Christmas is Upon Us

Well this month certainly did not start off on such a great note for any of us; in fact, it was probably the hardest time we have all faced.  I had to go in for surgery to get this stupid IUD removed as it had gone AWOL and was piercing my bowel.  A planned one night stay in hospital turned into a nine day stay due to an infection and some adverse reactions to the anesthetic and medication.  I began my stay on the post surgical unit in a semi-private room but was quickly transferred to an overflow unit and placed in a 4 person room with three much older folks; one horked and spat all the time, one farted and talked to his wanker and one stunk and snored like no tomorrow.  Clearly this was not a place I wanted to have people visiting, especially my daughter so our visits were very short and in the hospital lobby.  It is times like these when you have to be away from your family that you really realize how important they are and how luck you are.  Ted had to continue to working so thankfully my amazing parents were able to help out and take Jade on the nights he had to get up and also during the days.  If it were not for them, I honestly do not know how we would have got through this all.  I now have a full appreciation as to why many new moms have such a hard time leaving their little ones, especially for extended periods of time.  Jade and I spend a great deal of time with my parents so my nerves and all that are at almost complete ease having Jade stay there...do not think I would have been okay otherwise.  Figure I must as well be completely honest here, why hide anything eh?  Of course, the best place for her is at home, with her mommy and daddy but when circumstances get in the way, we have to go with the next best option.  Anyone that has been to my parents would attest to the fact that Jade pretty much has a second home at their place and feels oober comfortable there.  One of the most heartbreaking things during the whole hospital gong show ordeal was when Ted and Jade would leave after visiting...I would just see Jade's smile quickly change and she would stare at me with a blank look of shock.....HEARTBREAKING!!!!  There were times when I would call and she would be screaming but everytime the phone was put up to her ear, apparently she would stop and a big smile would come upon her face...heartwarming.  I must also mention that I have two amazing twin cousins who helped out as well; honestly don't know if they have more pictures of our daughter or we do :)

After nine horrid days, I was released with a frigging catheter but thankfully by Christmas Eve it was gonzo and life was returning to normal.  Christmas Eve was joyfully spent at my parents place with friends, family and animals.  It was a time to catch up with a couple childhood friends, meet new people and have good times all around. Aunty Ashlee took the honour of buying Jade her Christmas jammies, which were very adorable with the Santa hat.  Ironically she got a bear that tells the story "Twas The Night Before Christmas" from my papa as well as the story book from Ashlee.  Unfortunately Jade passed out before we were successfully able to sit her down with the bear and book but both did get used before the holiday ended :)  Christmas could not have been any better; not only were we at my parents place but it was Jade's first one.  Of course she got spoiled by everyone...new toys and outfits by grandma and grandpa; new snow suit and clothes from Aunty Ashlee, a psychedelic Build-A-Bear from Uncle Timmy and Aunty Rachel, a keyboard from Oma and Opa and so much more from our families and friends.  Must say that Ted and I were pretty lucky ourselves and are very thankful for everything.  Firearms course for Ted, new shoes, decor for our new place, clothes and looks like we will be season ticket holders for the Lions for another season thanks to my amazing Aunt, Uncle and my awesome cousins.  What was also great about this Christmas was that we had some time to just spend at home, the three of us, relaxing and taking it easy...being together.  Christmas dinner was the big do at my Aunt and Uncle's place which always makes for good times. So, have to say this was definitely a great Christmas!!!!

Attempt at a nice family pic (didn't really turn out that way)

Jade & her new bear from Uncle Timmy & Aunty Rachel

Trying out her new toy with Grandpa, of course Dexter needs to be a part of it

Jade and her "Twas the Night Before Christmas" story telling bear from my papa

Jade got to spend lots of time with Aunty Ashlee which I was very happy about.  It is tough having her living way over in Edmonton so the time she does spend with us needs to be quality.  Aunty Ashlee just can't seem to stop spoiling Jade though, lol...I think everytime Ashlee went to a store or near one, she came back with some sort of thing for Jade.  Uncle Timmy and Aunty Rachel came over for dinner a few days after and so there was lots of cuddling time for Aunty Rachel then.  Ohhhh, they joined us in christening our dining room table too....yep, been in this place for 2 months and that was the first time we used our table...shhhhhh!!!

