Today was a good day :) We had an early morning and Dave took Delanah to get brekkie...yay! I got to get mine later and it was SO nice to have 2 hands and no stroller to maneuver! Nap included all 3 of us, gotta love King beds! I was the last one to rise and wasn't up until 11:30! Ooops! We met Ian and Maria and after a stop to get gas and drinks/snacks, we were on our way! Once there we were getting everything we needed for lunch for Delanah and I couldn't find her high chair cover or place mat, both things I had asked, and trusted, Dave to get. Well, he forgot them. Was I upset? Yes, initially. This is why I get everything ready on my own! I am making a concerted effort to trust him with more things to gather when we are leaving, and I gave him a verbal list of everything he could gather and trusted that they would get done without double checking them. Well.....
He was just kicking himself, no point in me making him feel worse. We were having Italian too! I had grabbed her bib, thank goodness, so we had that and just had to make do. Delanah was such a neat eater today! Cleaner than I had ever seen after a meal! Thank you Old Spaghetti Factory for having a kids meal and delivering it with our salads so it had time to cool down! Maria had taken Delanah for some walks while we were letting her food cool; Dave tried to give Maria a break, but apparently Maria was having too much fun :)
After lunch we headed to Roots where I got to browse as Maria was amusing Delanah with making faces in a mirror and some stroller dancing. It is just so awesome to watch Maria and Ian with Delanah. Delanah is quite taken with them both, especially Maria, and I think she is going to be looking for her next week. Delanah was asleep in the Ergo before we knew it and we all enjoyed popping in and out of the tourist shops and taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. There was a small meltdown about 40min from the hotel...poor Delanah was overtired and roasting! We did some seat hopping and stripping (of Delanah, of course) and were soon on our way. She had some residual tizzy left in her but we were soon entertained by a giggling baby.
With all of the disasters that occurred this week, and as much as I am looking forward to heading home, it is going to be hard to leave Maria. She is such a fantastic lady and has been so wonderful with Delanah. She shared with me earlier this week that due to some differences with a son in law, she doesn't get to see those grandchildren. How someone could keep Maria from kids is beyond my comprehension. I wish they were closer, Delanah would love to have another set of Grandparents! Who knows when we'll get to see them again, it's hard to think that Delanah will be walking, talking, and maybe even a big sister by the time we are all in the same country again. I have been blessed to have spent this week with her and Delanah has been blessed as well. Goodbye Calgary, again, we will see you after the winter....oh, here come the sentimental feelings and tears...
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
What a crappy day
I am SO glad this day is over! This morning we were up at 7:30, nursed Delanah and then slept until 9am. Down to brekkie we go, even though all I wanted to do was sleep more, and man it was packed! So we grabbed some food and came back to the room. Oh, no bananas for Delanah either. Around 10:20 she started rubbing her eyes so I thought I would put her in her crib for a nap. I let her fuss for a bit then went and took my shower and tried to wake up. An hour after I put her down she really started wailing so I went in get her and there she was, sitting up, looking like a little jailbird facing her bars :) We played on the floor for a bit, she was really into cuddling and interacting with me. I went to feed her around 11am and we laid in bed and she crashed. I was getting myself ready and playing on the computer. I was hoping she would take a long nap, considering how late she went to bed the night before, and I was hungry (have I mentioned how tired I am of eating out?) so I looked at the "room service" menu for something to order for Delanah and I. Boston Pizza, across the parking lot, offers the "room service", at high prices and with fatty foods. I finally decided on something for her, went to order it and was told that the menu that the hotel left in our room was outdated and they didn't offer that item any more. Before I could order from their website, Delanah was up, only an hour after going down.
