Nice day

Today has been swell. Madelyn started off this morning perfect with a nap from 9-11:45. whoohooo! I think she may have been very tired.

She woke up after I fed Matthew. We went on a "carbon" trip to Aberdeen and came back. It was just a carbon trip b/c we only drove there and back without getting off the car. Matthew fell asleep in the car. So, I brought them home.

Matthew took a nap until 3ish and Madelyn for 1/2 hr. Well, she did give me 3.5 hrs in the morning rite! In the meantime, I gave Madelyn her first taste of food. I mixed from rice cereal and she really liked it! She swallowed. hee hee! Big girl now!

Then after everyone was up, we went to Aberdeen again.
When we came back home, I thought I heard an icecream truck, but..hmm..in my complex..no??? yup yup! I was so excited. Well, I think more than Matthew b/c he doesn't really take ice cream.

ah... what a nice day!

Our trip via Translink

Heat sometimes makes our brains go funny. I actually thought about the cold Winter/Fall days and thought how nice it was in Christmas. I guess the heat did the trick, but I do love the sentimental attachments of "back to school" with Fall and Christmas with Winter. I'm way past the "school" thing now. Yet, "back to school" sorta brings back memories.

Well, heat brought out the "nasty" in some people. Atleast it did during our Translink trip today back home. I guess we always have to give others the benefit of the doubt. On our trip back, this man tried to get the bus driver to use the phone on the bus to let another bus driver know he left his bag on the bus. As the driver continued to explain to him why she couldn't do it, he got more coookoooo. He even stood infront of the bus and taunted her. Two other translink people came to the rescue after 5 mins. I give kudos to the bus drivers that take shit everyday.

Ernest had his day off today. We were planning a trip somewhere but decided against that after spending $$ on our bikes. I bought a bike trailer for the kids for $35 at a garage sale. Good deal. Now, we have all the gear to go biking with the kids when Madelyn is old enough to sit in it.

Anyways....

We took a trip to MEC to look at bike stuff via the 99 b-line and 98 b-line. Matthew loves car/things with wheels, so he was quite facinated by the bus ride. We parked our car at the park-and-ride. So, i don't feel as guilty for pumping out carbon all the way to Broadway and back. Well..that and the $$$!!!

Had a GREAT time!

It's so cold

It's so cold. I don't want to turn on the heat b/c it will waste energy. Heat in June? Come on. I opt to wear more clothes instead. I really hope it gets warmer soon. But, i'd prob be saying: It's so hot afterwards. We can never be satisfied.

It was a great weekend. Ern cleared out some of the garage by donating stuff and returning the bottles. Not too busy.

Madelyn got her 4 months shots yesterday. It went better than the 2 months b/c I gave her some sugar water. But, i guess i will need to make her a sugar ball next time to really kill the pain. (cross my fingers) Still haven't seen any nasty reactions yet.

I can't wait till Friday when my sis will hopefully be able to babysit my kids again. Ern and I visited the Irish pub on westminster last Friday for 1ish hr. It was nice to consume some alcohol again and listen to a live band. We met a pilot from Thomas Cook airlines from England. He says he loves Vancouver the most. It's cool to meet new ppl.

Madelyn is sleeping on her swing now. I still have the range hood fan on. It's the 2nd day she prefers the swing over my bed. gosh...another thing I have to wean her from later on. yikes!

Great Times

Hmm..It's Thursday. I used to have this philosophy at work:

Monday: eh...not so great..but live through it.

Tuesday: ah..better, almost wed!

Wednesday: Ah..even better b/c it's thursday soon and thursday is = to Friday!

Thursday: Woohoo! Weekend coming BABY!!

Friday: WAHHHHHH!!!! Weekend!

Now, it's:

Mon: 4 days till daddy is off for full days

Tues: 3 days till daddy is off for full days

.... Friday: Daddy is off for weekend!

Don't get me wrong! I love being with my kids!

Monday this week was WONDERFUL! I got to meet the girls and watch my beloved

Sex and the CITY!!! It was ok. I really prefer the TV versions. Sorta missed Carrie's brain powered quotes. There was only one word in the the video: "Love."

