Its Been A Good Week.

We have had a really wonderful week. Wednesday was my birthday and Ryan took me out for dinner. Then he surprised me with a get together at the Tavern with some friends. It was a great night out while Ryan parents babysat for us. Then the following night Ryan;s mom had us over for dinner and she cooked my favorite food. Roast Beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, broccoli salad...It was so yummy. I really enjoyed my birthday.

~These flowers arrived for me from Dustin, Meredith & Owyn~

Friday was a Pro-D day for Rawley. I took him and Everett to an indoor play place in town to kill some time. Rawley was able to run around for almost 2 hours and get his energy out. It also gave Everett a change of scenery. Rawley was sure to make time to come play with Everett too in the toddler section. Everett was more than happy about this.

I love the way Everett admires Rawley. He thinks everything about Rawley is awesome. Here they are playing in 'the market'.

"Hey Mom, look Rawley is here."

Everett is standing so good now when he has something to lean on. He stood here at the window for at least 10 minutes. I have a feeling he will be walking before he ever crawls.



Saturday we went out to Rivers to hang out with Ryan's sister and her boyfriend and their house. Crystal and Al have snow mobiles so we went out to go snow mobiling. We were also suppose to have a fire outside but it was a little chilly so we only used the fire to cook hotdogs then we hung out inside most the day.



This is Ryan and I getting ready to go snow mobiling. It was -18 (-23 with wind chill) we wanted to make sure we were really good and warm.

Al took us to Lake Wahtopanah on the snowmobiles. We rode them all the way to the end of the lake and back. Along the way we saw a bunch of ice fishing huts. Lots of them were not being used that day but there were a few ice fishers out there. That is something I would really like to do one day is try ice fishing.

This is a picture of the frozen lake. It was a beautiful sunny day, cold but beautiful.

It was Rawley's turn next. He chose to ride with Uncle Al. He was pretty scared at first so he had strict rules for Uncle Al. He wanted to go slow, no faster than 10km and if there were any bumps they had to slow down or try to miss them all together. It was pretty cute.

I had a lot of fun. Snowmobiling is definitely something I could get used to.

8 Months Old

Yes, can you believe it my baby is 8 months old. That 1 year birthday is sneaking up really quickly. I actually remembered to do his photo shoot with the bear on his birthday too, not the day after. I did however forget until it was bedtime so this photo shoot was done in his jammies as opposed to some really cute big boy clothes.
Oh well.

Everett is sitting up on his own now. He still has the occasional fall but he can resist it enough that he doesn't hit his head very hard when he falls down. This has been really nice because he can be a little more independent now. He likes to sit on the floor and play with his bucket of toys and doesn't need me there to hold him all the time. I am loving this. One of his favorite things to play with at HotWheels cars. He mostly chews them or bangs them on the floor/table. I have noticed though that he does try to drive them too. He holds them down and moves them back and forth like when I drive them for him. Watching kids learn little things like that is my absolute favorite part of being a mom. Their brains are just so amazing.

Everett is also kissing us now. It is very clear that it is a kiss and he chooses when he wants to or not. They are generally big huge open mouthed kisses that are accompanied by a lot of drool but I love them. This is him giving bear a kiss. Too Cute!


2 weeks ago Everett was at his doctors for a follow up and we talked about how things with his tummy really were not getting better. He still was only drinking 3-4 oz at a time and waking up frequently at night. Everett has only gained a few ounces in 2 months. I explained about the constant crying and gas that he has. I also explained to him that we could no longer afford to buy the formula especially since we didn't think it was working. He offered to switch us to another brand that is pretty much the same then he could give us samples from the office. Then he said if that doesn't work Goats Milk would be his next suggestion. He said he has a handful of babies that have had to go on goats milk. I took the samples of the formula home with me and thought about it for a bit. I was not sure if I wanted to waste 10 days trying out a formula that was exactly the same as the one we were currently using and seeing no change in or if I wanted to try something completely new.

I decided to try the goats milk instead and am I sure glad that I did. It was a rough start. The goats milk made him constipated and he still had long screaming fits at first. The screaming was so bad. Last Saturday night he started at 11pm and the screaming went until 1am. Ryan and I had been taking turns but I finally just lost it. I told him, "take your baby to your mom's house and leave him there". So that is what Ryan did.(Just so you know Ryan's parents have told us that if we ever needed to we could do this. It had just never come down to that before though.)

