Visit with the ‘rents

This evening my parents drove home from visiting my brother and his family. We are on their way home, so they arranged to stop in for a visit. Their home is on the way to the city for us, so we’re there a lot, but we are decently far away from them in the wrong direction, and they don’t often find themselves out our way. We are often in their town and in the city, so its way easier to spend together at their house. But we always jump at the chance to have them over.

The arrived just as Dekker was waking up from his second nap. He ate supper while the rest of us ate butterscotch ice cream and strawberries. Then we brought our tea into the living room and watched Dekker play. Literally, that was all we did! I know, we’re super entertaining hosts 😉 Its ok, they like Dekker almost as much as we do, so I think they find him fascinating as well. We dragged his popper toy back and forth across the living room, so we had to shout our conversation at each other. It was funny, but I think I can safely say we all enjoyed our visit.

They left around 8:40pm so we just put Dekker in some jammies and he went to bed. It was a really nice way to spend the evening. Hopefully a nice long sleep, and then we’re on to spend a day with friends tomorrow. Really looking forward to seeing them, and finally trying out the new restaurant, Cora’s. It was amazing in Winnipeg, so I’m counting on our location to be just as awesome!

Not so typical Sunday

Our Sundays are usually spent at church in the morning, and the rest of the day with my parents, eating and playing cards. My parents are out visiting my brother, sister in law, and nephews this weekend, so we were on our own!

A couple from our church has taken a pastoral position in a church in another town. They will be moving pretty much immediately, which is a pretty big shock to them, and to our church! This being their last Sunday, there was a delicious lunch provided for everyone after church. I LOVE pulled pork! I really should just make it but I never buy pork. Either way, it smelled fantastic and tasted even better. Dekker loved it too, which helped. He had a bun, a big scoop of pork, and potato salad. While the transition to solid food was the biggest challenge so far in having a kid, I’m so glad we’re past it and he can functionally eat really anywhere we end up for a meal.

After church and lunch, we headed to the city for a few things. I don’t really like making trips into the city on Sundays, as I really prefer those days to be at-home, comfy family days. But we had absolutely nothing fresh in our house to eat, and winter is started to really break me down. Fruit means springtime. So to Saskatoon we went for groceries.

When we got home, we were all exhausted and for the first time since…probably since Dekker was a couple of weeks old, we all napped at the same time. It was awesome and totally refreshing. Brady’s only complaint was nap-mouth. You know, the gross, sticky thing that happens? Ya well, a small price to pay for an afternoon nap.

We wasted the evening away on grilled cheese sandwiches and Storage Wars. We just finished the day off with bedtime cuddles from Dekker. As usual, the bath is running and I’m thinking some strawberries and chocolate chip cookies will be the perfect snack tonight! Jealous anyone?

Dekkers Baths

Dekker hasn’t liked bathtime ever really. We had a few good ones before he turned one, but probably less than ten, I’d say. We’ve had huge fits of rage and panic in the tub, and they’ve gotten worse now that he can walk, giving him the freedom to try and stand up and climb out. Not ideal. So I will openly admit that we rarely bathe him. I know its something a lot of parents do every other night-ish, but Dekker cries with such a vengeance that I wonder if I’m abusing him somehow. I know I’m not, but I feel like its just not a battle worth picking all the time. Seriously, the dirtiest parts of him are his hands, face, and bum, and we wipe those all day everyday! The rest can wait. But there reaches a point where a bath is still necessary.

For the record, yes, we’ve tried everything. Bubble, no bubbles, different temperatures, new toys, me going in with him, Brady going in with him, standing, sitting, lying down, shower, etc. Death screams all around. So as I said above, its not a battle I feel like fighting. Since we’ve started bathing him less, we’ve had less fight these last couple baths. Success! NO TEARS!!