New Years was also perfect, a quiet one spent at home with just the three of us :)

We are at the 8 month old mark now so everyone is always asking about teething, crawling, and sitting.  Jade is constantly chewing on things and drooling, as I have been saying for a few months now, but there are still no teeth to be seen.  She can't quite pull herself up into a sitting position just yet but once in one, Jade can hold herself up for a short period of time.  My gosh though, she has quite the little six pack starting to form as she tries to pull herself up into a sitting position with straight legs and upper body so ends up balancing herself with her abs.  Crawling you ask, well little Jade is quite the expert at crawling backwards but hasn't quite figured out the whole forward motion thing.  She has a habit of getting herself stuck places whether it be at home or at grandmas.

Poor peanut is still having bowel issues and just can't seem to get out what is needed.  She tries so hard, her face turns red and her little eyes water but rarely does she have success.  After seeing the doctor, we are trying a few suggestions and hopefully will have some more success on a regular basis.

We had quite the day one day and made our rounds and visits.  We ventured to China Town to meet some ladies from work for Dim Sum.  Of course Jade loved it as she got to make her round the table visits and see a new part of the city...not to mention she got company for part of the car ride with Aunty Laine.  Next, Jade and I made a trip out to the Coquitlam area to visit some friends.  What was supposed to be a pop in to drop off some Christmas presents turned into a great little play date for Jade.  It was really nice to catch up with Leanne and let Zoey help out with Jade and Kenzie.  We just hope that Jade is a little nicer during her future play dates and doesn't always want to take the toys from the other kids.  I really don't think she is doing it to be mean, she is just sooooo curious that she has to test out anything and everything.  Definitely hope to be seeing more of them.  We also finally got to see Tante Mette and Uncle Mike, it had been far too long since we last saw them.  Of course Jade always loves her time with them, especially Uncle Mike.

Kenzie & Jade (notice the hand holding)

Another day of note this past month was Jade's first audition.  We thought it might be neat to see if Jade got into doing some commercials but we have absolutely no expectations but rather doing it for the experience.  When I was in hospital, I got a call from an agency asking if Jade wanted to try out and we said sure, what the heck.  The three of us went to the studio where there were a ton of other babies, Jade went on her own for a couple of minutes then the three of us got interviewed for a couple of minutes and that was the extent of the audition.  We won't find anything out until the middle of this week so you will just have to stay tuned for the next blog as to whether we were chosen; so far not chosen but maybe over the next couple of days we will get a surprise call.  Of course we think Jade was a star but I guess we are bias :)  Oh, I guess you may be wondering what the audition was for...hmmm...I guess I can tell you; it was for Huggies.

This past month has been a real busy one and there really has not been much time for us to just relax at home, the three of us and not have to be running off to somewhere.  However, the times we have had, have been great.  Whether we are able to watch a show or I get to watch Ted play the guitar as Jade watches in awe or attempts to strum as well, it is a great time.  Definitely think she prefers the guitar over the piano; when Ted set her up with the guitar, she grabbed it like she was a natural :)

The final day of this month was swim lessons, better known as water babies. Most of the time Jade had a "deer in the headlights" look but she didn't scream or anything.  I think she enjoyed it but was overly curious about everything around us including the other babies.  She did get dunked and still had the same look but a few seconds after, she shook her head as if she was freezing.  We ended the session with a huge smile so I guess that is a good note.

This little girl is the hardest to change and feed.  Jade likes to roll around the change table, kick her legs and do anything she can to make it difficult for us to put her diaper on.  Of course she prefers to be in her birthday suit but if we don't hurry and get the diaper on she takes the liberty of peeing which she has done at home and on Grandma and Grandpa's bed...oops.  We have had to put the chair her booster seat is on in the middle of the room because if we don't Jade constantly grabs at whatever she can and is completely distracted while feeding.  Best part of that is that she opens her mouth for food even though her face is turned away and she is busy grabbing at something.  The chair in the center of the room doesn't always work as she will find something to stare at and attempt to reach for.  Jade is also quite the little teaser of Dexter....Dexter will get shooed away so he doesn't get into her food but then the little bugger gets food on her hand and sticks it out for Dexter to come lick; only for him to get shooed away again....oh this is not a good sign for things to come.  I just give up sometimes on trying to be clean and this results in food everywhere, as you can see in this pic of her with her carrots. 

