Mr. Blake:
Blake started his first ever non-parented swimming lessons yesterday evening!! He did so well, we are very, very proud of him!! He listened well to the instructor and actually did far better then I thought he would! Not that we don't give him enough credit, we just thought he'd be a bit more upset that we weren't in the water with him. One of the first games they played was chop, chop ... timber!!! I remember playing that game as a kid in swimming lessons!! The instructor asked him what kind of tree he was and he told her he was a blueberry tree :) He had a lot of fun and is looking forward to the next lesson. These lessons are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 6:30 during the month of August. And then it's September and Preschool starts!! I'm really excited for him to start Preschool. I think he'll really enjoy it :) He loves crafts and singing and playing with other kids, so I'm hoping he'll have a great time!! He has a backpack ready, we just have to get him a lunch kit to carry his snack in! During Preschool, there is a program that runs in the playgym area. Each day it is different - one day a craft, one day singing, etc., so Em and I will take that in while Blake's at school! So for the most part things are going great with our growing little man! I say for the most part, because this week a fear has popped up again :( The dreaded scary man ... we know he is a character that Blake saw in a Scooby Doo cartoon and unfortunately he has reared his ugly head again and is causing chaos during Blake's bedtime and nighttime. Blake has never, ever slept with us and has never, ever wanted us to sleep with him. And we've even tried!! At times when he's been under the weather we've tried to bring him into our bed so we could be near him and hopefully at least catch a few zzzz's, but it's never worked. And just the same, since he's moved into his twin bed there's been times that he's being feeling ill and we've tried to lay with him and he'll tell us to go!!! But now he wants us to sleep with him :S All because of this "Scary Man." I wish I could see this scary man and give him a piece of my mind!! We've tried telling Blake everything from his teddy bears will protect him, to Heidi and Jazz don't let scary people in the house, etc, etc, etc ... doesn't work. It's been 3 tough nights and we really, really do not want to get into having to lay with him until he falls asleep or even him sleeping in his bed. We've never had sleep problems with Blake, so this is extra frustrating!!! We'll see how this plays out ... wish us luck.
Miss Em:
Emerson will be 18 months old on the 16th!! Where has the time gone?! She is growing up so fast and is such a little cutie pie!! She is such a little talker and parrot!! She says everything she hears! It's so cute and at times I'm so surprised by what she's said and I think that is because she is quite small for her age, most especially short!, and just looks like maybe she's a bit younger??! I love hearing her talk though! She copies absolutely everything Blake does ... she's his little shadow! We like to remind him that Emerson is learning from him, so he better behave!! Emerson is LOVING the Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn program we've been attending at the library. She was quite shy during the first class, but has really loosened up!! She stands for the majority of the class and claps, sings, attempts to do some of the signs and even approaches the teacher when she is handing out special instruments or books!! And Blake used to take care of returning these things to the teacher when we were done with them, but Em now takes hers back all by herself!! It's so great to see her interacting in this way. I remember when Blake was around this age, also enjoying this stage and how much they change so fast and seem to learn so quickly! I actually remember being a bit sad because I knew we had another baby on the way and I was worried I wouldn't get to enjoy Blake as much. But, you live and learn and I wouldn't have it any other way :) Love them both to pieces and can't wait to have another child in our family to love just as much and share our lives with!!
