12/52 - Reading with Daddy

12/52 - Reading with Daddy, a photo by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on Flickr.

I'm in another one of those moods where I think I let Isobel watch too much TV, so am trying to make an effort to read to her more regularly as well as read in front of her so that she'll grow up to be a reader.

On Wednesday, Michelle came over to watch Isobel for us. After getting off work, I had a tea and lovely visit with Annie before she returned to Saskatoon. I'm really glad that I got to see her on this trip; we all miss her, Chris and the girls but are glad to hear that the prairies are treating them well. I got home and hung out with Michelle and Isobel until Jon got off work. We grabbed some sushi for dinner and then headed over to Leo's for some gaming. Jon and Michelle played a new game that I think has been added to our want list and I saw another game being played that I'm interested to learn more about. Isobel had fun playing with Cindy. It was a fun evening. And despite being super hyper and loaded up on Nibbs, Isobel went to sleep really well when we got home. Michelle met up with a friend and got a ride home with her.

On Thursday, Jon called me to let me know we had gotten a message from Robyn the night before that Cordy and Raven had fevers, so he called into work and took the day to watch Isobel. It was for the best as he's still not over his cold completely yet. They almost came to pick me up at work, but Jon was still not feeling great, so I sky trained it home. We were both too tired to go out grocery shopping in the evening and managed to scrape together something to eat for dinner.

On Friday, Jon and Isobel picked me up from work and then we drove Jon to work. In the afternoon, Isobel and I tidied up and vacuumed the living room. And towards the end, she could be in the same room as the vacuum without crying, but she wouldn't help me even turn it on. So she's a little scared of the vacuum. We then picked up Jon from work and went grocery shopping. Came home, and ended up reading to Isobel before putting her to bed.

I went into work on Saturday, although not for nearly long enough; I missed my babies too much to stay any longer and was too tired to get up any earlier. In the late afternoon we went for a walk to the mall and Isobel fell asleep. She was still asleep in her stroller when we got home. After dinner, we set up Isobel to do some finger painting in the bath tub. And when she was finished, according to us and not her, we removed the paper and her and I took a nice bath to wash away all the paint. I put her to bed in the evening and fell asleep in her room. When I awoke at midnight, Jon was in our bed fast asleep.

On Sunday we had swim lessons. Since the night before Isobel told us she wanted me to go in the pool with her and daddy to take pictures from the side that's what we did. We worked on front and back glides (or rockets). It was fun. As usual, Isobel didn't want to get out of the pool at the end of the lesson. Since my phone was dead we couldn't call Angel to make plans with her, so we went to Drexoll in Kits and called Karla to exchange some books. Karla's gotten us reading the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning and Jon needed the last one which Karla picked up while she was in New Orleans last week. I'm only on the second to last one that I took out of the library for us. We met up with her at a new toy store there. We then headed to Kids Books to look for some new books for Isobel; she found a Dora book she wanted. We then had a sushi lunch and headed home. Isobel did not want to wear a diaper when we went out in the morning, so she was in panties. And no accidents until we were at home and the TV was on to one of her shows. She told us when she had to go potty when she was out. We were both very proud of her. Jon was kind enough to make dinner tonight, chicken lime fajitas (which was an online recipe I wanted to try out). Because of the timing of Isobel's swim lesson's we missed Annika's birthday party; by the time we would have driven to the skating rink in Abbotsford the party would have been over.

Monday was my god-daughter, Annika's, seventh birthday. Cally watched Isobel, as usual on Mondays. Isobel brought her soccer ball with her. We got home and called Annika to wish her a happy birthday from the fort Jon and Isobel had built in the morning. We were hiding in the fort, with the lights out, when Jon arrived home; it wasn't hard for him to find us as Isobel was so excited about hiding she kept giggling. Jon and Isobel took a bath in the evening before bed. We read a bunch of stories and then Jon put Isobel to bed.

Which brings us to Tuesday. Went to work. Picked up Isobel from Matt's as Cally was watching her. Isobel asked Cally "why" all day with her hands on her hips. I took a bath with Isobel in the evening and fell asleep putting her to bed. Jon woke me up and sent me to our bed.

11/52 - Dance Class

11/52 - Dance Class, a photo by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on Flickr.

I stayed home sick on Wednesday; slept most of the day. Michelle came over in the afternoon to help watch Belly and we watched a lot of Doctor Who. Michelle stayed for dinner and then we drove her home.

