A New Puppy!

So a few weeks ago my family and I decided to adopt a puppy! What brought us to this decision you may ask, when we already have a busy 14 month old? Well, last June our family dog, a beautiful Shar Pei, passed away at only 2.5 years of age of an awful skin eating disease. Our Hiro was well trained and had a great loving, personality. We had hoped she would be with us for many years and be Ewan's first buddy and they would grow up together. Only recently have I had the itch to begin looking for another dog to join our family.

After lots of research on what breed of dog would best suit our family life style, we decided on an English Bulldog. They are supposed to be great with children and families and a 'lower' maintenance dog needing less exercise than some other breeds, but still a playful dog. We met with several breeders and decided on a breeder that had plenty of experience and knowledge about the breed. Last Wednesday evening we met the breeder in a park as well as six of her puppies. After an hour of playing with puppies, we chose the puppy that was the most playful and that kept approaching Ewan.

Since then, we have been pretty busy - that's actually an understatement - we haven't stopped! I kind of forgot how much work a puppy is! But we are starting to get into a routine and I think this puppy will make a great family addition and a great friend for Ewan to grow up with!

Ewan is now walking! How to Baby proof?

Ewan is now officially walking - not just a couple of steps, but actually crossing the room! So I guess that means that I should start some sort of baby proofing. This is where I need your help. After looking online for baby proofing items, I have found that there are thousands of items available! I am assuming that the majority of these items are not necessities and simply a marketing ploy to make more money off of toddlers.  I have three baby gates, one for the top and the bottom of the stairs as well as to block a single step going to the dropped laundry room. The heavy furniture in Ewan's room and play room have also been secured to the walls to avoid any tipping. As well, I have plugs for each of the electrical outlets. What else do I really need?

Ewan has not shown any interest in cupboards as of yet - will he eventually? Are all of those latches really necessities?

Please let me know what you feel were your most important baby proofing items. Thank you!

Summer Vacation!

To kick the summer off, Alan, Ewan, my dad and I flew off to Disney World to enjoy a week away. Although it was super hot - the heat wave we are having now is nothing compared to Florida heat - we all had a really wonderful week. We went to each of the parks, and enjoyed Magic Kingdom the most. We also took advantage of the 'baby swap' pass and made sure that we went on every ride at each of the park's. We chose one of the food plans and enjoyed some great food  - ranging from African meals, buffets to all American classics, as well as some great entertainment at the character dining events in which we met the Disney Playhouse gang and Winnie the Pooh and friends. Ewan loved Winnie the Pooh and Tigger best!

Although keeping busy at the parks, we did take some down time at the resort, the Animal Kingdom Lodge to relax by the beautiful pool or to look at the animals (zebras, giraffe's, flamingo's - all on the resort right outside your balcony!)

Unfortunately, Ewan was not walking by our trip - but we had a great time all the same. It was just a really great work out getting around all of the parks with him! However, he is so very close now, he has taken up to 12 steps and he is so proud of himself! But it is so difficult to see him falling so much, I know I have to let him take risks and practice, but the poor boy has so many bruises from all of his walking attempts!

Now that summer is underway for Ewan and I - we are looking for things to do to keep busy. The local park is a favourite spot - but after going to the park almost each day last week - we (and by we, I mean me) are getting a little bored! What kind's of activities have you found around the city to keep a 14 month old busy - besides A Gym Tale play classes which are on a summer hiatus! Any suggestions would be great!

Father's Day

This past Sunday turned out to be a beautiful day. Although a busy morning with the Carnival at A Gym Tale, the afternoon was full of relaxation and spending time with family.

I am very lucky to have a great dad who is very involved in my life and always has been. From being at every soccer game and tournament, every school event, and even visiting me throughout the year when I was away at University. And now, he is a wonderful Grandfather to Ewan. He absolutely loves spending time with Ewan and makes sure to see him several times a week - many of you have seen him at A Gym Tale bringing Ewan to his morning class! And Ewan absolutely adores him!

