tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65044070680823529672024-03-13T02:45:48.964-06:00A Piece of AppleBronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-33872769834737331242020-03-08T21:19:00.000-06:002020-03-08T21:19:53.135-06:00New Outlook on Life<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not really sure when it really started, but I want to say it was a 2 years ago when I realized that I need to do something for me! I was feeling burnt out, I hated how I looked and felt and it unfortunately spilled over into my family life. I was snapping at my kids (yelling was more like it) to the point that whatever I was asking was falling on deaf ears. I didn't even want to spend time with my husband. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Life became routine, I hated who I had become and I needed to change....</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Quite a few things happened to me that sparked this change. I think the biggest was a very real and very scary medical scare. I didn't tell anyone what I was feeling but my family certainly was supportive. It all started with an extremely heavy period (I mean I was soaking through a pad every 30 minutes) that lasted for 45 days. I had a feeling something wasn't right, but really didn't know after the first week. I called and made an appointment with my Dr. and the tests started. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I ended up having 2 ultrasounds, an MRI and the scariest one was the blood test for Cancer. The reason for having this last test was that during the ultrasounds it was discovered I had a very fast growing ovarian cyst and I was being tested for ovarian cancer. Cancer ??? I prayed everyday this wasn't the case. I mean I was only 39 and fear was creeping every day that passed because my dad died of cancer at age 41. The blood test came back negative (thank goodness) and during the MRI this fast growing cyst was no where to be found. Some time in the 45 day time span the cyst burst and disappeared as quickly as it grew.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With my Science degree from University I was during my research through all this time. I started implementing what I was learning about how to try and prevent the growth of ovarian cysts. You cannot control what grows or how, but you can certainly live a healthy life to reduce the chances of re-occurrence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now begins my journey to a Healthier Lifestyle!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSs-Dl1IDx1DQ8kdkrt39uNCoi-T-WFnDzJ6ZQI84Vp01d79H24WZN7Hi7yEcNZVeP4Z8Ao-H9CjdPKzdvaIH6DLCwTGRBTazhzMtGnKKRleeDvAy0guzNYT3II-hfTZ76mWpnaUAp2Q/s1600/4bde7e7e9a15c560c729b453a1ee0278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1600" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglSs-Dl1IDx1DQ8kdkrt39uNCoi-T-WFnDzJ6ZQI84Vp01d79H24WZN7Hi7yEcNZVeP4Z8Ao-H9CjdPKzdvaIH6DLCwTGRBTazhzMtGnKKRleeDvAy0guzNYT3II-hfTZ76mWpnaUAp2Q/s320/4bde7e7e9a15c560c729b453a1ee0278.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I joined Weight Watchers because I needed the jumpstart and accountability of a weightloss program. I figured it has worked for so many people, why not me? Well the program did work for a while I was down 8 lbs and then it started to creep up. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I started searching the internet for a reason why this might be happening and found that the nonrestrictive</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> program really wasn't "teaching" me anything and I needed something else for me. I never ate poorly, I just ate too much so I started cutting pack portion sizes.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I did the odd exercise at home but because there are so many distractions, it worked for a little bit. I kept getting these ads on my Facebook page for a gym in my neighborhood that started to get my interest. I thought to myself...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tried the gym for a month (they had a special pay $40 for 1 month of unlimited access). What is cool about this gym is that it's not a "Big Box Gym" I feel like I have a personal trainer every time I go and I actually love working out! I think FitBody Bootcamp saved my life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have been doing these HIIT workouts 3x per week for a year and feel fantastic! I actually find myself craving the gym when I haven't been for longer than 3 days. I am stronger than I have been in the past 10 years, I have lost inches all over and I am starting to see myself as the strong woman that my parents raised me to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since I have started this journey I have lost 20 lbs, and have gone down 3 dress sizes! I have 107 classes under my belt and there is no stopping me. By Increasing my fitness/exercise, I have decreased my stress level and I am actually loving who I am again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Through my self discovery and working at a Healthier Life, I am teaching my family how to be healthy through example, and I am now calmer. I don't snap at my kids and we are doing more things as a family that I never would have done 3 years ago! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More to Come...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-44525618864074119202016-01-21T21:37:00.000-07:002016-01-21T21:37:01.555-07:00A New Year a New Perspective on Life<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There comes a time (I think in everyone's life) that you realize that you are not indestructible and that life is short. I have had this experience a few times now in my life (most people only have it once)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first was when I was 12 years old and my dad died. I was still very young but still realized everything that was happening and could understand it to a point. I didn't realize it then (not until I had kids) that you can't take advantage of anything. Enjoy all the little things in life from seeing your kids first discovery of grass, to that first lost tooth, just enjoying the cuddles in the middle of the day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The second time was in 2014 when I saw a facebook post about a friend I knew since brownies that she was in hospital and had a cardiac arrest and the Dr.'s don't know why (She was only 36 years old). It's been a long time since I talked to her but my heart was breaking for her and her family. She has since pulled through and her inspirational posts have put me in absolute awe every time I read her beautiful words! I started worrying about my own family to the point that I am pretty sure I became slightly depressed (to be honest I think I was already from having the twins). My worry turned into hating myself for becoming who I was and eating to make me feel better but turned out that I hated myself even more.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The final time was a few weeks ago when we got a call from my husband's mother saying that his dad had a minor TIA. I realized ( although I knew all along) that your health is everything! I f you don't take care of yourself your loved ones around you ultimately suffer when you are gone and there is nothing you can do about it. With that said I am finally taking my life into my own hands! I have started working out 5 days a week and am tracking what I am eating! I didn't put this weight on over night and I don't expect it to come off over night!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So far after 2 weeks of a 4 week program I have lost a total of 6 lbs and 7.5 inches (all over but my happiest is 3 inches off the hips). It has been hard work and there are days when I really don't want to work out, but I keep repeating to myself that I want to grow old with my husband and I want to be there for all of my kids and family's moments from the smallest to the largest and most important. I don't want to be a burden to my family and I want to be there in every way possible!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I never keep New Years Resolutions so I am declaring that this is a New Perspective on Life! I know that this is going to be a long road but one that I am more than willing and ready to take</span></div>
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Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-701188736295769512015-08-11T09:00:00.003-06:002015-08-11T09:00:55.016-06:00Pretty Fierce Week 2I am proud of myself! I have completed week 2 of an 8 week program! Here is my review for this week.<br />
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Starting weight: 255.5 lb<br />
This week weight: 253.0 lb<br />
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Day 8 - <b>Cardio plyometrics +Core; </b>This was very challenging as I had no sleep last night and I was determined to do this workout today. I tried to do every move as they were the same as day 1 but it really was an effort to keep the pace. I did complete the 30 minute workout, but I did not do as many reps as I should have done. Here's to a better day tomorrow!<br />
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Day 9 - <b>Tabata; </b> This is the intense Cardio where you only have 7 exercises but you do them 7 times each as fast as you can in a 3 min interval. I actually did better than the first week in repetitions but I was a little slower.<br />
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Day 10 - <b>Shredding; </b>Missed - pulled a leg muscle because I didn't stretch enough from the day before. Just shows that you really do need to do the stretching!<br />
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Day 11 - <b>Flex Schedule; </b>Missed - still recovering from the pulled muscle<br />
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Day 12 - <b>Loading + Core:</b> This is a mix of high intensity Cardo and weights, so you are essentially loading everything in a 20 minute workout. It was still difficult to do the jumping with the weights (mainly because I still have weak kegals), but I did the exercises.<br />
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Day 13 - <b>Cardio Plyometrics; </b>I actually took my workout clothes and DVD to my mom's house because we were spending the day. Every other time I have done this with the intent to workout, I never did...but this time I got ready as soon as the boys went for their nap and did the 30 minute workout!<br />
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Day 14 - <b>Yoga Hybrid</b>; I have no excuses other than I really didn't feel like working out this day so I ended up missing this day. I felt bad when I was laying in bed that night so my goal for the next week is to do everyday.Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-78126353721004271392015-08-03T22:18:00.000-06:002015-08-03T22:18:18.577-06:00Weight Loss journey Continues...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So Back in December I started a new weight loss program and it was working for about 2 weeks...then Christmas holidays occurred and then a bunch of sick time. I recommitted myself again in February and that only lasted 3 days and off the wagon I went!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well I have done it again and this time I am committed! (Yes I know I have said that before, but this time is different). I was at K-Days in Edmonton, and went on a ride with my daughter...much to my dismay (although she loved the ride) my hips and bottom were spread so wide that I was practically sitting on her. I felt awful and decided that Monday morning I was going to change. I bought the food (not that it's any different than what we already eat), and got my workout clothes ready. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have lasted a week and here is my review of the past week (you are going to be sick of this weekly update by the end of 60 days - but this is how I am being committed to this program). Again I can't believe I am posting my measurements but I need to see it.</span><br />
