Sick x 3 = My House.

Hey everyone. We've been taking turns being sick in my house, starting out with me, then Max. Then my mom went into the hospital. Then Max and I flew out to BC last Wednesday, only to turn around and come home on Saturday when it was clear that a) we weren't going to get to see my mom at all because she was in the hospital, b) Max was sick, disoriented and feeling like 10 pounds of poop in a five pound bag, and c) I was getting sick in a hurry. So, we came home only to find one sick Scott. That makes us one sorry sac of sickies. Boo! Ah well, misery loves company. I just feel bad for Max though, who is experiencing his first cold, and sounds like a little seal when he coughs. Heartbreaking really. I thought I would post some pics from before we all got sick. Much cuter than how we all look currently.

Max and his homey Leith.

Last night Scott, Max, and I went over to our friends' Saeed and Jennifer's house to meet their little dude Leith (pronounced Layth). Also in attendance was our friend Steve (who really really likes babies). There is a joke in there that you will only understand if you know Steve. I took a bunch of pics, but mine weren't as good as Saeed's, so I stole his and the accompanying comments.

"So last night I was hangin' with my homey, Max"
"We talked about sports and politics all evening..."
"...the US involvement in the Muslim world..."
"...and got into a bit of trouble for our differing views."
"So then I told him all about my conquests with the ladies"
"Which for some reason he didn't believe"
"I think maybe he was jealous of my suave demeanor...but he is a ladies man himself"
"Seriously, there were these two chicks checking us out all night..."
"What? These were our moms? Dude, we need to get out more..."

Maxwell Hunter: 5 months old.

My dearest baby Max,
What a month! Remember how I was saying last month that you were sleeping 7 to 9 hours straight? Sweet memories my boy...I only wish you were sleeping that much. These days I'm lucky if you sleep 4 hours straight. Don't worry, I still love you super duper, I would just really really like to get some sleep some time soon. People keep telling me that once you start solids next month it will start to get better and I can only hope. I think the constant waking is due to teething - you seem to be getting a whole wack of teeth. Unfortunately, the only time you let me see into your mouth is when you are wailing...and boy can you ever wail. The good thing is that you still have lots of smiles and you could melt the polar icecap with those smiles kid.

We decided to move you into your crib this past month, which means you nap in there and you sleep in there for the first part of the night. Once you wake up, I bring you into bed with us. I never understood the appeal of king size beds, but now I do, because you like to stretch out like a starfish. You are also quite noisy when you wake up and want to eat. Between the lack of room, and the rowdy partying in the wee hours, your dad has had to start sleeping the guest room during the work week so he doesn't end up napping under his desk at lunch. Sometimes he comes in to sleep with us once you have settled down and when he does you rest your head on his shoulder - big points buddy, keep it up!

Surprise, surprise, you have continued to grow like a weed, we put your 6 month clothes away this month and pulled out your 9 - 12 month clothes. At your 4 month checkup you were 17.5 pounds, 27.5 inches. We need to weigh you tomorrow, but I'm guessing (based on how tired my arms get when I carry you) that you are 19 pounds, 28.5 inches. We will also be installing the new car seat tomorrow because you have outgrown the travel system car seat that was supposed to last us until you were a year old. Ah hem.

Max, your dad is going to have to have a word with you about the whole girls thing. You continue to play your two girlfriends Maya and Charlotte off against one another. I think at some point you are going to have to fess up and come clean with these girls. Also, something to take into consideration is that Charlotte's dad, he gets to carry a gun as a part of his job. So, uh, yeah, maybe not so much. I think he lets you have some leeway because you share his birthday, but that won't last forever.

When Maya comes over, your favourite pastime seems to be drooling contests. I think you may have her beat as we go through about 5 bibs a day. Drooling increases tenfold when you get in your jolly jumper or exosaucer (this might have something to do with your excitement to be bouncing or making noise). Maya has also taught you how to squeal at decibles that can break glass. Samba is not particularly fond of this, and I can't blame her. I love that you are exploring your voice, you provide us with endless entertainment and conversation (oh really? it's true!).

