5 Cheerios, 4 green frogs, 3 bouncing balls, 2 sippy cups and a Christmas tree all lit up with lights!

I don't even know where to start! I've been such a BAD mom and not posting anything in quite a while! I lots the motivation to post because it's been so long. Plus work is driving me around the bend. The last thing I want to do is sit in front of a computer at night as well. But here I am tonight. Posting some pics and telling stories of our girl!
Rowyn was Tigger for Halloween this year. Brad and I had such an amazing time parading Rowyn around in her wagon to the neighbours and to Grandma and Grandpa's house. Rowyn had a little bucket and went up to the door and allowed everyone to put treats into her bucket. She thought this was great! She played with the treats - taking them out of the bucket one by one and putting them back in. We only visited 4 houses but enjoyed ourselves none the less. We had a great time answering the door and watching Rowyn eat her first (and only) bite of chocolate. She must have a sweet tooth because the next day she saw her left overs and pointed and jumped and pleaded for more. I put the rest away - in my tummy!





Rowyn is saying some words now. Not too clearly but she's doing it none the less. She is currently saying "more" for everything. It comes out as "maw" but her meaning is definitely understood.
More R words:
Turn - chur
Shoes - shush
Socks - sos
Bo-Bo
Khaos - oas
Star - stah
Mama
Dada - this is said VERY emphatically - more like DA-DA!!
Wash
Choo-Choo/Puh-puh/AhhAhh
Ba/La/Ha
Moo
Woof - oof
Hop -bop
Sssssss
I even think she said Grandpa the other day - came out something like "gapa" It's so fun to watch her discover that she can say things. She loves to sing and dance around and put on a show. She loves to perform for Brad. I've never seen her so excited as she is when Brad comes home. I can hear him pull in the driveway and I'll tell her that Daddy's home and to go look out the window. She'll run over and jump and point and laugh. Everything is DADA Da-da dadadadada!!!.
Rowyn's currently in the process of cutting 4 molars at the same time. We're having a tough time with it - all of us. I think they're making things painful for Rowyn and she in turn is making things painful for us. I feel like I can't win some days. Especially the days where I have to go to work. Nothing I do makes her happy on those days. All I want to do is sit down and cuddle her and play with her and make it all better. Instead I'm fighting with her for my hairbrush, or telling her not to put the hairspray bottle in her mouth, or reasoning with her that it's not ok to pull all the toilet paper off the roll unless you are "wiping" after a pee.
Rowyn is SO inquisitive and smart. The other day I thought I was being an encouraging Mom and asked her if she would wipe off her table that was covered in dried food. Does she not take the cloth from me and proceed to SCRUB the table exactly like I would! She then proceeded to bring her empty plate over to the counter and put her food in the garbage. WOW! I waw SO impressed. It took me a while to figure out what she was trying to accomplish. I just kind of stood there like a statue for a while watching her do these amazing things. I credit Montessori school for encouraging her to do these things. She's so able and aware it's amazing. We try to encourage her to do things on her own - even though I sometimes think she doesn't understand. Most of the time I'm pleasantly surprised that she does understand and goes right ahead and does it. She does new things every day. The other day she helped me wash the windows. My little helper. Next on the list is to try out some baking.... Wonder how that will be!
Rowyn is now in the toddler room at school. We moved her up early to give her some additional stimulation. It's working out so well! She loves it there and the teachers really seem to understand the things that she needs. We had one of her hearing therapists come in to do an inservice with the staff. All 15 teachers showed up to learn about hearing and hearing loss and what things to do to ensure Rowyn is benefiting. The presentation and information was just what we needed. The teachers have been so supportive but this just gives them added knowledge. I could see the light bulbs turning on as the instructor walked around the classroom saying words like "bed" and "turn" and the staff (who had ear plugs in) were writing things down like "red" and "churn".
We have had so much snow this year already. One thing we learned quickly - Rowyn is NOT a snow angel. I can't quite figure out if she's afraid of the snow or just thinks it's messy and wants it off. She screams to be picked up every morning when we have to walk out the door and has to wipe off the snow on the carpet when we let Khaos in from outside. We're making progress but there won't be any ice skating or snowmobilig for our girl for a while it seems! She does like her sleigh though. Just don't try and take her out of it and put her in the snow! Pull her along and she's a happy clam.
Stay tuned for pics of that and to hear more about our Gingerbread house decorating! I'm a little behind on decorating for Christmas. I feel a little bad that I don't have the tree yet, but maybe tomorrow.....
This is Rowyn and Brad sitting and watching TV. Not sure what was on - maybe the Backyardagins - but it was the first time Rowyn really watch somethning on television for more than 2 seconds. I think she actually liked it.


