Nathan - Mandy - Benjamin - and Sophie

New Blog!!

2010-10-07T12:09:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that I will be switching my blog address! I too have joined the crowd that finds "wordpress" to be much easier of a site to do what I want my blog to do! So please, change my address to: www.mandyhill.wordpress.com for our future blog posts!!!

Hope you are all having a wonderful day!!

8th post of graciousness!

2010-10-06T11:46:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, Nathan and I both had the priveledge to take part in the wedding of a really great couple we know :) Nathan officiated the ceremony for Dan & Julie Hough, and I stood as a bridesmaid for Jul.

This wedding was something beautiful!

I wish I could have recorded the genunine looks of love and pure looks of affection that this beautiful bride and handsome groom shared on their wedding day! It was something out of a fairytale! Not one person doubted that their love was REAL that day! What God had brought together surely no one will dare to seperate!!

As I mentioned above, I stood in this wedding as a bridesmaid for Jul. Julie and I have been friends since we moved to Essex 3.5 years ago! Since meeting her she has been a constant source of encouragement to our family and has been a strong rock for us to depend on during some pretty tough times! We`ve become really great friends!

She was more than willing to put on some old clothes and scrub the dust off of our `new to us`home! She was willing to be a play-buddy for Benjamin while we were feeling the stretch of being needed in two places at once during Sophie`s recovery! She has been a great Master Chef- teaching me many secrets of the kitchen! And she has always been that friend that just `knows`when its more appropriate to listen, then it is to offer advice!

Julie, I couldn`t think of a better husband for you than Dan! You deserve to be pampered and loved every single ounce that he is willing to offer you! Embrace that- every day! You are a beautiful, real, kind and very giving lady and I love you very much!

Thank you for being one of my favorite peeps :) I am so grateful for you!

The beautiful bride and groom on their wedding day!

Julie and her ladies! Jenn, Rachel, Mandy & Ashley!

Another shot of us ladies at the wedding!

A shot of the bride and I :)

The handsome officator, and the bridesmaid!

A need to be SUPER Mama!!

2010-09-15T11:11:00.000-07:00

Secrets Out!!!

I too strive to be the cliche "Super Mama". But....who doesn't?!?!?

This past week, i've been wrestling with the idea of this "Super Mama". What characteristics make a Super Mama? Who is she? What does she look like?

For years "Super Mama" to me was- the Mama who could do it ALL. Cook gourmet meals daily in time for Daddy's arrival home to enjoy both lunch and dinner in style as a family... , have the house completely clean from top to bottom- ALL the time, someone who looked great (hair done, make-up applied perfectly, pressed and fashionable attire), someone who never wrestled to complete the laundry on a daily basis, and someone who had a relationship with God that influenced their little ones.

....and then I realized. This is a big moment for me... of that list of qualities that made up "Super Mama" to me the most important was kind of an add-on at the end. Sure, since I surrendered my life and heart to God 13 years ago I have been living for him... but how important am I making that relationship with God in my life now with children?

At the end of the day- who cares if my clothes are pressed, my hair is brushed, or if there is a load of laundry uncomplete! (I can hear my dear Mother gasp at the thought of a load of laundry left ALL NIGHT unattended! Ha!) What really matters is taking the time to show my love and affection and become a Christ-like influence in my two little darling's lives! How many of us rush through the routine of our day and without realizing it spend little or no time with our children? I don't just mean routine things like bathtime, mealtime etc, but get-down-on-the-floor-and-play time with our children? Time to chat, and get to know that little personality that you've created and God has knit together...?

I don't want to be one of those Mama's who look back when their teenager rebels and think- "I suppose it didn't really matter if I mopped the floor and folded the laundry that Tuesday morning 13 years ago, as much as the time with my child matters now that they're 'lost'. I really missed out on that golden opportunity!" I've gotten to know a couple of those Mama's, and [she] isn't a happy lady!

Proverbs 22:6 reminds me that if you "Train up your child in the way (s)he should go, when (s)he is old (s)he wont depart from it."

I remember a conversation while having coffee with a wonderful friend and someone who has impacted my life for many years, shortly after Benjamin was born. She is a great Mama herself- certianly an example to follow, and she LOVES children but only has two. I asked her during that visit why her and her husband didn't have more children? She answered with one of those life-altering answers that I will never forget. "We are busy with our jobs and with the church. We made a promise from the beginning of our marriage that we would not have any more children than our schedules permitted us to properly pour our lives into."

With these thoughts... I have made an amendment to my own daily routine! Each day I will set aside 1.5 hours at least to spend time with my two precious ones. During this time I will forget the other "needs" that usually haunt me throughout the day! I tried it this morning and they were completely delighted!

Thank you God for this gentle, yet very important reminder!

Quick Update!

2010-09-08T10:36:00.000-07:00

I don't have much time to post today, so instead, I will just give a very brief update on the two little loves of my life!

Sophia- as you have read in the previous most recent post- has recieved a very great report back from the test she had mid-August! The test showed that she does not have any damage done to her right (underdeveloped) kidney and that it is functioning perfectly normal.

She is a little ball of mobility lately! She is crawling backwards all the time now, and when up on her hands and legs will rock back and forth. I heard Daddy predict to Sophie while eavesdropping on playtime yesterday "I give you two more weeks Sophie, and you will be crawling around here like a pro!" (smile)

She sits up on her own unassisted, and has uttered "Da-Da" several times over the last two or three days!

She has tried all of her veggies, and all of her fruits and seems to enjoy them all!!! No dislikes for this little one!- and she had a jar of 'chicken casserole' last night for the first time as well which she wasn't too sure of at first, but does seem to enjoy as well :)

Her eye appointment went ok. If the tear duct doesn't open by Jan. 10, she has an appointment that day to see the specialist about having surgery to correct it. Its been pretty goopy lately, but we have been massaging it more often also, so that could be part of it.

She keeps getting cuter by the day! I'll include a picture below :)

August 29, 2010 (Birch Run, Michigan)

Benjamin- has also been doing so so well! He is also a ball of fire, and during waking hours has one or both of us running like the wind after him all the time! :) But, we don't mind!! He is just SO much fun!

He recently had his appointment to see a Speech-Pathologist here in Windsor regarding some concerns we had with his lack of communicating through words. The speech pathologist we saw named Kelly, was pleased, and further- quite impressed with his level of intellegence and comprehension. She tested him several ways to check his understanding of certian objects, actions and activities. He excelled knowing exactly what she was instructing him to do in all areas. Next she came along side him during play time and asked him to repeat several very simple words. He smiled very nicely at her, but kept very quiet and continued to play.
In the end, she sent me home with a home-based improvement plan with some ideas on how to bring him back to the level where he will mimick our words. For example, when we walk to the door instead of just walking out the door as he expects, we will wait for his attention and simply say "Out".
She has no problems with how smart he is, in fact she says that he has been getting along so well with communicating his needs through gestures and grunting for so long that taking the time to talk would just slow him down. So, we will work through that with him and look forward to seeing (and hearing) some improvements soon :)
He is already saying some new words since the appointment, so for that we are happy!!

Well, it is nap time for both of the kiddies, and I would like to take advantage of this quiet time and enjoy a nice bath! This post ended up being much longer than expected... but I guess there was more to update you with than I initially thought!

Enjoy your day!
I will leave you with a picture of my oldest, and most handsome :)

August 29, 2010 (Birch Run, Michigan)

A "Sophia" Update!!!

2010-08-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone!!!

We are so so excited to share the news from a phone call that came in this afternoon!!! Windsor hospital (MET) where Sophia had her most recent renal test, called today to tell us that her right kidney (the one that has been giving her all the problems) is a "fully functioning normal kidney!" Which means, there is NO damage to her kidney from previous infections!!!

THANK YOU GOD!!!!

One more test in November (on the 18th) to see how the development of the right bladder/kidney valve is doing and we are in the CLEAR!!! We are continuing to pray for good results from this test as well!

Could you join us and pray?!

Being Gracious.... (Day 7)

2010-08-21T10:30:00.000-07:00

Children! Children! Children!!!

What a wonderful week it has been seeing literally hundreds of children come together at our church for this summer's VBS program! You can learn so much from children!

There was one particular little one that completely blew me away this week! So, if I may, I'd like to highlight him on my blog!

~ Connor Rivest ~

You can certianly tell who his Mama is, because this little boy certianly has a soft spot for babies! ...and Sophia is no exception!

During the VBS closing session each day Pastor Shaun and Michelle would draw the kids names out of a hat and they were able to spin the prize wheel for the chance to win things such as "small", "medium" or "large" prizes!!

Under the "large" prizes laid a H-U-G-E multicolored catepillar! Each day, Connor would get excited during prize time and sit on the edge of his seat! I mean, what kid DOESN'T want their name to get called, right?!?

Tuesday during the prize time, I asked Connor what prize he was hoping to win, and his answer brought a flood of tears to my eyes!! He said very matter-of-fact, "I want to win that big caterpillar for baby Sophie!!"

...and every day thereafter, he reminded me of what prize he was DYING to win! No, this 9 year old boy was not hoping to win the flashy soccer ball, water gun or surf board for himself.... he was playing to win a prize for the baby he adored!

Not only is this kid strikingly cute, extremely well-behaved and polite, but he has a pure heart of gold!!!

We're thanking God a little extra for YOU today Connor!! You made our day!!!

Being Gracious....(Day 6)

2010-08-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

~ Sarakins ~

You know how sometimes you meet some people, and they just steal your heart immedietly? This sweet girl is just that person to me!!

