Happy Valentines and Chinese New Year!
I had to work today. Since I did not sleep well last night, and did not have the duty phone, I went in for 8am instead of 7am. I wandered the curb and terminal with Brian for a chunk of the morning and then figured I should get some work done. Brian is starting to go Olympic pin crazy; I never realized how much of a collectible item they are.
Jon and Isobel picked me up from work and they came in to visit with Lori. Lori shared her banana with Isobel. We then dropped Isobel's off at Michelle's since she volunteered to babysit for us.
Jon took me out to dinner at the Foggy Dew - the pub by our place. And then I baked a quick batch of chocolate cupcakes from scratch while Jon took care of the recycling and brought some boxes to the storage locker downstairs. And then we went to pick up Isobel.
Got Isobel home and into the bath and then read her some stories before bed. Jon's just putting her to bed now.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 14 Feb 10, 8.30PM PDT.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Saturday, February 13, 2010
103/365 - Saturday
It was my turn to sleep with Isobel and I don't think I really got any sleep. So at 6:30am when I couldn't get her back to sleep, we crawled into bed with Jon. He ended up taking Isobel so that I could get 45 minutes of sleep.
Isobel had her swim lessons in the morning. Because I was so tired, we opted for driving instead of taking the Canada Line, as per our original plan. When we got to the pool, there were signs that the teach pool was closed, but the swimming lessons would be in the main pool - which is a lot colder. Jon went in the pool with Isobel again this lesson, which worked out well as he's warmer than I am for her to snuggle up to. The instructor told us that the teach pool was closed because some drunk person drove through the window to it. There's no road there. When we left we took a look at it and one of the windows was boarded up and there was glass in the pool. We ended up leaving the lesson early as Isobel was shivering.
Afterward, we headed to the Aquarium at Stanley Park. Got our membership cards replaced and checked out the fish with Isobel. She seemed to have a good time. The aquarium was nice and empty as well which was surprising. As we were leaving, we saw a friend, Allice, who runs the concession shop by the Aquarium. It turns out the there was a lot a vandalism associated with rioters on Georgia Street and the police had shut down the area - we had taken the only way into Stanley Park. I have no probelm with people protesting the Olympics, I just have an issue if violence is involved. I know that there are groups of people that will latch themselves onto causes just to have an excuse to cause mayhem, and since according to the news these people were wearing black clothing and masks, I'm sure it wasn't your normal anit-Olympics/VANOC protestors, but it sheds such a negative light on Vancouver. Oh well....
We then went to my doctor's appointment. I'm sick of being sick and have some to realize that it's taking too long for me to get over this cold. She prescribed me some antibiotics for a minor sinus infection. Hopefully, it works as I'd really like to be able to be able breath through my nose again. She also recommended an over the counter cream for Isobel's ezcema.
We then ended up gong home for a bit. I took a nap. We went to the Safeway closest to our place and then to Rogers to rent a couple of videos.
Headed home and had dinner. Jon bathed Isobel while I watched "Julie and Julia". I'm not sure what all the hype about that movie was as I didn't overly enjoy it. Jon put Isobel to bed and then we watched "The Hurt Locker" - actually I watched the first half and then went to bed. But couldn't sleep so I should have finished the movie. Oh well....
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 13 Feb 10, 8.30PM PDT.
Isobel had her swim lessons in the morning. Because I was so tired, we opted for driving instead of taking the Canada Line, as per our original plan. When we got to the pool, there were signs that the teach pool was closed, but the swimming lessons would be in the main pool - which is a lot colder. Jon went in the pool with Isobel again this lesson, which worked out well as he's warmer than I am for her to snuggle up to. The instructor told us that the teach pool was closed because some drunk person drove through the window to it. There's no road there. When we left we took a look at it and one of the windows was boarded up and there was glass in the pool. We ended up leaving the lesson early as Isobel was shivering.
