And the race is on!

The race tonight was awesome in a word. It was so great to be racing again - totally pumps you up and fills you with adrenaline like nothing else, and this only for a 5km event. Isabelle was dressed to kill in her "maillot jaune", courtesy of Lance Armstrong and the Discovery team, (well her father, really), and her black yoga pants....No need whatsoever to be concerned about her in a crowd of 7000 runners, she was totally in her element. Yelled and clapped her hands the whole way. Her parents on the other hand spent the first 1.5 km's swearing at just about everyone in our path. If you are GOING TO WALK the entire thing, or you run at a really slow pace, THEN PLEASE DO NOT position yourself at the front of the pack, you only serve to get in everyone else's way. AGH! We eventually swerved around about a thousand people and made it into the clear. The first km took us 6.5 minutes though and so we were well off our pace. Put the petal to the metal and made it in just over 26 minutes. Ah well, it was SO MUCH FUN in any case, and it was so great to see her loving every minute of it. Gilles was so happy to be out and about among runners and everyone was pumped to see a little one making noises at them the entire way. She got many laughs. We got our photo taken by the professional photogs at the end, so will have actual race photos to post at a later date. Ended up placing at about the 900th mark overall, I was 23rd in my age category and Gilles about 40th. I think it should say "and with stroller" at the end of the caption!


We then scrambled home to watch the 10km racers as they take the road at the end of our street, and our house couldn't be in a better location - Isabelle had a nice little nap en route! Saw lots of friends and she spent her time clapping at them all, something like 8000 in this race alone. Craziness. She seems to thrive on crowds, and loved to see everyone clapping - one of her new tricks performed by thousands of people watching. I imagine she thought it was wild. Our friend Randy was leading a blind racer and got so caught up in our shouts of encouragement that he led him directly into the guy running in front of them. Oops!

We stopped by Ron and Menna's first and got our big basket of chocolate - treats to be had by all after a hard race. Look forward to digging in this evening!

And the weeks continue to fly by.........

Well, the christening is finally set. September 2nd at St. John's Church in Ottawa. Would be happy to have anyone who can come, join in the celebration, but understand that due to the location, might be a bit difficult for one and all! I really wanted to have it before she turns one, but now understand from the Priest that they actually have older children baptized all the time - she says one is three and one is eight at this weeks celebration. It was one of two possible dates, June 24th or the 2nd of September. Mom and Meredith were planning a trip to Montreal for back to school shopping already so I thought it would be great if at least one Godparent could be there. It also gives everyone more notice if they want to attend.

Isabelle's latest trick is "peekaboo". I cover her face with her shirt, or bib, or whatever we have available, and she has started copying the game, which she finds hilarious. Only problem is that she covers her face and whips the article down so quickly that you hardly have time to say "peekaboo" before the shirt or said article is back up again. I guess it will take some time before she really gets the idea. The best is when she has a sundress on, and thinking nothing of propriety, UP it comes, bloomers to show one and all.

Visited with a friend from work today downtown and Isabelle was her usual charming self. Problem as I see it, is that babies show no discrimination whatsoever (not with my friend, read on). Meaning that there are some undesirable types in the downtown corp, in fact, individuals I would rather not have SO near my child, and yet she is just as charmed by them as she would be with the Queen of England. Tries to grab hands and smiles, chuckles for them.....Perhaps that's the greatest thing about babies, and I am just being an overprotective Mother! It was nice to visit properly away from the office. Get the latest and greatest from someone I trust and miss.

The hot weather is here and she is dealing well with it, her mother on the other hand, not so much. Ugh. For some inane reason, I decided to take her for a run yesterday in the 31+ degree weather. Gilles and I have both gone before and shared the Chariot duty, but I had yet to do it on my own. This was NOT the day to start. I tried a simple 6km route and I swear, half way through I was leaning heavily on the handlebars of the Chariot trying to make it to the end. I have a new appreciation for all the parents I see out doing their daily workouts like this. In her case, put 20 pounds in a great, light stroller and you have to make quite the effort on top of the effort you already make to complete your own run. Add to this the fact that you don't have any motivational ipod tunes on - listening for baby noises, and it makes the job quite heady at best. In any case, she slumbered and Mom worked out and we were both happy at the end of the day. We wheeled over to Dow's Lake afterwards to feed the ducks and she kept sleeping; unfortunately missed Mother Goose and her new goslings. So cute! Thus far, either the ducks take a day away from the Lake or Isabelle sleeps on - she has yet to make their acquaintance.

