Some Things Never Change

Yesterday I spent a few hours going through old photos to clean out my computer and get rid of about 75% of them.  I didn't really realize how many photos I took of Koen when he was little until I went through the 2009 folder.  It is so cool to see Nya playing with all the same things that Koen did.   Here is a photo from 4 years ago...

And from this weekend.  She won't kiss her momma but she'll kiss her new best friend!

Some cute things Koen has said over the past week:
Koen: Mom's Day is coming soon!
Gary: What are some things that she loves that we can get her?
Koen: We can put me and some chocolates in a box!

Me: Koen, what kind of behaviour are you going to have?
Koen: Gooder than Super Duper!

Koen: Santa is old, what happens when he dies?
Kai (matter of factly): The government will vote for a new one.

We had a good wedding on Saturday (yay, no rain!!) and now the work will be non stop until July.  However, then we have 5 weeks off to travel and enjoy our own family.  I think the boys are wanting a countdown so we should probably figure out how many days it is until July :)  Just did.  83 days!! Yahoo.

I hope you have a great week!
Love, Louise

Almost there...

Koen has been thinking about the Easter story a lot over the past 2 days.
1.  Koen (looking out of the window before stepping outside): We have to look out for Judas!
2.  Koen (praying): Dear God, please help mommy's mom to come alive again.  Amen.  (very sweet!)

{Nya looks very similar to me at this age in this picture.  However, I often find her looking like Kai.  We will see!  Regardless, she is so happy and cute.}

Nya has a top tooth coming through.  So far, we have not noticed much of a change in her but if it's anything like round one of teething, this could be a terrible spring break! Well, at least we know what to do now.  Natural homeopathic type stuff in the day and advil at night!  She is adorable.  She is a handful.  As long as she is moving she is happy.  Go, go, gooooooo!!  She's cruising furniture right now but not walking on her own yet.

Kai is lovely.  I look at him and can't believe how huge he is.  Heavy. Solid.  Mature.  Where's my cute little toddler?  I think he will be a wonderful husband one day.  I know, weird thought, but I really do!  Here is an excerpt from one page of his skate shaped journal entry on skating lessons with his class:

When I read `I was joyful that my mom and my sister and my brother Koen came', it made me smile and tear up a bit.  I never know how much to be there for field trips as it's often hard dragging along his siblings and I don't want to smother him but apparently for now, he likes it!  So, I will continue when I can.  I also love how he spelled `used to' as `yousto'.  Makes sense!

The countdown to spring break is on!!!  We are going to the island to celebrate my oma's 90th birthday (my mom's mom) and then continuing on to Ucluelet/Tofino.  We stay in Ucluelet becuase it's about 1/4 the price for a nice suite for our whole family.  We can make our own meals then too.   We don't usually do any excursions but this time we are going to the aquarium there AND going on a whale and sea lion watching tour.  Growing up, we had our own boat and did that every spring break (and fishing every summer in Bamfield) so I have great memories of it.  Hopefully the kids love it!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and hopefully the sun comes out!!
Love,
Louise

China, Pickle, China, Pickle

*I can never think of a title...you'll understand it towards the end**

There is something so cute about about a baby in jeans, a hoodie and boots!!!!  It helps when her eyes are gorgeous:)  I love my little sweetie pie.  She is awesome.  I felt the same way about the boys and I love having this feeling back.  When they get older, they get a little more..uh, annoying (at times) and smelly and they fight and say `no'.  I still love them the same but their overall cuteness factor is kept in check.

{So bald.  Her brothers were too.  So was I.}

Last night was her best night sleep ever.  8 hours. Awesome.  Of course I had way too much caffeine to keep me functioning yesterday so I was up until 1am.  Still, 5.5 hours of straight sleep for me was AWESOME. 

Funny things Koen has said this week:

`Mommy that shadow is scary.  Oh wait, I'm four now.  It's not scary.'

Me: A pattern is when something repeats like `red, blue, red, blue'

Koen:  I have one!  China, Pickle, China, Pickle

Kai is now such a bookworm.  He walks around the house reading.  He's currently reading `Nate the Great' (one book each night)  and `Horrible Harry' (I think that's the name). I love reading and I really enjoy seeing him loving it too!!

