Well Ava's first trip outside Canada has been a case of "so far, so good". She did great despite a wait of greater than a hour at the US border. The whole trip from Winnipeg to Fargo lasted about 4.5 hours and we did not hear a peep out of her!! What a great baby. On our arrival in Fargo however, things went down hill as she woke up as we were unloading into the hotel room - she woke up and played in her exersaucer. Angel tried putting her down but that proved easier said then done. She did finally fall asleep but woke due to being cold. A complete night sleep was only accomplished after moving her to our bed for warmth.
Angel did get up at 0400 and went shopping with Kim. Things went well and they came back with receipts for a couple of hundred dollars each. Today, Ava was awesome despite the poor night's sleep. Grand-maman and grand-papa arrived this afternoon and spent some time with us before they left for the evening. We're looking forward to spend the weekend with them.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
been away, going away
Sorry to my blog followers for being absent from blogging for the last few days. I have thought about it but never got around to it. I am trying to deal with the dejection going around from my absent posts; I'm sure we will all get over it. It is quite heartwarming to know that my blogs make a difference in the world and the sharing of my experiences are so exhilarating!! To live vicariously through my life is better than not living at all!!!
In all seriousness now, I am finding it difficult to sit down and blog. As I said in my first post, journal ling is not my forte. But here I am typing away at the computer and sharing my thoughts/experiences. It's bizarre to think you are interested in what I write but I do thank you for all the positive comments.
I've "been away" from Ava for 2 days. While I haven't left the city and do come home every night, her schedule is she's waking up after I've left for work and sleeping before I get home. I do not get the chance to see her and, while I originally thought this was not a big deal, this morning I felt like she didn't know me when I got her. I realize this isn't true but it's one of those silly guilt things that run through my head. Our time together today was limited, I did enjoy seeing her and interacting with her - I love her smile and laugh.
Now that "been away" is covered; let's talk about going away. I work tonight and then we're off - off to Fargo. We've had this weekend planned since summer with friends from work. Through the last few weeks, our numbers have fallen to the point where only Russ, Kim, & Katelyn are our only traveling partners. We are sharing a suite with them - hope all goes well as we're not sure how the girls will act when it comes to bed time.
Part of the reason this weekend was selected was for "black Friday". I had never heard of the term before but apparently that's the term for the crazy sales that occur the first day after the US Thanksgiving. Kim is looking forward to going to Kohl's at 4 AM!! Angel is unsure about getting up that early but I'm encouraging her to try it and take it in as an experience!!! I realize after the experience she may say "never again" but I think she will have fun doing it with a great friend like Kim. And who knows, she may come back with some great deals!!!
In all seriousness now, I am finding it difficult to sit down and blog. As I said in my first post, journal ling is not my forte. But here I am typing away at the computer and sharing my thoughts/experiences. It's bizarre to think you are interested in what I write but I do thank you for all the positive comments.
I've "been away" from Ava for 2 days. While I haven't left the city and do come home every night, her schedule is she's waking up after I've left for work and sleeping before I get home. I do not get the chance to see her and, while I originally thought this was not a big deal, this morning I felt like she didn't know me when I got her. I realize this isn't true but it's one of those silly guilt things that run through my head. Our time together today was limited, I did enjoy seeing her and interacting with her - I love her smile and laugh.
Now that "been away" is covered; let's talk about going away. I work tonight and then we're off - off to Fargo. We've had this weekend planned since summer with friends from work. Through the last few weeks, our numbers have fallen to the point where only Russ, Kim, & Katelyn are our only traveling partners. We are sharing a suite with them - hope all goes well as we're not sure how the girls will act when it comes to bed time.
Part of the reason this weekend was selected was for "black Friday". I had never heard of the term before but apparently that's the term for the crazy sales that occur the first day after the US Thanksgiving. Kim is looking forward to going to Kohl's at 4 AM!! Angel is unsure about getting up that early but I'm encouraging her to try it and take it in as an experience!!! I realize after the experience she may say "never again" but I think she will have fun doing it with a great friend like Kim. And who knows, she may come back with some great deals!!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
a good day
Just a short blog.
We had a great day today. Great breakfast (pancakes, eggs, & bacon) to start out the day. Afternoon led us to Grand-maman's and grand-papa's.
We all went to the pool before the Grey Cup game. Alix, Sam, and I brought our masks & snorkles so I could teach them some tricks and how to dive with the equipment. Angel spent all her time in the kiddie pool. I went to join her and Ava at one point to demonstrate how comfortable Ava is with the water. Angel got extremely nervous as Ava was lying on my chest, not being held and having a blast. I even took Ava into the deep pool where she continued to be comfortable - even with water up to her shoulders (can't say Angel was as comfortable).
