Finley is 8 Months Old!

Yesterday my baby turned 8 months old! I can't believe it has already been 8 months! It seems like it has gone by way tooo fast! The 37 weeks I carried her for seemed to last forever - unlike the last 36! Funny how that is. Before I know it, I will be back at work....

June was an eventful month for Finley. We got her baptised at St. George's Anglican Church in Prince Albert, SK on June 14th. This is the same church that my sister and I were baptised at as well as my mom and her 6 siblings. So it was really cool to have Finley baptised there as well. My sister Kristy & Greg's brother Brad were Finley's Godparents. It was so HOT in PA, I honestly thought we may melt. Word to the wise, don't leave a mostly empty sippy cup of formula in a hot SUV for a couple days - it does not smell pleasant! Hehe...

While I went to Coldplay with Charley, Finley got to go to her first pre-season CFL game with her daddy & Frunkl Jack on June 17th. I made sure she had on her Roughrider gear even though the Stamps were playing the Lions. Greg said that she received alot of attention and people were surprised at her strong allegiance to the Riders already! Seriously, did you honestly think she was gonna be a Stamps fan? GO RIDERS GO!

Finley also began eating a few new foods, such as avocado, fish, chili, tofu & honeydew. She didn't like the avocado, which was slightly disappointing as I want her to be much more cultured then me. Maybe she will change when she gets older. She loved the chili. She demolished her first bowl in no time! She also enjoyed her tofu and is still a little unsure of the fish, but she ate it anyways. One meal she didn't enjoy was a combination of Chicken, Mushrooms, Broccoli & Cheese. Not that I can blame, it smelt and looked completley disgusting. Not sure which part of the meal she didn't like.... I gave her a tiny piece of steak and a piece of ham which she enjoyed as well as some of the egg yolk from my hard boiled egg which she seemed to like. She is also eating alot of her fruit cut up into small pieces instead of it being pureed. The only problem is, she won't feed herself. If I give it to her, she just throws it on the floor for Iggy. The only thing she feeds herself are her Farley Cookies and as of yesterday, her Mum-Mum's. Everything else - on the floor.

Sippy cups are a whole other adventure. I am quite certain I own at least one each of every sippy cup available at Toys R Us and Wal-Mart combined! The only one's she will drink out of are the Nuby's soft spout Sippy Cups. The rest she uses as a teething toy. She's a very picky little girl...not sure where she gets it from...haha

She is very active and is no longer content to playing under her Baby Einstein Baby Mat so down the stairs to the basement that toy went! She does not stay still for very long! She can't crawl just yet, but she can scoot and roll like you would not believe! We have the baby gates up so is trapped - which is a very good thing. She still can't sit up on her own - I think she will be crawling long before she will be able to sit!

She was a very destructive, rough little girl - she kicks her toys over, pulls them apart, lifts them up and hucks them around - nothing fazes her. Her strength is quite amazing and surprising. Who knew how strong they could be at such a young age? She is constantly bumping her head or face and legs and arms and has all kinds of bumps & bruises but rarely cries when she does them to herself - although she did cry when she cut her lip open a tiny, tiny, tiny bit but the tears didn't last long!

Bath time is still a challenge, but one day (fingers crossed), this will change. I have now started bathing her every night in hopes that she will get used to it - but so far nothing!

Finley celebrated her first Father's Day with her daddy and Grandpa Don this month as well. We gave Daddy a Saskatchewan Roughrider garden gnome. He was happy because now his garden was protected from the rabbits (he said this, not me!) Then, Grandma Jen, Grandpa Don & Uncle Brad came over for a BBQ. It was a fun evening had by all!

We also had a visit at the beginning of June from Aunty Kristy & Kristen. We did some shopping and went to the zoo. It was a nice visit and Finley certainly enjoyed all of the extra attention she got!

Here are some pictures taken yesterday on her 8 month birthday. Don't forget to check out Picasa for even more pictures of her and our family!

Jackson's Death Slows Web To A Crawl

Apparently the death of the King of Pop dominated the web the way he dominated the charts in the 80s. Gossip sites, News sites, FB & Twitter all came to a stand still and were impossible to get on them and if you did, it took F O R E V E R to do anything. Even TMZ had to shut down their website and reload it because of the traffic. This is insane. So it got to thinking, when did this last happen to me?

The Day HEATH LEDGER was found dead.

The Day The Music Died

The Day The Music Died

Yes I know this was made famous when Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, & the Big Bopper were killed on February 3rd, 1959 in a devastating plane crash. But for me, I think this rings true for those of my generation and our parents generation who were all Michael Jackson fans.

I was expecting to turn on CNN and watch them discuss whether or not Governor Sanford of South Carolina should resign because of his international affair so was shocked to see that Michael Jackson had been rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest. I knew that could not be good. I immediately turned on my laptop and headed to twitter to see what was on there. I couldn’t get on twitter as it had crashed due to the increased amount of traffic because of the MJ situation. Even FB was slow and TMZ was impossible to get on – mostly because they had already said he was dead. I refused to believe anything until CNN confirmed it. Even though I knew it was most likely true, I just didn’t want to believe it.

