Into the Sleeping Forest...

Throat Frogs

2012-02-11T18:45:00.008-04:00

Ah, radio silence! Sorry, we've all been sick around here (and if there's anything sadder than a baby who doesn't feel well, I don't want to see it!) Although Griffin thought it was pretty cool that there was a frog living in my throat (as long as it could get out).

On top of all that, we had family medical and dental appointments this week. It's been ten years since I visited a dentist (sadly, this is what happens when you don't have medical insurance) and I will be having several follow-up visits. Yeah, that's all I have to say about that.

Griffin and I have been busy, between play dates and storytimes and baking sessions, creating new clothes for him and Holly to wear. He's very proud of his new pants, and was happy to model them for me. He picked the fabric himself - good work, Griffin!

We've been making hair accessories for Holly, but I don't have those pictures downloaded yet. She's a good sport, especially considering she doesn't actually have much hair. At her doctor's appointment, we learned that one week before her three-month birthday, she is in the 97th percentile for height and weight, charted out for three-months. She's a big girl. Big and beautiful!

Other than that, it' s been lots of quiet activities, puzzles, colouring, gazing out the windows.

Snow Day!

2012-01-31T18:43:00.005-04:00

Yesterday was a winter wonderland around here. The flakes fell fast and furious and big and fluffy - just like being inside a snow globe. Then the sun came out from behind the clouds, just before it dipped behind the mountain.

We just had to head out for a family toboggan ride. We all bundled up, then Griffin and Holly piled onto the toboggan, and Jai pulled, while I followed with the camera as we did a big loop around the yard.

Look at this little cutie-pie:

Griffin held on nice and tight:

And off we went:

Past the raspberry bushes,

Around the forsythia,

Check out that sunset:

Once through the orchard,

Jai even took the camera, and snapped a shot with me in it (I think his Mom might have mentioned something about never seeing any photos with me in them - thanks Anita!) Here's another one:

And that was our adventure. This winter has been lovely so far - just picture perfect, and not so cold that you can't get out and enjoy it. There's something about the air in winter that is so refreshing - that crisp tang of snow that you just can't get any other way. I'm sure there will come a point where I will be so. done. with the cold and the ice and the snow, but it hasn't happened yet, thank goodness! Hope you're enjoying winter in your neck of the woods, wherever they may be.

A little Update, and some Pictures

2012-01-24T14:01:00.007-04:00

Hello. Not too much is new around here these days. We had a quiet weekend after driving part of the way to Halifax, before turning around because of the snow. And now the snow is all gone and it's twelve degrees outside. What a crazy winter this has been so far - nobody's quite sure what to make of it. But we'll have a nice, long puddle walk today, so we're not complaining.

Jai's out on the Bookmobile for a long day today, which means he'll be getting home right before bedtime. Griffin is currently sitting on the couch, leafing through a book about garbage trucks, and Holly has fallen asleep curled up on my lap. When she wakes up I will strap her into the Baby Bjorn, and we'll head out to the post office, then over to the library. Then back home, where I will have to figure out something for dinner.

It is getting increasingly hard to find food that Griffin will happily sit down and eat. Some days he'll try things, and some days he won't. I'm hoping this is a phase. Peanut butter sandwiches can only go so far. Last night we got him to lick the ravioli. Today I got him to eat some corn because he wanted to feed the baby in his belly.

Yesterday morning he hopped out of bed, flopped onto Jai, and announced, "Daddy, I flopped into the morning!" And that is what being 2-1/2 is all about.

Here's some more pics, from recent events:

Another train cake:

Complete with candle that had to get lit (over and over again):

And fun with pizza, too:

A New Art Form is Born

2012-01-16T14:25:00.003-04:00

Fun with cars! Dinky toys are definitely the favourites around here at the moment. There are other toys that get played with regularly, but not like his little cars and trucks. This kid has been all about trucks since he was big enough to identify them. As in, one of his first "real" words was "KKK", which he would say any time a truck went by.

I try not to worry about it too much. He does like to do other things - he's always happy to paint or draw or play with play dough - although he often manages to sneak trucks in there somehow, too.

Anyway, I have to say I was pleased to see this new form of play show up the other day - treating the cars as aesthetic objects. (Please excuse the dirty carpet!)

It does my little Art Major's heart proud to see him sorting out his cars by colour, and arranging them in different formations accordingly. He particularly likes to line them up along the edges of things. Cars as sculptural objects - why not? He may be on to something.

Here's he's point out the yellow mustard car (yellow mustang).

Pretty enough to frame, no?

Big Plans, I Say!

2012-01-12T16:51:00.004-04:00

Hello again! I don't really have too much to report around here. We're in the middle of a Snow Bomb right now. It's very picturesque in a snow-blowing-sideways kind of way.

We've been inside all day, and Griffin is climbing the walls a little bit. We made chocolate chip cookies again this morning, so that was fun for a while, but I think we'll have to try and make it outside again tomorrow.

And me, when I get cooped up inside, I start to scheme. I make Grand Plans. Yup, I'm really good at planning for outlandish possibilities. That's how you know it's Winter around here.

Occasionally I get stuff done. You can head over to Lauren Kaye Photography if you want to see a wedding I did with Emma Rose over the summer. I thought I would choose some photos to do post-production on, and post them on the photography blog, as I go. I'm not sure that I'll be able to do too many wedding this summer, but I figure by August Holly will be able to handle a day without me. We'll see. I already miss doing them.

"Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities." ~Gloria Steinem

Wishing you a week of Big Plans and little accomplishments...

What we're up to Now

2012-01-09T17:17:00.006-04:00

Hello! We've been busy little beavers around here. Griffin's new favourite word is "Now?" As in: Can we do this now? Not yet. Now? In a minute. Now? Soon, Griffin. Now? Mommy just needs to finish this other thing that we just started a minute ago. Now?

Some of our favourite activities:

Painting

Play-dough

Trucks (always and forever)

Sleeping (during the day)

Not Sleeping (during the night)

Baking

In the last two weeks we have made: Chocolate cake with cream cheese and toffee icing, Spice cake shaped like a train (see pic), sun-dried tomato muffins, chocolate chip cookies, and brownie mini loaves. Guess who ate most of it (hint: me.)

Next up: Pumpkin Chai Loaf, or Mediterranean Lentil Muffins. Hmmmmm...

A Few Moments...

2012-01-03T13:58:00.008-04:00

Hello. I actually have a moment here when both kids are napping, and figured I better get on here while I can! It may be a short moment - Holly is already stirring.

Moment over.

And that's pretty much life these days! A lot of very short moments of peace, surrounded by total chaos. And me in the middle, trying to enjoy it all. We had a lovely Christmas with family and friends. Jai cooked an amazing feast. Griffin really enjoyed the whole thing this year, and can't stop talking about Santa Claus. Holly, of course, was too little, but I think she enjoyed having the extra people around, as did I.

New Year's was a quiet event this year, but that's kind of how I like it. It was wonderful to reflect back on all the things 2011 brought us. We filled it up as well as we could! Griffin, Mom, and I made it back to the West Coast for an all-too-brief visit. Jai and I made it all the way to Mexico, just the two of us. We finally got our raised beds put in, and grew tons of yummy food. We added to the natural playground. I bought myself a new camera and photographed nine weddings. We finished two more rooms in the house. We visited PEI with Jai's parents. And then, of course, we added Holly to our family.

For 2012, I hope to get outside more often and explore a little more of this province. I plan to get back to using cloth diapers. And I look forward to enjoying time with our ever-changing family, enjoying all the little moments that make up our days. I know it's often said that second children get photographed less, but I think for us, almost the opposite is true, because this time we know firsthand just how quickly babies grow. I say almost because, really, we are already pushing the limit of how many photos one family should reasonably take!

And, is it wrong how much I am enjoying dressing up Holly? Griffin likes it, too - most days he picks out one element, at least, of her outfit. We'll enjoy it while we can!

This is what he chose for her Christmas present this year:

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2011-12-24T14:48:00.004-04:00

Ah, you know I couldn't resist saying that at least once.

Against all expectations, we are about to have a white christmas. We are happily snuggled in at home, with family and tea and cookies - I can't think of anything better!

Wishing you and yours some of the same (or whatever passes for same in your parts)...

Merry Christmas!

Holly's Birth Story

2011-12-05T17:52:00.002-04:00

Hello! Holly is almost three weeks old, and I thought it was about time I sat down and tried to write out her birth story. I did the same for Griffin (here's a link, if anyone wants to check it out: Griffin's Birth Story) and it was kind of nice to go back. Anyway, here goes:

Things started out much the same as they had for Griffin. I woke up at around 3 in the morning, and could tell right away that we were going to be meeting our baby today. It was very exciting, and I didn't wait too long before waking Jai up and saying, "It's happening." Jai got up and started getting everything ready to go to the hospital, while I tried to rest a little longer. We called my parents, and told my Mom to start heading over. It takes about two hours to get from her house to ours, so our plan was to call our friends Brandon and Jo to come over and stay with Griffin until my Mom could get there. Unfortunately, we couldn't get ahold of them! And then we couldn't get ahold of my Mom.

So we packed Griffin up to go with us (luckily he fell right back asleep as soon as he was put in his car seat.) We were hoping to get in touch with my Mom, and tell her to meet us at the hospital, instead of coming all the way into town (the hospital is about half way between our houses), but she wasn't answering her phone, either. We decided that we might be able to see her passing us on the highway, and somehow flag her down. So, off we went, straining our eyes in the pitch black to try and see the cars going the other way as they passed us at 110km/hr. Finally, most of the way to the hospital, we passed one that we both thought might be her. Jai did a U-Turn, and started weaving back and forth behind her, and getting really close to her, flashing our lights, and honking. Did she pull over? Of course not. Finally, we got to a place with a passing lane, and pulled up beside, where I frantically waved out my window until she looked over. Thank goodness it was her! So she followed us the rest of the way to the hospital, and then took our van and drove Griffin back home. He slept through the whole thing.

In all the excitement, though, my contractions had slowed from 2 minutes to 4-6 minutes apart. We had expected to get to the hospital and be rushing in to deliver the baby (see Griffin's birth story.) Griffin was so fast, for a first baby, all the doctors said we should get straight to the hospital this time. But my contractions seemed to have stalled out at about 4 minutes apart. They hooked me up to the machine for a while, but I was only at 3cm, and the nurse told us we could leave the hospital and get some breakfast if we wanted. A little disheartened, we left and had breakfast and did some shopping.

By now, it was after ten in the morning, and I'd really expected to already be holding a baby. We went back to the hospital after another hour, and she hooked me back up and checked me - 3-1/2 cm. It was almost noon, and still things were not really progressing beyond where they were when we arrived at the hospital. We kept telling her, the first one went so fast, but she said she was not able to admit us, and was comfortable sending us home - even though it was an hour each way.

