March Break Vacation

A couple of weeks ago we went on vacation.  It was nowhere exotic, and we didn't board a plane or train to get there.  Although my kids aren't old enough to experience an official March Break, Paul and I took this time to get away from the daily routine and spend some quality time together as a family.  The kids had such a good time and I loved every moment of it.

our home for the week

We rented a cottage in Kettle Point First Nations, off the southeast shore of lake Huron.   It took us about 3 hours to get there and the kids did really well with the drive. I expected Pauly to wake up and freak out that he had to sit in his car seat for the rest of the way.  Happily it didn't happen. When he did wake up for a while, he was happy to be riding in "daddy's truck".  As for Riley, I was almost certain she would sleep the whole time but there was the uncertainty that hunger would get the best of her. It didn't. And so our ride was uneventful and we were there before we knew it. 

within the first hour of arriving - making himself at home

As we started to unpack, Pauly got right into his toys. We didn't bring many but we knew Thomas and his friends couldn't be left at home. The cottage was cozy and clean, set on a mature big lot. The beach was nearby and there was swings in the back. And the best part was the weather. I had fully expected a freak snowstorm but we were surprised by warm temperatures and only one thunder storm.

visiting the town of Petrolia

We traveled to nearby towns, enjoying the scenery along the way. We took a walk to the beach and Pauly loved splashing in the water. He loved running in the yard, picking up sticks and chasing after Chloe. And Riley was smiling and laughing all week long (except for a couple sleepless nights). It was exactly what everyone needed.

lunch in Petrolia

watching Thomas and Friends in jammies

walking to the beach

enjoying the ride to the beach

soooo many rocks

having fun in the water - it was warm out but we couldn't get him to take off his hat

drying off at home after splashing in the lake

fun with sticks in the front yard

daddy and daughter time

being silly before bed

mommy and daughter time

Chippewa totem

exploring the back woods

enjoying a swing before dinner

posing for mom

storytime with dad before bed

Thomas and friends all lined up and raring to go - toot toot (Thomas, Rosie & Diesel 10)

First Vacation

Last week was Paul's first vacation. At 6 weeks old, we spent a week with my in-laws at a cottage in Blue Mountain. And I must admit, it was tones of fun. We went hiking and shopping and we visited family that lives in the area. The weather was mostly good except for one scorching hot day and one rainy day. Fortunately we were able to beat the heat poolside and the rain was only around on the day we had to leave.

All in all, it went really well considering how Paul has been acting in the last few weeks. For the first 3 weeks of his life, Paul was a great baby. He only cried when he was hungry, when we changed his diaper, and the first few times he had a bath. Once he was in his fourth week, things changed. He started crying more often and for what appeared to be no reason. It wasn't colic but either way a crying infant is no fun to deal with. It took me a while but I finally found a routine that kept him settled, if not completely quiet. Taking him out of this routine made me a little uneasy because I didn't know how he would take it. I decided to go and, I knew my in-laws would be there to help out if Paul was being too fussy. It all went so well that I would do it again in a heartbeat.




Now that I'm back, the old routine has kicked in. The difference...I can't play hot potato with Paul anymore! I also took some pictures with my mother-in-laws camera that I'd like to share. I just have to wait until she sends them to me.

38 Weeks

This has been another good week, in many different ways. I'll start with work and the "surprise" baby shower. A few weeks ago I found out that Gail had put together a small baby shower for me. I wasn't expecting anything fancy, and it was simple. What I didn't expect was how generous everyone was. I thought I'd receive a few small gifts but instead I got a gift card with a substantial balance. Not to mention a delicious cake. Of the 6 years I've been working at SGS, I have been the only pregnant employee. And I've been one of three who have had children. I wasn't expecting so much and really appreciated what they did for me.

The day after that was my last day of work. I was supposed to go back for another week but since my feet were swelling so much I decided to start my vacation a week sooner than planned. It wasn't a problem with HR and was such a relief for me. My last day was uneventful, boring and ended at 10pm instead of 11:30pm. It was kind of surreal, having to clean out my locker knowing that I wasn't going to be back for a whole year. After I drove away from the building, things really started to settle in. It wasn't a bad thing at all but only different. It didn't feel like an ending, but more like someone hit a giant pause button in my life. It didn't take me long to get back to normal though. By the time I got home, I was feeling happy, and quite elated.

I started my first two weeks of vacation by celebrating Damien's 30th birthday. His wife, Karan held a surprise party for him now because they're going to be in BC for his actual birthday. It had been a while since we had all hung out and was a welcoming change. The day was nice & sunny but not too hot and the food was great. It was a great way to spend my Saturday afternoon.

Then on Sunday was my baby shower. Another day of festivities with good food and great people. It was fun seeing all the kids playing together and I couldn't help but think that my lil' bean would become part of it soon. I also received so many gifts that it took me a few days to organize it all. I'm well equipped and have tones of laundry to do!

Not to worry though, I had lots of time to catch up since I didn't have to go back to work on Monday. It was great. I got up late and made coffee for Paul & I. After Paul left for work I sat down in front of the TV (with my feet up) and watched a few episodes of Gilmore Girls. That's right...I said it. I'm addicted to Gilmore Girls. After that I had a nap then had an early dinner or late lunch, which ever suits you better. Thought about laundry but didn't do it. Read for a while and before I knew it Paul was home. I know everyday won't be like this but I'm still lovin' the time off.

I bet my lil' bean is lovin' it too. All this relaxing is great and what's good for mama is good for baby. Right now he's about as long as a leek - 19.5 inches, and should weigh just under 7 pounds. My little man is growing quickly and I can feel it! There's not much else to report as he is fully formed and full term.