Christmas is Here!

Christmas is actually here. I've had my tree up since the middle of November because Chris' parents were here and we were going to celebrate Christmas with them (we didn't end up opening presents due to some stubborn men *not mentioning any names though...*) but since the house has been decorated forever, it feels like it's been Christmas for a long time already.

But yesterday my Uncle Dave, Aunt Janelle and cousins arrived from Calgary and NOW it feels like Christmas. At my grandpa's house, the big long table is set up with the green and red table cloths, the tree is decorated, the table is covered with chocolates and homemade goodies, and I spent this afternoon cookie cutting with my little cousin Katie (5). She really loved it and it made me remember how much I loved doing that when I was little. I hope it's a fond memory of hers as she gets older. It was also SO great to see Ethan with my family. Dawson and Katie (5 and 7) LOVE him and spent a lot of time entertaining him. It was so cute and they all had so much fun. It made me excited to have more kids.

I was there from 4:00 until 7:00 and the majority of the time, Ethan was sitting on someone's lap being entertained. It's amazing how much pride you can feel for a baby who doesn't even have any great accomplishments. I'm just so proud of who he is. I love it that he loves smiling and interacting with everyone and that he makes everyone around him so happy.

Well, our lives are about to get crazy, but hopefully I'll have some time to post some pictures from Christmas. If I don't get to say it on the day, I hope you have a great Christmas, filled with true joy and lots of love. I also hope you'll remember the amazing gift that God gave us and feel humbled by His love.

*** MERRY CHRISTMAS ***

Look At Me, Look At Me!

So, the older Ethan gets, the more entertaining he gets! He has always been VERY smiley and loves people. Well, Ethan now has realized that he loves being the centre of attention and has learned how to be it. The other day I was in line at the photo centre in Wal-Mart and Ethan was sitting in the cart. I'm just standing there minding my own business when I hear laughing behind me. I turn around to see that Ethan is rocking back and forth, shaking the cart, and grinning with his little nose scrunched, just lapping up all the attention he's drawing. Well every woman there was just tickled pink and couldn't stop talking about how cute he was, how good he was, how funny he was, etc, etc... Seriously, Ethan was IN HIS GLORY!!! Whenever it would get quiet again and the excitement would die down, he'd YELL; AAAHHHH, then wait for the head turns, and do his whole act again! It was so funny and I must admit I felt quite thrilled and proud myself.

Yesterday I was in line at Superstore and he was just staring at this guy who had his back turned. Well what do you know, Ethan yells, the man looks, and Ethan grins, scrunches his nose, and turns on the charm. The guy was fairly young and didn't seem like the friendly type. Well what do you know, he can't help but smile and as I'm looking around, I see out of the corner of my eye that he continues looking and smiling at Ethan.

I'm so glad that my baby can bring people joy. There was this miserable woman in the Wal-Mart, but she was so happy when Ethan was smiling at her. I don't know what's going on in people's lives, if they're going through difficult times, if they have no hope. Maybe they don't have a reason to smile, genuinely smile these days, but there's something about looking in the face of an innocent baby that makes you forget all your worries, even if it's just for a short time. I'm so thankful that I get to look in those sparkling eyes on a daily basis and be reminded of the simple pleasures in life. Thank you Lord for my precious baby who brings me so much joy.

Toilet Paper!!

It all begins with an excited grin when he sees the bathroom
Aha! He spots the TP
He's making his way to it
Finally! Now he can unroll it!
Look how happy he is (can you tell he just woke up?)

Ethan has always had somewhat of a bathroom fetish. Since it looked so appealing, it was the first room he crawled to, all the way from the living room and he hasn't stopped ever since! He started by loving to fling the spring behind the door, to pulling up to standing on the tub, to opening and closing the cupboard doors, and now to getting wedged between the toilet and wall, unrolling the toilet paper and EATING it!!
I'll often try to distract him in the living room with a musical toy, then quickly sneak into the bathroom to wash my face and brush my teeth. Well Ethan apparantly has some kind of built in bathroom sonar, and no sooner have I turned on the water, that Ethan is right there with his excited face (scrunched up nose and heavy breathing), with only one thing in mind; "MUST GET TOILET PAPER!" It doesn't matter how much I try to distract him, he is clearly a male and has a one track mind once he has something on it.
As you're reading, I'm sure you're thinking to yourself "why don't you just take the toilet paper off the roll." Good idea, after scooping wads of TP off the roof of his mouth, that's exactly what I did. (j/k, I do actually keep an eye on him and he's never actually "eaten" it, he just tries)

A Whole New World

I had to post this because Ethan just learned how to open cupboard doors and he was so excited, he just didn't know which one to choose.

