One of the coolest things about Declan being the age he is has to be that he now has the attention span to watch a movie with us. Since we have been home we have had a few nights now were we get Rhys to bet and have time to watch a kids movie like How to Train Your Dragon, Despicable Me or Monsters Inc. and it has been so much fun. I love watching his face when something funny happens and he gets it! It makes me laugh so hard.
I also have to say that How to Train Your Dragon was an amazing movie! A bit risque at points for younger kids with the language but altogether a really fun and entertaining movie. I think that Declan got scared maybe one or two times at things that happened a bit fast or loud for him but nothing too bad and he still was talking about it days later.
This is the best time because he wants to cuddle and relax as the day winds down and I watch as he lays on the couch with Andrea and just nuzzles into her. You can actually see his eyes slowly closing and hear the change as his breathing slows and deepens. I don't get those moments since I generally am the one that has to be wrestled with or tickled or climbed all over. I only get the relaxing cuddle when he is REALLY tired.
Anyway, I am sure that in the next year when Rhys joins us on these evenings I will get some snuggles with one of them. Or maybe they will just fight over who gets the prime spot with Mommy. Oh well, at least I will have my couch to myself!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Sickies
I am waiting for the other shoe to drop. So far Rhys, Declan, Andrea and Andrea's parents have all been hit with the flu. I am just waiting for my turn and believe me I am not looking forward to it! This years flu virus is brutal! It hits you like a truck and puts you on your arse for a day and keeps you feeling like rubbish for a couple more. It's incredibly how quick it hits.
Luckily Rhys and Declan bounced back pretty quickly and I hope that after a day of resting Andrea is feeling a bit better as well. I guess it's lucky that they cancelled my surgery after all. If they didn't who would be taking care of people at the sick house?
The best part is that they cancelled my surgery because the hospital was filled with too many people who are sick. They couldn't find a bed for me and have to cancel surgeries because people with the flu are overloading their system. Insane!
I got a call from the surgeons office yesterday and they want to rebook for about a month from now but they still can't guarantee that the surgery will happen. I am going to hold off until about March in the hopes that all the Sickies are done being sick and hopefully at that point I will be able to get a private room to rest in for a day or two!
Luckily Rhys and Declan bounced back pretty quickly and I hope that after a day of resting Andrea is feeling a bit better as well. I guess it's lucky that they cancelled my surgery after all. If they didn't who would be taking care of people at the sick house?
The best part is that they cancelled my surgery because the hospital was filled with too many people who are sick. They couldn't find a bed for me and have to cancel surgeries because people with the flu are overloading their system. Insane!
I got a call from the surgeons office yesterday and they want to rebook for about a month from now but they still can't guarantee that the surgery will happen. I am going to hold off until about March in the hopes that all the Sickies are done being sick and hopefully at that point I will be able to get a private room to rest in for a day or two!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Adjusting
Two days in and I realize that the biggest adjustment to being back at home is getting used to Rhys being mobile. When we left he was still just walking along walls and couldn't really pull himself up on his own. Now he is pretty much running and into EVERYTHING! It is going to take a while to figure out what he can get into and start Rhys-proofing everything.
It feels good to be home. To sit on my couch and watch my TV and sleep in my own bed. I am not sure if Declan is having a hard time adjusting because he keeps coming to our room at 3:00am and crawling into bed with us. Other than that he seems to be pretty happy to back at home with his own toys.
My favorite part at the moment is our heated bathroom floor. There is nothing better than getting out of the shower and stepping on a warm bathmat. I love it.
I get my big test tomorrow in fatherhood. Andrea is leaving for Vancouver for 4 days so I am going to be a single dad for a bit. I am terrified but excited at the same time. I have never had the boys for so long on my own and I am unsure as to how everyone is going to handle it. Pizza party here we come!
I am sure that we will survive and I will develop a new appreciation for single parents everywhere. If no one hears from me in a couple of days however, please send help.
It feels good to be home. To sit on my couch and watch my TV and sleep in my own bed. I am not sure if Declan is having a hard time adjusting because he keeps coming to our room at 3:00am and crawling into bed with us. Other than that he seems to be pretty happy to back at home with his own toys.
My favorite part at the moment is our heated bathroom floor. There is nothing better than getting out of the shower and stepping on a warm bathmat. I love it.
I get my big test tomorrow in fatherhood. Andrea is leaving for Vancouver for 4 days so I am going to be a single dad for a bit. I am terrified but excited at the same time. I have never had the boys for so long on my own and I am unsure as to how everyone is going to handle it. Pizza party here we come!
I am sure that we will survive and I will develop a new appreciation for single parents everywhere. If no one hears from me in a couple of days however, please send help.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Out with the old...
I really considered just putting together a note today on how awful the last year was. You know what, screw it, not gonna do that. It was a tough year for us but all in all I know that there are people who have had it much worse. I have to try and just be positive about it.
