It's been a busy week.
Michelle watched Isobel for us on Wednesday. In the evening we went to the mall and picked up some clothes for Isobel from Grandma and Grandpa Walker, including a really cute penguin toque. Jon had also managed to get an exta fob for our new apartment so we were able to go take a look for our parking spot and at the clubhouse.
On Thursday, Angel came over and watched Isobel for us. We also had a nice pile of snow arrive. In the evening we headed over to Park Royal for some shopping.
On Friday, I left work early and Jon took the day off. We got the keys to our new place and started moving stuff over. Michelle came over again to help watch Belly. Jeff and Louise came out in the evening to help us move some stuff with their truck (the tv, tv stand, 2 night stands, and Belly's bed frame). It was a big help. We then went out for a Vietnamese dinner.
On Saturday, we ran a couple of errands in the morning. Isobel asked for George a lot (he's on vacation right now as the TV is at the new place, but the internet isn't hooked up there yet). Matt came over with his truck to help us move and April came over to watch Belly. We got a lot of items moved over (the rest of Belly's furniture, the pie safe, 3 bookcases, the couch, our mattress, our dresser). I'm so glad that they were able to help; April spent most of her time playing with Belly in the new bath tub. We ended up taking a break in the early afternoon and ordering some Thai for an early dinner/late lunch and playing a couple of games. Since our beds were at the new place, we spent the first night at our new house.
On Sunday, we took the above picture (Isobel in front of the lion statues at our building's complex), went for a walk to the grocery store, and then headed to the old place to collect a few things. Decided to take it easy for most of the day as Jon was tired from moving things the previous couple of days. He has the next couple of days off to move boxes over to the new place.
Jon drove Isobel out to Matt's on Monday for Call to watch her while he went and moved boxes. I went to work (it's month end and there's lots to do) and then headed over to the old place afterwards for more packing, organizing, and a little cleaning. Managed to get the ensuite bathroom emptied and cleaned as well as Isobel's room. Isobel called her empty room her "cave". Jon and Isobel picked me up and we had leftover pizza for dinner.
Isobel is adjusting to the move better than I expected. She really seems to like the new place and alternates between calling it "new house" and "daddy's house". On Sunday, just before her first bath in the new tub, she went to the front door and asked to go her her house, but was fine when I told her that this is her new house now. Although Monday night was not so great. She took an almost two hour nap during the day for Cally and didn't want to go to bed even though she was tired. I tried to put her down at 8:30pm, but she didn't want to stay in bed, kept calling for daddy, asking for her house, and saying she's a little baby (I guess with that I should have realized that she's having difficultly adjusting). Since she wasn't asleep within 30 minutes, I started getting fustrated and figured she could try to fall asleep on her own then. Which leads to her sobbing and continously getting out of her bed to come find me. I ended up laying down with her again when my cell phone rang at 10pm. It was the guy who's supposed to fix a couple of things in the apartment (Jon answered it). Jon ended up taking over with Isobel; we all sat on the couch for a few minutes and cuddled as Jon suspected that the move was bothering Isobel and that's why she wasn't falling asleep and then she got scared with me leaving her. I really wish she would sleep better; some nights are great and then others feel like a battle. None of us fell asleep until after 11:30pm and Jon ended up sleeping with Isobel.
On the plus side, we're using the move to eliminate Isobel's bedtime bottle and that's going well. She asks for milk at bedtime, but doesn't seem to get too upset when we tell her we don't have any.
We will have to get a few things for the new apartment. The first item will probably be an extra door lock thing (for the top of the door), since Isobel can reach the handle on the new door and it's really light. I figure it won't take her long to figure out how to unlock the deadbolt.
Jon had Tuesday off as well to move boxes. He brought Isobel out to Matty's for Cally to watch. After work, I went back to the old apartment for more packing and cleaning. I really want to get the old apartment empty and cleaned as soon as possible so as not to drag out Isobel's time with two apartments.