On Thursday, I was still sick. And didn't think I'd be able to drive Belly to her doctor's appointment; since Jon was still sick he took a sick day which meant I didn't have to drive. Isobel was excited to see the doctor. Her right ear infection was all cleared up and the left one was about 80% clear. So that's good. I was told to stay on my meds even if they're making me feel sicker.

On Friday I started to feel better. I had booked the day off work, so at least I didn't take another sick day but still had time to recoup. We took Isobel to dance class as it stated again for this session. I registered Isobel for the 1-2 class as it's only 30 minutes long as opposed to 45 minutes. She's the oldest in the class; which is full this time (12 registered but only 8 showed up) instead of only 3 people like last time. When we got home I had Isobel try on her new bathing suit; the bottoms are too big but she refused to let me take it off her all day. Isobel and I then spent the afternoon together while Jon went to work. Jon and Isobel had a bath in the evening and I was finally able to get her out of her swimsuit.

On Saturday, April came over to watch Isobel for us in the afternoon so Jon and I could go to the Taboo show. Isobel was super excited to see her and even took an hour nap for her without complaining. In the evening we stopped by a party that was happening at our complex's clubhouse; didn't stay too long as Isobel had an accident (again potty training goes really well for us at home when she has a bare butt but once she's got clothes on it's another story).

Sunday was Isobel's swim lessons. We both went in the water with her. This week was about blowing bubbles in the water and floats. She did really well with blowing bubbles, but not so great with the floats; she still hates back floats. Had a lazy Sunday for the rest of the day despite orginal plans to do some cleaning and organizing.

Back to work on Monday. I took an hour off so that I could make it through the day. Was exhausted by the end of it. Cally watched Isobel for us at Matt's. Isobel was hyper when I got there to pick her up and stayed hyper for most of the evening. Jon made us pancakes for dinner when he got home. We called Michelle to wish her a happy birthday and tried to call my aunt to do the same but there was no answer.

Cally watched Isobel for us again on Tuesday. A cranky Isobel and I stopped at the grocery store on the way home. I tried a new recipe for dinner; it tasted okay to me but neither Jon nor Isobel really liked it. Oh well....Isobel and I took a bath although after I filled the tub she decided she did not want a bath afterall; eventually managed to trick her to get in. It was my turn to put Isobel to bed and it took me about an hour and a half to get her to sleep. She kept singing and talking to herself and asking for a freezie and more George.

10/52 - First Sea Turtle Swim Class and Week of Sickness

10/52 - First Sea Turtle Swim Class and Week of Sickness, a photo by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on Flickr.

On Wednesday, Michelle came over and watched Isobel for us.

On Thursday morning, Jon called me to let me know that Isobel had thrown up (or as she put it "I spit in my hands"). So we cancelled Robyn and I left early to look after Isobel. By the evening I had caught her cold.

On Friday I called in sick and slept until Jon went to work. He got home and was starting to feel sick. I slept with Isobel hoping Jon would get a good night's sleep and not get too sick.

On Saturday Jon had gaming and we were all sick. Isobel took a nap in her stroller. Jon made a doctor's appointment for Belly.

On Sunday it was Isobel's first swim class and she really wanted to go. So I pulled her hair back into a pony tail and we went. The goal was to leave early and not get her head wet. Did really well with that. In the afternoon Michelle and Ashley came over to visit. Belly was really tired and crabby; she had a short little nap. Michelle and Ashley's parents came to pick them up and stayed a little while for board games. They're really sweet.

Sunday evening, Belly was still crabby. When she would scream, she would put her hands to her ears, but didn't answer us when we asked if her ears hurt.

On Monday, I was sick in the morning but went into work. Jon came and got me to take us all to the doctor appointment. Isobel has a mid ear infection in both ears and I have mild Bronchitics. Both Belly and I got a prescription for meds.

On Tuesday, I went into work late and was exhausted by the end of it and feeling worse from the meds. Cally watched Isobel for us and said that Isobel was quieter than normal.

9/52 - 26 Months Old

9/52 - 26 Months Old, a photo by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on Flickr.

Write up later.

Let's see if I can remember the past week.

On Wednesday, Jon stayed home sick with Isobel while I went to work. Isobel had managed to re-gift her Christmas cold to Jon. We also turned in the keys to the old place.

