Hamilton greeted us with gusting winds and a rough landing. At least it was warm, all the snow had melted, and thus our car was not buried!
I successfully packed all of our (read: mostly Abigail's) gifts into our luggage and by some miracle nothing was lost or broken (we would have had been ringing Baileys out of otherwise clean diapers - I wonder what commercial they could make of that!)
The cats were happy to have us home. Monkey took the opportunity to run in and out of the house several times just because she could.
We picked up Darla and she seems to have enjoyed her stay with friends.
We are mostly unpacked, but we are going to have to figure out where to store some of this stuff! Robin already reorganized all our videos (removed all the VHS) to make room for the DVDs downstairs. Of course, the VHS tapes are simply stacked up in front of the bookcase now.
Abi and I are listening to Raffi, Barenaked Ladies (Snacktime!), and Sesame Street (International) music today. That, or Baby Tad singing Baa Baa Black Sheep.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Christmas Day
Not much time to post, but incase you're checking there are new photos up on Flickr. Enjoy. We are. Having a great time. Abigail received many movies and fun toys.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve
It has snuck up on us. Christmas Eve. I would ask where the days have gone, but I know exactly where. They were spent with friends and family and we loved every minute.
Okay, maybe not every second since Abigail still has a cold and is not her usual happy self. Sometimes she is happy, but right now it is the exception to the rule rather than the other way around. It breaks my heart to see her sad. She seems to be getting better though. We hope she will be feeling much better by tomorrow morning. Or better yet, this evening.
Santa is stopping by here this afternoon. Abigail and Dorion will get their photo taken with Santa in the comfort of Corey's home. (More importantly, without a lineup!) Abigail and Dorion must have been very good children this year to warrant a personal visit from Santa on Christmas eve.
Following photos, we will have a fondue at my parents' place. This evening the adults will exchange gifts. We'll stay up late playing games and tasting eggnog. Then we will crash while Santa does his deliveries. When we wake, Christmas Day, the kids will open their gifts! I am very excited to spend Christmas morning with Dorion and Abigail. We return here for brunch, then back to my parents' for dinner with extended family.
Whew. I'm getting tired just writing about it.
How about an aiport photo to round this post out:
Okay, maybe not every second since Abigail still has a cold and is not her usual happy self. Sometimes she is happy, but right now it is the exception to the rule rather than the other way around. It breaks my heart to see her sad. She seems to be getting better though. We hope she will be feeling much better by tomorrow morning. Or better yet, this evening.
Santa is stopping by here this afternoon. Abigail and Dorion will get their photo taken with Santa in the comfort of Corey's home. (More importantly, without a lineup!) Abigail and Dorion must have been very good children this year to warrant a personal visit from Santa on Christmas eve.
Following photos, we will have a fondue at my parents' place. This evening the adults will exchange gifts. We'll stay up late playing games and tasting eggnog. Then we will crash while Santa does his deliveries. When we wake, Christmas Day, the kids will open their gifts! I am very excited to spend Christmas morning with Dorion and Abigail. We return here for brunch, then back to my parents' for dinner with extended family.
Whew. I'm getting tired just writing about it.
How about an aiport photo to round this post out:
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Winnipeg
Surprise. We're in Winnipeg. If you were not aware we were coming - tee hee - surprise. We showed up at an anuual Christmas party hosted by friends last night and "crashed" it with Abigail. It was great fun. Today Abi and I joined other friends for a tea party and met the newest baby. (Ericka, I passed on some of the cute Christmas-y outfits you sent that never did fit Abi.)
How was our flight? Good question. We left Ontario during "Snowmageddon" on Friday. Yes, we braved the storm to get to Hamilton Airport, bipassed road closures, and were fortunate enough to be on a plane that left the airport almost on time.
However, it wasn't all so easy. Abi has her first cold. And she's teething. She is not her usual happy self all the time. Also, our largest bag of luggage apparently never got loaded on the plane in Hamilton. All of Abi's clothes, our toiletries, and things like bum-balm were missing until today. Luckily, we were able to borrow clothes from my nephew, I got a new toothbrush, Robin had packed his toothbrush in the carry-on (isn't he sooooo smart), and so forth. I still wasn't impressed with the luggage attendants for forgetting our luggage.
As you can imagine, our visit has been and will continue to be full of people who want to see us (read: Abigail). It is all very exciting. Not a whole lot of sleep, but Abigail is taking many cat naps as we drive around town, which is good because she's not sleeping well otherwise. I think the incline of the carseat helps her sleep. Lying flat just makes her feel worse, so she has been sleeping in the crook of my arm angled up.
Sorry, no new photos to share right now. There will be Christmas photos up soonafter the holiday.
We hope you are enjoying your holidays too.
How was our flight? Good question. We left Ontario during "Snowmageddon" on Friday. Yes, we braved the storm to get to Hamilton Airport, bipassed road closures, and were fortunate enough to be on a plane that left the airport almost on time.
However, it wasn't all so easy. Abi has her first cold. And she's teething. She is not her usual happy self all the time. Also, our largest bag of luggage apparently never got loaded on the plane in Hamilton. All of Abi's clothes, our toiletries, and things like bum-balm were missing until today. Luckily, we were able to borrow clothes from my nephew, I got a new toothbrush, Robin had packed his toothbrush in the carry-on (isn't he sooooo smart), and so forth. I still wasn't impressed with the luggage attendants for forgetting our luggage.
As you can imagine, our visit has been and will continue to be full of people who want to see us (read: Abigail). It is all very exciting. Not a whole lot of sleep, but Abigail is taking many cat naps as we drive around town, which is good because she's not sleeping well otherwise. I think the incline of the carseat helps her sleep. Lying flat just makes her feel worse, so she has been sleeping in the crook of my arm angled up.
Sorry, no new photos to share right now. There will be Christmas photos up soonafter the holiday.
We hope you are enjoying your holidays too.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
T'is the season to join with friends and family in celebration of...
well, the blessing that is friends and family of course. In the chill of winter there is nothing better than a hot drink (or a tasty glass of mead, rum and eggnog, what have you), some baking, and loved ones to stay warm with.
I hope that you are celebrating with friends and family rather than fretting over what to buy or wasting precious hours in the hustle and bustle of the malls. Personally, I'd rather spend time with you than find that you are too busy to share a pot of tea because you are at the mall.
Better yet, let's pull out our knitting as we share that tea.
You don't knit?! I can teach you.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Winter Photos
Two seconds wasn't enough time to get into position.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Congratulations
Congratulations are due to my industrious husband for receiving this prestigious award last night.(Robin is going to have a few choice words for me when he sees I have posted this.)
Congratulations are also due to everyone who has prepared and/or mailed their Holiday cards this season. I do not include myself among those recipients. I haven't even started! But at some point we'll take a family Yule photo to share.
We received our second Christmas card yesterday (thanks Marie and Al).
Just because I haven't mailed any, doesn't mean I don't expect all of you to send us one! We keep you in touch right here, but we would love to hear from all of you. E-cards are welcome, but I do keep all my holiday cards. Yes, my entire life collection is upstairs in a shoebox or two.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
9 Month Stats
Abi had her nine month naturopath appointment this week. She's healthy, happy, 17lbs 14oz, and 72cm long.
Still no teeth, although she is teething again. Fortunately she does not drool a lot.
I forsee her walking over Christmas. She really enjoys her wheeled walker now (video forthcoming).
