It was just over a year ago that we announced to our families that we were expecting.
Last year I was avoiding my mom so I wouldn't spill the beans early, I had morning sickness and I was beyond tired. I am so glad that's over with!
Lily's first Christmas was pretty special. We started out taking her to the late church service on Christmas Eve. She did ok, considering the service started at the same time she usually goes to bed. She squawked a bit, so I had to leave and listen to the service from the lobby. It was strange - I have only missed the candlelight service a few times in my life. (A couple of years we were at the lake, and the year I was in Toronto.) I didn't exactly miss this one, but it felt like I missed out on something, having to watch from the outside. Maybe next year we will go to the earlier service, so she's less likely to fuss. She was a doll at my Auntie Eleanor's - we always go back to her house for a late dinner after the service. My cousins oohed and aahed over her, and she soaked it up, even indulging us in a game of peek-a-boo.
Christmas Day was pretty normal, with me getting up early and Bryan looking at me like I was crazy. This is the only morning of the year that I get up before him. I woke up at 630 am. I can't help it, I love Christmas! I had some coffee, and we exchanged gifts before heading over to my parent's place for the day. Traditionally, we open stockings over coffee and then have breakfast. After breakfast, we hit the presents. As always, Santa was pretty good to everyone. Miss Lily was the star of the show, of course. She had no clue as to what was going on, and was happy to sit in her Bumbo and play with the toys we kept handing her. Mom found her a Winkel, and my Dad bought her some books including Green Eggs and Ham. Speaking of green...Mom thought it would be fun to let Lily play with paper. Green tissue paper to be exact. Miss Lily had green lips, a green tongue and a green fist. Oops. It's a good thing baby wipes remove just about anything.
This was the first Christmas in the new house. I love that some things stayed the same - the order of operation for the day didn't change a lot. Until the afternoon, which is when we usually meet up with the Matter's for a bit of Christmas cheer. I don't even know when or how this tradition started, but we alternated houses for years. (It must have been when we were kids and our parents booted us out of the house, to go to Ekota hill with our CrazyCarpets.) Sometimes it was just to have coffee, sometimes it was a family brunch. Everyone compares gifts, shows off new toys and then we watch Dad and Wayne tease each other. Well, we watch Wayne tease Dad. I missed that this year. Dad mentioned that Sherry and Wayne were coming over Boxing Day for snowshoeing and a chili lunch. I suggested that the chili should be first...
I haven't seen the books yet, but the Matter's gave Lily a Christmas gift. They made mom and dad open them. My Grandma is Wonderful is one, and the other is My Grandpa is Amazing. I'm sure my parents agree, because they are amazing and wonderful, and I hope that I do as good a job at being a parent as they did.
We had Bryan's family over for lunch on Boxing Day. Lily needed a break from evening festivities, so an afternoon visit was just right for her. She was spoiled again, lots of clothes and toys. She loves her Cookie Monster doll, and will have a lot of fun with her Fisher Price Choo Choo when she is a bit older.
Now that the holiday is over, we are happy to be getting back into a routine. You don't appreciate how important a routine for a baby, until you throw said routine out the window for a few days. It makes for a tired mommy and a cranky baby. The Grinch dropped a cold off at our house, so we are all a bit under the weather. Lily has escaped the worst of it - she's just a little sleepy and clingy. Bryan and I are Sleepy and Sneezy. Later we'll be Dopey and Happy. Ahh, the bliss of a Nyquil induced sleep.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Ode to a Black Jacket
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black,
Whose presence I lack.
I had it once, for a short while,
Perhaps it was in a pile.
Of dry cleaning,
Driven around for a while.
Alone on a hanger,
Sent home with a stranger?
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black,
Whose presence I lack.
I had it once, for a short while.
It's not at the lake,
But would be nice to rake
Leaves in.
Perhaps in Barrhead,
In a closet, forgotten
While the Leader was read?
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black,
Whose presence I lack.
I had it once, for a short while.
I reget that my spouse
May have left it at the old house,
Eaten by a mouse?
In the very
Basement.
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black,
Whose presence I lack.
I had it once for a short while.
A bag of clothing
Flown in from China, afar.
Special delivery, laundry and ironing.
Packed and flown back to Beijing.
Left on a rack in a bar?
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black.
Whose presence I miss.
I had it once for a short while.
The memories of it
Bring a smile.
A quest to discover
The jacket, the cover
Of down and canvas.
Lost forever?
Have you seen my black jacket?
(for my dad...)
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black,
Whose presence I lack.
I had it once, for a short while,
Perhaps it was in a pile.
Of dry cleaning,
Driven around for a while.
Alone on a hanger,
Sent home with a stranger?
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black,
Whose presence I lack.
I had it once, for a short while.
It's not at the lake,
But would be nice to rake
Leaves in.
Perhaps in Barrhead,
In a closet, forgotten
While the Leader was read?
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black,
Whose presence I lack.
I had it once, for a short while.
I reget that my spouse
May have left it at the old house,
Eaten by a mouse?
In the very
Basement.
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black,
Whose presence I lack.
I had it once for a short while.
A bag of clothing
Flown in from China, afar.
Special delivery, laundry and ironing.
Packed and flown back to Beijing.
Left on a rack in a bar?
Have you seen my black jacket?
A jacket of black.
Whose presence I miss.
I had it once for a short while.
The memories of it
Bring a smile.
A quest to discover
The jacket, the cover
Of down and canvas.
Lost forever?
Have you seen my black jacket?
(for my dad...)
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry Christmas!
Hello again, once again, it's Xmas, and once again my wife woke up first; granted this time she scooped up Lily and changed her and promptly went to feed her. But today I believe is always the day where Carrie will wake up before me, ready to start the day. It's role reversal of a sort. I am usually the one that jumps out of bed, ready to go, no grogginess, no hesitation...my lovely wife however does not; and let's leave it at that.
Christmas morning it seems, she takes on with some sort of giddy anticipation that leaves her ready to take on the day the moment she leaves our bed; and I basically slowly follow behind, rubbing my eyes.
Am I eager...or more so am I looking forward to what lay ahead as Lily ages, to her waking up perhaps at the crack of 5am shaking me awake to go witness her wanton destruction of neatly wrapped gifts left by Santa? I'm not sure, and, by the by, if they are neatly wrapped, it will be by Carrie's hand...for, as some of you are not aware, and this is my Christmas shame....
I cannot wrap.
There I said it.
It's true, I am looking into some sort of 12 step course, but I simply cannot do it; I have watched people wrap, had them give me instruction, but to no avail...my wrapping attempts still look as though someone attempted the task after 20 cups of morning coffee.
But enough of that, I am sorry to say but it's almost 7am, and my father-in-law kept telling us that we were expected to pop by at 5am, or at least he did, several times last night, and even though we are late, we best get over there so as not to disappoint.
A Merry Christmas to one and all.
Hello again, once again, it's Xmas, and once again my wife woke up first; granted this time she scooped up Lily and changed her and promptly went to feed her. But today I believe is always the day where Carrie will wake up before me, ready to start the day. It's role reversal of a sort. I am usually the one that jumps out of bed, ready to go, no grogginess, no hesitation...my lovely wife however does not; and let's leave it at that.
Christmas morning it seems, she takes on with some sort of giddy anticipation that leaves her ready to take on the day the moment she leaves our bed; and I basically slowly follow behind, rubbing my eyes.
Am I eager...or more so am I looking forward to what lay ahead as Lily ages, to her waking up perhaps at the crack of 5am shaking me awake to go witness her wanton destruction of neatly wrapped gifts left by Santa? I'm not sure, and, by the by, if they are neatly wrapped, it will be by Carrie's hand...for, as some of you are not aware, and this is my Christmas shame....
I cannot wrap.
There I said it.
It's true, I am looking into some sort of 12 step course, but I simply cannot do it; I have watched people wrap, had them give me instruction, but to no avail...my wrapping attempts still look as though someone attempted the task after 20 cups of morning coffee.
But enough of that, I am sorry to say but it's almost 7am, and my father-in-law kept telling us that we were expected to pop by at 5am, or at least he did, several times last night, and even though we are late, we best get over there so as not to disappoint.
A Merry Christmas to one and all.
Saturday, December 23, 2006
It turns out we were a bit late in getting our Santa's Anonymous donation ready to go.
Bryan and I talked about it weeks ago, but only got around to it today. We went to the Bay downtown, and picked out a really neat Fisher Price Peek-a-Block set. I never pay attention to when the Santa's Anonymous bins are taken away, but I was pretty sure that the mall would still have one, even this close to Christmas. Nope! Bryan asked at the customer service desk, and the bins were picked up on Monday. Oops.
