Our BC trip

Some of you knew we were going to drive up to Victoria BC for my friend's wedding. We had a good trip overall. Tiffany and Brendon had a beautiful wedding and we were happy to be there for their day. .

Oh but lets back up.... it's a total of 985 mi or 1,587 km – about 17 hours 36 mins, that is if you drive straight and no stopping. Those who have kids, know it's going to be longer with lots of stops on the way. Well we were late leaving and it didn't help that Noah got up for reasons we don't know at 5:30am that morning (he's normally gets up at 7:30-8am) and of course didn't nap. So I was hoping he would fall asleep but he didn't and two hours into our drive he power puked everywhere which explained the 30-40 mins of screaming for mommy leading up to that. That made us feel like great parents let me tell you. So we had to stop a lot earlier than we wanted to because even though we cleaned everything up we knew things had to be washed that night, or everything was going to stink.

Next day of driving was very long but the boys did well. We stopped at Anacortes, WA to get the ferry to Sidney BC the next morning which left at 7:30am but they ask you to be there 45 min early. Noah up early on the ferry it left at 7:30m

view from the ferry

...We all enjoyed the ferry ride very much. It was a 3 hour crossing with two stops at islands. It was really scenic. Then we got settled into the hotel and walked around a little but didn't do too much else as we were exhausted. Next day was Saturday/wedding day and first day not in the car.

Victoria along the water at night, view from the hotel we stayed at.

.

The wedding was beautiful and Noah loved the dance and it took a while to get Noah off the dance floor, Jonas even joined in on the last song we stayed for. Tiffany and her dad

Her dad giving her to Brendon

I sat there hoping she would turn around and she did.

My little man cleans up nice. They all do actually.

Back in the hotel room trying to get the boys to nap before the reception started. No luck with this one.He's still going.


On Sunday we decided to go for a walk and than we headed to Craigdarroch castle which looked amazing but took longer than we thought to get there and we had the stroller so we couldn't go in...I was a little bummed(go to the website and you'll see some pictures and understand why) Here is one from outside. As well we didn't get to go to Butchart garden or the BBQ Tiffany invited us too because by the time we got back to the hotel it was time to drive to the ferry which we just caught(we had a reserved a spot).
Craigdarroch castle

The ferry ride, different route that we took on the way to Victoria, heading to Vancouver instead of Anacortes, WA was also a beautiful ferry ride.
View from the ferry to Vancouver

We spent that evening and the full next day in Vancouver and, being tourists, went on a city tour bus which Noah loved. I wish we had more time there b/c we didn't get to do everything we wanted at all.


We did get to go to the Granville Island market (still didn't get to see everything there) Kids market place, where there was everything from toy stores, to kite and clothing stores.

And we got to go to Chinatown to the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden.

We saw a bit of the rest of the Vancouver Chinatown too which is suppose to be the largest in Canada and the second largest in North America.

Next day it was off to Whistler. I now wish we took the train up there so that we could have relaxed more and walked around on the train. It was amazing up there and I wish I could be up there in the winter, there was still a few skiers and snowboarders up there as the tops of some ski slopes were still open.
Jonas sporting his new winter Olympic 2010 clothes which he thought he needed so he exploded his diaper right up to his neck(kid got skills).

Than it was time to drive home which would now be 1,058 mi or 1,705 km about 18hours. Again that is if you drive straight and no stops so it took us a lot longer than that. It was a long drive home with the last 40min of two screaming kids, Jonas screaming b/c Noah was screaming 'bed bed sleep sleep'.

The boys ready for the drive back home from Whistler.

Just a quick update.

It's been a while since I have written here and I thought I would just let you all know things are good. I don't feel like writing much and I really don't have the time, these days.

Updates

Noah
-has been in a big bed before Jonas was born
-Gave up his soother to the soother fairy much like the tooth fairy, who takes soothers from big boys and girls and gives them to babies that need them. He got a big green ball from the soother fairy in return.
-Can say all his ABC's and it doesn't have to be in order he knows all the letters at random.
-He can count to 10 too and points out numbers/letters on signs when he see them. I swear he has eagle eye for letters and numbers.

Jonas
- is rolling over front to back and back to front no problem now(So he starting to get around the living room now, which means I can't leave him alone in the room long b/c he won't be where I put him).
-He not to sure of the jolly jumper but is slowly getting the hang of it.
-His growing is slowing down a lot just like Noah's did so I don't think we'll have a big baby like we thought. he's fallen all the way to the 42%.

Tom and I
Are good nothing much new here with us at all
we signed our lease for one more yr at our apartment in hope to save some more money.
We are heading to Victoria BC by car on May 14th for a friends wedding
I think we are coming home early August, just hoping for a seat sale at the moment.

well that is it for now. We hope everyone has a good weekend.

Easter Video

Not a great video where our battery died just at the beginning so you really don't see the excitement of Noah when he got into finding the eggs. But surprise us at how well he did with finding the eggs after get got the hang of it.

I am hoping to get a few moments here but we'll see. Jonas has finally let me set him down on the floor.

So this past weekend has been challenging with colds and maybe a growth spurt in there not sure but this week has really seem upside down lately, and not a lot is getting accomplish, which I can't stand and it sucks. Tom had some talks (not sure what else to call them but it computer stuff related) so he hasn't been home till late a few nights this week. So this week just seem really long, especially where we had a rough weekend last weekend. Oh I guess I should back up some. I was excited for last weekend b/c we were going to meet Tom in the city at the hotel. Yup last week Tom was in the city a lot for a conference. He came home early Wednesday night b/c we had a concert to go to which I did enjoy but it was also stressful at the same time so it wasn't as relaxing as hoped.

switching to point from b/c I am now holding Jonas

Wednesday:
-went to the Bruce Springsteen concert but babysitter got sick so another friend took over
Jonas doesn't take bottles so he was hungry by the time we got home but doing okay
-Kerry our second sitter had a brief period of panic b/c Jonas wouldn't take the bottle of pumped milk I left but he calmed down, and fell asleep.
-we missed the last train home b/c the concert was an hour late starting meaning it was over an hour late getting over and we missed the last training running so we had to take the long vta light rail(like the bus) which takes an hour instead of 20 min like the train.
-However it was awesome to get out for 3 hours with Tom.

