2 Months and more....

This photo was taken December 16th - Ethan at 2 months.
He weighed in at 16 lbs 4 oz and was 25.5 inches long
(is it wrong to have your boy on steroids this early in life? hahaha!)

Emma loves helping out with Ethan and enjoys feeding him his bottle from time-to-time. Ethan loves anyone who gives him food!!

I found some camouflage pants for Ethan while we were shopping in Edmonton... they are so darn cute!

TUMMY

TIME...

Ethan actually enjoys it once and a while!

I know I have mentioned we have had a lot of snow the last couple of months, but this photo really shows just how much. The city crews were busy cleaning off the roadways this week and piled the snow up on resident's front lawns.

Dann got busy with Emma and they started making a snow fort with all the large snow chunks...

they did not come in until dark!!

While I was busy with Ethan, Emma and her daddy got busy writing a letter to Santa. Emma was pretty proud of her letter. She wrote out some of the letters in the words herself (she is growing up so fast)!

Our visit with Santa went well this year (it did last year too)!!

Emma loved talking with Santa, telling him exactly what was on her list and Ethan just hung out without any tears!

Grandma & Papa arrived on Wednesday and they are very pleased with their latest Grandson.

From our house to yours,

God Bless

and

Merry Christmas

Bye-Bye Max

May 2006 - December 2006

Our pet fish, Max, left us early this morning and has gone to "Fishy Heaven"

Here is the story behind his departure...

The last month, Max, has been acting a bit weird and not eating much but he seemed to be coming around this past week. Yesterday morning I changed his water and he seemed happy, swimming around. Later that morning, Emma and I were getting ready to make gingerbread men when all of a sudden, Max jumped out of his fish bowl and landed on the counter in front of me. I was startled but I scooped him up quickly and plopped him back in the water. All seemed okay with Max until... Emma and I were rolling out the gingerbread dough, Max was splashing around like a crazy fool? Too weird!

THEN...

Lastnight after the kids were in bed, Dann was standing by the kitchen sink and all of a sudden, Max jumped out of the water again and landed on the floor. Dann got the net and scooped him back into his fish bowl. Dann commented that it was lucky he was standing there, cause if Max would have jumped out in the middle of the night or when we are out, he would be dead. We retired for the night around 11:00 p.m.

About 1:30 a.m., Emma woke up screaming and crying. She begged us not to leave her alone and was very upset (more than she has ever been with a bad dream). It took Dann over an hour to get her to calm down and go back to sleep alone. We thought it was very strange and unusual behaviour for Emma (when it comes to bed and sleeping that is).

This morning Emma and I went down to the kitchen to make oatmeal at 8:00 a.m. and I went to feed Max but he was not swimming around in his bowl like every other morning for the last 7 months. I went around the kitchen island to find Max dried up dead on the floor. He had to have been there half the night, cause when I went to pick him up, he was stuck to the floor. Emma was devastated that her little Maxy was dead. She was crying and said she does not want Max to go to Heaven or in the garbage. She went on to say that he should just stay inside with us until winter is over. I explained to her that Max will start to smell and he cannot stay inside. I think we convinced Emma to put Max into a box she decorated a few months ago with macaroni & fruitloops and we will cover him up in the snow outside.

Unknown if Emma's bad dream (Karma) last night had anything to do with Max flopping around on the kitchen floor before he succumb to his injuries??? Maybe someone was trying to tell us something?? Things that make you go hmmmmm??

Bye-Bye Max...

Christmas Concert... NOT

Last night was Emma's first Christmas Concert at play school, and everyone was very excited. Emma has been practicing all her X-mas songs for the last two weeks and she got a pretty new dress to wear for the special night. I spent the afternoon making squares etc. for the little luncheon after the program while Emma played outside in the snow and this is where this story really starts...

Emma came inside from playing around 3:45 p.m. to get ready for her big night (concert was at 5:15 p.m.). She told me her tummy hurt a bit, but I did not think much of it. I gave her a pear for a snack, thinking she was a bit hungry from playing all afternoon. She ate the pear and could not wait to put on her new beautiful dress. She looked so pretty, but still was complaining that her tummy hurt. I asked her if she had to go to the bathroom, in which she told me she already pooped today.

