Our Family & Our Life

As I say, another year older, another year wiser, another year healthy and another year to be thankful! It's bittersweet for me to think that in three short years, Colin is taking me to Tahiti for my 40th!  Yeah, right, in my dreams but I keep reminding him just in case we win the lottery in the meantime.... Do you like Colin's birthday annoucement for the neighbourhood? It snowed again on Sunday (my birthday) so he was outside shovelling the driveway and sidewalks and found a bit of spare time to create this 'birthday cake'.  I didn't go out to see it until later that night because it was cold outside ... brrr... but my family came over in the evening for cake and coffee and kept talking about it so I had to go out and take a peek for myself... It was still cold btw...  What a sweet guy I have?!?  LOL Anyways, it wouldn'be a birthday without cake, right? Colin baked it and decorated it and Isla helped me blow out the candles as she is now a pro at it. 

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Our 'baby' turned 3 yesterday!  This is the first year she knew what it meant to have a birthday and wanted to wear her birthday hat.  She knew she was going to be 3 and knew her birthday was in February.  She really wanted..... ... a 'bue buttefly' birthday cake!  We celebrated on the 16th rather than the 17th as Colin wasn't going to be home yesterday.  He didn't get to see her until 10:00 pm when he came home and was able to give her a kiss on the cheek while she slept. We made our Wednesday coffee day into a little party for her  and she had such a good time there was no time to nap.  Oma with 'her birthday girl' A rare photo of me with 'my birthday girl' She loved blowing out candles!  I think we lit it and turned off the lights about eight times, literally.  More to come on Saturday when Aunt Lynne and Uncle Jim come to celebrate with us if she can hold out for 'bue buttefly' cake a bit longer. Happy Birthday sweet I

... we had immigration news! Colin recieved the FBI Certificate (clear, no record, phew) which was promptly forwarded to Immigration Canada by the not-so-prompt Canada Post...  Next step, Permanent Residence. The next day he received the Work Permit!  ..... we went to the Rockton World's Fair ! I get a kick out of that name.  If you blinked you'd be through Rockton...  Hardly known to the world... But anyways, it was fun.   It's been years since I was last there and it hasn't changed a bit.  Everything is in the same place. The giant pumpkin contest is neat to see... I think this one was over 700lbs... (the pumpkin, not Isla) Even though we live on a horse farm, she LOVED the sheep, especially BLACK sheep ;-) .... Isla turned 32 months on Sunday.  Four more months and she's 3! For the record (unofficially) she's 29.8 lbs and 36.5 inches tall.  Petite, funny, sweet, active and oh so beautiful! We were at the park this morning to play in the leaves an

"Officially" closer to her 3rd birthday  than her 2nd birthday! ,

Isla is 28 months old today and looking more and more like a little girl rather than a toddler.  She's talking more.... A bit more cheeky, OK, alot more cheeky everyday... Oh yeah, and she's finally 3 feet tall...

... our sweet beautiful Monkey joined our family. The Lord has blessed us with her sweet demeanour, amicable personality and smiling face.  She brings joy to our hearts when everything else in life seems to be falling apart.  The Lord knew what we could handle when he placed her in our lives and she has been our shining light for the past two years. "Two" things about Isla : Two favourite words:  Hi-eee ~ No (subject to change frequently) Two favourite foods: bread ~ any kind of fruit (subject to change frequently) Two favourite activities: jumping ~ washing her hands/splashing in the sink Two favourite household "chores" - feeding Tasha (one kernel at a time goes in her bowl) ~ dusting Two favourite toys: Teddies ~ Elmo Two favourite TV shows:  Sesame Street ~ Wheel of Fortune Two favourite colours   purple  ~ yellow Two favourite people:  Daddy ~ Oma (I'm not offended, really!) Two favourite characters: Elmo ~ Dora the Explorer HAPPY BI

WARNING (sort of) - I should say that this post may not appeal to everyone.  I'm not being graphic or trying to scare anyone, it just may not interest some or you may be expecting a baby and don't want to read about it just yet.  That's OK but you've been warned. The reason I want to post it is for Isla and for me.  It's a part of her life and mine and I want to remember it. So if you don't want to read it, stop right here .... Just remember, there is a happy ending.  We had Isla. If you want to read it, continue reading.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ June 2007 -  I discovered I was pregnant the day before Father's Day and as much as I wanted to tell Colin the next day, I can't keep a surprise so I went out and bought him a Father's Day from the cats - HA! -  and Baby Black.... He didn't get it right away but he caught on pretty quick! So, I would love to say I went into labour at 5 p.m. she was born at 8 p.m. and it was a day in the park but it