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Start Weight: 255.5 lbs<br />
Chest: 45.5"<br />
Waist: 45"<br />
Hips: 53.5"<br />
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Day 1: <b>Cardio Plyometrics</b> - I thought I was in a bit of shape chasing after kids all day, but this was challenging. All joking aside this was a mix of high and low cardio. It was intense but I was able to keep the pace and only missed a few moves.<br />
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Day 2: <b>Tabata Cardio</b> - I was feeling the workout from the day before but I managed to do this 26 min workout. For those that don't know Tabata is a workout that you do as many reps of a particular move in a short amount of time and you repeat that move 7 times. (Jabs, Run, Skaters, Football Run and Tuck Jumps). Wow by the time I got to the tuck jumps I was hurting!<br />
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Day 3: <b>Shredding</b> - Shredding is the right name for this workout...it was 30 minutes of high intensity cardio with weights included. This is designed to get your cardio up and work your specific muscle groups with weights. You use a mix of heavy and light weights, but by the end of the 30 minutes both sets of weights feel like they are 30 pounds!<br />
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Day 4: <b>Flex Schedule</b> - This is my choice of workout of either an Outdoor run (which I don't run very well for any kind of distance) or Tabata. To be perfectly honest, I skipped this day...not because I didn't want to do the workout (as much as I wan't really looking forward to it) but I had a cake that I had to decorate for a client and really didn't have time.<br />
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Day 5: <b>Loading</b> - This workout was very difficult, I feel every muscle and to be honest I had a really hard time keeping up with the timing of the exercises. There are 7 short sets that are high intensity mixing cardio and weights. Loading is the perfect name for this set as you really do load everything on during this exercise.<br />
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Day 6: <b>Cardio Plyometrics - </b>I didn't make it...I had a date night the and this next day we went shopping without kids. I did a lot of walking so I hope that counts for something.<br />
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Day 7: <b> Yoga Hybrid</b> - I was really looking forward to this workout as I was thinking that I have a low to medium intensity workout. Well I was in for a surprise...this workout is yoga, but you use weights to add to the difficulty!<br />
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I am proud of myself that I managed to workout 5 of 7 days. When Lindsay Brin suggests at the beginning of the DVD series that you should have been working out for a month prior to starting this training she wasn't kidding. I was very tired and a little slower on some days but I was able to keep up and not as winded and out of shape as I thought. I guess running after 3 kids all day does count for something.<br />
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I keep repeating my workout mantra (especially when I am super tired and only had 5 hours sleep) "I am doing this for me and I can do this". Funny enough I have completed this week and I am actually looking forward to this coming week to see how I can do with these workouts. My goal is everyday! I don;t have any cakes due and nowhere to go so "NO EXCUSES"!Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-86405802259289795942015-07-01T22:07:00.001-06:002015-07-01T22:07:05.686-06:00Sleeping twinsSince this is supposed to be a blog about my life with twins I figured I should actually write about them...I have been looking back on past posts and realized that I am mainly writing about me and my frustrations and not much about the everyday family life.<br />
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Well here it is...the average toddler of 2-3 years in age is to have 12 hours of sleep in an 24 hour period. I think whomever did this "study" either doesn't have kids, didn't study twins and really only did it in a controlled environment where the lights could be controlled and no windows or other noises were present. Either that or I just have abnormal twins!<br />
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Since the boys turned 2 almost a year ago we have been battling bedtime with jumping out of bed, climbing over into each other's cribs (they are now in toddler beds- only lasted a week), and just not sleeping until sometimes 11 at night. It's now worse that it's the summer and hot (they don't believe me that it's bed time as the sun is still out). What really gets me these days is that whenever someone else puts them to sleep (a grandparent) they are like angels...why not for me?<br />
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Today is Canada Day and we decided to actually do something this year. My husband and I took the kids swimming for the first time at a pool in hopes that it would tire them out...nap time was fantastic (the boys went right to sleep and I had to wake them up 2 hours later). In the afternoon we decided that the swimming tired them out so we would take the dog to the dog park for a nice long walk. We went out for dinner (they ate really well), bath, story and bed. Or so we thought<br />
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I am sitting here 3 hours after putting the kids to bed writing this as I have taken almost everything I could possibly think of out of their room in hopes that they will go to sleep (I have gone upstairs to put them to bed over a dozen times buy now). My daughter was never this bad...it took 3 months to transition her fro my crib to a bed with her jumping out and me putting her back...the boys now that is another story. I have talked to many people, referred to many sleep training sites and we have tried everything. The going in every 5 min to reassure them that I am still here, the stern voice telling them to go to sleep that play time is over for the day. I have even put them back into bed not saying a word...all I can say is that boys are totally different than girls and twins are totally different than single babies. I really do envy those people who say that their kids have slept through the night at 2 months...Congratulations! You are above the average sleep time for your kids.<br />
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Studies have said that kids do better at learning when they have a full night sleep....well if that's the case then I must have really dumb kids. I know I don't as my daughter started reading on her own in kindergarten, my boys can figure out most puzzles...but when you read these articles when you are at your wits end you feel like the world's worst mother! I know I am sleep deprived...I have been for almost 7 years as the sleep depervation begins when you are pregnant to get you ready of a life time of not sleeping. These days I now wish I listened to my mother when she said to go to bed (but I will never tell her that she was right)<br />
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Here's hoping that someday I will get a full nights sleep and be able to go to bed early!Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-57239121960225725742015-06-14T15:03:00.002-06:002015-06-14T15:03:57.843-06:00StubbornStubborn people are all around us and it's worse when they are part of your family. Our of all the traits that a person can have that is one that I really don't like. Perhaps it's my stubbornness that causes me to not like this in other people but when their stubborn streak is apparent and they take it out on me then I am not pleased.<br />
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On March 10 my husband had a really bad accident at work (which we will never see any repercussions with the builder) and broke his heel bone and dislocated his finger. It could have been much worse, but that is not the point and my anger with this particular builder is for another time. Anyway, months later, a surgery, crutches, a cane, lots of physiotherapy (I think my husband see more of his therapist than me) this weekend we decided that we need to investigate the wooden stairs on our porch. My husband has not liked going up and down these stairs since the accident (for good reason) and this weekend it became very apparent how serious this type of accident really is!<br />
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After removing the staircase, we discovered that there were a total of 4 screws holding the stairs up on a very rotten board.<br />
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This was a ticking time bomb for anyone who walked on the stairs...</div>
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Now to the stubborn part. I give my husband credit in that he is determined to get this fixed as quickly as possible, but he also needs to realize that he cannot push himself. Last night after working on the deck all afternoon his foot began to hurt and we tried to think of why (perhaps that the physio therapist said to try not to use the pressure bandage, or that he was working on uneven ground for 4 hours, or both). This morning when he woke up his foot was still really sore and instead of icing an taking it easy, he pushed through and started working on the porch. He just stopped working as he is in so much pain that he can barely stand. This is where the stubborn comes in....he is in pain, I am just trying to help and he yells as me. We were told as soon as the Dr. gave the ok to walk on the foot again that pain is not gain in this type of injury and if you are in pain to stop. So instead of taking a day to recover, my husband works with this pain and probably can't go to work tomorrow, and will be off his foot for a few days.</div>
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The kicker of all this is (now it's my pitty party) we are supposed to go on a holiday without the kids this weekend and go cave exploring, and a wedding and spending time on the beach. He will probably be sitting in the hotel icing his foot on pain killers. I am really glad that he is up and walking again, but I wish that he would take it easy for just a little longer...heel breaks can take from 6 months to a year to heal and it's only been 3 months!</div>