After the swim, it was Grey Cup watching time. We all had a great time. Grand-maman made great chili and a great dessert. I even won $50 for the first quarter score on a Grey Cup pool ticket - only to find out I wrote Angel's name on the ticket!!! Oh well, to use Angel's line "it's OUR money"!!
We had a great day today. Great breakfast (pancakes, eggs, & bacon) to start out the day. Afternoon led us to Grand-maman's and grand-papa's.
We all went to the pool before the Grey Cup game. Alix, Sam, and I brought our masks & snorkles so I could teach them some tricks and how to dive with the equipment. Angel spent all her time in the kiddie pool. I went to join her and Ava at one point to demonstrate how comfortable Ava is with the water. Angel got extremely nervous as Ava was lying on my chest, not being held and having a blast. I even took Ava into the deep pool where she continued to be comfortable - even with water up to her shoulders (can't say Angel was as comfortable).
After the swim, it was Grey Cup watching time. We all had a great time. Grand-maman made great chili and a great dessert. I even won $50 for the first quarter score on a Grey Cup pool ticket - only to find out I wrote Angel's name on the ticket!!! Oh well, to use Angel's line "it's OUR money"!!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Giving my babe a break
Well, today I took Ava to watch the boys bowl today. Angel said she wanted to do some cleaning while we were gone. At bowling, Ava was amazing. She did not screech once; she simply looked around and let the world know what she was thinking via her babbling. She never fails to impress me.
Our day today was fairly quiet and Angel let me take a nap because the activities of the past couple days was catching up to me. Once back up, I played some Guitar Hero with Alix and Sam. They were having a blast as they are much improved (they had been practicing all morning and early afternoon).
We took advantage of Alix being old enough to babysit his younger sibling and went out for dinner. The original thought was to meet Russ and Kim (as it's Russ's birthday this weekend) but unfortunately they were out of town visiting Kim's family. Another couple we haven't seen in a while was Andre and Aileen. Angel phoned and Aileen was willing but it was contingent on Andre finishing work on time. Unfortunately, Andre phoned and when I heard the siren in the background I knew dinner was a no go. That left Angel and I to go alone. It was great!! We haven't been out together in a while. We went to one of our favorite spots (Promenade Bistro). We were able to get in without reservations - great! Food as always was excellent. We love this place and so far it's still one of those "best kept secret places"....
Tomorrow is my sleep in day (as Angel has offered). Then, it's Grey Cup Sunday at my parents. Go Stamps Go!!! Would have loved to see Stamps vs Esks but it wasn't meant to be (as the Bombers were knocked out). Hopefully we'll make some money as we bought some Grey Cup pool tickets. Then, it's back to work Monday - hopefully a quiet day!!!
Our day today was fairly quiet and Angel let me take a nap because the activities of the past couple days was catching up to me. Once back up, I played some Guitar Hero with Alix and Sam. They were having a blast as they are much improved (they had been practicing all morning and early afternoon).
We took advantage of Alix being old enough to babysit his younger sibling and went out for dinner. The original thought was to meet Russ and Kim (as it's Russ's birthday this weekend) but unfortunately they were out of town visiting Kim's family. Another couple we haven't seen in a while was Andre and Aileen. Angel phoned and Aileen was willing but it was contingent on Andre finishing work on time. Unfortunately, Andre phoned and when I heard the siren in the background I knew dinner was a no go. That left Angel and I to go alone. It was great!! We haven't been out together in a while. We went to one of our favorite spots (Promenade Bistro). We were able to get in without reservations - great! Food as always was excellent. We love this place and so far it's still one of those "best kept secret places"....
Tomorrow is my sleep in day (as Angel has offered). Then, it's Grey Cup Sunday at my parents. Go Stamps Go!!! Would have loved to see Stamps vs Esks but it wasn't meant to be (as the Bombers were knocked out). Hopefully we'll make some money as we bought some Grey Cup pool tickets. Then, it's back to work Monday - hopefully a quiet day!!!
chatty McCathy
After an enjoyable evening with the boys at the Moose game, here I am up early. I took the boys out to the Moose game last night as a surprise because of we've been busy with Ava and it seems the last few times Alix and Sam have come over we really haven't done anything with them. The hockey game was fun; we had great seats, the Moose won, and there was a lot of action; including a night at the fights when a hockey game broke out!!! All said and done, Alix and Sam had a great time, as did I.
