I know I start every post like this... but goodness where does the time go?!

- Liam is now SEVEN months old and quite the little guy!  He is sitting all by himself, and is really starting to get into everything.  He rolls and army crawls all over and (unfortunately) puts EVERYTHING in his mouth.  We might have to actually babyproof with this one haha!!  He is still growing like mad, though I am not sure his actual weight.  We had to switch him out of the infant seat into Brennagh's carseat, and bought her a carseat/booster seat.  No teeth as of yet, but he is working on it... daily!  Eating solids is going much better - he was having some pooping problems for a while, poor guy!!  He eats A LOT and would eat more if I let him--- but we were having troubles with him nursing and eating solids, and then the whole pooping problems...  I am making baby food constantly it seems!!  He is not nursing every 2.5 hours any more, which is good... but my weight loss has sort of plateaued because of it...  He still thinks Brennagh is THE FUNNIEST GIRL EVER,  a role Brennagh is taking very seriously.  Unfortunately for Freddy, he thinks Fred is a great plaything as well... he has climbed him, pulled out gobs of his tail, and actually pulled him across the floor the other day.  I love you PupPup!!  With Liam's recent weight gain. Freddy is officially the smallest Tait again!  He is SO strong and SO grabby... constantly pulling my hair, Brennagh's hair, trying to eat my glasses, rip out my earrings.... have I mentioned he is SO different from Brennagh.  But, much like Brennagh, Liam is such a happy guy, so easy going (thank goodness, the poor guy just gets lugged around to whatever his sister is doing!!) and is a definite charmer.  I call him my mellow fellow!!  The night before last, he went to bed at 8 pm (rejoice for kids with the same bedtime!!) and SLEPT ALL THE WAY TILL 7:30 WITHOUT A SINGLE PEEP!!!!  He usually wakes up around 2-3 and needs his sucky back, and then usually 5-6 to eat before going back to sleep till 7-7:30 ish.  I instantly had to check that he was OK, and then high-fived him repeatedly when he woke up.  A Momma could get used to that!!  

- Then there's Brennagh. Brennagh Brennagh Brennagh.  Where do you start with such a unique awesome little girl??  I just seem to love her more and more every day. Don't get me wrong, we are SO MUCH ALIKE it's scary, and therefore there are days that she makes me want to just SCREAM and there are days that I DO make her scream, but I am just SO blessed to have such an incredible little girl in my life!  I've really noticed her being so much more grown up the past little while and have truly come to embrace the little person she is.  She will chat anyone's ear off, and is so curious about the world.  Her memory still astounds me daily, which is a good and bad thing.  She still talks about things that happened before Liam was born, and unfortunately tends to get stuck on little things and worry about things she needn't (Paul says 'hmm, I wonder where she gets that from...')  She still loves to read and remains my cuddle bug... things I hope don't change any time soon!  She is getting along much better with her friends and is so excited for preschool, which starts in a few weeks.  She varies between bug catcher to princess in any given day, and is truly happiest when she is being a helper girl.  She adores her brother and loves to play with him and make him laugh.  She definitely is my other Mommy, reminding me when Liam is tired/hungry/needs to be changed.  Not sure how I'd manage without her! Ha ha!  She remains his biggest cheerleader too, which is awesome ("good job little buddy, you put your sucky in!"  Knock on wood, any of the issues that I thought would have appeared by now between them haven't.  Just tonight they had their first bath together, and she said 'Thank you Liam for sharing your bath.  I just love you my little Liam!'  They hold hands in the car, even.  

- Paul is good, gotten out golfing a bit, which is nice.  We've taken the kiddies to Butterfield Acres last weekend, and have a few more day trips planned before the end of summer (which is coming QUICK!!)  We are going camping in a few weeks, too!  I can't wait!  Hope everyone else is enjoying summer as much as we are... would just like it to slow down!!!!

Oops two months worth of updating to do!!

- Liam is now five months old!!! How does that happen??? He is such a happy happy boy and I am so happy to be his Mommy!! He is teething like mad and puts EVERYTHING in his mouth.  Especially his toes these days!! He will be thrilled to start foods in a few weeks I suspect--- he watches longingly whenever you eat in front of him.  He has started rolling (tummy to back) but not too consistently. He gets up on his sides all the time and wiggles all over his playmat now.  He has grown lots (again!!) and is big enough to bounce in his jumper here at home.  Fun!!  He still eats ALL THE TIME and my guess is he's 19.5 lbs!!  He rarely cries and has the best smile ever!  His eyes just beam when he smiles at you it cant help but make you so happy.  He grabbed Freddy's tail for the first time the other day... Fred gave me a look like 'Really? C'mon Mom!' I love Freddy too, but the poor guy is gonna be tortured for the foreseeable future!!!

