Almost 2008!

Wow I can't believe it is almost 2008! This year has flown by as I'm sure the next year will do so also. Zander had his 1 year old shots this past Thursday. I felt so bad for him, he got a needle in both arms and in both legs! None of his tiny limbs were safe to touch. Zander also got weighed and is now 25 pounds 14 ounces! He has been quite grumpy lately which I'm guessing is because of the shots - they say you can have a reaction for up to 3 weeks after! I sure hope not as I feel so bad for him when he seems to be in pain. Zanders godmother Bobbi was out to visit this weekend and he made her proud - his new word is now "Bobbi"! I'm suppose to reassure the aunts and grandma's that this is because he can say "baby" and it isn't a huge leap from baby to bobbi! He is also saying "papa" (which is what he is calling his grandpa's), he is very good at saying "hohoho" and we are now working on "aunty" and "grandma" (although grandma seems like a hard work so I'm trying to think of another name he can call his grandmas) Chris is trying to get him to say "Kaitlyn" but I'm sure that one is a long way off. We are counting down the days until we get to go to Disneyland again! I am already starting to make lists and trying to think of toys to keep Zander entertained on the plane (suggestions are welcomed). I hope everyone has a Happy New Year (I'm sure we'll be in bed long before midnight!)

Epp family x-mas

Well we are finally done christmas! We have celebrated Epp family christmas from christmas eve to boxing day! For the first time since Chris and mines 1st date my whole family was together! All 4 of my brothers and their families were home and all 3 of my sisters and their families were home! It was definitely a full house! It's a good thing so many of us live so close and we were all able to take people in! We got lucky and had my sister Melanie and her boyfriend as we have the smallest house. It was wonderful to see everyone and to see the latest member of Zanders cousins - baby Reese, my brother Kevin and sister-in-law Lita's baby (they came all the way from Egypt to see everyone!) It was an amazing time with the kids outnumbering the adults so needless to say it was also a very loud time! Zander went on his first ride behind a snowmobile and also had his first sleigh ride on the skating ice. All of the kids had an awesome time playing outside as we were blessed with gorgeous weather! We were also able to take a family picture and I will try to get it up on the internet for you shortly. I hope everyone had a happy and healthy Christmas!

Rawson family christmas

We celebrated christmas with Chris side of the family the weekend before x-mas. Zanders Aunty Michelle and Uncle Jody were out from Regina as were Aunty Melissa, Uncle Jodie and cousin Aidan. As you can see from the pictures Zander was dressed up as Santa (man is he probably going to be mad at me when he's older) - I thought he made a very cute and cuddly santa. Zander had lots of fun crawling after cousin Aidan who is walking. I believe Zanders favorite part of x-mas was the Santa face that plays music in the kitchen - he would constantly get someone to pick him up and then he would point to the santa and you knew you got suckered into taking him to the music (I have to say I'm very relieved that we do not have that santa at our house or I would never get any work done!). Oh I'm also happy to report that I have our kitchen sink back! Yay! I never thought I would be so happy to do dishes! The kitchen is in the finishing stages there are now just minor things left to do and of course the big job of putting things back.

Birthday party

Well we have survived Zander turning 1. We celebrated his birthday party with swimming and a pizza party. As you can tell from the pictures that Zander enjoyed every minute of it - I think his favorite was sticking his face in the icing on his cupcake. When everyone sang "happy birthday" I don't think he knew what to make of all the fuss. He didn't care at all about the presents which worked out well as the other kids got to enjoy opening them for him - although he did like playing with the wrapping paper after. It's nice to have his birthday over with as now we can look forward to christmas! As of yet we still don't have a kitchen but it is coming together and hopefully before christmas I will have my sink back! Merry Christmas everyone and Happy New Year!

Almost 1

Well I can't believe how time has flown by! Zander is going to be 1 in 6 days! We are celebrating his birthday early this Saturday with swimming in Saskatoon and then a pizza party afterwards - and of course all of his cousins will be there. Chris got hurt yesterday - he sprained his ankle and tore a legiment - so he is on crutches for 3 weeks. He is pretty upset that he won't be able to go watersliding with Zander. And of course all of this happens as we are redoing our kitchen - so here we are with no kitchen and Chris hurt - thankfully Chris Uncle Mike is helping and Chris dad will help also, so maybe, just maybe I'll have something of a kitchen next week! (Everyone keep your fingers crossed!) For the past week Zander and I have been stranded in just 1 room of the house - his playroom - it's amazing how one can start going squirelly in a 10x12 room!
As Zander is nearing a year I find myself thinking back - I've come to terms with the 20 hour labor and have even convinced myself that I will do it again (now Grandma Rawson that doesn't mean anytime soon though!) Dad always bugs me that I take too many pictures but it's amazing how time flies and all you're left with is memories and the pictures so I'm definitely glad. Zander now has 4 teeth - 2 on top and 2 on bottom. He is growing like a weed and climbing onto everything! He has learnt that if he moves his one toy up to a chair that he can climb from the toy to the chair - he just about gave me a heart attack the first time I saw him do it! So nothing is safe from Zeus!
He loves music and he loves to dance! He says "Night night", loves to sing "eiei" (he can't say the "o" yet!) and his new word for the week is "stinky" and likes to put his socks in his mouth and then say it!
Zander definitely has a strong personality and is not afraid to stick up for what he thinks is rightfully his - as his cousin Aidan found out when I tried to do the unthinkable and hold Aidan instead of Zander! Needless to say Zander is quite a little bully. I'm not sure how he's going to do at x-mas time when he has to share grandma epp with other babies!
It's hard to put into words all the emotions and thoughts you experience raising a child - I feel very blessed to have this opportunity and to have Zander and Chris in my life - I wouldn't trade those 20 hours of labor for anything!