Back to being up early, I figure it's the least I can do as I haven't been around all day yesterday. They are long days when I'm away; for both Angel and I (although for different reasons from the same cause). I know Angel finds it long without me - she doesn't have adult company (unless she goes out with Ava), Ava can be draining as she needs a lot of attention, and it's difficult to do anything (including going to the bathroom) when you're alone with Ava. For me when I'm away, I find myself thinking about the girls a lot which makes me miss them. When you miss someone, time seems to not go by.
So here I am, up with chatty McCathy early on a Saturday morning after being out the night before. Ava is extremely chatty (at full volume) and has woken Sam up with her verbal shenanigans. She is entertaining. I love being with her!! While getting up early in the morning to let Angel sleep in is not the easiest thing to do, it is the least I can do for Angel. Plus it gives me time with Ava while getting me in Angel's good book!! ;)
Back to being up early, I figure it's the least I can do as I haven't been around all day yesterday. They are long days when I'm away; for both Angel and I (although for different reasons from the same cause). I know Angel finds it long without me - she doesn't have adult company (unless she goes out with Ava), Ava can be draining as she needs a lot of attention, and it's difficult to do anything (including going to the bathroom) when you're alone with Ava. For me when I'm away, I find myself thinking about the girls a lot which makes me miss them. When you miss someone, time seems to not go by.
So here I am, up with chatty McCathy early on a Saturday morning after being out the night before. Ava is extremely chatty (at full volume) and has woken Sam up with her verbal shenanigans. She is entertaining. I love being with her!! While getting up early in the morning to let Angel sleep in is not the easiest thing to do, it is the least I can do for Angel. Plus it gives me time with Ava while getting me in Angel's good book!! ;)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Starting out
Well, here I am - blogging. My ACP instructor, Sally, would be very impressed (or maybe disappointed) as she tried getting me to journal during my advanced care training and it was a monumental task for me to write a few words. That may be hard to believe as I am more than willing to share my opinion. But I do find writing different (meaning more difficult) and do not like it as much. Angel has been blogging now for a while and my sister has been at it for quite a while. As a way to share my point of view of what's going on in my home; here's my blog.
Having a child is an experience I've experienced before. Alix and Samuel are wonderful sons but for the most part, I was not there while they grew. I am certainly proud of them and while work (and relationship breakdown) kept me out of their home, I am willing to be there for them. So when Angel and I had a little one, I promised myself a different experience. I want to be there!!! Well, I'm there - with a daughter! I promised myself a different experience; I got it with Ava!
I am experiencing things again and they seem different. I'm not sure if it's because it's been so long since I've changed Sam's diapers, if it's because I'm sharing a home with Ava making me more involved, if it's because of my different attitude towards it, or if it's because Angel is here and sharing experiences with me (through her first time eyes). Either way, I am enjoying it greatly. Maybe I'm just getting to be an old softy as my grey hair increases?? Angel's appearance in my life has caused some dramatic changes in me - my relationship with my parents/family has improved, my outlook on life has improved, my internal happiness has improved. In many ways, she makes me a better person.
Don't think Angel is not getting any benefits of this change. Her daughter has a father that is incredibly in love with her and her mother. Being away from them is time that is not always looked forward to (contrary to what Angel may believe some times). Ava seems to have noticed my attention also; this morning she snuggled on my shoulder for about a minute and suddenly sat up, placing her nose on mine while staring into my eyes for about 15 seconds. I don't know what to say other than we were connected. Thanks Angel for such a great gift - a home with girls!!!
Having a child is an experience I've experienced before. Alix and Samuel are wonderful sons but for the most part, I was not there while they grew. I am certainly proud of them and while work (and relationship breakdown) kept me out of their home, I am willing to be there for them. So when Angel and I had a little one, I promised myself a different experience. I want to be there!!! Well, I'm there - with a daughter! I promised myself a different experience; I got it with Ava!
I am experiencing things again and they seem different. I'm not sure if it's because it's been so long since I've changed Sam's diapers, if it's because I'm sharing a home with Ava making me more involved, if it's because of my different attitude towards it, or if it's because Angel is here and sharing experiences with me (through her first time eyes). Either way, I am enjoying it greatly. Maybe I'm just getting to be an old softy as my grey hair increases?? Angel's appearance in my life has caused some dramatic changes in me - my relationship with my parents/family has improved, my outlook on life has improved, my internal happiness has improved. In many ways, she makes me a better person.
Don't think Angel is not getting any benefits of this change. Her daughter has a father that is incredibly in love with her and her mother. Being away from them is time that is not always looked forward to (contrary to what Angel may believe some times). Ava seems to have noticed my attention also; this morning she snuggled on my shoulder for about a minute and suddenly sat up, placing her nose on mine while staring into my eyes for about 15 seconds. I don't know what to say other than we were connected. Thanks Angel for such a great gift - a home with girls!!!
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