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Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Withdrawal

It's been a year since I've been on my bike and I'm itching to get back on.

I remember that I just got it tuned when I decided to stop riding because the weather got too hot and I didn't want to faint and fall off, what with the little baby growing inside of me.

It's been hard to find a few minutes to get out because Claire is still all about the mama. She'll tolerate C holding her, but not for long enough for me to get a good ride in.

In the meantime I'm going to look into baby seats and trailers. I was too nervous to haul Lauren on the bike, but I feel my desire to get back out there is overshadowing the fear. It would be wonderful for us all to go out for a cycle at the same time. 

Baked

I'm going to bake a cherry pie today!

The girls and I picked some beautiful fresh cherries off a friend's tree last weekend so I'm feeling inspired. I make a mean apple pie so I'm sure I can do the cherries justice as well.

Come to think of it, the last few months that I've been home has been very productive in the kitchen. This is what I've baked up so far in single or several batches: chocolate zucchini muffins, chocolate chips cookies, gingerbread cookies, chocolate chip chick pea cookies, lemon loaf, cupcakes, peanut butter cookies, chewy raisin oatmeal cookies, banana loaf, apple oatmeal muffins, apple crumble, tapioca pudding.

The list will go on because I've been stashing away recipes for granola bars, puddings, and various chocolate and oatmeal inspired desserts. Maybe being home with the children has fired up the domestic instinct in me, or something...

To be honest, I like eating homemade treats, so what better way to keep up the supply that to keep baking!

It has crossed my mind to start a second career in baking and open a shop, but I hear it's tough. Really tough. Good quality ingredients are expensive and you need a steady stream of clients to keep business on track. Maybe I'll give it a crack when I have "more time" on my hands.

For now I'll keep on baking in my kitchen for my own enjoyment.

Chart topping

Yes indeed, Claire is a big baby!

Went to see Dr. B on  Monday and got the nitty gritty on Claire's size. I didn't jot  down the exact measurements, but she's 99th percentile for head size, 99th percentile for length and 90th percentile for weight. Wow!

I can already imagine her looking down at me when she's a teenager. Yikes, lol!!

Friday, June 15, 2012

Four months old

Claire is 4 months old today.

Where the last 3 months went to, I have no idea. It's been a whirlwind, but it has been great. She's at a fun stage in her development now, grabbing all she can get her hands on, showing off big gummy smiles to everyone and chatting up a storm. I suspect a tooth or two wants to come out judging by all the drool coming out of her mouth, and all the fingers she shoves in to chomp down on.

The parenting centre loaned me the use of a baby Excer Saucer for the summer and Claire loves it. She can stand upright and kick her little legs around 'til her heart's content. I would not be surprised if she started walking sooner than later. Although I thought she would be born sooner too and that didn't exactly happen...

I'll make an appointment with Dr. B next week for Claire's 4 month check-up and get the nitty-gritty details on how big she is. She seems long to me, and feels heavy, but I'm sure it's all proportional. Babies do come in all shapes and sizes after all.

I'm hoping to get the go ahead to start her on solids. Breastfeeding has been very good, and so convenient of course, but I'm curious to see if she'll take to food more easily than Lauren did. I don't want to resort to jarred food so easily as I did (although it was organic), and am anxious to try out some yummy baby food recipes. Should be a fun experience all around!