Afterward, we headed to the Aquarium at Stanley Park. Got our membership cards replaced and checked out the fish with Isobel. She seemed to have a good time. The aquarium was nice and empty as well which was surprising. As we were leaving, we saw a friend, Allice, who runs the concession shop by the Aquarium. It turns out the there was a lot a vandalism associated with rioters on Georgia Street and the police had shut down the area - we had taken the only way into Stanley Park. I have no probelm with people protesting the Olympics, I just have an issue if violence is involved. I know that there are groups of people that will latch themselves onto causes just to have an excuse to cause mayhem, and since according to the news these people were wearing black clothing and masks, I'm sure it wasn't your normal anit-Olympics/VANOC protestors, but it sheds such a negative light on Vancouver. Oh well....
We then went to my doctor's appointment. I'm sick of being sick and have some to realize that it's taking too long for me to get over this cold. She prescribed me some antibiotics for a minor sinus infection. Hopefully, it works as I'd really like to be able to be able breath through my nose again. She also recommended an over the counter cream for Isobel's ezcema.
We then ended up gong home for a bit. I took a nap. We went to the Safeway closest to our place and then to Rogers to rent a couple of videos.
Headed home and had dinner. Jon bathed Isobel while I watched "Julie and Julia". I'm not sure what all the hype about that movie was as I didn't overly enjoy it. Jon put Isobel to bed and then we watched "The Hurt Locker" - actually I watched the first half and then went to bed. But couldn't sleep so I should have finished the movie. Oh well....
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 13 Feb 10, 8.30PM PDT.
Friday, February 12, 2010
102/365 - Holland Heineken House
I did not have to work until this afternoon. So after finding out that our flash was ready for pick up, we headed to Nikon. Jon was so excited to have the flash back - I was too, but not as excited as him.
We then went to the mall for lunch. Stopped at Old Navy and got Isobel a couple of more rubber balls since she seems to hide them all over our house and we can never find them. We then went to check out the O Zone, but it didn't open up until 3pm. We did however, check out the Holland Heineken House. I was not overly impressed, but it just opened, it was during the day, I did not drink any beer, and was chasing after a toddler. We then went home so that Isobel could get in a quick breastfeed before they drove me to work.
Jon and Isobel drove me to work so that Isobel could visit with Brett. I found out that my schedule has changed without notice - they've gotten rid of the graveyward Olympic shift, so I had to do some requests to change my schedule in order to accomodate Jon's work schedule (which had been based on my schedule). It should work out. I don't know what my scedule for March will be yet, but work's being good and trying to work around my childcare requirements since it's only the first week in March that's an issue; after that my mother is out until May to look after Isobel for us.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 12 Feb 10, 2.13PM PDT.
We then went to the mall for lunch. Stopped at Old Navy and got Isobel a couple of more rubber balls since she seems to hide them all over our house and we can never find them. We then went to check out the O Zone, but it didn't open up until 3pm. We did however, check out the Holland Heineken House. I was not overly impressed, but it just opened, it was during the day, I did not drink any beer, and was chasing after a toddler. We then went home so that Isobel could get in a quick breastfeed before they drove me to work.
Jon and Isobel drove me to work so that Isobel could visit with Brett. I found out that my schedule has changed without notice - they've gotten rid of the graveyward Olympic shift, so I had to do some requests to change my schedule in order to accomodate Jon's work schedule (which had been based on my schedule). It should work out. I don't know what my scedule for March will be yet, but work's being good and trying to work around my childcare requirements since it's only the first week in March that's an issue; after that my mother is out until May to look after Isobel for us.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 12 Feb 10, 2.13PM PDT.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
101/365 - Another Rainy Afternoon in the Park
I managed to make it through work, but I was more tired than previous graveyard shifts. I didn't dink anything caffeinated either, so that may be why.
I got home and crawled into bed and slept until 9am. Jon and Isobel came into the bedroom and Jon decided that he still wasn't feeling well so he was going to call in again today. I was so excited. Even though he was a sicky, I made him take Isobel so that i could sleep some more. I woke up just after 1pm.
