Oops

It's already been a month since my last post? Oops.

October - January is pretty crazy in my household with birthdays and holidays. Even more so this year with all that's been going on lately.

I haven't seen Ryan since Addison's birthday. He's been working in New Brunswick for a month straight, comes home for one weekend, and goes right back out again. I don't know how Nicole has kept her sanity.

That would be why he was unable to make the trip to see Grandad. My parents and I went for a long, highway-free drive to see him last month. At 91 years old, he is still in great shape. He lives in a second floor walk up, loves walking around town, and is still as quick as a whip. Sadly, after nearly ten years of being in remission, his cancer has returned. He was hoping he could avoid treatment but had to go through surgery this week to have his larynx completely removed. Surgery went well and he'll be moved to a treatment centre soon. All three girls will be with him daily, rotating between them, going two at a time. Hopefully I'll soon be able to introduce him to Isaac and Addison, and Ryan to his family.

My parents moved this weekend. It's the best decision for everyone, but I'm still a little sad to see my childhood house sit empty.

Megan and I have started making and selling our greeting cards! She was in the right place at the right time, and set up a deal with a woman in her town who runs a boutique. She liked what she saw and put in a few orders right away. We're hoping to find a second location here and offer cards for all occasions, invitations, and various other paper party supplies. Happy Mailbox is taking off!

Isaac is still working away in the hospital. Addison and I went to see him recently and it was a total bust. She got into everything at the apartment and wouldn't sleep at night. There isn't much within walking distance and our attempted shopping trips to the Eaton Centre and Vaughan Mills mall were complete failures. I don't plan on bringing her back any time soon.

Addison is picking up new words every day. Just this week she started saying "See day-der" (See you later) when someone leaves. She's obsessed with jumping on the couch and pushing her baby in her doll stroller. I don't remember the last time she slept through the night. The doctor thinks she might be experiencing night terrors :(
 

This is not fun.

I've been such a grump since I got hurt. It's beyond frustrating to not be able to take care of yourself, never mind a toddler. I've gone out to the mall twice, just to get out of the house. I'm going stir-crazy. It's difficult, but manageable at this point. Thankfully this injury is not nearly as bad as those in the past, which means I'm in much better shape at two weeks than I was then at a month. However, that does not mean I'm getting off scott-free. I still need help getting dressed, and getting in and out of the bath tub. I use crutches to slowly go up the stairs, then slide them down next to me as I go downstairs on my bum. I can't put weight on my bad leg yet, which means I can't properly pick up Addison, and put her down in her crib. I can only hold her if I'm sitting comfortably and lift her up in a certain way. She obviously doesn't understand, and it's heartbreaking to hear "Mama up! Up! Maaamaaaaa!" all day. Being on crutches means I might be able to get from room-to-room, but I cannot carry anything. I eat my lunch standing at the counter beside my fridge, and let Addison snack off a plate on the floor. Getting her changed and dressed is quite a feat. I'm kind of glad that it's been so rainy and gross lately, because I feel slightly less guilty for not taking Addison out to run around. When it's just us, my only option is to sit with her on the deck, when what she really wants to do is run laps around the entire house, and go for long walks around town. I had to turn down a job offer, and pull out of soccer. I didn't get to go to Ottawa for my birthday. While Isaac is at work, Addison and I have spent time with my mom, Nicole, and Kerry. They've been a great help. I know that these are tiny, insignificant problems in the grand scheme of things, but it's still pretty sucky when it happens to you. I should be out of this immobilizer by the weekend, and into a smaller brace, still with crutches. I meet with the doctor on Tuesday for another follow-up. Cross your fingers for a quick, easy recovery.
 

Happy Easter!

Addison's second Easter was a success, even if she is afraid of the Easter bunny. It was busy, but still pretty low-key.

I took her to the Easter bunny at the mall last week. She was in such a good mood. She waved to the bunny (and everyone else around her) and said hi, with a big smile on her face. Then I set her down on his lap and I thought the world was going to end. She was not having it. Picture to follow once I get it scanned.

Addison spent the night with the girls on Friday, for her second-ever sleepover. Isaac and I had a little visit with them, then said our goodbyes. She was good until we got to the stairs and she realized we were leaving. I guess she cried for a while but eventually calmed down, and everyone slept through the night. Ryan dropped her off at 8:30 the next morning. Isaac and I had done absolutely nothing all night, and loved every second of it.