She is continually extending her reach. Her new favourite game is "pull the books off the shelf". A reorganization of shelves is once again on order.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Daddy's Little Vampire
Yum yum yum. Raspberries.
Robin captured these images last night while I was out knitting and chatting with friends over delicious Chai Lattes at Whole Lotta Gelato. A group of women from the KW Knitters Guild also showed up. I felt a bit odd at one point as the women were watching me knit. It seems I was the only one there who knits continental style. I meet a lot of knitters who would like to learn to knit this way instead of throwing the yarn, but taking the plunge can be difficult when you are accustomed to a different method. I am glad someone laughed at me early on and inspired me to switch my knitting style. To all you new knitters - learn continental style! You will thank me.
Monday, December 08, 2008
An Open Letter to Ericka
Dear Ericka,
do you remember that time at the mall when you still only had one daughter and I wanted to take a photograph of her on the carousel? I believe that was Christmas 2000. Remember how she got her clothes dirty and I insisted on buying her a new sweater for the photograph, so she wouldn't have a dirty shirt? That was a cute sweater. Remember how I said *my* kids would always have clean clothes on? Remember how you laughed?
Yeah, me too.
I laugh now.
Abigail has a spot of banana on her shirt that escaped the bib. She had banana all over her face that I washed off, but I apparently didn't notice it on the back of her head. Until now. This is the normal banana aftermath - what happens when you give a baby a chunk of banana. Currently she is playing in some plant soil. I've given up on expecting that she will never get into the soil. She doesn't usually try to eat it. She would much rather chew on a plant leaf. In truth, she'd rather have a piece of lettuce than banana. Weird child.
Anyhow, I thought it only fair to say: You were right. I was naive. Go ahead and laugh Ericka.
do you remember that time at the mall when you still only had one daughter and I wanted to take a photograph of her on the carousel? I believe that was Christmas 2000. Remember how she got her clothes dirty and I insisted on buying her a new sweater for the photograph, so she wouldn't have a dirty shirt? That was a cute sweater. Remember how I said *my* kids would always have clean clothes on? Remember how you laughed?
Yeah, me too.
I laugh now.
Abigail has a spot of banana on her shirt that escaped the bib. She had banana all over her face that I washed off, but I apparently didn't notice it on the back of her head. Until now. This is the normal banana aftermath - what happens when you give a baby a chunk of banana. Currently she is playing in some plant soil. I've given up on expecting that she will never get into the soil. She doesn't usually try to eat it. She would much rather chew on a plant leaf. In truth, she'd rather have a piece of lettuce than banana. Weird child.
Anyhow, I thought it only fair to say: You were right. I was naive. Go ahead and laugh Ericka.
Winter Wonderland
We have a lot of snow. Do you have a lot of snow? We hope you are keeping warm.
Abigail enjoys keeping warm by snuggling with her loved ones. Usually that is Robin or me, but sometimes she squeezes in a few hugs for her furry friends (before they run away)
It took me a long while to finally capture one of those moments with Fenwick. As you can imagine, there is not usually time to go fetch the camera. I was prepared for this one.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Cloth
I forget how little paper and disposable products we use until a visitor is looking for a tissue to blow their nose and I find myself apologizing because we only have cloth tissues, which of course they are invited to use.
Why do I apologize? I suppose because I know it is "weird" to some people. Time and again I am pleased with the response when guests do use our tissues - they love how soft they are on the nose. I could never go back to horrid paper tissues, and not just because it is wasteful. Using cloth is "normal" for me, at least since I instituted it at home. I certainly did not grow up this way. It was a conscious decision I made many years ago, but now it is second nature. Cloth hankies can be found in holders throughout the house (just like tissue boxes would be) and there are laundry baskets on each floor for them.
The main floor basket is also used for dish cloths because I wash mine frequently. I can't stand how icky they get, especially when someone leaves them sitting in the bottom of the sink instead of hanging to dry. I also use a Magic Blue microfibre sweeper/mop with several replacement pads that I wash frequently. With the laminate floors, 3 pets, and a baby playing on the floor, I sweep at least once a day and fill that mop!
Cloth diapers, rag cloths for cleaning, microfibre for dusting and glass, hemp cloth tea bags and coffee filter - it's all reusable and anything that gets "icky" is washed in hot water.
Yes, even cloth mama pads (along with a menstrual cup). All those chemicals and the plastic of the disposable pads gross me out.
However, we do use recycled paper TP and we keep some cheap paper towels on hand for soaking up bacon grease and the like. One day I'd like to switch to cloth TP, but I promise to keep paper around for guests.
In other news, check the videos on the left and you'll find one of Abi saying Mama and Dada.
Why do I apologize? I suppose because I know it is "weird" to some people. Time and again I am pleased with the response when guests do use our tissues - they love how soft they are on the nose. I could never go back to horrid paper tissues, and not just because it is wasteful. Using cloth is "normal" for me, at least since I instituted it at home. I certainly did not grow up this way. It was a conscious decision I made many years ago, but now it is second nature. Cloth hankies can be found in holders throughout the house (just like tissue boxes would be) and there are laundry baskets on each floor for them.
The main floor basket is also used for dish cloths because I wash mine frequently. I can't stand how icky they get, especially when someone leaves them sitting in the bottom of the sink instead of hanging to dry. I also use a Magic Blue microfibre sweeper/mop with several replacement pads that I wash frequently. With the laminate floors, 3 pets, and a baby playing on the floor, I sweep at least once a day and fill that mop!
Cloth diapers, rag cloths for cleaning, microfibre for dusting and glass, hemp cloth tea bags and coffee filter - it's all reusable and anything that gets "icky" is washed in hot water.
Yes, even cloth mama pads (along with a menstrual cup). All those chemicals and the plastic of the disposable pads gross me out.
However, we do use recycled paper TP and we keep some cheap paper towels on hand for soaking up bacon grease and the like. One day I'd like to switch to cloth TP, but I promise to keep paper around for guests.
In other news, check the videos on the left and you'll find one of Abi saying Mama and Dada.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Staying Warm
As I'm sure most of you know, winter is here. Yes, snow has blanketed for the ground for a couple of weeks now. There's no denying it any longer.
But take comfort, for with the snow comes the perfect excuse to cozy up with those you love to stay warm. Gather your partner, your kids, your cats, your dogs, your family and friends. Find a big afghan to hide under and a mug of hot chocolate, or tea, or cafe latte, or hot apple cider, or Irish coffee... you get the picture.
If you are very fortunate, someone who loves you very much will have knit you a warm pair of woolen socks.
And they will have persevered even after they ran out of the wool needed to finish them. They will have tracked down more yarn in Toronto, only to discover the new yarn is thicker and must have some of the threads removed before knitting. But they will do it because they love you. (Or because they are stubborn and refuse to frog the almost-finished socks. Either way, consider yourself blessed.)
[These are mom's socks.]
If you like to crawl on the cool floors a lot, then ask someone to knit you a pair of fingerless mitts to cover your palms. Then you are sure to stay warm.
And if you have cash to spare, you can commission me to knit you a scarf. (Oops, you missed the request date. Try again next year.)
This morning I have cozied up with a mug of yerba latte. Later I'll finish baking gingerbread cookies. I'm considering building a GB house. Or maybe... I just had the perfect idea for Solstice gingerbread. Will share it when I've made it - closer to Solstice.