With all the goings on last week, Isla's 22 month "birthday" was overshadowed. That's OK, it wasn't that important compared to the life-altering events of last week. I have to say I'm doing this post but it almost feels irreverent as we just buried dad on Friday. My intention with these posts is more for her in the future and myself as I use these posts as a way of tracking her progress. I'll eventually print them off and put them in her keepsake box. This months edition is the Reader's Digest version. Her 22 month birthday was the day of visitation at the funeral home. In the afternoon she stayed with my niece and nephew, Emily and Benjamin, at my brothers house and did amazingly well. In the evening she went to bed early and Emily and Benjamin stayed here at the house with her while she slept. This is a BIG step. When we left N. Ireland she was only 3 months old and Colin and I never went away together because at that time there was loads going on

Where has the time gone? My baby is 21 (months) today!!! Isla's sense of humour and silliness has certainly been shining through this month. Colin has already warned me that she has inherited his (toilet) humour! Oh help! ... and she still loves hats although we are having a bit of trouble with winter hats. I think it's because they are tight to her head whereas the summer hats are much looser. Anyways, this is Canada and she has to wear one and thankfully I did find one at Old Navy that she'll keep on without crying. Her level of speech is getting better all the time. She can say her name when asked, she can say she's one (and hold up her index finger), "all done" and she says other words when you don't expect her too. The other night I brought her to her room to go to bed and she said "Dark" or should I say she shouted "DARK". She's also starting to count and she knows the colours purple and sometimes blue. We count as we

Look who discovered leaves! Yes, we will be back out there this afternoon to play in them... Having to go for a nap at 20 months old is such a drag, isn't it? So, what is she up to lately? Well the "experts" say this: Most toddlers should be able to . . . Take off clothes without help Pretend to help toys; imitates, such as feeding a doll Know when something is wrong Run well Some toddlers will probably be able to . . . Say 20 to 50 words Start to learn words, possible 5 or more per day Enjoy helping with things around the house Start setting small goals Some toddlers could possibly be able to . . . Show better signs of bladder control Walk up and possible down stairs with some assistance Start to learn up to 10 new words per day Umm, it looks like alot of emphasis on speech which is something we need to work on. She repeats alot of what we say but isn't saying new words on a regular basis or stringing many words together. I'll give her time, I'm no

Guess who is 19 months old today? Isla! If you didn't guess that, you've never read our blog.... Yup, only 5 months until her 2nd birthday, it's crazy even to think about it but I already starting planning it my head. What has Isla been up to lately: She wears 18 month old clothes even if most of them are still big on her. Size 5 shoes She LOVES playing outside in the grass and isn't afraid to get dirty. She has been eating really well with a fork and spoon - so well in fact that Oma has commented on what a good and clean eater she is and would be acceptable to bring her to a restaurant! She can say her name. She can finally climb onto our bed. We are taking her to the dr. next week for a well visit so I will post "official" weight, height and head circumference after the appointment. As for other milestones: Most toddlers should be able to . . . Feed self with spoon and fork - done Run well - done Brush teeth with help - done String more words togeth

What a blessing it was yesterday for my Oma, Isla's great-Oma to be able to celebrate her 96th birthday! She came over to Mom and Dad's first for party #1 including cake, of course then it was off to Aunt Aaf's for another party. Before she left we took a few photos to commemorate the occasion. Four generations although the youngest generation doesn't look too impressed, does she? ... and lastly, Mom with her Mom. I'm so glad Isla gets to meet her great-oma again - another reason I really wanted to come home!

Half-Birthday? Yes, Isla is 18 months so half way to her 2nd birthday. I've heard the 2nd year goes quicker than the 1st year and they are right! She is still very much a happy social girl however just the last few weeks she has started to grow weary of adults but plays well with other children. Sharing isn't easy either but in her defense she's alone alot and is pretty good the few times she gets to "practice" sharing. At least there are no tantrums! She loves a good cuddle on her time and is a good smoocher. All we have to say is "mmmmm" and she'll come running to give us a kiss. Colin gets loads of hugs but I really have to work to get one! Nice. On the speaking front she is a chatter box but 90% of the time, we're not sure what she is saying otherwise she is right up there with her peers. She says all sorts of words like keys (a favourite toy), apple (the new favourite word), ball (which she can throw overhand) and others which

