Girls Week

Well, I think I recovered from the last big blog, have you? Haha. Things have been a big crazy around here with Ken gone this week. Ariel and I have been making out ok, she of course misses her Daddy, but she has been busy enough to keep her mind off it. Same with me too, the hard time is when we are chatting online and have to say goodbye. Sigh.... only a few more days.

When we last left off I was sharing about the big party. The next morning we were up bright and early for church as Ken was giving the sermon. It was awesome and I was so proud of him. I will post the link to it once it is up online. Yay.

That evening we had a potluck dinner with our small group, even though I have been too sick and tired in the evenings to go. It was nice to see everyone and visit, although I was quickly crashing. I had to lay down on the couch after dinner and close my eyes for a bit. Its a tad embarrassing to have to do that, but I was told I was looking pale, so I guess I wasn't doing well. Blah.

Monday was crazy, Ken took the day off to prepare for his trip and to do a speaking engagement at a school for inner city kids about animation. He loves getting to do that, and he loves the energy these kids have for the medium. While he did that in the morning, I took Ariel to ballet class, and got to play with the new camera.


On the way home we watched the Hallmark Christmas TV movie they were filming. Ariel was really confused that there was snow... and even SANTA! I had to keep telling her it was all pretend, but until that snow was gone, she wasn't ready to believe me. Haha.


Proof it is in fact spring. Yay.


Then the rest of the day it was packing up Ken till the late hours of the night. Ugh. I think I went to bed at 11:30pm... but Ken was up later than that. I don't know how he was able to be up before 6am, which is when the cab was picking him up. I got up to see him off and then went back to bed and both Ariel and I slept till 10am. When we got up we decided to go to the mall for a girls day. It was a good distraction for me, as I hate when flying is apart of Ken's travels, and usually am on edge until I get word that he has landed safely. Shortly after lunch we got word he arrived safe and sound, yay! Our trip out was a success too, I found 2 new tees from Old Navy, and Ariel got a super cute mermaid outfit. Awwww. We even found a few things for Xander.


When we got home I had a birthday card from Ken's Dad in our mailbox which had some birthday money for me and a check for a shopping spree for Xander, woot. Can't wait for the fall stuff to come out so I can shop for my little guy.

Wednesday it was a sunny morning, so we walked down to the village for some groceries. When we got home, I was pretty tired, but got to work cleaning up. I got the garbage out of the car (yuck), did 2 loads of dishes, picked up the clothes, toys and general mess around the house. I even got the bottles back to the depot. Then I got a message from Kara asking if she could take Ariel swimming, and I think both of us were excited. Ariel ran upstairs for her bathing suit and was dressed and waiting to go. Stella brought her back later and I enjoyed my break from princess.


Today we went to have breakfast with my Dad, and I then left Ariel with him so I could go do my glucose 1hr test at the clinic. Blah, I hate that orange drink. Reminds me of that McDonald's drink they would serve at birthdays, haha. Gross! Hope I get good results, especially since my blood pressure is already being watched, I really don't want more problems. Sigh. Speaking of my BP, I borrowed my Dad's reader so I can test regularly. It hasn't been perfect all the time, but its not in the danger zone numbers that my Doctor warned me about. So it goes up and then down again... I guess if my blood work today points to a concern, then I will have to go on the medication that will help regular it. I don't want to, but I don't want it to develop into preeclampsia either. Whatever is best for me and Xander, that is what is important. Should have some answers this Monday after my appointment, so pray things are good and we are ok, as I tend to worry about my little guy.

After the test, I picked Ariel up and we came home to rest. I did some sewing on Xander's stocking, here is the week's progress.


Ariel wanted to take pictures, so we got out our cameras to play.


My beautiful girl!


Tomorrow we have coffee party in the morning, and an open afternoon. Guess it depends on how much energy I have. Well, I better wake up Ariel, who has fallen asleep on the couch... in her bathing suit. Yeah, she likes swimming, hee.

Oh What a Blog Entry This Will Be....

...aka, the longest blog ever. I really do advise going to the bathroom and getting a snack first... ok, you ready. Here we go!

So last week my blogging was lacking, mostly due to Ken needing to work and me being very tired. Here is a quick run down of the events leading up to my big birthday. On Tuesday, Ariel and I went to the park since it was a beautiful day.


Upon arriving home, we had a large parcel waiting for us... or namely Ariel. Inside was a new rain coat, boot and umbrella set. Ariel was THRILLED, and didn't take the coat or boots off until bedtime. She also kept asking when the rain would be coming... maybe not something everyone be asking, hee.


