Remind me again Mother why decided to take public transit?!
Friday, July 07, 2006
Sunday, July 02, 2006
The D.J. after a long night of spinning.
Please, enough with the papparazzi. Just leave Cookie and I alone to enjoy our evening.
The coolest cats in town.
D.J. Callum in da house! Graham made a good call when he said Callum looked like a wee D.J. in his outfit and especially his new sunglasses.
Friday, June 30, 2006
My Mommy did that!
Yesterday I learned an important lesson; Callum is now mobile! I got him all nice and cozy in the corner of the sofa and went to turn the pot of that was boiling bottles. I turned to see Callum flying off of the sofa!!! I have no idea how he managed to get up enough strength to stand and then launch himself at least 3ft. onto the floor. His poor nose took the brunt of the fall, as you can see the bruise in between his eyes. Of course, I took him to the hospital, but they were sure that Mommy was more upset about the situation than baby. The nurse gave me a big hug and sent us on our way after seeing the Doctor.
My poor wee man had his first bloody nose, a scrape on his head (from skinning it on the table on the way to the floor) and a fat lip.
Never fear, Mommy has learned her lesson! ACK!
My poor wee man had his first bloody nose, a scrape on his head (from skinning it on the table on the way to the floor) and a fat lip.
Never fear, Mommy has learned her lesson! ACK!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Summer time smiles!
I couldn't resist taking a picture of Callum in his wee shorts. Yes, it's true he is sporting a pair of linen shorts in size 6-12 months! Camielle gave him his first belt the other day because we agreed, a belt just finishes their little outfits off :)
I think I've seen this guy at the park downtown.
You know the guy I'm talking about, the one with the old fishing hat on that sits and feeds the ducks all day, everyday. Granted, he doesn't usually have a plastic bee in his lap.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Up on arms!
There he is folks, ready for some crawling action. With a bit of assistance of a pillow underneath his chest, Callum can clearly lift himself up quite easily. The level of drool increases dramatically when he is doing anything requiring physical exertion, as does the intense look of concentration.
We have been practising sitting this week and he can sit unassisted for very brief periods of time. When we first start practising he can hold himself for about 5 seconds, but as the attempts continue his endurance weakens. Thus I have yet to be able to get a snap of him sitting, but he really is doing it...I swear!
We have been practising sitting this week and he can sit unassisted for very brief periods of time. When we first start practising he can hold himself for about 5 seconds, but as the attempts continue his endurance weakens. Thus I have yet to be able to get a snap of him sitting, but he really is doing it...I swear!
Friday, June 16, 2006
Just look at that face!
This picture was taken with my new ultra-compact Pentax Optio. Now I can't take pictures wherever I go...uh oh.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Callum at 5 months.
This gives you a good idea of how big Callum is now. He struggles to lift himself to a sitting position all on his own. He appears to be quite a determined and independent little person. He can't quite get to a sit yet, but it's not because of lack of effort.
His hands are his favourite thing to gnaw on right now...or anyone's hands really.
His hands are his favourite thing to gnaw on right now...or anyone's hands really.
Strength in Numbers
It's totally common for Moms to feel lonely and isolated and I was relieved to hear it. I have become a clock-watcher at home, as I was in the office when my best friend Lisa was away. Well now that I'm at home all the time, Lisa and all of my other social contact has been stunted, to say the least. It's been quite a period of deep sadness and loneliness over the last 5 months. I rejected the advice from loved ones that I should visit a Mom and Baby group because I envisioned a bunch of smug, annoying Moms who only wanted to talk about breast feeding and their baby's latest achievements.
I needed to remember me!
My friends Jenii and Camielle suggested that we start our own Mom and Baby group. Rather than my typical response of rejecting the idea, I jumped at it and I am really glad I did. Strength in numbers is what it's all about. Jenii is an expecting Mom and Camielle (her sister) is a Mom to a 2-month old boy called Quinn. Our history together included mutual friends, common interests and being ex-bar stars. We used to go to the pub together on Friday nights and we had a good laugh the other day about how a year ago nobody would have guessed the three of us would be Moms!
