Our Family & Our Life

Dear Diary, It was early evening in the kitchen of our apartment at Cherokee trail and Isla was ready for her dinner..... The following picture completes the story... Me see BOTTLE!!!! No Mummy, I want the BOTTLE!!! And the story end with Isla on her mat ready to practice rolling over again...... Until next time... Colin, Heather and Isla...

Dear Diary, We decided the blog needed an update as we are getting bored with the look of it. Over the next couple of days we'll playing around with different templates etc. Let us know what you think of it or if you have any other suggestions with regards to appearance etc.

Dear Diary, To date Colin, Isla and I have been in the northern, western and now southern areas of Colorado. We were told the eastern part isn't that interesting so we'll take our time going in that direction. On Saturday we travelled over 100 miles to Canon City, Colorado and we picked the perfect day as it was the hottest day of the year in Denver so it was nice to escape a bit of the heat. Canon City is located in the heart of cowboy town - horses, cacti and desert. It's lovely to visit but I don't think I could live there, just a bit to out of town and desolate. Our reason for going was to go on the Royal Gorge train ride through the mountains to view an area we would never be able to view otherwise from the car. The trains are all old but it added to the charm. The coach we rode in was an old 1950's CN car that probably travelled across Canada hundreds of times! It was good fun and we saw stunning landscapes as we travelled through the gorge. Along the way we r...

Dear Diary, Isla is 21.5 weeks or 5 months old today!! She's doing well and yes, she really is an easy and happy baby even though the photo's may not indicate so. For some reason I had trouble getting a smile out of her this morning. She sleeps well, eats well and loves her daddy. Colin just walks into the room and she smiles and giggles. She is still petite for her age (but lately getting taller) and developmentally she is right on schedule. A few weeks ago she kept waking up at 5 a.m. and we thought we would start her on solids but the "experts" say to wait until 6 months so we reconsidered and I'm glad we did because now she sleeps through until 7 or 7:30 a.m. no problem. Her mommy is much happier and rested as well! We can't wait to see what new things she'll be doing and learning at 6 months old!

Dear Diary, As my sister says, I attract cats wherever I go and sure enough, I've done it again! Well, he isn't ours but he's ours until end of the month. Mittens is a very easy going, friendly cat. He's like "Bobby", Pearl and Dixie's friend in Larne and at times, that's what I call him. He loves Colin and has taken to lounging in the recliner. He's a man's cat. Don't worry Jennifer, he couldn't have settled in better than he has!!!

Dear Diary, It's been a while since the last post but we've just been busy with everyday life. We've enjoyed Canada Day on July 1st, experienced our first July 4th and tomorrow is the N. Irish holiday, July 12th.... Wow, that's alot of national holidays! In the future and once we have our own house we'll have all three flags blowing outside. Despite being carted around the world, Isla has been doing well. She rolls over constantly and even knows how to roll back on her back but there is the odd time that she can't do it and panics after a few moments on her tummy. She spends alot of time on her play mat and loves "Mr Monkey" who hangs over her head. Poor Mr Monkey gets abused and shoved into her mouth but he doesn't seem to really mind. Since she has had her portrait taken by Canadian Baby Photographers she has turned into a little Elle McPherson!!! Check this out, she has her supermodel pose all worked out... What a little ham, eh? The weather...

Dear Diary, On June 4, Isla was a supermodel in the making. Check these out from Canadian Baby Photographers... Click this link ..... Isn't she adorable, we're so blessed to have her in our lives. The photos were first going to be part of Colin's birthday present, then they became part of his Fathers Day gift and then they became the day we arrived in Colorado gift... Anyone who knows me, knows I don't like surprises but I just couldn't wait to show him and it was so hard not to tell him.

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....