Baby:
Baby is doing great! We have our UC Baby appointment on the 19th, which we're really looking forward to. This baby is very active in the evenings! I think it's probably lulled to sleep during the day by all the movement and noise!! Just today we were playing and Blake said he wanted to talk to the baby, so I said sure. He said, "Hello baby!" to my stomach!!! It was so cute :) He then said, "That's a nice baby!" lol!! I think he's quite excited to have a new baby in the house and I'm sure he's going to be a great helper and big brother!! Emerson is not as aware of the situation, but I do feel that she will be okay once the baby arrives. I had my doubts early on, but she is quite taken with her dollies and babies and I think this will help!! She has also learned to whisper and when we tell her the baby is sleeping she says, "Shhhhh ... !" Which of course, is adorable!!!! So we're hoping Em won't be too jealous :) We've been looking for a big sister book for her, but will probably order one off of Chapter's online, since we haven't found any in the store. I have a prenatal appointment next week and we've hired a doula. I have a friend who used this doula with her last child and highly, highly recommended her. So we met with Fiona from Pure Love Doula Care and I'm very excited to have her by my side! I had an awesome experience with Blake's birth and in the end a not so bad experience with Em's birth, although had I had a doula I know things would have been different and the labour would have been not so chaotic. This is most likely our last baby and I want this experience to be good ... most of all not chaotic!!!! I know some people think it's crazy to spend money on a doula, but I'm happy with our choice and most of all glad that Cal is being supportive!!! I will let you know what the babies heart rate is after my next appointment!!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Tracy
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Blake's 1st Visit to the Dentist!
Blake visited the dentist for the first time today!! We didn't have any concerns with his teeth, we just wanted him to experience a visit to the dentist to hopefully encourage some trust in the profession! He did great! Of course, we prepared him by talking about the dentist and reading a Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist book. The dentist counted all 20 of his teeth and took a look around. I'm going to take him in next week for a cleaning. I also had a visit to the dentist this evening ... fun, fun, fun ...
The remainder of our weekend was just as great as the beginning!! I took Blake to Capital Ex on Saturday afternoon. We took the LRT to the grounds and saw the Backyardigans on the Telus Stage as soon as we got there! Blake loved the show!! He also enjoyed a pony ride and we visited "Family Fun Town!" Lindsay met us there, rode the train back home with us and stayed the night.
Sunday around noon Lindsay and I headed to Big Valley Jamboree. It was a great day! We saw Tracy Lawrence, Corb Lund, and Keith Urban!!
Monday we said good bye to Linds and Jer, as they headed home to Fort McMurray, then set up our backyard pool. The kids had fun playing in the pool and outside. My parents came over for a BBQ and that was the day!
The long weekend was hot, hot, hot!!! I don't remember the last time I've had this good of a tan :) We're getting ready to paint our deck this weekend ... not the most fun job, but will be quicker and easier then the painting of the fence we did last year! Have a great week everyone :)
Tracy
The remainder of our weekend was just as great as the beginning!! I took Blake to Capital Ex on Saturday afternoon. We took the LRT to the grounds and saw the Backyardigans on the Telus Stage as soon as we got there! Blake loved the show!! He also enjoyed a pony ride and we visited "Family Fun Town!" Lindsay met us there, rode the train back home with us and stayed the night.
Sunday around noon Lindsay and I headed to Big Valley Jamboree. It was a great day! We saw Tracy Lawrence, Corb Lund, and Keith Urban!!
Monday we said good bye to Linds and Jer, as they headed home to Fort McMurray, then set up our backyard pool. The kids had fun playing in the pool and outside. My parents came over for a BBQ and that was the day!
The long weekend was hot, hot, hot!!! I don't remember the last time I've had this good of a tan :) We're getting ready to paint our deck this weekend ... not the most fun job, but will be quicker and easier then the painting of the fence we did last year! Have a great week everyone :)
Tracy
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Busy Days!!
Cal and I had a great time in Canmore and Banff! We dropped the kids off at my parents house Friday afternoon and headed South. Our GPS was stolen out of our truck a few weeks ago, so we stopped at Costco in Red Deer to buy a new one. The drive was nice, we didn't go through Calgary, but around Calgary and by Cochrane, which provided some nice mountain and lake scenery!! We enjoyed our time, walking around Canmore and Banff, taking a ride up the Banff Gondola, renting a movie, going to a movie in the movie theatre and taking a drive through Kananaskis. On the way home we stopped at the Cross Iron Mills Mall for lunch and a little shopping. The weather was gorgeous and we got some much needed R&R! A huge thanks to my Mom and Dad for babysitting - I think they were a wee bit tired on Sunday afternoon when they dropped the kids off, understandably so! But they all had a fun weekend, playing in the backyard pool, visiting numerous parks and friends and farmers markets and having fun!!