It's funny that you don't really give credit to babies for being as smart as they are. Take the night time ritual for sleeping - she feeds and then reclines on her side with a binky while I soothe her to sleep. If she's not really in the mood, it takes a little longer and I have to employ some sneaky tactics. Like I pretend that I have gone to sleep and see if she'll take the bait. Tonight I saw her using the same tactic on me. Her eyes were closed but she kept peering out of one, just to see if I had maybe woken up and was now ready to play. She kills me. Of course, I outlasted her at the game and she finally went, but it really amazes me how astute they are and how fast they catch on.

Speaking of smart, Isabelle's Grandmaman called this week and left a message which we played on the speakerphone. Isabelle listened quite closely and loved to hear her name being spoken. We decided it was that she knew exactly who had called for her!

Off to sleep - the races start tomorrow for the National Capitol Marathon weekend and we're all running the 5km together. Last year Isabelle was in utero and this year she joins us in the flesh. We did it in 28min last year, including my bathroom break part way through (thank God for port-a-pottis!) and this year her Dad is aiming for 25min. I don't know about that - not because we can't run that fast, I think we could do much better, BUT, you try to get that stroller around thousands of people running the same race. The bathroom stop was probably much faster in the grand scheme of things. We'll let you know how it goes. Just really happy that Gilles is getting back into the swing of things. Makes him a happy boy.

This is a picture of Isabelle in the family room at the Rideau Centre. She was much more into swinging herself on the rockers than being breastfed. Who would have believed that a couple of months ago!

"Good bye Yellow Brick Road..."

Sorry for the delay in posting over the long weekend, but we are dealing with a serious lack of sleep around here. Seems I jumped the gun on Isabelle dealing SO well with the teething. The child does not sleep well at all anymore! Waking constantly and sometimes, fairly fussy when she wakes. Takes awhile to get her back down to sleep, and when she goes, she's sleeping really lightly. We have managed to find a transition crib that will fit in our room. Ordered from the States and should be here within a couple of weeks. Her Dad and I are quite looking forward to having our whole bed back, and think that perhaps being able to still see us in the same room will do the trick. Thus far, the whopping one hour mark is the longest that she has lasted in her very own room in her big crib. I know, I know, this is ridiculous, but I swear, when you're totally sleep deprived, the only thing you want is that they fall asleep and let you do the same. Plus, her Mom loves to be able to take a big whiff of baby before she drops off herself.

We had a very good long weekend - busy times. We started off early with Rhiannon's charity event at TJ Pagoda's on Thursday night. Isabelle didn't seem at all fazed by the loud music and DJ, and was suitably charmed by all the attention she received. She's started grabbing faces and I was afraid that Auntie Menna was going to end up with her red lipstick smeared from one end of her face to the other. She also may cost us in repairing glasses since she seems to love taking a whack at silmultaneously grabbing and throwing them from whichever face presents them to her. We may have to start off with Dad's since they have taken quite the beating lately. We bid on a couple of things at the silent auction, and wouldn't you know it, ended up winning the big basket of Cadbury's chocolate. My promise to slow down with the sweets may have to be on hold, all in the name of charity, of course :)

Friday Isabelle and I visited Justice for a catch up session with all my work colleagues. She was a bit overwhelmed by the sheer number of people staring at her to begin with, but then her own personality took over and she screamed and carried on in her usual fashion. Was great to see everyone - and they let me leave at the end of our visit, which makes me feel silly for being so "anxiety case" about the whole thing. One of my favourite people is retiring though, and I will miss her when I get back. Things have to change over the course of a year, I know, but in this instance it stinks.

The weekend was nice and sunny. We went shopping for Auntie Meg's birthday gift (which I have decided I would very much like myself) - because we have to get it off in time. I always procrastinate even when I have the gift and then end up spending much more than necessary on Priority Post. Seems a bit silly when one member of the household is AT Canada Post each and every day......We also got Isabelle her front carrier for my bike. Now we start the search for a helmet small enough for her little noggin'. I have no idea since the bike shops do not seem to carry them, and her little bean is still quite small, even if her tummy is not!