Thursday
- I took both kids on the train to meet tom, we manage and it was an experience that is for sure

Friday
- Took both boys out to breakfast before walking around the city and waiting for Tom to finish his conference
- had a horrible night. tom got the flu, both boys were a bit off themselves = no sleep for me and all 4 of us were in one bed.

Saturday
- everyone was tired and feeling bad, didn't do much. walked around the water front than went back to the hotel for a nap

Sunday
- was the best day everyone feeling a bit better but we just went for breakfast and than hopped back on to the train to come home.

Since than Jonas hasn't been sleeping well and we all got colds except for Noah I think but he's going through something not sure what maybe some more teeth.

Tom had some late nights this week and I am tired of hearing about everyone long weekend etc. We don't have one and I am jealous. It seem that Tom work doesn't have many long weekend anymore. Sure they gave everyone two floating holidays that you can use, when ever but Tom doesn't really take them for just a long weekend, b/c no one else does they just put them down when they take a vacation, which is nice if you think it's two extra vacation days, but hey long weekend here and there are nice and it suck that we don't get a long Christmas anymore too, only Christmas day now. Oh well enough of that we are going to BC next month for a week.

So on other news.

I think we are crazy but hopefully we can make it work, well we are going to have to. But we are pretty sure we are re-signing our lease here for another yr at our apartment b/c we are trying to save money and they only raised our rent 30$(have to sign before the end of this month). So basically we are paying what most people are paying for a bachelor apartment and maybe if you are lucky for a one bed room in our city and city around us. People that are moving into our complex now are paying 400$ more than us for apartment just like ours. So you can see if we move to a 3 bedroom somewhere else we would be paying about 700$ more a month and that doesn't include bills like heat, water etc. So I am looking into storage options and a big spring cleaning which I think the goodwill store will benefit from us haha.

Umm besides that I am looking forward to our road trip to BC, yes we are driving up to help save some money and I am hoping we'll have fun and do some stops on the way back. Plan is to pretty much drive up to the ferry outside Seattle area and catch the ferry the next morning. Than take our time on the way home and see stuff.

I think I am tired lately b/c peoples selfishness and taking others for granted all the time is bugging me a lot lately. And no this has nothing to do with Tom and I at all. It comes from ready other people comments/blogs/facebook. I just don't understand people a lot of the time with them only thinking of themselves, and think well it's not important to me so it's not important to others. We wonder why the world is the way it is, look around and it will show you I think. You'd be surprise how good it feels to think of others(or making an appearances) and not of yourself. If everyone tried this maybe our world would be a little better off.


I can't think of much more, I am just hoping this weekend will be a better one. Happy Easter to everyone and hope you enjoy your long weekend if you are having one and if not I hope you have a good weekend.

Grampie Flynn thanks for the chocolates I think I have gain 10lbs it's all gone haha.

Laughing boys

Here is a video I thought everyone would like to see. I have a few updates but not time at the moment. I'll try to get back on here later in the week.

A good Saturday,

I must say I am having a great Saturday even though Tom at work and I do wish he was home... but what can you do when work needs to be done.

Today is a rare day where so far for 20mins the boys are napping at the same time. I just finished cutting up a butternut squash which I am going to make some soup with. The music is playing in the background and everything just feels so tranquil right now, a lovely feeling and I hope it continues while I start to scrub the floor.....scratch that Jonas just woke up. I'll try and finish this post later.......

Okay so lets get back to my day...There a lot to do but everything just seem so relaxing and not sure if it old soothing music like the song collide that is playing right now in the back ground or if it's the sun I don't know but it nice. Now if only I had a washer and dyer close by where I could do laundry and not carry two children down and back with me it would be awesome haha.

Not to much new with us...we are going to attempt to see the BOSS concert on Wednesday night while a friend watches the boys but we'll see how it goes. We might come home early where I am not sure Jonas will drink milk I have pumped for him...since he doesn't take soothers etc. (for those that don't know, drink from bottle is completely different sucking skills than breastfeeding and not all babies will do both.) so we might have to leave if Jonas gets really hungry b/c we don't use bottles. I just have one b/c it came with the pump.

I am now down past my pre-pregnancy weight post drugs(they make you gain some) from Jonas and only 4 lbs away from what I was before Noah. But I don't care much about that, I work more on toning up which I am thinking some things just might not tone back up to what they were before two kids haha. But we'll still keep working on it. Next month I need to try and start running again where I had to stop about two weeks ago b/c I hurt my knee(I have no clue what I did, it just killed to walk a lot or even try to do a light jog). And now I have sprained my thumb 3 times in the last week and it now has to be taped by doctors order since I hurt my thumb last in the doctor office in front of her. Let just say there was a very loud crack and she thought I broke it and so did I. I am on a roll with this one.

Tom's in the City all next week and hopefully I'll be meeting up with him on Thursday night with the kids but it might be Friday and staying in the hotel with him. I hoping the kids will be good while he's gone. I hate cooking for one so I guess I should make a lot of left overs this weekend.

The boys are doing great as ever...I have to say I am so grateful to having two awesome children. I have seen other kids and wow is all I can say when it comes to jealous and sharing. Noah has small moment but not many where he'll take something from Jonas. Most of the time though he always gets toys for his brother and gives it to them. Noah very good with his please and thank you and now even say you are welcome here and there. I am very proud of our little boys. He makes me feel like I am actually doing some stuff right LOL. Jonas's head is swiveling like mad as he tracks his brothers every movement and you can tell he wants to go go go with him. Time is just flying with them and I am very thankful that I get to spend every moment with them, I am happy with our decision of me staying home and not going to work. Somethings would probably be better if I worked but I wouldn't be happy and for Tom and I being happy doing something you like to do, is important to us, as long as the bills are paid and things are okay in our eye I'll stay home with our family. I am also happy and don't regret going to school either. I use to get teased for going to university and massage school and truly just wanting to stay home with the kids. I think education and being educated is important and is never a waste of money or time. Plus you never know what your future will hold for you.