Phhhttt!!

I'm such a sweetheart!

But I'm not eating that!

Ethan has always LOVED eating! My girlfriends say to me "Ethan's such a good eater." And it's true. The books say that when your baby has had enough food, they'll close their mouth and turn their head away.....not Ethan. I have had to portion his food his entire life because he'll just keep eating! Until recently. I'm not sure when it happened, but somewhere along the line, Ethan started spitting....yes spitting, when he's had enough of something or doesn't like it at all. So I have started saying "no" very sternly and puting my finger over his mouth, but he just gives me a BIG grin. How can I not laugh?? I try so hard, but he stares at me very intently and he knows that I think it's funny! That is until I look at my shirt, my hair, my face, the tray and the floor...

He gets into EVERYTHING!

I want those lights!
They are so pretty
I don't have your cell phone, mommy!

Part of being a mom and having other moms as friends is comparing the stages our babies are at. One baby crawls at 5 1/2 months, another one still isn't at 10 months. The mom whose baby is a stationary little log is starting to think "my baby really SHOULD be crawling by now..." Well I've always been one to say "hey, the later they crawl, the better" and it's true. However, when Ethan starting army crawling at 6 months, I was thrilled.

That was then, this is now... in the last month, Ethan no longer army crawls; he has become a very proficient crawler! He has also become very good at pulling up to standing and walking along furniture, and lately I've been wondering why it takes me SO long to do menial tasks. For instance, it has taken me a week to put up all my Christmas decorations. Why? Then today I realized why; because I have a mobile baby who actually demands a lot of attention in a day.

Gone are the days of plopping him on a blanket on the floor or in an exersaucer (aka, the circle of neglect). I am constantly following him around, making sure he doesn't pull down some vase, topple the Christmas tree, eat dirty underwear, or eat the toilet brush....we've had some close calls with that one! Also, his latest is that he loves looking in the toilet. Who knew I'd have to remember to "put the lid down."

I'm so glad my little baby is growing and developing at a healthy rate; what a blessing that he doesn't have any health or developmental issues, but I'm realizing that until he can understand and obey "no," there's not a lot of housework going to get done.

Ethan Loves His Daddy

Oopsie, fell down!

It's been so neat to watch the relationship between Chris and Ethan grow. When Ethan was just born, Chris felt like he didn't know what to do with him or how to care for him, but now that Ethan's getting older and more interactive, Chris is much more confident in his role. We were talking about it the other day and he said there's just something special about your own child reaching for you and being so excited to see you. It makes Chris feel special and makes it that much more rewarding to spend time with him.

Ethan and I will be playing in the living room when Chris comes home from work. I say hi to him and him to me. Well, the instant Ethan hears his voice, he gets a huge grin and tries to look for Chris (but Chris is in our back landing). The minute he finally sees him, he squeals with delight and can't get to him fast enough. Even in the morning when we say good-bye to Chris, Ethan is in my arms reaching for him. It's so special and I love watching their relationship grow.

Just Go to Sleep!

I just don't get why it's so hard for babies to lie there with their eyes closed until they fall asleep! Today Ethan was awake in his crib, totally tired, for over 2 hours! He wasn't crying, just fussing off and on. Finally I just took him out and let him play, then tried again half an hour later and he fell asleep. He ended up being awake for 5 hours total!! And now he's SO tired, but has been fussing in his bed for 45 minutes. JUST GO TO SLEEP!! I know I shouldn't care and I should get on with my daily tasks, but it just bothers me. It's like I can't focus on anything until he's asleep. When he was about 3 months old, I could just lay him down and he'd stare until he drifted sweetly into deep sleep. Now I have to go in, lay him down, and put the soother in a number of times until he's SO tired that he just can't stay awake anymore.