Gary is exhausted and tired and not loving life as much right now.  He's just too busy and getting older.  I won't say much more as Gary is more private but basketball is not ideal when kids don't give 100%.   

Kay, it's work time! Better get to it!

Love, 

Louise

PS I ran 7.4 km on the weekend and it didn't feel too bad!  I'm working on my distance first and then I have to figure out how I'm going to do hills.  I have one month left now before our 10 km race.  My goal?  To finish it:)  

Someone Is Having A Baby!

Life is good.  I can say that for the first time in one month I AM HEALTHY!!!   Well, my thyroid is still out of range but other than that, I AM HEALTHY.

Poor Nya is so congested.  Her coughs are croup-ish but she's doing okay.  I have a feeling once she is better she will be sleeping through the night.  She is also now saying `dadadadada' all the time. It's sooooo cute!! (see last 10 seconds)

I am pretty proud of myself for running.  I ran 6 km for two weeks in a row and this weekend I will attempt a 7.5 km run.  I wish I could run more often but Gary is gone pretty much every evening and the sun sets by 4:30 pm.  I wish I had more time to just exercise in general but that will come.

I have committed to just one session per week so that I have more time for family and exercising.  I've said this before and am getting better and better each year.   We only `need' a certain amount of money so why would I work for more when that takes away from our family?  The hard thing is, when I work more, we have more money to do fun family things...oh the balance!

We have booked our Spring Break trip and are heading back to Ucluelet/Tofino for 4 days and then doing Green Lake with my sister Maria and her family.  It's our yearly tradition and keeps us under $1,000 with ferries, hotels, gas and food..  

We have decided to add Chiang Mai, Thailand to our SE Asia Trip in July.  We will have three weeks and go to Thailand and the Philippines.  Most people think we are crazy taking three kids with one being a baby.  I know it will be hard, especially the LONG travel days, but we can do it!  If you have any experience flying 16 hours with a baby, let me know:)  Also, is it best to book international flights early or closer to?  I've started looking at prices and they haven't changed much in the last few months.   Anyone wanna join us?:)

And, some exciting news that I can finally share!!  My littlest sister is pregnant!  Her daughter Hannah just turned one in December and she is due with #2 in July.  I'm excited and hope baby stays in a bit longer than her due date so I can be here for her birth!

{My niece, Hannah, is going to be a big sister!}

I guess I should include something about Gary too.  His basketball team won their first league game last night.  He had hoped that they would win so that was good!  He is also running the 10 km race in February so he is trying to run more as well....I think he's just up to 5 km right now.

Okay, better go!  Hope you are having a good day.

Love,

Louise

PS Koen is funny.  When I asked him on his birthday if he felt any different being four, this is what he said:

`I'm not afraid of anything anymore!  Not even of ghostes' (I know how to spell ghosts, that's how he says it).

AND

Me: Koen, please finish your dinner.

Koen: Don't worry about it, sweetheart.

My Sunshine

I don't want my last post up for too long so I'll put a new on up here.  I feel good so that's what I will focus on for now:)

My happy little baby makes my day. 

I made her some homemade brown rice cereal...she just sort of chewed the spoon and her bib.  She wasn't really into the food.  At dinner time, I just gave her some sweet potato that we were eating and she liked that more.  Kai was so excited to see her eating and said, `I will never forget this day as long as I live!'.  

Kai also said, in relation to the jam on his toast, `I am very impressed with this jam.  The flavour is just so intense!'.  He's funny.  Tessa, if you're reading, it was your jam:)  See the tulips in the photo?  Gary bought them for me.  That was nice.  Then he bought me beer.  That was much nicer.

And Koen, He's cute too:) His skin is nearly 100%.  He makes me laugh with this eagerness for learning.  It's a bit exhausting as he is a bit afraid to write a letter if he is not confident in his ability.  Kai did the same thing when he was that age.  Aren't the two of them so cute together? I'm excited to get a picture of all three together for our Christmas card...

The smile below is what I get to look at all the time.  Isn't she so cute (and bald)? 

We are meeting with Kai's teacher today.  I'm excited to hear how he is doing.

