seen it cheaper). And it's fantastic! It has very little static, if any, and it has an option of keeping it turned 'off' unless your baby cries. Kind of like a standby mode. It's handy so you're not constantly listening to the thing, and it saves battery life. It's also rechargable.

IKEA Mula stack and nest cups - $3

This is the best $3 I have ever spent on a toy. These have honestly given Finn literally hours of entertainment. Buy these if you're buying nesting cups! They have different textures and are obviously very colourful.

COSCO Flatfold Highchair - $40

Chris and I did not see a need to spend $300 on a highchair. Well, maybe we just were too cheap. We also wanted something that didn't take up a lot of precious real estate in our small apartment, and this one is great. It folds up easily and pretty flat - it can fit in the coat closet. The tray has a cup holder and comes off to wash, and the seat has a three point harness. We love it! We bought this at WalMart for $40.

Fisher Price play cell phone - $10

Another toy that has saved us many a time. Whether it's at the mall or on car trips, Finn LOVED pressing the buttons and opening and closing it. Pretty sure it was $10, and again - a good investment.

Fisher Price diapers - $30 +/-

Are you like me and cringe when you have to buy diapers? I loath paying that much for something that has the sole purpose of going in the trash. (I feel the same way about toilet paper...) I will admit, I buy the cheaper diapers. These ones are the middle of the road - in between the name brands like Huggies/Pampers, and the generic store brand. They are at WalMart and are about $6 cheaper per box than the bigger brands. In my opinion, they work JUST as good.

DC Toddler shoes - Court Graffix - $40

Honestly, I wouldn't recommend buying expensive shoes for babies until they can walk. Really, what's the point? However, once they are motoring along, I would definitely invest in some durable footwear. We bought these for Finn when he was just starting to walk - you know, the stage of walking, falling, crawling a bit, then doing it all over again. Finn crawled on cement in these much more than once and there isn't ONE scuff on the toes. They still look pretty new and he's almost outgrown them. These were bought at Paul's Boutique at Guildford Mall in Surrey for about $40. (Worth it, trust me! And how cool do they look?!)

The First Years - Ignite red stripe stroller - $50

Our 'real' stroller is a Phil&Teds, and it's kind of much to lug around for quick pop-ins to the store. I wanted something to keep in the trunk and was easy to unfold and fold back up. I heard from friends that the $20 umbrella strollers weren't the best. Then I saw this one at WalMart for $50. It's come in handy many, many, many times! Pretty much every time we go out and stop somewhere unexpectedly. Kids are good in it til 50lbs and it even comes with a cup holder and little zip pouch. This photo doesn't show it but it does have a basket underneath. We keep it in the trunk of our car.

Do you have a 'gottahave' list?

Mom and Me

2011-03-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

Okay, FINE - I know this blog is called 'littledouce', and I haven't updated since December, minus the new house post. So here is a photo of the Little Douce and me, taken today. It's one of my favourites to date, and the reason is twofold: 1) Finn has this cute little grin, and 2) this was only the second take. Might be a once in a lifetime event.

Agghhhh...

2011-03-01T23:31:00.000-08:00

History has been made. After almost two years of emotional highs and lows, frustration, prayer and hope, our condo has been...wait...S-O-L-D. Sold! Now that red sticker on the realtor sign is for OUR (old) apartment. The same week we sold our place, we found a new one we will be moving in to. Sometimes it's hard to believe that we're finally getting out of this place. That Finn will have his own room, mom and dad will have their very own room. Heck, the computer is even getting its own room. We have stairs. A hallway. Closets to put stuff in. A dining area. A small yard. A garage. A door mat. When I look out the window I see other yards and people, not the side of a grey fence.

Needless to say, we are pumped. So pumped and eager that we had this great idea to paint the living room and kitchen of our new home. FYI, the Doucettes hate projects that take an extended amount of time and commitment. You know, like painting your house. The priming, twice...the picking a colour, the painting it...twice. AGH. For me it's the pressure of perfection - not colouring outside of the lines type of thing. That's just me. And, the possibility of having the colour look completely different on the wall than it does on the swatch. I'm also the type of person that often will start something, get tired of it or freak out because I don't know what I'm doing, and toss it. I did this once with a batch of cookies. I did it numerous times in school with projects (not recommended).

Alas, we are seeing this to the end. If you come over, the walls will be a nice shade of grey or two, not white primer. So please have three cheers for us in your day today. Photos of the finished product to come soon. Yayers! For now, a work in progress...

White white white

More white white white

Chris doing a sexy lunge.

Christmas Christmas Christmas!

2010-12-29T21:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas was awesome. Holidays with kids are so much richer, and gives it that much more meaning. Finn was so awesome...from Christmas with my dad, my other dad, Chris' dad/stepmom, and finally the trek to Osoyoos to spend it with my mom, he was so good and enjoyed every second.


Opening gifts at GG's and Papa's house. Christmas is all about the kids.

Here are the highlights of Christmas 2010:

My Nanny, dad Marlin, me and Finn.

Grandparents that I had not seen in about 15+ years - amazing reunion!

Dad Terry, and sis and brother Shay and Chad.

Finn playing a little chopsticks on the keys...

Keeping up with the tradition - matching PJ's!

The boys in matching Santa hats...ha. Papa is being cheeky.

Funny face photo - Caitlyn wins.

Waiting for morning!

My ma is a beaut.

People say I look like my mom.

My brother is Chef Boyardee.

Chris wants a ukulele - he plunked on my Papa's all week!

This hood makes his head look huge. And hilarious.

Little waddler.

Finn's brand new wagon! Wasn't sure about it at first.

This is a beautiful sight every morning!

Oh boy...

From the Week.

2010-12-05T22:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of this week. Missing from this is when we went to Dublin Crossing for a birthday dinner with friends! Chris organized it and surprised me with our friends there. Lots of fun!

Just a photo of me and my son.

This is Finn's first work of art!

The advent calendar I bought. Quite quaint, yes?

This hat makes me want to eat his little cheeks.

This looks like a craft one might make at Brownies, but I made it all by myself and I'm darn proud. This is my embroirdery skills from grade seven, so not bad! It currently hangs on our tree with pride.

This week Finn started this weird face where he smiles and stiffens his face and hands. We laugh, and he does it again, and again, and again. (And again)

Church was amazing. So simple. It was stripped of all the media, video announcements, loud music, and was just simple and lovely. A nice change. Makes me so excited for Christmas at church and celebrating Jesus.

From the Week.

2010-11-28T23:28:00.000-08:00

Here is what some of our week looked like:

We saw the Hedgehog. Chris has NEVER wanted to get his picture with anything else, ever.

I took Finn to a toddler drop in thing at the YMCA. He liked it...he basically spent the entire time running around the gym. This was at the end when he was winding down a bit.

It snowed, and he looks ultra cute in his winter gear!

We set up our little tiny tree. Still needs a topper.

Chris went through an old box in storage where some Christmas stuff was hiding. This is the bear Jim (his stepdad) gave him long ago. It was Jim's when he was a kid! He was well loved. His name is Putz, or something along those lines.

Also found: Mr. Froggy, Chris' childhood companion. Finn likes him.

Best Christmas decoration. You bet it's on our tree.

Also found: "Chris Cool Mix". We will obviously be popping that in our discman.

Finn LOVES mandarin oranges.

And Finn loves Mr. Froggy.

Family Photo Session: Take One

2010-11-25T09:22:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from our family photo session with Frances Eden Creative!

This day was very short - Finn was ultra fussy and wouldn't be without his soother, and he didn't want to be held, which made for an interesting hour. It was my fault for scheduling this session around his nap time. What was I thinking?! Seriously. At least you can't tell from these pictures! We decided to finish the session at a later time. Frances is terrific.

All in all, I think they turned out pretty darn good! It helps to have a cute little child.

Killer Boots Man!

2010-11-14T22:58:00.000-08:00

Living in coastal BC, everyone needs a pair of rainboots or some kind of waterproof shoe. If you don't, you get soggy feet, guaranteed (looking in the general direction of Chris Doucette) Babies are no exception - rain is quickly becoming the commonplace weather here again, and since Finn is Mr. Walkertexasranger now, he needs some boots. These remind me of Paddington Bear. Remember that guy?

Wanting to go outside with his new kicks.

Testing these babies out.

Boots off. Time for a quick read in the ol' basket.

The BEST Choco Chocolate Cookies.

2010-11-14T16:26:00.000-08:00

I know, that's a bold statement. So maybe what I mean is, these are the best chocolate chocolate cookies I've ever made and if I could be so bold to say, ever tasted. I got a recipe for these cookies from All Recipes, and I modified it eversoslightly. I strongly encourage you to make these. Strongly.

Chocolate Chocoalte Chip Cookies
1c butter, softened
1.5c brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp vanilla extract
1tbs milk
2c all purpose flour
2/3c cocoa powder
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2c chocolate chips (OR 1c semi sweet and 1c white chocolate - superyum)
(1/2c chopped walnuts - didn't include these)

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. Beat together butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk until fluffy. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, salt, stir in to butter mix. Fold in chocolate chips and nuts.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Thanks, Dad.

2010-11-10T13:39:00.000-08:00

I look exactly like my mother. Well, mostly. Where I got most of my facial features from my mom, I got my smile from my dad - as well as my fingers, toes, and awesome Dutch skin that makes me look like it's February year-round (the ability to tan is both foreign and fascinating to me - what's that like?)

One trait my father and I share is this: putting enough soda crackers in our tomato soup to make it have the consistency and look of mushy oatmeal.

