VHS is 1

Vincent, the passing year has gone by too quickly and has had its ups and downs.

One year ago today, you were welcomed into this cruel world, loved beyond belief. You weren’t ready yet to join us and therefore had some problems adjusting. Although we were sad to see you covered in tube and in distress, we knew you were in the best hands possible. Thankfully your uncle Eric was there with me for support, and Maman had a very kind nurse for support.

Seeing you moved to CHEO was the most difficult moment of our lives, as we had just met you and you were already leaving us. Days later when we saw you again, you were still in distress, but were still in great hands. Things only got better and eventually were released home to us. It was a huge change for us, as no matter how prepared we thought we were, it was never going to be enough. Thankfully we got some help in adjusting, and finally got into a schedule that worked for us.

Since then, despite a few hospital visits for infections and other health reason, you have been healthy and happy. You have been so happy that hospital staff often didn't believe you were sick.  You are loved by everyone you meet. You learn new things every day.  You are very smart and love to keep us on our toes.  In a few years, we will miss you being small, but we will always remember the stunts you pull on us.  We will have stories to tell for the rest of your life.

 We love you and I can’t wait to see and experience you grow up and make life even more interesting.

The goals we have for the next year of your life are:

·         Learn to walk

·         Learn to talk in both languages

·         Stay out of hospital (meaning no admissions)

·         Continue to love reading books

·         Swim with puddle jumper

Instantpot

Instantpot is my currently my favourite gadget in the kitchen. I absolutely love it. I decided to write a blog about it. When I first heard about an instantpot, I had no clue what it was. I saw many youtube vlogs of family using them. I thought it would be an overrated gadget, another gadget that wouldn't be used. Once I saw it was a pressure cooker, I thought I would be terrified of it. After doing some research, I saw it might be a good thing to have. At the time we were making all of Vincent's purees, and it cut the cooking time in half. Pat and I had pc points so we decided to use them to buy one. We bought a 6qt one and that is perfect for our triangle family. Once we got it, I was still terrified of it. My fear disappeared after using it a few times. The main trick is to use a fork to release the pressure valve. I love making potatoes, chicken, corn of the cob, boiled eggs, porc tenderloins and more. The device is very user-friendly. The only thing is you have to remember to close the valve when it is for high pressure. The instantpot we got can be used as a rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, stew maker and more. We only used the stew and pressure cooker option. I will try the slow cooker option one day, but as of right now I still use my slow cooker. Here are some of the recipes I do for the instantpot. These recipes were found on pinterest, if you want to see them you can add me as a friend and I have a folder just for it.

Boiled Eggs:

Put a bit of water at bottom. Put in the trivet or boiled eggs holder.   Put it on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick Release

Frozen Chicken Breasts:

Put some chicken broth at the bottom. Place the trivet over the chicken broth. Put chicken on the trivet.  Cook on High Pressure for 12 minutes. Quick Release

Chicken Drumsticks (thawed):

Put chicken broth at the bottom and place trivet. Put chicken on the trivet.  Cook on High Pressure for 10 minutes. Quick Release

Corn of Cob

Cup of cold water at the bottom and place trivet.  Put corn on the top of trivet. Cook on High Pressure for 1 to 2 minutes.  Quick Release.

My favourite Mashed Potatoes

INGREDIENTS:

4 pounds potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (see note about type of potatoes)

2 teaspoons coarse, kosher salt

1 cup milk, preferably not skim

4 tablespoons butter, cut into tablespoon-size pieces

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS:

Add the potatoes and salt to the Instant Pot insert (6-quart). Add cold water to cover the potatoes by an inch or so. Don’t exceed the max fill line.

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to “seal” and not “vent.”

Select Manual and then dial up or down to 8 minutes. The IP will start on its own.

While the potatoes cook, warm the milk, butter and garlic powder in a saucepan or microwave-safe container until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm.

When the potatoes are done cooking, quick release the pressure. If liquid bubbles and spurts from the valve, cover loosely with a damp dishcloth while the pressure releases.

Drain the potatoes in a colander over the sink, discarding the cooking liquid.

Return the potatoes to the insert of the Instant Pot and coarsely mash.

Add the 2/3 of the butter/milk mixture along with the sour cream, and mash until the potatoes are the desired texture, as smooth or as chunky as you like, adding more of the remaining milk/butter mixture if you want creamier, less stiff mashed potatoes (I usually add it all).

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve immediately OR return the insert to the Instant Pot, secure the lid, and select Keep Warm. The potatoes can stay on this setting for up to three hours.

