Holidays!

Simon's been walking around the house today saying that he's on holidays (little does he know that his life is a constant holiday). Trevor's off work for a week and we're heading east for some fun in the sun and some relaxing with Trevor's extended family.
I am super pumped.
This is our first family road trip with Miss Claire Berry and I'm curious how she'll sleep, eat and travel. She did well in Ottawa but, that was half her lifetime ago so, we'll see how things go this time.
Our little Mazda 3 is going to be packed sooo tight, we'll be nearly bursting. Good thing there's no IKEA to visit in the city we're headed to or we'd be in real trouble.
We finished the last of the cloth diapers in this cycle and, I won't be starting another cycle until we get back. I love my cloth diapers but, I'm excited to be a bit lazy for a while.
It's our anniversary on Friday and I can't think of a better way to spend it. I always like it when we can travel on our anniversary. That way, I can remember specific locations for specific years rather then have a jumble of restaurant nights out blurred together over the years.
It's also amazing what having 2 parents around can be like. I don't feel pulled in two directions all the time and both kids love the extra attention.
Happy summering to you all!

Endless Circle

Laundry and housework are like stringing beads on a thread with no knot at the end.

The floor under our dining room table makes me shudder (and I clean it at least twice a day).

Follow up and peace

I had a meeting today with the HR guy from my school division. I could have brought in an STF rep or our school division president but, I chose to go it alone. Did I want to appear non-confrontational? I hope it appeared that way. The truth is that I just didn't have the heart to inconvenience anyone at the start of summer holidays. Oh, to be a doormat... sigh.
It was a good meeting. I said my piece, aired my concerns, cried a little (professional tears and not the ugly sobbing this man encountered on the phone during our first conversation) and left feeling like a weight had been lifted from my chest. Nothing has changed about my situation. I am still transferring to an elementary school. I will still be scrambling to make long range plans for ELA 6/7, Social 6/7 and Career Guidance 6/7. I still experienced poor handling. However, this man took time to listen to me, encourage me and tell me that, at the soonest opportunity, he will move me back to high school. Nothing like a little hope to make a bitter pill go down better.
Now, I am closing this chapter in my work life. I have done what I could and now I am moving on.
Elementary school and short students, here I come!

Happy Canada Day

Happy Birthday, Canada.
We celebrated with cousins, sushi, cupcakes, not enough napping at nap time, flag waving, flag wearing and park going. Later, we left the kids with a baby-sitter and took in the fire works.
I think Canada Day is one of my favorite holidays. Don't even get me started about how much joy it brings my son. Captain Canada was ecstatic!!!

and again...

Last year, we spent a lot of time doing this:

Now, we're doing a lot of this:



Note that we found some walking wings (my dream from last year). We borrowed them from a friend last summer. Simon HATED them. Claire's too young to really understand. She's just really pumped to be up and moving. She's working on the backwards push crawl but, gets super frustrated. This is where she's happiest. Yeesh... she's barely 7 months old. I think I'm going to have my hands full!

Oh those British...

Every day, Simon asks me to buy him a British flag. Why? Because he's in love with the red, white and blue of Britannia. Today, we went to the British Tea Shop and Purveyor of British Goods. My assumption is that they'd have a British flag of some form or another. I forgot my Baby Bjorn and carried both kids in. Simon had made the connection of what we were looking for and hoping to buy. He was way too excited.
Unfortunately, the British Tea Shop and Purveyor of British Goods had no flags... except a lovely display flag that was not for sale (no matter how Simon tried to convince me to "Momma buy, Momma buy").
Sadly, I left the store with a baby on my hip and holding the hand of a devastated toddler who almost threw himself into parking lot traffic in mid-tantrum. (He's hard to hold on to while tantruming mid-parking lot while I'm trying to keep his sweet, wiggly sister on my hip.)
After many, many tears and much convincing that Momma will someday buy him a British flag, we headed on our way.
As consolation, we watched, on Youtube, the British flag while listening to the British national anthem. Sooooo boring but, made my little man very, very happy.

He also asks for an Italian flag and a Saskatchewan flag. If any of you dear readers come across or already have one of these flags and are willing to part with it, let me know. I have a flag aficionado on my hands.

Attach, Idiot, Attach!

I hummed and hawed and consulted like crazy. Then, I wrote, re-wrote, edited, consulted some more and created my letter of concern to my employer (see previous post).
I typed a polite little greeting, cc'd all those who needed a copy and fired off my letter.
Or I thought I did...
I forgot to attach so, I wrote another polite little greeting and attached my letter.
Eeeekk... I'm peeing my pants.
So much worry in so short a document.
I need to spend more time reading Philippians 4:6-7 and much less time fretting.