In the afternoon, Jon wanted to take a nap so Isobel and I went for another walk to the park. Again it was raining, but that didn't seem to bother Isobel. She was content to wander around, point at ducks, and be slightly sacred but fascinated with the bunnies. She fell a couple of times (as pictured here) and always wanted help getting back up. She also discovered puddles today; it won't be long before she discovers jumping into them.
When we got home Isobel napped beside me on the couch. Jon made us pancakes for dinner. Instead of a bath tonight, we decided to go to the pool in our building complex instead. Jon's putting her to bed now.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 11 Feb 10, 7.00PM PDT.
I got home and crawled into bed and slept until 9am. Jon and Isobel came into the bedroom and Jon decided that he still wasn't feeling well so he was going to call in again today. I was so excited. Even though he was a sicky, I made him take Isobel so that i could sleep some more. I woke up just after 1pm.
In the afternoon, Jon wanted to take a nap so Isobel and I went for another walk to the park. Again it was raining, but that didn't seem to bother Isobel. She was content to wander around, point at ducks, and be slightly sacred but fascinated with the bunnies. She fell a couple of times (as pictured here) and always wanted help getting back up. She also discovered puddles today; it won't be long before she discovers jumping into them.
When we got home Isobel napped beside me on the couch. Jon made us pancakes for dinner. Instead of a bath tonight, we decided to go to the pool in our building complex instead. Jon's putting her to bed now.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 11 Feb 10, 7.00PM PDT.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
100/365 - Rainy Afternoon in the Park
I got off work at 7am this morning and headed home to take a short nap. When I walked into the apartment Isobel was just exiting her bedroom; she looked excited to see me and I feared that I would cuddle with her instead napping as her potential crying from mommy locking her out of mommy's bedroom would prevent napping. However, Jon was great and managed to distract her so I could nap. Was back up just after 9am so that I could get ready for my 10am breastfeeding clinic appointment. I also thought that Jon had to get to work, but he apparently told me that he was sick with my cough cold and was calling in.
The breastfeeding clinic was a little useful. Did not learn anything that I didn't already know about weaning, but got a bunch of pamphlets about services in Richmond and was told that as long as Isobel is getting calcium from other sources we don't have to force her to drink milk. But if she'll eat it with cereal, keep using the whole milk for that. Again we were encouraged to get her off the bottle and told that we could just give her two ounces of formula and instead of topping up the bottle with milk to just use water. Richmond is very focused on preventing cavities from milk and sugars in young children; they encourage you to have your child see a dentist by the time they are one; whereas our dentist in Vancouver (and even our pediatrician in Vancouver) didn't seem to think an actual dentist appointment was necessary until two - just bring her in with us to get her used to the office.
On our way to pick up some groceries we walked through the mall. Isobel got a few more rubber balls from Old Navy - she has so much fun with them - and a couple of pairs of pajamas in a bigger size.
On our walk, Jon and I agreed that the nurse is right, I need to be firmer with Isobel and not let her breastfeed when I don't want her to. We also agreed that when my mom comes out to stay with us, it's the perfect importunity to get rid of Isobel's night time bottle.
When we got home, I got Isobel some lunch and then went to bed. I managed to get about two plus hours of sleep in. When I got up, Isobel and Jon were asleep on the couch. I love that she'll still fall asleep on his chest sometimes, like when she was a baby. After Isobel woke up, she wanted some snuggle time with mommy.
I then decided it was time to take her out to the park since we've spent the last couple of days in the courtyard only. Jon opted to stay home and then mentioned that it was raining out. Since the park is less than a block away, I decided that a little rain wouldn't kill us; this is Vancouver after all.
Isobel seemed to have a lot of fun watching the ducks on the lake - she even kept saying "duck" - her second word (apart from mum, dada and signing milk);. And then we found some bunnies brave enough to venture out in the rain. Isobel was so excited. She started walking towards them and then they'd hop away. We then found another bunny who was more courageous, as Isobel started walking towards it, it started hopping towards her. Eventually, the bunny came too close and mommy had to pick Isobel up. I think figured we were wet enough and it was time to head home and tell Daddy all about our adventure.