Logan came over for a play date on Monday and Isabelle was not at all concerned that he was crawling circles around her. She had her "come hither" look on and was quite happy to busy herself with toys instead. That kid is going to walk, and early. I'm betting on the 10th month mark; he's already using objects to lift himself up into a standing position, and all at 8 months. Eegads, he's going to be a handfull to watch after. They had a great time in the ball pit; after some disastrous efforts on my part to make her like it, she has decided herself that she does, a lot, and loves to sit and play around with them.

Isabelle is not one for the tv, and the box set of all the Baby Einstein's her Gran bought her are sitting and waiting for the day she does. She has, however, decided that she loves "Dancing with the Stars". Not sure is it's because the colours are so vibrant on HD, or that she loves the music, but she's game anytime it comes on. She does, however, want everyone to know that she was putting on costumes and dancing in the Jolly Jumper long before the season started!

So, I have started what I swore I'd never do (as if!), and that's the deception angle of parenting. Contrary to the picture I have posted, Isabelle has decided she DOES love peas, especially when her Mom melts cheese on top of them. That's all it took and the whole meal went down in record time. I'll have to remember that for when the cauliflower is introduced, and perhaps the broccoli too!

Note to all new Mom's, or Mom's to be. Oxi Clean and colour safe bleach are both your very best friends. I have discovered that a combination of the two make almost any stain go away. Praise be. I thought a few of my very favourite Isabelle sleepers were ruined for good last week.

Isabelle's new trick of the week is of the contortionist variety. She has always used both her hands and her feet to do the same things. She claps her hands, she claps her feet, she grabs things with hands and with the feet, and now that she has decided that handling faces is fun, she also uses her feet to do the same. Just NOT so gentle when she decides to really have at you and I am surprised that my nose has not been broken several times. Not that I am a bit dense and actually wait for this to happen, but she contorts around on the play area before you know it and if your eyes are closed waiting for the next hand onslaught, you get a bit of a surprise when it's a foot that crashes down on your face. Your only recourse it to keep your eyes open and chance that a finger might take one out. Ahh, the perils of parenting.

Isabelle takes the cheese!

In order to really celebrate the 8th month mark, Isabelle tried her first bit of cheese today. The big piece her Mom tried to give her a week ago doesn't count since there was really no way she could possibly ingest that one. I don't know what I was thinking? Anyway, after much research I found that the grated cheese was the best way to get her to try it, and Colby was the flavour du jour for today's lunch. Hilarious. She always makes the same face when you give her anything to eat, until she knows and recognizes the taste. She has, I guess, never really forgiven me for slipping her the peas and carrots she so dislikes when she is in the middle of something nice like her avocadoes.

The cheese ends up all over the table and the floor, because really what point do little baby plates serve?












Why not eat it right off the table, this hand thing is overrated anyway!










This doesn't look like peas or carrots, but give me a minute to figure it all out....










Ahh, I have decided I like I like this new taste! Bring on the cheese!

8 Months and counting.......

Today is the 8th month mark, and I am already having panic attacks at the thought of having to go back to work and leave her in the hands of daycare professionals. To say that I never saw this coming would be an understatement. When this journey began, I thought I might last a few months on maternity leave before I lost my mind and wanted to return to the working world. HA HA. If I were independently wealthy, I would never want more than to be able to stay at home with her until she, at least, reaches the stage at which she HAS to go to school....and I have to let her go. I have even put off visiting my friends at work, thinking that once I step foot in the doors, they will refuse to let me leave? Ah, the mind is a horrid thing. She is doing wonderfully, hitting all the milestones and continuing to progress rapidly, but I can't get past the idea that another three and a half months is NOT long enough before she is out of my hands and I am reduced to spending a few paltry hours a day with her. I keep hoping that something will happen that will change this feeling.

We've had a good week so far, but the weather has been horrid, so we're spending much more time inside than we like to. She's had a couple of not so good nights, waking up every two hours, but then has taken two, two and a half hour naps to make up for it. Problem for her Mom is that she is WELL caffeinated at this point and unable to join Sleeping Beauty; added to that is the fact that she doesn't really tell me beforehand that she's going to be out for awhile. Meg and I have talked a lot about the fact that you get used to a certain amount of sleep and then when they suddenly digress, you're a wreck, whereas you weren't really that tired when they didn't sleep at all through the nights for the first few months. I remember when she thought day was night and vice versa. I got very little sleep and wasn't a total zombie. Now, you give me a couple of those nights and I have trouble remembering my name.