On Saturday, after nap, we went to Isaac's Uncle Ray's Easter party. They go all out for their parties, whatever the occasion. There were craft stations, a parade, an Easter bunny (another bust; Addison screamed), and a scavenger hunt. My hunting team was awesome. They were 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 2.5. Hilarity ensued.

We hid eggs outside around our house on Sunday for Addison to find. She did pretty well, and got the hang of it quickly. It took a while to find just six eggs, though, because she wanted to play with every single one as she found it. The park finally dried up so we took her there (for the first time this year) after nap. That night I made ham, mashed potatoes, asparagus, and rolls for dinner.

I forgot to take a picture of her Easter basket. Isaac and I didn't get her much, but it still ended up taking over the entire Dining Room table. Addison and I dyed eggs and I put together a little basket for her, but everyone's gifts for her took over the entire Dining Room table. Kasey got her a duck, bunny ears that smell like chocolate, and a book. Grandma and Grandpa G got her a book and two shirts. Nana and Grandpa H got her some outdoor shovel toys, and a book. Ryan and Nicole got her bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and finger paint.

Today Isaac took the day off work and we went to his parents for turkey dinner. Addison loved all the good food this weekend and was in a great mood, as long as no bunny costumes were around. I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as we did!

It's been a long week

Everyone says it's bad when men get sick - and it is - but you know what's worse? When babies get sick. Last Saturday I took Addison to Ryan and Nicole's, and all was fine and dandy. Come Sunday, she's hacking up a lung. Her nose was running a mile a minute, she couldn't stop coughing, and her temperature was up and down between 101 and 103. Awesome, right?

I hate that she can't tell me how she feels. What hurts? What happens when do you this or try that? I hate that she can't blow her own nose, and hates the booger sucker. I hate that I can't explain to her what's going on and that she'll feel better soon. I hate that I can't tell her we're doing everything we can.

I took her to the doctor on Tuesday because it was only getting worse. Turns out she has an upper respiratory infection and there isn't much we can do to treat the virus. So now I'm stuck with a grumpy, gooey, screaming, coughing, feverish baby that can't get to sleep.

Isaac came home from Tuesday-Wednesday, and he's still sick as a dog. Somehow I haven't managed to catch anything. *Knock on wood.

I called Lori (my favourite nurse practitioner) on Thursday and asked for suggestions to help with the coughing and mucous build up. After listing her symptoms, Lori was convinced my poor girl has the flu. Her fever had kept going up and down until Thursday!

So here we are, a week later, and she's just starting to slowly make a turn-around. She hadn't been eating until today, when she went to town on three full meals and more snacks than you could ever imagine. She slept okay lastnight (thank god, after waking five times Fri night) and had a good nap this afternoon. We went for a little walk and she seemed to enjoy the fresh air. And finally, she wanted to play and splash in the bath tonight.

Slowly but surely, she's feeling better. Now it's my turn to catch up on sleep!

Success!

We did it! Addison had her first sleep-over, and it was a hit.

I never would have thought it would take us 14 months before we'd leave her for the night, but I ended up nursing for far longer than anticipated. We had a few people offer to look after her, but I couldn't leave her for too long. Now that we're just about done, Isaac and I were more than ready for a night off.

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Nicole came over for a visit on Friday and Isaac got off work early. When the girls were getting ready to leave, they asked if they could take Addison for the night. We had no idea what to expect, seeing as she NEVER sleeps when she's away from home. We've also been going through the Hell that is teething for the past month. I don't remember the last time my poor girl slept through the night. Ryan and Nicole knew this going in, and told us to think it over.

We put her in her PJs and fed her dinner, then sent her over so she was warm and full (read: Happy). When we left, all three girls were playing together upstairs in their PJs. We went for dinner at the new bistro in town, and I got a text around 8 saying everyone was in bed!

This is the only picture I have from Nicole, taken right when we got there. Morgan was getting changed when we arrived, and happened to be putting on the same PJs we had chosen for Addison.