Although my initial introduction to her caused some doubt in my mind on her mental stability (haha)- I've come to learn this girl is one of the sweetest young ladies I have ever known!

She has been through SO much, but you would never ever know! She goes about life with a most positive attitude and allows nothing but her sweet personality to shine through!!

I was prompted to write this post yesterday as she spent the day with my little Sophia and I at the hospital. And when I say 'the day', I mean the WHOLE DAY!!! She offered me many smiles when I felt like crying as we watched her being worked on, and she made me laugh instead of giving me the time to worry! How many teenagers do you know that work hard summer jobs, that would spend their DAY OFF with a worried mother and her sick baby? My guess is, not many!

We also make the very BEST teammates for games like dutch blitz and cranium! Mainly because we have aquired a secret skill that only we know about :)

She is beautiful on the inside and out, she is so sweet, she loves being an Aunty to Ben and Sophia and they love her big time in return! Some day, she will make a wonderful Mommy to her own little ones, and I will smile and say "I told you so!" :)

Sarah, thank you for the blessing you have been to our family!
We LOVE you!!

Being Gracious- (Day 5)

2010-08-05T10:20:00.001-07:00

.....I continue onward with my online gracious log :)

~Janny-Pants Cousineau~

"You know, Hetty King, you are often a remarkable woman!" - Janet King (Road to Avonlea)

I must start by saying that I am so very gracious that there are families who have made us feel like Essex is "home" for us. The Cousineau family not only fits into this category, but has gone a step further- they have made us feel like we are their own. How wonderful a blessing they have been to our lives.

Janet, or "Janny Pants" (as nicknamed at the famous Sudbury "Nickel") has proven to be a great friend to our family. She understands (in a different kind of way) how it feels to be far away from your Mom. She understands my aggrevations. She laughs when we laugh. She cries when we cry (and sometimes she just cries :)). She sympathized with us when we hurt for our sick little girl, because she too knew how difficult it was to feel the helplessness you feel when your child is really sick. And best of all, she witnessed both of our children enter the world and take their very first breath! Bottom line: she is there for us.

I am so gracious for Janny Pants! She has truly touched our life!

There are far to many wonderful memories to recount!! For now, we can just say thank you so much for your friendship Janny! You mean so so much to us!

"You know, Janet Cousineau, you are often a remarkable woman!"

Nanny Janny with the brand-new Baby Benjamin.

Decebmber 1, 2008 (~4 am)

Being Gracious.... (Day 4)

2010-07-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

A friendship that started from the day she was born! (and only because she's younger!)

~AMBER~

Our Mother's were friends when they were our age, and remain friends to this very day! I remember visits and get-togethers when we were small kids- like trips to "Raven Haven", and swim time at our parents hotel- but I did not have any idea the wonderful part of my life this beautiful girl would become today!

3 years ago in August Amber moved to Windsor- just following Nathan and I who moved here in May. We started our infrequent starbucks dates one August afternoon and walked into a friendship that reminds our Mothers of their friendship. Since that day, we have seen each other through so so many things! Both of us have purchased our own home in that time, we've seen each other through financial strain, new employment, college (for both of us), graduation (for Amber) and pregnancy-children (myself)! We`ve laughed, we`ve cried... we`re friends :)

You may even call us match-makers, because when we put our heads together, we can put together a pretty great couple :)

Living away from our homes, and our families- we`ve become a piece of `family`for each other and for that I am so grateful! Thank you Amber for not only trusting me to be the one you can vent on from time to time, but for also being the one I can vent to as well! I trust and value your opinion and I am so thankful for the strong person you are!

Thank you God for Amber, and for all the great times that we have had, but also for all the great times we will spend as friends in years to come!
Thank you Amber, for the wonderful friend you have been to me! You really are my sister at heart!!

Being Gracious.... (Day 3)

2010-07-24T05:52:00.000-07:00

DAD

I remember when my sister and I were much younger, a particular Sunday. It was always an argument as to which one of us got to sit behind our Mom. This one particular Sunday though, my Daddy pulled me aside and said- `Do you know what would be sooo cool...it would be so cool if you sat behind me!.... We could be a team!!`

After that I found myself wanting to not only attached to my Daddy at the hip, but attempting to be Daddy! I would get up early while he was getting ready for work and get ready too. I would be just as full of grease and dirt as he was on Saturdays while he was working on the cars. I`d have Saturday reading time with him while my Mom worked in her hairdressing shop! I found myself enjoying shows like The Beverly Hillbillies, Golden Girls and Get Smart just to be like him! And, since that day I always sat behind my Daddy in the car when we went places.

As I got older, my Dad not only grew more as my HERO, but more so my friend. While I no longer got up with him to get ready for work, he shared my triumphs of each new job I recived and helped me with my resumés and cover letters! While I dont get into the nitty gritty of fixing his cars on Saturday mornings, ive certianly aided in the fixing of our own cars thanks to the knowledge he has given to me through those Saturday mornings! To close the gap on the miles that now seperate us- Saturday morning reading times are no longer the same but now consist of phone calls and sype chats! And, when given the choice of whether to watch any given show or The Golden Girls, i`d pick Golden Girls!! Most of all, I know I can tell him anything and he will support me!

And now, he still continues to be an excellent Dad, but also he is proving to be a very wonderful Papa!!

Here he is with his first grandbaby- Benjamin. This is during a visit to Halifax in February and March 2009.

This is in September 2009 when Mom and Dad came to visit us in Essex. We knew that they would not be able to see Benjamin in his costume except for through pictures, so we dressed him up while they were here and took some pictures.

This picture is in April 2010 during Mom and Dad`s visit to meet Sophie. He took such gentle care of her!

....and finally, one of my favorite pictures of my Dad. This was taken in July 2010 during our vacation in Halifax, just after a very lovely relaxing walk along the waterfront!

Thank you God for my Dad!

And thank you Dad for being YOU!

Being gracious.....(day 2)

2010-07-22T17:56:00.000-07:00

I believe it's safe to say that during a cold, flu, or any illness one's first need- whether one would like to admitt it or not- is to have his or her Mom close by.

One thing worse than being sick yourself, is having a sick child. Having a very sick premature newborn only amplifies this need to have your own Mom near! Living 2200 kilometers away from her during this time was tortureous! It's necessary to have the one who nurtured your every need as a child near... to be there to fire off those how-to's, and what-if's... not to mention the demonstration on how to nurture this little being in the same wonderful manner that you were nurtured! The phone is just no comparison!

Here are some reflective thoughts on my time spent thanking God today for the blessings in my life!

~MY MOTHER~

These pictures are in a backward order... but thats ok :)
This picture was taken in Halifax, in April while Sophia was at the IWK. She was admitted there for a bladder infection! I am ever SO thankful that she was nearby to come and visit, as well as snuggle our dolly and tell her she loved her- herself!

Here is Sophia and my Mom at her dedication luncheon! It was so so great to have had my parents present for both Benjamin and Sophia's dedications :) It would have been so sad if they were not there! So, I am very grateful that they were able to make it!

She is doing very well in this picture! Just 3.5 (almost 4 months) old!

This picture gives me the biggest swell of my heart! After delivering exactly 7 weeks early, Sophia was admitted to the "Neonatal Intensive Care Unit- (NICU)" for a number of weeks! Altogether she was in hospital for 50+ days!

We were so so so blessed to have had my Mom come to care for Benjamin and also to be here for moral support and encouragement for us for some of that time! She was here for 10 days- and we so appreciated her coming! She had to quickly request those days off from her job, and her boss was generous to allow her to do so. We shared updates, laughs, new years, and even (yes I admitt) a few tears! But I am so glad she was the one we got to share them with!

Not to mention she left us with an abundance of cooked meals- frozen for future use, and lots of really yummy baked goods :)

AND, the fact that every night, at the end of our 10-12 hours days in the hospital... she had a delicious steaming hot meal on the table for us to share!

Thank you God for my Mama, and for allowing her to be here when I needed her the most!

And thank you Mama, for all that you do :)

Being gracious...

2010-07-20T07:47:00.000-07:00

Have you ever just stopped the busy-ness of your day for a couple of minutes, just to thank God for the blessings he has given to you.

We take for granted so many things- clean water, a home to live in, food not only to maintain our nourishment but the blessing of being also able to choose what we put into our mouths, our senses: sight, sound, taste, smell and touch, family, friendships, freedom to outwardly decleare that we are thankful for such things and give praise to a heavenly father that we know is responsible for placing such blessings into our lives! (Remember some nations would actually kill their own for declaring they believe in Jesus Christ!)

I would like to take a couple minutes to share with you some of the things that stick out in my mind today, that I owe many thanks to my heavenly father for!

~NATHAN~

This picture depicts a number of things that I am thankful for- my husband (whom I just celebrated 6 years of marriage with this month), his health, his intellegence not only for his applied studies but for so many things, his willingness to protect our family financially while supporting me to stay home and care for our children (a dream for the both of us), and finally for LOVE! A love that has brought much laughter and the occasional tear, but mostly for a love that endures, is adventurous and is stronger today than when it initiated.

Thank you God for Nathan!
"At all times, and for everything, give thanks in the name of the Lord Jesus, to God the father!" Ephesians 5:20

~SOPHIA~

This picture also depicts many reasons to be gracious! The mere fact that I am able to capture this beautiful baby on film is a miracle itself, and reason to be so so thankful! I am thankful to God that she has overcome so many days of sickness, I am thankful for the smile she brings not only to her Daddy and Mommy's face- but to all who encounter her beauty, I am thankful for her growth and how it is surpassing what even the very best doctors said would take place at her age, and I am so thankful for her JOY (she is one happy baby)! And the amazing joy she brings to us!

