laugh often and much

Don't hate me because I look less tired...

2012-01-16T11:13:00.003-05:00

Got a long overdue haircut. The hairdresser told me I looked "less tired" afterward. Ummm...backhanded compliment? Anyway, I don't love it...but honestly I very rarely love a haircut. The hairdresser asked me if I would donate my hair to make wigs for cancer (she calculated that she cut off about 11 inches!). So not only do I look less tired, but I feel good for helping a good cause.

2012-01-13T18:12:00.005-05:00

We played today. A morning of being silly. An afternoon of getting snowy. A supper of Spiro's Supersub (a Montreal delicacy).

Please excuse the mess...my children and I are busy making memories.

Good thing they're cute...

2012-01-11T16:50:00.002-05:00

Cuz...none of them listen.

Home at last!

2012-01-03T16:01:00.010-05:00

The Holidays were extra merry this year...as we celebrated them in our OWN HOUSE!!! We moved in at the beginning of November, and although there are still tons of things that need to be done...it's cute, it's cozy, it's charming...it's totally home, sweet, home.

Check out our "before" and "afters".

kitchen before

kitchen after

view from living room to kitchen/dining area before

dining area off kitchen - after

living room before

living room after

pantry before

pantry turned office "nook" after

upstairs closet - before

upstairs boys powder room - after

main bathroom (the only one of the house) - before

bedroom on main floor before

main bathroom after - we eliminated the original main floor bedroom and turned it into a spacious bathroom, and the old original bathroom (which was teeny tiny anyway) was knocked down to make more kitchen space.

after - main bathroom

front door before

front door after

backdoor/mini mudroom after (unfortunately no "before" pictures of this space).

If you could have only seen (or smelled for that matter) what this place was like before, you wouldn't believe how much work my husband (almost singlehandedly) did.

P.S. check back for pictures of the two bedrooms...i was just too lazy to clean them just to take pictures!

Twitterpated

2011-06-11T19:04:00.013-04:00

I watched my oldest friend get married to her longtime love. I wiped away happy tears as I heard their heartfelt vows. Love, sweet love. The happy newlyweds

The va va voom hottie bride...seriously...in my over 30 years of knowing her, she looked the most beautiful the night of her wedding reception. Totally stunning.

My "love it or hate it" green bubble dress. I personally love it. It was so fun to get dressed up and go out on a date with my husband. We hadn't gone out, just the two of us, on a date in a year and a half. Yes you read that right...1.5 years!!! That must change. For real. If you are reading this, and live in the greater Montreal area, you may be called upon for babysitting duty real soon.

My husband cleans up pretty nice. It's been too long since I've seen him in anything but his Kitty House construction wear. Speaking of the Kitty House...we're not living there yet. 'Nuff said about that.

Devin - 15 months.

Hudson - 4 1/2 years.

He's the heartthrob of all the girls in his preschool. For real...they told him, and he told me, and now I'm telling you. I hear a lot of giggly girls saying "Bye Hudson" whenever I pick him up. He loves it.

He thinks he's a big kid. He copies everything his big brother does. Everything. He's definitely getting his fair share of bumps and bruises.

Wearing our Mother's Day matching cardigans. Once upon a time, I would never have admitted this...but...those babies were on sale for less than five bucks EACH! Honestly, I wear that cardigan a lot, and it cost less than my coffee at Starbucks.

foot in my mouth...again.

2011-05-10T21:05:00.002-04:00

I OPENLY (and repeatedly) mistook one of Hudson's classmates DAD for his GRANDPA!!!!

"Oh Lucky Ian! He gets to go to the Eco Museum with his Grandpa!" I joyously said OUT LOUD...purposely being friendly, as we walked into the school at the same time.

Being the polite Canadian he is, he never corrected me (and no, there is NO WAY IN HELL he didn't hear me...unless he's deaf, which unfortunately he's not).

Later that fieldtrip, I heard the teachers addressing him as Ian's "Dad".

So so so embarrasing.

Lesson learned...I should never talk. Ever.

he loves me...

2011-05-08T07:42:00.003-04:00

"because I make him cheese sandwiches and hotdogs".

The teachers asked all the kids in Hudson's preschool why they love their mothers, then they wrote down all the answers and displayed them on a board outside the classroom.

I literally laughed out loud when I read my son's reason. Now everyone knows I feed my child the lips ands toes of processed meat.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

random memory

2011-04-20T21:50:00.002-04:00

I made my dad laugh out loud when he was recovering in the hospital after his brain aneurysm. He was laughing, and I was mortifed. I had just admired what I thought was a baby bump on a lady, and asked the woman how far along she was in her pregnancy...and horrifyingly...she wasn't pregnant! It had happened at the entrance to the hospital, and I was probably still red in the face from blushing, when I got to my father's room. I remember telling my father what had just happened, and he laughed out loud.

Honestly...I have never commented on any stranger's protuding belly ever again. No matter how obvious it is that they are pregnant. Cuz, you just never know.

iphone pix

2011-04-18T21:22:00.002-04:00

Still haven't found my camera memory card thingy...that's what happens when you live between two places...things get misplaced. That, or Devin may have lost it. He gets blamed for all things missing around here. He honestly thinks pull-ups are supposed to go on your head. His brother showed him this, and whenever he gets his hands on a pull-up, he wears it as a hat. Literally a poo-poo head. Isn't his smile infectious? And so genuine? So disappointed that Devin's face is cut off, because this moment melts my heart. Really really wish i captured it on camera better. My boys fell asleep in the car holding hands. It doesn't get any cuter than that.

yawn...

2011-04-05T20:59:00.004-04:00

i know my blog has gotten boring.
it's really because my life has gotten boring.
there just isn't much to write about, when you're living half the week at your inlaws and half the week at your mom's. it's like the movie "Groundhog Day". Monday to Thursday...take Hudson to school, watch him cry when we drop him off (he decided he didn't like school anymore after his week off for Spring Break), kill 3 hours until it's time to pick him up. same ol, same ol. not really blog-worthy stuff.

and so i daydream about moving into our house a lot. i'm really excited to see it all come together. i think our little 26 X 26 home is going to be super cute and cozy. did i mention that we turned a teeny tiny closet into a powder room? no? well we really wanted a toilet on the same floor as the bedrooms upstairs...and we weren't intimidated by losing a 3 X 4 foot closet space. guys, i can't wait to show you the before and afters of this house.

until then...i'll try not to put you to sleep with all the mundane aspects of my life as a SAHM.

confession

2011-03-29T21:00:00.002-04:00

i LOVE when my boys are both asleep. LOVE it.

does that make me a bad mama?

it's hard work being responsible for two little beings all day long. feed them, clean them up, dress them, clean up their messes, entertain them, entertain them some more, feed them some more, clean them and their messes up some more...it's hard hard work.

i have once again misplaced my camera memory card so i can't upload any new pictures onto the computer. which sucks, cuz there are some cute ones i want to share.

anyway...the Kitty House is coming along. rob's almost done the plumbing, and i finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. i won't jinx it by writing a move-in date yet, but i'm trusting it will be sooner than later.

p.s. as i type this i hear devin waking up. that would be THREE times in the last 1.5 hours.

10 Absolutely Random Facts From My Life On This Day

2011-03-15T21:52:00.005-04:00

1. Hudson asked me a while back why we always take the highway...and never the low-way.

2. The Kitty House is still far from being habitable.

3. Devin is apparently getting all of his teeth at the same time, and is taking it out on my boobs. Toe-curling pain, I tell ya.

4. I've neglected this blog because I am obsessed with browsing for ~~junk~~ previously loved mechandise on kijiji

5. I didn't have to zip up my jacket today...YAY Spring is coming, I can feel it!

6. Got an encouraging email from an old friend on Facebook that made my day a little brighter.

7. My oldest friend is getting married this summer and I can't wait to celebrate with her!

8. I never thought I'd say this sentence...but I LOVE the toilet we just bought.

9. Every change of season, for the last 10 years, makes me want to perm my hair for some reason. And I'm always too chicken to actually go through with it. Advice?

