Thanksgiving Weekend

On Sunday, after the church service, dad and Joanne got married. I was nervous about the day in regards to how I would do emotionally. Well, it started out terribly as I only got 2 hours of sleep (insomnia due to hyperthyroidism but made worse due to being anxious). I made it through the service until the slideshow. Any slideshow, set to music, and I'm done. Thankfully Koen was acting out so I was in the back with him.

(Anneliese and I were witnesses...she is Joanne's oldest daughter and I am also the oldest daughter. I see now that this picture is weird but I'm not uploading a different one!)
When I say I was emotional throughout the day, I mean that it was a huge day for mourning my mom. I just kept saying over and over in my head, `I miss mom. I want my mommy.'. Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy for dad and Joanne and they know it. They are perfect for each other at this point in life. I really like Joanne and her daughters. I'm just sad for what will never be, but, I do recognize what can be. I felt bad for crying, because then people might think that I wasn't supportive, but at the same time, I didn't want to be shouting `Yippee!' from the mountain tops, because then I felt I wouldn't be honouring my mom.

(The boys. Poor Koen was freezing).
The next day, after a wonderful 7 hour sleep, I felt all better again. I have had to adapt the bedtime routine of an infant. Warm shower, calming activities, massage with lavendar lotion (oh how I wish Gary was a massage therapist), and lullaby music playing all night.

(Me and dad)
The last time I wore this dress, 7 months ago, I was 25lbs heavier!

(Dad and Joanne).
I'm currently editing photos so I'll have some better ones on our site later.

Kai was a disaster for pictures before hand but did a great job walking down the aisle. He got some nifty treats from Opi (my dad). In the box were all of Kai's favourite things; ride on lawnmower, motorcyle, seadoo etc.

(Kai loves Opi so much)
We had 3 HUGE meals this weekend and I probably gained about 4lbs which I guess is healthy. Great, great food. The entire family has been sick with colds and I thought that I had escaped it, but alas, my nose and throat are super itchy right now. Hyperthyroid + cold= not pretty. I find that any stress or anxiety puts my hyperthryoid symptoms in overdrive so I'm hoping for a relaxing week.

And finally, our van. It is a 1999 Honday Odyssey. Our transmission has been finicky and it finally died yesterday. Today, I had it towed for free thanks to my wonderful sister, Maria, and her BCAA. You know, as she was in it while it died. Kai was at preschool while it happened, but boy, he would've loved the tow truck! Clover Towing, very nice guy.
So, I have never paid more than $500.00 for car repairs. Well, a new transmission is probably the priciest thing you can do. Who knew that old minivans had terrible transmissions? Even Hondas!! I will find out tomorrow if its worth it to put in a new one at the cost of $3400.00. Yes, half of the cost that we paid for the freaking van. I completely trust the guy that is doing it by the way. Somehow, this HUGE freaking amount is not stressing me out. I just feel that it's absolutely ridiculous.

In conclusion, here are some Kai comments:
1. We ate waffles for lunch and Kai said it looked like the moon. Then I ate half of it and he said it was now a `lower case moon':)
2. Kai said that if I didn't let him watch tv before bed that he might freak out. Freak out?
3. We were watching Kai's 1 year old DVD and he said, `Look mommy, there I am. That was 20 years ago'.
4. Upon seeing me in my dress for the wedding, `Mommy, you look so handsome!'.


And some cool info on the Koen front:
1. He took 5 steps this evening!! Go buddy go!
2. He says `dada' when excited and `mama' when he wants to be held or get out of his crib. He knows I'll listen:)
3. Koen has been a little under the weather, a little fussier than usual. He's acting like he's teething but I see nothing. Poor little guy.

All right, time to lay on the couch and watch some `Biggest Loser'.


**Hyperthyroidism update: I will go to the endocrinologist on Monday and I am looking forward to it. I can walk long distances and I am thankful for that. However, I cannot do anything requiring more cardio than that which is frustrating. I feel like all my muscles have gone to mush. Once I get better (and I will!!!), I'll have to start all over again. Oh well, done it twice before (post C-section) so I'll do it again. Worst symptoms are insomnia and tachycardia**

Thankfulness

For my beautiful children and wonderful families, I am thankful.
For amazing fall colours and a bright October sun, I am thankful.
For my husband who loves and supports me, and is wonderful with the kids, I am thankful.
For a one year maternity leave, I am thankful.
For never having to worry about food or shelter, I am thankful.
For friends, I am thankful.
For life, I am thankful.
Thank you.

