It's a Grand 'Ol Time!

The kids were lucky enough to have visits from Grama Powell (but we missed Grampa) AND Nanny and Papa Blu within a week of eachother! Its been a LONG time since we've seen them and it was great to have a visit. Grama Powell got to stay a week. That was how I was able to get so many projects done (kids' bedrooms). The kids had so much fun with her. They read books, sang songs, went for walks and went to the park several times. Naveah got lots of cuddles under the 'Grama Blanket' and Kael showed off his building skills. It was cute to hear Naveah call for her. It was never just 'grama' it was always 'grama pow-wull', and Kael enjoyed educating her on Transformers, Space ships and Oil Rigs. They loved running downstairs every morning and waking GRAMA up to play while I continued to sleep. It was so fun to have her here. The kids were spoiled with attention. They were even lucky enough to get a visit from their Aunty Weezie who came up to give them an 'Aunty Weezie sqeezie' and meet baby Jacek. My only regret is that I didnt take more pictures of all the fun we had. Sorry Mom :( Next time hopefully I wont be SO tired and ill take double the pictures! Hopefully Grampa can be there too!

Aunty Weezie Squeezie!

Our visit with Nanny and Papa Blu was short but sweet. We were lucky enough to get to Celebrate Thanksgiving AND Papa Blus Birthday! The kids had lots of fun with them too. They enjoyed going for walks to the park and coloring in the giant coloring book Nanny brought them. We only had 2 days for a visit so we tried to cram in as much as we could. Outings were kept pretty short cause by the time we were all able to get out of the house it was close to nap times. Also, we were short one seat for everyone to come along so the only way we could all hang out together was to just stay home. However it provided great opportunity for Evan to work on the basement. We were blessed with fantastic weather while they were here so we enjoyed Saturday evening sitting outside. The kids helped me build then their new pirate ship to play on, Evan BBQ'd dinner and got a fire going in his 'steal of a deal' firepit, and Nanny and Papa got to sit back and enjoy the grandkids! I made a Turkey dinner on Sunday for Papa Blu's birthday. It was the smallest Turkey feast I have ever prepared. But Delicious none the less. The kids had so much fun with them while they were here and we wish their visit could have been longer. Naveah loved coloring with Nanny and would go running to Papa when ever she was 'in trouble'. Kael couldnt have been happier when he got to 'rough house' with Papa! And he was very appreciative when Nanny pulled out a 'Cars' coloring book! Both of them especially loved their Bear Rides to bed from Papa Blu!!! Cant wait to see you again!

Bear rides to bed are one of my favorite memories, hopefully its one is one of theirs too!
Probably the only picture ill ever get of him smiling like this....mind you he also looks like he is going to threaten me with that fork....hmmmm

Almost There.

Our desicion to grow ended up expanding in more ways then one. You should all know by now that we recently welcomed our Third child. Jacek. Moments after getting pregnant Evan received the opportunity of a life time. Area Manager of the new Red Deer shop with Amaritech Electric. It wasnt a hard decision to make. Evan and I were both unhappy in Calgary and beginning to face to a 'tough reality' and we took this as a sign to move forward together. As excited as I was for this huge change, I was nervous. I know full well that with a 'new beginning' you must first face the storm. This year has brought more trials, heartache, and struggles than many years pressed together. When I sit back and think about everything we have been through I still wonder about the purpose. I find myself asking "why" a lot and still can not find the answer. I dont know if I will ever figure it out. The only thing I can do now is look forward, move on and hope things get better from here. I can honestly say that Im grateful this year is almost over.

Our New Start...

We took possession of our new house August 30th, 2010. Only 11 days shy of my due date. Anxiety was high but mixed with excitement. How was the rest about to play out? We stayed in our new house for 2 nights. The first night was amazing. I was relaxed. I enjoyed just sitting on the floor against the wall in the living room listening to nothing. The knot in my chest seemed to relax and I could close my eyes without becoming dizzy thinking about the dozens of trials we faced to get here. Nothing, for the first time, felt wonderful. But it was only a matter of hours before stress nuzzled its way back in while I wondered what would happen if I was to go into Labor in Red Deer. So we decided to head back to Calgary and wait it out. This brought on another fountain of tension and anxiety but I was firm in my decision to have this baby in Calgary with my team of midwives. And then, 5 days later, he came. On September 5 fianlly, we could say we were going Home.