This was taken on Brad's birthday just before we left to go out for dinner. Last year we took a similar one, so had to take one this year too!


Here is our prenatal group (missin Karen, Grace and Wes). We got together this past weekend and had a little turkey soiree. All 3 kids and 6 adults sat down for a turkey dinner and we enjoyed ourselves. The kids were great that day and we all had a great time.

Just a few pics

Hi there. Not much time to write tonight but I did want to share a few recent pics of Rowyn.
She's finally over the worst of the cold and she's started to say some new words!
We've got:
Bo-Bo
ShooSh - Shoes
Choo-Choo
Nana - Nonees (her blankie)
Chur - Turn
It's progress! She's about 24 months in her comprehension but only 12 months in her language. I'm reassured by her hearing therapists that this is quite normal but I am glad to see that she's starting to say things beyond Mama and Dada.

Rowyn's getting amazing at using her spoon. She even hits her mouth sometimes!




Rowyn just loves taking "sips" out of Daddy's beer

Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde

Rowyn's cold is STILL lingering..... and lingering..... and maybe even morphing into a new cold. Rowyn now knows how to wipe her own nose with a kleenex. I think I'm proud of that accomplishment, but I'm not quite sure. Rowyn's language has regressed in the last 2 weeks since she's been sick. She won't repeat anything back to us. Not even Mama or Dada. I miss hearing the words! All I get is a finger pointing and a lot of whining. Can't blame her though. When you feel crappy, the whole world falls apart. And with the new findings on childern's cough and cold syrups, there isn't much I can do besides a humidifier (which only makes Rowyn's room look like the exotic Rain Forest in NeverNeverLand) and a little bit of Vicks vapour rub. Her Noneez (aka blankie) seems to be the only thing to appease my cranky, upset, snotty nose girl. So be it. I've bought a bunch of blankies to rotate them (they get pretty gross after a day) and even bought a second Bo-Bo in fear or the first one getting warn out (Bo-Bo needed a wash after a particularly bad spell of coughing which ended up in Rowyn sharing her dinner with Bo-Bo). Rowyn is eating at her table and chairs like a champ. We tell her it's time for dinner and she promtly runs to the table, pulls out her chair and climbs on. She then proceeds to slap her hands on the table and demand her dinner. So cute. I went away with my mom and sister to the Bala Cranberry festival this weekend (which was pretty darn cool!) and came home to find Rowyn doing all kinds of new things. It seems like she's doing new things but I'm probably just noticing more because I missed her tons. A little time away sure does make the heart grow fonder. Brad and I have been doing well. Most of the posts are about Rowyn - as they should be - but I wanted to say that in amoungst the tedium of working, the trauma of being a parent and the joy of having a family, we're doing well. We celebrated our 3rd anniversary at the end of September. I couldn't ask for a more loving, caring and understanding husband. What I could ask for though is that my husband only had 2 boys weekends a year - not 8!!!

Here is a sample of how our last 2 weeks have gone with Rowyn... Feel our pain... and hers.....


Some of the cutest pics ever.....

I thought that'd I wouldn't....