Thank you Lord for giving me Sophie!

"Thanks be to GOD, for this indescribable gift." 2Corinthians 9:15

~BENJAMIN~

This little guy also brings SO many reasons to be thankful to our heavenly father! After years of trying to have a 'firstborn', he too was a miracle for us! His ability to capture just about every heart he meets is amazing to watch as a Mommy, and makes my heart swell with pride for him. His innocence to the things of the world, his vast intellegence for a 19 month old (he is one SMART kid), his laughter - and how he laughs often, his abundance of energy and excitment, and finally for the DELIGHT he has brought to us as parents!

Thank you God, for giving me Benjamin!

"For everything God has created is GOOD!" 1 Timothy 4:4

These are just a few of the reasons I am thankful today! My life is FULL of reasons to be thankful, as I am sure yours is also.

Tell me, why are you gracious? More importantly make time to tell our Lord what you are gracious for today! There isn't enough time to thank him for everything today, so set aside some time daily to reflect on some new things to be gracious for!

"O Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known his doings amongst the people." 1 Chronicles 16:8

Smiles to be oh-so-grateful for!!

2010-06-30T17:03:00.000-07:00

This will probably be my last post for a couple weeks, as we are heading out for vacation out east early tomorrow morning! I wanted to give a quick update on our two little darlings before I shut down the computer one final time!

Benjamin has been rather sick with a cold/ear infection the last week or so. Running a high temp, and just not feeling himself. I've been certianly loving all the free snuggles and cuddles, however I am praying hard he returns to his healthy happy self again soon!! Its no fun at all to see him sick :(

He is really catching on to talking more and more- spitting out little words here and there. His sign language is coming along well also. The potty has been set on the back burner as we head out for our family vacation, and also since he hasn't been feeling so well... but we will resume once we return home.

Here is a picture of Ben while at a local park with our friend Mallory. This is just ONE of the smiles that make my day SO much better :)

Here is Sophia: during her first feeding of rice cereal! Also on her exact 6 month birthday!!

This is the other smile that has the ability to melt away all the problems in the whole world! Mama's girl :)

She is doing so well!! Were praying extra hard that whatever Ben has come down with, she will not! So far, our prayers are being heard :)

Like I mentioned in the picture, Sophie has started her rice cereal! We will start barley cereal during vacation, and perhaps wheat as well. She isn't entirely sold on the rice yet, but she is getting better :)

She is *almost* pro at sitting on her own although she is still leaning on her legs, and pushing up on her hands every now and then, but she is getting better each day! She really is a miracle girl!!

There is so much more to share, but those are the highlights that are on my mind right now. I have a couple more things to do before I head to bed for the night and then we are off tomorrow :)

Be blessed friends!!

Sweet Benjamin :)

2010-06-16T11:19:00.000-07:00

Time is going so so quickly for my sweet boy Benjamin!! He is learning words and signs at lightning speed- and we are so proud of the little man he is quickly becoming!

I thought I would post quickly with a few really GREAT pictures of my sweet boy! I will explain what they are below each picture :)

Enjoy!!!

Here is Benjamin showing me his "MUSCLES" :) He loves to show off his stregnth and cracks up right along with you when showing them off!! He makes us smile each time he 'flexes'- and were pretty sure it will never grow old for us!!

Just learning how to "smile" for the camera!! I think he looks more and more like my Grampy every day!! He's quite the charmer :)

And Ben on his new POTTY!!! We bought this last night to allow him to become 'aquainted' with the seat, and to my suprise, he peepee'd in it already this morning!! I'm so proud of him!!

Hope you all are having a great day!!

<<<- Perserverance ->>>

2010-06-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

Have you ever felt tired?

Tired of the fight? Tired of the doubt? Tired of the defeat?

After a couple weeks of feeling a little overwhelmed with some feeding struggles with baby Sophie, I was ready to call nursing "quits" this morning!!! I had myself convinced that this was the best choice, and that as long as I offered her a couple nursing times each day, I wouldn't entirely be "giving up" on this job.

It only took a 15 minute phone call with an expert Mom I know, to encourage me to press on as well as offer perhaps a few explainations for those struggles we've been facing. Perhaps the struggles were ongoing for so long I was thinking only with tunnel vision? But after my Mommy friend's phone call (as well as several texts from a good friend DURING the phone call) the walls to my tunnel began to crumble and I could see the hope all around. Hope that was there the whole time, but I was too tired and too focused on the struggles to see clearly.

I'm thankful for friends like that. Who take time out of their busy busy days (both of them are the busiest people I know) to encourage perserverance. Because after that phone call and after those texts, I felt as though I had more options than just "calling it quits." Not only that, but I felt like I had renewed stregnth and support to press on!

Thank YOU friends :)

It reminds me of this verse from Romans 5:3-4:
"...We also rejoice in our struggles, because we know that struggle produces perserverance; perserverance, character; and character, hope."

Those are some of my more serious thoughts for the day! I will give you a better update on the Hills below with some new pictures of the kiddies :)

Benjamin- standing tall, wanting to go inside after a long playtime outside!
He continues to be our source of adventure and fun! Something new to learn every single day!!

Sophia- hanging out outside in the shade!

She continues to be our happy, smiley, cheerful girl :) So much love!!!

Here are the 3 love of my life!!

Daddy, Benjamin & Sophia!

I will start with Benjamin. This boy is our source of adventure!!! If we aren't RUNNING after him, we are pulling him down off the stairs, or rescuing him from a jump off the top of the couch!!! We spend more time kissing his boo-boo's then we do anything else these days!!

Now that it is warmer weather, we have been spending more time outside. He LOVES to swim, LOVES to play in his new sandbox (thank you Aunty Michelle & Uncle Shaun), and loves to run around in the grassy backyard. I have had a couple pretty long walks in the sun and he loves to be pushed around, taking everything in!! We even had him to the park last week for the first time, which he seemed to enjoy as well!!

He is growing leaps and bounds! At our last check-up (at 18 months) he weighs 25lbs, 10oz and is 34 inches in legnth. He actually weighs a whole pound LESS than his 12 month old friend Josh Pye, but displays all the signs that point to him being a normal healthy little boy :)

He eats like a little bird- he'd rather be running aruond and playing outside!! But, what he doesn't eat at one meal, he makes up for it the next.

Our baby sign language has taken off!!! He has mastered the signs for: Yes, No, All Done, More and Milk.

He is such a sweet boy! I hope to capture a new video soon- he is back to showing off those "muscles" and its too cute not to show off!!!

Sophia is also doing great. Her monitor has stayed quiet since that last episode in Halifax. She has been growing well: at her last appointment she weighed in at 13lbs even, 24 inches in legnth!

Her milestones or "motor-skills" if you will have been developing very nicely as well. She smiles and giggles, coo's often, know's her own name, and rolls over from front to back as well as from back to front!!!

I mentioned above about her eating. I will give an update on that in a couple more weeks time. Hopefully we see some changes! Perhaps I will even have some teeth to report!!

Daddy, has returned to work and is enjoying being back to a routine. He is actually having his 3 year evaluation with our senior pastor this afternoon. Hard to believe that we have been here 3 years already! A whole lot of changes have happened for us as a family in those 3 years!!

And, as for myself, I currently have cold number 3 for 2010!! I have spent the last two days wiping runny noses, including my own. But, my husband- despite his incredibly busy work schedule this week has popped in occasionly to bring chicken noodle soup and drinks for me!

I am blessed!!!

Have a great day everyone, praying you find yourself blessed today as well!!!

Healthy Eating :)

2010-05-20T15:19:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures from tonights dinner :) Were working at eating very healthy!!!

Chicken & mushrooms in a white sauce over bowtie noodles with steamed green beans:)

Even Ben had a plate :)

Low fat and low cal lemon cheesecake!!

Served with a splash of fat free cool-whip :)

So so good!!!

A kiddie-update :)

2010-04-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

Well, it has been a long time since my last post! But- I do have excuses... all which should validate my absence from posting!!

First, my parents came for a visit. This was so great, as my Dad had not yet met our sweet Sophia, and they were able to be present for their dedication sunday as well! :) We had so so much fun- catching up on lost laughs, poking fun at one another, shopping and dining together! We can't wait until they visit again :)

When they left to go home- on April 17th, we quickly and efficiently packed up our car and took off for NS the next day! This of course was planned, but a suprise! We tricked all of my family except for my sister... who very quickly figured me out! But, she didn't know exactly the time or date of our arrival- she was pretty close :)

We were able to spend the day with our niece Emily for her very 1st birthday!!! I am not sure if any of you remember but when Stephanie had Em last year, I was very quickly overcome with homesickness and so my wonderful husband put me on a plane as quickly as he could to be there for the day of her birth! I missed it, but not by too much!!

Thursday we had a very lovely lunch with my 2 grandmothers, and then a super-fun visit with Ben's great friend Charlie! We were so excited to finally meet Charlies new baby brother Sam!! They are such cuties :) Ben and Charlie played really well together :) Only a few squabbles!!

Early Friday morning Nathan and I unfortunately had to run Sophia into emergency (the IWK in Halifax) because her apnea monitor sounded several times through the night! We were not there long before they told us we were being admitted! Our hearts fell onto the floor, as we both thought "here we go again!" I shed a couple of tears, and Nathan assured me she was 'bigger and stronger now' and that she would be so much better when they sent her home!! We prayed together and waited for TEN hours to be taken to her room!! (No one said GOOD care would be QUICK care, right?!?!?)