I got us ready quickly and decided we would get our errands done. Heck, although there was nothing there the other day, I figured something in the food court would do for us for lunch. On the way out I stopped at the front desk and requested that they service the room. The mall was packed, of course, but we found a spot near Sears and meandered our way to the doors. Then the handicapped door (the outer of the two doors) was not working so I had to wrestle a stroller and a heavy door. We headed to the children's play area and I let Delanah spend some time standing near the wire/bead table and interact with the kids. There was a mom there who complimented Delanah's standing. How lovely Canadians are! I think Delanah was doing a pretty good job as well, but it's always nice when other people notice. After a bit she was tiring and the kids were leaving so we took off to wander a bit. We came back to the play area as the elevator is there and I had decided to get a fruit smoothie and then let her play again...guess what was broken...the elevator! Sigh....I let Delanah play a bit more then we left...on to Superstore!
The "family's with young children" spots were taken over with carts, so we parked a bit further out. I sent a text to Dave letting him know we weren't going to be up for the BBQ tonight. I was hungry (brekkie at 9am, it was now 3pm and no lunch in sight) and tired. We went to get more gDiapers...guess what they didn't have? None of the wipes I wanted either. Awesome. They did have my bran muffins though! I got some of my favorite cookies from the bin, some muffins and a cheese roll and as a special treat, a Canadian Reader's Digest :)
I get back to the hotel and in the elevator there is yet another of the ominous notes...the water was to be turned off from 3:30-7pm...it was 3:40...great. I walk to the room, excited that we were going to have a vacuumed floor and new towels and.....they didn't service the room! I called to the desk immediately and they were as useless as always. This was the end for me. Delanah was fussy, again, I was tired, hungry and sick and tired of them turning off the water! I tried the calling card and couldn't make it work so I called Dave on my cell phone and I was just crying. I am so sick of this hotel! I want to go home! I asked him to bring water so we could at least wash up.
Delanah and I laid down in bed and she fell asleep after nursing and I dozed on and off. Dave came back, having tried to talk to the manager (again, useless) and brought water :) I went down and asked for towels, letting them know I had now been waiting 4 hours for them and said they could still come up and service the room. I decided that I could go to the BBQ and lo and behold, the water came on! When we got back a little after 8pm there was still nothing done in our room....SO not happy! This was just not a fun day! Dave and Delanah are both sleeping right now and I am almost done decompressing and will soon be joining them. Calgary was really fun last time, this time? Yeah, not going to be racing back here anytime soon and most definitely NOT to this hotel!
I got us ready quickly and decided we would get our errands done. Heck, although there was nothing there the other day, I figured something in the food court would do for us for lunch. On the way out I stopped at the front desk and requested that they service the room. The mall was packed, of course, but we found a spot near Sears and meandered our way to the doors. Then the handicapped door (the outer of the two doors) was not working so I had to wrestle a stroller and a heavy door. We headed to the children's play area and I let Delanah spend some time standing near the wire/bead table and interact with the kids. There was a mom there who complimented Delanah's standing. How lovely Canadians are! I think Delanah was doing a pretty good job as well, but it's always nice when other people notice. After a bit she was tiring and the kids were leaving so we took off to wander a bit. We came back to the play area as the elevator is there and I had decided to get a fruit smoothie and then let her play again...guess what was broken...the elevator! Sigh....I let Delanah play a bit more then we left...on to Superstore!
The "family's with young children" spots were taken over with carts, so we parked a bit further out. I sent a text to Dave letting him know we weren't going to be up for the BBQ tonight. I was hungry (brekkie at 9am, it was now 3pm and no lunch in sight) and tired. We went to get more gDiapers...guess what they didn't have? None of the wipes I wanted either. Awesome. They did have my bran muffins though! I got some of my favorite cookies from the bin, some muffins and a cheese roll and as a special treat, a Canadian Reader's Digest :)
I get back to the hotel and in the elevator there is yet another of the ominous notes...the water was to be turned off from 3:30-7pm...it was 3:40...great. I walk to the room, excited that we were going to have a vacuumed floor and new towels and.....they didn't service the room! I called to the desk immediately and they were as useless as always. This was the end for me. Delanah was fussy, again, I was tired, hungry and sick and tired of them turning off the water! I tried the calling card and couldn't make it work so I called Dave on my cell phone and I was just crying. I am so sick of this hotel! I want to go home! I asked him to bring water so we could at least wash up.
