Month: May 2024

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

Tough Day for Daddy

Posted on by Mama

Valeria has been out of sorts the past few days and even though we have been able to manage it, today was a difficult day, especially for my husband.

She woke up in a very bad mood and not quite sure why since she slept through the night. But she woke up screaming and crying, and my husband couldn’t soothe her at all. We couldn’t figure out why; we checked her teeth, checked her diaper, tried feeding her and nothing. I swooped in and held her, rocking from side to side until she calmed down. I laid her in bed with us, allowing her to crawl and play for a while until she was ready to go back to bed. Mind you this was happening at 6 AM. She woke up again around 9, again not a happy camper. My husband tried playing with her on her mat, than attempting to feed her finally woke me and I jumped out of bed.

Another moment to calm her and give my husband a break. Eventually we took her to the couch and let her play a bit, my husband and I chatted a bit. We decided to try feeding her on the couch, which we have never done before, but this was a special circumstance. She ate most of her breakfast with my husband holding her and I was spoon feeding.

I really don’t know where the morning went, but she went down for a late morning nap. She again woke up cranky, but she played on her mat and shortly after we went over to see my mom and brother. We were discussing the table set-up for the Baptism party. There was much more to do than we had initially anticipated, so we will have to go back during the week to clean up the basement at my Nonna’s house.

Again, I don’t know where the time went, because we headed home and she napped pretty much right away. Our idea to go to a country market fell through, so we will try again next week though. While Valeria napped, my husband napped with her.

Now you are probably wondering how it was a hard day for him. I believe they feed off of eachothers’ emotions. When Valeria is not having a good day, than he gets into the protector/I need to soothe her mood; however when it doesn’t work, she just gets more fussy. Both Libras, one more stubborn than the next and I’m suppose to be the fire sign (Sagittarius)! I’m the calm one in our little trio! She would cry every time he would hold her, attempt to soothe her, or do absolutely anything with her.

I was the only one who could soothe her at all, and I know the feeling my husband was going through. Feeling hopeless, useless and like I was failing. It’s difficult to go through a day like that and not wonder what you are doing wrong.

As a parent, you go through ups and downs, wonder if you are raising your child right, wanting what is best for them, and so on and so forth. But the days, like today, where everything just seems to be against you, like your child wants nothing to do with you, well it’s really hard emotionally. I know for myself that when I go through days like that with her, I eventually breakdown and cry. I’m sure any parent can attest to that. You pour your heart and soul into raising a good little human, and to have a tough day, it hurts.

I knew that my husband needed me; to soothe her, to feed her, to give him a breather, and not just be there for her but also for him. Sometimes, all you need as a parent is a hug and some reassurance from your partner that you are doing good. Sometimes we forget that and put all our energy on our little ones.

Eventually later that evening, their emotions calmed down and they became their normal happy selves. Playing and laughing together, tumbling around and just hanging out as they normally do. The rest of the evening went well.

I love my husband and will always be there for him. Sometimes, we just need a reminder from our partner that we’re alright.

Love you babe. (I know he reads this)

Ciao!

Posted in Travel/Vacations

Garden Center Adventure

Posted on by Mama

The weather yesterday was cold and raining, for pretty much most of the day, until we saw a glimmering beam of hope from the sun around 3 PM. We were trying to figure out what to do, and I just suggested on a whim, the Garden Center about five minutes away from us. I figured Valeria might like all the different kinds of plants.

Boy was I right!

We spent an hour there looking around, both inside and out, and let her touch all the different plants. We were careful not to damage anything and we really couldn’t keep her from reaching and wanting to feel everything! You will see her little hand in a few photos, but her head was on a swivel looking at all the colours, textures and types.

Now don’t ask me everything we saw, there were probably over a 100 different plants; between fruit, floral, herb, shrubs, cacti, and trees.

She really didn’t want to leave, but it was getting late and she was getting sleepy. Enjoy some of my favourites plants and I apologize for the quality, they were taken with my phone.

Have a wonderful day wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

All About Mommy Kind of Day

Posted on by Mama

It started since this morning, and usually she is all about daddy. Whether my husband likes to admit it or not, she is a daddy’s girl through and through. However, today she was all about mommy.

She woke up a bit cranky early this morning, my husband wasn’t able to soothe her like usual, so to give my husband a rest, I swooped in and held her while I swayed a bit. She stopped crying almost instantly and I asked her “Can mommy lay with you?” and I set her little feet on the bed and slowly laid her down to snuggle. Well she wasn’t interested in snuggling, instead she was making her happy screech noise and climbing all over me. My husband laid in bed with us and we were just smiling and letting her do her thing. Eventually my husband took her to her mat to play and I got a bit more rest.

