My Finds of 2009

Looking forward to a new year I thought that I would give a shout out to my favourite finds of the year... ten I think would be a nice number.




1. My Fisher-Price Swing.

"That's where Lexi lives during the day"- Ed

Okay that quote is not completely true but yes that's where you will find our youngest if I want to shower, prepare a meal or spend time with Cali. It's great because it swings side to side and front to back. A great investment.

2. Drysol

So this isn't something that I found in 2009 but I used it. It's a must for anyone like me who wants to avoid unsightly sweat stains.

3. Charmin Flushable Wipes

A wonderful invention for potty-training toddlers who like to poop in their panties... not naming any names....

4. Wee Ride

Cali and her Daddy had a great summer riding around with this gadget. It's great because the kids can see where they are headed.

5. The Alberta Library Catalogue

For $20/year we have access to books, music books, and DVDs. Any book that I have searched I have found... except one, The Princess Bride Unabridged. I later discovered that that book doesn't exist. What can I say? I completely fell for it.

6. Dyson Vacuum

Ed and I had been using a 30+ year old vacuum and recently invested in this baby. All the claims are true our carpets have never looked better.

7. Playstation 3

This gaming system not only plays Blu-ray discs it also plays DVDs, holds my mp3s, photos, videos, and makes slideshows with background music to make Cali and me cry. (We are both so sappy.)

I must also add the Beatles Rock band with this one. Ed brought it home and we think it's great. You can even set up just to play the drums alone without music. Cali thinks it's great. As a side note if anyone would like to come over play you are more than welcome. Ed is always looking for more band members.

8. My Tupperware Can Opener

This can opener is awesome. It costs a pretty penny but completely worth it. It removes the lid from the can without any sharp edges. It's great because now I am not afraid of anyone getting harmed on the recycling.

9. My iPod

Dad just bought me one for Christmas but so far I am loving it! It holds music, photos, and videos. It probably does more than that but I am still learning.

Saving the best for last....



10. I found this little prize at the PLC....

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From the Yu Family

This should make you feel better

I grew up in a spotless home. Making sure the house was clean was always my Mom's first priority. You would never find a mess like this in her home. I try hard but by the end of the week our house always looks like a bomb exploded. I am definitely not my Mom when it comes to cleaning. I do it once a week and if it gets messed up somewhere in between I don’t have the energy to do anything about it. I would much rather indulge in a few pages of my book than waste the effort on cleaning something that is going to be messy again the next day. Living in a messy house does stress me out a bit I will admit. I feel a bit embarrassed that my house looks like some crazy cat lady lives in it. (My house doesn’t smell like cat pee though.)

Today at church my friend Kristi I were discussing the state of our homes. We were talking about just how messy they were and how long it takes to them clean them up. It was comforting to discover that other people also have difficulty raising a family and keeping a spotless house. After I returned home from church today I surveyed the mess; the dirty laundry from last week lying in various spots, dirty dishes, and toys strewn about. I felt comfort knowing that it's just not me and my house. (Kristi also isn’t a dirty cat lady). So I decided to take a photo of our downstairs to bring comfort to someone else. I hope that this brings peace and comfort to your heart and mind over the holidays. Merry Christmas!

Overworked

Ed has been overworked this year.  The night before the last day of school he was up until 3:30am writing tests for his students.  This has been a common occurance over the past four months.  Between teaching, coaching, church assignments and a new baby Ed certainly is overdue for a holiday.

So this is an image of how a true teacher begins his Christmas Holidays.  You come home go downstairs take off your coat and pass out a pillow that is conviently lying on the floor. 

As you can see in this picture Ed is lying on his coat... he didn't have the energy to hang it up or get on the couch beside him.  He didn't even notice when Cali put a couch cushion on his head or nicely placed Sammy on his chest.  Cali was sweet enough to cover Ed and Sammy with a nice flowered receiving blanket.  So this is how Ed spent the first few hours of his Holidays. I swear he didn't move. 

I certainly hope that Ed is able to recharge his batteries over the next two weeks.  I miss my husband!

Steve is Getting Married!!!

Yesterday there was a big announcement in the Brogan family.  My brother has become engaged to the most beautiful, amazing, brilliant girl ever!!!  I have yet to meet her as she lives far, far away but I am taking my brother's word for it as he is a great judge of character.  (Seriously though he is.  He always chooses wonderful friends... you are included in that Theresa jag längtar väldigt mycket efter min vän!)

I am so excited to have a new sister.  When I was little and I would be sad about my lack of sisters and Mom would tell me that one day I would have a sister when Steve got married.  So I would often imagine what my future sister would be like, and the fun things we would do together.

I just finished reading "Shopaholic and a Sister" by Sophie Kinsella (didn't like it as much as the first three, but it was okay).  Anyway I am thinking about that now; I am going to be crazy Becky trying to get her play Barbies and do makeovers while she will want to "do her accounts".  Honestly I am really excited to have a sister and I will try my best not to overwhelm her with "sistering".
 
Congratulations Steve and Mary Beth!

