Monday, April 25, 2011

Last Day

Well, this is it! The last blog post! What to write about? I’ve experienced so much in the last 122 days its hard to know where to begin.

I am anxious and excited to return to work (feelings that are heightened because I have a new job), yet nostalgic and subdued that my time with Margot is coming to an end. I am happy that I did so much with her over the last four months. However, I am also annoyed that much of the month of February and parts of March were a wash because I had a long cold (I only blogged about the worst part of it). I wish I could have some of that time back with her so I could enjoy it more. In sum, my emotions right now are a bit mixed up!

One thing I don’t regret is writing Tough Cookies. Although it was hard to come up with 122 original baby-related thoughts day after day, I enjoyed it for the most part. Moreover, having a blog encouraged me to go out and try new things so that, at the very least, I would have something to write about at the end of the day! I would definitely recommend blogging as an emotional release valve for any future parent.

As much fun as it was, I’m going to take a long hiatus from writing. I’m not sure whether another chapter of Tough Cookies is in me at this point but I’m not foreclosing the opportunity of starting something again a few years from now when the dust has settled and perhaps a new opportunity has come up. We shall see…!

Before I go though, I’d like to thank Jen’s blogger friends for inspiring me with their blog website sites. I’d also like to say thank you to anyone who was the subject of a blog post (my friends and family) - I literally carried a camera around with me all the time and was constantly saying “this could make a good blog post” to them! So thank you for putting up with me. Most of all I’d like to thank Jen for being my sounding board, editor and occasional muse. I couldn’t have done this without her.

You know, I named this blog “Tough Cookies” because I thought it would be challenging (tough) and fun (cookies) at the same time. It was – but not in the ways I expected. Looking back, I didn’t find changing diapers, cleaning bottles or keeping Margot distracted to be that hard in the end - those things just became part of my daily routine. What I found to be the most challenging was the sheer amount of time I was given to reflect upon the direction my life now that Margot is such a big part of it. I think I came up with some good ideas but it’s going to be constant work to make sure I am the father that I would like to be. At the same time, Margot wasn’t just fun because of her amazing smile, laugh or goofy haircut (whoops, my fault). I think she was most fun because of her inherent ability to find ways to surprise me. I am really happy to know her and I can’t wait to see what she has in store for me next. “Sweets – don’t eat that!!”


The End

Sunday, April 24, 2011

First Easter

Happy first Easter Margot! I was going to take you to an Easter service this morning but you were sound asleep so I left you in your crib. It must have been a rough night on the town last night huh sweets?

Not too worry because after your sleep we went to Jen’s parent’s house for an Easter celebration and brunch. Mmm we had croissants and pancakes and sausages and fruit salad and all the fixings! By “we” I mean everyone but you. You, mon ange, had formula - although you did steal a few bites of real fruit too. But you had a big smile on so your face and squealed with happiness a few times so all was well.


You may notice that my blog about you started on Christmas and is ending on Easter (almost). I did that on purpose when I signed up for my parental leave. A year is full of special days and I thought it would be nice to start and end my time with you on two high notes. Now go back to running around and squealing happily.

Happy Easter to all!

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Guest Post: Wife’s Perspective – Concluding Thoughts

Hello again! Well, this is my last post on Tough Cookies. Many (well, at least one person) have asked if I will take over Tough Cookies and write about my adventures with Miss Munchkin. Well… best to ask Simon!


Did these 4 months fly by? Not really. It felt like 4 months. Winter came and lasted for a while. But the days became longer and spring appeared (along with the crocus we planted last fall). Due to my variable/unorthodox schedule, we spent a lot of time as our little gang: going grocery shopping together; visiting the library; enjoying the sunshine in Gatineau Park. I think these daily tasks/ moments are what I will be missing the most: Our little trio just hanging out.

I think Simon took full advantage of being a SAHD! He was great and the bond he has created with Margot has been invaluable in their relationship.

In three weeks, I’ll be done work. Things will be different. But change is good, right? My yogic path has instilled in me a philosophy of embracing change and adapting to new situations. For these three weeks when both Simon and I will be at work, Margot will be cared for by her grand-maman and grand-papa and by her cousin Noa who will keep a watchful eye on her to make sure she doesn’t pull his hair or play with his trucks! After that, as summer rolls along, it will be her and me. Mama et bébé. I don’t have any plans…yet. I like schedules (hey, I’m a teacher!). I signed up for two library programs with the City of Gatineau and will probably continue the music class in July & August. Margot is at a difficult age for activities as they seem to be directed to pre-crawling /pre-walking (yoga class, massage classes, salsa baby, post-natal aquafit) or 24 months + (fun stuff!).

On the social side, Margot hopes to visit Owen and Matilda this summer, spend a bit of time with Xander and Isla, and go strolling with Althea. She’s in good company!


Thank you for your readership. Hence, I sign off with words of wisdom: savour the moment and go with the flow!

    With Love,
        Jen xox