On Wednesday, I had a doctor appointment. Kara came over to sit with Ariel as we also were expecting the cable guy again. The appointment was ok, my blood pressure was up, however, I find it always goes up when I have to go to the doctor's. Sigh. I was in such a rush and panic getting there on time, that it makes me stressed. I came home and tested it again at the drug store and it was normal. Sheesh, I need to chill out. Blah.

Later that day we had Leah and baby Lilika over for tea. She also went through some of the clothes I was selling, and found some cute things for her little gal. Ariel was a big help with pulling things out of the bag to show Leah. She also showed off her 'mothering' skills, and was such a great little helper with the baby. Ariel sang while rocking her in the carrier...


... and played this little piggy on her toes. I can't wait to have Xander here and watch them together. Hee.


On Thursday, Ariel and I just had a lazy day at home. We did go visit Stella briefly at the Quilt store for some cross stitch thread, and saw the consignment store window displaying lots of Ariel's old dresses. I must say it was more funny than sad. I just kinda laughed, as if I was looking in her closet from last summer. It was really bizarre, haha. Ariel didn't seem to notice, which was good.

Ariel wanted to show you her spring look. I really wish I could find a skirt like that for me, its so pretty.


Thursday also marked a special day in my friend's lives. Chris and Dianne were finally holding their daughter! Yes, they are in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and will be bringing their little girl home with them soon. We are all so thrilled and happy for them. Its been a long journey to this point, and I can't wait to meet her hopefully this summer.

Then came Friday, the big day... the big 3-0. I had a full day planned... mostly consisting of eating. Haha, seriously! We started the morning with breakfast with Stella and Donna. So yummy. Then had a nice walk home and I stopped in the kitchen shop to buy the cutest salt and pepper shaker they had in the window. It was a CUPCAKE! Perfect for the birthday girl. When I said it was my birthday, they gave me a free dish scrubby, yay!


Then we met up with Dad and Rita and had lunch at the Greek place for lunch. More yummy food, whee!


Following lunch we had an appointment with Nav for a pedicure. She was so sweet and did Ariel's toes too. Look at our pretty feet!


After all that fun we had to rest, and wait for Ken to get home from work. We thought it be fun to go to the Boot for dinner, and it turns out Brenda, Kevin, Julie and Chris were all there too with all the kids. So it was a perfect end to the day to hang with friends. Ariel had a great time with the kids, and it was nice that she could play.


Dad had called to say to come by the house after dinner, and waiting for us was a very yummy coconut cream pie, my fav! Needless to say, its being enjoyed by us all. Hee.


Saturday arrived, the big party day. Thankfully, Ariel and I had another party to attend in the afternoon, which allowed Ken to get some things done without us in the way. Ariel had fun at Alasyn's 4th birthday, and had her first experience with a pinata. I think Christy was pretty brave holding it while little kids swung a bat at it. Eek!


Came home for a brief nap and then it was PARTY TIME! Can I say how scared I was, haha. I hate not knowing what is going on, so I was a nervous wreck. Haha.

Julie and Jo had come early to decorate, and it was so pretty...


...pink and brown, my favs.


My super cute Wall-E cake. Yes, I don't plan on growing up anytime soon, haha.


So many of my friends were there to celebrate and it was so lovely. Then Ken gathered everyone to watch me open my presents. Can I say I was totally spoiled! Such lovely things, cards, gift certificates and even birthday money!


Then Ken played a birthday greeting he got from some 'suprise' friends... can I say I nearly died!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Yep, he contacted Nat and Drew at my fav radio station!!! Oh my goodness, I was so blown away, and to have such a cool video to have as a keep sake is awesome! The fact they did this for him made me love them that much more. Eek!

It only got even better... then Ken read this poem and I got my special birthday gift from him and the family.

Dear Janet-

It's been 30 years that you've walked the earth
And we have all watched you grow.
We've laughed and cried with you and guided your steps,
Because we loved you so.

We know how you love to share your life
With the people who follow your blog,
Whether saying 'Hello' to Ariel,
Or saying 'Good-Bye' to your dog.

So this gift is for you to continue to show us
Just how much your life has been blessed,
For the pictures you take of your journey in life
Deserve to look only the best!

At that point I was nearly shaking, I totally knew what this was going to be... but even what I had pictured in my head was blown out of the water. Ken had gone to the photography department at his work and gotten them to help pick out the perfect camera for me. A Nikon D60 with a telephoto lens in a beautiful camera case.