Well, there was no way I was going home! And it's a good thing we didn't! Very quickly, everything sped up. Jai and I walked around the hospital, and spent some time in the visitor's room, pacing around. It didn't take long before I could barely stand during the contractions, and we went back to the admitting room. Only now we couldn't get anyone to come and see us! Everyone was busy. I finally told Jai to go and tell them I was about to start pushing, and that quickly produced results, as nurses came rushing over, and rushing to get me and the room ready. There were people taking my blood, and trying (and trying, and trying) to put an IV in, all during crazy contractions. Thank goodness for laughing gas! And for husbands who don't mind if you crush them and scream at them at the same time. I had to do a lot more work to get Holly out than I did with Griffin, but still it wasn't too much longer before we were holding her in our arms. The nurse kept saying "he" and it was a few moments before I knew that she was actually a girl because she was pretty blue at first (the cord was apparently wrapped around her neck when she was born), so everyone was busy with that.

Anyway, while it felt rushed and, at the same time, like it took for-freaking-ever, it was almost exactly two hours between when the nurse tried to send us home, and when we were holding Holly in our arms. She was born at 2:16 p.m. And I think the extra time for pushing was actually better for both of us, because Holly didn't have all the problems with mucous that Griffin did, and I didn't need as many stitches this time, either. They made us stay in the hospital for 48 hours, because the stupid IV antibiotics that they wanted to put in need to be in place at least four hours before birth to have any effect. So why did they stick me (again and again and again) if it wasn't going to work? Anyway, that's a bit of a side rant. Everything went well, and everyone was happy and healthy at the end of it, and that's really all that matters.

I'll be back soon with a more general update!

For now...

2011-12-01T17:32:00.003-04:00

Hello! Things are going well around here. A little busy. Luckily, there is lots of help around, for the moment. It's December! That is all.

The Picture Post

2011-11-24T11:56:00.003-04:00

Ah, pictures. Yesterday, for my birthday, Holly was one week old already, and I realized I better try and get some pictures done a.s.a.p.

It took a little while to get her to sleep, and then I had a very helpful helper for most of the process.

Griffin was such a sweetie, though, it was hard to resist snapping a bunch of pics of the two of them together - so, of course, I didn't!

I just love the photos of the two of them together, and I know these are pictures we will cherish forever, so I'm really glad I made myself do it, even though it felt a little exhausting at the time.

I had a lovely birthday overall. Griffin and Jai worked together to make me a very special brownie cake, and Jai made pad thai (one of my all-time favourites, and not so easy to get in rural Nova Scotia!) Griffin sung me the birthday song, all by himself.

Anyway, I will come back soon, and write about more things baby related, but that's all for now. I'm going to try and get some more pics posted over on the photography site (www.laurenkayephotography.com), for those who wish to see more.

She's Here!

2011-11-20T18:57:00.002-04:00

Hello Everyone. Meet Holly Freya Soloy! She was born on November 16th, weighing a respectable 8 lbs. I'm sure we'll be taking more pictures soon, but I wanted to just post a little note to say that she's here, and well, and we are all enjoying being home together. Next time, I'll write a bigger update, all about it!

Feeling Thankful

2011-11-11T19:15:00.005-04:00

Hello! Still no baby! We had a nice, quiet Remembrance Day - it was a very wet, blustery day around here, so we spent some time being Thankful for the ability to snuggle together inside our warm, cozy house, listening to the services and stories on the CBC - feeling very lucky, indeed.

I did get some granola bars made, in the hopes that I will be taking some to the hospital with me as a snack. Come on, baby, everything is ready for you! Griffin and I spent two hours at the doctor's office yesterday - 15 minutes with the doctor, and an hour and forty-five in the waiting room. He did well - better than me! Needless to say, I am really hoping that the appointment we have for next week (all the way up in Kentville - an hour's drive each way) will NOT be necessary!

Griffin expressed his desire yesterday to grow up and be a Mommy. He said it like it was the most exciting thing he could imagine. Mommy!!!! Aside from being just about the cutest thing I've ever heard (yesterday he also told me I was his Sun and and Best Friend), it has me hoping he will relish his role as a big brother. I know it will be a big adjustment for everyone, but we're hoping it will just be more love going around, and not feel like less.

We were hoping Jai was going to be able to stay home for six weeks or so when the baby arrives, but financially we just wouldn't be able to swing it without putting ourselves into major debt. Still, he will have a couple of weeks to spend here, and some Christmas holidays to look forward to. My Mom will come down for a week, and I may end up going up to Halifax for a week as well. Having a new baby is no doubt always an exhausting endeavor, but hopefully we won't be quite so gobsmacked by it all this time. We'll at least have the illusion of somewhat knowing what we're doing. Good times!

To finish up, here's just a couple of things I am thankful for:

-Feeling like my family is mostly safe, most of the time

-Our ability to choose what we think is best for us as a family, without having to bow to outside forces

-Having a house, with a roof, and warm blankets, and a cozy fire

-A freezer full of home-made food

-The freedom to create

-A house full of giggles and cuddles and the stomping of little feet

And maybe one more - that Halloween only comes one day a year! These are this year's Halloween photos. He kept the costume on just long enough for me to capture those crocodile tears. Yes, I am willing to torture my child with a frog costume to keep up the tradition of the Halloween photo.

It's Nice to Have Some Help

2011-11-04T11:42:00.005-03:00

Hello! Happy November! Wow, October really rushed by.

We did Halloween here, with some good friends, but it was pretty quiet. Griffin wore a costume for about a minute... screaming the whole time. He just wanted to be Griffin, and he just wanted to stay home. We managed to convince him that he could just wear his raincoat and hat, and we could just go to our neighbour, Pearl's, house. He got a little interested when she put some candy in his bucket. Jo joked that he's a total East Coast trick or treater, though, as he peeked around the door and said, "Maybe we could just go in for a little minute," then walked in and visited with Pearl for a little while. Nova Scotia-style. As we were leaving he said, "Maybe we could do another house." Once around the block did it, and then it was, "Time to go home."

Baby is doing well. Last week, we had a bit of a worry, as it had decided that being head down was no fun any more, and being sideways would offer a much better perspective on life. So we had to make the hour-long trek to Kentville and do an ultrasound to see if they were going to have to try and turn the baby (which did not sound fun to me at all) but baby managed to figure it all out and get itself turned the right way around again. Whew!

Jai and I are doing well, too, for the most part. Griffin and I managed to come down with a nasty cold that we've been fighting off for the last week. It doesn't slow him down much, but it sure threw me for a loop. I'm really hoping that the stuffy nose and hacking cough will be gone before I go into labour. Really hoping. A lot.

My Mom is down for a few days to help us try and get ready for the new family member. So far, I think we've mostly been doing laundry. All the baby clothes that had been in the attic got filthy when the roof got redone, as all sorts of roofing crap fell through the boards and into the attic. Yuck. Plus, the whole hauling giant loads of laundry up and down the stairs has not been something that I've been feeling up to lately. Yeah, I got a little behind. It's nice to have the help.

And Griffin, of course, is loving having Grandma in the house.

Most of these photos (except for the above two) are from Jai's parent's visit, just before Thanksgiving. We tripped off to PEI for a long weekend touring around and playing on the beach. It was lovely.

Anyway, it's after 7pm, and my brain has turned to mush. Maybe next time I write, we will be four. You never know. . .

Getting Ready for Baby...

2011-10-18T11:46:00.002-03:00

Hello! I had a minute while Jai has the day off, and is out taking Griffin for a walk, so I thought I would come over here and spend it on the blog. These photos aren't new, but I do only have a minute, and I do hate to post a blog with no photos on it! Things are going well here. We spent the weekend in Halifax again - this time so we could attend a Baby shower the family put on. We only really need a couple of things, so when Mom asked what we wanted, I thought it would be a good idea to ask people to just bring a dish of food that we could stick in the freezer. And I'm so glad I did! Our freezer now has a nice supply of home-made dishes just waiting for Baby Soloy to arrive. Thanks everyone! And thanks for the gifts, too - it's nice for baby to have some new things of his/her own.

It's only another 3 or 4 weeks now, although that's only if everything sticks to schedule. We're getting closer to ready. I know I'm starting to feel ready, especially at night - not that that will improve for a while, even after the baby arrives! At least the sleep I do get should be a little more comfortable.

We think Griffin is kind of as ready as he can be. He's accepted that the baby will be living in the house with us, although he likes to think it will be "mostly upstairs." I'm not sure what he thinks the baby will be doing while we're downstairs! There's still quite a bit of work to do to get the house ready - things like setting up the crib, and figuring out where the clothes are going to go. Luckily we have a few more months before we need to worry too much about babyproofing! Griffin kind of spoiled us in that regard, never being much of a climber. Will we be lucky enough to have two like that? Who knows.

I'm definitely getting into "pregnancy brain" - losing track of thoughts and feeling a little fuzzy sometimes (apologies if this post is a little rambly and nonsensical.) And I'm feeling hungry almost all the time now (kind of bad timing with all the Halloween candy lying around the house - oops! Good thing I have Griffin around to keep me honest.)

Other than that, life is continuing on much like normal. We try and get out of the house to do something every day - which has been made much easier by some unusually warm October weather. The leaves have finally started to turn, and everything is looking so nice and Autumnal. I had my first breath of air that smelled like rotting leaves the other day - there's just something about that smell - so earthy and clean at the same time - that makes me smile every time. We've had a few fires going in the stove now, and it's still early enough that they really do make the whole house almost unbearably warm. Yesterday I sat in front of the woodstove with my book while Griffin napped, and thoroughly enjoyed feeling like I was melting, knowing that I will miss that feeling when we're in the depth of winter and there seems to be a perpetual chill in the air. I have to admit, though, there is a part of me that is looking forward to hunkering down for winter. If only we could spend it hibernating like dormice!

The September Post

2011-10-08T18:28:00.014-03:00

Well, I guess it's time for me to play a little bit of Catch-Up! As Griffin would say, "Holy Smokes!" So, what' new around here? (I'm about to revert to point form)

-Everything is going well with my pregnancy so far. Hard to believe there's only weeks to go, except that I am definitely in the uncomfortable stage now. No one is afraid to assume that I'm pregnant any more.

-Griffin has decided to be a goat. For about a month now, any time you ask him if he is anything at all, he'll frown and say, "no, I'm just a goat." Sample conversation:

Me: Griffin, are you hungry?

Griffin: No, I'm just a goat.

Me: Are you a hungry goat?

Griffin: Yes, I'm a hungry little goat.