Well I have to run b/c since I can't work on the laundry, there is plenty of other stuff that needs to get done and it won't get done it's self. When Noah wakes up I'll drag everyone to the laundry room, to do four loads...ugh it builds up so fast but that's better than last weekend when I carried six loads down.

Well I hope everyone has a great weekend.

Old Fashion????

I find it really funny and I really am a minority down here where we live, or it really feels that way.
I have been asked these question when Noah was born and even more so now....what question you might ask.

1. Noah was 8 months I think when I was asked when are you putting him into preschool, and they were talking in a few yrs from the future either. Some of the kids we know are already in preschool. There are certain schools that allow children to go in a ratio of time to their age, so a 1yr can go 1 hour aday etc.

2. who helps you during the day?

3. what nanny/daycare/ etc do I have or use?

4 what cleaning service do we use?

5. Who takes care of the baby at night?

Okay I am like what? What do you mean? It's me and me and me and me and me....

So now that Jonas came I get the same questions and more. Than they are stunned when I tell them it me and two kids at home alone, with no help what so ever except when Tom's home.

I don't understand everyone down here has a cleaning service that at least comes once a week(don't understand this b/c then they say they have to go home and clean before the cleaners come....umm that is stupid in my opinion). As well as everyone child is in preschool at the age of 3. I can just see the shock in everyone's face down here when they find out Noah will still be home with me at 3. Age 4 for we might do preschool, I haven't decided yet about that but he's not going now or at age 3.

this is a converstation I had with another mom at the park two weeks ago.

mom: hi
me :hello
mom: your kids are cute how old are they
me 20months and 2 months
Mom: oh wow, you are like us but ours are 16 months apart( I think that is what she said)
me: how old is your youngest(the oldest was off with their dad)
Mom: 9 months
me: wow and she walking already
.....Can't remember what other little chit chat happen....

Mom: so you have help
Me: no our family live far away
Mom: oh ours do too but we have an au pair
Me: ( not sure what to say so I said) oh nice
Mom: So your oldest goes to preschool
Me: No
Mom: He's home with you too
Me:yes
Mom: so you have both of the home with you during the day and you have no one helping you
Me: um yes(I am thinking, why wouldn't I have both of them home with me)
Mom: wow that is amazing
...... Other things where said but you get the jist of it.

Now some of this you might think, well yes some have no choice and their kids need to go to daycare and stuff b/c both parents work(in that case I wouldn't think twice or be confused), but you have to realize that I am talking to all stay at home mom/dads. I just really don't get it and these parents boggle my mind. Why have children and get others to raise them when one parent is still at home? I just don't understand some people that I talk too, and they leave me thinking that they only want their kids around when it's convenient you them(it's how the conversation goes and their way of staying stuff that leave me thinking like this). Anyhow I been just laughing more and more lately when some looked so shocked that I have two kids at home with me with and have no childcare or maid service. To me it's just a no brainier, I have kids, I am a stay at home mom and things need to get done. I have come to the conclusion that I must be old fashion or something b/c we want to raise my children ourselves.

Why am I so happy????

Got to make it short, but this I could write on forever if the kids let me.

I think I have been pretty truly happy for the last 5 years really maybe more but I have really noticed it since we moved here that I found myself and became happy with myself over all. Don't get me wrong I might be sad from time to time or frustrated but over all I am happy. Lot's of stuff makes me happy.

I am Happy because:
- out of all the people in the world Tom and I found each other
-Tom and I don't fallow the give and take but the give and accept
- that I get to do my dream occupation
- I love having dinner ready for Tom when he comes home(because I know when I am out or if I worked outside the home how nice it is to come home to a hot meal)
-Tom and I have pretty much the same passion for life, travel and so much more
- I don't rely on material things to make me happy

I could go on and on here but there's not enough time in life to share all. But life is grand if you accept it for what it is and open up your heart and let happiness and love in, even during bumpy parts of the roads one might travel from time to time(I have had my many many share of these roads and in many ways I am thankful for them because I have learned from them). We are having a lot of cold rainy days here and I can say that I have even found happiness in that too. Rain seem to wash the earth and let it shine it's happiness.

I did it

I finally change my blog lay out to something I did and like. Took awhile where it was done one handed while Jonas slept in the other arm and there was a lot of trail and error. LOL


Anyhow I have lots to say but not sure how to say it or even explain it so I'll just say this.

I am so HAPPY so GRATEFUL so CONTENT and so IN LOVE.


.

Frustration is building

I don't know why but sometimes I find peoples action frustrating and when this happens it takes me forever to get them out of my head. I almost wish I could have a filter for my brain just like email that will send bits of information(emails) to the junk or spam box right away and you don't have to see them or in my case hear them. Subjects in these emails that I find frustration are mostly family subjects(not meaning our family or families just family issues I hear from ppl all over), irrational thinking/wanting but not trying, or not thinking issue all the way through. Not sure how to explain it or make it clear but anyhow ppl in general are driving me nuts.

I know I am far from perfect, I am not even remotely close to it. But what I can't understand is why people don't think life changing situation thoroughly, and evaluate all the outcomes possible. I sort of laugh to myself but also feel bad for people that do this. What bugs me more is when people ask me stuff and then brush it off and act like it's nothing or simple and than when they reach that point in life that we were talking about whatever it was, they are struggling and don't understand why. This is when I get really frustrated and almost just almost want to say to them I thought it was simple or whatever they said to me about the subject. What makes me really steam up inside is when the don't take responsibility for their action and rely on others to take over for them and do everything. And sometime even repeat the topic. At this point I feel like yelling grow up and be an adult and take care of your reposibilities.

Everything that I or Tom and I do is thoroughly thought about and gone over many many times, and for me I never go into thinking things are a breeze and as well I never expect someone else to finish what we started or take care of my responsibilities or bail us out. I think this better prepares us and me for what life troughs at us or me, it makes me stronger and I feel proud what I/we accomplish everyday.