10 months old

Well Zander is now 10 months old! He weighs 23 pounds and is crawling and standing up everywhere! He still only has 1 tooth but is eating all kinds of table foods now and refuses to eat baby food! He has quite the personality - Chris says he has my temper - when he gets really mad he arches his back - he's realized that if he wants down that's all he has to do. He also has my pout apparently - at least that what my dad says! He sticks out his bottom lip really far and then cries crocodile tears and he knows he'll get whatever he wants! He loves it outside so I'm hoping that this nice fall weather stays for awhile - he likes to eat leaves and still loves the baby swing.

Almost 9 months

Well Zander is almost 9 months old. He is crawling forwards now - you really have to watch him as he gets into everything! He also has 1 tooth on the bottom and wow is it sharp :) He now can say "mama" as well as "dada" - although he tends to say "mama" more when he is upset and wants me to pick him up, he already knows how to get what he wants! Zander is full of smiles and you can really tell when he is teething as he then only wants to cuddle and is a mommy suck (but I like it) Chris is busy harvesting and doesn't get to see Zander much so I'm praying that harvest will soon be over and Chris can start enjoying Zander again - and we can start enjoying him again! Things here are always busy - there is always something more to do to the house and lots of baby proofing is going on. Now I'm getting excited for halloween and what to dress up Zander as - ideas welcome ;)

8 months!

Well Zander is not officially 8 months old! His new thing for this week is doing "patty-cake" he loves to do it but doesn't like to show people - he doesn't want his mommy to brag! He still isn't saying mommy yet but he likes to laugh at people who try and get him to say it and then instead say "daddy!!" He is crawling backwards constantly but is now also starting to make a little movement forwards. Everyday is a new adventure with Zander

August 6, 2007

Well we just got home from Regina visiting with Chris sister Michelle and Jody - Grandma and Grandpa Rawson were also there. We had an awesome time - I think Zander enjoyed the swimming the most! Daddy also bought Zander a new toy - his very first 4 wheeler! It makes lots of different noises and Zander loves it! Daddy took him for a ride on it around the living room and kitchen and Zander even moved his feet like he was the one pushing it!

August 3

Well Zander is still amazing me more everyday. He is trying so hard to crawl - he can go backwards no problem and he gets pretty mad when he's trying to grab a toy that's in front of him and he just keeps going in the opposite direction! He is now able to get himself up onto his hands and knees but whenever he tries to move forwards he does a nose plant! He has also started to clap him hands together when he gets excited! He is finally on a schedule where he is sleeping through the night and taking regular naps - hopefully that continues even with us going away for the long weekend! Kaitlyn is trying to help him learn to crawl by crawling around the room and showing him how it's done - so priceless!

the amazing Zander!

Wow! Zander usually does something new everyday that amazes me but todays new thing I just had to share. Zander pushed himself backwards all the way across the living room floor until the got his bumstuck under my chair! for the past couple weeks he's been moving backwards but never this far or this quick! I definitely will have to keep a better eye on him. so I just thought I would share with everyone as Chris is away setting up bins so he didn't even get to witness Zanders big event.

7 months

So Zander is now over 7 months old! Wow time sure is flying by! He had a very busy week last week with meeting his uncle Kevin for the first time (He came home from China) and then getting his shots on Thursday. Zander now weighs 20 pounds 14 ounces! I am definitely getting some arm muscles - people who hold him for just a couple minutes always complain about how heavy he is, I say try carrying him around all day with one arm :) Also this weekend we went on a trip to Saskatoon with grandma and grandpa rawson for their anniversary. We all had an awesome time - and Zander sure enjoyed the pool - once he was in there he was kicking away! I hope everyone is enjoying the heat, I'm wishing for cooler weather.

