How time flies...

March 3, 2008....it was one year ago, that I left my girls and started my 'cushy' government job. Can you believe how quickly time passes.

Jaida was a wee little baby, just 3 months old, probably around 10 pounds.

Looking back, I wish I'd negotiated a later start date, I know now how nice my manager was, and he would likely have said Yes, at least to the part time portion being longer, and I should have negotiated a better pay as well, for the same reason.

I still wish I didn't have to return to work, back then, (it is not often you get such flexibility, along with an offer for a permanent position.) and I couldn't imagine having the time to keep with the job applications being at home with all 3 girls!

Winter Party, Fever, Croup and Ear Infection

This past week-end, we hosted a fun little “Winter Party” this week-end, in lieu of birthday parties, we thought it would be nice to have the kids together and treat them to something fun. We had 15 kids and likely about 30 adults. So off we went “Dashing through the snow…” (I, along with a few others, and babies, did not go on the sleigh ride, I stayed in to set up the food, not to mention it was really cold outside, but I’ll use the set-up as my excuse.)

After the sleigh ride we had some hot chocolate, a nice warm lunch and treat, the kids played, coloured, and some had their faces painted! It seemed as though everyone had a good time.

Then the downhill slope began. Shortly after getting home, Maya and Sofia were playing, when Maya comes to me quite teary eyed and says that her ear was REALLY hurting her. Now, I remember, oh yeah, she told me the same thing this morning! Hmph. Anyhow, I gave her some Advil and hoped it wouldn’t persist. By the time dinner time came, she is terrible pain, the clinics were closed, and our only option was CHEO.

Since I knew it was just an ear infection, I figured that she could sit at home and cry for 5 hours instead of in a hospital waiting room, so that is what we did. The combination of Advil and Tylenol was doing nothing for her, as she was more than just crying.

Thankfully, through some luck and connections, we were able to get a prescription filled over the phone. About an hour after taking finally she fell asleep, for about 1.5 hours, woke up screaming, again. At this point, I decided that she may as well sleep in our bed instead having to get up every hour, and Grant went to sleep in her bed.

Around 2am, Natasha starts crying. I hear her and think, oh good Grant got her to stop. Next thing you know, she has climbed into bed with me, she is laying on top of me, and burning up! Oh no!!! Anyhow, she was awake and squirmy, until about 5am or so, at which point I figure it was better that Grant was sleeping and rested for the day ahead.

It gets better. Sunday morning I got myself out of bed to realize that we had traded Jaida in for a seal! She has croup. She sounded just awful…poor thing. Then, I was getting Maya cleaned up for the day, to realize that not one but BOTH of her eardrums had burst, yuck, which would explain the incredible pain she was having!

So there we were, Sunday morning, I was exhausted, with 3 sick kids…I have to admit I did get a chuckle out of it.

Anyhow, the Winter Party was a success, but the post party happenings I could have done without...I'm hoping for a quick recovery, though I just got work that Maya threw up this morning....sigh...

2008 Wrap up

We spent an entire year in OUR house! It was so nice to have a whole year without moving. Though we moved back in April 2007, we had construction workers in and out pretty much right through until December of 2007, with a little break around the time Jaida was born. So, 2008 was a peaceful one in that respect.

There is a LOT from the first half of the year I can’t remember. The year started off pretty low key, as Jaida was a wee little baby. With school, skating, swimming, dance lessons, and birthday parties, we still kept ourselves quite busy. The girls’ social calendar is more booked than ours! We did take in the canal quite a few times with the kids, Maya even skated the whole length and back with us, with the help of holding on to us, of course!

In March, I headed back into the work force. Certainly not my first choice of things to do with a 3 month old at home, but such is life. At least I started off part-time. Grant was able to enjoy 8 months at home with the girls, teaching them all sorts of life lessons!

In April, we took the plunge and purchased a mini van! For me, a BIG step, but a necessary one. The challenge of getting the girls in the car and buckled up in their snowsuits was becoming too much of a pain, as well, my mom couldn’t travel with us in our car.

May came along, and Grant and I got tired of washing so many diapers, so we decided that Natasha was done with that stage in her life. She was fabulous and really took a liking to being a big girl.

June was a difficult month for me. I started back with full-time hours. Leaving the kids for so long was hard for me. I had been home with them for the better part of 2 and a half years. I did manage to get to work early so that I could make it home in time to pick-up Maya from school and get some play time in, before supper. This proved to be more and more challenging and Jaida was ‘unable’ to let me sleep through the night.

In July, we drove to Fredericton, and Shediac for a family reunion. Grant’s brother, Craig and family, came from Calgary, and we spent the week at a cottage in Shediac, with them, and the rest of Grant’s family. It was so nice for the cousins to get quality playing time.