CNN reported that the LA Times & CBS have confirmed Michael Jackson has died but CNN is still holding out from an official statement from the family or the hospital before they were absolutely confirming it. UPDATE: CNN spoke with the LA Coroner’s Office who confirmed that Michael Jackson died at 226pm PST.

I remember watching him on the Super Bowl and other various televised events. I remember thinking how cool the moonwalk was and how I could not do it if my life depended on it. I remember wanting to drink Pepsi because he did. The Thriller Album was released in 1982 and I was a mere 3 years old. I remember my mom had the album and listening it with her. I absolutely loved Billy Jean & The Way You Make Me Feel – in fact, both songs are on my workout playlist on my IPOD.

There were definitely two sides to the Majestic King of Pop. There was the amazing humanitarian, successful pop singer who had a career that so many dreamt of, one of the most incredible enterainers we will ever see in our life time and then there was the one with the personal demons that were made so public. Many are saying. Good riddance, another freak off the streets and blah, blah. Yes he had problems but who is responsible for these problems? Yes he bares a lot of responsibility but so do the public, the media, us. There was so much scrutiny, stress, publicity surrounding him. He was, without a doubt, the most famous man in the entire world. This was not necessarily a good thing. He has been in the public eye since he was 6 years old. Do the math, it has 45 years in the spotlight. Could you imagine? His demons included addictions to painkillers – who in Hollywood hasn’t been addicted? He has had God knows how many plastic surgeries for what he said to cure his skin disease – regardless of why he did, again he is not alone in this fad. Everybody is getting plastic surgery these days. But then there were the molestation accusations. He was acquitted of the first accusation and settled the second. Whether or not he did it, I really don’t know, but seriously what parent lets their child spend the night in the same bed with someone who had been charged with molestation? Not that I am condoning molestation, but seriously people! All Michael Jackson needed was some good solid help and to surround himself with decent people who cared for his wellbeing.

Two amazing icons died today – Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson. For me, MJ’s was much more tragic. Mostly because it was so unexpected and he was the icon for my generation. Farrah Fawcett was an icon long before I was around so there is no connection for me to her. Also, she had been suffering from cancer for ages and I almost hoped she would die for two reasons: to end her misery and to end mine since I was tired of listening to media outlets talk about how frail she was and her upcoming nuptials to Ryan O’Neal.

God Bless his 3 children and may we hope that they will be able to live at least a somewhat quiet, normal life away from the public.

RIP The King of Pop. You will be missed!

PS Can you imagine all the tabloids next week?? It is going to be completely insane and probably 99.9% false

PPS Who can forget "We are the People" written by MJ & Lionel Ritchie - one of the most inspirational songs in the whole world and one that raised a TONNE of money for famine in Africa

PPPS No More Jon & Kate for at least awhile....

Coldplay

Last night I finally got to see Coldplay LIVE! I have been waiting years to see them live. I tried twice to see them in Vancouver and both shows were during the week instead of on the weekend. Then last year they annoucned dates in Calgary but cancelled due to "production problems" but finally they arrived. And it was worth the wait. From beginning to end and everywhere inbetween it was amazing. I had such a great time! Thanks for coming with me Charley!!



They released Yellow Balls into the crowd during Yellow

More Yellow Balls....

This was just before the encore...they sang in the back of the saddledome...it was so awesome!

Finley Taggart's Baptism

On Sunday, June 14th, Finley was baptised at St. George's Anglican Church in Prince Albert, SK. She was baptised at the same church as both my sister and I as well as my mom and her siblings. There have also been several weddings from our family held there at well. It really meant alot to my mom to have Finley's baptism held there. At first I was disappointed that we went the untraditional route in terms of a baptism dress for Finley but considering it was 30 degrees by 10am, I think it was a good idea we went for the sundress. It was so hot it was crazy!! The baptism went over really well and she didn't even cry when Father McClintock poured the holy water over her. Her Godparents are Greg's brother, Brad & my sister Kristy.

BirthPlace Forest

On Sunday, Greg and I took Finley to the BP Birth Place Forest in Fish Creek Park. The BP BirthPlace Forest is a program that enables parents to honour their children while recognizing the growth of our urban forest and increasing concern for the environment. It was launched in December 2000 and it remains the first of its kind in Canada. It is the only free program of its kind and is the largest 'green' initiative in Calgary's history. Each year approximatley 6000 trees are planted in honor of children born in Calgary. You are able to register your baby either online or through a form that you get when you leave the hospital that you mail to the city.

A new BP BirthPlace Forest opened up on Sunday in Fish Creek Park. Finley's tree is planted here which is great since it is so close to our house. Perhaps when we have family visit we can take them to the park and show them her Tree. We picked a tree close to a large pine tree so that we would remember which one is hers. I am excited to see how much it grows! It was a windy day and she did not really enjoy herself, but it was a cool experience and am very happy we were able to be part of such a great program!