When ready to serve, give the potatoes a good stir and a drizzle of warm milk, if needed.

10 month update

Vincent had a very hectic 10 months. He has learned a lot and had many events. He had his last sleepover with his grandparents before they head south for the winter. He was with them for four days. Vincent was so happy when he left for the weekend he never looked back at me to say goodbye. During this month was also Vincent's first Halloween. He was dressed as a Policemen. It wasn't freezing outside, but there was drizzle. We decided to go to Orleans to trick a treat at about 10 houses. This month, Vincent became a pro at standing up on the couch, he also started walking from one end to another. He can walk with a walked on the foam floor as its less slippery then the floating floor. Vincent's favourite activity is climbing. Overnight, Vincent went from standing at a bench to climbing. Papa's birthday was this month. We went out for dinner at Buffets des Continents where Vincent tried new foods. His favourite food that evening was grapefruit. I offered it to him to see his funny face. He absolutely loved it. That was the evening we said bye to the grandparents until April. When Vincent wakes up from his naps, he now likes to stand up in his crib and wait to be lifted out. He also started a food strike during this month. He is being picky on what he puts in his mouth. It has gotten a little better, but for a few days it was pretty rough.

Swimming

Swimming

Swimming must be Vincent’s favourite activity.  He is extremely comfortable in the water.  The first time we went swimming he was 5 weeks old.  I got the OK from my ob to go swimming and we went to Splash (City of Ottawa wave pool) that evening.  People often asked why we brought him to Splash and not to the pool inside the condo complex we live in. Since Vincent was still a newborn, I wanted him to go swimming in a warm pool.  At Splash, the kids pool is warm as it doubles as a hot tub.  It is not boiling hot.  The second time he went swimming, he was almost 2 months old. I was in Sudbury for the week spending time with my family and we brought Zeah and him to the public pool I would go growing up. 

Once Vincent hit 5 months old, this is when we really introduced him to swimming.  The condo complex started making the pool a lot warmer.  It is on average 81F.  We now attempt to take Vincent swimming 4 to 5 times a week.  Since September, Vincent has also been in swim lessons. Here is a summary on what I did with Vincent in the pool.

• ·         He has been going under water since the first time he went to the pool. He didn’t even cry after the first time at a month old.
• ·         We have been trying to make him kick in the water since day 1.  He got the hang of it as soon as 5 months old.
• ·         At 6 months old, I wanted to test on how he likes being thrown in the air and being dunked. Vincent loved it.  A lot of seniors who swim at the same time as us, were shocked to see him love the water at such a young age.

Vincent is a little different in swim classes. Sometimes, he cries.  I think he is just overtired by the time his class starts.  The wave pool is actually chilly.  He does love the second half of his class when it’s in the hot tub.  Vincent is the second youngest in his class.  He is not the smallest though.  It’s pretty funny to see. There is a baby a week younger than him, she is so tiny.  Vincent weighs 24 pounds, the little girl 14 pounds.  His swimming class is mostly songs and games. We play Mr Wolf, we practice floating on back and front, blowing bubbles, kicking, jumping in and going under, floating in life jackets and more. Vincent is also one of the most advanced babies in his class, the only kids ahead are already 2 years old.  The teacher and other parents love seeing him be so comfortable in the water as their kids are really nervous.

Pat and I both love to go swimming.  We love that Vincent shares our love. We will continue go swimming in the pool at the condo complex throughout winter.  Only reason we won’t is if the pool is no longer heated warm.  .I don’t have many pictures of him swimming.

Cottage

Vincent loves being outdoors.  He especially loves being outside at the cottage.  We went to the cottage almost every weekend in the summer.  A few of those times, Vincent went without maman and papa.  We started going to the cottage on May long weekend.  It was still a little chilly outside, but Vincent loved going for walks with his grandparents.  His grandpapa did put him in the river in the first week of June.  He was not impressed.

We got a stroller to keep at the cottage therefore Vincent could go on walks whenever he is there.  Vincent must have had at least four sleepovers without us.  He definitely enjoyed his time there.   My grandparents gave me their old bread bowl in which I used to bath when I was a baby.  Vincent got to swim in it during the summer.

.During the September sleepover, Vincent got to recreate some pictures I had of myself with his grandparents.

 Here are a few pictures of those sleepovers.

