Never Ever...

The Mum I would "never" be (part one - probably necessary as I have only had two children for seven weeks):

• The mum who can't figure out how to have a shower every day.
• The mum who finds a meal consisting of two nutrigrain bars perfectly acceptable for her toddler.
• The mum  who lies about how much her son watches on the television "oh yes, I think that Jack has seen a few snippets of Cars before"...and by I "think" I mean yesterday, and by "snippets" I mean the full feature film...twice...yesterday.

Okay - he's that kid!

Oh wow - I have that kid.  The kid that once music class is over you go home and tell your spouse that "little Addison was a dream but there was this one kid...".

Let me set the scene (most accurately by noting that the room literally had a wall of 30 + exercise balls from floor to ceiling).  Saturday morning at 10:45* a group of ten or so 2 and unders together with their parents and lead by Miss Sue, sing songs, dance, read stories, and sit in a circle.

I had pumped Jack up for this all morning so we got there and what do we do?  We sit in a quiet circle...yikes!  Now, I'm not sure if everyone else gave their kids gravol before class but all the kiddies sat there so nicely with their mums and dads while I struggled as an adult to pin my son down on my lap.  Thankfully Miss Sue is clearly well trained and started the free dance portion where Jackie proceeded to introduce the wall of exercise balls to other children.

I can not really say too much more about the class, once we were up moving and shaking with colourful scarves and bells in hand Jack was awesome (except for that bit of circle time when Miss Sue read a book about babies to the nice sitting children (or standing - shout out to Nolan), and Jack ran around the circle saying "no" over and over...just a little blip really...not going to make any correlation between the subject of the book and our new family member).

Can't wait for next week!

* as an additional disclaimer (of which I stated a few times in a voice dramatically louder than my inside one) - Jack usually has a nap at 1030am...I'm just saying.

LOVE YOU BUDDY!!!!

New life, new blog!

You know that it's been a LONG time since you've blogged when you get locked out of your account for trying the incorrect password too many times!  Since June 1st a tone has happened - Baby Enns, Hudson, or H Mac as I like to refer to him, arrived on June 2nd.  I can not believe that he is already 4 months old and I just love him so very much!

Speaking of new arrivals, our little Katy arrived on September 4th.

 Kate Isabelle Mae

The past month has been hectic and well...crazy and thus inspires the new Blog name "Keeping up with the Crazies"*  I'm not too sure how often I will be posting but I'll try to make it more often than every four months!  For now, enjoy the pictures and know that I am coming up with many creative and funny posts to follow, if only I could remember them...

*please note that I so wish that I was cool enough to rename the Blog "Keepin Up With The Krazies", but those who know me well know that the missing "g" and the deliberate misspelling of "crazy" is enough to give me a nervous twitch (not to be confused with my current eye twitch, thank you lack of sleep).  But when you talk about it make sure to picture the blog as "Keepin Up With The Krazies" because that is WAY cooler.

Mama and Kate just moments after being born

Such a proud Dad =)

Kate and her new friend

Jack and Kate - he actually loves her (after a rough start...stay tuned for that post ha ha ha)

I honestly can not imagine loving her more...

**LAST CHANCE!!** BC Children’s Hospital Child Run 2011

While Chris and I have been lucky so far to not require the services of the Children’s Hospital, we have many friends with kids that have benefited from this amazing facility.

On Sunday, June 5th, Jack and I will be participating in the BC Children’s Hospital ChildRun. My goal is to raise $250 (I'm only $10 away!) so every little bit helps. To learn more about the ChildRun, the BC Children’s Hospital, or to donate, please click on the link below (note: all donors will receive a tax receipt).

https://secure.bcchf.ca/SuperheroPages/main.cfm?Event=Childrun&Member=9865



Thank you for your support!

PS – Carol, I promise not to actually run or get my heart rate above 140 xx

A Note to Baby Enns - from Jack

Hi Baby,

How are you today? I sure would love to meet you. Apparently Nana is wrong and tardiness is actually a hereditary Enns trait. Here are some of the reasons why I think that you should be born SOON:

• I am dying to teach you how to shove an entire banana in your mouth.
• The pressure is getting to me being the only baby in the Enns Family. I could use some back up.
• On that note; your family in Prince George is very excited to meet you.
• Your Mummy’s belly is getting awfully round and large…I am pretty sure that she would like you to get out soon too.
• My Mummy jumps every time a phone rings or makes a sound because she thinks that it may be something to do with you – I keep telling her to relax but I don’t think she understands me (PS – about those phones. I have so much to teach you. Number one lesson when it comes to phones: don’t fall for it when they try to give you an old one that doesn’t work anymore). 
• Your dad has been antsy since March.
• My dad is antsy to see you wearing Canucks gear.
• There are these things called Cozy Coupes and they are about as awesome as they sound. You will love it!

I love you Cousin!
The Jack Attack*
* Don’t worry; we’ll come up with a super cool nick name for you too

Dear Night Time Sleep - Letter #3

Hey,

What is your problem?

