Woke at 5:45am this morning- my first day back in the gym for a 1-hour circuit training workout. Felt great, considering I haven't done any resistance training since pre-pregnancy with Georgia. Came upstairs after my workout, sweaty and disguisting, and certain that this pre-dawn sweatfest + one hot shower was sure to = a great start to the day.
Here's what ensued in the first 70 minutes of the kids' wake-up...
1. Hot shower was taken + 1 kid (its actually becoming a treat to shower alone lately...)
2. Miss G blew through another diaper with her explosive bowel movements, leaking out through her pj's and all over the exersaucer. Left Rowan eating his breakfast (mistake!) to run upstairs to "hose" her off in the tub. Turns out, we washed Gryph in the tub last week, so the drain was clogged with dog hair, and did not drain, leaving poo floaties in the water. Ick.
3. Returned downstairs with a clean Miss G, to find Shreddies and milk all over the kitchen, and Rowan trying to clean up the mess with a towel. "Look Mommy- I'm helping you!". M: "What happened, Rowan?" R: "I was flinging Shreddies to Gryphy and my bowl dumped everywhere". Argh.
4. Opened the laundry tub to run Georgia's poo-y clothes through a hot cycle, and was hit with the worst smell ever when I opened the front-load washer door. (preface: our front-load washer door is always left open, otherwise it tends to smell musty and aweful when we open it the next time). With closer investigation, it appeared that there was black mold all over the inside of the rubber gaskets in the machine. So, the next clean-up to be addressed...sat Rowan at the table to colour, and Miss G to play on the floor, and attacked the disguisting mess of the laundry machine. I'm almost vomitting just re-thinking about it...
5. By 8:30am, I had enlisted Rowan's help to vaccum and wash the floors where his cereal had dumped, only to regret the "help", as he regularly forgets to ring the mop before slopping it (and a litre of water each time) all over the hardwood.
Aiesh.
Monday, 26 September 2011
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Today's going to be a Good Day
...not that today was a bad day, but there were elements of it that provided some ill-news. A friend's son was bullied to the point of concussion at school yesterday, and they have been sharing some of the less-than-optimal ramification of that day. My brother's son has had some bruises on his back, that have yet to be confirmed if they are a result of bullying at school or daycare, and my Uncle is headed into the OR tomorrow at Trillium for cardiac bypass surgery.
When I'm feeling like I need a pick-me-up, the is definitely it...
When I'm feeling like I need a pick-me-up, the is definitely it...
Monday, 19 September 2011
Our Centurion
Who couldn't have asked for a better day- fantastic weather (brisk morning at 5 degrees, but by midday: 18 degrees and sunny skies), amazing race course, and the love of my life at my side. We haven't had this much fun since we made an impromptu escape to the Tour de Georgia to catch Lance on his bike!
After a full summer of training- 5am wake-ups (no matter how many times Miss G decided to wake up for night feedings), and long Friday morning rides (thanks to Glen for a flexible work schedule to allow him to take the kiddie reigns while I toured the backroads of York and Durham Region)- it all came to culmination in Collingwood this weekend for the Centurion. It was challenging, exhilerating, fast, and the miles seemed to tick by (well, with the exception of the 2 super-tough parts: the steep climb out of Creemore and the combined headwind and climb up to Ravenna in the back 10-miles of the ride).
I am so grateful Glen decided to join me for the experience. I needed him for those last few hills, and there was nothing quite like crossing the finish line together, and having our kids there to celebrate at the finish!
My defining moment post-race was in the first 10 minutes after my finish: changing Georgia's diaper and reading Rowan a story. Like I no sooner took off my helmet and my Mom-job was back in action...
Thursday, 15 September 2011
big kid school con't...
Yup, I thought that would have lasted longer...
He came home from big kid school on Tuesday very excited about his day, and very tired. No nap for this kid (who can blame him? how weird would it be to go from sleeping in a bedroom in homecare and at home to sleeping in a big room full of cots n' kids???), and an exciting and action-packed day made for an early night to bed. He had a blast, though. A little weepy when other kids were getting picked up by their parents, and his were not there yet, but manageable with snuggles from Lola. It was a success, and he was saying he was eager to go back on Thursday.