When at the cottage, Vincent usually sleeps a lot better.  I believe it’s because of all the fresh air.  It’s great that he sleeps so well considering it’s not his crib.  Vincent has been loving his crib since day one.  Another activity that he enjoys is going on his swing.  He is definitely not scared.  I was able to push him really high and he would laugh and smile.  When we got back home from the cottage, Vincent no longer wanted to use his baby swing as it didn’t go high enough.

Another activity we did at the cottage was going on short trips on the pontoon.  At the beginning, Vincent wasn’t to sure about his life jacket.  He did enjoy it after a few times.  He took a few naps throughout the summer on the water.  We would also take the boat to a sand beach on an island in the river.  There, we would sit in the water (it was shallow enough) and let Vincent float in his tube.  The last activity we do is sit by the fire.  Vincent loved having snacks by the fire.  He wouldn’t sit for more than 30 minutes, but it’s still pretty good for a baby. By the end of summer, Vincent was sitting in his own little chair.

Vincent's Favourite TV shows

Vincent does watch a bit of TV every day.  We tend to watch TV in the morning and after lunch. I will write another blog about our weekday routine.  Here are Vincent’s current favourite TV shows.

Wiggles: This was Vincent’s first favourite TV shows. The bright colours caught his attention early on.  Vincent loves music and Wiggles is 90% songs.  There are many different types of Wiggles specials, Vincent’s favourite is Wiggletown. 

Titounis: One day I was looking on facebook to find some slow music to help put Vincent to sleep.  I was looking into French songs that I could learn to sing.  I came upon Les Titounis.  For months, I would make Vincent fall asleep with it.  I decided to download more videos that we could watch during the day.  This is currently his favourite.  He loves when I sit down with him and we sing the songs together.  I believe Les Titounis is a show from France.

Word Party: This is the show Vincent watches when we drive around town running errands. The reason I love this show is that it’s very upbeat. The show is different animals in cartoon that are babies.  There are songs about letters, colours, shapes and much more.  With this show on, Vincent rarely falls asleep which sometimes is good as I rather wait until we get home to fall asleep.

Little Baby Bum: This show makes Vincent really relaxed.  It’s pretty funny to see as he ignores everyone when watching this show.  It’s all kinds of songs.  Most of the songs are popular ones but they change the words to it and then sing different versions of it.  There are not many episodes, but I find different videos of it on youtube.

Super Simple Song:  One night, Pat and I downloaded the app youtube kids on our iPads and we found Super Simple Songs.  This is different songs with cartoon characters.  There is different themes for every video. 

Pat and I decided to get cable a few months ago and that is when we found the next two shows.  We got basic cable and added treehouse. 

Ranger Rob:  This is the first show he ever watched on cable.  He loved it. The theme song is very catchy.  This is the first show he watched that isn’t all music.  I think it’s all the bright colours that keep his attention.

Cat in a Hat: Vincent enjoys this show. I haven’t figured out why since it is very boring. There aren’t songs and no bright colour. It keeps his attention for at least half the TV shows.

It must seem that Vincent watches a lot of TV, but most of the shows he doesn’t watch daily.  This is a list that I have been keeping track for months.

Introducing Foods

This is a very controversial topic. There are multiple different ways to introduce food. Here are a couple of the choices : traditional weaning (TW), baby led weaning (BLW) and combo feeding.  Here are descriptions of the different types of feeding.

Traditional Weaning (TW):  This is feeding your child purees and cereals with a spoon.  Your child learns to eat soft foods before chewing. A lot of parents that go this route start feeding their child as young as 4 months old.

Baby Led Wearning (BLW): This method is when you let your child feed themselves right from day one.  Most kids will play with their food for a few weeks and suck on it.  They are teaching themselves how to eat.  Parents who go this route have to wait until their child can sit unassisted for at least a minute before starting.  The child also has reached 6 months old.

Combo feeding:  This is a mix a both.

 We decided to go the combo feeding way.  The main reason of doing this way is because we had to see a dietitian to help us introduce food to Vincent. Combo feeding is a mix between TW and BLW.  Usually your supposed to start introducing solids at 10 months or older.  Pat and I decided to start around 6 months which is closer to BLW.  I can’t say it was full on BLW as Vincent still ate purees and cereals.  The reason the dietitian wanted us to do some purees and cereal is for him to upkeep his calories.  He needed the calories so the antibiotics he is on for his kidneys don’t hurt his stomach.  Vincent did great to eating the same dinners as us.  His first meal was ribs. He absolutely loved it.  Vincent much prefers veggies over fruits.  Since Vincent feeds himself, its very messy most meals.  It is getting better now that he is 10 months old.  The first few months was mostly playing and sucking on the food.  Now he chews, swallows and loves different food. Vincent’s favourite foods are pizza, veggies (pickles, peppers and celery), pancakes and mashed potatoes.