Tonights bath went well. I went in with him because the beginning is where the panic usually begins, and I figure skin on skin is probably the most comforting thing I could give him. He stood while we splashed him with water and got him wet so we could soap him up and rinse him off. I wanted him to sit while we washed his hair since he (like lots of toddlers I think) falls over easily. So I just got his attention and asked him to sit down. And he did 🙂 I’m so proud of him, even in silly little moments like that. He is not comfortable in the tub at all, but he listened and obeyed. So he sat on my lap (not on the floor of the tub, but on my legs) and Brady read him a bath book while I scrubbed his head and neck. Rinsing the shampoo is the worst, am I right? How anyone pours water over their kids head without pouring it all over their face, I’ll never know. That has been known to set him off pretty badly in the past. But not today. He just wiped his eyes and patted his book so his daddy would read it again. When his hair was done, I went for his ears. The main gross thing about less baths is that his ears get pretty nasty. So I took a wet cloth and cleaned them a bit. It seemed to really annoy him. But I feel like I’ve learned how to talk to him better in the recent past. So again, I got his attention and just said “Dekker, I’m going to wipe your face, ok?” I wiped off his eyes and nose with zero problem or fight. He even tipped his face up and waited for me to be finished.

I just love his character. He is showing so much personality and I am loving with I am seeing. He is very obedient and thoughtful. He is also very expressive of what he wants, whether in excitement or frustration. When we ask him if he’s ready for a sleep, he bursts out laughing and basically dive-bombs us, and giggles all the way to his room. What an amazing boy.

Tonight, during my nighttime cuddles with him, he slowly moved his index finger up and down on my neck while he snuggled into my shoulder. I love that kind of affection, and even though some might say he had no idea what he was doing, I’m going to go with he did. What a sensitive little man I have.

Thank you Lord, for tear-free bath time and snuggles at night.

Bedtime Cuddles

I’ve talked before about my bedtime cuddles with Dekker. It became a practice since Christmas. I’m not sure why it specifically started, but it has been amazing since Christmas! The season was really hard for me this last year and it seemed like Dekker became ten times at cuddly in the new year. Best Christmas gift ever!

Usually our evenings are the same. I get mornings to myself with Dekker, so Brady often does his last diaper change, puts him in jammies, and gives him a bit of milk. From there, I always gave him a hug and a kiss before he went to bed. Sometimes he would fuss when he’d come to me, whether for just wanting daddy time or being ready for bed. So my nighttime hugs were always short and sweet. But they slowly evolved into willing cuddles. They started with me pulling him onto my chest and him pushing up on his arms, looking around. I would nibble his neck and chin and he would giggle and fall all over the place. Then they became calmer, with him just laying his head on my shoulder. I would lightly stroke his back and legs, and I would feel him slowly start to curl up before he burst our laughing. My favorite part of that situation is right before it starts, and I feel his hear raising off my chest because he’s smiling so big that his cheeks are pushing him away.

Tonights cuddle was one of my favorites though. I picked him up to lay him down on me, and he was already dead weight, completely slumped. I had to rearrange him on my body, as he’s super long and heavy. He moved once when my phone vibrated but I quickly switched it to silent and he didn’t move after that. Brady left the room to refill the humidifier in Dekker’s room and do a few other things to give me and my son some quiet time. I appreciated it so much. We didn’t move. Or speak. I thought a few times that I should be talking to Dekker, or praying aloud for him, or maybe singing him a bedtime song. Yet I know in my heart that we were communicating perfectly just by laying together, feeling each other breathe.

Such a special thing Dekker and I share. While I tried to get across very clearly what it feels like to be in my position, I’m positive no one can understand this exact feeling. And thats ok 🙂 I can, and Dekker can, and that is the most important thing right now.

Valentines Day with the boys

Today was relaxed and nice. Brady and I took Dekker out for a walk this morning.

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It was super refreshing. However, Dekker was my favorite part, as usual. He was all bundled up and unmoving as he sat in his sled.

He made no sound and moved once to free an arm out from under the blanket. Otherwise, no movement.He seemed pretty glazed over the entire walk. Too bad the photographer didn’t see his booger…

IMG_0468We assumed that he’d be whooped once he got home with the way he was acting. We all know how fresh air can take the wind out of our sails sometimes, right? As soon as all his gear was off, he was just gunning to go! He played solid for another good hour and a half I’d say before we put him to bed. Funny boy. I love him. And his dad.

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Happy Valentines Day!

Spring is in the air

Did everyone notice how today was sooo much warmer than usual?! I’m nervous as I look at the weather network, seeing the it is still supposed to drop down again at least once in the next two weeks, but I loooved the weather today 🙂

For those who don’t live in the area, winter here is COLD. Today was in the tiny minuses. Again, the weather network told me something along the lines of the high being -3 but my car said 0. Beautiful!! Messy, but beautiful. Our family took a drive this morning in the light snow and just breathed it in. We were home by noon but I guess it got kind of stormy everywhere else, resulting in slick roads and lots of car accidents. Thank you Lord for bringing the boys and I home safely!

