Mum-mum's little sweetie. 

Grammy's photography is improving! 

Summer???

Today started out on the blah side of the weather scale, but it ended up being a decent day. I would even venture to say that it was quite warm when the sun was out. Could this be the beginning of good things to come? Oh, we can only hope! We want to get out for our walks again.

Today we did some shopping, as we always do, it seems. Monica is really getting into the interesting solid foods, so we did some meal planning this morning and Miss Monica is quite excited about expanding from the plain cereals and plain veggies. None of these new foods (or the old ones for that matter) appeal to me, but I guess to the 7 month old this is like a gourmet meal.

We went out to the greenhouse today with Grammy and Grampa. Monica enjoyed looking at all the pretty flowers, until she fell asleep in her stroller. She must have been really tired since she didn't even wake up for the transfer back into the car. This almost never happens. A deep sleeper, she is not. When we got back to the house, after a short drive, we sat out on the deck and watched as Grammy and Grampa planted their flowers. Monica enjoyed sitting in her own big kid lawn chair. She even wore her hat!!!

So, I know I said I wouldn't be posting quite as much unless something interesting happened, but well here I am with news that would be interesting only to Monica and I. However, I think Monica's attempts at crawling are worthy of a mention. Even if she is mostly going backwards at the moment. I'm sure she'll soon figure out how to go forward.

Ok, it's playtime and then bedtime for us. Tomorrow we have another appointment with the Occupational Therapist. We're now seeing her once a month. More or less these appointments are to assess Monica's progress. She is a very inconsistent little girl. Each appointment has a different outcome, but hopefully this is all helping her to become more settled in her world. One thing is for sure, she is still just as demanding now as she was when we started this therapy.

And, yet again, we have a dirty diaper to deal with here. Anyone else see the correlation between me having time to spend on this blog and Monica's dirty diapers. This is a good example of how the only free time I get is when little girl is busy filling her diaper.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Have a nice week!

-Denise & Monica

"I think we forgot my suitcase, mum." 

Trouble is written all over this picture.

The new baggage claim area at the Regina Airport...my question, why?

At the airport with no where to go...

Well, Friday we took a trip out to the newly renovated Regina International (who knew?) Airport. It's pretty impressive. It is actually shaping up to look like an international airport. Good thing for the big ONE international flight we get everyday. Ok, maybe it's two. Nonetheless, we enjoyed a nice lunch with Grammy (of course), Johnny and Levi.

As you can guess, no trip to the airport is complete without a paroose through the gift shop. Monica even got something. Mum-mum bought her a cute little t-shirt, which paled in comparison to John and Levi's loot, but one day, Monica, you will make up for this. We then went back down to the new baggage claim area where there is a little canteen type deal, and a sitting area. Here we were able to see a big West-jet plane take off. Well, Monica and I were in the bathroom attending to a dirty diaper, but we heard it take off!

So, next it was off to, yep, you guessed, Southland mall. Grammy is a sucker for punishment. However, it was a less extravagant visit this time around. John and Levi took a few turns on the rides by the Safeway entrance, while Monica got stuck sitting on the side lines with mum. One day, Monica, one day.

And to finish off our day, Andy tracked us down, despite our attempts to appear too busy. I even hid the cell phone in the trunk of the car, but I heard it ring and had to get out to call him back...hehehe. We met him at Second Cup for a cup of coffee and a nice chat. Now, hopefully, between now and the next time we see him he can TRY and keep out of trouble...sigh.

Ok, so a strange odour is now filling the room. Ah, the story of my life. Off I go to rectify the matter. Monica, Monica, Monica...

"Andy's my best friend...he needs all the support he can get." (tee hee)

"I'm so shy, mum-mum".

What have we been up to?

See, I knew I would eventually stop with the daily updates. It gets really hard and time consuming to write even a short entry. I may switch to weekly updates, unless something really interesting happens.

Well, this week has been busy. I'm not sure what we've been busy doing, but we've been busy. I honestly can't remember Monday. I'm thinking hard, but I cannot remember a thing. Yesterday, Grammy, Monica and I made a trip out to Costco to pick up some easy foods to take over to Todd and Angela. This gave us a chance to see little Isaac, again. He is so tiny. I can't remember Monica ever being that small, and she's only 7 months old. They grow so fast. She looks like a monster next to her baby cousin. I'll have to take a picture of the two of them together.

After a short visit at Todd and Angela's, Grammy, Monica and I took John and Levi to the Southland mall for something to eat. Yes, we even made it into Wal-mart. The bank of Grammy came in very handy for John and Levi on this venture, but, well, what are grandkids for other than to spoil, right?