 

I guess I have to note here that Jade did kind of say her first word...errrrrr....it was dada.  We figure though it is more of her just making sounds than really making a word so I guess she hasn't officially done it.  Ok, ok, I am not that bad, any word is welcome even if it is dada first :)

Jade continues to enjoy her sports on t.v., football remains one of her favourites.  The pic below is when she was watching one of the college bowl games with my mom, note the leg crossing which was all done by her.  She loves to grab anything she can reach and then starts flailing her arms like no tomorrow.  I will say that I have been hit in the face a few times with various objects and the response is always a laugh from her dad and her.  Little missy also likes to give us a big smile and giggle when we firmly say no to her when she does such things as grab at wires.....eeek, do we have a cheeky child in the making? :)

I guess this about wraps up another month of in the lives of Jade and her crazy parents. This coming month will probably be a little quieter but also a little sadder as we bid adieu to Uncle Timmy as he heads off to boot camp.  I shall leave you with some pics of the lil' nut sleeping, but don't get any ideas that this happens often :)

Cat nap on Christmas Eve before dinner

Asleep in her Christmas jammies from Aunty Ashlee on Christmas Eve

Goodnight!

Time is Flying By

Time flies when you are having fun….I think that is a very fitting slogan for what we are experiencing having Jade apart of our lives.  Of course there are always those stressful components to life with many ups and downs but each and every one of them is made bearable by our little gal.

This month has just flown by…maybe that had to do with the fact we were pretty darn busy; people to see, places to go and things to do…

Hmmmm, having a hard time thinking back to the beginning of the past month and exactly what happened;   So  much of it had to do with settling into our new place I think but there was lots of running around to do as well.  We had another couple of sessions of Roots of Empathy and yet again Jade wowed the kids with her constant smiles and rolling around.  The kids asked if I could put her in this little chair they have and let her sit by herself.  So there was Jade, sitting in this chair, with only me holding her hand and keeping watch, and had her little arms up on the arm rests, taking in all that was happening around her.  At the last session, Jade was wearing her little dress from Aunty Ashlee and the teacher could not stop taking pictures and had to stop everyone in the middle to bring attention to her outfit.  I had to laugh to myself that I have a daughter who is dressed to the nines and there is me, who is far from fashionable….guess we offset each other perfectly :)

Jade and I got a visit from Carla and thankfully the weather was nice so off we went for a wee wander in the new neighbourhood.  It’s great to be reconnecting with such important people who have been in my life for so long.  We also had the chance to meet up with Manisha which was an unexpected but great visit.

We also made a trip over to the Island to visit Opa and Oma.  Ted put it so perfectly “it just melts your heart seeing Jade in his arms”; referring to Jade in his dad’s arms.  It must be his big, kind heart and warm touch (both literally and figuratively) that cause Jade to just relax and savour every minute with him.  He got her belly laughing more than once which is a task in itself.  We had gone over hoping to watch the Santa Clause parade downtown but unfortunately plans didn’t pan out for that; which may have been a blessing in disguise as it allowed us more time to spend with Opa.  Oma’s cat got a welcoming fur pull from Jade and thankfully she took it well and remained calm; while Jade on the other hand got that big smile and all giggly.  

This past month also included the western finals as well as the Grey Cup.  We tried our best to get Jade on the big screen but we were only able to get in the background of some shots at the Grey Cup.  However, apparently my aunt got on TSN while holding Jade but we never got to see that.  For the Grey Cup, Jade had to have been the best little & future fan of the Lions, dressed in her own personal jersey and cheering along with us.  The atmosphere there was utterly amazing, nothing could beat it, not even the Stanley Cup….tough to say that but it is just so true. I would have to say Ted and I probably held Jade the least at the football games; I think my Aunty Jill kidnapped her for the majority of the games, lol.  

Woooheeee we had a mega code brown last week.  The poor little gal had not gone for over a week and it was like a plug was released and that was the end. First time all over my mom and, I swear, not more than an hour after her bath, she did it on me.  I must say I am still at an utter loss as to how such a small thing can hold that much waste for that long, I cannot imagine what is going on in that stomach of hers.  It would appear that these code browns always occur when or shortly after, Jade is playing in her “circle of neglect”; thus, my mom has now deemed it the pooping machine.  I guess it has to do with the gravity and being able to hang her legs…hmmmmm..YUCK!!!!