Well... I got Ethan dressed and we were out the door @ 5:00 p.m. On the drive to school Emma was really complaining, asking for a a ice pack to put on her stomach. I asked her if she felt like she was going to be sick, but she assured me that she was not going to puke. I chalked her tummy ache up to nerves and kept driving. We arrived at school and Emma went to get her angel wings on for the performance. She was in tears and soon after came up to me asking to go home to rest. She could not even walk from the pain. I got concerned, think it was her appendix or something (even though the pain was not in the right spot for appendicitis). Emma said she did not want to stay to sing and the tears were pouring down her cheeks. I packed up Ethan, talked briefly to her teachers and Dann carried Emma to the van. She was very upset... thus I did not get any photos to post of the big night.

When we arrived home, Emma took off her pretty dress, put on her PJ's and watched a movie with a cold pack on her stomach. About an hour passed and Emma started to toot up a storm, followed by a long trip to the bathroom. After it was all said and done, Emma announced that her tummy ache was gone and that she just had a bunch of gas!! Emma went on to tell us that she pooped out a million pieces of poop and now she feels "WAY BETTER". I laughed about the million pieces comment. Emma wanted to go back to her concert afterwards, but I had to explain to her that it was over, and there would be another one next year. Nothing has ever been easy with Emma, not sure why I thought her first Christmas Concert would be any different!!

Since I have no photos of Emma's concert I thought I would leave you with a X-mas favorite of mine!

Galaxyland...

We went to the City this past week for a little get-a-way (shopping and visiting). We had a great time with our family and friends.

Monday we decided to head to West Edmonton Mall with the kids. Emma was very excited about going to Galaxyland this time. In the past she would get excited, but when she actually saw the rides, she would just watch the other kids. She would always say, "I will just watch, maybe when I get a little older I will ride the rides!"

Emma has been asking to go to Disneyland, but we told her we are not going to Disneyland to watch other kids ride the rides. This statement must have sunk in because Emma could not get on the rides fast enough this time around. With her friend Nicholas in tow, they ran from ride to ride, showing the operator their wrist band, then finding the perfect horse, car or seat.

Emma loved the little dragon rollercoaster and was prepared to go on the larger one (the junior one, not the huge one) with me, but Dann figured it was not a good idea. He thought it might be a bit fast for her and she might go back to watching rides again. I think she would have loved it, but I never pushed it (next time).

Nicholas and Emma on their dirt bikes

Emma saw the "Flying Galleon" ride and wanted to go on it with me. I was surprised she wanted to go on the Big Ship, after all, it is a big ride for a 3 year old. I forgot how high that ship really goes, especially when you sit in the very back row. My stomach dropped, so I can only imagine how Emma was feeling. I just kept laughing, encouraging her that we were having fun. Emma held my arm tight and said she did not really like the ship. Emma kept laughing cause I was (my psychology paid off) and after the ride stopped, Emma commented that the ship was a little high for her, but maybe next time she would like it more.

Ethan was a trooper the whole time at the mall. He slept and hung out in his car seat. We had to buy him a new outfit at Old Navy though, cause he had a big blow out (all the way up his back). Years ago a co-worker of mine in PR told me a story about his baby boy at West Edmonton Mall regarding the same thing. I believe he told me that his wife threw everything into the garbage and they purchased new diggs for Johnny... too funny.

Dann managed to get a pic of Ethan smiling... too cute!

We stopped at the petting zoo... the bunny was so soft!

This is Emma and her friend Abbey...
Two little Princesses

Emma took a liking to Nicholas' truck and zoomed around the basement.

No Name...

Last week friends from Kelowna sent Ethan a little something in the mail, but they also thought of Emma! Sarina & Hazel sent Emma this adorable Mexx pink star necklace and she LOVES it! Emma has woren the necklace everyday since she received it and has a special place to put it on her nightstand each night when she takes it off for bed!