I thought that I wouldn't write to update the blog when I went back to work. I thought for sure I'd have enough time to do a couple quick posts here and there. As the weeks go by I've come to dread doing a post. Not because I haven't wanted to, or because I've forgotten about you on the blogosphere, but because time goes by so quickly and I just can't stand the thought of spending even 2 more minutes on the computer than I have to.
The weeks have gone by in a blur. So much goes on it all becomes mashed together.
Work - I promise I won't rant on too much, but it has to be said. I HATE IT! I think after my third full week that I might be starting to resign myself to the fact that I'm back and I'm a working mom. I remember those first few weeks when Rowyn was born being totally afraid, unsure, confused, and scared out of my mind that I somehow made a mistake. I kept wondering where the manual was for how to raise a baby. Things settled down as the weeks went on and I ended up loving being at home with Rowyn and spending all my time with her. I would never have pegged myself as someone who would be fulfilled to stay home with their child. I think those that know me well - especially those that know me as a "work" person haven't gotten over the shock yet. I admit, I was gung-hoe and sure that I would go back to work. Not so much anymore.
The few hours a day that I have with Rowyn are a tease. First thing in the morning while I'm rushing around trying to find something that looks half decent and still fits Rowyn is pulling at my legs and wanting up or for me to play. At night Rowyn is so tired that all she wants to do is be held or to run around like a maniac. She won't let me in the kitchen to cook dinner or to even get her dinner. She has thrown a couple fantastic temper tantrums. The best one yet is when we was mad and decided to go into the office and slam the door. She then realized that she couldn't open it again and started to wail. I opened it right away and asked if she wanted to come up. Her response was to slam the door again. This time I left her for about 30 seconds. The level of hysteria the followed was pretty high. She finally wanted up and was consoled. She hasn't slammed any more doors since then.
Rowyn is making out amazing in daycare. For the last week now she hasn't cried once when I've dropped her off. I'm very excited about this. She's latched herself onto one of the teachers and she goes to her no problem. She's doing so well that the teachers are thinking of bringing her into the toddler group at 15 months instead of 18 months. I must admit, we're having a bit of difficulty with the hearing aids. The turn around of teachers in the infant room has been pretty high in the last month and it seems like there is always someone different in there. Twice this week I've come home and her hearing aids are always in - but no in properly. The back isn't closed tight or the battery is in backwards. I had to address this right away.
Brad and I went to Parent Teacher night on Thursday and had the chance to speak to the principle and toddler teachers. I expressed my concerns and was immediately reassured that things would be looked at and "fixed". There was a lot more said, but the outcome made me happy. I got the answers that I was looking for. The next morning I went in and showed the entire staff how to put in Rowyn's Sparkles and how to change the batteries. I feel much better about things now.
Rowyn definitely knows things now. She knows her shoes, how to brush her hair, she LOVES to brush her teeth and gets the biggest kick out of taking her socks off. She'll go and get her ball if you ask her too, close the door, and is using a fork and spoon (with a little help here and there). She's a pretty picky eater though. If you don't catch her at the right time all bets are off for everything but fruit. Any fruit and you've got a winner. Broccoli is good but no other veggie passes Rowyn's inspection. Bread - is ok. She likes melba toast the best. Pasta is a take it or leave it thing. Unfortunately our girl isn't much of a carnivore. We're struggling with the meat.
Here are some picks from the last few weeks. I haven't had too much of a chance to take many pics but here's what I've got.

Auntie Kristine, Rowyn and I went to the apple orchard two weekends ago and we picked some apples. We took Rowyn in her new wagon and she loved it. Rowyn kept throwing the "balls" onto the ground from the bag that we had picked. It was great. She loves eating the apples too.

Some other fun things we've been doing - Kristine and I took Rowyn to the Markham Fair this morning. We saw sheep, cows and little baby chickens. I think Rowyn got a kick out of seeing the animals. Unfortunately Kristine didn't have her camera and Brad took our away with him this weekend so we don't have any pics from our trip. It was fun to go and do these things. Brings back memories and I like to think we're starting some of our own.
More pics next weekend. We're off to the pumpkin patch next Saturday for a Halloween pumpkin!

SDRAWKCAB........