Now this said I really only have one release that helps me empty my emails that get stuck in my head and this is my running. I don't always want to go but when I do, I can find a clearing in my head and things just seem to file themselves and the junk gets dumped out. Tonight I needed this and really didn't want to go but I did however it was late so I went to the gym and well my body is just ready for the running outside yet. I love bring our children into the world but the strain it puts on my body is hell, truly hell. Anyhow when I got there someone was already on the treadmill so I went on the stepper for 20 mins b/c that the max you are supose to do on a machine in our little gym on the complex if other are waiting to use the machine anyhow the chick that was on the tread wouldn't get off so I was annyoned and left. Good thing I have my exercise class tomorrow but it still doesn't clear my head like my running does. As well I know it's only been 11 wks since Jonas was born but man I wish my body would just heal and be some what normal b/c as most of us women know(or should know) after children things are just not completely the same as before them and that truly truly sucks.

Night folks Not sure when I will be back b/c I am just not into blogging much, I will try to update our picture blog as offen as possible though. I am busy with our family and would rather be with them than on here writing no offense to anyone but it's true. We are all great and doing well and having fun togehter and pretty much loving life. I couldn't possible ask for more. I do dream of things for our family but am in no rush b/c with rush you miss out on the present.

Jonas

He's growing up

He becoming so independent so fast at time it breaks my heart...But I am also so very very PROUD OF HIM!!!!!!

Today we went out and bought some bed rails for our double bed in Noah's room and I was going to start him in his new bed for naps to get use to the idea of sleeping in a big bed. We've been talking about Noah's big bed for a while now but I had no idea that that tonight after installing them he was going to ask to sleep in his big bed. I guess his crib is going to be taken down tomorrow and we'll put it somewhere out of sight for a bit or well a few months until Jonas is ready for the crib and then put it up again. This way Noah won't feel like we took his bed away and gave it right away to his brother. We try really hard to make sure Jonas isn't taking his place in any way. Noah is really a great big brother. e

Where am I???

I have been asked this lately and well I am here but not online that much or when I am it's like a minute here and there as well I haven't felt like being online and I don't have a lot of time for the internet life....am I upset I don't have time for the internet life I once did nope not at all.

Here are our days in a nut shell just so you have some insight on what we do.

Weekends: we are are never if hardly ever home...we are out getting stuff done that I didn't finish or out having family time.

Monday:

7am trying to feed the boys and get everyone ready so I can drop Tom off at work at 8:30am(however we've been getting there 15min late, hopefully we'll get tom moving a bit faster).

9:00 arrive at my exercise class
9:15 getting Jonas into the stroller and Noah on my back so I can work out.
1045 finish exercising and getting everyone back into the car
11 or a little after back home to feed Jonas and get Noah's lunch ready
12:15 hopefully trying to see if Noah will nap.
12:45 hoping to shower if the boys let me, trying to clean and tidy up while holding Jonas pretty much straight b/c during the day he doesn't like sleeping in his bed. As well do tummy time with Jonas and play with him a bit. Oh find time to get my lunch and eat it. If Noah doesn't nap which is a lot of days than I play with him too while trying to to hold Jonas and clean as well. Good thing I can be creative when it works.
3:00 better start thinking what to do for dinner making sure we have all the stuff too.

4:00 get everything set up to cook dinner and start cooking if we have dinner for 5-5:30.
5:30 leave to get Tom at work
6:15 eating dinner
6:45 bath time
7:30 story time and bed time
8pm-10pm cleaning up or hoping to sit for a little bit if a tv show on and passing Jonas back and forth with Tom. Unless he's at the gym or work.

10-11 I go to bed.

12:30am feed Jonas

3-4 feed jonas(had a few night he has skiped this feeding but only a few times)


Tues
A lot is the same except that we head to the park in the morning after taking Tom to work

Wed is the same as Monday

Thursday we have music class at 10:30 or the park in the morning so we get to sleep in a bit longer.

Friday is the same as Monday and Wednesday.

****Now during the week I also try to fit our errands in here and there so we don't have to do the during the weekend. I try to do this on days Noah doesn't nap and sometime his naps are cut short b/c I have to run out or we go before his nap. As well we have play dates at least once a week too. As well, Jonas eats every 2-3 hours and then I am changing diapers too. So as you see not a lot of free time. And as I type this Noah is playing in his crib and I just finished feeding Jonas and he's just starting to look sleep eye in my arms. We've also had the days where Jonas has been crying and I can't even sit and hold him, I have to be walking or bouncing on my exercise ball so on those days cleaning doesn't get done.

So that is what I have been up to these days. And I would change much of it at all. I love being with my boys and seeing all the new stuff they learn each day. I will try to post all the new developments that are going on here I have one post half writen from last week that didn't get posted so I'll try and and post it later maybe to night. well the boys say it time to get off the computer now.

have a great day everyone one.

Wonderful Day

Today is a great day I have to say. I have been with the love of my life for 10 years now...10 wonderful years of passion, friendship, and of course arguments but there is no one else on earth I would want argue with :). I love you sweet heart more and more as the time goes by.

We also got a new nephew too today sometime in the morning. My sister Sandy had her 4th child and to their surprise it was a boy(I have told her all along it was a boy, they have 3 daughter too). I can't wait to meet this little one he was 7lbs 14oz, I haven't heard the name yet but it will be a great name for sure! Extremely happy for Sandy and Blair and I wish I could be there to help you out some. Sandy just emailed me yesterday saying I haven't wrote anything for a while so this one is for you sis.

As well it's Dad Flynn birthday too so I hope you are having a good day too today.

some old videos

Had a bit of time today which I should have been cleaning but I thought all you at home would enjoy this instead.

This is how we try to burn the last bit of energy before bed.

great day

Today was Noah's first music class and it was a hit, He love all the instruments and songs, and love watching the instructor play the violin too. Jonas some how manage to sleep through all the noise for the hour I don't know how but it was a great day out with the kids.

I am excited for next week where I get the green light from the doctor to start my exercise class again. Not completely sure how this will work yet. I think at the moment I will put Noah in the carrier on my back when he won't walk and Jonas in the stroller where I find it harder to carry Jonas on my front than Noah on my back. Got to love what pregnancy does to the good old abs. Anyhow I can't wait to exercise again, even though I know I have to start off slow and work my way back to where and what I could do. I am so bad at that, I just want to be at the level I stopped at. ugh no patience there. I am now a week with out chocolate too woohoo I have kicked the chocolate bug, very hard to do but Jonas helped me out a lot, now I just need to cut more sugar out of my system not that there is much left. But the chocolate is a start.