Thanks, dad.

From the Weekend

2010-11-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

Here are some highlights from the weekend, and maybe one from Monday.

My morning must-have.

The old elevator in the Bay at Guildford Mall.

Trying to be humorous. Working.

Finn's most prized possession.

Laughing with Grandad and Soda.

Happy birthday Uncle Dan!

Watching church from the nursery whilst snackin'.

Quality time. This is the one from Monday.

Running Around

2010-11-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

That's pretty much the gist of this post - Finn running around on our porch. Going in the house, going out of the house. Running around. Back and forth. Banging on the window. Eating a feather. Seeing what's under the fence. More running.

A Lovely Autumn Day.

2010-11-03T00:03:00.000-07:00

A lovely stroll downtown Vancouver. Stopped for a coffee (for me) and a muffin (for him. and me.) while waiting for my sister. This was the first day of toque weather, and it's a good thing he looks so scrumptious in his.

Why are you even trying to look at me?

Muffins rule.

Seriously, stop looking at me.

Leaves through the glass.

Halloweeny

2010-11-01T23:42:00.000-07:00

I can't believe this is Finn's SECOND Halloween. It's old hat to him now. Well, sort of. Are we the lame-o parents that didn't dress our one year old up for Halloween and take him trick or treating in a stroller? Yes. Honestly, the reason is, the 25% of me that is Dutch was itching...I didn't want to spend $30 on a costume he would not only wear once, but would only wear once for like an hour. WE'RE LAME, CHEAP PARENTS.

We did give him a nice 'stache and a bow tie. We will say he went as Fancy Finn.

Others had some fun with the moustaches as well. Well, some of us did.

Cohen is not a moustache man.

This is Finn and his BFF Cohen. Up to no good already.

Walker, Texas Ranger

2010-10-26T14:56:00.000-07:00

It has begun. We have a little walker on our hands. Since this video was taken, which was last week, he has come even further and is more confident about walking. He even walks backwards. I know, genius. I'm going to train him to do the Thriller dance for Halloween. (I have to say, please excuse the mess. In my defense, I DO have a toddler...)

Here's a few photos from the past little while that I hope will bring sunshine, rainbows, and maybe even a few dew drops to your day.

Hard core kid.

He's on the blockwatch committee.

Did you know I can fit my fist in my mouth?

Post-nap hair and post-nap 'tude.

Happiness.

Giving Thanks

2010-10-11T09:53:00.001-07:00

We had an awesome Thanksgiving weekend. Chris's mom and boyfriend came down and we got to host dinner at our place. It was great - we had roast, mashed potatoes, veggies, stuffing (Chris insisted), and I even made an apple pie. It was a little patchy looking, but the taste was there. Tres yummy.

We also received some incredible news - Finn is getting another cousin! We were so happy. Chris' brother Dan and his wife Christine, obviously, are expecting their first child in June. YAY! I can't wait.

Of course, reflecting on thankfulness is a must nobody can help this time of year. It's kind of in the title of the holiday - Thanksgiving Day. About a month ago I read what Canadian Parliament defined Thanksgiving Day as:

A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed…

I love that. Our country truly has been blessed, and I give credit of every blessing to God. I am blessed to live here, with the freedom to worship God himself, to have a family, to have a home, to have a marriage, to have as many children as we want. It's a blessing that we actually have four seasons - rain in the spring (ok, let's face it, year round), warm sun in the summer, snow in the winter, and my favourite, autumn, with the gorgeous colours and crisp air. We're minutes from beaches, cities and country. There is so much to love! So, this Thanksgiving I give thanks to the Almighty for everything in which we have been given. Every good and perfect gift comes from him.

Finn was fond of Mike! New buddies.

The fam - mom to be in the middle!

Finn loved eating with everyone!

I promised my mom a picture of my roast. Here it is...almost forgot.

Grams brought presents for his birthday. Peter the Pirate jack in the box!

He Turns One.

2010-09-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

It was here, now it's gone: the first birthday! It was definitely a whirlwind of parties, cake, toys, pictures and balloons. I'm not sure how many cupcakes I have consumed this week. I thought it better not to keep track...plus, our son's first birthday only comes once. Live it up, right? We began the festivities by throwing Finn a 'family' party. We found this fitting because Finn has eleven grandparents, four great grandparents, one great great grandparent, six uncles, two aunts, several great uncles and great aunts, and just two parents. Although some were not able to make it due to not living anywhere close to the lower mainland, it was quite the shindig!

Five generations!

The boys.

Finn and his great great grandma.

The amazing cake by Karynn's Kupcakes!
Loved this thing.
The fare.
Got used to the cake thing pretty quick.

Then, a whole week later (and his actual birthday in between) we had a friends party, where there were actually other children present. It was almost what you would expect - eight children ranging from six months to four years old running around high on cupcakes and pure adrenaline. It was great. Great, even though I was far less organized for this soiree than the week before. I totally forgot about a cake, so I picked up cupcakes at a local store and my best friend's mother in law (where the party was held) offered to 'whip up' some cupcakes and chocolate icing, complete with piping bag. Wow. I felt like a tool but grateful at the same time, and all ended well. Finn opened more prezzies, ate another cupcake (his last for a long time), got cranky, and fell asleep right after his bath and a book when we got home. And so ends Year One. No more counting by months or weeks, no more nursing, no more formula, no more baby food. I actually have tears in my eyes after writing that sentence. Everyone tells you how fast it goes by, but nobody can prepare you for it. It seems like time slows down when you're in the middle of 3am feedings, exploding diapers and 45 minute nursing sessions, but then all of a sudden you're singing Happy Birthday to a one year old that is almost walking and plays with trucks and eats meatballs.

Well, as this year closes, another one begins. We look forward to it with a brave face and anticipate many more firsts. I heard somewhere once (Okay, it was a TV show. But I'm not telling you which one. Okay fine, it was Alley McBeal) that if you can't look back on the past year and cry at the memories made, it might be considered wasted. This year definitely was not wasted. I don't cry often. But I am. It's been the best year of my entire life.

Love you Finn. We are so glad to be your parents.

Mom and Dad xo

A Daycare Family.

2010-08-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

I never thought we would be one of them. Not that there is anything remotely bad about being a 'daycare family', I just never thought I would be there. Never really gave it much thought, to be honest with you. As the prospect of me going back to work neared, and I met with the powers-that-be from my work, the reality sunk in that we have no family or friends (that don't have a flexible job or live near us) to look after Finn on a regular basis. So, daycare was the next option. Thank God for this website, Daycare Bear...otherwise I would have no clue where to start looking for a reputable daycare! We found a couple that are by the church/my work that sounded great. We ended up with (get ready for a mouthful) Early Experiences Discovery Children's Garden. Phew. Like I said, a mouthful.

We met with Viktoriya (can you tell she's Russian?) and saw the facility, and it looks awesome. We had a barrage of questions but we hardly had to ask any because she just spat out all the information we needed to know and sent us home with a little info pack. Loved that. Now, we get Finn to meet her and begin the gradual entry process. Agh!

At first we had our reservations about daycare, but after meeting with Viktoriya we are feeling pretty good. Excited, in fact - excited for Finn to experience something new and meet some new friends. I'll let you know how day one goes...

www.daycarebear.ca

Eleven Months.

2010-08-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

Here he is, one month shy of one year old, stacking cups. He is no longer the little blob of baby that laid on the floor looking up at a little blue elephant, concentrating so hard wondering how to touch it. Now he concentrates so intently on how to accurately get the smaller cup in to the bigger cup, and I love to watch the gears turn in his head. I love how when he's done, he's done, too.

Days of Destruction: Phase 1

2010-07-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

So it begins.

"What?"

Makes My Heart Happy.

2010-07-11T15:06:00.001-07:00

Standing Tall.

2010-07-10T23:24:00.000-07:00

"Hi, I'm now standing up on things and getting in to stuff and you can no longer leave anything of value anywhere." -Finn

The Bathfro.

2010-07-09T09:41:00.000-07:00

He likes not being in that pesky baby tub. Bubbles are a hit. He tried taking it off his head but alas, was unsuccessful. He learned to love it. Actually I'm not sure if he learned to love the bathfro, or the attention he was getting...

What is Going On!

2010-06-29T09:00:00.000-07:00

Warning: This post might bore you if you don't have children. If you do not have children, I encourage you to visit this website instead of staying here. (Or you can read on, whatever)

I need your advice. If you have advice to give. Finn, our beloved little one, is NOT DRINKING HIS MILK! He eats solids pretty good but since Sunday (today is Tuesday) he has refused most of his bottles. He takes his first one in the morning pretty well, but every one after that he takes about 2oz. I've been trying to sneak the milk in his baby cereal but it's not the amount he is supposed to be getting! I estimate that Finn has got 16-20oz of milk Sunday and Monday. Only time will tell today...

I'm not sure if he is sick or not. He has thrown up twice, but has no other symptoms. After he tossed his cookies he was just normal, cool boy Finn. Playing, crawling/dragging himself, talking and babbling. I thought it might be a sensitive gag reflex...I don't know. Sheesh. I suspected teeth, but he's never done this before!

So - am I overreacting? Should I take him to the doctor or wait it out? For how long? Has this happened to your kids? Argh! (How can you tell I'm a first-time mother??)

First Taste of Lemon.

2010-06-23T09:50:00.000-07:00

Seriously, what are you doing to me...?

OH. MY. LANTA.

Fathers Day.

2010-06-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Finn, his dad, and the Dad Mug.