Today was another day to add to the bad weather book. This was a day that I was not looking forward to, for reasons that some of you may know, but things worked out a-okay and at this point I couldn't be happier. Well, I could be, but then pigs would fly. So, I can only be thankful for the smallest of blessings.

Johnny was in a parade today, which Grammy, Monica and I missed. So, nothing to report there, but we did catch it on the news tonight. Yes, I know, it's shameful. Tomorrow we will be attending John and Levi's last gymnastics class, followed by a trip out to the newly renovated Regina Airport on Friday.

Okidoke, Grammy has run out of ways to entertain Monica by the sounds of it. Sometimes, most of the time, all of the time only mum-mum will do.

So, until next time, we hope everyone is having a good week and we'll talk to you later!

-Denise & Monica

P.S. Sorry, Cameron. I can't seem to get that picture on your site. It's been on mine a few times, by mistake. Maybe I'll try again tonight. I'm feeling lucky!

Introducing Isaac Brian Takeo Miki and big brother, John!

"I love spending time with Johnny!"

Reading the morning paper, well, kinda.

"If Johnny gets some, then so do I."

On the move...oh dear.

What a weekend!

Well, it's been a busy and exciting weekend. As everyone knows, I have a new nephew and Monica has a new cousin. I've posted one picture of Isaac. I took a better one, but it was with Todd and Angela's camera, so, unfortunately, I don't have it to put on here. I'm sure I'll have many more chances to take pictures. Mom and baby got home from the hospital this afternoon, so they are now happy to be home and resting.

John has been staying at Grammy and Grandpa's this weekend, so Monica and I have had a good time spending some extra time with him. Monica especially loves having her big cousin around. Yep, I think she's smitten. She loves all the stories he tells and laughs at just about everything he does.

The weather yesterday was awful, but today made up for it. Monica and I had a really nice walk this morning and we had a chance to take Johnny out shopping. We even made it to 7-eleven for a slurpee. A sure sign that summer is on the way. Well, at least for a day or two.

Today we are enjoying a visit from Auntie Elaine. She's staying in Regina until tomorrow. It's always nice to see her, but she never stays long enough. Maybe we'll make it up to Edmonton some time in the future for a visit. I'd love to take Monica up there. I really enjoy Edmonton.

Ok, so I better get going here. We hope everyone is having a great long weekend and taking advantage of the warm weather!

-Denise & Monica

Quick update....

So, Isaac Brian was born Friday, May 20 at 7:45pm. He was 8lbs1/2oz. and 51 cm long. We were at the hospital today for a visit and baby is doing well. Mom is doing well too, however uncomfortable and exhausted. They may get home tomorrow, but we'll have to wait and see.

We will post some pictures shortly, so stay tuned!

-Denise & Monica

HRH, Monica, Princess of The Front Hallway.

Conversing with the locals.

A brush with royalty!

It's been a few days, but we're still around. It's been an up and down week, but now that the weather has taken a turn for the better, we're looking forward to a nice long weekend.

Wednesday, was not the greatest day, but it was one of those days where amidst the stress of the day, one thing gets thrown in just to lighten you up.

Monica and I were out doing a bit of shopping. We were heading back home driving down the Lewvan. I had been noticing police directing traffic at a few intersections, but the cars they were using were school resource program cars, so I thought it was some training deal. So, I kept driving. I got up to the interesection at Sherwood Drive and Lewvan (heading south). The light was green and I was really the only car for a couple blocks, so I don't think the cop saw me to make me stop. I did notice all the incoming traffic from the West and East sides of the Lewvan were stopped, then I started thinking "what the heck is going on?" I no sooner had that thought and suddenly, I'm driving beside the Queen and Prince Philip. Monica and I ended up in their motorcade!!! We were one lane removed, but oops! Anyway, I waved at Prince Philip. The Queen's head was down. I saw her tilted hat, so I'm thinking she may have been asleep.

Anyway, only we could wander into a royal motorcade. I'm surprised my tires didn't get shot out by the police. I guess a car with 'Winnie the Pooh' window shades doesn't pose an apparent threat. Thank goodness for 'Winnie the Pooh'.

Well, that's it for interesting news, that I care to share. Monica has lost her patience, yes, once again. Have a great day everyone and a great long weekend!

-Denise & Monica

"Amn't I just the cutest thing?"

To Southey and back...

Well, yesterday was a full day. We followed Auntie Angela and Johnny and Levi out to Southey so they could get their new mini-van looked at. While we were out there we had lunch at the local restaurant, "The Homestead"(?). Usually Monica doesn't sit very long in restaurants, but she seemed to enjoy the company of her cousins, so she sat and talked and played with her toys.