This week seems to have passed slowly for some reason?! Maybe it's the heat wearing us down ... we're not hot weather people!! Pregnant or not, I really don't enjoy temps above 25!!! And of course neither does my fair-haired, fair-skinned hubby and it seems Blake is taking after his parents too! We are definitely getting AC in our next house!! I feel like a farmer, always complaining about the weather ... too hot ... too cold ... too rainy ... too dry!!! LOL!!!!
I worked Monday, Cal was home with the kids. They packed a picnic lunch and went to the park. The kids always love playing at the park and a picnic lunch makes it extra fun!! After working these past 2 casual shifts I can tell you that I do not miss working outside of the home!!! I much prefer being home with my kids! And I can also tell you that (in my opinion!) while working outside of the home is difficult, due to organising good, quality childcare, feeling like you're never home, etc, I feel that staying home with your kids is more "difficult", but in a different way of course!! Regardless, the only thing I miss about working outside of the home is the pay cheque!!! I still have my much needed adult time with Cal in the evenings, Blake and Em are in bed so early we have tons of time together, and I usually get out with friends or family 1 or 2 evenings a week. So far so good ... although I'm beginning to wonder how I'll handle 3!? 2 is a lot of work ...
Tuesday morning the kids and I went to the zoo. We had such a great time. Last time we were at the zoo, Emerson wasn't walking, but this time she was running around right along side Blake! We all had a blast, seeing the animals, riding the train and having lunch! I think we'll look into an annual pass next year. I find it's a great place to visit and it's nice because it's not too far from home and we're able to get there and get back in time for Em's afternoon nap!
Wednesday we stuck close to home and Thursday morning we attended Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn at the Woodcroft library with our friends Christa and Berlyn. The kids were quiet for the first half and then turned it up a notch!! lol! Blake was super hyper and dancing around and singing, I had to remind him to watch out for the little ones! Em was also having fun clapping and dancing! I love these library programs! There are 2 left in this session and then I believe another begins in September. Thursday afternoon I took the kids to a new park/spray park. They had a blast and Blake really loved the spray park!!! And we were all excited to see Cal show up with ice cream ;)
Thursday night, Jeremy and Lindsay stayed over and we spent Friday with them. Jeremy has a knack for photography and combined with his nice camera and equipment, takes great photos!! So I asked him if he could take some pics of the kids! We drove to Beaumaris Lake and took a little stroll so we could get some nice outdoor shots. I think there are quite a few great ones amongst the 100's Jer took!! I sure couldn't imagine being a children's photographer ... so hard to get them to do what you want!! Afterwards, we had lunch at Wendy's and played outside for a little while. It was nice to spend the day with them :)
Hopefully everyone is having a great August long weekend!! Enjoy the sun, don't forget your sunscreen and drink lots of water! Oh and don't forget your bug spray ... darn mosquito's are brutal right now!
xoxo
Cal, Tracy, Blake, Emerson and Baby
This week seems to have passed slowly for some reason?! Maybe it's the heat wearing us down ... we're not hot weather people!! Pregnant or not, I really don't enjoy temps above 25!!! And of course neither does my fair-haired, fair-skinned hubby and it seems Blake is taking after his parents too! We are definitely getting AC in our next house!! I feel like a farmer, always complaining about the weather ... too hot ... too cold ... too rainy ... too dry!!! LOL!!!!
I worked Monday, Cal was home with the kids. They packed a picnic lunch and went to the park. The kids always love playing at the park and a picnic lunch makes it extra fun!! After working these past 2 casual shifts I can tell you that I do not miss working outside of the home!!! I much prefer being home with my kids! And I can also tell you that (in my opinion!) while working outside of the home is difficult, due to organising good, quality childcare, feeling like you're never home, etc, I feel that staying home with your kids is more "difficult", but in a different way of course!! Regardless, the only thing I miss about working outside of the home is the pay cheque!!! I still have my much needed adult time with Cal in the evenings, Blake and Em are in bed so early we have tons of time together, and I usually get out with friends or family 1 or 2 evenings a week. So far so good ... although I'm beginning to wonder how I'll handle 3!? 2 is a lot of work ...