<br />Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-33052997977383450982015-04-28T10:53:00.000-06:002015-04-28T10:53:17.634-06:00Readings<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Years ago, before I got married I went to a tea house with a group of girlfriends for tea and a reading. You had your choice of palm reading, tea leaves or tarot cards. I was very doubtful that this would be anything but a show, but I went into my reading with an open mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I chose the palm reading and as the lady started the recorder so that I can take the reading home with my I had decided that I was not going to elaborate on any answers and help her along in the reading, just to see how right she really is. I would call myself (back then) a huge skeptic! There were a few pieces of information that I was intrigued about...but nothing really stood out until a few years later. Here were the highlights that I remember (I want to go through my things and find the tape to re listen)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was told that I would have a long life...I am sure most people are told this but there is long life in my family (my grandmother died at 93 years old)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was told that I would get married before I turned 30....strange number but looking back now, I got married the month before I turned 30</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When it came time for the children line on my palm the medium laughed and I remember asking what was so funny...I was told I would have 3 children and one would be a set of twins. At the time I thought she was nuts and never thought anything of that statement again until I was 7 months pregnant with twins. I had a realization (about 5 years after this reading) that she was right!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When Long Island Medium made her debut on Canadian Television (TLC) my mom was talking about how it would be really neat to have a reading done by Theresa Caputo. My sister and I thought about taking her to New York and getting this done...we never did as the cost was really expensive, but the thought of going to a medium never left my mind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">About a month ago I found out that a co-worker of mine is a medium and she has been for years. I contacted her and set up a reading for myself, mom and sister. I think I was looking for something, but was more curious again if this really could happen. Last night we met with Donna from Third Eye Mystics and what is typically an hour reading turned into almost 3!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have to admit I had mixed emotions...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nervous that nothing would happen</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Excitement that I may actually connect with a loved who had passed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wonder if this really does work</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Need...I wasn't sure what but I felt that I needed this as much as my mom wanted to connect</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Donna was fantastic, before we really settled into our seats she was talking about a very strong woman who wanted to make herself known to us (my grandmother). We had very positive messages and quite a few validations and statements said that there was in no way that Donna would have know about my family. Yes I did work with Donna, but we never really sat down to talk about my life before this day. I had two questions for my dad in my mind that if he did come I wanted answered and he did with a determination that Donna couldn't ignore to pass along.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have always felt that my dad is with me everyday, even though I don't always think of him, but I needed the reassurance that he is there, and some of the things that came across confirmed his everyday presence.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was a fantastic experience and if ever I need the reassurance again I think I would go to another reading. I know that he is looking out for me and my family and even though he is not here, he is still guiding me along in my life only like a father could. </span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-1553513553429981072015-02-25T14:59:00.000-07:002015-02-25T18:24:08.732-07:00Lesson Learned<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's funny that after 3 kids I think that I have this being a mother thing down and then something happens...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Everyone gets into some sort of routine...if you think about it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You wake up (usually at the same time everyday)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You eat Breakfast</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You go to work</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You eat Lunch</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You go to back to work</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You eat Dinner</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You wind down after the day</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You go to bed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You repeat.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Husband and I were in for a wake up call about how comfortable we were with our routines. On Sunday I was on the phone with poison control because as we were going to bed, I checked in on the boys and discovered that David had managed to get a hold of a bottle of children's Tylenol and drank a good portion. Other than the day they were born I have never been so scared and worried about my kids in all my life!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How could this happen? We were so careful, putting the bottle on the boys dresser that is quite high. They have never attempted to climb the dresser...but this time David climbed onto the rocking chair and used the arm as his lift to reach for the bottle. I am trying to wrap my brain around this, and my theory is:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The boys have been sick all week and we have been giving them Tylenol to help with sore throats and sleep. Sunday night I thought that they were much better and didn't need it. David however had a different idea. He probably thought that we missed giving it and took it upon himself to get his dose. We have absolutely no idea how much he actually got because the bottle was not new and I don't know how much was left.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Calling poison control the lady on the other line was very nice but I could tell that she was trying to be professional. After weighing David we figured (doing calculations on her end) that he would have had to have 3/4 of the bottle to be toxic. If that was the case I would have to go to the hospital and get the antidote, because Tylenol causes liver damage.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because I was doubting how much he could have ingested I was up all night making sure that he was still breathing and not turning yellow from liver failure...so the lesson has been learned and I hope this blog can help someone else so they don't have to go through the worry and terror of a child overdosing on something so simple as Tylenol. It can happen so fast!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first thing I have done the next day was put all medicine in our medicine cabinet that the only way a child can get to is by closing our bathroom door and climbing on a chair...which they would have to get from downstairs.</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-52229498111992581022015-02-23T10:29:00.000-07:002015-02-23T10:29:14.667-07:00Weight Loss...What is that???Everybody has some sort of insecurities be it weight, nose, how they laugh...who knows? Only that person knows what it is and you can't always tell what people are really struggling with on the inside.<br />
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For me it's my weight and the look of my body. When I got pregnant with my daughter I weighed myself everyday and when I saw that scale start to rise, I found it difficult to accept and had to keep repeating to myself that gaining weight is a good thing during pregnancy. I did really watch what I ate, which wasn't very hard as I really had not much of an appetite for the duration of the pregnancy. I ate because I had to not because I wanted to. That could be the reason I gained 38 lbs....which I thought was a lot but all the books and my Dr said that was right on target.<br />
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When I became pregnant with the boys my Dr. Wasn't concerned with my weight as I was carrying twins and the rules for eating and gaining weight are different. I knew I was overweight with them from the start as I was at the weight when I was about to deliver my daughter when I got pregnant with the boys. As with my previous pregnancy I really wasn't hungry and ate when I had to (which was much more frequently - I felt like I was stuffing my face). I would have the odd day where all I wanted to do was eat but they were not very frequent. Again, with this pregnancy I on;y gained 40 pounds and when the boys were born I was relieved that they were healthy and more so that that 40 pounds was literally baby and all the contents of the pregnancy.<br />
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1 month later I was thrilled (much to my sister's dismay) that I had lost all that twin baby weight plus an additional 10 pounds. For the first time in a long time I actually felt good about myself and I had to get my bridesmaid dress taken in! I would shrug my shoulders and the thing would fall off.<br />
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Fast forward 2 years and I am back to a miserable weight and feeling very discouraged! As I stated in my December blog, I look at myself in the mirror and all I see is a blob of a person. My friends are really the only ones who tell me that I look good (family really doesn't count). But to be honest...as many times as I hear it, I really don't see it. That is why back in December I decided to start a program.<br />
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My usual track record with any weight loss attempt is 3 days and I am actually proud to say I did 2 weeks before the business of Christmas took over and I didn't work out for 2 days and then 3...needless to say I fell off the wagon again.<br />
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Looking back...who really starts a weight loss program 2 weeks before Christmas??? On the plus side, I was sleeping better, I did lose about 4 pounds, and my pants were fitting better. I think that is what kept me going for those 2 weeks, I was actually seeing results! After Christmas I got sick with a sinus cold and then strep throat. I was out for the count for the month of January.</div>
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So here we go again! I am on day 1 of this 60 day program and so far so good. I have a menu for the week that is actually easy to follow, I have set some time aside to work out and I am more determined than ever. I am doing this for 2 weddings that I am going to this year but most of all I am doing this for myself. As a mother of 3 kids it is human nature to put other's (especially your kids) needs above your own and all too often you let yourself go... I find that I don't put any effort in what I look like because I don't see the point. I will either get covered in food or haven't had a shower that day or I am just too tired to put anything other than sweat pants on. Before I had kids I didn't own a pair of sweat pants, now I have about 4!</div>
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So, here is to another try at my weight loss program!</div>
