Wednesday, February 28, 2007

Painting Pictures

I have had one of the strangest days one could possibly have.

Firstly, the Stars and Strollers movie today was 'The Number 23' I think for the first time ever, Carrie and I didn't know whether or not we liked the movie. I don't think I have ever walked away from a movie feeling that way.

Later on, before I went to catch my bus, I sat down to eat my ice cream and nurse Evan. Picture this:

Evan fooling around, playing, and coming up for air while I nurse him in a busy West Edmonton Mall. Most people are walking by without looking or even noticing. Then - these three men decked out in full biker gear see that I'm nursing a baby and not only do they not avoid eye-contact, they are even smiling at us. Carrie figures they have children that are (or have been) breastfed.

On the bus ride home, I can hear the very faintest strains of music. Let me paint you Picture number 2 of the day:

A man in his late 20s early 30s wearing contractor overalls, work boots and a hat. He looks like a bigger guy with a bit of a beer belly. I can finally figure out what music he is listening and grooving to on his MP3 Player...

'Buttons' by the Pussy Cat Dolls.

What a strange day. I can only wonder what tomorrow will bring.

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Big Day

So we have a big day coming up on Friday, March 2.

1. Evan is going to be 6 months old - already?!?
2. Evan is going to have his first taste (or lack of) of solid foods.
3. At 9:45 am, I have an interview at the Public Affairs Bureau.

I just had to share that with everyone.

Edited to correct the month - as pointed out by Dallas

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Ying Yang Day

The Ying of my day - shopping at Planet Organic
The Yang of my day - getting lunch at Riverside Donair and Pizza

So we confirmed it last night, Evan is cutting his first tooth. It doesn't seem to bother him too much, except that in the early evening/late afternoon he is more grumpy. So on my friend Carrie's recommendation, I was going to go to Planet Organic (121 Street & Jasper Ave) to pick up some Hyland's Teething Tablets. I load Evan up in his sling and walk over to the store. Once I get home, I discover that I had actually purchased the colic tablets. After confirming with Carrie that I had indeed bought the wrong thing - Evan and I headed back to do an exchange. However - the store is sold out of them. They have my name and number and they will call me when they get a shipment in. In the meantime, however, I bought the Hyland's Teething Gel. Hopefully, it will provide some relief and comfort to my little guy.

After all that walking, I had built up quite the appetite. I stopped at the Donair place next door and got my lunch to go. By the time I got home, Evan had fallen asleep in his sling.

On another topic - since Evan is quickly approaching the 6 month mark, we're getting him ready for solids - or rather mushy solids. He's getting used to sitting in his high chair and playing with his spoon and Baby Safe feeder. So far, it looks like he's enjoying himself.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Big Day

So yesterday was a big day for Evan and I. Luckily, we were able to share a part of it with Carrie and Lily.

Yesterday, we had our very first swimming lessons at Hardisty pool. Lily and Evan were the newbies of the class - but they each floated like pros. While, like Carrie, I didn't know the words to a lot of the sing-a-long songs, I had a lot of fun playing in the water with my little tadpole. I think we're going to have a lot of fun. Later on in the change room, Evan exacted his revenge on Lily for pulling his hair. Her little feet decked in pink leather shoes were far too great a temptation. He leaned over and stuck Lily's foot in his mouth. Luckily, Lily has a good sport and didn't kick him in the teeth...or at least where his teeth are going to be.

Later that night, my mom and I went to our monthly book club meeting. Not only did my mom happen to be in town for the meeting - she even read the book. A greater surprise still - I read the book. The selection this month was 'Night' by Elie Wiesel. It was a first-hand account of surviving a concentration camp in WWII. It was a short book (120 pages). While it was easy to get through and finish the book - the content wasn't always easy to swallow. It was very well written and I would highly recommend it. Anyone who would like to borrow it is most certainly welcome.

Today, I had a writing test for a Public Affairs Officer position with the Public Affairs Bureau with the Government of Alberta. As expected, the writing test involved writing a news release and a communications plan. Would you believe that one candidate showed up 25 minutes late?? Anyway, I know this is just step one of many more to come. I'm sure there will be at least one more interview. The salary and benefits package are great for this job. The only downside to potentially accepting this job is that I would be cutting my maternity leave short by a few months. I guess in the grand scheme of things, a couple of months aren't a big deal...especially if it means making the right career move for Evan and me.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Evan got kidnapped!

Well, not technically kidnapped since I voluntarily let my parents take him.

Today, my parents picked up Evan at around 11 am. After some very specific instructions - absolutely no food (Dad)- they were off to lunch out in Sherwood Park and told me they would be back between 4 and 5 this afternoon.

So there I was...by myself in my apartment for the first time in almost 6 months. What was I supposed to do? After quickly chatting with my friend Carrie - I hunkered down and got to work.

I cleaned my apartment from top to bottom. I don't think it has been this spotless since my parents cleaned it when I was in the hospital having Evan. I took some breaks to focus on my Health Studies Course. When it was all done, I took a very long, hot shower and enjoyed a leisurely late lunch.

Shortly before 5 pm, my parents showed up with Evan. They tell me that he was very very good today. He didn't cry or fuss when they went to their friends' for lunch. He had a short nap in the afternoon and he even managed to drink a bit from the bottle. That being said, when my parents left Evan was super hungry and fell asleep while eating.

I think my parents really wore him out today. While Evan and I were in the shower, he lay his head on my chest and fell asleep. It was very very sweet.

I thought leaving him for such a long period of time was going to be a lot more difficult. I know it will still be hard when I have to leave him in daycare when I go back to school or work. Having that little bit of time to myself today was a nice treat.

Thanks Mom & Dad.