But take comfort, for with the snow comes the perfect excuse to cozy up with those you love to stay warm. Gather your partner, your kids, your cats, your dogs, your family and friends. Find a big afghan to hide under and a mug of hot chocolate, or tea, or cafe latte, or hot apple cider, or Irish coffee... you get the picture.
If you are very fortunate, someone who loves you very much will have knit you a warm pair of woolen socks.
And they will have persevered even after they ran out of the wool needed to finish them. They will have tracked down more yarn in Toronto, only to discover the new yarn is thicker and must have some of the threads removed before knitting. But they will do it because they love you. (Or because they are stubborn and refuse to frog the almost-finished socks. Either way, consider yourself blessed.)
[These are mom's socks.]
If you like to crawl on the cool floors a lot, then ask someone to knit you a pair of fingerless mitts to cover your palms. Then you are sure to stay warm.
And if you have cash to spare, you can commission me to knit you a scarf. (Oops, you missed the request date. Try again next year.)
This morning I have cozied up with a mug of yerba latte. Later I'll finish baking gingerbread cookies. I'm considering building a GB house. Or maybe... I just had the perfect idea for Solstice gingerbread. Will share it when I've made it - closer to Solstice.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Dessert Break
As I take a dessert break from transcribing interviews, I thought I should let you all know that Robin is a great husband. He just brought me up a hot lava cake, fresh from the oven. For those of you who have been treated to Robin's personal lava cakes, make sure you don't drool on the keyboard. This isn't some packaged dessert. This is Robin's own creation, discovered by accident one day. You too can make your own lava cakes at home. Just prepare the brownie recipe on the cocoa tin (Robin quarters it for the two of us I believe) and pour into a ramekin dish. Bake in the oven for the normal time (sorry, you'll have to play with the time to find what works best in your oven with your dish). Of course, because the brownies are supposed to be in a shallow dish, when you insert your fork into the finished cake you will discover an ooey-gooey center. Careful, it's hot (like lava, silly). I know you'll want to take a big bite, but don't burn your tongue! I should listen to my own advice. I inevitably scorch my mouth every time. If you want to get fancy, top with a raspberry sauce. Or dust with icing sugar.
Make sure you have milk at hand. Robin forgot my glass, but he's forgiven since he does only have two arms and one of them was holding Abigail.
Well, my cake is consumed. I wish I could have extended the break longer, but I could not slow myself down. Speaking of milk, it sounds as if Abigail needs some. Milk break! (I hear Robin in the fridge. I bet he's drinking milk too.)
Make sure you have milk at hand. Robin forgot my glass, but he's forgiven since he does only have two arms and one of them was holding Abigail.
Well, my cake is consumed. I wish I could have extended the break longer, but I could not slow myself down. Speaking of milk, it sounds as if Abigail needs some. Milk break! (I hear Robin in the fridge. I bet he's drinking milk too.)
Friday, November 21, 2008
Ogre Face
What's new with you?
Nothing much to report around here. Same old, same old. Chasing Abigail around. Staring numbly at the mess that is my office wondering where to start, what to work on, and just as I get into the middle of work, having to take care of Abigail.
Friday, November 14, 2008
A Girls Day
"What a day, what day". And I'm only half way through it yet! (I have a girls movie night / birthday celebration to attend this evening).
Abigail, Erykah Badu and I drove out to Toronto this morning to meet Susan and Aya. Susan and I are both members of the Earthy Birthy Thought Swap, an online discussion forum for earthy-birthy moms. I have been a member there for about 10 years and I credit the women there with much of my parenting skills and knowledge. Members are scattered across the globe. Today I met one of them who hails from New Brunswick and is visiting family in Ontario. Aya and Abigail are less than a month apart in age. I knew from our posts that Aya and Abigail have reached similar developmental stages, have similar behaviours and so forth, but when we finally met I truly saw how alike they are. They are both beautiful, smiley, happy, exploring, cuddly babies. It was a joy to watch them interact. I went to meet an online correspondent, but I feel we left having met friends. Susan and I are very similar in our approach to parenting and our demeanors. From the moment we hugged hello it felt like I was meeting up with an old friend. One of the wonderful things about the Earthy Birthy Thought Swap is that the core group of members (those of us who post often) have developed a supportive relationship. One day I hope to meet them all! Susan and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Raging Spoon (what a great name) after a shopping excursion at Romni Wools (yarn heaven).
Abigail, Tori Amos (the music I was listening to on the highway was very important to the trip) and I left with fond memories and a bag of yarns (most importantly, the yarn I needed to finish my mom's socks).
Abigail, Erykah Badu and I drove out to Toronto this morning to meet Susan and Aya. Susan and I are both members of the Earthy Birthy Thought Swap, an online discussion forum for earthy-birthy moms. I have been a member there for about 10 years and I credit the women there with much of my parenting skills and knowledge. Members are scattered across the globe. Today I met one of them who hails from New Brunswick and is visiting family in Ontario. Aya and Abigail are less than a month apart in age. I knew from our posts that Aya and Abigail have reached similar developmental stages, have similar behaviours and so forth, but when we finally met I truly saw how alike they are. They are both beautiful, smiley, happy, exploring, cuddly babies. It was a joy to watch them interact. I went to meet an online correspondent, but I feel we left having met friends. Susan and I are very similar in our approach to parenting and our demeanors. From the moment we hugged hello it felt like I was meeting up with an old friend. One of the wonderful things about the Earthy Birthy Thought Swap is that the core group of members (those of us who post often) have developed a supportive relationship. One day I hope to meet them all! Susan and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at The Raging Spoon (what a great name) after a shopping excursion at Romni Wools (yarn heaven).
Abigail, Tori Amos (the music I was listening to on the highway was very important to the trip) and I left with fond memories and a bag of yarns (most importantly, the yarn I needed to finish my mom's socks).
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Christmas Shopping
Alas, with Hallowe'en over, it is now the season of Santas, Christmas trees, coloured lights, and fake snow. Apparently Christmas season starts November 1st.
It is one of many reasons I prefer to celebrate Yule. You can't celebrate the winter solstice before the sun actually reaches its shortest period.
Some of my friends start decorating early. It's a choice. I'm simply sick of Christmas by the time Dec 25 rolls around. That's me.
I know many people are thinking about, starting, even finishing their holiday shopping. Me, I'm crafting my Yule gifts and I prefer to discover the perfect gift throughout the year when I happen upon it. Robin, he's a Christmas Eve shopper. I know my mom has half her shopping done because I received a phone call weeks ago inquiring whether we had X yet. My family likes to shop. I've tried very hard over the last few years to curb my shopping addiction (due to a lack of sufficient funds) and refocus on intent. Yes, that means you're getting homemade gifts! And it's not because I'm cheap. Just wait until you see what Abigail and I have planned.
This will be Abigail's first Yule and Christmas. I imagine people are going to become a little silly when they shop for her. It happens. So I've put together another of my annoying little lists.
As usual, we prefer no plastic.
We endorse gently used items.
We have some wooden blocks, but could always use more, especially building blocks (just bought some).
Wooden toys in general are great. (We have a bead-maze, a train, building blocks, shapes sorting box, and letter blocks).
We still love puppets and so will you when Abigail one day performs a puppet show for you.
Books are always welcome.
Kids music is welcomed! We have none.
Abigail has her own Amazon.ca account for books and music.
Musical instruments will be welcome so long as they are real instruments, not fake-sounding stuff. Of course I don't expect she'll be picking up a guitar soon. My point: if it's going to make noise, it has to be quality sound. I have a small hand drum she can play once she gets over the bite-everything stage.
