Rebelo cousins

Just wanted to post a pic of my new outfit from Greg that I mentioned in the blog (and Isaiah's, too)! This is a picture of the Rebelo cousins, though technically there are some girls missing (and the boys too), for those of you who have no clue who I'm standing with. Can you tell I'm the only non-Portuguese? And I'll cleverly segue into a quick thanks to them (all of them) for welcoming me into the family (yes, I know I've been in it for years, but I'm always thankful to get along so well with all of you); you've really made me feel like a "blood-related" cousin myself! And hey, I think we all look pretty darn good in the picture (thanks, Stacey, for posting it on Facebook because I stole it from you there!)...

Beautified

It may seem superficial, but somehow getting a new outfit feels pretty darn great. I quickly fell into mommy mode post-pregnancy whereby Isaiah comes first in the world of fashion. I haven't really bought much new at all since becoming a mommy, actually, though to be honest I think it's a fair bit to do with the fact that I'm still not at my goal weight (I should just get pregnant again, eh?). And in fact we bought Isaiah a new outfit today as well, but that's not the point! Greg treated me to the new outfit (shirt, pants and bracelet... no shoes or purse though)... which he claims is for Mother's Day! And not only does getting some new duds feel good, but fitting into a size four again feels even better. I've still got some serious flubber-age happening, and I'm beginning to realize that I may have to pack up anything smaller and maybe even part with it, but I'm becoming okay with my post-baby body. If only I could lose weight (well, tone up really) as quickly as Isaiah gains! I've been doing yoga and walking the boys religiously and am back on the field next Sunday, so maybe losing those last few pounds will become a reality, but should I not I think I'll live! Yes, I have superficial moments, dammit, and I even discuss them in a post on my blog!

So my second tidbit of superficiality is that I finally waxed my arms (yes, you all needed to know, I know). For the longest time I have had the hairiest arms - and it used to be funny when I'd compare them to my brother and joke that I had more hair on my arms than he has on his head. I always wanted to do something about them, I just never got around to doing it. Well, I did and I love it - my arms are so smooth and silky... and hair free! It's actually an interesting sensation to feel textures of fabric on my arm too - what I was missing out on! I am no longer ape-ish, hallelujah!

It's nice to treat myself sometimes and not feel guilty! So there.

M.I.A.

Sorry to have been missing in action as of late, but our computer caught a serious virus a few weeks ago and we finally took it in to be completely gutted. We've just gotten it back today, and as Greg is on afternoons he didn't have time to add any of our bells and whistles quite yet (basically all I can do right now is come online, we haven't even loaded Microsoft Office). So in case you were wondering if I'd fallen off the face of the blogging world, I didn't. I was just temporarily out of commission.

Anyhow, other than our computer issues, things are well with us. Isaiah has recently learned to roll over and has been refining his technique. I've even found him facedown when he wakes in his crib. He's still trying to get up for feeds at night (and we're trying to break him of his night waking, simply because we know he doesn't need to be fed but that he prefers the comfort of nursing). It's been tough, both having a 5+ month old who still wakes through the night, lately back to a 3-hour routine unfortunately, and also hearing him wail as a soother is by no means comforting in comparison to me. But last night he only needed one feeding, so if I can do that for a while, he may learn to eventually sleep through the night. I must admit, I am envious of those of you who have babies who sleep early on. I will say I think he is advanced in a number of regards, which definitely makes up for his sleeping problem. He's able to pass objects from one hand to the other and manipulate his toys eagerly. He's changing daily, that's for sure!

He finally got a little sun, too (though still incredibly fair) as we enjoyed a wonderfully warm weekend. He actually got a soother tan (yes, I know you're all envious) despite spending about 15 minutes out in the sun (apparently he's like his Tia Stacey who attracts the sun easily - she and I were both out and I'm still as white as snow). Isaiah also watched his daddy play soccer for the first time last weekend, and pretty soon he'll be coming to my games as well.

Raider is the same old dog, though he did learn a new trick. He decided to be adventurous the other evening and sneak under the snow fence to romp around in our neighbourhood. I went to let him in and he wasn't in the fenced-in area, so Isaiah and I had to go on a little dog hunt. Fortunately we found him and he actually came running when I called his name.

Greg has returned to work after a long bout of illness, and as aforementioned back on the soccer field too (hopefully he'll have a decent season as his knees don't afford him much usually). He recently got a new bike, so he's been enjoying treks through the "cons" (I was "schooled" in the SDCI lingo) and even riding to work (which really isn't too far, and since the Toyota is on its' last legs, it actually may become necessary).