10. I'm craving a poutine.

100 Things about Devin

2011-02-07T13:05:00.001-05:00

1. You love to dance

2. You love to eat

3. So far the only thing you haven't been a fan of is fish

4. You smile and laugh easy

5. But your crying is ferocious

6. It is so obnoxious, yesterday while you and I were shopping at Winner's you started howling in your stroller so loudly, a manager actually pulled me out of line and opened a closed cash just so I could pay for my stuff faster (aka get you out of their store)

7. You hate riding in the car

8. You will have to learn to tolerate that better, because your father and I LOVE going for drives

9. You think Hudson is so funny

10. Your favorite toy is whatever he's playing with

11. This causes a lot of yelling (on both your parts)

12. You're not afraid of fighting with your big brother

13. You don't think you're 1 year old

14. You think you're 4, like Hudson

15. Your feet are the opposite of Hudson's

16. Thick and wide, like the Hulk

17. And your toes are straight

18. You have two birth marks

19. You have a double crown

20. This makes for the coolest Rockstar mohawk

21. Your favorite food is blueberries

22. And McDonald's frenchfries

23. You love baths

24. You don't mind getting your face wet or water in your eyes

25. But you hate having your nose wiped

26. You are walking 100% of the time now

27. Your first (and only) word so far is "Hi"

28. You love poking our belly buttons

29. You always have dirty fingernails

30. I hope that isn't a correlation

31. You love playing with remotes and cellphones

32. You once "hid" the TV remote at Nanny and Bob's, and they looked for it for HOURS (literally)

33. It was in the fridge :)

34. You like turning off the TV when we're watching it

35. You smile when we get mad

36. Stinkers apparently run in our family

37. You love kisses, both giving and receiving

38. You love being tickled

39. You're affectionate

40. You show your toys to Bosco

41. You love to brush your teeth...by yourself...which means you love chewing your toothbrush

42. You love holding tubes (lotions, creams, toothpaste)

43. You've fallen asleep holding these toiletries on numerous occasions

44. Whatever floats your boat, baby

45. You look around before doing something you know you're not supposed to

46. You are obsessed with sticking your finger in the electrical sockets

47. You test everything by putting it in your mouth

48. I have fished out some odd things from there

49. I bet you have swallowed many things I don't even know about

50. You give your tou-tous kisses

51. Even when you're by yourself, and don't know I'm secretly watching

52. You are a lover of Hudson's artwork and crafts

53. And by "lover", I mean "crumpler", "ripper", "destroyer"

54. I really don't think it's intentional, but it happens every time

55. You hate when I cut your nails

56. But I have to often, because you have the habit of digging your nails into our skin when you're tired

57. You pinch us hard over and over when you're falling asleep

58. This is kind of a weird quirk, Kid

59. You abruptly stopped sucking your thumb

60. All by yourself

61. Coincidentally this ended you sleeping through the night

62. Ugh.

63. You effectively communicate all your wants and needs by pointing your finger

64. Bossy little finger pointer

65. I have never had anyone look at me with such love in their eyes, as you

66. I have never seen eyes so joyful when they smile, as yours

67. You are a happy baby

68. I am so grateful for that

69. I am so grateful for you

70. I often whisper in your ear that you were exactly what I needed

71. I actually believe you were exactly what our family needed

72. I believe wholeheartedly that having you, saved me from a dark dark place

73. I regret almost everyday that you never got a chance to meet your Hadabogi

74. You like very boyish things

75. Like toy cars

76. And balls

77. And empty boxes

78. Out of all your birthday presents, you liked your balloons the best

79. You go get your own snacks from the cupboard when you're hungry

80. You almost always pick the cheesy crackers

81. Although you also often pick the Nesquick Chocolate Milk mix

82. Which is weird considering you've never tasted it

83. You pretend to talk on the phone

84. Your crying doesn't get progressively louder...you go from not crying to screaming your head off in 1 second

85. That is not cool

86. You like seeing yourself in pictures and videos

87. You smile when we smell your toes

88. You smile bigger when we pretend they're stinky

89. Sometimes we're not pretending

90. You watch TV with your brother

91. The parts you like best is always the singing/music

92. You like holding crayons

93. You wiggle and squirm every time you get your diaper changed

94. EVERY SINGLE DIAPER CHANGE SINCE YOU WERE BORN!!!

95. You experiment with gravity by trying to get off furniture headfirst

96. You sleep with your mouth open

97. Like your mama

98. You get the most snuggles out of anyone in our family

99. From me, daddy, and even Hudson (who cuddles YOU more than anyone else)

100. You may be suffering from Second Child Syndrome in terms of having less photographs and videos...but definitely NOT in LOVE and KISSES!

Devin...you were exactly what I needed. I can't stress that enough. I am so so lucky to be your mama. I am so so grateful for you. You completed our family. I love you Baby!

Happy First Birthday Devin!

2011-02-06T22:08:00.006-05:00

My Rockstar Baby

I love his crazy hairdo

He LOVES bathtime

I could munch him all day long

Cuddling Halmonie

Birthday ballooons

My One Year Old Birthday Boy

In his Korean Birthday suit

With his Auntie Sue-Poo

With Mama

Happy happy birthday, baby

Sweet moment with Romy

he's home

2011-01-30T21:39:00.004-05:00

this post has been on my mind since i read it.
it continually pops back in my mind.
i don't know why.
i just can't imagine giving someone up for adoption at 18 months old.
moreso, i can't imagine being given up for adoption at 18 months old.

i stumbled aross this blog by fluke. i think i was actually googling "dining room banquette". weird how one thing leads to another.

weird how a complete stranger's story has haunted me since i read it.

i'm happy he's home.

smooch!

2011-01-18T21:58:00.004-05:00

Hudson and Emma...
sitting in a tree...
K-i-s-s-i-n-g.
first comes love...
then comes marriage...
then comes baby in a baby carriage.

Hudson experienced his first kiss on the lips (from a non-family member) today. AND it was from the girl of his dreams...Emma!

He's learning early that girls are complicated. Sometimes Emma likes him (like today). Sometimes he says she doesn't want to play with him. She's already got the game figured out...play hard to get to keep 'em interested. It's working.

While we're talking about kissing...Hudson has melted our hearts lately with an expression he made up all by himself. After we kiss him, he'll lick his lips and say "I licked your kiss, so it goes all the way down to my heart" (and just so you get the full cuteness...he pronounces "heart" with a little bit of a Boston(?) accent - "hot").

And then we have Devin's kisses...kissing him is a little like playing Russian Roulette. Sometimes they are sweet, sometimes they are downright dangerous...and you just never know what kind it'll be until it's too late. He's a biter. Those 4 little teeth have made me cry out in pain. Which only makes the little Bugger smile a little bigger.

Now go kiss (or surprise/trick them with a bite instead) someone you love, and then lick it all the way down to your hawt.

new tricks for the new year!

2011-01-09T22:22:00.003-05:00

This impressive feat (he just turned 11 months!) reminds me that I have JOY in my crazy life.

My New Years resolution: complain less, regret less, and find joy in my life everyday.

The night before, the night before Christmas

2010-12-23T14:16:00.004-05:00

One day I will be one of those moms who is organized and on the ball enough to dress my kids up in matching fancy clothes for their Santa pictures. One day. Still kinda cringing that Hudson is wearing sweatpants.

Hudson's first Christmas Concert

2010-12-16T21:57:00.011-05:00

It was adorable. It was hilarious. It was strangely, all about Devin!

Nothing like interupting the teacher during the introduction to announce: "Miss Maria...Devin's laughing at me!"

@1min,46 seconds: Devin! Devin (stomp foot for emphasis)!

@ 21 seconds: Oh Devin! Oh Sweetie!

@40 seconds: Mommy call Devin!

@50 seconds: Devin!

My Joys

He has asked Santa for: a High Flying Adventures Backyardigans DVD, skates, a wallet (seriously?), sparkles (again...WTH?), new PJ's (I thought kids never asked for clothes?), and most recently walkie-talkies (the funny part is he asked for them before asking me what they are/do).

his face in this picture cracks me up. like he thinks Santa is a weirdo.

Zoolander - Blue Steel look

20 months

2010-12-14T23:02:00.003-05:00

is how long it's been since i've lived in my own house.

20 months since i've slept in my own bed.
20 months since i've drank out of my own favorite mug.
20 months since i've had all my clothes, shoes, jewellery, things, in one location.
20 months since i've eaten my breakfast in my underwear (i've tried to at my mother's house, and she yells at me to put on more clothes...not because she's a prude, but because she still believes that you can get sick from dressing too cold!)

it's these simple things that i miss the most. the things that make a house a home.

but if home is where the heart is...

then i guess i shouldn't complain...

because, look at these two...

they make this situation bearable.