Now 2 weeks later, Everett is eating like a horse. We can almost not keep him full. He is having 6-8oz bottles at a time. He is eating prunes with every meal and loving them. He is burping better and sleeping better. The last few nights he has only woke once or twice through the night to eat. There has been no screaming!!!! Everett and mommy & daddy are so much happier now.
Next we have to work on erasing all the bad habits Everett has from being such a sick little guy. Like not falling asleep on his own, being picked up every time he cries, being swaddled (still)..... but those are peanuts compared to the problems that have been fixed by the goats milk.

I love this picture of Everett and bear so much. It looks like they are sitting having a conversation and Everett is contemplating something that was just said. My little thinker.

Anyway, That is Everett's news in a nutshell.

A Month Gone By

Well it was brought to my attention yesterday That I am coming up on a month with out posting anything on my blog. I knew it had been a few weeks but wow that month flew by. It has been a busy month.
I have to start my blog with this beautiful photo. Everyday I am just taken aback by the beauty that surrounds me here. Everything is white and peaceful. When hoarfrost covers everything it honestly takes my breath away. Then you go out and see all the deer and you just can't doubt that God exists. I love it here.

Christmas was wonderful and chaotic all at the same time. I loved having all the time with Ryan's parents and knowing that the next day neither one of us were getting on a plane to go home. We had three full days of visiting, pigging out and having drinks. It was great. Unfortunately it was all a little too much for our littlest boy. He was completely overwhelmed by it all. On top of being sick he had a rough time. I am happy to announce that having him around and encouraged others to hold off on having any (or anymore) babies. Glad to know Everett is doing his part at stopping the world from becoming over populated.

~Rawley and Everett playing at Grandma's~

~Everett opening his stocking~

~Everett's book and toy from Great Grandma Jenkins~

~Rawley playing Santa on boxing day~

It has been pretty cold here so not many kids are playing outside. Oddly enough it doesn't seem to bother Rawley and he is sad that no one wants to play outside. So a few times we have gone out to play with him in the snow.

During Christmas break Rawley go t the chance to go to Pony Camp. Some people who had paid could not make it so Rawley got to go for free. It was really awesome for him to spend the time outside and learn all about how to take care of a horse. They also learned survival skills. Unfortunately one of the days was like -30 outside and the kids were freezing and miserable.

~Rawley's pony; Peanut~

Rawley is usually a big help with Everett. Sometimes I just need a few minutes peace to do dishes or make dinner and Rawley will usually step in and help entertain Everett. This is him playing hockey in the kitchen for Everett. Everett loves to watch Rawley do almost anything.

A few pictures of my boys just being cute.

The first full week on January Ryan was working out of town. This always makes my job extra hard because dealing with Everett for that long alone is beyond exhausting. While Rawley was still on holidays I took the opportunity to go into Winnipeg and visit with my friend Janie. We decided to stay the night there. It was nice to have someone else to hang out with. Janie has a 5 year old and a 4 month old baby. We were able to share baby stories and keep each other company through feedings, naps and meal time. It was really nice.

Everett and Annika are pretty close to the same size. Everett might have a pound or two on her but she is the same length as him for sure.

Rawley and Corrina are also about the same size even though there is almost 4 years between them. Rawley is an inch or 2 taller for now. Janie took us to the Manitoba Museum and the kids had a blast. This is Rawley and Corrina building their cars to race on the track.

Everett is growing up so much he is a pro at sitting up by himself now. He rarely falls over anymore. This is him watching Rawley race his care.

Rawley and Corrina were so excited to board an old sail boat. They went down into the cabin and out all over the deck. It was actually pretty cool. Everett was more than miserable and would not nap. I was however able to get this one happy shot of him and the cannons.

Life has been a little crazy here lately. With Everett being on his very expensive formula and us not having medical to cover Rawley's medication anymore we are trying to find way of saving and making money. I am currently looking for a part time job to bring in a little extra cash. As well I have been making tag blankets for babies. Everett and Annika both love theirs and I am hoping the idea catches on quick.

So far I have been trying to sell them on facebook and a local classified website. It is not going quite as well as I had hoped. Later today I am going to go to a local baby store in town and see if they will sell them there for me. I will also be on the look out for any craft sales around that I can set up a booth. Hopefully the part time job or the tag blankets brings in some more cash for us. Children sure can be expensive.