Little Miss Meek

After a lot of thought and persuasion from some work friends, I'm going to write a letter to the Teacher's Federation and my school division stating that I am upset with the way my transfer went down.
I know, I know, ooooo, a letter.
This is a really big deal for me. This means that I have to stand up to my employer, a figure of authority and say something that might not be agreeable.
This causes me stress.

Why is it that I can teach my students to stand up for themselves and to advocate for themselves but, I have the hardest time doing it for myself. It's less stressful to just roll over, curl up and cry.
Although I've accepted the transfer part and the new school and new job seem okay, I still cry when I talk to my colleagues about how things happened. That can't be good for my morale, can it?

Today, Little Miss Meek is about to make a peep. I wonder what it will be like to be heard or, if I'll be heard at all?

Blur...

I'm in a crazy blur stage of life right now. I feel like there's always someone attached to me and never enough time.
Claire is really struggling with naps in her crib... she'd much prefer just laying in my arms. So, we go out in the mornings because she still transfers so well in her car seat. That way she naps (usually a good hour and a half too). However, that still leaves an afternoon nap. Usually, we fight and I lose. Today, I just held her and didn't feel like such a failure because I didn't try putting her down a dozen times. That means my house is just on the edge of chaos and my desire to do yard work is depleted. I also wouldn't mind being alone for a few minutes in my day or answering my phone or making phone calls... sigh. Luckily, I get a pretty decent sleep at night.
Fortunately, even when not napping, Simon is content to have Quiet Time in his crib. He plays quietly or sleeps. It's good to look at him and remember where we came from... that gives me hope for Claire.
I looked at the calendar and realized that it's mid June already. Golly, how did that happen?

My beautiful man

Happy B-day (yesterday) to my love. Thanks so much for making me feel great even though half of my plans for your B-day were taken over by the kiddos. Thanks for going to work every day even when you're exhausted from a rough night with the baby. Thanks for accepting me for who I am. Thanks for your sense of humour, your great listening skills, your positive attitude and for the way you look after me and our little ones. You're the best husband and father of our children that I could hope for. I love you soooo much!

2

Hard to believe that this pretty little Missy is already 2. Happy B-day, Princess!
Love, Auntie

32 Today

I'm 32 today.
Simon walked outside and said "Glorious day, Momma!".
I agree, Little Man.
Claire only woke up once for a quick feed and Trevor let me sleep in today so, I feel like SuperWoman.
I'm so very blessed with a fabulous little family (and extended family), great friends, a continuing work contract, a handsome hubby (who makes good French toast), a great home (and an even greater one to come), an amazing church, good health and a crazy cat.
I'm exactly where I want to be in life and my only wishes are more prayers about things I have no control over.
I've known Jesus for ~30 years and He's blessed me with so much.
Thanks for all your sweet B-day wishes. I'm reveling in the sunshine today and being completely spoiled.

Oh yeah - photo proof

Not the greatest shot as I haven't actually done it since it's been cut. I kind of like the crazy waves I've got going on... makes it easy not to do. :)
Here are my 2 favorite shots of the kids this week as well!

(Dr's appt today. Simon screamed bloody murder. Claire smiled and performed amiably. Claire is 18 lbs and off the the chart for height. Simon is a whopping 29 lbs 8 oz and almost a meter tall. Simon's got a cold and losing his voice - his little raspy talking is pretty cute. Claire's trying to walk when we hold her standing. Yeesh - time is flying by for me with my kiddos!)

Vanity

A good friend of mine is in the midst of chemo. She cut her hair short to prepare her kiddos for the potential hair loss that comes with chemo. A group of us girls decided to chop our hair short to support her.
This week I learned that I am terribly vain about my hair.
I love having long hair. I love the feel of it swishing from side to side in a ponytail, I love how Simon snuggles into it and how Claire wraps her chubby baby fingers around it while nursing. The last time I had short hair (the shortest it's ever been is just above shoulder length) was when I was 15.
I have basically had the same hair cut for 17 years. My hair style had grown into an eleventh grader. Yeesh. My biggest style changes were growing out bangs and long layers.
Last night, Lindsey P. from Sheers (awesome hairdresser if you're looking - there's my plug) chopped off my locks.
I still don't recognize myself in the mirror. My head feels light. Washing and brushing my hair feels ridiculous and my neck gets chilly. I've also realized that I have really wavy hair.
It'll grow back. Until it does, I'm going to embrace this changed look.
I know that we made my friend smile and that was the point.
(I'll post pictures when my kids are in bed - neither want to sleep this afternoon... sigh - too much of a shock for them, I guess!)

