Doodlebops

Sorry, we do not have any photos of Emma at last night's concert, but it was a hit. The sold out show started at 7:00pm and the Doodlebops played for 30 minutes, took a break, and then performed for another 20 minutes. Emma was thrilled and very surprised, as Dann & I did not tell her about going to see the Doodlebops until we got to Edmonton.

Our seats were awesome... Emma stood up and danced through the whole show, singing & then clapping her hands after every song. When the curtains closed I told Emma, "the Doodlebops are over." Emma said, "No Thank You". I had to tell Emma that the Doodlebops went to bed and then she was okay about leaving. Fun was had by all, including me... I do not want to admit this, but I found myself singing along to the tunes too!!! YIKES!!!

Just another day...

Today our day started at "Princess Auto Parts"... Dann thought he had died and gone to heaven. He was like a little boy in a candy shop... I should have packed him a bagged lunch, and he could have spent the day (cheap day-care). Emma and I made our way through the aisles and watched Dann pick up every little item, commenting how cool it was. Of course, Dann showed me some "gift ideas" for the future!!

While looking around, Emma announced she had to poop, so it was mom's job to find the washroom, as dad was much too busy for things like that. After Emma and I returned for the "ladies room" Dann showed us this "go-go-gadget" tool which has a spring type tube and has little clamps on the end to pick up little items in hard places. Of course I acted surpirsed, while thinking to myself, "whip-tee-do", another tool. Little did I know, Dann was only thinking about his sweet little girl and the "lost" Step-Mother... Some of you may be wondering what I am talking about now, so here's the story....

NOTE:

(The small hole between the railing and the steps!)

Emma received this great Cinderella Play Set, Castle and all, from her Auntie Phyllis and Uncle Wayne for her third Birthday. The set came with a Cinderella, Prince, two Step-Sisters, and of course, a Step-Mother. There are snap on clothes for the figurines and Emma loves playing with it, especially with Rowena, as they get down on the floor and play it for hours (okay maybe a half hour tops, but that's darn good for Emma's attention span).

Anyway, one day, Emma decided to drop all the figurines down a hole in the steps, where the base board is suppose to be, but has not managed to get put back on after our floors were re-done. Emma told her daddy about what she did, and asked him to retrieve them for her, because you know, her dad does walk on water (in her eyes). Well... two hours later and a thin stick with duct tape on the end, Dann manged to fish out everyone except the Step-Mother and her dress. Emma was devastated, but life went on. If you asked her, Emma would tell you the story about how the Step-Mother fell into the steps and Daddy could not get her out!!

Well.. this is where the "Go-Go-Gadget" tool came into play today. Dann was able to fish the Step-Mother and her dress out with ease... hine sight, should have went to Princess Auto in January!!!

NOTE:

(Here is the Step-Mother... and her dress!)

Only One!!!

Dann and I went for our first ultrasound today, and the technician told us there is only "one" baby, which appeared to have a strong heart beat and everything looks good.

We did not get a photo of our "little peanut". Literally, that is about how big the baby is right now, the size of a peanut in it's shell. In "peanut's" place, we thought this photo seemed appropriate. Look hard... is it a tree or a baby??

GYM KIDS

Emma started her "Gym Kids" class last week and she loves it. At the start of every class the teacher gets the children to retrieve balls and bean bags strategically placed through out the gym. Emma loves finding the items and runs quickly to place them in the bin.

Next are the stretching exercises, Emma is a lot more flexable than Mom or Dad!! After they are warmed up, the teacher has the kids doing different jumping, running and socializing activites. Last week there was a trampoline set up, so of course Emma was looking for it this week... but instead there were ribbons and climbing activites. Emma was abit confused, as she thought she would spend her time "bouncing" but she adjusted quickly and got into other fun activities instead!


















Emma learned how to climb across a ladder... Her comment to the event... "It was very tricky Mom!" Emma was very pleased with herself.











That is what our Monday mornings consist of now (for 6 weeks anyway). Dann and I think we will enroll Emma for the next session as well, she burns off a lot of steam in one hour!!

Jumping Around

We bought Emma a small indoor trampoline and she has not stopped bouncing. We thought since she loves to bounce on her ball, we would give her an alternative. Dann set it up while she was having a nap and was she surprised when she came down stairs, well rested and ready to go!