Yesterday was Father's Day. Chris's first! We woke up in the morning and Finn gave him his first gift - a mug with glasses and a mustache that says 'Dad' and a card. Oh, and a little pan Chris has been wanting to get. Kind of a random Father's Day gift, I know, but he had been wanting a little tiny pan to make perfect over-easy eggs in. So he got it. Boom. There was ONE more part of the gift that was supposed to come in the mail but is currently LATE (not pleased) so you'll have to see that later. Chris is bugging me to tell him what it is, but I ain't budging.

The day started out kind of lame after Chris left for church with the McGee's - I lugged a playpen, a tray full of cupcakes, blankets, a diaper bag full of things plus Finn in the car seat in one load down to the car. That wasn't even the lame part. (My shoulders hurt right now and I smell like Rub-A535). Then I realized I forgot Finn's bottle, so I stopped at a pharmacy but they had no bottles under $8. I stopped at Safeway, found one, but then Finn was not satisfied with that bottle so he didn't eat for six hours. Plus we were late for church. SO, after church we ended up going BACK home anyway to get Finn's bottle, feed him and then headed out to Chris's dad's house for Father's Day celebrations. SIGH. Crazy morning, fantastic afternoon and evening. Dinner was great, the conversation full of laughs, and the sun even came out. No matter how your day starts, it's all about how it ends! Happy fathers day to all the dad's. Hope your day was great. :)

Us in our swim attire.

Dan and Christine!

Summer O' Fun: Queens Park.

2010-06-13T15:20:00.000-07:00

So far, this summer weather has - oh how shall I put it - been the worst example of summer weather pretty much ever. Why are we still wearing jackets, jeans, and SOCKS in June? I've seen some wearing wool coats for goodness sakes. Well, God decided to give us a treat on Saturday. (Thanks, God) We packed up the babies and headed to Queen's Park in New Westminster with our good pals, the McGee's. It was Finn's first time at a waterpark and a petting zoo! He loves animals. Not so sure about the water yet. Given, it was freezing cold. I think he'll love it in the summertime!

Very excited about our day out.

Loves the swings!

Just chillin with daddy.

Eating lunch. He dumped his noodles all over the table, so he is eating mom's bread crusts.

Putting his feet in the freezing cold water with his buddy Cohen!

Finn LOVES animals. He tried making friends with all the goats and a cow.

The goats were less impressed.

Here's the calf! He loved him too.

Doucette family photo in front of the pig pen. Apparently we couldn't think of a better location for a family portrait.

A Finn Update.

2010-06-11T10:05:00.000-07:00

A little update on what's up in Finn's little life. Where to begin? I feel like everyday is such a new experience for him. How about the fact he has seven teeth? Or that he is almost crawling? He's doing the GI Joe army crawl right now and loves that he can get to where he wants whenever he wants. Mom and dad, however, are not encouraging or discouraging this milestone. We have some major baby-proofing to do around here! His favourite thing to go for is our modem and the wires around it. Really, dude? The modem? Electrical wires? How about all the toys that mom and dad bought you?

Finn has also learned the art of Baby Cheese: the act of making the biggest cheesiest smile possible, and getting lots of laughs, aw's, and kisses in return. We don't mind. It is honestly the cutest face I have ever witnessed. Pictures don't do it justice.

I mentioned he has seven teeth now - four on the bottom and three on the top. We got him a tootbrush and strawberry-flavoured toothpaste and he is officially entered the magical world of dental hygiene. Except when I am brushing his little teeth he tries to take the brush away to just chew and suck on it. So I let him. He's gotta learn sometime!

Here are some other photos of life as of late:

He was supposed to be napping. Instead, I walk in to this.

Great Grandma Rosalyn was in town!

A nice fine day in Fort Langley.

Finn and his second cousin, Dane, who is about two weeks younger than him!

Finn LOVES dogs. One of his favourites, Soda.

As One CD!

2010-06-11T09:45:00.000-07:00

Our awesome church released an awesome worship CD that Chris happened to play guitar on! I'm sure some of you family and friends have heard about it (or not, doesn't matter!) so here is a taste of it if you haven't heard it yet. Check it out! Chris is the one in the plaid shirt. :)

Hope from As One on Vimeo.

"Stuff" My Kids Ruined

2010-05-20T10:55:00.000-07:00

I just stumbled on this blog - Sh** My Kids Ruined. It makes me laugh and it makes me afraid.

Favourite Photos.

2010-05-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to put these up, because they are my newest favourite photos of this child.

Mama's Day

2010-05-19T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ah, Mother's Day. My new favourite 'holiday'. It was lovely - daddy got up with Finn, I slept in (til 7), I got gifts, flowers, walked to Starbucks. All before 10:30am! We went to church, had a cupcake, then off to Grandad and Grammy's for a BBQ. As an added bonus, the sun was shining all day. PERFECTION. Future Mothers Day's have a lot to live up to.

Advice Please: Sleep.

2010-05-10T06:09:00.000-07:00

As I write this, it is 6:00am and Finn is playing with a rubber duckie in his swing. I am here, my stinging eyes half open waiting for the coffee.

A week ago, Finn came down with the flu, with the follow up act of a stuffy-nose cold. Previous to this he was waking up at about 6:30am. Sometimes even 7:00! I was fine with this. It was do-able. Then suddenly, when he was sick, he got up at 5:45. Then 5:30. Then 5:00. I hear him stirring before 5 sometimes. Rrr!

WHY. WHY. WHY. I want to know: is that normal? Why would he be doing that? Is it possible for him to go back to waking up at 6:30? (I would even take 6!) Having him wake up that early now just seems like a step back. I feed him but he doesn't go back to sleep.

So, my question is: what do you suggest? Or am I being whiny? Do you have any experience with this?

A Pretty Perfect Day.

2010-04-18T23:54:00.000-07:00

There are simple things that make my day close to perfect: my husband, my son, tea (or coffee), sunshine and a good song. This Saturday had all those things wrapped up in to one pretty package. I love my life.

Sleeping Babe

2010-04-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

This is Finn sleeping in my most favourite position. I LOVE it when babies sleep with their arms to the side, like they're lifting a heavy box of bottles and milk in their dreams. I had to take a risk of him waking up and take this photo to remember or else I knew I would regret it forever. So, I took the photo and ran out of the bedroom like a bat out of hell.

And yes, he is still in a basinette and no he doesn't really fit in it. If you saw our shoebox of a house, you would understand.

Eating, Teething, Rolling, Laughing.

2010-03-31T15:42:00.000-07:00

There's not much to this post except for these super cute pictures.

Hello there.

Trying 'real' food for the first time: carrots mixed with rice cereal.

He loves to play with the spoon!

His feet are cute.

I think they're the cutest.

Loves jumping in this handy dandy Jumperoo.

Sometimes he takes the blanket with him whilst rolling.

He often finds himself under this table.

He think it's funny.

B's Food Revolution: The Vegetarian Chili.

2010-03-15T20:00:00.000-07:00

[Photo from Honest Fare]

I've been wanting to make a veggie chilli for a while now but didn't come across a recipe that really jumped out at me. This one did. It's from a great food blog called Honest Fare. Check it out.

Check out the part that says MAPLE SYRUP. That's what intrigued me. Except I couldn't use it because I bought the maple syrup today on my grocery run, and lo and behold, I pick the one that had the broken safety seal. Forget that song and dance...so just to let you know, it still tastes awesome without it. I also didn't have the oregano or cloves, and I only had 3.5 cups of tomato juice. I also added mushrooms and a dash of cumin.

VEGETARIAN CHILI

You need:

5 cups tomato juice
1 ½ cup chick peas
1 ½ cup red beans (I used kidney beans?)
1 cup chopped zucchini
1 cup chopped yellow squash
1 ½ cup chopped yellow+red peppers
1 cup chopped carrot
¾ cup chopped white onion
½ teaspoon chopped jalapeño
Olive oil
1 large clove diced garlic
Handful of fresh oregano diced
Salt, blk or Cayenne pepper to taste
½ teaspoon cinnamon powder
¼ teaspoon ground clove
1 Tablespoon paprika
1½ Tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons maple syrup
Parsley

Directions:

1. Chop veggies. Sauté garlic, onion, peppers, squash and zuc in a large pot with about 3 tablespoons of olive oil on med high heat for a couple minutes. Add a teaspoon of salt, the beans, the paprika, chili powder, clove, cinnamon, oregano and some black pepper. Saute uncovered (mixing occasionally) until veggies become tender but not soft.

2. Add tomato juice, carrots and maple syrup. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to low. Stir in about 1/6 teaspoon of cayenne pepper and another dash of salt. Cover and continue cooking on low until carrots are soft. Taste and add more salt and/or cayenne pepper if needed.

3. Partially uncover and continue cooking until chili thickens. The longer you cook it the better it’ll be. Serve topped with sour cream, cheddar cheese and chives.

Third Anniversary

2010-03-11T16:31:00.000-08:00

Chris and I celebrated our third wedding anniversary on March 10. It was a great day - Chris slept (he worked a nightshift the evening before), I made a trip to H&M and got a couple sweet clothing items, dropped by the Cupcakes store to get a treat for us and back. We enjoyed our cupcakes while Finn napped, then later Jenna came over to babysit while we enjoyed a dinner at Joey's and even caught a MOVIE. (I have not stepped in a theatre since before Finn was born, so it was an event) It was Alice in Wonderland, if you were wondering.

Then we came home and Jenna and Koby left. Finn wakes up. Finn does not go back to sleep until 12:45am. The bottle of wine is still sitting unopened on the counter.

