1. Kai had his first day at his new day care. I called at 1pm to make sure all was well and she said he went to sleep without a peep!!! When I picked him up, he wasn't anxious to get going and she said he was the easiest kid she's ever had in daycare. Yay!
2. When Kai saw me Friday morning, after I'd been gone for 4 days, he came at me with arms outstretched saying `huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuug'. Tears.
3. I was finally back teaching after a week of field trips and it felt good to be `normal'.
4. Gary has a very important bball game tonight; if they lose, they are done.
5. Gary and I did a photo shoot for a wedding yesterday, very fun and very tiring:)
6. Kai has his shots tomorrow...hope it goes ok!
7. I'm writing this on our brand new lap top!!
8. Kai's newest word is `Jesus'...very cute.
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Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Hockey!
The only thing Kai will watch on tv is football, basketball and hockey. We got him his own hockey stick yesterday. He hasn't mastered using both hands on the stick but he is loving it:)
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Bamfield
This week, I, along with 2 other teachers, took 29 students to Bamfield. There were 23 girls and 6 guys along which made for an interesting dynamic. The kids were fabulous, the food and accomodations were great and the weather was CRAZY!
Here is one of the groups (Team Ogopogo) out on the ALTA. You go out for 1.5 hours and do a dredge so that you can touch and see all the cool creatures out on the ocean floor.
Here are the kids in the whale lab (grey whale skeleton in the background). Here they got to touch a bunch of invertebrates and teach the class about them.
I love the sea anenome
Group shot on Brady's Beach
The weather was extremely stormy so the students were not allowed to venture out as far as usual. Unfortunately the tide was not all the way out so the tide pools were not optimal.
Maria, Nicole, and I on the ferry home. We were supposed to take the bus but unfortunately, we got stuck on the biggest hill, halfway between Bamfield and Port Alberni. We were there for about 6 hours, and at least 2 of those hours were outside in blizzard-ish conditions. The students did extremely well for such a unique situation. We spent time huddling and building a shelter for fun. Once it got dark, and students were wet and cold, we just huddled together and watched a bunch of people trying to free the bus. Fortunately, we had blocked the entire road so people had to help us! The tow truck we waited for (for 2 hours) was too afraid to come down the hill and help us as it was too icy. In the end, the students were fabulous and we went back to Bamfield for the night where they gave us accomodations and 3 meals for FREE!
You can't tell here but this is on a hill and they ended up swinging the front of the bus in the opposite direction. In all, I was gone for 4 days. Def. too long to be away from my little guy! But, def. a great trip.
Here is one of the groups (Team Ogopogo) out on the ALTA. You go out for 1.5 hours and do a dredge so that you can touch and see all the cool creatures out on the ocean floor.
Here are the kids in the whale lab (grey whale skeleton in the background). Here they got to touch a bunch of invertebrates and teach the class about them.
I love the sea anenome
Group shot on Brady's Beach
The weather was extremely stormy so the students were not allowed to venture out as far as usual. Unfortunately the tide was not all the way out so the tide pools were not optimal.
Maria, Nicole, and I on the ferry home. We were supposed to take the bus but unfortunately, we got stuck on the biggest hill, halfway between Bamfield and Port Alberni. We were there for about 6 hours, and at least 2 of those hours were outside in blizzard-ish conditions. The students did extremely well for such a unique situation. We spent time huddling and building a shelter for fun. Once it got dark, and students were wet and cold, we just huddled together and watched a bunch of people trying to free the bus. Fortunately, we had blocked the entire road so people had to help us! The tow truck we waited for (for 2 hours) was too afraid to come down the hill and help us as it was too icy. In the end, the students were fabulous and we went back to Bamfield for the night where they gave us accomodations and 3 meals for FREE!
You can't tell here but this is on a hill and they ended up swinging the front of the bus in the opposite direction. In all, I was gone for 4 days. Def. too long to be away from my little guy! But, def. a great trip.
Sunday, February 03, 2008
My Story...in a few more than 100 words
I've been reading the book `Just Walk Across the Room' lately and it encourages us to tell our story in 100 words or less. This is way more than 100 words, but, I am a fast talker so this would take about 1 minute which seems good enough to me:) I'm going to be pretty vulnerable here, so, here we go!
