A Fond Farewell

From Front, left to right: Matthew, Austin, Ariana, Christina, Ella, Fiona, Maddie, Jasmine

Matthew and I were lucky enough to join a baby group to which all the mothers and babies seem to get along famously. We have stayed in touch from that first 6 weeks almost 2 years ago; sadly a couple of weeks ago, we had to say good luck and farewell to one of our dearest friends. Nat and her daughter Ariana (and new son Luca and husband Dal) moved to Ottawa for better career/family opportunities. We'll miss them so much! Here are a few pictures from the day, and a few more taken January, 2006. Time flies when you have great friends to celebrate children with!

Maddie and Ariana Jan. 2006

Matthew and Austin Jan. 2006
Matthew and Austin June 2007

Matthew will be quite a catch: already wanting to be in the kitchen cooking for his wife (with Ariana, of course)

Matthew, Austin and Maddie enjoying the inflatable gym (by enjoying, I mean jumping on each other and crying, then getting out, climbing up, sliding down and going in for more!!)

We had such a great day, and we've had such a wonderful couple of years! Matthew aleady has such a great group of friends (Daddy's excited that 95% are girls! I've said it before, but here it is again: our kid's a STUD!).

Just Because He's So F'n Cute!!!

Isn't he getting big??? He practically takes up the whole bed. Well, when he's not curled up with his little bum in the air, as per usual. If anyone gives me crap about the soother, I defy them to put Matthew to bed without it!

Let's See Who Checks This....

Well, Matthew is going to be a big brother! He'll be really good at it, but I think now's probably the time to work on the whole "MINE!!!" issue!

The new arrival is scheduled for December 13th, but like most scheduled arrivals, it's mostly an estimate, depending on turbulance and delays.

That's it for now. And as for the pictures of my growing belly, it's not going to happen. You're welcome.

Happy Mother's Day!

We had a great day yesterday; so great we didn't take a single picture! Instead, I've decided to re-post a couple of my favourites. Thanks for such an amazing day. I love my little family!

Our Day with The Animals

Saturday morning the family set out to see the animals of Storybook Gardens. Matthew loved Old MacDonald's farm and is getting really good at shouting out what different animals say: MOOO!! NAY!!! MEEOWW!!! Quite a treat when standing in line at the grocery store. Like his daddy, nothing about this kid is quiet unless he's asleep!

Matthew also really likes the slides and climbers at the park. Notice how I sent Rob down the tube one, and myself declined. It wouldn't have made the same memory if Mommy and Matthew got stuck and Mommy got kicked out of the park for the purple cloud of profanity. Not to mention Matthew learning a few new choice words!

The piece de resistance was getting chased by a peacock. These things are all over the park and while absolutely beautiful, are really scary when they come at you! Of course, Matthew barely even noticed, as he was busy running around trying to figure out how to ditch his parents in favour of a linx or an otter!

All Smiles

Despite having a stomach "thing," we're trying our hardest to enjoy the sunshine. Such a nice change from the snow we had just two short weeks ago. Matthew is growing up so fast! When he's outside he refuses to hold our hands for any reason...and he's fearless. Needless to say, Rob and I are just waiting for our first trip to the ER (either for his broken limbs/concussion or our ulcers!). Here's a couple of pictures of our not so little Matthew just being himself. We're so lucky to have such a happy, silly kid!

At the park enjoying a quick drink before checking out the ducks (or gucks as the case may be).

Enjoying a healthy snack in the kitchen (this face was for photo purposes only...I don't think it's physically possible to actually be this happy!)

Happy Easter!!

CANDY!!!! Well, Matthew's first egg hunts were a success. Our neighbourhood had a hunt that was a little chilly and exactly at Matthew's nap time, but it was still pretty good. The neighbourhood Easter bunny was good enough to "hide" Matthew's eggs in pretty obvious spots. When his little hands got too cold, he went inside and Mommy finished the hunt. Those other kids didn't know what hit them.

"Who's that fossil taking all our eggs?"

"I don't know, but she hip checked me into a bush and elbowed my sister in the eye."