Last Monday we had our first "official" meeting at Camielle's apartment. We helped each other with the babies, drank (hot) coffee (what a novel idea), muched on snacks, bitched about our men and generally gabbed. Before I knew it, it was 6:30p.m. and I, as well as the girls, had enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly. My enthusiasm for the gatherings is huge! I really couldn't believe how much better and "normal" it made me feel. See, I'm not the type to ask for help, so this is a good way to get some support (and time with friends) without having to feel vulnerable.
There are a few more girls that will likely join us and before we know it, we'll have quite the posse. It will be so nice having children all so close in age. They can play together and teach one another new things.
For some of you who are reading this that know me, you may be surprised to hear me sound excited about these Mom and Baby gatherings, but I think this is the beginning of something really positive. I have to stop shutting doors because I am afraid to take a chance with people. If motherhood has taught me anything, it's that I can't control everything. As much as I want it to be, life is not perfect.
Addendum:
Lisa has asked me to have a monthly girl's night with her - sweet! Graham is all for it, as am I of course. He has agreed to look after Callum so that Lisa and I, as well as any of girl that wants to hang out, can go out for dinner or whatever we want. I am really looking forward to it!
Happy Mummy, Allison
I needed to remember me!
My friends Jenii and Camielle suggested that we start our own Mom and Baby group. Rather than my typical response of rejecting the idea, I jumped at it and I am really glad I did. Strength in numbers is what it's all about. Jenii is an expecting Mom and Camielle (her sister) is a Mom to a 2-month old boy called Quinn. Our history together included mutual friends, common interests and being ex-bar stars. We used to go to the pub together on Friday nights and we had a good laugh the other day about how a year ago nobody would have guessed the three of us would be Moms!
Last Monday we had our first "official" meeting at Camielle's apartment. We helped each other with the babies, drank (hot) coffee (what a novel idea), muched on snacks, bitched about our men and generally gabbed. Before I knew it, it was 6:30p.m. and I, as well as the girls, had enjoyed the afternoon thoroughly. My enthusiasm for the gatherings is huge! I really couldn't believe how much better and "normal" it made me feel. See, I'm not the type to ask for help, so this is a good way to get some support (and time with friends) without having to feel vulnerable.
There are a few more girls that will likely join us and before we know it, we'll have quite the posse. It will be so nice having children all so close in age. They can play together and teach one another new things.
For some of you who are reading this that know me, you may be surprised to hear me sound excited about these Mom and Baby gatherings, but I think this is the beginning of something really positive. I have to stop shutting doors because I am afraid to take a chance with people. If motherhood has taught me anything, it's that I can't control everything. As much as I want it to be, life is not perfect.
Addendum:
Lisa has asked me to have a monthly girl's night with her - sweet! Graham is all for it, as am I of course. He has agreed to look after Callum so that Lisa and I, as well as any of girl that wants to hang out, can go out for dinner or whatever we want. I am really looking forward to it!
Happy Mummy, Allison
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Callum and Daddy on the way to our friend Trudy's wedding...handsome devils!
Callum and Daddy on the way to our friend Trudy's wedding...handsome devils!
Originally uploaded by honig.
Out for a sunny walk with Daddy!
A very cute looking Callum, all ready for the sunshine. If he's anything like his parents he will burn very quickly!
I would have been remiss...
...had I gone all of May without a posting. Life has been very crazy as of late and I haven't had a stitch of time to write anything. Luckily I always make time for taking pictures of our wee man who is growing like a weed. At his last Doctor's appointment it was confirmed that he is above average in height, weight and head circumference. One of our friends said it's too bad he isn't Ukrainian because he sure has a Ukrainium!
Callum is getting stronger every day and can now wriggle a lot and can roll onto his side from his back. It's now that we have to watch him constantly because he has figured out how to arch his back and push with his legs to try and get out of his car seat, etc. Standing has become his favourite thing to do, aside from playing air guitar. That's right, our wee man is going to be the next Jimi Hendrix.