She was a bouncing fool and giggling the whole time!!

But soon, Emma discovered she could bounce on her ball on the trampoline.....

and when she is not bouncing on the trampoline or her ball... Daddy is just another bouncing option!

What Is It Mom???

I showed Emma what the baby looks like in mommy's tummy (around 10 weeks) and this is what she did!!!

Emma is trying to figure out everything and somedays she is a bit more perplexed than others.

I told Emma that mommy will have a real photo of the baby next week (I go for an early ultra sound) and she is not too sure about that... The wheels in that little head of hers are trying to grasp how mommy is going to get a "real" picture of the baby, when the baby is inside mommy's belly and not coming out for a "long" time!! It will be fun to see her expression next week, when she sees a black and white photo of a skeleton. Stay tuned!!

New Hairdo

Yesterday was my long awaited hair appointment with Christina @ Vonntina's. I had every intention of cutting some bangs in and getting some Ultra Blond high lights. After a short consultation with Christina, she convinced me to go dark with some bold blond high lights for contrast. I loved the cut (best cut I have had in years) and liked the color, although it was a big change! Not sure if I would go as dark again, but summer is coming and I can always go lighter!

I stopped by the office to get Dann for our lunch date and everyone who saw me said, "love the new look" but Dann had to look twice when I walked into his office. Dann thought I was going BLOND, so it took him a couple of takes before he commented. Dann was looking to get some action that night, so in the end, he said he liked my new hairdo!!

Emma on the other hand was not as excited about Mommy's new look. Emma was quick to tell me she liked my hair the old way, but in the same breath said, "Mommy, since your hair is the same color now as Snow White's, can you style it like her!" Today, Emma told me she likes my new hair, so I guess it is growing on all of us!!

I "Cartooned" the above photo... something different

They're Back!!!

Although Emma loved watching the Olympics she was ecstatic this morning when the "Doodle Bops" returned to CBC!!

Emma grabbed her comfy chair and settled in for a rockin', sockin' show with "Baby Pink". Eyes glued, baby in tote, I do not think Emma moved for the whole 20 minute show. I am sure a herd of Elephants could have stormed the house and Emma would not have moved!

I was pretty excited myself, as it ment I could enjoy my cereal & toast without any interruptions from my adorable 3 year old!

Daddy Daughter Time

Emma and I attended our first film today at the theatre. "Curious George" - what a silly monkey. On our way there, Emma kept asking, "Where's the DVD dad?

Emma wasn't sure what to think at first as she announced while we were in the painfully long popcorn line, "Where's the movie dad? Up those stairs, is there an elevator?"

After our $12 popcorn and pop, we made our way to theatre #7. Emma kept asking, "Why are the lights off dad?" I opened the theatre door carrying a one gallon drink, popcorn, a dolly, her jacket and a pocket full of smuggled treats. Unexpectedly, she put on the brakes as soon as she saw the lighted strips lining the way in with me almost head over heals.

Once inside, she yelled, "Hey dad, that's the monkey on Madagascar!" I managed to find two seats next to one another (there were a lot of little bugga's in there), sit down, first the drink as it wouldn't be the first time I've dropped one of those, then sit the popcorn down on the sticky floor, then the jacket (try doing that while sitting). Emma, in the meantime, was looking around wondering where her chair was as a spring-loaded seat is something she's never seen before. Dad had to first remove her second jacket and then hold the seat while instructing her how to sit down. "Dad, can I take off my boots?" How do you tell your daughter (while whispering) that if she stepped on the floor in her socks, she'd never move again!? The whack of napkins daddy remembered hit the floor before we got butter on the fingers I'm afraid. I managed to find a spot for the popcorn next to her leg, good thing as her little hands wasted no time finding it. Even though I remembered to get her veggie-juice out of the fridge, her little whisper reminded me, "You forgot my juice in the truck dad." Oh well chicken, you're having iced tea.

We managed to polish off about half the popcorn when she reminded me that we had Smarties from home in my pocket. Within minutes, she bent over to check her underwear out when, ping ping - bouncing Smarties. "Dad, umm, are those clean dad?" I remembered the second box I'd packed in case of such an emergency. I looked over and she had wrestled the ice cream pail of iced tea onto her lap and began sucking it down.

