As anyone who has been around me much knows, I enjoy using baby carriers. In fact, I find that they are indispensible. Whether it is trying to make it through the night walking up and down the stairs to get a collicky infant to sleep 0r just trying to get something done using both of your hands, I have found my baby carriers to be things I can't live without.
Well, the cool people over at Along For The Ride have a contest going on until July 31st where you can win a great collection of different types of carriers.
Win the Essential Babywearing Stash from Along for the Ride (one Beco Butterfly, one Hotsling baby pouch, one BabyHawk Mei Tai, one Zolowear Ring Sling, and one Gypsy Mama Wrap)
Once you enter, why not head back to the main site and shop their great selection or check out their information section?!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Friday, June 20, 2008
Update on Lucas
Lucas is doing well and in high spirits. His surgery on Wednesday went well. I'm not sure exactly what they did, but it involved plates, rods, and screws being put either in his back or his left foot. They sat him up in bed today (the first time he has been able to sit up in a week) so I think that made him feel better mentally. They hope to re-introduce solid foods tomorrow. Pray that he doesn't have the same reaction he did last time (he couldn't keep anything down in the beginning). Depending on how the next couple of days go, he may be out of the hospital by mid-week next week and could possibly be home the first week in July. Thank you again for all of your prayers.
Now, for some more recent pics of the kiddos:
Can you believe how big they are both getting! Katherine looks more like a little girl every day and Jack has definitely left the newborn stage behind. I can't take pictures often enough to capture their transitions!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Thank You and an Update
A heartfelt thankyou to everyone who has been thinking of and/or praying for Lucas and the rest of our family! We are overwhelmed with the support.
Update on Lucas: We have more concrete information on his condition (two broken feet and several dislocated vertebrae) and have been told that he will undergo surgery in Barcelona on Monday (or possibly Tuesday). We haven't spoken directly to a doctor yet so have not been able to ask questions regarding extent of the injury to his feet, what procedures will be done during the surgery, or potential recovery time.
We are blessed to have a friend who lives and works in Barcelona. Emil has been able to visit Lucas in the hospital, spoke to the doctors (which netted the additional information since he is fluent in Spanish and not full of pain meds), and provided Lucas with a cell phone to use while he is in the hospital. Emil has been an amazing and invaluable friend!
Thanks to the cell phone we have been able to talk to Lucas at greater length. I don't know whose spirits were lifted more by our ability to just chat with him, ours or his! The family contact has been great for Lucas, he sounds much better after having an opportunity to be in contact with us.
So, we'll just take things one day at a time and provide updates as we are able!
Update on Lucas: We have more concrete information on his condition (two broken feet and several dislocated vertebrae) and have been told that he will undergo surgery in Barcelona on Monday (or possibly Tuesday). We haven't spoken directly to a doctor yet so have not been able to ask questions regarding extent of the injury to his feet, what procedures will be done during the surgery, or potential recovery time.
We are blessed to have a friend who lives and works in Barcelona. Emil has been able to visit Lucas in the hospital, spoke to the doctors (which netted the additional information since he is fluent in Spanish and not full of pain meds), and provided Lucas with a cell phone to use while he is in the hospital. Emil has been an amazing and invaluable friend!
Thanks to the cell phone we have been able to talk to Lucas at greater length. I don't know whose spirits were lifted more by our ability to just chat with him, ours or his! The family contact has been great for Lucas, he sounds much better after having an opportunity to be in contact with us.
So, we'll just take things one day at a time and provide updates as we are able!
We Need Your Prayers
We found out yesterday afternoon that my brother Lucas was in an accident in Barcelona, Spain. His injuries are not life-threatening, but he is in the hospital in a fair amount of pain and looking at surgeries on his back and at least one foot.
He was not traveling with anyone so is alone in a foreign country whose language he does not speak. Please pray for his physical recovery and that his spirits don't fall too much. We have no idea when or how he will be able to come home so we can use all the prayer we can get!
Thank you and God bless you and yours.