Sarina & Hazel sure knew what to buy their friend (good job Jenny, you picked out the perfect thing!)!!

In this photo Ethan was loving his "Spa Time" aka: bath time...
He was enjoying the "Massage" he received after his "Jacuzzi"
(mom rubbing lotion on his tummy after his bath)!

Dann and Emma had a tea party the other night. Emma was thrilled to invite some of her doll & animal friends. Ice tea was served along with mini chocolates, which were left over from Halloween.

Rowena and her friend Vangie took Emma to the "Festival of Trees" last weekend. Emma had a hoot and she decorated a gingerbread man at the festivities.

Here is Ethan hangin' with Father Christmas.

We bought Emma a helmet for her winter activities and Dann was making the necessary adjustments!

With all the snow, Emma has been having fun playing in the backyard (before the real cold temps hit this week). She is playing hide & seek inside the big tractor tire... of course she is always up for a photo shoot!

And... last but not least

This photo was taken November 16 - Ethan @ 1 month.

He weighed 13lbs 2oz and was 24 inches long.

A hard challenge

Another BLOGGER buddy posted 100 things about herself and challenged others to do it too. It is harder than it looks, just like she said, but I gave it a whirl....

100 Things About Me...

1. I have two beautiful children, girl and a boy, who I love with all my heart

2. I have a handsome husband who I love dearly

3. I used to repair bank machines and load them with money

4. I was a bartender in the 90's... I can mix almost any drink out there (back in my day)

5. I was a waitress when I was in College/University and enjoyed the public & the tips

6. I have travelled to 19 Countries in Europe

7. I enjoy meeting new people (new people always have something interesting to offer)

8. I Hungarian Danced for 10 years

9. I can dance with a half full wine bottle on my head (a part of the Hungarian culture)

10. I miss my Grandma B. and Grandpa S. very much, I know they are watching over me & my family

11. I love Hawaii (Maui especially)

12. I love roller coasters

13. I have a high pain tolerance, but will never go through labor again... ouch!!

14. I love to travel, cannot wait for our next adventure

15. I love my mom and dad, they did a fantastic job raising my brother & me (Values, Morals, & Repect were very important to them)

16. I miss my brother, as we don't see each other very often these days

17. I miss my friends, I wish we lived closer

18. I am open minded

19. I enjoy my house and neighbourhood

20. I have a nanny... does that make me a bad mom?

21. I love my nanny and so do my kids... and I am a great mom for it!

22. I love my job

23. I love helping others

24. Our honeymoon in Playa-del-Carmen was amazing, cannot wait to go back

25. I love Rod Stewart and Elton John too!

26. I like baking cookies

27. I saw Rick Springfield live in concert in 1985 (yup, I am old)

28. I love to two-step, and I am good at it!

29. I am a true Leo

30. I enjoy reading about astrology

31. I like most country music (much to Dann's dismay)

32. I married my best friend

33. I met Dann when we both worked at Brinks (we were friends long before we dated)

34. I want to go to New York City so bad

35. I love food, most everything

36. My favorite dessert is "Vanilla Ice Cream" (I keep Dairy Queen in business)

37. I loved camping as a child... Radium Hot Springs was my favorite

38. I miss going to my aunt's cabin (house) in Whitefish, Montana

39. I love the Bull Dog Saloon... great pub food (in Whitefish, Montana)

40. I love to shop

41. I am a bargain finder

42. I am good with my money

43. I am materialistic

44. Christmas is my favorite holiday

45. Fall is my favorite season

46. I love the sun... the hotter the better

47. I am a great listener

48. I am a loyal friend

49. I played the flute in junior high

50. I wish I learned to play the piano

51. I was on the Student's Council in Junior High and High School (Treasurer and Activity Cooridantor).

52. I had a paper route for many years growing up

53. My first car was a 1983 white Dodge Charger

54. I love reading true crime books (Anne Rule is my favorite true crime writer)

55. I am a bad speller, as most of you know from my blogs

56. I still have the necklace I received as a X-mas gift from the first boy I went out with in Grade 6 (he has since died in a car crash, so it is extra special to me now)

