Easter Sunday

(part 1)

(part 2)

His wagon was a hit.

After chocolate and reading new stories, I took Kingston to gymnastics, made a delicious breakfast, we all had a nap, and then took him and Charlotte for a walk in the afternoon (K in the wagon, C in the stroller) and saw birds/ducks/geese/doggies.  What a wonderful way to spend our Easter Sunday.

We're going to....

Michael and I are on our way to Vegas.  In JUNE.  Originally when we were planning, we thought August but somehow we ended up deciding to go a little sooner and the trip fits the budget, so why not?  Michael's wonderful parents have agreed to look after the babies (twice in one month actually), and we will be spending 4 fabulous days on the strip.  Drinking, gambling, shopping, sightseeing, but most importantly spending time with just each other.  We never had a honeymoon after getting married (mostly because I was super-pregnant) and then on our one year anniversary we still didn't really do anything (I was pregnant again -- sensing a theme?).  This year is all about us.  We haven't decided if we are going to go to any shows, or just try and find some fun music clubs while we're wandering around.  Regardless I have the hotel and flights booked and paid for (we are staying RIGHT in the middle of it all at the 'Paris' hotel) and we're both dying to go.  Of course there are many things going on between now and then, but I find myself counting down and looking forward to our trip every day (38 days!). 

M turns 40!!

That's right.  My wonderful husband just turned the big 4-0 on April 12.  We had two celebrations for him, one here in London on April 9th, and one in Dundalk on April 12th. 

On April 9th, we invited 7 other couples out to dinner and drinks at our favourite pub 'Crossings' and had some very delicious appetizers, dinner and dessert.  Since I was able to bring a cake, I got a really light chocolate-mousse cake with strawberries on top.  Plus there was alcohol.  A LOT of alcohol.  In typical Mike-Jen fashion we stayed behind after everyone else called it a night and drank with staff who we've come to know pretty well.
(Third picture -- Michael was doing his birthday shot -- MUFF DIVER...)


 


 The next morning we were able to bring our nephew Ivor to gymnastics with us, and Uncle Bryan, Aunt Erika, Papa, and Grandma were all able to come along as well!  We were feeling a little rough, and ended up going to the early class (8:30am) but it was worth it!  Michael then requested a breakfast out at Coras.. which was just what we needed.

Later that day M drove the babies and I to Dundalk while he headed on to Toronto.  We had a fantastic few days going to playgroups, playdates, and spending time with all of the family in Dundalk.  I was even able to go to kickboxing with my sister and some of her friends.. it was nice to get a workout in considering how crazy busy the weekend/week ended up.  On Tuesday the 12th we had a small birthday party of 30 or so people at 'Tobys' and it was also fantastic.  They made the BEST sweet potato fries I've ever had.  Seeeeeeeeeriously.  I don't even like them at all usually.  There was alcohol .. again -- but this time there were TWO birthday celebrations.  My sister turned 25 just two days later.  So lets just say that the two of them enjoyed themselves probably a little too much.  I ended up driving back to London.       

Now that the celebrations are over, and reality hit -- I think Michael is OKay with being 40.  Afterall he DID get a blonde for his birthday.

Great Wolf Lodge

Ok dear readers.  Are you ready for an explosion of blogs?  I have a little time on my hands over the next three days so I plan to catch up on all of this months past events.  It's been a crazy month and it's only April 17th.

INSERT -- yes I started this blog on the 17th.  Today is the 29th.  Sheeesh.

This past weekend we took Kingston back to Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls.  Charlotte stayed at home with Grandma Krawetz (for some girl time!) and we brought along my cousins Jessica & Brett.  We decided to leave early on Saturday in the hopes that our room would be done before the 4pm check in, and Kingston would be able to nap in the room rather than the car.  Let's just say this didn't happen -- Kingston got NO nap on Saturday, but he was a trooper and did the best he could.  

We spent all day Saturday swimming, splashing and spending time together.  Kingston adored playing with Brett, and Brett enjoyed being the 'big brother' figure for Kingston.  Of course, Kingston knows Jess pretty well since we regularily have her babysit or come over to visit.  We went to a yummy dinner Saturday night and then Kingston PASSED out at around 6:30 (as we all hung out in the hallway so he could have some quiet time, lol).  Michael and I got ready and went out for a date to the Casino where I've found a new & expensive hobby.  While waiting for the poker room to open up for M, we played the slot machines and had a drink.  We both put in $20, and lost all of it within 10 minutes.  I decided I wanted to learn a 'table' game.. and started watching the craps table.  Michael started to explain the game to me but eventually left to play poker so I made friends with a wonderfully addicted man (Al) and a bubbly, craps-loving woman (Pam).  They taught me as we played, and the craps employees (I don't know what their actual title would be?) helped me out a lot as well.  After about 2 hours I was still playing my original $40, and was about to get really lucky.  I've never experienced something like this in my entire life.  EVERYONE was cheering for me as ridiculous amounts of people flooded the table.  I had one gentlemen buy me a beer, another one kiss me on the cheek.  I got REALLY hot.  I made myself about $350 (pretty tame betting).. and other's more.  It was surreal.  Michael had a great hand in poker, and also made around $200-300.  We both played for a little while and really got into craps.  That will definately not be my last time playing!!  