He was not traveling with anyone so is alone in a foreign country whose language he does not speak. Please pray for his physical recovery and that his spirits don't fall too much. We have no idea when or how he will be able to come home so we can use all the prayer we can get!
Thank you and God bless you and yours.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
How sweet it is to be loved by you...
...Katherine. Although I am often frustrated with the developing mind and emotions of a 2 1/2 year old girl, there are times when I have to hold back tears because she is so sweet. I'm not even talking about the random acts of kindness she does for others (like spontaneous sharing - unheard of for her age), the way she squeals and runs toward a friend (or stranger she has decided should be her friend) enveloping them in a bear hug, or the times when she thanks the check-out girl in the grocery store without being prompted.
No, I am talking about the little things she does or says to me, James or Jack that just melt your heart. One example is her new habit of asking how our day is. It could be breakfast time, we haven't even been up 30 minutes and she will look over and ask, "how is your day Mama?" Or we could be getting ready for a nap and she will inquire "how is Jack's day Mama?" She asks James the same question at least once a day. It is heartwarming to have someone so small, who your main job in life is to take care of, have a genuine interest in how you are doing.
She is also so much more observant than I thought. A couple of months ago I got my hair cut. When I got home she looked at me kind of sheepishly and said "I like your hair mommy, it's short." Granted, I cut off ten inches to donate to Locks of Love (I took advantage of how fast your hair grows during pregnancy), but I was still surprised that she not only noticed, but commented and was complimentary!
The same thing happened this morning. I put my short hair into two pigtails so that it would be out of my way because I had to bake six dozen cookies for our La Leche League chapter. I have not been able to pull my hair up much since getting it cut so this was a new "configuration" as Scuttle the seagull on Little Mermaid would say (I know, I just quoted an animated bird). I came downstairs where she and James were eating breakfast and she once again said, "I like your hair mommy." How sweet is that?!
She has also given me rave reviews on something I have cooked or made. "This is really good mommy, it's my favorite, thank you so much" is one such review. Comments like this will hopefully tide me over during the adolescent years when I am sure to hear "yuck" and "I don't like that," etc. I know those days will come, no matter how good an eater she is now. I think my brother Lucas and I were so good at those adolescent comments that my mom gave up cooking in a way she could enjoy. I'm jealous that after I left home she really started to experiment and make great food! Sorry Mom!
Oh well, the cookies are done, Jack is asleep, and Katherine and James are on their way home from swim class - I'll have to blog about that later, she isn't always a fan of the water. I need to package up these cookies and clean the kitchen!
No, I am talking about the little things she does or says to me, James or Jack that just melt your heart. One example is her new habit of asking how our day is. It could be breakfast time, we haven't even been up 30 minutes and she will look over and ask, "how is your day Mama?" Or we could be getting ready for a nap and she will inquire "how is Jack's day Mama?" She asks James the same question at least once a day. It is heartwarming to have someone so small, who your main job in life is to take care of, have a genuine interest in how you are doing.
She is also so much more observant than I thought. A couple of months ago I got my hair cut. When I got home she looked at me kind of sheepishly and said "I like your hair mommy, it's short." Granted, I cut off ten inches to donate to Locks of Love (I took advantage of how fast your hair grows during pregnancy), but I was still surprised that she not only noticed, but commented and was complimentary!
The same thing happened this morning. I put my short hair into two pigtails so that it would be out of my way because I had to bake six dozen cookies for our La Leche League chapter. I have not been able to pull my hair up much since getting it cut so this was a new "configuration" as Scuttle the seagull on Little Mermaid would say (I know, I just quoted an animated bird). I came downstairs where she and James were eating breakfast and she once again said, "I like your hair mommy." How sweet is that?!
She has also given me rave reviews on something I have cooked or made. "This is really good mommy, it's my favorite, thank you so much" is one such review. Comments like this will hopefully tide me over during the adolescent years when I am sure to hear "yuck" and "I don't like that," etc. I know those days will come, no matter how good an eater she is now. I think my brother Lucas and I were so good at those adolescent comments that my mom gave up cooking in a way she could enjoy. I'm jealous that after I left home she really started to experiment and make great food! Sorry Mom!