Adjusting...

I cant say the adjustment from Two to Three has been easy. So far there hasnt been much chance to settle in and make our roots as we've entertained company almost the entire time we've been here. Thats not to say however, that we havent appreciated the help and the company. But quite honestly we are happy the company has stopped for a while so we can focus on us and getting our family structured again.

The kids are loving their new home. They love their rooms and the parks. They love helping with little projects around the house and helping Daddy work outside. Its been nice to finally get some warm weather so the kids can take advantage of their new playhouse in the backyard. We still have more hard days then great ones. Im having a hard time juggling the amount of projects we are trying to get done with children, chores, organizing, unpacking and everything else that comes with a move. I feel bad for them. I wish days could be twice as long so I could fit everything in. Jacek isnt a great sleeper. Its only been the last few days that ive woken up in the morning feeling like I actually can get out of bed. Evan is so busy with work. Early mornings and later evenings followed by never ending at home projets makes for one tired Dad. I still am quite impressed with him though, and slightly envious, that he can still have so much energy to give the children. I love watching them play together. Its always full of happy shrills and laughter.... that is until somebody gets hurt. But exhaution is finally starting to let up and today I was happy with the thought that we are almost there. I want more than anything to just reach that place of contentment.

Here are some pics of projects and improvements we've done so far...still many more to go.

Naveahs room, before and after....

Kaels Room. forgot the before picture, but wasnt far off Naveahs room. I also recovered his bedframe.

The Basement. Before and After. Still more after pics to come. This is just the new carpet we put in. Its shag, though its hard to tell from the pictures.

A Thank You

A great BIG Thank You to my Midwives, Theresa and Anne, who were the midwives that attended the birth. Also to Helen (student midwife who assisted in the delivery.) And of course Taina who was also on my 'team'. You have made this birth an incredible experience for me.

Anne

Theresa and Helen

Theresa

And of Course Melanie, my doula friend. You are awesome. Thanx so much for listening to my ranting and complaining this ENTIRE pregnancy! You have been a great support for me, and you were awesome at the birth. (sorry I didnt labor longer so I could have REALLY put you to work! haha jk)

After the birth, Evan and I went across the street to Best Western and booked a room so we could get some rest. After a couple hours it was time for Kael and Naveah to meet their new Brother. Evan went and picked them up from Nana and Papa's house and brought them to the hotel. Kael was quick on noticing that the baby wasnt in Mommy's tummy anymore. He walked over to check out Jacek then put his hand on my tummy and said "you have a little tummy? not a Big tummy? Baby came out of your tummy?". I couldnt help but giggle. How cute it was to see them with him. They were so gentle with him, kissing his head and holding his hand. It was a short lived moment as the excitement of being in the hotel was hard for them to resist running around and checking everything out, but it was still a cute moment none the less. Naveah has taken to calling him "my Baby" or "my Jacek" and is constantly smothering him in kisses. She always wants to hold his hand and is the first to go running to him when he starts crying. "Baby Okay?" she'll ask me.

Kael, I can tell, is still learning the whole 'Baby making process'. He is always reminding me that the baby isnt in my tummy anymore. We had to go meet the midwives again 24 hours after Jacek was born to do his blood work. When we pulled up to the clinic I laughed when Kael then said "Oh! we're at the midwife? They going to put baby back in your tummy?". Kids really do say the darndest things. Kael is such a big helper. He always wants to help me with Jacek and is always asking if he can hold him. Hes quick to run and get me a diaper or wipes when I need one and has a hundred and one questions to ask me about him. Hes so curious. I cant wait to see all three of them grow together.

Meeting Jacek at the Hotel

Naveah fixing his hat

Jacek

39.1

Thats when it was finally over. 39 weeks and (barely)1 day. September 4th, 2010 at 2:34am my little boy was born in the most amazing way.