First Smiles

I finally caught some of Lexi's first smiles.  She has been smiling for about two weeks now.

Little Momma

When I first brought Lexi home Cali would try to feed her with her play baby bottles.  With much education on how Lexi eats that finally stopped.  So a  couple of weeks ago I found Cali feeding her baby in the bathroom.  I thought it was so cute!  I am happy to report that my education was well received.  Here's to future of breastfeeding!

Cali also had fun a few days ago experimenting with static.  I took a quick video.

Sarah's Photography

My friend Sarah was kind enough to do some last minute Christmas photos of our family.  Here are a couple that I wanted to share.  Anyway here is the link to her blog Sarah's Photography... she does a beautiful job, and Cali had a lot of fun with it.  Sarah was so patient with all she had to put up with, me knocking down the backdrop, Ed falling asleep in the pictures, Cali acting cranky, and Lexi not fully cooperating.  She comes fully recommended.

 

I am Behind!

I've fallen a little behind on my blogging; So this a super-post many things to update!

First a little Cali update.  She spent the weekend with her Grammie and Papa.  It sounds like she had an action packed time!  While she was there she drew a picture of our family that I want to share.  She looks like Rollie Polie Ollie, hey?  Cute, cute!  I love it when kids start to draw. 

I also love that she made me skinnier than Ed!  Haha!  Speaking of which I am joining the Biggest Loser contest in town starting in January.  I plan to win!  I will also keep you posted on my progress as well.  Maybe I will be skinnier than Ed again!

Cali is working on potty training again.  The M&Ms are helping this time... more incentive than stickers!  Hope it sticks!

Here is a cute video of her singing the Alphabet Song.  Little Miss Entertainment!

Lexi is 5 weeks old and has porked out; she is now about 11 lbs!  She is also wearing size 6 month sleepers.  She's so much bigger than Cali was it will be interesting who ends up being bigger in the end.  Her one month Chinese party is this weekend.  Hope you can make it!

I finished reading "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova.  Excellent book a bit longer than I am used to but fully worth it!  I was little disapointed in the ending... I would have made it different.  I won't give details so I don't ruin it for anyone.  So email me and we can talk about it if you like.  I love to talk books! 

Also did I mention that the book isn't scary?  For anyone who is like me: I was a little afraid to read it but I will assure you it's not scary... I found it suspensful, but not scary.  So when the movie comes out in the new year I taking Ed to go see it.  So he will now what I was up to all weekend.

 As I mentioned in a previous post I am only reading children's literature this year to give my brain a break.  The Historian was not planned it just happened...

Anyway I am now reading the Harry Potter series.  I remember during my first year of university my friend told me that her little brother was making her read it because he thought it was such a great book.  I thought "oh look a nice little kid's book".  A few years later is popularity exploded.

I never read the books being swamped with school work.  So I decided to read them this year, thinking that all the hype would let me down.  Well they are as good as everyone says; what an imagination J.K. Rowling has.  She is simply amazing, I would love to read more of her books.  Anyway for anyone like me they are certainly worth the read.

So I think that I have updated this enough for now.  Must get back to Hogwart's.... or my kids...

I Never Met a Swede I Didn't Like

I was in my kitchen today and Cali pulled out an old picture of me with my Sweddish friend Theresa.  It made me sigh and think about how much fun I had with her.  So this is a little shout out to her.  I miss you Theresa! 

She was always so kind and patient with me asking her a million questions about Sweden and trying to learn her language.  We had lots of fun getting snowed in, freezing our tooties off at the bus stop, and getting stuck in the snow... twice.    Both times were my fault, but both times it was her that got me out!  (I really don't know how to drive in the snow.)  What a great friend!!!  I would write more if I had time but I just wanted to write a little about her today.  This is the picture that Cali found and brought to me.  Now it is on my fridge next to the stove so I get to look at it all the time.

Hey  remember dancing on the street corner to keep warm?  Duktig flicka!  KRAM!

The Dread Pirate Cali

Okay I just need to add a quick update. I have been keeping us quite busy by attending every playgroup in town that I know of. I am pretty sure that Cali’s favourite is Story Time at the library on Tuesdays. Yesterday when I told her it was Tuesday she couldn’t wait to go. She got ready all by herself and had her boots on to go at 9am… Story Time isn’t until 11am… poor girl. Yesterday’s theme was pirates and Cali made an eye patch and pirate hat which she proudly wore the remainder of the day.

Speaking of pirates I read the Princess Bride over the weekend. That’s a great book… a little different from the movie but yes the book is better. I completely fell for William Goldman’s trick of it being an abridged edition. I was on the library website for a while trying to find the unabridged edition of the Princess Bride; anyway it doesn’t exist. Check out Wikipedia if you have questions.

I am reading a new book call The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova… I can’t put it down. So far it is one of the best books I have read ever; I am on page 300 or so with another 400 to go. I am sure once I am finished there will be a review on here. Good Reads is an awesome resource for anyone that is a reader, I joined the other week, love it!