Emma laughed at the movie and sat at attention throughout most of it but the last ten minutes saw the sugar kick in. She could no longer sit down and no longer remain still. Bouncing on the end of her seat - kids in the back had an obstructed view! There'd be chaos if it didn't cease!

As the credits rolled and kiddies poured out, Emma announced, "Let's dance dad!" With only a few 'less fortunate kids' left eating popcorn from the floor, Emma stood in the isle and danced. The 'broom-boy' didn't think it was all that cute as the place was a bloody mess - Emma hadn't a care in the world and got her money's worth - or shall I say daddy's.
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Grand Total = $25.00

A Beautiful Day

I had a beautiful day yesterday... it was all about me!! Emma and Rowena spent the day together, and I went shopping in the morning, met Dann for lunch, shopped a bit more in the afternoon and then headed to a message appointment. I came home feeling refreshed and excited, becasue there were left overs (chicken/veggies) so I did not have to cook.

Emma wanted to read a bit more with Rowena before she went out, so I was watching Y&R and saw a commerical for pancakes... yummy! Plans changed, no chicken & veggies for dinner.
Emma was thrilled to hear that we were going to have pancakes for supper, but then I had another amazing moment... how about "waffles with milk chocolate chips" Emma and I were sooo excited, we could hardly control ourselves!
So, it went from a healthy dinner to a delectable dinner instead!! It was delicious and very satisfying!!

The final product... just thought you would like to see the masterpiece. I usually serve my waffles with fresh fruit & yogurt, but the milk chocolate chips were definitely an awesome substitute!!

Maybe I should open a B&B, I would love to make them for guests!!

Play-Doh Anyone???

Hello Again... It has been a few days, but I finally got a couple new photos. This morning @ 7:15 a.m., Emma decided that she should play "Play-Doh". Emma got out all her things, set up shop and she was off to the races. I just sat on the sofa and watched her... my energy level is low at that time in the morning! As you can see, she is already dressed, Emma insisted on getting her "day clothes" on immediately after getting up @ 6:48 a.m. There was no changing her mind! I guess we are ready for the day!!

Check February 13th Blog

If anyone is interested, look back a couple of days....
chow :)

3 hours later...

The saying still stands true... if you don't like the weather in Alberta, just wait a minute (or a few hours)!! The snow stopped, the wind went away and it is now a balmy -5*C!!!

I think some sleighing is in order after dinner!!

Finally...

We were starting to wonder if everyone was lying to us about the cold weather warnings up in these parts... but the snow and wind finally arrived early this morning, and it is darn cold.

It did not appear to be too cold out this a.m. when Emma and I headed out to do some errands, so we left the house with just our jackets on. Well... we about froze our *##* off!! The temperature gauge says -8*C, but with the wind chill it's gotta be close to -20*C. I won the "worst mom award" for how poorly my gal was dress for the weather conditions. Needless to say we ran for some groceries and headed home.

We decided since we cannot go outside and play, that we'd bake. First Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies and then Chocolate Hazelnut Truffle Cheesecake (we are going to a get-together tomorrow and I said I would bring dessert)!!

Not that you can tell in the photos, but the sun is peering through the clouds, while the big fluffy flakes are coming down and it is very pretty. I am actually excited about the snow... I really missed the "seasons" on the Coast (although I am really missing my Daffodils and Tulips I got used to around this time)!

Oh well, everyone says... "change is good" and we feel good!!

Happy Valentine's Day

How sweet she is....

Emma and I headed out this morning to do a bit of shopping and then it was lunch time! Instead of chocolate hearts for Valentine's Day, Emma got McDonald's and she loved it! I think she really loved the "Strawberry Shortcake Doll" inside the Happy Meal!

We have been having a few "POWER" struggles the last couple of weeks, but Emma was an angel today, so she got a big treat. Wash it down with a little milk and she was good-to-go! After lunch and a little photo shoot @ Mickey D's, Emma told me it was time for her snoozy, so we came home and straight to bed for her.... yahoo!! She still loves her naps... works for me!!

We Did It!!!

We thought we would see how many of our family and friends were reading our "Blog" on a regular basis!!
Yes, we are pregnant and if all goes well, our family will expand by one around October 12, 2006.
We are doing well and I've started light duties. Emma of course has announced that mommy has a baby sister in her tummy... I guess time will tell!

Athlete In The Making...

