Cleaning Machines

Today Gary was at home and we were cleaning machines. What a productive day! Gary cleaned the car and van, inside and out. He mowed the lawn and is currently making dinner (scallopini pork chops). I was able to clean the whole house, make a yummy lunch, bring a van load of stuff to the thrift store, and do 3 loads of laundry. Together we walked to the grocery store with the kids. What a good husband....I didn't even have to `suggest' anything, he just did it. Some very exciting news is that Koen slept through the night...10pm til 8am!!! I was able to sleep 8 hours and then get up and work out. Awesome. I wonder if all he needed was to sleep in the crib?

Kai likes these shoes:)

Kai got to mow the lawn with Opi. This is seriously his favourite thing in the entire world to do. When I asked him what his favourite thing was on our trip to Alberta, he said `Mowing the lawn at Green Lake!'. That was 3 weeks ago on a different trip, he just loved it so much.

Koen is seconds away from sleeping in this picture but this is our new awesome stroller. I love it! It's a Schwinn double jogger and I got it off of craigslist for $125 (regular about $300). It is so easy to maneuver and very practical for us. I'd say the only drawback is that I probably only burn half the calories pushing it around:) Oh ya, it also does not fit through a regular size doorway as I found out when trying to get into the Post Office at the Pharmasave. Grrr. I seriously really love it though.

Kai even pushed Koen by himself for about 1km today on our way to get groceries!

Kai said he wanted a picture with his friends so here it is.

Looking forward to all the Father's Day celebrations this weekend...celebrating Gary, Opi and Grandpa. Gary wants an mp3 player for Father's day but of course I'm giving him a Louise type gift which isn't an mp3 player:) Isn't it funny how we give the type of gifts that we would like for ourselves? Sorry Gary. Okay, time for my yummy dinner!

First Family Road Trip

On Thursday morning, we left for our weekend away to Alberta. We were heading to Lethbridge (1200km trip each way) for my cousin's wedding. We had a great weekend together as a family, as well as getting to hang out with the extended Dekens family in Lethbridge.

Before heading out, Kai was very interested in Koen trying out some apple in one of those mesh things. I never used anything like it for Kai but Koen seems to like it!

We drove to Revelstoke the first day and it ended up taking about 7 hours. We basically drove 2 hours and then would take an hour break for the kids to eat, diaper changes (Koen, not Kai. Kai is sooooo perfectly potty trained, I love it!), run around etc. While driving there, Kai said, out of nowhere, `I hope the rosemary is okay!'. He is such a little gardener and loves his responsibility of watering the garden. This cabin was so cute and I would recommend it. It sleeps 6 comfortably and the beds were super comfortable. It was also quite affordable at $50 a night and gave Kai a bit of a camping type experience. It comes with a fridge, microwave, and wireless Internet:) While the kids slept, Gary and I watched a movie on our laptop on the rocker. We were eaten alive by bugs and I have about 75 bites that are driving me crazy right now)

Koen is grabbing everything and anything in front of him now.

Eating dinner in our cabin. I made a couple dinners and froze them before we left as well as a ton of muffins etc. I find that our tummies (and wallets) do so much better when we bring our own food on holidays. We did go out a couple times on the trip though and Kai loved it. At this campsite they had amphibious argos which are vehicles that travel on land and water. Kai was so excited about them and when we walked by them the 3rd time he said, `Are you thinking what I'm thinking?!'. Where did he learn that?

Stellar Jay. We saw Mountain Goats, a bear, wolf, and deer. The first deer we saw was dead on the side of the road so every time we saw another animal, Kai would ask `Did it get dead?'.

Lake Louise!!! Who doesn't love Lake Louise? We spent about 1.5 hours here running around and accidentally giving Koen's arms a sunburn. Bad mommy. Bad, bad mommy. We saw a couple here in their wedding gear taking pictures of themselves. They were on their honeymoon and wanted some beautiful pictures at the lake. I took their camera for a bit and took some pictures for them:) Maybe Gary and I will take our wedding clothes next time...

The boys.

I feel like we have taken so many family pictures and we have yet to get one that I like. Maybe when Koen is a few months older he will actually look at the camera, Kai will smile, and I'll remember to engage my ab muscles:)
Kai really wanted two timbits. I told him that might give him a tummy ache. He said, `But I love tummy aches!'. Kai was such a good traveller, I could not believe it. He didn't complain and he just looked out the window, asked 10 billion questions, watched some Diego, ate some food. Good stuff. Koen is at such a difficult age as he is facing the back and needs to be breastfed and changed. He cried a lot and I just wanted to hold him, but alas, safety first! He is such a good little boy and I think he is so happy to be home. Today we transitioned him from his large cradle to the crib. Kai used to have 2 two hour naps at this age and was VERY scheduled which is good for someone like me. Koen is a little more `flexible' and if we get one good nap out of him, I'm happy.

