I know everyone says this when they neglect their blog, youtube, facebook, whatever so it's kind of customary now...
WOW!!! I have abandoned this poor blog for 4 months and I have been one busy lady!
Alot has changed in the past few months, I'll start with the highlights.
Makenna is now almost 11 months old. She says hi and momma, she stands and sits, crawls well, gets up and down off the couch, and plays with more and more toys. She finally got her first tooth 2 weeks ago on the bottom right and will soon have the left also. She is sleeping in later which works fantastically with my new schedule. And she eats tons of different foods and some small solids like cheerios, goldfish, yogurt drops, etc. She is sooo tall and I can't wait to see what her measurements are at our next doctors visit.
Also my mother has gotten her own place a town away which has been an exciting and somewhat scary change. She has been with me for 2 years, and it is time to live separate lives, but its been trying on both of us too going through that change. She really likes her place and is adjusting better now. The reason for this move was also quite a change...
I have a new addition to the family, sort of... No not a baby!!! But my boyfriend has moved in and fits perfectly into our little family. It is quite a change to live with a man again, a positive change I think. He is fantastic with Makenna and treats me far better then anyone else ever has. I absolutely see a bright future with him. We met at our previous employers, and worked with each other as a 2 person mean machine for about 6 months. And I'll willingly admit he caught my eye from second one. Of course I am an oblivious human and had no clue he was interested until it was almost to late.
We both had had enough of our jobs and the poor treatment we were receiving so we both quit within days of each other and I thought that'd be the end of that but here we are.
As for the job front, I had a new job the day after I quit and am enjoying it immensely. I am back to bar tending which is what I know and am good at doing. It isn't nearly as physically demanding or draining as my previous job, and I come home and am still fresh and ready to play with Makenna. I am no longer grumpy and depressed about my job. I took a large pay cut but I feel it is well worth it for my well being alone.
All in all I am a happier person now then I ever have been, I see a bright future for myself and Makenna. I have new goals and interests and cant wait to move forward with my life.
XOXO
Mommy Out
Wednesday, 11 July 2012
Sunday, 15 April 2012
Bottles of Rain
Ever just get a little down on yourself?
That is where I'm at right now. Just a little sad with my life. I never doubt Makenna's love for her mommy, but everyone else seems questionable at the moment. Things in life pile up on you all at once from time to time and that is when our strength is truly tested.
I have a very busy week ahead of me, a member of my family is going for surgery and I once again have a court date for Makenna's contact with her father. Both of which are very emotionally upsetting to me today. And you know what just for this evening I'm going to allow it! Typically I am a bottler, the type to not let anything visibly bother me, and never letting my emotions show or be spoken about. Now many argue that this is unhealthy but my retort is that it's been working for me darn good for 22 years! But tonight I feel quite overwhelmed. I plan on enjoying a cold beer, a good meal, and a long cry/vent session.
Dealing with these stresses is especially difficult without having the support of my friends, most of whom live across the country. Just to have a coffee with a girl friend would undoubtedly do me a world of good. Also not having the support of a relationship can be trying and down right depressing. I, like many other mothers, miss the communication and support that comes with a relationship. I miss a lot of that contact.
But I am always a pillar of strength when these tests rain down on me, and as always Makenna is my daily saving grace. Our children are our reason for breathing, and making it through each day as best and positively as we can. And I am blessed in so many ways that I cant allow myself more then an evening of wallowing.
Break the rules, find your freedom, live your life <3
That is where I'm at right now. Just a little sad with my life. I never doubt Makenna's love for her mommy, but everyone else seems questionable at the moment. Things in life pile up on you all at once from time to time and that is when our strength is truly tested.