Sleeping is still an issue with Callum because he doesn't seem to want to be away from his Mummy and Daddy, but we are trying to roll with the punches as best as possible. It's really hard on the days where we are knackered from the day's events and then have to contend with a non-sleeping Callum at night. I really do have a whole new respect for my parents now that I couldn't possibly have had before Callum came along. Again, thanks Mom and Dad for not throwing me out the window! When I see how much help and attention baby's need I wonder how it is that the human race has lasted this long!
I just remembered how we survive. I looked over at Callum to see if he was okay and he gave me a huge, gummy grin and his eyes lit up just at the sight of me...who could get mad at that?
I believe bone is trying it's best to protrude through the wee man's gums, that's right the tooth monster is visiting our household. There is much saliva, chomping and squealing happening in our household right now. Before you think otherwise, yes it's Callum. There are also many stories being told by the wee man who always has something going on.
Congratulations to Campbell and Susan! Rumour has it that you are expecting a wee one yourselves :) Actually, let's congratulate Malcolm and Mari as well as David and Jennifer as they are expecting as well. It's going to be a busy year for the McKinnons and Wisharts!
Allison, Mummy Extraordinaire!
Callum is getting stronger every day and can now wriggle a lot and can roll onto his side from his back. It's now that we have to watch him constantly because he has figured out how to arch his back and push with his legs to try and get out of his car seat, etc. Standing has become his favourite thing to do, aside from playing air guitar. That's right, our wee man is going to be the next Jimi Hendrix.
Sleeping is still an issue with Callum because he doesn't seem to want to be away from his Mummy and Daddy, but we are trying to roll with the punches as best as possible. It's really hard on the days where we are knackered from the day's events and then have to contend with a non-sleeping Callum at night. I really do have a whole new respect for my parents now that I couldn't possibly have had before Callum came along. Again, thanks Mom and Dad for not throwing me out the window! When I see how much help and attention baby's need I wonder how it is that the human race has lasted this long!
I just remembered how we survive. I looked over at Callum to see if he was okay and he gave me a huge, gummy grin and his eyes lit up just at the sight of me...who could get mad at that?
I believe bone is trying it's best to protrude through the wee man's gums, that's right the tooth monster is visiting our household. There is much saliva, chomping and squealing happening in our household right now. Before you think otherwise, yes it's Callum. There are also many stories being told by the wee man who always has something going on.
Congratulations to Campbell and Susan! Rumour has it that you are expecting a wee one yourselves :) Actually, let's congratulate Malcolm and Mari as well as David and Jennifer as they are expecting as well. It's going to be a busy year for the McKinnons and Wisharts!
Allison, Mummy Extraordinaire!
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
First punk vest!
I bought this vest for Callum from an English gal that makes punk clothing for kids.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Progress.
We are moving on in time quite quickly and have come to realize that our wee man is almost 3 months old already (on the 10th). So many of his outfits are far too small and it seems like every time I do the laundry I need to pull out suits that he can't fit into anymore. Mainly the length seems to be an issue, which is a shame because the rest of his body could easily fit. We are looking at 3-6 month sizes for him, with a definite issue of head size to shirt hole ratio being an issue. Even the shirts with snaps on the shoulder seem to create an issue when I try and pull the shirt on. I have started buying the shirts that stretch open a bit more.
As far as I go, I am eating right, exercising and have joined Weight Watchers in order to get rid of the layer of pregnancy 'fudge'. I thought the pounds would just naturally drop off - wrong! Charlene and I are going together which makes for an easier go of it because there is the accountability factor. See the thing is, I don't want to feel fat, but I also don't want Callum's friends making fun of him for having a fat Mummy. The way I see it is that life as a kid can be hard enough without me adding to the mix. We all know the story of Gilbert Grape now don't we?
Spring has sprung here in B.C. and other than all of the positive aspects it brings, I realize the spiders are coming. I don't want to pass on my phobia of spiders to Callum, but how am I going to get over it? I know some of you might laugh, but I truly am terrified of spiders. It doesn't help that I was bitten by a giant, hairy spider while I was sleeping (under my boob!). The wreck room, or Nerd Den, is the worst for the spiders. They come out of the closet under the stairs for the most part, but sometimes they are in the laundry room as well. One time, I was stuck in the laundry room for 45 minutes, trapped by a giant spider that blocked the doorway. Graham was at some martial arts lesson or something and I couldn't get out of there until he got home. I can't count the number of times he has come home to instantly hear me yell, "Graaaaaaham! Please come kill a spider, I'm trapped!" I am getting the goose bumps just talking about the return of the spiders.