Outside

"Outside, outside, outside" is Simon's mantra every day. Rain or shine, all the little guy wants to do is run wild in the backyard or explore the many fabulous parks our fine little city has to offer. His favorite activities involve picking berries off the vine (and storing them in his cache in our apple tree), picking dandelions and playing in the mud or dirt. He comes inside covered in dirt, mud, grass stains and he has the grimiest little face and hands. Good thing we have baths and do laundry.
Claire's a pretty good sport. She's a happy baby in the Bjorn and she's trying new things like the slide and the swing. Mostly, she just wants to sit on the lawn and chew on pieces of grass or other things that make her way into her grabby hands.

Unruly

When Trevor and I first bought our house, I spent the summer inside painting and organizing our nest. I completely ignored our yard until August... BIG mistake.
The next summer, I was much, much more dutiful in my yard tending. I changed a few things around the yard, I resurrected our crappy (literally - the previous owner had a big dog and multiple cats) grass and I planted tons of perennials.
For our third summer, I enjoyed yard work and took tender care of my little plants.
Then I had Simon.
We spent a lot of time in our back yard, Simon and I. We sat on our picnic blanket and watched the wind blow the leaves of our huge tree around. If I tried any yard work in his presence, his shrieks of despair convinced me to stop. Other then a few frantic weeding sprees and some disgruntled petunias, my yard was largely ignored.
Last summer, Simon slept every afternoon. Ideally, this would have been the perfect time for me to do yard work and, I did, on occasion. Usually, I just slept. My pregnancy with Claire and mornings with a demanding toddler took all my energy and I desperately needed my afternoon naps. This led to scraggly pansies and an outbreak of Creeping Charlie in both my front and back grass.
This year, I am taming the unruly! I have a great baby monitor and Claire is just going to get better at sleeping during the afternoons. (Hopefully, she'll get better at nights too so, I won't need to nap anymore either).
Look out, dandelions. Enjoy your last days, Creeping Charlie. Have one final foray, stinkweed. I am going to take my yard back!!!

Today, I finally got to my front yard. Ironically, when Trevor was cutting our grass earlier, our neighbour across the street complimented us on how cheerful and nice our yard was. (Thank the yellow tulips and the fact that Creeping Charlie can't be seen from across the street.) Thanks... I guess.

Laughing Through My Days

Kid, you make me laugh! I love being your Momma!

6 Months

Dear Claire,
You're six-months old today... and you're miserable. Poor girly - those 2 front bottom teeth are giving you grief. Your happy place right now is cuddling your Mama and gnawing on my shoulder. Not the best way to celebrate. (I caught myself telling you not to be such a "baby" about the pain and then I remembered that you are a baby - yeesh... silly Mama!)
You're talking a lot more. You think Fergus is your boyfriend and try your best to lure him over to you. You adore Simon (and have LOTS to tell him). You can stand (with support). You chew everything. You eat 3 bowls of cereal and fruits/veggies a day. You still get up 2-3 times at night (sigh). You roll like a champ and you're trying to creep. You play strange which makes a lot of people sad. You have a reverse hair mullet (tons of hair in the front and everything rubbed off in the back). You're wearing 9 month clothing. You still LOVE to be a part of the action.
Claire, you are also adorable. Your big us convince us to do whatever you want. You're patient with me as I look after your dictator of a brother. :) Your face lights up when Daddy walks in the room.
We love you, Little Miss Sunshine!

Transfer

I'm totally bummed to announce that I received a job transfer this week. Being on maternity leave made me vulnerable. My employer has to give me a comparable full-time position but, not necessarily at my original school. Sigh...
This will be my 4th school.
The only place I ever really "warmed up" was in Lanigan. At my inner-city school, I only had 1 year to get to know people and, as much as I tried, I knew those relationships would be fleeting. Now, just as I am starting to feel safe, to feel confident and comfortable on staff, I have to go and start over. (As friendly as I am, I'm as slow to warm as Simon about new places and people.)
The other sucky part is that it's an elementary school. No offense to elementary school teachers but, your job scares me. All day with the same kids. All year with the same kids. Blech.
I am also only going back part-time (mornings). Maybe elementary school will be more compatible for that. There's probably less extra-curr. Recess is kind of like a coffee break (more then the 5 minutes between classes that I use to photocopy, discipline after class, file discipline reports, go potty, get coffee/snacks and prep for my next class), right?
Of course, I don't go back until just before Claire's November B-day but still, there's a lot for me to figure out before then.