I have a very busy week ahead of me, a member of my family is going for surgery and I once again have a court date for Makenna's contact with her father. Both of which are very emotionally upsetting to me today. And you know what just for this evening I'm going to allow it! Typically I am a bottler, the type to not let anything visibly bother me, and never letting my emotions show or be spoken about. Now many argue that this is unhealthy but my retort is that it's been working for me darn good for 22 years! But tonight I feel quite overwhelmed. I plan on enjoying a cold beer, a good meal, and a long cry/vent session.
Dealing with these stresses is especially difficult without having the support of my friends, most of whom live across the country. Just to have a coffee with a girl friend would undoubtedly do me a world of good. Also not having the support of a relationship can be trying and down right depressing. I, like many other mothers, miss the communication and support that comes with a relationship. I miss a lot of that contact.
But I am always a pillar of strength when these tests rain down on me, and as always Makenna is my daily saving grace. Our children are our reason for breathing, and making it through each day as best and positively as we can. And I am blessed in so many ways that I cant allow myself more then an evening of wallowing.
Break the rules, find your freedom, live your life <3
Monday, 19 March 2012
Mommy Brain?
Is mommy brain an actual condition? Medically maybe not, but it sure feels real! I swear I could focus a lot better prior to having a child. For instance, today I made a trip into town (an hr away from home) with a mental list of things to get done. And wouldn't you know it five minutes into the first store and I'm blanking. Unable to remember why I am standing in this particular store I end up wandering, wasting time, and being drawn to shiny objects. My biggest down fall when it comes to frugal shopping are these memory lapses that cause me to aimlessly wander. Needless to say I ended up with a cart full of random items and the nagging feeling of forgetting things. Finally after arriving home, cranky, hungry, in a good amount of pain from my teeth, and having wasted an entire day I miraculously came out of my coma. Now this would typically not irritate me much at all except that I know that I won't have the opportunity to go back to town until next weekend. Alas I will have to wait and hope my memory doesn't fail me again.
Mommy Brain Out
XOXO
Mommy Brain Out
XOXO
Sunday, 18 March 2012
Teeth ~ Part 2
Well looks like I'm not the only one who is having teeth problems...
Poor Makenna has honestly been teething for what feels like MONTHS! Not a single tooth is willing to nudge its way out, but there are about 6 lined up waiting to pop. She has been drooling non stop and has had to wear a bib for the majority of the day today. She has also been really really tired but fighting sleep like it is her sworn enemy. My lil girl had Never been a crier, since day one she only really makes moaning and whining noises, and saves crying for real pain. Today however has been a cry all day day, so I know those little toofers are just driving her nuts. I of course can sympathise greatly with her pain at the moment, and unlike me she has just cold cloths and teething rings to numb the aches. Hopefully this passes soon, and maybe a pearly white will make an appearance in the next few days. I hate to see her in pain, especially knowing there is a limit on the things I can do for her. Today has been one of those tough days to be a mommy for sure, but it's also an experience knowing my baby is growing up right before my eyes. Even though the tears and noise can be trying on my patience, especially feeling under the weather myself, I wouldn't give up these days for anything.
Best Wishes to All you other Mommas out there
XOXO
Poor Makenna has honestly been teething for what feels like MONTHS! Not a single tooth is willing to nudge its way out, but there are about 6 lined up waiting to pop. She has been drooling non stop and has had to wear a bib for the majority of the day today. She has also been really really tired but fighting sleep like it is her sworn enemy. My lil girl had Never been a crier, since day one she only really makes moaning and whining noises, and saves crying for real pain. Today however has been a cry all day day, so I know those little toofers are just driving her nuts. I of course can sympathise greatly with her pain at the moment, and unlike me she has just cold cloths and teething rings to numb the aches. Hopefully this passes soon, and maybe a pearly white will make an appearance in the next few days. I hate to see her in pain, especially knowing there is a limit on the things I can do for her. Today has been one of those tough days to be a mommy for sure, but it's also an experience knowing my baby is growing up right before my eyes. Even though the tears and noise can be trying on my patience, especially feeling under the weather myself, I wouldn't give up these days for anything.