(This picture completely captures their personalities. Kai=wild, trying to throw the leaves as hard and far as he can while screaming, Ani=calm, gently tossing the leaves and observing what happens, Isabelle=independent, holding onto the leaves, even though mommy says `Throw them Izzy!', Koen=curious, touching, bending, eating the leaves.)

Because I Can

My mom used to put on her wedding dress on anniversaries and we LOVED it! I'm not sure I'll fit into it by that time (May) so I put it on now. I'm lighter than I was when we got married, solely due to my thryoid, so it fits wonderfully.

Kai loved it. I had to put it on twice yesterday for him:)
My dad is getting married tomorrow. For those that don't know, my mom passed away 3.5 years ago. I'm happy for them and know they will have a fabulous weekend. I have to say that my hormones are pretty crazy these days so who knows how I'll be. I'll be honest, it's easier not to ever think of my mom. Isn't that sad? Someone that I love so much, I choose not to think of. If I do think of her, it's just overwhelmingly sad.
Kai is bringing something fun down the aisle so let's hope he does a good job. There's no rehearsal so we will see!

Dear Thryoid

Dear Thryoid,

We got along my entire life,
And now, I'm not being a very good mom or wife.
You are working like crazy, thryoxin you make.
I sweat, breathe hard, and my hands shake.
I'm glad that I was able to lose so much weight,
But I won't be able to wear any of my clothes at this rate!
I love food so much, I'm thankful I can eat,
But going for a jog is no small feat.
I'm nervous you'll slow down and go the opposite way,
`This is ridiculous!!' is what I will say.
It's so hard to relax when I try to sleep at night,
It feels as if I just ran a race, and that ain't right.
I pray that you figure yourself out,
Because if you don't, I may just shout or pout.
Or cry, I'm so sad, I just want to be normal,
Because really, this makes me so hormonal!
I will appreciate my health so much more,
And will take even better care of my body than before.
So please, try your best, to reach a proper rate,
Oh, I will celebrate so much on that date!

Sincerely,
Louise

(PS. I'm impressed with my `hormonal' rhyme:)

Kai bear

Noticed that Kai's eyes looked nice in this green shirt so took a few pictures while he goofed around in the kitchen:) The bottom left picture is his new closed mouth smile...he just started doing it this week and I'm totally not used to it.

He wanted his hair to look like his friend Andre from preschool. Andre has a mohawk. I'm hoping he doesn't want to dress like Andre because every one of his outfits is $100.00+:)

Kai is at a funny stage where he will get into an awkard position (like laying on the ground and pulling one foot to his face) and say, `Mommy, look at my trick!'. Good trick, Kai. Good trick.

Today Kai asked, `Who was babysitting me when you and daddy got married?'. This kid has seen a few babysitters while we go to weddings:)

Okay, time to get ready for preschool. This guy LOVES preschool. Oh, one last thing. Kai made our lunches today! He made toast and put butter and ham on it. What a good little helper!

Brother Comparison Pics

Here are pictures of Kai and Koen at 9 months old, wearing the same clothes.

Kai is totally Chapman, and Koen, Dekens. Koen's head is so much thinner! They both weighed the same.

It's hard to remember Kai at that age...before he disobeyed or drove me bonkers:)

Kai was just standing up holding onto things where Koen has been doing that for a couple months already and is nearly walking!
The other day, I heard Koen crying, although it sounded muffled. I found him inside the toybox! Finally, he has been saying mama all day long for the last 3 days. So cute!

Another new post below.

Acupuncture

Yesterday I went to an acupuncturist. It was a very cool experience. He spent a lot of time figuring out exactly where my body was at first and he knew a lot about hyperthyroidism. At one point, he even asked me to stick out my tongue as it apparently indicates how various parts of your body are doing. I nearly fell asleep when he was putting the needles in and I could feel an electricity/tingly type feeling in my feet and legs. He said he was trying to get my body balanced again as your thryoid obviously has so much to do with it. At one point he said, `I have the control over your whole body now'.

(Koen has some strange circulation going on in his foot...maybe that's where the pressure is when he walks?)
In some places, he would press hard in three locations very close to each other, whichever location was the most tender, he would put the needle. He pointed out many places that are very tender due to the hyperthyroidism that I never even noticed in my day to day.

