Calum thinks parties can be scary and too noisy. Enough said. We went to his Halloween party and stayed for about 10-15 minutes. I think Calum thought we were going to leave him there. To be fair, it was pretty busy and Calum is still a little grumpy about his immunization shots. I picked him up after lunch yesterday because he was grumpy at daycare and just wanted his mom. We had a great afternoon. He deleted my email and was pretty quiet while I made a couple of calls for work. About 5 of the kids were sick at daycare yesterday and I think Calum is getting there too - no swimming today because he has been coughing and sneezing.
I don't usually post links but have you seen these photos of mass consumption http://www.chrisjordan.com/. Pretty scary. I found the link on one of my favorite ways to kill time while surfing - looking at the Boing Boing archives http://boingboing.net/archive.html
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
His first party
Calum's daycare will be having a Halloween party on Friday night. It will be his first party and his first chance to experience Halloween. I'm not entirely sure what infants might do at the party - maybe eat orange-themed food like carrots, squash, sweat potatoes.....? Calum will be going as a character from Harry Potter. It will be another opportunity for him to wear his tie and I'm in the process of modifying a robe for him. Also, for the first time in many, many, many (okay, that's enough) years, I tried to knit something. The end result is a scarf for Calum to wear with his Hogwarts robe. It's not fancy and I don't know if it would survive a wash but it was strangely fun to do. Don't expect me to tackle anything bigger anytime soon though mom.
Dakota and I are back to our ASL classes tonight. I hope that we haven't forgotten everything. The classes are fun but I sure wish that they didn't last 3 hours. It can be pretty exhausting after a long day. The good news is that I know Calum can last that long without me so it is a bit easier on Don and Desiree.
No other news this week - oh, Calum is getting another immunization on Thursday. He's getting really strong so hopefully Don can come along to hold him. I still hate to see him get them and it can be a real challenge just to change the little wiggly, squiggly guy. Calum and I wish everyone who has tickets for the lotto the best of luck, especially Don. As for the rest of you, we know where you live.
Have a good week. I'm off to get the little guy.
Dakota and I are back to our ASL classes tonight. I hope that we haven't forgotten everything. The classes are fun but I sure wish that they didn't last 3 hours. It can be pretty exhausting after a long day. The good news is that I know Calum can last that long without me so it is a bit easier on Don and Desiree.
No other news this week - oh, Calum is getting another immunization on Thursday. He's getting really strong so hopefully Don can come along to hold him. I still hate to see him get them and it can be a real challenge just to change the little wiggly, squiggly guy. Calum and I wish everyone who has tickets for the lotto the best of luck, especially Don. As for the rest of you, we know where you live.
Have a good week. I'm off to get the little guy.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Monday, October 17, 2005
Calum makes new friends
I was so tired last night I forgot to post about our recent swim lesson. Calum now has a swim friend named Trevor. Trevor fancies himself a bit of a barracuda. Calum sees himself more as a starfish. They both like rubber duckies and aren't afraid to let people know about it.
Most of the parents at the swimming lessons don't interact as a group but last week Calum and I talked with Cara and her 10 month old son. Calum and Trevor were sharing a rubber duck and didn't seem too interested in our substitute teacher and the silly songs he was trying to remember. It was nice to hear about the experiences of another new mom and to share some sympathy. One thing we all agree on - the time it takes to get the kids ready for swimming and changed after swimming is a lot of work for the 30 minute lesson but it's worth it because the little guys love the water and the sleep well afterwards.
Due to the ongoing strike there has only been 1 other infant in daycare with Calum. His name is Haris and he is another 10 month old. Haris and Calum play around each other and seem to get along okay. Both would rather be carried around by the staff all day but what can you do?
Almost time to rescue the little guy (again - I went up around 11:30 for an emergency feeding session). Don's cellphone is toast and he's off to the mall to see about getting it fixed. If Calum is in a happy mood we may meet him there.