Best Wishes to All you other Mommas out there
XOXO
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Teeth
So as it seems I have been gifted with a nice day off. I use nice lightly though. But as it appears I have spent a nice little chunk of that time writing on my somewhat neglected blog. This has made me realise how much I missed and enjoy writing! It is a great stress release and a lovely break from the regular chores of the day. And clearly I needed it seeing how long my posts have been :)
Normally I don't have time to write so many posts in one day, but I have gotten a slower day spent at home with Makenna thanks to a sudden surgery. Nothing major, and hardly even considered surgery really. I got the opportunity to have my wisdom teeth removed after another client cancelled her appointment. I would have had to wait over a month had this cancellation not occurred, so I jumped at the chance. I have dealt with the 3 wisdom teeth I have for about 2 years now, and it was long over due to have them removed.
The surgery went without a hitch and was reasonably quick. I was able to watch TV while the Dr. got my IV hooked up and prepped. I was supposed to have IV sedation and fall asleep through the operation. That certainly didn't happen, I was awake through the procedure and relatively aware of what went on. 2 of my teeth had broken through and were simply pulled, and 1 was cut out. I had a lot of freezing, and the sedation didn't quite work as it was intended but I was pain free. So far the healing has gone well, the freezing wore off sometime during the night and I haven't had much swelling or unbearable discomfort. I have been able to eat pudding, ice cream, soft Kraft dinner, and managed some eggs also. I haven't needed to many T3's for pain yet either. I'm alert enough to still play and care for Makenna, and am just relishing in the time off. It's a great excuse to stay home and rest. And any opportunity I get to spend one on one time with my daughter is time excellently spent. Hopefully the rest of my recovery is as nice as it has been so far. I had been terrified that the pain would be really bad, and I'd have the chipmunk cheeks. But so far so good.
Take Care.
XOXO
Normally I don't have time to write so many posts in one day, but I have gotten a slower day spent at home with Makenna thanks to a sudden surgery. Nothing major, and hardly even considered surgery really. I got the opportunity to have my wisdom teeth removed after another client cancelled her appointment. I would have had to wait over a month had this cancellation not occurred, so I jumped at the chance. I have dealt with the 3 wisdom teeth I have for about 2 years now, and it was long over due to have them removed.
The surgery went without a hitch and was reasonably quick. I was able to watch TV while the Dr. got my IV hooked up and prepped. I was supposed to have IV sedation and fall asleep through the operation. That certainly didn't happen, I was awake through the procedure and relatively aware of what went on. 2 of my teeth had broken through and were simply pulled, and 1 was cut out. I had a lot of freezing, and the sedation didn't quite work as it was intended but I was pain free. So far the healing has gone well, the freezing wore off sometime during the night and I haven't had much swelling or unbearable discomfort. I have been able to eat pudding, ice cream, soft Kraft dinner, and managed some eggs also. I haven't needed to many T3's for pain yet either. I'm alert enough to still play and care for Makenna, and am just relishing in the time off. It's a great excuse to stay home and rest. And any opportunity I get to spend one on one time with my daughter is time excellently spent. Hopefully the rest of my recovery is as nice as it has been so far. I had been terrified that the pain would be really bad, and I'd have the chipmunk cheeks. But so far so good.
Take Care.
XOXO
~ Shop baby Shop ~
So as a "wanna be" frugal mommy I am always looking for the best deals on everything I buy. I just wanted to share a few of the great buys I have come across recently.
I'll start off with the "scary" world of eBay. Like many others out there, I was Very sceptical of buying anything on line. Especially off what I believed to be the controversial site eBay.com. And my experience with the site so far have been far from perfect. That being said it also hasn't been an entirely negative experience, like most shopping situations you take the good with the bad. I have purchased more items then I expected to and for the most part I have been satisfied. I am also still waiting on many of my purchases to ship here from China. But those that I have received have arrived in a timely manner and I am pleased with them.
