I sniff spring coming

How lovely that the crocuses are poking their brave little heads up. Although it's still way too cold out, we have been enjoying getting outdoors a little more to play in the parks and work in our garden. We have great hope that some of our plants and flowers will revive themselves after the brutalities of our tenants past. Rob has begun his comical feeding of the finches as he seeds and reseeds the grass almost daily. You can almost see the smirk of those birdies' beaks as he heads out to feed their and his obsession.

My quest for preschool has not been solved as I find myself in quite a dilemma between choosing a reasonably priced play-based program that offers little more than what he already has at home, and a unreasonably-priced Montessori program that offers an excellent program but will deny us the choice of doing other activities in the fall. I suspect that we are leaning towards play-based and will supplement learning at home. Any feedback or opinions from my much wiser and more experienced peers would be appreciated!

I have just finished reading "La Prisonniere" by Malika Oufkir and Michle Fitoussi. It was quite an interesting read. Based on her real-life experiences, Oufkir describes her early upbringing by the King of Morocco, her father's assassination and then her and her family's horrific imprisonment for nearly twenty years. I am always sucked in by true stories that illuminate the injustices of human rights, and this book was no exception.

A photo for you of Lucas learning to ride his bike. All fun and no tears so far... we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Rojo Towels

Lucas loves all things "rojo" (red) and much to our amusement he was elated to find a display of rojo towels at IKEA last week. So we are now the proud owners of two red towels that prompt Lucas to go running into the tub and then flying out of it so as to be enveloped in rojo. One is Mia's of course, but Lucas lets himself use it when he can. (Can you tell who is in charge around here?!)

"Why am I wrapped up in a fire engine red towel again?"

The boys have been working intermittently to patch up our wall after removing the hideous fireplace the house came with. We were thrilled to find hardwood floors underneath the concrete hearth. Lucas has really enjoyed banging away at the tiles, scraping the floors, sanding the walls, and the many trips to Home Depot with his dad. We hope to have the new electric fireplace and baseboards done in the next month or so, but it's slow work in this very busy family.

Here's a super cute pic of Julia and Jeff's baby Ava, born two weeks before Mia. Lucas was thrilled to be able to give her a bottle.

Hope you're all having a great week. This week I continue my search for the perfect preschool, a sunny day, and a long nap after a cup of tea while both children slumber quietly. Aahhhh.

Miracles Happen...

What a great half hour I've had! Lucas is playing playdough quietly at his new kid-sized table, Mia is sleeping in her bassinett, a total stranger has agreed to burn me a copy of this season's first six episodes of LOST, and I am using the computer. Wow. To top it off, the house is spanking clean. I love it! Anyways, just thought I'd share my elation while I could, as well as to post this picture of Lucas on ice skates for the second time in his life. Too funny.

Have a great weekend everyone! Ting

Happy New Year

Well, the New Year has begun just as fast-paced as the last ended. We are reminded every day of how fast time passes as Mia has just passed her two-month milestone and we are in the thick of choosing a preschool for Lucas for September. (Or getting on waiting lists as the case would be.) Rob is burning the candle at both ends working his two very busy jobs. He just returned from a hectic work week at the club in Mexico only to begin working doubles again. In his "free" time he struggles to get too much done, enjoy the family, and get somemuch needed sleep. You can imagine where that leaves me as I manage the two kids, two dogs and house independently much of the time. Happily, I have learned that I can do it and things get easier every day. Mia is starting to sleep more independently which allows me a bit more time for Lucas. He has started skating lessons which have been a blast, and as the weather gets better we are enjoying more time out at the local parks. Ahhhhh... so we are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as life is starting to work a little more rhythmically again. As long as we don't contract any more nasty colds and flus we should all be home free!

Lucas loves to tuck into bed with Mia. He really would like nothing better than for me to leave her there with him but I fear she'll be squashed as well as for his eardrums. Mia has the Higgins' family pipes on her when she wails; it makes one believe in survival of the fittest -and she's got it dialed!

"I can sit up, really I can!"

(6 weeks old)

Abuela lets Lucas go to town with paint.

Mia at eight weeks.

My two beautiful and precious children.