I don't know how Kai survived on such little sleep. He didn't nap at all and was up til about 9:30pm each night and woke up at 5am in the morning. Crazy kid! He made me nervous a couple times when he had a tummy ache and said he had to `spit up'. Fortunately, there was no spitting up:)

A whole bunch of different Japanese tourists kept asking to have pictures taken with Kai. Kai was not into that so they probably have some terrible pictures of an almost 3 year old lying on the ground.

Kai thought this was a robot and kept yelling `Robot! Go fishing!'. Kinda funny, kind of embarrassing as he kept running back to the robot and yelling.

Super daddy!

Kinda funny?

Lethbridge was great. We hung out with relatives (not posting pictures because not sure if its okay to post their kids etc) and slept in the most comfortable beds in a super quiet and lovely hotel. It had an indoor water park too which was Koen's first time in the pool. He wasn't really a fan. At all. The wedding was beautiful. I have tons of relatives in Lethbridge and it was great to see everyone. Jordan (groom) had his 3 brothers in his wedding party and I always love the speeches from siblings and parents... it always makes me cry.

We took 16 hours to get home on a drive that normally takes about 12. Oh well, BC is too beautiful to not stop and enjoy. Gary and I got along great and talked a lot about kids and cameras...I think he may have convinced me to sell my 20D and get a 40D. Oh boy.

I can't wait to do a ton of road trips with these boys...Grand Canyon, Alaska and northern BC, Yellowstone etc. Gary and I both grew up doing large road trips and we're pumped to continue the tradition. I think 3+ is the best age for this so in 2 more years we'll prob. do our first big one. Yay for 2 teachers with 2 months off. Guess we'll just do photos for one or two weddings that summer:)

The road behind..

and ahead.

The seat behind me:)

Whenever I see light coming through clouds like that I always think of heaven. We are so thankful for a safe trip and the ability to do so. Hip hip hooray!

Week 9: Journey to Being Fit

Weight loss this week: 0.6lbs (total 10.6lbs)
Body fat % loss this week: 0 (total 1.8%)

Fit tips of the week:
-Eating lots of raw carrots and cucumbers as snacks. Kai loves it too. We have a bowl at every meal.
-When I have icecream (my dairy allowance of the day due to Koen's possible allergy), I have a small bowl with a very small spoon.
-Only drink water. No juice. I do wish I could drink high calorie drinks but water is best!

And a bit about Koen:
-he is grabbing at everything...the newspaper, remote, my necklace and clothes, our food etc.
-he loves eating food. Loves bananas, applesauce, and pears (pureed). Hmmm...someone isn't getting his veggies yet. I know their is an order you are `supposed' to introduce food but this time I am so much more laid back about it...besides, what you are `supposed' to do is always changing:)
-solid foods are sooooo good for his digestive system and sleeping longer. This is too much info but his poop is almost yellow for the first time in his 5 month life. It is supposed to be yellow but his has always been green because it moves through his large intestine too quickly.
-I love him so much. He makes me smile with his goofy slobbery grin. He is a goofball. 100% awesomeness.

And Kai...
Today Kai sat beside me on the couch, grabbed my hand, and said `Mommy, you're great'. I asked him why he thought that and he said, `Because you are so nice'. He never talks like that to me. Also, I was suprised since I had been telling him all day that he was driving me BONKERS.

Time for bed...we've got a big road trip ahead of us! Praying for safe travels and no puking in the van.

Why?

Just random stuff:

1. Kai's questions drive me totally nuts but I just remind myself that its a good thing. He's alive, he's able to question, he's able to wonder, he's able to process. `Why is that car red?' `Why does an `I' look like that?'

Kai: Mommy, why don't you have any more football?

Me: Because we lost.

Kai: Why did you lose?

Me: I guess I'm not fast enough anymore

Kai: Why aren't you fast enough?

Me: Because I'm getting old and I need to exercise more

Kai: That's exactly it actually.

(except all is L's sound like W's).

2. Koen really lacks the ability to sleep well. He is up until at least 10pm every night which means very little me and Gary time. He cries so much in bed. I just remind myself that its a good thing. Crying means he's alive and breathing. I seriously do love this guy so much and I (GASP) feel like trying to get pregnant right now. I won't. I don't think. Just one more. Maybe. Babies are just too cute. I would be too tired to function if I was able to get pregnant right now. As soon as I go to get Koen, he starts smiling and giggling. He just doesn't like to be alone. Oh ya, he gets himself up on all fours so easily and then he just rocks back and forth.