So far I have gotten 2 pairs of "Betsey Johnson" earrings, 4 pendants, and a leather bracelet.
The earrings are really adorable and although I realise they are imitation I still quite like them. And they were only about $2 per pair with free shipping. I did have issues with the black pair, I was sent a random order of badminton racket tape. But with prompt customer service I was quickly sent the correct item.
The 4 pendants I got were my best buy so far. Each pendant is coated in 925 silver, and are really good quality. Two are turquoise, one is rutilated quartz, and one is lapis lazuli. The only one I really have anything negative to say is the rutilated quartz. I don't believe it is quartz at all, and looks very man made. But from a regular distance it is still a very pretty piece. The lapis is by far my favourite piece! Each cost no more then $5 including shipping. These pendants shipped from New York and took the least amount of time to ship.
The leather bracelet I purchased has become a staple in my everyday attire. I haven't taken it off since I received it in the mail. It shipped really quickly, and I should receive a cute necklace on Monday from the same company.This bracelet cost $0.99 with free shipping. I am sure I could have gotten a similar bracelet in Canada, but like most of my eBay purchases it was just something that caught my eye.
The purchases I am still waiting on, and getting slightly frustrated with, all from different companies in China. I am waiting for 10 flower hair clips for Makenna. I paid $0.99 on the bundle of 10 clips, and $6.99 for shipping. I was thrilled when I found this particular seller, they offer an assortment of flower clips and headbands that appear to be good quality. And the prices can't be beat! If I were to buy a single flower clip from a local store it would cost anywhere from $3 - $7. Where I can get 10 from that price on eBay. The downside is when I'm so excited over a purchase I want it to ship immediately, and I've been waiting 5 weeks now and still waiting. Another purchase I am waiting on are my Baby Legs (not brand name). I paid $4.98 for 2 pairs of multicoloured legs including free shipping. They are 3T so I'm sure they will be more then big enough when they do arrive. And it's only been 3 weeks waiting for them. I am also waiting on a Love necklace that I purchased from the same company as the leather bracelet. I again only paid $0.99 with free shipping. The bracelet is gold in colour, and the "o" of the necklace is an imitation pearl. This will also probably be a staple piece of jewelry. The last item I am waiting for is a box of 10 natural looking fake lashes. I believe I paid around $3 for the set with free shipping. This was my biggest impulse buy so far. There wasn't really a purpose behind it, but I wanted to experiment with lashes and just couldn't bring myself to pay $6 in the stores for a single pair. Especially if I just plan on playing around with them and seeing how I can create different looks.
Overall I feel that eBay has been a good experience and I am baffled by the vast variety of products, and the insanely affordable costs. I have definitely saved alot of money on my purchases so far and overall I think I'll be continuing to buy off eBay. I would whole heartedly recommend anyone interested to check it out. Obviously use caution, and don't have sky high expectations. But look for top rated sellers and don't buy anything unless you feel comfortable with the cost and the product. But give it a shot. I am most pleased that I get the feeling of indulgence along with the reassurance that I'm saving money. So go give it a try, and save money!
Good Luck, Happy Shopping
XOXO
I'll start off with the "scary" world of eBay. Like many others out there, I was Very sceptical of buying anything on line. Especially off what I believed to be the controversial site eBay.com. And my experience with the site so far have been far from perfect. That being said it also hasn't been an entirely negative experience, like most shopping situations you take the good with the bad. I have purchased more items then I expected to and for the most part I have been satisfied. I am also still waiting on many of my purchases to ship here from China. But those that I have received have arrived in a timely manner and I am pleased with them.
So far I have gotten 2 pairs of "Betsey Johnson" earrings, 4 pendants, and a leather bracelet.
The earrings are really adorable and although I realise they are imitation I still quite like them. And they were only about $2 per pair with free shipping. I did have issues with the black pair, I was sent a random order of badminton racket tape. But with prompt customer service I was quickly sent the correct item.