Abigail has many clothes. I took inventory today. Read on if you care to know for reference.
12 Months / 18 Months / 24 Months/2T
Dresses 4 / 14 / 10
Pants 16 / 6 / 9
Shorts 7 / 0 (don't need any) / 9
Short Sleeve Ts 12 / 1 / 13
Short Sleeve onesies 8 / 8 / 4
Long Ts 9 / 3 / 0
Long Onesies 7 / 2 / 2
Sweaters 9 / 5 / 5
Sleepers 12 / 2 / 0 *need sleepers* Preferable button up both legs or two piece. All cotton.
Overalls 2 / 0/ 0
Swimsuit 1 / 2 / 0
Summersuit 0/ 4/ 0
Slippers and shoes / many / will still fit / will need footwear but waiting to see what style
There. As you can see, there are some things we definitely do not need more of! Like dresses. Keep in mind at 12 months it will be March (still wintery - Abigail was born in a storm - and transitioning to Spring). At 18 months it will be September. So far Abigail generally fits clothing that it her age, except for some brands that are ridiculously small! Like Gagou Tagou. Abigail is about 17 -18 lbs.
It is one of many reasons I prefer to celebrate Yule. You can't celebrate the winter solstice before the sun actually reaches its shortest period.
Some of my friends start decorating early. It's a choice. I'm simply sick of Christmas by the time Dec 25 rolls around. That's me.
I know many people are thinking about, starting, even finishing their holiday shopping. Me, I'm crafting my Yule gifts and I prefer to discover the perfect gift throughout the year when I happen upon it. Robin, he's a Christmas Eve shopper. I know my mom has half her shopping done because I received a phone call weeks ago inquiring whether we had X yet. My family likes to shop. I've tried very hard over the last few years to curb my shopping addiction (due to a lack of sufficient funds) and refocus on intent. Yes, that means you're getting homemade gifts! And it's not because I'm cheap. Just wait until you see what Abigail and I have planned.
This will be Abigail's first Yule and Christmas. I imagine people are going to become a little silly when they shop for her. It happens. So I've put together another of my annoying little lists.
As usual, we prefer no plastic.
We endorse gently used items.
We have some wooden blocks, but could always use more, especially building blocks (just bought some).
Wooden toys in general are great. (We have a bead-maze, a train, building blocks, shapes sorting box, and letter blocks).
We still love puppets and so will you when Abigail one day performs a puppet show for you.
Books are always welcome.
Kids music is welcomed! We have none.
Abigail has her own Amazon.ca account for books and music.
Musical instruments will be welcome so long as they are real instruments, not fake-sounding stuff. Of course I don't expect she'll be picking up a guitar soon. My point: if it's going to make noise, it has to be quality sound. I have a small hand drum she can play once she gets over the bite-everything stage.
Abigail has many clothes. I took inventory today. Read on if you care to know for reference.
12 Months / 18 Months / 24 Months/2T
Dresses 4 / 14 / 10
Pants 16 / 6 / 9
Shorts 7 / 0 (don't need any) / 9
Short Sleeve Ts 12 / 1 / 13
Short Sleeve onesies 8 / 8 / 4
Long Ts 9 / 3 / 0
Long Onesies 7 / 2 / 2
Sweaters 9 / 5 / 5
Sleepers 12 / 2 / 0 *need sleepers* Preferable button up both legs or two piece. All cotton.
Overalls 2 / 0/ 0
Swimsuit 1 / 2 / 0
Summersuit 0/ 4/ 0
Slippers and shoes / many / will still fit / will need footwear but waiting to see what style
There. As you can see, there are some things we definitely do not need more of! Like dresses. Keep in mind at 12 months it will be March (still wintery - Abigail was born in a storm - and transitioning to Spring). At 18 months it will be September. So far Abigail generally fits clothing that it her age, except for some brands that are ridiculously small! Like Gagou Tagou. Abigail is about 17 -18 lbs.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Belated Samhain note
I realize this is over a week overdue, but recent events call for this post.
First, let me share a picture of Robin and Abigail dressed up for Halloween:
Abigail went to daddy's work as a Green Witch. It seemed to match the Robin Hood outfit. And it is stuff I had on hand.
Later that day, Abigail and I joined friends and their little ones for a brief Samhain ritual and crafts. Abigail tried her hands at finger-painting and made some lovely art pieces that I plan to use as background in her scrapbook once I iron them out...
When we returned home, Robin and I enjoyed the dumb supper that Robin had lovingly prepared. Abigail was napping from the car ride. There were four places set at the table. Two for us, one for Marion, and one for Margaret. We invited Abigail's grandmother and great-great-grandmother to join us on Samhain during our silent meal in remembrance. Margaret had just passed over early that morning. As you may recall, we were fortunate to be able to have a five generations photograph with my great-grandmother who would have soon turned 96 years old.
In hindsight, the one being I did not honour this Samhain was Gryphon. Marion is always a part of our Samhain rituals and with Margaret's passing it seemed natural to include her as well. To be honest, I was feeling very rushed this Samhain as I prepared to leave for Chicago very early the next morning. I have honoured Gryphon's passing many times, and he will be honoured again when Abigail is older and I am able to speak with her about the significance of his passing. I imagine there will be a Samhain when we will be honouring Fenwick or Monkey - many years from now I hope - and we can include all of our four-legged loved ones.
The reason I thought to write this is that another of Abigail's friends has passed over - her playmate from this summer, Hudson. Hudson is her Aunt Corey's dog. Abigail loved him! She thought he was the funniest dog she had ever met. I think it was his talking that she liked best. He will be missed by many (except by cats). I trust that Rollee, his companion for many years, has welcomed him into the Summerlands (fields of grass full of rabbits to chase, bones to chew on, polls to mark, and hands to scratch).
First, let me share a picture of Robin and Abigail dressed up for Halloween:
Abigail went to daddy's work as a Green Witch. It seemed to match the Robin Hood outfit. And it is stuff I had on hand.
Later that day, Abigail and I joined friends and their little ones for a brief Samhain ritual and crafts. Abigail tried her hands at finger-painting and made some lovely art pieces that I plan to use as background in her scrapbook once I iron them out...
When we returned home, Robin and I enjoyed the dumb supper that Robin had lovingly prepared. Abigail was napping from the car ride. There were four places set at the table. Two for us, one for Marion, and one for Margaret. We invited Abigail's grandmother and great-great-grandmother to join us on Samhain during our silent meal in remembrance. Margaret had just passed over early that morning. As you may recall, we were fortunate to be able to have a five generations photograph with my great-grandmother who would have soon turned 96 years old.
In hindsight, the one being I did not honour this Samhain was Gryphon. Marion is always a part of our Samhain rituals and with Margaret's passing it seemed natural to include her as well. To be honest, I was feeling very rushed this Samhain as I prepared to leave for Chicago very early the next morning. I have honoured Gryphon's passing many times, and he will be honoured again when Abigail is older and I am able to speak with her about the significance of his passing. I imagine there will be a Samhain when we will be honouring Fenwick or Monkey - many years from now I hope - and we can include all of our four-legged loved ones.
The reason I thought to write this is that another of Abigail's friends has passed over - her playmate from this summer, Hudson. Hudson is her Aunt Corey's dog. Abigail loved him! She thought he was the funniest dog she had ever met. I think it was his talking that she liked best. He will be missed by many (except by cats). I trust that Rollee, his companion for many years, has welcomed him into the Summerlands (fields of grass full of rabbits to chase, bones to chew on, polls to mark, and hands to scratch).