The good news is that I have, however tried to catch up on other things in the meanwhile, such as scheduling her Christening. If you sent a gift and didn't receive a thank you, it's because we haven't opened anything yet, and are waiting for the actual day - which hopefully, will now be soon!

Happy Mother's Day weekend

Happy Mother's Day to all the Mom's out there, and the Mom's to be. I think in utero totally counts! I mean your every thought and act are pre-occuppied with seeing the little one come in to the world safe and sound. No drinking, and eating well - staying active and fit....all in aid of making the little one the healthiest they can possibly be. Bring on the salutations to you as well as those that have the children.

A lot of the Mommy's blogs are rife with the idea that the Dad's should be buying them gifts, as well as the kids. Don't know if I necessarily agree with this concept, but I could be magnanimous about the issue because I got a gift from both Gilles and Isabelle!? I mean they all have their own Mom's to buy for, and if your children are young, than they are really in charge of buying you the gift anyway. In any case, I was totally spoiled this Mom's day and received a "cruiser" bike from Gilles and a pair of croc's and a picture book from Isabelle. The picture book is actually of Isabelle and entitled "Hats off to Mom". A company online does them and it's the most incredible thing. Gilles picked all the photos and captions and they print them all into a book format for you - a forever keepsake that features Isabelle in all her many "hatted" glory since she was born. I can't wait to show it off.

We had a great day - a nice sleep in while Dad took Isabelle for a nice walk in the tulips, and breakfast in bed for Mom upon their return. Then, off to brunch with Renee, Shawn, Logan and Shelly (at the restaurant we got married at - received gratis mimosas from the Manager!), a walk through the market, and then Gilles took Isabelle for a run in the chariot while I tooled around beside them on my new bike. Also got a bike helmet - a Louis Garneau - model called the "diva", in pink. Bring it on! I can't wait until we can get her a front carrier and then I can purchase some streamers for the handlebars - all under the guise of them being for Isabelle's enjoyment. My favourite part of the bike is the bell. Here I come down the canal, ding, ding, ding......

So, on to the cheese since I have to say that having a little one around this year is definitely present enough. She makes me laugh and I enjoy life so much more than I ever thought possible since she came around. Everything is new and exciting when you see it through her eyes and I delight in all of the new sounds and experiences she is having. In later years when she's totally stressing me out, which I am told will happen, I may actually want something in return for Mom's day(!), but this year, I have to say that she is all the gift I could ever have wanted. To that end, also want to thank the Mom's in my life - Grandma B and Marshall who were both always present in my life, my Mom-in-law who has always been great to me, and my own Mom who is the best ever.

Let's see; back to the weekend now that the cheese portion is over! Isabelle was fascinated with peek-a-boo, and sprouted her second tooth. We also got to visit with Alli Howell and Sean on Saturday and had a great time showing Isabelle all of the tulip beds. Got some great photos. Watched the new TV and LOVE it. 34 inch projection HD - I mean I even watched an entire SENS hockey game because it made you feel like you were in the arena. Who would have thought :)

And the teeth come in.........

So, the little one has her first tooth, or at least it's out of the gums anyway and on it's way to chop up some food and give her a toothy grin. I'm so proud, as if I had something to do with it's arrival, or maybe it's just that as fussy as she has been (which is relative to others and not really by their estimate), she made it happen and was great about it. On to the next quandry, which for Gilles and I is about the tooth fairy. Don't laugh, we were just speculating about how much it is that you give these days? I say $10.00 (well, I started with a higher amount and then relented), and Gilles says $5.00 is just fine. I figure with inflation it's probably gone up considerably since I got my $1.00 or so. I seem to remember about $5.00 for the big ones, but I could be dreaming in technicolour. Help a girl out won't you!?