Lexi turned one month yesterday. She getting nice big chubby cheeks and still looks a lot like her Dad. She is on the verge of smiling so I am sure before too long there will be an update here with a big smile.

Cali and I decorated the Christmas tree on Saturday and now we are counting down the days. That’s about it from here right now.

The Story Girl

So this is a bit of a change compared to my recent book reviews. I read two great books this month, two books that I would highly recommend. First I read “The Witches” by Roald Dahl, I have been a huge fan of his since Mom read us “The Twits” as kids. I have also read many of his other novels but I think that this was the first time that I read “The Witches”. It was cute and a little disturbing as more of his books are, but a great read for kids and adults alike. I am not going to dive into much of an analysis. I just wanted to mention that I read a book I liked.


Last week Cali and I headed to get her H1N1 shot but the line was outside the building; can you imagine? So I made the executive decision not to wait outside in the cold with a newborn and toddler. Instead we headed to the library, one of Cali and my favourite spots in town. She ran in and picked out a couple of books and as we were getting ready to leave when a book caught my eye; “The Story Girl” by Lucy Maud Montgomery.

I had read the entire “Anne of Green Gables” series and the “Emily of New Moon” books but I hadn’t read any of her other books. I decided to pick it up. Once I got it home I simply couldn’t put it down. It was such a great story I forgot what a descriptive author she was. She painted the most beautiful picture of the orchard in which the children played. It made me long for my childhood summers spend at Nannie and Granddad’s on the Gulf Shore of Nova Scotia. It took me two days to read the book; mind you it would have taken less if I didn’t have all the distractions.

If you were a fan of the Road to Avonlea television series you would love this book. Many of the episode plots come from this book. The characters of Sara Stanley, Felicity, Felix, Cecily, Aunt Janet, Aunt Olivia, Uncle Alec, and even Jasper Dale are found in this book. Oh I almost forgot the local witch, Peg Bowen is introduced as well. Such a great book.

In just about every chapter the Story Girl (Sara Stanley) would tell a tale. Her stories were so descriptive and interesting that I almost forgot that they were part of a bigger story. The characters were all unique and well developed through the novel. It made me discover just how shallow the other books were that I had been reading. In this book you really get to know the characters.

I was little disappointed about the ending though. I thought things would be tied up a bit more but I just found out there is a sequel, “The Golden Road”. I figure that book can answer a few of my questions. I will be reading it shortly, after I finish “The Princess Bride” for book club. I have decided that anything that I read in the next year will be children’s literature so I can complete it in less than a week; much easier on my postpartum mind. So look forward to more children’s book reviews.

For anyone who is interested in book reviews here a great site called Good Reads. I think that I am going to join. Be my friend! 　

That's My Girl

Today was my first day at home alone with two kids. We did well. I had supper made by 11am and I finished the laundry. Cali produced a few homemade birthday cards for her Papa, cousin Faith, and Uncle Darryl.

I have to say that the Fisher-Price swing that I picked up a year ago a yard sale made it all possible. They are both passed out right now, so I think that I did a good job. Ed should be home in about an hour to take the next shift.

Here is a picture from today. Cali is her mother's daughter. Passed out with an Oreo in hand. I love my girls so much!

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween everyone! This year Cali went trick or treating for the first time. I think that she had a great time from what Ed said; I stayed at home with the baby. I am sad that we didn’t get any more pictures of the special day. Cali dressed as a cow, Ed was a cowboy, I was a labour and delivery nurse and Lexi was a newborn. We were pretty cute I must say considering our costumes were kind of thrown together; things are different with two kids.

Cali walked right in the front door with her treats and sat down started eating. I think that she finished off all of her candy within 20 minutes. That’s my girl!!!  I don't hold back on the candy during Halloween.  That's what that night is all about!

After the trick or treating we headed over the Lindsay and Shane’s for the annual party. We had a great time there. The food was AMAZING! I wish I had more of an appetite. I really wish that I had of got some pictures. I am going to have to steal some off and Lindsay and post them later.

Anyway here are some pictures of Cali dressed up and a video of her as a “kitty cow”. Cali has been a kitty for about a month now. It’s so cute how they pretend at this age.  I am just loving two!

Our Return from the Hospital

We got home from the hospital on Sunday and we were greeted with a sick little Cali Belle. Mom said that our poor little had had the runs all day. Despite her illness Cali remained in a high spirits giving lots of love and attention to her “little stister”.

We dealt with the runny poops all day Monday and that night my milk started to come in and needed to feed Lexi every 2 hours. So Ed and I weren’t getting much sleep, maybe an hour at a time every 2 hours. Then at 5am Cali wandered into our room white as a sheet with books to read. Poor little pumpkin thought it was the morning. So I picked her up and cuddled her in our bed, then she got sick all over the sheets. So we had to strip the bed and change the sheets in between our strict feeding schedule.
After Cali was sick she asked for a snack so I prepared some peanut butter toast and then fed Lexi. The next thing I know…

There was peanut butter in her hair, all over her, and the table (yes I took a picture). I had to laugh, what else can you do? We were so tired and our little pumpkin was obviously feel well enough to make a mess so I wasn’t too worried. I gave her some Tylenol and she shortly fell asleep with me in the bed.