It appears as if Emma has taken a liking to Figure Skating. She could not wait for the Olympics to start and she pulled up her chair & snack to watch the "Pairs Short Program". Surprisingly enough, she sat through the whole thing and when I suggested changing the channel to "Treehouse" she said, "No!" Every second twirl or spin, Emma would comment and say, "I can do that Daddy!"

Emma also enjoyed watching the Opening Ceremonies yesterday and thought the costumes were beautiful (all the ladies were Ballerinas and Princesses). Okay, maybe she was not getting the whole Renaissance Theme etc, but she loved watching it!

Dann and I won't read too much into this, but Emma made it known that she would like to take skating lessons with a teacher!! We told her next fall, and she was happy with that. Of course this idea could change at any given second/hour/day!

Feels Like Home...

I decided I should show some of you where we are living now (before the snow arrived)...

Although the Sunshine Coast offerred some of the most beautiful sunsets in Canada, the Prairies are a close second. We are looking forward to next summer, so we can enjoy the big harvest moons and our fire pit.

We love our new home, and I am looking forward tinkering with the front yard landscaping this spring/summer.

Our backyard is a giant playground. The neighbour kids look over our fence in envy, but I think Dann loves his creation more than Emma!! She loves it when Daddy comes out to play!!!

P.S. Emma is enjoying her visit with her cousins as they loved to play with her too!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ICE CREAM

Emma and I headed out grocery shopping and she suckered me into buying "Tiger" Ice Cream. Needless to say, she loves it and the black tongue you get from the licorice.

Aside from groceries, we have not been up to much the last few days. I was working nights and Dann was on days, so that ment a lot of down time. This is why we have not posted anything the last few days. Shift work... it gets the most of you!

We hope to be on the ball in the next few days....

Not Much To Say....

Friday was a low key day for Emma as Dann and I were both at work. She told Rowena that she did not want to play out side... "maybe tomorrow", thus they played dollies, tea party, picnic, kitchen, puzzles, games, colouring and I am sure a "Princess Movie" was watched! She had a good day, and she even got to stay up until 9:00 p.m., so she was in her glory. I wish I had more to say, but I don't, so I will close. Have a great weekend!!!

Babies vs. Swimming

We recently returned home from a visit with friends and their new 'twin' girls. Emma could not get in the door fast enough to hold one of the little babies. If she had it her way, she would have held both of them, but it was not physically possible. The way Emma held the infant, you would think she had one of her own. I placed the baby in Emma's arms and she was a natural. Emma cuddled the baby, rocked the baby and every so often gave the baby a kiss, ever so gently, on her head. Emma doated on that child, just as I did with her!!
The scariest part is the fact that all Emma talks about is the baby in her stomach. Ever since she was around Jennilyn (her second mommy) who was pregnant, she insists she too is having a baby girl. After every meal, Emma tells us how full she is, how big her tummy is, and that soon her baby is going to come out.
Although playing "babies" may be Emma's forte, swimming is not. Emma is not too excited about joining her swim class in the pool. She prefers to sit on the edge of the pool and watch. Emma did manage to get into the pool her second lesson and jump around, but by lesson three she was back out of the pool. Lesson four was 'parent day', so Emma could not wait to go into the pool with daddy, but this Sunday is lesson five and Daddy is working... I am guessing she will be glued to my leg for the whole lesson (I know... she sounds just like another little girl you once knew about 32 years ago). Oh well, life will go on and one day she will be an awesome swimmer, gosh knows she has the square shoulders for it (just like her dad).

We have discovered "foam stickers" and Emma's craft world has not been the same since. You can only imagine how excited Emma was when she learned that all the girls at Darby's Birthday Party (neighbour girl) would be making lovely pink "princess" crowns. Emma enjoys prancing around in her crown, Old Navy sun dress and Pooh slippers, all of which are pink (the preferred colour.... I think the only colour in her world).
I swear she would live in that darn dress through-out the day and her pink nighty for bed. One would think her world was coming to an end every time they go into the wash... can you say MELT DOWN!

On occasion, the slippers do come off and it's up onto dad's lap for some "cuddle time". Not sure where I fit into this scenario... I guess I am the supplier (the one who buys all of Emma's pink stuff to begin with).

I guess that is all for today. Dann is busy vacuuming, so I should go tidy up a few things too.