Abigail in doggy heaven with Hudson and Darla
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Vroom Vroom
[Car does not come with real car sounds.]
As you can see in this video, Abigail is back to her usual happy, playful self.
We are trying to capture Ogre Face to show you. How will we ever be able to take her seriously when she is angry after seeing this face? Wait, you'll see what we mean.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The Big Trip
Chicago Nov 1-3. I left that town soon before Obama was elected president, but I stood in the park where he was to give his speech.
I had a great time at the AAR attending sessions, talking with people, and making connections. We stayed in the swanky (as my roommate called it) Palmer House Hotel, but most of the conference was at the Hilton Towers just down the street. I rode on the subway/el between the airport and downtown. And I visited the Chicago Art Institute - well, the gift shop. They currently have a show of European tapestries, but the unicorn tapestries are not there, so I decided not to go. Otherwise, I didn't see much of Chicago because I spent my time at the AAR.
Meanwhile, back at home, and unbeknownst to me, Abigail was refusing to eat. She was okay on the first day, but by Sunday and Monday she was obstinately refusing foods and breastmilk and only occassionally accepting water. By the time I saw her Monday night she was definitely not herself. She nursed at the airport and again at home as we went to bed. That drained my breastmilk. Because while she was at home without breastmilk, I was in Chicago with too much! I was very sore. By Monday I seem to have reached an equilibrium, but Abigail's nursing disturbed that again. We're building back up to our normal routine, but the last three days have been exhausting! She wants to nurse only to eat still, but my production isn't up to full. She is very low energy, but is certainly improving. Since Sunday she has required constant holding, but today she played by herself for a short while.
To add to the "fun", our washing machine broke just before I left. Robin discovered this when he went to dry the diapers I had put in the wash before leaving. The washer seemed to be working fine then, but apparently they were not clean and the agitator is broken. Our new washer arrives Saturday morning and in the meantime we have washed a couple loads of diapers at a friend's. Our clothes will have to wait until Saturday. Laundry day for sure!
That's the excitement around here. Next year the AAR is in Montreal. Robin and I will be holidaying there while my mom and aunt babysit Abigail. They insist. So my goal for next year is to present a paper at the conference! By then I will have work to present - how exciting! :)
I had a great time at the AAR attending sessions, talking with people, and making connections. We stayed in the swanky (as my roommate called it) Palmer House Hotel, but most of the conference was at the Hilton Towers just down the street. I rode on the subway/el between the airport and downtown. And I visited the Chicago Art Institute - well, the gift shop. They currently have a show of European tapestries, but the unicorn tapestries are not there, so I decided not to go. Otherwise, I didn't see much of Chicago because I spent my time at the AAR.
Meanwhile, back at home, and unbeknownst to me, Abigail was refusing to eat. She was okay on the first day, but by Sunday and Monday she was obstinately refusing foods and breastmilk and only occassionally accepting water. By the time I saw her Monday night she was definitely not herself. She nursed at the airport and again at home as we went to bed. That drained my breastmilk. Because while she was at home without breastmilk, I was in Chicago with too much! I was very sore. By Monday I seem to have reached an equilibrium, but Abigail's nursing disturbed that again. We're building back up to our normal routine, but the last three days have been exhausting! She wants to nurse only to eat still, but my production isn't up to full. She is very low energy, but is certainly improving. Since Sunday she has required constant holding, but today she played by herself for a short while.
To add to the "fun", our washing machine broke just before I left. Robin discovered this when he went to dry the diapers I had put in the wash before leaving. The washer seemed to be working fine then, but apparently they were not clean and the agitator is broken. Our new washer arrives Saturday morning and in the meantime we have washed a couple loads of diapers at a friend's. Our clothes will have to wait until Saturday. Laundry day for sure!
That's the excitement around here. Next year the AAR is in Montreal. Robin and I will be holidaying there while my mom and aunt babysit Abigail. They insist. So my goal for next year is to present a paper at the conference! By then I will have work to present - how exciting! :)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Moving Around
I promised walking updates.
If she can find a weighted basket, overturned box,or the like, she will use it as a walker to get around. She does crawl too - she crawls to something she can climb up on!
Note that Monkey has squished herself into the corner. She is safe - for now. mwhahahaha. I do believe Abigail is babbling away to her here. Perhaps saying "I'll get you my pretty, and my little dog too!"
I did say she likes to get into everything. Robin is particularly proud here. She should have her Bombers hat on!
Note the blue and gold in the next picture. Robin dressed her in Bomber colours and we won the next game against Montreal. I'm not saying Abigail had anything to do with this... ;)
This is her new car / walker given to us by one of Robin's co-workers when she heard about Abigail's immediate transition to walking upright with help. She hasn't mastered walking with a wheeled walker, so we keep this in car mode for now. So far she only travels in reverse, but she knows how to use the stick-shift (in her left hand) and rotate the engine (in her right). Literally, Robin sat her down, showed her the two toy parts on the front, and off she went like an old pro. You'd think she actually needs to change gears to drive this thing.
She is far too smart. We're in trouble!
Samhain is tomorrow. Abigail and I will be joining friend for crafts. Robin will be cooking our Dumb Supper. We'll be dressing up, but still not sure what. Then early to bed for me as I have an early flight the next morning and a long weekend in Chicago.
If she can find a weighted basket, overturned box,or the like, she will use it as a walker to get around. She does crawl too - she crawls to something she can climb up on!
Note that Monkey has squished herself into the corner. She is safe - for now. mwhahahaha. I do believe Abigail is babbling away to her here. Perhaps saying "I'll get you my pretty, and my little dog too!"
I did say she likes to get into everything. Robin is particularly proud here. She should have her Bombers hat on!
Note the blue and gold in the next picture. Robin dressed her in Bomber colours and we won the next game against Montreal. I'm not saying Abigail had anything to do with this... ;)
This is her new car / walker given to us by one of Robin's co-workers when she heard about Abigail's immediate transition to walking upright with help. She hasn't mastered walking with a wheeled walker, so we keep this in car mode for now. So far she only travels in reverse, but she knows how to use the stick-shift (in her left hand) and rotate the engine (in her right). Literally, Robin sat her down, showed her the two toy parts on the front, and off she went like an old pro. You'd think she actually needs to change gears to drive this thing.
She is far too smart. We're in trouble!
Samhain is tomorrow. Abigail and I will be joining friend for crafts. Robin will be cooking our Dumb Supper. We'll be dressing up, but still not sure what. Then early to bed for me as I have an early flight the next morning and a long weekend in Chicago.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Snow and Hats
There is snow on the ground. And I have to catch a bus to campus this morning. I'm not a happy camper. "Poor little Prairie Girl has to go out in 0 degree weather. Boo hoo" Yeah, that's right -- I'm using sarcasm on myself.
I've got my coffee and my knitting in hand, both trying to warm me in preparation. The worst part about the cold is that my hands freeze when I try to knit as I walk to and wait at the bus stop. That's no-good*. I am determined to finish this hat for Abigail before I leave for Chicago, especially now that it is getting colder.
*Is it "no good" or "no-good"? I originally typed the former, but I think the latter makes more sense grammatically and intentionally. If I were to write "no good" I should really write "not good".