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<br />Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-58491138657434836802014-12-08T12:07:00.002-07:002014-12-08T12:07:55.747-07:00Weight Loss Journey...For anyone who knows me I have always been a relatively active person. I was a dancer for over 10 years, I was a cheerleader in high school and I have been know to have participated in the occasional "fun run" of 5 km.<br />
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Since having my kids however, I have put on a total of 50 lbs since my wedding day and when we were weighing the kids the other day out of curiosity, my husband stood on the scale and I then realized that I am exactly 100 lbs heavier than him! Now I know that the number on the scale is not always the important thing, but society has other plans for women.<br />
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I looked in the mirror that night and really looked at myself...you know that kind of scrutiny that you can only give yourself and I thought, "who is this person"? I mean, my bottom is way larger and sticks out much more than it used to, I have the mummy tummy (yes I have 3 kids and I know where it came from but I still don't like it) - I am thankful that I didn't get "twin skin" (that extra flap of skin that just won't go away), my breasts have gone up 3 sizes (I used to be a 38C) and they sag. I just don't like the way I have looked and I have decided that I need to take matters into my own hands and do something about this. The weight won't just disappear as much as I would love it to, so hard work is going to be in my future.<br />
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First step is get a workout video that I can do at home as I can't readily get out to a gym and I really don't want to pay the fees. The boys still nap in the afternoon, so I have dedicated that time as "me time" and will work out then. Last week I got a great deal on the Pretty Fierce Weight Loss workout series by Lindsay Brin and have printed the 60 day schedule for my workouts. I sat down this morning and planned my meals for the week.<br />
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So here goes for my weight loss journey...this is a 60 day program and I am going to do my best to stick with this and work hard for me.<br />
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Weight: 250 lbs<br />
Chest: 46.75 in<br />
Waist: 44 in<br />
Hips: 53 in<br />
<br />Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-8498794098947063052014-12-05T15:21:00.002-07:002014-12-05T15:21:54.505-07:00Another Year<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here we are nearing December and the end of yet another year. I must admit that I never really thought much about the passing years as I was growing up, I was always going somewhere or doing something whether it was piano lessons, dancing or going to camp in the summer. One month I always looked forward to was December...this year is no different.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The kids are a bit older (5 and 2) and they are really getting into the whole Christmas thing. December 1 we always pull out the decorations and get everything ready for the holidays...this year is no exception! We actually put them up for the first time on November 23rd! I don't really know why I am feeling like a little kid again and really can't wait to see my kids faces as they come downstairs in the morning to see that Santa has eaten the cookies and milk and left them a really special gift. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This takes us to the traditions that families create. For example...when I was growing up on Christmas morning my sister and I would wake up to find our stockings left right next to our beds. We thought that was so cool and would immediately open them up to see the first glimpse of presents from Santa. What we didn't know then, that I now know as a parent of very excited kids is that my parents left our stocking to get just a bit more sleep on Christmas morning. We were always told that we could not go downstairs until mum and dad said it was ok and we were not to come to mum and dad until 7:00 am. Try telling that to a kid that wants nothing more than to rip open as many gifts as possible. Hence the stocking by the bed. This year my kids are still to little to start that tradition, so I suspect that we will be one of those houses you see with the lights on and all the gifts opened by 7:00am! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The other tradition that we have started as a family is "the elf on the shelf". Many people already do this and we are now no exception. It's not easy as parents to come up with creative ways to position this elf, especially when we have 2 little boys that don't understand yet that you cannot touch said elf. So we are trying to get creative with the elf out of reach and up high. There are only so many things you can do with an elf hanging from a light or looking out from a cabinet. I am sure that as the kids get older and they understand that they cannot touch "Red" then we can get into the really fun stuff, but for now she will just look on from the shelf and wait until her day comes when she can have a "bath" in marshmallows :)</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-61606802783873366562014-11-17T09:28:00.000-07:002014-11-17T15:06:54.321-07:00Embarrassment<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There are firsts for everything in life...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time a baby hold their head</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you sit up</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you walk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you go to school</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you drive a car</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you get kissed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you go on a date</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you have sex</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most people remember those firsts (well not the baby ones...), my point is that most people block out of their memory the embarrassing firsts...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you wet the bed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you get a traffic ticket (I actually remember my first speeding ticket as it was only 2 years ago)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you wet your pants</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">First time you have a "leakage" from your period</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the time you can usually just creep off in an internal shame hoping that no one saw and that you can get away from the public humiliation...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I just experienced my first public shame and actually had to admit to it! This morning as the kids were putting on their boots for school we had the TV on to disney jr so that I don't have to chase anyone around while we are trying to get ready. After we dropped off my daughter at school we came home and so that I can get some breakfast finally I turned on my TV. To my surprise it wasn't working and neither was the internet. So in order to find the cable company's phone number (as everything is online these days) I had to turn to the very outdated (2 years) phone book. After locating the number I called and was informed that my account was deactivated due to missed payment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now I have never missed a payment in my life but since I have had the boys my brain has gone to pot and I have been late for many but never missed altogether! To my extreme embarrassment I had to admit to my mistake and have the company charge my credit card to reactivate my account. Now I am just waiting for my cable to come back on and thankfully for DVD players my kids have something to watch. Needless to say that I have also just set up a reminder (why I didn't do this years ago) to pay my bills as soon as they come in and not wait until the due date!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kids and adult brains do not mix!</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-13465089644670461722014-09-12T10:47:00.001-06:002014-09-12T10:47:18.415-06:00Into the Swing of Things<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, we have survived the first week of Kindergarten! I really had my doubts as to whether I would be able to keep my sanity with 3 little kids getting ready in the morning and making it out of the door in time for school (after-all, many working families do it why can't I? Right??)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My worries about Gillian making friends was a very silly one, as this is the kid who will go up to total strangers in the grocery store and ask "will you be my friend?" She is very open and loves to talk...Immediately on the first day of Kindergarten, she buddies up to a lovely set of girls (twins). I am not surprised that they are her first friends at school as she has been living with a set for 2 years and know what they are about.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we survived a week...I started off really well, getting up when my husband goes to work and actually eating breakfast in peace and quiet. As the week continued however, I have not been so eager...this morning it was 7:30 when I finally rolled out of bed and now I had exactly 30 minutes to get everyone out of the house! Easy right??? Wrong!!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Gillian decided that today was the day that she wanted to play around and get ready in the closet (why this place to change from PJ's to clothes I have no idea). so here I am trying to get dressed myself...underwear on, bra on, pants on, "Thud"...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Victor has decided to climb out of his crib and slipped thereby causing the Thud and falling to the floor. I cuddle him and figured I am half dressed so why not get him completely dressed now that he is out of his crib...Gillian at this point is still fooling around and only had underwear on...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I leave the room with a fully clothed Victor hoping to get the rest of my clothes when David starts wailing...(now what?)...he can't find his soother and he is all alone in the room. I get him dressed and while doing that Gillian decides that she doesn't want to wear the clothes that I pulled out for her and starts picking new pants.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's now 7:50 and we still haven't had breakfast and we need to get going. So waffles on the go it is...we eat in the car as we actually didn't leave the house after getting everything and everyone ready until 8:15am. The first bell is 8:19 (thank goodness we live less than 2 min by car). We got to the door and made it just in time. After a sigh of relief I pack the boys back into the car and head home. Pick-up was much easier...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we will see how this next week is going to be...</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-10426574796508910162014-09-01T23:06:00.001-06:002014-09-01T23:06:33.733-06:00A Whole New WorldI am the first one to admit that I have been really lacking on my attempt at a witty blog about my everyday life raising twin boys and a lovely daughter.<br />
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That being said I am feeling more inspired to write whether it is a blog about how crazy my life raising 3 kids has been or just a rant about myself in general, I find myself sitting here in a bit of a haze.<br />
