alicia

Life - times

I have been busy. My baby has been busy. There is lots on my mind these days, big things. I will share these things with you soon, but for now lets play some catch up and you can see what my family has been up to!

 

 

It was that time of year again for the annual 1920's gala! We had loads of fun, I wanted to wear something new, but time escaped me, so I am in the same outfit! But I still think I look smashing! It was a great night! And for the first time ever I won a silent auction item!!! I bid $130 on a $1000 photography package including a photo shot, and I won! Nice hey!

 

We took another trip to the farmers market, its a weekly tradition now! And I stocked up on blueberries and froze a whole load of them for the winter. I also cooked a whole free range chicken and then made some soup stock out of the bones, this is so hardcore house wife stuff, I am so proud!

 

 

Then there was thanksgiving. We went to Innisfail, where my aunt lives and she rented out a hall for all of us to gather in. There was lots of food, fun and games. Ivy stayed up way past her bed time and we filled our bellies past their maximum thresholds!

 

Oct 15th! Day before Keith's birthday. I had LOADS planned for this day. It was a Thursday , but I got his boss to secretly give him the day off! We woke up and feed Ivy cereal for the first time! She is now nearly 6 months old! She loved the stuff, gobbling down the whole teaspoon of nasty tasting goop!

o 

 

The next surprise was a visit to the Irene Besse concert hall with its 9ft grand piano, which I rented out from 2-4 for Keith to play with! He had a blast banging on the ivory's and Ivy and I had a great time listening.

Irene Besse herself came to check out the party and they even brought us chocolate cake!

 

 

 

 

And the biggest event of the day, a HUGE surprise party for Keith! I rented out a ballroom in the Jubilee Auditorium and had it catered and arranged for Keith's soul band to be the entertainment all night, all without Keith having a clue! He was so surprised he was in tears! The party was sooo fun and soo awesome and the band sounded fabulous! Ivy was once again out to late and we have been paying the price since, she is super cranky and grumpy (we both just got over a bad cold too!).

So life has been busy, fun and awesome. My hubby is now 30, nicknamed old balls but things are great.

To the market

When it comes to things that help save our planet I am easily influenced. Give me a few reliable stats, a good documentary or book on the subject and it is likely my lifestyle will soon change.

Examples from me past would be my hatred of all things plastic and how we use almost plastic free diapers and ZERO grocery bags after watching a documentary! Or how PETA gave me some literature and now I don't use products that test on animals.

I am reading a book called Animals, Vegetables, Miracles which I received from a blog book exchange. It has changed my life.

I always knew vegetables and fruits were seasonal, obviously they didn't grow year round, but they have always been available at the grocery store so why not buy them? My selfish, very north american ways seem laughable after reading this book.

The first chapter will slap you with the most shocking stats you could imagine. The amount of fossil fuels used to ship all these veggie and fruits so that we can eat them year round is appalling. The amount of money big corporations are making off of these shipments is enough to make me throw up. I could no longer eat a berry in October and not feel guilty. I dove into some major research of my own and have made some drastically huge changes around here. I love my earth too much to see it go to waste and the fact that we may run out of fossil fuels in 50 years means that if I don't teach and first learn, some gardening skills soon Ivy's generation may be left with only McDonald's as a food option.

We are now eating seasonally in the Millis house. And we are only eating locally grown produce. I tried this once, but it was more for the organic reasons and quickly stopped. The price of the organic produce in the grocery stores is outrageous (and not for the reasons you think, read the book). So we traveled to our year round farmers market to scope out the goods there. I was shocked.

 

We purchased a huge bag of spinach, a huge bag of swiss chard, a branch of brussel sprouts and a bag of baby potatoes for $17. My jaw dropped as well. I would easily be paying close to $30 at Superstore for this and it would not be pesticide free, grown an hour from my house and be supporting a family directly.

BC, the province next to us can grow fruit much later in the year then us because of their location. Shipping produce from there is much more reasonable and acceptable to me then say from Mexico! So we purchased some apples and peaches from their stand.

 

This place was huge and crowded! Which made me deliriously happy. I was so proud of my fellow Calgarians for purchasing their produce this way! This world does have hope.

We quickly learned some important lessons of farmers market edict! It is best not to bring a stroller as the aisles are small and hard to maneuver. The sling will be used next time! Bring cash, as the stands do not take debit. And plan to spend a good 2 hours there to see everything! There was music and ice cream and samples and basically heaven. I was grinning ear to ear the whole time!

I will be back every Friday to stock the fridge with seasonal veggies and fruits. I may have picked the hardest months to start this as Nov and Dec will pretty much have no fruits to show and Jan-May are not much better! But if we can make it through these months doing this, I think we can do it forever!