(Anyone got any Halloween ideas for making a goat costume?)

-Griffin is now entirely in charge of his own wardrobe. Every morning he picks out the clothes he is going to wear for the day. Good luck getting anything on him that he didn't choose for himself. He is quite discriminating when it comes to his fashion.

-He's also a total Boy. If you ever turn him upside-down, you can fully expect a random assortment of pennies, rocks, dirt, and crumbs to pour out of every pocket. Plus the odd dinky car that he is temporarily storing away for later.

And now for our month in photos:

We finally made it to Upper Clements Park, while Ambre, Morgan and Ella were hiding out from the hurricane that hit the Bahamas (and then, ironically enough, here!) They were too little for a lot of the stuff, but the trains were a HUGE hit, and they enjoyed the wading pool as well. And the ice cream. And the cookies.

Ciderfest happened. Griffin loved the parade this year - I think it was the most exciting thing he'd ever seen. He was literally screaming and quivering with excitement when the firetrucks went by. It took him a minute to catch on to the fact that there was candy involved, but once he did, there was no turning back!

This sucker lasted about ten seconds, before it was just a stick and he was asking for more.

And here comes Daddy in the Bookmobile!

We, of course, wouldn't miss the cardboard boat race.

And, saving possibly the best for last, the big car rally. This is a lot of pictures (and yet, still only a fraction of what I took)! Griffin knew he wasn't allowed to touch the cars, so he went around and touched all the tires.

Touch.

And got up close and personal with the fire truck...

Here he is, posing for his photo:

The other day, he watched me fix his wooden crane, then proceeded to re-enact the whole thing all by himself the next day. I watched as he went to the tool box, chose a tool, brought it back to the crane, flipped it over, and "fixed" it, then put the tool back in the tool box. It made me a very proud Mama (especially the part where he put the tool away when he was done with it!)

And he's settling pretty well into his new bedroom, and his big boy bed. I couldn't resist snapping a few pics during story time...

So that's it for now (are you still reading - you made it to the bottom of that gargantuan post?) I'll try and catch up on October soon! In the meantime, I hope you all have a wonderful (Canadian) Thanksgiving, filled with good company and good food :)

Five Years

2011-09-09T15:08:00.003-03:00

Five years ago today, I married Jai. In some ways it seems like yesterday. Five years ago today, we set off in our truck and cattle trailer, heading East. We've been together for almost 11 years - more than a third of my life. Every day he makes me feel full of love, and absolutely loved. I am a lucky woman indeed!

Things are going well here - continuing on apace. It's hard to believe that we're well into September already. I feel like Christmas is lurking, just around the corner. For now, though, we'll try and enjoy the fall. Today for lunch we ate cucumber and tomato sandwiches from out of the garden. Super yum! Griffin declared the tomatoes were yucky, and had good old p.b. &j instead. Luckily for him Grandma donated a jar of GG's special blackberry jelly. Double super yum!

I can't walk past the grape arbor without picking off a bunch of grapes to munch on, and I looked in near despair at all the watermelons growing in the garden - Griffin won't eat them! Jai and I are going to be eating watermelons until we're sick of them! Maybe we can cut some up and freeze them?

Anyway, there is a rousing game of "Time for Tractors" happening around me right now, so I think I'll sign off and check it out. TTFN

Catch-Up on Summer

2011-09-01T13:23:00.004-03:00

Hello again! Well, this is a summer that has just whizzed by! I'm sure that I feel that way every summer, but equally sure that THIS one, in particular, was packed to the brim. I photographed eight weddings in a row, we got a new laundry room, and Griffin got a new bedroom. Some wood got stacked, some stuff got primed, AND we fit in some time for fun. Oh yeah, and Baby Soloy grew and grew. Whew! Of course, I wouldn't have it any other way! I'm sure some stuff fell by the wayside (extremely messy house, potty training, gardening, I could go on and on...) but for the most part we managed to fit in the stuff that really mattered.

Anyway, this weekend we are off to Halifax once again, with the entire family for once. Jai and I are looking forward to sneaking out to see the final Harry Potter movie on the big screen, I have a giant chai latte with my name on it somewhere out there, and Griffin wants to go the bookstore (mostly, I admit, for the toys.) Plus, he got pretty used to having Grandma and Grandpa and Kaslo around to play with.

September, I've decided, is my favourite month of the year. I just love that "almost fall" air, and the light is so gorgeous at this time of year. I'm sure I'll be going through wedding photography withdrawal (although there is one more coming this month) so hopefully that will translate into taking many more family pictures. If you are interested at all in checking out some of the wedding shots, they're over on the photography blog (www.laurenkayephotography.com). I'm super pleased with how they turned out, and I've got lots more to put up soon.

And now that things should be settling back down a little, we will have some time to try and prepare for baby #2. We're getting closer with our name list (I think) and a few little things have been picked up on various Frenchy's trips, but we haven't really sat down and thought about what we will actually need. It would be nice to get that organized before he/she is ready for his/her Big Debut. We're still at the bottom of the hill on that particular roller coaster, but we're getting closer and closer to the top! (Hold on tight!)

Waiting for August to Arrive...

2011-08-11T13:10:00.007-03:00

Hello! It's hard to believe this is August. I know there are people out there who are suffering under a heat wave, but I think we might have the opposite problem. It's been rainy, sweater weather for a while now. I actually arranged it so Griffin can finish the second week of his swimming lessons the last week of August. Hopefully it will warm up, and we won't feel like it's torture to get into the pool! Not that he wasn't enjoying himself immensely, because he was! Jai had last Friday off, so I convinced him to get in with G so I could get a couple of pictures.

I also got a couple of pictures of Griffin enjoying his (big, empty) room. We've started putting it together since then - the curtains are hung, the rug is down. Now we just have to drill some holes to find some (randomly placed - thanks 1880) studs in the walls, and we can hang his shelves and his moon light. He'll sleep in his crib still for the first couple of weeks, then we'll set up the big bed for the first time, and try that out. Hopefully he loves it, and *mostly* stays in it.

I can't believe how fast this summer has gone by. I keep waiting for it to start, and we're already half way through August! I bought corn and peaches at the Farmer's Market this week! Tomorrow Sarah and I are going to try and make dill pickles out of all the pickling cucumbers we have growing in the yard.

Then it's off to Halifax to do another wedding, the last one in the city for this year. We might end up staying a few extra days for a family shoot, but when we get home, Griffin's bedroom will be ready for him to move into, and we'll have a new washer and dryer!

It's probably all out of proportion how excited I am about this new washer and dryer, but after spending the last year without a dryer, I'm REALLY looking forward to doing the first load! It was a very generous baby gift from my Mom and Errol, and it's going to make my life that much easier, as we get back into cloth diapers and potentially have TWO little ones soiling them. Griffin and potty training so far seem to have no interest in each other. He'll sit on the potty for 45 minutes, and nothing will happen. Then he'll get up and run around, and within minutes he's peed all over the floor. Hmmmm. . . not sure what to do about that. Good thing he's so cute!

Sneaking in Some Summer

2011-08-04T14:52:00.005-03:00

Hello! Just stopping in for a quick hello. Jai will be home from work any minute, and I expect to hear Griffin waking up from his nap any second. That top picture is the snapdragons from our garden!

We've been trying to sneak in moments of "summer" here and there, wherever it presents itself. We signed Griffin up for swimming lessons at the local (outdoor) pool. So far, we've had one nice, hot day, one day that was cancelled due to thunder and lightening, and two cold, cloudy, and windy days. Griffin and I are the only ones signed up for the Mom & Tot class, but the Beginner's Swim (3-5 years) happens at the same time. Griffin is always first kid in and last kid out. He loves it, even with me trying to gently dissuade him the last two days (that water is COLD!) The last two days, it has been so cold that our lessons are mostly accompanied by panicked screams and sobs from the older kids. Seriously, it sounds like a medieval torture dungeon soundtrack. But Griffin is in there, smiling and kicking the whole time, even when his little teeth are chattering. Today he said, "Those other kids are sad, hey, Mommy?" (kick, kick, kick.)

We also took a day to head down to Annapolis Royal and tour the historic gardens with my good friend (Auntie) Jo. It was lovely - Griffin ran the whole way, with a big mischievous grin on his face almost the entire time. I posted even more pics of that over on the photography site (www.laurenkayephotography.com).

This weekend we're back to Halifax for another wedding, but we also get to pick up all the furniture for Griffin's bedroom. We found some people on Kijiji who offer monthly trips to the "local" Ikea (in Boucherville, QC) and were able to order everything we wanted for Griffin's room. I can't wait to bring it home and get it all set up. He already knows where everything is going to go, and seems to be most excited about the shelves. I hope he loves it! We'll post pictures when it's done.

He's a bit of a band-aid fetishist.

Anyway, Jai's home now, and I hear some faint stirring in the other room. Bye for now - have a lovely week!

Here we are Again!

2011-07-28T09:23:00.003-03:00

Hello! I thought I better sneak on here and write something, even though I suspect it's going to take me all day to get through it. We're all doing well here. Griffin and I spent a busy and fun week tootling around in Halifax last week. We visited the Natural History Museum, which was a little smaller than I was expecting, but pretty fun all the same. We spent a lot of time watching frogs watching us.

And, of course, we went to the beach. All of these photos were taken in Eastern Passage - my new favourite place. It was a busy week, with two weddings and a newborn shoot. Luckily Grandma and Grandpa were around a lot to help.

And while we were doing all that, Jai was busy working on Griffin's bedroom, when not at work. It needed some new wiring and a lot of wall and ceiling repairs (goodbye sparkly purple wallpaper!) It's about 90% finished now, and we've got a big Ikea order coming in this Sunday, so we can set it all up, and do the fun stuff soon. Griffin mostly likes it empty, because it has a great echo. He goes in there and just runs around in circles (it's not a very big room), and chirps. Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!

It's back to Halifax this weekend for more wedding madness. It's a little disruptive packing up and heading out every weekend, but we're halfway through now (four weddings completed of the eight-in-a-row) and I have to say I'm really enjoying the work. It's too bad I didn't figure out years and years ago how much fun wedding photography can be. And working with Emma Rose is a dream - she's really inspired me a lot. So I'm feeling pretty lucky about the whole thing.

Speaking of lucky, last night on our way home from the grocery store, we were driving past a field and I spotted three baby foxes playing in it. We turned around and parked the van, and just sat and watched them play. It was the neatest thing, they were having so much fun chasing each other around and pouncing on various things. Of course I didn't have my camera, but it doesn't matter so much. It was one of those moments you just have to appreciate while it's happening. And Griffin loved it just as much as we did, which made it even better. This morning, he was pretending his cars (oh, the ever-present cars!) were like baby foxes - "they're chasing each other around and around, Mommy!" Yes, Griffin, what fun.