Saturday lots of tests were run, and Sunday we were released! The short story is: she had another bladder infection, and needed to have a couple big doses of IV antibiotics before being sent home for the regular 10 days of liquid (by mouth) antibiotics!!

Thanks to those of you who came to visit us while in the hospital with Sophia- bored out of our minds!! Katie, Mom & Dad, Miss, and Natasha & Dave!! We enjoyed visiting with all of you :) And for most of you, showing Sophie off for the first time!!

She is doing quite well now :) Thank you to everyone who prayed along side of us! This little girl comes complete with a journey that isn't over yet... one that will still need to be guided wisely by our heavely father, and with much prayer!

We are now visiting Nathan's parents in Yarmouth, NS. We will be here until the end of the week- still hoping to get together with Nathan's Aunt Kathy & Uncle Owen, as well as possibly visiting my cousin Sonya and her boys on our trip back to Halifax!

We are missing all of our Essex friends, wish you could all be here with us! :)

I close with a picture of my 2 joys!! They are both growing so so fast!!

Benjamin's very first taste of ice cream! He LOVED it!!!

A beautiful picture of sweet Sophie on dedication day! Isn't she a picture!! Pure BEAUTY!!

Enjoy and Be Blessed!!!

More great deals!!!

2010-04-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

As promised- here are this weeks great deals :)

All of this cost $4- that is FOUR dollars out of pocket!!!

All of these were $20- out of pocket!!

And finally, all of this was $4- out of pocket!!!

For a grand total of $28 bucks!!!

Impressed????

:)

'Hope'

2010-04-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

I have a couple of the most beautiful children ...IN THE WORLD!! Benjamin is growing up so fast. So handsomely. So smart! He never ceases to amaze us each day!

Sophie, she is a constant reminder of 'hope' to us! She pulled through an illness that would be rough for a grown adult to endure! God was very faithful, and we will never forget how he brought Sophie through that terrible time.

Lately, she has been really gaining personality. I just HAD to share these next two photos of her!! She really IS a miracle :)

Isn't she GORGEOUS!!!!????!!!!

If this smile does not bring you hope- ask me this little girl's story- and the faithfulness of our heavenly father will forever be etched into your heart!!

Be blessed!!

More deals!!!

2010-04-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

All of this..... $70-
Cool huh??

Introducing- SAVING MONEY!!!!

2010-03-10T18:00:00.000-08:00

What I am about to share with you- you will likely NOT believe!! Our friends introduced us to "couponing"... which seems kind of silly- but in the states is a HUGE hit!!... So... we gave it a try and were blown away ourselves! We didn't have as much time as we could have used to really do our research and get the very best deals... but we are certianly convinced and will be doing this in the future!

Our friends Shaun and Michelle have a "budget" set and we will likely follow this idea too! But probably not until Nathan returns from his trip- I certianly am not brave enough to travel to the states on my own! And even more so, when the babies in the backseat outnumber the adults in the front!! :)

This- ALL of this... came to a grand total of.....

$23.72

And "this" includes:

4 Kellogs box of Cereal

2 Post boxes of Cereal

2 jugs of Cascade

3 BIG bottles of Treseme shampoo

2 jumbo bottles of Pantene Pro-V Conditioner

2 bottle of Mens Gilette body wash

2 Mens Gilette deoderant

2 bottles of Dawn dish soap

2 Oral B toothbrushes

1 battery operated Gilette Fusion mens razor

This was ALSO a great deal... however, not as GREAT as the others! But I thought I would throw this in the post as well :)

All four boxes of diapers combined = $39-

That is... 292 diapers all together!!!

A really awesome deal!! :) If we would have bought these in Canada, this easily would have cost $100- $120!!!

Dear Baby(s)...

2010-02-28T13:35:00.000-08:00

Benjamin William Clarke

Sophia Isabella-Diane

Dear Benjamin & Sophie,

I am your Mom. I read countless books on sleep training and we broke all of the rules the first week for both of you. I planned to nurse for months and I was ready to quit our first day home! I never knew what sleep deprivation could do to a marriage. And when everyone asks how I am adjusting, I smile and get up to warm a bottle.

The dark circles under my eyes will be a testimony to late nights, bad dreams and broken curfews (someday). I have studied faces, photos and figures and I am certian there is none more beautiful than each of you. Whether that`s because you are mine or because you are a benchmark for beauty matters little. I am in the middle of reading 6 books about you, and the photos on my nightstand are stacked so high that I`ll be scrapbooking until I`m 80. I have memorized your legnth, weight and head circumference`s but I have no idea what day it is.

I have the ability to sleep through the freight train snoring next to me but a sigh from the baby monitor or the bassinet wakes me instantly!! My lullabies are rusty. My nursery rhymes are imcomplete. But my time is all yours.

The time will come when you don`t want me around. You`ll want me to drop you off before our destination as you struggle to find your independance. Although it will sting, I`ll do my best to respect your space and let you grow!

We`ll laugh, cry, dream and play. There will be seasons where I love you though I have nothing left to give, and others where you will sustain me. The older you grow, the more our relationship will evolve. Someday, I will lay down the duties of motherhood and if I am lucky, you will each call me your `friend`.

Mine is the only career that provides a lifetime of on-the-job training. God designed me expressly to do this special work. My heart has been walking around outside my body since the days you were born, and I would not have it any other way!

I love you so much more than I knew I had love to give!!

Love,

Mommy

xoxox

"Muscle Man"

2010-02-22T09:29:00.000-08:00

This video was taken this morning for our special friend Lauren!

Ben has been treating us to lots of entertainment lately- really showing off the comedian in himself! One of my favorite faces (of the many) that he makes is the "Muscle Man" face :)

We were trying to be quiet, because he gets very easily distracted (you'll notice this when the train blows its whistle in the bacground-haha) So that is why it is almost silent in the background!

But, despite how quiet it may be, I am certian you will get a kick out of it :)

Hope you enjoy it Lauren! :)

"He's faster than a speeding bullet...."

2010-02-20T12:38:00.000-08:00

As you all know, getting to the store and picking out Ben some birthday/christmas presents from his money gifts wasn't on my list of priorities!...

...Until tuesday! I finally thought of the PERFECT gift to get him from his very own cash stash!!

Here is a video with him showing off his brand new toy :)

Thank you to Great-Grampchops Hubley for this gift!! (...and $12 to spare!)

Leave us a comment when you have seen the video and let us know what you think!!

A little love :)

2010-02-19T19:47:00.001-08:00

Well, its been another whirlwind since I last posted an entry!

That little cold that we felt Sophie was getting turned into a wild case of Respitory Syntactical Virus (RSV), which also progressed further into pnemonia. Our little princess showed everyone just how strong she is though, and pulled through this newest challenge on top once again!

A neat story, the last time that Sophie experienced a "brady" or "desat" was Sunday february 7th. That evening, my parents home church in halifax prayed as a whole specifically that Sophie would heal, and would no longer have to suffer through all this illness stuff! It was just a couple of days later that Sophie had turned right around and was discharged from hospital to come back home to us! (On my 26th birthday might I add, so a DOUBLE blessing to me on that day!!) I count it nothing short of an answer to prayer, or a miracle that Sophie's health bounced back so quickly!

We thank God for answering our prayers!

Here is a picture of our sweet pea, showing off those gorgeous eyes!!

Another picture of our sweet pea on Valentines day! What a blessing to have had her home with us that day! Her big brother was the proudest of us all, showing her a little EXTRA love, with extra hugs :)

Sophie continues to do well, but still needs lots of prayers! We appreciate YOU responding to that need and taking time during your day to pray for her! We have certianly felt the prayers of our many friends and family during this journey! So- thank you!! xo

38 days: A life for learning...

2010-01-31T19:50:00.001-08:00

Today is day 38 of our sweet little girl's life and they have been the most "trying" 38 days of MY entire life. We have seen the valley and the mountain top at least a half a dozen times each, and I have been sick with worry over both of my children for most of those days.

My Mom has always reminded me since I was a small girl that "everything happens for a reason." And I wont lie, for the majority of these last 38 days I have been searching for some good reason as to why my little girl would have to go through all of this...

This morning, as I was folding laundry, I found myself crying again. My daughter woke up this morning with a stuffy nose- just one more thing to add to her list of illness. I cried out to God- "I don't know how much more of this I can handle!!!"

It was then that my mind ventured into a detailed whirlwind of memories, reminding me of all that we have been through in the past 5 and a half weeks, and I felt that still small voice nudge me and say:

1) You don`t need to worry about how you are going to handle ANYTHING. I have held you, and Sophie in my arms from day one, and will continue to hold you all in the days to come. I have, and will continue to handle things for you.

I also realized some of the things I have learned along the way with these memories!...

2) Pride is not necessary! And God has certianly broken my pride down many times during these days. It`s alright to cry on a friends shoulder once in a while. It actually does release the load.

3) I have also learned how to allow people to help me. I used to carry around the idea that I can do it all myself. However, through these 38 days I have been forced to ask for, and recieve help from those who love our family very dearly. And we have felt very blessed by the loving arms that have been extended!! Thank you to you all!!

I am so so happy and relieved to have my baby girl home safely with our family. Its so neat to see how Ben likes to interact with his baby sister and it feels AMAZING to finally be under one roof.