I guess it's not like this all the time, just when he's overtired. I also think he's teething - he's almost nine months, I hope he gets teeth! Well, as I'm writing, his fussing is dying down to soft whimpers. Ahh...I can go lay down on the couch and read by the Christmas tree with my Sarah McLaughlin Christmas CD playing softly in the background...that's pretty much as close to heaven as I can get right now....well actually if I was in a big soaker jacuzzi tub instead of on the couch and had a glowing fire...maybe one day when I have a big enough bathroom to fit my Christmas tree in. :o)

Grandma and Grandpa Come to Visit

Chris' parents just left after being here for the weekend. We had a great time, filled with lots of playing and shopping. One of the highlights for all of us was when we went to Mongo's Grill for supper. Ethan had been awake for about 4 hours by the time we got there (he usually can do max. 3 hours at a time), and was running on his tenth wind. Well, he was SO hyper!! Chris, his dad, and I were standing in line for our food, when we heard this loud screaming. It took a few minutes before it registered who it was; Ethan!! He was having the time of his life, sitting in the highchair, grinning from ear to ear, just shrieking. I think he's learned that people laugh when he does it and it eggs him on. He's going to be quite the entertainer, we can already see it.

Chris' parents have always loved Ethan and had fun with him, but it seems like each visit gets more and more fun as Ethan is getting to be way more enteratining and fun, himself. He loved all the attention and they loved all the interaction. We also decided to take some Christmas pictures, so I've posted them for you to see. (we're thinking we'll redo our family ones because we didn't get any really good ones)

I'm sad that Ethan doesn't get to see his grandma and grandpa more often, but we at least get to go there in just over a month at the end of December. I'm trying to convince them to move here. Once Ethan can talk, we'll have to teach him to turn on the puppy dog face and ask them himself. Maybe that will be more effective ;)

Ethan Does Stairs!!

Ethan has been puling himself up on furniture for about 2 weeks now and it's been so cool to watch him develop that skill. Well, about ten minutes ago I followed him to our stairs and sure enough, he climbed the entire staircase for the first time! I just had to take a picture and post it because I feel so proud! (he didn't climb them all by the time I got there, he got there, then I followed him up)

A Little Cuddle Bug!

Well, for those of you who don't get to see Ethan and his little personality on a daily basis, I'm going to tell you what he's like. Ethan has always been a very content baby. He's always been happy just to sit on your lap or lie on his tummy and play. I've had numerous people tell me that they can't believe how content he is. And smile, wow this boy loves smiling. It doesn't matter who it is, or where we are, he smiles! He's also always been a very good sleeper. This boy LOVES sleeping! He's only awake about 7-8 hours in a day! I know that we're spoiled and many people love to tell me that. Well...in the time frame of about a week, ALL THAT HAS CHANGED!!

Ethan's personality is blossoming into a little busy boy who knows what he wants! I don't know what happened! One day he's laying blissfully in my arms, cooing and smiling and the next he's wiggling to get away, hates going to sleep and will barely look at me long enough to get a smile in! I'm glad we have videos of those first months because I almost wouldn't even believe we had them. He actually screams if I go to put him down for bed and he doesn't want to. Not crying, screaming! I take him out and put him on the floor and he gets a big smile and motors along. Little monkey.

I kind of miss those days with many lazy hours of just smiling and interacting. I was told that boys were really busy, but I wasn't prepared for it to start this early. When Ethan is actually tired and there's something soft, he lays his head on it and nuzzles! It's SO cute! I take advantage of those moments and then we cuddle. At least I still get those times. I guess it's time to have another baby because this one's growing up into a little boy!

Why Are We So Lazy??

This is kind of a rant and I hope that no one will be offended. I'm not speaking of anyone in particular, just our society in general and even myself at times. Here's the thing; there are so many things in our world that are bad for our children, but we still do/give them things that are harmful or even lethal.