Letter to my husband on his birthday

To my husband on his 33rd Birthday,

Today you enter your 34th year of life. I know you don't like being the centre of attention but today is YOUR day. It is the end of the day so I hope you enjoyed it. Here is a letter for YOU.

To start this off, you are my best friend. You are there for me through thick and thin. Your 33rd year of life was sure an interesting, as the day after is when things started going downhill in my pregnancy. You were next to me through this roller coaster. It is hard to believe that we now have a very happy and healthy 10 month old. I have spent eight birthdays with you and now it's getting excited.

I love your ability to go from working husband to devoted dad the minute you get home from work. Seeing you play and take care of your son makes me teary-eyed. Tonight while you were bathing him I loved hearing you and Vincent playing games. Vincent loves to play games with his papa. He especially loves seeing you come home from work around 5pm. The days you are a bit late is tough as he sits and waits looking at the door. On the days that Vincent is cranky, the minute you walk through the door he becomes happy. I love how you sit down and play games with Vincent in the evenings, Vincent sure has you wrapped around your baby finger.

I hope you enjoyed today. Let's hope the next year isn't as eventful, but every day is a new day.

I love you.

Nat

Month 9

Vincent's nine months weren't very hectic. This month, Vincent has started to actually swallow his solid foods. He is really enjoying many new things. His favourite foods are mashed potatoes, veggies, pancakes, spaghetti and cheesies. This month was the last time we had a whole weekend at the cottage as a family. It was a chilly weekend so we spent most of the weekend inside. We did have time to do a mini photoshoot the weekend before this one at the cottage. Vincent is very photogenic and already knows to smile when he sees the camera. He also had his first Thanksgiving. He really enjoyed all the food. Vincent spend time with many family members, he loved all the food and deserts. This month, Vincent really started pulling himself up. He loves to pull himself up on the couch and snuggle with maman. Vincent has become a lot more curious and very quick. He finds ways to get through all the child proofing we do. He also started bringing toys from the living room to his bedroom. He loves bringing everything in his room.

Favourite baby products

Lavender Bath Set

This is my favourite bath set.  I love the smell of it. I also saw that it does relax Vincent. I have tried different soaps and this is the one he is the calmest. I use the shampoo and soap the most often.  When I feel he needs a little more relaxing I add the bath one which is like a bubble bath.  When Vincent is a little irritable after a bath, I like to rub the lavender lotion on him.

PC Zinc Oxide Cream

I have tried a lot of butt creams and this one is the best. It’s the strongest one. I only have to use it on Vincent a few times for it to clear up.  It’s also the thickest and when he pees it doesn’t rub off.  Pat had a few rashes on his arm and put this cream. It cleared it up quick. He got his arm wet and it still had some on it.  I have tried penaten, arbonne, and pate d’ile.  The PC brand is the best one.

Vicks Baby Vapour Rub

Vicks baby vapour rub is great for when Vincent has a cold.  I find that it also helps relax him.  It’s not as strong as the adult one, but it’s perfect for babies.  I started using it on Vincent around two months old.   The tub said not to use it until 3 months.  Since we started using it, I make sure to put some on when I see a cold coming.

Ovol

Ovol is great for colics. It would calm him down very quickly.  If he was very upset due to colics, I would give him some ovol and his mood would change automatically.  We didn’t know about ovol until he was almost 3 months old.  This would have been a lifesaver when he was a few weeks old.  Ovol is a little pricey, but in my opinion is a necessity with baby colics.

Gripe Water

Just like ovol, gripe water is a necessity for babies with colics.  I just stopped gripe water with Vincent last month. We had been using it since he was home from the hospital at 3 weeks old. It’s a natural product.  This product helped a lot. It was a definite lifesaver. In my opinion, the only thing I didn’t like was the smell. It smelled like dill pickles.

Vapour Bath Soap

This must be one of my favourite products.  When I have a cold I also use it in my bath.  When Vincent seems to be starting a cold, I make sure to give him a few extra baths with this product.  We go through a lot of this.  I find it helps clear his nose making it easier to use the hydrasense nose sucker. Mix a vapour bath and baby vicks baby vapour rub and your baby will be on the road to recovery.

Weight/Height Percentile

A few people asked about Vincent's percentiles.  He has fluctuated a lot since his birth. Here are pictures of the details I have.