And..I missed the song, they only played the first few notes. But, I will still go and buy the soundtrack knowning how a crazy ass fan I am.

Tomorrow i'm going for a manicure from some sista time with my sis at Tao. Hopefully it goes ok since i cut my index and middle finger in my left hand while cutting onions. sheesh..I should be a pro by now.

Matthew has had stomach problems for the past few days. poor guy. what goes in come right back out for him. today, i'm finally taking him to the doc. he doesn't have a fever. glad that ern is coming home early to help me with the doc appointment.

Today, I wanted to go to Lululemon. And..maybe matthew could play in the playarea at oakridge. he fell right asleep when he got into the car. I drove all the way to Oakridge and wasted both gas and my carbon footprint credits for nothing. I ended up driving all the way back. Past by Mcdys to buy some food (the window woke him up). We then went to Richmond Centre (I should have learned by now) and matthew went to the washroom (minor). Then we came home. He was screaming like crazy. I finally put him in the stroller together with Madelyn b/c I couldn't push the stroller and carry him at the same time.

And..on top of all this...I'm continuing to be an ant killer. They are marching right into my kitchen. We will go to home depot today and see what we can do. My cat is once again not deterring any pests. argh!

visiting my old life

No, i'm not mourning my pre-baby days right now again. Reason for the title is that I actually went to visit my friend at TD Waterhouse today. It's so nice i'm referring her to my friend instead of co-worker...uhh...! Anyways, I dropped off Matthew at the sitter today at 11. Although I have 1 adorable Madelyn with me (yes, see how my prespective changes so postively once I am responsible for only 1 ..ONE being today), it seemed like a holiday.

Well, well, well.. I thought I was ahead of the game starting out my trek at about 12. We're scheduled to meet at 1 after the market closes. Then, I get into DT core at around 12:30. Ok...I thought... "i'll visit H&M after the lunch" (which is now totally possible since an overly energetic toddler is no longer hanging around). Then, I get a glimpse of what my life will be in DT again. I was not pleased. Was stuck within a 1 block radius.. on Dinsmuir between Howe and Seymor for 20 MINS!!! Meanwhile, Madelyn was still sound asleep.

Ok..then made it up the handicap-unfriendly building (i had to go through sears' elevator to get up to ground level to go up TD tower). I know...why am I all of a sudden bitching about handicap access.. well, when u got a baby...u got a stroller.. u got hands that can only manouver the stroller and not the door at once. When i get up there, some ppl actually remember me! I guess 2 yrs in not such a long time for ppl who don't constantly get sleep deprived. They wake up for the market voluntarily.

Anways, was great lunch at Kamei Sushi with Marion, Landis, and Marchelle. Good old times. Then, the escaltor up to Kamei was dead..and then the girls got a taste of what bad handicap access is. Finished lunch and went to H&M. Yeah! it was so big. I was quite excited. But, like all parents, we buy LOTS for our KIDS. I got 1 dress for $35. Then rest was for Matthew and Madelyn. I dare say that Madelyn out won Matthew in this area today. I just once again... couldn't resist. Although the prices are much more digestible than say...the store on 4th.

It was tiring, but a good glimpse of both my life before (or could be future..u never know) and the lastest fashion trends.

Then...as I was washing dishes tonite... I remeber the song "the ants come marching ...blah blah blah"...I think of how it's not really funny.. b/c i'm having ants marching in my kitchen. I've got 2 today. I have yet to find out where they're coming from. hmm... i wonder if their family members keep dying..would they give up and go back outside. *sigh*

oooo...one thing to look foward to though.. LOST! it's on tonite! season finale...I can get all LOSt all over..and over..and over.. b/c you can never get the answer and become lost everytime you watch it. I feel abused...yet keep on watching.

great day...

It has started not so good..but is improving....the weather is atleast. I'm totally using the exersaucer to buy some "personal" time right now. So bad, I think she's been in it for 5-10 mins now..so another 5 mins. I'm glad Madelyn can hold her head up to be in that UFO. That's why ern calls it! We have two, maybe put the other one in our bedroom.