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When my daughter was born she was a very easy baby, laid back and always wondering what was going on in the world. She was not the best sleeper until she was 18 months and even now at almost 5 years old she has the odd night where she can't fall asleep, or has a nightmare (but who hasn't these days). She never attempted to climb out of the crib or got into trouble of that mischievous sort you hear about when kids are 2-3 years old. My boys on the other hand...<br />
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Since they were born they were a handful (but as I was immediately outnumbered 2-1 in the baby to adult ratio - it's understandable). They just turned 2 and about 3 weeks before their birthday I knew we were in trouble! My oldest twin figured out how to remove his diaper - now this was funny at first but all I could think about when it was happening night after night was I really hoping that the contents of the diaper would not end up in his brother's crib! (Thankfully it only stayed in the confines of his own barred domain).<br />
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Now for the "terrible two's" I actually wouldn't say they were terrible, but 3 days after their 2nd birthday, both my boys decided it was time to explore their bedroom at night and proceeded to climb into each other's crib as well as escape by climbing out of their cribs onto the floor. My husband and I are now on nightly watches from bedtime until they are on the verge of falling asleep. We have mastered the art of giving the look of "you better lay your little butt down or else" so that the time we are up there is diminishing (perhaps we will have our evenings to ourselves sometime again). We debated whether to switch from a crib to a bed but I am really not ready for that stage in sleepless nights so therefore the boys are not ready : )<br />
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The other part of the title of this post is that my first born in entering into Kindergarten. Tomorrow is the first day of school and I don't know who is more nervous me or her. She was at playschool last year so I know she can handle being away from "mommy" during the day...I just have all the same fears that every parent holds the first time your child starts something new. Will she make friends? Will she do well at what she is being taught? Is this the right school for her? Can I get her to school on time with toddlers in tow?<br />
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I lay here awake with my husband sleeping soundly typing this and waiting for myself to feel sleepy...Now I have to be able to actually function every morning...I haven't done that in 2 years since I was at work... We are now embarking on a "Whole New World"Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-42398750663168394242014-02-13T15:25:00.003-07:002014-02-13T15:25:50.601-07:00Valentines<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Valentines is a holiday that honestly I can take it or leave it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is is nice to get flowers???of course, but do I need a specific day for my husband to show me he cares with over-priced flowers? no. A month ago he came home the day after a horrible day I had with the kids with a nice bouquet of flowers in hand. I felt appreciated and it made me feel like I really am not that bad of a mom/wife or person in general. That being said it is a nice reminder for everyone to let people know how one feels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">At playschool, my daughter was having a valentines PJ party and exchanging cards. It was such a crazy week last week (with my grandma and mom flying out to Toronto) that I completely forgot to get the little cards that the kids can exchange, and I sent my daughter to her very first class valentines party empty-handed... I felt like a tool and promised myself that next year I will do better. Well my Mother-in-Law came to the rescue and picked up a package of cards and dropped it off at preschool. What a life saver!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I think that when I go shopping next I will pick up a package of the valentines cards to save for next year. Knowing me I will probably put them somewhere and forget where I put them and be in the same boat next year with no cards in hand for distribution. Someday I will have a brain that remembers things right???</span><br />
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<br />Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-25603713119838752352013-09-27T12:04:00.000-06:002013-09-27T12:04:48.288-06:00Friday's Top Five - Things I Love About Fall<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I'm going to give this a try, as I can barely find time to just sit some days but here goes...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am one of those odd people that love every season! Yes even that winter season where you are essentially hibernating in your house some days or even weeks due to the cold weather. Before I had kids this wasn't the case, but now when I have to worry about frost bite and them being cold it's a whole other story (but later on that). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What do I love about Fall?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) The colours</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Granted in Edmonton we don't get to see the vibrant reds and yellows that other provinces see (Toronto) but we get our fair share of really pretty colours. I love seeing the leaves turn and giving that one day of hazy blast of colour when you look in the river valleys just before all the leaves fall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Cooler nights...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a hot summer, where it just doesn't seem to cool off and your house feels like the inside of an oven, I love when you get into your bed and the sheets are cold. Your body warms them up and you can have a nice cozy sleep. It's also the ideal time when your window can still be open at night and it's not too cold when you sleep. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Again this is a short lived time as you will quickly figure out when you sit on a really cold toilet seat in the morning (like sitting in an outhouse) that it may be time to shut the windows for the season in preparation for winter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Thanksgiving</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A time when you can eat all the turkey and stuffing you want and not feel guilty about it? Who wouldn't? Just like the "Friends" episode when joey wears his stretchy pants for the occasion...this is the one holiday where I actually consider fishing out my maternity pants just so I don't feel uncomfortable after the great turkey dinner.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) Halloween</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As much as kids don't need as much candy as they get...I have always loved Halloween. When I stopped going trick or treating (in grade 10) I got the job at home of handing out the candy. I still got dressed up and answered the door in some costume. I think the funniest time was when I was dressed as a bunny. I didn't realize it until after (when my husband told me) that I may have looked like a playboy bunny, but a dad came to the door with his kids. After I gave the kids their candy they ran to the next house and the father was still just standing there. I also didn't realize that as I was handing out the candy my sister came down the stairs all dressed up for a party she was going to as a dominatrix. I am sure that dad volunteered every year after that episode to take his kids just to see what my sister and I would be wearing the following years.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that I have kids, I love getting their costumes together and setting them up for their "outting". Their dad takes them around to our family as they are still very young and don't realize what it's all about yet. but they still come back with a container full of candy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) Knowing that the next season is just around the corner...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I said earlier, I love all seasons and by the end of the fall (usually after Thanksgiving) I am getting into winter mode. I anticipate that first snowfall, but most of all I look forward to my absolute favourite holiday, Christmas!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wow...I am amazed that I was able so sit down and get this all written in one sitting! now to jump over to my buddies blogs (<a href="http://a-warm-cup-of-jo.blogspot.ca/">A Warm Cup of Jo</a>, <a href="http://divulgewithdani.blogspot.ca/">Divulge with Dani</a>, and <a href="http://broodingwoman.blogspot.ca/">Brooding Woman</a>) to see what they love about fall.</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-54376975358633302882013-09-21T14:22:00.000-06:002013-09-21T14:22:53.090-06:00Friday's Top Five - Things I Did This Summer<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a few friends ( <a href="http://a-warm-cup-of-jo.blogspot.ca/">A Warm Cup of Jo</a> and <a href="http://broodingwoman.blogspot.ca/">The Brooding Woman</a>) who do this Friday's Top Five Blog and I thought I would pitch in this time around. I really can't believe how fast this summer has gone by and I am holding on to every nice day until we are stuck inside for 6 months of the year...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I really didn't do anything overly exciting this summer but we had a good time to say the least. Kids outside almost every day playing in the backyard and working on the garden, but we did do some really great things this summer as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5) First Family Vacation</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our summer really started on the May Long weekend when my husband and I decided to take our first family vacation. This was the first really family vacation that was just my husband, myself, my daughter and the boys...no inlaws in any way!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We thought where would be a good place for a 3 year old and a set of 9 month olds? The Calgary zoo was our first thought * and then my husband thought that since we are so close to Drumheller, why not there as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here we are all packed up (you think we were moving there with the car load of stuff) on our way to Calgary. We had to stop in Red Deer for a bathroom break, and the boys really needed to stretch their legs. Starbucks is the newest coffee stop and we took up the entire 4 tables in the back corner so the kids could crawl. After a small stop we were off again foolishly thinking that the kids would sleep in the car ** we made it to Calgary for our adventure to begin!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After an OK sleep that night and a brief nap in the morning we were off to the zoo. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a great time going through all the exhibits and with no afternoon naps I was expecting really cranky boys but they were troopers and enjoyed it just as much as the rest of us!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Drumheller was our next stop on the way home and finally we were able to get a small nap on the way there from all the kids.