Some words

2011-07-13T14:11:00.003-03:00

Hello! Hmmm... I thought I was busy BEFORE I was driving to Halifax every weekend to work! (Imagine what I'll be saying when the new baby arrives!) Griffin and I have been filling our days every which way we can. Now that the hot weather has arrived, we've been consuming a lot of popsicles (pink lemonade are the clear winner so far) and ice cream cones. Eating an ice cream cone is still a full-body experience for the little guy, but it does seem to add to the enjoyment. I haven't tried it yet, but it could happen, by the end of the summer... you never know!

Today we went raspberry picking for the first time this season, after hanging out in the playground for most of the morning. It's been so much fun watching people enjoy the playground, and use it as a gathering place. Next time I get around to sizing some photos, I'll do a playground update, as we've had some good developments there.

We've been sad to watch some good friends move away, but comforted by the knowledge that we will see them again (and we now have somewhere to stay in the Bahamas any time we like - guess where we're hoping to be some time next winter?) Griffin's other little best friend is moving to Lequille - about 25 minutes down the road. It seems far when we are used to just popping in to their house as we pass by on a walk. We'll just have to get in the car once in a while. And maybe try and meet some new friends. They're out there, I know they are!

We'll be spending the whole of next week in Halifax, visiting Griffin's Grandma and Grandpa, the beaches, a museum or two, and a bookstore or three. Plus, two weddings and a newborn session - busy times three!

Some other words to capture our last couple of weeks:

strawberries (everywhere!)
geocaching
bug bites
Happy Canada Day!
sleep?
cows
farmer's market
driving in the car
ultrasound
healthy baby!
sleep?

Jam-Packed!

2011-06-27T13:29:00.005-03:00

Hello! Another week has passed! It seems we are as busy as ever. The biggest news is our new roof. I haven't got any pictures of it yet, but really, it looks pretty much the same. Jai and I were saying we wish we had picked a different colour, at least, so it would at least look like we changed something. I mean, after you spend $11,000 on something (gasp!) it feels a little anti-climactic for it to be basically the same. I feel like it should be gilded in gold, or something. Oh well, it may look the same, but we know it's actually much, much better. Right? Right!

Griffin and I went strawberry picking with some friends, and then got together with them again to make strawberry jam. It was the first time I've ever made jam. Doing it with someone else made all the difference. I'd probably still be working on it, five days later. Anyway, it was actually pretty easy, once we got going, and the jam is DELICIOUS! And there were enough strawberries left over to make some fruit roll-ups, which are in the dehydrator as I type. We might have to go and pick some more, since there's never enough. I can't even imagine having to make everything to store and get through the winter. Next year I want to try for some more imaginative flavours, like maybe strawberry-lavender jelly. Yum!

We went to Frenchy's on Saturday, and I bought the first thing for the new baby. It's a little newborn onesie with a giraffe flying a helicopter on it. I figure Griffin will have to love any baby who's wearing a helicopter. When we were hanging the laundry he saw it and said, "that's for the baby!" Slowly but surely, he seems to be warming up to the idea.

Here's a couple more of the pieces I've been finishing up. I didn't get any great shots of the first one, I'll have to try again. But you get the idea :)

All the rest of the pics were taken a couple of nights ago in Jubilee Park, where I did a little photo session with Griffin and Jai. It was so fun, and I just love some of the photos. Okay, there's about 70 that I love. Does that qualify for some?

A Father's Day Update

2011-06-19T14:34:00.003-03:00

Hello! Happy Father's Day! So far, we have done nothing but enjoy each other's company today. How lovely! Griffin gave Jai a sleep-in this morning (all the way to quarter after seven!) and woke up in a glorious, ridiculous, very playful mood.

He is absolutely loving being outside so much. We've been picking strawberries in our yard, and the yards of our friends. And slowly but surely, I've been getting some plants in the ground. We had drastic plans for our garden this year, and they are coming along nicely. Fingers crossed we'll be able to keep on top of it all (although I can't really say that I'm "on top of it" at the moment, still having not planted any of the corn. Sigh.)

And Griffin got his first haircut this week. These aren't the best pictures to show it off, I'll try and get some better ones. I'd been putting it off, not sure how he would feel about the whole thing, and truthfully he didn't really need it yet. But we were talking about it a couple of mornings ago, and he wanted to try it, so I ran and got the scissors. He loved it! He kept saying "more! more!" and crying when I tried to put the scissors away. Pretty cute. I don't know if he'll always feel that way - especially about the "mom cut" - but I hope he does! And ever since he got his hair cut, he's been much more curious about hair in general. He's starting to come up with some pretty outrageous sayings and words. Jai and I have had a few moments of staring at each other and saying, "did you teach him that?"

Also, fit in amongst all the other things, I managed to finish a couple of new pieces. My friend Sarah commissioned me to do some pieces using photographs of her Great-Grandmother and Great-Grandfather for her Grandmother's birthday. It was really fun to have an excuse to get out in the shop again, and I managed to finish up another couple of pieces that have been languishing since winter. I'll post more pics soon, but these are Sarah's:

As usual the To-Do list is about a mile long, but I hope that never stops me from doing the important things - spending time with friends and family, and making time for myself, too. Have a great week!

Water balloons = fun.

2011-06-10T14:47:00.004-03:00

Hey! I just figured out how to do storyboards, but forgot that Blogger would shrink them to tiny. Sigh. I'll have to do it on the photography blog instead (speaking of which - just uploaded the latest session - engagement photos!) I've been spending some time revamping that site, and generally getting more organized.

The photos above are from the Spring Fling the elementary school put on last Saturday. Griffin loved it, although a lot of the things were a little too old for him. Water balloons, though? Too much fun! Plus, he got a car tattoo, which he has shown to almost everyone he has encountered in the past six days. He's getting a little worried, though, as it's almost all gone. He's keeping a close eye on it.

This has been a busy week! I did engagement photos, went to the accountant, and the doctor, got the garden somewhat started, redesigned my logo and started a photo marketing course, taught a yoga class, shopped at the farmer's market (first strawberries!!!!!!), took a field trip to Fort Anne, and got a bunch of people and a bunch of plants together to plant bushes into our natural playground. Whew! There's still two whole days! My immediate plan, however, is to put my feet up and read a book, at least until this nap time ends. Bye for now!

Finally!

2011-05-31T18:56:00.006-03:00

Hello! Well, it took some time, and a lot of wrangling, but I finally got my new camera! And I should have it paid off by the end of summer, so soon it will be well and truly mine. I think I might name it. Griffin and I had to drive into the city this weekend to pick it up, so we took the opportunity the next morning to head to the beach with Grandma and her dog, Kaslo.

Griffin had super fun digging in the sand.

It was pretty cold and damp, but I'm happy with how the pics turned out.

Plus, I couldn't resist sneaking one of this little family. If anyone out there knows who they are, let me know, and I'll send them a copy!

When we got home we were finally treated to some nice weather. Finally! We celebrated with ice cream cones. This is Griffin's first ice cream cone ever.

He picked it up fast.

He even showed Daddy how to do it.

And we capped it all off with a trip to the park.

It was one of those days when you look around and say to yourself, "look where we live!"

Newborn Session Posted

2011-05-25T18:52:00.002-03:00

Hey, just wanted to pop over and let anyone who's interested know, I posted a new session of newborn photos over on the Lauren Kaye Photography blog (www.laurenkayephotography.com)

Cute kids - I almost wish they were mine so I could hang some of these photos on my walls!

Playing Catch-Up (plus some Big News at the end, for those who read that far)

2011-05-23T20:38:00.007-03:00

Oh, hello! What a lot there is to catch up on. Hmmm... It may be time to resort to numbered points...

1. Jai and I had a great time in Mexico. It's not the vacation we would have chosen for ourselves, but we did enjoy it thoroughly. The beaches were spectacular, and it was such a wonderful feeling to go swimming in an ocean that is warm. And full of giant fish. Okay, the first time the fish swarmed me, I was a little freaked, but we worked it out in the end.

2. Griffin turned two!!! Happy Birthday, little G! You light up our lives every single day. He had a great time visiting with Grandma and Grandpa, and did just fine without the two of us - though I think we were all mutually glad to see each other when we got home!

This is the present he got from Jai and I - an awesome $2 Frenchy's find that we spent a day fixing up, just for him (scraping off the pink nail polish "Tina"s with hearts above the "i"s - as tempting as it was to leave those on!)

2b.) Oh yeah, and Easter happened (it has been a while, hasn't it?) Griffin loved the whole thing - bunnies and baskets and eggs.

3. Life has returned to it's usual, crazy, hectic-ness. The weather has been abysmal lately, but we did manage to sneak a day out to visit the public gardens in Annapolis Royal.

4. The Really Big News - for those who haven't guessed it. Baby #2 is on it's way! Oh yes, I knew there was a reason I couldn't find any extra energy for anything lately. There you go, the oldest excuse in the book. I'm feeling much better now, though, and so I'm slowly but surely returning to all the usual activities (i.e. blog posting!) I'm sure there will be lots more talk of this as time passes, so we'll just leave it at that for now. Till next time:)

ola!!!

2011-05-01T16:02:00.003-03:00

Hello! We're in Mexico, and not stopping by for long, but we wanted to post this video for Griffin:

and while we're at it, here are some more photos from the trip so far (this is day 2.)

Off to Mexico...

2011-04-28T21:59:00.003-03:00

Hello! Just a quick stopover tonight - tomorrow we head off to the city, and then to Mexico! I thought I might have time for a proper update before we head out, but now it looks like it will have to wait. (I know, the suspense is just killing you!)

This will be our first time apart from Griffin for an overnight, never mind a whole week. I'm sure he'll do great. I'm not so sure about me!

And Jai and I have one little suitcase each, but little G has an entire van full of things he needs to have with him. I think there could be a formula of some sort where the size of your suitcase is in direct inverse proportion to the size of you.

Anyway, hope you all enjoy yourselves for the next week and a bit. We plan on enjoying ourselves immensely. TTFN

Our Pre-Easter Update

2011-04-20T14:21:00.003-03:00

Hello!

Oh, how terrible, to be leaving it so long between posts.

The problem, you see, is the time it takes to process the pictures. I've been leaving my camera on the RAW setting, so the pictures are gi-normous, and all need to be re-sized before posting. I just don't want to leave it on the smaller setting, and then forget when it actually counts. Hmph.

Anyway, that little problem will be solved when I get my NEW camera, which has multiple custom settings. Someone was thinking. But for the next month or so, I either have to suck it up or post pictures intermittently (and rather lazily.)

