"Just up from my cat nap" -Monica in her nap time blankie. "Thank you, Auntie Butchko!"

Wednesday already?

So, the speed at which the days go by apparently has nothing to do with how busy Monica and I are. We have been the complete opposite of busy this week and the weather (sorry, I had to mention it) has pretty much confined us to home or short car rides to a nice dry mall. Still, this week is zooming by.

We're looking forward to Canada Day, but we'll wait and see how Friday is before we decide if we are going to make the trek down to the park to watch the Canada Day entertainment. Even if the weather picks up, as they say it will, I'm sure the mosquito count will surpass the annoying point and I'm not sure if Monica, or I, will want to have those things buzzing around us all day. Andy is supposed to be coming into town, so hopefully we'll get to visit with him. You could always come over to our place, Andy, if we decide it is either too hot, too insecty or too (dare I say it?) rainy.

Well, Monica has just crawled into the room. This is her quiet way of telling me she has lost interest in "Sesame Street". The loud way will come if I don't get off of here and entertain her myself.

Enjoy your Wednesday! Talk to y'all later!

-Denise & Monica

"Finally, my own chair." Monica has the best seat in the house.

Monica has recently discovered the wonder of television.

Just can't get enough.

"Sesame Street" junkie...

Monica is a huge fan of "Sesame Street". I mean, the real "Sesame Street". She hasn't seen any of the present day episodes, but she's hooked on the classics. I have a few DVD's of the old stuff that she is crazy about. Anyone out there who grew up (or who had children) watching "Sesame Street" during the 70's/80's should know what I mean. Remember "Don Music"? The guy who was always trying to compose music and would get so frustrated he would bang his head on his piano. Now, this is great television. I'm still shopping around to find some more classic "Sesame Street", but I have a good start with the 4 I already have.

So, now that Monica is busy chewing on her remote and watching "Sesame Street", I now have a few minutes to update my blog. We have nothing exciting planned for this week and, hopefully, we'll (or, I'll) stay out of trouble. That being said, trouble seems to follow us (me) everywhere we go.

We had a pretty lazy weekend. The weather wasn't has great as we had hoped, but yesterday ended up being a lot nicer and warmer than they had originally forecasted. Today is kind of a "could go either way" day. I haven't decided if we should chance a walk. I don't think it's going to rain, but it's iffy out there.

And, contrary to my predictions, the Riders won their season opener on Saturday. Way to go! Now, can we keep this up? I, too, have predictions about this which I will, again, keep to myself.

Have a great week, everyone! "Sesame Street" is over, gotta run!

-Denise & Monica

Holly Hobby

Holly Hobby look alike

So, it's official...I AM an idiot!

Ok, I've done this before, but apparently I did not learn my lesson the first time.

I remember a few years back, while living on Broder Street, I was on my way out the door and, for whatever reason, I decided it would be a pain to carry keys with me. SO, in all my brilliance, I decided to just lock the handle lock, instead of the dead bolt. This way I wouldn't need my keys to lock the door. Anyone else see a problem here? I guess I wasn't planning on ever unlocking the door handle to let myself back into the house.

WELL...this morning, Monica and I are on our way out for a walk. I, again in my extraordinary brilliance, this time decide I could leave my keys in the garage. Of course, I would lock the door so as to ensure the safety of my, oh so important, but a pain to carry, keys. Yup, I know. I'm shaking my head, as well. So, how did I get myself out of this jam? Well, it wasn't easy, but I did manage to get back into the garage.

Monica, during this whole ordeal, sat in her stroller looking at me with worried amazement. She knew exactly what I was doing and, I'm sure, if she could talk none of that would have happened. I think it's safe to say that she is learning very quickly what not to do in every situation. I am the best teacher of what not to do. Second only to Grammy who seems to get into more jams than I, but I'm assuming this comes with age, so I'm sure I'll be a pro like her one day...tee hee!