Tuesday morning the kids and I went to the zoo. We had such a great time. Last time we were at the zoo, Emerson wasn't walking, but this time she was running around right along side Blake! We all had a blast, seeing the animals, riding the train and having lunch! I think we'll look into an annual pass next year. I find it's a great place to visit and it's nice because it's not too far from home and we're able to get there and get back in time for Em's afternoon nap!
Wednesday we stuck close to home and Thursday morning we attended Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn at the Woodcroft library with our friends Christa and Berlyn. The kids were quiet for the first half and then turned it up a notch!! lol! Blake was super hyper and dancing around and singing, I had to remind him to watch out for the little ones! Em was also having fun clapping and dancing! I love these library programs! There are 2 left in this session and then I believe another begins in September. Thursday afternoon I took the kids to a new park/spray park. They had a blast and Blake really loved the spray park!!! And we were all excited to see Cal show up with ice cream ;)
Thursday night, Jeremy and Lindsay stayed over and we spent Friday with them. Jeremy has a knack for photography and combined with his nice camera and equipment, takes great photos!! So I asked him if he could take some pics of the kids! We drove to Beaumaris Lake and took a little stroll so we could get some nice outdoor shots. I think there are quite a few great ones amongst the 100's Jer took!! I sure couldn't imagine being a children's photographer ... so hard to get them to do what you want!! Afterwards, we had lunch at Wendy's and played outside for a little while. It was nice to spend the day with them :)
Hopefully everyone is having a great August long weekend!! Enjoy the sun, don't forget your sunscreen and drink lots of water! Oh and don't forget your bug spray ... darn mosquito's are brutal right now!
xoxo
Cal, Tracy, Blake, Emerson and Baby
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Busy Day!!
Phew ... this Momma is tired! lol! Cal's Mom and Grandma are visiting from Grande Prairie. They stayed the night at our house last night. We had a really nice visit, it was great to see them. The kids didn't play shy and really enjoyed having them here! Blake was very excited for the "Grandma's" to arrive, all afternoon he was calling for them and watching out the window! This morning, we visited for a bit and then the kids and I met Lesley, Colby and Jenna downtown for the Capital Ex parade. Bev and Grandma did some shopping while we were at the parade, and we all met up for lunch afterwards. The kids were great at the parade. The boys really enjoyed watching the floats, marching bands, horses, etc. Emerson snuggled up close to me for the first hour of the parade, pointing out the horsies, and then decided it was time to dance a little ;) Lunch was interesting ... Blake was pretty hyper and for some reason couldn't keep his hands off Colby!! But they weren't too bad, just boys being boys!! After leaving the restaurant I drove around for a good hour, while Em napped! I finally decided to stop and we did some shopping at Micheal's and Thyme Maternity. Blake was quite helpful in Thyme! I picked up a green t-shirt and he said to me, "Do you like that beautiful green shirt Mom? I do!" What a guy :) Although, this morning I was wondering if he was 3 or 13?!? The last week or so, he's started on this, "I don't" phase. "I don't want to get dressed." "I don't want to say please." etc, etc. And it's said in a very sassy tone ... OOY!!!! I've heard from a few people that the 2's really aren't that terrible (and they weren't for Blake!) but that 3 is a challenging year!
I had a Dr. appointment yesterday morning. The babies heart beat was between 130 and 140 bpm. It was moving so much it was hard to catch an accurate measurement! That is right around what Blake's heart rate was ... hmmm ... lol! I'm measuring right on track and have to go for the gestational diabetes test within the next month. I'm also going to get my iron levels checked at the same time.
I'm so excited for our trip to Canmore tomorrow!! EEK! And I'm sure the kids and Grandma and Grandpa D will have a blast too!! Have a great weekend everyone :)
Tracy
I had a Dr. appointment yesterday morning. The babies heart beat was between 130 and 140 bpm. It was moving so much it was hard to catch an accurate measurement! That is right around what Blake's heart rate was ... hmmm ... lol! I'm measuring right on track and have to go for the gestational diabetes test within the next month. I'm also going to get my iron levels checked at the same time.