We finally headed back to GWL around midnight, just in time for Kingston to wake up and melt down.  And by melt down I mean, completely lose it.  I've never seen him so upset.  We think he might have had water in his ears from playing in the waterpark all day?  Who knows but he ended up spending the night from 1:45 am until 7:30 in our bed.  Which was A-OK with us :)

Sunday was spent with a very yummy breakfast, more swimming and a ton of waterslides.  We finally got home around 7 and Kingston was toast.  Completely zonked out as soon as I put him to bed.  It was a wonderful weekend away with our baby boy, however by Sunday night I was definately missing my baby girl.

         

Holy Cow

For the record, I'm still here.  Just busy. 
We have had a lot going on.. prepare to read about it in the next few days.  And you will be bombarded with photos and videos.  But today is Easter Sunday -- and after our family nap, we are headed to the park to try out Kingston's new wagon. 

Imagination Movers! Pt. 1

3 tickets (7th row) to see the Movers = $137.25
Concert T-shirt and stuffed mouse = $60.00
Parking at Centennial Hall = $5.00
Waters and Snacks = $10.00

Seeing the look on my beautiful son's face when Mover Scott gave him a 'pound' and Mover Dave said "hey buddy!" to him with a little back tap: PRICELESS.

I know it's blurry -- but that would be Mover Scott giving K a "pound". (M is wearing an orange tshirt)

more to come...

A Shoutout to M

After re-reading my last post.. I decided my wonderful husband needed a shoutout.  If you don't like reading mushy, lovey type stuff... you may want to skip this morning's post. 

Yesterday on Facebook a friend wrote about how her husband doesn't do diapers -- and I of course commented.. this got me really thinking about Michael and how much he really does.  Don't get me wrong -- I'm not going to judge or belittle how others relationships work -- for this particular friend she wrote that he does other things that she doesn't like to do, they have balance.  The only person I can speak for is me. 

I could not be in a relationship that puts all of the 'child raising' duties on me.  I just could NOT do it.  Two people decide to have a child --not one (or atleast not most of the time, haha).  I've heard people say before that being on maternity leave or being a stay at home mom means that 'taking care of the children is your job.'  This statement is not only ridiculous but I also find it offensive.  It sets me off like none other.  I realize that my husband is working outside the home and he has to get up and go to work, but being a mom is 24 hours a day 7 days a week.  When he's at work -- he can pee when he needs to.  He can have a snack, or make a phone call, sometimes even have some alone time.  Me? Not so much.  My husband works hard, but he does not work 24/7.  I sometimes think guys just say it as a cop-out -- if they don't feel like doing something (ie getting up in the middle of the night, or making a bottle at 6 am).. but I can honestly say that if I ask him to get up with either of the babies, M does.  He makes bottles, changes diapers, deals with temper tantrums with no complaint.  He loves playing with his babies, taking them places (ie the park), bathing them, reading to them, or anything Kingston decides will be fun at 7 am.  Yes -- he may do it with a yawn, and his Blackberry in hand - probably putting out some fire at work, but he does it willingly.

So -- for his shoutout.. I'd like to say that the past few days with K being on antibiotics.. his mood and temperament fluxuates by the minute.  As per usual - no idea what's going on with C but she could nap anywhere from 45 minutes to 3.5 hours.  I've been trying for two days to get laundry folded and put away and it just can't happen when they're awake.  I decided to take Kingston swimming in the AM while Michael looked after Charlotte and did some work via his BB.. when I got home I fed the babies and put them down for a nap yesterday, made myself lunch and checked email.  All of 30 minutes passed when I headed upstairs to get that laundry done!  Sure enough -- 10 minutes in, I heard Charlotte start screaming.  I put on her mobile and gave her back her suckie.. but she was determined that she wasn't going back to bed.  In a frantic, frustrated, "when am I going to get this done?!" text to M (who was working in his office) he responded that he would take care of Charlotte.  So now I've taken up most of his morning, he got a couple hours work in, and then he was going to take another hour off to deal with our baby girl? I resisted, and he assured me that he could take an hour to help me.  In this time the screaming had also woken Kingston.  So now he had both babies to entertain while I folded the mountain of laundry (and watched '16 and Pregnant').  After I got most of it done, he brought the babies to the playroom and went back to work for a couple hours, before making Kingston dinner and packing the diaper bag, while I got the babies snack/sippy/bottle ready and dressed them.  At this point, we've become a well oiled machine, and I rarely have to ask M to do anything.  We just check with each other, "bottles in the bag? Changed K or C's diaper?", and are on our way.  

AND THEN -- last night after Group Power class at the gym.. he tells me he's going to work late (after I go to bed) so he can take the morning off to bring the babies swimming.  

How many men do that?  Give up watching tv or surfing the net, to WORK so they can spend the morning swimming with their babies.  I'd say I was shocked but I wasn't.  I saw his face on Thursday morning when I said I was taking Kingston swimming.  Total jealousy.  He loves doing family activities -- any family activities.

So babe.. I doubt your reading this.. but if you are.. Thank you.  You are amazing.  You sacrifice your own 'free' time for the benefit of your children and I know that.  You do so much for me and our family and I appreciate you.  I realize I may not always seem appreciative, but know that I am.  Know that your children will grow up having wonderful memories of time spent with their dad.  Know that your wife adores watching you make your little girl laugh uncontrollably.  Know that your son will never find someone he likes to play cars with more than his daddy.  You are the best dad that a child could ever have.  I love you.  We love you.  

And that's it for the mushy stuff.