We had a good appointment with the Occupational Therapist today. Now, I need to look into getting a further referral to continue therapy at the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre. The Developmental Assessment Clinic at the General only does short term therapy, but Wascana Rehab does longer term treatment. Monica is slowly coming around, but she clearly, or I guess, I clearly need further help in working with her. She had an episode at the appointment today, almost like a panic attack, which the O.T. couldn't bring her out of, but I, as usual, had the magic touch and she instantly calmed with my physical contact. She needs to learn to cope with the world on her own and I need to continue to assist her in learning her own calming behaviours. We'll get there, baby girl. Don't worry.

In closing, I apologize for, once again, making the bold statement in my last post that it was now shorts wearing weather. I need to stop making such announcements on here. No good comes of it. It's crazy how quickly the weather changes as soon as I comment on it. I vow never to mention the weather again!

Have a great weekend, everyone! This weekend is the season opener for the Riders, so I know everyone will be following the game. In which case, someone can let me know how it turns out. I have my predictions, but I'll keep them to myself.

-Denise & Monica

Pictures from our music group's bbq on Saturday. This is Monica with Dillon and Davita (Don and Grace's children).

Some of the gang I sing with. L-R: Josh (he isn't in the group, he just crashed the party), Rick, Lynette and Lisa. Missing is Don (he was busy barbequing), Grace (she was busy being the hostess with the mostest), Marianne (she was not able to attend) and Jason (he was sick).

Master barbequer, Don, cooking my garden burgers to perfection. Against his will, I might add.

Slow news week...

Other than Monica crawling up a storm, I'm really at a loss for interesting things to write about.

We've been having a great week. Of course, we've been getting out and enjoying the weather as much as possible. And, I know none of you will ever believe this, but I've even managed to get a tan! Well, on my arms mostly, but now that it is finally hot enough for shorts, my legs should come along nicely. Yes, I consider this an odd subject as well.

I did forget to mention earlier this week that Monica and I had another opportunity to visit with Andy on Monday. We love when he comes to town and Monica is quite taken with him. It takes her no time at all to warm up to him. Unfortunately, yes as usual, the camera was not in working condition, so no photo. Sorry, Andy. I know you wanted to see your face pasted across my blog again. Maybe when you're in town on Canada Day!?!

Yesterday, we did make it out to the pool. Monica lasted 45 minutes in the pool, which is major progress for her. However, her cousins were none too impressed when they had to leave after only 45 minutes. Don't worry, guys. We'll go again, soon.

Tomorrow is another appointment with the Occupational Therapist. Monica has really been struggling these past couple weeks. I think her level of demand has doubled recently and it has become increasingly difficult for me to keep her content. I can always calm her and keep her happy, but it sure is taking a whole lot of effort, again. We'll see what the therapist says, but I figure there are bound to be setbacks. Everyone says I should enjoy all the attention and closeness she craves from me now because in a few years she'll want nothing to do with me. Well, I sure hope not, but I do want her to become a strong and independent little girl.

Well, I should end this and sneak back to bed before Monica wakes up. We hope everyone is still having a good week. It's almost over! Thanks to anyone who offered to keep Monica and I company this week while Grammy and Grampa have been away. It's not that we wouldn't like to visit, but our schedule usually doesn't permit a whole lot of visiting (especially not in the evenings). We also don't want to be a burden on anyone. Besides, we've enjoyed our Monica and Mum-mum week.

-Denise & Monica

Someone find me a cage...or a play pen!

So, Monica is on the move. She is now crawling a lot better. Now, when I leave her in one spot of the room, go to do something else and then peek in on her...I can't find her! Last night, I left her watching "Sesame Street". She was singing along, then it got quiet. I went in to check on her and there she was, sitting right beside the tv, looking up at it, trying to touch the people inside. Of course, neither the digital nor the video camera were working, so another missed photo opportunity.

I'm going to make this short (I know, HA!) since Monica has been watching "nanalan'" for a bit and will soon be calling for me. We've been enjoying the hot weather, but not the mosquitos. I have a weather shield/uv protectant shield/bug shield that I put over her stroller when we go out for walks. However, the last couple of times I've gone to take it off after a walk, Monica has a couple passengers in there with her. I haven't seen any bites on her, yet, but she must have gotten bitten. I hate to have to put insect repellant on her, but I may have to use the lotion. Either that or not set foot outside again until fall.