wHOA! wORK HAS STARTED aND everYTHING felLS lIKE it'S "SDRAWKCAB"
Well, my official work start date was this past Tuesday. Is the week over yet?! I know it's a short week by OMG - it feels like the longest week ever. Three days is lots. I'm done - finished - finito - aur-revoir - caput - DONE!
In one word - YUCK!
I don't think Rowyn minds being away, but I sure do! Rowyn is doing amazing. The teachers say she's adapting so well to being at their school. She's even sleeping on a cot for nap time. My girl - Rowyn - who doesn't like to nap - is sleeping on a cot. My girl is growing up and not right before my eyes anymore.
Rowyn is adjusting well. She's loving her daycare. I'm amazed at her every day. She does cry a bit when I drop her off, but I just love her teachers. They're great. I don't know what I'm doing, but they seem to be able to keep me on track and keep things level. I do miss being with Rowyn though. She's napping without her blankey (because she wants it for the rest of the day at daycare which isn't cool by mommy - imagine if she's 13 and wants to take her blankey to high school with her!).
Rowyn has also decided she wants to eat again. She ate an entire hard boiled egg the other day and a 1/4 piece of chicken tonight. This from a girl who wouldn't touch a protein source a week ago. AND - I found out that she's a true Soloy. Brad and I took Rowyn out for dinner to Swiss Chalet the other night. The waitress put Brad's plate down in front of Rowyn (duh!) and Rowyn snagged a fry before either of us could blink. She thought the Swiss fries were awesome! She pointed and made herself known that she wanted MORE FRIES MAMA!!!!! Veggies be damned - Fries it is!
I am happy to report that a few veggies were consumed that night too.
Work - what can I say.... Actually - not much.
Did I mention that Rowyn is amazing?! You can see where my head is at.

Here are the latest pics of our girl.....

Rowyn is starting to use a fork and spoon. She loves being able to dip her spoon into her yogurt and loves to try and stab at pieces of chicken or pasta. She's actually getting the hang of it. I'm sure it will be a while before she'll be using these utensils with skill, but for now it's fun to watch her explore. She's eating better now that she is able to do it herself too. A little independance goes a long way I guess.

Very close up pic

Rowyn LOVES her Ghetto blaster that Aunt Norma and Uncle Brian gave her. She dances and wiggles and pushes the button constantly.

Rowyn playing on Khaos' bed and looking at herself in the mirror this morning

Jour deux de garde

Translation - Day two of daycare. Why the french? Why not?! I sometimes feel like I'm trying to understand another language - oh wait a minute - I am! It's called Rowyneese.
Anyway. We had ROwyn's second day of daycare today. I wavered back and forth on whether or not to pick her up earlier or to send her for the day. After speaking with the administrator, he reassured me that sending her for the day would be the best thing for her. We also addressed the hearing aid issue - Don't take them out! and the water issue. I felt much more confident with her staying the day after our discussion.
As soon as we got into school she started to cry. I stayed for a couple of minutes thinking this would calm her down but it didn't work. She wouldn't even let me put her on the floor even if I was sitting down with her. I ended up passing her off to one of the teachers and waved bye and left. My heart broke a little.
I waited three hours before I called to check up on her. I thought 3 hours was pretty good. It was 12:30. Rowyn had eaten lunch (yummy strained green beans) and had her milk and was getting ready for a nap. She had started to interact with the kids and her environment and was generally having an ok time. No tears. I wished the teacher luck with getting her down for a nap and said I'd see her at 4:00.
When I picked Rowyn up she was crying - but the teacher said it just started. Rowyn was happy to see me and was told she had over an hour nap. YAY Princess! She had finished the rest of her food in her lunch bag and had an overall great day.
WOW am I relieved. I'm so elated that she was able to have some fun today and not be totally traumatized. I'm sure there will be rough days in there that are yet to come, but I feel more confident that we can handle this and get through it.
When we got home, Rowyn was a whirl wind of excitement. She did laps around the kitchen with her new ball and had a blast with Khaos. She was very happy to be at home and I was so happy she was at home.

Here is Rowyn's first report card from Daycare. She'll get one of these every day.


Bo-Bo has a new friend in the group. Ruben has now joined the Soloy household and has become a Rowyn favourite. She just LOVES Ruben. She'll go get him if we ask her "Where's Ruben?" and she'll give him a BIG hug and kiss and then proceed to lie on him, to jump on him, to roll on him and have a great time.

Daddy even enjoys hangin' out with Ruben! Ruben sure is a kool dude!

Here's a typical Rowyn pose. "Where'd it go Mama?" Like her cute outfit! She looks like such a toddler now. No more baby.

So how did day care turn out?

How did Rowyn's first day at daycare turn out you ask?
Not good.....
She cried whenever someone left the room, didn't eat anything I packed but ate the kid next door's blueberries instead, didn't have her milk, and didn't nap. All in all, it was a disaster. Did I mention the teacher took her hearing aids out because they thought she was crying because of them?
Please tell me this gets better?? I'm pretty traumatized.
Next day is this tuesday coming up......

Today's the day......

