Month: May 2010

A Quiet Saturday with The Next American Idol

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OK, so she’s not the next American Idol nor do I think I want her to be, but our Saturday was relaxing and Abby provided some cute entertainment. That is until she was distracted by her regularly scheduled programming. I love when she sings her own little songs. She always puts a smile on my face and Daddy’s too. Not sure what she is singing this time, but it certainly is cute!

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Most of the day was spent just playing and spending some family time together. Abby and Shaun sat on the couch and played with her farm puzzle that we bought in Montana. I was a tad intrigued by her little foot. As she played and focused on what she was doing, she kept twisting and turning her little left foot, rubbing it against the edge of the puzzle from time to time as well. Some people stick out their tongue when they concentrate, others play with their hair or tap a pen… Abby makes circles and movements with her feet. So cute… Ah to be a kid!

Little Ham

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There isn’t much to say… other then my daughter is a little ham. Actress, singer, dancer?? Who knows but her personality is really starting to come through now that she is talking more and her vocabulary is expanding. Even on the worst of days, she can always put a smile on my face.



A Chair Her Size

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As Shaun and I were creating the baby registry, we found the cutest childrens chair for the girls room. The design matches both of their bedding despite being differentKnowing that this was something we eventually would have arguments over between the girls, we added 2 chairs to the registry but certainly did not expect anyone to buy either of them. To our surprise, Grandma Zoe decided she wanted to get them for both of the girls. They arrived today and of course the minute they came out of the box, Abby wanted at hers. She is loving having a comfy chair that is her size, but apparently she didnt want me to take pictures of her enjoying it. Oh boy, the attitude begins! A little later on I was able to catch her, lounging away. She’s growing up too fast!

Bird Watching In Montana

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During our last trip to Montana, we spent some time driving and exploring some of the back roads of the area. During our travels we had the fortune of spotting Osprey and Eagles, mostly Bald Eagles but at times we were able to spot Golden Eagles. On one occasion, we had a Golden Eagle fly across the road right in front of us and land in a field nearby, just out of sight.

Each time, despite our patience and perseverance, we were unable to capture these amazing birds on film. Avian photography is difficult and really takes the right moment, patience and generally pure luck. Well my dad’s patience finally paid off, with a bit of luck as well. On a recent drive he captured the following photos of an Osprey and then a Golden Eagle, sitting and in flight. I wanted to share them as these birds of prey are amazing and beautiful to me. The Golden Eagle is impressive just by its sheer size, not to mention its beauty and power. I am so glad he was able to capture these images. Even though I did not personally take them nor were they taken during our particular encounters, its wonderful to have them as a reminder of what we did see during our trip. Thanks Dad, your photography is amazing!



Free Spirit

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I think Shaun and I have always known that Abby is a free and very independent spirit. As she quickly approaches age 2, we see if more and more. From freaking out when we try to help her at mealtime to fixing something on her own, she definitely makes it known that she wants to do it herself and do it herself she does. She also does a lot on her own and is quite creative, as you might gather from the picture below…

Nothing like starting your morning with pink polka dot and flower sunglasses, Tinker Bell jammies, a pink Los Angeles Kings hockey stick, binky and Winnie the Pooh car while watching Toy Story 2. I love this little girl to pieces!

Mark Your Calendars…

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Its Official!
July 1st is the scheduled day our little girl will make her grand entrance into this world. That is, of course, she doesnt decide to come on her own before that! Shaun and I will keep everyone posted regarding details as soon as we have them. Can’t wait for our little girls arrival. More to come soon!

33 Weeks…

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Well, Well, Well… I am 33 weeks today and I cannot believe how fast time has gone. I swear my belly (and the baby) grew overnight which is actually quite possible. Saturday morning we woke up and Shaun looked at me and asked, “Did your belly get bigger?”. To have someone who sees me every day notice the change and ask, I know I have grown that and I can feel it too! My belly is big and I am getting more and more tired through out the day. Back to taking naps while Abby is napping! Other then that I am doing great!


Doctors appointments have become more frequent now, once every two weeks. Pretty soon I will have to go in every week. I cant believe I am to that point already! As for our little girl, here are her stats at Week 33:

  • Our little girl is now about 16 to 18 inches in length and close to 5 lbs in weight.
  • Movement has decreased, although more intensified for mommy because of her size. She will soon be facing head down placing more pressure on mommy’s pelvis causing her to have the pregnancy waddle.
  • It is now easy for mommy to tell the difference between hands, feet, head and bum.
  • Hiccups often occur more regularly and the lungs are now formed and protected enough to allow for survival if born prematurely.