We didn't end up picking her up until 9 the next day. Turns out she only woke up once! It took Isaac and I both a while to fall asleep that night but we both enjoyed a little peace and quiet, and sleeping in. The girls had gotten up around 8 and they had all eaten and changed into their clothes for the day by the time we got there.

Everyone was happy. Everything went well. They've offered to take her once a month from now on. In return, I've offered to take both girls for the day or one girl at night. I'm not ready to go from one baby to three at night time just yet.

Early Christmas

Long story short, my brother has decided not to do Christmas with my parents this year. Instead, he asked to come over this past weekend and open gifts, and call it a day. If nothing else, the girls loved playing together, and Isaac showed Addison and Morgan the mandolin.

 Hannah

 Morgan

Mando

 Morgan's first RC

 Hannah opening crayons

 

Hannah eating crayons

 Addison's first car

 Morgan likes to help open gifts

 Addison was more interested in the scotch tape than the books

Addison's new winter sled

Update

Final midterm marks for both classes: 70
I'm not happy, but I'm sick of complaining. Onward and upward.

In other news, I took Addison to the cenotaph for Remembrance Day today. We followed the parade down to the park and watched the ceremony with Nicole. It was cold, but nice. I plan on taking her every year until she's in school.

After that, we came home and she had a wonderful 2.5 hour nap. Mom came over and we went to town to get some Christmas shopping done. She got a bunch of goodies. I can scratch Dad off my list now. I also picked up a Christmas sleeper for Addison (on sale for 8.99 + no tax day + 20% discount = $7.20), and a toy each for Morgan and Hannah (that Nicole had suggested). I still need to get them books. And I have no idea what to get Isaac, as per usual. He'll be the last one I buy for. So far all I can think of is coveralls. Boring, but practical. I'll keep wracking my brain...

I haven't decided what to get Addison yet. Her quilt will (hopefully) be done by then, which is a huge thing. Not sure what she'll need. I feel like she was just bombarded with toys for her birthday. It's hard to stay on top of everything. I'd really like to stick with the "Something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read." This year that could be _____ (a big, fun present), the quilt, a holiday dress/PJs, and a Christmas book. I don't know. Maybe something will catch my eye in the next two weeks. I really want to get this done before finals roll around, though.

PS: It's 1:19 am. Wtf? Why am I still awake?

Where have I been lately?

Busy, busy. School is keeping me on my toes and I'm loving every second of it. I have great profs and interesting courses. Unfortunately I still haven't gotten one of my text books yet, so I'll be behind very soon with the readings before my midterm. Speaking of midterms, I only have two! While that may sound like a good thing at first, it also means they're worth a boat load. Not cool, CU. Not cool. I hate exams!

In other news, Addison has been a crazy screaming, teething monster for the past few days. It's exhausting. She's so much fun (most of the time) but she has so much energy and just wants to go, go, go. When she's not feeling well, she makes sure everyone knows it. She wants to be the centre of attention and loves being held. I feel bad on days like today when I just can't do anything to make her feel better. She hasn't been eating or sleeping well, and she's really whiny. Her nose was running a mile a minute today, too, on top of everything else. Hopefully it is her teeth, and if that's the case, I hope they pop through quickly. This is not fun.

Ryan and Nicole moved in to their house earlier than anticipated. I love it! It's really cute and has a nice back yard. They had painters in this weekend and the girls room is set up. No one likes unpacking, but they'll be settled soon enough. They've had a crazy year and a half, so I'm sure it'll be nice to FINALLY settle down and relax.

I say Addison is full of energy but I swear she's got nothin on Morgan. That girl plays hard and crashes hard. She keeps me on my toes and makes me laugh so hard that I cry. She points at everything and asks "Wasat?" It's beyond adorable. She also says "hi" and "bye" again and again and again.

Hannah is the happiest baby. She rolls over and wants to get in on the action. She makes silly noises and grunts, and smiles all day long. I can't wait until she's crawling around. This Christmas at my parents will be insanity.

Isaac has been working six 10-hour shifts lately. It's the worst. The.worst.

Addison's birthday is quickly approaching, and is right in mid-term season. Go figure. We'll be going to Ottawa on Friday so I can write Friday night and Saturday morning, then the party is Sunday afternoon and Halloween that Monday night. I figure I'll sleep that Tuesday away!