(Koen just chases Kai around this bench...usually until Kai body checks him)
He left the needles in for about 20 minutes and I don't know what he was doing to them (maybe vibrating them?) but I was very relaxed. When I got home, my heart rate was 85bpm for the first time in 4 weeks! It has gone back up again though, he said that acupuncture is a short term aid but Chinese medicine is long term. So, I got some Chinese medicine off him. Made of various leaves, roots etc. It tastes like powered celery. It costs some serious money but I'm trying it (incorporating both my regular medicine and the Chinese medicine). He suggested I come back on Thursday but I don't know if I will, due to the time and money requirement.

(Kai's favourite snack..carrots and apple slices)
He also did some acupressure. I think if I was rich, I would do it more often:)

(Must....touch...the....lens)

Koen is still terribly congested. He will cough and then gag and he even vomited last night. Gross. Poor buddy. Got the humidifier going, hope it helps. He has been taking 2 steps consistently but no more than that. He is in LOVE with the stairs.

(Kai pretending to vacuum. I like this shot)
Kai decided to drag the remnants of the sand and water table into the house just after I finished vacuuming (yes, I'm able to vacuum now!). Thanks bud. Kai has finally broke past the 37lb mark where he has been for at least 6 months, he is now 38lbs! Few more pounds and he'll be in a booster seat! I wonder if you need to be a certain height/age too (Melissa?).

I want to tell you how much better I am feeling; I was able to take the kids INTO the bank with me yesterday. Holding one and `encouraging' another to stand right next to me (while he was doing gymnastics on the bar and rolling around everywhere) is quite the feat! I also was able to walk to Extra Foods with the kiddos in the stroller. Everything seems normal except for my heart rate.

In conclusion, while getting poked with needles, I thought for a second, `I should go back to school and become an acupuncturist, this is cool!'. And then I changed my mind. I love being a teacher, mommy, and photographer. Oh yes, I love my life.

Four Sick Chapmans

Koen caught the cold that Kai had. Kai is old enough that a cold just makes him grumpy. Koen is little enough that it makes it near impossible for him to sleep because he's so congested. He didn't eat or drink very much today (first time in his life!) and did not nap once. He isn't too grumpy and just loves being held.

(I'm assuming everyone has a HUGE second chin when they lay down like this? Can you see how thin my hair is? Hyperthyroidism=hair loss)

I got an appt with the endocrinologist in 3 weeks, I'm excited about it! We'll see how acupuncture goes tomorrow. Somehow I gained 5lbs in 2 days. Oh boy, I hope that doesn't continue! I've started eating healthier again...no more pizza or McDonalds for me!

Okay, off to snuggle some more.

Run/Walk For the Cure and Support

This morning we attended the Run for the Cure in Abbotsford. Gary and I both had to walk the 1km and were pretty sad about it. Gary has a bad cold and I, well, I just don't know what my heart can and can't handle so I just didn't try it. In regards to running for a cure for breast cancer, I actually try to not to think of it (I know, I'm there and there's thousands of people who are focusing on it). It's just a bit easier that way. I do think it is a healthy and wonderful way to celebrate survivors and to remember lost loved ones.

I just like the look of Tyler aka Mr. Cool, lounging against the fence.

Koen was half napping even though it was super windy.

Jackie with her oldest niece, Isabel (yes, another Isabelle, other side of the family).

The group of us. Last year, I was 6 months pregnant with Koen when we did it.

Kai and Gary running to the starting line. Usually Kai is a very good runner but this cold is knocking him out so....

Gary had to carry him for 3/4 of it.

At the finish line. Now that I look at it, I guess Koen did fall asleep!

Gary at Derby Reach last night for a photo shoot. The weather and fall colours were PERFECT. Another one tonight. October and May are the busiest months for photos. Who would've thought?

I'll be honest, I am SO frustrated right now. What is better than running in fall weather? My doctor doesn't really know what I should and shouldn't do as he's more of a OB/GYN so ya....I'm going to an acupuncturist on Tuesday, even though my doctor said it wouldn't work. So far, what he's recommended hasn't worked and I'm willing to try anything.

I am very thankful for the support that I have received. I don't like asking for help, and I know I'm functioning at about 65% right now so I can take care of myself but ya, people have been so thoughtful. My sister Maria has taken the kids when I have to go to the doctor (every 4 days or so), my care group from church has offered meals and child care (even though I said we were okay, one couple gave us two meals), and my football team surprised me yesterday with a gift card for meals and house cleaning that is on the way. Wow. I'm very thankful for the people I have in my life. I don't know why I have a hard time accepting help and gifts, maybe I don't feel sick enough? Maybe it's because I grew up thinking I had to take care of myself and be independent? I know I will get better soon, it just seems to be taking SO long. One month down.