This was also the month of our visit to the doctor, we all know how much fun the doctor is.  Okay, well it really is not that bad with Jade as she seems to actually quite enjoy it and laughs through it.  She is now 6.2 kg (13.6 lbs.) and 25.5” (64cm).  The little bugger was grabbing at everything in the doctor’s office, including the sheet that was on the scale for her weighing.  Anywho, Jade is a healthy but small gal who continues to progress along her little growth curve and make all the gains needed.  In addition to the doctor, the poor gal had to get her 6 month shot as well.  I don’t know why I say poor girl because she actually seems to enjoy them…well the best one could.  The nurse poked her, Jade’s face looked shocked then she broke out in a huge smile, started talking away and laughing.  The nurse said they don’t get many babies like that and Jade may just be her favourite….ya, not sure if that is really normal for a baby to laugh at their shots.  It was pretty cute though afterwards when we had to wait the 15min after the shots in the waiting room and a little 4 month who was screaming was there too.  Jade was talking up a storm to her and this little one just stared at her kind of like…what is wrong with you, we just got shots :).  Ya, the whole idea that she may sleep longer after her shots definitely didn’t ring true; rather, it was the complete opposite. I do not think we got more than a few 20min spans of sleep that night. 

The fun began this past month with the introduction to solid food….oh what a messy, messy adventure.  We have just been doing the rice cereal thus far but by the end of each attempt, Jade probably has half of it all over her face, clothes and my clothes and maybe the other half in her belly.  Do not think we will be having much trouble with food and this little gal as she likes to stick her head forward and basically just asking for it to be put in her mouth.  Of course she does like to play with the food as well, but what kind doesn’t? lol.  I have to say though, this thing I am continually told that she will sleep longer once she starts eating does not seem to be ringing true just yet. 

Jade continues to be a little explorer to her best ability.  There is definitely no staying in one place when playing on her carpet or blanket; rather, she maneuvers herself around by rolling and ends up in awkward places like half under the chair or on the hard floor.  She is also loving to grab at anything she can and of course putting what she can into her mouth.  The other day I had out my stethoscope to let my mom listen to my wee murmur whilst she was holding Jade.  Jade kept trying to grab the stethoscope until my mom took it off and put it down at which point Jade just started screaming.  My mom had not realized Jade had been grabbing at it so was curious what happened; it was not until I gave her back the stethoscope that the screaming ceased and laughing began….can we say princess, lol?  She also likes to flail her arms and throw her toys around…of course screams when the toy is no longer in her possession; only stopping when it is returned to her.  Hope this is not a sign of things to come, lol.  She still loves watching Glee and Ellen with my mom and is mesmerized by BabyTV.

Watching Glee

Jade’s awareness to certain people’s voices continues to amaze me and is also quite heartwarming.  She instantly smiles when she hears her daddy’s voice, grandma’s or grandpa’s as well as someone I know out in White Rock.  She gets the BIGGEST smile on her face when she sees her diva buddy Riley.  It was pretty cute the other night when we were over at my parents for dinner and Ted, my mom, Riley and I were all in the back room listening to music on Apple TV.  Jade was really enjoying herself and even got into playing the guitar that Riley and Ted were playing…her daddy is grooming her young.  That continued a couple of weeks later when Ted was playing for Jade and I then took a break.  I put Jade up to the guitar and Ted played some chords while Jade did the strumming…purrrty cute stuff going on.

Of course it is the beginning of December and thus it’s the beginning of the Christmas season.  Growing up, my dad always did an amazing job on hanging the lights at our place and this year was no different.  I mention all this because every year he tries to add something new and this year had to have been one of the most special things.  Being that Jade’s “theme” is giraffe’s, we found a Christmas giraffe at Canadian Tire and when we went over there, low and behold my dad had bought it….all for his little granddaughter.  Ted also had the opportunity to do a little more with the lights this year seeing as we have more than just a railing to hang a few lights on.  He did an awesome job and Jade took quite the little gander around when she and I went out there to check it all out and give our approval J.  One of the first little gifts Jade ever got was from one of my best friends who lives in Indiana, Krissi.  Aunty Krissi bought her a Christmas ornament and so last night Jade attempted to hang it on our fake tree (ugh, I HATE fake trees) but of course it kind of made it to her mouth rather than the tree, lol.  She will have another attempt at hanging an ornament this year as she does have one at my parents as well.  We have yet to see Jade's stocking but I have no doubt it is amazing as I would not trust anyone else to buy one without us but Charlene....thank you :)

Jade’s 7month “birthday” (no we don’t celebrate the monthly milestones) was spent in the evening with her Aunty Rachel and Uncle Tim who she had not seen for a little while.  A very nice evening indeed, for all including the princess.  Of course, Jade was probably enamored the most with the dog….seems to be who she finds she can talk to most, lol.  Jade loves them all though and when they move away, she will no doubt miss them…which means many visits.  Tim just received the official call and will be headed to bootcamp on February 6^th.  We are sooooo proud of him!!!!  That was also the night the little princess decided she would have a little 2 hour nap from 11pm-1am then stay up until 4:45am giggling away and wanting to play.  One would think that she would be one very cranky baby considering the little amount of sleep that she gets but that is far from true.  This little monster woos people with her giant smile and continuous giggles at all hours of the day and right into the night.  