We are ready for you to be on the move as you are mastering the art of rolling over, just about sitting up (you'll have that sorted out in 2 weeks at most), and have legs that put tree trunks to shame. Also, with all your little girlfriends running around, we need to child proof this house asap. Our friend Mike even made us a custom baby gate with a cat door for Samba. I dropped your crib mattess down a level so that you don't vault yourself over the side (at least not yet). Have I mentioned how challenging it is to change your diaper? You are so strong and wriggly, I'm lucky if I can get your diaper on your butt without you peeing on the change table. Of course you think this is hilarious, which makes me laugh and then the entire thing falls apart. Good thing is you like to be naked (is this a boy thing?) so you don't mind.

What else can I say? Your favourite show is "Blue's Clues", second favourite is "Boo Bah". We took you to the park for the first time this month, but you weren't too sure what to think (maybe it was too windy?). Whenever I take you out anywhere you melt hearts and get lots of smiles from strangers. You are now facing forward in your stroller, so you get to look out at the world and take it all in. You are also quite the trooper. You had your second visit to Sick Kids this past week where you had to deal with 4 different appointments in one day. Your surgery has been scheduled for the end of October. It will be a day surgery, so we will get to bring you home with us. I gotta be honest, I'm a bit nervous, even though I know you will be in good hands. Your next surgery won't be until you are a year old so we will get a bit of a break once this one is over.

Your dad wanted me to mention that your strongest feature (besides your stunning blue eyes and long eyelashes) is your eyebrows. They continue to grow, just like your hair. To quote your dad, "He's going to be like me, with a unibrow and a mustache in grade 5, and I wondered why I couldn't get a girlfriend."

Love,
Mom



1 month | 2 months | 3 months | 4 months

Where in the world is Kat?

Tired. So so tired. We were doing really well with the whole sleep thing. Not so much anymore. I'm not sure what happened, but it has all gone to hell in a handbasket. Good news is that Max is one happy little dude during the day. But at night...at night he turns into a wee gremlin. Note to self, do not get Max wet after midnight. Love this kid more than tall buildings. Would love some sleep too, as would Scott.

Beautiful Bouncing Baby Boy.

Max's BGF Maya lent us her Jolly Jumper. As you can see, Max thinks contraption is pretty darn fabulous. And his parents, we love that we have found another way to entertain him.

My son, he likes the blondes.

Max seems to have developed a preference for blondes. And really, who can blame him. I mean, his meal ticket is blonde and he spends a whole lot of time staring up at me while he feasts. This past weekend he even invited a girl into his crib (shock!). I know, seems a bit young to me too. He was on his best behaviour though, as Charlotte's dad works in law enforcement. Max may be a player, but he isn't a dummy.
I'm not sure what Maya, Max's BGF would think if she knew that he had cheated on her with another woman. I talked to him about this and he was all "Mom, it just happened, I don't know what to say". I told him I would keep his secret for now, but he really needed to be careful and not hurt anyone's feelings. He rolled his eyes at me and said "Mooooooooommmmmmmmmm". Sigh. They grow up so fast.
And for those of you that think this kid never smiles because we haven't been very successful at capturing it on camera, let me assure you, he is one happy baby. I took this picture yesterday and I think it may be my new favourite of him. And for those of you that are tired of all my mommy-blogging and want me to blog about something else...well, it's hard to have much energy to blog about movies, tv, and music when you are sleep deprived and lacking brainpower. Bear with me, it will come back, but it will take a while. But really, didn't the season finale of Windfall bite the big one? Or am I the only one watching this show?

Maxwell Hunter: 4 months old.

My dearest baby Max,
Oh little buddy, you are growing and changing right before my eyes. I swear that every day you are doing something new, it's hard to keep up with you. Just this morning, you finally discovered your toes (after weeks of me pointing them out to you). You looked at them like they were the best toy on the planet. I am guessing it will not be long before you give them a taste test and I will be ready and waiting with my camera! You have also figured out how to put your entire fist in your mouth, which I think you do when your teeth are bothering you. You are quite the drooly boy these days, so I am expecting more teeth soon, plus you have the sucking power of a dyson! Your personality is blossoming and I was just saying to your dad last night that I can't believe that the little sleepy bundle we brought home from the hospital has turned into such a happy, smiley, attentive little boy. I now understand why parents have a hard time not talking about how amazing their kids are all the time.