Still don't have a bike for tom yet but I am hoping soon b/c our weather has been gorgeous this week which is very nice but very bad b/c if we don't start getting rain again for a few months we are going to have huge water problem here in the summer...ugh water rationing and higher water bills not a good thing.

Not much else is going on with us. I am hoping to get out to a movie here with some friends or other mom's (might have to take Jonas with me depending on if I go with friends or other mom's from my exercise group( the movie will be in a few cities away so I wouldn't get home fast enough to feed Jonas).

Well good night folks I am hoping to sleep here soon but doubt where Jonas is a sleep now which mean he'll be up later. I must though the last two night Jonas has been a great sleeper I just hope he keeps it up and fallow in his big brother's foot steps.

We are brothes yes we are.

Both boys at one month old.

A new year...

Not to much to report I have to say. I am still trying to get the juggling act around here balanced. So far kids are fine, most meals are fine, but the house is so not fine. I do a little each day but it doesn't seem like I get much progress done around here. I need to learn my mom's tricks at getting stuff done. It's been cold here and not much sun, so we haven't been able to get out much which makes me feel bad for Noah, because he's such an out doors kid. I should try and clean up the patio too so he can go out there but I never seem to get the inside done enough to make my way to the outside.

Also it hard to get around now that someone stole tom's bike off the patio, so he's has the car most days now unless I can get up and get both kids ready and drive him to work, but than it hard to get dinner ready and pick him up so we need to work something out here....don't really want to buy a new bike if it's just going to get stolen either. ...ugh more decision that have to be made, they just keep coming up and they all involve money, which is so lovely.



Lets see right now my heads spinning with lots of how to do this and what to do about this..Like:

1. will we be able to move??? as the date is getting closer to the renew of our lease, the end of April it's looking like we might have to rent a storage unit put stuff in that and buy bunk beds for Noah and Jonas b/c the house and renting market is just not where we want/need it to be but we'll have to wait and see how much they jack up our rent here first(got to love how they do that each yr) and go from there.

2. Buy a bike for tom and than where do we keep it, is locking it up on the patio enough or will they figure out a way to even get it than.

3. Do we have to buy another stroller...ugh this is why I didn't want to rush into one last yr b/c I knew this was going to happen this year. So what to do. I like the exercise ones b/c they are so easy to push, well you don't even have to push them they just roll. The BOB is so awesome but their double one is side by side and sometime hard to take places like the city on the bus or some stores and will it fold up and fit in our car. Than there is another one called the Phil and Ted Sport which you can buy a second seat for and it does have air tires but the tires are too small to be classified as an exercise stroller and the sun shade hardly covers the kids but it's compacted and folds up like a dream, yet I can't exercise with this one. Big catch is both of these option are very expensive even more then the normal expensive strollers. Whoever is in the baby market is making lots of money lets face it, nothing involving kids is cheap. So what to do what to do. For now I walk with Noah in a carrier on my back and Jonas in the stroller. We'll see how exercise class goes with that operation in a few weeks, should be a sight that is for sure.

4. What type of vacation we'll we get this year and where. As of now I have a trip for Tiffany's wedding in Victoria BC in May(right tiff), and than we'll try to get home sometime this year when the weather is better. Which doesn't leave a lot of vacation time left. I am still dreaming of one day going to Italy but not sure when that will happen and how much fun will it be with taking two kids with us on a trip like that. Oh well I am not stressing over this at all it will fall into place somehow but it will have to be well organized to fit everything in.

5. How long will it take me to get the swing of things and get completely organized into a routine where I feel like myself and have things working like I want them here. This is number five on the list but probably the most important one of all....hahaha so there really is no order to my list.


Well that is all I have time for right now. I got to mop the kitchen floor and get dinner ready. Noah napped today and Jonas finally is quiet in his bed so I took the time to write you guys, but who knows when Noah will have a nap again haha. Hope everyone is having a great week and a great start of the new year.

Happy New year.

It's so hard to believe that it's New Years Eve....where did the time go I don't know. I don't even know where the last four yrs went either. We have been in California for more than 4 years now and I can't believe it. I can't believe we have two children either(two beautiful blessing, that leave us wanting more) one is 18monts and the other almost 3 wks. The older we get and especially since we started a family the time just starts flying by faster and faster I find....I mean it was going fast even before we had kids but adding the children just seem to make the time fly by even more so for the most parts. haha There are still those time where I can't wait for bed time and it seem like it's taking forever but over all, I just can't seem to hold the moments and time in my hand long enough.

I have to say that 2008 was good to us and I hope 2009 will be the same or even better. I hope 2009 goes a little slow but I know for a fact it won't and will probably go even faster, before I know it I will be sitting here writing and it will be the end of 2009 and we will have no babies in the house anymore our little man will be 1yrs old. It makes me sad just thinking about it. I wish the first yr didn't go by so fast or I should say I wish my babies wouldn't grow up so fast. Can you tell I am not looking forward to the school age years. I will be the parent crying my eyes out walking them to school, I guess that mean we'll just have to keep having babies haha.

Since Jonas has been home things have been pretty good besides of the fact I need a live in maid to help out some haha. and I dream of the day I don't have to walk 5min to do my laundry, not the easies with let alone one child but now add another one and oh my, Tom has been a big help in that area but it would be easier if I could just get the laundry done during the day, it's the most easies chore there is. Noah is a great big brother and last night was the first time he asked to hold Jonas but than decided he didn't want to after getting him set up and about to hand him Jonas haha, it was really cute though. Noah's teeth are still slowly coming in and we now have four molars two on top and two on bottom. But still have more to go...ugh most likely he'll just finish and than Jonas will start. Jonas is getting better at sleep which I am really happy about and now if we could just get the reflux that he has under control it would be great. He's growing and i expect that he is really close if not already 10 lbs. Jonas is smiling already and can hold his head up pretty good and for a minute or more at a time. Both boys seem to have really strong neck muscles and head control at birth compare to many newborn's b/c we really don't have to support them that much...sort of freaks us out at how strong they are. Jonas is already inch worms up on us when we are holding him, it's like he can't get high enough. So he'll be like his big brother and reach a lot of mile stones early i predict and well the second child normally does because they want in on the action so I assuming Jonas is going to be really really early at a lot of things. Which I guess won't be too bad b/c than Noah and him can play better, since Noah already trying to share his toys with Jonas and doesn't understand why Jonas won't take the toys he's holding out for him or giving him.