3. I was talking to Gary about our favourite stages. I really like the 1 year old stage where they learn to walk and talk as well as the 2 year old stage where they start saying short sentences and can run around a bit more. Gary is a fan of the 2 year old stage. This whole 3 year old thing is interesting. A little more attitude. A little more exhausting with the talk, talk, talk. We love Kai bear but he sure keeps us busy!

(Pretend my hair is normal...obviously this wasn't planned)

4. Even though some things in my life are not going well (more to come next week), I feel so content and happy. I just feel so blessed with all I have. I am so thankful for my mental, emotional and physical health. I am so thankful for my boys and Gary. I love where we live and I love this weather. I am saddened by all the people I know who are struggling with anxiety and depression. It just really sucks.

5. Not sure what's going to happen with the weight loss this week. We'll see thursday morning. I'm pretty sure it will be a 0 lb loss...this is fine. As long as there is no gain! I'm trying to figure out what to join...something that would be twice a week. Boot camp? Running club? By the way, still LOVE my jogging stroller!!!

6. Okay, better get packing for our big road trip to Alberta!!

Surprise!

All the pictures in this post are from my dad's surprise 55th birthday. We were all supposed to dress up in his `I'm almost retired and now I'm going to live in my workshop clothes' type theme.

1. We are leaving this week for a road trip to Alberta for my cousins wedding. Our van broke (and got fixed by Gary's dad!) today. If I won a million dollars, I would buy a brand new Honda Odyssey. I love ours but its a little finicky. C'est la vie. I know Kai travels well, but Koen? We will see. We are staying in a cabin in Revelstoke the first night..should be fun! I hope we see some wildlife.

(Dude, I haven't worn that skirt in years and NOW IT FITS!! WOOHOO. It may be short but whatever, it fits!! I'm really proud of myself for getting to pre-Koen weight. I really don't believe that I can lose the `Kai weight' (10lbs more) but we will see. Doesn't hurt to try. I'm very happy with where I am at right now.)

2. Had my last football game today. It was not a very fun one...the other team was, um, not the most sportsmanlike. Oh well, back to it in 2 more months. In the meantime, I need to figure out what I can do to get a super intense work out. More family runs? Hiking?

My dad with the 8 women in his life now (my sisters, Joanne, her 2 daughters. The two on the far right are actually both named Jaclyn!) Not sure why I got the torso...And yes, my dad knows that socks and sandals aren't cool.

Steve sporting my dad's work vest. Looks like it fits perfectly Steven:)

Jan and Doug...safety first!

Me and Jackie

Koen grabs anything in front of him. Don't look gramma...it might be a beer. This is why we don't ask Jan to babysit. Just kidding Janny Bear.

3. Oh ya, family runs! I was going to buy a pricey double jogging stroller (BOB one) but decided to get a cheaper one off of craigslist. It's a Schwinn double jogger and I'm impressed with it. I can push both kids with one finger. Seriously. Gary and I have taken the kids on two runs together so far and there will be many more to come. On Thurs night, the boys both fell asleep in it!

4. We've got an engagement shoot tonight and I'm glad its overcast. Did you know that with a one hour photo shoot there are about 3 hours post production editing etc.? Just so you know. In case you were wondering. Think about all the pictures from 10 hours at a wedding. Ya.

5. Presidents Choice `Loads of Caramel Cashew Toffee' icecream...very good.

6. I don't like blogging on the weekend because nobody reads it but oh well.

7. Koen gets up on all fours and rocks. He can move backwards already. This guy is a mover! This is new territory as Kai never crawled or spent any time on his tummy.

8. Have a great Sunday all.

Kai and Bubi (Buh-bee)

Kai wanted me to take some pictures with his bestest friend in the world, his blankie, Bubi.

Kai's comments of the week:
Me: Kai don't touch that button
Kai: Aw, I really want to be an adult.
**
Me: Kai remember my belly was really big when Koen was in there?
Kai: Ya. Are there still baby toys in there?
**
Kai: Daddy, don't look under the bed. I'm not telling you about your father's day present that's under there!



(He's saying `Aw Bubi, I love you'.

Bubi has made my life so easy. I hope Koen gets himself a comfort item!

Week 8: Journey to Fitness Celebration!!