Our friend from across the street came over in the afternoon with her son for a play date. We haven’t hung out in weeks and it was sooo nice to catch up! Dekker was shy of her boy to begin with, but they eventually warmed up and he relaxed a bit. My poor boy hasn’t been in many situations with other kids his own age yet and he gets nervous pretty easily. But they did good. It was amazing to see them both walking around, going after the same toys, stealing each others drinks, etc. They both look so much older than the last time they hung out. Crazy to see them grow so fast.

So, all in all, it was a good day. A home day for the most part, but I actually had real clothes and make up on for part of it! Felt like a human again.

Random…

I am feeling a bit grumpy today. Blame winter and cabin fever. I didn’t do a lot and I feel like my posts are getting more and more boring. So I’m just going to put up a few cute pictures of Dekker and hopefully you’ll all forgive me. Deal?

Dekkers new Robeez. He is new at shoes and now that we have some that finally fit on his feet, he is super awkward when trying to walk in them. So the boy wears these all over the house for practice.
Dekkers new Robeez. He is new at shoes and now that we have some that finally fit on his feet, he is super awkward when trying to walk in them. So the boy wears these all over the house for practice.
This was the day that Dekker walked around with a Cheerio stuck to his butt for I don't even know how long. It has happened more than once since then and I get such a kick out of it, I sometimes just let it sit there until it gets lost somewhere in my house.
This was the day that Dekker walked around with a Cheerio stuck to his butt for I don’t even know how long. It has happened more than once since then and I get such a kick out of it, I sometimes just let it sit there until it gets lost somewhere in my house.
This is Dekker with his "Marilyn Munroe" look. Ok, ok, its just a blackberry nubbin, but still.
This is Dekker with his “Marilyn Munroe” look. Ok, ok, its just a blackberry nubbin, but still.
Watching TV with Dekker. He usually has a great time, running all over and not even looking at the screen, but this one day, he just wanted to sit on my lap and watch. What a treat!
Watching TV with Dekker. He usually has a great time, running all over and not even looking at the screen, but this one day, he just wanted to sit on my lap and watch. What a treat!

Please forgive me for these posts. I’m feeling like there is just something I need to power through and my posts will be fun again. Not sure what it is but I’m not done blogging and I’m not giving up! Thank you for being such loyal readers!!

Let’s be honest

We spent today watching Big Bang Theory. Brady and I have the first three seasons and while we usually watch seasons on Netflix now, we decided to rewatch Big Bang. Oh my goodness, they are SOOO funny!!! So we whipped through the first three at warp speed last week and decided to purchase seasons four and five yesterday. Embarrassingly enough, we are a solid way through season four, haha! But c’mon, if you’ve seen this show, you probably understand.

For those of you cringing that Dekker is inside all day, exposed to a TV, please take a deep breath. Dekker will be outside soon enough. He is thriving, he has tons of attention, and abounding love. He is being well taken care of.

The highlight of the day however, was the morning. My sister texted for Dekker this morning requesting a breakfast date. This was their second breakfast Skype date, and they go over so well! It only takes a few minutes for Deks to figure out that the person on the screen is his Auntie and she is actually interacting with him. He tries to share his breakfast with her, dances for her, and talks like crazy. Its awesome to watch and be part of. I love my social son, and his love for others! He is absolutely growing up 🙂

My boy and his messy, hippie hair
My boy and his messy, hippie hair

Four Years Ago Today: Honeymoon Edition

Brady and I left the day after our wedding for Calgary. Believe it or not, it was cheaper to drive to Calgary, spend a night in a hotel, and fly from there, than to fly out from Saskatoon. Ridiculous. Also, it took about a day to get to Punta Cana. So this is actually a pretty accurately timed post. Here I was thinking I’m several days late. I’m not.

So. A photo post. I may add captions. I’m not sure yet.

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Our resort. Word to the wise: The doors have no chains, deadbolts, or “Do Not Disturb” signs. The maids have universal keys, zero knowledge of English, and the ability to clean your room anywhere from 8am – 6pm. Beware.