Most of the parents at the swimming lessons don't interact as a group but last week Calum and I talked with Cara and her 10 month old son. Calum and Trevor were sharing a rubber duck and didn't seem too interested in our substitute teacher and the silly songs he was trying to remember. It was nice to hear about the experiences of another new mom and to share some sympathy. One thing we all agree on - the time it takes to get the kids ready for swimming and changed after swimming is a lot of work for the 30 minute lesson but it's worth it because the little guys love the water and the sleep well afterwards.
Due to the ongoing strike there has only been 1 other infant in daycare with Calum. His name is Haris and he is another 10 month old. Haris and Calum play around each other and seem to get along okay. Both would rather be carried around by the staff all day but what can you do?
Almost time to rescue the little guy (again - I went up around 11:30 for an emergency feeding session). Don's cellphone is toast and he's off to the mall to see about getting it fixed. If Calum is in a happy mood we may meet him there.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Sunday into Monday
Calum has survived his daycare adventure rather well (the little stinker). I was called in early on Friday because he wouldn't take a bottle and he wasn't eating much.
He seems to be teething so is more clingy than usual. That really means that I have a little shadow named Calum. He goes everywhere (yes, everywhere) with me. This made for a rather long weekend. Don was away at Prince George and the girls have been busy with friends so Calum and I got to do rather a lot together. Funny how the house is still a mess and the laundry half finished. We did read books and discovered the joy of cereal and toast though. I hope he does well in daycare tomorrow. We could both use the break. He probably would like something a little more interesting than mom and I need to get caught up on some work (still). It's almost midnight so I'd best get off to bed - long week ahead. I expect Calum will be looking for me again soon too. It's a lucky thing that even when I'm dead tired he still looks cute.
Happy Monday all.
He seems to be teething so is more clingy than usual. That really means that I have a little shadow named Calum. He goes everywhere (yes, everywhere) with me. This made for a rather long weekend. Don was away at Prince George and the girls have been busy with friends so Calum and I got to do rather a lot together. Funny how the house is still a mess and the laundry half finished. We did read books and discovered the joy of cereal and toast though. I hope he does well in daycare tomorrow. We could both use the break. He probably would like something a little more interesting than mom and I need to get caught up on some work (still). It's almost midnight so I'd best get off to bed - long week ahead. I expect Calum will be looking for me again soon too. It's a lucky thing that even when I'm dead tired he still looks cute.
Happy Monday all.
Thursday, October 13, 2005
A nervous mom
Okay, it has now been 2 hours and 25 min since I left Calum at day care and I'm getting a little anxious. I got a call from them about 35 minutes ago to tell me that all was fine but I gotta tell you, I'm not getting a lot of work done today. I miss my little guy! He was home with me for the last few days (Grandma B. rescued us yesterday because I had to work and Calum is getting over a cold). It has been a pretty unsuccessful week work-wise but it has been nice to get in some play time with Calum. I guess we didn't stay far enough away from Jonathan because Calum did pick up that cold. Bonnie and mom told me that it will happen when a child gets introduced to day care because they are not used to all of the colds going around. The sad news is that once again Don and I have picked it up too.
Don is supposed to be going to Prince George this weekend but hasn't finalized plans yet. He has been busy with the UBCIC Annual General Assembly the last few days. I thought he wouldn't be home last night and went ahead and ordered dinner without him. Poor Don thought we would be going out for our anniversary - talk about mixed communication. We'll have to try to do something after he gets back from PG.
Now, seeing as the house is clean and I'm not getting a whole lot of work done here I'm going to be a bad mom and head up towards the day care. There is a small hair salon about 1 block down that I can go to and get a trim while I wait. Calum is supposed to be at the day care till 2pm but I want to be close in case he needs me earlier. Hmmm......2 hours early. Maybe I'll just join the teachers who are picketing right out front of the school (and attached day care) for a couple of hours. To be fair, I did know I would have the toughest time with this transition.
Heh, did you all notice that Calum is now 7 months old! Everyone told me before but now I really can appreciate it. Babies grow up too fast.