Delanah and I laid down in bed and she fell asleep after nursing and I dozed on and off. Dave came back, having tried to talk to the manager (again, useless) and brought water :) I went down and asked for towels, letting them know I had now been waiting 4 hours for them and said they could still come up and service the room. I decided that I could go to the BBQ and lo and behold, the water came on! When we got back a little after 8pm there was still nothing done in our room....SO not happy! This was just not a fun day! Dave and Delanah are both sleeping right now and I am almost done decompressing and will soon be joining them. Calgary was really fun last time, this time? Yeah, not going to be racing back here anytime soon and most definitely NOT to this hotel!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Acceptance
Why do I have so much trouble accepting compliments? I have had a great time hanging out with Maria this week. What a fantastic lady! She adores Delanah, and I believe the sentiment is mutual, and we have had some great days together. She often makes comments on what a great disposition Delanah has, and I typically follow up with a comment of my own to the fact that Dave and I got lucky, and her reply is that it has something to do with how she is being raised. What an awesome compliment, but I have such a hard time accepting this praise. I don't know why.
Another issue I am having...correcting people when they pronounce, or spell, Delanah's name incorrectly. If it's a stranger, no issues, but with people I know and like, why do I have a problem? Tonight we were at Bruce and Nancy's for dinner and Nancy kept saying "de-lay-nuh". It was just too awkward to correct her...this after she went out and bought a booster seat especially for Delanah to enjoy her meal in! How fantastic is she?! I need to grow some and just start being the advocate for Delanah that I need to be. I'm learning!!!!
Another issue I am having...correcting people when they pronounce, or spell, Delanah's name incorrectly. If it's a stranger, no issues, but with people I know and like, why do I have a problem? Tonight we were at Bruce and Nancy's for dinner and Nancy kept saying "de-lay-nuh". It was just too awkward to correct her...this after she went out and bought a booster seat especially for Delanah to enjoy her meal in! How fantastic is she?! I need to grow some and just start being the advocate for Delanah that I need to be. I'm learning!!!!
My big girl
So many changes this week! My little girl figure out Tuesday that she could push herself into a sitting position from her stomach! She demonstrated this new skill to Maria (and myself) while we were at an indoor play area today. She knows how to get her legs under her, and this afternoon when we were hanging out in our room, she was in the crawl position! I thought she might make a go of it, but nah, back to the tried and true roll :) It was nice at the play area today...no judgement from the other moms, one mom saw her rolling, smiled at her, smiled at me and said "why crawl when you can roll?" I know I shouldn't look to others for validation that everything is cool, but it's still nice to get it :) Maybe Canadians are just nicer :)
We are progressing well with standing! Tuesday we went to the play area in Southcentre and played at the wire/bead table. Delanah has been liking standing for awhile now, holding lightly on to my hands and only after I get her into the position, but I think she likes falling down and my saying "boom" the most :) So I would get her into a standing position and leave her at the table and she would stay there for a few to several minutes and she would be playing with the beads! Her legs are strong, she's got everything there for the next step...well, everything but the desire really to walk :) Maria thinks I give in to her too often and I should just let her go and try things on her own. I agree. I am becoming a helicopter mom! I hover!!!! Sigh....
Tonight Delanah fell asleep on her stomach with her bum in the air. Can she be any cuter?