Speaking of hats, I have only one more hat to make to complete my orders. It was a productive fall for witch hat making! I mean, for fundraising for GRAB Animal Rescue. I made many interesting hats (see flickr) - red and black stripes, pink and black stripes, pink and green stripes, camofluage, blue-black, black with a red fuzzy edge, and a family of mossy-green hats. Fun fun fun.
I've got my coffee and my knitting in hand, both trying to warm me in preparation. The worst part about the cold is that my hands freeze when I try to knit as I walk to and wait at the bus stop. That's no-good*. I am determined to finish this hat for Abigail before I leave for Chicago, especially now that it is getting colder.
*Is it "no good" or "no-good"? I originally typed the former, but I think the latter makes more sense grammatically and intentionally. If I were to write "no good" I should really write "not good".
Speaking of hats, I have only one more hat to make to complete my orders. It was a productive fall for witch hat making! I mean, for fundraising for GRAB Animal Rescue. I made many interesting hats (see flickr) - red and black stripes, pink and black stripes, pink and green stripes, camofluage, blue-black, black with a red fuzzy edge, and a family of mossy-green hats. Fun fun fun.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
I'm a Knitting DingDong
Since this is the "KNITS and notes" and I rarely blog about my yarn, I thought it time to show you some of my recent work and reveal what a ding-dong I can be!
After knitting the pieces flat, I folded the foot over and stitched together to make a pocket for my foot. Why should I look to see how other people stitch it together when this makes (non)sense to me?...
Obviously felting the slipper will magically transform it to a normal slipper shape that doesn’t look like a duck foot... WTF? Why does it still look like a duck foot?
Oh, well look at that. Instead of laying it this way with the skinny part at the top...
and folding that over horizontally...
I should have turned it 180 degrees...
and folded the two sides IN vertically...
then stitched it up...
THEN felted it...
In the end, after unstitching the felted slipper (fun!) and restitching it together, then felting again to try and get rid of the new stitch lines...
I ended up with a half-decent pair of slippers.
Good thing I was experimenting with my own pair.
Now you know how NOT to make a slipper.
Fortunately this was a very fast project and used up yarn I already had (hence why one foot is red and yellow instead of red and orange). It was something I could do while supervising Abigail walking around. I was so excited to actually be making something for myself!! (Instead of socks for my mom, sis, nephew, daughter and witch hats for charity.) I was incredibly upset when these first turned out like duck feet. Robin thought they were cute... I wanted my proper slippers! I wanted my little project for me!!
Next Post: Abigail walking. Or pop over to Flickr to see the uploaded photos.
After knitting the pieces flat, I folded the foot over and stitched together to make a pocket for my foot. Why should I look to see how other people stitch it together when this makes (non)sense to me?...
Obviously felting the slipper will magically transform it to a normal slipper shape that doesn’t look like a duck foot... WTF? Why does it still look like a duck foot?
Oh, well look at that. Instead of laying it this way with the skinny part at the top...
and folding that over horizontally...
I should have turned it 180 degrees...
and folded the two sides IN vertically...
then stitched it up...
THEN felted it...
In the end, after unstitching the felted slipper (fun!) and restitching it together, then felting again to try and get rid of the new stitch lines...
I ended up with a half-decent pair of slippers.
Good thing I was experimenting with my own pair.
Now you know how NOT to make a slipper.
Fortunately this was a very fast project and used up yarn I already had (hence why one foot is red and yellow instead of red and orange). It was something I could do while supervising Abigail walking around. I was so excited to actually be making something for myself!! (Instead of socks for my mom, sis, nephew, daughter and witch hats for charity.) I was incredibly upset when these first turned out like duck feet. Robin thought they were cute... I wanted my proper slippers! I wanted my little project for me!!
Next Post: Abigail walking. Or pop over to Flickr to see the uploaded photos.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Weekly Stuff
It's been a rather quiet week. Abigail continues to grow stronger. She'd really like to be walking.
"Sit!" I tell her.
We attended the OctoberFest/ Thanksgiving Day Parade on Monday and she enjoyed that
It was a great parade. Very long. It was a beautiful day too.
Sunday we had Robin's cousins over for dinner. We also played Unexploded Cows. I won. (This is a rarity for me!) Abigail tried to play too.
Yesterday I picked up some feeding supplies for Abigail. I bought a couple of Safe Sippy cups because she hasn't taken to a bottle, so we may skip right to a sippy cup. We'll need them eventually. I also found this mesh-bag-on-a-stick feeder (called the Baby Safe Feeder). It's a nifty invention (yet another dad invention, like the Snappi) that you stick non-pureed food into and allow them to eat/teeth on. The mesh bag keeps them from choking on pieces and encourages chewing (as they mush the food out). Yesterday we tried apple and she had a great time biting down and tasting the juice. Later in the evening I put banana in to show Robin. Banana was definitely messier.
You may have noticed that I changed up the layout here a little. I have added a video feature on the sidebar, which should show the most recent videos I've put on Youtube. There are two new videos up! Enjoy.
"Sit!" I tell her.
We attended the OctoberFest/ Thanksgiving Day Parade on Monday and she enjoyed that
It was a great parade. Very long. It was a beautiful day too.
Sunday we had Robin's cousins over for dinner. We also played Unexploded Cows. I won. (This is a rarity for me!) Abigail tried to play too.
Yesterday I picked up some feeding supplies for Abigail. I bought a couple of Safe Sippy cups because she hasn't taken to a bottle, so we may skip right to a sippy cup. We'll need them eventually. I also found this mesh-bag-on-a-stick feeder (called the Baby Safe Feeder). It's a nifty invention (yet another dad invention, like the Snappi) that you stick non-pureed food into and allow them to eat/teeth on. The mesh bag keeps them from choking on pieces and encourages chewing (as they mush the food out). Yesterday we tried apple and she had a great time biting down and tasting the juice. Later in the evening I put banana in to show Robin. Banana was definitely messier.
You may have noticed that I changed up the layout here a little. I have added a video feature on the sidebar, which should show the most recent videos I've put on Youtube. There are two new videos up! Enjoy.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving / Turkey Day
From our family to all of yours.
Enjoy feasting.
This photo is from a medieval wedding we attended this fall.
As you can see, Abigail is not always as smiley as the photos portray her.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Video Mania. Again.
I uploaded these videos yesterday, so they'll be ready to view now. Here are some short insights into my days...
Abigail crawls everywhere. She climbs everything she can get to. She babbles away. She pulls all her books off the shelves and tosses them across the room, followed by wooden blocks. But pull out the camera and her world freezes. CAMERA! I've created a monster. I have to try and be more sneaky with the camera now.
But my suffering (as non-painful as it is) is nothing compared to Darla's (and Monkey and Fenwick's when Abigail catches them). Both fortunately and unfortunately for them, she is easily distracted.
The final short video is not ordinary, but it's too cute not to share. Here is Abigail as a fairy, flying through bubbles at a recent wedding.
Abigail crawls everywhere. She climbs everything she can get to. She babbles away. She pulls all her books off the shelves and tosses them across the room, followed by wooden blocks. But pull out the camera and her world freezes. CAMERA! I've created a monster. I have to try and be more sneaky with the camera now.
But my suffering (as non-painful as it is) is nothing compared to Darla's (and Monkey and Fenwick's when Abigail catches them). Both fortunately and unfortunately for them, she is easily distracted.
