I leave for my honeymoon today.. T - one and a half hours.. must finish packing!!

I dont know much.. but I know I love you..

Its setting in.. my sweet little bear bear is going to be parental unit free for 2 weeks.. I am not afraid of me missing her.. its her missing me..  I drive her up to grandmas tomorrow and than heading home.. I made sure to give her extra cuddles.. extra snuggles.. more attention and a whole lot of play time.. I cannot believe our time has finally come..  I am also sad to mention that she is still not walking.. and the odds of her walking when I am gone are extremely high.. she did however stand up on her own yesterday from a sitting position.. I know it is so close.. she is 11 days shy from her 18 month birthday.. that is a whole year and a half of crawling love.. and I will be happy to see it go!

  This little girl owns every inch of my being.. and I cannot wait to come home and reconnect with her.. and take her on more carnival rides.. and eat a lot more ice cream cones.. and that is just the tip of the iceberg on our fun summer list!

MISSION : HONEYMOON updates

there is not much to write about today.. my head is stuffy.. my baby girl is sick.. and I am online every 15 minutes wondering if a volcano is going to take away my honeymoon.. so far so good.. I will let you know if I depart for Mexico on Wednesday instead of Europa.. aye karumba

4:00pm-heathrow is now closed from 1am to 7am.. which is right now in their world.. we shall see.. a ray of hope is that the same flight we are on.. but leaving today only got delayed 5 hours.. and will arrive there tomorrow at 2.. granted we would miss our athens flight.. but that is the latest update.. 

8:00pm- new update.. that ray of hope flight has since been cancelled.. they are indicating that they believe that Tuesday winds will blow it away.. I am currently doing some Bahama research.. you know you are extremely disappointed when I am looking at 5 star resorts in the Bahamas.. and they aren’t blowing my skirt up!

10:00pm- yeah.. Heathrow airport is open as of 7am their time.. still touch and go.. and waiting to hear in a few days.. but my headcold still hurts and my nose is running.. p.s. this is probably the only pity party I will have on here.. so please.. please.. let me enjoy it :)

MONDAY 12:30- Its a go!!  good riddance volcano cloud.. It is still touch and go.. but we are in the clear for now!

one hot piece of ash..

  We have a glitch in the mainframe.. as if the Greek riots were not enough.. they are now reporting the islandic volcano.. eufhsdjbkjdg789kj349ab is erupting again! tear.. they are reporting the closures may be sunday to tuesday.. and lucky for me.. I leave Wednesday morn.. but with that being said.. I don’t want to die in an ash storm in a tiny tube.. 

  I know that there is far worse off things going on in the world.. Heidi got a restraining order against her mom.. and Spencers crystals arent working..  but do you think the honeymoon Gods would really let this happen?.. or even the Greek Gods? I really wish I bought airline insurance..  and the hotels were refundable.. If there was ever a time to use “the secret” it is now! all I can do now is internet stalk and hope the word “cancer” doesn’t pop up..  

like a rhinestone cowboy

this “weekend” we had a mini vacation at the famalias house in the Canadas! it was so great to see everyone and catch up… the kiddies ate ice cream.. and played in the sun.. while we were able to catch up and share stories of the families.. 

mom-I think Olive is big enough to sit at the patio table… 

kacey- I dont think so .. what if she falls back?

it feels good to be proven wrong!

We were there to celebrate a birthday and a new little addition to the family.. I could not imagine what I would do if I ever lived 5 minutes down the road from these people.. I envy people that have their brothers and sisters and parental units around all the time! I will seize the day I move back to the Canadas and claim our land back… 

we enjoyed ice cream.. bbqs.. mini cupcakes

and most of all.. we just enjoyed sitting around and talking about life.. things that are happening.. things that happened.. things that we want to happen.. It was so great for Olive to be with her cousins and have kids around.. and noise.. and fresh air.. she is the littlest of the kiddies.. even though Heidi is only 6 weeks older than Olive.. she is a well oiled machine who towers almost 6 inches above her!

It was so good to see everyone before we leave on our little honeymoon journey.. I hope Olive adjusts well to no mama and dada around for two weeks.. I informed my momma that she must tell me everything is great.. until I get back ;)  

mamma.. take me with you!!