Dear Diary, I'm thankful that Isla is starting month 18 on a healthy note because she has been sick this week and has spread the germ to both Colin and I. Right now Colin is in bed which is where I was yesterday. Other than this germ we are trying to get rid of, she's has had a good month. She's getting along well with the cats, she's great at entertaining herself and she is speaking more. She has become miss independent which is sometimes good but sometimes frustrating for us - I guess it's a sign she's growing up! Her stats are: Weight: 21.8 lbs - she's been off food this week and lost weight :-( Height: 31 inches Teeth: I THINK she has 16 but possibly 18 - we're waiting for at least 2 more molars. New words: hat, cup, banana and a few others I can't think of right now. The good thing is if you say a new word she will at least try to say it. Some of her favourite things: - tubby tub - she could stay in there all day and just this week will sp

Dear Diary, Yesterday was Colin's birthday and I think (I hope) he had a good day. When he got home from work, Isla and I gave him his presents and cake. He enjoyed it as much as 38 year old man enjoys it.. Afterwards we went our for sushi, Colin's choice, and while he enjoyed it, I opted for tempura instead. That was probably a big mistake as I was sick all night and felt pretty lousy today. It must've been a bit of food poisoning I guess. Onto Isla .... She's done this before but on Monday I was battling with her to keep her blankets, bed sheets etc. in her dresser. Thankfully this dresser is designed that only one drawer can open at a time so I now have a sock sticking out of the top drawer which prevents her from opening the bottom.... Onto the cats .... The little guy in the picture is a HUGE problem for two furry girls. He hangs out in the tree in front of the dining room window and comes to taunt them several times a day. It's funny to watch them sin

Dear Diary, Happy Birthday Colin ! Another year older, another year wiser, another year blessed to have you! Two more years to a big milestone birthday when we'll have a great big party in your honour but until then, we'll enjoy not being that old, YET!! We love you!

Dear Diary, Another month, another milestone! Isla is 16 months old today! In terms of learning new things, I think this past month has been a slow month. She tries to speak new words like blankey, book etc. but she hasn't really said anything new on a consistent basis. Regardless, we are love her and very proud of her! 16 month stats: Weight: 22.6 lbs (no height measurement, I'll get to it one day) She can roll/throw a ball, play and do the actions for Ring-around-the-Rosey, climb stairs and run! To give you an idea where she is developmentally, at 16 months: Most toddlers should be able to . . . Turn pages of a book when you read - DONE Gets attached to stuffed animal or other object - Teddy and Eddy Walk well - DONE Sing and like to sing - DONE Get upset when frustrated - DONE Some toddlers will probably be able to . . . Walk backwards - haven't tried it but she can twirl in a circle Start to climb and explore - DONE Help around the house - sort of Say up

Dear Diary, Isla is now 15 months old and WOW didn't she enjoy her last month of life. In case you haven’t heard, the big news is she is walking ! It started with three steps everyday for about a week but one night she REALLY wanted her teddy and nothing was going to stop her. She went for 8 steps and before we knew it was 20 steps to get to her Fisher Price telephone. Who would've thought? She is now walking 95% of the time with rarely a stumble. She is also eating much better as long as I have 3 hours to spare. She is a super ssssllllooooowwww eater but hey, it's better than nothing! I think speed is the secret with the lady and she is eating lumpy food including meat and vegetables fairly well too. She'll eat just about anything with applesauce. Her 15 months stats are: Weight: 21.4 lbs. Teeth - 1 new upper molar for a total of 11 teeth and I’m waiting for the first canine tooth (lower left) to cut through. Words: "hi there", "teddy" a

Dear Diary, Our sweet, beautiful girl is 14 months today! The most common question we get is whether or not she is walking. In a word, NO. She did ONE step ONE time about a month ago. I’m sure it’s a matter of confidence and this past week I’ve already noticed an improvement. She has started what I call the Spiderman walk – walking along the walls . Despite her Spiderman impersonation she’s a master crawler and cruiser. I’m convinced I’m going to be carrying this child around FOREVER or at least that’s how it seems. She is a lightweight and that helps but still she gets heavy after a while. Here is a little update on the Monkey: ~ 21 lbs and 28.5 inches tall. ~ She is wearing size 9-12 month pants and 12 months shirts. A petite lady indeed! ~ Teeth count – 10 including two lower jaw molars that poked through last week. I caught a glimpse of swollen gums yesterday so I think there are more on the way - I would look but don’t want my fingers bitten off. ~Standing unaided (and d