The next day I had to go to the doctor for Lexi’s and my check-up. I walked into the waiting room and noticed that I was the only one in there without a mask (hooray for H1N1). So I found a secluded spot in the corner and fell asleep in the waiting room. I was gently awoken by my doctor, who assured me it wouldn’t be much longer. My doctor is honestly the best. We work together in the ER on nights so it’s not the first time he has caught me asleep. The receptionist found it quite entertaining, I am glad that I could give everyone a laugh that day.  Oh the postpartum days.

Cali is still dealing the poops, but remains in good spirits. Everyone has wanted to know how she is dealing with her little sister; well she is doing just great. We have only had one run in with jealousy thus far and it’s been almost a week. We are so proud of her! She wants to help all the time and asks to hold Lexi quite often.

Lexi is doing great as well. Her jaundice is clearing up and she is filling diapers like no one’s business. So all is well here and I will update as often as possible on our little family.

Here is a better video of the girls together. No nose picking this time!

It's a Girl!!!!

So here's the story...

I asked Mom to come out on Friday to help watch Cali so I could put the car seats in the car and tidy around the house. Well as it turned out I felt the baby drop around 5pm that night and asked Mom to stay. My first contraction was around 9pm and continued through the night. At one point they were even 6 minutes apart. Around 5am I thought that I would try to get some sleep so I laid down and the next thing I knew it was 8:30am. Needless to say I was a little disappointed that I hadn’t had the baby already. My labour with Cali was 13 hours from start to finish so I figured this thing should be done by now.

So I got up and started doing things around the house and my contractions continued on sporadically throughout the day. Finally around 5pm the contractions jumped from 5 minutes to 2.5 minutes. So I figured it was time to go. As we drove to the city I still didn’t think that the pain was intense enough to be checked, so Ed and I were talking about going to the mall for a bit and walking around. Just as we were about to make the turn to the mall I had a strong contraction and suggested that we go to the hospital instead.

So I walked up the maternity triage and told them that I didn’t think that I really needed to be there; however I would like to be checked since I had been in labour for so long. I basically just wanted to know that I had accomplished something. So they hooked me up the fetal monitor and noticed a few decelerations in the baby’s heart rate but weren’t too concerned as she remained very active. I was left on the monitor for quite some time. I still figured that they would send me home as the pain was quite tolerable. I was then checked by the doctor at 9pm who told me that my cervix was very thin and that I was at 6cm, so I wasn’t going anywhere. I was so relived to hear that news I almost cried.

We were then transferred to the delivery room where I jumped in the bathtub and enjoyed the hot water from the shower. The whole time I was able to talk to Ed and we were making jokes. Again with Ed’s help I was able to have another drug free labour and delivery. He is the best labour coach ever, couldn’t have done it without him. After about half an hour in the tub I felt it was time to get out, then I felt the pressure of the baby’s head and I knew it was time to have the baby. Ed found the nurse quickly for me and I was able to start pushing.

Once the baby’s head was out they asked me to stop pushing but as any woman who has had a baby knows that almost an impossible request. So they let me finish pushing the baby out. As it turns out the cord was wrapped around our baby’ s neck twice. They wanted me to stop pushing so they could cut it, but since it didn’t take me much time to finish pushing they were able to unwrap it quickly. Ed said her face was quite blue, but by the time I saw her she had already started to pink up. Her one minute and five minute APGAR score was 9; so she was just fine.

Lexi was born to us on Saturday October 24th 2009 at 9:55pm weighing in at 6lbs 12oz and 19 inches long. Dr. P. Connick was our fantastic doctor and Ingrid was our amazing labour and delivery nurse. We had a fantastic experience at the hospital all the staff were pleasant and very knowledgeable. Without their help I don’t think that Lexi would have made it. It scares me to think that we could have lost her.

So that’s the story of how Lexi came to us and we don’t ever want her to leave!

The Best Parent of All

First of all I should have known better. All the signs of a disaster were present. Cali was in my room being extremely quiet… but I was really enjoying the lack of interruption as I cleaned the kitchen after breakfast. I should never have left any type of potential mess maker in a toddler’s reach. A lesson I learned today, and I hope anyone reading this will also learn.


When Cali emerged from my bedroom I asked her what she was doing. “Making a mess” she replied innocently with a smile. I wasn’t too concerned as lately she has been “making a mess” by unfolding the burp clothes and baby blankets I have stored on the change table. She loves to pile them up and jump over them. However at a closer look I saw some pink colour on her slipper and saw the same colour on the left knee of her pajamas. I asked Cali about it but didn’t get a response; I decided to investigate.

Cali had found my best MAC lipstick (of course) in my scripture bag which I left on my night stand after church yesterday. The lipstick as you can see in the photo to the left was then used to decorate my cream coloured carpet.

