Our House

    T and I went by the house this weekend and the renos really are underway.  We haven't been by much.....as it's not really the most child or pregnant lady-friendly environment, what with being a construction site and all.  This weekend was huge for us, we now have a second floor and bedroom for Rico and I.

   I find this all so exciting.  I guess it's because I've never lived in an actual house before.   I grew up in an apartment and lived in either a condo or other apartments since.  So the idea of living in a house, with all that space is thrilling.  Every time I go to the house (or Rico shows me pictures) I get little butterflies in my stomach.  Much like being a teenager and thinking about the boy you like.  I know we still have a few months to go until we can live in the house, but I love seeing it all come together.   I love thinking about our boys living there, holidays we will spend there, family dinners and traditions that will take place in our house.  That is what I look forward to the most, creating memories for our boys.

Home Renovations

  Maybe it's because it's our first house and maybe it's because we aren't living in the renovations but I am so excited about our renovations.  It helps that R is a fantastic contractor with amazing ideas.  I look forward to the design and layout part of the renovations the most.  I love planning and seeing how it all works out.

  What really excites me about this whole process may just be a fantasy.  That is organization!!  Specifically, I can't wait to come up with a system to keep our entrance way tidy.  That means a place for our keys, our change, a system (that works) for our mail, somewhere for our coats, hats and mitts to go.  I love the idea of walking into the house and having a place to put things and have it look clean.  I hope this all works out the way I want it to, the way I think it can.  Here are a couple images I found of what my dream mud room may one day look like.

 There is so much to look forward to in our lives right now, I can't wait to share it with you as it all progresses.

Emotional Boys

I have been thinking a lot about how to raise a boy.  I want to raise him to be a good man.  A man who treats others well, who is fair and kind.  I also want him to be a man's man.  To be strong and capable but at the same time I want him to be in touch with his emotions and his sensitive side.  So how do I do that?  How do you create that balance?

I feel it is important for children (boys especially) to be given words and ways of expressing their emotions.  I try to label T's feelings whether he is happy or sad but also when he is mad or frustrated.  I don't want to (for lack of a better word) make him a sissy I just want him to be aware of his feelings.  We play rough with T, let him get dirty, fall, get hurt and get back up.  We give him trucks and swords and "boy toys".  On the other hand, when he cries we cuddle him and tell him, "it's okay" and we love him.  T has a doll and a tea set.  Is this setting up the right balance?  Is there such a thing as "the right balance"?

I find myself thinking of T as a future grown-up, a member of society.  I try to think of the kind of man I want him to become.  I think of the men I have known, those in my life now and those that are no longer a part of it for whatever reason, and I try to think of all the good parts of those men and try to compile what it means to be a good man.

How do you teach a boy to be a good man?  I don't know.  I think it has to do with the role models a boy has (both male and female) and the interactions he sees and participates in.  I don't know the answers here I just hope we are setting T on the right path.

One Year Old

Well it is finally here, T's 1st birthday. I can't help but remember the day he was born and him as a newborn. He was the cutest baby, ever (okay I know I'm bias but he really was cute). He was 8 lbs of cuteness. He was a very easy baby that first day. He actually was a great baby all along. My only complaint was that he didn't sleep well. He only wanted to sleep on me, preferably on the breast. And I let him. He was just so tiny and sweet, I didn't want to put him down.

I barely remember the early days with T, I was too sleep deprived. I remember nursing a lot and not sleeping much. Which I guess explains why I don't remember anything. I do remember that first day/night at home. I remember who was here and all the calls we got. I have never felt so loved by the people in my life. Everyone calling with well wishes or stopping by to see our newest addition. Some people surprised me so much. There were friends that I never would have guessed to be baby people, who were so excited to meet T and want to hold him. It was sweet seeing our male friends holding T for the first time. They all had that same look on their face. It was a look of, "OMG, am I going to break this baby?"

One of my favourite memory of the day T was born was coming home in the pouring rain and people were already at our house awaiting our (well really just T's) arrival. A little while after we were home R's younger brother was over visiting. He was so nervous holding the baby but the look he gave T was one that can only be described as pure love and awe. For the longest time that was how it was between the two of them. G was nervous but so in love with the baby. Now he isn't nervous anymore but still so in love with T.

As I look back I can't help but think of T's future. Of the boy he is becoming and the man he will one day become. I am so blessed to have him as my son. I love him more then I could ever say and I hope he always knows that. I have many dreams and wishes for him as he grown but the most important is I hope he always feels the love his father and I have for him. That he grows up to be a good man, who is secure in himself and those around him.

I love you baby!

Love Mamma

xoxo

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Another day in the land of the sleep deprived. Ok so I know I have nobody to blame for it this time but myself. I let T sleep in our bed last night....gasp now. It just so cozy and it usually means I can stay in bed longer so it seems like a good idea. Well not last night. T woke up in the middle of the night and was whiney and moving all about until I caved and nursed him...gasp again. Well I'd love to say I've learned from this and I will not be doing it again but I know that's a lie.

So we are now into the birthday countdown and I'm finding it really sad. He's just getting so big, next thing I know he'll be off to Uni and then getting married and having his own babies....I'm not ready to be a grandmother!? Ok so the rational part of my brain knows I'm not becoming a grandmother for a very long time still but as I said I'm a frequent visiter to the land of the sleep deprived, i.e. not rational. I've just made the invitations to go out to a few of his little friends and am now looking for a good cake recipe. I am also in the process of making his birthday photo book, basically a year in review...way to dwell on him getting bigger.

Oh well babies grow. I can't stop it. I think I'll just have to try and enjoy it and take lots of pictures (our poor second child, there is no way I can take as many pictures when we do this all again)

From the Mummyhood......see you later