I'm so excited for our trip to Canmore tomorrow!! EEK! And I'm sure the kids and Grandma and Grandpa D will have a blast too!! Have a great weekend everyone :)
Tracy
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Rain, rain and more rain!
We had fun camping at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park this weekend! Thankfully, after almost a week straight of rain, we had okay weather!! Saturday was warm, although windy, but we enjoyed a few of the "Provincial Parks Day 2010" celebrations. The kids enjoyed crafts, face painting and pond-dipping. The pond dipping was very cool - 2 conservation officers lead the pond-dip. The kids each borrowed a net, which they dipped into the pond and then they learned about what they found!! Blake was so proud of all the mud he was finding!! lol! I was quite impressed with the activities and with the facilities at Miquelon Lake. The beach is very nice, with a large park and picnic tables right on the beach. And the sites are nice and big! Blake had fun playing with Colby and the other kids. Emerson loved being pulled around in the wagon by Madison and Madison enjoyed pulling her around! Both the kids loved splashing in the puddles ;) For now, we don't have camping plans made until September long weekend, but we may go out once or twice in August.
It's off to work for me tomorrow. I'm having moments where I'm wondering why I said I could pick up these shifts ... lol!! I've had a bit of a cold for a few days now, but it seems to be getting worse :S But, the extra moola will be nice and hopefully I'll enjoy a day of working out of the house :) And I'm sure the kids and Cal will enjoy some time to themselves!
Cal's Mom and Grandma are coming for a visit on Wednesday and staying the night. We hope to take in the Capital Ex parade on Thursday, weather permitting. I took the kids to Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn at the Woodcroft Library last Thursday and they loved it. It's been awhile since we've attended a library program. So if it's raining we might do that on Thursday instead. Friday we're taking the kids to my parents house and Cal and I are driving to Canmore for our little get away! I'm really looking forward to it! Some R n' R is in order!! I've been so tired lately and really feeling like I have zero energy. I'm feeling very sluggish and haven't had much "get up and go!!!" I have a Dr. appointment on Wednesday and might see if I can get my iron levels checked. I had to take iron supplements during Emerson' pregnancy and I'm wondering if my iron might be low right now, hence the zero energy?!
Have a great week everyone ... rain or shine!
Tracy
It's off to work for me tomorrow. I'm having moments where I'm wondering why I said I could pick up these shifts ... lol!! I've had a bit of a cold for a few days now, but it seems to be getting worse :S But, the extra moola will be nice and hopefully I'll enjoy a day of working out of the house :) And I'm sure the kids and Cal will enjoy some time to themselves!
Cal's Mom and Grandma are coming for a visit on Wednesday and staying the night. We hope to take in the Capital Ex parade on Thursday, weather permitting. I took the kids to Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn at the Woodcroft Library last Thursday and they loved it. It's been awhile since we've attended a library program. So if it's raining we might do that on Thursday instead. Friday we're taking the kids to my parents house and Cal and I are driving to Canmore for our little get away! I'm really looking forward to it! Some R n' R is in order!! I've been so tired lately and really feeling like I have zero energy. I'm feeling very sluggish and haven't had much "get up and go!!!" I have a Dr. appointment on Wednesday and might see if I can get my iron levels checked. I had to take iron supplements during Emerson' pregnancy and I'm wondering if my iron might be low right now, hence the zero energy?!
Have a great week everyone ... rain or shine!