November mishmash

2010-11-27T23:31:00.006-05:00

Hudson turned 4!!!

My beautiful big boy

Second Birthday Celebration (and sorry about the picture quality, but lately this humble camera seems extra finicky)

note to self...always remember to wear make up before family pictures are taken...blegh

token silly picture

My little Sweetie-Pie (91/2 months)

Totally copied this picture from my sister!

Bedhead mohawk

To all of you who haven't yet cuddled him...you don't know what you're missing! He really is the sweetest baby.

November seems to have flown by! The Kitty House is S-L-O-W-L-Y coming along. Move-in date is still years away...seriously...don't ask when, unless you want to see me cry. Hudson seems like he's gone from a 3 year old to a 13 year old, rolling his eyes and saying things like "Okay, okay, you don't have to freak out". And Devin has boycotted mushy baby food in favor of eating whatever we're having (amazing considering he still only has two bottom teeth).

I'm not as nice or good a mama...

2010-11-05T09:21:00.005-04:00

as this mama.

As you can see from my Halloween post, Hudson was Shaggy from Scooby-Doo (in the Mystery Machine) this year.

He actually wanted to be Daphne.

Really really wanted to be Daphne.

He cried his eyes out (true temper tantrum) in the Halloween store when I told him I wouldn't buy him the Daphne costume. I said "no" because 1. the costume cost $39.99. 2. It's a girl's costume. 3. Rob would have divorced me, and I need him around to finish fixing the Kitty House.

I am absolutely not homophobic, nor would I be upset if Hudson was a cross-dresser when he gets older...as long as he is happy. BUT...at 3 years old (going on 4 in a few days)...I do NOT want anyone, ANYONE, making fun of him, and making him feel bad. He's already too sensitive, and I would not willingly put him in a position that he may be ridiculed. For Pete's sake, a "mean" boy in his class said he didn't like Hudson's orange shirt last week, and it hurt both of our feelings.

But doesn't that boy from Nerdy Apple Bottom look so so happy in that picture? Happier than Hudson does in any of HIS Halloween pictures.

Not so subliminal message?

2010-11-03T13:59:00.003-04:00

Hudson brought this home from preschool.
Note: It's entitled "My Family"
Note: The guy in the door is Hudson (I asked).
Note: Ummmm...the rest of us are missing.
Note: I asked him where his mama, daddy, brother, and even dog are.

We were all apparently busy doing something or other.

What his teacher may be reading into this picture scares me a little.

An apology to the Kitty House squirrel

2010-11-01T22:01:00.002-04:00

Sorry we had to evict you just as the weather turned freezing cold. But on the bright side, research suggested we poison you...so at least you got a second chance.

The Kitty House came with a surprise pet. A squirrel who took up residence in our roof. Then the bold little critter found his way into the house. A couple of neighbours reported seeing him sitting on the inside of our living room window. Just hanging around, looking out.

By fluke, Rob and a friend were at the house when Squirelly came home, and they managed to scare him out the front door...then Rob quickly sealed up the hole where the squirrel had access to.

Sadly, as an animal lover, I felt bad for the little guy. Rob said he came by a few days in a row...trying to find a way back in. I just kept imagining all his stored nuts up there in our roof, and the squirrel having to start gathering his food for winter all over again. In the cold. With no home. I know he's just a rat with a fancy tail...but...still tugs at my heartstrings.

I may have to accidently drop a package of Planters Peanuts in the yard.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-31T23:39:00.005-04:00

"The Walrus and the Carpenter" aka Devin and the Kitty House Fixer

Starbucks break! It was COLD today...the hot chocolate was a necessity.

Beautiful Romy
Shaggy in the Mystery Machine

Mama asking him to show off my homemade creation

Like a weed

2010-10-20T13:18:00.005-04:00

He's been busy...

growing teeth...

one and a half to be exact...

just being cute...

learning funny faces...

growing his mohawk (all natural courtesy of his double crown).

and...being MOBILE!!!

Hudson has been busy too. Busy trying to give me a mental breakdown. He's testing his boundaries by doing the exact opposite of what we ask of him. I'm scared for the teenage years.

Murphy's Law

2010-10-06T22:39:00.007-04:00

Your child will get sick at the most inopportune time.

Everyone warned me that once Hudson started school, he would get sick a lot the first year. It's not surprising, considering there are almost 20 kids in his preschool. 20 kids all playing with the same toys. 20 kids = a gazillion germs.

Anyway, to make a long story short, Hudson has been out of commission with a double ear infection since last week. He's been dealing with pain in both ears, an ongoing fever, the runs (side effect from his antibiotics), loss of appetite, loss of hearing, and body aches. Poor baby.

As a result...we missed:

1. MY volunteer day at his school (each student's parent is responsible to "help" the teachers once a month). I totally wanted to spy on Hudson flirting with Emma...the girl he can't stop talking about.

2. The Welcome Potluck Party at his school (who doesn't love a smorgasbord of free finger foods?!?)

3. And most of all...a weekend roadtrip to Toronto (for a wedding of an old family friend and getting to hang out with my two favorite boys over the age of 4, besides my husband). Note: this is the second time I haven't been able to wear this amazing green dress for a special occasion that got nixed.

He couldn't have gotten sick any other, typical week, when we've got nothing planned.

Like I've said before...kids are party poopers.

Look at the fun we missed!!! My beautiful niece, sister, and mama in all their ~~drunkeness~~ silliness.

End of Summer

2010-09-14T22:25:00.006-04:00

It's been a long time since I last blogged. A lot has happened, and since pictures say a thousand words...here's what we've been up to:

Sneak peak of the middle of reno's of our "Kitty House" (you won't believe what a difference there is since this picture was taken!) Blood, sweat, and tears have literally gone into this huge endeavor...Rob spent the entire day and night in emergency yesterday after sawing the tip of his thumb off. Ew, just the thought makes me queasy. HE HAD TO GET STITCHES THROUGH HIS THUMBNAIL. THROUGH THE NAIL!!! nasty.

Brotherly love. Devin adores Hudson. And vice versa...most of the time.

My mom turned 70!

Our Trio, but wishing we were a Quartet (MOVE BACK AUDREY!)

Family brunch in honor of my mother.

Devin turned 7 months! And strangely appears to have stopped sucking his thumb sometime after this picture was taken.

And most importantly...Hudson started preschool! That deserves a post all on it's own...so stay tuned.

it's the little things...

2010-08-29T18:28:00.003-04:00

I found these secondhand glass/chrome kitchen cabinet knobs on sale on Kijiji. They were selling 37 of them, and were asking $60. After sending a quick email to my SIL who is amazing at designing, she confirmed that they were 1. nice and 2. a great deal.

I picked them up today...plus got an extra one they had found (38 in total) for $50.

I loved them. They will add a little extra bling to my teeny kitchen.

Then I came home and googled them by manufacturer...

and fell in love with them even more...

I saved a whooping $300 US!!!

Joyce the Spaz

2010-08-13T22:47:00.004-04:00

Have you ever wondered why you sometimes see a single shoe lying in the middle of the road? I used to. I used to wonder how and why it got there.

I can now answer that question.

Because much to my husband's dismay...I'm kinda spazzy. I think sometimes he likes it about me. And sometimes he really doesn't.

Rob was about to leave the house to run some errands, when I invited myself and our two boys to tag along. He had one foot out the door, when I told him to wait one minute so we could get ready and keep him company. Wellll....you know how long it takes to get two little boys ready, right? NOT one minute. It takes several minutes. You have to make sure they've peed (in Devin's case, make sure his diaper is clean). You have to make sure you've got extra diapers, wipes, clothes, toys...etc to bring with you just in case. You have to wipe their mouths clean of dried bits of food so they don't look redneck. All this preparing takes about 20 minutes. That's 19 minutes longer than you've told your husband. 19 minutes is longer than your husband wants to wait.