I don`t know why I felt so strongly to write these thoughts out today, but I hope this post finds someone that needs to be reminded that God IS listening, and he IS working! Just keep praying and leaning on him. Remember HE will handle YOUR needs :)

Be Blessed! :)

~ Sophia Isabella-Diane ~

2009-12-31T04:48:00.000-08:00

Well, a little to our suprise, we were blessed with the best christmas present one could ask for: Baby Sophie!!

I'll jot briefly her progress under each picture, but will put the details of her birth into an entry another day! There just isn't time for that story yet!

Here are just a few pictures from my blog-ONLY friends (ahem! Em!! and Rivest family!!!)

Day One: Incubator, central line, ventilator, suction, 2 IV's and all the regular vital stuff!

Day 3: Onto CPAP machine from ventilator, central line, down to 1 IV, incubator, photo-therapy (for jaundice), constant blood pressure monitoring, and a spinal tap!

Day 4: Down to just CPAP, central line, IV and an NG tube (for feeding). (Results from the spinal tap show no signs of menigitis!! YAY!!) Mommy and Daddy finally get some cuddles!

Day 5: CPAP removed, IV & NG still present and continuing photo-therapy, central line removed!

Day 6: IV & NG tube kept in, however feeding well on her own, breathing room air, and maintaining average vital stats! Go Sophie!!!

Olympic Torch Relay: Part II

2009-12-23T16:43:00.000-08:00

Here are the last couple of pictures from the Olympic Torch Relay!

Everyone wanted to touch Jamie's torch! This is just before the flame was passed onto her torch!

Here comes the lady that will give flame to Jamie!! What an exciting moment!!!

She is making her way to Jamie....

And there they are passing the flame! So cool to be a part of this!!!

And she is OFF!!! And it was time for us to go back home :) It was pretty chilly out there this morning!!!

The Olympic Torch Relay: Part I

2009-12-23T16:34:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures from the Torch Relay, that was just around the corner from our house this morning! It was so cool to be a part of this moment in time, and extra special that Ben was able to witness this! When the flame was brought down the road and the people were cheering, Ben got very excited and was clapping his hands right along with everyone else!

I'm not going to lie, with all the excitement, I even got a little emotional myself! :) It truly was a great event to be a part of!

Ben, not quite sure why he needs to be excited yet! But he's EXCITED!

This is Jamie. She was our Essex torch-runner!!

The coke truck- These people were PUMPED to be in this mini-parade!

The live music truck- this was pretty cool as well :)

These people... ALSO were hopping!! The RBC sponsor truck! :)

Howson Christmas Dinner: Part II

2009-12-23T16:29:00.000-08:00

Here are the rest of the pictures from the Howson Christmas Dinner!

Ben finally settled down and opened his presents! He wanted to rifle through everyone else's baskets until Nathan and Jon convinced him to open his own!!

Rip :) He's back into his groove now :)

Quick family shot :)

Howson Christmas Dinner

2009-12-23T16:20:00.000-08:00

Tuesday afternoon we were invited out to meet and have lunch with Jim & Doreen Farough! They put on a wonderful christmas-y spread and we enjoyed the company very much! We love this couple!!!

Tuesday night we were invited to the Howson's for another christmas dinner :) Here are the pictures from that. (We forgot to take some at Jim & Doreen's)

After a super yummy christmas dinner, Mama needed to sit down on the couch and rest! :)

Our lovely friend Jules being Santa to Ben and us!!!

Tom & Sharon opening presents!!

Julie opening her christmas present from US!

Benjamin didn't know what to do with himself... there were SO MANY THINGS to get into!!! Haha

Cousineau Christmas Dinner: Part IV

2009-12-23T12:12:00.000-08:00

Here are the last of the Cousineau Christmas Dinner pictures:

Brandon, Nathan, Justin & Moe playing "Mad Gab"

Sarah and Janny pants NOT paying attention!!! Tisk tisk ladies!!!

Another round!!!

Nathan- an attempt at taking a picture of him when he is NOT looking tired!!

Karen, Nancy & Sarah :) Such lovely ladies!!!

Cousineau Christmas Dinner: Part III

2009-12-23T12:06:00.000-08:00

Still more shots from the Cousineau Christmas Dinner:

Poor little guy- had SO many presents to open, and he wanted to play with them ALL!! Uncle Brando and Nanny Janny were helping him to open them :)

A bath tub toy from Nanny Janny and Grandpa Moesif!!! We can't WAIT to try this puppy out!!

Cuddle time with Uncle Justin! (And Karen and Sarah :)

Sharing his love around :)

....and just being a ham!!!

Cousineau Christmas Dinner: Part II

2009-12-23T11:50:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pictures from our evening with the Cousineau family!

The table- (there were two)- but I only remembered to take a picture of this one, before people sat down!

Peek-a-BEN!

Benjamin getting ready to open a christmas present from his Aunty Sarahkins!!

It was a LAPTOP! He LOVES this toy!!!

Annual Cousineau Christmas Dinner :)

2009-12-23T11:43:00.000-08:00

We started cooking on sunday- very excitedly I might add- for our annual Cousineau Christmas dinner at our house!

Here are some pictures of our creations that I promised for our families back at home :)

Nathan took care of the turkey!

My punch- my Mama ALWAYS makes the best punch!!

Glazed carrots, garlic green beans, stuffing from the turkey, stuffing patties and turkey!

The turkey and stuffing patties!

Cesar Salad, Broccoli salad, cranberry sauce, and Gravy... and you can't see them, but we also make Rumaki and homemade rolls!! (They are just around the corner, but not seen in the picture!)

32 week update!!

2009-12-17T06:27:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends!!

Here is an update on baby number two after visiting the OB yesterday for our check-up appointment! He was very impressed with how the appointment went- as am I :) See the details below:

Heartrate: 154 bpm
Blood pressure: 120/80 (TEXTBOOK perfect!!)
Urine: Clear!!
Weight: -4lbs (thats a LOSS...again!!!)
Measuring: 35 weeks
Position: Head down

While we are so so very excited to meet our baby girl... we want to make sure she comes in her due time, and that she is as healthy as possible!! After last weeks "growth spurt" even the doctor was questioning if she was going to make an early exit, however, everything is back on the charts now as it should be!

Christmas is only 8 days from today, which is incredibly hard for me to believe!! There is so so much left to do before those eight days fade away... house cleaning, baking, a bit more wrapping, (and napping of course- I AM 32 weeks pregnant remember!!!), and all the parties!! I am trying not to fuss over how much is left to do and just enjoy christmas and all the wonderful meaning it has! I hope you find time to reflect this christmas on the REAL joy!!

Have a great day! :)

Success!!! (...we think...)

2009-12-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Almost 45 minutes have passed since Ben has gone to sleep in his big boy bed for the first time! After sneaking in to his room, we found he rather likes the new bed. He simply rolled over and fell fast asleep!

Is it too early to declare success?

Benjamin's new room!

2009-12-14T18:59:00.000-08:00

Here are a few pictures of Benjamins new room! Its almost completely finished.... just need some trim work and door knobs and we are set!! See below...

A view from the hallway looking in...

The inside wall...

Ben's new dresser/bookshelf.

The changing area!!

All snuggled up for his first nights sleep!!!

Our sweet friends :)

2009-12-14T06:19:00.000-08:00

As usual we had a crazy hectic and busy weekend, but a very very fun one!!! Thursday evening- (cause its almost the weekend!) we went to Windsor and met up with some couples!! The girls, Amber, Nancy and I split off and went to the theatre to see "Brothers", while the guys did some shopping... or looking around. After that we headed back to Nancy's house for some *delicious* treats and a chocolate fountain!!! We were going to play some games, but ended up just hanging out and sharing some laughs!

Friday night was a date night for Nathan and I. We went out to Swiss Chalet for their festive special, and then headed down to the Capitol Theatre for the theatre alive christmas production of "A Christmas to Remember: 1959". Mallory was home watching Ben for us- and we had such a lovely time together!! Last year we went on a christmas date just like this, and Ben was born the next night :) Luckily this post is being written 3 nights later, and little girl is still comfortably resting in her Mama's belly!!

Saturday we got up early and started the finishing touches on Ben's room! Nathan went to Windsor and bought both the new closet and regular doors. Then he came home and hung them! We were planning to do a final clean and put the last touches on his new room, allowing him to sleep in there for his first night... but, we decided to take advantage of a sale- and made an impromptu trip over to Michigan to finish some of our christmas shopping!! We stopped at Denny's for supper, a first for us, and made it home by 1030 :) (LONG DAY!!)

Sunday- is just the usual busy day! We had church in the morning, which was the sunday school christmas concert! The kids did a great job- and we enjoyed some laughs!! Then we went to Swiss Chalet for lunch ('Tis the season!!) with Amber & Sal, and Brandon & Nancy, which is always a great time!! :) Then Nathan and I did some more shopping to finish off our gifts for those people at home! Then we came home and I wrapped everything up, and put our Halifax and Yarmouth boxes together to be sent out Canada Post today!!!

Which brings me to today! Like I mentioned above, I am sending our christmas boxes today, and I am also heading out to Leamington with a friend from church, Christine, and were going to stock up on baby food from the Heinz depot!! Then this afternoon, we are going to finally do the last finishing touches on Ben's room and get him ready for his first sleep in his big boy's bed!!

Wish us luck :)

Here are a few pictures from this weekend (Sunday).

Mama at 31.5 weeks!

Daddy and Uncle Brandon chatting it up over lunch!

Uncle Brandon and Nancy!!!

Uncle Sal and Auntie Amber! :)

Mama and Auntie Amber!!

Benjamin- our little star!!