This was Cali’s first offense in this manner (yes I have been lucky). I didn’t know how to react. I normally don’t punish her for something the first time because I figure she doesn’t know any better but this time I felt needed punishment. So I put her in time out, which she was upset about. I attempted to with no success to remove the lipstick myself. So I called SEARS, they are coming out tomorrow and told me they would most likely be able to remove the lipstick. Thank Heaven.

Since I didn’t know what to do with Cali at that point I asked for help from the best parent I know, Heavenly Father. I just want to say how grateful I am for the tool of prayer. He is always there to listen to my concerns and give advice and comfort. After my prayer I realized that a stained carpet is not the end of world. As He knows I have made worse mistakes and have always had His forgiveness. Worst case scenario we have to replace the carpet, which is getting tired anyway. I love Cali so much and I am so glad that I have Him to go to all the time; it sure eases the stress of parenthood.

Now my project for the remainder of the day is putting mess potential out of reach.

Our Likeness in Snow

Yesterday we received a beautiful dump of wet sticky snow. Something that is rare and appreciated here in Southern Alberta. Most of our snow here is so dry that it just blows away. You honestly don’t need to shovel it, a broom will work fine. However yesterday Mother Nature gave us this beautiful blessing; snow made for building snowmen.


So Ed took it upon himself to take Cali outside and teach her how to build a snowman. Cali had a blast as you can see in the video that I am posting. Here you can see that they built a snowman for each member of our family. Ed even thought to add the detail of my prego belly. It’s quite cute.  As you can see ( I hope) I tried to make Ed and Cali's eyes look Asian.  Tell me if I did a good job.

Cali and I also attended the local MOPS (mothers of pre-schoolers) group this morning. I was a little nervous that Cali would be sad when I left her to play alone with the other kids, but she was just fine. When I went to pick her up she thanked the supervisors and even blew kisses to them. She had a great time!

MOPS is a great program. If you have one in your area I encourage you to try it out. The kids play and are supervised while you go upstairs and visit with your friends. Today the Moms made candles and scrapbook cards. Next month they are planning a spa day. I hope to attend but I am not sure what life will be like with the new baby here.

Anyway here is the website if you want to learn more about it: http://www.mops.org/

Happy October!

I have to admit I have been waiting for this month for about... 9 months. I was so excited to flip the page on my calendar and last week when got our first snowfall I was completely ecstatic! Cali and I went out and played in the yard for the first time in a few weeks. The 33 degree weather we had was going to kill me! I swear we have never had a better September than this year and I couldn't even enjoy it!


With winter approaching quickly I am ready to start decorating for Christmas! I know I must wait until Hallowe'en is over. I have completed my shopping I just need to wrap the gifts. I am just having difficulty finding a time when both Ed and Cali are out of the house or sleeping. Perhaps that will be next prenatal insomnia task. I am getting so excited for Cali to see her gifts! Christmas with kids is the best!

Thanksgiving was much enjoyed by our family. Ed's older brother Darryl came down from Edmonton and my parents came up from Okotoks to spend the day with us. The food was great as usual and we just had a great time spending time together as a family.

I am now 37 weeks and 4 days. So anytime now would be good. I think that I have everything ready now. I cooked up a storm all weekend and now our freezer is full with meals. I also washed and folded all the baby clothes, which now thanks to my daughter are scattered about the house. I am sure she will be willing to pick them up later :)

Another event; Ed and I puppy-sat over the weekend for a Chihuahua named Leah. I must admit that we both had some anxiety about it at the beginning but we survived quite well. Cali loved having a dog in the house, and referred to her only as "cute little doggy". She loved to help with Leah's care, so I am hoping this will be a similar reaction to her little "stister".

I just have a couple of videos that I want to share of Cali singing. It's funny Ed always talked about how he wanted his children to enjoy music; I think it’s safe to say he got his wish. Cali loves to sing and serenades us throughout the day.

Something Blue

A few weeks ago while I was struggling through the remainder of "Wicked" my friend recommended Emily Giffin to me; so picked up her first book "Something Borrowed". I pretty much hated that book and basically forced myself to read it, (hey it was a nice break from "Wicked"). It's from this girl Rachel's perspective who ends up sleeping with her best friend's fiancé and continues to justify it for about 300 pages. I don't mind characters with moral dilemmas but this was a bit extreme. I couldn't identify with any of the characters. I didn't care much for the best friend Darcy as she was self absorbed and as far as I was concerned didn't deserve her fiancé or her best friend. This doesn't mean that I sided with Rachel though, I can't imagine losing your morals to the point that you would sleep with your best friend's fiancé.


What I didn't understand most about "Something Borrowed" was why Rachel remained friends with this girl from high school that she didn't seem to like. You don't have to play games after high school. You grow up and hang around the people you like. Popularity doesn't matter anymore. This book just seemed like it was a high school concern in thirty-something world. It didn't fit.