So he was already kinda grumbly when we eventually left the house. Then...as we're driving along...a bug flies into our car. Remember how I don't like bugs? I spazzily remove my shoe and try to shoo the bug out the window. And because I'm acting like a spaz...I flung my shoe right out! Then I had to turn to my already grumbling husband, and tell him I just dropped my shoe out the window. Oh fun times. He's so not impressed. And Hudson is in the back, repeatedly asking why I've thrown my shoe out the window. So grumbling husband had to pull over the car...motion for the cars behind us to pass us...and I had to run into the road, with one bare foot, to retrieve my lost shoe.

When I got back into the car, I can't help but smile at how ridiculous I am most of the time. I ask Rob if he thinks it's a little bit funny. He doesn't at all at that particular moment. I have to bite my cheeks from laughing.

He reluctantly admits it's kinda funny later in the day.

Just another story to add to my repetoire.

Devin Falls

2010-08-05T08:08:00.003-04:00

If it wasn't so gross it would be kinda beautiful, no?

Devin's 1st meal!

2010-07-19T08:10:00.004-04:00

Are those the chubbiest cheeks, or what?!?

I can do this all by myself

Still...nothing beats his thumb!

He's been wanting to eat real food for over a month now. He would stare, reach, make chewing motions...etc. whenever we'd have something to eat. The other day he actually grabbed my bowl of stew and pulled it so forcefully that it dumped all over my lap.

Well...I know he's a couple weeks shy of being 6 months (when all the experts say you should wait until starting solids), but we let him have his first delicious meal of rice cereal!

It was a success! Not surprisingly he loved it! He wanted more more more. And even grabbed the spoon from me and shoved it into his own mouth.

He's all growed up!

Who needs toys...

2010-07-13T22:44:00.004-04:00

When you've got 10 perfectly good playthings at your disposal?!?

Jumbo Devin

Devin - 5 months

let the reno begin!

2010-07-10T15:33:00.003-04:00

(sent to me via rob's iphone today)

you know you bought a doozy when you feel the need to don hazmat gear (even when it's bordering on 30 degrees in a non air conditioned house) in order to start demolition. check out the heavy duty mask.

let the breaking s**t begin...

our kitty house

2010-07-05T10:32:00.003-04:00

"Kitty House" is what Hudson calls our new home (it's kinda hard not to notice a zillion cats living in a tiny space). This is the only picture I'll post of our new place for now. I refuse to let you see the interior...until I have the "after" photos to also post for you to see the transformation.
To be continued...

On a totally unrelated note:

This is what happens when you have two older, bored, male cousins...

Hudson's prized possesions (his Backyardigans buddies) were kidnapped and held hostage...kinda sad...and kinda hilarious at the same time, no?

Calypso Water Park

2010-06-26T22:18:00.007-04:00

What a blast we all had at the brand new Calypso Water Park. It had enough kiddie things to keep Hudson entertained all day long. AND it had enough crazy scary adult slides to keep the rest of us entertained all day long. It wasn't cheap...I purposely didn't tell Rob how much it cost until we got there...but totally worth it!

Kiddie area that Hudson LOVED. Until Romy found some poo in the water, and I refused to let Hudson go back in.

WHEEE!

Can you imagine if you were caught on those stairs during this week's earthquake?!? Yikes they were scary enough to climb when the earth stands still. P.S. Rob is the only one of us that braved the Veritgo (the white slide in the background)!

Devin chillin like he does so well!

Edouard the Dare Devil went down the yellow slide you see in the background!

Victor, Kyle (Victor's friend), and Romy going down the "Race Track"

Me and Romy waiting in the wrong line for the ride we actually wanted to go down - which we obviously didn't know at the time this picture was taken. We had to butt-in line when we realized our mistake. Butting in line when you have to carry a 6 foot tube isn't too inconspicuous. By the way...I screamed the whole way down the slide. Scary fun.

End of wonderful day.

It was a great way to start off Summer 2010!

Nothing much new around here...

2010-06-22T15:49:00.012-04:00

Devin is sleeping through the night (didn't want to jinx it by blogging about it, but it's been more than a month now, so I don't think it's just a phase)!

His new thing is sticking out his tongue. I wanna kiss him each time he does it.

And of course...still smiling his way through life!

He's mastered rolling over. Don't mind my annoyingly crazy encouragement.

Our days have been kinda same ol same ol lately...filled with Scooby**, popsicles, and playing at the park.

And oh yeah...after the world's longest, craziest mortgage approval in history...we bought a house! Calling it a "fixer-upper" is a total understatement, but it's got potential. I don't know how many of you could have seen past the filth, 6 cats, and crazy lady currently living there, but it's location and the fact that it was one of the only detached houses in Montreal in our price range convinced us to go for it! Can't wait to show you the "before and after" pictures. I KNOW they'll be impressive (my husband is pretty handy).

**Hudson has "graduated" from watching toddler cartoons like Sesame Street (although he still likes the Backyardigans) to more big kid cartoons like Scooby Doo. The shift is welcome, since Scooby is pretty cool...BUT...these cartoons are on a channel that has commercials. This has resulted in Hudson wanting us to buy Corn Pops cereal, some push-up type candy, and any and every TOY that comes on TV. Yikes...advertising is scary effective.

P.S. There may not be pictures of Hudson on here for a while...his recent haircut is a repeat of this disaster.

Rolly Polly

2010-06-03T07:47:00.007-04:00

Ummmm...

That's not how I left him.

He was awake and on his back when I left him to drink my morning coffee and play on the computer!

Yikes. No more slacking on Facebook and Kijiji anymore.

Playing with (or a better description would be trying to eat) his ball. Thanks Shannon...it's the first toy he can hold all on his own!

16 weeks

2010-05-30T16:58:00.003-04:00

mama-moment captured by Hudson.

hanging with my boys

brothers
tummy time
those cheeks really are as squishable as they look!

Hadabogi's last gift

2010-05-26T17:16:00.004-04:00

This is the mosiac my dad was working on for me. Sadly he never got to finish it. One of the other ladies in his group (at the day centre he attended) offered to complete it for me. My mother and I picked it up this week. I love it. I can't wait to frame and hang it.

Hudson helped me write our grocery list. Milk, bread, avacado, and cream. I read out the letters, and he wrote them down. Smarty-pants, eh?

He likes to play "school". This is his homework. Shapes and numbers. "9's" are tricky ;)

His alphabet homework.

Back to reality

2010-05-13T15:45:00.003-04:00

Funny conversation with Hudson this morning as I was putting away his toys...

Hudson: "Is it Mother's Day today?"
Me: "No, Mother's Day is over"
Hudson: "Good, so I don't have to clean up my toys today...YOU clean them up"

What tha?!?

P.S. In case you were wondering...we both put away his toys after that.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T09:56:00.004-04:00

An "awwwww" moment. Aren't they sweet?

I think the hand/fist/thumb sucking is what keeps this little stinker asleep for so long...he has learned to pacify himself which has resulted in me getting almost a full night's sleep. Sleep = the best Mother's Day present!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas reading this! Hope you get lots of hugs and kisses.

Curses and Spells

2010-05-04T14:40:00.005-04:00

My sister in law put it perfectly...

somebody has a voodoo doll of us...

and somewhere, out there, they are laughing wickedly as they keep poking us with pointy needles.

Rob's recent employer has filed for bankruptcy protection. Paycheques are bouncing. People are not showing up for work, fearing that they are working for "free". Rob is working MORE hours to make up for it. And believe me, we are in no position for him to be working for FREE.

If the person holding the little dolls shaped like me and Rob is reading this...please cast your spells elsewhere.

lazy sunday

2010-05-02T14:35:00.004-04:00

Hudson wanted to take a nap in the livingroom today.
It's a beautiful day here today so I have the windows open and it's warm and breezy in the house. Perfect atmosphere for an afternoon nap.

it took Devin a little longer to fall asleep

his eyes are mesmerizing

his toes are edible

my joys

i think i'll go join them...

Snow Day in April

2010-04-28T19:38:00.005-04:00

We seriously went from wearing flipflops one day, to wearing winter boots the next!!! Crazy.

We stayed in and looked for things to amuse ourselves with...

My Turtle in his shell

Self portrait of snuggling my Sweetie-Pie

He's really the sweetest, smiliest baby ever.

My three sons hanging out, doing their own thing.

Life's good.

He who laughs...

2010-04-19T09:49:00.004-04:00

He's his mother's son...laughs often and much

He really is a sweetie-pie

He hates the pacifier, but loves his fist

He's easily amused...a great personality trait in my opinion.

You look like a monkey...