So goes life when you have children - predictability goes out the window. Such is life...we're learning to adapt!

Trying to get the timer right...

There. Our sole anniversary photo. I am eating a red velvet cupcake with cream cheese frosting, Chris a chocolate cupcake with chocolate ganache. He's a chocolate freak.

Last week we went for a LOVELY stroll at one of our favourite spots, the Westminster Quay. Here are some photos for your personal enjoyment.

This a view of the mountains and the Patullo Bridge. Photos never do the view justice, really.

This is me and Finn. You can't see Finn, but he is there.

Chris and Finn. Finn's having a good time.

Just us. Finn wanted to get a photo of the two of us.

Sucking on his lip equals this cute face.

A day ends with a lunch at the Heritage Cafe. YUM.

"Don't mind if I do." Yoink.

First Teeth!

2010-03-07T16:17:00.000-08:00

Here are his first teeth!

We're just firing off all six cylinders here with the milestones this week. We discovered Finn's first two teeth! At first we assumed it was one but discovered that he does, in fact, have two. See the scary diagram below (I Googled "baby teeth chart" and this was the best, most awesomest photo I cam across - although I might have nightmares of this child eating me) I will post a photo of Finn's actual teeth when you can actually see them with a camera lens, and when he will sit still long enough for someone to take a photo.

Life Just Got Messier.

2010-03-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Two weeks shy of turning half a year, we started Finn on his first 'solids', which as you know typically look like white mush. Or, what looks like a thicker version of milk. The results were so adorably cute, and it is safe to say it was a success! He's hooked. I don't think he knew what to think - no smiles, just a face of pure concentration. The next day he was a bit more ravenous - really leaning in to get that spoon in his mouth when I wasn't going fast enough. It occurred to me that there is no turning back now...that from now on I will be feeding this hungry boy FOOD. Real food. Crazy. Life just got a whole lot messier.

Here are some other pictures from the past few days:

5 Months

2010-02-27T07:50:00.000-08:00

Our little boy is now five months old! We can hardly believe how fast life is going. He's now not just rolling, but logrolling and we have to put out blankets on the floor so he doesn't bonk his head on the laminate! He's also grabbing those little toes and munching on them. Way cute.

On a Sunny Saturday we trekked down to White Rock beach. It was Finn's first time there and I think he quite enjoyed it!

This is Finn's awesome new PJ's. I LOVE how his chubby little feet look in them! He's way too cute. The waist is a little roomy but they're 6-12 months size, so he's got some room to grow.

Just Plain Cute at 4.5 Months

2010-02-19T07:31:00.000-08:00

Here are some updated photos of the little one. His eyes are doing this hazel-y colour...so I guess his eye colour could go any way? He's now sitting comfortably in his Bumbo chair and sucking on his toes. What's next??

Roll Over.

2010-02-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Another amazing feat by our son: the back-to-front roll over! And that's the hard one. On Saturday February 13 while we were house sitting Chris' dad and stepmom's place, we had Finn on the counter while we ate lunch. (Since he refused to be alone on his playmat) As Chris was cleaning up the lunch stuff and I was still eating (common occurrance) Finn rolled to his side and just continued to go until he was on his tummy! GOOD THING I was there to make sure he didn't roll right on to the floor. Not only could have hurt himself but the dog could have mistook him for table scraps and nibbled at him. Whew.

So now that he has learned this new trick he does it any time he can, even when he doesn't want to be on his stomach, he feels like he has to do it. He will roll over then whine until I come over and put him on his back again, play with some toys and two minutes later he's on his stomach crying again. Sigh.

Our boy is growing so fast.

First Icky Cold

2010-01-23T09:58:00.000-08:00

I know this is not a happy milestone, but a milestone nonetheless. Finn is sick for the first time in his life. It's a first for us as parents, too - caring for a little baby that sometimes sounds like an eighty year old smoker. Despite this, Finn still has his little happy face on, even when he hacks and sounds like one of his lungs is coming up with all that yummy mucus. We are hoping this will pass very soon...it's hard to see your baby go through it when he can't blow his nose or clear his little throat.

We've had a few remedy theories handed to us by friends, including Vick's Vapo Rub under the nose/on the chest/on the feet, raising the mattress with towels to ease the congestion, saline solution followed up by a good vaccum with those nose vaccum things. Last night we tried raising the mattress by sticking towels under it and I think that helped. I did get up a few times in the night to put his soother in his mouth when he woke up from coughing, but it was manageable. Hopefully tonight will be better. God speed, little buddy!

B's Food Revolution: The Apple Pie.

2010-01-11T14:26:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time in 1999, Brandi-Lee and her friend Monica were in Foods class and had an assignment to make an apple pie. They worked hard at mixing and measuring the ingredients, however they must have had a little too much fun chattering and laughing because the pie was a disaster. That day Brandi-Lee refused to make pies henceforth. It was the first and the last.

True story - I vowed never to make a pie after that tragic attempt. However, ten years down the road I decided to give it another try, with terrific and tasty results. It was so much easier than I remember...I just followed the directions on the Crisco box for the pie crust and used a filling recipe from my good pal Destiny. The results were SO YUMMY and I will so do it again soon. I did sustain some injuries: two slices to the fingers while chopping apples (see photo) and a burn to the arm while taking it out of the oven. (It was well worth it.)

Granny and Papa Come to Visit!

2010-01-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

We had some very special guests fly in this weekend - Granny and Papa from Edmonton! This is Chris' stepdad and his wonderful and beautiful wife (perhaps one day I will do a Doucette family tree post, but for now just go with it and pretend you understand) It was only for one evening, but it was so worth it. We had some yummy chicken korma and homemade apple pie. We visited and they had the best time hanging out with Finn! (and us too I'm thinking right?)

Nursery Rhymes: Worse than Video Games?

2010-01-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

I was online today looking for songs to sing with babies/kids, since the only ones I remember are Christmas songs and B-I-N-G-O (gets old FAST). I came across www.bussongs.com and they had this neat, slightly prejudice number: Ten Little Injuns. Check out the lyrics:

Ten little "Injuns" standin' in a line,
One toddled home and then there were nine;
Nine little "Injuns" swingin' on a gate,
One tumbled off and then there were eight.

Chorus:
One little, two little, three little, four little, five little "Injun" boys,
Six little, seven little, eight little, nine little, ten little "Injun" boys.
Eight little "Injuns" never heard of heav'n.
One "kick'd the bucket" and then there were seven;
Seven little "Injuns" cuttin' up their tricks,
One broke his neck and then there were six.

Six little "Injuns" kickin' all alive,
One went to sleep and then there were five;
Five little "Injuns" on a cellar door,
One tumbled in and then there were four.

Four little "Injuns" out upon a spree,
One dead drunk and then there were three;
Three little "Injuns" out on a canoe,
One tumbled overboard and then there were two.

Two little "Injuns" foolin' with a gun,
One shot t'other and then there was one;
One little "Injun" livin' all alone,
He got married and then there were none.

Encore Verse:
This little "Injun," with his little wife,
Lived in a wigwam the balance of his life;
One daddy "Injun" and a mommy "Squaw"
Brought up a family of Ten "Injuns" more.

2nd Chorus:
One little, two little, three little, four little, five little "Injuns" more,
Six little, seven little, eight little, nine little, ten little "Injuns" more.

Slightly morbid, don't cha think? For one thing, 'indian' isn't exactly a PC name for Aboriginal people. Then they're shooting each other? Dying from what could be alcohol poisoning? Drowning? Dying in their sleep? And what's with the last one getting married and that being equivalent to death? And we're worried about kids learning bad things from movies and video games! Ha!

I kept looking and found out that many of the songs we sang as kids are the same - violent, creepy, and could strike fear in to the hearts of children. What about Rock A Bye Baby and Three Blind Mice? Have you heard of The Harlem Goat or I Hate Everything?

I think I'll stick with Bingo.

One Fine Day.

2010-01-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was sunny and crisp, so I decided to take the little one for a walk. We walked to Starbucks. While he was sleeping I enjoyed a Caramel Brulee latte (which is sugar and milk and coffee in a cup - I recommend half sweet...my lips were sticky after!)

Finn is saying 'hey'.

The day before also included a Starbucks run, this time with Jessica and Jenna. Aunty Jenna is starting him early with the Starbucks...

More Christmas Photos + New Years Eve

2010-01-08T10:18:00.000-08:00

I just found the USB cable to our new 'diaper bag camera' (so I don't have to lug around the giant Nikon to get candid shots) so here are more photos from our Christmas in Osoyoos:

Every year we get matching PJs.
Here I am doing my Sears catalogue pose.

If Finn looks warm, it's because I seriously think we was teething over the holidays. Hence, the rosy cheeks.

Us attempting a winter walk with our little gingerbread man.
Not a big fan.

So we brought him back home and got GG and Papa to look after him
while we went for a walk ourselves.

We also celebrated Chad's birthday.
He's very happy with his new cookbook.

For New Years Eve, we went to our good pals Josh and Destiny's house and brought in the new year with sleeping babies in every room and lots of great friends!

Finn hangin' wit da boyz.

Cohen really wanted Owen's soother.

We made pizza.

Sophie is trying to talk to Finn.

Chris and I say happy new year, with my 80's bangs..?

The girls did a puzzle. We're CRAZY!!!

Heads Up

2010-01-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Am I still a good mother if I don't do 'tummy time' with Finn every day? This is probably the second or third time I've put Finn on his stomach since he has been alive and I'm pleased to see that his neck is still strong. Whew.