I am really excited to cook with some new recipes, make Ivy's baby food seasonally and try some really new things like canning peaches and tomatoes! Making ice cream and my own cheese (just for fun!) and next spring starting my own small garden with Ivy.

I think this will be a lot of fun!

Sick of words

Just a few pics I have been taking lately! I wanted to get these fall shots in before the freezingess came! I hope you enjoyed them as much as I do!

A-maze-ing

The Calgary Corn Maze! I did it, I survived.

Hannah, Keith, Ivy and I headed out to the maze on the outskirts of our city for a little family fun time (Hannah is often considered as much apart of the family as Keith is).

We made our way through part one no problemo. Part 2 had a pit stop on top of one of the tall bridges to feed the baby. I felt all pioneerish feeding my infant in a field of corn.

After navigating the maze we played with some animals, lassoed some fake cows, raced ducks which got Ivy quite upset! It was some sweet time playing like kids again. Ivy was really just our excuse to go, as you wouldn't want to be there without kids! I forgot my camera so use your imagination please!

We will defiantly be heading back there next year! You should come!

I am totally exhausted today though, as I walked down town yesterday to have lunch with some coworkers which was crazy fun! I miss those girls. I also saw my mom and Keiths office then walked the freakin maze, so my legs are about to fall off, so what better thing to do then go on a intense walk with my friend Julie this morning!

I will take pics this time, promise.

I am blessed

Ahhhhh

Computer time, peaceful, non interrupted computer time. Just me and you internettes. I am hoping to keep this up now that I have a sleeping baby.

It feels like we haven't talked in a while. Life has been busy. When I update I slap up a few pictures, possibly a few complaints and a few new successes of Ivy's. But I feel an important part of this blog has been missing lately, me!

Life these days is not as I imagined it being, this is neither good nor bad, just different. I am not sure what I expected life to be like with a baby, but I know I did not expect all these emotions. Daily I am filled with an unmeasurable amount of love, I tell Ivy I love you more then there are stars, more then the grains of sand, more then all the blades of grass, but it really can't be summed up. I am often proud, when Ivy does something new or unexpected. I often frustrated, that I can't stop her crying, that there are too many tasks to do and not enough time or energy. Many feelings.

I am mostly very happy. But it is easy to forget my blessings.

I was reminded tonight. I had time to read, like really read, not just skim, your blogs tonight.

Health

As far as we know, Ivy is a completely healthy baby. The doctor has even described her as glowing healthy, she shines with healthiness.

I read some posts today about kids who aren't so healthy, who are in pain, it dosne't seem right that any child should be in pain. I am blessed

Alive

Ivy was born alive, screaming and healthy.

I was reminded today, that friends of mine, good friends, beautiful shinny people, were not as fortunate as I. That such a simple, expected part of having a baby would be taken from them, it doesn't seem right to be mothers to angels. I am blessed.

Supported

I have many life long friends, who will stand with me through thick and thin. I also have new, precious friendships with girls from my weekly baby group (we all meet in prenatal class and continually meet weekly). I also have new neighbors! They have a beautiful little boy, and are expecting their second. They have incredible values and character and have such wise, beautiful spirits. She is a stay at home mom, this is my dream come true.

I read today about a blog friend who is feeling lonely. Who doesn't have the totally essential friendships of fellow moms, and not just moms, but moms you can relate too. It doesn't seem right to be a new mom all alone out there. I am blessed.

Cherished

I have Keith. My partner for life. My shoulder, my strength, my always present love. I am told everyday that I am loved, needed and appreciated.

I read today about women who are not as lucky. Women who are alone, women who are abused, women who feel forgotten, useless and sad. It doesn't seem right that these amazing people should be without the love they want. I am blessed.

I will remember to pray for you who are hurting tonight, and I will remember to say thanks for all that I have been given.

What we do for sleep

See how I am not over this sleep thing yet?

But hey! SO glad to see I still have friends out there! Thanks for all your kickass comments!

Good news peeps, there is hope.

I have gone and done one of the hardest things I have ever had to do since being a mom. No I didn't give her to Grandma and then disappear for the week, but that does sound good....

No! I am letting her cry it out. Please let me explain before you throw rotten things at me and declare your undying hatred upon me.

Some people say you can't do this method till babies are 6 months old, some say 4 months, she is kinda in between and I am DESPERATE. So I did it.

Its pretty simple really. First you feed the baby, easy here's some boob. Then a nice relaxing bed time routine, for us that is baby massage and listening to some nice music. Then you prepare her crib, which means lots of easy to grab soothers, her froggy blanket and her Lamb & Ivy mobile. Then I put her down awake and leave the room.