2009-12-13T14:29:00.000-08:00

Benjamin LOVES to play with his new birthday toys! Here is a special feature of him entertaining us on his piano- to the tune of Jingle Bells...

Then a little time with the hockey ball :) (Much to Grampy Hill's enjoyment I am sure!! haha)

Enjoy!!

Peek-a-boo!!

2009-12-13T13:53:00.000-08:00

Today we went out for lunch with Amber & Sal, and Brandon & Nancy :)

Benjamin learned to play peek-a-boo this morning!! So he was showing off his new skills to our friends :)

His little laugh will surely make your day!!

Staff christmas luncheon from Eileen!!

2009-12-08T14:53:00.000-08:00

On Monday (the 7th) we had a special lunch put on for us by a lady in our church named Eileen!! She does a special christmas lunch every year for the staff and spouses of our church! Every year she has a christmas cracker for everyone- and we each get a christmas cracker hat :P

Couldn't resist a picture of our cute little prince with his christmas cracker hat!!

Our family of 3.5 :) Daddy and Ben with their matching crowns!!

30 Week Update!!

2009-12-08T14:20:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 2 I went to the doctor for my regular checkup! It was my 30 week appointment! Here are the details learned from that visit:

Heartbeat: 150 bpm
Urine: 1+ protein
Blood Pressure: 124/72
Weight: -2lbs (Yes I LOST 2lbs!!! Yay!!)
Measuring: 35 weeks along
Blood Sugar: 5.4

So it was a great appointment, with lots of interesting details! We will see how things go in the coming weeks! Hopefully this baby isn't HUGE! (I'm secretly hoping I have a super-abundance of amniotic fluid in there!!!)

This picture is taken at 30.5 weeks just before we left for our church christmas banquet!! :)

Ben's 1st Birthday :)

2009-12-01T12:35:00.000-08:00

Benjamin didn't know what to think about the birthday cake at first... but once he figured out that it was something to eat... he sure chowed down!!

Essex Santa Claus Parade (Part 4)

2009-11-28T08:02:00.000-08:00

Another fire truck :) A newer one!!

Here comes SANTA!!!

There is Santa!! Ben LOVED Santa!! He wasn't so entralled with the rest of the parade, but when Santa said Ho! Ho! Ho!- he laughed HYSTERICALLY!!! Go figure!

I really have no idea what in the world this was supposed to be.... but it went in the parade!

All tuckered out! Still snuggling with his pooh and new blanket!!! Time to go home :)

Essex Santa Claus Parade (Part 3)

2009-11-28T07:50:00.000-08:00

Yogi - Bear: Jellystone park :)

This penguin float was pretty cool too!!!

Orchard Park Co-op :)

This is the bus that used to take the seniors on trips from the nursing home I worked at!!!

The old fashioned fire truck, and some fire-fighters!!

Essex Santa Claus Parade (Part 2)

2009-11-28T07:44:00.000-08:00

I thought this little donkey was so cute! Ben wasn't so intrigued though!!!

Stone faced.... taking it all in!!!

Another float :) Old fashioned horse and buggy... (or pony and buggy!)

I LOVED this gingerbread float!!! Very cute 'eh?

I was so busy waving to all our friends at Essex Gospel, that I forgot to take a picture of our float!!! Once I remembered they were past... but this is the rear of the float!!

Essex Santa Claus Parade (Part 1)

2009-11-28T07:26:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures from the Santa Claus parade!! Nathan was at a meeting all day at the church, so Ben and I took a stroll over to the spot behind our house and watched all the floats go by!!

Here is the little guy all dressed and ready to go!! :)

His new mittens do not have thumbs... so he was batting the tape from the basket on the coffee table back and forth between mitts :) So so cute!!

Scoping out what else is in the basket...

At last, on the "other" side of our fence :) All snuggled into the stroller, with his pooh by his side!

P.S. warmly snuggled into the stroller with his new blanket from Justin, Rachel, Will and Mary-Rae :) Our friends from NS :) THANK YOU!!!

Here we go... first float!!!

Beautiful Bouquet!!

2009-11-25T05:35:00.000-08:00

I was very pleasantly suprised by a knock at my door on Tuesday morning! Essex flower basket, delivered a BEAUTIFUL bouquet of flowers from my wonderful husband!! "Just Because!"

Aren't they pretty!?!?!

View from the top :)

OB update...

2009-11-20T17:26:00.000-08:00

My 28 week OB appointment was just this past wednesday! It went fairly well, no really BAD news, just some caution really! And some really good vitals :)

Here are the details:

Blood Pressure: 110/60
Baby's Heartrate: 155 bpm
Urine: clear
Measuring: 31-32 weeks along
Weight: +4 lbs (groan!!)

* I also got the results back from my "sugar test". Apparently in order to pass the test, you need to be below a blood sugar measure of 7.9, and mine was 7.8. So, I am now required to come in every 2 weeks just for a check up, so the doctor can keep a closer monitor on me and the baby! He told me not to be upset about it, just to watch the amount of sugar I eat :) So, i've been on my very best behavior since wednesday! Hopefully everything stays cool :)

Here is mama at 28 weeks!! I remember being this size around week THIRTY-SIX for Ben!!! I hope the growth slows down tremendously from here on out!!!

Wishful thinking 'eh?!?!

Finally!!! Pics of that "Toothy Smile!"....

2009-11-17T13:14:00.001-08:00

As promised, I have been trying to get a few pictures of our little man's toothy smile!! He has four teeth now and the top two are his newest however, he isn't so quick to show them off!! I finally was able to capture some pics of them today!!

Being the cutie-petutie that he is!!!

Not so sure if he is really going to show them to Mama!!!

There they are!! Isn't he just the cutest boy EVER!!!

Still laughing away at me!! Apparently I am a hoot with a camera! lol

One more look at those teeny little pearlys!!!

Christmas 2009 Decor... (Part II)

2009-11-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

Here are the last couple of Christmas decor pictures!!!

My lovely husband was right on the ball today!!! Everything is up both INside AND OUTside!!! :) Go Bubba!!!

Looking up the stairs :)

Beside the christmas tree... our nativity set, and some other christmas nicknacks....

Christmas 2009 Decor :)

2009-11-14T16:43:00.000-08:00

Yes, Yes, some of you may think its "early".... but, last evening I attended a party where everything was all done for christmas, and was inspired to do the same :)

Here are the pictures of our festively decorated home!!

Christmas tree 2009! (Last year we went with an artificial tree- so we decided there was nothing to hold us back from decorating early this year!!)

A little something new this year, garland and lights on our banister! A nice addition I think :) (...and, we do have another gold stocking to hang, but it fell off just before I took the picture, so you will have to use your imagination for now :))

Another new addition to our decorations. Its a little dark, but, some garland and lights in our kitchen window! Its very pretty!!

Our dining room! This is also very very elegant with the lights off, and just the white lights shining through! The no-flash picture came out too dark, so I had to do a flash-on shot.

A look into the living room from our kitchen/dining room! (Ben's 1st "chocolate days until christmas" calendar under the tree! He is allowed to eat chocolate after his first birthday, which happens to be December 1st... so I am sure this will be a real treat every day!!!

Last of Ben's 1st haircut pics!!

2009-11-14T06:54:00.000-08:00

Here are the last five of Ben's 1st haircut!!

Mommy and Daddy's handsome little man!! :)

How cute is that?!?!? He was driving his race-car!!

All done, just getting the hair brushed off!!

Opps... Mommy and Daddy were so busy looking at the finished product, they didn't realize he was eating the yucky toy!! :(

Home now, and all cleaned up :) Time for a nap!! :)

Ben's 1st Haircut, continued...

2009-11-14T06:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some more pictures from Ben's 1st haircut!!

Smiling at himself in the mirror!! (Takes after his Daddy!! Haha)

Marie gave him a little lady bug and a little lamb to play with. Helped him keep his head down for the back cutting! (She was very good at distracting him!!)

He was starting to notice the falling hair, and becoming quite interested in touching THAT!! Luckily, Marie was wrapping up at this point.

Ben, still looking at himself in the mirror :) (Also Mommy hanging onto the side of his car, you can see my bump in the mirror!)

Checking out Mommy again. No tears though- I was so impressed!!! (And relieved!!)

Ben's 1st Haircut!!

2009-11-14T06:37:00.000-08:00

Here are Ben's 1st haircut pictures! We joked when we took his hat off for the hairdresser that he had cotton ball hair... and she thought that was hilarious!!

We were very pleased with his do- and the kind, gentle way the hairdresser had with him! She was very patient. He didn't cry one bit, but he was a little antsy... But, she did a great job at keeping him entertained!!

Marie (the hairdresser) telling Mommy what she thought she would do for his frist cut!!

Ben checking to see if Mommy approves of this operation! (She did!!)

First snip done!!!

He LOVED his little car chair!!

More snips!!! Such a good boy!!!

Ben says "No!"

2009-11-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

Of Ben's new tricks... this is his most entertaining!

Enjoy!

Ben's 1st Birthday Photos :)

2009-11-10T16:38:00.000-08:00

Here are the scans of Ben's 1t Birthday Photo's :)

For the record: We LOVE them!!

Daddy's pick :)

Mommy's pick (I really liked the #1!!!)

Cousin "Lamb-ily's" 1st Hallowe'en!!

2009-11-03T06:07:00.000-08:00

Here is our niece Emily (Stephanie & Chris' daughter). We haven't seen her or many pictures of her since our visit in July, so after some persuasion, Stephanie sent over some pictures! Here is the cute little lady as a Lamb for her 1st Hallowe'en!!!