Last night I went to the Running Room as they have free running clinics on Wednesdays at 6:30pm.  I was so nervous as there were about 100 people there.  I found a girl about my age, standing alone, and asked her how it worked.  I joined the `Learn to Run 10km' group with her.  We just did 4 km yesterday and it was way slower than I would do on my own but at least I could run at night safely.  And the weird thing, I made a new friend to run with.  It was sort of awkward...much easier on facebook:) Ha. But sort of sad that that is true.

Have a great day!

Love, 

Louise

Sunday with Sisters

On Sunday we went out to Mission for Jack's baptism. Jan and Doug's church is pretty small so when my sisters and our families all came, the population of kids in the church probably doubled:) When we are together, I really realize how crazy it is that we all have babies. Well, Maria's will be coming sometime this week:) My prediction? A 8lb 14oz boy.

{Jackie, Isaac and Tyler}

{Trish and Hannah}

{Maria 39 weeks pregnant with two of her three girls; Kenzie and Ani}

{Jan, Doug, Sami and Jack}

After the baptism, we had lunch at Jan and Doug's place and the kids played and pigged out. It was great. I love hanging out with my family. You would think we'd be sick of each other after yesterday but we still had our weekly play date this morning:)

Then, after Sunday's lunch, I had my first photo session in 7 weeks! It went well and I'm looking forward to editing them! I have a feeling my turnaround time (usually one week) will double now. It was great because we had the session in Mission so I just fed Nya and then Gary took all three kids geocaching at the same park.

Kai Bear loves pictures with his baby sister. We actually call her `baby sister' a lot. Here is her cute Sunday outfit. I bought it at a garage sale and the total outfit was $6.00.

I know I'm ridiculous but isn't it cute? Yup, jeggings. I think babies can do that. And the white dress? Oh man, it's so cute and I'm sad it will only fit her a few more weeks...

Okay, now some funny comments from the boys:

Kai (out of nowhere): Mommy, when are you going to help me find the perfect wife?

Koen (after teaching him not to step on insects): Mommy, I just high fived an ant! Do you think that's a nice thing to do?

Koen: Baby sister's dress is marvelous! (Who says marvelous? So funny).

Triplets

Below is what happens all day long. Koen tries to hug/squeeze/tackle Kai while Kai tries to behave. Here Kai's thinking, `Mommy, I'm smiling for your picture!' and Koen is thinking `How much harder can I squeeze him before he jumps on me?'.

I realized that for church today we sort of had triplets. All in khakis and button up plaid shirts. Oh ya, with new hair cuts and no one wearing any gel. Seriously boys, it takes one second and makes a world of difference. Oh, one more similarity; awkward smiles.

Me at 37 weeks. Apparently it was bright out noticed by my squinting. Either that or my face is super swollen like my hands and feet. I don't think my belly is growing any more but I do think baby girl is fattening up and just taking up more space within that belly. I've noticed that I'm much hungrier this week. Also, who knew that swelling in your hands could cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Awesome, not like I need to use the computer like a crazy woman this week. I'm going to try to finish all the weddings in this next week so I get one week off. I'm confident I can do it!

On Friday, my dad flew into Langley airport and the boys were able to sit on the plane. My dad said not to touch any buttons so of course Koen touched a bunch. This freaked out Kai because he's a rule follower and he was scared the plane would take off. Hence, his look of concern.

Below Kai is even more concerned:)

Opi and Nana Jo with half of the grandkids. When our baby girl arrives, they will have 10 with one more on the way.

I have 10 billion thoughts going on right now so I will have a boring post next which is all about my thoughts on May and this baby and it's arrival etc. May is a wild month because May 7 is the anniversary of my mom's death, May 13 is Mother's Day (probably the hardest day of the year for me and many others), May 22 I should be meeting my daughter, and May 28th is our anniversary. Roller Coaster of emotions.

To end on a funny note, Koen said, `I'm bald under my hair'.

Hope you had a good weekend!

Love, Louise

Colouring and Cuteness

Michaels always has crafty stuff on sale so I bought this huge package of wooden ornaments that can be coloured and the boys and I had a good night decorating. There are a bunch of things that I cannot do for an extended period of time (play cars, lego, Chutes and Ladders etc) but I do love colouring!

{Below is Kai's}

{...then Koen's....}

{and mine.}

Then Daddy Bear came home and got a picture of all of us.