Everett is my advertising model. Pretty cute eh?

Ryan's job is still going very well. He had a week off at Christmas but has been working a lot of overtime since then. It seems they are pretty booked up for the next couple months at least so that is a good sign.

Cute baby bathing in the sink.

Cute baby sitting on the floor.

Again

Rawley has started his morning group and I have started my Positive Parenting Program. Both are going well and I plan to have a separate blog all about that. For now I think I see some improvement if anything Rawley is feeling good about himself which is a start.

Now, this bog has gone on forever and has had no flow to it what so ever. But I Hope it gives you a small idea of what we have been up to lately.

Got to go!

7 Months

Everett is 7 months today and here are a few pics from his little photo shoot this morning. It is hard to get a good comparison shot of him and the bear. He is doing so well with his sitting that he keeps leaning forward. They are pretty much the same size now though. That is a lot of growing my boy has done in 7 months. I had him weighed a few weeks ago and he was 15lbs 10oz. I assume now he is well over 16lbs. That is pretty impressive for a baby who started out at 4lb 7oz.

~ He is just so irresistible ~

~Hey, Give me that camera mom~

~ Close up ~

~ 1 very happy baby ~

~ attacking the teddy bear ~

Yummy Treats

There is a lot of snow here. Even with the sidewalks shoveled and the streets plowed it is impossible to push a stroller around. This is how Everett gets around here in snowville. Usually we just sit him in the sled with a big blanket to prop him up and keep him warm. This day we were on our way to pickup a car so we needed the car seat. It fit prefect and Everett enjoyed the walk through the snow.

This past weekend we did a lot of Christmasy stuff. Saturday we did some Christmas shopping during the day and that night we headed into Virden for Christmas dinner. Ryan's Poppa always takes the family out for dinner before Christmas for a little get together. It was really nice to see everyone again. We had Chinese food then went back to Poppa's to visit. Some of our family friends kept Everett during the dinner which was so nice. I actually got to sit down in a restaurant and visit without being interrupted or have to leave.

Sunday morning Rawley and I cuddled on the couch and watched Home Alone while Everett and Daddy slept. Then we headed to Grandma & Grandpa's. Grandma bought Rawley a gingerbread house to decorate. It was a lot of fun but it was also very time consuming. He was very particular about what candy was used and what pattern was made. I got to help out a bit but only with strict instructions on what to do. The house, path and tree turned out great.

~finished product~

We also iced some more sugar cookies ehich we got to sample after dinner, Yum!

Yesterday I finishes my Christmas shopping and my wrapping. I thought I was done but then I was reminded that I needed to buy Rawley a gift from Everett. My Grandma also send me a letter with money to buy the boys gifts because she doesn't like spending the money to ship gifts. So yesterday Everett and I headed to the mall to finish up.

I have Christmas brunch planned and the groceries bought, The gifts are all wrapped and under the tree, baking was done at mom's and I finally made a decent batch of peanut brittle. Now all I have to do is clean my house for Christmas morning. Maybe I should be doing that instead of blogging. Hmm.

I was Right...

...it was not an ear infection.

Monday Everett woke with a mild cough. Tuesday it was a lot worse. Tuesday night he was up all night coughing and crying. Ryan and I took 3 hour shifts with him till morning. During the night I considered taking him to the ER but called 24 hour nurses line instead. She thought it was croup. So in the morning we went to the walk-in-clinic. Unfortunately the only doctor on was one that had seen Everett previously and didn't seem to know or care much about anything.
He kind of listened to my concerns looked in Everett's ear and diagnoses him with an ear infection. Ryan was a little angry when I called him to let him know. Last time we checked an ear infection didn't cause a barking cough, and wheezing when breathing. I got the prescription filled anyway and asked the pharmacist for his opinion. His reply was, "well I guess it could be liquid in his ears draining into his throat causing him to cough. but I would have him checked again in 48 hours if it does not get better"

Since then it has gotten worse and every breath Everett took seemed mucus filled and laboured. So I decided today to take him back to a different doctor. There is a doctor at that walk in who used to be a pediatrician and he is really nice. I called to make sure he was working then took Everett to see him. The doctor took the time to listen to Everett's breathing for a few minutes. He asked me a lot of questions about his behaviour and how long he has been like this. Then he told me that Everett has Bronciolitis (RSV). http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/commoninfections/a/rsv_bronchiolts.htm

He prescribed a puffer and some nasal drops to use on him. We have been using a cool water humidifier and he told us to continue that. I have also propped up one end of Everett's mattress so he is sleeping on an angle to help him breath.