On Tuesday evening, we met up with the Oakley's for dinner at Spaghetti Factory. Had a lovely visit with them; it was really cute watching Elora and Isobel watch each other and share crayons. Headed home and got ready for bed. I went to bed before Isobel as it was Jon's turn to put her to bed. He woke me up when he came to bed as I had rolled onto his side of the mattress.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
4/52 - Lion's Park
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
3/52 - Last Dance Class
This is usually one of Isobel's favorite parts of dance class, popping bubbles. I'm a little sad that the class is over, Isobel really seemed to enjoy them and it was a great class with two other little girls. I've learned that they'll be offering the class again in January, but the teacher is not sure she'll be allowed to run it again if only three people sign up. So we'll sign her up and hope it doesn't get cancelled.
On Wednesday, Jon had the day off to pack. Michelle and Benjamin came over to help entertain Isobel. I stayed at work late as there's so much to do there right now. Jon picked up our photos from the previous Saturday's Bopomo photo shoot and then picked me up. We went to Leo's for gaming and pizza; left early to get Isobel into bed.
On Thursday, Robyn and the kids came over to watch Isobel for us. They tired her out as I was able to get her to nap afterwards. We took a bath in the evening and watched Dr Who and Curious George.
On Friday, I left work for a bit to attend Isobel's last dance class. It was my turn to take holidays, so Jon and Isobel picked me up early. I managed to get a little bit of packing done (there's still lots to do) and then Isobel and I finger painted. Although, I suspect more paint ended up on Isobel than on the paper. Jon arrived home from work to the two of us in a green bathtub. We finished the fifth season of Dr Who and I went to bed early, leaving Jon to put Isobel to bed.
I woke up on Saturday morning with intentions of going into work, but saw that it had snowed outside and decided to spend the morning at home with Isobel and Jon instead. As soon as it was light out, we all got bundled up and went down to the courtyard to play in the snow. Isobel thought the snow was "yummy". We went with Jon to his gaming, but left just before it started. Isobel got out of her clothes almost immediately after getting home, although she did need me to help her. We watched George and packed. Isobel had a lot of successes in the little potty. After Jon got home, we headed downstairs to the pool. But the heat regulators are broken and the hot tub was as cold as the normal pool usually is, so we weren't there for long. Had leftovers for dinner. Isobel went to bed really early (asleep by 7:45pm), but she did wake up around 6:30am and didn't take a nap.
I went into work on Sunday morning. There's lots to do and I'm thinking I may want to take a couple of half days off with the move. We took Isobel to the mall for her photo with Santa; she did really well. Went to the library and then came home. We then ended up going for a drive to Drexoll Games (Isobel fell asleep in the car and Jon managed to carry her to the store still asleep) and grocery shopping. Jon made soft tacos for dinner. Belly and I took a bath.
Jon had Monday off, as Cally was unavailable (she had to take her mommy to an appointment (hopefully Isobel will be as good of a daughter)). I was at work.
(Posting this early, but will finish the write up Tuesday evening).
Monday evening Jon went out for Angel's birthday dinner while Isobel and I stayed home. Belly went to bed early and I played on the computer until she started crying.
I went to work on Tuesday and then left early to look after Isobel who wasn't feeling great and it was too cold to bring her to Matty's for Cally to watch her. We spent the afternoon watching George and playing in a box. Picked up Jon from work and went to Spaghetti Factory for dinner (used a coupon from the pumpkin patch since it expires at the end of this month).
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
2/52 - Changes
It's really nice not having to take a photo a day. Although it's been a bit hard to break the habit, so Jon's been taking advantage of the photos I take for his 365.
On Wednesday, Jon found us an apartment; when hime and Isobel went to look at it she wanted to take off her boots and coat and run around (which she hasn't really done with many places they've looked at), so I think that's a good sign. It's in some buildings that I've really liked the outside of for years. I'm really excited to move there. It's also a little closer to Jon's work and still close to the sky train. In the evening, we went to Chapters for a bit of shopping, had a sushi dinner and then headed to Leo's for some gaming. Isobel has hyped up on licorice and had a lot of fun running around there. She even crawled up onto Leo's lap at one point, which surprised Jon and I a little.
Thursday was Remembrance Day. We had a nice visit and lunch with Julia Ko at Granville Island. And then we headed to Cynthia and Daniel's in the afternoon for Nicholas' fifth birthday party. Isobel got to drive her first remote control car and had a lot of fun; I think we're going to have to get her one one day.