You can guess what happens then. She cries. I go in after 5 minutes and tell her I love her for 1 min. I leave and then she cries again, I go in after 10mins and again tell her I love her for 1 min. Then leave, she cries, go in after 15mins tell her I love her for 1 min and then leave. I then go in every 15mins until she falls asleep.

The first night was hell. She cried for 2 hours! It was horrible and torture, but she did fall asleep. She was up often during the night, but I just repeated the above steps.

Last night was day 3 of 5 of this sleep training. She went to bed at 8, cried till 9:30, then slept till sweet awesome 6:30 am! Count them up yo, that is a precious 8 hours! Angels were singing when I awoke! I quickly feed her and then she slept till 9am.

The proof is in the pudding.
A chocolaty heavenly sleepy pudding.

So it was hard, the first 2 nights were unbearable. It took everything in me not to run up there in her room and rock her to sleep. But it worked. It kicks some serious sleep ass. And I can function again.

So now if you still feel like it you may throw rotten things, or you may just be thinking of roses now huh? I will lend you the small,1 hour read if you are interested!!

Now happy:

 

Not sad:

 

Yay crazy cry it out method! You have changed our sleep deprived lives. 

Death on a stick

Pretty much sums it up.

I am neglecting you internettes.

My life has got it self all up in my face again.

I am sorry.

Really I do not understand what is happening, well actually that's not true, she is happening:

 

Yes all those delicious rolls are keeping me hella busy.

No seriously. The kid does not nap, therefore no naps = no internet time, nothing but entertaining the child time.

See I simply cannot just lay her on the basement carpet and type for 2 hours anymore. She needs things, toys, plastic and all kinds of multicolored noisy ugly junk to keep her happy.

Like this:

 

Do you see the utter joy and delight such plastic monstrosity's create?

My living room has been overtaken. My house is FAR below my cleanliness standards and my health, emotion and physical is crumbling.

Ivy does not sleep, mom does not sleep. Ya there are no naps, but the babe is still waking every 3 hours, not even to eat, she just wants to be looked at. Last night she was awake from midnight till 5 freakin am. OH MY GOD. I am still very much like a teenager in that I need my freakin sleep. I am a zombie and I am grumpy and sadly the first thing to go in this kind of state is the computer time.

So thank you dear friends for those that still remain, I am trying. Give the child some good sleep vibes and maybe I will be updating more often! And commenting on all your pretty blogs. 

By the way little miss Ivy turned 4 months old...like 2 weeks ago! Yay lets celebrate!

 

Her and Kubasa (I like this spelling better!)

Besides the sleep drama she is doing very well, thanks for asking. She is growing like a potato (seriously potato dosen't have an e on the end? I have always spelled this wrong apparently!), now weighing in at a staggering 16lbs, measuring at a petite 23 inches.

Need proof?

 

 

 

Sleep well my friends and think of me, awake, tearing my hair out, but thankful for all this cuteness!

Up up and away!

So what did you do yesterday morning?

Had a little breakfast..

Drank some coffee..

Showered...

Went to work

blah blah de da

Bettcha my morning was better? bettcha bettcha bettcha 

 

Yup me in a balloon, totally better then your morning.  (this was actully a balloon that took off at the same time as ours, and how I was able to take this picture).

 

The balloon being filled up!

 

Almost there!

 

Maybe some fireball will help! Check out Keith and my dad holding on to the thing for dear life so it doesn't light up in flames!

 

We are all in and ready to fly!

 

My beautiful city.

 

 

 

It was an awesome hour in the air, but all good things come to an end...

 

We soo totally almost hit those!

 

I was happy to have my feet back on solid ground safely. I kissed Ivy good bye that morning and said a quiet forever goodbye, just in case.

 

After packing up the  balloon we had a champagne and orange juice toast to celebrate the ride! It was a freakin amazing time.

I know you are wondering, what?? I didn't know you were doing this!

Well I bought this ride for my whole family nearly 2 years ago. But because of cancellations due to weather 3 times, then my 2 knee surgeries, my moms major surgery, my pregnancy and Maeghan moving to Europe it took a while for it to work out! But we finally made it on one of the most amazing things I have ever done. No babies were not aloud on, that is why there is no cuteness of Ivy this post....

Just jokes heres some cute for you!

 

Check out my poopy explosion! A nice ring around the front.

Weekend away

"Hey! You should come stay here eh? My name is Here Tiz. I am cool Canadian cabin eh, in Sylvan Lake eh. Coming?"

 

"Gooo...that sounds like a great idea! Hey mom?"

 

"Why yes my very articulate nearly 4 month old. Let us go!"

 

Ahh they arrive to the beautiful lake. Time for the beach!

 

 

"Geee..parents I am so glad you have taken me to this warm place of outside and happiness!"