2010-04-14T17:53:00.005-04:00

and you smell like one too!!!

This is the version of "Happy Birthday" that Hudson prefers to sing. He sang it to Rob all morning.

Happy Birthday to my Husband...

Yes that says "40"! Don't know if I was supposed to announce that on my blog or not...
Homemade "death by chocolate" cake (made by me and Hudson)...delicious and disgustingly bad for you.

Halmoni with Devin...we're going to miss her while she's away.

My not-so-little chubbster.

All 14 pounds of him

My heart grew when he was born. I never thought I could love anyone as much as Hudson. I am so so lucky.

Springtime Update

2010-04-08T19:30:00.007-04:00

It's my favorite time of year in Quebec...sugaring off! Nothing tops meals smothered in real maple syrup!

Our somewhat disasterous Easter Egg decorating...let's just say we had more broken eggs in our basket than non-broken ones. Oh well...still fun nevertheless.

Enjoying the summer weather in Old Montreal last weekend

Old Montreal was PACKED with sun worshippers.

Note the "Lego" condos in the background. Whenever we used to drive by those when I was younger, I knew it meant we were close to La Ronde (amusement park).

Devin basking in the sun...toes and all

I look terrible in this picture, but I had to post it anyway...look at Devin trying to nurse through my shirt. So funny.

A video request from his Auntie Audrey.

Sleepless in Montreal

2010-03-26T16:44:00.002-04:00

I'm 99% sure that we're done having kids. Yes, I would love to have a girl...I am too much of a girly-girl to NOT be drawn to pink tutus and doing pigtails. BUT...I HATE sleepless nights. Devin nurses every 1 1/2 to 2 hours ALL. NIGHT. LONG. He sleeps longer stretches during the day (Murphy's Law right?) - sometimes over 3 hours. However it seems he's a night owl like his older brother (who's bedtime lately is averaging 10:30pm) and his father (who's bedtime is always hours later than mine).

This is my only real complaint about babies. If someone invented a safe "baby-sleeping-serum", I would totally endure being pregnant again, endure an all-natural labour again, endure being spit up on, endure changing a million dirty diapers...even endure the screaming crying. BUT I WANT TO SLEEP 4 CONSECUTIVE HOURS, IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?!?

P.S. As I type this, Devin is fast asleep in his carseat...and looks like an angel.

living up to his name...

2010-03-24T10:49:00.005-04:00

Devin's middle name is Issac. We chose it for it's meaning: "he who laughs".

I hope this is the beginning of a lifetime of fervent smiles and laughter.

Devin - 6 weeks

Right now his eyes are the most incredible shade of blue-grey. I know basic biology says that brown eyes are dominant and his eyes will inevitably change to become "browner", but right now they are such an interesting, unique color.

Don't let him fool you...

2010-03-14T12:36:00.003-04:00

He looks pretty peaceful here...

but his cries are anything but.

Seriously...I've never heard a baby cry as loudly and as ferociously as my little Devin. Sometimes it's so obnoxious it's funny. Sometimes (mostly when it's between the hours of 1am to 5am) it's not that funny.

One of the few moments where Hudson actually acknowledges his little brother. He brought Devin some stuffed animals, took some of his own pictures of him...then punched him in the face. We're 99% sure it was an accident.

just because...

2010-02-26T08:12:00.002-05:00

he's so sweet.

My boys...all 4 of them

2010-02-22T17:01:00.004-05:00

The joys of my life

Devin's favorite expression

Ohhhhhhhh...

Bosco meets Devin for the first time. Bosco was so super excited. His tail was wagging like crazy. He's such a good dog.

He couldn't get enough sniffs...seriously...he went crazy smelling Devin and everything Devin-related.

A house full of boys. I'm so outnumbered.

Devin's Story

2010-02-14T15:05:00.013-05:00

He is destined to be a Stinker. Maybe even more so than his big brother Hudson. He was supposed to be born via a scheduled C-section on Febrary 12th. It was all planned. My sister Susan had taken a half day off of work so she could help my mother take care of Hudson while I was in the hospital. It was kinda weird knowing exactly when his birthday was going to be...down to the time...11:00am.

BUT...

Devin had totally different plans.

He didn't want to wait. He wanted OUT! He wanted to pick his own birthday. He didn't want his arrival to be "well planned" and "scheduled". He wanted to surprise us all.

Devin Isaac T. was born February 7th, at 9:46am, weighing 6 lbs, 11 ounces.

He came quickly...really quickly. I woke up at 6:30am feeling some cramps. An hour later I was sure my contractions were real. We left the house, headed for the hospital at 8:20am. Rob drove like a maniac while I grunted my way through the contractions. We had never toured the hospital birthing unit, so we didn't know which entrance we were supposed to go through (The Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal is INSANELY big and confusing). We (of course) chose the wrong one. Which meant I had to walk a million miles to get to where I was supposed to go. I was already fully dilated by the time I got checked by the doctor in triage (10 plus 1 centimetres). There was no time to do anything but PUSH THE BABY OUT! 100% naturally. The Doctor said it was a textbook delivery. Yay me! Yay Devin!

8 days old

God doesn't give you any more than you can handle

2010-01-21T00:26:00.003-05:00

Really...I think He may be overestimating me.
I couldn't wait for 2009 to be over.
I thought 2010 could only get better.
I was so so wrong.
My dad died so suddenly.
Less than 48 hours from the time he was admitted to the hospital.
To when we said our last goodbye.
Then Baby Khang Khang keeps reminding me with his fierce kicks that he's coming to say his first "hello".
4 more weeks.
Life is not fair.
It just goes on.

Good riddance 2009

2010-01-02T17:27:00.008-05:00

32 weeks

Ready for our last date of 2009

Who says mamas can't wear fishnets?

Notre Dame Basillica on New Years Day 2010. A spontaneous drive led us here...felt good to start the year with a fervent prayer.

The kids bowing to my parents as per Korean New Year's Tradition

The adults turn.

Rob gave me Mitch Albom's latest book "Have a little Faith" for Christmas. I just finished it last night. I loved it. It was the perfect thing for me to read to start off the New Year. I have faith. I have hope. I will be better in 2010. Because I have no other choice...and sometimes that is the best motivator.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-27T01:13:00.005-05:00

It's impossible not to get in the Christmas Spirit when you have a three year old. We left out milk and cookies for Santa, we left out carrots and apples for the reindeer, we hung our stockings with care...and Hudson (for once in his life) willingly went to bed quickly with the hopes that Santa would visit.

He did, of course.

First thing in the morning...seeing that Santa came!

Opening presents, with his ever helpful puppy companion

Bosco made it on Santa's "Nice" list

Opening presents with Romy

Victor and Edouard ripping open their gifts

Holiday hugs

Mama and her boys

(Photo courtesy of Hudson...not bad eh?)

Posing by the tree

Rosy snow kissed cheeks (after "helping" his dad shovel)

Merry Christmas everyone...hope you spent the day with people you love, like we did.

It's not really Christmas in Montreal...

2009-12-23T23:37:00.006-05:00

Until you go visit the window display at Oglivy's downtown.

It hasn't changed since I was a kid. It was so special showing Hudson the exact same display that I used to love when I was little.

It's not all Bah Humbug around here ;)

The only time you'll see Rob dance...

2009-12-23T08:03:00.003-05:00

Wanna see what the kids (Romy, Victor, and Edouard) were up to yesterday, while they were babysitting Hudson and Bosco all day?!?

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/5xGxSqs4VdLoDElukTRZ

http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/fEkrdsHVVf5blgyf

It's freaking hilarious.

Couldn't resist...

2009-12-21T00:10:00.003-05:00

Posting this picture.

Hudson got to sample a Starbucks Creme Brulee Latte (oh common...before you all freak out...it was teeny tiny).

He loved it.

He is his parent's son, afterall.