Enough about that.
Callum has started cooing and it is totally adorable. I would think it's the cutest thing I have ever heard. I tried taping him chatting away, but it doesn't do it justice. He is holding his head up for short periods of time, turning to look and see what a noise is and has developed quite the certainty to his cry...which I am hearing very loudly right now, must go!
Allison
As far as I go, I am eating right, exercising and have joined Weight Watchers in order to get rid of the layer of pregnancy 'fudge'. I thought the pounds would just naturally drop off - wrong! Charlene and I are going together which makes for an easier go of it because there is the accountability factor. See the thing is, I don't want to feel fat, but I also don't want Callum's friends making fun of him for having a fat Mummy. The way I see it is that life as a kid can be hard enough without me adding to the mix. We all know the story of Gilbert Grape now don't we?
Spring has sprung here in B.C. and other than all of the positive aspects it brings, I realize the spiders are coming. I don't want to pass on my phobia of spiders to Callum, but how am I going to get over it? I know some of you might laugh, but I truly am terrified of spiders. It doesn't help that I was bitten by a giant, hairy spider while I was sleeping (under my boob!). The wreck room, or Nerd Den, is the worst for the spiders. They come out of the closet under the stairs for the most part, but sometimes they are in the laundry room as well. One time, I was stuck in the laundry room for 45 minutes, trapped by a giant spider that blocked the doorway. Graham was at some martial arts lesson or something and I couldn't get out of there until he got home. I can't count the number of times he has come home to instantly hear me yell, "Graaaaaaham! Please come kill a spider, I'm trapped!" I am getting the goose bumps just talking about the return of the spiders.
Enough about that.
Callum has started cooing and it is totally adorable. I would think it's the cutest thing I have ever heard. I tried taping him chatting away, but it doesn't do it justice. He is holding his head up for short periods of time, turning to look and see what a noise is and has developed quite the certainty to his cry...which I am hearing very loudly right now, must go!
Allison
I just love that wee face!
It's typical of new parents to photograph baby's faces close up, and I don't consider myself any different. I guess it's because I just want to show the world how adorable his gorgeous wee face is. Maybe wee isn't the right word, after all it's quite the jowly look!
Good times in the McKinnon household.
Fresh back from yet another Spring walk, Callum relaxes while Mummy photographs him...again and again.
What a sweetheart!
As you can see, Callum is able to hold himself up a bit better now, not so much slumping.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Life isn't always a bed of roses.
Amazing how even when he's having an absolute fit he can still be so cute!
(Outfit courtesy of Grandma - handmade!)
(Outfit courtesy of Grandma - handmade!)
Still a bit of upset.
Our wee man isn't overly happy here, but he'll need to get used to being the most photographed baby in the world. After all, the Bell family has more cameras than any family I know!
Monday, March 20, 2006
Baby carrier.
About to go out for a family walk...to the neighbour's open house. We wanted to spy on what they had done with their unit - ha ha!
First day of spring relaxing.
After a nice walk together with the dogs, Callum has a wee snooze in the sunshine and comfort of his home.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
A smile that makes my heart warm...
Lock up your daughters folks, Callum McKinnon is out to break some hearts! With a gorgeous smile and somewhat devilish twinkle in his eyes, one can be sure he will be breaking hearts in no time.
GQ Magazine look out!
Yes, it's true, Callum is the most handsome boy around. Today Callum is sporting his pale blue (there's nothing baby about this blue) and taupe checked jacket with matching taupe pants. To complete the outfit, a handsome long-sleeved, collared onesie that is juged at the cuff. Well done Callum! The look of a star.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
It's already been 2 months!