The next day, Kai woke us up at 5:45am announcing `Breakfast is served! I made you breakfast in bed!'. I took the tray and kindly asked him not to turn on the light and just go back downstairs. On the tray were two pieces of toast that were sort of covered in Nutella. I think he was just excited to use the Christmas tray. He wakes up soooo early and usually just goes downstairs and gets his own breakfast and just watches tv.

And another Kai comment today:

Me: Kai, before we go out, I need you to wash the marker off of your face.

Kai: Mommy, I really want to leave it on. It makes me look exquisite!

(I asked him later if he knew what exquisite meant and he said `beautiful' and then went on to call me exquisite all day. He is quite sweet. Sometimes:)

Gary came home as soon as he could today so we could try to get a family photo for our Christmas card. I didn't think he would make it in time so I didn't bother getting ready. Then, because we had 20 minutes before sunset we rushed around and got out the door in about 5 minutes. Little did I realize that Kai, Koen and and I are all wearing stripes. It's a bit wild (and my hair looks terrible) but it will have to do! I have such high expectations for them and it's never quite reached. Once baby is here, we will get someone else to take our family photos!

Hello December, so excited you are here. I have the snow tires on, the sun is out all week AND Gary is home for a two week holiday in just two more weeks!!!!

Have a great night.

Love, Louise

All I Want For Christmas...

is math homework?! Kai is hilarious. He said that's what he wants for Christmas. He did this math book from front to back today. It took about two hours and we took a half hour break to go to the park in between. He's so nerdy and I love it! He needed some help with the instructions but he was sounding out the words pretty well on his own. My little boy is all grown up!

{Isn't he such a mini Gary?!}

He was seriously giddy with excitement that he could add 8+7 and 10+10 etc.

Koen sat at the table with him and coloured and played with playdough. I don't feel emotional (yet) that Kai is going to kindergarten. I'm more just really excited for him. I LOVED school (and Gary really enjoyed it too) so I'm thinking that Kai will too. I hope part time is enough for him!

Now he can ask his teacher a billion questions instead of me. I hope he tells me what he does each day. I hope he still thinks that his mommy is super smart:)

Bon nuit.

Love, Louise

Bud

Koen: Mommy, I call you bud?

Me: Sure, you can call me bud!

Koen: Bud and me go to the park?

Ah, he's so cute! I love hanging out with him. I am totally looking forward to Kai being in kindergarten as this will give Koen and I some great time together. Because he is only 2.5 years old, he can't go to preschool yet so I'm thinking we'll go to the (free and awesome!) Strong Start program on days that Kai has school.

Walking back from the park, hand in hand, Koen tells me how much fun he had at the park and how much he loves me. Two year olds are so special. Especially this cuddly one.

Sweetie

At the preschool Mother's Day Tea, the kids had to introduce each of the moms by name. During their practice session, the teachers had each kid announce their name and then their mom's name. Many kids didn't know their mom's name so the teacher would ask, `What does your dad call her?'. When it came to Kai's turn:

`Hi. My name is Kai. This is my mom. My dad calls her sweetie.'

Awwww:) It is true. Gary rarely calls me Louise. Even when we are arguing it's Sweetie or Sweets. I'll take it:)

Lips All Gone

Me: Koen, can I have a kiss?

Koen (covering his mouth): No! Lips all gone!

Kai (right as the hockey game was starting): Mommy, you go grab a beer and I'll grab the white towels, and I'll meet you at the couch!

If the definition of being potty trained is staying dry and clean in your undies all day BUT having to be taken to the toilet every 1.5 hour, then Koen is toilet trained. He will never, ever go on his own. So, this is the next step. I'm still proud of him and I feel quite confident in his ability to stay dry during the day. He even wore undies to church:) The other thing Koen has been doing is locking Kai and I out of the house. This has happened at least 4 times and he has no idea how to unlock it (either that or he's good at acting like he doesn't know what to do). I always have to let the sitters know NOT to leave Koen in the house alone or even a minute! Time to initiate some serious consequences.