She also enjoyed her first cousin bath! It was great.. she loved the attention .. 

\

what a great time we had!

gulp

  I am drained.. I know my 37 week friend two doors down is laughing at this right now! I cannot figure out what is wrong with moi.. I left work early yesterday with the shakes and pure body exhaustion.. I am trying an iron supplement but no results thus far…

moving on

  It has finally started to hit me.. I am leaving my bubbas for 2 weeks :0  once I am there.. I know I will have my moments.. but I am trying to take her in as much as I can right now.. and for the first time ever.. she cried when I left her the other day.. she came to visit me at work and I walked away and she crawled after me crying.. why now.. I drop her off at my mommas in one week today.. and than we are off!!

 I know I am a dreamer.. so this next post is to that.. I had this thought the other day.. how I am always wanting more.. I was so grateful to go to Mexico.. and when we told people we were celebrating our honeymoon in Greece.. their mouths dropped..  one table actually looked at me.. than back at his table and quote” where do all these kids get all this f@#!-in money ”  I informed him it was by me sitting here serving his food and drinks to him.. instead of being at home snuggling my baby.. (he wasnt impressed)..  is this something everyone does and just doesnt talk about? or does everybody always want more.. I dont think its because I am never satisfied.. I just want to drink as much sweet nectar as I can out of this earth..  I am already planning morning coffees in the summer on my patio.. and camping trips with my twinnie in Vernon.. and try out camping here in the americas..please note.. that I dont own anything camping related other than a cooler..  but in my head I have it all.. mosquito tents.. cots.. camping stoves and marshmellow sticks..  I refuse to give up mentally and think that I cannot have it all.. I mean.. I am not asking for yachts and a private chef!  although after listening to The Secret.. I just might ;) 

look at that face.. that is a face that knows we are going places!

  I cannot wait to give her the world.. and when she is old enough.. take her to all these great places and teach her about the world.. by being in it.. not just reading about it in  The Wild Things.. or Dr. Suess books.. right now we are just amazing each other with words like bananas and donkey.. and one day soon.. she may just start walking for me!! now that is a dream I cannot wait for!!

thank you kelle hampton

"all I have to think about is today. And to know that I am confident that I am capable to raise an amazing women simply because I fiercely love them. And that’s it."

"i love figuring this out on my own. no books. just finding my own little niche in the beautiful world of motherhood…finding how it is my character raises a child. because there is no one way to be a perfect parent…but there are a million ways to be a great one. and i find them every day…every fit she throws in target, every inquiring look she gives me, every teachable moment she gifts me with..i love the challenge. i love embracing it all and figuring it out as i go. and i love seeing the impact of my choices—knowing just a handful of "consequences" and love and encouragement has already made its mark in her little morale. she knows. she’s gettin’ it. and her character is this big, beautiful shadow of everything i am (we are). wow. what a challenge. seriously, it is such an honor to hold in our hands the daunting task of being an example. to teach her everyhing we know. we want to raise a beautiful, confident, loving human being, and we will do everything we can to fulfil that unfathomable role.”

mama

  Yesterday was mamas day.. it is always a hard holiday in our household.. and yesterday was no exception… we started our day out with a 3 hour brunch at Azuls mexican restaurant in the town center.. it was not supposed to be a 3 hour brunch..  but due to brunch popular demand.. and a new server.. thats what we had to work with.. it was great none the less.. mimosa buzz.. eggs benny with a spicy hollandaise sauce.. and than finished off with a iced hazelnut soy latte from my fav coffee shop! it was good.. the weather was insane. I sat on a patio in a sundress and received a sunburn.. the kiddies were so good through the entire thing. I would now like to post a photo of our brunch and the coffees.. and the kiddies.. but my camera broke!

this is the one shot I did get.. 

  insert gasp here.. I tried not to freak about it in public.. I came home and tried not to think about it.. and think about the fact we are leaving to one of the most beautiful countries in 9 days.. and i would be using my point and shoot. but I couldnt.. I googled.. I researched.. and ended up driving to the mall to get it looked at.. that day I fell in love with the 6 foot 2 man in the plaid button up flannel shirt.. and the khaki docker slacks.. with his broken hand and all.. he let me borrow lenses and test them out.. he looked around.. he fiddled.. and than he took the front of the lens and just clicked it.. like he had gone to school for seven years in the chiropractic field.. it almost sounded like it echoed throughout the entire Ritz Camera store..  I literally crossed both my fingers and waited… that tall, skinny, beautiful man fixed my camera.. and saved me a nice chunk of change before an already expensive trip!  I told him I would hug him if it was appropriate.. and I think that sent him over the edge..  

