Day 30: We Were In A Garden State Of Mind

What a great start to the week. I wish every Monday was like this. The sun returned after a dark and rainy day and both boys were as well-behaved as you could hope for.

The day started later than normal which was awesome. I know why my wife and I were so sleepy as we stayed up until midnight watching the Survivor finale. But the boys? They both slept past 7 am.

And the even better part. Harry got up and had a long pee. No bed wetting once again. Since we went commando on the night-time diapers, he has almost been perfect. What a guy. Very impressed. He boasts so proudly about it as well.

After breakfast, naps and a bottle, we decided it was time to tackle the back yard. Weeds, long grass, rocks to move and just assessing what had to be done overall.

While Charlie sat in his stroller, I was able to cut the grass while Harry raked for me. We pulled weeds and cleaned up the garden. It felt good to get it all done before another few days of rain.

We did a quick walk/bike ride to get the mail and it was back for lunch. Harrison “made” his lunch today which meant pouring an open can of Spider-man spaghetti into a bowl. He then went ahead and ate the whole thing (after I heated it up of course).

Day 29: Trying To Remember What Happened On Friday

The problem when you sit down to write a post two days later is, you can’t remember what happened. Or at least when you are a tired parent. Friday seems like a week ago with everything we have done this weekend.

Now that the family is napping and the rain is streaming down, I can finally catch up on what was Day 29 and a little bit of the weekend adventures.

Friday started out with another dry morning for Harrison. Way to go dude. It is so special to wake up, here his feet scamper down the hall, pause and here a long pee. Yep, his brain and body are holding it all night.

Friday morning was not the best weather so Charlie and I took it pretty easy. We went for a walk with the goal being to get to the mail box.

Success. The best part, our new passports came. So we are ready to travel now.

Man, I can’t think of anything.

Oh yeah, we had fun with the jolly jumper for a bit.

Day 28: No More Mr. Night Times

No more, going pee-eee-eee.

Well in bed anyways.

Yep Day 28 started off with a great success. Harrison woke up with dry pants and a dry bed. Last night was the first night that he did not wear night time pants to bed. He has been toilet trained for almost a year but we still did the night time pants.

It was time. Opening night, Harry dominated. No issues at all.

Okay that is not entirely true. He did not go to sleep until after 10 pm because he kept getting up to go to the bathroom. Hey, we can’t say no right. I think he has figured out the workaround for staying up. Just keep getting up and say you have to go pee and we are helpless.

Oh well, if it means a dry bed every morning, it seems like a small inconvenience to me.

Top 10 Worst Dads on TV

Wondering what makes up a good dad?

Well TV is not always the best place to get your tips. We have  highlighted some dads you can currently watch on TV who would not be ideal role models.

Top 10 Worst Dads On TV 

Day 27: Summa Summa Time In Halifax

Well that was some outstanding weather in Halifax today. I think the temperature hit 24 Celsius. The sun felt great as well. Based on how easy it was to put both boys to bed, the weather certainly wore them out.

Today was a two boy day and so it was perfect to have a sunny day for being outside.

The day got off to an odd start as Harrison slept in until 8:30 am. He is usually right on the money between 7 and 7:15 am. Guess he was out late partying after we went to bed?

After the morning of naps, cartoons and cleaning up, we packed up and headed to the library.

It was a warm walk, but a good one. So much to see and once again, fresh air to breath in.

Once at the library, we played with toys and looked for new books. It was also the first time Charlie got to sit on the floor there and not be trapped in his car seat. He loved that.

Day 26: It Is Hard Being A 7-Month Old

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Today was a beautiful day in Halifax. You know how I know? I saw it out of the window as I was lying in bed with a 20-pound 7-month old passed out on me. Oh well, it could have been worse right?

Today was the second rough day in a row for Charlie and his afternoon nap. Due to his red cheeks and the fact that he had a blanket stuffed in his mouth, it is a safe bet there are more teeth on the move. Poor guy. He has been so tired lately and the mouth is not letting him get comfy.

Luckily, laying on dad seems to do the trick. So that is what I did between 2 and 4 pm today. I won’t lie. It was cozy. Plus I had my phone, so I got a lot of tweeting, angry birds and instagramming in. How did our parents ever do it? Did they just think? Crazy.

Recap Of The First 25 Days Of Parental Leave

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So many memories, so many experiences and it has only been 25 days of parental leave. It kind of feels like 50 days to be honest. But in a good way.

My first five weeks of parental leave have gone pretty much how I expected. The only thing I did not count on was how tired I would be. I had planned on doing a lot of little projects while on PL (this blog being one) but to be honest, most days, when I do get free time, I just want to sit on the couch and rest.

I have had to push myself to do more. More around the house, more on my online projects and more when it comes to taking care of myself. I would say I am doing pretty good for at least three days per week. But once Friday hits, it seems to be a total write off.

I also have to remind myself that it is okay to be tired and to just relax. Taking care of a baby is tiring work, both mentally and physically. If anyone tells you different, they are not doing it right, or at least not enough.

I have had the chance to spend several hours every day with my baby boy. I have seen him learn to sleep in his crib, sit upright, eat solid food and watch him deal with incoming teeth.

With our first son, I saw all that as well but only in spurts. I was not there to see the “firsts” and I know my wife hates missing those this time around.

I will be here when he crawls and maybe even walks. It is very exciting and I feel lucky that I can do it.

Day 25: Go Leafs Go?

day25-1This post is written after the fact, I know the Leafs lost. Just pretend they did not yet.

Ah Day 25. Monday’s are always interesting as my wife heads back to work after a fun weekend and it is just me and the boys once again.

The good news, the weather has finally turned into spring and that means outside time. There is nothing like outside time when you are trying to entertain a 3-year old. There are so many great options, new adventures and fresh air, that it not only keeps him happy, it tires him out like nothing else.

As for the 7-month old, the same can’t be said. He just sits in a stroller watching all the fun he could be having.

Based on yesterday, the fresh air certainly did not tire out Charlie.