In August, we had a little family adventure. My mom joined us, and we rode in the MS Rona Bike Tour, to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis research. It was a 165 Km, two day bike trip from Ottawa to Kemptville. Maya and Natasha has a blast, Jaida was just shy of 9 months, so was pretty indifferent to the experience, provided I stopped to feed her! I for one, was surprised at how exhausted I was at the end of each day. I suppose pulling about 100lbs of Chariot, kids and diaper stuff, would explain some of that!

September was ‘Back to School’ for Maya. She started Senior Kindergarden. She is doing French Immersion, and loves it so far. She has been reunited with her buddies Sofia, Alex and Hannah, among others, but I hear the 4 girls are quite the crew! Her teacher loves her and can hardly believe she could ever be a mis-behavied girl!

We began our search for a caregiver in October. It didn’t take me long to figure out that I was going to be really picky about weird things. I think in the end I just wanted someone that the girls were really comfortable with, and I really liked! We are so fortunate to have found Melissa. She is great with the girls, the girls love her, they are keeping busy with library, playgroups, baking, crafts and so many other activities, and to top it off she is organized and super tidy! :)

In November Grant returned to work, after being home for 8 months with the girls. It took a little getting used to for everyone, but I think we have adjusted. The laundry situation got out of hand at times, as did the groceries and baths, but we have worked those kinks out, for the most part! We also celebrated Natasha’s 3rd birthday as well as Jaida’s 1st birthday!

After only 5 weeks of the 2 parents working, we headed off to Mexico in December, for Jen and Scott’s wedding. Here we celebrated Maya’s 5th birthday! Maya and Natasha had a blast at the pool everyday, where Maya picked up some new swimming skills!! A really great vacation!

All in all 2008 was another good year. We welcomed new babies, made new friends, and remembered lost ones. We are thankful for our family, to Melissa and to our friends who support and encourage us through all the ups and downs. We do, lead a very fortunate life.

We are looking forward to the many adventures and challenges that 2009 will bring!!

Christmas 2008

Our tree was all set-up with lights on, by the time we got back from Mexico. (Thanks to Melissa!) All we had to do was put up some decorations! It was a little challenging keeping Jaida from taking down branches, while the girls were putting up decorations, but it was definitely entertaining!

Christmas Eve, we hosted dinner at our place, with my mom, and sister’s family. Usually the host makes dinner, but since I was working and just back from vacation, I didn’t have time, so I offered my mom to do the cooking. And of course, it was delicious!

It wasn’t a late night, as all the homes had to prepare for Santa’s arrival. So we got ready for bed, the girls put out carefully selected home baked cookies and a glass of milk by the tree for Santa, and headed to bed. It was easy to get them to bed, as they knew Santa only comes when you are sleeping!

In the morning, Natasha was a little wearing to go downstairs, in case Santa was still there, but Maya super excited to see what was left under the tree.

Of course, Santa delivered on all the requests, though the girls wish list was very small this year. Maya had asked for grey and black biking gloves, and a pink shiny wallet. Natasha had asked for nothing initially, and then settles on Crayons and a doll! I hope these short lists continue for many years!

In any case, Santa brought a little more than what the girls had asked for. The adults had asked for no gifts, instead spending time with together with our family this year.

So on Boxing Day we packed up and headed to a little cottage close to Algonquin Park, to spend a few days together with my mom, and sister’s family.

The kids had a great time playing, and goofing around. And YES there were arguments and it WAS loud, but at the end of the day, when the kids were all tucked into bed, the cards and the drinks came out, and good fun was had by all!!

Maya turns 5!!!

How many 5 year old's get to celebrate their birthday's in Mexico?

The night before the big day, we decided to let Maya choose how she wanted spend her day. Here is a picture of the night before.



The choices were somewhat limited, Mayan Ruins, ocean/beach, pool or nothing. Poor kid, with limited choices. It took Maya about a minute to decide she wanted to go see some Mayan Ruins (I am sure it was name related!)

So, off we headed to Tulum, to take a peek at the Ruins. They were quite beautiful and amazing how this city was built so long ago. Now there are nothing compared to many more that are around the area, but we were not about to embarke on such a journey this time.



It was a beautiful day. Hot, sunny, perfect for a dip in the ocean. After walking around Tulum for about 5 minutes, Maya decided we should find the beach. We managed to drag it out to about 1/2 hour and head to the beach and play. Natasha wanted nothing to do with the ocean. When I say nothing, I mean "I don't want Maya to go in the water" and "I don't want Daddy to go in the water" and "I don't want to play on the beach"... You get the picture.

