Liam - Week 46

Date/Week: November 9th; week 46

Milestones: 2nd Tooth has erupted; First Flu Shot; slept through the night a few nights in a row (it didn't continue though...); first time in a mei tai carrier; first paternal family dinner at our house

Developmental Progress:  He can point to a few items when you say the name (fan, clock, daddy, mummy, owl (sticker on the window); tries to feed himself with the spoon; drinking out of a cup results in more liquid in his mouth and less down his front; he eats just about anything i he feeds himself

Energy level: I have had a good week. Sunday was a bit tough but that was because it was such a busy day!

Exercise: Got to meet with my coach and run yesterday at lunchtime. It felt good!

Thoughts and Feelings? I thought October was hectic! I find myself wishing for some down time and when I get a Saturday morning or such I end up filling it up. That said, when things do slow down a bit, I feel more able to tackle them. And what must be tackled at the moment... the Christmas shopping list (I never again want to be suck shopping in November -- it's too stressful).


As I look to 2012, I know I must start working on my budget. The 2011 budget was interesting but 2012 will be more austere since I want to finish this degree, perhaps start another and deal with the apartment, paying off credit cards, student loans and save more once that's done. I need to be focused to create a realistic budget in the coming weeks.

What I am looking forward to: Holiday preparations - the pudding has been made and the Open House invitations go out next week!

Liam - Week 45

Date/Week: November 2nd; week 45

Milestones: First Hallowe'en (and he won his first costume contest!); 12-18 month clothing now fills his dresser drawers; Drinks water with meals

Developmental Progress:  He's pointing and asking 'da'? He's getting closer to walking on his own but is still uncertain and usually sits immediately. He loves to boogie to music. Now that we have his toys in canvas boxes in the den, he empties them and of ten stands his animals on their feet. He enjoys trying to figure out mirrors. Peek-a-boo puts him into a fit of laughter - especially i he's the one hiding his face with a blanket or clothing. When he wants me he will follow me around saying 'mum-mum'. 

Energy level: Busy week meant running got delayed again... something has to give! Energy has been ok but it would be nice to have more and for it to be more consistent!

Exercise: Still trying to work something out - there just aren't enough hours in a day!

Thoughts and Feelings? November's calendar is packed and I assume December may be the same. I say I want things to slow down or normalise but realise that until I'm 'done' with school, that will not be the case. I do wonder what the future will bring and lately what I will be when I 'grow up'. Sometimes it is fun and sometimes not so much.


2012 is coming fast and I will admit that it intrigues me. I do not know what excitement a 2012 graduation will bring. Will I start another degree next fall. Will we expand our family. Will the economy begin to turn around. Will I take on a teaching job part-time after graduation. What will Liam's 2nd year be like? So many things to ponder!

What I am looking forward to: Holiday preparations - I already am craving Christmas music and decorating...

Liam - Week 44

Date/Week: October 26th; week 44

Milestones: The first tooth has broken through and the second is about to come through!He is 10 months old (double digit months!!!). He has walked with me only holding one of his hands

Developmental Progress:  He is getting pretty good with 'Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes' and has touched his head and ears consistently when he hears those. He will raise his arms up when Aidan says 'Wings Up'. His kisses are so messy but he is trying to kiss you back. His favourite song at the moment is the 'A-B-C' song.

Energy level: I'm in the midst of a good spurt and am at the end of my cold/virus.

Exercise: Trying out a 20 minute workout when I am not doing a dance class or performance. Hope to run at lunchtime.

Thoughts and Feelings? I've started Liam's 1st Birthday photo card and boy has he changed. I can't believe all that has happened this year. I am so grateful to have experienced it and am thankful that I have been so blessed. And I am so psyched for Holiday Season 2011!!!

What I am looking forward to: I'm loving playtime before bedtime!