The 4 pendants I got were my best buy so far. Each pendant is coated in 925 silver, and are really good quality. Two are turquoise, one is rutilated quartz, and one is lapis lazuli. The only one I really have anything negative to say is the rutilated quartz. I don't believe it is quartz at all, and looks very man made. But from a regular distance it is still a very pretty piece. The lapis is by far my favourite piece! Each cost no more then $5 including shipping. These pendants shipped from New York and took the least amount of time to ship.
The leather bracelet I purchased has become a staple in my everyday attire. I haven't taken it off since I received it in the mail. It shipped really quickly, and I should receive a cute necklace on Monday from the same company.This bracelet cost $0.99 with free shipping. I am sure I could have gotten a similar bracelet in Canada, but like most of my eBay purchases it was just something that caught my eye.
The purchases I am still waiting on, and getting slightly frustrated with, all from different companies in China. I am waiting for 10 flower hair clips for Makenna. I paid $0.99 on the bundle of 10 clips, and $6.99 for shipping. I was thrilled when I found this particular seller, they offer an assortment of flower clips and headbands that appear to be good quality. And the prices can't be beat! If I were to buy a single flower clip from a local store it would cost anywhere from $3 - $7. Where I can get 10 from that price on eBay. The downside is when I'm so excited over a purchase I want it to ship immediately, and I've been waiting 5 weeks now and still waiting. Another purchase I am waiting on are my Baby Legs (not brand name). I paid $4.98 for 2 pairs of multicoloured legs including free shipping. They are 3T so I'm sure they will be more then big enough when they do arrive. And it's only been 3 weeks waiting for them. I am also waiting on a Love necklace that I purchased from the same company as the leather bracelet. I again only paid $0.99 with free shipping. The bracelet is gold in colour, and the "o" of the necklace is an imitation pearl. This will also probably be a staple piece of jewelry. The last item I am waiting for is a box of 10 natural looking fake lashes. I believe I paid around $3 for the set with free shipping. This was my biggest impulse buy so far. There wasn't really a purpose behind it, but I wanted to experiment with lashes and just couldn't bring myself to pay $6 in the stores for a single pair. Especially if I just plan on playing around with them and seeing how I can create different looks.
Overall I feel that eBay has been a good experience and I am baffled by the vast variety of products, and the insanely affordable costs. I have definitely saved alot of money on my purchases so far and overall I think I'll be continuing to buy off eBay. I would whole heartedly recommend anyone interested to check it out. Obviously use caution, and don't have sky high expectations. But look for top rated sellers and don't buy anything unless you feel comfortable with the cost and the product. But give it a shot. I am most pleased that I get the feeling of indulgence along with the reassurance that I'm saving money. So go give it a try, and save money!
Good Luck, Happy Shopping
XOXO
Weekends that turn into Memories
Last weekend I was feeling the stress of life weighing me down, so on a whim I decided to pack up the car and head west with my mother and Makenna. I was only expecting to travel a few hours to a small town with a great view of the mountains, well actually more like at the base of many mountains! And it was beautiful, I have a borderline obsession with mountains. Which I guess comes from growing up no where near them. I just find them so beautiful, and breathtaking, and powerful. I literally feel healed when I get to see them, and also slightly torn knowing I'll have to leave again.
Wanting to prolong my love affair, I figured since we had come this far why not eat here and head south to a national park. Since I rarely get weekends with my family to myself with no other commitments involved this seemed like the best time to take advantage of the opportunity. So we had a great lunch and took off down the highway again.
Once we arrived we filled up the car and toured around a little bit but quickly decided to head another 6 hours south. Back to our first home in Alberta to visit some friends and my old job. We were somewhat naive though and went through the mountain pass, and although the weather was lovely with clean, dry roads our entire trip the pass was not! The long drive through the mountains were quite frightening for me. Little did I know that we had to go through avalanche territory, and white out conditions on roads. So after the longest most stressful drive of my life we finally arrived back at our original Alberta home.