My friend who lent it to me said that she liked the second one better; "Something Blue". So I figured I would give it a try. This book is written from Darcy's perspective; the best friend that was cheated on. Basically how she is dealing with the break up and her new life without her best friend, or fiancé. Darcy later experiences self reflection and realizes just how self absorbed she is. This is nice but it takes about 200 pages to get to that point in the novel.

Even though parts of this novel annoyed me I have to say that I quite enjoyed the book, maybe because Darcy really got it in the beginning from her new boyfriend Marcus and a few friends. I was happy when her life "fell apart" as she referred to it. I also liked it when her friend Ethan gave told her off near the end. I was happy when Darcy turned her life around and realized what mattered the most.

I think that I liked this book the most because Darcy understands what true friendship is about and the value of true love, and family. Values that weren't present at all in the first novel. Also I may just liked it because the first one was so bad that it shined in comparison. Or maybe I was desperate for entertainment as I read it over two nights where I suffered from prenatal insomnia.

If you are thinking about reading this book you have the read "Something Borrowed" first or else you will miss the whole picture.
Anyway I was wondering how "Something Borrowed" made it to the best sellers list. Emily Giffin's books aren't fabulous they are a mindless read that requires little effort from the reader. Would I recommend this book? Probably not, but if you are looking for a shallow book for the beach this is it.

A book that I really enjoyed years ago was "Where the Heart Is" by Billie Letts. It's an Oprah book club book. That's one I would recommend. It has morals and yes I will add "heart" something that didn’t come into play in Giffin’s book until the last 10 pages.

The Taste of Tang

Last night I had some juice that tasted like Tang. I haven't had Tang in years. Last night the taste of the Tang-like juice brought me back to a simpler time in Tatamagouche. So Tatamagouche tastes like Tang.

I remember drinking Tang at my grandparent's little apartment sitting at the table with my brother, eating frozen chocolate chip cookies; Grammie's speciality.

I remember using tape with the string in it that Grampie would get down from the tall white cupboard in the kitchen. I would make crafts with it and wonder why only Grammie and Grampie's tape had string in it. Do they still make tape with the string in it? I have only seen it in Tatamagouche in the mid-80's.

So Tatamagouche to me is tape with string in it and Tang... and of course the wood chopping whirly-gig in the back.

I miss you Gram and Gramp. Thanks for all the memories, I couldn't have asked for better Grandparents.

My Favourite Song

This is by far my most favourite song.  Every time I hear it I am ready to pack my bags and leave the prairies.  Only another three years, right????

The end of September

It feels like a lot has happened since I last blogged.  I reached a milestone in my pregnancy on Monday by changing to my baby delivery doctor.  Yep, I am now 35 weeks (tomorrow 36!).  He and I work together in the ER so it nice to already know each other.  I think that he is great and very cautious which I don't mind.  He decided to send me for another ultrasound to make sure that everything was okay with the baby.  He thinks that because we nurses work so hard our babies tend to be on the small side and he also wanted to make sure there was enough fluid as well.  Can you see why we like him so much in the ER?  He knows that nurses are hard workers!  

Anyway we headed into the city yesterday for the ultrasound and everything looks great according to the report.  The baby weighs a little over 5 pounds, which is great.  Cali weighed about that much at this time as well.  Comforting to know that this one will also be a little peanut if the ultrasound was accurate.  I am betting on 6lbs 5oz  for this one.  The Ultrasound Tech also told me that this baby has hair (unlike her older sisiter) and looks like a girl still.  So we are go to go... we just need to think of a name.  I am still leaning toward Cassandra or Natasha... Ed was thinking about Erin last night.  We are still working on it...

Cali went home with her Grammie last night to spend a few days there so I could get some rest.  I slept until 11:30am today, but I just don't know to do without her.  The house feels so empty.  Last night Ed and I didn't know what to do either.  After supper we just looked at each other, trying to think of something to do.  Luckily enough Ed had bought me the "Beatles Rock Band" a few days ago so we played that until it was time for bed.  We had a great time playing it and I have to say I was not so bad on the drums, but as my drummer friend told me years ago Ringo wasn't a drumming genious.  Anyway that music brought back a lot of Astral Drive Juniour High memories and I ended up with some crazy dreams last night.

In other news Cali can now jump even higher and here is the video to prove it.  Her Dad is so proud!     

Cali also attended her first traditional birthday party.  She had a blast and didn't want to leave, even though I made her wear a dress.  Hey, I always had to wear dresses to birthday parties until maybe grade 6.  I swear that birthday party so well planned; I am stealing all the ideas.  I had absolutely no idea we were there for three hours, the time just flew.  This is a picture of Cali painting her plate which they later decorated with fish stickers and sand; it was a mermaid theme party.  We have the plate up on the fridge still.

That's about it from here, now I will get back to thinking of what to do without Cali around the house.

Wicked

I finally finished reading "Wicked" by Gregory Maguire.  I really struggled with this book I started reading it back in August and I just couldn't get into it.  I actually read another book in the meantime just to get a break.  I was intrigued by this story as the musical is so popular and I have heard great things about it.  I have a feeling that the book and the musical are quite different.  I haven't met anyone who has read the book and seen the musical, so if anyone has any input I would like to hear it. 