Claire's dedication

Today, we dedicated Claire to God. Although a little sleepy, she did great. We had a big lunch for our families in our backyard to celebrate her. The church gave her this verse:
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress; I will never be shaken." Psalm 62:1+2

May you never be shaken in your faith, little girl. May you always, always, always feel the peace that only God can bring. We love you, Claire Bear, and we're pretty pumped to be your parents!

A Walk Out

Reasons thousands of SK teachers walked out today!

Democracy in action

I'm not technically in the classroom right now but, I still have the rapt attention of two little students. Yesterday and today, Simon learned to say "democracy" and that democracy means "everybody votes". Today, he followed me as I marked my ballot and helped me put in the box.
As a teacher, I believe in modelling. This has led to some silly situations for me (being the only one over 18 not wearing my shoes to the shoeless assembly, weeks carting around my own baby egg, etc.) however, I believe that if I show kids that I buy into whatever it is I'm teaching, it's easier to sell them on it too.
I hope this will work as a parent too. I hope that Simon (and Claire) will take democracy seriously and will vote because their Momma and Daddy have told them about it, showed them how.

Besides... "field trips" are fun!

"Wild Things"

28 "Wild Things" cupcakes
22 people in our tiny bungalow
5 yummy dishes in our little brunch potluck
1 sad cat hanging out in the garage
2 years of Simon to celebrate

We had a "Wild Things" themed B-day brunch for our little man (based on one of his favorite stories). It was a blast.

Two

Hard for me to believe but, my baby boy is a two year old! Happy Birthday, Schmoo!

Sad Cries - Part 2

Honey,
I give up! I can't handle your sad cries anymore. As annoying as it is to hold you all the time, that is why I get paid the "big bucks". You're also welcome back in our bed because Momma and Daddy miss sleep. We get that you're too little. We'll try again in a few months.
Love Momma

P.S. - You at least sleep. Your brother was an absolute stinker and look at him now. He's amazing. I just have to remember that when I get irritated. It's just a little phase and you'll outgrow it in a bit.

Happy Easter

Our Easter was pretty fabulous. I'm still in a chocolate-induced coma and enjoying having my partner in parenting home for 5 days. It's also pretty awesome that the weather has been spectacular. Hope your Easter's been "egg-cellent"!

Sad Cries

Dear Claire,
You are now 5 months old. You eat solids like a champ. You nurse like a pro. You smile at everyone and you have your Daddy and I wrapped your finger. You love to jump and stand. You adore your big brother and Fergus. You are content and easy to care for.
Our only caveat is that you are having some sleep challenges. Just last week, you were going to sleep, waking up once to eat and we didn't see you again until 6:30 am. We were delighted. For the past 3 days/nights, you won't let us put you in your crib. We hold you and cuddle you and as soon as we make the move to put you down, you scream at us... so we try again. Sometimes, we've tried for 1-2 hours to put you down.
Last night, we tried a new "trick". We put you down and let you cry (and cry and cry and cry). We went in to reassure you a few times and eventually, you gave in and went to sleep. We continued to do this through the night (although I did feed you at your usual time). It sucked, little lady. I'm not a fan of cry it out. It's ironic because I'm also not a fan of co-sleeping but, we did that with you for a while too. You're getting too big (and wriggly) to be in Momma and Daddy's bed. (Momma thinks this is the root of her back problems too.) If you can train us to hold you a certain way and wake up when we put you down, you're old enough to learn to fall asleep without us.
Therefore, this is a note of apology in advance, little one. Tonight, I will nurse you and cuddle you close and love you but, you will have to sleep in your crib and I'm not picking you up every time you cry.
We should have done this with your brother much, much earlier in his life.
We love you and we hate your sad, sad cries,
Momma

Gratitude...

Today was a frustrating day. I think I tried putting Claire to sleep about a hundred times only to have her awaken or be awakened all day long... sigh.
I need to make a list of the good to remind myself that they outweigh the bad by a long shot.

1 - Outside. Simon can't get enough sunshine. He can manage to play without me there for about 15 minutes (supervised from the window). He begs to go out from the time he gets up until bedtime. It's great.

2 - Laundry. I do piles of it mostly because I change Simon's socks and pants twice a day because of the mud. (We still haven't found rubber boots to fit on his post-club feet). I'm thankful we have an appliance that does the heavy work. I still don't know how those pioneer women did it.

