Crowded as always we found a table next to a uniformed soldier working on his laptop. We had settled in, enjoying our little treat. I balance Ethan on my lap trying to prevent him from grabbing my hot tea as Becca mumbles …

Mommy: Sweetie if you want me to hear you, you need to speak louder and towards me please …

Becca: [loudly as requested] So I came out of your VAGINA …

Mommy: [quietly] Yes, yes you sure did …

Soldier turns bright red and tries hard not to snicker ….

With Christmas quickly approaching and our move forcing me to be uber organized, I wanted to share some thoughts. Open ended play has become very important to me and we have moved further and further away from “character” licensed products.

In fact all the recalls, we sat and watched. I searched for toys that Becca (and Ethan in theory) may have that were affected. None. Believe me Becca has her fair share of toys, so why? Then one of the last recalls we had two items. Cats that we purchased to help Becca through the transition when the movers did not arrive with our stuff. Purchases made on a whim at Walmart *shudders*. Unfortunately Becca was very fond of the cats, so we sent them back for replacements.

Mattel was amazing. Not only was the turn around much less than they had estimated but they sent not only 2 cats (different but Becca was pleased) but a variety of cats, dogs and accessories. I realize it was HORRIFIC that lead was included in the paint used for children’s toys and the customer service now does not erase that, however my child is happy to have her cats back.

Will I be purchasing plastic toys from Mattel in the future? I cannot say for sure. Since we are not really into character toys the chances are slim. I found the Schleich has cats and other animals that are plastic, without the lead.

There are so many amazing shops online for open ended toys, funky parenting gear and the like. While searching for Christmas presents for the kids I came across Baby Oliver. The customer service is great, and I have a long wish list of items I would love to have. One thing on our wish list is the Haba Doctor kit, since Holly informed me the Fisher Price Doctor kit has been listed in Consumer Reports to have lead. The Eeboo Growth Charts are so cute! Baby Oliver also carries the funkiest diaper bags, cool art and much more. So many alternatives for parents that are concerned this holiday season.Are you worried?

Have you changed how you are shopping for your kids?

Oh gosh this move is kicking my butt! I have never slacked this much in the blogging, like EVER! *sigh*

Ethan is starting to feel better. We no longer live with a seal. w00t. Now his front teeth are driving him mad, making him cranky and clingy. I can hardly wait to snuggle up with my kids in Canada and not a care in the world.

We sent off all presents, cards and letters (except for a few special cases). It feels good to have that taken care of. We have also been packing fiends. We may just have this all done in the week and a half we have left before the moving truck arrives.

I have been a knitting fool too. Whipping out projects like there is a knitting ban in Canada. Odd. I think it is stress relief for me. Now if only taking pictures of all the projects was a relief too I could share it with you all.

I have yet to completely lose my mind, although I have come close a few times.

I am ready.

I am ready not to move anymore. To settle down, raise the family. Knit. Read. Sleep.

I am so ready.

Do you know that story? When Becca was a baby I took her to a Story & Music time at the local library. We sung songs and the librarian taught the mothers how to be better story tellers. I never realized at the time, how many stories I would tell to my children or how valuable that skill would be.

Bark Bark Bark, is that is how Ethan spent his night.

Poor poor sweet baby. J would get up with him, start the shower and douce him in the steam for a few minutes. Ethan would eventually stop panicking, relax and his lungs would clear. They would return to bed, I would nurse Ethan back to sleep. Repeat.

Today marks two weeks until the movers come to pick up our gear. Thank goodness for American Thanksgiving, so J can help me finish packing! I set up our phone, an appointment for internet to be connected and our power for our new apartment yesterday. I am so relived that we are not arriving in Halifax then looking for a place.

Ethan is barking again …. it is going to be another long long day …

ok remind me never to blog before going downstairs for breakfast again. I had a great song playing in my head, I practically skipped downstairs ready to drink my coffee and I spot Ethan …. He looked terrible!

I thought Ethan’s discomfort and extra sleeping yesterday was from merely teething. Alas, no. The kid did not get the memo that sickness is banned in our house! grrr! So the virus that attacked Becca’s vocal cords is now attacking Ethan’s. Poor baby. His voice is all horse and it comes out as a squeak! It is a cute squeak that makes me giggle and if my timing is right, Ethan will giggle too. Poor Poor Baby.

Since this illness was extremely harsh on Becca, I thought it best to take Ethan to the doctor to make sure it was indeed a virus and not a need drugs sort of thing. For the past three weeks this virus has been torturing the children up on the Hill. Yuck! So we are cool misting it, keeping his fever down and trying to make him comfortable.

Having a sick baby seems worse than having a sick preschooler. I felt like I abandoned Becca today, leaving her to fend for herself. That is a horrible feeling. So since we did not make it to the library today, I hope to escape with them both tomorrow.

This is going to sound so evil, but I really do not have time for this. I will obviously be uber Mommy to sick Ethan, but oh my gosh I feel like the cosmos are out to break my spirit. Just when I turn things around and get all spirited again, something else happens to bring me down. This has been the cycle since we moved to this forsaken mountain. Sigh.

Congrats to Urban Mummy, the winner of the “I Love You More” book! Thank you to everyone that entered! I am still trying to keep up with all your blogs , all the while packing, helping blow noses and wrap Christmas presents. Miss you all and look forward to a peaceful life again.