Friday, June 30, 2006

My Mommy did that!


My Mommy did that!
Originally uploaded by honig.
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!

Thursday, June 29, 2006

Summer time smiles!


Summer time smiles!
Originally uploaded by honig.
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!


Up on arms!
Originally uploaded by honig.
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!

Friday, June 16, 2006

Just look at that face!


Just look at that face!
Originally uploaded by honig.
This picture was taken with my new ultra-compact Pentax Optio. Now I can't take pictures wherever I go...uh oh.

Yo' dog, wassup?


Yo' dog, wassup?
Originally uploaded by honig.
Yo yo home boy. Watch out or I'll pop a cap in your ass!

The l'il Devil himself...


The l'il Devil himself...
Originally uploaded by honig.
...pretending like he's going to go to sleep!

Monday, June 12, 2006

Callum on his 5 month birthday!


Callum on his 5 month birthday!
Originally uploaded by honig.
Looking quite fetching in his new surfer shirt.

Callum at 5 months.


Callum at 5 months.
Originally uploaded by honig.
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.

Callum and Daddy


Callum and Daddy
Originally uploaded by honig.
I just love this picture of Callum and Graham.

Our little Russian boy :)


Our little Russian boy :)
Originally uploaded by honig.

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

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Our wee angel!


Our wee angel!
Originally uploaded by honig.
Bathtime is a fun time these days :)

Callum and Mummy going to the same wedding.


Callum and Daddy on the way to our friend Trudy's wedding...handsome devils!

Daddy's looking a little on the dorky side, but it's amazing what we can get away with now that we have a wee guy - ha ha!

The McKinnon family.


The McKinnon family.
Originally uploaded by honig.

My 1st Mother's Day!


My 1st Mother's Day!
Originally uploaded by honig.
Three generations baby, three generations!

Out for a sunny walk with Daddy!


Out for a sunny walk with Daddy!
Originally uploaded by honig.
A very cute looking Callum, all ready for the sunshine. If he's anything like his parents he will burn very quickly!

Our wee Canadian man at 4 months!


Our wee Canadian man at 4 months!
Originally uploaded by honig.
Callum with a proud Grandma on his 4 month birthday!

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!