We talked about what to do. Bryan suggested keeping the gift until next year, but I didn't like that idea, so we decided we would return the gift and donate the same amount to the Christmas Bureau, who run the Santa's Anonymous program. They had a booth set up by the Bay, so we would be able to drop the money off after we did the return. Bryan went to the news stand to buy scratch tickets for our stockings, and I took the baby and the stroller to sit down for a rest. What I didn't know, was that Bryan had left the gift on the other side of the stroller where I couldn't see it. I thought he had it, and he thought I had it. When he came over to where we were sitting, he said to stay put, and he would take the gift back and do the donation. Then he asked for the gift.
You guessed it - I didn't have it. I felt sick. We looked over to where he had been standing in line for the lottery tickets, but it wasn't there. Bryan said, well, then that takes care of the donation. I asked him to go back to the news stand; maybe someone had turned it in. There was nothing there.
I started thinking, maybe the person that took it needed it more than us. Maybe it was someone with a kid that wasn't getting any other gifts. I really hoped the person that took it didn't just return it for cash. Bryan went back to the customer service desk, and asked if anyone had turned in our parcel. The lady at the desk gave a big grin, and handed him the bag.
Not wanting to stand in the long line up at the Bay, Bryan went to the Christmas Bureau booth to see if they had a late drop-off box. One of the gentlemen working the booth said that he would personally take the gift to the Santa's Anonymous Depot. He said that he gets a few of these every year, and that he really doesn't mind. Bryan gave them another $20 donation in addition to the gift.
We changed the life of a child today, and a Good Samaritan changed our life today too.
Whoever that person was, bless you, and have a Merry Christmas.
Bryan and I talked about it weeks ago, but only got around to it today. We went to the Bay downtown, and picked out a really neat Fisher Price Peek-a-Block set. I never pay attention to when the Santa's Anonymous bins are taken away, but I was pretty sure that the mall would still have one, even this close to Christmas. Nope! Bryan asked at the customer service desk, and the bins were picked up on Monday. Oops.
We talked about what to do. Bryan suggested keeping the gift until next year, but I didn't like that idea, so we decided we would return the gift and donate the same amount to the Christmas Bureau, who run the Santa's Anonymous program. They had a booth set up by the Bay, so we would be able to drop the money off after we did the return. Bryan went to the news stand to buy scratch tickets for our stockings, and I took the baby and the stroller to sit down for a rest. What I didn't know, was that Bryan had left the gift on the other side of the stroller where I couldn't see it. I thought he had it, and he thought I had it. When he came over to where we were sitting, he said to stay put, and he would take the gift back and do the donation. Then he asked for the gift.
You guessed it - I didn't have it. I felt sick. We looked over to where he had been standing in line for the lottery tickets, but it wasn't there. Bryan said, well, then that takes care of the donation. I asked him to go back to the news stand; maybe someone had turned it in. There was nothing there.
I started thinking, maybe the person that took it needed it more than us. Maybe it was someone with a kid that wasn't getting any other gifts. I really hoped the person that took it didn't just return it for cash. Bryan went back to the customer service desk, and asked if anyone had turned in our parcel. The lady at the desk gave a big grin, and handed him the bag.
Not wanting to stand in the long line up at the Bay, Bryan went to the Christmas Bureau booth to see if they had a late drop-off box. One of the gentlemen working the booth said that he would personally take the gift to the Santa's Anonymous Depot. He said that he gets a few of these every year, and that he really doesn't mind. Bryan gave them another $20 donation in addition to the gift.
We changed the life of a child today, and a Good Samaritan changed our life today too.
Whoever that person was, bless you, and have a Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
I think that I am almost ready for Christmas. The tree is up and decorated, and the gifts are wrapped and ready to go. I have to purchase one last gift, for Santa's Anonymous.
When we were growing up, my Mom and Dad made sure we each purchased a gift for Santa's Anonymous. You don't really recognize what the season is about until you realize that your gift will be the only one that a child gets that year. When I was about 13, my Dad and I decided to volunteer to deliver some gifts for Santa's Anonymous. I imagine the process today is the same as it was then. (wow, that was over 20 years ago...) You show up, let the organizers know where you are able to deliver, take a list of addresses and the packages that go with them. After that, you get to go to homes, ring the bell, and pass the gifts on to the families that need them.
I can still remember some of the reactions of the people that we delivered gifts to. Some were grateful and humble, and some were excited and happy. Some seemed surprised to see us, and a few were expecting us, and accepted the gifts like they had done it before. And they probably had. It's sad to think that year after year, some families have to count on Santa's Anonymous to keep the wonder of Christmas alive for their kids. As a parent, I can't imagine having to explain to my child, that not only will there be no tree, but no gifts under it. That Santa won't be able to come to our house this year.
I'm glad that in some small way, I am able to put that joy back into a child's life. We don't have a lot to spare this year, but we still have more than some.
Merry Christmas everyone.
When we were growing up, my Mom and Dad made sure we each purchased a gift for Santa's Anonymous. You don't really recognize what the season is about until you realize that your gift will be the only one that a child gets that year. When I was about 13, my Dad and I decided to volunteer to deliver some gifts for Santa's Anonymous. I imagine the process today is the same as it was then. (wow, that was over 20 years ago...) You show up, let the organizers know where you are able to deliver, take a list of addresses and the packages that go with them. After that, you get to go to homes, ring the bell, and pass the gifts on to the families that need them.
I can still remember some of the reactions of the people that we delivered gifts to. Some were grateful and humble, and some were excited and happy. Some seemed surprised to see us, and a few were expecting us, and accepted the gifts like they had done it before. And they probably had. It's sad to think that year after year, some families have to count on Santa's Anonymous to keep the wonder of Christmas alive for their kids. As a parent, I can't imagine having to explain to my child, that not only will there be no tree, but no gifts under it. That Santa won't be able to come to our house this year.
I'm glad that in some small way, I am able to put that joy back into a child's life. We don't have a lot to spare this year, but we still have more than some.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Monday, December 18, 2006
Hello again all, and by all I definitely mean some of my relatives out east; whom I found out actually check out our blog. Well for those out east viewing, please email me! Its Kellor@hotmail.com I'd love to hear from you, that and I could share some of the 800+ pictures of my new daughter. OK she's not so new now, but she still has the new baby smell to her, for at least a few more miles.
Anyway, things are going well for the three of us, I'm back working as a plumber again, apprenticing at the moment, will see how far I can go before the boom here slows down. From the looks of it, at least for several more years, which is good in my books.
Carrie is enjoying her time with our daughter Lily, who I must say is quite the charmer, well she's charmed me after all, no small task...granted her mother did it...so must run in the family!
Lily is just enjoying her time, she's currently laying on the floor several feet from me, gnawing on her fist...Mmm tasty fist. No, she's not teething, she just enjoys gumming her hands for some strange reason.
Going to keep this relatively short, we are heading out to visit with Lily's grumpa...or rather Carrie's dad, and by process of residence, her mom as well!
I hope that whomever is reading my blog, be they relative or friend; is gearing up to having a wonderful holiday season...I'm a bit of the Grinch at the moment, but I am sure as the day closes in, that will change.
Anyway, things are going well for the three of us, I'm back working as a plumber again, apprenticing at the moment, will see how far I can go before the boom here slows down. From the looks of it, at least for several more years, which is good in my books.
Carrie is enjoying her time with our daughter Lily, who I must say is quite the charmer, well she's charmed me after all, no small task...granted her mother did it...so must run in the family!
Lily is just enjoying her time, she's currently laying on the floor several feet from me, gnawing on her fist...Mmm tasty fist. No, she's not teething, she just enjoys gumming her hands for some strange reason.
Going to keep this relatively short, we are heading out to visit with Lily's grumpa...or rather Carrie's dad, and by process of residence, her mom as well!
I hope that whomever is reading my blog, be they relative or friend; is gearing up to having a wonderful holiday season...I'm a bit of the Grinch at the moment, but I am sure as the day closes in, that will change.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
It was green and made of feathers and it was fantastic...
Yesterday Lily and I took the bus to West Edmonton Mall for our Stars and Strollers date. You can pretty much count on an interesting trip when taking public transit. The usual cast of characters was present. You know, the guy who engages you in conversation about the latest news headline, the mom wrestling her snowsuit-clad toddler into a seat, the senior with his old-man pants hiked high, the teenager with silly hair and sillier piercings, the person who always stands up at the front talking to the driver, or the guy who runs up to the bus and bangs on the door because he just ran down the block to catch the bus.