Lazy moment of the week: I found a dried piece of food in the carpet and threw it behind the couch instead of in the garbage.

Embarrassing moment of the week: Almost got an interception in football except it went right through my hands, hit my sunglasses and popped the lens out. OUCH. Area around my eye is sore. By the way, you are thinking `What? If you can play football, you must be okay!'. Let me tell you, I barely run, I just throw the ball. Not ideal, but I'll play what I can. I may have gotten mad at the rusher yesterday. I've never had a rusher so NOT in control of her body, she just kept running into me. I said, loudly, `HERE ARE MY FLAGS! STOP RUNNING INTO ME LADY!'. With hyperthyroidism, you bruise easily, you should see the bruises all over my legs and back from that wonderfully out of control rusher.

Most precious moment of the week...we have a tie!:
1.After picking up preschool, I was buckling Kai into his carseat and he reached over and rubbed Koen's hand gently saying `Hi Koen. I missed you, it's good to see you!'. Aw. I would say 97% of Kai's intereactions with him are rough so this was such a blessing.
2. When Gary went to the Lions game, Koen woke up at 10pm so I brought him downstairs with me, fed him and then he fell asleep laying on me. I savoured it. I love holding a sleeping baby and it won't happen much longer!

9 Months Old

Hey everybody! I'm 9 months old today. That means it was the exact same amount of time inside the uterus as out of it. I'm very happy to be here and I let it be known with my big smiles. Today I will be blogging as my mommy says she is too tired. She went to the doctor this morning and they are changing her meds so hopefully she will be something between a jitterbug and a zombie. She wishes she could run so badly but it's a little risky. She will probably have to buy new pants as they are all too big for her now. She is thankful for the weight loss but is a little prideful and wishes she could've done it on her own with exercise. Okay, on to me!

So, what are some of my favourite things to do, you ask? Well, I love it when daddy throws me in the air. We have a great video to upload but need Daddio for that. I love going for walks, seeing other kids, eating, being held by my mommy, and trying to climb on Kai. I love trying to put all of Kai's cars in my mouth but he doesn't like it when I do that.

Some foods I tried this month were; waffles, grapes, lasagna, fettuccine alfredo (I guess I'm not allergic to dairy!!), and chili. I love eating everything. My mom just puts a lot on my tray and I do it by myself. An example of what I eat for lunch is 1/2 banana, one piece of multigrain bread, and 1/2 cup of grapes. I love food! I am about 21.5lbs so not much gain this month. Clothing wise, I am wearing size 18 months pj's already.

I sleep through the night now. Mommy loves that so much, especially since she's been quite sick lately. I sleep from 7:30pm until 8am. I'm the best:) I have my little buddy, `blue', in my bed. He's my soft blankie with a dog on it, I love playing with his ears!

I still drink milk from mommy 4 times a day and will probably be going down to 3 times this month. Pretty soon I get to try whole milk. Kai says its good so I'm excited about it! Although, mommy has been drinking a lot of the brown coloured milk lately and I think that looks VERY good. I have to wait until I'm 3 to drink that. I only know how to drink from my Born Free bottles, I wonder if they make a sippy cup? I tried a sippy cup and totally started choking how fast the milk was coming out. Mommy's looking for a different kind now. Do you have any suggestions?

(Let's pretend my brother Kai is playing nicely and NOT stealing the stool away from me!)
I'm almost walking. I stand and I try to shuffle my feet but then I give up and crawl. Crawling is so much faster! I can push many things around the house to help me walk though. Mommy thought I would be walking by now, maybe a few more weeks?

(I think this would've been a good picture if my mommy's hand wasn't shaking when she took it!)
My brother Kai is sick now. Daddy has a sore throat too. I hope mommy and I don't get it. Kai is so tired, he skipped lunch and went up to bed!

Mommy is starting to get really frustrated with her thryoid. She says she might start feeling really sorry for herself soon. She knows there is nothing she can do and is thankful that last night she had a good sleep. Some nights she lays awake in bed for 3 hours. Kai says mommy should do her exercise video because she hasn't done it in a while. Mommy says she can't:(

Well, time to enjoy the rest of the day. I'm so happy to be so loved by my mommy, daddy and Kai. Time to suck on some cars!