3:45am

Well I guess I have written an essay here with not a whole lot to share so I shall bring this blog entry to a close.  I look forward to updating you all in the next one as it will include all the details of Jade’s first Christmas.  This is by far the most special Christmas…even though she will have no real clue as to what is going on, the meaning behind it all will be there and it will be the beginning of a new tradition.  We spent last Christmas on the Island and thus this year we will be at my parents which will be pretty neat for them.  Aunty Ashlee will be home from the 23^rd-28^th which will be great…she will get plenty of cuddles in with her lil’ nut indeedeeo.  This week also is when I have to go in for surgery and will be forced to spend a night in hospital which means my first night away from Jade.  I know Ted will be awesome with her but it’ll be hard, a change which are always hard.  Anywho, I will bid you all adieu until 2012.  Have a very Merry Christmas!!!!

Half an Annum :)

Wow, half an annum has come and gone….time really does fly when you are having a good time.  It’s utterly amazing how much one little being can change both physically and personably in such a short amount of time.  I have said it before and I will say it again, this is my calling in life and I have enjoyed every single minute of it. 

This past month has been a very busy one and full of both highs and lows.  Ted’s grandpa passed away early in the month which brought his side of the family together for the funeral.  It was for sure a tough time for Ted to see such a strong man leave us but one thing we are very thankful is that his grandpa got to meet Jade and spend sometime holding her.  As many people have said before, families are often brought together by funerals and weddings and this was no different.  Though it was a time of sadness, it was also a time of celebrating the man he was and a time for the family, from all over B.C. and all the way to Saskatchewan, to all be together in one place at the same time.  

 

We spent much of the month preparing to move…from packing boxes to trips to the bank and notary to purging unneeded junk, the to-do list never seemed to end.  NO doubt everyone out there knows how much fun moving is; especially, the prep.  I swear you think you have packed so much then you look around and the place still looks pretty much the same….ugh.  Thankfully we had some great friends…Steve, Peter, Hussein, Val, Chris, Mette and Mike in addition to me pops and Meg to help us in the move.  Most frustrating part for me was that I could not do any lifting because of a little surgery I had so felt horrible that everything was left for Ted and the others to do.  I must admit though, not too sure how much help I would have been with Jade who was wide awake and seeking some love everyday of the move.  

Right, Jade, the reason you are reading this.  She continues to develop her personality and grow into her own little gal.  The little missy is continually reaching out for things, especially those that she can put in her mouth….including her own toes which she has taken to sucking on.  She is enjoying her playtime on the floor, kicking and rolling around.  You turn your head for two seconds and she will have completely have shifted spots, at one time ending up under the table, all the while smiling away.  One of her favourite things to do is put the blanket over her face and laugh away to herself.  She is also talking a lot more, okay well maybe not in any language we can understand but it seems to be a great one way conversation with who or whatever will have one with her.  I must give full cudo’s to Meg though as she seems to get Jade to talk to the fullest.  

 

I cannot say exactly what it is, but there is something about gingers that draws Jade in.  I swear every ginger we know or have come across, she becomes enamored with them…stranger or not.  I guess if she is not going to be a ginger herself then at least she has a soft spot for them…I should say us.

There was lots of family visiting over the past month.  As mentioned previously, Jade met with the majority of Ted’s side at the funeral; many of whom she had not met but one important one, Opa, with whom she soundly slept in his arms.  Oma was not well that visit but came over on moving day so Jade got sometime with her.  Then the quality time with Uncle Tim, Aunty Rachel and their pooch, with who Jade had a laughing spell with at his expense.  Tim got Tier going, playfully growling and Jade could not get enough of it, just giggling away.  This little gal definitely has no fear of big dogs; rather, she seems to love them, especially Dexter and Tier.

She is in love with her toys for sure....whether it be her "circle of neglect", to the bumbo, to the jolly jumper or just playing on the floor with various toys.