It's so funny seeing Koen go through the same stages Kai went through. I had forgotten some of it but it's all coming back. First the `Two white vans. Red car. Black truck. Where truck going?' blah blah blah about every vehicle we see. Now, it's not only that but letters too. `There's `S'. What S say?' `Mommy! There's `W'! What W say?'. Cute but a little exhausting:) (**By `What does it say, he means the sound it makes. A says ah etc. which Kai has learned and is trying to teach Koen.**)

Kai has a pre-kindergarten day coming up where he will meet his teachers and classmates, he is so excited! Kai is now 47lbs and quite the solid boy. He loves playing with the neighbour boys who are just a year older than him. We seriously love our neighbourhood so much, and if we moved, we would just find a house with a bigger kitchen and yard, in this same area. We are looking forward to biking without training wheels as soon as the sun comes out. Kai is pretty even keeled and the only time he cries is when he's overtired and is sent to time out for hurting Koen or not listening. Dudes, the two can fight now. Always over a toy that they forget about 10 seconds after it's dealt with.

Life is busy as Gary is working full time, plus two weddings a month, and basketball two early mornings a week. I feel busy as I'm working about 4 hours a day, 7 days a week while being at home with the kids full time. Basically I can only work during their one hour tv time in the afternoon and then when they are in bed. It just makes for a long day. I love what I do, but, I am sooo looking forward to three weeks off in the summer!

Gary and I had our last marriage workshop yesterday. It was good. I'm sad that we won't have that 1.5 hours a week set aside to work on our marriage. I've definitely decided to book a babysitter once a month to go on a fun date. I have the best time with Gary when we are out being active so that is the plan! I mean, we're active as a family, but to actually focus on each other is so important. Looking forward to our first date and I think I'll make it a surprise:)

Thanks to all those that have commented or sent me emails. Love the love! Sorry if you can't get your comments on my blog, I have no idea why it doesn't work.

Have a great week in this absolutely ridiculous rain.

Love, Louise

Kai's Advice

Kai loves to parent Koen. The other day I went to get their passport photos done and this is Kai's advice to Koen:

Kai: `Koen, no pooping when you are getting your passport photo.'

It would make for a funny photo! I guess because I'm always reminding Koen to use the bathroom these days, Kai feels he needs to remind Koen too.

And, along with the passport photos, I have booked camping on the Oregon coast, bought a bathing suit (found a Roots tankini that does the trick!), bought a bike rack (for 4 bikes that fits into our trailer hitch AND reclines so you can open the trunk!), and a bike seat for Koen. I am ready!!! Now, we just need it to be the summer and actually have some sun.

Kai's Prayer

Kai's prayer at lunch today:
`Dear God, thank you for the yummy food and thank you that mommy dropped her plate on the floor. That was funny. Amen.'

My Helpers

Kai: "Mommy, I'm doing the laundry so it's less tiring being a mommy." They have worked as a team twice this week switching the laundry over and although it's a long process (they put it from the washing machine to the basket and then the dryer), I think it's cute that they `need' to do it together.

Koen usually makes a ton of noise during Quiet Time. Suddenly it was quiet and I thought maybe he had fallen asleep. I went to his room and couldn't find him. Checked the closet and he made himself a bed out of boxes of clothes that I have stored there. Actually looked kind of comfy.

And some Kai comments from the last week or so. They all pertain to the human body:

Kai (overheard sharing info with Koen): Imagine the size of God's femur!

Kai: Hey lunch, I'll see you in three days!

Kai (after Koen hit him with a truck on the right side of his head): I hope I can still sing! (note: the right side of your brain is involved with singing).

He loves learning. We went to the library and all he wanted was books about the human body. Nothing else. He got one about the heart and another about the journey from conception to birth:)

{Annika-now 5 years old!}

And finally, a very happy birthday to the first born niece on my side of the family. I remember Ani being born like it was yesterday. It was such a joy filled time amongst the sadness that was filling our lives. Ani was born just 3 months before my mom passed away and my mom was actually in the room when she was born. It was amazing to feel such happiness and hope in a time when I didn't know it was possible.

Ani: A message from Kai. The first one actually had Koen and Kai singing together but it was sideways and I don't know how to turn it around so here is just Kai....

Oil of Oregano

Please give me your best tips for fighting a cold! Kokies has had a cold since the beginning of December. I think they have been three separate ones. The antibiotics might have helped with the first infection but I'm not putting him back on those again, especially since I think this one is viral (clear mucus). I'm going to get some Oil of Oregano today and see if that works. He is just super, super, super stuffed up. I've been wiping his nose all day long, for about 8 weeks (minus the two days he was healthy). I am so incredibly thankful that they haven't turned into ear infections, I think the chiropractor really helped him last year.

