My how time flies!! Things have been very busy here on Bertrand. As you know, my Angel has gone back to work. Good news it's in Winnipeg and not Portage la Prairie anymore = shorter commutes. This change in our lives has necessitated us trusting Ava's care with a sitter.
As luck would have it, the sitter that responded to Angel's requests is someone known to our family (not closely but Joelle is good friends with her sister). Anyway, these adjustments have led to heartbreak for both my girls. Man, Ava sure knows how to play her mom (don't get me wrong, she plays me but in a different fashion). Ava has made it difficult for Angel to drop her off. There is a lot of crying, some breath holding, and don't forget the clutching & grabbing.
With my schedule, the goal is Ava will still go to the sitter but on my days off it will be for a shorter time. As we are paying for a full time spot and we believe it's important to set up a routine for her, this should work.
I do miss my little girl. The 4 day shifts away are difficult. My new schedule has me really looking forward to seeing her and her mother when I get home. I love the fact she is eager to see me and all smiles when I arrive. She comes to me and gives me a great big kiss. Then Ava does the same ;) LOL
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
crazy times
Well, to say I've had changes in the past few weeks is an understatement. My changed routine is due to several reasons - home, work, and more.
At home, big changes!! Ava's first birthday is coming in a couple of weeks. Hard to believe our bundle of joy arrived a year ago; in some ways it seems so long ago, in other ways it just seems like yesterday. Due to my work schedule and Easter, we're having her party this weekend. We're looking forward to having friends over and especially Katelyn McKenzie (Russ & Kim's daughter) and Courtney Leach (Bryan & Denise's daughter). The three girls don't get an opportunity to play together (hopefully that will change as the better weather makes getting out easier).
Work as you all know is causing a lot of changes; particularly my schedule. I had just changed my schedule to match my new platoon and then get switch to a new role (training) and new platoon that is directly opposite to what I first was assigned. In addition, it is a straight day rotation (still 4 days on, 4 days off) meaning I am away for 4 days in a row. On these days, I only see Ava for about an hour before her bed time. It also means Angel is alone for all day and exhausted when I get home.
Angel is feeling the stress of all these changes and has been a trooper. In addition to the mess I bring to our relationship, she is starting to stress about returning to work full time in three weeks. While it means she's away, I am looking forward to her return to work as I feel she is missing the adult social interaction available at a workplace. I realize it will be hard for her to leave Ava so much, but the bonus is I am going to be home with her as much as possible on my days off instead of always sending her to the sitter. This makes Angel a little more at ease.
On a totally unrelated topic, there was a fire on our street last night. We were watching Amazing Race when sirens could be heard. I really didn't pay attention and neither did Angel at first but after hearing more and more of them, Angel went to look. Angel reported a large amount of emergency vehicles just down from our house. I went up to look and just as we were discussing the situation (I thought it was already over as the ambulance seemed to try to be leaving), a large ball of fire exploded into the night sky from a house down the street. I told Angel to give me the camera and I was out the door. I took some pictures and spoke with the crews I knew. 40 minutes later I returned home. Here are some pictures:
And after all this, I still don't know who got eliminated from Amazing Race!!!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
changes
Well, I have already been transferred to a new position - training inspector. I will be riding with Advanced Life Support Paramedic students to mentor them and evaluate their abilities. This means for the next little while I no longer work nights!!! Unfortunately, this means I will not see Ava for 4 days in a row.
Man, is she changing! She is really let us see her personality. Today, I made a comment about her having a suther despite the fact she was not getting a diaper changed or going to sleep (the only times Angel and I give her a suther). While I was talking, Ava gave a load "Hey!" - obviously she disagreed with my assessment of the situation...LOL. We are at Grand-maman's and Grand-papa's. Ava is having a blast. Right now she is laughing so much she is snorting as she's jumping on the sofa with her cousin. What trouble makers!!
Speaking of troublemaker, we've had to buy a pen for Ava. It really is one of those dog pens designed for children. Angel and I have no intention of using it as it was intended - we do not want to have our child in a pen. Instead, we are using it as an indoor fence to keep her away from the stairs and the tiled floor in the basement. As I commented in an earlier post, she can really motor and she is exhausting Angel and I. This way, the fence keeps her in the recroom and safe without us having to chase her. In order to accomodate everyone, we needed to build a "bridge" for Earl to get across the fence. He needs to jump onto a Rubbermaid bin, over the fence, and onto the leather chair (and vice versa) to get across. Angel and I had to encourage him a little but he seems to have gotten the idea. This way, we can keep his water bowl and food outside the fenced area so Ava doesn't end up playing or eating from them.