I'm so excited to be going to my haircut appointment today. It's in steveston and my first time at ASK. I'm more looking forward to the head massage during the shampooing process. Dunno why, i love head massages. I once asked my prenatal massage therapist why, she said there are a lot of muscles in our head and face area that are working all the time.

Then...I'm going to the movies or to baby days tomorrow while Matthew revisits his babysitter. I'll have only one kiddo tomorrow afternoon. yeah..yipee..!!

So far...potty training has been going well. Matthew is not in diapers when we go out now. But, I try to make stops for him to go even though he doesn't tell me or else I have only 1 min before the bomb explodes.

Happy Birthday Matthew

wow, it has been a while since i've last bitched out loud...or on a more positive note, boasted how well my kids are doing..ahahha!!

Matthew is officially two today! It's such a cute guy. I believe he is totally adorable. But, 2 years ago...while i was still in newborn hell, i did not think this way. I remember a friend asked us: "isn't he adorable?" We were like..."eh heh....adorable??" But, he is such a sweet little guy. I'm so happy he is so good to Madelyn.

The birthday party turned out well. Not too exhausting for us. He got many gifts and is very happy with all of them. I guess everyone knew about his feelings towards "cars"..hahaha!! But, we've turned on a few remote cars and he definately prefers those that don't move or move with his touch rather than the remote. He kept on saying "bye bye bye" to the moving thing.

I went to the dentist yesterday after a few days of toothache and headaches. Dentist said I can't have braces as i've already took out 6 teeth for the last brace face experience. Yes..yes..yes..as all teenages think they know everything and the worst won't happen to them..I did not do as I was told and kept my retainers on. So, there's no room to remold anything. I have to shave off some teeth so it will not stick out that much and wear a night guard. I guess i'm pretty stress this few days and have been grinding my teeth extra hard.

Madelyn is a sweety. She has learned to turn over to her tummy with the exception of one arm. She has yet to get her arm out of the way..or turn over her arm. As with all babies, she hates tummy time.

And.. oh yes.. last nite our espresso machine said bye bye to us. We are in mourning. Not officially yet b/c Ern is going to try to fix it some way. Or else..we will sell it for parts and buy a new one at a place called Espresso Tech. It sells pro stuff and we'll be prob spending a few 100 bucks on one. It's worth it since we drink it everyday/nite.

Norwex stuff

I'm so happy today upon receiving my Norwex stuff. I used the dish cloth and it's fantastic! It actually retains the soap pretty good and even took off some stains on my white sink (i forgot what the sink is made out of, but it's not metal). The face cloth is awsome too as now i don't have to clean with any cleansers. I have yet to try my microfibre dusting mitt, tongue cleaner (i know.. weird eh), and mattress cleaner.

Well,.. i'm have been a consultant for some time. It's my extra job on top of being my kiddo's "ma..ma..ma..ma"..hahah!!

Back to cleaning.....

happy chemicals

Wow! I actually associated happy with the word chemicals. Well, it's because I forgot what the word for the "chemical" that is produced that makes us feel good when we exercise. I guess i also need to find another chemical that cures my mushy brain. Anyways, back to the positive stuff. I'm very happy that I have started to go to stroller class again. It's so nice to be out and about with Matthew and Madelyn and doing some exercise that decreases my bitchiness by the end of the day. Ern is VERY supportive since he is the one that gets the hit at the end of the day if i'm grouchy. I'm starting to love my double BOB stroller more and more! It's so fantastic! I don't really feel hard pushing the two during the workout.

Hmm..so what did we do this past week. I was stupid enough to burn up some fossil fuel going all the way downtown to realize that I mixed up the dates of the EPIC convention. It's this coming weekend. I didn't know until we went into the convention centre and all the logos were different. We picked up a free bag of the convention that day ... sorta makes up for the $3.25 parking.

Went on our annual trek to visit my Grandpa Poon's grave with my mom and my uncles and aunts (mom's side), ate bbq pork. I was one of the lucky ones (2 in total including my cousin) that saw grandpa when he was alive... me being the first grandchild.

Other than that...I really don't remember what I did.

Atleast I'm "happy" now..."happy" and utterly forgetful.