Isn't she cute- and so so SO grown up now!?!?!?!

Getting to be such a big girl!!!

25.5 weeks!!

2009-11-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Here is Mama pregnant at 25.5 weeks!

A couple members of our family requested a new "belly" picture, so here it is!!

November 1st, 2009!!

P.S. Happy 7th Anniversary to Peter & Margaret (tomorrow, Nov.2)!!!

Last few of Ben's 1st Hallowe'en :)

2009-10-31T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here are the last few from our special night of visiting friends with our little pumpkin :)

Our little pumpkin head :) He is so so so sweet!

Trying to get away!! (Hurry up and take the picture Daddy!!)

Awwww.... we just love that smile!!

The Parishes! Colin, Ally-cat, Ben and Lou!

Cindy, Mommy, sleepy Ben and Tracey!! Last stop- now to go home and treat our own little trickers!!!

Hallowe'en continued!...

2009-10-31T16:35:00.000-07:00

Here are a few more pictures from Ben's first trick-or-treating experience :)

...Luckily after the punch Ben gave Sarah for Hallowe'en, she still loves him!!

Nanny Janny, Ben and Uncle Justin :) Ben's quite intrigued with Uncle Jus, as you can see!!!

He was making smiley faces and giggly noises for Grandpa Moesif, BUT, liked him best from Daddy's arms :(

The Horners were our next stop :) Karen, Nate, Ben and Pastor Brent!!

Another shot! Karen's shirt matches Ben's costume!

Ben's first trick-or-treating experience...

2009-10-31T16:26:00.000-07:00

These are mostly for our parents- who by the way feel a million miles away today- but we wanted to make sure they feel as much a part of his first dress-up experience as they could!!

SO excited to go out, he was waiting right by the door!

COME OOOON Daddy, its time to GOO!!!

We stopped at Rosanne's first! He was pretty excited when he saw she had a treat for him!!!

Daddy, Mommy (who didn't PLAN for pictures) and Ben at Rosanne's house!!

Benjamin gave Sarah a punch for Hallowe'en :)

Missing them...

2009-10-30T14:10:00.000-07:00

We have been REALLY missing our families lately. Thanksgiving was a sad time this year with not seeing our families, and then were missing having our parents around to see Ben's first Hallowe'en!

BUT- here are some pictures we took during Mom and Dad's visit. We bought the costume when they were here, so they got to see him IN the costume, which was really nice :)

Nana & Papa Lawrence with our little pumpkin head :)

Papa's boy!

Another shot of Ben and Papa!

Just being a ham for papa :)

Essex Hallowe'en Tot Parade!!

2009-10-30T13:54:00.000-07:00

Every year the BIA in Essex hosts a tot parade for kids ages 0-5. They provide the bags, and local business' along main street stand outside and hand out candy to the little ones!

Here are some pictures from our day! Our church had a spot on main street as well where they handed out candy to the "tots", Tim Hortons hot chocolates to the adults, and had various activities going on for the kids as well :) I tried taking some pictures of Essex Gospel's spot, but there were SO many kids and adults... well.... you can see for yourself :)

Here is our little pumpkin!!

Mommy, Ben and Aunt Elsa in the parade. (Photo taken by Aunt Amber who also came with us, but we forgot to get a pic with them together before he had his nap!)

The Police blocked off the road for the safety of the kiddies... This is the spot where Essex Gospel was set up... hard to tell though because there was SO many people!!

Another shot of how many people were backed up to get treats from the local businesses!!

Another try at getting a picture of the church's spot... but again, WAY too many people!!

Ben's Hallowe'en Suprise Mail!!!

2009-10-30T09:05:00.000-07:00

Peek-A-Boo!!!

2009-10-29T10:43:00.000-07:00

Benjamin and I were waiting for the last batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies to come out of the oven... when we found ourselves in the middle of a game of "Peek-A-Boo". Ben has always been a big fan of this game, and I thought it was very cute how HE initiated the game with ME today! Here is a video of him "peek-a-boo-ing" with me behind my laptop!

Too cute~!

Ben's 1 year photoshoot!!!

2009-10-27T17:32:00.000-07:00

Here are a scan of the proofs of Ben's 1 year Photoshoot!!!

We are very impressed with the results!

We'll be posting lots more on the weekend after Ben is in the "Essex Tot Parade" with Mommy and Aunty Amber, and trick or treats at a just a few close friends homes on Saturday!!

Stay tuned!!!

Pumpkins '09!!

2009-10-27T16:44:00.000-07:00

We carved our pumpkins tonight!! Here are all three of them, each of us have a choice!

Ben's choice: A MONKEY!!

Nathan's choice: The GRINCH!!!

Mandy's choice: ELMO!!!

Fall '09 pictures!

2009-10-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here are some fall pictures we took after we got home from the pumpkin patch! They are taken in our backyard :)

Isn't he just the sweetest?!?!

We just LOVE that face!

Daddy was tormenting Ben with a HUGE twig from the tree in our backyard!!

Still looking at the twig!!

This one is Mommy's new background! AND mommy's FAVORITE!!

Last few from the patch :)

2009-10-25T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures from the patch!!!

All is well in the world when Daddy's around!!

...playing in the hay!!

They had a corn maze too!!!

McLeod's farms!!!

More pics from the patch!!

2009-10-25T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here are more pictures we took during our trip to McLeod's farms :)

Ben was determined to knock all the pumpkins over!!! (and crawl around in the dirt)

"I pick this one Daddy!!"

Mommy and Ben, waiting for the hay-ride!

Daddy and Ben staning by the BIG pumpkin!!!

You just can't help but love that face :)

Our trip to the pumpkin patch!!

2009-10-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of our pumpkin patch advanture!! :) Ben was squealing with delight the whole time! He definetly enjoyed playing outside for a bit.
Daddy and Ben on the tractor...?

Our little pumpkin!!

Ben on the hayride :)

The "patch" :)

The hay-ride that we got to take to the patch!!

24 week OB appt!!

2009-10-21T12:10:00.000-07:00

Well, today was OB check-up number 3, at 24 weeks :)

Another great report- the OB was very pleased with the progress of this pregnancy!

BP: 128/86
Weight: +3lbs
Heartbeat: 145-150 bpm
Measuring exactly with dates!

So, all in all we had a great day :)
Hope you are all having lovely day's too!!

Uh-oh!!!..............

2009-10-20T14:01:00.000-07:00

Benjamin really knows how to get himself into a lot of predicaments!! Today while busying himself around the kitchen floor while Mommy did the dishes, he managed to crawl out into the back room, and shut the door. Each of us on a different side!!

I put my brain to work trying to figure out how to lure him from standing against the door, so that I could open it and let him out (note: the door opens out, so opening it would have either knocked him over... or jammed one of his little fingers!!)... and so I came up with the perfect idea!!!

Benjamin LOVE LOVE LOVES yogurt!! He gets exasperated when its morning snack time and he sees the little yogurt container come out of the fridge!! :) So I simply got a spoon, and decided snack time could be a bit early today!! I showed him the yogurt container through the door... and here are some pictures after that!!

A little frustrated with trying to get down. He wanted that yogurt in a BAD way!!!

Showing off his two little teeth... I am certian if he could talk, we would have been working out some sort of deal here...lol.

One more shot before he figured that it was up to him to get down, and back up, so Mommy could open the door and the yogurt could be enjoyed!!!

Mission accomplished!! :)

Happy 30th Birthday Margaret!

2009-10-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

To a cousin-in-law, friend, blogspot mentor and fellow baby-mama:

Have a very HAPPY 30th Birthday Margaret Connolly!!!

Hope its filled with many blessings!!

Love, the Hills
xo

Daddy feeds Ben supper...

2009-10-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

...and this is the result!!

Chicken, mashed potato's and carrots EEEEEVERYWHERE!!!!

A closer look at the big mess!!!

A heart-breaker already!!!

2009-10-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

It was a very beautiful day on Sunday :) Benjamin was dressed up handsomely for church of course, and too priceless to pass up on picture-taking!!

Dress shirt, tie, and vest!! Doesn't get much cuter than that!!

Showing his Nana, Papa, Nanny & Gramps how he stands up on his own!! He is an old pro now :) But I thought I would capture him doing it, as my camera batteries have newly been replaced!! (And Nanny H, Dadd bought Mommy a charger to replace her missing one the last time we were shopping in the states!! FINALLY 'eh?)

Crumpling up Daddy's Bell bill :)

And then working on destroying the clean entryway :) But, who could possibly be angry with this adorable face?!?!? :)

Happy sweet 16th Nichole!

2009-10-19T14:47:00.000-07:00

Nichole Howson's 16th birthday is coming up on Wednesday (the 21st), but her mom threw her a suprise 16th ahead of time this past saturday!! Here are some shots of the suprise party :)

Rachael, eating the crumbs off her game sheet! Oh Rach- you sure know how to crack us up!!

Amy checking on the funny sentences that the ladies made up for one of the games :)

I believe her words were: "You are so nasty." After she realized that I had taken a picture of HER :) She still looks lovely!! (Rosanne Russell)

Some of the ladies at the party! I believe this was during one of the games :)

This was dessert!!! Ummm... HELLO!!! And ice cream buffet??? How cool is that?!?!? (And some other things too!) All very pink :)

Its a baby ________

2009-10-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Long story short.... Nathan let the news slip already!! And he said that it would be ME!!! He said he was going to slip again so we had to tell people, because they were going to find out anyway!! So- secrets out now... We are having a baby GIRL!!!