I am so very blessed, as I believe we all are, to have people in my life to love and to love me in return. I have been thinking so much about enjoying and accepting what we have; trying every day to be thankful for our blessings. This is because this last week has been a very sad one. One of my best friends' sister has just passed away at the the young age of 34 from breast cancer. She leaves behind her husband, two young children and many family and friends. My prayers go out to all of them.

The injustice of it all has me reeling in frustration and grief. Cancer has claimed too many people that I knew and I wish I could do more to eradicate this plague from our lives. On that note I leave you with this statistic:

On average 429 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week. On average, 102 women will die of it every week. (www.cancer.ca)

Please do a breast self examination today. Prevention is key. If you have never done one, I have posted a link to a pamphlet explaining how.

http://www.cancer.ca/vgn/images/portal/cit_86751114/39/41/510656710cw_library_breastselfexam_en.pdf

Christmas with two?!

What a whirlwind! Christmas was chaotic and wonderful all at once this year; a change for me as I have really not enjoyed Christmas since Dad passed away (13?) years ago. The season (to me) is full of commercialism, want, greed and unrealistic, not to mention unfufilled, expectations. I have really struggled to make peace with such a frenzied "holiday." I think last year, spent extremely quietly in Mexico, was the closest I have ever come and really gave me a chance to see how much the experience is actually up to the individual.
Therefore with the added stress of a newborn and new job, we tried hard to simplify our celebrations this year. Guess what? Much better! That, coupled with seeing the season through the eyes of a two-year old, made things much easier on me. My favorite Christmas moment this year was a late-night, cold walk with Lucas bundled up the in the stroller and Mia snuggled under my jacket. Lucas, the dogs and I needed to get out of the house and went to look at the Christmas lights. Although few and far between in our neighbourhood, it was such a joy to see the excitement on Lucas' face as we stopped at the "good ones" and took it all in. I actually found a very tiny part of me wishing we had purchased a mecahnical lit-up reindeer for our yard! Hahaha! Anyways, I met a lovely older woman out walking her dog in the neighborhood and we chatted for a few moments. As I left her, she said to me, "You look so happy...and healthy." And you know, I was. It was all I really needed at that moment. Quiet, fresh air, and the company of my kids. I think it kind of embodies where I am in my life right now. Lacking for nothing. I am so very blessed to have two healthy, beautiful children, a husband who is my best friend, and family that support me. It's all I really want right now, knowing that some of the things I may need for myself will come later and in their right time.
So Happy Holidays to you all. I hope that each of you found your own perfect moments filled with serenity and joy. Here are a few pictures from our celebrations.

Lucas and Gracie enjoy chocolate fondue on Christmas Eve.

Are there any scraps for us in there? See how good we are?

Opening gifts in pj's - the attire we should all spend Christmas morning in!

My kids. (Yes - all three of them!)

Time will tell

Things are getting into a bit more of a routine around here; about as much as can be expected with a new job, a new baby, and Christmas! It's hard to belive that we have only had Mia with us for three and a half weeks, she has slipped so comfortably into the family. Lucas is totally infatuated with her, although he is still hogging the photos! Here are a few for you to wish you all a Happy Christmas Eve-Eve. I will post some after the big event.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!

Lucas wearing Teddy in a sling.

New uses for breastfeeding cushions.

Totem Pole

I'm in love...

... con mi Mia hermosa...

xox Mami

Two Cuties

Sorry, for the life of me I can't figure out why this picture won't straighten!

Anyways, here we are, learning how to function as a family of four and two pooches. Lucas is swinging madly between sweet as candy and hellion - not abnormal for this family mind you! Today him and Rob are off to a kids' Christmas party at the Cannery with Scott. I'm a little worried about just how much sugar will be ingested and what sort of night I'm in for with Rob at work.

A little more about the labour for those of you dying to know;

I went into labour on Tuesday evening, just two days away from our due date. I actually went shopping that afternoon feeling pretty crampy, but waited until about eight to tell Rob that I thought I was in labour and until ten to call Mom and tell her that it was "the" night. By eleven I had no doubt in my mind and called Mom to tell herthat Rob was on his way to pick her up. While they were gone I called the hospital to let them know. They pretty much told me that I should get my butt in, so Rob picked me up as he delivered Mom.