The saying you never know what you've got until it's gone was ringing loudly when we pulled into our old driveway. It felt like we were home. It was great to have Makenna meet my friends (who I truly feel are more family then anything). We had a great sleep and woke early to go enjoy breakfast at my all time favourite diner! The feeling of HOME was nearly overwhelming. It was very hard to leave. I know that I need to return living there sometime in the future.
We got to go to one of the top 3 greatest malls in Canada, and enjoyed tour around. We stopped at one of the brand new Victoria's Secret stores, and Sephora, and Mac. None of which we have way up north where we currently live. After some fun in the mall, we hit the road again and stopped at a huge tack shop and really loved that. Makenna sat on saddles, and played on a bouncy horse, and loved every second of it. I now have no doubt that she will be a horse lover like the rest of her family :)
It only took 11 hours to drive back home. It was by far the longest trip I have taken since before getting pregnant. And Makenna was the most amazing little girl throughout the whole trip! She didn't cry or fuss at all, and I think she really liked the mountains and entire journey. But I'm positive she was glad to have a good sleep in her own crib. The next day she was elated to see her own toys again too.
I have learned through this weekend trip that it is extremely important to take the time, and spend a bit of money on enjoying the little things in life! Truly I believe that we all need a couple mini vacations to just get back to who we are and recognised what's important to us in life.
I will have memories and great pictures of our family's first weekend getaway for years to come, and I can't wait to re share the journey with Makenna again in the future.
So take the time to get recentered and back to being you, it's worth more then anything.
For your health, For your happiness, For your Life!
Best wishes,
XOXO
Wanting to prolong my love affair, I figured since we had come this far why not eat here and head south to a national park. Since I rarely get weekends with my family to myself with no other commitments involved this seemed like the best time to take advantage of the opportunity. So we had a great lunch and took off down the highway again.
Once we arrived we filled up the car and toured around a little bit but quickly decided to head another 6 hours south. Back to our first home in Alberta to visit some friends and my old job. We were somewhat naive though and went through the mountain pass, and although the weather was lovely with clean, dry roads our entire trip the pass was not! The long drive through the mountains were quite frightening for me. Little did I know that we had to go through avalanche territory, and white out conditions on roads. So after the longest most stressful drive of my life we finally arrived back at our original Alberta home.
The saying you never know what you've got until it's gone was ringing loudly when we pulled into our old driveway. It felt like we were home. It was great to have Makenna meet my friends (who I truly feel are more family then anything). We had a great sleep and woke early to go enjoy breakfast at my all time favourite diner! The feeling of HOME was nearly overwhelming. It was very hard to leave. I know that I need to return living there sometime in the future.
We got to go to one of the top 3 greatest malls in Canada, and enjoyed tour around. We stopped at one of the brand new Victoria's Secret stores, and Sephora, and Mac. None of which we have way up north where we currently live. After some fun in the mall, we hit the road again and stopped at a huge tack shop and really loved that. Makenna sat on saddles, and played on a bouncy horse, and loved every second of it. I now have no doubt that she will be a horse lover like the rest of her family :)
It only took 11 hours to drive back home. It was by far the longest trip I have taken since before getting pregnant. And Makenna was the most amazing little girl throughout the whole trip! She didn't cry or fuss at all, and I think she really liked the mountains and entire journey. But I'm positive she was glad to have a good sleep in her own crib. The next day she was elated to see her own toys again too.
I have learned through this weekend trip that it is extremely important to take the time, and spend a bit of money on enjoying the little things in life! Truly I believe that we all need a couple mini vacations to just get back to who we are and recognised what's important to us in life.
I will have memories and great pictures of our family's first weekend getaway for years to come, and I can't wait to re share the journey with Makenna again in the future.
So take the time to get recentered and back to being you, it's worth more then anything.
For your health, For your happiness, For your Life!
Best wishes,
XOXO
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