Piano lessons :)

2009-10-06T15:58:00.000-07:00

Our handsome little fella is learning all kinds of tricks lately, and his Daddy loves to show him new things on the piano during this "learning stage". He LOVES piano time with Daddy... in fact, he even shows a little jealousy when Daddy plays on the keys instead of himself!!

Waving to Mommy (his newest trick learned), when I asked him to smile!! Seriously- how CUTE is that?!?!?!

Getting right to town on his playing! (Daddy dressed Ben, in case you're wondering!)

He LOVES hanging out with his Daddy!!! But, likes to be front and centre rather than off to the side!! :)

He is so so sweet!!! And we just LOVE him!!!

Its...a........

2009-10-06T15:00:00.001-07:00

While many of you are trying to "trick" us into telling you what the gender of baby number two is, BUT, I assure you, that so long as we keep our focus and have no 'slips of the tongue', it will remain a secret until his or her birth-day!!!

We really think that he/she looks a LOT like his/her big brother already!!!

Isn't that sweet!!! Its amazing what technology can do!!!

All ready to fight!!! Which may be a good thing: his/her big brother sure is a rough guy!!!

Another profile shot!

A clear look at the legs! 5 toes on each foot, 5 fingers on each hand!!!

We'd love to hear what YOUR guess is!!! Is it a BOY or a GIRL??? Leave a comment for us :)

A quick look, before the new steri-strips!!!

2009-10-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our little guy's stitches! I took the old ragged steri-strips off to clean around the cut, and to replace them with clean, new, fresh steri-strips. I figured I better get a few pictures of just the stitches because tomorrow he has them removed!

Does it get any cuter than this?? I mean- REALLY!!!

Look at those eyes!!!

I am very impressed with how well it is healing! It really looks so good!!

I had to give him a spoon to keep him occupied, while I took a couple pictures :)

One more of my handsome little guy!!!

5 stitches later... :(

2009-10-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

To make a long story short- Benjamin jumped so hard in his jumper the other day, he pulled the door frame right off, and it came right down on his wee little head!!!

Here are the pictures I have promised especially for our families!!!

This is just after we got into the ER, after they put the first bandage on :) His belt kept him happy ... for a while anyway!!

Another shot!! He is such a tough guy!!!

A look at both his two little teeth, AND his little patch!!

Isn`t he just the handsomest!!!

He`d melt the heart of anyone :)

Pregnancy Update #2

2009-09-23T13:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Everyone,

This post is going to be speedy... as I have 25 things on the go right now!!! But, as promised, I will update ya'll on the blog :)

Growth of baby: Perfect!
Weight gain: Mama gained 3lbs... (GROAN!!)
Heartbeat of baby: 165 bpm
Blood Pressure: 134/78
Urine: Clear and Perfect :)

Overall a great checkup... although, it was a legnthy appointment because the doctor had some deliveries to attend to during our wait time :S But, I can't complain because someday soon -- that could be us that he attends to :)

Thanks again to Renee and Michelle for their help with Ben during our appointment!!!

And Happy Birthday to Ben and Baby #2's VERY SPECIAL DADDY, who turns 28 today!!!

Much Love :)

Halfway there!!!

2009-09-20T14:25:00.001-07:00

We are almost halfway through pregnancy number two now!!!

Here is a picture of Mama at 19.5 weeks :)

Other than those pesky headaches... we are both doing great!!

Watch for updates on wednesday or thursday, as I have an OB appointment on wednesday!! :)

P.S. Congratulations to Rachael Haines and Justin Ayres on the birth of brand new baby girl "Mary-Raella", born September 19th, 2009, weighing 8lbs, 5oz.

California- last few!!!

2009-09-17T16:43:00.000-07:00

Ok, so these trees crack me right up!!!!!! They somehow remind me of `how the grinch stole christmas`... and these trees were EVERYWHERE in California!!!

Our rental- a red PT cruiser!!!

We were REALLY there!!!

A rear look at our ride!!!

The beautiful mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah!!!

More from California!!!

2009-09-17T16:35:00.000-07:00

More landscaping at the church where the conference was :)

More of Bethel church!!!

Wooo-Hooo!!!

Oh yeah :) I took this pic!!!

The 60`s dinner we had supper at on Saturday evening!!!

California... again!!!

2009-09-17T16:29:00.000-07:00

We were in California on September 11... every flag was half mass in memory of those that lost their lives eight years ago!!

Very beautiful landscaping- EVERYWHERE!!!

These `Jack in the Box`chain restaurants reminded me SO much of the Jack Astors chain restaurants!!! ...with a few added palm trees of course!!!

La Quinta Inn and Suites- our home in Cali!!

The church where Nate attended the conference!!! It was a pretty huge church!!!

Redding, California :)

2009-09-17T16:22:00.000-07:00

The view from Bethel Church (where Nate`s conference was...)- it was absoloutely beautiful scenery!!!

The famous sundial bridge!!!

Another shot of the sundial bridge!!!

A beautiful look at the scenery on the way out from the sundial bridge!!

A sign showing all the touristy spots in Redding :)

More of beautiful Cali!!

2009-09-17T16:16:00.000-07:00

We didn`t take long... 15 minutes after we checked into our hotel... we checked into the pool!!!

Mommy and Ben... believe it or not, it was SO HOT that the pool was actually FREEZING!!!

My little man drying off :)

He was just chatting away to me. After we got out, we were quickly finding our way back to the hotel... it was SMOULDERING Hot!!!

Saying bye to Daddy, before he left for his first conference session!!!

Our little guy, on our HUGE bed!!!

California 2009!!!

2009-09-17T16:08:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, Nathan attended a conference in Redding California. He paid to bring Ben and I along so we could at least be together for meals and nights :) Here are my pictures from our drive from Sacramento to Redding!!

Kind of funny looking palm trees... but they are PALM TREES!!!!

Here we go!!!

This is the road to our hotel!!! Much prettier palm trees :)

The view from our hotel room!!!

Another shot of the pool- looking out of our hotel room patio doors!!!

Daddy's 28th Birthday Celebration...

2009-09-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad and I decided to celebrate Nate's birthday a little early this year when they were here visiting!! He will officially be 28 on the 23rd of this month... but here are the pictures of us celebrating a bit early!!

Happy Birthday to the best Daddy EVER!!!

Blowing out his birthday candles!! ( We forgot to buy some, so we had to improvise!! Haha)

Benjamin tries some ice cream cake!!!

I think he really likes it ;)

The boys having their fun after supper :) We all just LOVE that smile!!!

Stateside shopping day in Auburn Hills!!!

2009-09-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

On tuesday of Mom and Dad's visit, we took a trip to Auburn Hills in Michigan to do some stateside shopping. Here are the pictures from that day!!

We forgot the stroller in our car (we took Mom and Dad's rental) so we had to rent a stroller from the mall. It happened to be a very cute fire truck that Ben LOVED to steer!!!

He was so so excited!!!

Daddy & Ben waiting for Papa while he "shopped it up" in Haagar :)

All dressed up and ready for a day of shopping!!!

He did NOT want us to take a picture of his two little teeth :( We'll get him someday soon!!

Supper at the Freeze!!

2009-09-17T15:20:00.000-07:00

After our trip to Point Pelee, we went for supper at the Dairy Freeze!!!

Benjamin was smiling nice and big for Papa!!!

Papa, enjoying one of the freeze's very delicious shakes!!

Mom- apparently FREEZING!!... which is crazy because I was sweating... but I hear that is pretty common lately ;)

Point Pelee with the 'rents

2009-09-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Here are the lovely pictures from our walk to the "southern most tip of Canada" at point pelee:

The *3.5* of us :)

My wonderful parents!!! (I LOVE this picture!!!)

Mommy, Daddy and Baby number two.... with the tip in the background!!!

Dad, Nathan and Ben on the walk back!!

Dad was up to something kinda-weird with Ben... making very weird noises... and faces... and Mom and I thought it was HILARIOUS.... SO I needed to take a picture!!! :)

...more Jays/Yankees!!!

2009-09-17T15:04:00.000-07:00

DEREK JETER!!!! YAY!!!

There's the scoreboard!!!

He was walked to 1st :( Booooo

A bigger look at the game!!!

Our sweet boy with the new Jays hat we bought for him!!! (Note the tower behind!!)

Mom & Dad come to visit!!!

2009-09-17T14:55:00.000-07:00

We suprised Mom and Dad at the Toronto airport with tickets to a Blue Jays/Yankees game :) We also took them Wayne Gretzky's for lunch before the *VERY HOTT* game!!! Here are the pictures...

Benjamin and Nana at Wayne Gretzky's :)

Dad anxiously awaiting his turn to hold Ben!!!

Mom and Dad at the SUPER HOTT baseball game!!!

Nate and I at the game :)

Poor little Ben, sporting all of his fly bites!!!

...more Will & Rachael :)

2009-09-17T14:50:00.000-07:00

Father/daughter dance :)

Uncle Justin and Ben :)

Mallory!!! :) Isn't she gorgeous?!?!?

Auntie Sarah tries her hand at snuggling with our not-so-happy little guy!!!

Congratulations Will & Rach!!! :)

2009-09-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of Will & Rachael's wedding: FINALLY!!!

It was quite warm that day (Aug. 29). We were sweating before we even left the house!!!

The beautiful cake that Aimee (Rachael's sister) made!!!

Nanny Janny was able to sneak some cuddles from our very "screamy" baby boy!!!

The bride and groom!!! :) Aren't they lovely!?!?

Aimee & Aaron- also newlyweds... also that sister and brother-in-law of the bride!!!