We were both back to work on Thursday. Robyn and the kids came over to watch Isobel for us. Since it was slow at Jon's work and he was still not feeling well, he left early. In the evening, April and Bobby came over for a game and Thurn and Taxis before we ventured out in the cold for dinner at Dinesty with them. Dinner was very yummy and Isobel liked the soup pork dumplings and the steamed bread with condensed milk.

Friday was New Year's Eve. I got off work early. Jon also got off an hour earlier than normal. We picked up Matty and some pizza for the evening. Played board games and Isobel watched her shows and played. Jon drove Matty home (he's recovering from laser eye surgery) while I put Isobel to bed. She didn't want to stay asleep though, so I missed ringing in the new year with Jon when he got back as I had to snuggle with Belly. He took over snuggling with her later on in the night. And the next day Belly was sick.

New's Year Day was pretty lazy for us. The three of us took a two hour nap in the late morning. Isobel wanted the couch made into a bed and spend a good part of the rest of the day laying there watching her shows. She had a fever, but started getting really upset in the lat afternoon as she wanted to go outside. So after the caramel corn I was making was finished, we bundled her up into her stroller and went for a walk. She was asleep within minutes. Since Isobel was so cranky, I put her to bed again. She seems to want mommy a little more when she's sick. Jon and I then watched a little of Dollhouse: Season 2 before going to bed ourselves.

On Sunday, Isobel was feeling a little better so we picked up Matty and drove to the Birds house for game day. We managed to play a few games. Isobel took a nap (I had to lay down with her to get her to sleep, but she actually fell asleep at their house). We all had a good time. Stopped at the grocery store on our way to drop Matty back off. Ended up going to bed fairly early as we were all tired.

On Monday, we did some cleaning. Isobel turned 26 months old so we got the traditional picture with penguin. Alida, Triss and the girls came out to visit and exchange Christmas presents in the afternoon. It was really nice to see them. Isobel got spoiled and has lots of new clothes (some of which will not fit her for another year). After they left, Jon made Robyn's chicken stew for dinner while Isobel and I took a bath. Another early night for Isobel as she did not nap and is still not quite back to her usual self.

Tuesday has yet to happen. But the plan is for Jon and I to go to work and Cally to watch her for us. Jon's hoping to be able to check out the gym here in the evening, but I was too tired tonight (Monday) as per our plans. Maybe Wednesday I'll be less tired.

Tuesday didn't end up happening as planned. Isobel was still sick with a fever and wanted Jon to go in the car and pick up mommy "now". So I ended up taking some family time to spend with her. She was so crabby. But I did get her to take a nap and by the evening she seemed improved. Although, I couldn't get her to go to sleep for me at night; Jon had to take over an hour into bedtime.

8/52 - Merry Christmas

8/52 - Merry Christmas, a photo by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on Flickr.

With the Holidays we've had a busy week. Jon and I were both able to take off Wednesday. I went over to the old apartment in the morning and managed to get the last of the cleaning finished. We took Isobel ice skating for the first time; we didn't get far with ice skating but Isobel did not want to take her skates or helmet off. We then headed to the old apartment to take some family photos in the empty place. Had lunch at Jon's mom's. Did some grocery shopping on the way home. Met up with Matt and Raven for dinner at an Indian restaurant. They came back to our place for games afterward.

Back to work on Thursday. Robyn, Mason and Cordy came over to watch Isobel. In the evening, we completed the last of the Christmas shopping and Jon bought Isobel a Dora Christmas DVD (which we've had to watch a few times a day since).

Friday was a short day at work for me. Jon and Isobel picked me up; Isobel opened some presents from my coworkers (which was really sweet and unexpected of them). Jon went to work and Isobel and I made dinner (Jon had to help finish when we got home). For Christmas Eve we lit a bunch of candles and had a nice family dinner with the three of us. Isobel left cookies, a carrot, and a Dr Pepper for Santa and his reindeer before going to bed.

Isobel woke up on Christmas morning at her normal wake up time. She evenutally noticed that Santa had eaten his treats and left her presents. She had fun opening her presents. In the afternoon, we headed over to Jeff and Louise's for dinner. Had a nice visit with everyone; Louise's three kids, Jon's sister, and their cousin were all there for dinner. We left shortly after dinner as Isobel was getting cranky and had a bit of a runny nose from a cold.