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been years since I had been to Drumheller and the landscape was amazing and felt like you were in a completely different part of the world! I remember the museum being a lot bigger than it was, but isn't everything big when you are a kid?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">4) Went to a friend's PotLuck</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Spending time with friends and family is such an important thing for me that when we got the invitation to go to a summer potluck from my friend Jo we jumped at the chance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We really don't spend a lot of time with friends but when we all get together you would think that we see each other every day...it seems that we just pick up right where we left off from the last time we saw each other! What a great way to spend time and have our kids play and burn off a bunch of energy!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">3) Got some projects done</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided at the beginning of the summer that this was the year that I got some things done around the house! I started painting my main floor on the rainy days *** and I am pleased to say that as of this blog I have 2 walls left to paint in my stairwell. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I decided to dig up this huge garden in the backyard and make it smaller. I discovered that the previous owners must have ordered a ton of rocks to put in this garden because I have a small quarry in the backyard.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last project that I have started and still need to complete (one side left) is that I am blocking off the underside of my porch so that my dog doesn't go under and dig.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2) </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Celebrated a Year!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A year ago August we welcomed our twin boys and this summer we celebrated their first birthday! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We only had a small family gathering but it was a blast. We discovered that the boys love cake to the point that when David was done eating his piece he tried to steal Victor's piece off his plate!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1) </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did a little something for me</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This August was the end of my Maternity Leave and I decided that my family comes first and Quit My Job!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have had to change my way of thinking in that I am not going to a job everyday in an office, but I am working full time as a mom. My kids are my pride and joy and I love spending every waking moment with them! Granted we have our </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">challenges in the days, but they are only little once so I might as well enjoy it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It has been scary and a bit hard at first to wrap my head around the idea of not working, since being an admin assistant has been a part of who I am for 15 years. Will I miss the politics of work? Not at all! Will I miss the people? absolutely! The interactions you have with adults and people at work are completely different, but so is your interaction with your kids. I don't think there is a day that goes by that I regret my decision!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The video is a perfect description for an at home mom...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have also decided that to do something for myself (other than quitting my job) is to teach something that I love to do. I have signed up to be a cake decorating instructor! This will give me time to do something outside the house and a "break" from our everyday routine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All in all I have had a pretty good summer! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">*Good thing too, since a few months later it was flooded out</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">** The boys fell asleep 30 minutes outside of Calgary</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">***During naps is a great time to get things done without little kids</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-26108768176554551882013-08-28T13:12:00.000-06:002013-08-28T13:12:19.717-06:00What a Year<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As I sit here typing in the few moments before I have to go to one of the kids or go to bed before anyone wakes up I am amazed at how fast this last year has gone by. There were lots of times (I think more in the first 6 months) that both my husband and I thought we were drowning, and this can't be done...but we made it! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A year ago, we were a family of 3 waiting and doing everything we could think of to have these boys. My mom came over and walked me around the block about 10 times (we live in a cul-de-sac) to try to induce labour. She even took my daughter for the night "just in case". Well I think she has some form of ESP because after a lovely dinner just me and my husband we were in the hospital welcoming our bundles of joy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyday has had new challenges, I was so sleep deprived that I had no idea who I was feeding in the night and I am sure on some nights one or the other was fed twice and the other "was just fussy" (little did I realize that he was probably hungry). I tried to do the double feeding to save time it it worked most of the time, but there was one night when the boys were swaddled really tightly and I put David on the foot stool of the rocking chair while I got Victor out of the crib. Next thing I knew, David had rolled off the stool (I hit it with my foot causing it to rock) and was lying face down on the floor) he was crying a little but I think it was more out of hunger than anything else. While I was feeding them I was giggling to myself trying to not make noise causing everything to jiggle and I am sure making it a bit of a challenge for the boys to eat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now that the year has come and gone I have seen the boys develop into their own person while keeping that "twin" connection. David (the older one) is very determined and wants to figure everything out and copy what you do. If something doesn't work for him he has such a temper...fists will clench, he will turn red in the face and then out comes the cry. It is getting a little old, but at the same time still funny. Victor is the adventurous one...he will climb on anything, climb into anything and pull on anything. I am sure that down the road if someone is going to get a broken bone or stitches it will be Victor. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The "twinness" comes in usually at bed times, if the boys are not tired at all they will usually play through the cribs with each other, and when I come in to check they quickly whip around and stand up as if they are guilty of something and try to look innocent. If Victor is taken out of the room after naps and David is still asleep when he wakes up and realizes that Victor is not in bed I will hear quite a cry and he is very upset, and usually will not calm down until he is downstairs in the same room with his brother.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I talk a lot about the boys, but Gillian is a great kid in all this excitement from day to day. She had to make a lot of adjustments not only as a big sister that was going to have to deal with a new baby, but there were two! In the early days, she was a little put out that these new boys were taking all of mummy's time, but has since become a huge help. She loves to play with the boys and showing them how to make trains and building towers. I am sure that we will have many more play days ahead before she is "tired" of playing with her brothers. She is my little pumpkin and we still have our one-on-one time grocery shopping and making crafts while the boys sleep.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our world as we know it and planned how it would be was turned upside down in a good way. We have learned to expect the unexpected and to go with the flow. Everyday is an adventure!</span></div>
Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-5298716638477156812013-06-08T20:00:00.000-06:002013-06-08T20:00:58.539-06:00Terrible Three'sI was watching Super Nanny a few years ago and there was this family with a totally disobedient child. He was abusive to his parents by yelling and screaming and hitting everybody in sight. This kid was 6 years old and I thought to myself...wow what kind of parents would let their kid be like that!<br />
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Until I was a parent myself I really didn't understand the determination and independence that a toddler tries to figure out. It amazes me at how a child can concentrate so hard and keep trying until they figure out whatever they are trying to do. Their frustration comes out by crying when something they want to do doesn't work and all smiles when it goes their way. My daughter is 3 (almost 4 years old) and the most determined little girl I know! She will get so frustrated when something isn't working and come running to either me or my husband for help. We will show her and if it is still frustrating her after we have shown her how to do something, we will get her to take a breath and try to work through the problem until she figures it out herself. We are doing this to try and help develop her problem solving skills.<br />
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We have had our ups and downs and last Saturday I thought that we could have been on one of those reality shows that have children acting out in the most crazy ways that the parents need someone to come in to help with the discipline. My daughter was happliy having her bath and when it was her time to come out she told me to "get out". Well, this did not go over well with a very tired mum and I picked her up right out of the tub and carried this naked, screaming and squirming little girl to her room. As calmly as I could and not saying a thing (all the while thinking.,,who is this demon child) I got her dried off and dressed and put her into bed. The next thing I knew after closing her door and walking downstairs to do the dishes, I hear screaming for "daddy" and she was either kicking or hitting the wall. (without a video monitor I really can't tell). When she didn't get the attention she was after she moved to hitting the door with both fists and still screaming. My husband then took control of the situation and went upstairs to deal with this demon child.<br />
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I felt terrible but totally spent...I now know how those reality TV parents felt, and how easily one can be driven to drink. This only happened one time, but when the saying goes the "terrible twos" I think the person had the age wrong. It is the terrible three's. The toddler is trying to figure out her independence and when they don't get it all hell breaks loose. This is also the time when most kids drop naps altogether, but are still in need of one. That's another topic...how to get a toddler to nap when they need to. My daughter has dropped all naps and once in a blue moon will actually take one, and on this particular day she really needed a nap!<br />