Tracy
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Where does the time go?! It is hard to believe that the middle of July is almost upon us! Summer is so busy, the months pass even quicker!! We're trying to slow down this summer, in hopes that maybe the summer months will not pass as fast and we'll be able to enjoy our yard, neighbourhood parks, and local activities and attractions! We do have another camping weekend coming up, which we're looking forward to! We're leaving for Miquelon Lake Provincial Park on Friday, to camp for 2 nights with the Stony Plain Cameron's, the Lupul's and the Kandora's. The kids are going to have a great time - there will be 9 in total!! Hopefully the weather is great :)
On Friday evening one of my bff's, Lindsey, and her son Parker stopped by for supper and a visit. It was so great to see them and catch up with Lindsey!! I so miss being in the same city as her :( One day she tells me she will be near again :) Parker is growing so fast and is a real little cutey! He will be 1 at the end of August and is very busy crawling and pulling himself up behind walking toys, etc. Walking is definitely in his near future ... look out Lindsey and Andrew ;)
Saturday morning, Cal the kids and I headed out to do some shopping and enjoyed lunch out. After Em's nap, Cal took the kids to the local park and I speed cleaned the house!! Crazy how much you can get done when you're alone! We love these days at home, with no "plans", free to do what we please! Family time is the best :)
Sunday Blake and I headed to Stony Plain, for my friend Laura Kulak's baby shower. Her newest arrival, Brent Curtis, is now 4 weeks old and adorable! Blake enjoyed playing with Laura's oldest, Claire and I enjoyed visiting and snuggling with Brent! On the way home, we stopped in for a quick visit at my Mom and Dad's house. As we were leaving, I locked the keys (and Blake) in the van! ARGH!!! I have no idea how it happened, but thankfully AMA was quick to respond! And Blake, thankfully, was more then content to talk to us through the window and eat his cheese! lol!!
Cal is also off work tomorrow and so far our plans entail a trip to the bottle depot and brunch ;) Rain is in the forecast for the next few days, but that's okay! I like a green lawn!! Just hoping it's sunny again by Friday!
We have some fun events coming up!! I hope to take the kids to the Capital Ex parade next Thursday and then eat lunch at the Taste of Edmonton ... yummy, yummy, yummy :) And we're hoping Cal can meet us for lunch, since we'll be near his office downtown! Cal and I are excited for our 2 night get-away to Canmore on the 23rd of July! We have our UC Baby appointment on July 27th, which I can not wait for! And on the Sunday of August long weekend my sister and I are driving to Camrose to see Keith Urban at the Big Valley Jamboree!!! EEK, I know you know how excited I am for that ;) And a little less exciting, but something upcoming none the less is that I was asked if I'd like to pick up a few casual shifts at work, so I chose to work 2 Monday's (19th and the 26th).
Emerson is almost 17 months and changing and growing up so fast!! She's our little parrot, that's for sure. It's adorable and we love hearing her say new words and phrases! Tonight in the bathtub she was using her wash cloth to wash her belly and saying, "Scrub, scrub, scrub!! Scrub, scrub, scrub!!" Today for the first time I heard her attempt to say, "You're welcome!" Her words are not always really clear, but we hear her often enough to know what she's saying!! One of the cutest things she does is say, "Hi!" Anyone who has heard it agrees!! She says it in the sweetest little voice, it's just adorable! I really should try and catch it on video. She's the happiest little girl in the mornings and we just love going to get her out of her crib! She's usually standing up, waiting for us. She bends down and passes us her teddy bear and says, "Teddy!" and then bends down and passes us her blanket and says, "Blankie!" And then we pick her up and she starts talking a mile a minute! She usually sees Heidi and Jazz right away and points to them and says their names :) She LOVES Heidi and Jazz and gives them lots of cuddles and kisses every day! Although we usually limit Jazz' hugs and kisses to just a few!! Emerson has started calling all small children baby ... even if they're older then her!! She loves the few dolls that she has and I'm thinking Santa will be bringing her more dolls and doll accessories!! At first I was worried that she might not be very accepting of the new baby, but I'm beginning to think she will be fine. She's very gentle with our animals and with her teddy's and dolls. Although, I'm not sure she'll like her Dad holding the baby and not her!! She is SUCH a Daddy's girl ... seriously ... big time!!!! Which I know Cal loves :)
Blake continues to be quite the little character! He keeps us laughing and wondering how in the world does a 3 year old come up with/know that??!! And his memory continues to astonish us! I wish I had the memory he has!! We haven't tried to night time potty train him yet, Cal read that kids will often night time train themselves, and it seems to be happening with Blake. He's waking up less and less wet. Either one day he'll wake up completely dry or one day we'll be brave and not put a pull-up on him at night time!! I'm excited, but nervous for Blake to start Preschool in the fall. I hope it works out and he enjoys himself. I think he will, although it may take a bit of getting used to. He's still quite shy around strangers, but hopefully after a few weeks his teachers won't be strangers anymore! I know he'll enjoy playing with the other kids.