I have also heard this week that the blog is a good thing since people can keep up with what's going on, and, based on a meeting this evening at the gym, perhaps don't even need to talk to me anymore! I met up with Rhiannon and told her about the arrival of the tooth and she asked me if I had blogged it yet? I told her that I was going to, but then had to wonder, isn't the personal touch much better!? Perhaps she just wanted to get on with her run and not have to deal with my incessant chatter.......But seriously, I have been out of contact with loads of people of late due to Isabelle's arrival and so if I have not called, forgotten to call you back, or remember your birthday, or sent the card late, or been generally out of the loop, I apologize profusely. I am guilty of being completely wrapped around my daughter and perhaps that's not such a great thing. I should leave her to play in a playpen without hovering and put her in the crib for a nap whether she wants to go or not, perhaps even try leaving her with someone other than Gilles for more than an hour or two. It is to her detriment that I do not, and she'll have a great deal of learning to do at the daycare if I don't get on it ASAP. I never anticipated all of this happening, and feeling the way I do about her. I don't think anybody quite does though, until it happens.

On to other matters. I think I need Rogaine, or if it doesn't exist for women, it's my get rich quick scheme so I never have to work again. I'm going bald, or so I think. I KNOW that pregnancy causes your hormones to go crazy and you have amazing hair and nails that grow quickly, I experienced it firsthand; however, and this is a big one, I never though that losing the hair I supposedly grew like gangbusters, would mean I would end up with less than I started this journey with. Quite frankly, I never thought my hair looked that great, or thick when I WAS pregnant. So, I want it all back and as quickly as possible please, Mr. Hormone. Where have you gone and why have you taken all my hair with you????

Anniversary weekend!

This Saturday morning we visited with Rhiannon and her new beau Matt. Very nice guy - had a coffee and lots to talk about. Rhiannon is visiting Rwanda in June working with Alternative Dispute Resolutions through an International Aid Organization. Very exciting for her, and we bought tickets for her soiree to raise funds later in May. Heard all the Andrews news and got to check out the beau in person - had only heard tale until now. Incidentally, Gilles also ran into Trystan and Katya the next day in the Gatineaus so we got to see amost all the Andrews in one weekend.

Also got to hit the Lac Leamy Resort and Casino a little later. Somewhat different with a newbie in tow, but very posh just the same. Had a great time with Isabelle in the pool. Renee, Shawn and Logan came to visit in the evening and stayed with Isabelle while we gambled a bit. Logan is crawling already, monkey style. Completely fascinating to watch. Not sure if all babies learn this way so we'll wait and see. He literally uses his hands to prop his feet up beneath him, swings them the the side and under him to sit down mid crawl for a breather. Sometimes he even makes it about on his tippy toes with his hands leading the way. I couldn't get enough of it. I imagine this is as close to seeing evolution as you get - makes a person wonder! He and Isabelle were fascinated by each other - she didn't scream at him the way she normally does, perhaps out of sorts on a King size bed she isn't used to? The only time he cried just a bit, she seemed very concerned and gave him a "what's up dude, you got nothin' but love here" look. Killed me.

She was, by all accounts just fine the entire time we were gone and so we managed to gain $50.00 and return to the room. Gilles was down playing blackjack (some newbie player hit on 17 when he was doubled down and crushed his karma) and I was being stalked by some mid 40's guy from slot machine to slot machine, when we met up again and went back to the slots with my last $10.00 in quarters. I kinda liked the last machine I was at and the stalker had wasted several hundred dollars on the one next to me, so we picked those. In about 1 minute, Gilles had won $120.00 and I had made over $10.00. We decided that we were up overall and should call it a night. You have to really spend money to make it at a casino and I'm, as it turns out, not a big risk taker. Maybe you could tell since I am at the quarter slot machines!? Makes me all queasy inside to hear the ding ding of all those machines going off at once and the money being poured into them seems crazy. Must say too that the amount of full-on pleather habilles, burgundy and orange hair didn't help the nausea either! Had a nice dinner and watched a movie after they left - loved the King size bed!

On our anniversary, Renee and I got to spend a good part of the day at the Nordic Spa in Wakefield. Was amazing, and was so nice out that instead of running from hut to hut, we actually lounged and suntanned whilst using the diverse baths and even tried out the waterfall. A guy walking into the steam bath, who is supposed to maintain silence as per the rules, actually said "Holy Shit", because the steam is so overwhelming. I was glad she could see firsthand how intimidating it was walking in for the first time by myself when I went last month. The massages were great, and it was Renee's first time so even more exciting. The boys took the babies for a LONG walk in Gatineau Park and checked out the village - were prepped with bottles, and wipes and all the necessary items. Gilles used the new Mountain Co-op back pack that Meg, Adam and Olan gave us for Christmas. Isabelle was so comfy that she, once more, drifted off and had herself a nice nap mid-hike.