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I am crossing my fingers that this doesn't happen again,Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-78582819515484971662013-05-29T16:27:00.000-06:002013-05-29T16:27:02.056-06:00Sanity Vs. Insanity<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wow, I look back on the posts and realize that I haven't done this in a long time. I did warn you in advance that with twins and a toddler that I may not post that often. I have a few posts on the go, but haven't had time to just sit down and write.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last weekend was a long weekend and my husband and I thought that we needed a "family vacation". Since the boys are 9 months right now it's really hard to figure out where to go that will be good for us and the kids until we realized that we are parents now and what kids doesn't love the zoo?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So this is where to Sanity Vz. insanity comes into play...We decided to pack everyone up in the car just after lunch and take the 3 hour drive to Calgary and spend the weekend (2 nights) to go to the zoo and then to the Tyrell Museum (2 hours away). The kids did really well in the car to Red Deer where we unpacked them and went to Starbucks for a coffee fix and a chance for the toddler to go to the bathroom (working on toilet training while traveling is tricky) and the twins to burn off a little bit of energy before being strapped in for another car ride until our destination for the night in Calgary.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We made it without incident and settled in for the night where within 20 minutes of arriving I had a screaming kid in my arms who's fingers just got closed in the bathroom door, and the other twin is quickly locating the telephone book and deciding that it doesn't need a few pages. My little girl was happily playing with the nintendo ds that I brought for "emergency". I felt really sorry for our neighbours and hoped that the boys wouldn't be heard very loudly as they cried for 30 minutes before finally falling asleep for the night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The next day we went down for our breakfast and hogged the only 2 high chairs that the hotel had but I wasn't about to have one on my lap and try to feed cereal backwards while the other gets into trouble with exploring. The boys actually went down for a nap really well and slept for 2 hours before we ventured out to the zoo. Our thinking was that the boys would have a nap we would go to the zoo have some lunch and they would be ready for a nap...Nope. We went the entire zoo with the boys looking around and they didn't fall asleep until 3pm (their usual nap time is 130). Our daughter loved all the animals and wanted to see everything. She was exhausted by the end but couldn't stop talking about the animals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">That night I was done physically and David decided he was so overtired that he couldn't sleep so from 1am until 3am (when I had had enough and dosed him with Camilla) he decided that every 20 minutes or so he would cry. Since the boys were in our room I woke up and tried my best to keep him quiet, but as soon as I put him down and got comfortable myself he decided that it was time to cry again. By the morning I was exhausted but for the good of the children I put on my happy face and we got everyone ready to travel to Drumheller for the "Dinosaur" museum. I was totally different than when I went about 20 years ago but exciting none-the-less. Again the boys would not sleep their normal afternoon nap until 3:30pm, and then it was only for about 1/2 hour. Our daughter wanted my husband to read her everything about every dino (which was great, but after a bit was a little tiring)...he still needs to learn that until she can read herself, he can skip over lots without her knowing :) I am glad that she has such interest in dinosaurs.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And now for the insanity part. We packed everyone up for the final drive home and thankfully the boys decided that it was finally time to sleep. we had an hour of quiet with our daughter coloring quietly in the car. We stopped for dinner and then about 20 minutes outside of red deer David decided that he had enough of being strapped in (I don't blame him) and cried (screamed) for 40 minutes straight. It passed the drive time, but we could have done without the noise.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all, the trip was a success and everyone had a great time, but I have learned a few things about traveling with twins. I have traveled with a baby and a toddler before but not twins in a 4 hour car ride...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1) Even though you think that traveling during nap time is a great idea...usually the baby/babies think differently.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2) Make sure you have lots in the car in the way of things to drink, eat and things for the toddlers to do. Coloring books are a good suggestion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3) Take lots of breaks so the kids and yourself can stretch. Babies have a lot of energy that needs to be burned off and without activity they will just be miserable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4) Go with a good attitude, you will not get a lot of down time and will probably ready to snap, but thinking that you rarely get to go on a holiday will get you through the trip in one piece.</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-1260758043841170152013-04-22T09:19:00.001-06:002013-04-22T11:34:09.570-06:00Monday Madness<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Well it's Monday again and this weekend was a busy one. You think I have learned after having my daughter that weekends are crazy on our schedule without adding family outings and other "stuff". Well the answer to that question is I don't...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friday night we (my husband, myself and our daughter) ventured out the the Waterpark and had a great time. We knew it would be a late night as the event didn't start until 7:30pm and our daughter's bedtime is 8:00pm. This was a special night with just Mom and Dad :) Well we had a great time, Grandma babysat the boys so we were able to enjoy ourselves. A little self discovery is that I really don't like waterslides (this was the first time I did one in 4 years), and I am around kids to much during the day when I am excited as a teenager when going to the waterpark for our annual event. Time went so quickly that before I knew it, it was 9:45pm and I needed to get my little one to bed. I left my husband there to get a ride home so he could enjoy it a little more and I took her home. She was an absolute zombie but crawled into bed and actually slept in until 7:45am the next morning. She still talks about it and is asking when she can go back.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saturday worked out to be another afternoon away from the boys, but that is so my husband and I could go to the car show. When we bought my Rav4 2 years ago we were anticipating only 2 kids in car seats so we opted not to get the 3rd row seats that were an option. Now realizing that for any type of holiday it is going to be a tight squeeze in the car with 3 car seats in one row (they look like squished sausages), a dog and all our stuff. We have talked about getting a truck for awhile...so off to the car show. Wow lots of cars and some really nice...if I had $98,000 I would get a really nice buick SUV but really??? Who with kids has that kind of money to spend on a car?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sunday you think would be the day that we would take is "easy"...nope! The day was actually pretty quiet, naps were actually on schedule and I actually was able to take a morning nap! The evening is when I really should have put my foot down and said no, but alas I went along with kids, diaper bags and booster seats in tow. Our outing consisted of going to my in-laws for dinner. Now on occasion I really don't mind but this is EVERY SUNDAY! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't get me wrong I am really glad that my kids will have a good relationship with their grandparents, and cousins, but there is such a thing as a little too much family! I really don't think this is the place to get into all the details about our visits, but what I really don't like about every sunday is that we don't end up leaving to go home until well after 7:30 pm and the kids ultimately suffer. They are late going to bed and often don't fall asleep right away and are miserable until they do drift off. Then the night falls and we are usually up an average of 3 times, not to mention they are then awake for the day at 6:00 am. Naps on Monday are usually a hit and miss and by the end of the day I am ready to explode at someone, but hold it in usually mumbling to myself when my husband is in the 1/2 hour shower when the kids are screaming and need to be held. How nice it must be to have a 1/2 hour shower...I am lucky if I get one a week!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here we are Monday again and I was just able to get the boys down for the morning nap...who knows how long it will last but I will take what I can get!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now if we can only get through the week without any chaos that would be the ideal world in our house :)</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-29087439523630818892013-04-15T16:04:00.000-06:002013-04-15T16:04:08.289-06:00TwinsThe day that you get that BFP (big fat positive) on a pregnancy test your world changes. You have a mix of emotions from excitement to fear to uncertainty. Whether you are a first time mom or veteran these emotions are there every time. After the initial reaction your mind starts racing as to what you need to do and get before your bundle of joy arrives. Yes, usually when you find out you are expecting you usually have another 8 months to get things done but that doesn't stop an expectant mother from planning. It's like an excited bride...you want to get everything done early so that you can enjoy the rest of the time with no stress. You may or may not feel pregnant in the early days (I know didn't) but as soon as you have that first Dr. appointment when you hear the heart beat for the first time your feelings about the pregnancy solidify. Then there is the first ultrasound...<br />
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With both my pregnancies the first time I was able to see the baby was at the 19 week anatomy scan ultrasound. There is excitement and butterflies in my stomach as I sat in the waiting room with a very full bladder. (NOTE: When the dr. says to drink a liter of water before your appointment...don't! As a pregnant woman you only need a 1/2 liter at the most). My name is called to then go to the ultrasound room. The lights dim and the monitor is turned on. After what seems like an eternity the tech has finally located the location of the baby to start the scan. This time around the tech asked me if I was measuring larger than normal. I expected to show sooner because this was my second pregnancy...well the next thing he said changed our world forever. There were 2 babies! We were speechless...The next 20 weeks were filled with monthly Dr. Appointments, routine ultrasounds and non-stress tests. We were waiting and hoping that everything would be good. Twins are normally born between 36-38 weeks and again I make a comfortable home for my little bundles. At 39 weeks to the day my water broke and I was in labour. As told in my previous blog I had a very fast delivery and we welcomed two baby boys.<br />