For example, heating a bottle in the microwave releases carcinogens, the same cancer causing agents that are in cigarettes!! But since it takes SO much more effort to heat a bottle with boiling water, people heat their bottles in the microwave! I just don't get it. Are they going to allow their kids to smoke? No? Why not? Because it causes cancer??
And I know that so many people say "well everything causes cancer, so I'll keep doing it." I'm sorry, but that is the STUPIDEST argument I have ever heard! It's actually just laziness. Our society is SO lazy!! I know that lots of the things in our world cause cancer, but I want to be here for my children and their children. So if there are things we can do to MINIMIZE those chances, why not do them? I have see how devestating it is to lose a parent or a child so you better believe I'm going to do all I can to stick around and also keep my kids around.

Another example is feeding our kids crap. I want my kids to be healthy. I'm not going to feed them sugar and deep fried foods when they're one year old. I have seen parents feed their one year olds Coke in their sippy cup!! I was horrified! They are going to have the rest of their lives to choose to eat bad foods. While I can choose, and they don't know what they're missing, I am ONLY going to feed them things that give them nutrients. People say "but they like them." SO?? THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE MISSING, SO WHY GIVE IT TO THEM?? They like fruit too. I'm not going to be some food nazi, but I want their bodies in these formative years to have the best possible start. Also, we're laying the foundation for the rest of their lives. I know that I'm not the healthiest person, but I want the best for my kids and I just don't understand how parents don't realize the consequences of their actions. Ok, well I fell better now that I got that off my chest. Bye!

Milestones

Ok, so when you meet a baby for the first time and it's standing and crawling, you don't think anything of it because that's what babies do. You might think "what a cute baby" and that's the extent of it, but I'm realising that when your OWN baby reaches milestones, it's a monumentous occasion. Ethan learned how to climb stairs just today. I was thrilled! And there aren't only physical feats that are milestones. I'm watching Ethan's little personality blossom on a daily basis.

Just yesterday he started making this face where he scrunches his nose and breathes in and out really fast through his nose when he's working really hard to do something or when he gets excited. It's SOOO cute and makes me laugh every time! I just think it's so funny because he's never made any sort of facial expression other than happy or sad (etc...) before.

I love watching him grow into his own person and I just can't wait to see what his personality will be like. Will he be a goofball who loves to entertain people or will he be the silent thoughtful type? It doesn't matter to me, I just love him so much, and that love keeps growing the more I get to know him :o)

My Grandma

Today would have been my grandma's 71 birthday, but she went to be with Jesus on September 18, 2007. I remember her 70th birthday party last year. It seems like such a short time ago. She had so many people there and although she was sick, she came out for a while and I remember her sitting on the couch with her sisters, just laughing and talking. Even when she was sick, she always had a smile on her face, and it wasn't a forced smile, it was genuine. I miss the way she talked, her stories, the tone of her voice and her excitement about everything she talked about. I miss seeing the way her face lit up when she saw Ethan, and how nothing else in the room mattered when he was there. I'm so glad she got to meet him and that in the midst of her pain, she could get some relief and forget about that pain when she looked in the smiling face of her great grandson.

We had a birthday party for her today. I'm sorry she couldn't be there and I'm sad that she won't be at any of the birthday parties we'll have in the future, but I'm glad that I get to see her in my family around me. I know it's cliche' but it's true. The way we love to tell stories, how we love to be goofy and have fun, and also in the way we love to be with each other. Although I won't get to talk to her again until we meet in Heaven, at least I get to see little glimpses of her in the ones I love.

Why Must He Always Stand??

So the day Ethan turned 8 months old, he started pulling himself up on furniture. We were very excited and proud and took all sorts of pictures. Every time he did it, Chris or I would point it out to each other. Well, the excitement lasted about 2 days until Ethan started pulling himself up in his crib instead of going to sleep!
The first time it happened, it went on for AN HOUR AND FORTY FIVE MINUTES!!! Finally I had to pull him onto our bed and lie there holding him down. He was out within five minutes. That night he wouldn't fall asleep until 9:15 pm, was up at 11:45 pm for an HOUR, again at 3:15 am, then woke up at 7:15 am! (He usually sleeps until 8:30ish)
As I write this, I'm listening to Ethan shrieking (yes, he shrieks like a girl, it's hilarious!) in his crib as he stands there. I can't help but smile. What a blessing he is to me. He brings me so much joy, that even those moments of frustration are quickly forgotten.