In the meantime, life continues along here rather much the same as usual. Griffin died his first Easter egg this morning at our family group. He loved it, but still refuses to actually eat egg, regardless of how it's cooked.

Jai fried some eggs up the other night, and I put a bit on Griffin's plate. There was a piece of yolk, which he kept insisting on calling a peach. We kept saying "No Griffin, it's an egg - try it, it's yummy," but he would put it back down and look disgusted. Finally when he tried to tell us for the tenth time in a row that that bit of yellow on the end of his fork was in fact a peach, I decided not to correct him and see what happened. "Peach, peach, peach" and into the mouth it went. I thought, maybe this way he'll at least try it and realize that it's good. Not so much. He spat it right out with the most amazing look of complete and total disgust, and declared in his loudest voice, while shaking his head from side to side, and grimacing, "It's an egg!!!" Nothing has ever been so disgusting in the history of the world (apparently.)

Other than turning his nose up at eggs in every form, Griffin has been pretty busy. We've been out and about, now that the weather is slowly improving, and Griffin has been bringing his wagon everywhere. It's a little plastic wagon that I pulled out of the Spring Clean-Up last year. It's just the right size for him, and he loves it. It might be his favourite thing, ever. And if there is anything cuter than a little boy, in gumboots and a winter coat, holding his Daddy's hand and pulling a wagon full of treasures down the street, I've certainly never encountered it. (Pictures forthcoming...)

We have a bunch of big weekends in a row coming up here. This weekend we're off to the city to celebrate Easter with Grandma and Grandpa, and the weekend after that we're off to Mexico, and the weekend after that we come home, and Griffin turns two. TWO! Wow. I'm sure I'll have more to say about that later! But for now... wow.

April Photos

2011-04-10T11:40:00.006-03:00

Hello! Well, here are some of the photos, as promised. We visited the French Shore:

And a local farm:

And Hampton Beach:

And yes, we are all bundled up in snowsuits for our trips to the beach. Whatever it takes! Little fingers might turn blue, but at least they got the chance to throw some beach rocks in a passing stream. And on a sunny April day, what more could you ask for?

Also, if anyone's interested, I posted photos from a shoot we did with Dayliner (Jai's band) over at Lauren Kaye Photography (www.laurenkayephotography.com).

Peekaboo Being Two

2011-04-05T14:55:00.002-03:00

Hello! Oh my, I've been slacking off around here! What can I say? Computer time has been in short supply these days, which will explain my lack of photos this post.

We've been to the beach and the farm and the playground, and I have carted my trusty camera around to all of these places, and even taken some pictures with it, but it's that next step. . . . Oh well, I've decided I can forgive myself. Hopefully I'll get them downloaded soon, and do a whole post of just photos, but I thought I should just sit down and write for a minute, since that's what I've got.

I haven't been feeling 100% these last couple days, but we've been busy all the same, during Griffin's waking hours. And completely UN-busy the rest of the time! So I have not too much to list in the way of accomplishments, at least personally.

Griffin's big accomplishment of late has been to decide that he doesn't always have to do what we say. Most of the time he's still pretty good, but with Being Two peeking at us from around the corner, sometimes it's just too funny to do the opposite of what Mommy and Daddy think is best. So far nothing dangerous or too infuriating, and I have to admit, I kind of enjoy seeing his little streaks of independence.

I may regret saying that!

The Good Stuff

2011-03-18T18:14:00.006-03:00

Hello! What a lot of time has passed, it seems, since my last blog post. Well, I guess it was only a week, but still... What full days we've been having! I couldn't possibly record it all here, but I thought I better try and set some of it down. Let's see.... We spent last weekend in Halifax, visiting.

Mom and I spent a day-and-a-half attending a basketry course put on by the Nova Scotia Basketry Guild, and if you ever find a lovelier bunch of ladies anywhere, I might have trouble believing you. We made willow Easter baskets, and it was so much fun! I did bring my camera with me, so here's some pics:

We both came away with a total desire to learn more. I love stuff like that - Mom compared it to knitting and she is totally right. You start with something really basic, a pile of twigs, or a really long piece of string, and you end up with something totally functional. It's making at it's most fundamental.

And other than that, we've been busy with much of the same stuff - reading stories (we've already read through two stories since I started this post) - can't get enough stories.

And playing with trucks.

You know, the good stuff.

Almost!

2011-03-10T14:40:00.006-04:00

"I wonder if the sap is stirring yet,

If wintry birds are dreaming of a mate,

If frozen snowdrops feel as yet the sun

And crocus fires are kindling one by one:

Sing robin, sing:

I still am sore in doubt concerning Spring."

- Christina Rossetti

Oh, it's coming. I wasn't sure on Sunday, when I went for a walk in our yard, snow sinking up past my boots with every step. It didn't seem possible. And then today... grass! Sun! Water gushing through the stream! (though it is bloated now with frozen chunks and fallen limbs, overflowed it's banks and then some.)

Still you need a coat, hats, mitts, scarves, gloves, but sitting inside, in a splash of sunshine, we can imagine warmer days coming. Today, it finally seems possible (when on Sunday I was moaning that the snow was never going to melt - would still be around when next winter rolls in.)

The forsythia we brought in has opened it's eyes and smiled - a jubilation of sunny yellow flowers. See? They were in there all along. (You doubter, you!)

Griffin and I have been enjoying our new library immensely, taking any old excuse to head in there for a visit. When we walk in the outer door, he shouts "we're home!" just like he does at our outer door. I've been trying to teach him "we're here!" but he insists on saying "we're home!" at the library. And even though I correct him gently every time, it does make my heart smile.

Now that the snow has mostly melted, we are able to go for walks a little easier, so he has been enjoying stomping around the neighbourhood, holding my hand and exclaiming at all the curled up brown leaves that have emerged from the melted snow. "Oh! A leaf!" he says, "Oh! A leaf!"

And he's been getting some excellent hat head.

I've been trying to get inspired to use my camera a little more, even on those dreary, inside days. It's so easy to be inspired when you're outside in beautiful light every day. These early March days are a little better than those late February ones were, though, and I am trying to rouse myself back into playing with my camera. Griffin and I spent a little time doing self-portraits, trying to capture a kiss:

We didn't really get it, but I love the pictures all the same. The "almosts" take it!

Book Reviews Coming to A Blog Near You...

2011-03-03T22:35:00.003-04:00

Ok, I've been meaning to do this for a while, but finally just started. I created a second blog, where I can just write about the book I just finished. Starting with "The Habitation of the Blessed: A Dirge for Prester John". I found this hard, because books are such a personal thing for me. I tend not to share. But, if you ever meet someone who loved the same book that you loved, don't you just have something instantly in common, like you just know you could be bosom buddies? Isn't that the best?

I don't know if anyone will be interested, but if you are, hop on over to A House Full of Books.

That is all.

Some Masterpieces are Born...

2011-03-02T14:35:00.005-04:00

Hello! Well, that was a week that just flew by! We had a couple sunny days, and everything. We've been keeping busy...

Growing taller...

Painting masterpieces...

And creating public art...

The local library is moving into their new building tomorrow, and I co-ordinated a bunch of local kids to paint some fish we cut out of plywood with the CNC router. Now I just have to hang it tonight, so it's ready for the grand opening. Currently it's hanging from our ceiling, over our dining table. (I kind of like it there!) I'll try and post some pictures of it in it's new "official" space. We're so excited about the library moving from it's dark and dingy town hall basement to a new, bright, wheelchair and stroller accessible building of it's own! It's like Christmas, or something. Only one more sleep...

Some nice Winter Moments (Bridgetown Winterfest Saves the Day Again!)

2011-02-22T18:13:00.003-04:00

Hello! Happy Winter! (I'm trying to be more positive about the rest of winter hanging around. It's sort of working.) We celebrated the slightest whiff of spring in the air the other day by participating in the parade of lights and bonfire lighting part of Bridgetown's Winterfest. The parade was better than ever (and an extra block long!) and the turnout was great.

The bonfire was really fun, too. We spent time with some friends, and Griffin had a wonderful time running amok and splashing in ice puddles.

And other than that, life has mostly been continuing on as normal. We've been colouring (mostly on the paper!)

And baking.

Griffin likes to use his oven, too (loaded from the back, of course!)

Spring Fever - I've got it Bad

2011-02-18T12:47:00.004-04:00

huh, yeah, it was almost exactly a year ago that I was feeling just exactly like I am now. What is it about the last half of February that is just so hard to stomach. I get this crazy yearning in me to be out of the house. To be doing something. Some un-nameable thing that will make the sun come out. I found this quote last year that made me feel a little less like maybe I was just going crazy:

It's Spring Fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!

Oh, Mark Twain, how I do love you! I felt like Charlie Brown when Lucy finally suggests he has Pantophobia (the fear of everything) and he yells "THAT'S IT!!!!" There's a name for this thing. Unfortunately the only cure seems to be time. Maybe Griffin and I could go out and do a Sun Dance. Last year I rearranged the furniture. That's not really an option this year (our four pieces of furniture are pretty much set where they need to be) but maybe I can find something to paint white. Hmmmmm....

Ok, that picture was taken last year on March 6th. Is it possible that that three feet of snow might actually all be gone in the next few weeks?

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T18:54:00.006-04:00

Hello again! Happy Valentine's Day! First thing yesterday morning, Jai won a radio contest sponsored by our local rock station - a one-week, all expenses paid trip to Mexico! We haven't figured out any of the logistics yet, but still it's pretty darn cool. I've never been anywhere tropical!

It's just too bad we have to wait until May. Every day, it seems, we get more snow. Oh, February, why are you so long?!?

We're doing a lot of colouring to counteract all the grey.

I even did some while Griffin was napping.

Griffin's enjoying his new pencil crayons, courtesy of Grandma. They're really great because the 'lead' is so thick that he can't break them easily, and they're not round so they don't roll off the table.

Plus, it turns out that it's super fun to dump them out of the bag, and put them back in again (and again, and again, and again.)

We're almost at the point in the winter when we just try and ignore whatever crazy weather is being thrown our way, and go out anyway. Today we got together with a bunch of friends to have a play day. It was snowy and ridiculous outside, but everyone made it. We're getting tougher. Our skins are getting thicker. Soon we'll be throwing our coats off and laughing in the face of the latest blizzard. Hah! You call that snow?!?

Finally some pictures!

2011-02-08T12:40:00.006-04:00

Hello again! We've been having snowstorm after snowstorm it seems lately. This engenders a lot of reading of various stories on various couches,

with various footwear.

Some cuddling of cats on said couches,

and a lot of staring out the window, watching for tractors.