I was nearly in tears as I pulled it out and held it in my hands. Ariel saw it and immediately shouted, 'TAKE A PICTURE OF ME!' Everyone burst out laughing and I just hugged her telling her I would take so many pictures of her.

With that the singing began as I watched the 30 sparkler candles on my cake glow. I just felt so happy and honored to have such a wonderful family and friends in my life. I am truly blessed. So we ate cake and visited till the late hours of night. Turning 30 really wasn't so bad, in fact, it was fun. So much to look forward to, and its a new chapter...


... I survived my twenties, maybe the most life changing decade so far in my life. Losing my mom, gaining a husband, a daughter and a son on the way. My journey is always changing, filled with joy, sadness, laughter and tears. I look forward to the next phase of life, wondering where we will go, but knowing that it will always be a great adventure. Ok, its been a long post, and if you are still with me, you are amazing, haha. I will save the rest of the weekend for the next post, along with the first pictures from my new camera! I need a nap, have a great week!

30

I am 30 today, and I felt this was the best way to look back. Enjoy!

Last week of April...

... and also the last week of my twenties. Eep! Yes, on Friday I turn 30, and I haven't decided how I feel about it, haha. I am sure it will be fine, just seems kinda weird. I am hoping to have some old photos to share on Friday, so turn in then for some ultra embarrassing pics, not sure what I am thinking posting them, haha. Oh well.

We had a busy weekend in lovely sunny weather. Friday we started things off with breakfast with Dad and Rita, and a visit to the ducks. I think this one was ready to jump on Ariel's head.


Friday night was rough, as I didn't take my pills, I know I know, stupid thing to do. So needless to say me and the toilet were friends. Totally sucked, and I know better. I just thought it was gone. So this proves I get BAD sickness no matter the gender, that is totally lame. Boo!

Then on Saturday we had lunch with friends Maureen, Darrel and their kids and extended family at Augustine House. Ariel had a wonderful time playing with the kids, and their slinky, which she found extremely interesting. Haha.


Then when the kids played Piano for all the grandparents, Ariel wanted to play too so badly. We made her wait, and finally she got her chance with Maureen.

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Later that night we did a mountain of laundry with the help of Daddy and got some more junk cleared out of the rooms upstairs. Ariel's new furniture was going to come this weekend, but that has changed due to owners of the truck being away, poopy. Oh well, we will try again and it does give me more time to wash the walls and vacuum... and finish sewing pillows for Ariel's bedding.

Sunday we had church and I was in the nursery. I was watching Ariel in the next room during her faithweavers class and can I say that my girl has found a new love of gluing and cutting with scissors. Oh boy, why do I see trouble in our future, haha. Next Sunday Ken is giving the sermon! Woot, so if you are in the area and want to hear him, please join us at 1030am. They usually tape the sermon too to post on the online website, so if they do, I will post the link so everyone can take a listen. He is doing another animation and faith topic, focusing on the Pixar movie 'Cars' this time. I am always amazed that he can do this stuff, I am very proud of him. He is also in the process of writing an article for the MB Herald this summer. Such a busy guy!

After church I got to do some cross stitching while Ken and Ariel went to order my birthday cake for my party next Saturday. Ken is organizing it himself, so I am eager to see what he has done. I feel bad since he is so busy, but he wanted to do this for me, what a sweetie! Since he isn't much of a cook, I had picked out a funny cake at Save-On he could get rather than try and make one. I totally wanted a Wall-E cake, and of course Ariel was thrilled. Haha. Can't wait to see it in person, hee.

When they got home Ken had also found Ariel a Quatchi hooded towel. Our girl loves those mascots... and we do too. Haha. She carried it around all afternoon calling it her friend. Too cute.


Here is my progress so far on Xander's stocking. Ariel enjoyed sitting beside me and watching me stitch. I asked if she wanted to learn when she was old and she said yes! Oh that makes me so happy, we can be stitchers together. Whee!


This morning we had ballet class. It was such a wonderful warm morning to walk there. Ariel was excited as usual to go, and decided she wanted to wear her black tights today.


She is so graceful, not like her mother. Haha. Although she does have my clutzy gene.


One of these things is not like the others.... hee.


After class we walked to the store for weekly groceries. I gave up my month shop since my cravings and likes change week to week these days. However, with the good weather, its fun to have reason to walk down. We got our items and as we were walking by the bank we saw a large lion. Ariel was not sure what she thought, but the cookie they gave her helped.