I love being with my girls. I will miss them 4 days at a time but the beauty is my first day off is truly a day off as I won't have to sleep part of it due to working nights. Looking forward to being with my girls - camping up!!
Man, is she changing! She is really let us see her personality. Today, I made a comment about her having a suther despite the fact she was not getting a diaper changed or going to sleep (the only times Angel and I give her a suther). While I was talking, Ava gave a load "Hey!" - obviously she disagreed with my assessment of the situation...LOL. We are at Grand-maman's and Grand-papa's. Ava is having a blast. Right now she is laughing so much she is snorting as she's jumping on the sofa with her cousin. What trouble makers!!
Speaking of troublemaker, we've had to buy a pen for Ava. It really is one of those dog pens designed for children. Angel and I have no intention of using it as it was intended - we do not want to have our child in a pen. Instead, we are using it as an indoor fence to keep her away from the stairs and the tiled floor in the basement. As I commented in an earlier post, she can really motor and she is exhausting Angel and I. This way, the fence keeps her in the recroom and safe without us having to chase her. In order to accomodate everyone, we needed to build a "bridge" for Earl to get across the fence. He needs to jump onto a Rubbermaid bin, over the fence, and onto the leather chair (and vice versa) to get across. Angel and I had to encourage him a little but he seems to have gotten the idea. This way, we can keep his water bowl and food outside the fenced area so Ava doesn't end up playing or eating from them.
I love being with my girls. I will miss them 4 days at a time but the beauty is my first day off is truly a day off as I won't have to sleep part of it due to working nights. Looking forward to being with my girls - camping up!!
Thursday, March 5, 2009
been a long time
I haven't been here to blog in a while. To be honest, I am not the best at writing and I have never had a journal so I'm not in the habit of writing daily (or every couple of days).
I have been busy with training for my new position. That has left little time at home. I enjoy being home. I'm not sure Angel is convinced of that all the time but I am. Unfortunately, I am tired and not the most interactive all the time. I know that's robbing time for me with Ava and Angel. I am looking forward to my schedule becoming more regular (as regular as a Paramedic schedule can be).
Ava is demonstrating her character. She's mischievous (likes pulling down the CD's from their shelf); funny (likes looking at you and giving a smile or laughing when we play with her); opinionated (tells us what she likes decisively - like spitting out food when it's barely in her mouth); smart (figured out how to get by our blockade to climb where she shouldn't); sociable (loves interacting with her family - Opa, grandmaman, grandpapa, brothers, aunts, uncles, & cousins); and sensitive (cries when we tell her no). She is developing into a wonderful girl. I am so proud of her!
I have been busy with training for my new position. That has left little time at home. I enjoy being home. I'm not sure Angel is convinced of that all the time but I am. Unfortunately, I am tired and not the most interactive all the time. I know that's robbing time for me with Ava and Angel. I am looking forward to my schedule becoming more regular (as regular as a Paramedic schedule can be).
Ava is demonstrating her character. She's mischievous (likes pulling down the CD's from their shelf); funny (likes looking at you and giving a smile or laughing when we play with her); opinionated (tells us what she likes decisively - like spitting out food when it's barely in her mouth); smart (figured out how to get by our blockade to climb where she shouldn't); sociable (loves interacting with her family - Opa, grandmaman, grandpapa, brothers, aunts, uncles, & cousins); and sensitive (cries when we tell her no). She is developing into a wonderful girl. I am so proud of her!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
loving my girls even more
I haven't written lately because I've been busy. As Angel mentioned in her blog, I got a promotion. It was a difficult process. I am very happy to be promoted but it came with 2 bittersweet moments - our great friend Russ did not get promoted and I have to move to another platoon.
How does this make me busy? Well, I've changed schedule so everything is a little messed up right now. I also have to take some additional training which leads to hectic weeks. All this upheaval leads to cherishing my time with my girls even more. I love being home with my girls.
The time at home becomes more special every day. Ava is doing so many new things - crawling, placing balls in play tubes, standing, walking, looking at books, and other tricks that make Angel and my jaws hit the floor!! What a wonderful kid!