Well, its Thursday, and this morning was full-blown tantrums before we even got through the gate at PRYDE. Eek. Carried through the gate and playground, into the classroom, and more tears, more screams and more. more. more. I violated the "quick dropoff" rule of parenting, and stuck around for 10nminutes, hoping beyond hope it would get better. It didn't. Even when his buddy Thomas came in, happy as can be, he didn't go along into the playroom with him. Miss Deanna had to pull him screaming from my arms...and me, the shattered mom, passed my own tears as I left this morning. Here's to a cheerier pick-up...
He came home from big kid school on Tuesday very excited about his day, and very tired. No nap for this kid (who can blame him? how weird would it be to go from sleeping in a bedroom in homecare and at home to sleeping in a big room full of cots n' kids???), and an exciting and action-packed day made for an early night to bed. He had a blast, though. A little weepy when other kids were getting picked up by their parents, and his were not there yet, but manageable with snuggles from Lola. It was a success, and he was saying he was eager to go back on Thursday.
Well, its Thursday, and this morning was full-blown tantrums before we even got through the gate at PRYDE. Eek. Carried through the gate and playground, into the classroom, and more tears, more screams and more. more. more. I violated the "quick dropoff" rule of parenting, and stuck around for 10nminutes, hoping beyond hope it would get better. It didn't. Even when his buddy Thomas came in, happy as can be, he didn't go along into the playroom with him. Miss Deanna had to pull him screaming from my arms...and me, the shattered mom, passed my own tears as I left this morning. Here's to a cheerier pick-up...
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
1st day of School
We've been talking about it for weeks..."Rowan, after the summer, you're going to big kid school". Wow- that flew by quickly.
The whole family walked him to PRYDE school this morning, and he couldn't have been more excited...
...can't wait to pick him up to hear all about it!
The whole family walked him to PRYDE school this morning, and he couldn't have been more excited...
Sunday, 11 September 2011
Sunday in Pictures
Today was one of those "stolen" weather days. Beyond Labour Day, we don't usually get beautiful, warm sunny days like today...and especially not on the weekend! Today was truly a gift. Here's to a few more before the snow falls...
Friday, 9 September 2011
turning over a new leaf...
I think Fall is more about "new beginnings" than the springtime is...
I've realized lately that I do a whole lot more yelling/disciplining/stern-talking-to, than i do just getting down on the ground and playing with Rowan. That's gotta change. We visited Rowan's new "school" (PRYDE Daycare Centre, Uxbridge), which he starts on Tuesday, and their form of discipline is redirection. Redirection. I've read it before, but never really put it to good use, but it does make total sense. Take them out of the situation that is clearly not working for them (or me), and give them something else to occupy their attention. I can almost see this approach really working for Rowan, and not exactly sure why I hadn't employed this previously... Not to mention, I'm getting a little rusty on my creative train track building, so clearly I haven't spent as much time on the floor in the playroom lately.
Another new beginning is a renewed focus on me. Selfish, I know, but I've realized that if I'm unhappy, then everyone is unhappy. My patience grows short, my attention is diverted, and my complaint meter/nit-picking rockets sky high (Glen would never say this, but I totally know it is true). So- focus Corrie. I need to recommit to a regular fitness routine. Not just cycling (I'm currently logging 100+miles per week), but a real, ass-kicking, sweat-inducing, hurts to haul my sorry butt up the stairs- type of workouts. I have a whole wardrobe worth of pre-preggo clothes that it would be really great to fit back into... Here goes...
And on other new beginnings fronts...Glen has just made a big move from Re/Max Omega (Newmarket) to Re/Max All-Stars (Uxbridge) brokerages. A long time coming (99% of his business has been in the UX since he started his real estate career almost 2 years ago), and definitely a good choice. He's got a bunch of new projects on the go, and I'm super-excited for him! He can still be found at http://www.glenbuchanan.ca/ (check it out!).
As for Miss G- she's rockin' and rolling- literally. She made her first big move into the mobility world today: successfully rolled from her back to her front. And had the BIGGEST smile on her face to prove it. Wish I had my camera in my hands for that one...
