Apple of Great-Grandma's Eye 

Happy Birthday Auntie-Lou!!

What's Going On?

Love my Grandpa 

Funny Lady 

Island Living

Good Morning all. Here we are back home safe and sound. Ciana and I had a wonderful visit to the island and we were able to see both the great-grandmas, Grandpa and Grandma Tames, as well as Great Aunt Mary-Lou. It was wonderful all around and we even caught the last of the sunshine because it has been pouring rain ever since we got in the car last night to come home. You can tell our Hubby/ Daddy really loves us as he came to pick us up with a big bouquet of flowers and lots of kisses.
Anyway, we went over on the Harbour Lynx Tuesday morning, Ciana was breaking hearts among the crew with lots of smiles and were picked up on the Naniamo side by Ciana's Grandpa. Then off to lunch with Grandma at the restaurant that I worked at while in high school, some things never change, like Just Jake's. Later that evening we had a lovely visit with Great-Grandma Lockie (my Mom's Mom) and a bar-b-que. I tried to get to bed early (Ciana finally crashed at 7:30 after not napping all day, too much excitement to sleep Mom!) but was woken up by a mini foot in the back or ribs throughout the night. Wednesday morning we were off at 10 to Victoria for a quick visit with Joe's Grandma and Auntie Lou. So good to see everyone and Ciana was a little angel, lots of smiles and giggles to go around.
Back in our own bed last night and we both had a wonderful and much needed sleep in this morning. Now back to normal life... I wonder what we should have for dinner? Love you all, Ciao for now.

Nap? Who Needs a Nap?? 

Lifesaver??

Good morning! It's Saturday morning and Ciana is helping me post an update on our blog. It's funny because she actually likes to sit on my lap and watch me type. We have put on some of her Daddy's silly music too so she has lots of stimuli. Anyway, yesterday we were enjoying a nice walk along Broadway and popped into my favourite bookstore, The Book Warehouse, and were brousing the kids section which borders the parenting section and I found this book titled "The No-Cry Sleep Solution". Perfect. I bought it and by the time bed-time hit last night I was half-way though. So much of it just made sense. The author is a parent educator and mother of four, and two of her kids were nightmares when it came to sleep habits. I read that babies generally don't sleep uninterrupted until they are at least a year and that 5 hours is considered a good sleep! However if your baby sleeps 5 hours straight and awakens to eat then goes back to sleep you have met a realistic goal. It's funny because all the things that Joe and I had been trying thinking we were clever are addressed in the book. Like putting off bed-time until later thinking that the Ciana would be extra tired and therefore sleep better, when in fact she was just over-tired and would wake during the night more frequently. I kept a pad of paper and a pen beside the bed last night to keep a log (which I am going to do for 7 nights) because it's really hard to remember what happened when you get no sleep! Anyway, Ciana woke up and fussed to the point of me getting her out of the crib 4 times. Now I can set goals and have a starting place. And something to hold against her when she's older. . . just joking.
Well we will just have to wait and see. At least I have hope and know that my baby isn't abnormal, or spoiled, or manipulating us she just hasn't been taught yet to soothe herself back to sleep when she wakes up . . . yet.
It looks like a beautiful weekend and we are hoping to get out and enjoy the last of the warm weather. Our friend Lysa and daughter Sydney are in town for one last weekend before they move to the island so we have planned to hook up, maybe a walk along the seawall. I hope you all enjoy your weekend.

The Good Old Days 

Sleep, who needs sleep?

Hi out there. All of you reading with young children, or children at all probably can understand my frustration. Ciana was sleeping like a little angel up until a few weeks ago and now even her daytime naps are a struggle. Everywhere I read I see the importance of routine and this stands to reason but what if your baby doesn't know this? What if she doesn't know that she's supposed to nap after being up for 2-3 hours, and go to bed at the same time every night? What if she disagrees with the idea that babies her age don't need to be getting up every few hours during the night? I'm not even looking for advice anymore. I have read that babies should lead the way and parents should sit back and follow, I've read that tough love is the only way to go otherwise you will be sharing your bed with a teenager. I've heard that moving a child to solids will keep them fuller through the night but also that breastfeeding until they are at least a year old is the best. I try to give Ciana a bottle before bed (formula takes longer to digest), changing her into pajamas, and putting her down at the same time every night and yet I am still awoken at 2 am, then sometimes again at 4 am. She seems to be getting the requesite 14 hrs sleep per every 24 hr period but without any consistency. She relies on food, preferably breastfeeding, to go to sleep 95% of the time which I am also told is bad because she is unable to put herself back to sleep without outside help. Our doctor asked if I was back at work, I laughed, who would want me as an employee (as I glance down through my crooked glasses at my sweats, bare feet, not to mention my mussy hair). I really am enjoying being a mommy and now I know why every woman I have run into in the last 4 1/2 months has asked me how she sleeps!! Just wish us luck and grab a few zzz's for me!

Weekend

Happy Birthday Grandpa!! I don't have any pictures of you on our computer so you're saved from being put on the internet... for now. We all hope you had a wonderful day and a nice game of golf Sunday, (I won't publish your age but 39 looks good on you)! Well if we couldn't go to the island for a visit I figured we wouldn't waste the day here so Jasmine, her daughter Isabella, son Cole, Ciana and I went to the Baby fair at the Trade and Convention centre downtown. We kind of got a late start but it was really fun nonetheless. I would recommend it for anyone expecting as there was lots of services offered and free samples and advice. Ciana got a really cute little onesy and lots of business cards. We also entered tonnes of draws but that could be just unwanted solicitors, we'll see. I'm also sending her picture in for the cutest baby contest and if she doesn't win its only because she's too cute and the other babies will be jealous.
We are just going to have a quiet Sunday, Ciana is napping and her Daddy is relaxing before another long week at work. Hope all is well with you out there.