Anyhow, there's an update in a nutshell... for now. Hopefully I'm back to blogging again sans interruption of viruses.

Making Me Think

As I've been reading blogs posted by friends lately who have really made me think, I'm inspired to comment on the tragic event of recent that happened at Virginia Tech. What I know is of course learned through the media, which quite well may be construed in some way or another; regardless, it has made me think. I take for granted that I live in a country where I feel safe, where I as a teacher have trust in my students to not bring such weapons to school with the intent of using them in this manner. We don't even have metal detectors as many U.S. schools do, for goodness sake. We don't feel like we need them. In fact, most people find it pointless to rehearse lockdown drills should something like this happen, but in reality it could.

And at times I think what if? What if it did happen? Would I barricade the door in protection of my students as the media mentioned one professor who lost his life did? Would I be that big? Or would I cower in the corner, hiding and hoping against hopes that my life might be spared. Would I run for life? What would I do in the moment? What kind of a person am I?

I would hope that no student of mine, friend of mine, relative of mine, child of mine could ever cause so much devastation, but the people who commit these crimes are someone's son, brother, friend.

And so I'm thinking, but what else can I do? I would hate to feel defeated as Rosie O'Donnell said on The View yesterday in her attempts to effect change in the U.S., which I just happened to catch, but what have I done to make a difference?

My heart goes out the people directly affected by this horrendous event, particularly the family, friends and schoolmates of those who perished. May you someday know peace.

On a Roll

Not only is Isaiah still not sleeping soundly through the night, but his recent fascination with the ability to roll right over (he finally figured out how to get that arm out of the way) has complicated our sleeping routine. Last night, after a mere 2 hours of slumber, he woke up crying because he had somehow managed to spin 180 degrees, flip onto his stomach, shove his face in the corner of the crib, and prop his legs up on the far side. Yes, really. I wonder just what he was dreaming about! I would have taken a picture of the precarious position had I not needed to immediately attend to this matter. Mom, you were right when you predicted he'd be a mover, I just never thought it would be in the middle of the night.

Diaper changes are increasingly difficult as well, especially as he's developed quite a rash (from the medications he is on for croup) that needs some TLC (unfortunately the meds are also responsible for making him poop every few hours, typically a shade of neon green - sorry, I know I can be blunt at times - that are likely causing the rash). Anyhow, he tends to choose diaper changing time as "whatever-I-do-I'm-not-keeping-my-bum-on-this-change-table" time, which I knew would be coming at some point. He was quick to learn that if he pushes on the table with his feet, his bum will lift (think bridge pose, you fellow yoga-ites). Add to that some rolling this way and that, and diapering becomes a challenge. I've learned that captivating his attention with a toy in one hand and diapering with the other is the most successful trick for now.

I guess I can just thank my lucky stars that he is still unable to get too mobile, so I can quickly attend to laundry while leaving him on the floor to play in his gym (which is, by the way, the culprit in helping Isaiah learn to roll, I'm sure of it). Afterall, I don't want him to grow up too quickly!

Stay tuned for a rant I'm developing about Service Ontario...

Back to Life, Back to Reality

Hi all, pardon my absence in the past few days but we've had a rough week our way. My grandpa passed away on Easter Monday, sadly, as I mentioned in the previous blog. Thanks to everyone for expressing sympathies our way, we are lucky to have friends and family who support us and think of us. To add to that, Isaiah and Greg have both been incredibly sick, Isaiah with croup and Greg with an adult version of it. They share the same barking cough among numerous other symptoms, and thankfully both are finally on the mend after having each made a visit to the hospital. We had a few difficult nights with Isaiah especially, but he's back to his crib sleeping 6 hours which I am thankful for. As for Raider and I, we were spared the suffering ourselves... knock on wood. I'm not even sure dogs can get sick, so hopefully nothing happens to me! Anyway, to top it off, we've somehow caught a virus on the computer (no, not croup!)... so I've not been able to come online for email, facebook or blogging. I'm crossing my fingers as I type, actually, because the computer freezes up, shuts off on its own, and decides to close windows at random, so at any moment this entry may be lost. C'est la vie. We're hopefully going to get it fixed soon, as Greg & I seem somewhat lost with not being able to come online when we'd like to! Anyway, now that all of that is in the past, I'm hoping to get back to life... meaning Raider needs a walk, so ciao for now!