Here are a few other recent pictures!

B's Food Revolution: The Omelette.

2010-01-07T14:58:00.000-08:00

For Christmas Chris got me a cookbook by Jamie Oliver called Jamie’s
Food Revolution. His objective is to get people cooking ‘real food’ and
to pass it on to friends and family and eventually get the whole
country cooking real, healthier meals instead of popping a pizza in the
oven or getting take-out. My resolution for 2010 is to cook better
meals for my family and to actually have a clean house. Not just tidy,
but clean. (There’s a difference) So far my quest has been successful.
I have cleaned the bathroom (probably #1 on my top ten least-liked
chores) and bleached the kitchen. I have made the perfect omelette (see
below) and my best feat so far is making a pie crust. I successfully
made a chicken pot pie FROM SCRATCH, and yes I am telling everyone I
know. It’s like getting an A+ on a math test for me: I think everyone
should be proud.



This book is great because they're easy recipes and they're all the basics. He's got stuff from how to cook a good roast to a number of different salads. There's a chapter on different curry dishes, one on easy soups, "homely ground beef", breakfasts...all that jazz and more. I can't wait to get in to it! 

The plan is to post some of my successful and not-so-successful
meals and accomplishments so you can rejoice and laugh with me. I’m
okay with both. First stop: the omelette. This’method’ (if there is one
for omelettes?) came out of Jamie’s cookbook. Here’s how to do it:

 
THE OMELETTE
from Jamie’s Food Revolution

Serves one: 2-3 large eggs (I used two)| salt and
pepper | a ‘pat’ of butter | a small handful of grated Cheddar cheese |
fillings you want – I did ham, mushrooms, and tomatoes

Crack the eggs in to a bowl with a pinch of salt and pepper | Beat
with a fork | Put a small frying pan on low heat and get it hot (I had mine around 4)
| Add a pat of butter | When the butter has melted and is bubbling add
your fillngs | fry for a couple minutes and add eggs and move the pan
around to spread them out evenly | When the omelette begins to cook and
firm up, but still has a little raw egg on top, sprinkle over the
cheese (I just grated it directly on top) | Using a spatula,
ease around the edges of the omelette, then fold it over in half | When
it starts to turn golden brown underneath, remove the pan from the heat
and slide the omelette on to a plate.

I followed these directions exactly and it turned out just as good
or maybe BETTER than at Ricky’s. Or the Pantry. Or wherevs. Here’s to
2010!

First Christmas

2010-01-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

December 2009 is Finn's first Christmas. We went to four grandparent's houses, and that didn't even cover all the grandparents. Christmas is going to be a crazy holiday in the Doucette household, and I hope our kids can keep up with the madness. (They don't really have a choice, actually) Finn has 12 grandparents, not counting great grandparents, all with a different name to remember. We'll see how that pans out in a years time...

Over the holidays, Finn encountered some firsts: first time he grabbed something and stuffed it in his mouth. First look at snow. First squeels.

Anyway here are some photos of Finn's first Christmas:

First Christmas: Grandpa's house.

Second Christmas: Grandpa and Lori's (I'm trying to convince dad to be called Dido but so far he's not down with that)

Third Christmas: Grandad and Grammy's

Fourth Christmas: GG and Papa's, Grandma's and Mikes in Osoyoos. This photo makes my heart melt!

Dedication

2009-11-23T10:01:00.000-08:00

This Sunday, we had the joy of dedicating Finn to God in front of some of our family, friends and church family. Through the years I've seen many babies get dedicated on the stage of our church and I've always imagined myself standing there with my husband and family doing the same, so it was wonderfully strange to finally do it ourselves. Finn did so well! He quietly sat in Pastor John's arms while he prayed over him. Here is something that might add a chuckle in your day: literally just when Pastor John called us to the stage, Finn decided it to be a great time to load his pants.

In other news, Finn is smiling so much now. Pretty much whenever you smile at him, he smiles right back. We love it! Farting noises also work well. He's already such a boy.

First Halloween

2009-11-06T12:17:00.000-08:00

Finn's first Halloween was a gas. The three of us went over to Travis, Jessica and Cohen's house to hand out candy and eat dinner then went to the family festival at church. Finn was supposed to dress up as a tiger, however the costume was too small. His arms didn't make it out the arm holes, and he couldn't stretch his legs out...he was a good sport letting mom put it on anyway for photo's sake.

Month One: Down.

2009-10-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Wearing a new little outfit complete with big pants and little train shoes!

One of Finn's first smiles, caught on camera!

I'm not sure if I have ever experienced a month that went by faster than this one! It's been a wild ride and I think we're getting used to the craziness of parenthood. You know, the nights of less sleep, the crying and soothing, the diapers, and everything else that goes along with this life. So what has happened from September 21 to today?

Family Visits

Some of Finn's grandparents (he has 12 in total) came from out of town to visit. The only downside was when they all had to leave! First we had Jim and Karen from Edmonton (Papa and Granny) fly in. They stayed just for the day...it went by too fast!

Then we had Karen and Mike from Prince George (Grams and Grandpa Mike) in the next week, when Finn was three weeks old. We wish all Finn's grandparents lived closer!

Thanksgiving
Finn experienced his first holiday - Thanksgiving - at Grandad's and Grammy's (Bruce and Karen's). It was great except Finn decided he wanted to eat the second mom sat down to have dinner with everyone, thus causing mom to miss out on dinner with everyone. Sigh - such is life.

We're pretty pumped about what the next month will bring to the Doucette household - lots of smiles and laughter!

Finally - Finn Prentice Doucette is here!

2009-10-03T15:56:00.000-07:00

Finn Prentice Doucette | September 21, 2009 | 11:43am | 8lbs 9oz

Well, it's been almost two weeks since we birthed a healthy baby boy called Finn. Personally, I am delighted the first week is over - so full of nerves and learning curves (that will never end, I know) (also, that rhymed which is sweet) and learning how to breastfeed and changing diapers a billion times a day. Here is the birth story if you would like to know it:

Let's start with the fact that I was 13 days past Finn's due date and things were getting a tad frustrating. Going to the midwives office for appointments were a little disappointing - hearing that girls that were due after me were already enjoying their newly formed families, and I was here enjoying the gift of more stretch marks and peeing every half hour. I would sometimes get emotional talking to Chris, feeling like this baby was never going to come.

At my last prenatal appointment with the midwife, they gave me a recipe for a 'labour cocktail' that involved Castor oil, almond butter, mango juice, and lemon verbena. I choked this all down (in stages - first the oil/almond butter, then the juice/verbena followed by a carbonated water chaser) around 4pm. After that our friends came over (see photo!). Before dinner we went for a walk and that's when I started to feel my back hurting and tummy cramping. Could this be it, I wondered? Finally?

A couple hours later after dinner around 8pm and Travis and Jessica had left, the contractions started. When we started timing them shortly after, they were already coming at no longer than 4-5 minutes apart, so we called the midwife. She said to wait a bit when they were more regular, so we called again later when they were consistently 2-ish minutes apart. She told us she would meet us at the hospital.

After rushing and packing last minute things in the suitcase, we hopped in the car, me groaning with every contraction. Upon arriving at Surrey Memorial, I got checked and was already 6-7cm dilated. I got into my room (the last one available!) and pretty much hopped in the shower and there I stayed for the next three hours. Again, groaning. Long story short, after three hours I went to the bed and was now about 8-9cm! Around 7:30am, I was 10cm and the midwife told me that when I felt the urge to push, I could. I started to cry - the time was here and I couldn't believe it! I asked how long the pushing usually took, and she said one, maybe two hours. Ha! From about 7:30am to 11:43am I pushed and pushed. Toward the end, Finn's heart rate suddenly went up and they strapped an oxygen mask on my face as well as the fetal monitoring belt. I was a tad nervous because I had no idea what was going on...but all resolved itself. I continued to push and finally, at 11:43am Finn was out and in the world. When the midwife put Finn on my chest, I could not believe it - we had a son! Chris was emotional, I was emotional, my mom was emotional...it was quite the experience.

40 Weeks.

2009-09-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

40 weeks and one day. One day over the due date. Sigh.

Well here we are! One day over the due date. It seems as if our little Douce prefers to be warm and cozy in there instead of finding out what the outside world is like. I can respect that - but his/her father and I are getting a little anxious to meet him (or her...)! I wasn't really expecting to deliver early or on the exact day (it would be a lie to say that I wasn't hoping a little) but once that day we have been looking forward to has come and gone, it makes us a little antsy...especially now that we feel we're ready and have everything we need to accommodate this little human!

So, we wait. We wait because the only one who knows the exact date and time of this kid's arrival is God. I wish I knew...

Sweet Gear.

2009-09-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

This is our stroller, a Phil&Ted's Sport Buggy. Chris is very excited about it. He takes it for little strolls around the living room every few hours. (I'm not kidding)

This is our car seat, a Graco SnugRide32.

This is what our baby will sleep in. Not in this spot, though.

Here we are, on the eve of our due date. Everything is ready - we've got the bassinette, the car seat with the base in the backseat of our car, the stroller, the clothes, and the blankets. All we need now is the human.

39 Weeks - Just about there.

2009-09-01T16:01:00.000-07:00

Trying to figure out what chocolate bar is smeared in the diaper!

Caitlyn won the bottle drinking contest.

Jessica and Jenna, the party planners!

Letting everyone see how big I am so they can guess with the string...my great grandma won!

My great-grandma, me, and my grandma.