In the last year, Rhys learned how to walk and beat up his older brother. He has developed all kinds of hilarious expressions and his smile is infectious. Declan took amazing strides in his potty training and has become a remarkable young man. He is polite (though needs to be reminded at times) and is incredibly sensitive for a 3 year old. He charms people as soon as he enters a room which is wonderful to see.
Andrea and I have both weathered a storm that seemed to rage for a good portion of the year and I am convinced that we will come out of it stronger than before. Maybe a bit battered but all in all better.
I look forward and see changes for all of us on the horizon. The big one will be that Declan begins real school this autumn which should be traumatic for all involved. He has been at his current daycare since he was 11 months old and they have grown as attached to him as he has to the staff there. Rhys has come around to the whole idea of being in "school" after a slightly rocky start. Both of our boys enjoy their time there.
I hope that all of my friends have had a safe and happy holiday season. I am sorry that I was unable to see as many of you as I would have liked and hope that we are able to remedy that situation come this year.
In the last year, Rhys learned how to walk and beat up his older brother. He has developed all kinds of hilarious expressions and his smile is infectious. Declan took amazing strides in his potty training and has become a remarkable young man. He is polite (though needs to be reminded at times) and is incredibly sensitive for a 3 year old. He charms people as soon as he enters a room which is wonderful to see.
Andrea and I have both weathered a storm that seemed to rage for a good portion of the year and I am convinced that we will come out of it stronger than before. Maybe a bit battered but all in all better.
I look forward and see changes for all of us on the horizon. The big one will be that Declan begins real school this autumn which should be traumatic for all involved. He has been at his current daycare since he was 11 months old and they have grown as attached to him as he has to the staff there. Rhys has come around to the whole idea of being in "school" after a slightly rocky start. Both of our boys enjoy their time there.
I hope that all of my friends have had a safe and happy holiday season. I am sorry that I was unable to see as many of you as I would have liked and hope that we are able to remedy that situation come this year.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Am I the only one who thinks that kids toys are a bit too secure in their packaging? Declan and Rhys were both the incredibly lucky recipients of overly indulgent family members this year. Since they are the only nephews on our side they are definitely a little spoiled with toys. The fun part is getting these toys out of the boxes and in playing condition.
I don't remember it being this difficult in the past to get a truck out of the packaging. Now you have to pull it out of the box, take off all of the garbage ties and then make sure that any accessories are also untied. It doesn't seem that difficult but I swear it is awful!
I am convinced that the toy companies have a sadist who's entire job is to devise evil ways to secure toys in their boxes. This year I actually encountered the toy that is screwed into it's box! Ridiculous! I didn't realize that I would need a tool box to get Lightning McQueen out of the plastic!
It is all worth it in the end once you see the kids faces and watch the way they hit each other with the toys. The way their eyes sparkle with tears, the way their screams pierce the Christmas morning quiet. Ahhh there is nothing like it.
Kidding aside, Christmas morning was fun. Declan was excited about every present that he received (even the clothes). Due to his lack of a vocabulary, Rhys only managed "Wow!" every 5 minutes or so. It was exactly what we wanted for the boys on Christmas morning.
I don't remember it being this difficult in the past to get a truck out of the packaging. Now you have to pull it out of the box, take off all of the garbage ties and then make sure that any accessories are also untied. It doesn't seem that difficult but I swear it is awful!
I am convinced that the toy companies have a sadist who's entire job is to devise evil ways to secure toys in their boxes. This year I actually encountered the toy that is screwed into it's box! Ridiculous! I didn't realize that I would need a tool box to get Lightning McQueen out of the plastic!
It is all worth it in the end once you see the kids faces and watch the way they hit each other with the toys. The way their eyes sparkle with tears, the way their screams pierce the Christmas morning quiet. Ahhh there is nothing like it.
Kidding aside, Christmas morning was fun. Declan was excited about every present that he received (even the clothes). Due to his lack of a vocabulary, Rhys only managed "Wow!" every 5 minutes or so. It was exactly what we wanted for the boys on Christmas morning.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
The House that Santa Claus Forgot.
So the decision has been made. No Christmas on Dundurn Street for the Carrolls this year. To be honest now that we have made the decision to stay out of the home until after Christmas I feel a little liberated. I don't feel the pressure to get in and try and make it perfect. This way I can make the most of Christmas and still celebrate with my family. I am just sorry that it took this long to get here.
So I have finally dusted off the Santa hat and am filling myself with Christmas cheer! Grabbing Christmas by the throat and squeezing all of the goodness that I can out of it in the last couple of days before the Fat Man arrives.
The problem at this point is that I don't feel prepared. I don't feel that I have had the run-up that most people do to December 25th. I haven't seen all of the shows that I wanted to see, listen to the music that I wanted to hear or take the time to just look at the Christmas tree that we put up last week.