Dirty laundry

2009-12-06T22:29:00.001-05:00

I read a lot of blogs. Some of the ones I like best are the ones that are brutally honest about their lives. The crappy moments aren't sugar-coated. They're unapologetically exposed for the world to read. These bloggers write as a form of therapy, a way to release the negativity they feel. I've debated for two months now, on whether or not I would share on this blog how shitty I've been feeling, and the reason behind it. It's scary for me to see myself changing from someone who used to laugh at everything to someone who is always on the verge of crying. I don't like the new me. I don't want to be the sad/mad/bitter person I see myself becoming. It scares me. It makes me worry that Hudson feels it. It makes me worry that the baby inside me feels it. It's scary being 7 months pregnant and not knowing if, and when, and where I'll be settled in the next two months. I am tired of feeling like life is always a "struggle" for me and my family. When is it my turn to "coast" through life instead of struggling? I feel robbed of a good future, and instead given a bleak one. Without going into detail, we are not moving to BC like I've written about in the past, because that career has ended before it even began. I don't want to sound cryptic, but it's not really my story to tell.

Do I need a kick in the pants???

I know I should be setting my priorities straight. I have a beautiful, healthy child. I have another one on the way. I have a husband who loves me. I have a family who would do anything for me. I have friends who let me cry/vent to them as often as necessary.

So why can't I let this go?

Happy Birthday Hudson!

2009-11-15T19:16:00.004-05:00

Hudson turned three! And so it's only right that he got 3 birthday cakes in one week, right?!?

A cake with his cousins (homemade and decorated with love by his Auntie Sue-Poo and Romy)

A cake with his Nanny and Bobby (two little green froggies)

A chocolate cake with his Halmonie and Hadabogi

On a chocolate cake sugar high!

Cake(s), presents, and balloons...he really couldn't have asked for anything more.

The best things in life are free

2009-11-13T09:35:00.004-05:00

Life has been challenging lately. And by challenging...I mean an awful, depressing, ugly roller-coaster of a ride (that's a whole other post in itself, and one that I'm not ready to write yet).

And then I got a birthday present that made me realize how lucky I am.

Hudson and I were playing at the park together on my Birthday. Hudson was digging in the sand. He pulled out a rock, stared at it, dusted it off, and then handed it to me. He told me he was giving it to me because it looked like a heart. Awwwwwww...a cold stone heart melted my broken one. It is without a doubt the best birthday present I have ever gotten. I told him I loved it, and would keep it forever. I totally mean it. (Except I've only had it less than a week, and already almost lost it...Rob found it...it must have fallen out of my jacket pocket).

The Three Little Pigs

2009-11-11T17:40:00.002-05:00

One of his latest favorite games...

is to reenact the story of the Three Little Pigs. We take turns being the big bad wolf.

"Little pigs, little pigs, let me come in"

"Not by the hair on our chinny chin chin"

"Then I'll huff and I'll puff (although Hudson always says "huff" again) and I'll blow your house in"

Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet...

2009-10-31T20:58:00.008-04:00

Romy the Vampire, Hudson the Spider, Jacky as Minnie Mouse, Edouard the Mime, and Victor the Gangsta

The gang with Sylvie and Ethan

His shirt says "I love my Mummy", corney but cute.

My googly-eyed Spider

Happy Halloween!

I cut off the beginning...he's singing "Trick or treat, smell my feet, gimme something good to eat...not too big, not too small...just the size of Montreal. If you don't...I don't care...I'll pull down your underwear! (Lyrics courtesy of Romy)

We got back from trick-or-treating and Hudson dumped his candy out on the floor, stared at all his loot, and said "THIS IS WONDERFUL!". He sounded so sincere.

Sunday Afternoon

2009-10-18T18:20:00.006-04:00

A beautiful, sunny, crisp, Autumn afternoon.

A stroll in the park.

J & G - He finally fits into the Zara jacket you guys sent.

Hungry ducky

Me @ 22 weeks

Stinker smile

Cool dude.

I love this season. Especially in Montreal.

My Silver Linings...

2009-10-09T15:46:00.004-04:00

Every cloud has a silver lining. Lately my life has been full of "clouds"...but then I look at my son(s!) and I remember that I am truely blessed.

They make me smile. They make me laugh out loud. They are my silver linings.

Face painting gone wild

Is it a surprise why he thinks Romy is so cool?

**And yes I said "sons". Baby Khang Khang is definitely a little BOY!!!**

Sister's Fart Pie

2009-09-26T20:57:00.004-04:00

Hudson's first time apple picking!!! It was the perfect, crisp Fall day...warm in the sun and cool in the shade. Hudson had been worried when I first mentioned that we were going to go apple picking "I can't reach up the trees!" he exclaimed. But he did!!!

** And "Sister's Fart Pie" is the english translation for the "Tarte aux Pets de Soeurs" that we bought at the orchard. Not surprisingly, it was the butt of many of Victor and Edouard's jokes on the drive back home. Susan corrected us by saying that the more accurate translation is "Nun's Fart Pie". Either way, it made us laugh. And in case anyone was wondering...it is grotesquely yummy...exactly like eating a brick of maple syrup.

*** Hudson rode a real pony for 1.5 seconds. He got on, decided that it was not a good idea, and couldn't get off fast enough. The pony guy had to give me back my money.

**** Sue-Poo actually waited in line for an HOUR to buy us "apple donuts". An hour. I'm not exaggerating. They were heavenly.

Pillow Talk

2009-09-09T23:04:00.002-04:00

I kissed Hudson goodnight and told him I loved him. He told me he loved me too. I asked him "why?"...only because he asks me "why?" for EVERYTHING these days. He thought about it for a second, then answered: "Because you play with me, you read me books, you go poo-poo with me" (clarification: I patiently stay with him for what seems like hours while he sits on the potty - and so far we haven't had any luck with anything coming out).

It was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me.

Abra Cadabra!

2009-09-08T22:12:00.003-04:00

Pretty tricky, eh?

2009-09-01T08:37:00.005-04:00

Some of our oldest family friends came for a visit yesterday. We all got a chance to snuggle baby Ethan (10 months). He particularly loved my dad...kept smiling and laughing whenever he looked in his direction. It was such a nice afternoon.

Me looking like a tub-o-lard.

Mrs. Kim and her pride and joy.

Ethan and Hadaboji (I can't believe how much Ethan looks like his mama)

My mom and her surrogate daughters.

And for Rob who has been waiting for an update on his son:

It really was an Iced Tea. And I know it's not the healthiest lunch, but it was all Baby Khang Khang's idea. Note: "Baby Khang Khang" is the name Hudson has given the baby. I keep telling Hudson I don't like the name, but he INSISTS that is the baby's name. And he also insists that the baby is a BOY. We'll see...

Introducing Pretend Bosco

2009-08-21T22:49:00.008-04:00

Making Hudson's new "Build-a-Bear" stuffed animal's passport.

He named his new puppy "Bosco". Original, eh?

Taking ownership very seriously.

Pleding to always love and care for his new tou-tou.

He took these vows very seriously. For real.

The gang with all their Build-A-Bear dolls.

Hudson was allowed to choose his own doll, and for weeks he kept saying he wanted to get the Cow. But once we were in the store again, he browsed through all the animals and changed his mind and chose the Black Lab. He then named him "Bosco", despite all of us trying to persuade him to choose a different name. So now, we have two black lab puppies in our family, both Bosco's...and to prevent confusion...Hudson has added the adjectives "Real" Bosco and "Pretend" Bosco when he talks about them.

It's official...

2009-08-13T16:22:00.002-04:00

I got the call from Rob, and we'll be moving (in October) to...

BC!!!

I'm so excited, since this was our first choice province (after being told that Quebec, Ontario, and Alberta were "closed"). BC is beautiful, familiar, and we both have some family and friends there...but...it's still a little sad knowing how far we'll be from the rest of our family and friends here in Montreal. Hudson cried when I told him we'll have to take an airplane to move into our new house. Lately he's been wanting to move back into his "own" house with Daddy, Mommy, Bosco, and he even includes the Baby in mommy's belly. I think he understands that having to take an airplane means it's really far away. Poor guy...however I know he'll be thrilled to get to live with Daddy again. We'll just have to make sure we schedule lots and lots of visits with his loved ones from Quebec. Start saving your money...we'll be bugging you guys to come visit!

2009-08-11T15:48:00.004-04:00

How old do they get before you don't want to smother them with kisses every time you see them sleeping?!?

Cuz I don't think he'll like it when he's 17 years old. Actually he doesn't even like it now.

Snippets of my life in short conversations:

Hudson: Mommy, your armpicks (armpits) are scratchy (stubbly). (after tickling them)
Me: They are?
Hudson: Like Daddy face.
Me: Oh, thanks for telling me...I'll shave them then.
Hudson: Romy's armpicks are not scratchy.