How does this make me busy? Well, I've changed schedule so everything is a little messed up right now. I also have to take some additional training which leads to hectic weeks. All this upheaval leads to cherishing my time with my girls even more. I love being home with my girls.
The time at home becomes more special every day. Ava is doing so many new things - crawling, placing balls in play tubes, standing, walking, looking at books, and other tricks that make Angel and my jaws hit the floor!! What a wonderful kid!
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Monday, February 9, 2009
new successes
As usual, it's been a while since I wrote anything. It's not like nothing has been going on - maybe that's why I don't have time to blog (or check email as much as I used to).
As the followers of Angel's blog know, I have been going through an application process for term positions as either a training officer or as a field supervisor. The process has been long (the training officer posting closed in mid-December). Approximately 30 candidates wrote an exam that focused on supervisory roles in disasters and planning involved. From this exam, a group of 7 candidates were interviewed for 4 positions (2 training, 2 supervisor). I was fortunate enough to be one of the seven. My great friend Russ was also one of the interviewees. After the interview, both of us felt positive and expected both of us to be promoted. This morning, I received the phone call I was waiting for - I have been promoted as a supervisor. I am excited, apprehensive, and thinking about the changes this brings about. Unfortunately, it is also bitter sweet as Russ was not successful.
The most important change in our life is Ava's new accomplishment - she's crawling!!! And man, can she motor already!! One minute she's here, the next she's there. It requires some extra attention. She likes crawling to us and/or her musical playground so she can stand. I think she actually prefers to stand and sometimes does it without holding on!! What a little daredevil. I'm sure she's going to be walking pretty soon as it is clearly her preference.
As the followers of Angel's blog know, I have been going through an application process for term positions as either a training officer or as a field supervisor. The process has been long (the training officer posting closed in mid-December). Approximately 30 candidates wrote an exam that focused on supervisory roles in disasters and planning involved. From this exam, a group of 7 candidates were interviewed for 4 positions (2 training, 2 supervisor). I was fortunate enough to be one of the seven. My great friend Russ was also one of the interviewees. After the interview, both of us felt positive and expected both of us to be promoted. This morning, I received the phone call I was waiting for - I have been promoted as a supervisor. I am excited, apprehensive, and thinking about the changes this brings about. Unfortunately, it is also bitter sweet as Russ was not successful.
The most important change in our life is Ava's new accomplishment - she's crawling!!! And man, can she motor already!! One minute she's here, the next she's there. It requires some extra attention. She likes crawling to us and/or her musical playground so she can stand. I think she actually prefers to stand and sometimes does it without holding on!! What a little daredevil. I'm sure she's going to be walking pretty soon as it is clearly her preference.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
What a great husband!!!
Yes, I'm talking about me. I read Angel's blog and couldn't resist - I had to post a comment about the wonderful husband she has (anonymously of course). Unfortunately, it did not take long for Angel to see through my ruse but it was fun while it lasted.
So here I am, started my day off as a normal work day but it didn't turn out that way. I got up at 0530 to shower and get ready as usual. After a bowl of cereal and letting Earl out for his morning constitutional, I headed for work without saying goodbye as it sounded very quiet upstairs and I didn't want to risk waking our ill little one. Once at work, I spoke to Angel briefly as she called just as I was arriving at my first call. Everything seemed fine and we said our good mornings and promised to speak to each other later in the day.
Little did I realize later in the day meant an hour later!! When leaving the hospital, I noticed Angel tried calling me twice. I returned her call to hear a voice sounding like it was coming from a death bed - "I caught Ava's flu; can you come home??" Leaving work isn't something I like doing as it creates a shortage and my work ethic guilts me when I leave. However, a call to my supervisor and off I went home to care for Ava as Angel couldn't. So here I am, at home with 2 sick girls, caring for the one who can't care for herself.
We've been able to leave Angel sleep most of the day. Ava is getting better - her bum doesn't look as red as a baboon's anymore. She seems more accepting of solid food and the diarrhea frequency is diminishing. But I have decided it's a day of laziness - Ava's still in her PJ's at 2PM. Hopefully everyone is feeling well enough for me to have a "regular" work day. We'll see what the night and morning bring...
