K's Top Five of 2007

As you may recall, I mentioned in one of my previous posts (this one actually) that I am generally not fond of uneven years. So you can imagine my relief that 2007 is almost over. Not that it was a bad year. It was a stressful year. We sold our house and moved to a new city. I quit my job. Brian wondered, very early in the year at least, whether he had made a good move to his new job. But all that stress is behind us now. Life is great and I, for one, am looking forward to even more good times in 2008.

This is traditionally where a "look back at 2007" would go. But Brian suggested I do something different. So to spare you any sappy mommy-memories , I present...

Kaylin's Top Five Albums of 2007 (aka "What Kaylin demands we listen to when we drive around in the car"):











5. Raffi, Singable Songs for the Very Young
There was about a week in March where the only song Kaylin wanted to hear was "Aikendrum". And you know what? I was ok with that. Also, this was the CD that taught Kaylin the words to "Down by the Bay" which she continues to butcher to this day.












4. Regina Spektor, Begin to Hope
Kaylin calls this one "A-ha", as in, "I want to listen to A-ha Daddy!". You have to listen to the first track, Fidelity, to know why. Let's just say that it's cute when she says that and move on.












3. Raffi, The Corner Grocery Store
Even more Raffi! If it weren't for his version of "Frere Jacques" lulling a screaming, tantrumming toddler to sleep on more than one occasion, I think I might have gone back to work about eight months ago.












2. Tegan and Sara, The Con
Probably the first non-children's CD that Kaylin "let" me listen to in the car. After one listen she actually started requesting it. But all she knew was that some girls were singing. So, to this day, she asks for "The Girls". I'm always happy to oblige a request for The Girls.












1. Jack Johnson, Sing-A-Longs and Lullabies for the film Curious George
We've been playing this CD for Kaylin long before she ever saw Curious George. But I think her love for the music was solidified once she watched the movie. Now she connects the two and never fails to tell me, while track 1 is playing, that Georgie is sad and he needs a soother to feel better. (She, of course, is referring to the film's moving opening where George is sad about being alone.)


Brian and I love music. So to know that we're helping to inspire a similar love in our little girl is pretty great. To quote a line from Jack Johnson, "This is how it's supposed to be."

Happy New Year everyone! See you in 2008.

Fa la la la la

I'm not sure, but I think I had my first real taste of what it means to be a parent at Christmas time.

I had decided to buy Kaylin a babydoll set (doll, stroller, basinet, etc.) for Christmas and spent many trips to the toy aisle staring hopelessly at the assortment of dolls available. Some cried, some had blinking eyes, some wet themselves (no thanks, I have a real one already). Finally, I had found the exact one I wanted in the Canadian Tire flyer. But between Brian's recent late nights at work and the end of the Canadian Tire sale, I only had a tiny window of time when I could go and buy the doll. So I rushed out on a cold, slippery night to get it.

When I got to the store, there were only a few dolls left. But I only needed one. I grabbed the least banged-up box there and walked triumphantly to the checkout, beaming as I imagined my little girl's face as she ripped the wrapping paper off the box on Christmas morning. And as I strolled out to my car, freezing rain beating down on me and my new purchase...well, the only way I can describe it is to say it was just like that scene from The Grinch. I think my heart grew three sizes that day.

Now I understand why millions of parents stand in long department store lines, fight and struggle with other parents over Cabbage Patch Kids and Nintendo Wii's, and spend more than they can afford just so they can have that special present for their child under the Christmas tree. (Note: I do not condone the last two actions!)

Merry Christmas everyone! Wishing you short checkout lines and fight-free purchases.

Advice from a semi-pro*

Our neighbours are expecting twins in the new year and to celebrate this we and a few other neighbours surprised them with a baby shower today. It was a wonderful co-ed shower, where conversation topics ranged from sports pools to nipple cream. There were no shower games--unless you count the poker game--but there was lots of eating, drinking and chatting and really, what else do you need?

What we didn't get a chance to do (at least those of us who already have kids) is impart to the parents-to-be some sage advice about raising children. So I'll do it now. Because let's face it, I have one 2 year old. I obviously know everything there is to know about kids! OK, the fact that Kaylin rarely eats vegetables and watches far too much TV may demonstrate otherwise. But too bad. R&J, if you're reading this, here are some things you should know.

1. As everyone will tell you, sleep when the babies sleep...oh wait, you're having twins. Who knows if they'll ever sleep at the same time. OK, nevermind that one.

2. For the first few weeks, when you're both too tired and overwhelmed to even make toast, don't let anyone through your front door unless they have food in their hands. Actually, this should be a rule for everyone, babies or no babies.

3. Newborns are comforted by noises that resemble the loud shushhhhhing of the womb, such as radio static or blow dryers. Running a blow dryer near your baby will help it fall asleep. Pointing a running blow dryer at your baby will not.

4. Breastfeeding a baby burns a lot of calories so you make sure you have lots of high-colorie snacks on hand. Breastfeeding twins may even require a regular diet of McDonald's fries and KFC gravy for the first few months.

5. Your babies will change everything, but only for the better.

Congratulations R&J! We can't wait to meet the babies when the time finally arrives.

*Alright, just some useless suggestions from an often-confused mom