We Love You, Grandpa

So unfortunately this weekend was not the weekend I outlined in my "Happy Easter" entry, as sometimes news comes unexpected. Rather than spend Easter on the ice in Ilderton, we were in Grimsby saying goodbye to my grandpa Jaeger who passed away this morning.

Grandpa, I am honoured to have been your only grand-daughter, and I hope I made you proud. In many ways you helped to raise James & I along with our parents and other grandparents and I am privileged to have been able to build such a strong relationship with you. And I feel very fortunate to have been able to see that twinkle in your eye holding your only great-grandson, my son Isaiah. Hopefully in leaving this world you found peace; know that you were loved beyond measure.

Sadly with life comes death and, to be honest, I never thought I'd see both my grandfathers pass so young in life. But in them having lived, I exist, and generations continue to live on. I carry on the fondest memories that I will continue to cherish. I hope I can take what they have taught me and live life to the fullest.

We love you, Grandpa.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter everyone! Hope you enjoy whatever festivities you may find yourself sharing in this long weekend. And may the Easter bunny successfully navigate his way through the snow to find you - check out the weather we've got for Good Friday! Poor Raider had to miss out on his doggy treat hunt today because of the weather (though he wouldn't have been able to enjoy them anyhow as treats are out of the question with his diet, poor thing). Isaiah already got spoiled by his Rebelo grandparents and aunt & uncle - they're the ones who gave him the bunny in the photo that is twice the size of him! And they gave him a huge chocolate soccer ball. As Isaiah is too young to consume chocolate, guess who will have to eat it! (Just when I was shedding those last pregnancy pounds too!) He got quite a few new outfits from his grandparents as well, most of them soccer related of course. (Man, he has no choice does he? We're pretty much moulding him into a player, if not a fan.) And I'm sure he'll be spoiled again today when he sees part of my family!

As for our first Easter, though, we're not going to be celebrating together much as I'm in Ilderton all weekend skating. We don't normally look as we do in this photo, but I couldn't resist when I was sent it this morning by Lerisha to post it on here. Last night's practice was old skool/retro so thanks to Robbin we were decked out in some snazzy tights! Had I known in advance, I could have pulled out the garbage bag jackets we wore in novice - I've got that coat hanging in my dad's basement (for what reason, I don't know). And, sadly, t-shirts and flourescent-printed sweaters with writing on the back and up both sleeves still fit despite acquiring them in 1990. Yeah, seriously. Anyhow, I'm off to enjoy my one day sans patinage...

Tummy Time Bad, Lunch Time Good

Despite my persistent efforts, Isaiah continues to detest time spent on his tummy. He typically lasts for a few minutes before the lip curls, the whimpering begins and he's had it. No matter how many toys I put in front of him and how long I spend on the floor with him, trying my best to encourage the position, Isaiah hates it. To be honest, he's already becoming a baby with preferences. Rarely does he let you sit and hold him, unless the t.v. is playing soccer or hockey in which case he directs his attention there rather than contorting to shove his fists in his hands. You need to be up and walking for him to be happy as his favourite position is to be upright on your shoulder (though try walking back from OLI carrying him in such a way because he has grown tired of being in the baby carrier and is about to have a hissy fit... that was fun). And forget trying to rock him to sleep (though that may be his underlying way of telling me to stop singing); he much prefers lying down all on his own so he can stretch out and get his hands in the "pornstar" position (sorry, but that's just what we call it). His arms must be bent in order for his hands to be up at his ears for him to be truly comfortable. For now, he's a sleep-on-my-back-only type kid. He's still able to support himself when he is on his tummy, despite rarely finding himself so, and has always been incredibly strong so he can lift his head well; however, I am certain he will be walking before crawling.


On the other hand, he is doing an excellent job of eating his rice cereal for lunch. In fact, he ravishingly devours every last spoonful in a matter of 5 minutes. I'm likely going to up the cereal feeds to two a day and then it will be on to single veggies. Yesterday, thankfully, he made it on 4 hour feeds all day, something he has never done with me because he senses his meal within immediate proximity! He is still not making it through the night; actually, he has gotten worse in the past month (though I'm attributing it to the possibility that teeth will surface shortly). At any rate, if he could sleep like he can eat, I'd be set. For now, it's sometimes a 6 hour stint to start, but then back into the 3 or 4 hour pattern typical of daytime. As long as he's sleeping at night when I go back to work... (knock on wood).