Don't we look like a nice couple?? 

Happy Birthday Uncle Tom

I guess I have a couple of days to catch up on... Thursday was Ciana's Uncle Tom's birthday and we decided it would be a good idea to have a nice dinner at Zefferelli's on Robson, apparently Ciana thought otherwise. Oh well, you can't win them all. We did have a really nice dinner despite her protests (as Grandpa said she was just upset that she didn't get any breadsticks), and she fell asleep as soon as we got into the car. I think Tom had a good time and we got some fun shots, it might look bad but she really was o.k.!!

It's My Party 

Doctor's Appointment

Poor Ciana had an appointment with Dr. Ross this afternoon. To start it was very good, we found out that she is 15 lbs and 12 oz's, (over a pound and a half gained in just over a month), in the top 90% for her height and weight and at the six month range for dexterity and attentiveness. Dr. Ross was very happy with her health and well-being. Then came the little cotton balls that were attached to the medical tape. I watched Ciana look on in interest as the Dr. set up her little station and prepped the needles. Then I held Ciana's little hands as she struggled to sit up, poor Dr. Ross leaned in and did the first injection, Ciana's smile crumbled to a look of shock and pain. This was repeated twice more. They say it is always more traumatic for the parent than the child and I am sure this is true as after some kisses and hugs the whole event was forgotten and Ciana was once again engrossed in her big plastic keys.
Anyway, she is having a little snooze now and has eaten heartily as well as played and squealed with her dad. I'm sure she will forgive us for putting her through all this. I'm also sure she will be in our bed at least part of the night tonight as any whimper and I will be convinced that she is dreaming about dr.'s and needles and in need of more cuddles. Until next time.

Smell my feet! 

Sniffles in September

Hi there,
September 13th and already with the seasonal colds. Joe and I simultaneously awoke with sore throats and plugged noses and ears at about 4 am this morning. I think it was the first time I have been up in the middle of the night without Ciana responsible. Anyway, when she did wake me an hour later she too had a plugged nose, although I don't know if her throat hurt, she didn't say. I just feel so bad for her as Joe has his Buckley's that he relies on in times like this, and I usually just suffer as all medicines have alcohol/ chemicals that will be passed through breast milk, but poor Ciana has to gulp then breathe, then gulp, then breathe. Tomorrow will only be worse as she has an appointment with Dr. Ross for her 4 month booster shots :( Wish us luck.
We did get a visit in with Lysa and family Sunday, which was lovely. They are in the process of moving to Victoria and very excited to have us come and visit. Who knows, maybe grandma and grandpa will be Ciana's first babysitters while mom and dad go out for some much needed R & R. Hope all is well with you all and cross your fingers for us that these sniffles etc. pass by the weekend as Ciana and I are going to the baby fair at the Trade and Convention Centre on Saturday. Ciao!

The kids 

Not now Mom!! 

Good Morning

Well as you can see by the time of this posting it is very early on a Sunday morning and I have been up for half an hour already. The one teaser night that Ciana slept was apparently just a fluke and she is back to her old ways. I am trying to come up with solutions that don't include letting her wail for hours at a time when the sky is dark on the other side of the house so today we are going to introduce her to baby cereal with the idea that maybe she isn't getting enough to sustain her through the night. We'll just have to see.
Yesterday we all went to visit our friends Cole and Jasmine Parker. Ciana is always wide-eyed at their house because they have three kids, all of whom dote on her, and she is surrounded by all these strange and wonderful toys. Its nice to visit somewhere that drool isn't an issue and all kids are not only welcome but enjoyed! Speaking of friends with kids, we also have a visit planned this afternoon with Lysa, Sydney (who is two) and Dennis at their North Vancouver open house. I'm sure there will be pictures of that too. Hope you are all enjoying your weekend and enjoying our new blog!!

What are you looking at?? 

A Good Night Sleep!!

Well some of you might know that Joe and I have been blessed with a wonderful little sleeper- until recently. About a week and a half ago Ciana decided that this sleeping through the night is b.s. and she wanted to see what was going on outside her crib about every two or three hours. So being a sucker I would dutifully get up with her and as soon as I picked her up she would simmer down to a sniffle and a whimper and as soon as I put her in bed with us she would stretch, yawn and fall into a deep and peaceful sleep knowing all was well and she had gotten her way.
At our wits end there was even talk of *gasp* wheeling her crib out of our room and letting her fend for herself. Well it didn't have to come to that, we simply fed her as much as we could at bedtime, then put her in what we lovingly refer to as her new 'sleeping sack' which is quite a bit bigger and last night we didn't hear anything until seven am this morning. Halleluia!

Hi!  

Welcome to the Life of Ciana!

Hi family and friends,
Well I guess its about time that we step into the 20th century and post a blog of our own to keep all of you out there (that care!) informed about the goings on of our little one. Ciana is now 4 months and 1 week old and growing like a weed. She is rolling oven (back to tummy) and loves to tell little stories as well as watch the activities all around her. I am trying to figure this out as I go along so bear with me as I try to round this site out. I will also try to post photos of Ciana from the beginning as we all know there are lots!