Although, to be honest, I think I'm the one that is going a little stir crazy! We did catch a momentary "snowbow" through the window the other day, which was pretty cool. And we've been enjoying the rainbows that crop up in our living room every time the sun comes out.

Today I made whole wheat raspberry white chocolate scones. Yum! The only problem with all this baking is that I'm the one who does most of the eating. Especially when we're stuck at home all day!

I did finally manage, though, to get some bath pictures with Griffin.

I'd been meaning to do it for a while, but kept forgetting. Jai and Griffin usually do bath time mostly on their own while I get the bedroom all ready for sleeping. They have elaborate games with ducks and boats and buckets, and a lot of splashing sounds and giggles tend to emanate from behind the bathroom door. What fun!

I can't post all the bathtub pictures, for obvious reasons, but here's a couple of my favourites, just for fun.

A Quiet Week

2011-02-02T18:31:00.003-04:00

Hello again, it's been a little while, mostly because we've been staying inside most days, and not taking a lot of new pictures. The big story around here is snow snow snow! It's taller than Griffin out there. I bundled him all up and took him outside yesterday, and within minutes he was crying to go back in. One day it will be fun, but right now it's just cold! There is a plus side for him, though, in the form of multiple tractors and plows driving past the windows all day. I think he dreams of tractors - some nights he wakes up, calls out a little, then puts himself back to sleep saying "traaaactorrrr........"

I haven't been up to much. I spent a couple of days getting my resume together and writing a cover letter for a very exciting job opportunity that just opened up. More on that later, if anything should come of it. I wrote up my contract for photographing weddings, as I've gotten a couple of requests now. I've done a little knitting, here and there, and worked on some new pieces when I can. I made cheddar and bacon muffins for the first time (oh, YUM!) I spend a lot of time feeding the wood stove. I've been daydreaming about getting some backyard ducks. Griffin and I have read a lot of books, and done a lot of colouring. We try to get out at least once a day, even if it means battling through snow banks with the stroller. And that's what we've been up to this week!

Counting...

2011-01-25T09:52:00.004-04:00

Brrrrr! Nothing like -30 weather to make you stay inside for a few days! Yesterday I used it as an excuse to put on a Bob the Builder video and bake some muffins. Today, we will probably have to bundle up and venture out. I say again, Brrrrrrr!

We've been keeping a pretty low profile since we got back to NS. Making yummy food, playing with tractors, watching shows on our giant screen with our brand new projector, oh, and counting. Seems we have a counting prodigy on our hands. So far he's up to eleven. He just likes to count things.

One...

Two....

Three....

Four....

Victoria 2011

2011-01-20T10:22:00.008-04:00

Hello Again! We're home! (I knew it for sure when a green crayon dropped out of the cereal box and into my bowl this morning, amongst all the Cheerios.) We had such a good time, visiting with people and places.

Griffin did really great on the airplane. He loved the airport.

He was so excited about planes in general that it didn't even matter that he had to sit on our laps for the entire eight hours. Whew!

The hardest part of the whole trip was just trying to adjust to the four hour time change.

The first night we were there Griffin woke up at 3:30 in the morning and said "all done!" (and I thought "uh-oh.") I could easily have slept for four more hours, but I just couldn't quite make him see my side of things. Anyway, we both handled it pretty well, considering. Griffin was just in Heaven being surrounded by all those family members!

It was really wonderful - definitely the best part.

We were feeling a little lonely yesterday, when it was back to just the two of us. What a wonderful thing it was to have so many wonderful people around.

We did a couple of day trips - one to one of my favourite beaches, which was covered in lovely driftwood. (Yes, I begged an extra suitcase from my Dad, and carted a bunch of it home. Of course I did! I also borrowed a whole pile of photos from my grandparents' albums, so check back soon for some fun new pieces.)

We also fit in a day trip up to Duncan to visit my Dad and his family, and the family farm. Griffin loved everything about it. He met two more grandparents, two new uncles, another great-grandparent, and a whole lot of cows. There were tractors big and small!!!!! It was heaven for my little boy! (Although both tractors and cows, it turns out, are a lot bigger in person than you might think!) (Thus, there are no pictures of Griffin actually on a tractor.)

A day hasn't passed yet where he hasn't asked to go see cows.

We also fit in a trip to the Royal BC Museum, where I spent many happy hours as a young child.

Griffin got to see the Woolly Mammoth, and the sea cave and all sorts of dead animals. His favourites were the owls. He likes to say "whoo whoooo." And we all like the Long House, even though they closed off the coolest part.

OK, and it's taken me all day to get this far, so I'll just leave you with pictures of friends and relations galore!

Good times!

Connections

2011-01-02T14:22:00.006-04:00

2011! So far, so good!

Only a few more days now of Jai's holiday. It's been so wonderful having him home - Griffin loves it, and I do, too. But, alas, such a state of affairs cannot continue indefinitely. All good things, and such stuff.

We are trying to enjoy these last couple of days to the utmost, though :)

And later this week, Griffin and Grandma and I are hopping on a plane for an epic journey across the country, from coast to coast, and back again. My Grandparents treated us to plane tickets, so we can come out and visit all our friends and relations on the West Coast. Well, as many as we can manage, anyway! (There are a lot of them over there!) I'm excited about showing him some of the places that I loved (and, really, still do.) It's mostly bookstores and museums, so I guess that explains a lot about me!

Plus the place where our little family began - good old Yo Video. I've been thinking a lot about personal mythologies as they relate to place. I think it's important to feel connections to places and people, not just through the direct experience of meeting a particular person, or being in a place at a particular time, but also through the layered experience of having stories and histories surrounding that person or location. Because many of my personal histories remain on the West Coast, by extension, many of Griffin's personal mythologies will have connections to the West Coast as well.

It will be interesting, though, to see how time has changed things, because the people and places remain static in my memory, as though they've become mythologized - passed into story, if you will. There is so much I want to see and do in such a short period of time! Creating new stories to layer on top of the old.

Huh, I didn't sit down to write all this stuff down (I mean, really, who actually uses the word mythologized?!) but there it is, all the same. These are the kinds of things I think about.

Farewell to 2010

2010-12-31T11:35:00.004-04:00

Hello! Here it is, the last day of 2010. "2011" looks so futuristic to me.

And what an eventful year we've had. One of us learned how to crawl and walk and talk and feed himself and blow kisses. And the rest of us survived it all!

In all seriousness, though, 2010 has treated us well. It was a very comfortable year for the most part, like a comfy chair you just fit into nicely. We all settled in a little more, into parenthood, into our house, into the big life changes that 2009 brought to us.

2011, I suspect, will be another big year of changes. Griffin and I have a big trip coming up (more on that soon), we'll be getting a new roof - we're just full of plans, big and small.

And while there is definitely a part of me that wishes we could just stay here, like this, the rest of me is looking forward to seeing what comes next.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-26T18:02:00.008-04:00

Ah, Merry Christmas! Hope you all had wonderful holidays!

We had an eventful one here, it seemed like. Griffin had a cold, so he spent much of the holidays being not quite himself. We took him in to get checked out on Christmas day, though, and he was pronounced generally healthy, with a good set of lungs (Doctors and Nurses have not been on his list of favourite people since he had to get bloodwork done, and it took four nurses to hold him down, and a miss on the first side resulted in not one, but two, needles. He was perfectly happy in the waiting room, but took one look at that room with that bed in it, and hightailed it in the other direction!)

He did rally himself quite well on Christmas morning, though, once he realized what was going on. He tested out each and every one of his new toys, and didn't notice in the slightest that some of them were only new to him. I think we've read through all the new books, and watched most of the new Bob the Builder shows. All those dinky toys were a big hit,

But the biggest pleasure has come from using his new kitchen to bake up toast and pizza. He's a busy, busy boy these days.

And I found myself enjoying the company more than ever this year. Yes, I got some excellent presents of my own, which I have already begun to enjoy, but the biggest treat of all was getting to take a couple of days and do nothing but enjoy myself visiting and reading and relaxing and snuggling, without any nagging "shoulds". Lovely!

This last few days before the year ends are hopefully going to be spent in quiet pursuits, taking a brief respite with each other before the crazy whirlwind starts up again. I wish you and yours some of the same!

A Very Blustery Day

2010-12-17T18:28:00.006-04:00

Where to begin? As I'm sure some of you know, our little Valley was hit quite hard with a bad winter storm this week. Griffin was up in the middle of the night, and I went out to go to the bathroom, only to discover water pouring, dripping, seeping, and streaming into the front half of our house. Several towels and many buckets later, after rearranging some furniture and possessions, we went back to bed. In the morning, we discovered a large piece of our roof had blown off in the wind. Hmmmm...

Several days later, we are still waiting for the insurance adjuster to come around (they've been a little busy, to say the least!) but we have mostly managed to deal with it ourselves. It's been an extra busy, extra stressful, extra expensive week, though (to say the least!)

Luckily, I had gotten some Christmas baking done the day before!

And Griffin had a great time splashing in all the (outdoor) puddles.

I can't even believe that Christmas Eve is only a week away. I don't think I'm ever actually ready, but this year we are further behind than usual. It's so easy to let this season get stressful, and I just have to keep reminding myself that most of it is extraneous to what's really important. We have our tree, we have some small gifts under it, but mostly we have each other's company, with a roof (mostly) over our heads, and a fire in the hearth. There will be good food, and there will be family, and everything else is just a bonus. (so... if you're a family member who is waiting for a Christmas package in the mail, I apologize in advance - look for it some time in the new year, I expect!)

Lens Love- OLYMPUS ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-60mm f2.8-4 SWD LENS! (how's that for a mouthful!)

2010-12-12T12:03:00.008-04:00

I had fun the other day experimenting with a new lens I just bought. Mostly that meant following Griffin around the house as he went about his day. Under the table, beside the fridge, up on the couch, under the table again. Barely still for even a second. It's a good test, though, I suppose!

I was going to try and photograph some little ducks that I knit for Griffin for Christmas, but he saw them in the window, and yelled "ducks!" He was so excited that he just had to show me.

He was so excited that he threw them in the air and bounced off the couch, and rolled under the table, where he proceeded to pull of his shoes, and announce "shoe!"

I did manage to get one nice close-up while he was engrossed in the singing animatronic mice my granda sent out a few years ago ("We Three Kings" as three mice who dance by bouncing up and down - it's his newest favourite thing. How many times do you think I have heard that in the last week?) I love that the photo is such a small part of his anatomy, but you can still tell exactly how old he is.

Anyway, turns out it's a lot easier to photograph a cat than a toddler.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

2010-12-07T19:04:00.005-04:00

Hello again! This moment is all about getting ready for Christmas, and Griffin starting to say "hi" to everyone, and long ramble-y walks about town, and hot chocolate, and reading book after book out loud, and then again.