Madelyn's 2 month shots & sleep training

Madelyn had her 2 month shots (3 together) today. Ern came with me as I can't bear to see her get poked and also manage a curious toddler at the same time. Matthew is still quite uneasy at the doc's office b/c of his 18 month shot experience. Atleast he doesn't need to be poked again until he's near kidergarten.

We sorta a little attitude from our doc regarding Matthew's sleeping habits. He's sucking the life out of Ern now..well it was b/c he was sick a few weeks back and it went downhill. Ern went started to sleep with him to monitor his fever. Now, it is as if his life or death depends on one of our presence. I guess it will be bye bye to his "nai nai" (milk) and daddy as his sleep aid. I am actually quite happy that the sleep training this afternoon started out pretty good. I sat at the end of his bed holding Madelyn while he clutched his toy car (yes he sleeps with his car and they're the hard type..not soft toys). Then Madelyn started to fuss, so I got up and walked around the hallway. He sat up and I told him "book book" (which is to put his head back down on his pillow) and that I was here. After 5 mins he went to sleep. Yeah!

Let's see what happens to Ern tonite.....will it be the Manageble Matthew or the Miserable Ernest?

Cars Galore!

Today we went to the annual vancouver car show. So many cars! Matthew was a little shy at the beginning, but he started to run around like crazy afterwards. Matthew had his share of running about, Ern had his share of carrying and preventing a toddler from roaming too far, and I was happy to collect the different freebies.

Freebies: shopping bags, stringy things that go over your neck, gazzillion brochures.

I as actually very happy to gather my share of eco friendly info. I'm amazed that my Mini (notice the word "my", yes..i'm still bitter over having to part with my velvet red baby post-matthew) is one of the most fuel efficient vehicles. Yeah!

Now...I was REALY excited when I found out that Mini has a new member to their family:

Mini Clubman! It has 2.5 doors, bigger trunk space, all the goodies. It will fit my Peg Perego, but not the BOB though. Oh well, atleast I can consider buying this car after the strollers are gone and before menopause starts knocking on my door.

Then we had some food at a greek restaurant that was beside Stephos. We couldn't stand the wait, so bypassed Stephos. Matthew decided to stick to his grape diet and would only intake grapes. Oh well, he won't starve. The manager/waiter was very nice to us (and we made sure he didn't start to hate little children = more tips) and Ern said he was a little embaressed when he brought the food and I was feeding Madelyn.

Last nite we also had a taste of our yuppy days when we visited The Reef restaurant on Main Street. It was carribean food..yummy. Andrea was with us = some breathing room for us b/c she had the opportunity to spend some quality time with Matthew while we tried to garbarated our dinner as fast as we could.

A little bit about my little pumpkin, she's so cute now. She coos and smiles at me!

2 months old!

It was very nice to experience a little bit of our pre-baby days this week. Can't wait for the kids to get older so we can borrow their aunts and uncles for a weekend while we take off to ......

.... to be continued..... (i'm currently dreaming.....lah..lah lah...)....

hmmm....coffeee!!

Coffee, Tea, or Me? I would choose my decaf coffee since there's really not much of me left after being Matthew's mama, Madelyn's mama, Ern's mama (j/k, honey..uhhh!!).

I have found one of the best decaf coffee beans around. Well, I don't claim to be any coffee guru. But, you actually can't taste that it's decaf (which is really good). Ern is really in his espresso, latte art, and "creamer." If you want more detailed explanations on the different parts of the coffee, machines, or what not, pls inquire with him. I only know the "best" part, the tasting.

Okay, after all this talk, it's time to unveil my addiction (other than acquiring goods..hahahah!!):

Salt Spring Coffee. It's organic! Yipee!

Umm... I made Matthew hold on to the coffee and he reluctantly obliged for a few seconds. As you can see I was more excited about the coffee, so the flash didn't make it up to my lovely son's face.

Why the heck am I talking about coffee?! For some odd reason, I'm really hooked on to the taste. I guess since the taste really mimics reg coffee, my mind is sorta benefiting from the placebo effect. And... b/c LD had it on sale for $9.99 so I went to stock up (I only bought one okay!) mmuuuuuuhaaaahaaahaaahaaa!!