I've realized lately that I do a whole lot more yelling/disciplining/stern-talking-to, than i do just getting down on the ground and playing with Rowan. That's gotta change. We visited Rowan's new "school" (PRYDE Daycare Centre, Uxbridge), which he starts on Tuesday, and their form of discipline is redirection. Redirection. I've read it before, but never really put it to good use, but it does make total sense. Take them out of the situation that is clearly not working for them (or me), and give them something else to occupy their attention. I can almost see this approach really working for Rowan, and not exactly sure why I hadn't employed this previously... Not to mention, I'm getting a little rusty on my creative train track building, so clearly I haven't spent as much time on the floor in the playroom lately.
Another new beginning is a renewed focus on me. Selfish, I know, but I've realized that if I'm unhappy, then everyone is unhappy. My patience grows short, my attention is diverted, and my complaint meter/nit-picking rockets sky high (Glen would never say this, but I totally know it is true). So- focus Corrie. I need to recommit to a regular fitness routine. Not just cycling (I'm currently logging 100+miles per week), but a real, ass-kicking, sweat-inducing, hurts to haul my sorry butt up the stairs- type of workouts. I have a whole wardrobe worth of pre-preggo clothes that it would be really great to fit back into... Here goes...
And on other new beginnings fronts...Glen has just made a big move from Re/Max Omega (Newmarket) to Re/Max All-Stars (Uxbridge) brokerages. A long time coming (99% of his business has been in the UX since he started his real estate career almost 2 years ago), and definitely a good choice. He's got a bunch of new projects on the go, and I'm super-excited for him! He can still be found at http://www.glenbuchanan.ca/ (check it out!).
As for Miss G- she's rockin' and rolling- literally. She made her first big move into the mobility world today: successfully rolled from her back to her front. And had the BIGGEST smile on her face to prove it. Wish I had my camera in my hands for that one...
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
realization...
Centurion- Collingwood 2011
Countdown: 10 days.
Holy. Shit.
So wish I was in the shape I was when we climbed the mountains in Georgia...okay, so that was almost 7 years ago- pre-kids, pre-accident, pre-crazy-job, but a girl can dream, can't she?
...but somehow, Glen still looks the same (lucky)!
That was one of the last most memorable times we had on a bike together. Sure, there were other rides since then, but nothing as epic as the Tour de Georgia.
Glen officially decided today he's going to join me on the 100-miler Centurion. Holy eff for both of us, but at least we'll be suffering together! (and we'll also be securing a good 6-hour road ride to catch up, chat, and plan the next exciting parts of our life!). I love you, Glen. Thanks so much for being by my side on this one!
Countdown: 10 days.
Holy. Shit.
So wish I was in the shape I was when we climbed the mountains in Georgia...okay, so that was almost 7 years ago- pre-kids, pre-accident, pre-crazy-job, but a girl can dream, can't she?
That was one of the last most memorable times we had on a bike together. Sure, there were other rides since then, but nothing as epic as the Tour de Georgia.
Glen officially decided today he's going to join me on the 100-miler Centurion. Holy eff for both of us, but at least we'll be suffering together! (and we'll also be securing a good 6-hour road ride to catch up, chat, and plan the next exciting parts of our life!). I love you, Glen. Thanks so much for being by my side on this one!
more things never to forget...
4. Rowan: "Georgia, I can't teach you things right now. I'm busy. I'm busy playin' trains."
5. The washing machine is a wonderful thing. Given that Miss G blows through her diapers about 3 times a day (The #2 is not a good friend in this house!), ours has been getting quite the workout lately. Any suggestions for poo-proof diaper options (we've tried pampers, huggies, kirkland, all in same size and above-size options with NO LUCK), please pass them along...
6. Cow. Rowan's pet Cow is his new bestie. He wants to take it everywhere! I'll have to catch a picture of him towing it around the block! So far, it has made frequent trips around Quaker Village, an outing to Zehrs and another to Vince's Market, and its a "must" packed item each time we go to the condo. We couldn't possibly go for a walk to the waterside to see the boats without Cow. I'm also quickly learning that Cow is a better eye-catcher than a baby in stroller. Pre-cow, we got nothing but oohs and ahhs about Miss G, however, since Cow has become a regular accompanyment on our outings, the coos are all for him. Hmpf.
5. The washing machine is a wonderful thing. Given that Miss G blows through her diapers about 3 times a day (The #2 is not a good friend in this house!), ours has been getting quite the workout lately. Any suggestions for poo-proof diaper options (we've tried pampers, huggies, kirkland, all in same size and above-size options with NO LUCK), please pass them along...