The waves were quite large, for a child anyways, but very fun for us! Maya REALLY enjoyed it! We spent quite a while jumping in the waves and even waded deeper into the ocean together and enjoyed the float!



All the while Natasha and Jaida were playing in the sand, Natasha crying saying "I don't want to play on the beach" both covered from head to toe in sand!




We capped of the night we a dinner at her restaurant of choice, buffet, with a delicious cake, and a trip to the Hacienda for some shopping!

I will add a couple more pictures from cake/dinner when upload them

I think she had a good day!

Mexico Wrap-up...finally!

As most of you already know, we, along with my mom, took a little Mexican vacation in early December. The main purpose of this trip was to witness Jenny and Scott’s wedding. Shortly after the trip was booked, we decided that if we were spending all that money to go down for 1 week, we may as well stay for 2 and relax a little more. We are so glad we did!!

The first week, we were accompanied by 46 others, their friends and family. It was really nice; we had lots of company, and entertainment. It reminded me a lot of our wedding, watching the ‘younger’ folk frolicking around, as we were, back in the day!

We didn’t really do very much outside the resort. We took a day trip to Xhelha. An ecological Park not too far from where we were staying.



I can’t say that it was great. It was very expensive, for what we were able to do. I think if the kids were older, or 'sans enfants', we would have been able to really enjoy it. I do have to mention, my mom had a wonderful time. She went snorkeling with Mel, Dave, Rod, Dave and Virginia and had a blast!






Apart from that, we took a little morning trip to Palya Del Carmen, where I picked up this t-shirt for my brother-in-law:



The second week not only did we have fabulous weather, we still had company of Jen and Scott, Joanne and Dave (Jen’s parents), Kelly and Denis, and Christine and Mike. Let me tell you, if was absolutely wonderful! The girls got LOTS of attention, everyone played with them SO much, it was great! We spent pretty much the whole time relaxing by the pool, except for Maya’s birthday, (which I’ll write in a separate post.) and a half day trip to Playa Del Carmen.




The obvious highlight of the trip was Jen and Scott’s wedding. The weather couldn’t not have been better for the ceremony, it was gorgeous!




Here are the little flower girls, Maya and Natasha:



And a few other shots:






Congratulation Jen and Scott! We are so happy that we were able to be a part of your celebration. It is not often I choose to ‘really’ celebrate, but this occasion both Grant and I did!

A lot of people keep asking how it could have been relaxing with the kids, or saying we should have left the kids at home. So to that I say, Yes it would have been FAR more relaxing without the kids, but the kids are only young once, and though it was sometimes a pain running back and forth to the bathroom with wet bathing suits, spending ½ hour applying sunscreen to squirming kids, or changing poop filled diapers just as everyone is getting into the pool, it was so nice to spend so much quality time with my girls.






All in all a wonderful trip. I’ll have to say thank you to my mom, for watching the girls so that Grant and I could go out to the disco the night of the wedding, and another night to enjoy another nice dinner with friends!

3 and 1 already and 5 in Mexico!!

Well, Natasha celebrated her 3^rd birthday on Nov 22nd. She was super excited and kept saying “It’s MY birthday today!” and you ask her “How old are you Natasha?” she says, full of excitement “Pree!!!!” while trying to hold up 3 fingers. VERY cute!!!

Maya and I made her a cake, and Maya was a BIG help in decorating it. She came up with a design that she thought Tasha would love, and she was right!! Here is it:

Not the prettiest cake, but everyone was fighting over who got to eat the rocket!!!

We didn’t do to much, just had my family over and our friends Teresa, Corey, Sofia and Giorgia…the girls love them all!

JAIDA…my baby. Hard to believe a year has gone by so quickly. Jaida celebrated her 1^st birthday on Nov 25^th. Here is a picture of her in her Birthday Princess hat, courtesy of Anju. Very cute!!!

She really is a princess. She pretty much can get whatever she wants. If Amma or Daddy don’t do it for her, her big sisters usually do, either that or she screams until one of them do. For the most part she is full of smiles and giggles. She’s not quite walking on her own yet, though loves to walk around if you hold her fingers. She is a fast mover, not crawling, but carrying on the Seshadri Lawson tradition of scooching.

Again, a low key birthday with my family along with Jenny and Scott. The cake was a flop this time, but Jaida was too tired and cranky to even try it, so she will never really know! It looked good, but remind not to try a new cake recipe for a special occasion again!!

Maya, the lucky girl will get to celebrate her 5^th birthday in Mexico this year! We are heading this Saturday, for 2 weeks of warmth and sunshine to celebrate Jen and Scott’s wedding!!! I will fill you in on how much relaxation we get with the girls!!!

Happy Birthday Maya! What a lucky 5 year old!!