22 Months and 6 Days
Dear Lil J,
Today you made like a magician and hid all of my methods of payment. In a computer no less. You took all of Mommy's debit and credit cards and slid them into the floppy disk part (yes, there are some of these computers still around) in an old, old computer that we do not use anymore. Of course you laughed and said, "Upsies" and thought it was the most hilarious thing in the world.
When I think of it, it is pretty funny.
But what you don't know is that Mommy needs those cards. To buy you nice things. Like diapers. Trust me, you'd miss those if Mommy didn't have her cards.
Love,
Mommy
- swank|mama
4.30.2011
saying goodbye
Death. The five letter word that no one wants to utter, that everyone wants to avoid. But whether we want to admit it or not, death is inevitable. Avoidable.
My husband's family lost a loved one yesterday - Grandma. She was the matriarch of his family. The woman who started it all. A strong, strong woman who helped raise countless kids and supported a large, close-knit family.
Grandma was a very strong-willed woman. She was bed-ridden in her last months, getting up only when she was able. Lil J was able to lift her spirits up and make her smile as if nothing was wrong. Every time that happened, my heart would melt.
Cancer took her. In the end she was in so much pain and could not eat. We were prepared for her passing and in the last days knew that her time was coming soon. But nothing can really prepare you for the passing of a loved one. From the moment I received my husbands text, shock was what I felt. I sat there just staring straight ahead...thoughts racing through my mind. About 15 minutes later, tears started forming. This was going to be a long and tough road for my mother-in-law - Grandma's daughter. If there was anyone that I didn't want to see in mourning pain, it would be my mother-in-law.
Thankfully I was able to leave work to be with my husband and his family for the next couple days. It was comforting to be with family and know that our presence was appreciated. We helped prepare the house for visitors. We are going to have a lot of visitors over the next couple weeks. Sad under the circumstances, but it will be nice to see everyone get together.
As we celebrate the life of Grandma and the wonderful woman she was, we must learn not to take life for granted and to enjoy & live in the moment. Because life is far too short. It might sound cliche but it's true.
Rest in peace Grandma. You are in a better place and will be shining down on us forever.
- swank|mama
My husband's family lost a loved one yesterday - Grandma. She was the matriarch of his family. The woman who started it all. A strong, strong woman who helped raise countless kids and supported a large, close-knit family.
Grandma was a very strong-willed woman. She was bed-ridden in her last months, getting up only when she was able. Lil J was able to lift her spirits up and make her smile as if nothing was wrong. Every time that happened, my heart would melt.
Cancer took her. In the end she was in so much pain and could not eat. We were prepared for her passing and in the last days knew that her time was coming soon. But nothing can really prepare you for the passing of a loved one. From the moment I received my husbands text, shock was what I felt. I sat there just staring straight ahead...thoughts racing through my mind. About 15 minutes later, tears started forming. This was going to be a long and tough road for my mother-in-law - Grandma's daughter. If there was anyone that I didn't want to see in mourning pain, it would be my mother-in-law.
Thankfully I was able to leave work to be with my husband and his family for the next couple days. It was comforting to be with family and know that our presence was appreciated. We helped prepare the house for visitors. We are going to have a lot of visitors over the next couple weeks. Sad under the circumstances, but it will be nice to see everyone get together.
As we celebrate the life of Grandma and the wonderful woman she was, we must learn not to take life for granted and to enjoy & live in the moment. Because life is far too short. It might sound cliche but it's true.
Rest in peace Grandma. You are in a better place and will be shining down on us forever.
- swank|mama
4.29.2011
lil j is a star!!!
On my way home from work yesterday, I received a voicemail from urban baby & toddler magazine advising that Lil J has been chosen as a finalist in their 2011 cover contest! My baby is on his way to becoming a star!!
The contest opened at 9am this morning and closes on May 7th at midnight. You can vote here for Jadon as many times as you like. Last years winner had over 40,000 votes so Jadon will need a lot of support!
Two winners with the highest votes will have an exclusive photo shoot with local Vancouver photography studio Bopomo Pictures, with one of the pictures from the shoot on a future urban baby & toddler cover!
Thank you in advance to all of you for taking the time to cast your vote. Jadon (and mommy) really appreciate it!!
Follow both urban baby & toddler and Bopomo Pictures on Twitter.
- swank|mama
4.28.2011
swank|sales: Parade Organics
Sale alert!!
Vancouver based company Parade Organics is having a massive sample sale at their Gastown studio (235 Cambie Street) today and tomorrow from 10 - 6pm both days.