Romy: Bosco doesn't know how to walk at "Heel" (she's been walking him for the past couple of days while he's staying with us)
Me: No, no he doesn't. That's the biggest understatement ever.
(Bosco is 6 years old, walks with a harness that is supposed to discourage pulling, and he still walks like his sole purpose is to dislocate your arm from it's socket. You can not look anything but spazzy walking this dog).

Me: Hudson what do you want to eat for breakfast? Cereal? Yogurt? Toast?
Hudson: I want bap (rice), keem (seaweed), and kimchi.
He's going to be in serious trouble when we leave my parent's place and return to our own home where I guarantee there will never be bap, keem, and kimchi at 7 o'clock in the morning. He knows he can eat those things "on demand" here.

Hudson: Did Bosco come from your tummy like me?

whirlwind weekend

2009-08-06T20:29:00.002-04:00

The long weekend with Daddy flew by way too fast. Hudson hogged him all to himself. For real. Hudson (once again) only wanted his daddy to hold him, only daddy to change his diapers, only daddy to go to sleep with him, only daddy to put him in and out of his carseat, and only daddy to play with him. If and when I got too close...I was firmly told to "go away...I want daddy all meself". That's what happens when you don't see your daddy for over a month and a half! Rob loved every single second.

Fashionably late

2009-08-04T08:51:00.011-04:00

"It would only happen to you guys". My sister said to me at Hudson's baptism dinner.

Yes, yes it would only happen to us. We seem to be a magnet for crazy chaotic situations.

What are we talking about?

When we found out Rob got a day "off" from his training, we booked him a trip home for the long weekend. We then pulled some strings (thanks to my mother), and managed to book Hudson's baptism (even though the church was booked solid until November). The priest agreed to squeeze Hudson in. We got everything organized quickly, and luckily all our family could make it on short notice. The baptism started at 3pm on Sunday. The plan was to leave my inlaws house an hour and a half early to make sure we got to the church EARLY. The construction on the highway from my inlaws house to the church can turn the typical half hour drive, into over an hour. We left at 1:30pm in the POURING rain, didn't hit any traffic, and got to a shopping centre (around 10 minutes away from the church) at just after 2pm. That left us with around an hour to kill before the baptism. Hudson had fallen asleep in the car, so I asked Rob to drive me to Winners so I could buy Hudson a new pair of dress pants. Long story short...the capris I wanted Hudson to wear with his shirt and tie looked so cute when he tried them on earlier in the week...but when I put him in the outfit that morning with his SHOES on...it didn't look cute and trendy anymore, it looked wrong. My husband said in horror "He just looks like he's wearing floods, like they're hand-me-down pants that are too short for him!!!". Um...that's not at all the look I was going for. I ran into Winners and was out with a pair of proper dress pants within 5 minutes. Now it's around 2:15pm, and we decide to stop by Starbucks to pick up some coffee and let my father in law use the bathroom before the Baptism. That's when things went horribly wrong. The car died. And wouldn't start again. The car has NEVER EVER done this before. Rob tried again, and again, and again to restart it. It wasn't happening. It's still pouring rain, and he's got the hood of the car open looking for someone to give us a boost. People in their nice dry cars are not so keen on stopping to help a total stranger in the pouring rain. I started freaking out because once again, this time through no fault of our own, we are going to be late for an important occasion. An occasion that we weren't even supposed to really be included in. In the middle of the chaos of what to do next...Hudson wakes up and I tell him our car is "broken" and he starts bawling his eyes out. I've scared him. He can sense how much I'm freaking out and so he's freaking out. I call my mom (who lives the closest to where we're stranded) to see if she has any jumper cables to give us a boost. She doesn't. And she doesn't sound at all impressed that we're in this predicament. I call my sister, who sends her husband to come get us. He gets there and helps push our car into a proper parking spot with Rob, we transfer Hudson's car seat into his minivan, and all pile in to rush to the church. We got there 5 minutes late. Hudson stopped crying by that time. And in the end, even after all the chaos, it was fine. It was better than fine. Hudson was baptized in front of his loving family. And now we have another crazy story to add to our repertoire.

2009-07-23T19:16:00.004-04:00

Okay...Romy is my witness...I told the hair dresser I like Hudson's hair long. I said I wanted it shorter everywhere (since it WAS in need of a cut), but I said specifically I don't like it short. She nodded in agreement and started cutting away. And I liked it...until she hacked away at his bangs. MY KID HAS A "DUMB AND DUMBER" HAIRCUT!!! This is devestating to me...I am a fan of his long hippie hair! I am a fan of his bangs so long they're in his eyes! WHAT DO I DO??? I keep brushing his short blunt bangs to the side so they don't look so dorky, but they keep falling back into place! I think I may have to bring out the styling products until they grow out again.

(And the boo-boo on his forehead was from earlier this week when he fell off the curb and landed on his face. FLAT. ON. HIS. FACE.)

Look at how much more stylin he was just yesterday!!!

Old Family Friends

2009-07-20T08:45:00.004-04:00

I got to spend an afternoon with some old family friends. We've known each other since we were little...we used to play together while our parents hung-out. Now WE'RE the parents, and OUR kids are playing. Weird. But cool.

My sister

Chantal

Christina

Everyone in the pool

Beautiful Keira

Keira and "le petit gars" (as she called him)

It was super fun catching up in real life, as opposed to just via blogs and Facebook. Once again, thanks Romy for babysitting and letting us old mama's gab all afternoon!

Because I should post something...

2009-07-15T22:27:00.005-04:00

Who needs the other silly letters anyway? This alphabet is much more efficient.

Cracking up with Romy. This is how he spends his days. Lucky, eh?

Sunday afternoon

2009-07-05T21:50:00.002-04:00

Hudson and I spent a nice, relaxing, sunny, Sunday afternoon with Nanny and Bob (and of course Bosco).

My goofy puppy

He's adjusted so well to temporarily living with Nanny and Bob, that I'm sure I miss him, more than he misses me.

Blowing bubbles

My number one Stinker

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again...

It's sooooo nice living close to family. It's so nice seeing Hudson get closer to his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Proud parent...

2009-06-30T14:46:00.004-04:00

Normally when Hudson plays at the park, if another boy or girl butts in front of him to go down the slide (or whatever else piece of playground equipment), he would just stand there and let them. He was always too shy to say anything...which is kinda funny considering how BOSSY he is to people he knows (right, Romy???). But I would never say anything to the other kids either. Hudson would just take his turn when they were all done.

Not today.

It was cute (and refreshing) to see him tell another little boy..."It's MY turn!". The other boy said "non", and Hudson stood his ground and kept telling him "YES! My turn!". The other little boy's mother heard what was going on, and came over and made the boy give Hudson a turn. YAY! I was proud of him.

And you know how I've written before about how when things are too quiet, it usually means Hudson is up to something? Well...today he was up to making his first documentary. I think he's researching the dynamics of living with your grandparents. See the 1st draft for yourself...
(you may need to turn it up to hear my mother calling him in the background).

Where's Waldo?

2009-06-25T07:40:00.002-04:00

(another fun filled day playing with his cousins yesterday)

2009-06-24T11:21:00.002-04:00

We got a surprise bouquet of fruit from Audrey yesterday (for my dad's birthday)! Thank-you...it was the perfect treat for a hot summer day.

It tasted as good as it looked.

A picture to satiate Rob's daily fix of Hudson

Happy 70th Birthday Daddy!

2009-06-21T22:16:00.004-04:00

It was so special to celebrate this milestone birthday with our entire family. We grew up all together...we saw each other regularly. Now, it's fun to see our own kids playing together.

I wish so much that I could live close to family. Special occasions seem so much more special when it's celebrated with family. We missed you Audrey!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T06:59:00.004-04:00

Wish we could have all snuggled in bed together. Wish we could have made you some greasy breakfast and yummy coffee. Wish we could have spent the whole day, lazing around. I would have even let you rent a shoot-em-up "guy" movie without a fight! Next year, and all the years after...

Happy Father's Day!

Sending you big hugs and kisses.

Hudson's first song!

2009-06-11T21:21:00.003-04:00

It was raining lots this week, so Hudson picked up the lyrics to his first song!

I'll take your word for it...

2009-06-11T10:33:00.002-04:00

Rob got deliberately pepper sprayed. Don't ask.