We have lots of presents for Griffin - little things that we've been picking up since the summer, and storing away. And we have no presents for each other, or anyone else, really. It's so much funner to buy and make toys!

We cut our own tree this year, which I had never done before. It's so much fun, and I just love our little Charlie Brown tree - more room for ornaments. All the glass ornaments have stayed tucked away for another year, but everything else is out. Griffin's favourites are all nice and low. He likes to go up to the Santas and say, "Santa. oh oh oh."

And he likes to dip his fingers in the tree water, and then suck on them. Yeah, that's kind of gross. That's what he's doing right now as I type. He's discovered the joys of crawling around to the back of the Christmas tree, and peeking out through the branches - covered in smiles, knowing we can't reach him there. He's got a little collection of ornaments piled right at the back. Mostly we let him. These are the real joys of Christmas.

Hot off the Presses...

2010-11-30T17:42:00.003-04:00

They're here! Our annual "sit Griffin somewhere and make him Christmas-sy" photos are hot off the presses. Lucky for me he's so cute.

The hardest part is choosing one...

But I think this is my "photographer's choice":

And tomorrow is December first, which means we can officially Bring On the Christmas!

Joy!

Cats, Muffins, and Hyacinths - LIfe is good!

2010-11-22T09:40:00.005-04:00

Hello! Here it is, my last day as a twenty-something... So far, happily, just like every other day!

Griffin's currently snuggled onto my lap watching a Bob the Builder in a tiny screen on the computer, while I use the rest of it. He's fallen in love with Bob. Tractors + cats + happy noises + a super catchy theme song = one happy little boy. This is him pretending to be a cat:

We made it to the city this past weekend to attend the Awards Banquet for our playground award. It was really fun, and the food was AMAZING! I had four different kinds of cake for dessert. It was a little ridiculous!

Griffin did great getting babysat by his grandparents. He even went to bed for them. What a good boy! (and good grandparents, too!) Plus it means that now when we go to the city, we can actually go out at night! What will we do with ourselves?!?

And we had our first big snowstorm of the year (unfortunately right during our drive home!) It's mostly gone now, but the cold is hanging around. Brrrrrrrrr! On the plus side, it's good hot chocolate weather. Plus muffins. I made muffins! This is a big accomplishment for me - it took me about 3 hours. They're yummy though - all full of yoghurt and apple and dried cranberries. I'm not much of a food photographer, but here they are.

And on a final happy note, look what happened!

This flower is a total tribute to being lazy. Sometimes it pays! I bought this pot in the spring, full of flowers. I did trim them off when they died, and had every intention of doing all those things you're supposed to do (which I think involves closets and water???? Digging up bulbs??? Paper bags????) But then I didn't do any of those things. I just left it. For eight or nine months, this pot sat on our windowsill, full of dirt, but otherwise empty-looking. Anyway, lo and behold, suddenly of it's own volition, it started to sprout again. I watered it, just to see. And it rewarded me with hyacinths! Every time I'm at the sink, and I see it, or I walk through the kitchen and smell it, it makes me smile. I feel like I won the flower jackpot or something. Hallelujah!

CBC Radio Interview

2010-11-19T11:06:00.002-04:00

Hey Guys, just stopping by briefly to let all you Nova Scotia residents know that I'll be on CBC Radio this afternoon at 3:00, to do an interview with Carmen Klassen about the Natural Playground! We're in Halifax today (so no photos) to pick up our Big Award! Should be fun :)

Racing Around, Occasional Progress is Made

2010-11-14T21:42:00.004-04:00

It's not that late, but my brain is definitely screaming "Bedtime!!!" (you wouldn't believe how long it took me to type that sentence out!) It seems as though we have been on the go non-stop. Whipping up to Halifax to do a photo shoot, and whipping back to do Tween Night at the library. Whew! I also managed to squeeze in some time (thanks, Bob the Builder!) to finish up a couple more new pieces to take to the Gallery in Mahone Bay. Et Voila:

They don't have much left in their year, but it's worth a try. I think Christmas is usually a busy season for them.

The week coming up will be much of the same, as we are whipping off to Halifax again, to go to the Awards Banquet (yay!) and then whipping back to run a Geocaching workshop. Holy smokes, sometime I look around and think "how do I get myself into this?" But it's all good. Look at how fast the little one is moving these days!

A Small Step in Some Big Shoes

2010-11-06T19:25:00.005-03:00

Speaking of walking, check out this melt-your-heart-moment...

Griffin put his little feet inside Daddy's shoes, and proceeded to walk all around the kitchen in them...

Those are some mighty big shoes to fill...

But if anyone can do it...

Griffin can!

On a totally unrelated note, this is post #300! (two posts in one day, no less)

He's a Rambling Boy

2010-11-06T19:05:00.003-03:00

He's walking. And walking. And walking! I think it's his favourite part of the day, most days. We go for a walk around the neighbourhood. Sometimes we end up at the park, sometimes we go to the grocery store, sometimes we just do a loop. The destination is unimportant (until it's the most important thing in the world, that is, usually just when Mommy wants to go the other way.)

There's rocks to pick up along the way. Driveway rocks. Road rocks. Sometimes the occasional pebble. There's leaves to crunch, flowers to smell, and puddles to study.

Mostly he is absolutely uninterested in holding my hand. But every once in a while he just reaches up, trusting I'll be there to catch his little fingers with my own. It makes me smile every time.

We've had a few tantrums in the middle of the sidewalk, and I've definitely had to resort to the old "scoop and carry" a few times, but mostly he smiles and even sings his way along. It's become one of my favourite parts of the day, too.

Grrrrrriffin the Tiger

2010-11-01T21:24:00.004-03:00

Hello! I just had to post some pictures of Griffin in his costume, for those who couldn't be here to witness it in person.

We had a very fun Halloween, with friends and pumpkin carving, and home-made pizza. Even with all that (and so much more) I think the highlight of my night was taking Griffin out to go trick-or-treating. We only did the five houses on our street, and at first he was a little hesitant. He didn't quite understand what was going on. By the last house, however, he was banging on the door with his little hand, taking the candy, and then announcing "all done," and trying to close the door on poor Mrs. Irving's face! We may have a Halloween monster on our hands!

Last night was also the first night that Jai put Griffin to bed without me, as I went out with some girlfriends to see The Good Lovelies play in Annapolis. It was an amazing show, and so worth the trip. And Jai, Griffin, and Uncle Brandon did just fine, in the end, as I knew they would!

The Haunted Bookmobile Story Time

2010-10-31T10:03:00.002-03:00

Happy Halloween! Thanks so much for all your kind comments on the last post. I'll let you know if I can figure out a way to make it to the Banquet. For now, though, I'm just stopping in to share this video, which Jai and his boss Katie made yesterday on their Bookmobile run, in the Haunted Bookmobile...

It's a Major Award!

2010-10-28T20:49:00.003-03:00

Hey, I've been meaning to share this video for a little while now! My friend Andre filmed it for Club 400, and I just love it!

Also, we just got some exciting news today... Unbeknownst to us (how often do you get to use that word?!) my name, as well as the names of the two other Moms who helped me get the playground built, was submitted for an award with Recreation Nova Scotia, and we won! The Executive Director of Recreation Nova Scotia called me today to tell me. It's the Bluenose Achievement Award. There's an Awards Banquet in Halifax, and everything. I'm supposed to work at the library that night, and I don't know if I'll be able to get out of it, but still... that's pretty cool.

skipping and plodding, weaving and dancing along

2010-10-23T19:07:00.004-03:00

Hello Again! I can't even believe that October is more than half over already. In one more month, I will be turning thirty. It doesn't bother me at all, but it does feel oddly like some sort of milestone. My last month of being a twenty-something. Hm. I hope in my thirties I am able to mellow into myself a little. I'm quite looking forward to it!

Anyway, there's nothing to remind you that time is passing quite like vivid autumn leaves. This year seems even more spectacular than usual. Everywhere we go, I'm awestruck. Griffin has been loving picking the leaves up off the ground and twirling them around. He just wants to walk absolutely everywhere now, and we've had a few meltdowns when he didn't want to hold my hand. He's definitely getting of an age where he can decide what he wants, and let you know in no uncertain terms. And there's a lot less sitting still, and a few more blurry photos.

Anyway, we're mostly skipping and plodding, weaving and dancing along as usual. The big news this week was that Jai built us a gate to go around the fire. It's not the prettiest thing, maybe, but it's built from what we had lying around in the yard, and it does it's job quite well. Prior to this, we had an overturned Exersaucer blocking off the whole part of the room, so we're really enjoying having free access to the couch and the windowseat. Not to mention cosying up in front of the fire again. Personally, I'm loving it! It makes me want to snuggle and knit and sip hot chocolate from my favourite mug. Of course, I haven't actually had time to do any of those things yet, but just wait! Maybe when I'm thirty...

Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

2010-10-18T21:09:00.005-03:00

Hi! Geez, I practically dropped off the face of the planet there last week. We spent Thanksgiving with my parents in Halifax, which was great. We got to relax, picked up some treasures at VV, spent way too long in Chapters, ate delicious food, and enjoyed wonderful company. What more could you ask for in a Thanksgiving weekend? It was great.

The next day, however, was not so great. I didn't feel very well that night, but thought it might have something to do with a lack of sleep (Griffin spent Thanksgiving weekend growing some new teeth.) Tuesday I was in agony. We ended up driving up to the hospital when Jai got home from work, and after a 3-1/2 hour wait, I was diagnosed with a kidney infection. Huh. Not great timing, because the other thing that happened this week was I started a new job doing Programming at the Library. Anyway, last week was a bit of a struggle, but here we are at the other end - a little bruised, a little battered, but for the most part all in one piece.

Of course, I'm totally suffering Mother's guilt for leaving Griffin while I go off to work. Last night he kept waking up and screaming, "Mommy!! Mommy!!" and I would go in and hug him and lay him back down and rub his back, and he would go back to sleep, but then 15 seconds later wake up screaming "Mommy!! Mommy!! Bye Bye!!! Mommy!" It was a little bit heartbreaking. Today, we spent the whole day together, and loved every second of it.

Every last second!

Well and Truly Autumn

2010-10-07T21:25:00.004-03:00

Hello! Whew, time is whooshing by! I think it has something to do with the time of year. Fall always seems to go too quickly. It's my favourite season, and we're trying to enjoy it to the fullest. We've been stomping on leaves, and playing with fallen chestnuts, wearing our wellies, and lighting fires in the woodstove, admiring the pumpkins, and picking the apples. Fall seems to be about "fitting it all in" whereas we know that winter coming means having some delicious down-time.

All that good stuff came with the first cold of the season, though, so we've had a steady supply of kleenexes pass through the house. Everyone's on the mend now, though. It's the perfect excuse to bake a batch of cookies, and then scarf them all down. Last night I brought out the quilt and threw it on the bed. It will be with us now for the next six months, at least. The toques and mittens have started to creep back in to the closet, coats have been dusted off, and soon we will have to admit that the time has come to pack away our shorts and sandals for another year. Maybe it's a leftover from my school days, but September has always seemed to me like it should be the start of a new year. Things change so fast in the fall, it can be summer one day, and fall the next, just like that. The light changes, schedules change, the very smell of the air shifts. The next three months will be crazy busy, so we will have to continue to make sure we take some time every day to look up at the sky, and reach down to the earth.

"Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree" ~ Emily Bronte

Boo!

2010-09-29T20:37:00.006-03:00

Hello again! Wow, it's been a little while! I guess we've been busy. Busier than usual? Not sure. But we did lose the use of the computer for a couple of days in there.

It was all plasticked off and hidden behind some large pieces of furniture as our contractor Ken cut two giant holes in our wall.

We finally put in our windows! We bought the windows ages ago with some gift certificates, and then they sat in our front hall for over a year, taking up space and gathering dust. Finally, we said 'it's time!' There are, of course, a million other things that we could have used the money for (hello...water bill) BUT we're not thinking about that. Instead we are enjoying the sunshine while sitting on our living room couch.

And Griffin put two windows in, too - into his new cardboard box house. This has been a big hit, and it is so fun to watch him drag his bear in there, and then peek out through the windows and shout "Boo!"

It's awfully cute, and hard to resist. I took way too many pictures.

And instead of doing all the computer things that I really needed to do, I sat down and read through "Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day," which I had borrowed from the library. It sounded do-able, so I did it! In the last five days I've made two loaves of bread, and two pizza crusts. And it is so fun and easy! Who knew!?!!?

So the upside is new windows, and home-made bread, but the downside is that now I am scrambling to catch up with all the computer work that I didn't do. It's always something! Back soon (I hope) with some updates from Fall Clean-up!

Playspace Grand Opening and Other Ciderfest Activities

2010-09-19T17:45:00.011-03:00

Yesterday was our Grand Opening for the Natural Playground. I admit I was a little worried that there wouldn't be any kids, and we'd just be standing there. Luckily, I needn't have worried! Kids were everywhere! There were kids on the sandbox boat, there were kids on the teeter-totter logs, there were kids all over the hill slide, and there were kids climbing and jumping, balancing, and running all over the place!

It was a big hit. We've even had a few people around town tell us that we should go down and check out "our newest playground." The town has really embraced it as their own, and I couldn't be happier! Of course, there are still a few details to finish - the slide is just sitting on top of the hill at the moment, and needs to be buried into it still, and the steps still need to be put in. So I'm not quite finished with it yet, but soon... soon there will be a day when I can just sit back and enjoy. (Not that we haven't been getting tons of enjoyment out of it already!)

It was also Ciderfest weekend, so we had a great time enjoying some of those activities as well. Griffin dressed up as a tiger to go in the kids parade. It happened right at nap time, though, so he ended up walking the parade, sound asleep in his stroller. He slept through all the amazing tractors, the cars honking their horns, the bagpipers, and even the parade of fire trucks. It made me wonder why I'm always trying to be quiet!

And of course we enjoyed the cardboard boat race again this year.

There were a few paddlers, but everyone had a good time, and we all cheer the loudest for the ones who end up in the river, I think!

Stopping to Smell the Flowers

2010-09-17T13:11:00.009-03:00

Hello! Wow, we've been so busy around here, I haven't even had time to tell you our biggest news of all - our little boy is now walking! The day after he turned 16 months old, he finally found something worth walking for: The Duck Song.

We watched in amazement as he slowly but steadily walked across the living room to get closer to the computer. And then, just to be sure, we made him do it again. Since then, he has steadily been increasing his daily amounts of walking. If he holds my hand, he can walk all the way to the post office and back (with some stopping to admire a neighbour's truck, and smell another neighbour's flowers.) No wiggling or wobbling for our little boy - he definitely waited until he was good and sure! Speaking of sniffing flowers...

We've been trying to get outside as much as possible, when we have these nice, end-of-summer days to enjoy. Today, of course, is rainy and cool, but that's ok, because tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and warm, and tomorrow is the Grand Opening Celebration for the Natural Playground!!!! It's part of our annual Ciderfest celebrations, which have been well-documented in previous Septembers, and will no doubt be documented here again. Hooray for our little town, and the best time of the year!

It's been nice to feel like we can get into a little bit of a routine again. Our Family Matters group is back together on Wednesday mornings, and my yoga classes are happening again on Thursday nights. Garbage Week is back, and I already picked up some treasures this year, in the form of apothecary bottles, and fruit crates, and a great little wire basket. Fun times!

I'll leave you with some photos from a recent trip to Ross Farm Museum, where Griffin and Ella had some great conversations with the resident sheep (and, of course, stopped to smell the flowers):

Natural Playground, Part Four - The Community Build

2010-09-12T11:19:00.006-03:00

Yesterday we had our Community Work Party for the Playground, to try and get as many of the finishing touches done as we could before the Grand Opening next weekend. It was a great success! There were ten kids, and eight adults.

The kids mostly entertained themselves, playing in the sandpit, and helping out.

We got our fern circle planted,

Our chainsaw log benches built,

Which inspired some amazing little teeter-totters.

We added some more log paths, and rock paths, and some stump chairs for our spool table.

We dug a trench and added another vertical log stepping path.

We added a rock spiral.

Still to go - putting in our granite slabs for stepping stones, installing the slide, and making and installing the sign. Hopefully now it is the town's turn to step up and help us out with some of that work. Next stop - the Grand Opening!

September Days are Here

2010-09-08T14:07:00.005-03:00

Hello again! Just sneaking in a moment of nap time while the washing machine and the dishwasher hum quietly in the background. Thank goodness for modern conveniences! We've been busy as usual, but I wanted to take a moment to praise the month of September, and all the goodness that comes with it. Griffin and I were out walking early this morning, after we ran out of milk for our breakfast cereal. The air smelled so good - rotting leaves, woodsmoke, and ripe apples - it reminded me just how much I love this time of year.

We went from sweltering, unbearable heat, to digging through our closets to find sweaters and jackets. I have picked up my knitting again. And I feel this need to start planning out and preparing for the winter ahead. But summer isn't over just yet. We have been enjoying incredible bounty from our garden, and those of gardens around us. Our tomatoes have been extra prolific, and I've been falling behind on drying them in the dehydrator. Home-made sun-dried tomatoes, though - YUM! Literally buckets of tomatoes!

And I was not on top of the gardening scene this year at all, so other than tomatoes, there isn't too much out there that I planted this year. But we did eat the one giant watermelon that grew (bigger than a basketball!) and it was delicious, and perfect for sharing with friends. And we are still enjoying all the excellent fruit, of the perennial variety.

Jai, Griffin, and I shared the one peach that our little tree produced this year, and it was full of super sweet peachy goodness. Our apples are coming along very nicely. And our grapes are covered in fruit for the first time ever this year. We've all been hanging out under the grape arbor an awful lot this past week, pigging out on the grapiest-tasting grapes ever.

“The Sun, with all the planets revolving around it, and depending on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as though it had nothing else in the Universe to do.” ~Galileo Galilei

I just love the idea of being able to hang out in the yard, and pick food off the branches and vines that are scattered throughout. It sounds like heaven, and it is heavenly indeed. Last night we went to our local farmer's market, then dined on a princely supper of local peaches, blueberries, strawberries, and plums, with home-made bread, sun-dried tomato pesto, and feta cheese. And knowing that winter is stirring, around the corner, makes it all just that much sweeter. Hooray for September!

"By all these lovely tokens

September days are here,

With summer’s best of weather
And autumn’s best of cheer."

- Helen Hunt Jackson, September, 1830-1885

An Evening at Jubilee Park

2010-09-06T18:51:00.011-03:00

What a beautiful long weekend we just enjoyed! I mean, there was a small hurricane in there, but it's still a major improvement in weather. That last week was just stifling. And Hurricane Earl ended up being just a little bit of rain for us here in the Valley - though other parts of the Maritimes didn't get off so easily. Most importantly, it wiped out some of that horrible humidity, and left behind some perfect end-of-summer days. Jai and Griffin and I had some "look where we live" moments down at the park behind our house, so I just had to post them here :) Warning: this is a LOT of pictures of Griffin...

We looked at the horses on the other side of the river, and made horse-y noises at them...

In-between the snuggles, of course...

The River looked so beautiful (and inviting)...

Jai and Griffin couldn't resist getting their toes wet...

Griffin thought about walking...

We had fun in the tree...

Playing hide and seek...

And laughing...

We played in the sand...

And sat at the picnic table...

And played on the logs...

And played...

Until it was time to move on...

Into the great wide open...

Luckily Daddy retrieved him before he got tooooo far...

What a great Daddy!!!

And that was our night. Nice, huh?

Not too sure what happened with the fonts there - Griffin pressed some buttons, and I can't figure out how to undo it. Good thing he's so cute!

One Thing and Another (including a message from Griffin)

2010-09-02T10:48:00.006-03:00

Hello! Wow, I can't believe it's already been a week. Wow, I can't believe it's already September! Today was the first day of school! I love this time of year. Normally, it has the best weather. Of course, we're in the middle of a crazy heat wave (40 degrees yesterday with the Humidex!) and about to be hit by a hurricane, so maybe not this year. The best is yet to come, we'll say.

v gg .,,,,,,,mmmmmmmmm

And that is what Griffin wanted to say! He can now officially reach the computer keyboard:)

Anyway, we've once again found ourselves extremely busy with one thing and another. Although if it were up to Griffin we'd be busy all the time. He's so active and inquisitive that he rarely sits still anymore, even without walking yet. He learns new words almost every day, it seems. And he has a great time trying for longer ones like "caterpillar" and "Cheerios."

And inevitably, this time of year gets my brain ruminating about Christmas, as I like to make as many presents as possible. Griffin has some Mommy-made toys from before he was born, but I haven't really made him anything since. Somehow, I really want to try and find the time to get something together. I would like to make him some nice wooden blocks. So yesterday I went hunting around for some inspiration, and came across these vintage Playskool ones, which I LOVE!

It's going to take a while, and some careful allocation of time, but, since I don't have the $100 + it would cost to buy the originals, I think I can come up with something pretty close with some of the maple I have sitting around waiting to be turned into butcher block, and my good old Yudu machine. Sounds like fun! Wish me luck - I think I'm gonna need it!