Friday, May 29, 2009

Its offcial

Its official, everything is A-OK. I finally recived the results and they said that our baby is 100% normal, healthy and thriving. They don't know why it happened, but they all say that we have no reason to worry to expect it to happen again.

And with that good news, we are off of our vacation bright and early tomorow morning. As I speak, I am busy packing our little man up for his week long stay with his Grandma and Gradpa Falk. I can't say I'm looking forward to leaving him (ok, I'm dreading it), but I am beyond excited for Chelles wedding in Cuba.

So see you all in a week!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Update and new pics of G-man!

Just a quick update. We did have our u/s done today, but honestly it wasn't the greatest experience... They didn't even let ME see, let alone Dan near the room. So we defiantly don't have any cute pics (booo, I know). She wouldn't give me any news and just said I need to speak with my Dr (coldly I might add). I figure no news is good news and this point and will be checking in with my Dr. tomorrow to hopefully have a brief phone conversation regarding the results.
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On a brighter note :D I got a new camera. Its a Canon Rebel Xsi. You could say I'm and tad bit MORE than excited about it. Right now I'm trying to teach myself some fun techniques, and am getting some cute pictures. So for your viewing pleasure, here are some new pictures of our little man who we love so much :D



Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Breathe

This pregnancy in so many ways has been very different for me compared to my nine months of inutero Grady. When we first found out I was happy, but I'm not going to lie, I was also shocked and scared. Mixed in with my joy about having a new life growing in me, I also had feelings of loss thinking about how our life was going to change again. I was a second time mom, not first. And with that came a different perspective on what we were getting into. Don't get me wrong, we wanted this baby very badly it was just different.

Honestly I felt a little guilty about it. In my head I wondered if it was possible to truly love a baby as much as I did Grady. I'd silently ask myself how can you love two little people as much as I love just him? I knew in my heart that I would and could, but it still difficult to imagine.

Then last night I was relaxing before bed, felt a sharp pain in my stomach and started bleeding. At first I didn't really register what I was seeing, but when I did I was terrified. I have never had this happen in this way and I didn't know what to do. Anyhow, long story short I ended up spending the better part of this morning in the ER having tests done on the two of us. While the service I received was excellent, it was a long process and I did a lot of waiting and thinking. I realized that I was protectively holding my stomach, silently begging him to be ok. I prayed and fretted and in the end realized that I already love this baby as much as I do Grady but in a uniquely different way. I can't explain it, but this baby is a part of me that I desperately want and need.

In the end, I heard the beautiful sound of his heart beat and will get to see him again tomorrow at another u/s. They really think (and I do too) that everything is fine. They suspect that I bled due to our babe having a little too good of a time kicking around in there. He probably gave his placenta a good, swift kick and caused it to bleed a bit. We will see for sure tomorrow, but I have a peace about it and am sure that everything in fine.

And I can't wait to be able to hold onto my two little loves in a few short months. For now, I can breathe again its life as usual.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

For all who want to know!

Its a BOY! Whoop whoop. Honestly, when she told us both Dan and I had the thought "Of course it is!". We were so sure, and turns out we were right. So now we are tossing around more boy names, which is proving to be more difficult than the last time. When we do decide, you will all have to wait until his arrival to learn that secret though.

In other news, we are going to be welcoming another niece or nephew into our family early December. Jeff, Shannelle and Jackson announced on mothers day that they too are in the family way. So, our little clan once again is going to be expanding :D

Friday, May 8, 2009

Its a.....

We found out today! The ultra-sound went beautifuly, and our baby is growing as it should be. Its a pretty amazing thing to see a little, fully formed baby safely moving about on the screen KNOWING that it is inside my tummy but not fully believeing it. It seemed to like having its hands around its face, and at one point I think it was sucking its thumb (or possibly feeling its face...). We were able to see what it is... but sorry you'll have to wait a few days for that one! We figure that the internet isn't the coolest way to tell our families what it is, so give us time to spread the news in real life and then I'll be sure to fill you all in! It was a good day :D

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Sweet Noah

I just wanted to write a quick note, passing on this blog site. Little Noah is a 5 month old, beautiful baby who was shaken by his daycare provider a few weeks ago. He's currently in the midst of a tough, long battle and they need prayer. So check out this site Noah's Road and say a prayer for this brave little boy.