 

"AHHH...I take it back cruel parental units! This water is freezing!"

 

"Gee Gaa Cooo...I will forgive you if you give me more of that ice cream!"

 

All the beaching and walking and shopping tuckered out this little peanut. She must rest up for more adventures this evening.

 

"Ahoe mateys! Welcome to Smugglers Inn, where good grub and grog await ya!"

 

"Gaaa gooo GLEEE...Ohh I am just so happy and so excited! I will be tasting this meal in boob format soo soon! YES!"

 

"Waa...I only dine at resturants with the best views. I am picky like that."

 

"Ahh so well rested! We spent 2 lovely nights here and now we are packed up and going to hit the road!"

 

So why not take an insanly ridiculous detour and go to the mountains! Here we are in Canmore.

 

"EEEE..look mom no hands! I am sitting up all on my own!"

 

"ga..I know you just want to pinch them...go ahead I will give you a moment to kiss your computer screen."

 

A end to a fun weekend.

"goo..here ducky ducky!"

Many titles for you

The Story of the titles

So there will be many titles, because I have many things to tell you! They will be shorted, miniature stories since I don't want you hanging out here all day, but that would be nice! You can do that if you want!  And life just totally got itself up in my face and kept me from you, blame the life, not me.

Lets talk about sex baby

Ivy and I were being entertained by our usual company of HGTV (home and garden channel, GET IT LOVE IT). We watch designers design, contractors contract, sellers sell all that good stuff, ALL DAY LONG. It's my adult company. A new commercial immersed itself on the channel. It was from the government of Canada, teaching parents how to talk to their kids about sex. Ya weird gov thing to do, but kinda cool.

So I look at Ivy, and try to picture myself giving her this talk. I could see it would be slightly awkward, so why not practice!? RIGHT? right?

I start to tell Ivy about the birds and the bees, telling her to wait for someone special, someone she will love, not just some dude from her grade 6 class (YES holy crap it scares me how early our kids are sexing it up these days! all the more reason to have this talk at 3 months yes?)

Unfortunately Keith was in the other room freakin his little pants off with this talk, because there is no way in hell his daughter is having sex until she is 25. Which I pointed out to be sorta interesting since I am 25! His complaints did not stop me and I continued discussing the subject with Ivy, with Keith moaning in the background.

My theory, if I get used to it now, and she gets used to hearing it now, maybe something will sink in? I can only hope!

Next week we are tackling drugs! Would you like me to film it?

 

Mom for the sake of my teenage self, please do not go filming these kinds of things, if you want any hope of me being cool some day!

All the rolls!

She has many and she made one!

LOOK

 

"Oh God Alicia, please tell me you did not let your child roll over for the first time on an ottoman 2 feet about the very hard looking hardwood?!"

Why yes I did, I accept rotten tomatoes to be thrown at me.

I was right beside her, so no worries really, babies are totally in control of their movements.

SO anyways I was on the phone with Keith, Ivy was on her back looking at one of the throw cushions on my couch she particularly likes (I am too cheap for toys) and she got herself all excited and kicked up her little chub legs which threw off her balance and BAM she rolls over on her tummy, like shown up above (serious picture from actual roll over moment)! I screamed delight into the phone hurting Keith's ears, but YAY she rolled over and the hard way! Babies usually roll over from tummy to back first, my baby is just soo uber special and talented and her fat kinda came to an advantage!

She has not performed this feat again, and she no longer has unsupervised time on the ottoman.

Fashionista

I bought one (well maybe a little more) outfit for Ivy before she was born. I totally showed my awesome skills of being a first time parent and bought her a long sleeve, fleecy dress and leggings in a 3 month old size, you know that would fit her in the middle of summer. AWESOME.

But we had a cold summer day the other day so I took this opportunity to clothe her in the best outfit ever bought.

 

Aren't you just dying over the cuteness?

Growing like weeds and beans and kittens!

I really wanted to do those cool comparison shots I see other, more organized parents do of their babies with a object to show the growth progress through each month.

I wanted to do it, but I couldn't find anything special enough or fun enough to do these comparison shots with.

That is until now!

 

World meet Kubasa (not the right way to spell it but whatever). She is a build a bear! AHHH I love her. The moose is very Canadian-esc and the outfit is rockstarlishous and the shoes ahhh they are sparkly and silver, so hot. Kubasa is a type of sausage and on vacation we had lots of it, and it was decided this should be Ivy's first word. My sister came with me to build the moose and we thought that would be the perfect name for her and the perfect comparison shot object. The measurement moose ladies and gentlemen. So this is her 3 month pic, even though she will be 4 months old in a week, whatever. Her first and second month will require some photoshopping I think!

The End

Thank goodness!