Have a nice day, everyone. Monica and I are taking Johnny and Levi to the pool with us this afternoon. I can't wait! There's nothing better than a nice cool dip in the pool on a HOT day.

-Denise & Monica

All dressed up for Isaac's baptism. She looks so grown up.

"How did I get here?"

Baptism in progress.

Happy Father's Day & Isaac's Baptism Day!

It's funny how all the stops are pulled out for Mother's Day and Father's Day kinda just gets a nod and life continues as normal. Oh well. Happy Father's Day, anyway, to Grampa and Uncle Todd!

Well, we had a busy weekend. Last night was my music group's last regularly scheduled mass time. We will play a couple times over the summer, but other than that we're off the hook for the summer. Woo hoo, no more weekly practices, err, I mean shucks, no more weekly practices.

Following mass, Don and Grace (two of the members from our group) had us all over for a BBQ. A great time was had by all and Lynette kept herself under control. Well, Monica and I left early, so I can't report on how the rest of the evening played out. I'm sure I'll hear ALL about it (Tee hee, Lynette. You get harrassed too much. It's just cuz we love you so much).

Today was Isaac's baptism. It was held at the Holy Rosary Cathedral. It was a nice celebration with 11 babies being baptized. Afterwards, we were invited over to Todd and Angela's for donuts and cold drinks. Monica had a great time both at the church and at Uncle Todd and Auntie Angela's. She didn't even mess up her new dress.

This evening I took my bike for a spin with the new "chariot" on the back. I wanted to give it a try first without Monica in it, so as to learn how to navigate it. It's going to be great taking Monica for bike rides. Hopefully, she will enjoy it, but I think she will be scared the first couple times. It's a pretty fancy, schmancy buggy. It really is called the "chariot", so now Princess Monica's chariot really will await. And, of course, a huge thank you goes out to Grampa for this new piece of equipment that we will enjoy.

So, it's just about bedtime for us. Right now I'm listening to Monica practicing her new noise. Grammy has taught her how to talk/quack like Donald Duck. No, really. She sounds exactly like him. She is very proud of herself. There is no limit to this little girl's talents.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. This week is gonna be a hot one. Of course, we all know that now that I have made that announcement the weather forecast will change overnight.

-Denise & Monica

P.S. We did make it out to the beach on Friday (see pictures below). The day turned out to be very hot and humid. Monica, err, enjoyed(?) herself. If it hadn't been for all the sand and water, I think she would have really, really enjoyed it. Note to self: never sit Monica down on sand.

Fun in the sun...until...

"Who's idea was it to put all this icky feeling stuff here?"

Johnny (with Isaac) and Levi (busy, busy, busy).

John and Levi in the FREEZING cold water. They are die-hard beach goers.

Before you read the original post for today....

We almost forgot to say...

Happy Birthday, Uncle Todd!!!

That is all. You may now continue with your reading.

"Look at me, Grampa! Who's #1 now?" Monica proudly takes up Grampa's spot at the head of the table while he and Grammy are away in Nipawin.

"Does someone have a problem with my foot being on the table?"

"Look at me, Gammy!"

Good oral hygiene starts very early. I would expect nothing less from a child of mine.

Today is beach day!

So, Monica is fast asleep. Yes, all on her own. She doesn't know it yet, but I'm sure I'll hear her as soon as she notices I'm gone. Just thought I would take a moment and give you people something to read during your Friday morning coffee break.

Well, Thursday ended up being very busy for us. We started out bright and early with our walk. Which Monica sang through most of and only fell asleep the last 20 minutes. So much for thinking it would be a good first nap of the day for her. She never does what I expect of her...*shrug*... I know, I better get used to it.

Next, it was on to Grampa's office so that Grammy could watch Monica for me while I typed an important email. All this happened before noon. We got home and Monica allowed me time to have a shower. I thought my window of opportunity had been closed, but thanks to the miracle of satellite tv and an array of time zones, "Mr. Dressup" was on again at 12:00pm!!!! *phew*

Then Monica had a feeding and a nap. Awwww...I like when she takes a feeding and a nap easily. Afterwards, we made plans with Auntie Angela (and company) to take a trip out to the beach today. It's gonna be a hot one. We're looking forward to it. I even have a nice sun dress picked out for Monica to wear. Plus, a second one to change her into after she gets the first one dirty in the sand.