Oh well, the cookies are done, Jack is asleep, and Katherine and James are on their way home from swim class - I'll have to blog about that later, she isn't always a fan of the water. I need to package up these cookies and clean the kitchen!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Way To Go Big Guy
We just returned from Jack's one month check-up. Of course he woke up this morning with one eye swollen and gunked shut. I guess it was actually perfect timing so that we didn't have to bring him in separately to the doctor just for the eye. Turns out it is a clogged tear duct, apparently very common in babies. Normally it would just resolve itself, but since his eye is also kind of swollen the doc decided to give us a prescription for an antibiotic ointment. Fun stuff, smearing ointment in a wriggly newborn's eye!
The normal check-up part of the visit went well. He is growing like crazy! Although he was 8lbs 12oz when he was born, at his one week check-up he was only 8lbs 4oz. Well, a mere three weeks later he weighed in at a whopping 10lbs 12oz. He gained 2 1/2 lbs in three weeks! That is exciting stuff - especially since he was so sleepy in the beginning that I was waking him up to eat and even then he would only eat for about 5 minutes at a stretch.
I don't recall the other stats off the top of my head (they are written down in a folder which I left in the car and am too tired/lazy to go get right now). The doc was impressed by his growth though, so I'm happy! I'll try to get the camera out in a little bit when he wakes up and take some 1month photos to post.
The normal check-up part of the visit went well. He is growing like crazy! Although he was 8lbs 12oz when he was born, at his one week check-up he was only 8lbs 4oz. Well, a mere three weeks later he weighed in at a whopping 10lbs 12oz. He gained 2 1/2 lbs in three weeks! That is exciting stuff - especially since he was so sleepy in the beginning that I was waking him up to eat and even then he would only eat for about 5 minutes at a stretch.
I don't recall the other stats off the top of my head (they are written down in a folder which I left in the car and am too tired/lazy to go get right now). The doc was impressed by his growth though, so I'm happy! I'll try to get the camera out in a little bit when he wakes up and take some 1month photos to post.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Last Day of School
Katherine, Jack and I attended Katherine's last day of "school" today. She has been attending a toddler transition class since the fall and after a few weeks off, her last day was today. It is sort of a precursor to pre-school (funny, huh). During the fall I went with her both Tuesday and Wednesday. After the holiday break I was able to drop her off on Tuesdays and continued to attend with her on Wednesdays for music class, etc.
It really was a great way to introduce her to the concept of school and let her get used to being dropped off at school, confident that I would indeed actually pick her up at the end of class (a mere hour and a half later). She got to practice her sharing skills (or not), began to learn how to define limits for herself and her peers, and ultimately introduced her to conflict management on her level.
The class also helped develop life skills through actual use. When we arrived, the kids were encouraged to take off their coats and hang them up on the hooks on one wall of the room and take off their shoes and place them under their coat on the floor. The parents each signed up for a week to bring the snack (we were given loose guidelines, but all tried pretty hard to keep it healthy and natural if not organic). Before snack was served the kids had to stand in line at the sink to wash and dry their hands (with a little assistance).
When snack was served the kids all had to set their own place at the table (bowl, cup, spoon/fork, and napkin) and were encouraged to learn to serve themselves (it was generally served family style so they could spoon their own fruit out of a common bowl or use the tongs to get their own cheese or turkey out of a bowl being passed around). They were also charged with cleaning up after themselves (taking their bowls to another table, emptying the leftover food into a garbage bag, placing dirty napkins on a tray, and putting their dirty dishes into a dishpan full of soapy water).
She really got a lot out of that class! This fall she will move on to her first year of pre-school. I am excited for the new opportunity and look forward to watching her learn and grow. I thought I would be more hesitant about her going to pre-school three days a week, but I am impressed with the school she will be attending and think that two hours three days a week will be good for her. Afterall, due to when her birthday falls she will have to attend three years of pre-school before moving on to Kindergarten.