Jon made us pasta for dinner. Isobel wasn't interested in it so had yogurt instead. I gave her her bath.
Since the nurse was so adamant, we picked up Isobel her own toothbrush (not a baby one) and toothpaste. Tonight, we brought the stool into the bathroom, put a teeny tiny amount of kids toothpaste on the toothbrush and brushed her teeth. She seemed to enjoy it.
Jon put Isobel to bed with a formula topped with extra water bottle. I managed to get some laundry folded and the dishwasher loaded and on before I figured I should check on Jon to see if he fell asleep with Isobel. I woke him up to let him know I was hopping in the shower. He got up and worked on his photo and then took over the PS3.
I'm just waiting to go to another graveyard shift at work. Really glad that I have Thursday off; I think I'll be heading to bed whenever Isobel falls asleep tomorrow night.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 10 Feb 10, 5.43PM PDT.
The breastfeeding clinic was a little useful. Did not learn anything that I didn't already know about weaning, but got a bunch of pamphlets about services in Richmond and was told that as long as Isobel is getting calcium from other sources we don't have to force her to drink milk. But if she'll eat it with cereal, keep using the whole milk for that. Again we were encouraged to get her off the bottle and told that we could just give her two ounces of formula and instead of topping up the bottle with milk to just use water. Richmond is very focused on preventing cavities from milk and sugars in young children; they encourage you to have your child see a dentist by the time they are one; whereas our dentist in Vancouver (and even our pediatrician in Vancouver) didn't seem to think an actual dentist appointment was necessary until two - just bring her in with us to get her used to the office.
On our way to pick up some groceries we walked through the mall. Isobel got a few more rubber balls from Old Navy - she has so much fun with them - and a couple of pairs of pajamas in a bigger size.
On our walk, Jon and I agreed that the nurse is right, I need to be firmer with Isobel and not let her breastfeed when I don't want her to. We also agreed that when my mom comes out to stay with us, it's the perfect importunity to get rid of Isobel's night time bottle.
When we got home, I got Isobel some lunch and then went to bed. I managed to get about two plus hours of sleep in. When I got up, Isobel and Jon were asleep on the couch. I love that she'll still fall asleep on his chest sometimes, like when she was a baby. After Isobel woke up, she wanted some snuggle time with mommy.
I then decided it was time to take her out to the park since we've spent the last couple of days in the courtyard only. Jon opted to stay home and then mentioned that it was raining out. Since the park is less than a block away, I decided that a little rain wouldn't kill us; this is Vancouver after all.
Isobel seemed to have a lot of fun watching the ducks on the lake - she even kept saying "duck" - her second word (apart from mum, dada and signing milk);. And then we found some bunnies brave enough to venture out in the rain. Isobel was so excited. She started walking towards them and then they'd hop away. We then found another bunny who was more courageous, as Isobel started walking towards it, it started hopping towards her. Eventually, the bunny came too close and mommy had to pick Isobel up. I think figured we were wet enough and it was time to head home and tell Daddy all about our adventure.
Jon made us pasta for dinner. Isobel wasn't interested in it so had yogurt instead. I gave her her bath.
Since the nurse was so adamant, we picked up Isobel her own toothbrush (not a baby one) and toothpaste. Tonight, we brought the stool into the bathroom, put a teeny tiny amount of kids toothpaste on the toothbrush and brushed her teeth. She seemed to enjoy it.
Jon put Isobel to bed with a formula topped with extra water bottle. I managed to get some laundry folded and the dishwasher loaded and on before I figured I should check on Jon to see if he fell asleep with Isobel. I woke him up to let him know I was hopping in the shower. He got up and worked on his photo and then took over the PS3.