Speaking of her birthday, I think it's all basically taken care of. I made a pendant and have her invitations basically written up (to send out this week). I got cups, a table cloth, and paper plates at the dollar store that all colour co-ordinate with the fall theme. I'm planning on getting some fresh flowers that weekend to use as the centerpiece, and I made a wreath for the front door. Shawna offered to bake her smash cake so all I really plan on making is cupcakes (for everyone else), cookies, and a few little things here and there. Afternoon party means I won't have to make a big lunch or dinner. Score!

As for presents, Isaac might want to get her something more between now and then, but I think we're done. I'm making her a quilt (started today). Check out my deals:

• Happy Birthday, Little Pookie (Sandra Boynton book) $7.99 on sale for $5.99
• LeapFrog Leapstart Learning Table $59.99 on sale for $15.00
• Children's Place shirt: $12.99 on sale for $6.49
• Children's Place leggings: $9.99 on sale for $5.99
  

I also scored these Baby Gap snow pants for $12! Regular price $49.95. They might be a Christmas present. I haven't decided yet. 3795+400+6.50+45+2


The only thing I bought at regular price was a three pack of sleepers, but they're still only $12. They're George, from Walmart. Zip-up and really cute patterns.

Total birthday savings including snow pants: $95.50

What's next?

• September 5: Meg's birthday
• September 8: SCHOOL!
• October 1 September 24: Ryan and Nicole move to their new house 
• October 6: Provincial election
• October 10: Thanksgiving
• October 26: Addison's 1st birthday
• October 29: Addison's 1st birthday party
• October 31: Halloween
• November 7: Isaac's birthday

Throw some mid-terms in there, and I am booked solid this October! More details to come. I'm too tired right now.

These are just a few questions I had

Compiments of Ali:
1. Five ways to win your heart: Hugs, acoustic guitar, smooth Kraft Peanut Butter, laughter, remembering the little things

2. Something you feel strongly about: Wrongful convictions, equal rights, music/gym/extra-curriculars throughout elementary and highschool, animal cruelty

3. A book you love: Anne of Green Gables, by LM Montgomery

4. Bullet your whole day:

• 730: Wake up, and don't go back to sleep, as per usual, thus dealing with a crank-ass all day
• 930: Drop of Mom's chairs at her place, get a load of manure from the farm for the new plants and have breakfast with MIL
• 1130: Come home with a sleepy baby that refuses to nap
• 1145: CRANK the music as loud as we possibly can against the door leading into the apartment, thanks to Rachel insisting on playing the sax at all times of day/night. We thought this might piss her off and teach her a lesson. It didn't work but it was funny, and therefore worth it. We went for a walk with it blaring.
• 1200: Visit Ryan and Nicole and their cranky babies. ADDISON TOOK HER FIRST STEPS! She walked back and forth about ten times, between Nicole and Isaac. So exciting!
• 1245: Go for a quick bike ride back up to the house with Isaac. The sax had stopped, so we shut off the music. Addison, in the mean time, didn't even care that we had left. She was content laying on the floor with Nicole, eating canteloupe.
• 230: Time to go home and clean up, and have a bite to eat. Perogies and bacon for dinner.
• 315: Isaac left for the week
• 316: Addison went right down in her nap, without a fuss, as soon as Isaac left. Go figure.
• 518: She's still sleeping, as I write. She hasn't made a peep.

5. Things you want to say to an ex: There is one person I'd like to say sorry to, face-to-face, but I don't think I'll ever have the opportunity to do so.

6. Your views on mainstream music: When I listen to the latest top 20/any billboard these days, I imagine Neil Young and Bob Dylan tuning in and keeling over. What happened to song writers? Where have they all gone?

7. Five pet peeves: People who don't walk properly through hallways and sidewalks (not moving over, walking on the left, not turning wide etc), chewing with your mouth open, the misuse of homonyms, flicking quickly - and nonstop through TV or radio stations when you're with other people, the one student in lecture who asks 800000 questions

8. Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast, Lunch: Grilled cheese, yogurt and canteloupe, Supper: Perogies and bacon

9. Education is essential.

10. Put your music player on shuffle and list the first ten songs:

1. 100 Miles: Blake Shelton
2. You'd Better Go: Charlie Major
3. Rock and Roll Music: The Beatles
4. County Line: Sugarland
5. The Best Man: Blaine Larsen
6. New York State of Mine: Billy Joel
7. Where Are You: Classified
8. A Long December: Counting Crows
9. Sweet Dreams: Beyonce
10. This Year's Love: David Gray

11: Your family: Isaac and I met a million years ago when I started school with his twin brothers, and my brother started school with his sister. We've been dating for two years and have a beautiful 10 month old daughter Addison who is my splitting image, but thankfully has his laid-back demeanor.