Well I should run I got an unexpected nap from Noah right now and I have so much house work to do and I really don't want to do it and I just really want to nap since Jonas is down too but lets face it the house doesn't clean it's self but oh how I wish it did, hence I need a live in house keeper.

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and Hope 2009 is good to everyone.

Our Christmas

Noah(and his stocking that I finished at 1am Christmas morning) and Jonas in front of the tree Christmas morning

Noah really excited Christmas morning

Noah playing with his wooden train

Noah open his present from mom and dad

Jonas a sleep while Noah goes crazy.

Noah opening his stocking, jumping right up after he got his bath buckets unwrapped.

Christmas Card to all.

Merry Christmas
Wishing you all a merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Love
Tom,Selena, Noah and Jonas

Are we brothers???? Who's who

Jonas Graham Flynn

Hi all,

Well he's here as you know b/c of Tom's and my new blackberries which lets us update facebook and email etc. He's the best and I have to say both Tom and I love having a newborn in our lives. We feel so blessed right now to have two wonderful boys we can't even tell you.

So I did go into labour on my due date(that evening) and who ever(there are a lot of you haha) say the second birth is easier haha it's so not true. I went from a fast to pretty manageable labour with Noah5 hours from start to finish to a hard long just sort of 11 hours start to finish labour with Jonas.

Only few mins old.

Few hours old
Mom and the boys very first meeting.

Waiting to go home

Getting up face to face
Car ride home

Finally home and both are passed out!

few hours

....to go and I will be over due, so depressing not sure if I should have taken her up on being induced today or not but hopefully things well happen soon. So yes, folks I am still pregnant. Next appointment is Monday.

Yup

Still NO BABY, Just to let everyone Know, I am big and pregnant and sore, lost my ankles and I waddle like you wouldn't believe. Also found out my neighbour who we new was due in dec, is actually do the same day as us. So I know she is feeling the same way.

Don't know what to think anymore

Well there has been great news around us and really bad news too involving my friends. I guess I'll start of with the good news first.

Today I found out that our friends Cherie and Andrew back in Ottawa gave birth to a health happy baby boy on Dec 2nd and are finally home hopefully with no more hospital trips b/c of jaundice etc. Congrats guys. Can't wait to see pictures of you little man, Lucas.

Now the very disturbing and bad new is my friend from my exercise class and who also lives right behind us found out on Thursday that their baby had 3 server heart defects and also a chromosome abnormality and wouldn't survive once she was born. They were five months pregnant and had to go to the hospital this weekend to be induce. They named her Elsa and she was born yesterday evening and my friend said she was beautiful-doll like. I don't really know all the details but was talking to her while she was in the hospital. My heart is breaking for her and their family. It just not fair that things like this happen to precious little angles that are so pure and innocent and never giving a chance. They have a long ways to go emotional and physical but she knows that we are here for her and her family.

Don't feel like writing any more, it's been hard having to see many ppl we are linked to in some way go through things like this. Really makes you think sometimes of how unfair the world can be.

Ugh yes I am going to complain

Well these days are going long and yesterday was horrible. I' ve had a headache for two days now, Noah is giving up his one and only nap of the day and on top of the gets so over tired he won't eat and well yesterday he puked all over me and him and we had to jump into the shower with our clothes on. One positive things happen though and that was my friend kim who didn't know I was having a really bad day brought over some home made chicken soup. It was so good, she went to cooking school so everything she makes is awesome.

Well I started a blog last week for the long weekend but it didn't get finish like most of my blogs now a days, they just sit in the drafts and wait for me to either finish them or they just sit there. Anyhow it's another weekend and that's another weekend of being pregnant. I don't feel well, I am sore, it's hard to keep up with Noah b/c he wants me to chase him on the floor and it's just hard getting up and down, plus I been so nauseated lately and it just plan old sucks. I know I am not going to go into labour early that was just too much to ask but I do know that on Dec 24th I will be 42wks if I haven't deliver by than and will be induced b/c they won't let you go over that. So here is hoping that the baby comes before for Christmas eve, I really don't want to spend Christmas in the hospital.

The plan today is to do a lot of walking and try to finish up cleaning the apartment, finish my Christmas chocolates, Do some massage paper work that needs to be done for my license back in Ottawa, try and pick a name for the baby(nothing like last min eh?) Oh and finish up Christmas cards. ugh so much to do and so hard when I just want to lay down and rest. Oh well I have learned that being a mom there is no rest.

Well I hope you all have a good weekend, this better be the last weekend I am pregnant!!!!

Counting down the days

What can I say but nothing else but we are just counting down the days, 17days till due date counting today!!! I would love for it to be a little less and even better I would love for it to be next weekend where Tom has Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday off. Got to love Thanksgiving down in the USA. I feel more stress this time around where we have more resposiblitly now that we have Noah, b/c not only have we've been told but have been strongly recommend due to how fast my labour went with Noah to get to the hospital at the very first sign of labour. That statement makes me laugh b/c we went to the hospital last at the very first sign of labour(water breaking). But this time around we got to find the first person that is around on our list to drop Noah off and than head to the hospital. Fingers cross that we get to the hospital on time, please please let me make it. Nothing thing I would love to go somewhere this weekend or next weekend for a little trip and I just mean like to the city or what not so really not that far but again both Tom and I are really concern about when the baby will come and making it to the hospital!!!!!! Can you tell yet we are very nervous this time around about the labour!!! Anyhow not much is happening with us we are just sitting and waiting excitedly for the baby.

We just finished the last bit of staining on Noah and #2 new dresser thank goodness. it's not perfect but done. Now we just have to let it dry and get 3 coats of clear coat on it. It really needs to be done next weekend. So I guess I have more work to do this week and just hoping the rain holds off so I can get it done. AS well I am breaking my no Christmas decoration before Dec 1st. I think it's for the best that we get it up next weekend while Tom is home, and before the baby.

