Brotherly Love

My boys love one another so very much! There are times, of course, when they fight and torment one another to no end, but they are genuinely loving towards one another more often than not. Today was a fine example of Seth's love for Sidney.

We went to Toys 'R Us this morning as Seth had a $20 gift card and $15 cash from his birthday that was burning a whole. We went into The Disney Store on the way, where they had sales on various items of interest to Sidney. Then it was off to find wrestlers for Seth. He found one within the first 2 minutes in the store, then he started looking for something else. He found a monster truck that he could afford, and also a mini one that he offered to buy his brother. He stood in the checkout for a moment, then asked Sidney if he would rather have something from The Disney Store. He put back his monster truck along with the mini one, bought himself a Rey Mysterio and a pack of gum. I watched in awe as he paid for his purchase and then asked to take Sidney back to pick a toy. He spent the entire remainder of his birthday money on his brother. He wanted him to have something new as well. Sniff...Sniff...Sniff...makes me grateful I have children.

I have included a picture of the two of them together. My sweet boys!

Entertaining Sidney

Sidney loves to use the computer just like his big brother. He has been watching Seth play various little games (snowboarding, monster trucks, etc.) and wanted to play the street skating game today. Seth got him set up, and told him all he had to do was hit these two buttons. I came over to sit with him and watched the guy cruisin along. Seth is standing to my right, Sidney sitting to my left. Seth leans in and whispers, "I picked this game because the guy just goes on his own. Sidney just thinks he's playing". Then he gives me a big smile and a "thumbs up". Oh I wish I could have taken a picture at that moment! Cute!

No Whining Please

I have a funny problem with sick people. Illness makes me feel nervous and helpless. I am good at helping others, especially those close to me, but I have a low tolerance for whiny sick people.

My boyfriend, Blake just had shoulder surgery on Tuesday. I took the day off so that I could take him to the hospital in the morning and be there for him afterwards as well. He has had this surgery before, or a version of it, so he knew before hand just how painful it was going to be. I was prepared for this, but in my attempt to help, I seem to inadvertantly make things worse. For instance: I helped him with his hospital gown and later his arm swelled. The IV needle had moved from the vein and into the tissue causing this swelling. I don't know if I caused it, but I can't help feeling like I may have. See? Then I get nervous, afraid to get close for fear of hurting or causing discomfort. I must say, I am pleasantly surprised with how well he is handling his pain, managing to be pleasant through it all. I had a scare yesterday morning when I called him at the hospital, and he was short-tempered with me. Remember that the relationship is very new, so I take it personally. I thought "oh no!" not a sooky sick man--please!!!!!

He was over his grumpiness by lunchtime. Just impatient to hear from the doctor, go home, and feel better. I was to take him to his parents place last night from the hospital, but he is at my house. The boys aren't back until Monday, so we have a little time where he can rest quietly through the days I am at work and I can help him. I love having him but don't want to feel overwhelmed when the boys bomb in. It works for right now. I did let him know how I feel about whining, and explained that he can be shipped out at any time...fair warning.

He is not a sooky man I am glad to say. He is strong, self-sufficient, and still manages to say the sweetest, most appreciative things through his pain. Thank you Blake. I think I'll keep you.

All Apologies

A very quick post to acknowledge that I have been neglecting to read previous posts before posting again. I get so excited about what I want to say that I fail to notice I have already said it! A sign of my inattention to detail on occasion. Anyhow, for anyone reading, I will try not to let this happen again. Also, I posted one twice. I was at work, and didn't realize it had already posted. K, now I'm done. Have a nice day everyone!

Before and After

Sidney moves a lot in his sleep. He often climbs into bed with me in the middle of the night, and he squirms and squiggles like you wouldn't believe. I decided to take a couple of pics Sunday night, thought I would share them.

Indoor Weekend Activities

Here are some pics from the weekend...forts are so much fun!

Me N' Tracy

This is me and my cousin Tracy. She's visiting today, and the boys are at a birthday party. So lovely to have some quiet time with her.

I call this one C & T Models

Advice on Bedtime Routines

Everyone is always telling me that no matter how much Sidney (my 3 year old) calls for me, and moves around in his room at night, just ignore it, and he will eventually fall asleep.

Sometimes I don't think people believe just how busy this child is. He went to bed at 8:00pm with minimal problems, and I hear him moving around, but against my better judgement, I ignored it. At about 9:00pm, he comes up the stairs with a suspicious white creamy substance on his face. I immediately recognised the substance as gerber brand diaper rash ointment, which I saved, but no longer use as he is fully potty trained. I asked him why he was upstairs, and he said his dresser and bed were stinky, so he was fixing it. Ohhhhh godness! What a treat!

There was cream covering the headboard of his bed, top of his toybox, and the top drawer of his dresser. It really only took a few minutes to clean up, and I had to turn my head because I must admit, it was a little funny. He tried to help clean it with me, but I was faster than he, so he proceeded to pitch a fit because he didn't get to help. I calmly told him that he had done enough. Time for bed now...

The joys of parenting...enough to make you pull out your hair sometimes.

It's Amazing What You Can Get Used To

I have been sharing custody of my boys with my ex-husband for 2 years now. We each get them Monday to Monday. We exchange at the end of the work day on Monday, therefore avoiding any situations where we have to go to one-another's homes. Hmmmm...generally, things go very smoothly and the arrangement is nice for both of us. I have gotten flack for this choice, so listen up!

These are the real options in that situation: I could fight and have them all the time (with visitation rights to their father), or I could give up half their lives so that they can be with both of us. I chose the latter. I really believe this is the best choice for our children, and let's face it, no matter how we feel about one another, the children are the first priority. Their happiness is paramount.

I remember signing the separation agreement, and reading the words over and over again, knowing that this was going to make everything very permanant--no going back!!! I have my children here in my home every other week. I have every OTHER week all to myself. Wow!!! What does a mama do with so much spare time? You get used to it...believe me. You think you never will, and in some ways I never really have. I think about them when the aren't here as I go about my days, but it is ok. I know that they are safe and well cared for with their father. I know I will see them soon.

So what does a lady do? She spends a lot of time with friends, or alone in peaceful silence, or gets to know the new man in her life...sounds nice to me! Time to contemplate choices and take things slow without upsetting the delicate balance of my children's lives and emotions.

I am happy, and it is amazing what you can get used to.

Splurge Hand Bags

There is a new store on Dresden Row in Halifax. It's called Splurge Hand Bags. They have the most awesome slogan, makes me laugh every time I hear it on the radio...

Splurge! Cause if the Princess ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!

I love it!!!