Jacek Tomaz

It was so hard being Pregnant, taking care of two toddlers with Evan working out of town and us also being pretty much 'homeless'. I was more than done when I hit the 37 week mark. For me I knew it was only a matter of days before the baby came. But before baby could come I needed to relax. Yah right. Finding a calm amoungst our kaos felt like an impossible task. Stresses and emotions were strung high and not having our 'place' was a tease on comfort.

Finally I found some days to relax. Thanks to a few illnesses. Flu, followed by cold followed by flu found myself exhausted but also rested. I was finally able to come to terms with "baby will come when its ready".

September 3rd. By 8pm my body was screaming at me to go to bed. I obeyed. And at 10:30pm it starts. Evan came and sat with me in the basement while I bounced around on an excercise ball and texted my Doula friend, Melanie. 45 second long contractions, 3 minutes apart? Yup, time to call the midwife.

We all met at the Arbour Birth Center in Calgary at 11:30pm. I was told I was in Active Labor. I didnt mind. 8cm and still giggling? Ill take it! (No! I was NOT on drugs!). Melanie seemed to be in shock. "I cant believe youre 8cm and still laughing!". I assured her it would change quickly.

Time to get in the tub-

I opted for a water birth this time. I wouldnt have changed a thing. I only wish I would have had a chance to do this with all of my children. What an amazing experience. So calming. With the warm water I was able to relax to the point I really could have fallen asleep! If it weren't for those darn contractions! Despite the pain that every minute or two it was totally peaceful. I got to roll around a nice warm tub while my Husband and good Friend kept me company. I couldnt help but smerk at times a contraction would start and Evan would start asking me questions and I would quickly hear Melanie whisper "not now Evan!". (Yes Melanie I DO agree, Every man needs a Doula!) My midwives would occationally pop in the room to see how I was doing and check on babies heart rate. Everything was going perfectly.

2:30am, its go time. Baby demanded an appearance and I wasnt going to argue. 4.5 minutes later there he was. Now this is where it got amazing. You know how all your life youre led to believe that babies cry when they are born? In fact, the anticipation in the delivery room is always highest right at the time of birth just waiting for that little, yet huge, wail of a cry from Baby. And everyone else shouts 'Horray!'. Believe me, my mind is changed on the subject. What a terrible welcome. I lay there flashing back between my first 2 birth experiences and this one, I was in awe with what was happening. No one clamped the cord the moment baby was out. No one took Baby away before I even got the chance to touch them. No one rushing around the room acting as though some sort of terrible medical emergency was going on. There was no screaming baby! The only anticipation after my baby was born was....Boy? or Girl?. It was calm, quiet, peaceful and absolutely amazing.

It was HIM that chose how he was going to come into the world. And I pretty sure -- I like his version much better.

Its a BOY!

Content

Proud Daddy

(with midwife Anne)

Welcome Home

We Bought A HOUSE!----

and its ever so cute. We can't WAIT to get in there. Possession isnt until August 30th and I dont plan on moving in until the baby is born. So im crossing my fingers baby comes before our close date!

A cute little front porch facing green space. We will never have to look at another house across the street or worry about ones being built there. Just a large open field with a few trees, perfect for picnics, tag, and soccer.

Backyard. A two tiered deck with potential for a Hot Tub! (right honey?*wink). There is also a perfect spot to make a sand/rock pit for the kids, MORE parking to suit Evans needs, lots of storage and an ugly little playhouse I cant wait to get rid of. haha.

MY KITCHEN. I cant wait to get my hands in it. Awesome stone countertops and plenty of work space. The pictures SO dont do this house justice. I am totally in love with this house.

DUPLO DEAL!

I dont know about you but I think Lego/Duplo has become outrageously overpriced. However, they ARE the BEST building blocks in the world. We've had our stash of 'Mega blocks' for a couple years now and granted they did the job....but dont touch it once its built, it will fall apart.