When did you become all bad ass and start hanging around with Playtime? You are headed down a slippery slope with that guy and you are bringing the Jack Attack with you. Please tell Playtime to hit the road and go back to his BFF Daytime. You already have to periodically deal with the heavy hitters Teeth and Hunger; you really do not need this sort of debauchery in your life.

Thanks,
Tamara

PS – I should probably prepare you now and tell you that things are going to get a bit strained again in the Fall, but this too will pass and will only make our relationship stronger.

PPS – Playtime if you are reading this, there is a home in Vancouver that is expecting a new recruit over next few days and he will have no concept of time. Maybe if you are bored during the night you could just go there to play?


Dear Night Time Sleep - Letter #2
Dear Night Time Sleep - Letter #1

BC Children’s Hospital Child Run 2011

While Chris and I have been lucky so far to not require the services of the Children’s Hospital, we have many friends with kids that have benefited from this amazing facility.

On Sunday, June 5th, Jack and I will be participating in the BC Children’s Hospital ChildRun. My goal is to raise $250 so every little bit helps. To learn more about the ChildRun, the BC Children’s Hospital, or to donate, please click on the link below (note: all donors will receive a tax receipt).

https://secure.bcchf.ca/SuperheroPages/main.cfm?Event=Childrun&Member=9865

Thank you for your support!

 PS – Carol, I promise not to actually run or get my heart rate above 140 xx

When Jack Grows Up - Part Three

We have some additions to Jack’s potential occupation list:

Professional Bubble Catcher

Hair Stylist (or Ladies hair accessory model)



4x4 Motor Cross Racer (mum’s least favourite)




Food Critic (or stain removal product model – before)



Canucks Telephone Hotline Director

Click on the links below for previous editions:

• When Jack Grows Up Part One
• When Jack Grows Up Part Two

Me and My Friend - KAITLYN!

For all of you wondering who is the Kaitlyn girl that Chris and I talk about (Jack’s partner at crime), here she is!  Jack and Kaitlyn hang out ever day with their other cutie friend Chase (unfortunately I can never pick Jack up in time to see the little guy), they give each other kisses and hugs and love to spend their time "playing" with the same toy (which usually leads to one of them getting upset, which leads to the hugs and kisses and so on and so on)...

Working out at the gym

Wrestling in Jack's Bed...wait a minute...

So sweet!

My Mom's 1998 Theme Song

I'm so sorry mom...hahaha!

Awesome Gifts from my Favourite Kids - Part 3

As there is a new Enns baby set to debut next month (Yay Steven and Mel!), and who knows how many more Blatz babies to come, I feel a reoccurring blog theme here!

• Part 1 - http://justjackandhisparents.blogspot.com/2010/08/i-love-birthdays.html
• Part 2 - http://justjackandhisparents.blogspot.com/2011/02/oh-what-birthday-month.html

When Papa was admitted to the hospital he had many visits from all of his grandkids. On one particular visit, an antsy Leif, Matias, and I decided to go exploring (PS walking around with these cuties sure is an attention grabber – until Matias scowls at a lovely lady that asks him to say “hi” to her sick mother, that is). After venturing down some pretty cool hallways, we found ourselves in the hospital gift shop determined to get Papa the perfect present to lift his spirits.

After a completely failed effort by Auntie Mara to steer the boys in the direction of “Get Well Soon” balloons and cards, this is what we ended up with…

Papa had so much fun explaining to each nurse that it was not actually his 50th birhday! (Not pictured, the ever so thoughtful tube of of Vaseline that accompanied the card)

The Mommy Diet

I love finding and sharing a good book and The Mommy Diet by Alison Sweeny is definitely on the top of my list! The book is broken down into chapters ranging from getting ready to be pregnant, each trimester of pregnancy, the post partum months, all the way to maintenance and kick starting a new you (I actually purchased this book before I found out that I was pregnant again).

Furthermore, each chapter includes awesome recipes and meal plans, realistic workouts with playlists, fashion advice, and general “taking care of you” ideas that are actually realistic (think of Alison Sweeny as the Rachel Ray of Mommyhood as apposed to the Martha).

Go to http://www.alisonsweeney.com/ to learn more (she also has a great blog!).

Papa Update

First of all, thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. Secondly, Barrie is doing great! He got to come home from the hospital last week and is antsy to start gardening and completing the laundry room renovation…to which Carol is busy trying to stop him. While we are unsure of the steps to come, the doctor was able to remove the tumor and I think that as a family, we are all feeling quite positive.

Last night we had our first Sunday night dinner since this ordeal started. It was so much fun to feel like a “normal’ family again…as normal as a family dinner can be with nine adults and five kids ranging from 1-4 years old. To think that in a short few months there will be SEVEN kids (I’m not having two…CONGRATS to Brad and Sarrah!).

Have a good Monday everyone!

An Extra Kiss and a Tighter Squeeze

The Blatz family has been through a bit of a whirlwind this week. Never has there been a more apparent reminder to let your loved ones know how you feel (try it, it is awesome to tell someone that you love them when they are not accustomed to it…it throws them off).