6. Cow. Rowan's pet Cow is his new bestie. He wants to take it everywhere! I'll have to catch a picture of him towing it around the block! So far, it has made frequent trips around Quaker Village, an outing to Zehrs and another to Vince's Market, and its a "must" packed item each time we go to the condo. We couldn't possibly go for a walk to the waterside to see the boats without Cow. I'm also quickly learning that Cow is a better eye-catcher than a baby in stroller. Pre-cow, we got nothing but oohs and ahhs about Miss G, however, since Cow has become a regular accompanyment on our outings, the coos are all for him. Hmpf.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Picasso in the making...
Sunday, 4 September 2011
time goes by like wildfire...
i need to start writing things down.
there are about 20 thing a week that i want to sit down and write about, but it seems like the time never comes. in truth, the time could come, but i have regularly chosen and early night of sleep as opposed to burning the midnight oil infront of the laptop screen. nonetheless...perhaps things will get easier in 2 weeks once i've completed my post-Georgia goal of my 100 mile bike race. not a race for me per se- more a personal goal to get myself training this past summer, back in some sort of (cardiovascular) shape, and another tick off the bucket list until i set another goal.
....
today was one of those perfect sundays. not perfect as in weather-perfect (it did rain much of the day), but perfect as in family activities. everyone woke around 7:10am, slowly ventured downstairs for breakfast (we ran out of rowan's freezer collection of my homemade pancakes a week or two ago, so i stole the first hour of the day to make a double batch so i could stock up the freezer again for the coming week), then spent another hour or so just hanging out, doing airplanes on the bed, and teaching rowan how to perfect his back "massage" for mommy and daddy (which currently consists of pressing into our backs 3 or 4 times with the palm of his hand, and then lying on us and rolling back and forth- whatever! any pressure feels good these days!). then, we decided to venture out to the farmer's market and bulk barn (for candy for the ever-tedious task of toilet training). there is nothing quite like tooting around town on our mountain bikes, kiddies nice and cozy in the chariot trailer, and just enjoying our own little heaven for a few hours. yes, we got rained on (in truth- it poured!), but better than sitting indoors and staring outside at the sheets of rain. returned home and feasted on some of the farmer's market vegetable bounty we got for lunch, family naps all around, and then swimming (in the rain), bbq dinner, and an evening indulgence ahead for glen & i- a yoga video in the basement, likely followed by a few episodes of Big Bang Theory. Ah, sunday- love you- sunday.
there are about 20 thing a week that i want to sit down and write about, but it seems like the time never comes. in truth, the time could come, but i have regularly chosen and early night of sleep as opposed to burning the midnight oil infront of the laptop screen. nonetheless...perhaps things will get easier in 2 weeks once i've completed my post-Georgia goal of my 100 mile bike race. not a race for me per se- more a personal goal to get myself training this past summer, back in some sort of (cardiovascular) shape, and another tick off the bucket list until i set another goal.
....
today was one of those perfect sundays. not perfect as in weather-perfect (it did rain much of the day), but perfect as in family activities. everyone woke around 7:10am, slowly ventured downstairs for breakfast (we ran out of rowan's freezer collection of my homemade pancakes a week or two ago, so i stole the first hour of the day to make a double batch so i could stock up the freezer again for the coming week), then spent another hour or so just hanging out, doing airplanes on the bed, and teaching rowan how to perfect his back "massage" for mommy and daddy (which currently consists of pressing into our backs 3 or 4 times with the palm of his hand, and then lying on us and rolling back and forth- whatever! any pressure feels good these days!). then, we decided to venture out to the farmer's market and bulk barn (for candy for the ever-tedious task of toilet training). there is nothing quite like tooting around town on our mountain bikes, kiddies nice and cozy in the chariot trailer, and just enjoying our own little heaven for a few hours. yes, we got rained on (in truth- it poured!), but better than sitting indoors and staring outside at the sheets of rain. returned home and feasted on some of the farmer's market vegetable bounty we got for lunch, family naps all around, and then swimming (in the rain), bbq dinner, and an evening indulgence ahead for glen & i- a yoga video in the basement, likely followed by a few episodes of Big Bang Theory. Ah, sunday- love you- sunday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)