Only about 7 weeks to go! I cannot wait to meet our little girl and for Abby to finally meet her new little sister. I think she will understand the idea of a baby a lot better once her sister has been born. We try and talk to her often about it, but sometimes you just have to see and experience it all for yourself to understand whats going on. I cant wait!

Baby Shower

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Today was such a wonderful day. While it was warmer then we had anticipated, the day was sunny and beautiful. Perfect for a fantastic baby shower. My friends Stephanie and Casey threw a baby shower for me and it turned out to be absolutely wonderful! It was so nice to have friends and family around on such a special occasion. Although I have to say it was hard not having my mom and sister there. Oh well, they are saving their time to come out here, with my dad, when our little girl is born.

It was a smaller group of people which actually made for a perfect setting and party.things perfect. I had the chance to visit with friends and just enjoy the afternoon. Stephanie took all of the pictures for the day, so once I get them from her I will post them and share a more detailed account of the day. Until then, Thank You to everyone who came and for the wonderful day. It was very special! More to come soon!

Preparing for A New Baby

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Over the past few days I have started to get items out of the storage shed to clean and prep for the baby’s arrival. Well, Shaun got them out of the storage shed as I refuse to get in either one of them. Two of the most important items are the bassinet and infant carrier, which we will need right away.

After scrubbing, washing, and disinfecting both items they sat in our room for a bit. This evening Abby became very curious about the bassinet. So Shaun started talking to her, as best he could, about how she used to sleep in the bassinet when she was a little baby and that now her baby sister will sleep there. I am sure she didn’t understand much, but she certainly had fun. Shaun even put her inside the bassinet and wow… its amazing to think that when she slept in it she barely took up even half of it. How quickly they grow! Now we are counting down until another little one occupies that space, barely.




I couldn’t snap a picture of it, but daddy even gave Abby a ride around the house in the infant seat. That was funny and when he set her down she just laid there and watched TV in it. What a goofball, but I love her to pieces. I hope she enjoys having a sister in the house.

Nap Time Truth

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This one rings so true… at times. Abby isn’t always this way, but there have been a few moments lately where nap time and bedtime have been a struggle. Ah the joys of parenthood. Oh well, its for their own good (and ours as well)!

funny pictures of cats with captions

31 Weeks 5 Days… Mother’s Day Belly

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Its Mother’s Day and I thought I would take a belly picture for posterity. I am at 31 weeks and 5 days pregnant now and definitely feeling it! I think I have grown quite a bit since the last picture, but who knows if that is true or not. We are now in the home stretch and I cant wait until we get to meet our little girl! Not too long now, only eight weeks to go!

To All The Mommies and Mommies To Be…

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Happy Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day this year was quiet, but very very nice. I woke up this morning to Abby and Shaun bringing me a few gifts. Abby gave me three books for us to read together. The first was a board book about mommy and baby animals. Shaun had stuck the card she was giving to me inside this book and gave it to Abby to hand to me. Abby however, liked this book a lot and it took some time before she turned it over to me. The second book was a classic and one of my favorites… “Are You My Mother?”. I cant wait to read that one to Abby! The third and final book was a cookbook of easy recipes for Abby and I to make together when she gets a bit older. So exciting! And to top it all off, Shaun gave me a beautiful bouquet of flowers of which I meant to take a picture and did not do!

After presents, Shaun and Abby cooked breakfast for me. I felt very pampered and very lucky to have two wonderful people in my life. Even Jack kept trying to cuddle up with me, but I think thats because he senses there is another little creature on the way to take up more space in his house and his life. After breakfast, Grandpa Pat and Nana Fiona stopped by for a few minutes to visit. We all had the opportunity to chat for a bit and enjoy the relaxed Sunday morning.



In the afternoon, Grandma Zoe came over to have dinner with us. We decided not to cook, but instead enjoy some BBQ from Rosie’s. This was my first time eating there and wow… that was some great BBQ! What a Mother’s Day dinner! The baby back ribs were especially great and I think I will be craving those a lot during the last bits of pregnancy.

After dinner we just kicked back and relaxed. My one request was to watch the Chicago vs. Vancouver game which turned out to be a dud of a game. Oh well, I still enjoyed most of it. After becoming bored with the game we turned on some of Abby’s shows and let her veg while we had some cake and ice cream, the cake made by your truly. The evening ended quietly but very nice. Couldnt have asked for a better Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day Everyone!