  I came home and went for walks.. and ran to Central Market.. grabbed some things for the bbq dinner..  thanks to David and Lu.. and went over and enjoyed our “Burger Bar” it was good..  finished off with some reeses pieces ice cream.. and called it a night!  I wish I was at my mamas house in the Canadas.. but not this year :( this year was surrounded by weddings.. wedding planning.. and honeymoons..  I mentally missed valentines day.. easter.. and now mamas day… its ok.. there is going to be next year! and there will be no weddings or honeymoons than.. just living the american dream with my half-american famalia!

  I thought I would share with you some of the photos I  did get from Mothers Day though!

they really look like they are enjoying themselves

that right there my friends.. is mall tile floor.. when I look back in 50 years.. I will know that I lived well !

time travel

  Just finished watching the time travelers wife.. so good.. I remember watching it after Olive was born and being ok with the fact that she was born with auburn hair.. seriously.. that Rachel McAdams is amazing! and the cute little girl that plays her when she was younger is a doll..  I love movies like that that make you delve into family life head on and take it all in.. I dont know about everyone else.. but I definately have/had those moments where you wish you did one more thing.. traveled to one more place.. tried one more adventure..  I know children are not the be all end all .. and they bring so much life into your life.. and love. and laughter.. but I need balance.. everyday Olive does something new and my heart just melts.. I love that she is turning into a little girl.. and loves her dollies.. and watching me put on my make up.  

  I am excited to travel on our honeymoon and feel the freedom of just me and Dust having carefree fun.. re connecting and than coming home tohopefully create another little baby.. Dustin wants a family of ladies.. but I would love to raise a little gentleman.. give Olive a little brother to take care of.. I like the balance I have in my life right now of family.. work.. and fun.. I am also looking forward to the challenge of another baby.. doing it the second time around.. I hope I feel more confident and secure and I lose the fear that I am killing the baby every two seconds.. I blame the hormones..  

  I have always preached to people to live life to the fullest now because you never know what is going to happen when you are older! light your candles.. use your best dishes.. dont worry about bedtime some nights..  finger paint in the kitchen.. 

  "I want to live deliberately, to suck the marrow from the bones of life; to put to rout all that [is] not life, and not to come to the end of life, and discover that I had not lived"

and the sun is shining..

  This weather dives into every ounce of my pores and stays there..  nothing can motivate me quicker from getting out of bed than the sun!  Dustin had to take his computer to work today and let me tell you.. I am a computer addict.. I will admit it here first! I have never denied it by any means.. but its the third thing I do in the morning.. water.. coffee.. computer time..  I accomplished so many things this morning and was happy to do so.. laundry..bank.. dry cleaning..  dishes.. tidying up and thank you cards..  I am thinking of asking Dust to bring the computer to work every day ;) 

  I am so excited to get back and set up a cute little patio in the backyard..  I am finally going to buy a little patio set for eating all our meals.. beautiful white lanterns..  hanging baskets and so much more.. I found THIS great condiment server at Pier One and had to buy it.. 

and the best part.. it was on for only $17.00 because the spoons were missing.. little does pier one know.. I love collecting spoons.. especially little ones.. so we will be just fine! Thank you to Steve and Di for the Pier one gift card! you made this find possible :) I envision many burgers and hot dogs being built beautifully because of this stand.. mmm.. I love hot dogs.. I also think it will come in perftectly for our “Canadians (and aussies) living in america celebrating Fourth Of July annual bbq!  This will be our third!!