As a mommy, I just can't imagine the pain this family is in right now. They need support, prayers and good vibes sent there way.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Bring on the streach

Its official. I'm getting big again. This morning I broke open the box of maternity clothes and am currently sporting a lovely pair of stretchy, slightly more constricting that remembered, no button jeans. Hmm. I have to say, this was the part I was least looking forward to this time around. Oh well I guess it makes it makes the million daily bathroom breaks more convinent :D I do have to say though, I fully expected to be getting bigger much faster than I did last time, and I really don't think I am. My progress once again is slow, which makes it a little bit easier.

Monday, May 4, 2009

I Love Spring

I may have said it already, but I will say it again! Spring is officially my favorite time of year. I don't know why exactly, but for me Spring time makes me feel alive. The neighbors all peek their heads out after months of hibernation, we can FINALLY play outside and then there is gardening... I absolutely love planting my vegetable garden. Last year Grady was just a little bitty guy, so I had to forgo it for one year, but this year I am back in action. My Dad and I spent a hot Saturday working in our back yard building two large planter boxes for my new and improved raised veggie garden. Even though the day came at the cost of badly burnt shoulders, I couldn't be more excited. I'll try to keep you all updated with the progress of my yummy homegrown veggies.
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As for another new addition baby update - I am currently somewhere between 18 and 19 weeks. He or she is currently around 6inches long.


I've been feeling it move a lot in the past few weeks and just last night was able to feel a little nudge from the outside! I can honestly say that even during the endless weeks of being sick, it did not really feel real until I felt him or her stretching and rolling about making themselves known inside me. Yesterday at church during the praise and worship time I was holding my 14 month old, smiling at him dancing to the music (and his new thing - raising his hand like the people around him... lol), when I started to feel the baby moving around inside. At that moment I felt so blessed knowing that God has given me an amazing family and despite my unbelief, continues to bless me beyond what I could have imagined.

Our next Ultrasound is scheduled for this coming Friday! I'm so excited not only to see our babe, but to try and find out if we will be adding another blue bundle or a pink package to our little family. I can honestly say that I will be 100% happy with either. If I had to guess though, I'd say its another boy... we will see!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Car seat saftey.

This is one area in which I was completely naive before having my own baby. However, the more I read on car seat safety the more convinced I am that often times we are much to relaxed with our current standards. We've decided to leave Grady rear facing for a while yet. At the earliest, we may turn him at 18 months - but are considering leaving him rear facing until he meets the rear facing limits for his seat. Here are some articles for my mommy friends who are interested in this topic.

http://www.parents.com/baby/gear/car-seats/how-to-use-a-car-seat/

http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/30/4/12-a

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Looong overdue update!

Once, again I have dropped the blogging ball big time! It been a LOOONG time since I update you all on the happenings in the Falk household. Where to start???

1. HAPPY BIRTHDAY Grady! (On March 4th). I can't believe our baby is one already! It reminds me once again, that time goes by SO fast and we only get these moments once. Our little man had been taking "steps" for a month or so, but really took off just days after his birthday. He can now reach things off the counter, which has made me much more careful in the kitchen! He's learning all kinds of new things daily, which I sometimes just have to smile at. He's saying a few words, and is trying to say many more (we think). At 12 months his words included: Daddy, Mommy, Bird, Ball, That (dat), All done (ahh duu), Poop (nice I know), and Banana (nana).

2. As many know already, our family is growing once again! I am currently 15 weeks, and am due on September 25th/09 (yes, that is our anniversary). However, since I am leaning towards having a repeat c-section, our babe will probably arrive sometime in the week previous to the actual due date. We have had one ultrasound so far, at approximately 10 weeks and everything looked lovely. We were thankful not only for that news, but also at learning that we will only be welcoming one additional child into our home right now.

As for how I'm feeling....At around six weeks, the dreaded morning sickness kicked in and knocked the wind right out of me. It got to the point of it being unsafe for both me and the baby, so I decided to accept the help of heaven sent pills. While on them, I feel 95% fine.

