Life at home...

Well, it has been a very long time since we've posted anything. Time has been flying by.

For those who don't know, I took a leave of absence from my job at Canadian Heritage, last August, to stay home with the kids. It is not the first time I've been home, but it is certainly very different. I was home for two and a half years after Natasha was born. That was very very busy, living out of suitcases for 7 months, moving from house to house as our house was under construction. I can barely remember it, and don't really remember enjoying it too much. It seemed very chaotic, running around from construction site to hardware stores with a toddler and crying baby.

This time around is very different. It is so busy, but also a lot of fun. 3 kids is so incredibly different that two, in so many ways. And yes Dana, very very frustrating and exhausting!! There are so many more combinations of trouble by adding just 1 child...!!!

The girls are incredible. They are so much fun, full of new ideas everyday, always keeping me on my toes. They are growing up so quickly, it is no nice to share all of this time with them.

Here are some things that have been going on here:

Tasha - started school. JK in the morning. She loves it, didn't even think twice about heading into the classroom. She has been learning so much, and having loads of fun with her new friends! She loves riding her bike, and is pretty fast. It is a workout trying to keep up with her, on foot! She is still always smiling, constantly chattering, and pretending not to hear the rules... she loses them in her head!! :) How do you argue with that?

Maya - Maya started Grade 1. She has a rough start, but has now adjusted. She has mastered the monkey bars, she loves reading and writing. Of course her favorite part of the day is 'gym' or DPA, "Daily Physical Activity" , and the 'monkies' (monkey bars) at recess. Swimming is a hit with her. She is quite a fish. She loved our trip to Calgary, jumping off the 1m spring board, over and over again. She even did the run and jump, and canon balls!!!! She loves her bike, and is scary on her scooter. She tries all sorts of tricks going full speed downhills. It freaks me out!!

Jaida took some time to figure out what do to without the other 2 girls, but now thrives on the time where she gets to play with toys that she otherwise doesn't get the opportunity to play with!! She is such a clown, always being funny and dramatic!!! She is great at copying what the other two are doing, and when Tasha and Jaida come up with a plan, you'd better watch out, they are out of control!!
Jaida is super girl, has been out of diapers since the beginning of January. (This was unplanned but certainly encouraged.) We had more incidents that with the other two, for a few weeks, but now she's a pro!!

This stage is really great! Life is getting easier is many ways (ie: sleeping through the night, following directions...) and so much busier in others. The days of diaper bags, strollers and tantrums are nearing and end, and being replaced by days of family fun!

I won't speak here of the incredible effort it is to get everyone up and out the door in the morning, to get the school on time, or the challenge in getting kids to listen, and eat and wash hands... I will just say, I love PD days, and holidays!! :)

Grant and I are looking forward to family bike rides this summer, and I am looking forward to hanging out with the girls...