I was thrilled to be taken to Cedar (actually Holly, which is newer) which, as you Moms who also delivered at Womens' know, is the deluxe section of the hospital where one labours, delivers and recovers all in one place. The room was gorgeous; a huge tub, shower, table, nursing chair, tv and phone, and a bed that Rob could sleep on. Much later in the evening when I was feeling relaxed from an epidural, I looked up and asked what that odd looking thing was on the ceiling. I was thinking poor decorating, Rob thought perhaps a viewing window for filming (hahahaha...) when the nurse casually replied, "Oh, that's a skylight!"

Nitty gritty details aside, I ended up having back labour where the baby's spine is against yours, and things slowed down as I found myself needing pain relief. I had been very hesitant to go there if I could avoid it, but in the long run it was absolutely the right decision as I was able to relax a little, Rob had a nap and little Mia was able to take her time turning and coming out like a champ. We had a very quick delivery with only a little scare as her cord was wrapped around her neck, but the staff was wonderful; reassuring, professional, calm and careful. I was delivered by a midwife in training as she was watched carefully by the attending gp.

All in all a very different and very wonderful birthing experience for us all. By noon Lucas was at the hospital visiting and kissing Mia all over. I had a quiet, albeit slightly lonely, night in the deluxe suite and was home by noon Thursday.

Thank you for all the warm wishes emails. We look forward to introducing each of you to our newest family member soon. Ting.

Introducing...

Mia Cristina Herman

Born November 29th 2006 @ 10:46am

BC Women's Hospital

7 lbs 1 oz

Everyone is doing super well, although we're all a little tired. I'll write more when I can put her down! xox proud mama again, Ting

Waiting for Baby

We are now four days away from our due date and anxiously awaiting the new baby. Everything has been packed, folded, washed and folded again. The fridge is stocked, the master plan is on the fridge, Mom bought a cell phone.... So now what? It sure is hard to sit around waiting for something you have absolutely no control over. I guess I'm just really really hoping that this baby will not be so late that I have to be induced again. I believe it made labour with Lucas very hard. I also keep hoping that baby will come before Rob starts his new job. (Thursday - yeah right!) In the meantime, we are keeping ourselves happily busy playing and hanging out. The picture above is from a lovely evening spent with Lindsay, Ewart and their son Owen, whom Lucas is feeding in the photo. Lucas was soooo excited that baby Owie would be sleeping in the pack and play and went to bed early when Owen did. Us adults had a great time playing Settlers without the kids around. The Aitkens took home the wins... but I guess it was their turn!

I think it's going to be another interesting transition when Rob starts to work again as Lucas has been his shadow since he's been home. The two have totally spruced up the yard. (Which really means that they did damage control from the neglect the tenants left the yard in.) Lucas is a master gardener and follows Rob around with his Hummer collecting weeds and driving them to the yard trimmings bin. He's actually not too shabby with a rake either!

I've been tying up loose ends around the house, keeping ridiculously on top of the laundry and sewing pants. hahaha. This picture is me trying to finish a pair of fleece pants for Lucas while he monkeys around trying to "yook" at what I'm doing. I've managed to get a huge chunk of Christmas shopping finished and even wrapped and had a lovely evening out with Anne and Val. Rob and I even managed to watch some videos after the initial shock of walking into the Blockbuster and having no idea whatsoever about any of the movies. See what a year away will do?!

On Saturday we headed up to Cypress for a bit of a walk and a play in the snow. We had no idea that by Sunday there would be even more snow at our own house! Lucas has just been in heaven playing in it all. He is really good at pelting me with snowballs supplied by his Dad. We even broke out an early Christmas gift and gave him his own pint-sized shovel to dig with. Yesterday and today have both started with Lucas' exclamation of "WOW 'no!" from his kitchen window perch, "padpadpadpadpadpad...No more sleepy Mommy, Up Daddy. Pay outside!!!!" It's all we can do to get some breakfast in him before he is in his gear and jumping in the snow with Pillo.
We dug the truck out today and gave it a spin to make sure we're all ready to roll if baby decides to come during this freeze. I think the truck is more in shock than any of the rest of us after its year of scorching heat in Mexico. It was pretty cranky today, but warmed up to the idea of 4WD after a few minutes.