Kael has built some pretty amazing structures ever since he started building and we figured it might be time to start searching for some better building blocks. While we were in Red Deer this past weekend, (kids stayed with Nanny and Papa Jevne) we needed to waste some time so we headed to 'Once Upon A Child', a well known consignment store in Alberta. While I was searching for a little something for the new baby to wear, Evan came racing around the corner holding a HUGE bag of blocks. I laughed. Suddenly he looked 3 again. "BABE! check this out!!!!". Sure enough, it was a huge bag of DUPLO!!! He wanted to get it. Worried about the price tag that would come with it I shook my head NO "its probably 50 bucks!"...I was wrong...it was only $12!!! We then found another large container full for $8. Bye bye Mega Blocks, HELLO duplo!

When we got home the kids were super excited to play with the blocks. I told them we needed to clean them first because they were really dirty. Some of you might be thinking that im crazy to even attempt washing hundreds and hundreds of little blocks...but NO! This is where having a jecuzzi tub comes in handy more than once!!! A little dishwasher detergent, a tub full of hot water and jecuzzi jets and we had ourselves a toy washing machine! Kael and Naveah were right in there stirring the toys and taking the ones apart that were stuck together. Those Duplo were the best things Evan and I bought!!! Oh, the kids are happy too. :)

Making the most out of Summer

Well, activities with the kids have become a challenge. We definetly arent as active as we usually are in the summers. A lot more road trips (not the house hunting kind) and full day excursions are usually what fill our summer months. But with the combination of Rain, house hunting/selling, and a growing belly its been hard to keep the fun level up to Kael and Naveah's expectations. It doesnt help that our daily vehicle is a gigantic beast that has become hard for me to climb in and out of. Putting the kids in the carseats and loading up the bed of the truck with strollers and what-not is a challenge I hate facing alone. Plus walking any sort of distance pushing the stroller is out of the question. So! Ive had to come up with ways the kids stay happy and I can just sit and watch. Again, not an easy thing when youve got 'outdoorsy' kids.

I bought the kids some sidewalk chalk a while ago hoping we would get a chance to use it. They cant draw with it in our backyard because all the concrete is exposed making it awfully difficult to draw on. I remembered that at the park by our house there was a basketball court that was NEVER used. So I packed us a snack, the chaulk and we headed to the park. The kids had tons of fun. I think they ended up with more chaulk on their clothes then they did the sidewalk. But the trip was cut short due to... (surprise surprise) RAIN!

Air traffic control!

I had been promising the kids a trip to drumheller to visit the dinosaurs. Not being able to take them myself anymore we had to wait for a weekend where there was nothing going on so Evan could come with. FINALLY there was one. They had so much fun. Naveah has become quite infatuated with them but was still very cautious around them. We had to reassure her a few times that the giant T-Rex was just simply bones and it cant hurt her. Kael ran from window to window shouting "OH! WOW!" at each display. After the museum we checked out the new Fossil World. I was nervous about going because of the new Animatronic T-Rex they had there. I didnt want to ruin Naveahs love for Dinosaurs. But they actually did okay! At first Naveah wanted me to pick her up immediatly and shook everytime the dinosaur moved. But again, with a little reassurance that the dinosaur cant hurt her she warmed up quite quickly. Suddenly her little shrills of panic became laughter. Kael did better than expected as well, although by this time he was getting pretty cranky and it was hard keeping him happy no matter what we did. So we headed down to the water park hoping to cheer him up. Naveah once again had a blast, Kael however just didnt want to cooperate. So trying once more we headed across the street to look in the gift shop, let them pick out a couple dinosaur toys then headed for ice cream.

"do not climb". Perhaps they should have thought this out better and not made them so welcoming.

taking a break to figure out the puzzle

Looking for their wishes in the wishing well!

Trying to pet the dinosaur.


At Fossil City, a giant Shark Jaw! Naveah thought it was pretty cool.

The Animatronic T-Rex, Naveah getting friendly.

Cranky Kael wanting a better look with Daddy. (they didnt think out how T-Rex would photograph from straight on!)

The next day Evan thought up another adventure and on the road once again we were. This time to Gull Lake. They had lots of fun playing in the sand and Kael couldnt get enough of his new water wings! It was a fun but exhausting weekend! And im glad we got some fun adventures in with the kids before summer ends.