So here I am, started my day off as a normal work day but it didn't turn out that way. I got up at 0530 to shower and get ready as usual. After a bowl of cereal and letting Earl out for his morning constitutional, I headed for work without saying goodbye as it sounded very quiet upstairs and I didn't want to risk waking our ill little one. Once at work, I spoke to Angel briefly as she called just as I was arriving at my first call. Everything seemed fine and we said our good mornings and promised to speak to each other later in the day.
Little did I realize later in the day meant an hour later!! When leaving the hospital, I noticed Angel tried calling me twice. I returned her call to hear a voice sounding like it was coming from a death bed - "I caught Ava's flu; can you come home??" Leaving work isn't something I like doing as it creates a shortage and my work ethic guilts me when I leave. However, a call to my supervisor and off I went home to care for Ava as Angel couldn't. So here I am, at home with 2 sick girls, caring for the one who can't care for herself.
We've been able to leave Angel sleep most of the day. Ava is getting better - her bum doesn't look as red as a baboon's anymore. She seems more accepting of solid food and the diarrhea frequency is diminishing. But I have decided it's a day of laziness - Ava's still in her PJ's at 2PM. Hopefully everyone is feeling well enough for me to have a "regular" work day. We'll see what the night and morning bring...
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Haven't been here in a while
I haven't blogged in a while - I've been busy. Getting back to work has really limited my time (big shock) to do the things I love. Number one on the list is being with my girls. Angel points out that I do like going out and doing other things but that is to diversify and make me a more rounded person for my girls. ;)
Anyway, unfortunately it seems we are going through Ava's first illness. While she seems to be acting normal; her eating habits have changed, she's had diarrhea for a couple of days now (leading to a flaming red butt), and we discovered this morning she vomited a couple of times during the night. Luckily, she is not throwing much of a temperature and is acting happily most of the time. She is quite the little trooper!!
Meanwhile, I have been back to work. It's been nice to get back to work and breakout of the cabin fever Angel and Ava unfortunately have to endure during this winter. I am looking forward to a very busy February (I am taking a lot of courses on my days off). Also, I have applied for a supervisor/training officer position within our department. Step one has been completed with an amazingly difficult written exam (with not enough time to complete the entire exam). Speaking with others, it seems my experience with the exam was the same as everyone else. I should hear if I'm successful to the interview stage later this week.
Anyway, unfortunately it seems we are going through Ava's first illness. While she seems to be acting normal; her eating habits have changed, she's had diarrhea for a couple of days now (leading to a flaming red butt), and we discovered this morning she vomited a couple of times during the night. Luckily, she is not throwing much of a temperature and is acting happily most of the time. She is quite the little trooper!!
Meanwhile, I have been back to work. It's been nice to get back to work and breakout of the cabin fever Angel and Ava unfortunately have to endure during this winter. I am looking forward to a very busy February (I am taking a lot of courses on my days off). Also, I have applied for a supervisor/training officer position within our department. Step one has been completed with an amazingly difficult written exam (with not enough time to complete the entire exam). Speaking with others, it seems my experience with the exam was the same as everyone else. I should hear if I'm successful to the interview stage later this week.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
back to the grind
I couldn't use the title "missing my girls" again but it is really what I'm feeling. I'm back at work and wish I was still with my girls. I missed spending the day with Ava and letting Angel sleep in. I miss having Ava sing to me all day. Watching her do stuff made the days fly by. Man, I miss that!!!
I did get a great gift after my first day back to work - Ava was still up!! Excellent, got to play with her a bit and we watched a little bit of 24 together (there was no violence during that time)... Then, it was off to bed for her and I continued with my addiction (24). When I came to bed, Ava was up (I got accused of being too noisy by someone who shall remain nameless). So off I go to see what's up and calm Ava down so she can go to back to sleep.
Unfortunately, I got a late call on my second day and didn't get home until almost 8:30 PM (well past Ava's bed time). Spent a short half hour with Angel before my addiction came back on to complete the season opener. This morning, I committed to doing segments with Breakfast TV so I was up and out of the house before Ava was up. When I got home, the girls were gone with Tante Joelle and cousin Jacques to get their hair cut. I'm going to sleep right away so I can be up and spend the rest of the day with them when they're back.
