Our Family & Our Life

Dear Diary, 37 and a few more grey hairs.. As of 11.20pm last night I officially aged another year, and I must say over the last few weeks I can feel it. Ever since my nephew Matthew asked me to play 11-a-side football in Ontario I have realised that either I have to give up or get going to the gym. I have no excuse though as there's a free one about 100 yards away from my bed.. :) Anyway just wanted to say thankyou for all of you guys who left a happy birthday comment on the blog, it was much appreciated. Also to Merlin and Janet who sent me an ecard and the folk at Metro taxis who got me a cake and were all gathered together to surprise me with it. Mum and Dad Vandenberg, thankyou for the birthday card, and whether it said Son in Law or Son makes no difference to me, I know what you mean and feel very thankful that you see me as a son.. Heather, Isla and I went out last night to a Sushi restaurant, even though Heather's not all that fond of Sushi. But we had a nice evening an...

Dear Diary, Isla and I arrived at the Ranch (check out link) just over a week ago. The apartment is lovely, it's just like living on a resort. The grounds are impeccably kept and we have access to a pool, a kiddie splash pool and a hot tub along with a gym and weekly pilates and yoga classes. I certainly have no excuse for not losing the baby weight! Oh yes, and there is a onsite car wash and Colin has learned a readily supply of quarters must be handy at all times to ensure the car is not covered in pink foam. My first impression of Colorado has been good. It's really pretty, even desert like in our area, and clean. The people have been friendly and the shopping is great!!! We have spent alot of greenbacks at Walmart during the past week! Right now we are in the process of buying a company car and opening a personal bank account. As with my move to the UK, nothing is easy especially when you don't have a social security number but we hope to have both sorted by this weeke...

Dear Diary, Happy Birthday to my wonderful husband! We are very thankful and blessed for having you in our lives....

Dear Diary, Just an update on the days of our lives here in Waterdown. We're still doing a bit of visiting and Isla is enjoying all the cuddles and hugs she gets. Of course, the sparkles in her big blue eyes and that little cheeky smile are enough to melt your heart. I could look at her all day but then I might be a bit biased! My cousin Fran Geurts came by last week for a nice chat. I haven't seen Fran since I left 3 years ago and we had a nice visit. Fran and her family used to live in Burlington and she used to come times to watch Sue Thomas FB Eye a few times. I also went to visit my friend Elsa last Friday morning. We had a nice chat and her daughter Katelyn thoroughly enjoyed having another girl around the house. Poor Katelyn has three brothers!!! When we arrived in Canada we brought our British car seat with us, however, they are illegal to use in Canada. Mom and I have been on a car seat search and to date we bought two, not that I need two but anyways a long story shor...

Dear Diary, The days since Colin has left for Denver have been passing by quickly and we have had lots of family and friends popping by to say hi and to meet Isla. Auntie Aaf Aunt Jane ... and Isla even made a new friend, little Maiya! Maiya is 6 weeks older than Isla and is the daughter of my friend Karen. Isla also got a cuddle from Maiya's mommy... At least I didn't have to worry Karen stealing her :-) And I should mention that she gets an occasional daily hug from her Oma too... We are settling in just fine to our own routine without Colin (sorry dear, but we really do miss you) and as I mentioned before, Pearl and Dixie have made themselves at home with Ziggy. I found Dixie since my last post, in Isla's bed... ... bad kitty... Pearl is good as always and snuggled up on the softest spot in the house, Mom's sheepskin rug... Colin has been interviewing and house hunting this weekend and we may no longer be homeless by Monday - woohoo!. If we decide to rent ...

Dear Diary, I know, it's been a long time and I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've been told, "I checked the blog but NOTHING new has been added!". Well, we've been busy, very busy and sadly the blog hasn't been my first priority. I'll start by recapping the last couple of weeks. Colin was in Denver for almost three weeks and arrived home in Larne on Saturday, May 17. Pretty much from the time he came home until we left on the 22nd we were swamped but THANK YOU very much to everyone who helped us in so many ways and even after we left. It was an overwhelming challenge for us two alone and we appreciate all the help and support we recieved. The house is still for sale so feel free to make us an offer..... The house was packed up by Pickfords on Tuesday and it took 4 or 5 hours to finish. Our stuff is now somewhere in England and will be making it's way over to Mom and Dad's barn shortly. We spent Wednesday cleaning and visiting and since w...

Dear Diary, I thought I should show you a couple of pictures of the office so you can see how it is progressing. I have been busy this week setting up the computers, however it has been frustrating as well, but I have made some good progress. I am looking forward to Friday when I fly back home to see Heather and Isla. Heather told me today that she is sure Isla said "Daddy". I was lost for words. Anyway, I believe Dixie needs a good talking to as she has been up to no good, so Heather says. I guess she has been missing our play times. Bye for now folks and a few xoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxo for Heather and Isla. Colin.

Dear Diary, Isla is 12 weeks old today! Any parent would tell you time goes fast and I would certainly agree. I weighed her today and according to my calculations, she weighs 13 lbs. 6 ozs. and sleeps 8 to 9 hours every night. This afternoon I put her on her playmat - she likes to "hit" Pooh Bear and Tigger or at least look at them dangling in front of her - and she was wide awake when I went upstairs. When I came down again, this is what I saw... ...ahh, isn't she adorable, fast asleep! Being little is tiring work. The nice thing about her sleeping is that she wakes up again and this is what I see.... .... she's all smiles! .... and more smiles..... We just love her to bits and can't wait to show her off soon in Canada. Our flights have been booked from Dublin to Toronto on 22 May which is less than two weeks away!! We still have loads of little things to organize and pack. Whoever picks us up from the airport, I'm warning you all now, bring at least t...

Dear Diary, Isla and I are doing well on our own in the middle of nowhere! Thankfully the weather has been very nice, Northern Ireland tropical 21 degrees, and we've been out for afternoon strolls and then coming back to the house to enjoy the outdoors in the back yard with the cats. I've taken a few photos this afternoon since I found the old digital camera hanging in the closet.... Isla with her floppy hat Isla without her floppy hat The hat is a size 6 to 12 months but it was tight on her. It must be her above average size head! And a little smile for her daddy xo - it's hard to get her to smile when the camera is on her.... Gotta run, I'm typing this as she is falling asleep in her bed beside me...

Dear Diary, Thought I should update you all on the office preparations. As you can see from these pictures, blue is the colour. The notes on some of the pictures were to let the office know what I was planning. I have also been out looking at possible houses to rent this afternoon. This one seemed nice enough, and only 20mins from work. Of course I couldn't leave you without another picture of the rockies. Take care, and some xoxoxoxo for Heather and Isla, I miss you more and more each day..