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Once we arrived home the reality of twins hit. They slept and we cuddled until about 2am when they both woke up and cried. My husband and I tried everything to get them to sleep, I fed them, changed them and we rocked and paced the living room together. In the end I realized I made a first time mom mistake...they were cold. I didn't realize this until 2 hours later and being very frustrated. Our next few weeks we passed by learning about babies all over again. Twins are really not much different from one baby, except everything takes more time. At night in the beginning, it took me 2 hours to feed and burp both babies and then I would get about an hour sleep before we were up again for the next feed. The first 3 months were a blur and I am really thankful that my husband took a month off work and family was around to help every day.<br />
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In those first few months I became pretty good at feeding them together (this saved a ton of time), changing a poopy diaper in record time as I usually had another baby crying for a change, and mastered the art of picking up two babies, cuddling them at the same time and figuring out how to put one baby in the crib while holding the other without waking either up.<br />
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There were lots of challenges and lots of tears along the way in the these last 8 months and what I have learned is that you really do need to take one day at a time.<br />
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Other tips are:<br />
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- Your noise level in the house will never be quite again and when you actually do have silence you really don't know what to do with it.<br />
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- Twins really do want to be fed at the same time, and need diaper changes at the same time (at least until they start to eat solids)<br />
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- As much as one may be crying at night, the other will eventually learn to sleep through.<br />
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- It takes twice as long to get out of the house with twins and a toddler in tow. On average it will take me 30 minutes to get everyone ready and packed up and in the car before we can go anywhere.<br />
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The boys are now crawling (they learned really early - 6 months) and are doing stairs so they tend to take advantage of when I am getting one out of trouble, the other will do something else. The other day I was making lunch for the kids and I hear crying. I drop what I am doing to investigate and found Victor is standing and holding what little hair David has in his fist while David is trying to sit down. I couldn't help but chuckle to myself as I released his grip, as I thought...and so it begins!<br />
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I really can't imagine what my life would be like without my kids and everyday is an adventure.Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-31472761873541877092013-04-09T11:33:00.003-06:002013-04-09T11:33:57.448-06:00Life as we new it...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that I kinda understand how blogging works I thought I would write about how my life has changed for the better in the last 5 years (Warning this will be a long post). Not that I had a terrible life before...I had a great childhood, but I married the love of my life and created my beautiful family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6 years ago my now husband proposed upon a ledge at the Grand Canyon with my best friends around. Now you need to understand that my husband and I had been dating for 13 years at this point and have gone on a few "mini" vacations together where I thought "this is it...we are going to get engaged". Up until that point at the Grand Canyon I had absolutely no idea that this was going to be the trip that he would propose. I was surprised and thrilled at the same time. To have our friends around made this a very special memory to us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Fast forward a year and our beautiful daughter was born. I was lucky with that pregnancy in that I put on 39 pounds and was very uneventful in terms of medical risks and such. In fact I made it such a comfortable home in my tummy that my daughter decided to stay put for an extra 12 days. The day before she was scheduled to be induced, she decided that is was time to introduce herself to the world. With a 3 and a half hour labour she was born at 6:49am with no complications and welcomed with open arms. She is now almost 4 years old and an absolute joy. We play and do crafts and she is a huge help with her brothers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I say brothers I mean twin boys. A year ago last week my husband and I went to our routine 19 week ultrasound for the first time and discovered to everyones surprise (including the doctor) that there were 2 babies. We were shocked and I think the first thought that went through my husband and my mind was "how did this happen and what are we going to do now?" we were only planning on 2 kids and here we are expecting two at one time, making out kid count 3. Once the shock wore off with us (which took a few months) and our family we were in the nesting and planning stage. 2 of everything...this is going to be expensive I thought. Well being frugal I managed to find a crib exactly like our daughter's online that had never been used and half the price of what we paid 3 year earlier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In August (after a typical singleton pregnancy) at 39 weeks (totally not normal for twins) I gave birth to healthy twin BOYS. We were not expecting boys...I was shocked but upon seeing them for the first time in total love with my boys. I was expecting the birth to be a little different from my first...mainly because there were 2 to be born, but I was mistaken. This time around my water broke at home (thankfully in the toilet) and we quickly went to the hospital. I was prepared for the worst scenario...the possibility of a natural birth for the first twin and a c-section for the second. Well luckily I was able to have both boys naturally but not without a little drama in the delivery room. Baby B decided to flip from a head down position to a foot first position(my biggest fear) so he was literally pulled out by his feet. After 2 hours in the NICU my second born baby boy was in my arms and I was never going to let them go!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once home (2 days later) we quickly settled into a routine of feeding, diapers and babies sleeping, but with a 3 year old toddler whose naps were starting to become few and far between I was luck to get the odd afternoon when all 3 kids were sleeping at the same time. When they say "sleep when baby sleeps" I think they mean when you are a first time mum because there is no way that a second time mum will be able to sleep at the same time when you want to spend time with your toddler to have them feel like they are still as important to you even though there is another baby/babies in the house. We have had our challenges but after 8 months we are surviving and thriving as a family of 5 and I would not change a moment for anything. More about the challenges of twins in a later post :)</span>Bronwynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05724373350268745931noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6504407068082352967.post-38058322934071849892013-04-08T10:11:00.001-06:002013-04-09T09:12:59.853-06:00A New Season...New Beginnings<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to my blog...I have never done this before but then again in life what have we done before. I don't know if this is how it's done but here is a little about myself</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am a mom of a beautiful 3 <span style="font-size: x-small;">1/2</span> year old daughter and cute 8 month old twin boys, I love to bake and decorate cakes for people and have a wonderful husband family and friends. That being said it's a little crazy around here at times :)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the title says it's a new season and a new beginning. I have struggled with my weight for a long time, but to look at me you would not guess the number on the scale, but after the birth of my boys I have developed the mummy tummy (I had it after my daughter) and a little bit of the dreaded "twin skin". That is where your belly has stretched so much that the skin kinda sags. My tummy looks like a deflated balloon and not to mention the stretch marks. I never knew that they could run horizontally and vertically. I am in no way ashamed of my stretch marks (I view them as my tiger stripes). What I don't like and I am going to work on is the number on the scale and getting my stomach back to a relatively normal shape. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That is where this blog comes in...I think that if I have a place where I can vent my frustrations and successes by writing it down I will be a little more accountable for my actions and will have success this time around. I am hoping to at least write once a week, but if I don't well...with 3 kids on the move you can understand.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now on to the day's accomplishments...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With only 4 hours of sleep last night I have managed to eat what I had planned for the day and I have done my fist day of Mom's into Fitness exercise program. 30 minutes of kickboxing, and weight resistance and core. I am tired but feel better that I have done it. Now the challenge is to stick with it! My usual pattern is do the first 2-3 days and then feel too sore and tired and don't do anymore. This is a 60 day program and I am committed to making this work!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now for my bragging in the kids department...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My daughter is loving being a big sister and is learning to play with her brothers instead of just playing. It helps that her brothers are at the age that they are curious about everything and she loves showing them how things work.</span><br />
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The boys are crawling and doing stairs so we have baby gates everywhere so that I can make sure that no one will fall without me looking as their favourite pastime is to go in different directions. They are in full teething mode and my first born son now has 4 teeth and is working on number 5 and the second born son is working on teeth number 3 and 4. It makes for short naps and sleepless nights. They are my pride and joy so for this short time I will endure the unhappiness of the boys and try to ease the teething pain with popsicles and cold wash clothes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you in advance for reading the rants of a stay at home mum. I love being at home with my kids and would not change anything for the world.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> - Bronwyn -</span><br />
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