We were at the grocery store yesterday, and there was a woman there with her baby who looked to be about the same size as you. When I asked her how old her baby was, she said "8 months". Well then. You my little button, are weighing in at a whopping 17.4 pounds and measuring 26 inches in length. You are one big baby - that's the 90th percentile for both height and weight. You are now in your 6/9 month clothes and I am quickly coming to the realization that at this rate you will be in your 12 month clothes by Christmas at the latest. Your dad jokes that you will be the bouncer at your daycare. You are so big that your feet dangle out of the end of your bathtub. You are quite a sight in there, kicking your little feet, splashing up a storm. I think you will be a kid who likes to play in the bath for sure.

You are also a strong little fella. You still don't like tummy time very much, but you are now holding your head up really well, and you know how to roll yourself over so that you don't have to stay on your belly. You are also trying to sit up when I have you propped up on the couch, so I have to keep a close eye on you so you don't take a tumble. Your little legs are also incredibly strong and one of your favourite things to do is to stand in my lap and smile at me. You also like your exosaucer and seem to discover something new about it every day. I like it because you are stuck in there and can't get out, which gives me a few minutes to chill out. Babyproofing has commenced in a big way. We got rid of the glass coffee tables, and are working on making this place a baby friendly zone. Your BGF Maya is on the move now too, so we need to be on top of this.

Speaking of your BGF Maya, you seem to have quite a crush on her mommy Jen. Last week when they came over for a playdate, you sat with Jen and laughed and laughed and laughed for at least a half hour. Also, you now seem much more interested in Maya and you guys like to look at eachother and tug on eachother's hands and feet. We have a standing playdate with Maya and Jen which is good for both of us I think. We are lucky to have them in our lives as they are super awesome.

Sleep has definitely been something you seem to be getting better at. You seem to take after your dad, you are quite the night owl. Most nights you don't go down for good until about 1 or 2am. Then you stay asleep for about 7 to 9 hours. Then I feed you and since I still need cuddle time with my little boy, I keep you in bed with me for a few more hours of sleep. That's nice, keep up the good work! Now if we could move your bedtime back a few hours, that would be great. Since you are so big, I have moved you into the pack 'n play next to our bed. You do this funny WWE wrestling move in your sleep where you lift your swaddled legs straight up in the air and slam them down on the mattress, making your whole pack 'n play shake. Then you gradually scootch your way around from lengthwise to widthwise in the pack 'n play so that by the morning, you have your head 45 degrees from where you started out. Soon you will be too long to fit that way, so I'll be interested to see what you do then.

Your dad has a special touch with you, and when he gets home, you seem very happy to just chill out and relax with him. I like to sit and watch you sit in his lap, happy as can be, my two dudes. Just wait until basketball season starts! You guys can watch the games together and hopefully the Raptors will be decent this year and you won't get bored and fall asleep (though the sleeping part...that's not necessarily a bad thing). When you get tired you get really vocal, and loud...just kind of oohing and ahhing, and groaning. I lay next to you on our bed and I have a hard time not laughing. And if you see me smile it's game over, you know that you have me and you get all wide eyed and flirty and I know there will be no getting you to sleep. Have I mentioned how awesome you are and how much I love you yet? Well you are and I do. More than tall, tall buildings.

You met your grandad this month and let me tell you, you two got along like nobody's business. I joked that you guys started a mutual admiration society and closed membership to everyone else. I knew he was good with kids, but I had to see him in action to fully grasp just how much he loves his grandkids. I am pretty sure that between him and your grandma, you had a lap to sit in for every waking hour of their visit. Your grandma worked her magic on you as well and we finally got another picture of you smiling. They also treated us to a night of babysitting, so your dad and I went out (without you) for the first time since you were born. We even got dressed up, and had a wonderful dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak house. I felt a little anxious for the first 30 minutes but then I was okay. We were only gone for 3 hours, but I was really happy to get home to you. I knew you were in good hands, but it was hard to be away from you. We will see your grandma and grandad soon - the two of us will go for a visit (your first plane ride!) in October. September looks like a busy month as you will also meet your uncle Dan, uncle Chris, and aunt Haschmo for the first time. Also in the works is a visit with little Leith. Looks like we'll be busy and I'm sure you'll keep our hands full!
Love,
Mom

1 month 2 months 3 months

Holy sh!t I'm hella tired.