Update time

Well I guess it's been a month since I last updated anything! Sorry about that :) Well Zander has already had his 6 month check up - he is actually just about 7 months now! At his 6 months check up he was weighing 19 pounds 6.5 ounces! So I'm guessing he is over the 20 pound mark now! He has been moved into a new forward facing carseat and loves being able to look out the window and to see us upfront. He is constantly rolling and trying very hard to crawl - his favorite thing is to stand up, especially on the couch and look out the window. Right now both Zander and I have very bad colds and Zander hates having his nose wiped! For the long weekend we went to the forestry farm with my parents and Kaitlyn and other than that just tried to get better! Hope you enjoy the pictures!

visiting new cousins!

So this weekend my brother Michael and his wife Joanne came from Kelowna for a visit - with them they brought their two new sons! The baby is Parker John and he is just about 4 months old and the other boy is James and he is two. They just adopted James and this is his first time meeting everyone - what a new experience for him! It was the nicest feeling in the world when he lifted up his arms to me, for me to pick him up, he gets over being shy so fast! James is quite the little entertainer with singing and imitating, Parker is a very content baby I don't think I heard him cry once! We have had so much fun getting to know both boys and are looking forward for the relay for life this friday when Zanders other cousin Matthew will be giving the opening speech and walking the survivor lap. Zander has learnt how to suck on his toes this week and tries to get both feet in his mouth at once! Yesterday we started Zander on vegetables - he actually seemed to enjoy the peas! I'm looking forward to the rain to be gone as most days we spend all afternoon outside and Zander is getting pretty grumpy being cooped up inside - as am I :) Also at the very bottom of this site I posted a picture of myself at 4 weeks old and I personally think that Zander looks a lot like me - even though everyone other than my dad thinks he looks just like Chris - you be the judge! (compare it to the farmer picture below!)

5 Months Already!

Wow! So today Zander turned 5 months old! I can't believe how fast time goes by, just today Kaitlyn and I were talking about how small Zander was in the hospital and how now he hurts her legs when she holds him! Zander was weighed on Thursday and he is now 18 pounds! He also got his shots on Thursday and then got quite a fever for the next two days but thankfully now it is back to normal and he obviously is feeling better as he's in his jolly jumper as I'm typing this!
This past Sunday Zander was dedicated. We were very blessed to have most of our families present and Zanders godparents Bobbi Russell and Chris Nickel and the person Zander likes the best to put him to sleep Kimberly Green. Also this week seeding has started! I'm praying for good weather and a quick time. I really didn't realize just how long the days are until I don't have Chris to pass Zander off to in the evening. It makes me wonder how single parents handle it! But hopefully in two weeks Chris will be done and Zander won't be quite so mad at him! Last night Chris tried to feed him his bottle and there was no way he would take it from him, I think he was punishing him for not being around. But Zander is continuing to grow like a weed and is learning new things everyday - it's amazing how the little things like him holding a new toy amuses me and I could watch for days, ah the joys of motherhood!

First meal!

So this week Zander got to try cereal for the first time! Wow did he make a funny face - I think he didn't know whether to spit it out or swallow it so instead he just kind of kept it in his mouth for awhile! Now a week later he is swallowing the cereal quite well and Kaitlyn even got a chance to feed him last night. Yesterday was also a big first for Kaitlyn as she had her first sleep-over at our house. She did very well not waking up when Zander cried in the middle of the night and finally getting up so she could help give Zander his breakfast bottle.

4 Months Old

So I guess it's been a little while since I've updated the blog as Aunt Vera informed me yesterday I need to keep at it! Yesterday Zander went for his 4 month check up and he now weighs 16 pounds 11 ounces! Which means in 3 weeks he gained 2 pounds! No wonder my arms constantly ache after carrying him around all day - I'm excited for nicer weather when I'll be able to take him out in the stroller more often.
We had a very nice easter last weekend. We spent one day with Chris family and one day with mine and then a day inbetween for just our new family. All in all we had a great time seeing everyone and Zander was introduced to his great aunt Kay and great uncle Al for the first time!
Not much else is new for us - Zander is now teething so he is practising at being quite the bear! I am told this process can sometimes last for months at a time - I pray in his case this is not so as I am already going nuts as quite often I am the only one he will calm down for and it makes for long, long days if he won't go to Chris. Oh a happier note Zander rolled over for the first time the other day! It was very exciting and once he was done he was out of energy and ready for a nap - he has quite the big bum to roll over!
This weekend is a busy one, Zanders Auntie Michelle and Uncle Jody are out for cousin Aidan's baptism and Zander is very excited to see them - giving Michelle lots of smiles yesterday!

