The Good, The Bad, and...

Our pre-bed dialogue tonight:

Julian:  "Mommy, there are good news, and bad news."

Me:  "Really..."

Julian:  "Yes.  The good news are, you my best friend."

Me:  "Oh?"

Julian:  "The bad news are, you are not my best friend."

jbxo

The Way I See It #27

I stopped by Starbucks this afternoon to treat myself to a vanilla latte (my new favourite Starbucks beverage, and my second for the day... naughty).  I enjoy reading the quotes on Starbucks cups, but I particularly enjoyed the one I discovered on my afternoon cup:

"Do not kiss your children so they will kiss you back but so they will kiss their children, and their children's children." 

Noah benShea (Poet/Philosopher)

You can also be immortalized on a Starbucks cup by submitting your very own "The Way I See It".  

I'm sure to find fame somehow...

jbxo

Beautiful Boy.

This is my lovely Andrew, when he was just a wee tot.  I love this photo.  The expression on his face is so... him.  Cute, yet intelligent... actually, too intelligent for a child.  When I broke up with the fella I was dating prior to Andrew I told my mom that I was bored, and I wanted a challenge.  Andrew certainly fit that bill... I have never been bored since.

I love you, beautiful boy.  Happy Birthday.

jbxo

Belly.

Julian:  "I want to be a big brother."

Me:  "You are a big brother, Nora is your little sister."

Julian:  "I want another little sister."

Me:  "Where would you get another little sister?"

Julian:  "At the store."

Me:  "Do you remember where Nora came from?"

Julian:  "Your belly."

Me:  "Do you know where you came from?"

Julian:  "Daddy's belly."

jbxo

Plop.

Nora has the biggest, plopiest tears you have ever seen.  I'm not sure if it is the consistency of the tears themselves, or the architecture of her cheeks, but when she cries you are sure to find at least one big, fat tear perched on her cheek.  This morning Nora had a bit of a cry at the start of breakfast, and for the remainder of the meal this tear sat on her cheek.  She ate an entire piece of toast, drank a full cup of juice, the tear did not move.  It is truly a wonder to behold.  Don't be sad though, as  you can see breakfast ended in "big smiles".

jbxo

Nee Na Na Nee Na Na Nee Na...

Long before I had children, Andrew told me about this amazing little song, consisting of two sounds:  "Na and Nee", which, when strung together with a lovely melody would instantly lull him into a sweet slumber.  Sometimes he would sing it to me, and I had to admit, I felt instantly at ease.  The song has been passed down for at least four generations in Andrew's family.  His great grandmother sang it to his grandmother, his grandmother sang it to his mother, his mother sang it to him, and now we sing it to Julian and Nora when needed.  The power of this song is undeniable - it is reserved for only those moments when all other forms of child-calming fail.  It works, like magic, every time.  Nee Na Na Nee Na Na Nee Na.  Sweet dreams.

jbxo

Selfless...

I feel blessed to have people in my life who are just, plain wonderful.  It is a very special feeling to be moved by the actions of friends.  For 13 years I had lost contact with my university roommate.  After school she moved to Italy to model, as I was busy trying to be famous.  We "found" each other again, through Facebook this summer.  She invited us to come to her wedding, even though it was only a week away (I still regret not going).  After the wedding she shared absolutely stunning photos.  I sat at my computer, and cried.  What moved me the most wasn't the fact that she is truly one of the most beautiful girls I know, but the following story which she told me later:  The plan was for the children to walk in first, then Aaryn and Francesco would follow.  As they were waiting to enter, the children became very nervous, and said they wanted to walk with the bride and groom to be.  I have to be honest, if you put me in that situation - on my wedding day - MY MOMENT - I'm not sure how I would react.  Especially since the children weren't theirs.  As you can see, however, her reaction (and Francesco's) was nothing but stunning.  Huge smile on her face, toddler thrown casually on one hip, beautiful.  I truly think this is one of the most inspiring moments I have ever seen.

Thank you, Aaryn.  For being gorgeous, wonderful, and you.

jbxo

Where do you live?

Today Julian was healthy and made his grand return to daycare.  The following was our conversation during the morning drive:

Me:  "Julian, where do you live?"

Julian:  "Canada."

Me:  "Where do Auntie Jenny and Great Nanny Noo-Noo live?"

Julian:  "England."

Me:  "Where does Mommy live?"

Julian:  "Work."

Ouch.

jbxo

Sickies.

When you first begin to tell people that you are pregnant, they express pure joy and excitement for you.  As your pregnancy progresses people will begin to tell you about all of the sleepless nights you are in for.  Once you are between 7 and 9 months preggers, complete strangers will find joy in describing the extreme pain and torture associated with childbirth.  Many will, without invitation, even share their own personal birthing stories.  There is one thing no one will warn you about, though... and I'm unsure why.  No one will warn you about the sickies.  The fact that the beautiful newborn you cuddle in your arms will one day leave the house to go to daycare or school, and for the next two years will either have a fever, snotty nose, runny poo, or something equally distressing.  Once every few weeks you will find yourself sending an email, or making a phone call to work at 6am, letting them know that, yes, once again - you will not be in today.  Well, I am breaking the code of silence, and spreading the word.  Little ones get sick.... A LOT!

jbxo

Almost Famous.

I graduated from university with a major in Theatre.  I couldn't understand why my parents seemed disappointed when I proudly announced at the dinner table that "becoming famous" was my career path of choice.  After four years in university I was the proud owner of a Bachelor of Arts degree.  The world was my oyster.  Step 1 to becoming famous:  getting my "headshots" taken.  $400 worth of professional photos of my face later, I was on a bus to the big city to find an agent.  The first agency I met with informed me that I was the "next big thing".  I had "the look" they wanted, and my education was a bonus.  They called me their next "leading lady".  Then they asked me for a $150 "registration fee".  Unfortunately, I didn't know that this is not common practice among reputable agencies.  I didn't research who the reputable agencies were.  I WAS GOING TO BE FAMOUS!  I didn't have to worry about such trivial details!  Two weeks later I left my car unlocked over night, and someone stole the leather portfolio containing all of my photos (it still gives me the creeps to think of what may have become of 50 8x10 photos of my face).  I phoned my agency for advice:  "We're sorry, the number you have dialed is no longer in service.  Please check the number and try your call again.  This is a recording."  $550 lighter, and 13 years later, I have realized this building is as close as I will ever come to seeing my name in lights.  It was taken by a dear friend who lives in that same big city.  Oddly enough I have driven past this wall a few times over the past 13 years.  Every time I see it my chest puffs up a little bit, and I can't help but smile.

jbxo