Our littlest one is doing good! He or she is kicking it's Mom lots and moving around!! And the heartburn has started ... Tums here I come!! Hopefully this baby will have lots of hair just like it's brother and sister ... makes the heart burn worth it ;) I'm still taking 1 dyclectin/day. I'm trying to not take it one day a week, but so far the results have not been good! It is hard to believe I am 22 weeks already. We better start thinking of, or should I say agreeing on, names!!
Have a great week everyone!! Hope you are all enjoying your summer :)
xoxo Cal, Tracy, Blake, Emerson and Baby
On Friday evening one of my bff's, Lindsey, and her son Parker stopped by for supper and a visit. It was so great to see them and catch up with Lindsey!! I so miss being in the same city as her :( One day she tells me she will be near again :) Parker is growing so fast and is a real little cutey! He will be 1 at the end of August and is very busy crawling and pulling himself up behind walking toys, etc. Walking is definitely in his near future ... look out Lindsey and Andrew ;)
Saturday morning, Cal the kids and I headed out to do some shopping and enjoyed lunch out. After Em's nap, Cal took the kids to the local park and I speed cleaned the house!! Crazy how much you can get done when you're alone! We love these days at home, with no "plans", free to do what we please! Family time is the best :)
Sunday Blake and I headed to Stony Plain, for my friend Laura Kulak's baby shower. Her newest arrival, Brent Curtis, is now 4 weeks old and adorable! Blake enjoyed playing with Laura's oldest, Claire and I enjoyed visiting and snuggling with Brent! On the way home, we stopped in for a quick visit at my Mom and Dad's house. As we were leaving, I locked the keys (and Blake) in the van! ARGH!!! I have no idea how it happened, but thankfully AMA was quick to respond! And Blake, thankfully, was more then content to talk to us through the window and eat his cheese! lol!!
Cal is also off work tomorrow and so far our plans entail a trip to the bottle depot and brunch ;) Rain is in the forecast for the next few days, but that's okay! I like a green lawn!! Just hoping it's sunny again by Friday!
We have some fun events coming up!! I hope to take the kids to the Capital Ex parade next Thursday and then eat lunch at the Taste of Edmonton ... yummy, yummy, yummy :) And we're hoping Cal can meet us for lunch, since we'll be near his office downtown! Cal and I are excited for our 2 night get-away to Canmore on the 23rd of July! We have our UC Baby appointment on July 27th, which I can not wait for! And on the Sunday of August long weekend my sister and I are driving to Camrose to see Keith Urban at the Big Valley Jamboree!!! EEK, I know you know how excited I am for that ;) And a little less exciting, but something upcoming none the less is that I was asked if I'd like to pick up a few casual shifts at work, so I chose to work 2 Monday's (19th and the 26th).