Well today, we had the penultimate transit experience. The bus stopped around 114th street, and a little old lady got on. The outfit was out of this world. Picture this if you will, a spunky little octegenarian wearing a pair of everyday pants, a moss green and red and purple sweater circa the Cosby years, paired with a 1970's belted cardigan in moss green with metallic gold flecks. She had on the standard old lady makeup, complete with drawn-on eyebrows. Topping this off was the most amazing hat I have ever seen. It was made of moss green feathers, and looked like an afro. I couldn't stop looking at it!
It gets better. One stop after the feather hat, an African-American lady with a real afro got on the bus, and sat beside her. I know...quite the contrast. THEN, another guy got on, took one look at the ladies, and commented - "Great afro!" I looked at the two ladies, wondering who would answer, and before the second one could say 'thank you', the octegenarian piped up "Why thank you, I've had this hat for years!"
I just laughed and shook my head. I searched in vain for a picture of a green feather hat, and found this instead. Just imagine it as moss green.
Yesterday Lily and I took the bus to West Edmonton Mall for our Stars and Strollers date. You can pretty much count on an interesting trip when taking public transit. The usual cast of characters was present. You know, the guy who engages you in conversation about the latest news headline, the mom wrestling her snowsuit-clad toddler into a seat, the senior with his old-man pants hiked high, the teenager with silly hair and sillier piercings, the person who always stands up at the front talking to the driver, or the guy who runs up to the bus and bangs on the door because he just ran down the block to catch the bus.
Well today, we had the penultimate transit experience. The bus stopped around 114th street, and a little old lady got on. The outfit was out of this world. Picture this if you will, a spunky little octegenarian wearing a pair of everyday pants, a moss green and red and purple sweater circa the Cosby years, paired with a 1970's belted cardigan in moss green with metallic gold flecks. She had on the standard old lady makeup, complete with drawn-on eyebrows. Topping this off was the most amazing hat I have ever seen. It was made of moss green feathers, and looked like an afro. I couldn't stop looking at it!
It gets better. One stop after the feather hat, an African-American lady with a real afro got on the bus, and sat beside her. I know...quite the contrast. THEN, another guy got on, took one look at the ladies, and commented - "Great afro!" I looked at the two ladies, wondering who would answer, and before the second one could say 'thank you', the octegenarian piped up "Why thank you, I've had this hat for years!"
I just laughed and shook my head. I searched in vain for a picture of a green feather hat, and found this instead. Just imagine it as moss green.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
A special day...
Today was Lily's baptism. Bryan and I asked my great Auntie Eleanor and great Auntie Ann to be her godparents. Lily has brought such joy to their lives, and they have such strong faith - it was an honor to ask them to be her sponsors. My grandma Ruth was their sister - I know that she was with us in spirit today, watching over her namesake.
My grandma Lorraine bought her a beautiful gown for the baptism - simple and long with a gorgeous lace overlay. It's an heirloom to pass on to her children someday. Lily was pretty good, a bit fussy during the service, but no crying. She fell asleep on my lap about 2 minutes before we had to go up to the front for her part of the service. She didn't wake up during the ceremony - even when Pastor Mackay poured water on her little head. She did wake up for pictures afterward though.
We invited Bryan's parents and sisters, my parents, my grandmother and the great Aunties over for a lunch in Lily's honor. She was so good, tolerating pass the baby until we put her in her swing, where she promptly fell asleep. She woke up for another round of pass the baby, and was the belle of the ball for the rest of the afternoon. Not bad for almost no naps during the day. She had a 2 hour nap as soon as everyone left. Mom followed suit...after 2 days of housecleaning and getting food ready, and getting up at 7am today, I was tired. Still, it was nice to have everyone here together. The last time we were all together was last Christmas, when we shared our news of the baby-to-be. Time flies...
Today was Lily's baptism. Bryan and I asked my great Auntie Eleanor and great Auntie Ann to be her godparents. Lily has brought such joy to their lives, and they have such strong faith - it was an honor to ask them to be her sponsors. My grandma Ruth was their sister - I know that she was with us in spirit today, watching over her namesake.
My grandma Lorraine bought her a beautiful gown for the baptism - simple and long with a gorgeous lace overlay. It's an heirloom to pass on to her children someday. Lily was pretty good, a bit fussy during the service, but no crying. She fell asleep on my lap about 2 minutes before we had to go up to the front for her part of the service. She didn't wake up during the ceremony - even when Pastor Mackay poured water on her little head. She did wake up for pictures afterward though.
We invited Bryan's parents and sisters, my parents, my grandmother and the great Aunties over for a lunch in Lily's honor. She was so good, tolerating pass the baby until we put her in her swing, where she promptly fell asleep. She woke up for another round of pass the baby, and was the belle of the ball for the rest of the afternoon. Not bad for almost no naps during the day. She had a 2 hour nap as soon as everyone left. Mom followed suit...after 2 days of housecleaning and getting food ready, and getting up at 7am today, I was tired. Still, it was nice to have everyone here together. The last time we were all together was last Christmas, when we shared our news of the baby-to-be. Time flies...
Friday, December 08, 2006
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Can somebody please turn up the heat?
BRRR! It's way too cold out.
I like winter, but winter at -10 is just fine. -15 is pushing it and -20 and beyond is grounds for crawling into bed with a good book and not getting out until it warms up.
Mom took me shopping on Thursday, and as an early Christmas present, she bought me a new down coat. My old winter coat was about 2 sizes too big. This one is down, super warm, and is an awesome copper color. And it fits! I tried it out on Friday, and it kept me toasty, even in a car with frosty windows. Miss Lily has a great little down snowsuit so she was warm too.
Little miss fussypants gave grandma and grandpa a bit of trouble on Friday. (I hit mom up for some babysitting while I went to my hair appointment and ran some errands.) She has had no issues with taking a bottle of milk from my mom in the past, but she was having none of that on Friday. She would not take a drop from my mom, or my dad. She cried and fussed and howled and pouted and then went to sleep, and waited patiently for me to come back. I guess Mommy is best, but she's going to have to learn to take a bottle, so Bryan and I can go on dates, and so Bryan can feed her every once in a while. Hopefully this is a short term snit...
Today I was in a cooking mood - I made Bryan waffles (the real thing, no Eggos here!) and bacon for brunch, and then made calzone for dinner. Yummy!
I have some Ben and Jerry's in the freezer, calling my name. It seems wrong to eat ice cream when it's so cold...but I don't care. Cookie dough, here I come.
BRRR! It's way too cold out.
I like winter, but winter at -10 is just fine. -15 is pushing it and -20 and beyond is grounds for crawling into bed with a good book and not getting out until it warms up.
Mom took me shopping on Thursday, and as an early Christmas present, she bought me a new down coat. My old winter coat was about 2 sizes too big. This one is down, super warm, and is an awesome copper color. And it fits! I tried it out on Friday, and it kept me toasty, even in a car with frosty windows. Miss Lily has a great little down snowsuit so she was warm too.
Little miss fussypants gave grandma and grandpa a bit of trouble on Friday. (I hit mom up for some babysitting while I went to my hair appointment and ran some errands.) She has had no issues with taking a bottle of milk from my mom in the past, but she was having none of that on Friday. She would not take a drop from my mom, or my dad. She cried and fussed and howled and pouted and then went to sleep, and waited patiently for me to come back. I guess Mommy is best, but she's going to have to learn to take a bottle, so Bryan and I can go on dates, and so Bryan can feed her every once in a while. Hopefully this is a short term snit...
Today I was in a cooking mood - I made Bryan waffles (the real thing, no Eggos here!) and bacon for brunch, and then made calzone for dinner. Yummy!
I have some Ben and Jerry's in the freezer, calling my name. It seems wrong to eat ice cream when it's so cold...but I don't care. Cookie dough, here I come.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Three months ago our little girl joined us.
I can't believe how fast the time goes by. People tell you to savor every moment with your newborn because in a blink, they are all grown up. It's so true.
Three months ago she couldn't do very much at all. Now she can hold her head up, stand on her daddy's lap, sit propped up in a chair, and play with her little toys. She can roll over from her side to her back, she can push herself up if she's on her belly, and tries to grab anything within reach so she can put it in her mouth. She can smile and coo, and if you are really lucky, she'll giggle for you.
She is fascinated by so many things in the world that is unfolding around her. She scratches her fingernails on the plastic of her Excersaucer, rakes her fingers through the soft grey fur on Leo's back and clutches my hair in her hand as I carry her through the house. She stretches her little legs as far as they can go, and then stretches some more. She pushes herself up on her belly until she is too tired to hold up her little head, and yet, she still tries to look around. She grins when you tickle her belly and blow raspberries on it, and gurgles of laughter have been known to bubble up if you make silly noises while dressing her. She crinkles the petals on her toy frog as she tries to put it in her mouth, and fiddles with the soft edge of her blanket as she rocks in her swing. She jumps back, and then grins when her daddy's raspy beard brushes her cheeks.