Here we are, one more week until the due date. Technically, this kid could come at any time and that makes Chris and I both very excited, and nervous. Nervous in a good way though - I am feeling confident that all will go well and that this baby is going to come in to the world one way or the other! In other words, bring it on.

As the photos show above, my good friends Jenna and Jessica threw me a wonderful baby shower and boy, did we get spoiled! I was so blown away and we feel ready now for this baby. We have the car seat, clothes, blankets, a few toys, diapers, wipes, Diaper Genie (Chris' favourite gift), and more. We are so blessed!

38 Weeks

2009-08-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

38 Weeks

Well, here I am at 38 weeks.

Today was my very last day at work, and I am now on maternity leave. It was a nice day...we had staff meeting and they brought out the sparkling raspberry juice, said nice things about me and toasted me. It was so nice! And they all pitched in and bought us our playpen. I felt very blessed. It was a strange feeling leaving the office today at 4:30, knowing I wouldn't be back tomorrow or Monday. It was a bittersweet feeling, actually...I can really say that I love my job and the people I work with so I will miss that so much. On the other hand I'm so looking forward to having this baby and learning how to be a mom and spending time getting to know our Little Douce! Change is in the air, and I'm going to embrace it.

37 Weeks | FAQ's

2009-08-19T08:14:00.001-07:00

37 Weeks | 9 months 1 week

Here I am at 37 weeks, or 9 months and 1 week. (Apparently I am both huge and tiny - I've had both comments) This is considered to be full term, so if I were to go in to labour it would all be good in the Douce hood. We are slowly getting our place prepared for an extra person: cleaning closets, getting rid of junk, and buying insane amounts of food so I won't have to shop the week I have the baby. Last night I went grocery shopping for canned goods and jars of stuff as well as about 10lbs of meat that is currently resting in our freezer, waiting to be made in to Shepherds Pie, meatloaf or Shake n' Bake. (Thank the Lord for Costco) Next stop: Diaperville. We also have the bassinet, thanks to good pal Tammie! Our next priority is the car seat - we would love to leave the hospital WITH our child. Having this larger stomach, I expect people to ask questions. I have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (or, FAQ's, if you will) of what I get, and answers for your convenience:

1. Just about done eh? A: Yes, I am due September 8. ___ weeks/days to go! (refer to pregnancy ticker above) 2. How were you during that heat wave?? A: Pretty good actually...we were at a lake that week so it was more managable. 3. Do you know what you're having? A: No. (This is usually followed up by 'I think you're having a boy/girl because you're carrying all in the front' - it's always changing from person to person. Who knows.) 4. Have any names picked out? A: Yes. Well a couple. And we're not telling, na na na na na naaaaa. 5. Got the nursery set up? A: No. We don't have a nursery because we live in a one-bedroom condo, but we will be getting the baby's 'corner' ready ASAP. 6. Got everything you need like a crib and stroller and carseat, etc.? A: No. We have nothing. (as of August 17 - sure to change very soon) 7. Do you have any cravings? A: Yes, pretty much just lemon-lime carbonated water with lots of ice. Also, just ice. 8. Are you excited? A: Yes. Duh!

If you have any more questions, just ask!

Earning My Stripes.

2009-08-16T11:26:00.000-07:00

I personally have reached a new milestone and feel that I am now really earning my stripes, so to speak. I tell you all that I have spotted the first stretch mark.

I will admit that I was not happy upon detecting this shiny little scar-looking thing which has made its permanent home just above my belly button. However, I keep telling myself that it's there now, be friends with it and embrace it. It's here to stay. It might even let its friends move in and give birth to little ones of its own, so it's just something I have to accept. I'm working on it. Maybe I'll give it a name. Murray?

Oh Summer Fun...

2009-08-10T23:14:00.001-07:00

Jessica & Travis, Chris & Me, Jenna & Koby

35 weeks and some odd days - out for an early morning stroll around the lake.

This is what I found on myself after walking around downtown Vancouver for a while. Lovely.

Oh dear - it's almost been a month since the last post. Shame! It's been a busy month, I will admit. Chris and I went away for a week with my side of the family to Loon Lake (Where is that, you ask? About an hour past Cache Creek) to bask in sunshine and swim in the lake and go to the bathroom in an outhouse. Then the next weekend we tripped up to Jolly Lake (Where is that, you ask? Why it is 45 minutes past Osoyoos) with some of our pals, Jenna and Koby, and Travis, Jessica and baby Cohen. That was the last trip away until the baby comes! What is new in baby world? Not much (and at the same time, a lot!) but I can tell you about what the baby is doing to ME:

My iron stores are still low despite me taking supplements...I'm not sure how they keep going down when I'm taking more than I normally do daily.
I'm apparently big. Someone asked if I was "sure" I was due in September because I am huge and then asked if I was carrying twins.
Legs are starting to hurt in the night. I don't know if they're cramping per se, but they're just sore, mainly in the hips so I wake up and turn over and I'm good for about an hour then I repeat until morning comes and I'm thankful to be out of bed. Also, at times it feels like I am walking as if I just got off a horse.
My feet and hands are slightly swollen at times (see photo above). In fact when I make a fist it hurts, especially in the morning. It's strange and I feel like an old woman with arthritis, but apparently it's normal. Nothing I can't handle.
Craving: carbonated water with lots of ice. BONUS if it's lemon-lime. That's it. Right now I go through about 4 litres a week, and that's restraining myself a little bit. If I spill a little, I don't think about now I have to clean it up, I think, 'Waste!'

**If you are reading this and you have kids, what did you crave?

Fun in the Summer Sun!

2009-07-13T17:06:00.000-07:00

The Douce and I at English Bay!

Close up. Brandi-Lee at 31 Weeks & 4 days

I'm not sure if this weather could get better - not too hot, and definitely not too cold! Some friends and us took a little jaunt to English Bay, had some 'dunch' (lunch/dinner) and just hung out on the beach. It was lovely!

Canada Day Fun

2009-07-09T06:04:00.000-07:00

Just being really cool.

Ruby doing 'somersaults' - this is as far as she got.

Chris being the good sport he is, demonstrating for Ruby.

Destiny and I - she is three weeks ahead of me. I have awesome hair due to the breeze.

Yay for Canada Day! I admit the post is a wee late and the magic of it all might be dead but truthfully I didn't get these photos in my possession until Tuesday. Anyway, we celebrated Canada Day with a couple of our friends and their kids at Belcarra Park in Burnaby. Twas a fantastic day. Our intention was first Buntzen Lake, but the lot was full by 10:30am and it was the same story for White Pine Beach! Our third choice was Belcarra, where we swiped a picnic table, ate hot dogs and layed in the sun. Glorious!

31 Weeks | 7 3/4 months

I have recently been finding it harder to bend over and do up my shoe, put socks on, and I let out a long exasperated "UGH" whenever I drop something (which is often). I think the child has officially taken over and made residence in my entire front half, and I know it's just going to get worse. Feet in the ribs, backed in to my lungs. Head butting my bladder! Geez, kiddo.

30 Weeks

2009-07-01T16:36:00.000-07:00

30 Weeks | 7.5 months | 3/4 done!

Thirty weeks along, and three-quarters of the way through. Time goes by fast! Yesterday I had an appointment with our midwife and am happy to say that I am diabetes-free! Not that that's a surprise or anything. However I do have to get one more test because I apparently have low iron - so here we go again. It's a good thing I'm not afraid of needles! She told me to eat more red meat, dark leafy veggies, etc. Good excuse to fire up the BBQ for a nice juicy steak. And I do love steak... As I drove back to work from the midwives clinic I thought how funny it is that your kids start taking from you even in the womb - at the beginning they take your energy and trade it for nausea, then you get your energy back and they take it again. And, they take your iron supply for themselves, sometimes leaving you almost depleted! After they're born they again take your sleep, then starts the cash doling. I just found that funny. Obviously as a mother I'm more than willing to give and sacrifice. :) Right now I am off to Baby's World to search and conquer the world of strollers and car seats! Wish me luck.

29 Weeks

2009-06-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

B at 29 weeks | Just over 7 months

We're 29 weeks along, or just over 7 months. Getting bigger all the time, it feels like! This morning I went in for my glucose testing - to see if I have gestational diabetes. Basically I go in, sit and wait, drink an orange pop-like beverage, wait an hour in the waiting room, get blood taken out of me, and leave. The orange drink wasn't so bad...I hadn't had an Orange Crush since I was a kid so it was a nice in a nostalgic way...

Random photo: Chris sleeping. Notice how many pillows are needed for comfort.

Not much else to report! Chris and I went to Coldplay with some friends last weekend and it was one of the best concerts we've ever been to. Loved it! We're looking forward to U2 in October. Anyone want to babysit??

27 Weeks | Third Trimester

2009-06-11T18:50:00.000-07:00

27 Weeks - Week one of 3rd trimester! (and I'm not wearing black, grey or orange)

Here I am at 27 weeks, and the first week of the third trimester. The homestretch! It was odd realizing that this is the final third of this pregancy. Both Chris and I realized that we have a lot to do ahead of us: buying a stroller/car seat, cleaning out our closets to make room, not to mention trying to sell our apartment again. Last night I had a dream the baby came early and we had nothing! Yikes. So what's new with the baby? Apparently it's around 2lbs and about 14.5 inches long. I feel it turning and squirming all the time - especially at night and the morning, or when I'm just sitting at my desk at work. At first it was a really cute feeling, and it still is, but sometimes it feels a little creepy. For instance when I know a limb is going from one side to the other...I half expect it to burst out of my stomach, kind of akin to the movie Alien. I feel like my tummy is just growing more and more every day, and I still have so much more to go. Summer's going to be a hot one.