57. Death scares me

58. I have a will, I owe that to my children and husband

59. I love to hear the bagpipes being played (Amazing Grace is my favorite song to hear)

60. I was a six pack leader in Brownies (a Fairy)

61. Brownie and Band camp were a hoot... heck, being a kid was so much fun

62. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree (Criminal Justice)

63. Costco is one of my favorite stores to shop at

64. Ikea too

65. I love funny people (Dann falls into this category)

66. I talk to my mom almost everyday

67. I have worked shift work for 13 years

68. I spent almost two years in jail (because I worked at a Correctional Institute)

69. I love going for coffee with friends

70. I am excited to go camping with my kids

71. I enjoy cuddling and reading with my little girl... also love rocking my new baby boy.

72. I cannot wait to take Emma to Disneyland (Ethan too)

73. I love doing other peoples hair (there is still a little girl in me)

74. I love hot tubs, but feel sick in them, so I don't go in them anymore

75. I enjoy giving to others

76. I thank god every day for my health and my family's health

77. I do not think you have to go to church to believe in god

78. I do not think you have be religious to have good morals and values

79. I pray every night

80. I was an extra in the movie "Betrayed"

81. I love acting, and would like to get into some play or theatre group

82. I enjoy public speaking

83. I met Danny Glover in the Vancouver Airport (even got a photo with him)

84. I want to go back to Europe with Dann

85. I enjoy cooking and entertaining

86. I love interior design and home decor

87. If I ever leave the gov't, I would like to be a designer

88. I broke my thumb skiing

89. I like snorkling

90. I hate spiders, but try not to show it to my kids

91. I had surgery on my feet (bone spurs removed)

92. I like to scrap book

93. I admire Oprah

94. I like to talk on the phone

95. Happy Day's was my favorite show growing up

96. I was a volunteer at the Children's Hospital for 2 years and loved it

97. I enjoy dressing up at Halloween, but haven't for years

98. I like photography

99. I cry all the time while watching movies and T.V. programs (I am a suck)

100. My favorite show today is Grey's Anatomy

One Month Old

It is hard to believe, but one month has breezed by since Ethan was born (well maybe not "breezed" by as there has been a lot of sleepless nights)! We took Ethan to the health unit this morning and he weighed in at 13lbs 2oz. One might say he is strong and healthy!

A good friend of ours sent Ethan some adorable rain gear, which seemed very appropriate since Shelly lives on the west coast (especially after this past week). The rain coat and rubber boots are so cute, even though they are a bit big at the moment! Ethan will look very "styling" when he is sporting these new threads.

It is hard to tell, but there are dogs all over the coat and boots (one is even lifting his leg and peeing... too funny). I love the outfit!!

Thanks Shelly!!

Still Snowing...

"Old Man Winter" is still hanging his hat in our neck of the woods. I think it has snowed almost every day or every other day for the last two weeks now. UGGHHH!!! Will it ever stop??? Maybe next May... YIKES! Good thing we bought a house that has a third driveway pad... shovelling is so much fun and all (oh my back)!

Dann has shovelled the deck off many times, but now he made one side of the deck, where the stairs go down, into a snow hill for Emma. She likes to go down the mini-hill on her sleigh (hard to see in this photo). If the snow keeps coming, the hill will be as high as the shed by the time spring hits!

My cousin's are in Hawaii right now and my Aunt & Uncle go at the end of the month. I wonder if a family of four could fit into their luggage? I know Ethan could go on as "carry on" but the three of us may have a bit harder time fitting into their bags! I guess I will have to live vicariously through them...

Emma asked if she could feed Ethan his bottle last night and she did a very good job. She was thrilled and very proud of herself!

Dann was playing with Ethan in his room a few nights ago... tummy time etc. Ethan really looks like he was enjoying himself. His baby acne (darn hormones) is starting to clear up, and he is getting some chubb in the face and thighs!

this and that

Not much to tell you about. Here are a few new pics of the kids. Everyone is doing well, aside from the sleepless nights. I know this will pass and things will be on the up swing then... hahaha!!