We returned home for a nice family dinner and opened some great cards from family and friends - thank you all. I received a framed collage of special Alyson and Gilles wedding photo stamps from our Canada Post boy to go along with my concert tickets, and a beautiful floral arrangment from the flower shop that did my wedding bouquet. Gilles got a new mailbox (paper anniversary - I figured lettermail inserted here counts), and he hates the one we have. He also got a Louis Vuitton tie to commemorate the Paris trip, which Mom and Dad picked up for me in NY City. Sad to say I didn't get the shopping experience, but we reaped the benefits in any case.

Going to go out and enjoy the tulips this week so will try to post some photos later of the 2007 Tulip Festival Princess. Amelia did such a great job last year.

Ah....Love

So, if you've only just signed on, I suggest you skip this and head to the beginning entries at the bottom. If you're pregnant and semi-nauseous already, you can forget this one. Not going to make you feel any less so as I am about to talk about my marriage - the first year. Tribute to Gilles time, on Isabelle's blog!

Can't believe it's been a year already - so much has obviously happened and our lives have changed so drastically. Through it all, Gilles has been my rock, and SO, here are some of the main reasons he continues to be the best thing that ever happened to me.

- Every morning since we started "sleepovers" and throughout our first year of marriage, I wake to find a post it note from Gilles. They tell me how much he enjoyed the previous day with me, how much he looks forward to coming days, how special I am and how grateful he is to have me. Not every single one of those aforementioned subjects each day, but a selection of a few..........I always know how much I am loved. I have like hundreds saved in a bedroom drawer - not sure what I am going to do with them. Something will come to me.

- He is a great friend to me and many others. He always makes time for any one who needs him, and always has an available ear to listen should you need one. Has not run seriously for a year and yet remains close to all of his running buddies, this even though it can be upsetting as he has not been capable of continuing down the same path they have. On that note, he has been remarkable. To have to quit doing one of the things that makes him most happy - the one real outlet he has and to stay positive, is unbelievable to me. I'd complain to anyone who had a second to listen. He is, however, back on track now and is looking good!

- He loves his family - delights in his nephews and is very close to his parents. Even with the distance between us, keeps them up-to-date with all of our comings and goings, sends all the latest photos of Isabelle and calls frequently. Remembers all the birthdays and always buys really great, thoughful gifts.

- He loves my family as much as I do. Loud, fun and occasionally obnoxious - he embraces all of our craziness. To that end, has supported Isabelle and I through all the many trips we have taken (9 now) in her first few months of life. Has changed countless return dates to later days when I am with my family and scheduled many trips for me knowing how much I always miss being with them.

- He is the very best father I know and equal to my own - wakes up for every feeding to keep me company and brings me reserves (FOOD!), even though I have explained how pointless this is......, has changed as many diapers as I have, has special bath time reserved every night with Isabelle, wakes up with her every morning before work and brings her to me when he has to leave (thus giving me more sleep time), has put countless toys together and plays with her anytime he is home and with us. Gives me my own time to head to the gym, have some quiet reading, computer or phone time every day. Once he's home from work, his main objective is to make my life easier.....and I'm spoiled by this, I know.

- Has made me a better person, but was happy with me when I was completely neurotic and high gear. Is completely and utterly my team mate in everything I do.

- Shows, and takes an interest in all that I love, even the little things like Grey's Anatomy episodes, when I am busy yelling at the tv!

- NEVER expects that I make him dinner or do any of the typically female pursuits in a relationship, just tells me how appreciated they are when I do, and I do - just in case you think this guy is totally being taken!

- Makes me laugh constantly. Last night he had a dream and yelled "Hey you, what are you doing?" I woke him up since he seemed upset and turns out he was trying to stop some people from robbing us in his dreams. How kind! I would have included several expletives and choice words in my dream, but Gilles is, and was so polite about the whole thing. Even when he's not trying, I'm laughing.

- Continues to deal with my post pregnancy belching - something I NEVER did before in any company. I have absolutely no control over them and he still laughs. I'd be annoyed, long ago............