Another great Mom's night out

and last for a while haha.. Well some of the ladies in my exercise class took me out for dinner, last night. It was great sitting down with out children and just talking laughing and having a good time. I was surprise they all gave me and the children little gifts, the theme was books which I think is the best gift to buy children and we love books here. This week has made me realize that even though I don't always feel close to the friends I have made here, like some I have back home. I really have met some great women and over the time have developed some good friendships. They won't read this b/c I don't give this blog out to ppl but I really want to thank all of them again for thinking of me and wanting to treat me out to a lovely evening. This week I have to say so many of them have made me feel special. No worries either I made Tom a nice salmon, potato and peas for dinner so he didn't go hungry and also had a nice hot meal waiting for him at the door.

A great day off

...from being a mom.

I had a great surprise from my friends the other day. I knew they were taking me out on sunday and I just figure it was for lunch and well it was for lunch but also to my surprise they also took me to get a pedicure(I never had one before), where we all sat down and got one together. I felt really special, I can't remember when I have been treated by others besides tom like that. The pedicure was nice but the scrubbing was had to handle at times on the bottom of my feet where I am ticklish but it gave Kim and Kerry a good laugh at me trying not to jump around. I must admit that it was one of my best days I have had in a very very long time. Tom was happy too b/c Noah slept the whole time I was gone haha, luck man he is, plus he was happy that I had a good time out.

True meaning of Christmas

I normally don't post stuff like this but I found it and it just felt right to put it up on my blog.

True Meaning of Christmas

Just a week before Christmas I had a visitor. This is how it happened. I just finished the household chores for the night and was preparing to go to bed, when I heard a noise in the front of the house. I opened the door to the front room and to my surprise, Santa himself stepped out next to the fireplace.

"What are you doing?" I started to ask. The words choked up in my throat and I saw he had tears in his eyes. His usual jolly manner was gone. Gone was the eager, boisterous soul we all know. He then answered me with a simple statement . . .


"TEACH THE CHILDREN!" I was puzzled. What did he mean? He anticipated my question and with one quick movement brought forth a miniature toy bag from behind the tree. As I stood bewildered, Santa said, "Teach the children!


Teach them the old meaning of Christmas. The meaning that now-a-days Christmas has forgotten. "Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a FIR TREE and placed it before the mantle. "Teach the children that the pure green color of the stately fir tree remains green all year round, depicting the everlasting hope of mankind, all the needles point heavenward, making it a symbol of man's thoughts turning toward heaven."

He again reached into his bag and pulled out a brilliant STAR. "Teach the children that the star was the heavenly sign of promises long ago. God promised a Savior for the world, and the star was the sign of fulfillment of His promise."

He then reached into his bag and pulled out a CANDLE. "Teach the children that the candle symbolizes that Christ is the light of the world, and when we see this great light we are reminded of He who displaces the darkness."

Once again he reached into his bag and removed a WREATH and placed it on the tree. "Teach the children that the wreath symbolizes the real nature of love. Real love never ceases. Love is one continuous round of affection."

He then pulled from his bag an ORNAMENT of himself. "Teach the children that I, Santa Claus, symbolize the generosity and good will we feel during the month of December."

He then brought out a HOLLY LEAF. "Teach the children that the holly plant represents immortality. It represents the crown of thorns worn by our Savior. The red holly berries represent the blood shed by Him.

Next he pulled from his bag a GIFT and said, "Teach the children that God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son." Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.

Santa then reached in his bag and pulled out a CANDY CANE and hung it on the tree. "Teach the children that the candy cane represents the shepherds' crook. The crook on the staff helps to bring back strayed sheep to the flock. The candy cane is the symbol that we are our brother's keeper."

He reached in again and pulled out an ANGEL. "Teach the children that it was the angels that heralded in the glorious news of the Savior's birth. The angels sang Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will toward men."

Suddenly I heard a soft twinkling sound, and from his bag he pulled out a BELL,. "Teach the children that as the lost sheep are found by the sound of the bell, it should ring mankind to the fold. The bell symbolizes guidance and return.


Santa looked back and was pleased. He looked back at me and I saw that the twinkle was back in his eyes. He said, "Remember, teach the children the true meaning of Christmas and do not put me in the center, for I am but a humble servant of the One that is, and I bow down to worship him, our LORD, our GOD."

Hi all not much to report where I just posted the other day. I just thought I would ramble for the very short time I have here. I have finish my Christmas shopping for Tom and Noah except for few stocking stuff but that's easy. I actually love small Christmas I really do have to say, b/c I feel that big Christmas take away from the meaning of Christmas. When I was little we got to ask Santa for 3 things that we wanted and you didn't get all three, mostly just one but we would put three down just in case he couldn't find some of them. Than we got more little things here and there. I am glad me and Tom don't go crazy for Christmas I really am. I like just being together, plus the more stuff you get the more junk you have around the house and if storage is a problem like here it just clutters up the place and I can't stand it. Simple is way better.

Also I still haven't decided if I will cook a small dinner for just Tom and I for Thanksgiving here or have a few ppl over like last yr. I love having ppl over and cooking for ppl but it's also stress full and a lot of work. I guess we'll see. I am starting to like having thanksgiving in November though, it seem to break up the holidays better, October is Halloween(not really a holiday but fun all the same), November is Thanksgiving which is huge down here and a 4 day weekend, and then the best of all it's December and Christmas(even though it not the same with out snow) I love the decorations and the lights and just the spirit of Christmas. I feel warm and loved during Christmas and this yr not stressed at all. I love just staying home for Holidays, it feels so nice to be home in our own place even though we'll miss family but it just nice to be home. I think I am going to start my Christmas chocolates now though b/c I don't think I'll get them done other wise, not sure if I will get everyone done or just do a big batch for everyone to share. As well I am going to make some Pumpkin bread today if Noah stays down(his mouth is all swollen from all the teeth trying to come in, it's sad and hard on mom b/c she doesn't have her happy boy).

I think that is enough rambling for today. Oh and Tom and I asked Santa this yr to find us a long lost rich relative that wants to give us money or a house!!! it could happen right LOL.