On Friday, Jon took Isobel to her dance class in the morning while I was at work. Only one class left. The teacher suspects that if there are only three people in the class again next session she may not be allowed to run it. Hoepfully, she can run it again; Isobel has seemed to enjoy it and I'd love to sign her up for it again. We signed the papers for the new place just before lunch. We get the keys on November 26 in the early afternoon. I still haven't seen the inside, just a not-to-scale drawing of the layout Jon did. Jon went to work in the afternoon and then we relaxed and watched Curious George and Dr Who in the evening.
On Saturday, we woke up and got ready for our photo shoot at Bopomo at noon. Isobel let me put puppy ears in her hair. She tripped and scrapped the side of her face while I was putting on some makeup, but her hair covered it. We left early with the plans of having a nice lunch before, but Isobel fell asleep in the car. So Jon and I played cards while we waited for her to wake up. We ended up waking her up so we could get something quick from Dairy Queen. The pictures turned out well; I would have liked some better family ones but that's what happens when I leave them to the end as they weren't my biggest priority. By the end Isobel just wanted to hide behind the background. But we did get her two year old photo and a couple of cute Christmas ones in her dress from Auntie Ashely. I'm really looking forward to picking them up; hate the waiting part. After our photo shoot, we picked up Michelle. She spent the afternoon and evening at our place watching Doctor Who. And Jon and I were able to get a few boxes packed. When we drove Michelle home, Isobel fell asleep in the car. Jon was able to get her from the car to her bed without her waking up. ALthough, she did sleep with her vest over her pajamas until she woke up around 3am and wanted it off.
Sunday was a busy day. We kicked Momma and Poppa Bird out for a date afternoon while we watched the baby birds. Matt had returned from his trip to Japan and came over to bring the kids gifts (Belly got winter mouse ears, Stitch barrettes, a chipmunk bag, glow in the dark toys, and a coin purse with Japanese coins (which I suspect was her favorite item) and help out. We went on a bunny hunt in the park and found lots; good thing I remembered some carrots this time. Cordy was a little scared of the bunnies, but Mason and Isobel had a lot of fun feeding and chasing them. Once we ran out of carrots we headed back to our place to make use of the courtyard playground as Cordy loves the slide. Headed back home and the kids played for a little while. We turned on Wonder Pets for Mason and about 10 minutes before her parents returned, Cordy got really tired and wanted me to push her around the hallway in Isobel's stroller; she didn't cry until she saw her parents return. Matt, Jon and I played some Castle Ravencroft and then headed out to Dinesty to meet up with April and Bobby for dinner. Isobel got her birthday present from April, a pretend pie making set, which she wanted to play with instead of eat.
Jon went out gaming on Monday evening as Chris was in town from Saskatoon. Isobel and I stayed home and watched a lot of George, did some packing, and took down some garbage and paper recycling.
By Tuesday evening, I had another headache starting so I went to bed early, after Isobel's bath, and way before Isobel and Jon. Jon reported that Isobel did not want to go to sleep for him.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
1/52 - 24 Months Old
On Wednesday, Isobel turned two years old. Jon and I had both taken the day off work to spend with her. We had great weather and were able to spend a couple hours at South Arm Park where Isobel had fun on the slides and swings. We spent a bit of time in our courtyard working on Isobel's trike ride skills and then headed off to Amy and Bram's to meet their new baby. Picked up Brian from downtown and headed to Park Royal for some shopping. We got Isobel a new pair of winter boots as she's outgrown her shoes (she's now at size 6.5). On the way home our car died again, despite Jon just picking it up fixed on Tuesday. So Isobel and I walked to the nearest sky train station to get home while Jon waited for a tow truck. We got home five minutes before he did. Isobel was allowed to stay up late and sleep in our bed.
I ended up taking another day off on Thursday thanks to car issues. Robyn and the kids were nice enough to come out for a visit so I could get a little packing done. We took the kids to the park while the house inspector was there for the new owners. Isobel was super clingy most of the day - not sure if she's upset with us moving, tired, not feeling well, or just simply two. She took a bath in the evening and didn't want to get out. Jon put her to bed, and she woke up within a couple of hours screaming; maybe the large pile of boxes in her room was disurbing her. I ended up bringing her into our room and had a couple more screaming incidents before Jon came to bed at midnight and I went to sleep in Isobel's bedroom.