I did get a great gift after my first day back to work - Ava was still up!! Excellent, got to play with her a bit and we watched a little bit of 24 together (there was no violence during that time)... Then, it was off to bed for her and I continued with my addiction (24). When I came to bed, Ava was up (I got accused of being too noisy by someone who shall remain nameless). So off I go to see what's up and calm Ava down so she can go to back to sleep.
Unfortunately, I got a late call on my second day and didn't get home until almost 8:30 PM (well past Ava's bed time). Spent a short half hour with Angel before my addiction came back on to complete the season opener. This morning, I committed to doing segments with Breakfast TV so I was up and out of the house before Ava was up. When I got home, the girls were gone with Tante Joelle and cousin Jacques to get their hair cut. I'm going to sleep right away so I can be up and spend the rest of the day with them when they're back.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
up in the morning again
As I type, I am being told a story by our little one. Obviously, it must be a story about her eventful night with maman. Apparently, the two were up for an hour last night (early this morning). I say "apparently" not because I doubt Angel but I have a great amount of the "dad gene" and can sleep through almost anything - I didn't hear a thing!!
So here we are, watching Sportsdesk and chatting. Yes, Ava watches Sportsdesk; my daughter will a sports fan and watch sports with her papa and grand-papa. She's already missed the World Juniors Gold medal game due to an early bedtime but that will improve in the future. Right now, we only have 2 Blue Bomber season tickets, we'll have to get 3 soon (maybe 4 if Alix moves back with us). Moose games will be a regular occurrence. The occasional walk to the Goldeyes will also occur. Ava won't only watch, we'll have her playing sports also - can't be sedentary, must be active for a healthy life style.
Being up in the morning makes for nice plans but who knows what the future will bring. Right now I have a healthy daughter watching Sportsdesk with me. What more can a dad ask for?
So here we are, watching Sportsdesk and chatting. Yes, Ava watches Sportsdesk; my daughter will a sports fan and watch sports with her papa and grand-papa. She's already missed the World Juniors Gold medal game due to an early bedtime but that will improve in the future. Right now, we only have 2 Blue Bomber season tickets, we'll have to get 3 soon (maybe 4 if Alix moves back with us). Moose games will be a regular occurrence. The occasional walk to the Goldeyes will also occur. Ava won't only watch, we'll have her playing sports also - can't be sedentary, must be active for a healthy life style.
Being up in the morning makes for nice plans but who knows what the future will bring. Right now I have a healthy daughter watching Sportsdesk with me. What more can a dad ask for?
Monday, January 5, 2009
since last year
Angel mentioned last night I hadn't blogged in a while. Well, I've been busy. Yes I'm on vacation, but spending time with my girls is time consuming (in a good way). To be honest, I totally lost track of time and hadn't realized it had been so long.
What has been going on since last year? Well, time has gone quickly as we're spending time together and with family. New Year's Eve was very low keyed as friends of ours scheduled to come cancelled due to illness, and Angel & I didn't want to go to another friend's party as we didn't want to pack Ava up in the cold and have to live with a little, tired bear at the family party on New Year's Day. So, Angel and I stayed home; put Ava to bed and aimlessly watched TV. The only disappointing part of the evening was we were unable to find a countdown to midnight program that was for our time zone!!!
New Year's day was a day spent with family at my parents. We had a great day. Ava was fantastic and showing off her smile to everyone. Since then, we've been mostly cooped up due to the cold - where is the global warming???? Angel and I have taken turns sleeping in. I have really enjoyed being home with my girls. I didn't achieve any of the home reno work I had hoped to do but I still feel this time off was a success. I will be hard to return to work in 6 days!!!
What has been going on since last year? Well, time has gone quickly as we're spending time together and with family. New Year's Eve was very low keyed as friends of ours scheduled to come cancelled due to illness, and Angel & I didn't want to go to another friend's party as we didn't want to pack Ava up in the cold and have to live with a little, tired bear at the family party on New Year's Day. So, Angel and I stayed home; put Ava to bed and aimlessly watched TV. The only disappointing part of the evening was we were unable to find a countdown to midnight program that was for our time zone!!!
New Year's day was a day spent with family at my parents. We had a great day. Ava was fantastic and showing off her smile to everyone. Since then, we've been mostly cooped up due to the cold - where is the global warming???? Angel and I have taken turns sleeping in. I have really enjoyed being home with my girls. I didn't achieve any of the home reno work I had hoped to do but I still feel this time off was a success. I will be hard to return to work in 6 days!!!
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