This past month also brought a visit with my lifelong friend Leanne and her daughter Kenzie who will hopefully be Jade’s lifelong friend.  It was definitely a long overdue visit and a first for the two little ones. Another visit with Aunty Laine and Aunty Sandra to ring in a birthday for the latter and an official introduction to the current Boozehounds team; at least, who stuck around after the game. There was also the venture out with Patti and Brittany which was nice.

I must mention here one of the greatest and most sentimental gifts Jade has received was given to her this past month.  Uncle Peter personally created and designed a cd for her chalked full of Queen songs.  If anyone remembers, I have mentioned Jade’s love for Queen and the calming effect it has on her.  In fact, just the other day I was driving home from an appointment and she was just screaming away in the back seat so I popped in the cd and, I swear, it was instantaneous that she calmed down and stopped crying.  For those who do not know Peter, he is Ted’s best friend and a devout Queen fan.

  It is really amazing the effect she has on the grade 2 students.  Close to a month later one of the young lads remembered that Jade did not like her car seat because she likes to move around lots and probably hates being strapped in.  They are so enthralled with Jade from the moment she enters the room to the moment she leaves; continually asking questions, making comments and smiling all the while.  We have also now made two visits for assisting in the education for the teachers who will be doing the Seeds of Empathy.  NO matter whether we are doing the Roots of Empathy or the Seeds of Empathy, everyone seems to fall in love with Jade and she reciprocates the feelings by laughing and looking around at everyone and everything.

Speaking of looking around, Jade is so curious about the world around her.  She continues to fight sleeping as she would rather be experiencing the world around her and what it has to offer.  Any new noise or action grabs her attention and makes her turn her head to watch or listen.  I must admit that it continues to be the most amazing thing when she recognizes our voices and turns to look at us with the biggest smile on her face.  I guess it is also pretty neat to see her do the same thing to my parents :) That giggle she showed us when Tim got Tier playfully growling was again brought out when jade and my mom were sitting side by side on the couch watching Ellen.  I looked over to see the two of them in utter hysterics over something but I have no idea what as I was too taken aback by the site of them.  The love between Jade and my dad only continues to grow and I think he could easily take her from us if we left him to :) He gets down there on the floor, on her blanket and plays away with her or rushes to eat dinner when we are over there so he can whisk her away…of course he tries to make it seem like he is just doing us a favour so we can enjoy our dinner…..hmmmmm, right dad, that’s the reason; definitely not that you just want to have her to yourself.  It is pretty neat to see Jade smile whenever I show her a picture of her Aunty Ashlee and mention her name at that point.  Guess we’ll have to do that with her Uncle Tim soon once he ventures out to basic training.

Jade took quite a liking to baseball during the month of October with the playoffs taking place.  Not sure if it was the game or the cute guys though that grabbed her attention more; okay maybe it was neither :) I took Jade to one of our hockey games when I was unable to play but Ted was still out there.  Unfortunately she seemed more interested in trying to see the World Series final baseball game on television than watching the Boozehounds.  What can I say, must have been because I was not out there playing…lol, joking.

Due to our busy schedule with the move and everything, we have not consistently gone to our Mother Goose program on Thursday mornings.  Cannot say we have made a great effort to make it on the busy days either as neither of us seem to overly enjoy it.  For me, it seems like the other mom’s seem to know one another thus on break there are all these little groups chatting away about whatever then Jade and I in our own world. For Jade, she has been fairly fussy most of the time at the group which is usually not like her.

Sleep you ask, how is that going?  Well it was not going too well up until our move into our new place.  The first night remained the same as before but the next two nights she slept for six straight hours…..yes, you read that correctly, six straight hours.  However we were not holding our breath as she has done that before for two nights then went way back in her short lifespan and did the two hour thing.  Arg, it happened again after those two nights but then again, back to six hours….wooohooo, maybe we have finally turned the corner….fingers crossed.  So far, so good, must be living on the North Shore that is a key to the sleep thing here.  Now we have figured out that all she needs to sleep well is to be in North Van, and to stop crying Jade needs some Queen and a boob.  I will not speak further of the sleep as I do not want to jinx any success :)

Halloween fell in this six month period and we did partake to an extent.  My papa bought Jade a costume and it suit her to a tee.  We dressed her up and took her off to papa’s place to do some trick or treating then over to Meg’s.  It was sooooo cute, my papa gave her a little Halloween bag but instead of candy there were a couple of little toys in it which Jade loved.  I would say our first Halloween was a success and next year I guess we will have to dress up with her.