I'm just waiting to go to another graveyard shift at work. Really glad that I have Thursday off; I think I'll be heading to bed whenever Isobel falls asleep tomorrow night.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 10 Feb 10, 5.43PM PDT.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
99/365 - Olympic Torch Relay
Today is going to be a long day and tomorrow will feel even longer.
Jon had to work at 10am this morning, so he got up with Isobel and let me sleep another 45 minutes.
Isobel and I tried to get some more cleaning done today. Managed to get the dishwasher loaded and some dishes handwashed - including the bottle bits. A couple of loads of laundry done (less the folding and putting away - I seem to hate that part of laundry) and the kitchen floor swept. Plus clean sheets on our bed - will try to get to Isobel's bed soon.
After lunch, Isobel and I headed back down to the courtyard for her to play. She breastfeed/dozed at 3pm. And then we went for a short walk to pick up a pizza for dinner. She was not keen on the pizza, but loved the basalmic vinagrette I got with my salad, so much so that she ended up wearing most of it - I think she may have been trying to drink it.
Jon got home and quickly ate while Isobel and I got redressed - we were a bit messy from the basalmic vinagrette. And then we headed out to the Richmond Oval to wait for the Olymic Torch relay to go past. It was a lot of waiting for a 5 second view of the torch, and Isobel wasn't impressed with not being able to run free or the change to her normal evening routine. But it was fun to do something Olympic related with her. And we got these Coke bottles that light up.
We went home, put Isobel into her pajamas and started getting ready to put her to bed. We skipped her bath tonight.
And then I waited to go to work. Jon and I were able to view the fireworks at the Richmond O zone (aka Minoru Park) from our living room. The view was slightly better from the balcony, but it was cold out there.
Jon played PS3 while I watched and eventually, 10:30pm rolled around and I headed to work. It looks like tonight will be quiet. I'm just not looking forward to tomorrow - just over 1 hour of sleep and then up for the day with a toddler until Jon gets home just after 6pm and then I get to nap before being back at the airport for 11pm. I'm really hoping Isobel will let me take an afternoon nap with her!
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 9 Feb 10, 9.05PM PDT.
Jon had to work at 10am this morning, so he got up with Isobel and let me sleep another 45 minutes.
Isobel and I tried to get some more cleaning done today. Managed to get the dishwasher loaded and some dishes handwashed - including the bottle bits. A couple of loads of laundry done (less the folding and putting away - I seem to hate that part of laundry) and the kitchen floor swept. Plus clean sheets on our bed - will try to get to Isobel's bed soon.
After lunch, Isobel and I headed back down to the courtyard for her to play. She breastfeed/dozed at 3pm. And then we went for a short walk to pick up a pizza for dinner. She was not keen on the pizza, but loved the basalmic vinagrette I got with my salad, so much so that she ended up wearing most of it - I think she may have been trying to drink it.
Jon got home and quickly ate while Isobel and I got redressed - we were a bit messy from the basalmic vinagrette. And then we headed out to the Richmond Oval to wait for the Olymic Torch relay to go past. It was a lot of waiting for a 5 second view of the torch, and Isobel wasn't impressed with not being able to run free or the change to her normal evening routine. But it was fun to do something Olympic related with her. And we got these Coke bottles that light up.
We went home, put Isobel into her pajamas and started getting ready to put her to bed. We skipped her bath tonight.
And then I waited to go to work. Jon and I were able to view the fireworks at the Richmond O zone (aka Minoru Park) from our living room. The view was slightly better from the balcony, but it was cold out there.
Jon played PS3 while I watched and eventually, 10:30pm rolled around and I headed to work. It looks like tonight will be quiet. I'm just not looking forward to tomorrow - just over 1 hour of sleep and then up for the day with a toddler until Jon gets home just after 6pm and then I get to nap before being back at the airport for 11pm. I'm really hoping Isobel will let me take an afternoon nap with her!
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 9 Feb 10, 9.05PM PDT.