You don't really appreciate how much your senses help you interact with your world until you watch someone experience it for the first time.
The world seen through the eyes of a child is a wonderful thing.
I can't believe how fast the time goes by. People tell you to savor every moment with your newborn because in a blink, they are all grown up. It's so true.
Three months ago she couldn't do very much at all. Now she can hold her head up, stand on her daddy's lap, sit propped up in a chair, and play with her little toys. She can roll over from her side to her back, she can push herself up if she's on her belly, and tries to grab anything within reach so she can put it in her mouth. She can smile and coo, and if you are really lucky, she'll giggle for you.
She is fascinated by so many things in the world that is unfolding around her. She scratches her fingernails on the plastic of her Excersaucer, rakes her fingers through the soft grey fur on Leo's back and clutches my hair in her hand as I carry her through the house. She stretches her little legs as far as they can go, and then stretches some more. She pushes herself up on her belly until she is too tired to hold up her little head, and yet, she still tries to look around. She grins when you tickle her belly and blow raspberries on it, and gurgles of laughter have been known to bubble up if you make silly noises while dressing her. She crinkles the petals on her toy frog as she tries to put it in her mouth, and fiddles with the soft edge of her blanket as she rocks in her swing. She jumps back, and then grins when her daddy's raspy beard brushes her cheeks.
You don't really appreciate how much your senses help you interact with your world until you watch someone experience it for the first time.
The world seen through the eyes of a child is a wonderful thing.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Rembrandt, Rubens, Remington, Russell and Ritcey.
One of these things is not like the other.... (can you tell I've been watching Sesame Street?)
Today mom and I took Lily to the Art Gallery of Alberta to see a Baroque Masterworks exhibit from the National Gallery. There was also a small exhibit of cowboy art by Remington and Russell. This was timed for the rodeo, I'm sure.
Lily had two opinions of the art. One involved a trip to the restroom to change her diaper, and the other involved her blankie and some shut-eye.
Fortunately Mom and I found all the exhibits interesting. Well, not the stuff on the 2nd floor, but we didn't stay up there long enough to do anything other than look at each other and decide it was time for coffee right there and then. I enjoy a lot of modern art, but it has to have a point, and neither of us saw the point in looking at any of it today.
The coffee was almost as interesting as the art gallery. We went to the Second Cup at the Library, where we witnessed a very drunk individual fall off his chair. I'm not sure he ordered his coffee off the menu...
They were playing a lot of country music at the Second Cup, which fit in really well with the 4 or 5 gigantic John Deere tractors perched in the middle of Churchill Square. I whispered to Lily, that country music gives us a rash, so we don't listen to it. When she's older I'll have her grandpa explain why Ian Tyson and Corb Lund don't count.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Hello again. It has been pointed out by my good friend Marny...that I, Bryan, don't post as often as my...well let's face it, post-happy...and beautiful wife. So I am here to rectify that oversight, and rectify it I shall.
Lets see, new in my life, oh new job, I am back doing plumbing again, building up those apprenticeship hours. New chair cushion, thanks to my lovely wife. New short hair, well as short as it is, the hair that is there is of course new. New desire to eat chocolate, ok let's not lie, that's the same desire I have always had.
But anyway, hmm what to say next, oh yes, this last weekend, Carrie and I decided that only parent sanctioned baby toys would be accepted on the upcoming first Christmas of our darling Lily.
What is a parent sanctioned baby toy, you might ponder? Well it's one...(unlike that coffee pot toy that Carrie posted) that is approved by both of us. It has to meet the following criteria...
a)Not have a repetitive noise that will make us gouge out the eyes of the person that gave it to us...
b)Not have a repetitive noise that will make us gouge out the eyes of the person that gave it to us...
I know that's the same reason as the first one; but really, it's so big that I thought it deserved a second mention.
c)Something that is tactile and Lily will enjoy
d)Not something that has its own program on television...With the exception of the Children's Television Workshop, I mean seriously who could resist a stuffed cookie monster toy?! Really who?
I did have more reasons, but I am a bit tired after working all day. I believe I'll post a bit more, very soon, or at least so I have one post on the board..Well visible post that is. More from me later!
Lets see, new in my life, oh new job, I am back doing plumbing again, building up those apprenticeship hours. New chair cushion, thanks to my lovely wife. New short hair, well as short as it is, the hair that is there is of course new. New desire to eat chocolate, ok let's not lie, that's the same desire I have always had.
But anyway, hmm what to say next, oh yes, this last weekend, Carrie and I decided that only parent sanctioned baby toys would be accepted on the upcoming first Christmas of our darling Lily.
What is a parent sanctioned baby toy, you might ponder? Well it's one...(unlike that coffee pot toy that Carrie posted) that is approved by both of us. It has to meet the following criteria...
a)Not have a repetitive noise that will make us gouge out the eyes of the person that gave it to us...
b)Not have a repetitive noise that will make us gouge out the eyes of the person that gave it to us...
I know that's the same reason as the first one; but really, it's so big that I thought it deserved a second mention.
c)Something that is tactile and Lily will enjoy
d)Not something that has its own program on television...With the exception of the Children's Television Workshop, I mean seriously who could resist a stuffed cookie monster toy?! Really who?
I did have more reasons, but I am a bit tired after working all day. I believe I'll post a bit more, very soon, or at least so I have one post on the board..Well visible post that is. More from me later!
Monday, November 06, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
TRICK OR TREAT!
Halloween is so much fun when you are a kid, except when the weather is crappy and you can't fit your costume over a snowsuit so you have to wear it under the snowsuit and then no one can tell what you are dressed as...
That was the case for the poor cold kids that were out tonight! BRRR!
We spent the evening at my mom and dad's, partly because I needed out of the house, but mostly to show off Lily's costume...
I had way too much fun making this costume! I finished the last parts yesterday, but when I went to get Lily to model it, she was grumpy, so...
She had her stunt double stand in...
Today she was less grumpy, and let us put the costume on, but every time we got her to smile, she stopped smiling in time for the camera. This is what she looked like as a 'kiss'
And this was what she wore the rest of the day - it has a spider web and a button spider on it...
Halloween is so much fun when you are a kid, except when the weather is crappy and you can't fit your costume over a snowsuit so you have to wear it under the snowsuit and then no one can tell what you are dressed as...
That was the case for the poor cold kids that were out tonight! BRRR!
We spent the evening at my mom and dad's, partly because I needed out of the house, but mostly to show off Lily's costume...
I had way too much fun making this costume! I finished the last parts yesterday, but when I went to get Lily to model it, she was grumpy, so...
She had her stunt double stand in...
Today she was less grumpy, and let us put the costume on, but every time we got her to smile, she stopped smiling in time for the camera. This is what she looked like as a 'kiss'
And this was what she wore the rest of the day - it has a spider web and a button spider on it...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Everyone has a soundtrack to their life, be it music or the everyday sounds that one encounters day in and day out.
I love to listen for the song of the first robin of the season, as celery green leaves pop out on trees and crocuses peek through the crumbly dirt in my garden. Hearing a steady staccato patter of rain on the metal roof of the cabin during a thunder storm is the best way to fall asleep in the summer. I love the rustle of the leaves in the fall, when the air smells like smoke and you want to nestle into a comfortable chair and sip hot chocolate while reading a great book. The squeaky crunch of the first snow as the dog leaps ahead on the trail, when the only other sound is your own breathing and the twitter of unseen birds in the bushes, is the best part of winter.
I thought all these sounds were beautiful until today.
Today my daughter discovered her voice. My music today was her. Listening to her shy, soft, pretty little voice melts my heart. Tonight she sat on her grandpa's lap and had a sweet little conversation with him - looking into his eyes as he looked into hers. Later on she sat and had a talk with her grandma, and the look on my mom's face was pure bliss.
I love these little moments - they are brief, but they stay in your heart forever.
I love to listen for the song of the first robin of the season, as celery green leaves pop out on trees and crocuses peek through the crumbly dirt in my garden. Hearing a steady staccato patter of rain on the metal roof of the cabin during a thunder storm is the best way to fall asleep in the summer. I love the rustle of the leaves in the fall, when the air smells like smoke and you want to nestle into a comfortable chair and sip hot chocolate while reading a great book. The squeaky crunch of the first snow as the dog leaps ahead on the trail, when the only other sound is your own breathing and the twitter of unseen birds in the bushes, is the best part of winter.