Best thing yet happened this month, a giggle fit.  When I say giggle fit, I mean extreme fit…double the previous mentioned ones. I was holding Jade on the couch and Ted would continually pop up from behind it.  Jade would be startled initially but then just start giggling away, the more Ted popped up, the harder Jade laughed.  In turn, we were all in complete hysterics….good times, good times indeed. Unfortunately we have been trying to get her going again to film it but we have had no such luck as I think she just likes to toy with us and bring out her “you only film me when I want to” attitude.

Continuing with the humourous discussion, I think we have discovered a way in which Jade likes to enamour those most important to her with her love.  Any guesses? Maybe you got it, yep via a mega explosion J On more than one occasion this past month, Jade has shiat on my mom…of course displaying a huge smile afterwards.  This enduring act has only been bestowed upon a very select few but witnessed by some more.  Not too sure what is really going on with her tummy, but it is almost as though there is a kink somewhere that she just can’t get things past for quite some time. However, when she does, man oh man does she ever.  In the meantime, Jade just toots away and makes you want to vacate the area….some like to say she takes after one of her parents in that aspect but we won’t divulge who exactly.

As this blog comes to an end I think about what will be included in the next one.  We will be starting food this month, preparing for Christmas, another round of shots, my mom’s birthday, hopefully a housewarming party and whatever else our little angel brings our way to share with you. :)

5 Months Already????

Yep, another month has passed us by and Jade continues to grow, not only physically but also personality.  Jade and I have had the opportunity to join a great program called Roots of Empathy/Seeds of Empathy where we go into classrooms in elementary school to meet with the kids.  It is  a program that has been shown to reduce levels of aggression in the kids while raising their social/emotional competence and increasing empathy.  We have gone into the classroom once and also but had the chance to take part in the instructor/facilitator training.  I must say Jade was perfect; she did everything she was supposed to do and wooed them all at the training :).  The first classroom visit was the day after her shots so she was a little fussy but still pretty good.

Jade is now able to roll over from her back to stomach and vice versa.  Once she makes it onto her stomach, she seems to like to stay there and push herself up with her arms.  Well that WAS what she liked, she now loves being on her back; guess she can see more from her back.  It is definitely only a matter of time before this kid is crawling and we are in big trouble when that happens.  Jade is soooooo curious and will no doubt be getting into everything she has access to. She is always grabbing things and often tries putting her hands into my food including my ice-cream.

Everyone always asks about sleep.....ummmm if that is something that happens for more the 3 or 4 hours a night on a consistent basis, I can't say I really know what that is.  This girl fights with all her might not to sleep during the day and thus naps are a very foreign concept.  If she does have a nap, it is cat nap; we still try to have some downtime though and lie down for a bit where we can just to get some rest in.  The night I started writing this, amazing enough the little missy slept for something like 6 hours and the next night is was around 5 hours.  Really???  We were sooo excited, did she turn the corner and would now be sleeping a little more?  Ummm, wishful thinking for sure as that quickly went down to averaging maybe 2 hours straight and that is it.  I swear she likes to have all the control, especially over me.  On a number of occasions, I would put her down to bed then stay up for about a half hour and I swear as soon as I got myself ready to jump into bed, she would wake up....ahhhhh, lol.

Wide awake at midnight...all fun & games in her little world

Aunty Ashlee was in town for a week which meant lots of time to be spent together for those two.  I was sooo happy Ashlee got to spend sometime with Jade as I know it kills Ashlee and I that she isn't here to see Jade every week.  Ashlee has been and will always be a huge part of my life; someone I have always been proud to call my sister, mentor and best friend so it's tough not having her here.  however, we know she is doing a huge thing doing her residency in Edmonton (just living there is a sacrifice in itself) and are sooooo flipping proud of her.....Dr Dobbe (Dr Aunty Ashlee) :).

Jade also got to meet a very good friend of ours Tasha and her little gal, whom she took quite a liking to.  We also got out with Aunty Sandra and Tyrone, and another visit with Aunty Laine.  Jade also welcomed the guests for our final UFC event in our before we move


It is utterly amazing how much babies develop in such a short amount of time.  Several people have been saying how Jade is like a little person now, that there is so much more to her than the last time they saw her.  She is now grabbing at things, rolling over like I mentioned, constantly talking away, and of course slobbering allllll over the place.  She has Sophie to gnaw on, well two Sophies I should say.  That would be because I killed the squeaky thing in the first one when I was sanitizing it after it spent sometime on the floor of a restaurant.  Heaven forbid Jade not have the best, lol, so my mom (grandma) tended to that and bought her a new one.  It's quite awesome I must say, Jade has Sophie and Jerry to tote around with her....her two little giraffes.