{big flakes this morning!}

The other day I said to Koen, `Another boogie? How many boogies do you have?' Koen said, `Nine boogies':) When I saw the big mess he made in the living room I said, `Who made this mess?' and Koen said, `Ellen (Degeneres) did it.'.

Kai had skating yesterday and even managed to skate (walk) backwards. When he got off the ice he said, `Mommy, could you believe your eyes?'. He did so well again and probably only fell five times this week...mostly because he is determined to be the fastest in his class which makes me laugh:) Gary was able to make it to his lesson again this week so that was awesome. Gary is usually gone at least 4 nights a week so I'm glad that the last two weeks it's been Wednesday nights that he's been home!

Reminder: tips on how to help a kid fight a cold!!!

Love, Louise

Kai's Comments

Me: I don't know if I can carry this door.

Kai: I know you can do it!

Me (lifting up the door and carrying it)

Kai: That's my girl! You are a very impressive mommy!

*******************

Kai (talking about seeing his old preschool teacher): I just couldn't believe my eyes!

*******************

Kai (explaining why he and Koen were screeching): Mommy, we're practicing our pterodon calls!

******************

Kai rubbing his chin: Mommy I'm starting to grow a beard like daddy! I won't be cute anymore, I'll be handsome!

We Did It!

So, Gary and I worked our butts off this week and we have hung all the drywall! Woohoo! Special thanks to the guys from church for doing the ceiling, my dad for working with me and doing such a diligent job, my bro in law Tyler for helping Gary several days in a row (and walking one hour to our house each time!!), and to Joel for finishing the bathroom with Gary today. I have to tell you, Gary did not complain at all and I've never seen him so focussed and hard working on something. I'm so proud of him!

Gary sealing off the basement for the mudder tomorrow. Please do not notice the terrible full length seam on the far wall, that was my bad, you are supposed to stagger them so there are no full vertical lines. We rented a drywall screwdriver from Home Depot, it was awesome. Today I went back and forth on doing the playroom with laminate flooring (better for studio) but I think we will go with carpet. It's just warmer and safer for the boys....I think.

The bedroom which will be Kai's eventually. He wants to move into it ASAP but I'm going to hold him off until he's a bit older. It has a great walk in closet and is right next to the bathroom.

The bathroom. The coloured drywall is the waterproof stuff. It should be all around but the other drywall was already there when we moved in...

The mudder comes tomorrow and does his thing, hope that goes according to plan!

*****************

I had 4 photography cancellations in the last 8 days. I never have more than one in a month so you can imagine that the weather has been sketchy!! We could've made it work on several of the days but oh well. So, now they are rescheduled which just means it will be a bit busier in the next few weeks. That's okay though because until we paint (in two weeks) I don't have a lot going on! For the first time since May, when Kai goes to preschool tomorrow and Koen naps, I have nothing to work on. I think I will just bake and make a nice meal. CRAZY. I'm excited.

****************

Today while steam mopping the floor (for the second time in one day, the drywall dust is driving me CRAZY), I noticed fresh drops of blood on the ground. I checked Koen's mouth and nose out but couldn't find the source. As he was heading to bed, Gary held him upside down and I found the source. Koen had fallen (aka pushed by Kai) about an hour earlier and the back of his head had been pierced by a sharp toy. There was a small, deep hole that was still bleeding. The back of his head was all red with blood, boy, heads sure bleed a lot! He is one tough cookie:)

***************

Me (I said a sentence with the word `stupid' in it which is a major no no in this house)

Kai: Mommy, you said a bad word!!

Me: You're right Kai, thanks for reminding me, I'm sorry.

Kai: Koen, do you forgive mommy?

Kai: Mommy, I had a bad dream last night.

Me: That's sad Kai, are you okay?

Kai: Well, you should've come into my dream.

*************

Koen can now say `Happy birthday' and it could be the cutest thing in the world. He was even singing it today. CUTENESS. Actually, that's tied with him counting to three in swahili (I always say moja, and then he says mbili, tatu).