Well, I hope you are all snug and warm wherever you are reading this from. Tomorrow we are off for another doctor's appointment and to check on Mom. She's still answering her phone, but we need to make sure there's a tunnel out her door and she has food in her fridge! Just kidding, she seems to be coping just fine, we're just going to drop off some salt and check on a tree that didn't fare so well from the weight of the snow.

Ting

Super Size Me

So Rob is home just in time to see the rapidly expanding girth of my waist. I remember it being at about this time that I went from looking pregnant to looking larger-than-life when I was carrying Lucas. I don't think that I am as big this time around (in fact my weight and fundus height prove I'm not) but I sure am starting to feel big and bulky. These pics had us in stitches with Lucas' reactions. He has this comical habit of making sure my belly is covered at all times. Perhaps it embarrasses him? This week marks 38 of 40 weeks, so it sure is getting close. Julia should be well on her way to delivering as I write as well, which means to me that I am definitely next. Now that Rob is home I finally feel excited to meet the new little one and not apprehensive about how I'll manage.

We have been having a blast with him home. Lucas swings between being "all about Daddy" to screaming "no Daddy no Daddy" at the slightest provocation. It has been so wonderful to be able to have a shower with the door closed, eat a meal without having to stand up every two minutes ( now it's just every five!) , send the dogs out with daddy and Lucas for a bit and get the occasional extra bit of shut-eye. The incessant rain has been a bit depressing, as has the cold that Rob so kindly brought back from Mexico, but otherwise it's all sunshine over here on Chester Street.

So life is slowly getting sorted out and we should hit routine just about when the baby arrives; when everything will go out the drain, chaos will ensue and we will start over again. Ah life! So good. I'm betting on late for the baby again, so with the edd at December 1st, I'd say around the tenth or just thereafter?! We will likely have a very tiny Christmas baby, but I'm going to try and do all our Christmas shopping and cards before November is out. Ok, now I need to go out and start that, because IT'S ALMOST HERE!!!!!!!!!!!

Any guesses on the date and gender? Anybody who gets it right will get naming rights... just kidding.

Halloween!

Here's a whole load of pictures from Lucas' first "real" Halloween experience, complete with trick-or-treating and candy indulging! He was, of course, an "ooh ooh, ah ah," not a monkey.

The perfect snack for a little monkey.

Lucas and Logan trick-or-treat at Aba's house.

Hitting the neighbourhood in style and comfort.

"Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum!!!"

(Logan's mantra for the last week or so!)

Gracie and Lucas show each other their costumes and accept bribes from Uncle Duane for photo-taking.

Lucas is done for the night.

SSSSalty!

Lucas and I decided to make muffins this morning; always a good time. Lucas is a good helper and pays attention carefully to my instructions. This morning was the same as he measured and poured baking powder, spices and flour. Then I said, quite literally, "Now with the salt, we are going to have to pour it." Ooops, mama- error. What I meant was pour it into the measuring spoon rather than scoop it. Hmm.... in the blink of an eye we had about a cup of salt in the muffin batter. I managed to scoop most out but they were still a little salty. But to us two pickle-loving fiends, suprisingly delicious!

Lucas wouldn't let me put "his" raisins in the muffins, as he is proudly showing the camera in this photo.

Fall Days

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year, and this year has been no exception. I love the crisp cool autumn air that seems to sooth my angst with the scent of dirt and wet. It has been so lovely to have so many beautiful, clear days to enjoy this time and Lucas, the dogs and I have been out at the local parks almost every day. Pillo has been in squirrel-chasing heaven and seems to have gotten over his sense of loss for gecko-chasing. Chola enjoys being close to Lucas and picking up any crumbs that may fall her way as well as barking loudly to protest any frolicking by younger, more energetic, and of course hearing dogs. Always the referee! She is really showing her age these days and has seriously been concerning me with acute separation anxiety as I need to leave her from time to time. This week we are off to the vet to see what we can do.

Coming home from the park and having a nice cuddly nap with Pillo!