I don't know what happened but the scale isn't lying because I feel good and all my clothes fit! This morning, the scale said the following:
Weight loss: 2.6 lbs (total 10lbs!!!!)
Body fat loss: 0.4% (total 1.8%)
I don't know what happened this week but I think the heat helped. The only thing I did differently this week was increase my fruits and veggies like crazy. I've been eating them for snacks throughout the entire day. Watermelon, canteloupe, carrots, cucumbers, apples etc. I even worked out 4 times this week, instead of 6. I even had dessert each night (ice cream or cake). Yippee!!!
Last night we had a family run. Gary pushed Kai and I pushed Koen. I think we will be buying a nice double jogging stroller (and I mean really nice) and then we can train together. If Gary pushes the kids, then we will be even. Train for what? We'll start with a 10km one and go from there...Gary has never run a half marathon and I think he would do really well with some training so we will see! Gary's done school next week so we will have tons of time to run together. He still has exams etc but still, my husband will be home for 2 months!
Also, I just need to say that Koen slept through the night. 9pm til 6am. I knew he could do it!
What a wonderful, fabulous start to the day!

Word Cloud

Here is a wordle of my blog. I'm thinking its taken from the last 5 posts or so. The bigger the word, the more frequently its used. Thanks Tyler!

5 Months Old

*If you read this post earlier, I added a bunch of pictures...you can never have enough right?!*

This guy loves hanging out on his tummy

(His shirt actually says, `If you think I'm cute, you should see my uncle'...being that Uncle Tyler is the only one that reads this, I'll say it's referring to you T.C)

Koen is 5 months old today. I weighed him this morning and he was 19lbs which is about what Kai was too and obviously quite chunky. I'm loving each day more and more. Koen is changing a lot. He is very content out in public and loves being held by anyone and everyone. At home, if he is in exersaucer he is VERY noisy. Screaching and squealing to be heard by all. He's not upset, he just loves the sound of his voice I guess. So different than his brother was....

His smile melts me

I love the sporty shorts
Koen is not a good sleeper, however, he doesn't get grumpy when he's overtired. If he misses naps, he's still a happy camper (if you hold him). We still don't have a set schedule yet but generally he has two 45 minute naps and one 2 hour one later in the day. He is eating every 3 hours now and has tried pears, bananas and rice cereal this month. I'd say banana is his favourite.

Yummy pureed pears...if he doesn't eat it, I will! So good:)

As for sleeping at night, what a trying month it was. He was up at least 4 times a night and usually because of a dirty diaper. Last night was the greatest night of the entire month as he was only up once at 3:30 am (dirty diaper and then feed)!! I think that if he didn't poop at night, he would be sleeping through the night. Ah the Chapman digestive systems...:) Below are 2 pictures of Kai at his age. I think they look so different.

(Kai at 5 months)

Both are quiet bald but Kai's face is much rounder. I think they both have the same nose but maybe all babies have such cute little noses.

(Kai at 5.5 months)
I did say that he was outgrowing his reflux but with all this new movement (rolling, trying to sit etc) its been harder to keep the milk in his tummy and he has been spitting up way more. It doesn't bother him so that is good, its just messy, gross, and a waste of my milk!

I lay him down on his tummy to sleep and he rolls over onto his back. Phew, way less stress now that he is sleeping on his back. I hate that feeling every time I open his door to check on him where I'm just praying he's still alive and breathing. Is that normal? I was the same way with Kai until he was 1. He is still sleeping in the cradle which is probably too small for him but I just want him in it for 2 more weeks because we are doing a road trip to Alberta and we're taking the cradle for him to sleep in so hopefully he sleeps better. We will see...

(Can't get enough of the toesies!)
Because he was spitting up so much and getting changed so much, he was pretty much always in sleepers. Now, because its hot and he's a quite a bit better, we have him in normal clothes. It was sad to pack up all the 0-6 month clothes as he really didn't get a chance to wear many of them. Also, because Kai and Koen were born in totally different seasons, Koen now has to wear 12 month old summer clothes but they actually fit quite well!

Trying to get his socks off...

Bad picture but I just wanted to show him up on his knees. Kai never rolled or crawled, he just started walking at about 10 months so this is new territory for me! Oh ya, another thing about Kai is that he hugged Koen for the first time yesterday without me asking him to do anything. Hip hip hooray. Although, yesterday Kai asked that God take Koen back and give us a bigger baby instead. I told him he needs to be very patient but Koen will grow up soon and be lots of fun to play with.

It was a year ago that we announced our pregnancy with Koen. We were so happy and I was so curious about who was growing inside of me and look who it was...

Kokoes, we love you so much. When you are jumping in my arms, squealing, giggling or smiling at your brother, my heart is full. You make me want to try to have more little babies. Don't grow up too fast baby boy. I hope you always know how loved you are. You are so yummy and so precious.