I was born into a Christian family and grew up believing that if I worked hard, I could achieve whatever I wanted. I liked having control and I liked knowing why things happen the way that they do. Everything in my life seemed to make sense until I was an adult. Then, I felt like I had less control. The guy that I thought I wanted to be with, no longer wanted to be with me. My mom got cancer and once it was in her bones, there was no chance of recovery. Why did this happen? I wanted to find a reason for it all, especially with my mom. Was it so I could grow closer with my sisters? Was it so I would have greater empathy and understanding? Was it so I would appreciate my mom more? There must've been an easier way to learn those lessons! I really came to rely on the verse in Proverbs that says `Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding'. I need to trust Him and not try to figure it out. It doesn't make sense now, but He knows the big picture. In no way is this easy, I'm still sad but I've stopped trying to figure it out and I know that He is in control. In regards to the man for me, God had Gary in store for me. He was well worth the wait. God knew who I needed in my life and helped join us together (along with the help of my entire science 9 class).
Recently, we've had to deal with this again. We got pregnant with Kai very easily, and this time around, it's not happening. We've started going for tests but it is very frustrating and worrisome. I find myself trying to figure out why and what I'm supposed to be learning from all this. I know we are so blessed to have a child, I would really just love to have a sibling for Kai. I would like to be pregnant just one more time. So, for now, I am working on trusting God and his plan for Gary, Kai and I.
I was born into a Christian family and grew up believing that if I worked hard, I could achieve whatever I wanted. I liked having control and I liked knowing why things happen the way that they do. Everything in my life seemed to make sense until I was an adult. Then, I felt like I had less control. The guy that I thought I wanted to be with, no longer wanted to be with me. My mom got cancer and once it was in her bones, there was no chance of recovery. Why did this happen? I wanted to find a reason for it all, especially with my mom. Was it so I could grow closer with my sisters? Was it so I would have greater empathy and understanding? Was it so I would appreciate my mom more? There must've been an easier way to learn those lessons! I really came to rely on the verse in Proverbs that says `Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding'. I need to trust Him and not try to figure it out. It doesn't make sense now, but He knows the big picture. In no way is this easy, I'm still sad but I've stopped trying to figure it out and I know that He is in control. In regards to the man for me, God had Gary in store for me. He was well worth the wait. God knew who I needed in my life and helped join us together (along with the help of my entire science 9 class).
Recently, we've had to deal with this again. We got pregnant with Kai very easily, and this time around, it's not happening. We've started going for tests but it is very frustrating and worrisome. I find myself trying to figure out why and what I'm supposed to be learning from all this. I know we are so blessed to have a child, I would really just love to have a sibling for Kai. I would like to be pregnant just one more time. So, for now, I am working on trusting God and his plan for Gary, Kai and I.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
One and half years old!
My little baby is now a little boy. He is now 1.5 years old. I love, love, love this stage! Here is a picture of him on his new big boy bed. He likes playing on it but is too scared to sleep in it. So, during nap time and bed time, we put the mattress back in the crib. He does love his crib. We bought this bed off of craigslist and met a very fun and interesting couple in the process.
So, our big boy is now 29lbs. That's only 9 lbs in one year since he was 20lbs at his 6 months shots. Wow, they sure slow down!
Kai is still a momma's boy (and I LOVE that) BUT, daddy def. is more fun and wild and gets the best giggles out of him. We have found that if he wakes in the night, Gary needs to go in because if I go in, he won't stop crying because he knows I'm a sucker and will take him out and cuddle him etc.
His favourite place to hang out is on the bottom step. He's started liking books again and really likes us to read `I-O', you know, E-I-E-I-O! Did I mention how much he loves his football shirt? He loves it because its a 3D rubber feeling football on his shirt. In the car, we make sure he always has a basketball or football to hold on to.
Let's see...quick list of favourites!
Favourite food: pizza!!!!! If he hears the oven beep for any reason, he runs to it thinking that pizza is in there (we do have it on Fridays). Oh ya, but he really does love his applesauce too...good dutch boy!
Favourite things to say: peek a boo, money, happy, pizza, Bubi, pop (from his favourite song, `Raindrop Pop'), okay (which is REALLY cute), applesauce
Favourite `story': nursery rhymes
Favourite animal: in real life, a dog. In pictures, the zebra and cow.
Favourite piece of clothing: his football shirt
Favourite interaction: loves to say `ET' and point at the other person, when your fingers touch, you have to tickle him.
His chores: He puts his shoes by the door when we take them off. He hangs the tea towel back up on the oven door after we wash it (without being asked). He brings recycling to the back door.