Don is supposed to be going to Prince George this weekend but hasn't finalized plans yet. He has been busy with the UBCIC Annual General Assembly the last few days. I thought he wouldn't be home last night and went ahead and ordered dinner without him. Poor Don thought we would be going out for our anniversary - talk about mixed communication. We'll have to try to do something after he gets back from PG.
Now, seeing as the house is clean and I'm not getting a whole lot of work done here I'm going to be a bad mom and head up towards the day care. There is a small hair salon about 1 block down that I can go to and get a trim while I wait. Calum is supposed to be at the day care till 2pm but I want to be close in case he needs me earlier. Hmmm......2 hours early. Maybe I'll just join the teachers who are picketing right out front of the school (and attached day care) for a couple of hours. To be fair, I did know I would have the toughest time with this transition.
Heh, did you all notice that Calum is now 7 months old! Everyone told me before but now I really can appreciate it. Babies grow up too fast.
Friday, October 07, 2005
A word on day care
Calum would give you more than a word if he could! We've gone to day care for two days now. The first day we went for 1 hour and yesterday we were there for 2.5 hours. So far, I haven't left him alone yet and I know it's going to be pretty stressful when I do. Calum is giving everyone the impression that he is a very happy, easygoing baby but I'm sure that will change. He's really interested in the other kids, likes the workers and the toys. He even ate their yams - something I'm sure he wouldn't do at home.
We haven't done much there yet. Mostly, he's played and watched the other children. We've made a few friends. Aiden and Paul seemed the most curious about Calum and both have tried to share their toys. Latoya is just scared of us, Harris seemed oblivious, Adam tried to steal Calum's mommy, Jonathan is sick so we tried to put the length of the room between us and Desmin likes to nap. Yesterday seemed to be a bit of a tough day for everyone. It was raining so they couldn't go outside, one was sick and another was getting sick. Everyone was tired, then hungry, then tired, then hungry....you get the idea. Calum was the only one not crying. They put a CD on to calm them down and guess what? It worked. Aiden and Latoya even danced for us.
Today we go again, this time for 4hrs. I will leave Calum for a bit alone too. That's going to be a real shocker for him. He's used to getting picked up when he wants for however long he wants and getting milk on demand. Wish us luck. It's been an exhausting process so far and I expect that it's going to just get more tiring. Calum and I have had our schedule so mixed up we have been taking baths at strange times and both seem ready for bed in the early afternoon. I keep telling myself that it will all get better and that Calum will adjust but it's so hard making this transition.
Got to go pack up the day care bag and get Calum up from his nap. The girls are off from school till the strike situation gets settled - let's hope that it ends soon or they will really be bored.
Happy thanksgiving weekend everyone! Don and I have our anniversary coming up on the 12th. My brother's birthday was on Oct 6 and my Dad's is on the 19th. Also Don and Rita's anniversary is on the 31st! A busy month indeed.
We haven't done much there yet. Mostly, he's played and watched the other children. We've made a few friends. Aiden and Paul seemed the most curious about Calum and both have tried to share their toys. Latoya is just scared of us, Harris seemed oblivious, Adam tried to steal Calum's mommy, Jonathan is sick so we tried to put the length of the room between us and Desmin likes to nap. Yesterday seemed to be a bit of a tough day for everyone. It was raining so they couldn't go outside, one was sick and another was getting sick. Everyone was tired, then hungry, then tired, then hungry....you get the idea. Calum was the only one not crying. They put a CD on to calm them down and guess what? It worked. Aiden and Latoya even danced for us.
Today we go again, this time for 4hrs. I will leave Calum for a bit alone too. That's going to be a real shocker for him. He's used to getting picked up when he wants for however long he wants and getting milk on demand. Wish us luck. It's been an exhausting process so far and I expect that it's going to just get more tiring. Calum and I have had our schedule so mixed up we have been taking baths at strange times and both seem ready for bed in the early afternoon. I keep telling myself that it will all get better and that Calum will adjust but it's so hard making this transition.
Got to go pack up the day care bag and get Calum up from his nap. The girls are off from school till the strike situation gets settled - let's hope that it ends soon or they will really be bored.