I thought all these sounds were beautiful until today.
Today my daughter discovered her voice. My music today was her. Listening to her shy, soft, pretty little voice melts my heart. Tonight she sat on her grandpa's lap and had a sweet little conversation with him - looking into his eyes as he looked into hers. Later on she sat and had a talk with her grandma, and the look on my mom's face was pure bliss.
I love these little moments - they are brief, but they stay in your heart forever.
Monday, October 16, 2006
Lily was 2 months old on Tuesday! The weeks are just flying by. She had her 2 month checkup. She is now 12 lbs 9 oz (more by the time I post this!) and 24" long. My little girl is not so little! She had her first set of shots on Tuesday. I was not looking forward to these...I am fine with needles, just not with my kid being in pain! My mom was right, the shots were harder on me than they were on her. She was ok after the shots, but later that night she spent a good 25 minutes crying so hard I though she was going to throw up. She was PURPLE. She's ok now though, thanks to lots of cuddles and a little bit of baby Tylenol.
Did everyone like the snow this week? My wonderful husband has been 'predicting' snow since Labor Day. He refused to listen to me regarding the weather in September. For as long as I can remember, the weather is always nicest in the weeks leading up to my birthday at the end of September, right through until Thanksgiving. After that, it can be unpredictable.
This has been a crazy couple of weeks. My mom is now the 'bionic grandma' as she had a pacemaker put in on the 13th. She was having some issues with dizziness that didn't allow her to drive until the docs fixed her up. This means that my dad has been 'driving Miss Daisy' since the end of June. She should be driving again in a couple of weeks. Wednesday Keltie and I made our first venture out to the Stars and Strollers movie at WEM. We saw 'Employee of the Month'. It was ok. Honestly, it wouldn't have mattered what movie it was, it meant we were able to get out of the house! You don't have to worry about your kid disturbing anyone, you can walk around with your baby if you need to, they provide a change table and diapers, and the sound isn't too loud. (Someone should have told the teenagers skipping school to see the show that it was what I am now calling 'Babies and Boobies' day. I don't think that they were counting on seeing a bunch of nursing moms!)
Thursday I was awakened by my husband asking where the nearest hospital was. He was is an extreme amount of pain and was the color of my high school locker - putty grey. I got up and told him we would go to the hospital as soon as I fed Lily. He called my mom to see if my dad was around to drive. Dad was at work, so Mom said she would look after Lily. THEN, my silly husband said he would take the BUS to the hospital. Yes, the bus. I told him to sit down and wait 5 minutes. We went and picked up my mom, and headed to the hospital. By some strange stroke of luck, there was only a couple of people in the emergency dept waiting room and Grey Nuns. I left Mom with Lily and went in to see how Bryan was doing. Mom took Lily up to her office to show her off while I sat in the hall with Bryan. Both mom and I thought he had a kidney infection or kidney stones. Turns out it was both. 5 hours, 1 IV, 2 shots of Demerol and a CT scan later = and he has a small stone and an infection. They sent us home with good drugs, antibiotics and told Bryan to drink like he hasn't drank before.
Dad says he will keep the windows closed so he doesn't hear Bryan holler when the stone is, well, gone... (ouch!)
How does the saying go?
This too shall pass...
Did everyone like the snow this week? My wonderful husband has been 'predicting' snow since Labor Day. He refused to listen to me regarding the weather in September. For as long as I can remember, the weather is always nicest in the weeks leading up to my birthday at the end of September, right through until Thanksgiving. After that, it can be unpredictable.
This has been a crazy couple of weeks. My mom is now the 'bionic grandma' as she had a pacemaker put in on the 13th. She was having some issues with dizziness that didn't allow her to drive until the docs fixed her up. This means that my dad has been 'driving Miss Daisy' since the end of June. She should be driving again in a couple of weeks. Wednesday Keltie and I made our first venture out to the Stars and Strollers movie at WEM. We saw 'Employee of the Month'. It was ok. Honestly, it wouldn't have mattered what movie it was, it meant we were able to get out of the house! You don't have to worry about your kid disturbing anyone, you can walk around with your baby if you need to, they provide a change table and diapers, and the sound isn't too loud. (Someone should have told the teenagers skipping school to see the show that it was what I am now calling 'Babies and Boobies' day. I don't think that they were counting on seeing a bunch of nursing moms!)
Thursday I was awakened by my husband asking where the nearest hospital was. He was is an extreme amount of pain and was the color of my high school locker - putty grey. I got up and told him we would go to the hospital as soon as I fed Lily. He called my mom to see if my dad was around to drive. Dad was at work, so Mom said she would look after Lily. THEN, my silly husband said he would take the BUS to the hospital. Yes, the bus. I told him to sit down and wait 5 minutes. We went and picked up my mom, and headed to the hospital. By some strange stroke of luck, there was only a couple of people in the emergency dept waiting room and Grey Nuns. I left Mom with Lily and went in to see how Bryan was doing. Mom took Lily up to her office to show her off while I sat in the hall with Bryan. Both mom and I thought he had a kidney infection or kidney stones. Turns out it was both. 5 hours, 1 IV, 2 shots of Demerol and a CT scan later = and he has a small stone and an infection. They sent us home with good drugs, antibiotics and told Bryan to drink like he hasn't drank before.
Dad says he will keep the windows closed so he doesn't hear Bryan holler when the stone is, well, gone... (ouch!)
How does the saying go?
This too shall pass...
Sunday, October 08, 2006
One year already! Today is our first wedding anniversary. We celebrated last night, and went for dinner at Madison's Grill at the Union Bank Inn. We had the reception at the UBI and wanted to celebrate with a special night out. This was also the first 'date' that we have had without Miss Lily. Grandma and Grandpa Carbol babysat for us so we could enjoy some time as Carrie and Bryan and not Mommy and Daddy for a few hours. Of course, halfway through dinner I confessed that I missed my kid! My mom wondered why we were back so early... As usual, Lily was great and didn't give them any trouble. She watched the hockey game with Grandpa, and hung out with Grandma.
We realized that out of all our pictures of Lily, we didn't have one of the three of us together, so I had my dad take a few. This one is my favorite, we have a non-goofy one to send to other people. I couldn't resist the bunny ears...in my baby album my Dad did the same thing to me...it's one of my favorite pictures.
We realized that out of all our pictures of Lily, we didn't have one of the three of us together, so I had my dad take a few. This one is my favorite, we have a non-goofy one to send to other people. I couldn't resist the bunny ears...in my baby album my Dad did the same thing to me...it's one of my favorite pictures.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
I just looked at our blog this morning...and realized...I don't have a single visible post at the moment; time to change that!
Currently I am still reeling from the aftermath of "Lilyfest", aka "Baby Shower 2006" . There is a small pathway that I can tread between the couches to the television; the rest of the space taken up by countless bags filled with all sorts of things for our darling Lily. I'm fine with that, it's a great thing to see peoples generosity in this matter, Carrie was quite beside herself about it; I just let her know that its partially a reflection on how well liked she is...Bad thing to say to a nearly tear wife, makes them fully teary.
I'd like to thank all that attended the "Lilyfest", Lily has some neat things, I put her swing together yesterday and picked up the batteries and there she is at the moment, she loves it, it lulls her right to sleep...Which makes me love it.
And as an added bonus after the aforementioned "Lilyfest", my wife's uncle and aunt were in town, a rarity at best; they were last in town together at our wedding. Oh wait they were in town in late July I believe when I was attending my Microstation course, and Carrie headed out to the lake to see them. But, that being said, it was the first time since our wedding that I had seen them. Was an enjoyable night, oh just got censored....Granted I did ask about it first, so I self-censored...ack I'm self-censoring myself now! What's next...Drinking coffee...?! Nah that will not ever happen, baring some sort of accident where I lose all my functioning taste buds that is. Anyhow...As I was saying, was an enjoyable night, we went to Brian and Bonnie's afterwards and played my favorite game...Pass the baby! Faye was amusing, she was worried that she would actually make Lily cry...for those unfamiliar with my daughter, she has only cried when the following conditions have been met...You crush or bend one of her limbs the wrong way...She needs to be changed...She needs to be fed or she's tired of whatever position she's been in and needs to be moved. Otherwise, she's just a warm little bundle that you carry about and otherwise stare at. Well she was that little bundle for about 5 minutes or so before she decided to play one of her favorite games of late...."toot and toot again", not the quiet ones like dad, the loud ones, where if they were just a bit louder would shake window panes, she stopped conversation when she did it last night, and it started a new game of "pass the baby", right to dad.