Now I have these first steps to look forward to with Jack as well!
It really was a great way to introduce her to the concept of school and let her get used to being dropped off at school, confident that I would indeed actually pick her up at the end of class (a mere hour and a half later). She got to practice her sharing skills (or not), began to learn how to define limits for herself and her peers, and ultimately introduced her to conflict management on her level.
The class also helped develop life skills through actual use. When we arrived, the kids were encouraged to take off their coats and hang them up on the hooks on one wall of the room and take off their shoes and place them under their coat on the floor. The parents each signed up for a week to bring the snack (we were given loose guidelines, but all tried pretty hard to keep it healthy and natural if not organic). Before snack was served the kids had to stand in line at the sink to wash and dry their hands (with a little assistance).
When snack was served the kids all had to set their own place at the table (bowl, cup, spoon/fork, and napkin) and were encouraged to learn to serve themselves (it was generally served family style so they could spoon their own fruit out of a common bowl or use the tongs to get their own cheese or turkey out of a bowl being passed around). They were also charged with cleaning up after themselves (taking their bowls to another table, emptying the leftover food into a garbage bag, placing dirty napkins on a tray, and putting their dirty dishes into a dishpan full of soapy water).
She really got a lot out of that class! This fall she will move on to her first year of pre-school. I am excited for the new opportunity and look forward to watching her learn and grow. I thought I would be more hesitant about her going to pre-school three days a week, but I am impressed with the school she will be attending and think that two hours three days a week will be good for her. Afterall, due to when her birthday falls she will have to attend three years of pre-school before moving on to Kindergarten.
Now I have these first steps to look forward to with Jack as well!
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Happy Memorial Weekend
Happy Memorial Weekend from the Kanary clan! We are enjoying a beautiful weekend here in Cincinnati. Great weather, great friends, and some family time. I can't believe Jack is almost four weeks old. The time has gone by in a bit of a blur, but we are enjoying him and having a great time with Katherine in her new role as big sister.
Since Jack sleeps so much during the day still, we have taken to laying down for family naps (at least Katherine, Jack, and I) in the afternoon. It gets Katherine to take a much-needed nap and gives me the opportunity to recharge (which I desperately need by mid-afternoon). I am so greatful for our king-sized bed because it facilitates moments like these. The other day I woke up sandwiched between my two kids - it was a really sweet moment. Neither of them had woken up yet so I had a minute to just stare at the two of them. They are just the two most adorable kids in the world!
Contrast that moment with one I had a day or so later. James had been out of town for at least 36 hours so I had had at least one day (and night) of solo parenting so my nerves were understandibly a little raw. I swear I felt like I was in a commercial for bubble bath or something...I was holding a very grumpy Jack, bouncing him up and down in an attempt to calm him down, and Katherine was running in circles around me singing at the top of her lungs. It was hysterical - I couldn't help but laugh.
I wish you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day! Make the most of the day off (if you get it). :)
Since Jack sleeps so much during the day still, we have taken to laying down for family naps (at least Katherine, Jack, and I) in the afternoon. It gets Katherine to take a much-needed nap and gives me the opportunity to recharge (which I desperately need by mid-afternoon). I am so greatful for our king-sized bed because it facilitates moments like these. The other day I woke up sandwiched between my two kids - it was a really sweet moment. Neither of them had woken up yet so I had a minute to just stare at the two of them. They are just the two most adorable kids in the world!
Contrast that moment with one I had a day or so later. James had been out of town for at least 36 hours so I had had at least one day (and night) of solo parenting so my nerves were understandibly a little raw. I swear I felt like I was in a commercial for bubble bath or something...I was holding a very grumpy Jack, bouncing him up and down in an attempt to calm him down, and Katherine was running in circles around me singing at the top of her lungs. It was hysterical - I couldn't help but laugh.
I wish you and yours a wonderful Memorial Day! Make the most of the day off (if you get it). :)
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
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