His friends: He loves playing with Ani (cousin) and Claire (from daycare). I enjoy watching his interactions with other kids and I love that he has does go to daycare so he gets that. Note that his new daycare starts in one week, I am nervous!!!
Well, that's about it for this month. Love this little guy tons. Gary gets him for 3 straight days now as I am off to Bamfield with my Biology 11 classes...I'm sure they will have a great time together but I will sure miss them!
So, our big boy is now 29lbs. That's only 9 lbs in one year since he was 20lbs at his 6 months shots. Wow, they sure slow down!
Kai is still a momma's boy (and I LOVE that) BUT, daddy def. is more fun and wild and gets the best giggles out of him. We have found that if he wakes in the night, Gary needs to go in because if I go in, he won't stop crying because he knows I'm a sucker and will take him out and cuddle him etc.
His favourite place to hang out is on the bottom step. He's started liking books again and really likes us to read `I-O', you know, E-I-E-I-O! Did I mention how much he loves his football shirt? He loves it because its a 3D rubber feeling football on his shirt. In the car, we make sure he always has a basketball or football to hold on to.
Let's see...quick list of favourites!
Favourite food: pizza!!!!! If he hears the oven beep for any reason, he runs to it thinking that pizza is in there (we do have it on Fridays). Oh ya, but he really does love his applesauce too...good dutch boy!
Favourite things to say: peek a boo, money, happy, pizza, Bubi, pop (from his favourite song, `Raindrop Pop'), okay (which is REALLY cute), applesauce
Favourite `story': nursery rhymes
Favourite animal: in real life, a dog. In pictures, the zebra and cow.
Favourite piece of clothing: his football shirt
Favourite interaction: loves to say `ET' and point at the other person, when your fingers touch, you have to tickle him.
His chores: He puts his shoes by the door when we take them off. He hangs the tea towel back up on the oven door after we wash it (without being asked). He brings recycling to the back door.
His friends: He loves playing with Ani (cousin) and Claire (from daycare). I enjoy watching his interactions with other kids and I love that he has does go to daycare so he gets that. Note that his new daycare starts in one week, I am nervous!!!
Well, that's about it for this month. Love this little guy tons. Gary gets him for 3 straight days now as I am off to Bamfield with my Biology 11 classes...I'm sure they will have a great time together but I will sure miss them!
Happy 2nd Birthday Ani!
It really seems like just yesterday that my niece, Ani, was born. It was a day that changed our lives forever. Maybe more than any other event. She came at a time when our family was feeling a lot of sadness, and the joy she brought was unbelievable, something we never imagined we could feel at that time. My mom had 3 months left to live, and the celebration and happiness that Ani's birth brought, was so evident on my mom's face. It was the best day she had had in months, and I had probably never seen her that happy. She was actually there for the delivery.
Blowing out the candles on her Dora cake
Eating cake with friends
Kisses from Auntie Janny
Auntie Trisha with baby Izzy (2 months old)
Jackie, Tyler, Jan, and Doug. Cheesy, happy group:)
A room full of love for Ani
Opening one of the many Dora gifts
Jackie being Jackie
Generations of Love...(ani's nanna and great nanna)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Peek-a-boo!
Okay, when does peek-a-boo lose its appeal?! He loves it more than anything and I'm getting a little bored of it. Actually, really, really bored of it. What a terrible mom, I know:)
Kai loves his balloon. Being that it is a helium one, I've been reaching for it many times today when he `accidentally' lets it go.
Excited, yet not excited, about his new hat
Loving his `job' of carrying the junk mail home from the mailbox.
Looking out the window to Opi's house. All day long, `Opi? Opi? Opi?'. `Kai, opi is at work, we'll see him later'. (NOTE: my dad literally lives across the street).
Kai loves his balloon. Being that it is a helium one, I've been reaching for it many times today when he `accidentally' lets it go.
Excited, yet not excited, about his new hat
Loving his `job' of carrying the junk mail home from the mailbox.
Looking out the window to Opi's house. All day long, `Opi? Opi? Opi?'. `Kai, opi is at work, we'll see him later'. (NOTE: my dad literally lives across the street).
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Snow Day
Very exciting that there is finally a snow day EXCEPT this was my regular day off anyway!!! Oh well. Its still nice to have Gary home so I can have some alone time (that doesn't sound right!). Let's see, what's new?
