Structure: The Name of the Game

Last week I was feeling a little off. Nothing major, just felt lost. Then I realized it's because I had no plan, nothing to do, no reason to get off the couch. So I decided I needed to be a little more active. I searched Google and found some crafts for Abby to do. I know, crafts are not my forte but we gotta do what we gotta do. She's been making decorations for the tree. She is really enjoying it and it keeps her occupied. And I'm feeling better too. Abby's had a bit of a stomach bug (I think she's getting over it now) so she hasn't slept well. That part is improving. Her bum is really red and sore. That is improving as well but not as fast and it hurts so much for her that it's breaking y heart. I'm airing it out in the mornings so I'm trying to keep her away from the windows!! Here's a few pictures of Abby doing some crafts. And in the last one, that's Baby Hat in her pocket like a kangaroo.





It was pointed out to me that I haven't taken maternity pictures in awhile. I think the last one was at 18 weeks. And I've grown since then. So much so that my favourite and most comfy pants don't really fit so well anymore.

Here's me at 22 weeks...

Liar Liar

Confession: I lie to my child.

I lie daily. Sometimes multiple times. I always swore I never would. That I would be honest with her and explain things so she could understand them. And I would never lie because that erodes trust and then she'll think I'm always lying to her. But I've done it. And I'll do it again.

I lie to my child when I tell her that her dolls can't go for errands because they are sleeping. I tell her the dog doesn't want to go outside and play. I've told her that lunch is supper and breakfast is lunch and supper is breakfast. I've told her that jar of cookies is empty. I don't know how many toys I've told her are broken. Just the other day, I had to give her boots back because they didn't fit. When she threw a fit and ran away with them, I told her the boots had to go back to their mommy - and she gladly handed them over. When she asked me if the geese flying overhead are going home to their mommy and daddy, I told her that they are going to the field to eat. After she asked me again and again if they were going to go see their mommy and daddy, I said yes, they are going to see their mommy and daddy. She then went back to her drawing. I lie so she'll behave. I lie so she'll understand and I lie because that's the answer she wants. And when she gets older, I'll still lie. I'll tell her that if she doesn't eat her carrots, her hair will fall out. If she sits too close to the TV, she'll go blind. And the classic, if you keep making that face, it will get stuck that way. Maybe by then, some of the old lies will have gone away. She'll understand that geese fly north and south when they do. That if she takes too many toys out of the house then they'll get lost and sometimes, you can't keep everything you are given. And it doesn't matter what you have for breakfast/lunch/supper, you have to eat it anyway. But for now - this is what she understands, this is what makes my life easier and this is what I'll stick with.

So to all you sanctimonious mommies out there who believe that 100% honesty is the way to go...I can't hear you, I'm sleeping.

Sleeping Beauty

Last week I was so tired. All I wanted to do was sleep. I figured the baby must be going through a growth spurt. Sure enough, yesterday - my belly shot out. Last night when I laid down, the bump didn't go away like it usually does. And today at work, I couldn't sit like I usually do. I have to kinda lean back. My stomach feels like one giant cramp. I guess that's what happens when everything stretches out.

I guess I can be forgiven for being tired. We had a pretty big weekend. On Saturday, we had my work party. We (25 of us) went out to Eddie's. It was a lot of fun and the food was really good. Then on Sunday, we went to the Grey Cup party at the church. Another great time with lots of food! Abby was very energetic - the whole time. By the 4th quarter, she was doing laps around a stool. We decided to leave while people still liked us! When we got home, I got a phone call to inform me that I won $50 on a Grey Cup ticket that I didn't buy and had forgotten all about! Score.

Another piece of good news...we have TV again. Yesterday the dish guy came to install out Shaw Direct dish. It went really smoothly. He ended up coming about an hour late but that tuned out to be perfect. My parents came for the day so they both arrived about the same time. That meant I could talk to him and Abby was occupied. She started calling him Other Papa. For a girl who is so shy, she sure didn't act like it! One time when he came up from the basement, she ran over to him and asked him if he was done! Mark was even able to come home at lunch and talk things over with him. I really appreciated that because I hate being the middleman especially when I don't know what they are talking about and have to just repeat what they say and hope Mark knows what he's talking about. Then if Mark does have a question, I have no answers.

Well, I had better get this kid into the bath and then get some rest. I was just thinking when I'm going to stop feeling so tired. Much to my horror, I realized it was when the baby would be born. Then I get to be exhausted!