Rowyn's first day of daycare. We're slowly integrating her into the daycare. We're doing a couple of days before I go back to work on Sept 4th. I was a brave Mummy today. I didn't cry when I left her. I must admit, I did cry (alot) last night while I was packing up all her toys, food, clothes for the daycare. I never thought I could be so attached to someone. She's been my world for the last year and it's a little hard to imagine her not being there every time I turn around. I'm not the one who she's hugging when she goes for a nap or smiling at when she has her fruit for lunch. I hope I'll be the one she runs to when I pick her up from daycare and I hope I'll be the one that gets the giggles and hugs right before bed. Bo-Bo is waiting for her when she gets home today.
I'm going to squeeze her extra tight tonight.

Rowyn turns 1 in Nova Scotia, starts to run after cats, and points at birds

Where oh where has our little Rowyn been? She's been a traveln' woman!
We just got back from a very busy and very exciting trip out to the East Coast and then up north to visit G&G Soloy.
I admit - I was pretty nervous about flying on a plane with our princess and even more nervous about how we were going to deal with nap time. As you know, Rowyn revolts when nap time comes around and forget putting her down in the play pen. I resigned myself to having a very cranky kid that would have a very early bedtime.
So our story goes.... much to my amazement......

We arrived at the airport for 10:00. The check-in lady was super nice and we were able to score a seat at the bulk head with nobody sitting beside us. Rowyn had a hoot playing with the barf bags and charming the steward and stewardess who could see every move she was making. We had to hold Rowyn facing us during taxi and take off. I thought this would be an issue because it involved staying still for more than 30 seconds. We were able to look out the window and see the guys loading the baggage, directing the plane and look at the runway. Before we were even finished taxing down the runway, Rowyn was asleep on my chest. WHEW! She slept for 40 minutes and then busied herself with playing for the rest of the trip. Thank goodness the plane ride was only 1 hr 50 minutes though. We picked up our car, checked into our hotel in New Brunswick (St. John) and then headed out for our first adventure.

Rowyn enjoying a snack after her power nap on the plane


We rented a car - Nissan Altima - which was perfect for us. Lots of head AND leg room. Nobody was as impressed as Brad was. He was actually comfortable.
We headed out to see St. Martins and the Sea Caves along the Fundy Trail. We couldn't believe the scenery. We got lots of cool pics and enjoyed our drive while Rowyn took another power nap in the back seat.

The car...


Beautiful! Just beautiful


Our napping princess. Thank goodness for Blankies!


Heehee! Mummy and Daddy enjoying ourselves


Really cool covered bridge. What can I say?! We were touring and being annoying picture takers. We snapped over 400 pics on our trip!


We went to the Sea Caves in St. Martin. The tide was out so we were able to walk around and explore the scenery. It was really neat and we were glad we took the time to go out there.




Off onto the ferry on Saturday for a trip across the Bay of Fundy from St. John NB to Digby NS. I was looking forward to this and expecting to have a nice, pleasant trip with some sight seeing. Well, Rowyn had a different agenda. We spent the 3 hours trying to entertain a cranky girl who just wanted to go. We weren't even off the ferry yet and she was nodding off in the car. She was fighting SO hard to stay awake but just couldn't manage it.


Did I mention - Thank goodness for Blankies?!


We drove to Annapolis Royal to meet up with Uncle Jai and Auntie Lauren (Brad's Bro and wife).
Along the way we came across this.....(Taken especially for Auntie Mel!)


We arrived just in time at the Market in Annapolis Royal where Jai and Lauren have a booth. We walked around a bit and took in the sights. Wish we were able to be there earlier to check out more stuff though. We were able to see their set up and I even bought a magic wand!


Then it was off to Jai and Lauren's house... Where Rowyn discovered Emma! She had a ball playing with Emma. Emma on the other hand could take or leave Rowyn. She would let Rowyn pet her sometimes but other times Rowyn as a little too enthusiastic for her. One afternoon Rowyn and Emma were chasing each other around the house. Did I mention that Rowyn is now walking - not just taking a few wobbly steps, but on her two feet going from room to room?! I think she wanted to keep up with Emma. She managed to go from a wobbly two stepper to a kid that's now trying to hustle her way from room to room as fast as her little legs will carry her. It's hilarious to watch her try and run. She gets so excited with herself. And she points now too. She couldn't stop pointing at Emma and giggling and laughing. It was the best to see her so excited and happy.