Of course, as usual, Monica was very tired. She had fallen asleep on the way out, but only the last 10 minutes. I was thinking she would have a good sleep on the drive back, BUT, unfortunately, we had to leave the van to have some work done to it. So, the whole gang piled into my car for the return trip. Monica enjoyed the company in the backseat for the first bit, but then the tiredness kicked in. She cried and yelled the rest of the way. She wanted the backseat to herself. She wouldn't settle with Johnny and Levi beside her.

It was funny to watch Monica looking from Johnny to Levi and Levi to Johnny as the two of them conversed (argued). Every so often she would put in her two cents. It will be fun to watch the 3, soon to be 4, of them grow up together. Monica, no doubt, will be the ring leader in many escapades.

Well, we have poopy diaper to attend to here. I know you all would love to help with this.

Enjoy your day!

-Denise & Monica

"Someone went overboard with the size of this bathtub!"

"This isn't so bad after all."

Splish, splash!

Back from Moose Jaw

Well, we're back. We got back late afternoon yesterday. We had a very good time at the Mineral Spa and Monica's first dip in the pool was a success. She wasn't too sure about the whole deal when we first got in, but she soon took to the water. We even walked to the middle of the pool and played "motor boat". I'm definitely going to have to look into some "mom and baby" pool activities for us to take part in.

I enjoyed my massage, but it's not as easy to relax for them now that I'm a mom. I couldn't quit worrying about Monica and, oh, everything I could think of. Yup, I can't just clear my mind anymore. I guess those carefree days (did I ever have them?) are over.

The course I attended yesterday was, well, it was a course. Fortunately, though, it ended at 1:00pm instead of the stated 3:00pm. There were no complaints from any of the attendees. After the course, Grammy, Grampa and Monica picked me up and we went to the local "Java Express" for a coffee and a quick bite to eat. They were holding the "Moose Jaw Idol" auditions while we were there. Yea, Moose Jaw's claim to fame is definitely not vocal talent. Nosirree.

Well, Monica is ready for beddy-bye time. So, off we go. Hope everyone had a good weekend and a great start to a new week!

-Denise & Monica

Once she learns to crawl, there'll be no stopping her! 

A nice day for a walk

Monica and I just got back from a long walk. It is a little chilly out, but with Monica bundled up in her stroller and with me walking at a brisk pace, we had no problems keeping warm. I wasn't keeping track of how long we had been out, but on my way back I could tell quite a lot of time had past. Judging by the clock, we were out for about an hour and a half. I'm not sure exactly when we left, but it was before noon. The best part was that Monica slept the whole way, which was my hope. Now, she's playing for a bit before her next feed and then we'll go out in the car and run some errrands.

While we were on the bike path, we passed by many geese and we even saw the first few goslings. Well, I saw them, Monica was asleep. I always like seeing the little goslings. They're so cute and fuzzy. Then they grow up into loud and snappy geese. Ah well, what can you do?

That's it from us, for now. Have a good day!

-Denise & Monica

"I love you, Levi! Your hair smells, and tastes, so nice." 

A lazy Tuesday...

So, no plans for today. My search for the "portable rocking chair" will take us to Pier 1, just on the off chance that they have something like that. Then, I am afraid, I will discontinue my search. Monica will just have to make do with light bouncing, instead of rocking. We'll get by.

I guess I didn't mention why I'm looking, somewhat urgently, for this chair. We are heading out to Moose Jaw this Friday. I have a course to attend on Saturday, so Grammy and Grandpa are coming with us to spend the night at the Mineral Spa. I'm booked to have a massage on Friday afternoon. I can't wait. I'm not sure if I'll get a chance to go in the pool, but I just might let Monica dip her feet in. We're looking forward to a brief escape.

Yesterday's appointment with the O.T. went well. Monica was in a good mood for the first half, so she was open to participating in the activities. However, that mood changed without warning and we cut short the appointment. We don't go again until the end of the month. I tell ya, I'm getting sick of going through admitting each time. At least there usually isn't as long of a wait with the afternoon appointments as there is in the morning.

Well, I guess that's it for news that is a little bit interesting. The weather isn't so nice today so, again, we will miss out on a nice walk. I can't wait until the weather is a little more consistent.

Ok, and Monica is sitting here passing some crazy gas or filling her diaper. I'm not sure which one yet. I'll find out soon enough.

Have a nice day everyone.

-Denise & Monica

This is, obviously, not a recent picture, but I thought it would be fitting for a Mother's Day post. 

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

So, I took a couple days off from blogging. Saturday we had a busy day. Grammy, Monica and I did a little bit of shopping. I don't think we actually bought anything, but we searched the east end of the city for a folding rocking chair "type thing". Monica is very VERY picky about everything and it would be handy to have a portable rocking chair for when we go away someplace. I'm sure I have seen these before, but thus far have been defeated in the search for one. I'll keep looking. If anyone has any good ideas for me as far as where to look or, God forbid, how to build one let me know.