The final short video is not ordinary, but it's too cute not to share. Here is Abigail as a fairy, flying through bubbles at a recent wedding.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
A New Friend for Abigail
7 months and one day apart they are.
Abigail has a new friend, born yesterday to our friends Tay and Mike. We haven't seen her yet, but she's a lovely pink little thing. 8lbs (just like Abbie was) and 20" long. She was born yester-eve at 1749h after only 2.5 hours of active labour.
Yes, I am jealous. But moreso I am very happy for our friends and glad that Tay had a short labour. I look forward to hearing more from her. They have yet to choose the baby's name. Like us, they want to get to know her a little first.
Abigail has a new friend, born yesterday to our friends Tay and Mike. We haven't seen her yet, but she's a lovely pink little thing. 8lbs (just like Abbie was) and 20" long. She was born yester-eve at 1749h after only 2.5 hours of active labour.
Yes, I am jealous. But moreso I am very happy for our friends and glad that Tay had a short labour. I look forward to hearing more from her. They have yet to choose the baby's name. Like us, they want to get to know her a little first.
Monday, October 06, 2008
Happy Birthday Robin / troublemaker
I hope you are all leaving birthday wishes on Robin's wall.
Today he got the Star Wars Transformer Death Star Deluxe Edition from Abigail. (Okay, we all know who really got it, but as a toy it seemed more appropriate from Abigail.) He also got a new muffin pan, one he can use to make Yorkshire Puddings at the proper high temperature. Every time he makes them he complains that with the non-stick pan he can't set the oven high enough to get a proper Yorkshire Pudding. I bet I know one item we're having for Thanksgiving dinner this year! Corey sent some DVDs. My mom already gave him his gift while we were in Winnipeg - Blue Bomber shirt and hat and baby-wear.
Now, on to me. Or Abbie. However you want to frame it. Have I mentioned that Abigail is not satisfied with crawling on all fours? She'd much rather walk on her knees. She finds whatever she can climb up on and pushes it around infront of her. She gets into everything! I know, this is normal, but it doesn't make my life any easier!
The co-sleeper is no longer at this height.
Poor animals... it doesn't take her long to locate, zoom in, and crawl over to grab them now.
Today he got the Star Wars Transformer Death Star Deluxe Edition from Abigail. (Okay, we all know who really got it, but as a toy it seemed more appropriate from Abigail.) He also got a new muffin pan, one he can use to make Yorkshire Puddings at the proper high temperature. Every time he makes them he complains that with the non-stick pan he can't set the oven high enough to get a proper Yorkshire Pudding. I bet I know one item we're having for Thanksgiving dinner this year! Corey sent some DVDs. My mom already gave him his gift while we were in Winnipeg - Blue Bomber shirt and hat and baby-wear.
Now, on to me. Or Abbie. However you want to frame it. Have I mentioned that Abigail is not satisfied with crawling on all fours? She'd much rather walk on her knees. She finds whatever she can climb up on and pushes it around infront of her. She gets into everything! I know, this is normal, but it doesn't make my life any easier!
The co-sleeper is no longer at this height.
Poor animals... it doesn't take her long to locate, zoom in, and crawl over to grab them now.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Ran for the Cure
Robin and Abigail were "walking briskly" for the cure today.
It was a cool morning. Perfect for runners and people with babies strapped to their chest.
Abigail and Robin extend a great big thank you to all of their supporters. Together you raised $385 for finding the cure for breast cancer. Combined with the thousands of other runners in KW and multiplied by multiple run locations across the country... well, it adds up quickly. You'll have to check the CIBC webpage for a final amount this week. If you're interested.
It was a cool morning. Perfect for runners and people with babies strapped to their chest.
Abigail and Robin extend a great big thank you to all of their supporters. Together you raised $385 for finding the cure for breast cancer. Combined with the thousands of other runners in KW and multiplied by multiple run locations across the country... well, it adds up quickly. You'll have to check the CIBC webpage for a final amount this week. If you're interested.
Friday, October 03, 2008
Ever Changing
Two days after she figured out crawling on a textured surface (carpet, futon, etc), Abigail mastered the strength to crawl on the new laminate floors also. She also enjoys pulling herself up into a kneeling position so that she may better look out over her world from a new height. Today I dropped her co-sleeper bed down to its lower (playpen level) setting because she has begun to pull herself up to the outer edges of it and look out. It is very adorable, however, since she also likes to then push up onto her feet at an angle, she could easily have launched herself over the edge if she tried. Fortunately she did not! This morning she is taking her first nap in her "crib" (still her co-sleeper, but it is no longer at bed level).
We have a busy weekend ahead. Robin is meeting up with some work buddies for drinks tonight to celebrate his birthday (this Monday). Abigail and I will be meeting up with colleagues this afternoon for coffee and stimulating discussion (or such is the hope/plan). Tomorrow Abi and I will be at Pagan Pride Day in Waterloo Park where, among other things, I will be facilitating a discussion of Pagan parenting. Sunday we are Running (walking) for the Cure in the morning and that afternoon I will be doing field research. Monday is Robin's birthday. He asked me for a shoe-horn today for his birthday. Wow, if I'd known it was that simple... I guess I can go return his gift now. I suspect the shoe-horn is so that he doesn't have to undo the laces on his new shoes. These are real shoes! Not Vans or runners.
We have a busy weekend ahead. Robin is meeting up with some work buddies for drinks tonight to celebrate his birthday (this Monday). Abigail and I will be meeting up with colleagues this afternoon for coffee and stimulating discussion (or such is the hope/plan). Tomorrow Abi and I will be at Pagan Pride Day in Waterloo Park where, among other things, I will be facilitating a discussion of Pagan parenting. Sunday we are Running (walking) for the Cure in the morning and that afternoon I will be doing field research. Monday is Robin's birthday. He asked me for a shoe-horn today for his birthday. Wow, if I'd known it was that simple... I guess I can go return his gift now. I suspect the shoe-horn is so that he doesn't have to undo the laces on his new shoes. These are real shoes! Not Vans or runners.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
She Crawled!
Abigail and I attended a workshop on university lecturing today. She was not the most attentive listener, although the workshop leader was quite engaging. Quite coincidentally I found us sitting next to our former neighbour, Megan, from CLV. When Robin and I first moved to Waterloo we were pleased to have a neighbour who was also from Winnipeg. I haven't seen her since we moved out of CLV over 3 years ago. She recognized me too. As we were talking after the workshop Abigail was playing on the (clean-looking) floor. She'd had enough of being carried! She'd been playing under a table, so to entice her out for easier picking-up Megan put some blue paper on the floor. She crawled straight to it. At first I started to comment how funny it is that she will (tummy) crawl to paper and animals and toys, but not to mommy or daddy. Then I stopped and said "holy 'poop'!" She was actually crawling. I had almost taken it for granted, thinking what I was watching was her usual tummy crawl. No, this was on all fours! A real crawl!!! It was forward motion, coordinated movements of hands and knees.
Now, to catch it on camera to share.
Abigail crawls:
Abigail prepares to crawl:
Now, to catch it on camera to share.
Abigail crawls:
Abigail prepares to crawl:
Monday, September 22, 2008
Mabon and Renovations
Happy Harvest!
Last evening we celebrated Mabon, a harvest celebration, with friends in our newly renovated living and dining room.
The feast was fantastic! Robin made a pot roast with yorkshire puddings and a sweet potatoe and apple dish. I made a kale, zucchini, avocado salad. Friends brought more harvest foods including squash, a peach cobbler, and ginger pear pie. So very yummy.