- We just got back from a two-week trip to Thunder Bay to visit Paul's family.  It was a ton of fun but not really the most relaxing for Mommy... Next time, I go to the SPA!! Paul golfed a couple of times and fished all week when we went camping, so I think he owes me ;) We were able to get out sans-kids a couple of times - Liam's first time with a sitter - thanks Grandma!!  Liam thank goodness takes a bottle well and Mommy thank goodness kept it together to actually enjoy a dinner out  (perhaps the wine helped ha ha!!)  We went to Paul's cousins wedding (Stephanie and Jon)-- it was lovely!  And thanks to designated driver Jordan we were able to stay later for the reception  :)  I can't remember the last time I danced for so long... or wore heels!!  Brennagh had SUCH a great trip-- playing with cousins, camping, fishing, playing on the beach, frog hunting (she found a tadpole too), riding Irene's horses, oh and spending every waking minute with Grandma!!!  She already misses everyone so much and suggested just today we go to the airport to see if we can go back to Grandma's... that's my girl!  I was so happy to have Brennagh and Liam spend so much time with their family - it doesn't happen very often!  Paul's Grandpa, Aunt Marie, and Uncle Jim all came camping too, which was awesome.  Irene hosted a bbq for us to visit with everyone as well-- thank you!! I am so happy Paul took a full two weeks off of work and we got to spend so much time together as a family!! Haven't really seen him since we got back though...  The kiddies did great on the plane-- Liam cried a bit on the way there (he and I had a cold and I think his ears were bugging him-- mine were) but otherwise did great.  Brennagh watched tv most of the way ;)  The way home was quite terrible for me as I had an inner and middle ear infection--- OUCH!! Just finished my antibiotics the other day, so doing MUCH better, but it was far from fun! 

- Brennagh's dance, gym, and library classes are all done for the summer-- so lots of time to just play play play!  Stampede is just around the corner, as is Canada Day, so I am sure the summer will be gone before we know it! 

Where to begin??? Let's see if I can even remember all of what has happened around here lately...

 - Easter was great--- we decorated eggs, which was loads of fun.  Always is, though, isn't it??  Brennagh was happy to find all the eggs the next morning and opening the treasures he left :)  Next year, she'll have to help Liam with the hunt! 

- Our dear sweet Brennagh is now officially three!  She spent her actual birthday with us and we were sure to carve out some 1:1 time with each of us.  Paul took her outside to try out a new bubble machine the EB brought, and I took her swimming in the afternoon for a couple of hours.  I think she really appreciated the Liam-free zone!  I appreciated being able to go in the hot tub again-- ha ha!  We finished the day off with supper at Boston Pizza and cake at home.  I hope she feels loved and celebrated!  It still amazes me what an awesome, confident, precious little girl she is, and though she tries my patience at times, how incredibly blessed we are to have her in our lives! 

- Bad part of Brennagh's birthday was Liam deciding he doesn't want to take bottles any more... thank goodness he wasn't screaming the house down when we got back!!!  With buying few different bottles and persistence... I think we might be back on track...phew!  I haven't left him with Paul again but hopefully soon ;)

- The following weekend, we took her to see Franklin.  She had oodles of fun, and was able to tell us the story on the way home (glad she got what was happening!)  It was great!  Liam had some milk and napped... 

- Brennagh's birthday party was held a week late this year because of Easter (celebrated on the 12th).  I have to admit, I was a little worried about having that many toddlers over (6 toddlers plus Liam plus parents), but it was surprisingly calm!  All the kiddies did great playing together, and I had them all make a craft (foam crowns).  Finished off with some presents and cake, and it was a great couple of hours.  Brennagh is still thanking her Daddy for the cake (mmmm it had chocolate ganache and strawberries inside!) and talking about how much fun she had at her party with all her friends :)  Grandma bought her the most beautiful dress to wear -so she definitely was our little princess for the day!

- That same evening we were fortunate enough to have a visit with Uncle Glen and Auntie Kylie, who drove here from BC.  They spent just Sunday/Monday with us, but we were so happy to have them visit.  It was their first time meeting Liam, and they haven't seen Brennagh since last fall.  It was so nice to see them again!! 

- Brennagh started her library program last week-- I put her in the 3-5 year old class this time. It's VERY different from the toddler time (which is mostly singing/finger plays, etc.)-- so we'll see how it goes.  She wasn't too sure last week...