3. We are anxiously preparing for our week long siesta in Mexico for Rachelle and Alex's wedding. I am very much looking forward to basking in the sun, and having some me time, and not having to worry about my "bathing suit body" as I will be 5 1/2 months pregnant at the time. I am not however, even slightly, looking forward to leaving Grady behind for that week. I am already starting to prep myself for the separation, and know it will go fine, but am none the less, dreading it.

So life is busy, and changing for us right now. We are looking very forward to meeting our new little one, but are also savoring the time we have to focus on Grady alone.

Monday, February 2, 2009

Not Me Monday

"Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week."

Not Me Mondays. And time when blogging mommies join in McMama's fun and tell about our "adventures" in motherhood. Its been a while since I played along, but I though this week I'd give it another go.

This past week, while driving down the road with an empty back seat, I defiantly did not see a train coming, and in my high pitched meant for Grady voice yell out "Choo Choo" to my empty vehicle. That would be just embarrassing. And when I later told Dan about my silly moment, he did not smile and say "I totally do that too". That defiantly not us.

As I grudgingly wound up the roll of Grady assisted unravelled toilet paper, I did not look my almost 11 month old square in the eye and say "This may have been cute the first few times you did it, but by the 100th time, mommy does not find it very cute" fully expecting him to understand and never do it again. And I did not finally concede and simply permanently remove the toilet paper roll from his reach when he immediately turned and tried to do it again and again. Nope, i don't give up that easily.

And I definitely did not realize that I have worm my hair up in a pony tail, hiding behind my black head band 4 out of the seven days last week. Nope, I have definitely not become one of those frumpy mamas. And this definitely does not make me kind of sad.

Saturday, January 31, 2009

25 things you may, or may not know about me.

Well, I decided to join in on the newest rage. So, here my friends, is my list of 25 things you may, or may not know about me.

1. I got married when I was only 21 years old. At the time, I thought I was "so old", but looking back I realize I was very young. But, I don't regret it for one second.

2.I love my career as a social worker, but if I could do it all over again, I would have chosen to go into architecture. I love floor plans, and building layout. Who knows, maybe I still will do that someday.

3. I spent my first nine years living on a farm, and I think even though most of my life since has been in town - the farm lifestyle is still in my blood. I hope that we can have an acreage and horses someday.

4. My favorite food is corn on the cob. Covered with butter and salt. Mmmm

5. Sometimes I wish I could go back and do high school over again. I LOVED Prairie and miss the friends I made there. Other than Jarrett who is now my 1/2 cousin, I don't ever see anyone from those days anymore. I am looking forward to the 10 year reunion!

6. I wish I was more outspoken about social activism. I wish I lived in an area were I could be more involved with it, and I sometimes think the world we live in is upside down and so unfair.

7. I have one sister who I love more than anything. We couldn't be more opposite, but I couldn't love her more!

8. By the age of 24 I had two degree - one in Behavioural Science, and one in Social Work.

9. I think for the most part, I hated my years at NUC. I loved my friends, but overall it was not a great time in my life. Other than Dan, who honestly kept me there.

10. I spent two weeks sailing around on a Tall ship when I was 16. I loved that life style, and if I was more of a free and easy person - I would go and live/work as a deck crew in the Caribbean. But I don't want to be there more than I do here!

11. I have the craziest dreams. People from the most obscure areas of my life often make crazy appearances in my dreams. (No not risque dreams - just out there!).

12. I used to want at least 4 kids. Now that I have had a c-section, I am not so sure. I hope to at least be blessed with 3 though.

13. My Grandpa has been gone for over a year now. I still miss him sometimes, and sometimes I catch a wiff of something that smells like him and makes me tear up. And when I hear certain hymns, I can just see him with his hand in the air loving our family singing times. These memories make me equally happy and sad.

14. I love to read. I read all the time, and all kinds of books. I sincerely hope that Grady loves to read as much as I do.

15. I played the French horn all through my school band years. I wish I would have stuck it out with the French Horn, and was right now playing with a symphony. I love music, and I loved the way playing in a large classical band made me feel.

16. I suck at keeping in touch with good friends from my past. I have a few girls in my life that I miss and care about a lot, but can't seem to remember how to call!