I keep wanting to post this picture as welll; being in the habit of a 365. Using the first day for the first week shot was maybe not the best idea.
On Friday, I returned to work. Jon forgot to take Isobel to ballet lessons and without a car, the windy weather would have made for an interesting walk anyways. She still has two more classes that we'll bring her to. While waiting for Jon to get home from work, Isobel and I ended up finger painting. While the bath water was running, and I was trying to clean up the paint from the living room, Isobel sneaked into her bedroom and crawled under the covers. Normally, I wouldn't have minded, but she was covered in paint. Since her sheets still weren't dry at bedtime she slept with us again.
On Saturday, we took Isobel to the doctor for a two year check up. She's still small - in the 10th percentile for her age. She's 81cm tall and weighs about 23 pounds.
Jon went home to do some packing and Isobel and I met up with Cynthia and Nicholas to check out the Baby and Family Fair. It was significantly smaller than last year, but still fun. On the way home, when I asked Isobel what her favorite part was - getting her picture taken, sitting on a Vespa, playing in a bouncy pirate ship, getting her face painted, having a balloon thing made for her, or playing with Nicholas - her answer was Nicholas. Jon picked us up at the sky train station and Isobel fell asleep on the three minute car ride home. Jon managed to get her onto the couch were she napped for over an hour.
Daylight savings on Sunday; and of course Isobel has no concept of it and is up early. Oh well, an extra hour in the day is always appreciated, even if it's not spent sleeping. We walked to the library and grocery store in the morning. Jon and Isobel checked out an apartment for rent right around the corner from us; but it was small and the carpets were yucky. So Jon will keep looking for us. Isobel and Jon fell asleep on our bed in the afternoon; it was really cute as Isobel wanted to be naked like daddy. She woke up about 30 minutes into the nap as she started peeing and I woke Jon up to throw our sheets into the washer. Isobel finished peeing on the potty and then fell back asleep on her bed for another 90 minutes while Jon and I played a game of Castle Ravenloft. Jon's making beef stew for dinner while Isobel and I watch George.
Monday was back to work. Cally watched Isobel for us today. On the way home Isobel was cranky; she didn't want to pick up Jon but wanted to go home, until we drove past the toy store and then she started sobbing that she didn't want to go home. Kids!! Jon's mom brought us over some packing boxes in the evening and Jon went to check out an apartment; he was impressed with the size of the place but the landlord wants basically a full month's rent as a deposit (which is illegal), so we're going to keep looking for now. Jon fell asleep putting Isobel to bed.
On Tuesday, since it wasn't raining in the morning, I decided to walk to work. Made it most of the way there too before I called a coworker to pick me up for the rest of the way (maybe 10 minutes more). Ended up with a horrible headache before work ended. Got home after picking up Isobel (from Aunty Cally) and Jon from work, and went to bed.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
365/365 - Last Day of Being One
My baby turns two tomorrow. Where does the time go?
Jon started work late today. I met him and Isobel on my way home. It ended up being a really nice day, so Isobel and I eventually ventured down to the courtyard. She wanted to bring her bike. Although she still has to figure out how to work the pedals.
Jon got home after picking up the car and made us pasta for dinner. Watched some George and listened to music. Read some stories and then went to bed.
Monday, November 1, 2010
364/365 - Fall Afternoon in the Park with Mommy
As the car is still in the shop and it would be too awkard to get Isobel out to Matt's on public transit I left early today. Jon's scheduled to leave early tomorrow.
I met Jon and Isobel on his way to work and then Isobel and I walked home. We had lunch and I worked on some laundry before we headed to Minoru Park. Looked for bunnies, and fed some carrots. Played on the wet slide and checked out the library. Also took a lot of pictures.
Got home and made tuna casserole and did some more laundry. Isobel was whiny and needy but didn't want to take a nap. I suspect she may have a cold as she's also very snotty. Jon arrived home shortly after Isobel had crawled onto my lap and fallen asleep.
Jon's turn to put her to bed and she was up super late thanks to the late nap.
I'm almost at the end of Isobel's second year. Looking forward to not having to feel the pressure to take a photo a day, but figure it will take a while to get out of the habit.