- We weighed Liam here at home on the 15th... 16lbs 6ozs!!!  Still eating every 2 hours-ish during the day...still.... at night, he varies anywhere from 5.5 to 8 hours.  Of course, I prefer the 8 ;)  Hopefully will be a bit more consistent soon!  He's been sleeping in his room the past few nights (for his first big stretch, usually till 4:30-ish) and then back in our room.  He is such a happy little guy!!  I thought Brennagh was an easy baby-- Liam totally has her beat (so far anyways!!)  I think we might have our work cut out for us when he strts teething as he already loves to chew on so much!!  I put him in the jolly jumper for the first time today when I had my shower-- he just kind of spun around but I think he liked being upright!  He's chatting more and more-- is practicing his 'AaGAAAaaaas' right now.

- With spring on its way, Brennagh was getting up earlier and earlier--- no good for Momma!! So we put a blanket up in her window (so fashoinable!!) but she seems to be sleeping in a bit more - phew!!

- Unfortunately, all that hair I held onto when I was pregnant has started to fall out... there is  hair absolutely everywhere now!! We (OK, Paul!) even had to clean the drains this week.  As much as I hate having hair THAT THICK, I liked not having to clean it up for all those months. 

- We have prertty much conquered potty training (FINALLY!) Brennagh has been in panties full-time for quite some time now (with I think only 2 accidents!) - even out of the house! She still wears a pull up to bed for nap/bedtime but other than that we're good :) I have ALMOST convinced her to leave the little potty in the bathroom now (it's come back out just once this week) and I only give her a gummy when she asks (maybe twice a day)... PHEW!!  Our little fashionista is still going through lots of clothing, though... not because she is wet but because she likes to change her clothes! 

- Brennagh picked up a cold bug this week so she`s been a little cuddle bug lately... I think she is on the mend but Liam has had long naps today and was coughing a bit...uhhh ohhhh!  We skipped her library program today as she is still drippey.  We were still out and about a bit over the past few days as her energy allowed.  The weather has been +21-22, so how could we not!? 

- Poor Liam might look just like Paul, but he clearly has some of my genes--- he already has an ingrown toe nail, poor little guy!!! OWIES!

- Paul got up for me last week and was in line for 5:30 to secure a spot for Brennagh in the best preschool in town--- the doors opened at 7am, and he got spot 16 of 18--- hooray!!! She doesn't know about it yet, but she starts in September.  And it will give me two mornings a week with poor neglected Liam! Well, until I head back to work anyways... :(

- We finally decided to fly and have our tickets booked to Thunder Bay this summer.  It will be so great to introduce Liam to the family and to let Brennagh fish, camp, and frog hunt-- she is so excited!!  We'll be there June 9th! 

- Yesterday I celebrated 9 years since my first date with Paul - man time flies!!! So much has changed since that first date, except I love him more and more every day.  Of course a fancy restaurant was out, so we had a lovely bar-b-q :) 

That's all I can think of for now... not even sure if anyone reads these any more ;)  I am sure I will remember more later!!

We had to move the straps up in the bucket seat already-- crazy!

Oh, Liam just 'graciously' reminded me of his gas... this boy STINKS the house down with his 'toots'... people have been holding him and he'll toot and they hand him back... made Paul roll over in bed the other night!! Oooooh boy!!  His poop doesn't (thank goodness) stink at all - but his toots sure do!

We had family up from Newfoundland last week-- a nice treat!  They got to see Brennagh again and meet Liam.  I really miss having family near by and having them be part of the kiddies lives.  Hopefully we'll get to that ocean sometime soon!

Was 'officially' the first day of my pregnancy with Liam!  Amazing how time flies! And three years ago today we were waiting and waiting for Brennagh's arrival!

- Liam is continuing to grow and grow like mad!!  It's incredible to actually see him grow before your eyes.  Him and his Mommy have some good chats-- Paul and him don't have the same interactions...yet ;)  He is laughing more and more and thinks his big sister is so fabulous! It's so great to see the beginnings of their interactions.  She sings to him and reads him stories, and she loves to see him smile :) I love it!!!  We've put him to sleep in his room at night but he didn't sleep nearly as long... coincidence?  Back in our room for a while longer... 7 hours last night :) BUT he was back to eating every 2 hours during the day!!! That's GOTTA stop!! Maybe he's going through a growth spurt?? Though I think he hasnt stopped 'spurting' yet!!!  :S  We weighed him at home the other day-- 15 lb 3 ozs!!! Well over 1/2 of Brennagh's weight!!  He definitely will keep his 'baby blues' - 'Walsh' eyes-- just like his Poppy, Momma, and big sister :) He also has the 'Walsh' hairline (whch I think Paul appreciates!) His hair is coming in sooo thick and fast!!  He likes sitting up - in the bumbo, we've put him in the exersaucer a few times, in the nursing pillow.  I think he's gonna be a jumpy guy - as he already pushes and kicks like mad! He almost crawls over the nursing pillow during tummy time (which he loves!)