Liam - Week 43

Date/Week: October 19th; week 43

My Total weight gain/loss:

His Stats:

Milestones: He can climb stairs (we've now gated the top and bottom of the stairs - only had the top gated because of his crawling up until now); first chiropractic adjustment; Has his own remote control (an old one that he can press the buttons as much as he likes)

Developmental Progress:  He definitely calls me 'mum-mum' and Aidan 'da-da'; We believe he has said 'cow' when pointing to a cow; he had been testing balancing on his own

Energy level: I'm recovering from the illness that Liam brought home last week; I've staarted taking a probiotic vitamin because I need it!

Exercise: Mostly walking but should start a lunchtime running class next week (should I get a nano?)

Thoughts and Feelings? My fall is flying by! starting to plan for the holiday season and Liam's first b-day! Also need to book his 1 year photos.

What I am looking forward to: I'd love a full night's sleep - perhaps if we stay at the hotel after the St. Andrew's Ball...

Liam - Week 42

Date/Week: October 12th; week 42 

Milestones: Liam has bronchiolitis = it is so upsetting to hear him wheeze. I am so scared that he may have to be admitted into the hospital. Thankfully, he appears to be doing quite well at home. He doesn't like apple flavoured pedialyte. He had his first school pictures on Tuesday.

Developmental Progress: His copying is getting better. If you call him he generally comes. He'll carry on a conversation with you if you oblige. He dances and bobs in tune to the music. Even  when sick he is so curious and is able to undo latches, press buttons and pull up stickers and paper. He's always exploring

Energy level: I'm maybe two steps behind Liam in the being sick department. I fell as if I have been hit by a ton of bricks. I hope to get some rest and get back to Chapters 1 & 3 this weekend. I've had to cancel highland because I can barely breathe, let alone dance and talk at the same time.

Thoughts and Feelings? It was my busy week at work and it was interrupted thanks to Liam's diagnosis. I am so grateful to our families for helping out so much this week. I couldn't imagine living anywhere without family with small children. I would have been lost this week without the additional help.


That said, the week had me thinking about the future and wanting to slow down a bit in order to enjoy family walks like we had on Sunday. I know sometimes are just busy but I need to make those walks and visits to the Aquarium and lazy Saturday mornings with my boys just a great a priority!

What I am looking forward to: Getting into the holiday season! Having a crafting afternoon (perhaps first Sunday in November...) or even doing a crafting fundraiser for our dancers; baking on a Sunday afternoon; getting the proposal to my committee by month's end; turkey in November; Christmas trees and decorations; our annual letter; Liam's 1st birthday; a new nephew; considerations of what 2012 will bring...

Liam - Week 41

Date/Week: October 5th; week 41 

My Total weight gain/loss: 

His Stats: 

Milestones: new foods: blue corn taco shells. back to his regular routine after vacation; 9 month doctor's visit and shot; first fall from standing where his lip was injured (and first accident report from school) 

Developmental Progress:  He's copying more sounds. He can respond to some requests (no - arms up - more - hi). 

Energy level: I am so tired... and there is so much to do

Thoughts and Feelings? Another busy week for our household and an additional busy one to follow. I just want some time to regroup. That said, I look at my two guys and am so grateful for what I have been blessed with!

What I am looking forward to: Hoping for a craft afternoon on Oct 23; Getting into the holiday season!

Liam - Week 40

Date/Week: September 28th; week 40 

My Total weight gain/loss: -34.6 lbs

His Stats: 18 lbs 5 oz ; 28 inches long

Milestones: Liam's 9 months old! New foods: zucchini, kale, animal crackers; first visit to a petting zoo and an apple orchard; first visit to the Lego store; wearing some 12 month clothing!  

Developmental Progress:  He's holding on to things with one hand when he stands; he specifically called me 'mum-mum' (which was different from 'ba-ba-ba0ba' and 'da-da-da-da' plus he was coming to me when he did it so we've taken it as official).

Energy level: Not much sleep because it has been a difficult teething week. So far the trend has continued into our vacation with the addition of a cold...

Thoughts and Feelings?It was a tough week with a sick baby while abroad. We've come home exhausted and with a bit of a cold ourselves. Plus it's going to be hectic through to Oct 15th. But it is fall so I am happy...

What I am looking forward to: Getting into the holiday season!