In the end I have to admit at least we have each other. We are healthy, happy and doing well. Come the New Year we will back in our home and in all aspects that home will be better than the one that we left.
I want to thank everyone who has expressed their concern over the last 3 months. It is wonderful to know that so many people care about how things are going with us and have reached out to me at my gigs, when I am out and about or via email to find out how things are going. We are doing just fine and looking forward to a Christmas that we certainly won't forget any time soon.
So I have finally dusted off the Santa hat and am filling myself with Christmas cheer! Grabbing Christmas by the throat and squeezing all of the goodness that I can out of it in the last couple of days before the Fat Man arrives.
The problem at this point is that I don't feel prepared. I don't feel that I have had the run-up that most people do to December 25th. I haven't seen all of the shows that I wanted to see, listen to the music that I wanted to hear or take the time to just look at the Christmas tree that we put up last week.
In the end I have to admit at least we have each other. We are healthy, happy and doing well. Come the New Year we will back in our home and in all aspects that home will be better than the one that we left.
I want to thank everyone who has expressed their concern over the last 3 months. It is wonderful to know that so many people care about how things are going with us and have reached out to me at my gigs, when I am out and about or via email to find out how things are going. We are doing just fine and looking forward to a Christmas that we certainly won't forget any time soon.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Rush Hour Insanity
I don't know how many of my friends take the GO to or from work every day. If you do you may be one of the madding hoards that run off the train to get to your car. I was fascinated by this when I first saw it and admit now that I find it annoying more than anything.
How hard is it to open the second door to get down the stairs. Apparently almost impossible, because for the first 20 or so people only one door is opened and they all crush to get through it.
It got so insane a few weeks ago that I actually watched a women fall while running in heels and take 3 people out. I AM NOT JOKING.
All of this to get to their cars first so they are not waiting to get out of the parking lot. I have actually asked Andrea to wait for me at the WalMart parking lot instead of the GO Train one because it is easier to get out of and there is less chance of the car getting hit by some lunatic trying to get out a minute faster.
Having said please enjoy my poem below:
Ode to the GO Train Runner (on departing the train during Rush Hour)
Oh, Runner how you GO.
When the doors open and you dash,
Hopefully avoiding the clash,
That will ultimately happen.
I envy you your determination,
To be the first,
Possibly the worst of the lot.
Oh Runner how you GO.
The bell has barely begun,
And still you run, you run.
No time to open the other door,
Push your way through,
You'll be second no more.
First to the stairs,
Who cares who you shove?
Oh Runner how you GO.
Racing the tunnel and braving the hoards,
Checking others into the boards.
The clip clop of your heels
Like the hammer on steel,
Ringing out through the concrete below.
Take care not to fall,
If you do it shall all be in vain.
Oh Runner how you GO.
The goal's almost in hand.
You are the first,
The fastest in the land.
As the keys slip into the slot
Sit comfortable and warm with the thought
That you end your ride with a run,
Now the wait in your car has begun.
I am sure that I don't need to remind anyone that this poem is a fully original work and is protected by international copyright laws. As such if it is copied or reproduced without the express permission of the creator (ME) I will prosecute you to the full extent of the law.... or ask for a chocolate bar as compensation.
How hard is it to open the second door to get down the stairs. Apparently almost impossible, because for the first 20 or so people only one door is opened and they all crush to get through it.
It got so insane a few weeks ago that I actually watched a women fall while running in heels and take 3 people out. I AM NOT JOKING.
All of this to get to their cars first so they are not waiting to get out of the parking lot. I have actually asked Andrea to wait for me at the WalMart parking lot instead of the GO Train one because it is easier to get out of and there is less chance of the car getting hit by some lunatic trying to get out a minute faster.
Having said please enjoy my poem below:
Ode to the GO Train Runner (on departing the train during Rush Hour)
Oh, Runner how you GO.
When the doors open and you dash,
Hopefully avoiding the clash,
That will ultimately happen.
I envy you your determination,
To be the first,
Possibly the worst of the lot.
Oh Runner how you GO.
The bell has barely begun,
And still you run, you run.
No time to open the other door,
Push your way through,
You'll be second no more.
First to the stairs,
Who cares who you shove?
Oh Runner how you GO.
Racing the tunnel and braving the hoards,
Checking others into the boards.
The clip clop of your heels
Like the hammer on steel,
Ringing out through the concrete below.
Take care not to fall,
If you do it shall all be in vain.
Oh Runner how you GO.
The goal's almost in hand.
You are the first,
The fastest in the land.
As the keys slip into the slot
Sit comfortable and warm with the thought
That you end your ride with a run,
Now the wait in your car has begun.
I am sure that I don't need to remind anyone that this poem is a fully original work and is protected by international copyright laws. As such if it is copied or reproduced without the express permission of the creator (ME) I will prosecute you to the full extent of the law.... or ask for a chocolate bar as compensation.
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