The little stinker has also started playing in what several people refer to as "the circle of neglect".  I think she likes to just sit and watch was is going on around her rather than actually play but it occupies her for a few minutes no matter what she is doing.  I guess the other latest and greatest baby product is the Bumbo.  My mom and I are sitting at her place one day when we get a call from my dad.  He was phoning to tell us that Jade needed a Bumbo as the ladies at work said so.  Ten minutes later he calls back asking if we were going to get one or he should go get it because if you spent a certain amount at Babies R Us, you got a free Sophie.  I never thought my dad would be calling us to tell us what Jade needed but I guess it really should not have surprised me.  I have said it before and will say it again, Jade has definitely stolen my dads heart.  I loved it when he opened his birthday presents.  Quietly moving along, opening the presents and the cards until he came across an extra card and a huge smile came across his face...."Ohhhh, a card from Jade too".  LOVE IT!!!!  I don't even need to really talk about my mom and Jade.  They are like two peas in a pod.  It's indescribable what it is like to see Jade's face light up with a huge smile whenever she sees grandma or hears her voice. I think Jade's favourite person to change her has to be grandma.  She is the one who takes the risk of leaving the diaper off and lets Jade go to town in her birthday suit and kick up a storm.

Jade is also responding to the wookie call of her daddy and uncle Tim.  Ted will sometimes wookie into the phone when he calls home from work and Jade looks around with a huge smile on her face; you just know she knows who it is.  When daddy and uncle do it together Jade seems a little confused at first but then loves it.  We definitely have a little princess on our hands who wants complete and total control, lol.  Everytime Ted comes to give me a kiss goodbye, goodnight or whatever, Jade will stick her hand up to his face and push at him, lol.  One of Jade's favourite things is flying with daddy...although, not too sure if you can really call it flying or it is more just going up with some robotic noises and movements.  Whatever it is, the two of them have a great time with each other doing it....of course it is all fun and games until the drool gets into the eyes.

Last weekend Jade got to be a part of the opening of B.C. Place when we went to the Lions Game.  Of course, she was the major attraction and we had people coming over from other sections to tell us how cute she was.  Yep, I am bragging, sorry.  What a great game and great experience to be able to look back on and say we were there.  Two days later, Jade got to see her first soccer game when we took her to our first Whitecaps game of the season.  Though the game was the pits, the atmosphere was great. 

This past month also was time for her shots....well we were a little late but she got them done nonetheless.  Thankfully Jade was not quite so sinister this time as she did not laugh at the crying babies.  The poke was hard on her but of course she was all smiles by the time we left the center 15 minutes later. Unlike the last time, the next couple of days were not quite so nice to poor Jade.  The day after she had a little bit of a fever and the following day nothing was staying in her...poor girl had a very nasty case of the runs and was unable to settle.  As Ted said "we can now say we have experienced a sick baby".  Must say, she was quite the trooper and through it all still tried to smile as much as she could but clearly was not herself.  Will never know if it was because of the shots or not but not something I would wish on any little baby.

Alrighty, so I am clearly all over the place here and just babbling along so maybe I should think about bringing this blog post to a bitter end.  For all those wondering, we Finally sold our place; albeit for not even close to the asking price but the stress of not knowing is gone at least & we can live in a place that looks like a baby lives here too.  We have the bumbo, the swing, the lying down toy, stuffed animals...ahhh, I love it.  I swear we are cursed in the real-estate and I hope we do not have to deal with it again anytime soon.  Ted is still enjoying his full time job at Tom Lee and continues with his couple of classes.  I am kept busy with our non sleeping angel & trying to be the dutiful housewife but no doubt not always the greatest at that part.  I spend most of my days at my parents which helps me stay on track and also gets Jade and I out and about.  Furthermore, it lets me help out with my mom's work where possible and reacquaint myself with my old hood.   

October 10th marked 5 months for Jade and 2 yrs of marriage for us.  We did our own special thing at home....ordered in pizza, watched a show and had pumpkin pie blizzards; but will go out for a nice dinner and maybe a night away in the near future.  We've had an eventful two years of marriage but it's two years I wouldn't trade for anything.