Followed by her next favorite game of late..."Let's make daddy go change me" which involves her sitting with dad where she basically facilitates daddy going to change her.
But all in all, the evening was a good one, its rather amusing to see Barry and Brian in the same room, they verbally spar with each other; the same thing that I do with my wife and friends....Granted our sparring is more akin to myself being a punching bag. I occasionally manage to swing back after a good blow and bonk them in the nose, just like a punching bag. Oooh I'm babbling, time to stop, I got my point across, no I didn't, but well I posted!
Currently I am still reeling from the aftermath of "Lilyfest", aka "Baby Shower 2006" . There is a small pathway that I can tread between the couches to the television; the rest of the space taken up by countless bags filled with all sorts of things for our darling Lily. I'm fine with that, it's a great thing to see peoples generosity in this matter, Carrie was quite beside herself about it; I just let her know that its partially a reflection on how well liked she is...Bad thing to say to a nearly tear wife, makes them fully teary.
I'd like to thank all that attended the "Lilyfest", Lily has some neat things, I put her swing together yesterday and picked up the batteries and there she is at the moment, she loves it, it lulls her right to sleep...Which makes me love it.
And as an added bonus after the aforementioned "Lilyfest", my wife's uncle and aunt were in town, a rarity at best; they were last in town together at our wedding. Oh wait they were in town in late July I believe when I was attending my Microstation course, and Carrie headed out to the lake to see them. But, that being said, it was the first time since our wedding that I had seen them. Was an enjoyable night, oh just got censored....Granted I did ask about it first, so I self-censored...ack I'm self-censoring myself now! What's next...Drinking coffee...?! Nah that will not ever happen, baring some sort of accident where I lose all my functioning taste buds that is. Anyhow...As I was saying, was an enjoyable night, we went to Brian and Bonnie's afterwards and played my favorite game...Pass the baby! Faye was amusing, she was worried that she would actually make Lily cry...for those unfamiliar with my daughter, she has only cried when the following conditions have been met...You crush or bend one of her limbs the wrong way...She needs to be changed...She needs to be fed or she's tired of whatever position she's been in and needs to be moved. Otherwise, she's just a warm little bundle that you carry about and otherwise stare at. Well she was that little bundle for about 5 minutes or so before she decided to play one of her favorite games of late...."toot and toot again", not the quiet ones like dad, the loud ones, where if they were just a bit louder would shake window panes, she stopped conversation when she did it last night, and it started a new game of "pass the baby", right to dad.
Followed by her next favorite game of late..."Let's make daddy go change me" which involves her sitting with dad where she basically facilitates daddy going to change her.
But all in all, the evening was a good one, its rather amusing to see Barry and Brian in the same room, they verbally spar with each other; the same thing that I do with my wife and friends....Granted our sparring is more akin to myself being a punching bag. I occasionally manage to swing back after a good blow and bonk them in the nose, just like a punching bag. Oooh I'm babbling, time to stop, I got my point across, no I didn't, but well I posted!
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
I'm 34 years old today. When I was 20, my 30's seemed like a million years away. Now my 20's seem like a million years away.
I start my 'year' in September - partly because of the school year (hard not to when your dad is a principal!) and partly because of my birthday. This year will be one of discovery through the eyes of my beautiful little girl. Having a baby grounds you in the most wonderful way. I get to spend hours of quiet time just looking at her sweet face as she nurses and as she sleeps. It's amazing to see the changes: in 5 weeks she has gone from a quiet little bundle of an infant, to a baby that is discovering her world.
I knew that having a child would change my life, but I didn't understand how much it would change. My mom asked me if I can remember what life was like without a child. Honestly, I can't imagine not having her. Your outlook shifts completely - the most important thing in your world is now this little person that relies on you to ensure that she is fed and loved and feels safe. Some say that this means you don't feel like you are important anymore, as you have to take care of the baby and don't have time for anything else. But in providing that love and security, I am the most important thing in the world to her. I don't think that is a bad thing at all. I'm her mom and she's my little girl and nothing in the world has felt better.
I didn't know just how much my own mom loved me until I had my own little girl.
Now I do.
I start my 'year' in September - partly because of the school year (hard not to when your dad is a principal!) and partly because of my birthday. This year will be one of discovery through the eyes of my beautiful little girl. Having a baby grounds you in the most wonderful way. I get to spend hours of quiet time just looking at her sweet face as she nurses and as she sleeps. It's amazing to see the changes: in 5 weeks she has gone from a quiet little bundle of an infant, to a baby that is discovering her world.
I knew that having a child would change my life, but I didn't understand how much it would change. My mom asked me if I can remember what life was like without a child. Honestly, I can't imagine not having her. Your outlook shifts completely - the most important thing in your world is now this little person that relies on you to ensure that she is fed and loved and feels safe. Some say that this means you don't feel like you are important anymore, as you have to take care of the baby and don't have time for anything else. But in providing that love and security, I am the most important thing in the world to her. I don't think that is a bad thing at all. I'm her mom and she's my little girl and nothing in the world has felt better.
I didn't know just how much my own mom loved me until I had my own little girl.
Now I do.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Why do old people feel the need to cut down trees?
My elderly next door neighbor took out 2 beautiful spruce trees last year - tall, 40 year old beauties that gave a home to birds and squirrels, and provided shade and privacy. He asked me if I would cut down my spruce at the same time. I love my tree, and will not cut it down. I like to sit in the back yard and listen to the wind whistle through the branches, watch the birds fly in and out, and see where our 'pet' squirrel Finnigan V pops up. Yes, the tree makes cones that land in the yard, and on his side of the fence. I'm sure a number of them end up in his rain gutters as well as mine. For me, that's a minor inconvenience when compared to the joy I get from it. I told my neighbor to toss the pinecones over the fence, and to trim any large branches on his side, but that I would not be taking out the tree.
This morning as I was sitting with Lily, I heard a chainsaw fire up. Sure enough it was my neighbor. This time he was having someone cut down the tree in his front yard. While I miss the spruce trees, this one is a heartbreaking loss. It was a tall, stately weeping birch, one of the few in the neighborhood that wasn't affected by the drought. I have a soft spot for birch trees, as we have always had one in our yard - Mom and Dad's old house had 3 in the front yard, the lake has one in at the kitchen window, and the new house has one in the front yard. When I bought my house, it didn't have a birch, but the neighbor had one. Because of where it was in the yard, I shared the view of it, and could pretend it was mine...
And now it's just firewood.
We will be putting aside some money so that we can plant a proper tree in the spring. I was talking to Mom about this a week ago. When my Grandpa died, my mom and I picked out a tree to plant in my yard in his honor, and in honor of Lily's birth, I wanted to plant a tree in the front. Now I know what kind of tree I will plant.
A weeping birch that will restore balance to my yard.
My elderly next door neighbor took out 2 beautiful spruce trees last year - tall, 40 year old beauties that gave a home to birds and squirrels, and provided shade and privacy. He asked me if I would cut down my spruce at the same time. I love my tree, and will not cut it down. I like to sit in the back yard and listen to the wind whistle through the branches, watch the birds fly in and out, and see where our 'pet' squirrel Finnigan V pops up. Yes, the tree makes cones that land in the yard, and on his side of the fence. I'm sure a number of them end up in his rain gutters as well as mine. For me, that's a minor inconvenience when compared to the joy I get from it. I told my neighbor to toss the pinecones over the fence, and to trim any large branches on his side, but that I would not be taking out the tree.
This morning as I was sitting with Lily, I heard a chainsaw fire up. Sure enough it was my neighbor. This time he was having someone cut down the tree in his front yard. While I miss the spruce trees, this one is a heartbreaking loss. It was a tall, stately weeping birch, one of the few in the neighborhood that wasn't affected by the drought. I have a soft spot for birch trees, as we have always had one in our yard - Mom and Dad's old house had 3 in the front yard, the lake has one in at the kitchen window, and the new house has one in the front yard. When I bought my house, it didn't have a birch, but the neighbor had one. Because of where it was in the yard, I shared the view of it, and could pretend it was mine...
And now it's just firewood.
We will be putting aside some money so that we can plant a proper tree in the spring. I was talking to Mom about this a week ago. When my Grandpa died, my mom and I picked out a tree to plant in my yard in his honor, and in honor of Lily's birth, I wanted to plant a tree in the front. Now I know what kind of tree I will plant.
A weeping birch that will restore balance to my yard.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Our Lily is 1 month old today! The month has just flown by. Between her birth, sending my brother back to China, and my parents buying and selling houses we have been a very busy family. Mom and Dad get posession of the new house on Friday; the big move is the following Wednesday, the day after my birthday.