3 - Husband. I'm married to my superman! He's good at rescuing me from me! (He also has a 5 day weekend!!!)

4 - Madmen I'm finally done LOST (super weird last season - even for LOST)

5 - Houseplanning - lots of decisions = lots of fun for Trevor and I!

6 - A purring lap cat.

7 - A pot of tea.

8 - A homemade Easter cream egg (thanks Bethany)

9 - Promises of delicious Easter meals to come.

10 - Two babies in bed... finally!

Babies Don't Keep

I hope that my child, looking back on today
Will remember a mother who had time to play;
Because children grow up while you're not looking,
There are years ahead for cleaning and cooking.
So, quiet now cobwebs, dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby, and babies don't keep.
(from www.nurseryrhymes4u.com)

Today, we had a playdate. Claire fell asleep on the way home so Simon and I rousted ladybugs from their slumber and ran around on the flattened, frozen grass. We played, ate sushi and cuddled before his nap. Claire woke up in time for me to play with her, cuddle her, read to her and sing to her. Then, we took a nap together (this has become a bit of "treat" since she's been in her own crib for the past 3 weeks!). I brought up some frozen soup and didn't fuss much about supper. If I could relive a day, I would choose today. When I'm 97 and in a home playing "Go Fish" with the ladies, I'm going to miss this!

Outside... peeease!

All my boy wants to do is play outside. We go through so many pairs of pants (falling in puddles) that I may just start potty training to justify the laundry. It's much more fun now that he can walk. It's also a little frightening because he can get away so quickly.

Friday Nights

It was just 5,6 and 7 years ago that a Friday night meant a long drive to my parents' place from Lanigan to have supper with my family and Trevor. Then, we'd stay up way to late talking before Trevor left to go back to the city.
Swimming lessons have started so now, our Friday nights will be lessons, Burger Baron (maybe Milky Way if Claire's okay) and home for bedtime by 7:30ish.
Definitely a decade of change and I wouldn't want it any other way. :)

Vitamin D

For the past 5 days Simon, Claire and I have been little power walkers/riders. We've had 5 glorious walks with our buddy Bob and we've soaked in the sunshine. Simon's developed a new love of puddles (and mud) and both kids have started singing (together?) in the stroller.
It's amazing what a little vitamin D can do for my soul. No longer am I scrambling to find play dates to keep me sane and my kids entertained. Instead, our schedule's slowing down a little and we've been enjoying at home days. I love at home days when we can go outside. I dread them when we're stuck in the house all day. It's freeing to have a walker on my hands. I can put Simon down and he just goes on his own. Trevor and I were marveling about how different this spring with Simon is from last spring when all he wanted to do was walk but couldn't without us.
Claire's started solids. She eats banana, grape and yam with gusto. I'm not too shocked. She's not a happy nurser and likes being part of the mealtime action. Sometimes I feel like I'm breaking "rules" by not feeding her rice cereal to start or feeding her too early. However, I'm going by instinct with this little miss and not books and we've been doing pretty good. She was sooooo interested in food (and still is). She practically grabs my fork out of my hand is constantly knocking my glass. I couldn't say no to that.
In other news, I'm doing a little research into the proposed teacher contract up for negotiations. I'm not too pleased. The proposed contract leaves us with and increase of pay that doesn't even come close to the projected increase in cost of living. I knew I'd never be rich when I decided to be a teacher but... However, teachers are voting on whether we should strike or not. This leaves me worried as well. Striking jeopardizes the graduation of students that I love and want to see graduate. I have no idea how this will play out. Currently, I'm thankful that I'm on mat. leave and that my kids aren't in school... selfish, I know.

Good Life

Today, I couldn't help but smile about my life. This is as good as it gets! :)

a year ago today...

Last year, on March 31st, I found out I was pregnant with Claire.
It's crazy how much life can change in just one year.
Here's a picture of my 8 week pregnant self with my almost 1 year old. I was thrilled and scared all at once. I wish I could go and hug my old skinny self and tell her that it would be more then okay. Claire is an awesome little baby and Simon has grown into a funny little man.

'Round Here

The snow keeps falling... really?

I had two ribs cracked back into place by a chiropractor yesterday after a day and a half of mind-numbing pain.

Claire is sleeping really well... with us... sigh. However, her mornings have been pretty early (and bright - you should see how pumped she is).

Simon's vocabulary is expanding daily. His word combinations and circle conversations are hilarious!

I miss walking with the kids.