Ethan is growing fast, but I guess when one eats every 2 hours (sometimes every hour and half) that is what happens!

The hospital did not take Ethan's foot print (unlike PR with Emma) so we did it last night before his bath. I needed one for Ethan's scrapbook and it turned out well!

Dann enjoys playing with his son and Ethan seems to enjoy watching!

The snow is still coming down, so we went out and bought new craft supplies for Emma (thinking it is going to be a long winter). Emma enjoyed being creative with sparkle glue, feathers, pompoms, markers and pipe cleaners!!

Finally...

Mr. Blogger finally let me down load some photos (after many attempts all week).

Last Friday evening it started to snow and did not stop until Sunday morning. Needless to say, there was over a foot of the fluffy white stuff!!! The streets were awful and so were a lot of the silly drivers around these parts! Because the snow started on Friday night, the snow crews were not really doing a lot over the weekend, which made for many accidents etc. around town!

We trooped out into the snow Sunday afternoon for the office Halloween Party. Emma was very excited about dressing up in her "Fairy Princess" costume, but was even more excited about wearing make-up (oh no... it's starting already!).

The crown lasted all of 1 minute, but she was cute with or without it!

The party turn out was awesome and so were the costumes. All the children enjoyed the crafts & games, and went home with tummies full of goodies!

Monday night Emma helped her Daddy carve the pumpkin. Everyone says I am the one with all the artistic talent, but I am starting to think that Dann has a lot of "artsy fartsy" in him too!

Dann has a very creative mind... just look at the final product!!

Halloween night was pretty cold, but Emma put her snow suit under her costume and she was good to go. Ethan stayed home with Grandma to hand out Halloween candy.

Emma and her little friend Darby headed out around 6 p.m. and they must have went to over 30 houses. I kept asking them if they were cold, but they always said they were fine. We went up and down our street (which is very long) and the girls hauled in big time. Finally, Emma told me that her bag was getting too heavy to carry. I took it from her and it was darn heavy. Some people handed out regular size chocolate bars and cans of pop... all that oil money I guess!

After we got home, Emma indulged in a few chocolate bars and then she headed to bed... she still fell right to sleep, even after all the candy. I guess that cool air and walking really did the trick!

Finally, just a few pics of Ethan this past week. He seems to be more alert and holds his head up very well. My baby looks like he is 3 months old... not 2 weeks old!

Clone

This is a photo of Ethan sitting next to a photo taken almost 4 years ago with Emma (she was one week old). It is hard to see, but if you click on the photo you will see how much sister and brother look alike... scary!! Emma had a bit bigger feet and hands and her face seemed to be a bit more round, but the same hair line, facial features and expressions!!

I wanted to blog more photos, but Mr. Blogger is not cooperating... he says there is an error and the photo can not be posted.

Sometimes Mr. Blogger really ticks me off (does this problem only happen to me or have some of you experienced this as well?)!

Going Home

Ethan seemed pretty content and peaceful in this photo, considering he just got circumcised approximately 30 minutes before!! Dann went into the room with the doctor and watched the procedure. Dann was fascinated by the doctor's work and even took photos (I will spare you of those)!

Below is Ethan's going home outfit... not that you can make it out, but there are little tractors, trucks and cars all over his top and bottoms!

Too cute... thanks Grandma B for buying him such a sweet little boy outfit!!

We were just about to leave the hospital when we snapped this photo of Ethan in his car seat. Dann and I were so surprised, because when we placed him in the car seat, he never cried. In fact, Ethan quite liked it!! This was a treat because Emma cried EVERY single time we put her in there (yes 4 1/2 months of non-stop crying in the car). Needless to say, Dann and I enjoyed our drive home from the hospital... in silence!!

For the first couple of days it was hard to get a photo with Ethan's eyes open, but we managed to snap this one shortly after arriving home. I guess Ethan was wanting to see his new home!!