Are you hungry now too?
On to renovation photos:
It is very open now. Abigail and I are loving the space. As every new wood floor owner with pets discovers, there is a lot of hair on the floor. Of course, it has always been there, it was just better hidden by the carpet. Now I see each strand. Fortunately we have a Magic Blue sweeper (like a swiffer but with reusable microfiber rather than wasteful disposable cloths) and clean up is a breeze.
Abigail is teething again. Maybe she will finally get a tooth! I know, I've been saying that for quite some time now. Months even. More on Abigail later this week. I have some lovely photos to share. Or you can just pop over to Flickr to see them.
Last evening we celebrated Mabon, a harvest celebration, with friends in our newly renovated living and dining room.
The feast was fantastic! Robin made a pot roast with yorkshire puddings and a sweet potatoe and apple dish. I made a kale, zucchini, avocado salad. Friends brought more harvest foods including squash, a peach cobbler, and ginger pear pie. So very yummy.
Are you hungry now too?
On to renovation photos:
It is very open now. Abigail and I are loving the space. As every new wood floor owner with pets discovers, there is a lot of hair on the floor. Of course, it has always been there, it was just better hidden by the carpet. Now I see each strand. Fortunately we have a Magic Blue sweeper (like a swiffer but with reusable microfiber rather than wasteful disposable cloths) and clean up is a breeze.
Abigail is teething again. Maybe she will finally get a tooth! I know, I've been saying that for quite some time now. Months even. More on Abigail later this week. I have some lovely photos to share. Or you can just pop over to Flickr to see them.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Running for the Cure
Robin here, I know its been a while since I posted but I figure Mandy does a pretty good job at keeping people up to date. I just want to leave a quick post that Abigail and me will be participating in this year's Run for the Cure on Oct 5th in honour of her Grandmother Marion. In you wish to support the cause against breast cancer and sponsor us then please visit the following link where you can donate online: https://www.cibcrunforthecure.com/html/personal_page.asp?track=3011996&languageid=1
Until next time....
Until next time....
Friday, September 19, 2008
Climbing out of bed
It's official. Abigail can climb out of her cosleeper onto our bed. I just watched her crawl over the edge so that she could get to the sewing pattern I was reading at the far edge of the bed. It took her a while, but she eventually managed to wiggle her way over by pushing from her feet and dragging herself forward grabbing onto the bedsheet.
Sheesh, can't leave her anywhere now!
Sheesh, can't leave her anywhere now!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
First Food Aftermath
Baths are a necessity after eating. Dark greens stain clothing. Poops are STINKY.
This is what I have learned.
In other news, I am busy putting together outfits for us for a "medievalesque" wedding in two weekends. I cut my fabric today and cut out the pattern pieces for Robin's garb. I'm going simple with Abbie's outfit. I don't want to reveal more until all is done.
In yet other news, Robin picked up the trim today and will cut it tomorrow. Then paint, then install it, probably on Saturday. Just in time for our Mabon dinner on Sunday.
This is what I have learned.
In other news, I am busy putting together outfits for us for a "medievalesque" wedding in two weekends. I cut my fabric today and cut out the pattern pieces for Robin's garb. I'm going simple with Abbie's outfit. I don't want to reveal more until all is done.
In yet other news, Robin picked up the trim today and will cut it tomorrow. Then paint, then install it, probably on Saturday. Just in time for our Mabon dinner on Sunday.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
First Food
Abigail had her first official green food today. Yummy green swiss chard. Breastfeeding is so much easier and less messy!!! It is time for Abigail to start eating some other foods, however, because I have a conference to attend in November. Since she's not a big fan of the bottle it will be useful to be able to feed her solids in my absence, as well as breastmilk.
Let us share this first* food experience with you. I think it went well.
Waiting for dinner.
First spoonfuls.
Helping mommy.
Yummy Greens.
Admiring her spoon.
Live footage:
* Okay, so it it not her very first taste of something other than breastmilk and chew toys. She did savour a piece of watermelon this summer.
Let us share this first* food experience with you. I think it went well.
Waiting for dinner.
First spoonfuls.
Helping mommy.
Yummy Greens.
Admiring her spoon.
Live footage:
* Okay, so it it not her very first taste of something other than breastmilk and chew toys. She did savour a piece of watermelon this summer.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Book Launch
Abigail and I just returned home from a book launch for 3 great books by 3 amazing women in the Religion and Culture department at Wilfrid Laurier University. We were primarily there to support our good friend Chris Klassen whose book Storied Selves: Shaping Identity in Feminist Witchcraft was being launched. Also featured was Carol B. Duncan's This Spot of Ground: Spiritual Baptists in Toronto and Meena Sharify-Funk's Encountering the Transnational: Women, Islam and the Politics of Interpretation.
They throw a great book launch! The cakes were amazing. I tried 2 out of 3 ;) Entirely not on my list of foods to eat, but given that there was still a lot of cake left I felt I had to do my part in consuming it. You know, to make the organizers feel good. We're talking tiramisu and a chocolate mousse cake, not some generic white cake with too much frosting.
Attending events with Abigail is such a joy. She is usually well behaved. She loves people and enjoys watching them. She was feeling particularly social today and loved cuddling with one of my favourite UWaterloo profs Doris Jakobsh. It will be such fun to tell Abigail about all the academic events she attended with me as a baby. I hope I'm not setting the bar too high for her ;) I also got to see one of the wonderful women who started the PhD program with me. I hadn't seen her in several years. It was a good start to my weekend. Tomorrow I'm co-hosting a baby shower for our friends Tay and Mike. I'm excited. Another baby soon! Yes, soon I too can be one of those moms who says to my friend "I remember when Abigail was that small... and did that... it seems so long ago/it seems like only yesterday."
They throw a great book launch! The cakes were amazing. I tried 2 out of 3 ;) Entirely not on my list of foods to eat, but given that there was still a lot of cake left I felt I had to do my part in consuming it. You know, to make the organizers feel good. We're talking tiramisu and a chocolate mousse cake, not some generic white cake with too much frosting.
Attending events with Abigail is such a joy. She is usually well behaved. She loves people and enjoys watching them. She was feeling particularly social today and loved cuddling with one of my favourite UWaterloo profs Doris Jakobsh. It will be such fun to tell Abigail about all the academic events she attended with me as a baby. I hope I'm not setting the bar too high for her ;) I also got to see one of the wonderful women who started the PhD program with me. I hadn't seen her in several years. It was a good start to my weekend. Tomorrow I'm co-hosting a baby shower for our friends Tay and Mike. I'm excited. Another baby soon! Yes, soon I too can be one of those moms who says to my friend "I remember when Abigail was that small... and did that... it seems so long ago/it seems like only yesterday."
Monday, September 08, 2008
New Floors
The flooring is going down. There is still about a 1/4 remaining to be done, but damn it looks good! In my not-so-humble opinion.
Let us pretend it is done... see how the carpet, wall and flooring come together. There will be trim before Autumn Equinox. That's the date I have set for Robin.
Wood meets tile, laminate meets ceramic. The flooring we chose is quite thick at 15mm, so it is almost the exact same height as the tiles. We have yet to figure out how to bridge the two surfaces. Apparently nobody makes pieces for this depth of flooring, but there is a place in Waterloo that will custom make pieces.
So, what do you think?
New Photo September 14 after the flooring was finished:
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