Everett's Puffer

Everett is not a fan of the puffer but if I get him once he is asleep it is easy going. He also hates the nasal drops but he will have to get over that. If it gets worse he could need to be hospitalized and put on oxygen but Everett is tough so I think he will do great on his puffer.

He has not been eating much at all lately. Solid food he refuses and through the day he snacks on bottles but maybe only finishes 2 or 3 four ounce bottles. I was worried about dehydration but Ryan's mom suggested getting Pedialyte freezies. In the past he has enjoyed sucking on ice cubes so maybe he will take the pedilyte freezie. It may even help with a sore throat if he has it.

The toughest part of having a sick baby is they can't tell you where it hurts or what is wrong. Poor guy. Doctor has said to give him lots of Advil as well because the swelling can be painful. So I have taken all his advise and am praying for a better night with Everett.

I would like to add though through all of this he has still been a joy. He is more cranky, and a little dopey or out of it but that doesn't stop him from smiling at everyone he meets; especially the ladies. He keeps playing with Rawley and reaching out to Daddy when he comes home from work. He still watched the snow plow in awe and bats at his toys in his exersaucer. He really is one tough little guy

~Standing on the couch watching the snow plow~

Holy Cold

A post of tid bits.

It is so cold. I mean not today. Today it is only -12 (feels like -23) not bad at all. Sunday however.. when we woke up at 9 it was -32 without a wind at all. Then when we decided to run a few errands the wind picked up a bit. Seriously I have never in my life felt my snot freeze inside my nose. The whole inside of my nose froze. With each breath in I felt it freeze and then as you breath the warm air out it melts again...On and On. Then later that night we went to the Brandon Wheat Kings hockey game and it was so cold when we left. Brrr.
For the most part it really is not that bad, but when the wind picks up I stay inside.

~~~~~

Rawley got into his morning program. I am so so happy for him and us. They called yesterday afternoon. It is going to be a long 12 weeks. He has to be there right around the time Everett goes down for his first nap. So it is going to stink going out to drive him to his group and Everett either having a short nap in the car and not napping after or me driving around aimlessly while he has a full nap. Hmmm But the good far outweighs the bad in this situation. Rawley is going to learn so much he is going to have a full time nurse that is assigned to him and then work with all the other nurses on different things. I can't wait till he starts. I think he is going to like it.

~~~~~

I thought we were done all our Christmas shopping until Rawley came home and said, "I am writting a letter to Everett telling him what I want for Christmas. I bet everyone is already done their shopping for me but I don't think Everett is". He was right. I gave him money to buy Everett a gift but totally forgot to buy him a gift from Everett. So now we are waiting on the letter to come home so Everett and I can go shopping. I got all the gifts ready for my westcoast family and should have them on the bus this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Now I just have to plan Brunch for Christmas day and I think we are set. Oh huge Manitoba bummer...I cannot find Tinsel anywhere. What is a Christmas tree without tinsel? I am so sad. Our tree looks great already but the tinsel is the final touch that makes it glisten. *pout*

~~~~~

Everett started to get a cough yesterday and today he has a full blown cheast cold. His cough is heart breaking. poor little guy. So far there is no nasty snot face as it is all in his cheast si I can be thankful for that. He is very cuddly though, more so than usual.

~~~~~

Everett went to see Santa last Friday or maybe Thursday...I don't remember. He loved Santa. He laughed and pulled his beard. Then when Santa turned him around to look at the camera he would not smile. It was hilarious. He did not smile once at the camera girl or her ringing bells. He just wanted to turn around and play with Santa. The picture is still cute, but no smile.


~~~~~

Ryan worked long hours out of town all week last week and is doing the same this week. I hate it. He leaves about 8:15 and does not come home till after 7. It makes for very very very long days. Dinner is never that great either because Everett always seems to be crabby when it is time to make dinner. Tonight will probably be something simple like spaghetti.

Well baby is awake from his nap and screaming... must go.