Amazingly, Callum just turned 2 months old. I can't believe how quickly time is passing. On one hand I feel like he's been a part of our lives forever and 2 months then seems like a drop in the bucket. On the other hand, I feel like he's been our lives forever and I can't believe it's only 2 months!
He's a great baby with lots of smiles to share these days. Nothing warms my heart quite as much as seeing such a beautiful smile as he gives me. Admittedly, he also smiles much the same way (not quite) at the bed post in our bedroom, but nonetheless, I'll take it!
Callum now weighs 11lbs. 11.5 ounces and is 59cm long! He is slightly above average for weight; average in length and average for head circumference. He got his first set of shots on the 10th and I'll tell you he wasn't very pleased about it. He was crying so hard that he went sort of a reddish-purple colour and no noise came out...for about 10 seconds and then he just let 'er rip. Boy, I had never heard him cry like that before, I felt really badly for him. The good news is, he was exceptionally good by the time we left the Doctor's office. He moaned a bit a couple of times, but I was ready for a full on moaning Minnie. I am really proud of him.
As with most parents, it doesn't take much for me to be proud of our son. He pooed - I'm proud. He smiled - I'm proud. He lifted his head an inch off the bed - I'm proud. I'm sure you get the jist of it.
I think we will try and find some infant massage class to go to. I heard it can't stimulate brain activity (makes sense really), stimulate growth (not that he needs any!) and it's also a really good way to bond with one another. I suppose it's a good way to meet other Moms with babies of the same age. Your baby can't be mobile yet from what I have read. I guess they don't want to be lying down for very long once they figure out that they don't have to. The problem with all of these Mom and baby groups is that I tend to clam up and can't figure out what to say. Once I know someone they can't shut me up, but the initial early days are pretty grim. I only have one week left to attend one of these groups because I set myself a goal to make sure I actually go.
If anyone out there knows of a formula that is easily digestible (not Nestle Good Start), please let me know. Poor Callum is having a really hard time digesting formula. I wish I didn't have to give him any formula at all, but my milk production is too low for him to get a decent feed. Apparently I need to sleep more - ha! I have no idea when I'm supposed to sleep.
Over and out.
Mummy Extraordinaire, Allison
He's a great baby with lots of smiles to share these days. Nothing warms my heart quite as much as seeing such a beautiful smile as he gives me. Admittedly, he also smiles much the same way (not quite) at the bed post in our bedroom, but nonetheless, I'll take it!
Callum now weighs 11lbs. 11.5 ounces and is 59cm long! He is slightly above average for weight; average in length and average for head circumference. He got his first set of shots on the 10th and I'll tell you he wasn't very pleased about it. He was crying so hard that he went sort of a reddish-purple colour and no noise came out...for about 10 seconds and then he just let 'er rip. Boy, I had never heard him cry like that before, I felt really badly for him. The good news is, he was exceptionally good by the time we left the Doctor's office. He moaned a bit a couple of times, but I was ready for a full on moaning Minnie. I am really proud of him.
As with most parents, it doesn't take much for me to be proud of our son. He pooed - I'm proud. He smiled - I'm proud. He lifted his head an inch off the bed - I'm proud. I'm sure you get the jist of it.
I think we will try and find some infant massage class to go to. I heard it can't stimulate brain activity (makes sense really), stimulate growth (not that he needs any!) and it's also a really good way to bond with one another. I suppose it's a good way to meet other Moms with babies of the same age. Your baby can't be mobile yet from what I have read. I guess they don't want to be lying down for very long once they figure out that they don't have to. The problem with all of these Mom and baby groups is that I tend to clam up and can't figure out what to say. Once I know someone they can't shut me up, but the initial early days are pretty grim. I only have one week left to attend one of these groups because I set myself a goal to make sure I actually go.
If anyone out there knows of a formula that is easily digestible (not Nestle Good Start), please let me know. Poor Callum is having a really hard time digesting formula. I wish I didn't have to give him any formula at all, but my milk production is too low for him to get a decent feed. Apparently I need to sleep more - ha! I have no idea when I'm supposed to sleep.
Over and out.
Mummy Extraordinaire, Allison
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