I also bought a "cars" place mat for Matthew. But, have yet to make it fully functional because it's currently being housed in the car (baby brain!~~~).

Question: Have you ever separated your car cleaning into 2 or more sessions (I'm not talking about outside vs inside)? I made an attempt to wash my car today in the presence of my two lovely children. Matthew was a very good boy and played around the car. Madelyn was sleeping soundly in her car seat..when suddenly..she welcomed the water (to wash off the soap) with screams! So, I didn't dry the car or wash the rims yet. Maybe the sunshine will provoke me to finish up tomorrow as it did get me going today. "Welcome the Spring!!

What happened to "time"?

Ah ha! Time! I guess as we live more and more minutes of our life, we always seem to have less and less minutes to fit everything in. I have been meaning to write here for a few days and have always been cut short of time.

In short (of time), this is what happened these few days:
1. Madelyn has started to respond occasionally with a cutie smile!
2. I conquered my latest obsession: Skip Hop Duo Double Diaper Bag.
(isn't it funny how I get so excited even though it's not a LV???)
3. I found "egg replacements" for baking. Matthew can finally have a piece of his birthday cake!
4. Submitted my taxes.
5. Reviewed my Excel balance sheets (yes, "hello kerry...!! Welcome back to the real - $$$- world!!)
6. Brought Matthew to demo music class (Matthew wanted to be held when other ppl were on the floor dancing..gotta get out more).

I'm trying to keep my expenses in check now by spending CASH. Yes, have gone back to the old school method.

Keeping it short, "that's all folks!"

I'm not dead yet!

Helloooooo??? Hello there??? YES, i'm still alive! It's been a few days since I've last gave you guys a piece of my mind. haha!!

Things have been slowly recovering. It's actually going before I'M GONE! Matthew is at the end of his antibiotics journey. It's funny how he's learned to like the strawberry tasting crap. Don't need to wrestle him down anymore. But, the phlegm is still bothering him lots. Ern was "Matthew-free" for 8 hrs last nite from 10-6. It began on a bumpy start tonite. He went down at 8 and as of now (10pm), he has woken up 3 times already. We revised our game plan and turned on the humidifier along with one session of "snot" retrieval (via the squirt thingy, not oral! ewww!!).

I have picked up a book called "Water for Elephants." It's really good! I'm almost done. I see the sticker on it says "Heather's picks" (from chapters). I bought it at a garage sale for $.75. I also got a lot of other books for $.25.

Tonite I have finally worked up the courage to review my excel sheet and take a "sneak" peak at my future "kaching" $$$ allocations...or better said as "options." It's not that bad, just have to be more wise in my spending habits. I guess I can withdrawl some RRSPs to kill off the student loans when time comes.

Meanwhile, one thing really stands true. "Survival of the Fitist." (I actually remember something from elementary school) I have ventured out of the comfort zone of my little dwelling for two consecutive days already. We hit Richmond Centre's airplane playground yesterday. We went to Superstore today (caught the organic milk in time before it's all gone.. a $1 saved is a $1 earned!!). So, it's not that bad after all. "If you think you can, YOU CAN." .. - Thank you very much!

Thank you Moms

I'm very greatful for my moms: Meiann and Agnes. My mom helped me buy some children's Tylenol, infant Tylenol, Children's Advil, infant Advil, and ginger ale (as you can see by the list of drugs we were quite desperate!!). Desperate but not crazy, we only fed him the infant Tylenol.

Today, Agnes (Ern's mommy) came over to help me with keeping Madelyn happy. Eh..heh..Matthew? He's still on "ma..ma..ma..ma" mode. It was great because I could atleast sneak in some down time when I put Matthew down for a nap.

Matthew's fever is still lingering around like a fly, but it's improving from a massive wasp to a tiny fruit fly (those that you're never quick enough to kill!). I hope it clears up soon for the well-being of all of us *sigh*. Meanwhile... his nose is constantly dripping with yellow goo (you might think i'm mean to have taken this pic, ..hey... might as well go cuckoo with a few laughs!). I'm so glad that Ern doesn't have to work tomorrow.