So....

as I sit here very uncomfortable, I went back and read my blog entries around this time when I was pregnant with Noah. Funny thing is I am feeling the same way but maybe a little worst. The memories of Noah bring tears of joy to my eyes and I feel so bless that we got another chance to have another child. I am so excited to have another child, it will be lots of work that is for sure having two children at home but I know I can do it b/c we always get through what life throws at us. I am really looking forward to not being pregnant anymore I have to say, and I won't miss it either. I can't wait till this baby comes and I can crawl into bed and feel comfortable b/c these days everything hurts. I am looking forward to my doctors appointment here next Monday and see if there are sign of labour getting closer. With Noah at my 36 wks appointment I was 1 cm dilated, it would be nice to be that with this one, too or even more where I will actually be 2 days away from being 37wks. I can say my BH contraction are pretty strong and sore which was the same with Noah too. I don't know how some women don't feel these my can stop me in my tracks. I am blowing up too like a good water balloon too. I don't understand why my body likes to swell after 34-35wks but it does, my sneakers are so tight this morning. I am going to try and get to one last exercise class this Friday and than it might be it for me, where I have probably just walking a long with Noah.

Two of Noah's molars are almost completely through which I will be happy about. He's doing okay but more cuddly in a sad way and not sleeping well and we had a fever for two days....ugh makes for a sad boy and a sad mom. I will be happy when it's not bugging him and he goes back to eating and sleeping well. Noah talking so much these days. He will say up please when he wants you to stand up and than he will take your seat, points to the moon and can say moon. Love and can say Elmo(we have an Elmo vest and hat and mits), calls Bella (Bellbell). showers us with kissing and blowing kiss all day. He points to my belly and say baby and gives it a kiss too. There is so much this little man do I could write a book, he just surprise us all the time.

Only other news is Tom and I finally got out for a dinner date for the first time well since Noah was born. We did get to a movie back in july2007 when Tom's mom was here but besides that Noah has been with us all the time. My friend took Noah for 2.5hours so that Tom and I could go out to dinner just the two of us. I have to say it was great and so nice just to spend sometime with Tom. I really miss our alone time sometimes but I wouldn't trade Noah for it. We went to a nice restaurant that we have gone to before we were parents and had I nice meal and it was nice to eat a hot meal too. Normally my meal is cold by the time I get Noah finished etc. I know how mom felt now with all of us at home. Anyhow since it was pouring out after dinner we couldn't do anything else so we went grocery shopping which was a treat as well without Noah. It's so hard to get shopping done with toddlers. Well hopefully we'll get out again one day before Noah turns 3.

Well Noah is napping and I think I will try too or work on #2 Christmas stocking. Still hoping I can get it done but we'll see.

funny story

We thought this was pretty funny the other day. We Know lots of people excepting little ones and most are really close to when we are due which is even funnier. I guess it's our age that leads us to knowing more and more people, having children. We know exactly if not more 10 couples excepting from December to early March.

OKay so the funny thing is, in our apartment complex which is made up of either one or two story buildings. We live in a one story building that only has four apartment connected and we live in one of the middle apt of the four. Now let say we live in apartment 2, well we knew that the couple that lives in apt 4 is except and due in December with their first and it's a boy and a few days ago we walked out of our front door and ran in to our neighbours who's door is right beside ours and lives in apartment 3. We don't see them often which is surprising and appear not to be home a whole lot which explains why we don't see them that much. Anyhow as we ran into them when we were coming out, wouldn't you know it she is expecting too and in the month of December with their first and it's a boy as well haha.. I had to laugh b/c I said to tom "man are the building around ours, going to love our building because out of 4 apartments 3 of us are excepting all in the same month". The buildings here aren't insulated and don't have double pain windows so you can pretty much hear everything inside and outside. We laugh at it all and I just felt like share it with you all.

Just counting down

We had an okay weekend not much excitement though. It rained from Friday to Sunday morning straight...I have to say I enjoyed it though. There is just something relaxing about listening to the rain and just wearing comfy clothes. We finally got a new dresser for Noah's room since our old one was broken and I couldn't open or close one of the drawers. It's a nice dresser we got but we have to stain and clear coat it ourselves which when rainy sucks. Hopefully next weekend will be nice so that it can get done and be put in Noah room.

Noah had fun on Friday night I didn't think he would like wearing his costume but he loved it and he loved trick or treating, which I didn't think he would care. He only went to one house(we were walking by on the way to his friends house when a man came out and said oh are you starting all ready can I give him something). Well Noah thought it was the greatest thing and took the candy with a big smile and started running down the street. We went to Wesley house and they played with the candy dish at Wesley's and was handing out candy to Tom, Wesley parents and me.

As for me I think I can only get to my exercise class a few more times. It's getting tough just to move and keep up with Noah and just walking to the park and back has me exhausted and out of commetion for the rest of the day. I am really counting down the days now wednesday I will be 35 wks on the dot!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! So five more to go but lets hope for 3ish okay, I am doing lots of stuff I did when I was pregnant with Noah b/c I really do believe they help out with him coming on time and also helping me with labour. Only one thing I haven't kept up well is my yoga which sucks but the class got canceled and well after exercise or the park in the morning I am just to tired, but where I don't see me making it to my exercise classes much more I am hoping to do my yoga dvd for the remainder of the pregnancy. It's funny how either it just this pregnancy or symptom with the second pregnancy do come soon that with your first which is also having me hope that I will go early. It's November I am I am loving this journey coming to an end only to start a new one. I must say I am strongly looking forward to Christmas here in our small little place and to the New Year. I am hoping we find a bigger place here in the spring and what would even be nicer if we found a long lost relative who was rich and wanted to give us some money so that we could buy a house"ONE CAN DREAM RIGHT"... tom and I dream of this often hahah. Anyhow that is pretty much the update on things here. I don't have a doctor appt till the 17th when I'll be 2 days away from being 37wks. I guess they couldn't get me in closer to my 36wk appt, Oh well. I should than have a 38wk, 39wk and hopefully that is it and here is baby. As well No we still don't have a name so don't ask, we might jsut call the baby #2. I am sure we'll find a name but it might be a few days after birth too. One day this child will have a name, but you'll all just have to wait.