House plans are still in the draft stage and will be until I absolutely LOVE the kitchen.

15 lbs

Sad girl

Jolly little jumper

My baby's 15 lbs already. She's uber long and she's wiggling her way into 6-9 months clothes. She's happy in the Jolly Jumper and a little unsure about the exersaucer. She tucks her knees under her and tries to creep. It's crazy how fast she's leaving her baby days behind.

Waiting for Spring

March 2011


March 2010

Things haven't changed all that much in a year. March still means waiting (and waiting and waiting) for spring so we can run around outside.

Regular Scheduled Programming

Home Again, Home Again... Jiggity-Jog

We made it home. Flying with the kids in the afternoon wasn't as delightful as in the morning. Simon was sooooo keyed up at the Ottawa airport, it was only a matter of time before he became a drooling mess. Claire just couldn't work out a long afternoon nap. Trevor and I were stuck passing and consoling silly kids on the last flight. It wasn't all that bad but, we're glad to be home!
Housework is already kicking my butt! Mountains of laundry and regular chores are screaming for my attention. Where is my hotel housekeeper when I need her? (And why am I on the computer?)
Claire's still on Ontario time and was up at 5 am. Simon seems to have settled into his regular routine. He was up a little bit early but, that's okay as it always guarantees a good nap.
It'll be good to settle back into our home routines.
Too bad Ottawa spring didn't follow us home. This morning we were greeted with snow and it hasn't let up all day. Sigh... Happy first day of spring, folks!

Ottawa

Dear Ottawa,
Thanks so much for a wonderful visit. I was pretty nervous about taking my children here. I was worried about hotel life, schedules and how we'd keep busy. Now that we're almost done our time, I couldn't be more pleased. We have LOVED your museums.
I love that it's been spring here. Today, the sun warmed our faces as we walked and I saw green grass all over. I was getting pretty sick of SK winter so, this has been a delightful break.
I've learned a lot about how I can handle a lot as a Mom. I can juggle nursing Claire, feeding Simon, tempter tantrums in public places and putting Claire down for naps in odd places. I can handle a lot more then I originally imagined. I'm proud of how I've handled things. Even our worst day wasn't so bad.
It's been so good to be with Trevor in the evenings. I would have been so lonesome without him had we not come.
I'm going to miss it here. Our little family holiday has been a success and I'm excited for traveling together in the future!

Thankful

Today, I took the kids to the War Museum. I wish that I could take every single one of my students past, present and future to this museum. It was amazing and it blew my mind. I stood in awe of the sacrifices men and women have made for my freedom. I am so thankful for my babies and I am so thankful that they have been born free!
The history teacher in me wanted to spend all day (and the next 3 days) walking slowly, taking it all in and reading every exhibit and display. The mother of 2 little people realized that this was not possible. We walked at toddler speed and I gave Simon a pint-sized history lesson.
I was feeling pretty reflective on our walk back to the hotel. I found it incredibly sad that, after leaving the museum filled with gratitude for our freedom, I was confronted with some hate-filled graffiti on the walls of a pedestrian bridge. It was pretty shocking to read, especially after leaving such a powerful display of what this kind of hate leads to. Then, the kids and I walked by the Parliament Buildings (I love that walking by these buildings has been an every day experience) and I was again reminded of how important democracy really is!

If you're ever in Ottawa, make this a stop - it was well worth it.

4 months

Dear Little Miss Claire,
It's hard to believe that just 4 months ago, you were just hours old. Now, you're an animated little lady who loves to kiss, to smile and to roll around. You have the sweetest little personality. You love being part of the action and you're fascinated with the antics of your crazy big brother. I can hardly wait to get to know you more.
You're happiest when you are snugged up against me. You're a dependent sleeper... sigh. You love to be curled up tight between us and you know exactly when we try (and try and try and try) to put you down on your own. I'd prefer if you slept on your own but, it is nice to wake up to your big, big smile every morning.
We love you, baby girl and we're excited to get to know who you'll grow to be!

Newly Minted

Today, the kids and I toured the Mint. Fortunately, Claire slept for most of the tour and Simon enjoyed playing with the "Big Boossse" I bought him. Not the most stellar kids' outing but, they were super good about it.
We've been frequenting an amazing bakery much too much lately. Simon and I are addicted to the yummy sugar cookies. Sigh - just another thing to wean ourselves from when we return home (in addition to: hotel housekeeping, fresh cafe coffee every morning, lots of walking in the sunshine, eating out, no housework, super naps, beaver tails and museums).