This is where our day took an unexpected turn. We're sitting in the kitchen around 1:15ish. I'm feeding Monica her lunch. Meanwhile I'm thinking to myself..."what am I supposed to be doing right now?" DING! I had an appointment to take the car in for servicing at 1:00pm. You'd think the note on the fridge would have reminded me. So, I call there to apologize and reschedule. Fortunately, they bumped us down to 2:30pm.

Ok, so, of course, we get there and surprise, surprise my car has reached the amount of kilometres which indicates more than just an oil change and inspection. We're informed that this will take about an hour and a half!!! Yea, like Monica is gonna wait around for that. So, being the quick thinking person I am,*cough*, I decide to grab Monica's stroller from the trunk so we can go for another walk. I'm glad I remembered Monica's hat and sunscreen.

We walked from Saturn at Broad and 1st(?) Ave. to the Northgate Mall. Monica and I had a good late lunch/early supper at the food court. Well, Monica watched, really. Then we did some light...very light...shopping and then headed back to Saturn. We were just approaching the dealership when my cell phone rang. It was Curtis (our friendly service guy) letting us know that the car was ready. We had successfully killed an hour and a half. High-fives all around!

So, Monica and I are pooped. We still had a couple other errands to run after picking up the car, so I'm guessing this is all contributing to Monica sleeping so well without Mum-Mum beside her. *phew* I feel like I relived the whole day in just typing that.

Alrightee then. I'm going to watch some tv. I know, it's unbelieveable and amazing all at the same time. I never, I repeat, never get a chance to just sit down and watch television. Actually, maybe I'll read a book.

Enjoy your Friday, everyone!

-Denise & Monica (ZZzzzZzzz...)

*update: I really shouldn't speak so soon. Stay tuned to hear if we ever actually made it out to the beach. I'll ask this one more time...what is up with this weather??

The 2005 Lay Ministry Formation Third Year Candidates (Shane is third, kinda in the back row). 

Monica provided the music for the event...yes, I'm kidding. 

"And now, for my next number..." 

Thursday already??

Boy! The weeks just fly by...it's almost scary and confusing to those of us who rarely know what day of the week it is. Well, I guess that means Monica and I are keeping ourselves busy and having fun.

So, the weather is resembling summer-like conditions, finally! We're hoping that it sticks around this time. I'm going to bump our walks up to earlier in the mornings rather than around noon time, just to ensure that we get our walks in each day. I'm guessing that with 30C temperatures it may get too hot later on in the days to be out walking around. Especially for Monica laying in her stroller with the sun beating down her. She does have a canopy, a hat and sunscreen, but I still I think it may be a bit uncomfortable for her. This way we can move our pool time into the afternoon. Perfect way to spend a hot afternoon!

Monica has graduated to allowing mum a 1/2 hour, every morning, without complaint, to have a peaceful shower and get a few other things done. This is, of course, as long as she can still see where I am and if either "Mr. Dressup" or "nanalan'" is on the television. Right now "Zoboomafoo" is on, so she's actually giving me some unexpected time to type this post. Thanks, Missy-boo!

So, I've forgotten what happened on Sunday that was so exciting that I was going to report on. Ummm, well I guess it was our early celebration for 'Father's Day'! Grammy treated the "boys" to brunch at the Hotel Saskatchewan. Yummy! Later on in the day, we attended the commissioning of the 2005 third year candidates to the lay ministry. A good family friend, Shane, was being commissioned as a lay minister. It was a lovely mass, great music and Miss Monica was a perfect angel. Well, there were moments that she has requested I don't mention. Anyway, congratulations, Shane, on your hard work over the past 3 years and good luck and blessings on your work as a lay minister.

Ok, so Monica is telling me we should be finishing our feeding and heading out on our walk. No, Grammy, we won't go on the bike path this early, so don't worry. We're going to walk down Dorothy St. on to Sherwood Dr. and into Westhill. We'll be safe!

Have a great day everyone!

-Denise & Monica

Happy Birthday to me...oh yea, and you too, Todd! 

"Enough with the pictures, just let me at that cake!" -Monica