 

This was our villa. Ok, I don't actually know if it was ours, but they all looked like this. Pretty, minus the maids cart...
This was our villa. Ok, I don’t actually know if it was ours, but they all looked like this. Pretty, minus the maids cart…

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The ocean. It was fairly overcast for about half of our time there, but I didn't mind. It helped that it wasn't CRAZY hot, the humidity was enough. I personally still thought it was beautiful.
The ocean. It was fairly overcast for about half of our time there, but I didn’t mind. It helped that it wasn’t CRAZY hot, the humidity was enough. I personally still thought it was beautiful.
Chuck Norris joined us for breakfast at one point...
Chuck Norris joined us for breakfast at one point…
My cute husband :) I love this picture. He is sooo white! And I love that he has zero chest hair here :) Its ok, I told him I'd be heckling him on here. He still loves me.
My cute husband 🙂 I love this picture. He is sooo white! And I love that he has zero chest hair here 🙂 Its ok, I told him I’d be heckling him on here. He still loves me.
This is probably the beechiest picture you'll see of us. I realized that most of the others are of me in bikinis and I'm not sure the world needs to see that. Hopefully no one finds this one too risque.
This is probably the beechiest picture you’ll see of us. I realized that most of the others are of me in bikinis and I’m not sure the world needs to see that. Hopefully no one finds this one too risque.

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At our favorite restaurant! It was kind of a 50s diner style, lit very red, obviously.
At our favorite restaurant! It was kind of a 50s diner style, lit very red, obviously.
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Yup, I was the weirdo that ordered chocolate milk. But it was pretty extravagant!
We caught a showing of Grease. Brady has never seen the movie but I'd say he got into it :)
We caught a showing of Grease. Brady has never seen the movie but I’d say he got into it 🙂
We went to a pasta restaurant on Valentine's Day. It was kind of a strange place, masks and wrapped faces all over. Gave me a weird vibe until Brady joined the party. It helped.
We went to a pasta restaurant on Valentine’s Day. It was kind of a strange place, masks and wrapped faces all over. Gave me a weird vibe until Brady joined the party. It helped.
What also helped was the sketchy home-booze they brought to our table to taste. We had to do some chant first and then drink. It was honestly the warmest liquor I've ever tasted. But like I said - sketchy. Vegetation in a...Jack Daniels bottle?!
What also helped was the sketchy home-booze they brought to our table to taste. We had to do some chant first and then drink. It was honestly the warmest liquor I’ve ever tasted. But like I said – sketchy. Vegetation in a…Jack Daniels bottle?!
LOTS of blue in this shot, hence the point of this picture. And that was my favorite drink. I would grab an extra and keep it in our room fridge.
LOTS of blue in this shot, hence the point of this picture. And that was my favorite drink. I would grab an extra and keep it in our room fridge.
Brady and I were goofing off and taking pictures of ourselves with some loving people came by and offered to "help" :)
Brady and I were goofing off and taking pictures of ourselves with some loving people came by and offered to “help” 🙂

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We had such a nice time together. Looking through these pictures, and all the others on my computer, really makes me ache for another trip. But being together at home is pretty great too 🙂 Happy four years to us!

 

 

*** Grrr! Re-reading this post, I see that wordpress killed the quality of these pictures 🙁 Believe it or not, the Dominican Republic is not grainy and dull. Its lush and colorful and beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Donut Date

I was planning another “four years ago today” type of entry, recounting our honeymoon. Everyone loves a photo post, right? And I still will! But today, Brady and I took Dekker on a donut date and I just had to post the pictures 🙂 He was so bright and clear and yes, he LOVED his donut! To the mothers out there that would die before feeding their toddler a donut, please just forgive me. I couldn’t help it! I’ve been wanting to take him out for a donut or ice cream recently and it was totally worth the sugar intake!

We hit up the Tim Hortons closest to the edge of the city and got Dekker in his high chair. IMG_0438

He was drumming away on the table, as usual, and I noticed how his hands are really turning into big boy hands.

IMG_0441Yet still babyish. It was time for the big event! Chunks of a honey dip donut!!!

IMG_0444A TOTAL HIT! He was thrilled! We cut him off at about half the donut so we wouldn’t feel as guilty. He drank his milk and ate his treat like a champ. The result? Big, sugary, delicious lips!!

IMG_0445Perfect for kisses! xoxo

A quick plug for that Tim Hortons – they are the only Tims with lemon fill! YUM! I’m not particularly a donut person. I rarely get a donut. But if I’m at this particular location, I get lemon filled Tim Bits. Amazing.

IMG_0446This will not be our last donut date.