I think my poor angel is battling some teething issues as well. Yesterday she woke up in the most foul mood! We were on our own yesterday and I decided, since it was a beautiful day, that we were going to hit Superstore to get more water for us and muffins for Dave and his crew and then hit a park in the afternoon. She was okay in the store, but man was she fussy in the car and hotel! We were sitting on the floor looking through her toys when she bent over and bit my knee! Then she looked at me with her big eyes like "get it now, mom?" Her poor mouth hurt! After some Motrin she was down for a morning nap and woke a little happier. The first park we went to was an adventure. There were 2 infant swings, both in use, so I sat her on the grass to play with some toys. I was finishing putting sun block on her when a bee landed on her shoe! Soon after a swing opened up and in she went. She was all smiles and giggles and having fun when I noticed the bee trying to get to her again! I brushed it away, but it kept coming back! I pulled her out of the swing and stepped away, thought the coast was clear and she went back in. The little bugger came back! That was it for me! I was not going to find out in another country whether or not my daughter was allergic! We drove a bit more and I found a smaller park with one infant swing, and a view of the trains, and she stayed in there for almost an hour! Typically if I clap my hands and hold my arms out to her when she's in a swing she'll reach out for me too. Not this time! The stinker tucked her arms into her sides! She was not ready to go! Eventually I convinced her it was time to go (after she had a few water breaks in the swing) and back for afternoon nap. We went back in the evening as it was still warm and she had another 30min round in the swing. She just loves it so much :)
I just love spending time with Delanah. She is an awesome kid and I feel so incredibly blessed to be her mom. Even when she is fussy :) The fact that she wants my cuddles, lights up when she sees me and graces me with her smiles and giggles just makes my day so complete.
We are progressing well with standing! Tuesday we went to the play area in Southcentre and played at the wire/bead table. Delanah has been liking standing for awhile now, holding lightly on to my hands and only after I get her into the position, but I think she likes falling down and my saying "boom" the most :) So I would get her into a standing position and leave her at the table and she would stay there for a few to several minutes and she would be playing with the beads! Her legs are strong, she's got everything there for the next step...well, everything but the desire really to walk :) Maria thinks I give in to her too often and I should just let her go and try things on her own. I agree. I am becoming a helicopter mom! I hover!!!! Sigh....
Tonight Delanah fell asleep on her stomach with her bum in the air. Can she be any cuter?
I think my poor angel is battling some teething issues as well. Yesterday she woke up in the most foul mood! We were on our own yesterday and I decided, since it was a beautiful day, that we were going to hit Superstore to get more water for us and muffins for Dave and his crew and then hit a park in the afternoon. She was okay in the store, but man was she fussy in the car and hotel! We were sitting on the floor looking through her toys when she bent over and bit my knee! Then she looked at me with her big eyes like "get it now, mom?" Her poor mouth hurt! After some Motrin she was down for a morning nap and woke a little happier. The first park we went to was an adventure. There were 2 infant swings, both in use, so I sat her on the grass to play with some toys. I was finishing putting sun block on her when a bee landed on her shoe! Soon after a swing opened up and in she went. She was all smiles and giggles and having fun when I noticed the bee trying to get to her again! I brushed it away, but it kept coming back! I pulled her out of the swing and stepped away, thought the coast was clear and she went back in. The little bugger came back! That was it for me! I was not going to find out in another country whether or not my daughter was allergic! We drove a bit more and I found a smaller park with one infant swing, and a view of the trains, and she stayed in there for almost an hour! Typically if I clap my hands and hold my arms out to her when she's in a swing she'll reach out for me too. Not this time! The stinker tucked her arms into her sides! She was not ready to go! Eventually I convinced her it was time to go (after she had a few water breaks in the swing) and back for afternoon nap. We went back in the evening as it was still warm and she had another 30min round in the swing. She just loves it so much :)
I just love spending time with Delanah. She is an awesome kid and I feel so incredibly blessed to be her mom. Even when she is fussy :) The fact that she wants my cuddles, lights up when she sees me and graces me with her smiles and giggles just makes my day so complete.
Friday, September 11, 2009
My cuddler
So for the past few days Delanah has become a big cuddler. I love it! She'll just lean into me for a snuggle and then be on her way again. We were in a store yesterday and she was in her favorite spot, the seat in the cart, and she kept reaching up her arms to me for hugs. I'd give a good cuddle and then she was back to people watching. What an awesome kid! I feel so blessed to have her in my life :)
Okay, so I am confused on the whole "first word" thing....you see, she will say "mum-mum-mum-mum"...but may not be specifically asking for me. Yesterday as she was leaning in for a hug once she said "mum-mum-mum-mum", but does that count? We know "ba" is for Bailey and sometimes we'll get a "da" around Dave, but nothing distinct...not that I am worried, she has her own way of communicating and I am still working on signing with her, but the poor kid is going to have dates with question marks behind them in her baby book as I am not going to be sure when exactly things happened!