Monday, February 8, 2010
98/365 - Our Courtyard
I had today off as well. I think I could get used to having days off with Isobel. She has her crank y periods, but she is fun.
Today we tried to get a few things done around the house - a load of dishes washed, some laundry, etc. Didn't get everything I'd have liked to done, but oh well there's always another day.
In the afternoon, Isobel and I decided that she should try out her early Valentine's Day present from us - a pair of gum boots - since it had stopped raining. I debated about taking her to the park, but then remembered our courtyard that I had yet to check out, except from the window. So down to the fifth floor we headed and out into the courtyard. It's a very nice little area, that I think will be perfect for us this summer. There is a small playground area with equipment for 1.5 to 5 years old. Isobel already seems to enjoy the slide part of it. And she loved walking around outside. The boots were heavier than she's used to and might be a bit big as they fell off a few times - enough times that I'm glad we weren't in a wet park. She also loved picking up rocks and then wanted them in her pockets, which is something she started doing with Jon on the weekend. All of a sudden, while Isobel was picking up rocks, I seemed to recall that as a child I had at least one full ice cream bucket of rocks I'd collected. At least she comes by it honestly. Plus it's so much fun to watch how excited she gets by each discovery. We explored the courtyard for almost an hour. And despite a few close calls, she avoided the emergency exit stairs to the street level. It's not even officially spring and I'm already looking forward to grabbing a blanket, some food, and having a picnic in the courtyard. Jon did a really good job at picking a place for us to live in; while I miss some things (i.e. proximity to Kadoya, Baguette Time, Vancouver Aquarium) about our old place I prefer this one.
After getting back to our apartment, Isobel took a short nap, on me of course. And then I was able to get dinner made - chicken stew and biscuits. I get in food ruts and lately it's chicken stew, which isn't that different from the chicken pot pie rut that was before this one.
Jon gave Isobel her bath and is just putting her to bed. I'm back at work for a graveyard shift tomorrow night. Hoping that we'll be able to catch the Olympic Torch run tomorrow.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 8 Feb 10, 2.46PM PDT.
Today we tried to get a few things done around the house - a load of dishes washed, some laundry, etc. Didn't get everything I'd have liked to done, but oh well there's always another day.
In the afternoon, Isobel and I decided that she should try out her early Valentine's Day present from us - a pair of gum boots - since it had stopped raining. I debated about taking her to the park, but then remembered our courtyard that I had yet to check out, except from the window. So down to the fifth floor we headed and out into the courtyard. It's a very nice little area, that I think will be perfect for us this summer. There is a small playground area with equipment for 1.5 to 5 years old. Isobel already seems to enjoy the slide part of it. And she loved walking around outside. The boots were heavier than she's used to and might be a bit big as they fell off a few times - enough times that I'm glad we weren't in a wet park. She also loved picking up rocks and then wanted them in her pockets, which is something she started doing with Jon on the weekend. All of a sudden, while Isobel was picking up rocks, I seemed to recall that as a child I had at least one full ice cream bucket of rocks I'd collected. At least she comes by it honestly. Plus it's so much fun to watch how excited she gets by each discovery. We explored the courtyard for almost an hour. And despite a few close calls, she avoided the emergency exit stairs to the street level. It's not even officially spring and I'm already looking forward to grabbing a blanket, some food, and having a picnic in the courtyard. Jon did a really good job at picking a place for us to live in; while I miss some things (i.e. proximity to Kadoya, Baguette Time, Vancouver Aquarium) about our old place I prefer this one.
After getting back to our apartment, Isobel took a short nap, on me of course. And then I was able to get dinner made - chicken stew and biscuits. I get in food ruts and lately it's chicken stew, which isn't that different from the chicken pot pie rut that was before this one.
Jon gave Isobel her bath and is just putting her to bed. I'm back at work for a graveyard shift tomorrow night. Hoping that we'll be able to catch the Olympic Torch run tomorrow.
Uploaded by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on 8 Feb 10, 2.46PM PDT.
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