All those obnoxious people who said "enjoy your sleep now cuz you won't be getting any once your baby comes" can bite me. Because really, it's not like you can store up on sleep in advance. It's like they are smirking at your impending exhaustion. Kind of like when someone else falls down the stairs...hilarious. Not that I would change a thing, I still love the little guy, love being a mom, love the smiles, gurgles and all that. But I also miss having time to rub moisturizer on my hands, the desire to shave my legs, having enough brainpower to read a book or remember what exactly I was trying to say. Mommy brain is a definite reality. The other day I tried to use the debit card of a bank account I closed 6 months ago. I went to the store to buy some bread and came home with chips. Sigh. Good times.Max is thriving, he really couldn't be doing better. He is smiling and laughing, holding his head up when he lays on his stomach, and wow is he ever vocal. This kid can talk and talk and talk. No idea what he is saying...but boy can this kid tell stories. The sleeping thing seems to be hit and miss. A few nights ago he slept 7 hours straight. I proceeded to jinx it by emailing my entire family to tell them. The next night he was up every 3 hours. The next night, same deal. Argh. Thing is, even when he sleeps 7 hours, when he only does it once in a while, I wake up every hour to check and make sure he is okay. At least I know he can do it...one day he will do it more often than once in a blue moon.I have started to check out daycares for when I need to go back to work next year. I actually feel ill at the thought of someone else taking care of Max. I have found a good daycare and got Max on the waiting list. Now I just have to reconcile myself with it. And enjoy every minute I get with the little guy. He's just growing too fast.

A Visit From Aunt Jenny.

We had a busy weekend here at the Fickle Feline household. Max's Aunt Jenny arrived on Friday evening from Ottawa. We were so excited to see her as it had been a whole month since she had been to O-town to see her nephew. Aunt Jenny is extra special because she was actually in the room when Max was born. She saw the whole deal and she held my barf bucket while Scott who is barfphobic turned away. That is love folks. We have been looking forward to this visit for a while and even though the house was in shambles, we did have cold beer waiting for her.
On Friday night we went and picked up Japanese food for dinner and just hung out and talked. Jennifer got Max to laugh heartily (first time!) at a story she was telling which involved pooping, barfing and passing out. He already likes poop jokes and he doesn't even know it. Saturday was much busier. We partook in some retail therapy and went to the mall and got some great deals on stylin' clothes and a purse that I not-so-secretly-covet for Jennifer. Max slept through the whole thing. Beautiful baby boy. Love that. Did I mention that Jennifer has a station wagon? Is it bad that after seeing how easy it was to get the stroller in and out of the back I was ready to trade her our Camry, even though her vehicle is green and we all know how I feel about green vehicles? I guess this means that I am getting old, eh? Scott says that a station wagon is much more acceptable than a minivan. True that.

Saturday night found us at Cathy and Alex's housewarming party (I brought a yummy pesto torte and french bread). They have a fab house out in East York. Did I mention the new hardwood and berber carpet that made me kind of jealous? Scott and I had a great time, though it was bit hot without A/C, and Max let us know that he was none too pleased. I stripped him down to his diaper to cool him off and took him out onto the porch to see if that would get him to stop crying. Wow, way to clear a room buddy. Luckily he quickly quieted down and took to the boob. It was only after the fact that I noticed Alex (pre-vert) had been spying on us through his front room window. I am guessing I gave him an eye full. Whatevs...I know they are spectacular.

Jennifer had to get back to Ottawa on Sunday, and Max and I already miss her. We hope that she comes back soon because Max likes it when she reads him stories and I like having someone to drink wine with and shop with. Nothing like an old friend, doesn't matter if it is good times or bad times, they are always the best company. Also, this kid keeps growing like a weed (15.8 pounds, 25.5 inches today) and I fear he will be enrolling in college by the next time she comes. Le sigh. Can't wait to see you again Jenny!

Maxwell Hunter: 3 months old.

My dearest baby Max,

It's 10:20pm and you are 3 months old today. You are wide awake in the papoose, perched on my lap. We were doing really well with the whole sleep thing a few weeks ago, we maybe even had a pattern going...but that is but a distant memory now. At least we know the reason. The reason my dear Max, is that you are teething. That's right, you heard me. You, my 3 month old son, are teething. You don't think much of this and I am mildly horrified. Your Aunt Jenny says that you are a baby on fast forward and I have to agree. You are now is size 3 diapers, 6 months clothes, and last week you rolled over. And you didn't just roll over from your belly to your back (what normal babies do first), you rolled from your back to your belly. See, you are one extraordinary baby.