- Brennagh is so excited for the Easter Bunny and, of course, her birthday!  She has become quite the little fashion diva, wanting to pick out her own clothing these days, which leads to some interesting combinations!! Her naps are getting shorter but she is still sleeping, which Momma likes :) Her library program and gym class are done for a few weeks so fingers crossed the weather stays nice as we have some time to fill!!!  I'm trying to be a bit more mindful about setting up crafts for us to do together as opposed to 'just painting', etc., which she appreciates :)  It's so crazy to think she is going to be three in a few days!  I think about what a year it's been - this time last year she was still nursing, still in a crib, couldn't go up or down the stairs on her own, still sitting in a high chair, and I think was still calling herself 'Bebba'!  NOW she is such a little girl, with so many 'baby' things behind her.  She has grown so much-- and so has her personality!!!  I love the little girl she is becoming and am so proud of all the things she has learned this year! 

- Golf season has started... Paul went out for his first round last week... and so it begins!  I got out Monday for a little bit - went for a pedicure/manicure with a friend and stopped off at the mall for a quick peek... it was GRAND!  Paul, who was left home for 3.5 hours with the kiddies (and Brennagh napped for part of it!) said 'I couldn't do this!' the moment I walked in, and left for Home Depot 15 minutes later... ha ha!!  I love being home - don't get me wrong - but I miss the 'grown up' interactions!!!  My toes look fabulous and I need to remind myself of that when I have two kiddies and a dog smothering me! Ha ha!

Well, a rarity here-- both kiddies are napping at the same time (though Liam will be up any moment)-- want to get the laundry in before he does!!  Will have Easter photos up soon!!

Quick update...

- Brennagh declared she had 'geese pumps' on her arms today... might be like goosebumps but I am not sure ;) hee hee!

- Liam is now two months old, and is becoming quite the smiley guy. LOVE it!!!  He is quite the noisy hand sucker at times too.  And HEAVY.  I've been taking him out for walks with Brennagh in the papoose in our lovely weather and I can feel it, let me tell you!!!  14.5 lbs already!  WOWZERS!  Still feeding every 2 hours during the day... he may be a milkaholic... Thank goodness feeding him is free right now - I don't think I could afford formula!  I think we're in trouble when he's a teenager though!!  

- Brennagh didn't break the 30 lb marker, but came close ;)  She's gained 5 lbs this year, and grown 2.25".  I feel like she is MUCH taller--- but who knows!  She still has marks on her teeth from several weeks ago- she rubbed them against the stroller and marked her front teeth up... I think they are going to be there for quite some time!  Oh my!  

That's how things have been around here-- just lovely.  My family has been lovely, and so has the weather :)

- Liam is now 7 weeks old! We had our last appointment with the midwives on the 2nd... made me a little sad!! Liam is doing great, and is a whopping 23" and 13lbs 4 ozs!!!!! He's gained 5.25 lbs in 6.5 weeks!!!  Wish I could lose it that fast!  He's on the exact opposite end of the percentile charts than Brennagh - too funny!!  Brennagh still has her kitty baby in her tummy-- the midwives checked it out for her one last time ;)  Good news is if we have another baby we are automatically accepted into care-- woot woot!!

- Brennagh is doing SO MUCH BETTER and is back to her usual self. She's still a bit more cuddly than usual and whiney at times but a marked improvement from where we were a few weeks ago!!  She has also turned a major corner with the potty training (FINALLY!!!) and is peeing quite consistently on the potty (when her body tells her to go) - hooooraaaayyyyyy!!!!!  Just today, she pooped on the potty for the first time-- REJOICE!!!!!

- Liam is still eating every two hours during the day ---- maaaaann!!!! BUT he's sleeping 5-6 hours at nite, then another 3 hr stretch... so how much do I complain???  He is so predictable which is nice, so I can run out and do things between feedings as I know exactly when I need to be back... just wish it was a bit longer!!! All in good time I hope!!  He is such a happy little dude-- only squeaks when he is hungry.  He's been smiling and cooing oodles, and Paul finally got a gummy grin today for the first time-- he's been saving them for his Momma!  We're gonna give him his first bottle (of pumped Momma Milk) this evening-- we'll see how that goes!