Yesterday Dave met us at the JBF sale and Delanah was so happy! I just love the grin on her face and the way her whole body radiates excitement when she sees her Daddy. There is no doubt that she loves him :) We got some great things, some B-day items, Christmas items, winter coat/pants/booties/gloves, Halloween costume, Christmas outfit...so much fun! It's recycling in my own way :) Delanah and I volunteered Wed so we could hit the presale last night, and I am glad we did! There was a ton of stuff there, but man, some women (very few men there) had just heaps and heaps of clothing! I am always surprised that there is anything left the first day or even the half price sale on Sunday. It was kind of fun when we were in line...there was a woman behind us who wasn't even showing yet :) I remember those days! So excited to get out and get the first baby items! Now I am trying to keep ahead of the growth spurts! Just a little over 10 months old and she is quickly moving out of 12 month clothes! I got about 11 pairs of pajamas in 18 month size (only $2 each!) and I think Dave was having a really hard time...trying to picture his little girl getting bigger :) Can hardly wait until the spring JBF sale...who knows how big she will be then!
Okay, so I am confused on the whole "first word" thing....you see, she will say "mum-mum-mum-mum"...but may not be specifically asking for me. Yesterday as she was leaning in for a hug once she said "mum-mum-mum-mum", but does that count? We know "ba" is for Bailey and sometimes we'll get a "da" around Dave, but nothing distinct...not that I am worried, she has her own way of communicating and I am still working on signing with her, but the poor kid is going to have dates with question marks behind them in her baby book as I am not going to be sure when exactly things happened!
Yesterday Dave met us at the JBF sale and Delanah was so happy! I just love the grin on her face and the way her whole body radiates excitement when she sees her Daddy. There is no doubt that she loves him :) We got some great things, some B-day items, Christmas items, winter coat/pants/booties/gloves, Halloween costume, Christmas outfit...so much fun! It's recycling in my own way :) Delanah and I volunteered Wed so we could hit the presale last night, and I am glad we did! There was a ton of stuff there, but man, some women (very few men there) had just heaps and heaps of clothing! I am always surprised that there is anything left the first day or even the half price sale on Sunday. It was kind of fun when we were in line...there was a woman behind us who wasn't even showing yet :) I remember those days! So excited to get out and get the first baby items! Now I am trying to keep ahead of the growth spurts! Just a little over 10 months old and she is quickly moving out of 12 month clothes! I got about 11 pairs of pajamas in 18 month size (only $2 each!) and I think Dave was having a really hard time...trying to picture his little girl getting bigger :) Can hardly wait until the spring JBF sale...who knows how big she will be then!
Monday, September 7, 2009
I hate Mondays...
So this morning started just wrong. Dave got up at 5am to do some work, turned on some bright lights and left the door open...guess who was then awake. Ugh! Just close the door!! I was supposed to head down south today to spend the day with the G-parents and was SO looking forward to it. Here I was, exhausted and grumpy and seriously needing a little break. I couldn't find my phone, the car was started and cooling, the bird was being obnoxious (or maybe I was just that grumpy) when I finally find my phone, and get the message that G-ma is sick and we can't go down....now what?! Well, put Delanah down for a nap to start. Here I was, excited to not have my daily chores staring me in the face today...suck!!!!
I tried to nap while she was down without any luck and then decided to run some errands. We got a new car seat last week and the jury is out on whether or not I really like it. Seems to be a struggle to loosen the straps and is just a pain in the keester sometimes. Anyhoos, finally get some caffeine in me, come home, Delanah falls asleep about 5 minutes before we get home...power nap!!!! Which means it's going to be a struggle for afternoon naps...sigh....