The next day Jai and Lauren took us to see the sights in Bridgetown, the ocean, Annapolis Royal and to Digby....


Checking out the ocean by Jai and Lauren's house. I was SO surprised at how FRIGID the water was. No swimming for us!



Rowyn hanging out with Uncle Jai

We went to visit an old fort in Annapolis Royal. Here is Brad and Rowyn visiting the sights....


Jai and Lauren directed us into Digby where Brad and I were determined to try some fresh east coast lobster. For Brad, this was uncharted territory. While I've had lobster before, it was still an experience. Brad did well with his surf and turf. I was immensely impressed and proud of him for trying something very different. We had a beautiful day (it was suppose to thunder storm)and a roof top patio spot to dine at. Rowyn managed to amuse herself on the patio playing with the chairs and playing with her portable high chair the entire time. She had a great time and so did we.




HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE GIRL! ROWYN IS ONE YEARS OLD!!!!

On Monday, Rowyn's actual birthday, we celebrated by eating cup cakes and hanging out. It seems so ironic that 1 year ago we were at home, having just brought a brand new baby into the world and now we're not even in our own province to celebrate her first birthday. We've had so much fun getting to know Rowyn in the last year and watching her grow into our little girl. We love you Rowyn!

Jai made Rowyn a magic wand for her birthday. Brad was able to pick out the wood especially for Rowyn and Jai hand crafted it just for our girl. Thanks Uncle Jai!

Harry Potter look out! We have a new witch on the rise! Here is Rowyn saying "abra-cadabra pizza!"

Low and behold.... here is the pizza. Thanks Rowyn - it was DEEEEE-LishIOUS. Talk about gourmet. Let me tell you - this pizza was amazing. Fresh ingredients from the garden, home made dough and lots of TLC. YUMMMMMY


We had to say goodbye to Jai and Lauren on Tuesday morning. We hope to see them soon though. We enjoyed our stay very much and are looking forward to coming back!

On Tuesday morning, Brad, Rowyn and I set out for Peggy's Cove and then continued on to Halifax. Everybody raves about Peggy's Cove and how you MUST go there if you're going to NS. I never realized that there were only 40 people that actually lived there. Who knew? Guess you had to see it. Was it great? - it was ok. Glad we did it but I think Brad and I had a better time driving along the Fundy Trail in NB and seeing the Sea Caves. We're not much for about 200 people milling around small, narrow streets all trying to snap the same picture.




We had such beautiful weather in Halifax on Wednesday. We got up and we were out the door of the hotel by 9:30. We walked around the docks on Front Street Halifax and saw all the sights. Including jellyfish. I didn't know that there were jelly fish in Canada's cold waters. YUCK.
We were amlessly meandering along the boardwalk when along came this....... Pretty neat to see up close. That's not something you'll see down at the Beache in Toronto!

We walked up the steep hill in Halifax to the citidel. Rowyn was amazing and was napping while we strolled our way through Halifax. I was so impressed that she napped in her stroller not only once in the morning but in the afternoon too. We couldn't have asked for anything more from her. She was awesome.

For those of you that are into South Park (OOOPPppss!!! - I mean Trailer Park Boys - I was corrected by the Trailer Park Guy himself (aka Daddy) this pics for you

There was a garden park in Halifax and we walked through it. To Rowyn's delight there were pigeons waiting for a hand out. Rowyn was VERY excited to see them. She couldn't stop laughing and giggling. I think our girl is going to be an animal lover.

Our last dinner in Halifax was at Salty's restaruant down on the warf. We had an amazing view of the docks and enjoyed watching Rowyn talk and point at all the pigeons and birds that were around.
You would think that Rowyn would be pointing at me and excited to see her Mummy, but don't be fooled. There were birds behind me that she was way more interested in. Sigh



All in all, our vacation out east was perfect. We couldn't have had a better time if we tried. We wished we could have gone further into Fundy National Park in New Brunswick, we wish we could have spent more time with Jai and Lauren and we wish we could have hit the Calbot trail in Nova Scotia, but hey - there are other times and other years. Plus we have a family connection out there for an excuse to visit!

Note to Brad - I'm a good navigator and I think we'd kick some ass on The Amazing Race!!!