Celiac Disease

Yesterday I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. I wasn't surprised, I kinda did a self diagnosis and that was one of the possibilites I had narrowed it down to. I still have to go for allergy tests and am now on a prescription that will help bind my stomatch.

What is Celiac Disease?
It is a digestive disorder characterized by a toxic reaction to gluten, the protein found in certain grains. It is hereditary, meaning it is in your gene pool; chronic, meaning it won't every go away; and autoimmune, meaning it causes the body to attack itself. The only treatment is a gluten free diet for life. (Taken from The G Free Diet by Elisabeth Hassebeck)

So today, I headed to Community Natural Foods & Superstore and purchased some Gluten Free Products. Some common things I have to replace are pasta, baking powder, pancake mix, flour, bread, soya sauce, various stirfry sauces & marinades, cereal, croutons, cookies, and crackers just to name a few.

I headed out yesterday and purchased some books on Gluten Free Living. I am sure it will be easy once I get on board and it helps that Greg is also going to go Gluten Free - at least at home anyways. It will help curb my temptation for the real thing and reduce the possibilities of cross contamination.

Finley won't need to be tested until she turns 2 which is good. Lots of books recommending testing your child every year but my doctor said just do it when she is required to get blood work and if she is showing signs of the disease until she gets older and it won't be so invasive for her. The good thing is that she will be growing up gluten free anyways so I doubt it will be devastating to her if she does get it.

Going Gluten Free will not only cure all of my stomach ailments, it will give me more energy, help my keep a healthy weight, and reduce the number of headaches I get. It is great for everybody to be GFree not just those with insensitivities and allergies. Also, my doctor said that he will test me for lactose intolerance, but most likely my intolerance is due to the fact that my intestines have been damaged from the gluten which is causing the reaction to lactose. Eventually my insides will heal and my intolerance should be gone. If that is the case, that is!

I shall keep you posted on my progress as a G-Freer....if you guys have any tips, suggestions, recipes...anything, let me know!

Gay Penguin Couple Adopt

Yup that is right. A gay penguin couple have adopted an abandoned egg at a German zoo. Apparently, the penguin egg's parents had no interest in the egg so the zoo keepers gave the egg to a gay male penguin couple. The gay penguins incubated the egg and have continued to care for the newborn penguin.

Apparently at this zoo a third of their penguins are homosexual. There are also homosexual penguins at a zoo in new york and Japan. I saw penguins at the Central Park Zoo in NY...I wonder if they were homosexual.

It wasn't the adoption of the egg that caught my attention it was the Gay Penguins in the title. I have always wondered if animals could be homosexual but had never known for sure how I would be able to find out or not.

Apparently homosexuality is well documented in the animal kingdom and unlike in our society, it has been very well acccepted. In fact, most sexual encounters between Giraffes are homosexual. Seeing as how there have been 2 giraffes born at the Calgary Zoo in the last few years, I am thinking ours are not homosexual. Perhaps they realize how conservative Calgary really is. Haha.

There is a book in the USA called Tango Makes Three which is about a homosexual penguin couple at the NY Zoo adopt a baby and raise it together. It is one of the most sought after books in libraries around that country. Maybe I should see if I can get it for Finley. It looks quite interesting.

Happy Sunday!

New Meaning To Poopy Head

On Tuesday afternoon, I changed Finley's diaper and put her down for a nap. A few hours later, Greg got home from work and suggested going out for dinner as I had forgotten to pull the chicken we were going to eat. So I went into Finley's room to get her up when I saw something I didn't think I would ever see - Finley covered with poop. I immediately called for Greg but my sister, who was visiting from Saskatoon, came instead. She was laughing so hard she was crying. Greg finally came in and Finley started laughing, not realizing she was what we were laughing at. I am not sure if I put the diaper on wrong or if she actually did undo it herself. All I can say is what a huge mess & awful smell. The worst part (if there could be anything worse then a baby covered in poop) is I had to give Finley a bath to get all the poop off her head. She hates her bath and it took me a long time to get all the poop out of her hair. My mom said my sister and I did this. I say she is wrong.

Here are a few pics of a poopy finley....

All The Hype About Twilight

Tonight I was convinced by my sister Kristy & best friend Kristen, who were visiting from Saskatoon, to watch Twilight. Ya that movie that everybody seems to be talking about....second only to the "New Moon" trailer that was released on Sunday during the MTV Movie Awards. I promised that I would be open minded while watching the movie and not make any further judgements until after the movie has ended. I am typing this as I watch the movie - that's how good it is (please note the sarcasm in the last part of the previous sentance). I don't like it thus far and doubt I will like it when it ends in about 45 minutes. I understand now why it is the top selling books on the kids list in Macleans. It is definitely a PG movie.

It's probably the only vampire movie I have ever seen that has no blood. I think Buffy The Vampire Slayer has more blood and action then this. Apparently the books are better but I will never know as I cannot be bothered to waste anymore of my precious time on this lame series. I am truly sorry if I offended any Twilight Fans but it is just not my cup of tea.

Happy Wordless Wednesdays.....