- Freddy went to the vet on Monday for his annual checkup-- it was a rough day for Momma... I know he's been slowing down and I thought it was his hips... I was prepared to talk about that.  Turns out it is his back, and he's been on an antiinflammatory since Monday and is a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT DOG!  I feel bad for not doing something sooner-- he literally has a skip in his step again-- following me from room to room, snuggling like mad, jumping up on the furniture, etc.  He stops the meds today and then we give them as needed-- and he will continue his glucosamine and flax seed every day.  What a difference!!! The bad news that I wasnt prepared for is he has an irregular heart murmur-- not good.  So we need to do some more testing to find out exactly what the problem is, and then he'll have to go on heart meds for the rest of his life and get bloodwork done to make sure his liver/kidneys are ok with the meds.  Sort of the first real sign that he's getting old... made me sad.  It's not too urgent-- they rate murmurs on a scale of 1-6, and his is a 2-- but has cropped up in the last year.  He's also lost 4 lbs, which is a LOT when you are as little as he is.  I am glad his back is feeling better though...

- The weather has been fantastic, which is great, as we have been getting out for loads of trips to the park/walks.  My tummy is feeling better (most days!) -- my back is still pretty sore but I am managing.  And being out burns off Brennagh's energy-- the days that we don't get a good walk in I pay for it by suppertime!!!  I feel like I have more energy too after a good walk.  When I overdo it (ie go for an extra long walk or lift her too much) i definitely pay for it still... it'll be a while before I am 'back to normal' yet I think. 

Countdown is on till our little girl is THREE!!! We're having her party a week late this year as Easter is the same weekend as her birthday... I hope she's OK with that!!  She wants a flower cake this year-- should be easy for Paul to make ;) We're having the party here which should be OK... it's already kiddie central ha ha!! 

Time to get the little ones ready for bed... and give Freddy his old man medicine cocktail!

Hmm, what's new here??  

- To be honest, some days, I don't know what day it is... is that bad??

- Liam is almost 6 weeks old!!! We go for our last appointment with the midwives next Tuesday :( I'll be sad to say goodbye to them!!

- I was terribly ill last week-- got mastitis. Pretty much a flu/cold in your breast... Man I am having bad luck this time around!!!  I don't recommend it at all!! It was a very rough day - woke up at 3 am SCREAMING in pain-- it hurt so bad and hit me so fast! Paul had to come home from work the next day to watch the kiddies as I was useless-- had a fever, chills, aches, exhaustion, the whole nine yards.  Thank goodness, I called the midwives and they told me what to do and I was feeling much better by that evening even.  Phew!  Not that a c section throws your body for a loop...!!

- Our little Liam (who is not so little at all!) is very predictable-- you could almost set a clock by him-- he goes two hours between feeds STILL during the day, and the evenings he tanks up a bit more.  At night he gives us a good stretch (anywhere between 4.5-5.25 hours) then usually 2.5-3.5 hours, then starts into his 2 hour feedings.  I wish it were a bit longer in between, but he's a pretty happy little guy, and you do what you gotta do!  He is still plagued with the hiccups on a regular basis, unfortunately, and they kind of make him mad.  He has also been trying so hard to suck his thumb for the past few days and is getting frustrated that it just isn't working-- bless him!!  He has had some moments of being cranky the past few days but usually some Momma cuddles fix him right up :)  

- Big girl Brennagh has been doing so much better-- though is often too smart for her own good.  For example, one day last week she didn't want to tidy her toys before bed, so walked over to me, hit me, and then went to time out so she wouldn't have to clean... smartypants!  She still has some issues with sharing with her friends, and I think she is missing out not being in dayhome during the day (not THAT dayhome, but in general)... We were thinking about putting her in preschool in the fall but I don't think we can swing it financially... she would LOVE it, though... if I don't decide soon it won't be an option as they fill up so fast!  She went to the dentist yesterday-- even let them polish her teeth!! Her bite is great (was being pulled a bit from her sucky-- nothing major but thank goodness it's corrected!)  She gets a little stir crazy and wound up by late afternoon if we are in the house all day, so we're trying to get out more and more.  I've been driving just around town here in Airdrie, which helps a LOT.  My tummy and back still have good days and bad days - I am looking forward to feeling better and better as time goes on!!