-purchased some great squid, with the innards, at the local Asian supermarket for tomorrow's dissection and feast:)
-went to a swap meet this weekend and got some great dealios on clothes. I also bought Kai a nursery rhyme book and he has been LOVING `Old MacDonald' (he says EIEIEIEIEIEO) and `Itsy Bitsy Spider'. He is also saying a lot more like; okay, lunch, boots...really, he will repeat whatever we say.
-Gary gets to go to the dentist today to have a crown fitted and then its off to bball
-I'm off to Bamfield in a week from now (with my Biology 11 classes)...3 days away from the little guy (and this big guy too I guess). Hope the trip goes well!
-I'll have to get some pictures on here although there isn't much to take pictures of right now...Kai is still cute and Gary and I are just the same:)
-I've been trying to reach my friends in Kenya to see how they are (two teachers and a pastor there that have access to email usually once a week) but I have not heard back from any of them. It is very sad to hear about it on the news. They are generally quite peaceful in Kenya and have been for many years. I read somewhere that they have so little and when you take away the power of their vote, what is left? Politics are so important there. Even if you have nothing else in your home, a picture of the president is a must. I miss Kenya, my students, and my friends. It's hard hearing about the violence in all the places that I have been.
-purchased some great squid, with the innards, at the local Asian supermarket for tomorrow's dissection and feast:)
-went to a swap meet this weekend and got some great dealios on clothes. I also bought Kai a nursery rhyme book and he has been LOVING `Old MacDonald' (he says EIEIEIEIEIEO) and `Itsy Bitsy Spider'. He is also saying a lot more like; okay, lunch, boots...really, he will repeat whatever we say.
-Gary gets to go to the dentist today to have a crown fitted and then its off to bball
-I'm off to Bamfield in a week from now (with my Biology 11 classes)...3 days away from the little guy (and this big guy too I guess). Hope the trip goes well!
-I'll have to get some pictures on here although there isn't much to take pictures of right now...Kai is still cute and Gary and I are just the same:)
-I've been trying to reach my friends in Kenya to see how they are (two teachers and a pastor there that have access to email usually once a week) but I have not heard back from any of them. It is very sad to hear about it on the news. They are generally quite peaceful in Kenya and have been for many years. I read somewhere that they have so little and when you take away the power of their vote, what is left? Politics are so important there. Even if you have nothing else in your home, a picture of the president is a must. I miss Kenya, my students, and my friends. It's hard hearing about the violence in all the places that I have been.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Giggles before bed
He now likes piggy back rides but isn't the best at holding on. So, if he says `back', that is what he is talking about. Another big word is `Gack'. This is his way of saying Jack. My dad wanted to be called just `Jack', not opa or grandpa. We have comprimised to Opi Jack. Kai gets a big kick out of saying Gack. He also gave Opi lots of kisses last night...he usually NEVER gives kisses. Very lucky Opi Gack.
Look at his eyes. Cute. You can see his blanket holding technique here...his right thumb is always in his mouth, then his left hand finds a corner and stuffs it into his right hand so he can suck on the blanket at the same time. Not too interesting, but when I look back at this a year from now, I'll think its cute:) He likes to look at the pictures on the camera and say his name which rotates between `Kai' and `Dai'.
Here I'm making Gary take a picture of us. He does not like it when I `make' him do this. However, our pictures of us:Kai is about 1:100,000 so its time to get more pics of us!
Below, giggles with mommy...
Giggles with daddy...
Have a good weekend everyone. I am NOT looking forward to 4 days of snow. Well, if there is a day off school because of it, I'm in:) It's just that its been sooo cold.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Buddies
This Monday, I found a new daycare for Kai which will begin mid February. We love where we have been but she is no longer able to do it. Hopefully he will enjoy the new one just as much. We visited for an hour and he cried when we had to leave so that is a good sign!
Kai wanted to mark labs just like mommy today. I gave him some paper to scribble on and he felt pretty important. (seriously, not a set up picture, he was very intent on it)
Izzy and Ani came to visit
This is how Kai shows Ani he loves her. She's not so into it.
Kai! No! (we hear this many times)
Upstairs to play with the train.
Eating cookies on the bottom step. Kai has been getting really excited about seeing/playing with other kids these days. He's not sure how to play nicely (twice he hit ani on the head with objects) but he gets so happy! He's napping now so I better go get some work done!
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