Emerson is almost 17 months and changing and growing up so fast!! She's our little parrot, that's for sure. It's adorable and we love hearing her say new words and phrases! Tonight in the bathtub she was using her wash cloth to wash her belly and saying, "Scrub, scrub, scrub!! Scrub, scrub, scrub!!" Today for the first time I heard her attempt to say, "You're welcome!" Her words are not always really clear, but we hear her often enough to know what she's saying!! One of the cutest things she does is say, "Hi!" Anyone who has heard it agrees!! She says it in the sweetest little voice, it's just adorable! I really should try and catch it on video. She's the happiest little girl in the mornings and we just love going to get her out of her crib! She's usually standing up, waiting for us. She bends down and passes us her teddy bear and says, "Teddy!" and then bends down and passes us her blanket and says, "Blankie!" And then we pick her up and she starts talking a mile a minute! She usually sees Heidi and Jazz right away and points to them and says their names :) She LOVES Heidi and Jazz and gives them lots of cuddles and kisses every day! Although we usually limit Jazz' hugs and kisses to just a few!! Emerson has started calling all small children baby ... even if they're older then her!! She loves the few dolls that she has and I'm thinking Santa will be bringing her more dolls and doll accessories!! At first I was worried that she might not be very accepting of the new baby, but I'm beginning to think she will be fine. She's very gentle with our animals and with her teddy's and dolls. Although, I'm not sure she'll like her Dad holding the baby and not her!! She is SUCH a Daddy's girl ... seriously ... big time!!!! Which I know Cal loves :)
Blake continues to be quite the little character! He keeps us laughing and wondering how in the world does a 3 year old come up with/know that??!! And his memory continues to astonish us! I wish I had the memory he has!! We haven't tried to night time potty train him yet, Cal read that kids will often night time train themselves, and it seems to be happening with Blake. He's waking up less and less wet. Either one day he'll wake up completely dry or one day we'll be brave and not put a pull-up on him at night time!! I'm excited, but nervous for Blake to start Preschool in the fall. I hope it works out and he enjoys himself. I think he will, although it may take a bit of getting used to. He's still quite shy around strangers, but hopefully after a few weeks his teachers won't be strangers anymore! I know he'll enjoy playing with the other kids.
Our littlest one is doing good! He or she is kicking it's Mom lots and moving around!! And the heartburn has started ... Tums here I come!! Hopefully this baby will have lots of hair just like it's brother and sister ... makes the heart burn worth it ;) I'm still taking 1 dyclectin/day. I'm trying to not take it one day a week, but so far the results have not been good! It is hard to believe I am 22 weeks already. We better start thinking of, or should I say agreeing on, names!!
Have a great week everyone!! Hope you are all enjoying your summer :)
xoxo Cal, Tracy, Blake, Emerson and Baby
Friday, July 9, 2010
Family Vacation!
This year we chose Ol' MacDonald's Resort for our family camping vacation! We left on Monday, July 4th and returned today! We camped with my parents and had a FANTASTIC time!!
We chose the rainy day (Monday) to visit the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, AB. Both the kids loved running around the museum and exploring! Blake was SO excited, it was so fun! He was dancing all over the place and I think his enthusiasm took over Em as well :) She was laughing and giggling and running around!! It was fun to watch and fun to point out interesting facts/exhibits to Blake! I was very impressed by the museum and will definitely be going back! Another highlight of our trip to Drumheller was a ride on the local Bleirot Ferry across the Red Deer River. Blake was in awe! It's really, just a short jaunt across the river, but something amazing to a 3 year old little boy who LOVES everything to do with trucks, trailers, boats, etc!
Back at Ol' MacDonald's we enjoyed the warm weather on the beach, took many trips to the ice-cream store, Blake rode the train 3 times, we visited the petting zoo countless times, Em and Blake both rode the merry-go-round, and Blake enjoyed 2 wagon/tractor rides! The kids slept pretty good and a great time was had by all! Ol' MacDonald's is definitely a great place to visit, especially with young kids :) We will be back!!
The Cameron's
We chose the rainy day (Monday) to visit the Royal Tyrell Museum in Drumheller, AB. Both the kids loved running around the museum and exploring! Blake was SO excited, it was so fun! He was dancing all over the place and I think his enthusiasm took over Em as well :) She was laughing and giggling and running around!! It was fun to watch and fun to point out interesting facts/exhibits to Blake! I was very impressed by the museum and will definitely be going back! Another highlight of our trip to Drumheller was a ride on the local Bleirot Ferry across the Red Deer River. Blake was in awe! It's really, just a short jaunt across the river, but something amazing to a 3 year old little boy who LOVES everything to do with trucks, trailers, boats, etc!
Back at Ol' MacDonald's we enjoyed the warm weather on the beach, took many trips to the ice-cream store, Blake rode the train 3 times, we visited the petting zoo countless times, Em and Blake both rode the merry-go-round, and Blake enjoyed 2 wagon/tractor rides! The kids slept pretty good and a great time was had by all! Ol' MacDonald's is definitely a great place to visit, especially with young kids :) We will be back!!
The Cameron's
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