A Night Out

So Chris and I went for supper and a movie tonight without Zander! We had my parents babysit and it was nice to get out by ourselves for awhile - although one of the first things we said after the movie was "wonder what Zander's doing"! Earlier on this week we went and visited Zanders cousin Aidan - it's amazing to see how similar they are, definitely going to be double trouble! There is a picture posted above of Chris holding both of them. It will be interesting to see the two of them playing together in the summer as right now all they do is stare at each other and think "that's not the same baby that looks back at me in the mirror". I'm excited for Zanders first easter that is coming up - I keep searching for a cute easter outfit but so far I can't seem to find any boy outfits that dress him up as a chick or bunny - I guess he will be thankful for that once he's older! So happy early Easter everyone!

Growing boy!

So on Friday Zander went for another doctors appointment and we had him weighed - He now is 14pounds 11.5 ounces! I call him my little budda baby! I just love his chubby legs! We had an interesting week - we ended up babysitting Kaitlyn for a couple afternoons as Grandpa Mutlow had to have major surgery so mom was in Saskatoon with Grandma for awhile. Wow! Two kids is a lot of work - although Kaitlyn is at the age where she can help out, she would give Zander his soother and wipe his mouth when he spit up - although the thing she likes best is to watch him get his diaper changed! I've never seen any kid enjoy that so much! Grandpa we are happy to say made it through the surgery very well and was sent home yesterday!
We also had two birthday parties this week - Jaret turned four and Christian turned seven - I got to see what I'm in for with kids birthday parties!
This weekend we went to Saskatoon for an Epp family trip - we all stayed in the Sheridan and went waterslidding (okay well Zander and I just went hot tubbing) and then played mini golf yesterday. If was a very fun time - lots of good memories were made, and of course it gave us a chance to do some shopping also!
Zander has now found his toes! It's amazing to watch him touch them and then wiggle them because someone is touching them! He can sit for hours and amuse himself! Speaking of sitting that's another thing he is doing very well now - you still have to watch him and prop him up but he loves to sit up and look at everything that is happening around him - man is he growing up fast!

3 months old!

So today Zander is 3 months old! I can't believe how fast the time has flown by - to think that for 3 months now we haven't gotten a full nights sleep! Okay I shouldn't complain - he sleeps for around 7 hours a night but really we probably get around 5. Oh the joys of parenthood!
Zander is continuing to grow like a weed - we go for his 3 month check up next week -I'm excited to see how much he weighs - I know I'm definitely getting some strength in my arms from carrying him around. We received good news today - Zander is going to have another cousin this summer! Auntie Lita and Uncle Kevin are expecting! We wish them all the best.
Zander still continues to smile constantly and is trying to roll over - I'm dreading that day as then he'll really be less of a baby!

Nothing new

So there really is nothing much new to report - Zander is a very content and happy baby. He has upped his sleeping at night time to 7 hours in a row - I think he's like his mom and likes his sleep! I realize that we are very fortunate for this as alot of babies are still waking up every 3 hours at his age!
Right now our days consist of Zander and me talking to each other, smiling at each other and I swear sometimes he even does a little giggle! Although by the time supper rolls around we both are definitely glad to see Chris!
We are starting to get ready for yet another trip - this time to Grande Prairie for a trade show. It will be an interesting experience for me as Chris will be gone all day at the show and it will be just Zander and me in a strange city - we'll see how well I manage - especially as this time I won't have mom and Kaitlyn with me!

Doc visit

So Zander had his 2 month check up today and then he got to go get his first set of shots - what a day! I felt so bad for him as they gave him the needles, but he was a brave little baby and only cried for a minute. So far he has had no reaction to the needles - we are keeping our fingers crossed!
Baby Zander is not such a "little" baby anymore - he now weighs 13 pounds 1 ounce! He's getting close to double his birth weight - no wonder my arm gets tired!
We are all settling back into our routine since the vacation. Zander is amazing - sleeping around 5 1/2 hours every night - which is very nice for mommy and daddy!

Home from our trip

Well we are finally home from our trip to California! Two weeks is definitely too long - but hey it makes you want to come home which is always a good sign.
The trip was awesome, Zander did amazing on the flights, he slept pretty much the whole time, what a great baby!
We had beautiful weather well we were there, we did lots of shopping and went to Disneyland tons! I think Kaitlyn probably enjoyed it more than Zander, who didn't really care what we were doing as long as he could sleep through it! But we took lots of pictures so even though he doesn't have the memories we have proof we did take him to Disneyland!
Hope you like the pictures! there are more down below

First time blogger

So this is my first time blogging! I will try to keep everyone informed as to how our family is doing - especially the newest edition, Zander, who right now is thankfully sleeping! He is slowly starting to get his days and nights figured out although sometimes I swear that kid doesn't need any sleep! Little does he know that his mommy does!
We are all getting excited to go to Disneyland! (okay well Chris and me more than Zander). Only 6 more sleeps - Kaitlyn and I are counting down! I probably won't be back "blogging" until we are back from disneyland, but once we are I'll be sure to tell all about the trip and how Zander liked his first airplane ride!