It's My Party!

Thank-you to Glenda and Kari for hosting such a beautiful baby shower for Brea and me! We loved it and had a blast seeing so many people. There was such yummy food, fun games and lots of babies. Craig's cousin Tiffany was there with Max, Lynda brought Susanna and, of course, the hostesses had their babies: Aidan and Jill. It was nice to see family and friends enjoying the festivities!

Jill really liked Aidan!

Jackie and Jill

Super happy Aidan!

Susanna getting a bite to eat from Mama Lynda

Susanna zonked out in Jan's arms.

Auntie Jen!

Brea was a bit fussy in the morning as we wanted to bathe her and and have her all pretty for the party. She was not very impressed with us for dressing her up - she much prefers the comfiness of her sleepers. So I was a little worried about how the day was going to go.

Our not so happy pretty girl.

But once we arrived she was passed around a few times and then passed out on Nana's lap. She slept through most of it.

Nana and Po-Po

Brea's such a PARTY ANIMAL!

We had a few games. Kara rocked the clothes pin challenge, Amanda was nearly exactly on for guessing Brea's length, and Sara was the most creative in the onsie decorating challenge.

Yee-ma and Po-po with their onsies.
("Love" and "Ching-Yee")

Sara and Amanda are all smiles.

Kara is looking great and due in November - she's the Clothespin Challenge Queen!

A Nice Visit

We had a nice visit at the Lewis Home yesterday. We managed to have a nice lunch and both babies (Susanna and Brea) were wonderful!

Pretty Susanna!

Big sister Joelle is the most adorable 3 year old ever! She was so excited and greeted us at the door right away asking if we had come to visit "her" baby. "Her baby was sleeping but will wake up soon." "Her baby has a soother, do we have a soother for Brea? Do we need one, she could get her baby's other one for us." AND my most favourite, after seeing Brea's sucking blister on her lips, she told us that they had chapstick in the house and we could use it if we wanted :o)

Brea's wondering, who's that bundle of energy? Joelle of course!

It was so nice to see Lynda (the most fabulous Mama ever!) and talk for a while between the feeding and the quieting. I'm so happy that we have babies close in age and it is so wonderful to have someone who can give great advice. Brea and I look forward to many playdates in the future!

One Month Old!

Mommy's little girl is one month old today!

Wow, I can't believe how the time really has flown by, it only seems like yesterday that we came home from the hospital with our new bundle of joy. In one month there has been so many changes: we are getting less sleep, we are surrounded by baby gear, it takes a lot of planning just to step out of the house, and we cans sit/lie/stand frozen in one position just because she's comfortable BUT there is also a little person who's personality is developing, times when we stare at each other in awe of everything about her, and the feeling of sheer excitement at what might come next.

Our little girl is not so little anymore. We had our midwife appointment yesterday and Brea was measured and weighed. The little porker is now 10lbs 8.5oz! She's grown 2.5 inches longer since birth as is rapidly fitting into bigger clothes.

Does my head look big? (it has grown 3.5 cm in circumference)

Baby on Board

Since we've had Brea, Craig has been the main driver. I've driven her in my car once (on our aborted walk session) but today we have a midwife appointment sans Papa and it got me thinking...

I've been dreading driving with Brea. I know it's silly because if you drive safely to begin with, there is no change with a baby in the car but it still makes me nervous! I went out the other day to purchase a "Baby on Board" sign. Yes, I went with one that's not the typical yellow daimond.

I dislike the idea of the sign, Craig dislikes it more, and from the looks of it, when I typed it into an internet search, there is a huge grumbling about it. Most people are of the view - "Why bother?".

The sign was devised in the 80's as a safety thing to let other drivers know to be more cautious but the fad grew and grew to the point where it became annoying to most drivers. Most of the articles out on the Net criticize the parent drivers for being less cautious because they assume others will watch out for them. Personally, I think the only reason I would put a sign up is a) in case of an emergency, crews would know that there is potentially a wee one in the car and b) it's easier to use the HOV lanes without being stopped because Brea is pretty small to be spotted by the police.

We'll see how it goes today, I'm sure things will be great... and not like the picture below :o)

Dessert and Gratuitous pics

Brea, Craig and I attended the 11th Annual Denholme Dessert Party last night. My friend and colleague devised this wonderful event with her mother and sister. It is a glorious night of fun where the three Master Dessert Makers entertain their friends with a decadent presentation of yumminess. Each year, they invite you to taste and rate each dessert and then you get to leave with a doggy bag full and recipes. Last year was my first time and I enjoyed every second of it. I nearly made it through every dessert (a dozen at least). This year, Brea was a bit overwhelmed by all the people so we had to make the visit short, still it was great! Thanks Kelly for another great one :o)

Now, I know I have been remiss in posting pictures of our little girl so here a few I snapped over the last few days. I can't believe how much she's grown already. When I visited Max last weekend, he was as light as a feather in comparison! Brea is now 4 weeks old and the time has just flown by.

Big yawn!

Good vibrations!

Here's lookin' at you kid... Brea's wink!

Lounging on Daddy's shoulder.

Walkies

So, we tried to go for a walk yesterday to meet a fellow prenatal class mom (and her daughter, Baby Kaitlyn) but Brea would have none of it. We started off the morning so well and I had her bundled and fed, then we made it to the car and were out of the house 5 blocks when the wailing began. It was a scary cry too... much louder and shriekish-like, I had to pull over in the Super-Value parking lot to calm her down. I think it was a gassy tummy again. She's really been having difficulties these last few days. We've been bouncing after feedings and though we've tried the Gripe Water, I don't know if it helps. She settled down soon after but I'd already called and canceled the walk. It's probably because I remembered to bring the camera this time :o)

On the plus side, since we were in the neighbourhood, we stopped by Daddy's work so that he could show her off. He was such a Proud Papa with his little girl sleeping in his arms. I'll have to find some time to bring her to my school too.

We are quickly approaching Brea's one month date and she is growing fast. We have our next midwife appointment on Monday and I'll let you know how big she is... with some pictures too!

And she forgets the camera!

First a BIG welcome to the world to Baby Max! He was born on Saturday September 13th. I am so happy and excited for Kathy and Doug. Brea is ecstatic that her group of playmates is growing. I will eventually have a picture of him but as the title indicates - Eleana forgot her camera.


This past weekend was full of events for our family. We had our first real "family outing". On Sunday we packed Brea off to do her first Terry Fox Hometown Run. We headed out a little behind schedule (we are figuring out that it takes WAY more time to ready a baby), but the run itself started late as well so we ended up being right on time. Brea was fantastic and snoozed her way through the 2.5 km like an angel and Daddy was very happy with the performance of our BOB Revolution stroller.
The Hometown Run always draw a big crowd so we saw lots of friends and it was a beautiful day for a worthwhile cause.