Parade uses only pesticide and chemical free 100% SKAL certified organically grown cotton & sustainable materials. All of Parade's products are made with the finest organic cotton in sweatshop free environments through fair trade.
Sizes will range from newborn to 4 years old. Spend $30 or more and receive a free toddler shirt (while quantities last).
Happy shopping swank mamas!!
- swank|mama
Vancouver based company Parade Organics is having a massive sample sale at their Gastown studio (235 Cambie Street) today and tomorrow from 10 - 6pm both days.
Parade uses only pesticide and chemical free 100% SKAL certified organically grown cotton & sustainable materials. All of Parade's products are made with the finest organic cotton in sweatshop free environments through fair trade.
Sizes will range from newborn to 4 years old. Spend $30 or more and receive a free toddler shirt (while quantities last).
Happy shopping swank mamas!!
- swank|mama
4.27.2011
dear lil j
22 Months and 3 Days
Every day you continue to grow before my very eyes and I swallow that lump in my throat and remind myself to live in the moment, to enjoy each and every waking second with you.
This is my first letter to you and I hope to make it a priority to write you frequently. I wish I had taken the time to write you from the day you were born but life just got too busy.
You have started your clingy phase. Most of the time I think it's cute that you want Mommy all the time but sometimes I wish you would give Mommy a break! Of course I feel guilty when I think that, so I pick you up and squeeze you and give you the biggest hug ever!! You only want what you know and what feels familiar to you. I don't blame you.
Your sister is absolutely in love with you! She always tries to hug and kiss you but half the time you scream, "NO!!" and shake your head. I think you are just showing typical sibling behaviour and because you cannot fully express what you are feeling through words, you just get frustrated when your sister invades your personal space. The same goes with your Uncle JJ and cousins.
I think the biggest milestone in the past day (yes your milestones come day by day and I think that is amazing!) is the fact that you are putting two or more words together - trying your best to form a sentence! I never thought I'd get so excited about someone putting two words together (that finally make sense!). The other day you turned to me and said, "Eat food".
Your favourite word is "No".
I wonder where you learned that from.
Don't worry, Mama doesn't mind.
Right now I can't help but think of your gorgeous face and sparkling smile. In fact, I think about you probably 1,000,000,000,000 times a day (times infinity)! I cannot wait to come home to you!
I love you with all my heart and there is no other place I'd rather be than with you.
Sounds corny, but it's true.
You are my life.
Love,
Mommy
-swank|mama
Every day you continue to grow before my very eyes and I swallow that lump in my throat and remind myself to live in the moment, to enjoy each and every waking second with you.
This is my first letter to you and I hope to make it a priority to write you frequently. I wish I had taken the time to write you from the day you were born but life just got too busy.
You have started your clingy phase. Most of the time I think it's cute that you want Mommy all the time but sometimes I wish you would give Mommy a break! Of course I feel guilty when I think that, so I pick you up and squeeze you and give you the biggest hug ever!! You only want what you know and what feels familiar to you. I don't blame you.
Your sister is absolutely in love with you! She always tries to hug and kiss you but half the time you scream, "NO!!" and shake your head. I think you are just showing typical sibling behaviour and because you cannot fully express what you are feeling through words, you just get frustrated when your sister invades your personal space. The same goes with your Uncle JJ and cousins.
I think the biggest milestone in the past day (yes your milestones come day by day and I think that is amazing!) is the fact that you are putting two or more words together - trying your best to form a sentence! I never thought I'd get so excited about someone putting two words together (that finally make sense!). The other day you turned to me and said, "Eat food".
Your favourite word is "No".
I wonder where you learned that from.
Don't worry, Mama doesn't mind.
Right now I can't help but think of your gorgeous face and sparkling smile. In fact, I think about you probably 1,000,000,000,000 times a day (times infinity)! I cannot wait to come home to you!
I love you with all my heart and there is no other place I'd rather be than with you.
Sounds corny, but it's true.
You are my life.
Love,
Mommy
-swank|mama
out of the mouth of.....
Me: Who keeps taking off Lil J's crib skirt?
Daddy G: Me.
Me: Why? I just cleaned it last weekend.
Daddy G: Because that's how spiders and bugs crawl up and into his crib.
Me: Ummmm....spiders can crawl up the wall, the leg of his crib, etc, etc. WTF?
Daddy G: Yeah, ok maybe I'm just paranoid.
Me: You think?!
swank|mama
Daddy G: Me.