12: Five guys whom you find attractive: Isaac, Tim McGraw, Ryan Gosling, Colin Ferrel, Ryan Reynolds

13. Your opinion about your body and how you feel about it: I'm starting to accept my brand-new, post-baby body. I'm smaller now than I was before I had Addison, and that's taking some getting used to. My belly makes me laugh, but it's all part of Mommyhood, no?

14. What you wore today: 3/4 sleeve black plaid shirt, jeans

15. Your zodiac sign and if it fits you: Taurus. Absolutely.

16. Something you always think "What if" about: I don't really think this often. Honestly. Maybe if I had finished school sooner or not gone back to highschool for a year. Maybe if I hadn't gotten pregnant so soon, or while I was in Ottawa. What if I hadn't gone to SK when I was 16? I don't know, that last one was long ago.

17. Something you're proud of: School. Are you sensing a theme here? I love school. I really do. I'm the first one in my family to really pursue a post-secondary education, and I am damn determined to finish it. It's important to me and my family, and I can't wait to show my daughter what I've accomplished, and how it's paid off for me.

18. A problem you have had: How about today's problem of having a cranky, cranky baby? *rips hair out

19. Five items you lust after: I wish I had a car, a coffee maker, more money, a degree, and braces

20. Your fears: Clowns, rivers, thunderstorms, anything happening to Addison

21. Your future: I hope to settle down in the woods with Isaac, Addison, and one more baby, as well as a goat, sheep, donkey, dog, and cat. He'll be working part-time or only during the Summer, and I will have used my degree to get a job in my field.

22. Your academics: See above and recent posts. I'm getting there.

23. Something that you miss: Having Kelly and Renee around all the time. I also miss having BBQs and nights at TG with the boys in Ottawa. I miss walking around campus. I miss Christina, before she moved way up north. I miss the flexibility of the call centre, and all the perks that came from being a lead.

24. Five words/phrases that make you laugh: Funky monkey (Renee), Bishop Jesus (Isaac)

25. Something you're currently worrying about: Finishing school online with a toddler running around, then paying for it.

26. Things you like and dislike about yourself: I'm honest, but sometimes to a fault. I don't have a filter. I'm impatient. I'm a loyal, trustworthy friend.

27. A quote you try and live by: The most wasted of all days, is one without laughter (E E Cummings)

28. Somewhere you'd like to visit: All of Canada, coast-to-coast, England, Ireland, Scotland, Australia

29. Five weird things you like: Dry cereal with a glass of milk

30: One thing you're excited for: Addison's birthday

Wedded bliss

YAY! My brother is now a married man. Okay technically he has been for a little while now, but only as of this weekend has the celebration begun. Mom's family came into town on Friday, and I was prepared with dinner we had cooked up for 16! Macaroni salad, pasta salad, caesar salad, corn on the cob, chicken, and pulled pork. And all the drinks you can imagine. They all met up here and got to meet Isaac, Nicole, and the girls.

I can't believe it had been ten years since we all saw each other last. My cousin's two girls are now 13 and 15, and exactly how you want your daughters to grow up. They're so polite and put together, fun, and helpful. They kept offering to help decorate and asking if anyone needed anything. They both have tons of friends and plenty of hobbies to keep them busy. We've since exchanged contacts so now we'll be making plans before another ten years passes!

Unfortunately the hair dresser cancelled at 9 pm Friday night. Whatabitch, I know. She said she no longer had time to come out for us, and expected everyone to go to her salon - and still wanted Nicole to fork over full price for everyone. I don't think so! It's too bad that Nicole was still stuck giving her her business, but thankfully the rest of us could say screw you and work it out on our own. Mom got a last minute spot on Saturday morning here in town and I did my own. It all looked perfectly fine and all was well again.