Ewan is also very lucky to have a wonderful Gramps (Alan's dad) as well. Gramps is always excited to have Ewan visiting and will bring him around the office to show him off - Ewan has sat in (and participated) on many a conference call or simply banged away on the keyboards! Gramps is also the one to sneak Ewan all of the treats that he isn't supposed to be eating!

And then Alan deserves special recognition for being such a wonderful father. From the very first hour Ewan was born, Alan has been involved in every aspect of caring and loving Ewan. From diaper changes to feeding to putting Ewan to bed (an impossible task when I am not around) Alan is always there. Even when Ewan really didn't like Alan (he couldn't breastfeed, lol!) he stuck it out and they now have an incredible bond. Ewan doesn't move much, but you should see him scramble to the door anyway he can to see dad when he comes home from work! Alan also began spending all of Saturday mornings with Ewan when I went back to work when Ewan was only 3 months old. He even ventured out to take Ewan to swimming lessons - I still don't know how he managed the change rooms!

Ewan is a very lucky boy to have two wonderful grandfathers and a very special dad in his life.

Father's Day Carnival and Summer Fun Kickoff!

So this Sunday, in celebration of Father's and families, A Gym Tale will be hosting it's first carnival. For $5, the indoor playground will be open as well as lots of fun outside - a bouncy castle, giant slide, limbo and more! All the exciting party hosts and camp leaders will be there to introduce themselves as well as an appearance by Tales the dragon mascot. The carnival will run from 10-1 and should be a ton of fun!

In other news, yesterday was the last day of play classes and today was the Nursery School graduation. Both a sad and proud day to see how well all the children did today. The concert went fantastic, the children were so loud and excited to perform for their families as well as to accept their diploma's. It really is amazing to see how far each and every child grows and develops as a person over 10 months. I wish everyone continued success next year and I hope to get lots of visits over the next few years! It is crazy to see some of our very first clients come and visit that are now turning 11 years old!!! Makes me feel old!

As much as it is sad to see everyone go after the past 10 months, it is now the start of my summer vacation! Yay! I'm just a little excited! To kick the summer off, I will be going on a trip to Florida with Alan and Ewan and visiting Disney World - and yes, I know this trip is more for Alan and I than it is for Ewan. I would love to hear any suggestions about what parks restaurants would be great for us as well as places for Ewan to see.

Also, Ewan is standing on his own now - almost ready to take steps - we are still hoping he will be walking by the time we go to Disney - 8 days for him to become a pro walker!

Bumbo Toilet Seat

Just a quick follow up from my Toilet Training post in May, I have had many questions about where to find the toilet seat that Ewan is using.  The only place that I have found that still carries the Bumbo Toilet Trainer is a shop called Sweet Peach in Perth - www.sweetpeach.ca. I purchased mine at the Baby Boom Show, however cannot remember what the shop was called. Sweet Peach will deliver if you are not able to make the trip out, but it does look like a cute baby shop and could make for a nice day trip.

Ewan is now awake from his nap... I will post again soon, lot's of fun events coming up at A Gym Tale!

More Teeth!

So the past week has been a little rough as Ewan is currently having 3 teeth break through - so once again I am complaining and going on very little sleep! But as of today we are almost there - all three are just about through.

Another issue we are currently dealing with is sleep or lack of it and I could very much use some advice. Except for the teething issue this past week, in which case nights have been exceptionally bad, Ewan still will wake up every two hours or so. We decided early on to do a family bed because that worked best for us since I began working 6 days a week when he was 4 months old and I am nursing him. It was just so convenient simply having to roll over as opposed to fully wake up and go down the hallway. But I guess Ewan has obviously become accustomed to this and really has not gotten used to falling asleep any other way. Once the school year is over and I will have some time off, my next step is to try and night wean him.

Anyone else have any sleep issues like this? If so, what got you through?