Complaining of a headache only last week, Barrie (Papa Blatz), has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. How a headache spirals into a brain tumor is still beyond me, I am really not sure when it will all make sense. Due to the size off the mass, Barrie has been undergoing treatment over the past few days to reduce swelling to make surgery possible. We have been reassured that he is under the best of care (shout out to Doctor Chan – I am sure that a guest Blog post about this guy is in Brad’s future), and are keeping positive and hopeful. We are also so deeply touched by the support of our friends and family, especially those incredible ones who cut a vacation short with out any question or thinking twice.

Surgery is today, and while I am frustratingly unsure of what the future holds, all I ask from you (my six or so readers), is to give your spouse, kids, parents, friends etc an extra kiss and tighter squeeze…and maybe some positive energy and thoughts in the direction of the Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH is in New Westminster so you are going to want to send it to the West – or to the left if you are my mom).

Don't Put Your Hands Down!

This is Jack's new walking technique...

Pregnant = Crazy

The following are reasons that the words Pregnant and Crazy may be interchangeable:

• Sobbing for over an hour in bed when your husband asks if he can move the “pillow” but the pillow is actually you – Do I seriously already feel like a freaking pillow?
• Wearing maternity pants at 10 weeks because you can – this just seems sensible…who isn’t dying to ditch the waste band!
• Drinking apple juice from a large tetra pack with a straw like it is a children’s juice box.
• Knowing the specific difference and having a dramatic preference between Ruffles Dill Pickle Chips and Old Dutch Dill Pickle Chips – come on! They are totally different!
• Being able to eat two or more oranges at one sitting with out thinking about it.
• Putting random things like bowls or dry storage food items in the fridge or perishables (cream cheese) in the cutlery drawer.
• You un-closet your love for Celine Dion because she sang Billy Joel's Lullaby on Oprah last week....and it was beautiful...and then you replay it over and over because "Jack" really liked it and you love her.
• You un-closet your love for Oprah because she had Celine Dion on last week and she sang Billy Joel's Lullaby (youtube video below)...
• Did I mention the crying?

Feel free to chime in ladies (or husbands...or maybe not, especially if your lady is still crazy pregnant).

 

Two Years Married, a Toddler, and a Baby on the Way!

First off, I feel overwhelmingly compelled to state that the correlation of babies matching the number years that Chris and I are married will surely not be a trend. Secondly, we are SO EXCITED!  Moreover, I am thrilled to say adios to the first trimester.

Chris recently asked me at one of my “green” moments what it felt like to be pregnant and to that I responded:

 It feels as though you maybe drank a bottle of wine the previous night (with no such luck), and then drank a bottle of Nyquil in the morning to start your day.

To this description, I propose the following – the first and second trimester should switch spots…thoughts ladies? I say we vote.

Anyways, Happy Anniversary Christopher (Feb 20th)! I love you so much and am so lucky to get to have a family with you.

Winner Gets JACK!

What happens when there is a hardcore Steelers fan and die hard Green Bay Packers fan in one house…the steaks get high. Struggling to think of what to bet for Superbowl (no point in betting money when it’s all the same anyways), it was suggested mid, first half yesterday that the winner gets Jack as a devoted member of their football team’s fan club.

Booya – so sorry Chris. Maybe you should talk to Benny about the difference between Green + Yellow and Black + Yellow…is it confusing? In the mean time the Jack Pack and I are on the hunt for a mini jersey; we’re thinking #52.

YES!



Jack and Mama - the Packers Fans!



Jack in his temporary t-shirt (please note this is the best picture that I could get of Jack being "still")

Dear Night Time Sleep - Letter #2

Dear Night Time Sleep,

Hey Buddy, did you and Jack have a fight? You guys seemed to be getting on so well for the past six months or so! Day time sleep is only casually involved at this time; it can't be a jealously issue.

Can you let me know and sort it out quickly? Chris and I are TIRED!
Hope to see you soon (we are free tonight),

Tamara

(To View Letter #1 click here)

Oh What a Birthday (month)!

January is a very busy birthday month in both the Enns and the Blatz families.

So with out further a due:

• Happy Birthday Jack (January 1)
• Happy Birthday Mel (January 2)
• Happy Birthday Steven (January 15)
• Happy Birthday Leif (January 17)
• Happy Birthday Carly (January 30)
• Happy Birthday Chris (January 30)

Honorable mention – Kaitlyn (January 10), Aaron (January 10), Darryl (January 13), and Nolan (January 14) 

To cap off the birthday month I thought that I would share a few photos of my nephew Leif’s very thoughtful birthday gifts to his Uncle Chris and Mummy... Enjoy!





Leif thought that uncle Chris needed new glasses (and that they kind of already looked like him)



Leif's gift for him Mom (who obviously was missing plastic dogs in her life)?



Thank you Leif - you made the perfect ending to a month full of birthdays!