With plans having changed because of hair, we all had a bit more time in the morning on Saturday to do what we want. Some of us went for breakfast, and then immediate families met up at Nicole's mom's to get ready and take pictures. I can't wait to see them! The photographer was really nice and super casual. She wasn't afraid to get the silly shots as well as the put-together ones. Nicole had a lineup of who was getting their picture taken next, so it all went off quickly. I got mine done first, then Dad, so we could go back into town and let people into the hall.

6:30 rolled around and everyone got there, and the night began. Some people left earlier than anticipated, but - of course - the boys were still going strong well after midnight when I finally left.

I passed on breakfast Sunday morning so that Isaac and I could have a bit of time together with Addison before he had to pack up. Today's his first day back at work since February! We had to make sure he had everything and he headed out early to get everything sorted at the apartment in the city. I don't know how I'm going to do this without him five days a week, now that Addison is on the go!

Overall it was a great weekend. Everyone looked great and had fun, and it was SO good to finally see Mom's side of the family again. I didn't really take any pictures but I'll be sure to post one or two of the photographer's pics once I finally see them. I can't wait!

Congrats, big brother. I love you!! xoxo

What else have we been up to?

That last post was getting a little long, so I thought I'd break it up into two.

Isaac's brothers are both back in Toronto. They finally got jobs (yay) and moved to the city last month.

Addison experienced her first Canada Day, though we avoided the fireworks in town. On Friday we went to Mike's for a BBQ after her nap. Meg, Brandon, Meg's parents, Ange's family, and some of Mike's friends I'd never met were all there. We played horseshoes, soccer, and baseball, and had a BBQ. It was pretty tame, and nice. We left around 9, got Addison ready for bed, and called it a night. No fireworks for us this year.

On Saturday we went to Angela's for a big baby date. She and I met in pre-natal classes and got together with some other girls from then as well. All of the babies were in good moods for the most part. It was pretty funny to see them all interact because they're doing all different things, even though everyone is pretty close in age. The babies were Kennedy (4.5m), Olivia (5.5m), Grayson (7m), Addison (8m), and Carson (9m). Kennedy's older brother Aiden (3y) came as well. We had a BBQ and played outside. I can't wait to do it again! (Unfortunately, for some reason, NO pictures were taken! All those babies, and no pictures. *sigh)

Addison started swimming lessons in town on July 4. It's adorable. There are only three in her course but I know the other two babies so it's fun. So far (all of two classes) she's really liked it. She smiles and splashes. I had tried to wear a bikini but ended up with a tankini ($10 score at Old Navy!) because she can really scratch up my chest when she wants to. I'm more comfortable with a baby in the water when I'm covered up.

Going down the ramp

All the way in

Kick, kick, kick!

Mastering the breast stroke

"Jumping" in (One boy, Dylan, learned how to jump in on his own

and decided that was all he wanted to do at each class.

 

Relaxing on the noodle and playing with a ball

My brother came over unannounced for a nice little visit lastnight. It was great to see the girls. I can't believe how big Hannah is getting! 14 lbs to be exact! Morgan's walking all over the place now. It's great

Hannah

Morgan

Addison and Morgan

Morgan and Addison

Addison just got up from her nap. Time to go!

Keeping busy and enjoying the weather

We finally got a week or so with no rain. YAY! Unfortunately it's coming back with a vengeance tomorrow, but that's besides the point. For now, we shall enjoy it! It's currently 24 outside. LOVE!

So our crazy month is just about up. Easter, Hannah's birthday, my birthday, election, Mother's Day and Morgan's birthday have all (finally) passed. Next up is Ryan's birthday, then the craziness dies down a little.

Somehow I didn't get a chance to get on here and talk for days about the election. Long story short, I didn't get to work it because Elections Canada cannot accommodate nursing mothers. Hopefully I'll get to do it next time. While I'm very upset that Harper won a majority government, I'm incredibly happy with the many other stories that came from May 2. NDP is our official opposition for the first time in Canadian history. Go, Jack, Go! Ignatieff stepped down as Liberal leader after an abominable finish, and Duceppe resigned, as the Bloc loses recognition as a formal party. Finally, Elizabeth May won her own riding and got the Green Party their very first seat in Parliament. There is one heck of a silver lining here after all. We can only go up from here, Canada.