jam kisses

this morning.. I am being spoiled with sugary jam kisses..  and lots of hugs and kisses.. I think Olives heart strings know that I am leaving her in less than two weeks.. I know mine do.. she woke up last night as I was going to bed and I brought her in for snuggles and it rocked! there is nothing cuter than a baby half asleep with tired eyes.. just looking for anyone to love her.. she hugs you so tight knowing what it coming.. the inevitable.. she will be put back down alone in her own crib.. and I will leave her alone in the dark with her turtle nightlight.. so last night.. I took all those snuggles in.. and I could feel her start to squirm while I shifted my weight to the crib.. only to see the pure joy in her eye when i started walking out of her room.. these night dont happen often.. the daddy was in Vancouver for a hockey game.. and she was treated to late night snuggles with her mama.. her second favorite person in the whole world.. next to papa ;)  we talked.. and high fived.. and left daddy a voice text message and sent him a picture.. and than drifted off to sleep while I had two cute little pudgy baby feet wedged into my ribs.. and I struggled to hang off the side of the bed while she dominated it all.. 

 I love these nights.. and I know I will think of them when I am climbing up the side of a volcano and watching the most beautiful sunset in the world..  I am not oblivious to the fact that there are Greek riots going on..  but there are always Greek riots.. just smaller ones.. this is the one that got carried away.. If you go to the Athens embassy page.. they give you locations of where these events will take place.. we are safe travelers..  and our only time in Athens will be at the airport for two hours..  It is sad what happened to these poor innocent people.. 

  Modern Greece traces its roots to the civilization of ancient Greece, generally considered to be the cradle of Western civilization.  I am excited to go back to where it all started!

  I am putting a receiving blanket in Olives crib tonight so that she can sleep with it until we go.. and I will bring it with me in our travels. nothing better than the smell of a baby .. especially one I am missing.. 

May 01st, 2010

I like the night life.. I like to boogie

  Our European honeymoon is all coming together! we just booked our final London Hotel.. and now.. we just save for spending cash.. It feels good..  I am excited to do London again.. and hey.. Mamma Mia is playing there. so I will finally get to see it! woot woot.. We were trying to find a hostel to stay in.. but realized that we would need blankets etc.. and am not willing to share a bathroom at this stage of the trip ;)  I cannot believe how fast everything is coming up.. I am forcing Dustin to make a packing list today.. I am a virgo.. and I love my lists !  and we are doing some light house cleaning.. and than off to run some errands.. it almost feels foreign having a day off with him.. I only get one a week.. and last week I went to Canada for a book club meeting.. and never got to see him.. so today.. I am taking him all in .. like a tall glass of water.. 

  I think back to our wedding.. and love that I wouldnt change a thing.. it was such an amazing time.. and would love to go back next year to enjoy our anniversay  there.. hello discount! This rain is not helping my state of mind.. I want sun.. I will even take clouds at this point! My lovely greek islands are warming up as we speak! and that wooden lounge chair under a wooden umbrella.. have my name all over it!  

things that annoy me..

I have noticed in the last couple weeks.. maybe months.. that there are things that I do.. that annoy me.. I think they have developed in the last year of building a routine at home.. ever since having Olive.. but here they are.. I am throwing them out into the universe in hopes that I will be aware of them.. and let them go.. 

- every morning when I make coffee.. I take the coffee out of the freezer.. open it up.. and inhale it as though I have a crazy cocaine addiction…  I love the smell.. to me it is like smelling mens cologne.. and I have this thought every single time.. if someone made perfume that smelled like this.. I would buy it.. and also.. I would choose this smell as a body lotion.. (my kitchen window faces the street.. and I always fear the old woman across the street is watching me)

- everytime I get in the shower.. I scrunch my face up like this man.

it is so unattractive.. and my face almost hurts after I realize I have been doing it for 30 seconds.. I chalk it up to hating water spray in my face..  

- and due to many pregnancy quirks..  every since that large belly took away my ability to sleep on my stomach. these days when I go to bed.. I lie on my stomach with my left leg straight as an arrow .. and my right leg jack knifed up into my chest..  I look like a lower case r.. its the only way I can sleep now.. Lord help me when I get preggo again!

there you go universe.. do what you will with those!!