I still have some mixed feelings about the move, mostly that I will miss the house. Mom assured me that the new owners are really nice people who told her they will take really good care of the house. I went to the new house this week, and it's great! Walking through the rooms with Dad gave me some insight into how excited they are to be moving in, and how eager they are to put their touches on the home. Mom said that she will be sad to leave the old house, but that this move isn't about houses - it's about Lily. They wanted to move back to the neighborhood, and her arrival was the catalyst. She's a lucky little girl...
I still have some mixed feelings about the move, mostly that I will miss the house. Mom assured me that the new owners are really nice people who told her they will take really good care of the house. I went to the new house this week, and it's great! Walking through the rooms with Dad gave me some insight into how excited they are to be moving in, and how eager they are to put their touches on the home. Mom said that she will be sad to leave the old house, but that this move isn't about houses - it's about Lily. They wanted to move back to the neighborhood, and her arrival was the catalyst. She's a lucky little girl...
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Today was my Grandma Carbol's birthday. She would have been 87 years old.
She passed away almost 4 years ago. Before she died, we had a long talk, and I asked for her blessing to name a little girl after her. She thought about it, and told me that it would be lovely, but that it had to be her middle name. I had hoped that she would be here with all of us when I finally had my little one, but it wasn't to be. I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to ask her, because it meant she knew she would have a namesake.
Her namesake is 4 weeks old tomorrow:
Lily Ruth Carbol Ritcey.
I can only hope that I raise a daughter that is as gracious and kind as my grandmother was.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Friday, September 08, 2006
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Hi yas,
I just turned on the TV while having my little wriggler in my lap; and turned on the Crocodile Hunter. I can honestly say I will miss Steve Irwin, I can remember talking about him with so many different people, and in every case it was a very pleasant conversation. I even had conversation with Craig the one night, and that amused me as well. Which was what made me decide to post about it, because I will not be able to have a conversation with Craig about his passing, (Steve Irwin, not Craig), whom I trust is doing very well in China at the moment. With so much going on lately I can relate to how much my extended family miss their son, their brother, their uncle; ok not sure if Lily misses Craig, not sure if Lily misses anything at this point, but soon enough I am sure she will. Anyway, her wriggling is getting out of control, so that's all for now.
I just turned on the TV while having my little wriggler in my lap; and turned on the Crocodile Hunter. I can honestly say I will miss Steve Irwin, I can remember talking about him with so many different people, and in every case it was a very pleasant conversation. I even had conversation with Craig the one night, and that amused me as well. Which was what made me decide to post about it, because I will not be able to have a conversation with Craig about his passing, (Steve Irwin, not Craig), whom I trust is doing very well in China at the moment. With so much going on lately I can relate to how much my extended family miss their son, their brother, their uncle; ok not sure if Lily misses Craig, not sure if Lily misses anything at this point, but soon enough I am sure she will. Anyway, her wriggling is getting out of control, so that's all for now.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
September already...
Lily had her first checkup with the pediatrician today. She's still a healthy little girl, and is growing like mad. She is now 9 lbs, 6 oz! We were at the Health Clinic at Bonnie Doon on Thursday last week, and she weighed 8lbs, 14 1/2 oz. I hope that she is only going through a growth spurt right now - I won't be able to keep up with her!
After her doctor's appointment, we went to show her off at the hospital to Mom's coworkers. The girls bought her a great little outfit (pink of course!) that she will be able to wear in a couple of weeks - it's a bit big, but that's ok. As I am discovering, they grow fast.
After that, we went up to the 3rd floor to visit a friend who just had a baby boy. There's a long story here, but it's not mine to tell. What I can say is that he is a perfectly content, very sweet baby, and that his mom is doing an incredible job despite the short notice he gave her. We love you both!
Mom and Dad sold the house last night, so the goodbyes are for real now. I am getting more excited to have them close to us, and have come to terms (I think) with the old house going to a new family. Mom and Dad take over the new house on September 22nd, and the new owners take over theirs on the 2nd of October.
Today was also the first day of school for most, but not for my Dad. As he noted this weekend, this was the first time in 51 years that he didn't have to go back to school. I suggested he go golfing, and call one of his principal friends from the 9th tee, just to tease...
Lily had her first checkup with the pediatrician today. She's still a healthy little girl, and is growing like mad. She is now 9 lbs, 6 oz! We were at the Health Clinic at Bonnie Doon on Thursday last week, and she weighed 8lbs, 14 1/2 oz. I hope that she is only going through a growth spurt right now - I won't be able to keep up with her!
After her doctor's appointment, we went to show her off at the hospital to Mom's coworkers. The girls bought her a great little outfit (pink of course!) that she will be able to wear in a couple of weeks - it's a bit big, but that's ok. As I am discovering, they grow fast.
After that, we went up to the 3rd floor to visit a friend who just had a baby boy. There's a long story here, but it's not mine to tell. What I can say is that he is a perfectly content, very sweet baby, and that his mom is doing an incredible job despite the short notice he gave her. We love you both!
Mom and Dad sold the house last night, so the goodbyes are for real now. I am getting more excited to have them close to us, and have come to terms (I think) with the old house going to a new family. Mom and Dad take over the new house on September 22nd, and the new owners take over theirs on the 2nd of October.
Today was also the first day of school for most, but not for my Dad. As he noted this weekend, this was the first time in 51 years that he didn't have to go back to school. I suggested he go golfing, and call one of his principal friends from the 9th tee, just to tease...
I had a train of thought, track after track meticulously placed one after another...However, it has been derailed. I do recall the old Chinese curse, may you live in interesting times, well things at current are definitely that. I will not expand on that, I will just leave it hanging there, like the condemned man looking at his noose dangling from the gallows above...Not that my situation is anything like that, I just felt at this moment that I would use a literary example.
But anyway, things are interesting, perhaps its always been like this since I married Carrie and I have just failed to notice until now; or perhaps I have just grown to care for her family and friends as my own, I am uncertain.
We had a fabulous time at the lake this September long weekend, the weather was great, aside from the horrid clear blue skies that were the norm it seems for the time we were up there. I tried a new ice cream flavor, after walking to the campground with my wife and our darling Lily in a baby sling. This flavor, wet paint, which upon inquiring about exactly what flavor it was, "its like bubble gum without the chunks of bubble gum in it" the frantic girl behind the counter told me. I thought, well its 3 colors, a sky blue, a deep cherry red, and white; all of it cannot be a uniform taste...WRONG! So that took a little away from it, I had my hopes that each little bit would have some sort of taste, was disappointing in that aspect. I did find out that Craig rather enjoys tiger tail ice cream, which is orange with black licorice swirled into it; see Craig, even when you are not present you're still in our thoughts; especially when discussing ice cream it seems.
I hear my wife calling, well mentally at least, for me to put on some coffee, it is early after all, and she has a busy day ahead of her.
But anyway, things are interesting, perhaps its always been like this since I married Carrie and I have just failed to notice until now; or perhaps I have just grown to care for her family and friends as my own, I am uncertain.
We had a fabulous time at the lake this September long weekend, the weather was great, aside from the horrid clear blue skies that were the norm it seems for the time we were up there. I tried a new ice cream flavor, after walking to the campground with my wife and our darling Lily in a baby sling. This flavor, wet paint, which upon inquiring about exactly what flavor it was, "its like bubble gum without the chunks of bubble gum in it" the frantic girl behind the counter told me. I thought, well its 3 colors, a sky blue, a deep cherry red, and white; all of it cannot be a uniform taste...WRONG! So that took a little away from it, I had my hopes that each little bit would have some sort of taste, was disappointing in that aspect. I did find out that Craig rather enjoys tiger tail ice cream, which is orange with black licorice swirled into it; see Craig, even when you are not present you're still in our thoughts; especially when discussing ice cream it seems.
I hear my wife calling, well mentally at least, for me to put on some coffee, it is early after all, and she has a busy day ahead of her.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Lily is currently contemplating her navel. Because she finally has one! Now she can have a real bath, instead of sponge bathing. Today we have a big day - she's going to the hair salon, so Mommy get her hair cut. Lily prefers the 'let my hair fall out' and 'I only use milk as a styling product' methods for her coif.
Then we are going to pack up all (or most) of her paraphanalia and try to get to the lake without having to stop.
Wish us luck!
Then we are going to pack up all (or most) of her paraphanalia and try to get to the lake without having to stop.
Wish us luck!
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Well, its two weeks later, or rather, my little girl is 2 weeks old today. It really feels like longer, the days have just blurred together. I was talking with Carrie earlier, right now we've moved out of the "days old" and have moved into "weeks old" when measuring Lilys' age; figure at 2 months we will move into "months old" things seem to move along so quickly.