We went inside and got to see a former Alpine skiing Olympian with the torch! That was very cool and such a treat we weren't expecting. Ariel was still more interested in the cookie, but I bet one day she will love this picture.


So the week is filling up with visits and doctor's appointments... not to mention the big 3-0 on Friday. Ack! Well, off to do some sewing, while I still have some energy today.

Waiting...

That was my day in a nutshell. Today was the big cable guy visit to fix our silly internet. As you may remember we have a huge cord traveling from downstairs to our old office upstairs, so yeah, ready to see that finally go. I must say it was almost becoming normal to pass the taped down cord in the hallway... almost is the key word, ha!

Now, as you all know, the famous waiting time is sooooooooo stupid. Sometime between 9am and 5pm. That makes it extremely difficult to plan your day around. Blah. What made it that much worse was the fact it was a GORGEOUS sunny day out. Oh how we wished we could escape and go walking. Sigh... maybe tomorrow. Instead, it had me do several jobs around here that I had constantly put off with boxing up stuff from the old office. So it was a positive in a way, plus I managed to do some more wacky tetris playing in our storage room/new animation space and get several more things in without making it more cluttered, woot!

Waiting...

When the cable guy finally came and did his work, we were free to escape. We dropped off the buns at the church for the Alpha dinner tonight, stopped at the store for much needed bread and potatoes (gosh I am on such a baked potato kick at the moment). Then home again to have a surprise visit from my Dad who had been at the doctors.

Yesterday was a far more emotional day. I had met up with Stella and Kara for a late brunch and boy was that fun. Ariel managed to spill her whole cup of milk on the floor, not so fun. Oh well. Afterwards I went by the local consignment shop to tell the girl about our big boy news, as she was eager to hear. Then we talked shop, and she is letting me bring in my summer stuff early since I am basically 'clearing out' everything now that we know its a boy on the way. I want to sell as much as I can first through there (since I get more than I would via Craigs list) and then sell any to friends that is left, and trust me, there will be lots left. Haha. We are talking about a few summers worth of clothes.

I also boxed up the winter and fall stuff for later consignment and made a box for Xander of things I found that he could use that was neutral or boy things I bought for Ariel just because I thought they were cute, haha. During the whole time, I kept crying. Oh I was a mess, I'd pull out a little dress and cry, remembering when she wore it, how small she was. Ugh. Ariel has grown up so fast, and its sad to think she isn't that baby anymore. It's hard thinking that this could very much be our last baby (unless I totally cave in a few years, haha). I then picked out several pieces that were 'really special' to me. A hat and sweater she always wore, her first Christmas dress, this new born t-shirt with cupcakes on it (I believe this shirt started my cupcake clothes obsession with Ariel, haha), her first gymbo outfit and a few other things. It felt good to see my very small pile, and that it felt right to say goodbye to everything else.

One fun thing while clearing things out was I found several items from last summer that still fit, so here is Ariel in her uber cute cherry outfit. I think I love it more this year than last year. Too cute!


In Xander news, we picked out his bedding already! I had in my mind for awhile what I wanted to get if we had a boy, and frankly, there isn't as much to go through for boys (if you don't do characters) which actually makes it easier to pick. We went with this nice brown and blue set we found on the Target website. Ken's mom kindly ordered it for us since they don't like Canadians or our credit cards, boo! The room is starting to come together in my head, so once we have Ariel moved into her new space, then we can focus on his room. Yay!


I also went through my cross stitch magazines to look for the 'boy' version of patterns of things I made Ariel. I found a stocking pattern, and I think it will be super cute for Xander.


Then I found the Easter 'egg', so I have lots of stitching ahead of me. The stocking will come first of course, since that is the first event to happen...


... well not really. We have Thanksgiving and then Halloween. Oh, is it terrible I found a costume already? Haha, seriously, while checking out ebay I came upon it, and its super cheap price since its summer, and I emailed the picture to Ken who nearly died laughing, so yes, that is covered too. Ah, so much to look forward to... and nope, I am not telling, you have to wait to see the costume. Hee.

Ok, going to finish my ice cream and watch some Survivor, I think I deserve it after all the work I did today, whee.

Our Son Xander...

...gosh its so funny to say it out loud. Makes it so real, almost still hard to believe. I remember being the same way with Ariel too, I was so amazed it was a little person, not an 'it' anymore. Its fun saying our son. A son and daughter, we are truly blessed and excited to have one of each. Now to let you in on my little secret, I kinda knew... in fact I said from the beginning it was most likely a boy, but with my sickness very much like Ariel's, Ken wasn't as convinced.