We get up and leave for the dog park with Bay a little after 5. Do I want to go? No. But Bay needs some exercise and so do I. Dave has business partners in town all week, was going to be late tonight, is out for dinner tomorrow night, gone overnight Wed....Oye! I was just irritated that this was going to be another week where I feel like I am doing it all alone. I think I just need some sleep.
I tried to nap while she was down without any luck and then decided to run some errands. We got a new car seat last week and the jury is out on whether or not I really like it. Seems to be a struggle to loosen the straps and is just a pain in the keester sometimes. Anyhoos, finally get some caffeine in me, come home, Delanah falls asleep about 5 minutes before we get home...power nap!!!! Which means it's going to be a struggle for afternoon naps...sigh....
We get up and leave for the dog park with Bay a little after 5. Do I want to go? No. But Bay needs some exercise and so do I. Dave has business partners in town all week, was going to be late tonight, is out for dinner tomorrow night, gone overnight Wed....Oye! I was just irritated that this was going to be another week where I feel like I am doing it all alone. I think I just need some sleep.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The master
On Tuesday of this week I gave Delanah a Snack Trap for the first time. Using this takes fine motor movement, gross motor movement and a lot of spatial skills...not only did she figure out how to use it in less than 5 minutes...she mastered it! Yes, she figured out how to dump all of the treats out! Awesome!
Tuesday was a fun day. We went to a u-pick farm with another mom and baby and had a lot of fun picking strawberries and raspberries and then eating them, still warm from the sun...YUM! I got us some peaches, a melon, and some green and purple beans too. Delanah got to eat an entire peach, whole, by herself! Man, this kid can chow! She was on a bit of a sugar high afterwards....man, I think we saw a preview of what life is going to be like when she's older and has cookies :)
Tuesday night we installed her new "big girl" car seat! Man, it's a sweet ride! This morning I went and had it inspected and they said we did a great job...yeah us! Only a few body slams on the seat, one unfortunate head knock and a lot of muscle and we got it in :) I got some questions about the seat answered as well and I am quite happy with our purchase. She's already fallen asleep in it a few times, so I'm thinking she likes it :)
Wednesday we had to take the Murano in for some service and we took a little walk and found a little outdoor play area in a mall. The kids playing there were from 3 1/2 to 5 1/2, and man oh man did Delanah want to be with them! The kids were all so good with her! She was giggling and reaching out to them and watching them. She had such a good time :) That night we met Abbey and Paul for some Italian food and our little compactor ate her entire kids meal! She's doing awesome drinking through her straw too! Not sure if this is early for kids or not, but she's been drinking from a straw since a little before 9 months old. Yeah...she's awesome :)
Tuesday was a fun day. We went to a u-pick farm with another mom and baby and had a lot of fun picking strawberries and raspberries and then eating them, still warm from the sun...YUM! I got us some peaches, a melon, and some green and purple beans too. Delanah got to eat an entire peach, whole, by herself! Man, this kid can chow! She was on a bit of a sugar high afterwards....man, I think we saw a preview of what life is going to be like when she's older and has cookies :)
Tuesday night we installed her new "big girl" car seat! Man, it's a sweet ride! This morning I went and had it inspected and they said we did a great job...yeah us! Only a few body slams on the seat, one unfortunate head knock and a lot of muscle and we got it in :) I got some questions about the seat answered as well and I am quite happy with our purchase. She's already fallen asleep in it a few times, so I'm thinking she likes it :)
Wednesday we had to take the Murano in for some service and we took a little walk and found a little outdoor play area in a mall. The kids playing there were from 3 1/2 to 5 1/2, and man oh man did Delanah want to be with them! The kids were all so good with her! She was giggling and reaching out to them and watching them. She had such a good time :) That night we met Abbey and Paul for some Italian food and our little compactor ate her entire kids meal! She's doing awesome drinking through her straw too! Not sure if this is early for kids or not, but she's been drinking from a straw since a little before 9 months old. Yeah...she's awesome :)
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