- Let's me have my handbag and other shopping fetishes and more than often, even supports them by purchasing me diverse objects I CANNOT live without for birthdays and other special occasions.

I am sure there is much more, but for now that will have to do.

On an Isabelle note for this week, the search for balls was on - literally and not figuratively. Those who know me know, well, enough said. Meg is on a Mom's forum and got a great idea for the playpen. Fill it with plastic balls and you have, VOILA, a pseudo Ikea play ball area. I used to love it as a kid. In any case, I immediately decided that this idea was genius, and that Isabelle had to have one. Have you ever searched for bulk balls in stores like Walmart, Zellers and Toys r' Us? Not such an easy concept, and even harder an item to try to ask for. Numerous really funny exchanges which I will leave to your imaginations. Suffice to say we have now found our supplier at Walmart - they don't have them anywhere else - and will post photos of her in it next week. Her play area is getting super cool - large mats to play on, tons of toys and a new ball area. I want one for myself. She also picked out her own placemat for the dinner table. Behold, Sponge Bob in all his glory - what was even weirdr was that Gilles knows ALL the characters?? I tried to steer her towards something a bit more abstract, but she was having none of it. We almost walked out of the store with it except the cashier reminded me that I might want to pay for the item if my little girl was taking it home. I've actually made it out of the stores quite a few times with things that Isabelle nabs, or that I put in the stroller to keep her amused, only to have to return moments later to pay, or put it back on the shelf. I could totally have quite the racket going - seems Mom's and babies, especially if they are fussing are a non-issue when they could be the biggest shoplifters of all time.

Isabelle also loves the mirror - no comments on who this reminds you of, please. She has the looks down pat. First, the surprise at seeing herself and then the "Oh, but aren't I gorgeous", and then the interactive playful looks like she's never had a more enjoyable playmate. I swear if she ever wins the Miss Universe pageant, she won't have to master the surprised - "Who me, you really all picked me", look at all. She's already got that one in the bag.

Anyway, that's all for now. Off to bed so I can wake up and head off to the Lac Leamy resort for the night and then the all day spa trip with Renee on Sunday. Maternity leave is so rough on a girl!

The swing

So, we finally put up the baby swing this weekend and it's a huge hit with Isabelle. As much a part of the hit with the swing is that she can, from her little perch, see the whole neighbourhood, and they her. People came over to visit her, the little boys from up the street pushed her and showed off their new toy airplanes. She was in heaven! I feel much more on the ball now that she has a dedicated play area inside and something outside with which to capture her attention.

We had a busy weekend - walked for miles, checked out the canal and the lake, which I am happy to report with the imminent Tulip Festival are now full of water. Found, courtesy of Renee, a really cool baby shop on Wellington called "Fab Baby Gear" and bought her among other things, some really neat hot pink camouflage shoes. My family know that I am supposed to be on a 60 day "no shopping" stint, but I figure if it's for her, it doesn't count! There are ways around everything.......We also took her to the Carleton U pool for a swim. I managed to change her on a bench, not such an easy task when she is so wriggly, and made it out to the pool....only to find the entire thing (Olympic sized), drained and empty. Closed for a week for cleaning. If only they could have posted some signs other than the one on the door OUT to the pool. Obviously, they don't have babies.

Poor little Isabelle. It seems that we so tired her out this weekend that she actually fell asleep in the bathtub on Sunday evening. One minute she was sucking on her frog bathmitt and the next, she was out cold. I laughed for quite some time - when she was only a week old, my parents gave her a bath in which she never woke up from her sleep and now, she is so relaxed, she actually goes mid cleansing.

We went to the Dr. yesterday for her seven month meninjugate (sp?) vaccine and she is now 19 pounds, 8 ounces and 27.6 inches. 90th percentile yet again. She was a champ and didn't even flinch when she got the shot.

We have booked the Casino Lake Leamy hotel for the weekend for our first Anniversary and I am prepped and ready to win millions at the slots. Renee, Shawn and Logan are coming to the hotel to babysit Isabelle for a couple of hours so we can play the casino and have a nice romantic dinner. On Sunday, Renee and I are heading out to the Nordic spa, which I am very excited for, especially now that I know the routine and will make sure to bring my flip flops.