Happy thanksgiving weekend everyone! Don and I have our anniversary coming up on the 12th. My brother's birthday was on Oct 6 and my Dad's is on the 19th. Also Don and Rita's anniversary is on the 31st! A busy month indeed.
Monday, October 03, 2005
School days
Calum is going to be a school boy! Well, sort of. We just heard today that he has finally got a spot in the Burnaby South daycare. On Wednesday we go up to do the paper work, then on Thursday I will try leaving him there for a couple of hours and if that works, we will try to go for a couple more hours on Friday. I don't know if it will be harder on me or Calum. I've really gotten used to our afternoons together. It's also been really nice knowing that while I've been working downstairs, he's been getting a lot of TLC from Grandma Bain. It seems like it will be a good program though - formula, diapers and baby food are included so it sounds like a good deal too. When I'm working from home I'll be able to dash up the hill to rescue him and Desiree and Dakota both go to the school and can be with him in minutes if necessary. Calum the school boy.....our baby is growing up!
Funny though, he seems more like his dad every day. Last night he discovered (all by himself) that if he blew on his arm he could make interesting sounds. I'm just waiting for him to find out he can make the same noise with his armpits. He is curious about everything around him and I always need to watch what he has in his sights. Recently, he has decided that my measuring tape is the neatest thing. It's his newest toy and he will play with it for quite some time. Mind you, he is a baby and can easily be distracted. It's pretty funny to watch him play. If we put him in his exasaucer he usually winds up throwing all his toys in a little circle around him. Poor grandma has spent countless hours picking them up for him only to have him drop them again. He loves things with different textures and is really starting to use his hands to learn about things.
Dakota and I have started our ASL classes. The first one was a lot of fun. Dakota is pretty good. The instructor is deaf and we have all been warned not to talk in class. It's an interesting thing, as we all try to communicate without verbal communication. We played a game where you use gestures to communicate and it was pretty funny. Dakota was great but I caused our team to lose some points because I couldn't figure out a good way to say skeleton!
Calum has had another swimming lesson. He was supposed to try putting his head under water but the last time I tried to get him to blow bubbles in the bath he drank a lot of water so I nixed that idea. We settled for getting his head wet and taking an extra turn "jumping" into the pool. No lesson this week because of Thanksgiving but next time we may try.
Calum is sleeping but I expect he will notice I slipped out on him soon so I'd better sign off and get to a few of the other chores I've put off all day. Have a good week everyone.
Funny though, he seems more like his dad every day. Last night he discovered (all by himself) that if he blew on his arm he could make interesting sounds. I'm just waiting for him to find out he can make the same noise with his armpits. He is curious about everything around him and I always need to watch what he has in his sights. Recently, he has decided that my measuring tape is the neatest thing. It's his newest toy and he will play with it for quite some time. Mind you, he is a baby and can easily be distracted. It's pretty funny to watch him play. If we put him in his exasaucer he usually winds up throwing all his toys in a little circle around him. Poor grandma has spent countless hours picking them up for him only to have him drop them again. He loves things with different textures and is really starting to use his hands to learn about things.
Dakota and I have started our ASL classes. The first one was a lot of fun. Dakota is pretty good. The instructor is deaf and we have all been warned not to talk in class. It's an interesting thing, as we all try to communicate without verbal communication. We played a game where you use gestures to communicate and it was pretty funny. Dakota was great but I caused our team to lose some points because I couldn't figure out a good way to say skeleton!
Calum has had another swimming lesson. He was supposed to try putting his head under water but the last time I tried to get him to blow bubbles in the bath he drank a lot of water so I nixed that idea. We settled for getting his head wet and taking an extra turn "jumping" into the pool. No lesson this week because of Thanksgiving but next time we may try.
Calum is sleeping but I expect he will notice I slipped out on him soon so I'd better sign off and get to a few of the other chores I've put off all day. Have a good week everyone.
Sunday, October 02, 2005
Saturday, October 01, 2005
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