Not long after, it was nap time, my husband fed her as we all laid in bed. She fell asleep and my husband went to work out as her and I slept. She slowly made her way to me, as she always does, and snuggled up. I was glad for the cuddles, however I was on the edge of the bed. I ultimately decided to move to my husband’s side of the bed….

Well that was a mistake!

She woke up not even five minutes after I had moved and was not a happy camper. My husband came rushing in with a bottle and I rubbed her back, she fell back asleep with her head nestled in my armpit. I’m sure some people will think that’s gross, but it’s her favourite spot. After a while I got out of bed, but left my night shirt on the pillow so that she could still smell me.

I love when I get snuggles from Valeria, it’s one of my all time favourite things. She isn’t overly snugly right now, so it makes it all the more special when she does it.

She woke up a bit later and had a big smile on her face when she saw me.

The rest of the day was pretty boring. It was raining most the time, so we had to think of things to do indoors. We went to Costco to pick up some things, came home for Valeria to nap a little than went to the mall. We went to look at a store that sells suits (getting ideas for my husband for his sister’s wedding), the crystal shop and than to a clothing store to see if I could find anything for the Baptism. I found a beautiful linen floral skirt, now I just need a top. She was smiley and happy all day long and wanted to keep coming to me, especially during our evening walk.

She only had two naps today so 7:30 PM rolled around and well…she was out like a light. Now I’m going to relax with my husband and hopefully she will sleep for a good long while.

Hope you all have a wonderful evening!

Ciao!!

Posted in Extra Tidbits

You May See This Over the Summer

Posted on by Mama

You will probably see this image a little more often now that summer has rolled around. Our summer is filling up fast with events and travelling here and there; so there may be times when I’m a little too tired to post (like tonight) or we are away and I can’t bring my laptop with me.

I promise you will live without my sarcasm and wit for a day or more! But just know I will always do my best to post, but this is when I can’t, so fair warning.

My husband is currently putting Valeria down for the night, we had travelled back from my mother-in-law’s this evening, than my oldest brother popped over to bring Valeria some things. He loves her so much. So I am going to shower and probably just relax with my husband after, we are both very tired.

I hope you had a wonderful day wherever you are in the world. Back to the daily grind tomorrow and hopefully catch up on blogs I love and comments that were left.

Ciao!!

Posted in Travel/Vacations

Reading Time

Posted on by Mama

Yesterday was a bit of chaos as we were undecided about coming to visit my husband’s family for the weekend. The weather was bad when we woke up and at first he decided he didn’t want to risk driving in a downpour with Valeria in the car. I was grateful for the decision, however I knew how much he wanted to go, so I said if it clears and he would like to we could go later that day. The weather cleared up and the afternoon wasn’t suppose to be too bad, cloudy but no longer rainy so off we went.

The day wasn’t bad, bumps here and there; Valeria got restless in the car quite a few times, and I was falling asleep at one point, so I asked my husband to stop and grab me a coffee. “Dollar” drink days at McDonald’s, delicious iced coffees for the win!

We arrived and had a wonderful time with his brother, his wife and kids. They were kind enough to order pizza, however I didn’t want to burden them by telling them I’m not eating much carbohydrates these days. However, my husband mentioned it to his brother and they went and grabbed me a steak from the butcher shop. I had a DELICIOUS steak and salad for dinner. I don’t know how his brother Barbequed this thing but man, was it tender and juicy. I was grateful.

After the kids were fed and back in the swing of play time, our oldest nephew was holding a book. I asked him if he’d like me to read it to him and he politely said “Sure!” I was happy to, if anyone knows me, they know that I love reading and I love when kids want to read. That’s why I’m obsessive about wanting to get Valeria books….seriously it’s a problem!

He sat down on a chair beside me and it was a customized book with his name in it, the book was filled with nursery rhymes. I knew a fair number of them, and I would poke and tickle him as I read and sang. Eventually his brother came over and sat with us, and Valeria sat on daddy’s lap. She knew immediately when I go into my reading/sing-song voice what I was doing. The kids sat there as I read and sang to them, laughing and enjoying it.

It was a nice moment I shared with the kids, and it’s something I enjoy doing. It was very special for me.

After a bit we called it quits and to be fair it was getting late. We needed to get back to my mother-in-law’s apartment. Valeria was getting tired and so was I from the day to be honest.

But that moment with the kids, I really hope we can have more of those.

Do you have any special moments with your kids, nieces/nephews or even grandchildren that you really cherish?

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

My Little Chamomile Plant

Posted on by Mama

Last year I planted Chamomile in the garden and it was a tiny little thing and it produced hardly any flowers at all. It died with the first frost and I had heard that can can come back and spread like a weed, but I wasn’t sure I believed it. Boy was I wrong!

It came back this year and spread, these little guys are the first blossoms of the season and the plant has a ton of little buds on it that have yet to bloom. I read that the more you pick the flowers, the more it will produce. I’m hoping they are right.