As a side note..I have been noticing that my Baby Brain has still not left me even though my two muchkins are no longer in me (but rather a constant extention of my legs or arms). Is it from my 2 years of sleep deprivation? Is it ever going to go away? Or..am I doomed for life. Well... we'll see as we roll along this sometimes bumpy road.

Although it's been tough, I will never trade away what I have now. The good times don't look so damn good without the bad days (unless you look at things through a glass of beer, which Ern and I had to result to last nite to calm down). I felt bad for being so mean to Matthew last nite (of course I didn't feel this way before my beer). Poor guy, so sick and being yelled at. Hey!...I was really freakin tired running on 2-3 hrs of sleep. Today I have changed and just told myself to take it easy.

Being parents can really bring out the monster in you. Scary eh! Now I know how being on the other side feels (yelling instead of being yelled at). Unfortunately...the grass in not greener on this side. Both jobs are hard: growing up and growing someone. Meanwhile..I can look outside my window at my growing tulips and daffodils and enjoy a zen moment.

Any insights on marathon running?

Parental Marathon: What's sleep??? Answer is when you die.

Preganancy: no sleep due to washroom drills

New parents: no sleep due to high need kids

Parents to teenagers: no sleep due to being too scared of what's going to happen next

Seniors: Do they ever sleep??



Usually I would depict a glass as being "half-full". Today it is truely a different story. Before I got pregnant, good sleep is 10 hours. I have currently "refreshed" my expcectations to a mere 4-5 hours.



Matthew's sickness got worse last night and his fever spiked past 39 degrees. Seems like the prescribed amount of 2 ml Tylenol doesn't cut it. So, we upped his dosage to 3 ml. Dunked him in some semi-warm water. After the bath and some vomitting we finally got him down at 4 am. Then, I went to greet my little Madelyn.

Starting off with 2 under 2...plus a whole lot of coughing and sneezing goodies

A little bit of background on my Blog's name "Ma..ma..ma..ma" on this grand opening occasion of my blog. The sound of the two characters put together are the constant sounds I hear now. These few days more than ever. For those who do not have children, you cannot understand how the sound of "ma ma ma" can ever be a bittersweet sound to one's ears. For those who have children who can't yet speak , I know you're very eager to have your little one say those exact words one day (God bless us). For me, I usually love to attend to my ever loving "ma ma ma" muchkin, but yesterday and today are a little different. The picture is this: I'm sick, Madelyn's sick, and Matthew's sick. Throw them all together in a pot. Crazy Ass Kerry by the time Ern comes home.

Yesterday's doc appointment was a productive one. Madelyn got her Hep B shots (so she will only need to be poked 3 instead of 4 times at her 2 month shots) and her Bronchiolitis (from RSV) is improving (doc is no longer concerned). Matthew will just need to tough it out b/c there are no drugs for him other than Tylenol for his fever.

Today... I've seen better days, but I thank God for every single day's experience. Off to Richmond Centre we go (mall rat??)!! Matthew catches much attention from grannies as he struts around with his doggy "backpack" (linked to mama by an extention..ok..leash). All of a sudden, a bomb of shooting vomit comes up after this little play time near his favourite ramp in front of Orange Julius. Poor guy! He coughed so hard he started to cry and then the eruption. It's not so bad compared to him throwing up at his bedtime the last two nites.

On the bright side, I got cute swimsuits for both my bambinos. Gymboree on sale for $15. I was going to buy a hat, but couldn't justify spending $17 for a hat. Now I may start to obsess over the thought of it like my Skip Hop bag and my BOB stroller (Garlee!!).

We had Curry tonite from Kabab and Kurry. It's a great authentic place located in the same complex as "Sun Tung Gei" Hotpot. But, it faces Alderbridge instead of Alexandra Road. Dunno why it opened there, but I hope it doesn't die. My taste buds have started their resurrection. So,..meanwhile curry is strong enough for me to taste something.

I'm very thankful for my wonderful husband who "eagerly" took over Matthew when he came home tonight.

Matthew has just gone down after he requested to go to bed...yipee! He actually told Ern he wanted to "gow gow" (sleep).

What a great ending to today! And we live happily ever after!