The book itself was very dark and it moved around a lot.  At the end all the loose ends to came together which helped but there were a lot of parts in the book that I didn't feel needed to be included to tell the story.  I am sure those parts have been left out of the musical.  I never quite got the whole Dragon of the Time Clock thing.  Actaully there were a lot of things that I didn't fully understand.  I would love to have a book club meeting about this book, so I could understand more of the story.  If anyone has read this book and would like to discuss it with me please, please contact me.

I can't say that I would recommend this book, but it did give me an alternative view of the original Wizard of Oz.  It's an interesting idea that the authour came up with.  I hear his other stories are also quite interesting.  Perhaps it was his writing style that I struggled with.  I doubt that I will read the sequel "Son of a Witch" although I was told it was better than "Wicked".

All in all interesting book, not my favourite.       

I am really excited!

I just heard about this new show on Nickelodeon for kids. It's called "Ni Hao Kai Lan". It's so perfect for Cali as it teaches the Chinese language and culture. Something that we are sadly lacking in Strathmore. I am sorry to say that Cali is growing up white. So I bought these movies hoping that it will add a little Asian influence in her life. If you are interested here is the intro to it.

Is it just me?

Is it just me or is the water in Strathmore improving?  We have been struggling all Spring and Summer with water that smells and tastes like a swamp in our little town.  Due to the increasing water shortage our water supply has been low and runs through a swamp on the way to town making the water in a word, NASTY!  Anything that touches the water smells like a swamp, our clothes, hair, the bathtub, simply everything!  However today I tasted some filtered water and I thought that it tasted fine.  Perhaps my standards have been lowered but I think that I may start drinking it again.  The town has be claiming that the water's taste will improve when the weather cools off because the algae will die then.  There has been an outdoor watering ban since May I believe here.  It's insane.  Let's move to a place where water is abundant!  I can think of a nice little province off the coast of the Atlantic...

Anyway Cali wants to share her jumping video.  Here it is in full colour!

Summer Wind Up

I must admit I have fallen a bit behind on my blogging as of late. I am sad to say that Ed has been back at school for over a week now, so I suppose the summer is offically over as we know it. However the weather has remained quite warm here in southren Alberta and I am ready for it to cool off a bit. Well anyway let me do a quick review of events since my last post.

Ed and I have thrown the name Kaitlin out the window for possibilities. Thank you all for your feedback so much!

We attended my cousin Mike's wedding on August 22nd to his beautiful bride Jenn. It was a great time. It's nice to catch up with the family. I haven't seen a few of them since my wedding three years ago.  I was surprized that a few had gotten married since I last saw them!  Congratulations Jenny and Rob!

The last weekend of August we headed down to Lethbridge to visit our friends from Strathmore for the Taber Cornfest.  We didn't end up making it out to Taber, instead we enjoyed Coaldale corn in Lethbridge with Trevor, Joyce, and, Mayah.  Ed and Trevor has a great time golfing and Joyce and I enjoyed sneaking out to Superstore for some ice cream.  It's great to have a friend to share ice cream with!  Cali and Mayah had lots of fun playing in Mayah's new big backyard!  It was a great weekend and a nice break from Strathmore.

On Tuesday Cali and I went to Riley Park home of the biggest wading pool in the city.  We went with Cali's friend Meagan and her mommy Carely.  It was a beautiful day and I got some great pictures of the girls.  Of course they wouldn't hold a pose long enough for me, so a few of the pictures are a bit abstract.  Here a few pictures to share...

 

Meagan in the pool with her floating mat.

 

Cali testing out the water.

Cali and Meagan enjoying their banana prune muffins in the water.  The girls loves the muffins and so did their moms!  So just click on the link if you have some prunes and bananas that you need to get rid of, or if you just need a good poop :)

After the park we headed over to Babies'r'us and I picked out a few things that we need for the coming baby.  I love that store!  Less than two months to go! 

So summer is now over and we are looking forward to the Fall and what it has to bring!

We need your input please!

Ed and I are thinking of naming our little girl Kaitlin Jane Yu. We would call her Katie for short. However it was brought to my attention last night that her intials would be KY. How much do you think that she will be teased? Is it worth it to start looking for another name? I want to hear your thoughts. Thanks!!!

Our Summer Trip

The beginning of July we were able to take a trip back home to Nova Scotia. It was Ed's first time he certainly enjoyed all the history, and didn't want to leave the beach. I enjoyed the cool weather and spending time with my family. Here are some pictures from the trip. I am still working on convincing Ed to make the move East... I will keep you posted! I didn't get many good pictures. I suppose I relied on everyone else to take some for us. I will have to steal some pictures from Dad to post!

Nova Scotia

My Book Club

I joined a book club two months ago. It's been a lot of fun. Since I joined we have read "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen and "The Prize Winner of Defience Ohio" by Terry Ryan.

I quite enjoyed both of these books. I read Pride and Prejuside way back in my first year of University... that brought back some memories... I must say I enjoyed it more the second time.