So back to the teething. Most babies get their bottom centre teeth in first. Not you little Max, you are getting a tooth on the bottom, right side of your mouth. And you are none too happy about this. The first night, it took your dumb parents a while to figure out what was going on. You cried and cried, and sucked on your hands and drooled. At about 3am your mom clued in, and then in desperation, I rubbed some whisky (just a drop!) on your gums. And that did the trick. You finally fell asleep, and thank gawd for that because I was about to drop from exhaustion. I felt a little bad about the whisky thing but your Grandma tells me that people have done this since the beginning of time. After that I stuck to Tempra drops which also seem to help. I just can't believe you are already getting teeth! What happened to my little baby boy?

I got a baby email newsletter last week that said babies at 3 months weigh up to 14 pounds and are up to 24.5 inches in length. You are over 15 pounds and about 25.5 inches in length. This week I went and bought a 6 month sleeper in the same bunny fabric as one of your 0-3 month sleepers. Kind of a desperate ploy to remind myself that you are still a baby, even if you are growing in front of my very eyes. Your baby chubs are getting so deep, I swear there must be a family of four living in your leg chubs. You should charge them rent as we could use the extra cash for your diapers.This month you have become very attentive. You watch everything around you and are very interested when your dad is talking (he is very animated and you seem to dig this). You are also finally interested in your toys, and you like to grab at them and kick at them. One of your favourite toys is your mirror (this proves that you are your father's son without a doubt). You also like your crib mobile, whoozit toy and the little bird that hangs from your chair. One thing we are relieved about is that you seem to have taken to your swing. I like to bring it into the kitchen and put you in it while I make dinner. We chat (you are also very vocal) and like magic you fall asleep right as we serve dinner. About a half hour later you wake with a start and you always look so surprised to be awake, you make your dad and I laugh. Then it is into the bath with you - this is a family affair as you are all wet and wiggly, and I need your dad's help. Your feet now hang over the edge of the tub, and you lay back and smile at us as we clean you all up. Your Grandma bought you a bathrobe that we put on you after we towel you off. We also rub lavender calming lotion on you and have a special lotion for your face. Just like your dad, you are a metrosexual at the ripe old age of 3 months. It can only get worse from here!Your dad and I like to take you out to show you off to our friends. You seem to like meeting new people and are very agreeable with letting other people hold you as long as you can see me or your dad. Max, you show very well, which makes us laugh because people probably think that you never ever cry or fuss. But we know the truth little man - and you do sometimes cry and sometimes fuss. Your secret is safe with us though - we don't mind them thinking you are a perfectly behaved baby...more babysitters for us that way.When you are a teenager, the pictures I will bring out to embarrass you are the ones of you and your BGF (best girlfriend) Maya. You see her just about every week and even though she likes to suck on your toes and gnaw on your cheeks, you are really warming up to her. She is a sweet girl and it makes her mom Jen and me smile to see you two scope eachother out. It's fun to see you talk and smile at eachother too and I am so glad that we have friends with babies because not only do you have little buddies, I have someone to talk to about everything that is going on, whether it be about you, your dad, or just how I'm coping with having a wonderful not so little baby boy.This month we took you to Sick Kid's Hospital to get you checked out. Turns out your right kidney might need a bit of help as you have an extra tube going from your kidney to your bladder. You'll be okay, you are a sturdy little dude and I have no doubt that everything will be fine. It still makes me worry though because, well, I'm your mom and that is part of my job. The other part of my job is to love you, and I can guarantee I am fulfilling that part of my job with flying colours. In fact, even though I don't think it's possible, each morning I wake up and you have grown a bit more, and I love you just a little more too.

Love,
Mom

PS: I forgot to mention that one of the sweetest things you do now is that when your dad comes to bed, you reach out in your sleep so that you are touching him. That way you can feel both of us and then you smile contentedly. All those people who say that cosleeping is bad can kiss my butt. Seeing you so secure and happy, sleeping so peacefully is what keeps me going when I am exhausted. The other thing I forgot to mention is that your favourite game is the "boop beep-beep bonk ding" game where we touch your nose, cheeks, chin and forehead and they make sounds. Your ears also go "a-woo-ga" (Maya's dad Brad came up with "a-woo-ga") and your belly button goes "waka-waka-waka". We always get a big grin out of you from this game.

1 month | 2 months