This whole pregnancy I found myself drawn to the blue things, making plans for color schemes, birth announcements. I think I made myself say well its a 50/50 chance its not, so be prepared. I never want any child to think they weren't wanted, and this little guy definitely is.

Thumbs up to Mom and Dad!

The moment we picked Xander as our name, it was solid in my brain, that was it, that was our future child. Our girl name never seemed to stick as much, which is similar to when we picked the name Ariel. Our boy name kinda was an after thought, and it drifted away. So let me share more about our choice in name, since it is different.

Xander is a short form of Alexander, I have a cousin Alex already, so we decided to do the short version and be really crazy and do a 'X' instead of a 'Z'. We really like the way it looks spelled out, and fits well with Ariel. It is Greek, and means 'defender of mankind'. It felt strong and very spiritual to us... like part of God's army here on Earth. Ambrose is Ken's middle name, and also the maiden name of his Mom. It also turns out to be Greek, and means 'ever-living'... something we believe you gain through Christ. So yes, that is it in a nutshell. We love it!

Hiding again from us.

Our ultrasound was fun and relaxing this time. No running up and down the stairs this time, haha. I ate a chocolate bar before we went, which made Xander very active and jumped around a lot. Oh and for the first time, the heart rate was 146, so that was neat too. The tech looked south and said, ok Dad look at that... and Ken wasn't sure what at first he was looking for. Haha, I think he was so expecting to see girl parts he wasn't sure... then the tech got a very good view and there it was, pretty hard not so see he was all boy. Ken was like, 'REALLY!' It was something I was excited to give him, a son. Wow. The tech also said it looks like lots of hair on this little guy, so that is very cool too.

Ariel was a little confused at first, not sure what to look at on the screen. We said, look its your brother and she was like 'huh'. Then Ken was like, see its a boy, baby Xander. Ariel was 'oh, baby Xander'. Its so cute hearing her say his name. Then she went back to playing with all the toys, since that was a bigger highlight to her at that point, haha.

Then we left and in the elevator I started crying. Mainly due to being overtired, I was up at midnight sick in the bathroom. Ken said are you disappointed, and I was no, I am very excited, but I am overwhelmed with all the work now I have left to do. Haha. Its like starting from the beginning again, which is fun, but I am so tired.

We left for the mall for lunch and some shopping. Yes, I wasn't going home without some boy stuff. I was eager to be on the other side of the store, since I had been eying it for months with the thoughts of 'what if'. So we hit Gymboree and Baby Gap for some cute duds, and let me be the first so say, no sports stuff! Sorry, but we aren't sports people, we are animators, so lots of funny creatures ahead for this little guy. He can wear sports later... although my Dad is very much pushing for at least one Canuck item. Hehe. So while I shopped, Ken called family saying 'hey we are shopping for boys stuff.' So it was a cute way to tell them. Here is what I got, first the piranha outfit from Gymbo, I LOVED this when it came out, and it was on sale now, whee!


I saw lots of other stuff too, mainly some monkey stuff that Ken really wants, but I am waiting for the next sale... and there are lobsters coming next month too, eek! Then to Gap for a few onesies...


...and some crabs for next summer. Too cute!


Came home and emailed Mike who is out of town for work at the moment. For Mike and Jo, its the first nephew after 9 nieces! So Mike wrote back, 'Woot! About time!' Haha. I wanted to film Ariel to share the news, but she was fast to sleep by the time we got home and she is still zonked out on the couch. Big day indeed. Ken went off to work, he also has a meeting tonight, so he won't be home till late. Blah. Oh well, at least we were all together for the morning, that is what is important. Until then, I get the computer to myself and that is good since I have lots of posting to do on various chat boards about our little guy.


So I better finish up on here because I am sure Ariel will be up soon. I shall leave you with some lyrics that I think represent everything I am feeling at the moment. Its the first thing that came to mind when I saw his face...

A new day has...come

I was waiting for so long
For a miracle to come
Everyone told me to be strong
Hold on and don't shed a tear

Through the darkness and good times
I knew I'd make it through
And the world thought I had it all
But I was waiting for you

Hush, love

I see a light in the sky
Oh, it's almost blinding me
I can't believe
I've been touched by an angel with love
Let the rain come down and wash away my tears
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears
Let it shatter the walls for a new, new sun
A new day has...come

Where it was dark now there's light
Where there was pain now there's joy
Where there was weakness, I found my strength
All in the eyes of a boy

A new day has...come