The few that I picked are currently being dried by the window on a paper towel, which is probably not the most ideal way to do it, but it’s all I can do right now. If they don’t dry properly, well I feel less bad since it’s a small batch.

I wouldn’t mind making a healing salve for my hands with it too, but that I will need to look into a little further. Hmmm, I wonder if I can take an herbalism course? I’m great with herbs and flowers, not so great with vegetables. Would love to learn more in-depth about the medicinal purposes and how to create things with the plants. I do have an Encyclopedia, but I like to know every little thing and step by step instructions on how to create salves and such. I can’t just go in guns blazing! Maybe one day I’ll take a course, it is fascinating though.

I’m hoping Valeria has as much of an interest in plants as I do. We take her out in the garden and her pool is out there as well, so she gets to splish splash while enjoying nature.

I’ll keep you posted through out the summer about my little chamomile plant and if I’ve learned anything new. If anyone has suggestions or knowledge about these sorts of things, please let me know in the comments.

Time to do my research!

Ciao!

Posted in WP Prompt

Bonus – WordPress Prompt – Before?!

Posted on by Mama

Do you remember life before the internet?

Well this is an intriguing question and I can only imagine the answers people will give. The birth of the internet was in the early 80’s I believe and sadly I was not even a thought in my parents mind at that time. I was born later in the 80’s.

However, I remember when we got our first computer in the 90’s and for us it was a big deal. I was still too young to be on the internet, so I remember vividly what it was like before I was hypnotized by the marvels of the internet and chatting with friends on MSN Messenger, Neopets, etc.

There were a ton of kids in my neighbourhood and my best friend lived down the street. We were always outside playing games; skipping, hop-scotch, tag, hide n’ seek, soccer, boys would play street hockey, hula-hoop, etc. After school we would head home, do our homework, go play, be called in to dinner, than play again and once the street lights came on, it was time to head in. That or you would be called in by your parents at any given moment. We would generally be at someone’s house and our parents always knew where we were. If I were at my friend’s house, they would walk me half way until I met my mom or Nonna and vice versa.

For me, that was life before the internet. Once I discovered the internet, along with the rest of my friends, we all became shut ins for a while. It was a fascinating new world for all of us and we just thought we were the coolest thing since sliced bread for having a name like Cute_baby_girl or some nonsense like that for our messenger screen name. And you had to have it typed in that funky lettering everyone used. However, I eventually became a video game nerd and that was my escape on the internet.

There you have it folks, I was just a kid who played outside. Weird huh?

Ciao!

Posted in Daily Life as a Parent

New Butcher Shop and a BBQ

Posted on by Mama

We’ve decided to find a local butcher shop for better quality meat instead of buying the packaged stuff in the stores. I’m not shaming anyone for buying meat from the supermarket, goodness I’ve done it for years. However, with having Valeria and my little health scare, I think it’s high time I start eating better and locally sourced when I can.

My husband did extensive research before finding this shop. We went in last week out of curiosity, and we spoke to the owner himself. He was European and immigrated to Canada, opening up his butcher shop to keep at his trade. He was shocked when he asked for organs, informing us that’s not a request he gets very often, but asked us why? We informed him it was for our little one and he immediately had options. He made a Highland sausage (he rarely makes it, but it can be requested) and he gave it to us for free to try. We also bought a bunch of burgers, oh man were they freakin’ tasty!

Today we decided to make another trip, and luckily he was there again. We bought a porter house steak, and Hungarian sausage (for Valeria), ground beef, some bacon burgers and we asked if he carries seasoning for Mici, it’s a Romanian dish and sooooooo good. He laughed and informed us he was making a batch now, apparently we are not the only ones who have been asking about it.

We also got on the topic of his meat source, what he puts in his sausages, mici, etc. He was straight forward, informed us he gets his meat locally from three different farms, letting us know the generic locations and he could name everything he put in everything he made in house; from the Hungarian sausage all the way to every kind of burger. He was more than happy to indulge us and let us know that he likes to make his meat products as clean as possibly.

I think he knew we were concerned about Valeria and what she was eating. A very kind man and reasonably priced. We have definitely made him our butcher for the foreseeable future.

My husband was thrilled to grill tonight and honestly, I’m so glad he enjoys it because it’s one less thing I have to do cooking wise. I love to cook, but barbequing is a whole other beast. We had a wonderful dinner of marinated chicken thighs (my own marinade….if you are interested let me know and I will post it!), mici, Italian potato salad (Another recipe I’d be happy to share if anyone is interested) and my dad wanted Hotdogs. Really tasty dinner to be honest and Valeria got to try Mici for the first time. So good!

We enjoyed the beautiful day otherwise with walks and little trips to the store, the day tired her out. She has been fast asleep for a while now.

I’m going to end it here though and go enjoy some time with my husband. I hope you had a wonderful day wherever you are in the world!

Ciao!!