Baby Clothes 2

2009-05-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

My favourite are the sunglasses! $3 shirts - how could I not?

Kinda unisex!

These are from my mom and we thought Chris' dad would like the shirt on the right, being a pilot and all.

Again, some may appreciate these baby clothes posts more than others, but whatevs. If you are noticing that these are boyish clothes, please note we still don't know what we're having, but I feel so drawn to the boy clothes! Perhaps that's motherly instinct? Who knows. If we have a girl, she will either look like a boy for some of the time or our friends with boys will be getting some nice new clothes!

24 Weeks

2009-05-20T22:07:00.000-07:00

Brandi-Lee at 24 weeks | 6 months

Well here I am at 24 weeks, or 6 whole months! I can't believe it. He or she is moving around so much now, and Chris can even feel it. We have also seen my stomach move! It's a crazy feeling and it makes the whole experience more real. The first time Chris felt it was when we were about to go to bed one evening. The baby had been moving around but when Chris went to feel him/her they stopped moving, of course. So we decided to jostle my stomach around and Chris started making noises at my stomach ("WAKE UP, BABY!") and it worked! Chris put his hand on my stomach and felt a little knock. He looked up at me with a big smile on his face and I was so happy he could finally feel what I have been feeling for the past few weeks. It was definitely a 'moment'! So what else is happening? Well, apparently the baby is almost a foot long (like at Subway) and over a pound. Some great news is that I haven't seen any stretch marks yet...and I'm looking often...so I kind of hope it stays that way. (And all the girls who have given birth are probably rolling their eyes and saying, "Honey just you wait"...but a girl can hope, right?!) Apparenty the baby has no pigment in their skin or hair, so basically I am carrying Powder, minus the special powers. I'm also suspecting that my feet have grown a half size...I no longer fit a 6 at Aldo. I bought my first bottle of Tums today, as I've been feeling that slight acidic sensation in my throat. Ugh! What else will be in store for me? Time will tell...

My First Hormonal Almost-Meltdown

2009-05-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

There's a stereotype out there of hormone-driven, cry-at-the-drop-of-a-hat, war-path trodding pregnant women. Yesterday, I fit the bill. And it was over something so trivial...cookies and spilled water! I had a glorious day off after an awesome women's conference at our church, and I was quite enjoying my day of grocery shopping in the morning and hanging out at home. At some point in the afternoon, I decided to bake my Cookie Monster husband some tantalizing chocolate chip cookies, using a new recipe deemed to be 'The Best'. It got four and a half stars on AllRecipes.com, so it had to be good. I followed the directions pretty much to the tee and the first batch came out hard as rocks. Not burnt, but I could probably have used them as a defense (ninja-star style) if we were to run in to those Surrey punks again. Next batch, I put them in for less time. Still hard. Next batch, hard. Finally on the last batch they were satisfactory (not great) but the emotional damage was done and my mood was sour like the old yogurt in our fridge. After much encouragement from Chris and reassurement he would eat them all, I decided to tackle dinner. Spaghetti was an easy choice. I still had a grudge against these crap crisps that masqueraded themselves as cookies, but I knew I had to move on with my life. I asked Chris to fill a pot of water for the noodles, which he did wonderfully, but I wanted a tad more so I filled it up just a bit more. Turning from the sink to stove I knocked the pot on the edge of the counter and the water waved to and fro, spilling water on the stove, counter, floor and my socks. That was the breaking point. Tears spilled forth. I ripped off my wet socks, threw them across the room and bent down to sop up the water, all the while weeping. For some reason I didn't want Chris to know I was crying over spilt water so I collected myself in the bathroom, but he got 'mad' I didn't ask for help. He's a good guy. After that, I was okay. All is now well in my world.

Baby Clothes!

2009-05-01T17:55:00.000-07:00

This one is in honour of our child's father.

I guess this one is too...

So is this one. Dang!

Here is the first of many things we have bought for our baby. Well, I bought it. Chris just went, 'Oh, neat!'. The last one "Born to Rock" was our very first thing we ever got, and it was given to us by our good pals Travis and Jessica. I just noticed that they are all something to do with cookies or music...are there are any 'graphic designer baby' onesies out there? Hm? No? Shoot. And yes, I know they all look like boy clothes, but OH WELL. We have no idea what we're having, but the clothes were too cute to pass up.

21 Weeks

2009-04-28T22:17:00.000-07:00

Banana Baby. Brandi-Lee at 21 weeks, Chris at approximately 1,436 weeks.

Today I am 21 weeks along, or for those that don't like counting by weeks, 5 months and 1 week. My tummy is definitely growing, and I mostly really like it for various reasons: first of all, people can kind of stop wondering if I've just put on a few pounds. I actually look pregnant. As you can see from the banana, that's what size our little one is...about 10.5 inches. (I was so confused why the baby jumped from being 6.5 inches last week to 10.5 inches...apparently they measure from crown to feet now, and not crown to rump. Something I learned...) He or she has little fingernails and hair, and they are able to taste the amniotic fluid in which it lives in! Tasty. Apparently what I eat affects the flavour of said fluid: Studies show that after birth, babies are most interested in tastes they've already experienced through amniotic fluid (thebump.com). So I guess I should start eating more veggies. We also had our second appointment with our midwife, and Chris was able to come! Nothing crazy to report, but basically she checked my heart beat, lungs, kidneys and all that jazz by poking me and listening with a stethoscope. She measured my uterus (again by poking around on my tummy). We also got to hear baby's heartbeat which sounded like galloping horses. It's in the 150's, which we're told is also good. So basically, our baby is doing really well and is healthy! Thumbs up for our little Douce.

20 Weeks | Half Way There!

2009-04-21T23:35:00.001-07:00

We have now hit the half way mark! I am now 20 weeks (or 5 months). Also, our baby is apparently the size of a small cantaloupe. I like that they measure children to the size of produce. In other news, I am feeling more little kicks and flutters, mostly in the evening when I go to bed. Also, sometimes when I'm sitting at my desk at work. And sometimes he or she will rest somewhere in my bladder region and I tell him or her to do something else. Sometimes he or she listens, sometimes not.

What Would You Name our Kid?

2009-04-20T12:22:00.000-07:00

Naming a human being is probably one of the most important choices in the whole parenting process. This name will be this person's 'label' for the rest of their lives, even after they are old and gone...so it better be a good one. Talk about pressure! As a kid I didn't know any other Brandi-Lee's, and not many with a hyphen in their name. I wanted to blend in with my friends and have a name like Crystal or Laura, but now I'm cool having a name not many others have. (Even though the vast majority of the population can not spell it...thank you mother. This we will take in to consideration when naming our baby!) There are other factors to take in to consideration. For instance:

What nicknames can come from this? ('Harry' or 'Dick' pretty much leaves that one wide open)
What people are attached with this name? (I doubt there have been many little Adolph's running around in the past 60 years)
Do the first and last name sound good when said together? (I went to school with a 'Harry Wong'...)
Will this name still be good in 50 years? (there's a reason why nobody names their baby Gaylord anymore)
What kind of words rhyme with that name? (eg: Regina. Think about it.)
Is it easy to spell? (Try to get a five year child old to spell Betelgeuse. Also try to get other five year olds not to make fun of that child.)
Does it make other people go, "What?" (eg: Bono's child, Elijah Bob Patricus Guggi Q Hewson. I also met a kid named 'Blade Steele')
Do the initials spell something? Mine used to be B.O. (Again, thanks mom. I blame it on your youth...wink.)

Chris and I have a few floating around in our heads and on our 'list', but I think it would be fun to see what you think would be a good name for our baby girl or boy! Any suggestions?

19 Weeks & Ultrasound

2009-04-16T15:51:00.000-07:00

Brandi-Lee at 19 weeks

Our baby! (a picture of a picture...)

Another photo of our baby. Let's face it, it kind of looks like something that would haunt you in your sleep.

Today was fantastic! Chris and I went for our ultrasound and it was incredible. Again, it was tough to drink all that water and not pee, but I persevered and all was well (I didn't wet my pants). After my time with the technician, him pressing HARD on my stomach at some points, he called Chris in. The baby was moving all around, nodded it's head and moved its arms...so cute! I was so happy Chris was able to witness that. I can feel some stuff in there when the baby moves around so it might feel a bit more 'real' to me, so the fact that Chris was able to experience that made me happy. As we looked at our baby move around it was hard to keep the smile off my face...it was almost surreal to think that was our baby! OURS. Wow. Chris' thoughts on seeing the baby: So a lot of the time the reality of us being pregnant doesn't seem to set in. My body isn't the one that's changing (at least due to pregnancy), I don't feel anything move in my belly, I don't have nauseous spells or weird cravings so the fact that there is a child growing in B's tummy often slips my mind. Even looking at a photo of the ultra sound doesn't seem real. That being said, today I saw my child moving in Brandi-Lee's uterus and it was RAD! Good to see lil' Deuce rolling around in there, snug as a bug, having it made in the shade. To see life, real and healthy is what I think I needed to see to help me somehow connect with my child. Now if I could start teaching guitar chords in utero...hmmm Mugging News - totally unrelated to pregnancy. If you haven't yet you can read our mugging store here. As we drove back from our appointment, I saw a guy riding his bike wearing a black hooded coat, wearing a black hat. He looked over his shoulder for some reason and it hit me - "Chris! That's him" I said. "Who? What are you talking about?" Chris looked around. "The guy that mugged us! That's him!" I was yelling by this time. Chris asked if I was serious and stopped the car, got his phone out and took a photo of him! He then proceeded to drive and yelled out the window, "I GOT YOUR PICTURE BUDDY! I GOT YOUR PICTURE NOW!" (George Costanza style) I wasn't looking (half out of embarassment) but Chris said he put his hood up and looked the other way. I have no idea if the RCMP will even care about the photo, but if nothing else comes from it, I hope we scared the pants of that dude.