On Boxing Day we sky trained downtown. Did some shopping at HMV and the went to the Art Gallery to use up the free passes I had before they expired. Stopped off at Micheal's on the way home to pick up some craft stuff to set aside for Isobel for next year. Spent the rest of the day lazing and cleaning up Isobel's toy room and bed room. Jon and Isobel took a bath and tried out Isobel's new bath crayons.

On Monday, Jon took Matty to an eye doctor appointment while Isobel and I went to visit Michelle at work. I bought Isobel some child scissors and she loves them. Matt came over in the afternoon and we played some games. He left and then Karla came over for dinner and tried to get Jon and I up to date on what we're missing on Youtube on her laptop since we still haven't done anything about our sound card.

On Tuesday, I went to work with a few coworkers even though the office was technically closed thanks to month and year end deadlines. Oh well, we were very productive so it was worth it. Jon has caught Isobel's cold. We went swimming for the last time at the old apartment in the evening.

7/52 - Winter Solstice

7/52 - Winter Solstice, a photo by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on Flickr.

Been a busy week. Write up to follow.

On Wednesday I worked during the day and then went back to work for a graveyard shift. Angel watched Isobel for us during the day. After Jon got home and made dinner, I took a nap so that I could make it to work.

Robyn cancelled on Thursday as Cordelia was sick. Jon was able to take a couple of hours off so that I could get some sleep. We then did some grocery shopping before he headed to work.

Friday evening, Isobel spent some time with Cynthia and Nicholas while Jon and I went to see Kate and Theo in Subplots (which was really well done). Isobel had a lot of fun with Nicholas; it was really cute as he gave her a reindeer he made out of Popsicle sticks (I still need to get a photo of it).

Saturday was a busy day. The Birds had managed to get over their sickness (all of them ended up getting sick throughout the week) to host their annual Christmas party. Isobel had a lot of fun eating icing while decorating cookies and the adults got to play a couple of boardgames. Did Christmas presents with the kids; Isobel got a Dora bowling set which is awesome as she has become Dora obsessed since being allowed to watch it the previous weekend with Mason. In the evening we stopped by Jeff and Tea's annual Christmas party for a little bit before heading home.

On Sunday we had brunch at Matty's. It turns out I don't mind turkey bacon as long as it's crispy (don't tell Jon but I actually preferred it to the real bacon). Half of the Sun girls were able to attend; it was nice to see Ashley after so long. Belly got some Christmas presents from them (Curious George activity set and cute fleece pajamas). We had a nice visit with Julia Ko who is in town for Christmas with her family before flying out to Hong Kong to meet up with her husband. Isobel and the baby birds had fun playing with all the toys at Matty's. On the way home, we stopped in at Kate and Theo's so Theo and Jon could divide up some plastic crack (a.k.a. game pieces). Relaxed in the evening as I'm still fighting this cough.

Monday was back to work. Cally watched Isobel for us. I debated about finishing cleaning the old place in the evening, but by the time dinner is finished I did not have a lot of energy. Instead I stayed home and took a lot of pictures of Jon and Isobel in the bath since we had borrowed Brian's awesome new camera. (Only downside is that now I'm very tempted to upgrade our camera. Curse Brian!).

Tuesday was Winter Solstice. Cally watched Isobel at Matty's again. Isobel had a lot of fun playing with Matt's snowboarding goggles and this laser light. And as usual, Isobel took a nap for Cally; this time without any crying and told Call "good night wuv you". Matt was still at the dentist by the time I got there and was still getting a root canal by the time we left. Isobel and I picked up Jon and then headed into Vancouver to check out the lanterns at Dr Sun Yat Sen Garden. Matt, Brian and Kayo met up with us there. We really enjoyed the experience and will plan on going back next year. I also really want to go to the garden one day, while it's light out, for pictures. Plus we were still home around 9is; so not too late for next year if we forget to book the following day off work.

6/52 - Bright Nights!

6/52 - Bright Nights!, a photo by Brandi, Jon and Isobel on Flickr.

I've been sick all week.

On Wednesday, we picked up Jon after work and headed to Ikea for dinner and shopping. We bought Isobel an early Christmas present (shelves for her toys); she had a blast helping putting it together once we got home.

On Thursday, Jon ended up getting sick so he stayed home from work. