Dear wee one: Part 4

Omigoodness. Not writing very much. But don't worry. I think about you numerous times in a day. And a lot had happened to you since my lack of posts.

Let's see. You have gone from a raspberry, to a blueberry. I saw you in an ultrasound then. I would say you looked more like a grain of rice but whatevs. Then you grew to be the size of an olive then a whooping lime.

I've gone to the doctor twice so far and good results. Genetic testing came up. We (your parents) discussed the options and decided against it. We have wanted you for awhile now so if you decided that you want us too, why question it? 

Mom (that would be Grammie to you as that's what she wishes her name to be) says that you are starting to peak through my stomach. I've noticed changes but not so extreme that my clothes don't fit. Although end of the day jean wearing can be a bit more uncomfortable.

So far I would have to say you have been pretty gentle on me. I sometimes have wondered your existence especially when around others whom are due around the same time. They are being put through much more trying times. I have seen you though and heard your little heartbeat too. That was probably my most exciting event so far. I think you might be testing me, "the calm before the storm," and you will make yourself known after your birth by never sleeping....ha ha.

We have read some books on what to eat and what to avoid. Hardest so far is my sushi and soft cheese. You want what you can't have I guess. And I have had to up the prunes and water content thanks to a little symptom I'm feeling. But like I said very little to complain about. I've been sick three times really and if I can count it on my hands, it sounds good to me!

I have found that I do love to sleep. And nap. That has become a necessity. Or I just don't function at all.

People are starting to slowly know your existence. Grandparents, aunts and uncles. A few friends. I'm still wary. I am happy you have chosen to stay so far. I just know things can happen that just are out of both our control. So I wait. April 15 to be exact (the 14 week mark).

But soon enough this little secret will be out. It's been nice to hold on to something secret for awhile to adjust to the big change ahead. Processing without other peoples voices entering into your head telling you what to do. That advice will be wanted in time. But too soon for me right now.  Your dad on the other hand can't handle this. Who knew his secret keeping caused him so much anxiety. I think he would shout it from the rooftops if he could. Ha ha.

Till next time!
Love

Dear wee one: Part 3

Sweat pea is the size you are.

Other than that you have been pretty easy on me. 

I started wondering if I would feel sick yet. 

Feelings of nausea at times but nothing else. 

Your father says that we really shouldn't wish these things or rush them. 

And quite frankly I'm inclined to agree. 

Every persons pregnancy is different. 

So let's just wait and see what's in store. 

I have been lucky as I continue to go to the gym and walk the dog. 

I take it a bit easier and don't push through workouts like I normally would. 

And frankly it's been nice to just do incline on the treadmill or

Reverse step on the elliptical. 

I would love to do some weight strengthening exercises but I may wait a bit on that. 

Really lets just wait and see what I'm feeling like. 

 

Going to settle in and watch the oscars now. 

And eat a fresh cheese bun, cause they are right from the oven. 
I wonder if you will like cheese? ;)

 

Love

Dear wee one: Part 2

So it's been four days since we found out about your existence

According to my calendar you are the size of a sesame seed

It's kind of funny isn't it?

You were a poppy seed a week ago and now a sesame seed?

I can't quite figure out the difference in sizes really 

But your growing instead of shrinking so that's good!

I think the shock of you has subsided 

I just want you to stay healthy right now 

Your dad is very happy but we both know that these months are the wait and see game

I do get waves of excitement and they go down to my belly when I think of you

Who knew a little sesame seed could bring me such happiness 

I had mild cramping when your existence to me came. 

And let's just face it, my chest was sore. 

Now they are slowly subsiding and I feel nothing. 

I read up and that's pretty normal. 

But I hear some things may start happening on week six that I may not be fond of

We will see...

but don't worry I'm glad you are here

You're wanted and loved

And those that don't know about you will love you so much too. 

See you on week 6

Love

Valentines day love

This is my husband talking about our dog to our dog's girlfriend's owner. Yes we are those weird people. I found the post quite amusing. 

So I have a Bentley Valentine's story that you will appreciate but you can't tell Anana. I was walking him this sunny morning in the fresh powdery snowfield behind our house. He was loving it and was covered in snow from digging, jumping and exploring when he caught a whiff scent by cupid himself. Off he went at a full gallop despite my plutonic but frantic calls. About 300m away the object of his nose appeared out of the creek bed. She was a petite thing as slinky as they come. I had seen her hanging around out back before but I had been more worried about Pirate and Kitty at the time. Now usually it is a good thing when the lady a love stricken teenager has his eye on is fast but unfortunately for Bentley she was not running for him but away from him. He caught up to her when she couldn't cross the Henday in a patch of tall scrub that I couldn't see into. I don't know what happened in there but it was quick. She came running out after 30 seconds to a minute and he was about 10 seconds behind, running like a mad man (or dog, whatever). I was grateful for not having had to cover Pirate's innocent eye but I am still kinda curious about what happened under the cover of that bush. Bentley bears no signs of amour-ous/less biting. He followed cupid's love trail another zigzagging kilometer before electing to double back on one of her intersecting trails where I pounced on him to rescue him from the spell he was under.

Again, don't tell Anana. I hope she has had better luck with any scent trails that took her fancy or that she was better able to avoid the 'commercial' hype that Bentley must have so clearly fallen for. I mean chasing after a slinky coyote when Anana has been away for less then 6 months just isn't like him.

If you do end up letting it slip to Anana then you should also tell her that he still runs wildly up to dogs that look like Anana when we get to the dog park.

Love

Chocolate croissants

Oh France I have attempted something that I have longed for since visiting Paris. And it's all thanks to Anita....and the duchess bakery. 

Let me elaborate. Anita, for my birthday, gave me the dear gift of the duchess bakery cookbook. And within that cookbook is highly delectable desserts from pies, cookies, macaroons, and what I attempted on Sunday and finished today....

The chocolate croissant. Mark and I have been vying after them since we had our first bite in Paris. And I have to say, my first attempt seems like a success.

It was quite a process though. Serious process of 6 to 24 hours to an additional hour after. And after all that I got only 7 of them. And really just three as we each inhaled two, right out of the oven. 

Winter can be so fun to just bake goodies, can't it?!

Love

Dear wee one

A half an hour ago I just found out you exist. 

Your dad (whoa) really weird to say that smiled but is cautious

I am too 

There is still a long ways to go till this feels real (and in our eyes safe to say it out loud to family and friends)

We are shocked to say the least 

But so very happy

We have been trying to have you for quite awhile

So long in fact I was close to thinking that you were never going to show up

Literally three days ago I said that very thing to your dad (whoa again) 

And now we found out that you are coming 

In October according to the Internet

And you are the size of a poppyseed right now 

Wow

Things are just continuing to be exciting aren't they?

Life is crazy

Love

It happened again

Our traditional Christmas-but we are all to busy-so let's celebrate in the new year-party. This year it was hosted at our house. Eek. Very exciting for both of us. And slightly nerve wracking. Let me just say our parents taught us well and they seemed to have passed along their dinner hosting skills effectively. 

First I cleaned the house the day before and set the table, got the dinnerware ready, punch bowl out and laid out all the cups needed. Mom taught me that one as she said it is just a few things you don't have to worry about the day of. Mom will sometimes go as far as prep all the veggies and appetizers the day before and put them in pots, in the fridge. I didn't do that...maybe next time (wink wink). 

The veggies were for the next day. In the late morning, early afternoon I did the peeling and chopping and got them ready and left the kitchen. That way both Mark and I could each have the kitchen to ourselves. Kept it simple and tasty. Mark did the meat and from that, cause we prepped so good I had time to do that last minute grocery trip that always seems to be needed for us. Not experts yet! Ha ha. 

Right before, appies out, punch done (with a big ice block, that David taught us to do), beef and chicken in the oven and everything boiling almost ready to go. And like any supper, have it ready a half an hour later than the actual time you said for people to come. It works. Trust me. 

The rest was perfect cause it was perfect company. I love those dinners. Even if some of us don't see each other for a year (sad I know). But we always seem to have fun. Games, good conversations, lots of laughter and full bellies. Heart full!

May have to try again next year. 

Love

Ya' mon

Since Christmas has been put away for another year, I finished some January/Post-Christmas baking, and it is 10pm, the house is clean, the pets are sleeping and Mark is out....Let's talk about Jamaica! Our wonderful pre-Christmas vacation with the family.





One of Mark's cousin's was getting married and invited all the Edey crew....and guess what...WE ALL CAME! :) It was lovely. Warm weather, warm rain, rainbows and so much more.

I thought I might have trouble posting about it as quite possibly it would be later in the month....turns out I was right. Luckily I wrote a few notes everyday of the things that I enjoyed. So here it is in a nut shell (in no particular order)

Drinks

Who doesn't love a slushy fun, alcoholic beverage???!! Especially when you are at an all inclusive. AND when they have even more fun names???!! Some of the choices I had were: Bahama mamas, kiss and tells, piña colada and rum punch (Mark enjoyed those for one night only). Bob marleys (the lovely green, red, and yellow drink) and the lovely banana drink called the ambassadors reef...yummy!

Water

We stayed at the Rose Hall Hilton Spa and Resort and were lucky to enjoy not only a lap pool but a lazy river with waterslides. Now my husband may have at times got into little water fight wars with some 7 year olds (and I quote from one little girl, "The smart people spray others with the jets.")...but I digress.





The lazy river was loads of fun, managing to get every single family member in there.
Lots of fun moments had there, Mark may have tried to splash his mother....sigh....poor mom. My favourite moment was when Mark's granddad and his auntie Sandra went in. Sandra wearing her glasses, and granddad wearing his hearing aids realized a waterfall was ahead...one covered her eyes, the other his ears...so I covered my mouth to join the trend (hear no, see no, say no....)




The ocean was slightly smaller than most but I enjoyed listening to the waves, feeling the breeze and smelling the salty air. My favourite spot was reading under an umbrella and falling asleep to the waves crashing against the rocks. Lots of beautiful look outs to see the sun rise and set, to walk around at night and day. Plus the swimming was fun too as I LOVE LOVE LOVE warm ocean water!

The hot tubs were fantastic when it rained a little harder than it should on a tropical vacation. It made everything all right as we soaked in the hot water with a drink in hand and the jets pounding into our backs.

Food

Let's just list the food shall we cause it was all delicious. All had at the hotel as well. YUMMY!
We had:
jerk chicken, jerk pork, paella, shrimp soup, mahi mahi with fruit salsa, festival (deep fried delicious dough), pumpkin rice
fresh fruit including mangos, passion fruit, star fruit, papaya, coconuts, and Mark's favourite, sugar cane (probably not a fruit)
Desserts of coconut macaroons, coconut cake, mango cheesecake, banana cream puffs, mango mousse, chocolate cake
Set up for everyone during certain nights was pasta stations, stir fry stations, smoothie stations, appetizer type food and an ice cream station. Can it get better?

Tours

On our second night we took the Rose Hall Manor ghost tour. Throughout the tour there were wandering ghosts haunting the place. They managed to scare me as a few jumped out and I may have grabbed strangers in fright. Others, (Mark's granddad) chatted with the said ghosts telling them that they have "scrubbed all the blood out". The whole house was quite huge with fabric wallpaper and beautiful furniture.

Another tour was one I did with Mark and his cousin Abbey. The adventure tour of zip-lining and tube rides. Done through Chukka tours and I must say some of the best tour guides I have had. Safe but fun and entertaining as I found myself laughing quite a bit.
Our tubing guide was called "Shrek" who everyone seemed to hassle, but who seemed able to give it back quite easily. Apparently it rained at the hotel that day but we had some lovely sun where we were so we jumped in the water, swung on the rope swing and enjoyed the morning.
Zip-lining may have given Mark and I a little bit of a hyperventilating attack. But we had to play it cool for Abbey (haha). Once we got a hang of it, it was super fun. The guides again were fantastic. And Mark had fun hassling them as they sure hassled him!

Entertainment

Reggae music, bar dancing (on the stage, just because we could), BINGO playing, card games, reading books, working out at the gym, some golfing, others enjoying the spa, water aerobics, sailing adventures, steel drums and so much more.

And most importantly...what this whole thing was about: Spending time with Family 

Watching two wonderful people get married, and just prior seeing a rainbow in the horizon (that has to be good luck, doesn't it?!)



Dancing with a little one, playing games with the little one, exploring with the little one, swimming with the little one and lazy river cruising with the little one.
Celebrating an 89 birthday at a fancy restaurant with plenty of family around to sing happy birthday.

Long talks with family whether it was in a hotel room with siblings and parents, at the bar with cousins amongst drinks, chatting over lunch, supper or by the pool. It involved reminiscing about times past sometimes prior to the oldest cousin being born, or when the last cousin was born. Some had hilarity, others seriousness. Regardless what they were, those were my favourite moments because I got a glimpse into all these family members past and how they became the people they are today.





It was a wonderful vacation. I am so glad/fortunate/happy I could be part of it. More weddings should have been in the tropics....:)

love
p.s. pics don't really give a glimpse to all the family members. but I really don't know who would object to their pics online to the world so I did a select few of people, that I think would be okay with it! :)

Snowshoeing on a snow day

When winter seems to be upon us for eternity. 

And the Christmas blues might set in. 

The best thing a person can do is go for a long walk with her partner and dog

The better thing to do is go snowshoeing. 

While snow is softly falling. 

Making slight swishing sounds as it hits the ground. 

And exploring new areas unexplored by all of us. 

It makes for a perfect winter day. 

Love

Last day of 2014

I love the holidays. And as we ended Mark's party last night (with wonderful friends and family, might I add) at one of his kind of restaurants (it's called MEAT of all things) our holiday season is coming soon to a close.

When this happens I start to feel a little blue. I find myself looking extra hard at the Christmas lights and willing them to imprint in my memory. Enjoying the snowmen and snow forts (with their extra festive appeal) a little more than I would on a cold blustery day in January. Smelling our Christmas tree and savoring the pine smell a little harder. It's silly really but it's what I do. 

I then look to the new year. What should my goals be. What should I strive to do, be, see, learn? 

This year I decided on nothing. I am just going to let be and live how I want and strive to do things that make me happy in a day. Maybe this is a goal/resolution in itself (ha ha). Or maybe I have learned quite a bit from what you have offered me, 2014! 

I know what it takes to be happy. I know it takes work. I know that just because you can doesn't mean you do. For a large chunk of the 2014 I did something that made me miserable. And letting go of that and realizing that happy things can come my way when I look for them, was not only a great relief but so self gratifying. 

I know that my family both on my side and husbands is there for me. I know I have wonderful friends and coworkers to talk to. I know I have a loving partner to depend on and who (like me) works really hard on our relationship to make it special and unique for both of us. I know when I come home I am coming home to our fur animals that only know how to greet with love, even if they were full of mischief during the day. I know my limitations but I know that I can continue to work on them and make them strengths. 

For what I know, I am grateful. 2014 was kind of an eye opener for me. I learned a lot. Found new happiness, appreciated old happiness. 

2015 you are welcomed with opened arms. I have zero expectations, resolutions or any other goal to make. I will just see what will be brought!

Happy new year!

Love

What my christmas meant to me

Christmas was a bit different for me this year. One is I didn't have to work (yay) so I could participate wholeheartedly into every bit of any activity that was available to be in. Also we went on a little vacation (mid-christmas) so I had to decide what I really wanted to do for my Christmas experience to make it special for both myself and others around me. Guess what? It was kind of fantastic. 

I had to forgo the baking this time around (slightly sad, but as Mark's Auntie Donna said, baking doesn't just need to be Christmas baking (so true, so january it is!) I also had to choose my Christmas movies with extra care as only a few selected would get chosen. Some of my traditions I let go of and just let the holidays take over. I can't say it enough it was lovely just for that. 

I shouldn't make it all snowflakes and poinsettias (har har). I did plenty of christmas shopping prior to leaving on our trip and may have done a bit of last minute to dos right before the 25. Something that at christmas time, I do not enjoy. Shocking but true, crowds and long lines make me antsy. But for the positive....

Here is what we did:

- walks around our neighborhood to see the glimpses of some of our favourite decorated houses. Bentley and I found one on Christmas Eve, it was incredible. I took Mark to it later on Christmas Day. Kind of like the candy cane keyhole, of our neighborhood. Love. 

- watched a few of my favourite movies. Home alone (yay I know, but it was what I grew up on), love actually (it just makes me feel warm watching that one) and a must, White Christmas (and yet again I cried when the general went down the stairs in his uniform, gets me again). 

- wrote Christmas cards. Ahhhh, the dying form of letter delivery. I enjoy getting mail every year from family and friends, sending me updates on their lives, delivering well wishes. So in return we do it. Although I cheat a little with a Christmas letter/picture that tells a small story. It is something that at this time I love to do....we will see how I feel in the upcoming years. 

- decorating our tree. With my insistence, we got a tree at the end of November. Plopped it in the tree stand and I watered it religiously for three days. And it was taking water like you wouldn't believe. Three to four times a day. Then on the third day I went to decorate the tree. And the needles started to fall. Kind of rain. I looked down and the tree skirt was drenched. Yes. Our stand sprung a leak and our tree died. We switched it up and found that although the branches rained when touched, the trunk continued to take up water, so decorating it began. And with the lights on, a few sprigs stuck in to sparkle, it was beautiful. That along with the lights that Mark strung outside (with such mastery) made it really feel like christmas. I would turn them on, make a hot chocolate and enjoy. Still makes me feel happy. 

- Christmas Eve. A little hectic with no reason to dwell and get into. But we went to church. And when we went I was happy. Great sermon, great story and they ended with my favourite carol, silent night. It always makes me tear up a little when I hear it. And we had candles which makes the carol more powerful. 

- Christmas morning. We woke up, and immediately took the dog for an am walk. Cool air, cold but not too cold. We facetimed my parents on the walk and wished well wishes, talked of parties, and presents, gave thanks and laughed. Jimi had successfully surprised my mom and we gave small giggles of all that was occurring without her knowing. Then Mark and I spent some time alone and unwrapped our stockings, taking pics and laughing. Bentley was given his big gift, a Dino bone, as we were not going to be around to entertain him. We then headed to Wendy and David's. Met with Lawrence, we unwrapped our presents, (the boys played with their toys) and we ate croissants. Joined in the afternoon by granddad, Donna, Abbey, and Margaret we ate a wonderful meal, played games, ate again, while outside snow fell softly (seriously, I can't make this stuff up!). 

It was a fantastic ending to our Christmas, (even though it was continued with more fun the next day with the Edey cousins and a rousing, gift exchange of trades and unwrapping...who knew baking sheets and drinking cups were hot commodities - ;) )

Great holiday, great fun, great people, makes for an enormous heart. 

Happy new year

Love

Late at night

I like to turn on the lights of the Christmas tree and sit and look and smell all things Christmas. 

Love

List of updates

I've been a bad blogger of late and I think it may continue sadly. I know it's the same ol, same ol...busy. But quite a few happy things came from this busyness. 

1. I got a new job. Still keeping my casual job as I continue to love that immensely but I got a temp position in another form of nursing that I think I could also fall in love with as it brings me back to my 'elves' days. Plus the people seem pretty amazing and friendly to work with. Not to mention super helpful! 

2. Christmas and winter decorations are up. And the house looks festive. Christmas presents are almost complete. Cards will be out (but slightly late as we are going away...more on that). And baking is to come. 

Sadly our Christmas tree took a bit of a turn with slight dehydration as we didn't realize our tree stand had a leak till three days of tree. It's a tad dry. But it is still pretty with the lights on and I got burlap ribbon so it goes with the old rustic feel of the poor tree. 

Other news is the amaryllis and paper whites have been planted. No movement yet on the amaryllis but the paper whites are just starting to bloom. And that just makes me happy. 

3. I starting running again. We have had a few nice winter days so I popped my spikes on, and put on my winter attire and Bentley and I went for a run in the river valley/dog park. I think he enjoys it as much as I. And he makes for a wicked fast pace bunny. Goal for 2015: keep up with my dog. 

4. My birthday has come and gone. I was very resistant this year to do the birthday week but for some reason my wonderful partner wanted me to have it more. And he definitely made it truly special cause he is just pretty swell overall. 

Went out for dinner with some of my fav. people in the whole world. And a very cool restaurant too. Three boars. Loved it. Great food and service. 

On the big day I worked but Mark came by and delivered cupcakes to my work. And then my dear friend Robyn also brought me the same. I guess everyone knows my love. And plenty of well wishes from all the lovelies in my life. 

I thought it would be over but Mark insisted on keeping it alive. He cleaned the kitchen (dishes and all), stocked the fridge on Friday night. And to top it off  made me, my brother, Wendy and David a most excellent brunch of my favourite french toast that I think he has officially mastered. Love. 

My heart is full. 

5. Finally. We are going to Jamaica. Eek. In a few short days. A big family gathering with a purpose. Looking forward to visiting, relaxation, sun and pool. Hence why a few Christmas things may be late...but they shall arrive a little after Christmas I'm sure!

I guess winter can have happy surprises too!

Love

Nights

I did it. My first ever night shift...ever! I don't know how I have escaped from it this far in my career. Days, evenings, no problem. But nights...sigh. 

Seriously though I didn't know if I was of the personality to handle them. I didn't think I would be able to stay awake. The night before I trialed at home and was asleep at 130. Not a good sign as that would be 2.5 hours in my shift. Ugh. Forced sleeping throughout the day and now to the actual work. 

Guess what. I could do it. There is actually enough stuff to do at night to keep you active. It was a little weird to have my stomach grumbling at 3 am but I packed enough snacks. All kidding with the face I didn't mind it all that much. Worked with some good nurses and had a pretty fantastic trainer. 

Maybe nights will be in my future?!

Love

It's winter

There is snow outside

It gets dark pretty fast now

My mittens are out

My boots are warm and cozy

I get excited this time of year

But this year I am putting my christmas excitement on hold

Instead I am trying and willing myself to enjoy winter

So far it's working 

I think at least half the reason I am enjoying it is Bentley 

He forces us to take an hour walk everyday

Even in the bitter cold

But I get to see and hear stillness 

I am surrounded by nature

I see the sun rise and set

I enjoy it

Grateful that we got our little, "big" puppy!

Love

Autumn has ended and the snow has come

And now winter is upon us. 

At least there is no wasps. 

Love

Part 12: yes truly...what autumn means to me

It's full of surprises!

The snow came for a day and promptly decided it wasn't time and disappeared. 

The sun is shining

The grass is green

The sky is blue

The temperature warm

And the confusion

The Christmas decorations are up in town. 

Christmas movies are playing

Stores are selling green and red goodness

And it's November 7!

This just doesn't happen!

Let's just relish in the warmness and greatness of this day (rumor has it this may be our last). 

Love

Friends

Sometimes to make a weekend go from ordinary to extraordinary you need to spend it with great friends. 

Xoxo

Love

Happy Halloween

Fun night of trick or treaters. 

Decorating the house in spider webs. 

Carving three pumpkins. 

Preparing the bat for his halloween debut. 

Getting scared by a gorilla.

And finding a unicorn!

Fun night!

Love

Part 11: autumn means to me

It snowed. 

Making it feel that autumn is over for me. 

Even if it's not officially over, my body can feel it. 

The cold chill of wind across the face. 

The frosted car after an evening shift. 

The mittens warming my hands. 

The thermostat turned up. 

For me it happened on Sunday. 

A nice visit with Mark's grandpa and aunt. 

Warm soup, turkey and buns. 

A quick visit to another neighboring town to see a baby. 

Saw another nursling that I graduated with. 

Back in lougheed headed to get Chinese food. 

Drive back into town in snow. 

White out conditions. 

Yes this is also what autumn means to me.  

Snow. 

Thus ending my fall posts. 

It was a fantastic fall. 

Love