Me: "So what did it feel like?"
Rob: "It hurt like crazy"
Me: "Like getting soap in your eyes?"
Rob: repeats what I've said to the guys around him

cue lots of laughing in the background.

Rob: "Imagine tablespoons of the the hottest Korean hot-sauce poured directly on your eyeballs. And you can't go rinse it out."
Me: "How long did hurt?"
Rob: "Around an hour"
Me: "OMG!!! Poor you!!!"

CAN YOU IMAGINE?!?

A conversation in the car yesterday...

2009-06-06T17:36:00.004-04:00

Edouard: I hate black guys now.
Me: NEVER EVER say that again Edouard! That is so so bad! I can't believe you would say that!
Edouard: Why? It's true.
Me: How would you feel if someone said they hated you because you're Korean?!?
Edouard: Huh?
Victor: Edouard said he hated "black ice"
Me: laughs head off, relieved that my nephew isn't racist.

And in retrospect, I guess that made way more sense considering we had JUST been talking about the car accident I got into this winter.

korean child labour

2009-06-04T17:55:00.003-04:00

grumble grumble grumble...i'd rather be playing outside

why did i agree to this?

oh that lady makes me so mad!

Just kidding (about the parts that he isn't having fun). Seriously, he LOVES helping me do the dishes. It takes twice as long when he helps, but he gets so sad when I tell him that I want to do it all by myself. If nothing else, it's good training. His future wife will thank me for it.

More sweet than bitter...

2009-05-31T20:31:00.007-04:00

Waiting for our adventure to begin

Hudson and Daddy against the World

Throwing rocks at Regina Beach

The ultimate ice cream cone...spoiled by Daddy

Our nightly swim...Hudson's favorite part of the day

A weekend filled with lots of hugs, kisses, snuggles, cuddles...and oodles of junk food. Hudson really really missed his Daddy. I didn't know how he was going to react to seeing his daddy, after being apart for over 5 weeks...but after about 3 seconds of looking shy...he was GLUED to Rob the whole entire weekend. GLUED. He wanted only Daddy to change his diapers, only Daddy to put him in and out of the car, only Daddy to play all his silly games. Rob was in Heaven.

We're all so sad that it's coming to an end. Bitter sweet. It was AMAZING to be together as a family again...but it's hard to say goodbye again.

Things I learned today...

2009-05-21T16:28:00.004-04:00

1. Offering Smarties as incentive to use the "potty" makes Hudson have to pee often.
2. Baby Benadryl makes Hudson sleep loooong...he got some kind of allergic reaction to who knows what, and has been napping for almost 4 hours.
3. I relied on Rob for a lot of things like putting gas in the car, replacing batteries in things, reminding me to pay bills, changing light bulbs...etc. In his absence, I all of a sudden have to be the responsible one...Lord help us, we may be in trouble.
4. I, more often than not, forget where I parked the car when I go shopping...and today I even tried to get into the wrong car!!! It wasn't even the same make or model as mine...but in my defence it WAS the same color.
5. A little boy at the park was pointing and laughing at something, and I kept looking around to see what he was laughing at...and it turned out...he was pointing and laughing at ME!!! He thought my very holey jeans were hilarious. My mother and the little boy's mother couldn't stop laughing either.

my bookworm

2009-05-15T12:37:00.005-04:00

He can read! Just joking...

Miss you Daddy!

2009-05-14T08:59:00.000-04:00

Happier...

2009-05-09T20:56:00.003-04:00

because:

Hudson survived his first real bout of a stomach "thing". And by "thing", I mean violently throwing up and diarrhea. By the third day I got a little concerned and brought him into a clinic, and the Dr.'s diagnosis left me with my jaw dropped open...apparently his stomach "thing" was a result of an ear infection. Huh? He never complained of any pain in his ear. Never even touched his ear for a second. When the Dr. asked him if his ear hurt he clearly answered "Nope". Weird, but whatever...he's on antibiotics and whatever it is, it's on it's way out (lasted 5 painfully stressful days).

Also happier because I got my espresso maker prize and it really does make delicious espresso...BUT...it's confusing to use. It made me miss my husband, who would have been the one to read the manual (I HATE MANUALS) and then teach me how to use the machine.

I'm happier because I finally bought the adapter that enables me to download pictures from my camera to my parent's computer. Now I will be able to post pictures of Hudson again...something that will delight Rob who's missing his son (and apparently me too!) like crazy.

Hudson overload...
Cool dude with a new haircut

Kung Fu Fighter (or more appropriately...Tae Kwon Do fighter)

Cute

"ah va fangul"
angelic facade

P.S. Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas who read this blog! Hope you enjoy some moments to yourselves!

Deja-vue

2009-05-01T12:32:00.005-04:00

Hudson and I have moved back in with my parents. Again.
Rob has left to go train for his dream career. Again.
We all miss each other like crazy. Again.

That's kinda all there is to talk about in my life right now, which is why I've been absent from blogging. That, and the fact that my camera card doesn't fit into my parents computer so I can't upload any pictures. I'll get that organized soon.

I'll start blogging more once I get into some sort of routine here. I'm still living out of suitcases and have stuff all over the place...I need to find my groove here.

Happy Birthday!

2009-04-14T23:11:00.005-04:00

Blogger once again has put my pictures in whatever order they wanted...so I'll just work with it.

One of the birthday boys. Bosco is 6 years old...already middle aged in dog years! He got some "Honey Glazed Duck" dog cookies as his gift. It doesn't really matter what flavor his cookies are anyway since he basically swallows them whole without actually tasting them. Goofy hound.

In desperate need of a hair cut. He's been mistaken for our "cute daughter" a few times this week.

Here's where the proper order of my pictures would have made more sense...but you all get the gist.

Blowing out the candles on Rob's Tiramisu.

Hudson wondering what Daddy is wishing for.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T09:54:00.003-04:00

We painted Easter Eggs (and then re-painted them...Hudson didn't want to stop, so all the eggs got dyed and dyed and dyed over and over again)! In the end, we had a beautiful basket of colorful eggs.

Hudson found all the eggs that the Easter Bunny hid around the house. He keeps looking for more, even though we've repeatedly told him that he's found them all. He's positive there's "MORE EGGS!"

Happy Easter Everybunny!

Come over for a latte!

2009-04-08T20:45:00.005-04:00

I have a slight obsession with home decor magazines. I have YEARS worth of them all over the house (I just can't throw any out...they ALL have at least ONE idea I want to save). One of my favorite magazines is "Style at Home". They have a feature called "Ask a Designer"...where you can ask a designer (duh) design questions. There is always a prize randomly given to one of the readers who submit a question. A few months ago I was reading the article, and totally wanted to win this prize. So I submitted a question. Last week I got the May issue...and was shocked (and excited) to see my question in the magazine. I must be a geek...because I thought it was so FUN that my name was printed in a magazine. Then today I got an email that I WON THE PRIZE!!! It's the perfect prize for me and Rob! Sorry Starbucks...you just lost a couple of customers...

This was Hudson's hiding place the other day. Rob and I both thought it was hilarious...and so cute.

Bot Bot

2009-04-02T15:55:00.003-04:00

One of Hudson's favorite games lately is to chase you around, pretending to be a robot (bot-bot). The more you run away being scared...the better.

P.S. Don't mind the mess. We're in the middle of packing (yes...it's official...we're moving before the end of the month...that is another post all in itself!).

Stinker Boy and Sweet Taffy

2009-03-24T23:47:00.004-04:00

I had my suspicions that he was up to no good, when things got a little too quiet while I was taking a shower...

when I got out of the bathroom...I walked into the loft to see EVERY SINGLE BOOK of Hudson's in a pile on the floor. There wasn't one book left on his shelf. We're talking maybe 60-70 books. He was quite satisfied with his work. He enjoys being a stinker.

We went Sugaring-Off on the weekend. It was something I did every year in elementary school. Something I always LOVED. Hudson loves taffy on snow as much as I do. We shared one stick, and he hogged it! He'd give me a one second lick, and then chant that it was "Hudson's turn! Hudson's turn! Hudson's turn!"...and then keep it protectively in his mouth until I was chanting "Mommy's turn! Mommy's turn! Mommy's turn!". Yes I'm mature like that.

There's nothing like eating a plate full of food that you smother in real maple syrup.