We then went for a coffee at the "Second Cup". Monica likes this place. Grammy had a cappuccino, I had a caramel coretto (yum) and Monica had her milk, much to her disappointment. Then we went to 5:00 mass. Monica behaved very well except for a period of giving everyone very loud and wet "raspberries".

AND yesterday was the big day. My first Mother's Day! Monica, with help from Grammy, gave me a lovely card that she even signed herself. Grampa, Grammy, Auntie Angela, Levi, Monica and myself (Johnny was sick so he and Uncle Todd stayed home) went to the Hotel Sask. for brunch. It was great. After that we went to the cemetary to put some daisies down for great-grandma (my grandma). The weather was pretty decent so we spent some time out there while Monica slept in the car. Next, it was onto Wal-mart (you knew there had to be a trip to Wal-mart in here somewhere, right?). Monica got some new pants and shirts, and some more 'Winnie the Pooh' decals for her walls.

The day ended with a KFC Mother's Day supper (no expense spared) and a screaming Monica in the bath followed by a screaming, over tired Monica who went to bed with Mum-mum around 7:15pm. She is getting earlier every night with her bedtime. I assume it has something to do with her not having any GOOD sleeps during the day.

Well, I'm going to have to wrap this up here. Monica's patience ran out a couple minutes ago. We have another appointment this afternoon at the General Hospital with the O.T., so it's going to be another full day for Monica.

We hope everyone has a good day and that all the mother's had a wonderful day yesterday!

-Denise & Monica

"Have a good weekend, people!"

Another week almost done...

And the only thing on the agenda for today is a trip to Costco.

The weather isn't so nice today, so we probably won't get a chance to go for a walk. Which is too bad since Monica is extra fussy today and I would love to just pop her in the stroller. We went for a nice, long walk yesterday. We originally headed out to the bike path, but once we got there we were swarmed by mosquitos. So, I then turned around and decided to stick to the sidewalks by the streets. I think I only saw one or 2 mosquitos after that. However, sticking to the public sidewalks meant dodging construction crews. Ah, summer!

Well, Monica is not appreciating my taking this couple minutes to write a short blog. Hope everyone has a good day and a nice weekend!

-Denise & Monica

You can see the wheels turning in her little head. Monica has got plans...BIG plans! 

More about the angels...

I'm going to paste something that Lynette put in the comments section yesterday. It is a quote from her Angel Wisdom book and I think it is main post worthy.

"It has been said that children are closest to the angels because they still remember them. Many people believe that the reason children often have angel experiences is that they were with the angels before they were born and that their minds and souls, not scarred by the adult afflictions of skepticism and cynicism, are still receptive to their old friends."

So, I guess I'm not so silly after. Maybe Monica really is seeing her friends....the angels.

-Denise & Monica

Happy Anniversary Uncle Todd and Auntie Angela!!

Angel on my shoulder

So, Monica has quite the little sense of humour. She's always giggling about something...sound like anyone else you know? Lately, though, she has started looking into empty space and laughing. Sometimes she'll be looking just past me and I swear she IS looking at someone and laughing. It's almost like someone is standing behind me making silly faces. They say babies and children can see angels and such. I don't know if all that is true, but it sure is a nice thought.

Well, we have a full day of just about anything we decide on. We're going to swing by grampa's office in a bit, and then we're off! Maybe we'll give Cameron a shout. Now, that you have the warning, Cameron, you can conveniently make yourself "busy"...hehe.

Ok, ok. Monica says my time is up. It's funny, she's just about 7 months, but she's already giving me the "looks" I expect to see a lot of as she approaches the dreaded teen years...sigh.

Have a great day, everyone!

-Denise & Monica

Oh yea, one more thing. Andy says that you can also select "other" when commenting and this allows you to enter your name in. You learn something new everyday!

Commenting

Ok, so I know commenting is a pain and I said before, if you don't have the time, don't bother. AND, even though I told people it's a pain the first time, but easy from then on, I've still heard complaints from the "peanut-gallery". Don't worry, I won't mention any names. So, I've set this thing so anyone can comment...BUT...if I start getting spam from unknown people and sites, I will have to change it back. I can also set up a member list, I guess, but not completely sure how all that works. I figure people still have to sign in.

So, now, after all this, I EXPECT to see comments. Just click the anonymous box before you click "login and publish". Please put your name in the comment though, so I know who you are.

Have a good day!

-Denise

So, who would like to take us out, in public, for a meal?