17. My least favorite household chore is folding socks. I despise it.

18. Sometimes I feel religiously misunderstood. I often feel judged, and don't think many people know the real me in this area.

19. I think my Baby is the cutest, smartest, most amazing baby that has ever lived. I am lucky to be his mommy.

20. When I was pregnant, I craved Cinnamon so badly that I contemplated eating my cinnamon flavored tooth paste. Luckily, my rational brain beat out my pregnancy one and I did not eat the tooth paste.

21. I will never, if I can help it, live in the city again. It makes me feel claustrophobic, and smothered. I need wide open spaces.

22. One of my favorite places on earth is Sooke, BC. Its beautiful, and is Dan and I's special place on earth.

23. I love that my parents live down the street from us. I missed them so much when they were in Ontario, and I am selfishly glad they are back.

24. I have been teaching myself to play the guitar. I have a ways to go, but find it so relaxing and the best way for me to connect with God at this time in my life.

25. There is nothing more or less that I need in my life at this time. I love my hubby, I love Grady, and I love myself. Done.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

We interupt this blogging hiatus....

To bring you an update! Finally :D Yup, its been a while since I posted a new story, or tid bit of info on our family. Why you ask? Well, quite frankly I don't know why. I've been busy... reading. Yup, I got into a few new good books, and in my spare time rather than post something for your reading pleasure I've had my nose buried a book. Which books you ask? Well, I'll tell you! The most recent one I just finished was

This one is historical fiction, that centers on the life of an African child who is abducted by slave traders. Basically it follows her life through the struggles and the triumphs that come with having your life stolen. In a lot of ways it is heartbreaking, but in others it is incredibly empowering. Overall, a very good read!
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Onto other news. Grady is almost 11 months. I can't help but keep thinking "last year at this time I was..." We have started planning a little birthday party for him, which will be small but fun. He is almost walking, but not quite. He IS sleeping through the night every night, which makes me a very happy mommy! Overall, he is happy, healthy, and still our amazingly cute, sweet and fun little man!

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Wednesday, January 7, 2009

And this little piggy went we we we we we.....

Funny story time(at least I think so).

Lately I've been playing with Grady, asking him "Where are Grady's ears???", or "Where are Grady's Feet???" trying to get him to point at them. However, when I ask he usually just laughs, or pretends he doesn't hear me... Now keep that in mind for the next part of the story.

My Mom (Grady's Grandma Mc) loves to play "This little Piggy" with Grady. As a result Grady is often in stitches, and seems to love this game most when Grandma does it. Also keep this in mind as I go on.

The other day we were over at their house for supper during the Gold metal Canada Jr Hockey game (Whoo hoo Canada!). Anyhow, I was killing time on their computer while Grady and Grandma played on the floor behind me. I turned towards them just in time to observe this.

Grandma: "Hey Grady. Were are your feet?"

Grady: No response

Grandma: "Where are Grady's Piggy's???"

Grady: With at thoughtful expression on his face, he reached down and grabbed his toes.

After much cheering, we decided to try again.

Grandma: "Were are Grady's feet??"

Grady: Again, Nothing.

Grandma: "Where are Grady's Piggy's??"

Grady: Again, Grabs his toes.

So it has been discovered that Grady does not have toes. Nope. He defiantly has Piggy's.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

2008

2008 - the year of Grady. I can't help but be a little bit nostalgic today as I look back on the past year. We entered the year walking face first into the unknown. And as much as we thought we knew about parenting and babies, we were wrong in a lot of ways. What I mean by that is sure, we knew we would be sleepy all the time, we knew I would have to change diaper after diaper and on and on. What we didn't know was how we would instantly love this little child in a life changing way. We didn't know that in addition to a baby being born, and mother and father were born to. We didn't know that we would suddenly do the craziest things to make him smile because it melts our heart to see his little grins. We didn't know that when we dream about the future, it is more often than not Grady that we see. We just didn't know. But now we do. And that is what encompasses 2008 for us. It was not the easiest year of our lives by any means, but I can honestly say it has been the most joyful.

So, it is with some sadness that we say good-bye to 2008. But with much hope and joy about what 2009 will bring our family of 3.