Its odd, the last few days Lily has gotten more mail then I have, granted I don't believe i've ever had large packages delievered.
Sorry about that, Lily "called" was a delay in my posting, Carrie just reminded me of how Lily had a wardrobe malfunction the other night....dad forgot to attach the second diaper tab....whoops.
All in all, things are good, I feel wiped most days, even though our baby is sleeping thru most of the night. Things have definately changed in the past few weeks, for the better though, for the better.
Its odd, the last few days Lily has gotten more mail then I have, granted I don't believe i've ever had large packages delievered.
Sorry about that, Lily "called" was a delay in my posting, Carrie just reminded me of how Lily had a wardrobe malfunction the other night....dad forgot to attach the second diaper tab....whoops.
All in all, things are good, I feel wiped most days, even though our baby is sleeping thru most of the night. Things have definately changed in the past few weeks, for the better though, for the better.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Time to say goodbye...
Mom and Dad have been talking about moving back to Fulton Place since I bought my place in 2001. The apartment building they brought me home to can be seen from my backyard, and Mom & Dad's first house is a 5 minute walk from here. Yesterday they signed the papers on their latest Fulton address. It's a great little bungalow just around the corner from their first home. Actually, the floorplan is identical to ours, same home builder, just different finishes. We'll be able to walk over there to visit. I'm thrilled that Lily will have her grandparents so close - I see echoes of my childhood in this, as I had my grandparents within a few blocks for my first years.
I'm sad too, as Mom and Dad's move means losing the home I grew up in. So many memories... learning to ride a bike, stealing the neighbor's cat, rollerskating in the basement, waterfights in the back yard, the skating rink in the park, lemonade stands and Craig selling cheese, playing Batman and Robin, crazy carpets at the Ekota hill, tire swings, slivers from the cedar fence, birthdays and Christmases, Beef and Bull parties, neighborhood pranks, babysitting, first day of school pictures (K to University), dogs running under fences, moving out and moving back in, firing tile installers, Chimo and Indy and Molly, driving lessons from Dad, watching tv from the top of the stairs when we were supposed to be asleep, learning to cook with Mom, Christmas day visits with the Matter's...I could go on for days. I know that I will always have the memories, and that if I need a reminder I can always pull out the photo albums from my childhood. It's not going to be an easy transition for me, but in the end, it will be a wonderful thing to have them here, not 5 minutes away.
New memories to come, ones with Lily. I can't wait to see her running around Mom's new garden, covered in dirt and pulling up flowers as she 'helps' grandma with the weeding.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Ok, first and foremost, I am a dad.
This was by far the best thing I have ever done in my life. The last few weeks(months) have been tough on me at times, but after the labor and I saw that baby, my baby, being born; it was worth it.
I have never been so happy as when the doctor told me, its a girl. It eclipsed all other moments in my life, they pale in comparison. My beautiful wife there beside me(well on the birthing table next to me) and I both just cried and cried. I admit this, i bawled.
Its Saturday today, I am on Carries' computer, mine is displaying the blue screen of death at the moment, and for the last 4 hours I have been trying to fix it.
We are home: me, my lovely wife, and my daughter Lily.
This was by far the best thing I have ever done in my life. The last few weeks(months) have been tough on me at times, but after the labor and I saw that baby, my baby, being born; it was worth it.
I have never been so happy as when the doctor told me, its a girl. It eclipsed all other moments in my life, they pale in comparison. My beautiful wife there beside me(well on the birthing table next to me) and I both just cried and cried. I admit this, i bawled.
Its Saturday today, I am on Carries' computer, mine is displaying the blue screen of death at the moment, and for the last 4 hours I have been trying to fix it.
We are home: me, my lovely wife, and my daughter Lily.
She's finally here!
Just a quick post, as we just got home and I am very very tired.
Lily Ruth Carbol Ritcey arrived at 11:47 pm on Thursday August 17th.
She weighs in at a whopping 8lbs 12.6oz and is 20 3/4" long.
She has a ton of dark curly hair, and is just perfect!
More details and of course, pictures, later on.
Just a quick post, as we just got home and I am very very tired.
Lily Ruth Carbol Ritcey arrived at 11:47 pm on Thursday August 17th.
She weighs in at a whopping 8lbs 12.6oz and is 20 3/4" long.
She has a ton of dark curly hair, and is just perfect!
More details and of course, pictures, later on.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Monday, August 14, 2006
Went to what I hope is my last doctor's appointment this morning.
For everyone anxiously awaiting Peanut...we will have a baby by Friday. My doctor is going to induce if this little one has not arrived by then. We'll keep you posted - if you call us and no one answers, it's possible we are headed for the hospital!
For everyone anxiously awaiting Peanut...we will have a baby by Friday. My doctor is going to induce if this little one has not arrived by then. We'll keep you posted - if you call us and no one answers, it's possible we are headed for the hospital!
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
For those requesting belly pics, here is the last one...
I am now 39+ weeks pregnant. Peanut is allegedly due on Friday the 11th. Please, for my own sanity, don't tell me that first babies are always late. It has not been an easy week. My regular doctor is on vacation, and my substitute OB mentioned the 'I' word at my appointment on Tuesday. Induction, should this little one get stubborn and decide to hang around too long. (Stubborn? A child of mine stubborn? Where would that come from?)
I am open to suggestions on how to get things going. I do draw the line at the old castor oil remedy though. That's just gross.
We're going out for a walk soon - Bryan needs to go downtown, so I think I'll tag along on the bus so I'm forced to walk everywhere...
Gravity has to work...
I am now 39+ weeks pregnant. Peanut is allegedly due on Friday the 11th. Please, for my own sanity, don't tell me that first babies are always late. It has not been an easy week. My regular doctor is on vacation, and my substitute OB mentioned the 'I' word at my appointment on Tuesday. Induction, should this little one get stubborn and decide to hang around too long. (Stubborn? A child of mine stubborn? Where would that come from?)
I am open to suggestions on how to get things going. I do draw the line at the old castor oil remedy though. That's just gross.
We're going out for a walk soon - Bryan needs to go downtown, so I think I'll tag along on the bus so I'm forced to walk everywhere...
Gravity has to work...
Monday, August 07, 2006
Just back from an evening out with friends. Went to dinner with Dave/Marnie, Darcy/Chris, and myself and my lovely wife of course. Dinner was enjoyable, went to Moxie's on the south side had the beef vindaloo, quite spicy; which I rather like.
Afterwards, we decided to head over to South Common and check out what was playing: someone decided Miami Vice. Hmm, Carrie is over my shoulder telling me that Darcy is to blame for that selection.
Well, save your money, do NOT go to this movie, do NOT rent this movie, do NOT bother with it at all, it's 2 hours of my life that is gone gone gone, and I can't go on, oh woe oh woe, oh gotta stop that, bursting into song and all.
But lousy movie, I actually was hoping that at some point during it that Carrie would go into labor so that I could leave.
Ok, ranting done, enjoy the weekend
Afterwards, we decided to head over to South Common and check out what was playing: someone decided Miami Vice. Hmm, Carrie is over my shoulder telling me that Darcy is to blame for that selection.
Well, save your money, do NOT go to this movie, do NOT rent this movie, do NOT bother with it at all, it's 2 hours of my life that is gone gone gone, and I can't go on, oh woe oh woe, oh gotta stop that, bursting into song and all.
But lousy movie, I actually was hoping that at some point during it that Carrie would go into labor so that I could leave.
Ok, ranting done, enjoy the weekend
Saturday, August 05, 2006
NURSERY PICS!
The nursery is done! We just need Peanut to arrive and the glider to come in.
Here are a few pics... The big empty space next to the dresser is where the glider is going.
I was bored last weekend, so I made a quilt to match the other bedding that I had already sewn (bumper pads and dust ruffle)
As you can see, we decided on bright fun colors for the room, lime green, purple (of course!) and periwinkle blue. Since we still have no idea what Peanut is, the colors will work for boy or girl.
The room is small, but cozy and will be a perfect home for our little one.
The nursery is done! We just need Peanut to arrive and the glider to come in.
Here are a few pics... The big empty space next to the dresser is where the glider is going.
I was bored last weekend, so I made a quilt to match the other bedding that I had already sewn (bumper pads and dust ruffle)
As you can see, we decided on bright fun colors for the room, lime green, purple (of course!) and periwinkle blue. Since we still have no idea what Peanut is, the colors will work for boy or girl.
The room is small, but cozy and will be a perfect home for our little one.
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