Why Did I Choose A Midwife?

2009-04-14T11:21:00.001-07:00

This is not my midwife.

I think when people hear the word 'midwife', they think of only home births and no pain relief. Another misconception is that they are primarily hippy women that burn incense, listen to Yanni and don't shave their armpits. While I am not privvy to the personal preference of every midwife, this is not true on the whole. My friend who has a midwife is having a home birth, while Chris and I are choosing to deliver in a hospital. I might even have drugs. I'm not sure if the midwife delivering will shave her armpits or not, but I don't really care, as long as she safely extracts that child from my womb. A few people have asked us why we chose to have a midwife instead of a obstetrician or doctor. Since it's been a common question, I decided to post it for anyone that was wondering. Keep in mind much of this is going on what my friends that have or have had midwives say, since this is our first kid, and therefore our first midwife experience... 1. At the moment I don't even have a family doctor! There's a pretty mean shortage here in BC, unfortunately. That was my first concern: was who was going to deliver our baby? I didn't love the feeling of having a strange (though qualified) doctor I have never seen prodding around 'down there'. 2. Better service. Midwives take more time at each appointment with you to answer questions and are thorough in telling what's going on (compared to a walk-in clinic). The first time I was at the walk-in to 'confirm' our pregnancy, the doctor basically just said, 'Yep, you're pregnant now go take these blood tests'. I thought it would be great to have the doctor be excited with us in this first experience, and have the time to answer questions and just inform us of things, since we have no clue! So far it's been that way with our midwife, so thumbs up. 3. It's free. It's covered by MSP, it costs us nothing, so why not? 4. At the birth, the midwife will be there for just me. My friend, who is a nurse at SMH says the doctors are often pulled in many different directions when it's busy, naturally. So sometimes the doctor doesn't even do the delivery...which is okay because a nurse does it (someone has to!), but you sometimes don't really know who is going to deliver! I like the assurance of knowing who will be delivering the baby. 5. In the event of an emergency... We have a pager number on hand so we can reach her at any time, day or night. 6. Lower risk. Check this out: Midwifery clients experienced lower rates of forceps, vacuum extractions, cesarean sections, episiotomies, infections and babies born requiring resuscitation, in studies where midwifery was compared to physician led care. (that's from bcmidwives.com) Sounds good to me! If you have any other questions, shoot.

Gotta Love Surrey

2009-04-06T08:53:00.000-07:00

This has little to do with pregnancy, but I thought it was something some might find interesting. On Saturday evening, Chris and I were going to walk to Blockbuster to return a movie we rented. Just in front of our apartment building there is an alley that many people use, and when we were on it a couple guys on bicycles rode up to us and asked the time. After a few seconds the next thing we knew, one of them had Chris by the throat and told him to give him all his money...we were being mugged! Since one of them had brass knuckles and the other was holding a can of bear spray up to Chris, I didn't know what to do. Things weren't getting out of hand and since they told me to turn around (and called me a foul name) I decided to do so. Since we didn't have anything on us and Chris wouldn't let them have his wedding ring (they seemed strangely okay with that), they told us not to call the cops and we'd 'be cool'. Obviously after they were out of sight we promptly called the police, they came, and questioned us. We later found out they were circling around our neighbourhood and had the search helicopter out! All in all, it was a crazy experience but the whole time, we can honestly say we felt protected. Despite feeling a tad shaken up, I had no fear while the whole thing was happening, and Chris said the same. We know it could have been so much worse! Thank God!

First Midwife Appointment

2009-04-02T15:30:00.000-07:00

What I peed on. No, those are not my fingers. Google.

I just returned from our very first midwife appointment (sadly, without my 'partner', Chris). It was pretty much full of form-filling and family history-telling but it was great. I didn't feel rushed and it felt very personal - not at all like going to the walk-in clinic of times past with a doctor that just wants to rush you out of there. It was great! After the in-depth interview, she got me to lay on the couch so she could feel where the baby is. After prodding a little she determined that he/she is just around and a little below my belly button. Movin' on up! This is where I wish Chris were there...I got to hear the baby's heartbeat again! It was funny because the midwife was trying to get it but our little Douce kept running away from her so she would get it then two seconds later she lost it, then she would chase him down and he would dart away again! She said he's (or she?) a very playful baby already. Ha! Once we were able to get him/her settled in a spot, that weird heartbeat sound filled the room. It was awesome and I almost teared up a bit! Almost. Embarassing Moment at the Doctors #1 They got me to pee on a stick to test for gestational sugar (or something? I don't know - I'm still new at this) and I walked out of the bathroom in to a group of five ladies chatting and laughing. They all turned and looked at me as I'm standing in a dark doorway holding a thin plastic strip with my urine hanging off the end, and all I could say was, "I have this stick thingy..." They chuckled and the receptionist was kind enough to come tell me to just toss it, that because it was such a light green (the stick, not my pee...) it was so low it's not a big deal. So they really didn't need to see me with the pee stick. Could have avoided that all together. Good to know.

17 Weeks

2009-03-30T14:34:00.000-07:00

Brandi-Lee at 17 weeks! Not much change from the last photo...

Not a load to update right now, but we are very excited to have booked our 20-week ultrasound for April 16. I don't know if I can wait that long to see a little Douce in there with actual arms and legs, and a head...a little more than Mr. or Miss Blob we first saw at eight weeks! This Thursday we also have our first meeting with the midwife, which we're also pretty pumped about. The downside is Chris won't be there because he's off playing guitar at a conference in Red Deer. I'm happy he gets to go but bummed he won't be here for the first meeting. There will be many more to come though! On another note, I'm pretty sure I may have felt a little movement in the tummy. It's that fluttery type of feeling every once in a while. I'm sure if you have ever had a baby you might know what I'm talking about. (I guess that would apply to girls only...) It's just hard to tell the difference between that and if it was the piece of pizza I ate! HAVE ADVICE? One thing we are trying to figure out is how we're going to organize our bedroom once the baby comes. We have buttloads of purging to do in our closets to make room, but our actual room is tight as it is, nevermind with yet another human plus their bedding supplies! Any suggestions on how to make it work? So far we have thought about getting rid of our dresser and just using the closet. If you have tips on having a child in a small one-bedroom apartment, we are open!

15 Weeks

2009-03-19T08:47:00.000-07:00

Brandi-Lee at 15 weeks and 2 days!

Hey y'all! Well we're at 15 weeks now, and I think it's safe to say I've got a bit of a belly going on! Apparently, our little Douce is about the size of a large navel orange, and is moving around in there even though I can't feel it yet. Some people have been asking how I've been feeling, and for the most part it's been pretty good! Here are some of the symptoms I've had or been having:

'gaggy-ness' - especially when brushing my teeth. I've only been 'sick' once, so I'm pretty thankful for that.
occasional nosebleeds (I was a little surprised at that one)
stuffy nose
minor back aches (only on my right side?)
drier skin and more zits from awesome hormones!

That's it for now, anyway. More to come I'm sure!

Learning About Parenthood

2009-03-11T16:02:00.001-07:00

Mmm...broccoli!

Since becoming pregnant, I find myself observing parenting techniques of my friends and others that have kids. My latest observation is how much patience it takes to do everything. I have always heard it takes patience to raise kids, but I've really started noticing this in many simple situations. Take eating for example. I have observed our friends, Destiny and Josh at dinnertime on numerous occasions with their almost-two-year-old, Ruby. The other day we were at a friends house for a birthday dinner and Ruby was eating her lasagna with a side of broccoli. Of course, like most kids, she ate all the lasagna first, leaving two or three florets of broccoli untouched. Now, all parents want their kids to eat their veggies so they get their nutrients, but kids don't understand the concept of nutrition and you can't just tell them, "Eat your veggies so you don't get rickets!" (Well you can, but whether they will understand or not is left to wonder) Sometimes parents have to give the old, "Eat two more bites and then you are done.", which Destiny did. But kids don't just nod their head and quickly stuff the two bites in their mouth...there's stalling, trying to pawn it off on someone else, trying to dump it in their juice, taking a bite then spitting it out again...all the while mom is trying to get her to just eat it. Finally, after about ten minutes of Ruby taking her last two bites (and making us laugh), she's done and off playing. It was actually a humourous scene, but I know it takes much patience to do that three times a day, every day. I will be praying for patience for Chris and I once the Little Douce comes along...I know we're going to need it!

We've Got a Midwife...WOOO!

2009-03-03T16:06:00.001-08:00

I just got a call today from Sage Midwifery (did you know it's pronouncend 'mid-wiffery'? It sounds weird to me.) saying that they have an opening for me. I am SO excited! I was beginning to think that it wasn't going to happen, that I would have to deliver with some odd-ball doctor I didn't know that's obsessed with the Fonze (anyone watch Friends?). Last night I just prayed that a door would be opened and that having a midwife would still be a possibility, and this afternoon I get that call. Yeah! Our first appointment is on April 2. In other news, today marks the day that I am officially out of my first trimester and in to my second! I am 13 weeks today. Still not showing too much, but maybe a little. At night. Or after I eat...