Of Firsts and Lasts

It's been quite an exciting time since I updated last! First, and most importantly, Beaner has finally shaken her respiratory infection. Huzzah! No more cough, no more inhaler, no more worrying and sleepless nights for me! I am so overly thrilled, mere words can't convey what I feel. I'm hoping we get at least a month before the next illness hits, but really I'd settle for a week or two.

Beaner went tobogganing yesterday with her Grandpa and some other family members. It was her first time and I'm told that she loved it! She's not a fan of snow on bare skin, or of the inevitable crash that happens when kids go sledding, but many "wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"s were had. I am sad that I wasn't able to be there for pictures (Saturdays are NO MOMS ALLOWED!!), but I'm thrilled she had so much fun. I can't wait to take her myself.

Another first happened yesterday when she got home from sledding; we had taken the side off her crib and converted it into her temporary Big Girl Bed. For ages now she's been able to nap on the couch at my Dad's without falling off, and she's slept on a twin bed without getting up, so we (ok, I) decided it was time to make the transition at home. I am happy to report that she did great, and didn't get out once. She's currently napping right now with no escape attempts.

It's going to be funny as hell once she realizes there's nothing stopping her from getting up in the morning and helping herself to the contents of the fridge.

Almost all traces of my baby are gone. Instead, I have a Big Girl emerging in all kinds of ways. I couldn't be prouder, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss my sweet smelling baby, with her big blue eyes and her enthusiastic grin. Not that I'd trade hazel eyed, mischievous grinning Beaner for the world.

And Then There Was Thunderdome

At some point between the coughing and the fever subsiding, thieves made off with my sweet, easygoing Beaner. Now, I'm left with a short fused, contrary fiend who has an epic meltdown at even the slightest perception of not getting her own way. Of course, with a meltdown comes flailing, and with flailing comes smacking the head on whatever object tends to be in the way. Namely, the floor.

This coincides with us weaning her off television. Not only was I tired of watching Dora and Wiggles for hours on end, but it was getting far too easy to turn the tv on and let her watch while I got some work done, or cleaned the house, or just tried to catch a breather. While her mood might not be caused by the lack of her favorite shows, it sure isn't endearing us to the little drama queen.

It's a rough go of it as she screams for Dora, but it's worth it to break the habit now, instead of battling her on it later. Good thing I have lots of craft ideas and art supplies! I may not be Dora, but there's lots of awesome things in my backpack.

Childhood: The Neverending Illness

My apologies for the lack of updates! I hope all is well with you folks, as we transition from fall to winter. To my American readers, Happy Thanksgiving!

The reason for my absence is little bean has been quite sick. In August she caught a cold, which turned into bronchitis. We were then hit with 4 colds back to back. It culminated this past weekend with a breathing episode that required an ambulance ride to the Children's Hospital. Top that off with a high fever to start this week and what we have now is the tired, semi-incoherent Mom you see before you.

Beaner is doing better, fever is down, cough seems to be getting better. We'll know more next week when we see our doctor. Here's hoping she doesn't catch anything else before then! Not that I expect her to, since we're stuck in hibernation mode. Mother Nature decided that it was time for Alberta to experience some winter. It's been snowing for 3 days, blowing winds, and is just downright cold. I was looking forward to beaner's first real "play-in-the-snow-day" but with it being so cold, and her being sick, it will have to wait a little while longer.

It seems kids are sick constantly. It makes me wonder how any of us made it out of our childhoods in one piece!. If nothing else, it's given her and I an opportunity to be creative inside, and get into the feel of holiday crafts. I'll post some craft ideas later today that we've tested out with varying degrees of success.

'Tis The Season

As a child, my little brother and I would look forward to the annual Santa Claus Parade. It didn't matter how cold it was, we'd be out there on the route freezing our little behinds off. Mom sure was a good sport about the whole thing, given how much she dislikes the cold. I have many fond memories of warm hot chocolate and candy canes at the end of the parade while we excitedly discussed our favorite parts, and whether or not Santa wore a good jacket while making his deliveries on Christmas Eve.

For the last 3 years we have not had a parade due to construction of the new Encana building downtown. I was disappointed last year, but understood the reasons behind it. This year, however, I am not so forgiving. Why is it that the Stampede Parade can go through, with no restrictions, but the Santa Claus Parade can't? They both follow the same route! If we had more oil & gas sponsors, would that make a difference? I'm betting it would.

Bean is at the age where we're teaching her about Christmas and all it's traditions and it really bothers me that we're going to have to watch the Toronto parade on TV, instead of being at one live. It's a tradition I want to start with her and I'm frustrated that I can't right now.

Now that I've had my say about it, I can move on to traditions that I can control, like stringing popcorn, baking holiday treats, and making reindeer out of candy canes.

What traditions are you going to be passing on to your children?

A Flat Forehead Moment

There are some days when the light bulb burns brightly above my head. There are some days when the light bulb is not only dark, I can't remember where I put the damn thing. Today, thankfully, started off with a shining bulb, courtesy of the little bean.

I work from home, as I have for the past 6 years, maintaining client accounts for an oil & gas company. My schedule is completely set by me, aside from having to answer the phone when calls come in, or responding to a client's email. The gift of not putting our bean in daycare or preschool is something I am thankful for every day.

Working from home can present unique roadblocks, however. Trying to remain professional and deal with a client call can be difficult when your child is screeching at the top of her lungs and pulling your shirt off in an effort to get in your lap to slam on your keyboard or take the phone out of your hand so she can call Daddy (let me tell you, that is only cute once, tops).

Today bean decided to teach me how to get work done and keep her happy. Imagine my surprise when she pushed her chair up beside mine, plopped her favorite bear in it, and proceeded to feed him cheerios. She then went one step further and climbed in and starting having a pretend breakfast with him while I dealt with a particularly weird IT issue with my company's website.

My moment of luminary brilliance came when I put her v-tech laptop in front of her and told her she can work beside me while I work. We've been sitting side by side happily for the last hour, working on our respective projects in peace. Me with clients, her with the balloon blast game.

She's just packed her laptop up and informed me that she has to go to work now. Have a good day honey!

Blog Promo

Just stumbled upon Erica, over at Mommy's Alright, via Reddit., (which is my absolute favorite way to waste time). Check out Erica's fun take on parenting, plus, she clearly loves Yo Gabba Gabba as much as I do.

My other favorite way to waste time is to read Allie Brosch, over at Hyperbole And A Half. I spend much of my "free" time yelling PARP! PARP! because of Allie.

When you're mindlessly surfing the 'net, where do you usually end up?