I also picked up "I am Hutterite" by Mary Ann Kirkby. I really enjoyed that book and feel that I gained more an understanding of the culture. Working rural Alberta I have had the oppourtunity to meet several Hutterites.

All three of these books I would reccomend. I will keep an updated list of the books we are reading and have read if you are looking for a good read.

Cali Counting

This is just a cute video of Cali counting. I have a feeling that seventeen is her favourite number...

Cali and Uncle Steve

Last Wednesday Steve and his friend Sandy flew out from Scotland. This is Steve's first time to Alberta since he moved to Scotland three years ago and Sandy's first ever. Hence this was Steve and Cali's first encounter with each other.

Cali and Steve got along great! Cali warmed up right away and very excited to meet both him and Sandy. I had never seen her with so much energy as she had at the airport. We went out to eat Vietnamese after the airport; Cali was jumping on the chairs and basically making a mess. Once we got home Uncle Steve read her stories. Cali loves listening to stories and Uncle Steve loves to read! A perfect match! Then Sandy and Steve were served a meal of plastic pizza and apples from Cali's kitchen; a sign of acceptance from our little girl.

The next day we went to Banff and Lake Louise because Sandy had never seen the Rocky Mountains. All in all we had a great visit and look forward to meeting up with them Nova Scotia in a week.

Happy Father's Day

This is a little shout out to the best fathers I know; Dad and Ed. You both have been there for me as I have needed you. Thank you Dad for setting a great example of a father so that when it came time for me to choose the father of my children I chose well. Thank you Ed for living up to my high expectations of a father... thank you for meeting them as well as exceeding them. I love you both so much!

Our Little Anouncement

You are all right, Ed and I haven't announced our upcoming edition to the family. Since I have been working in the ER I have seen so many miscarriages and complications that I didn't want to make it official until I knew that the the ultrasound was okay.

So good news the ultrasound was fine and we found out that I am blessed enough to have another baby girl to call my own. Now I will have twenty toes to paint, and lots of hair to braid, and shopping... we are going to have so much fun shopping!

I was thoroughly convinced up until Monday that we having boy. I had even purchased some little boy clothes. I figured it was time someone in the family had a boy... but I was wrong! That will be six granddaughters for Ed's Mom... no boys yet.

Our due date is Hallowe'en. How fun is that? I am going to try my best for the baby to come that day; Castor oil here I come!

Seriously though this pregnancy is so different from the first. I wasn't nearly as sick this time and I'm already in maternity clothes... it's embarrassing. I was able to wear my regular uniforms up until last day of work with Cali, but this time I have all ready grown out of them!

We are excited, and Cali is as excited as a two-year-old can be. She often reminds me that there is a baby in my tummy. I don't think she understands the ramifications of the "baby in Mommy's tummy", but come November it will be all too real for her!

Ultrasound

Ed and I went for our ultrasound yesterday. Once again we bought the overpriced 30 second video. So if you are interested here is it.

Butterfield Acres

The weather has finally improved here, so I decided it was time to get out of the house. Last week Cali and I took a trip to Butterfield Acres just outside Calgary. It's a little farm which has lots of baby animals for kids to see, pet, and feed. Cali had a great a time and talked about it for the remainder of the week. The best part of the trip was that Cali got to ride on the pony all by herself! I couldn't believe that she was big enough to do it. They have a little saddle and a small pony that walks around the ring very slowly. Cali held tight to the horn and she was good to go! Cali also fed the goats and took a ride on the hay wagon. All in all it was a great day and we were both wiped by the end. Needless to say we slept great that night! I posted a video of Cali feeding the goats and some picture of our day out.

Butterfield Acres

A Day out with Thomas and Cali's birthday!

I finally got the pictures from our Day out with Thomas on May 2nd. It was held at Heritage Park in Calgary. We all had a great time that day. The weather was perfect and everything that day was dedicated to Thomas. A week later it was Cali's birthday. We spent the afternoon with her friend Mayah who is just a day younger. Mayah's mom, Joyce and I met at the local mother's group in town. It was so nice to have a friend with a baby the same age. The past two years have just flown by, Joyce and I had our doubts about making it through the first year. Here we are two years later... seasoned mothers!

Here are some pictures from both of those days. Just click on the picture below and the slideshow should begin.

Thomas and a Birthday!

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers and future mothers out there! What a special day to celebrate the divine nature of women. It's great to be loved and needed so much by one person. Being the one that Cali wants after she has a bad dream means so much to me!

It's cute to watch Cali with her dolls. She takes such great care of them, reads them stories, feeds them, changes their diapers. It's so cute to watch a future mother at work. This is Cali with "Dolly". What a happy Mommy!

I can't believe that it was two years ago today that I became a mother. Time has just flown by so quickly. We are having a little get together tonight for Cali's birthday. I will be sure to post some pictures of that later.

This what Cali made me in nursery today. I am going to be using this a lot! Thanks baby girl!

Again Happy Mother's Day!