Me: Why? I just cleaned it last weekend.
Daddy G: Because that's how spiders and bugs crawl up and into his crib.
Me: Ummmm....spiders can crawl up the wall, the leg of his crib, etc, etc. WTF?
Daddy G: Yeah, ok maybe I'm just paranoid.
Me: You think?!
swank|mama
4.20.2011
4.19.2011
a day with gong gong (grandpa) and po po (grandma)
It was off to Gong Gong and Po Po's for Lil J yesterday and, according to my mom, they had an amazing time. My mom gets all giddy when complete strangers come up to her and tell her that J is really cute and good-looking. Ummm, I already know that. I don't need a stranger to tell me that. Ha!
So this is what the day looked like for J in a series of emails that my dad sent me:
So this is what the day looked like for J in a series of emails that my dad sent me:
Eating
Sleeping on Po Po
Po Po and Lil J sleeping together
Gong Gong and Lil J sleeping!
Wish my life consisted of eating and sleeping all day!! Lil J is so lucky that he gets to spend time with his Gong Gong and Po Po occasionally. Now if only I could get them to speak Chinese to him fluently.....
- swank|mama
PS: They are using my brother's old circa 1986 Sesame Street blanket. Too cute!!
4.13.2011
4.07.2011
jack & lola!
My favourite store on the North Shore is having another amazing Social Shopper deal: $24 for $50 worth of merchandise at jack&lola. That's 52% off!
I stop by jack&lola approximately 2-3 times a week during my lunch hours as it is only a 5 minute walk. When I was pregnant with Lil J, I was in absolute awe at the amazing products that are available for newborns, toddlers and young kids. Every time I went to jack&lola I would find new toys or bags or mommy essentials that I just needed to have!
The owner, Leanne Kripp, is always welcoming and her staff are very knowledgeable. There is always someone willing to help you and the selection of merchandise is only the best. They also carry a number of eco-friendly and locally made brands such as Green Toys and myMonkeymoo.
Sale items are also drastically marked-down - perfect for a swank mama!
The Social Shopper deal excludes Britax, Peg Perego and any sale items. You may purchase up to 8 for yourself and an unlimited number for gifts. Follow the link and purchase your coupon now for 52% off almost everything at jack&lola!!
- swank|mama
4.06.2011
4.04.2011
off to school i go!!
The three of us were eating dinner this evening (minus Lil J - he had already gone to bed after not sleeping all day) and I told Miss S that I was going back to school. Awkward pause. Then she scrunches up her face and says "Isn't that like weird?". I just wanted to die. I mean, to her, I'm probably this old person that she won't be for a very long time (I'm only 27!). To an 11 year-old it must be weird that a parent is going back to school. They probably think school is only for kids. Once you have a job, you don't have to go back to school - right?!
If only that was reality! It's an exciting and scary reality for me right now. I just enrolled in an online course relating to my job which means my employer will pay for it - if I pass. Or if my hubby says: when I pass! That's a plus right? Free money to continue my education?!
But I'm already having a difficult time juggling daily tasks and to add school in the mix sounds just plain insane to me. So how exactly am I going to do it? I already have ADD at work when I'm trying to concentrate on a task. How am I going to concentrate on school with a toddler running around, screaming his head off and an 11 year-old teeny bopper going on 18? This, my friend, is the challenge of a century.
So it seems.
It's terrifying. It's refreshing. It's crazy. It's relieving. It will hopefully be effortless but I know it won't be. I'm scared. Crazy scared.
Thankfully I have a supportive husband who will hold the fort while I'm off racking my brains about contracts and legal stuff. All I have to say is that it better be interesting.
- swank|mama
If only that was reality! It's an exciting and scary reality for me right now. I just enrolled in an online course relating to my job which means my employer will pay for it - if I pass. Or if my hubby says: when I pass! That's a plus right? Free money to continue my education?!
But I'm already having a difficult time juggling daily tasks and to add school in the mix sounds just plain insane to me. So how exactly am I going to do it? I already have ADD at work when I'm trying to concentrate on a task. How am I going to concentrate on school with a toddler running around, screaming his head off and an 11 year-old teeny bopper going on 18? This, my friend, is the challenge of a century.
So it seems.
It's terrifying. It's refreshing. It's crazy. It's relieving. It will hopefully be effortless but I know it won't be. I'm scared. Crazy scared.
Thankfully I have a supportive husband who will hold the fort while I'm off racking my brains about contracts and legal stuff. All I have to say is that it better be interesting.
- swank|mama
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