Mother's Day was nice and quiet. We had my (belated) birthday party on May 7, after which Isaac, Addison and I stayed in the trailer. It was a really nice afternoon/night out at the lot with a camp fire and a few good friends. I got to sleep in the next morning as Isaac cleaned up. He made me breakfast at home and Addison and I spent the rest of the day shopping in Belleville with my Mom. It was perfect, being able to spend the day with my Mom and daughter. Mom bought us some flowers so we spent the afternoon fixing up the front garden beneath the picture window. It looks so much better already!

Morgan's turned one on Wednesday. I still cannot believe she's already one! Where did this past year go? She'll hold on to your finger and walk pretty quickly all around the house, and she can get up and down from the couch by herself. She's drinking milk and using sippy cups now. I see her often and I'm still in disbelief.

Ryan and Nicole had a small party for her with family and a few friends, an Eeyore cake and lots of presents. It was cute to watch her pick at her piece of cake and bat some balloons around. She got kind of cranky though, and had no interest in her birthday hat or any pictures.

Addison has just passed out on the floor in the Living Room as I write this, and Isaac is off measuring the lot with his Dad and Laine. I'm going to do some laundry. Hopefully I can get Mom's camera and upload some recent pictures.

The rest of our fun weekend

My side of the family has had a lot to look forward to this April and May. Easter was a hit, the in-laws are back, and we've heard all about the in-laws trip down south. They brought Addison back this hilarious doll that she is officially in love with. We call it Raggedy Aunt Jemima (cuz we're politically correct like that).  Picture to follow.  It's not uploading properly right now.

Next up: MY NIECE WAS BORN! Yay! We all guessed she'd be born this weekend, based on how Nicole was feeling on Friday.  Sure enough, Sunday rolled around and she knew this was it.  Thankfully my brother was home (not at work) or he would have missed it!  Unlike Morgan (12 hours - typical), baby Hannah was here in two hours!  I guess they called the Midwife right away, and it was already time to get to the hospital when she got there.  Twenty minutes and no drugs later, Hannah was here, happy and healthy, weighing in at 8 lbs even.  They came home that night!

Here's a picture from when Addison, Isaac, and I met her today:

 Hannah April Lynn

One last exciting tidbit: Addison is 6 mos old today! Stats to follow (her 6 mos appointment isn't until May 11 and I have to move it).

And so the countdown begins

Isaac's parents got home from their trip on Friday. Kerry has to work all weekend, though, so I won't see her until some time next week. I'm sure we'll hear all about their lovely Caribbean sun :)

We had Easter dinner at my parents place on Friday, since Kerry works all weekend. My mom actually does too but she was off at a decent time on Friday so we went for it. I cooked the ham and it turned out perfectly! Addison wore her new outfit Mom had gotten for her for Easter. I put red leggings on her instead of just the diaper cover because it was cool.

Cousins

I gave Addison her Easter basket early, simply because we were going out and I wanted her to wear her bonnet. She got that outfit, her dress she had worn to go see the Easter bunny, a book, and this bunny shaped teether (that she LOVES).

Baby in a basket

Addison and Morgan had a good time together, though Morgan was being super clingy and pretty fussy. All in all it was a good afternoon dinner.

Isaac had been looking at bikes recently and I woke up this morning to "Want to go to Ottawa?" Sure enough, he had fallen in love with one he had seen on Kijiji that was for sale in Kanata. I got out of bed at 8:30 and we were on the road around 9. It's in really good shape and it was a great deal, so he got what he wanted! While we were there, we grabbed some lunch and went to my old work to catch up with some old co-workers. Unfortunately with it being such a last minute trip on Easter weekend, not too many others were around. That just means we'll have to get up there again soon and give everyone a little notice!

Addison wasn't awake for very long but we brought her new teether and the FP Puppy to keep her company, just in case.

This is how she looked for most of our trip there and back (5-6 hours total).

Checking out Daddy's new ride

Next up: Isaac's driving to Guelph to get Laine tomorrow. My niece should be born any day now. Then it's my birthday. Then an election. Then Mother's Day. Then Morgan's birthday. Then Ryan's birthday.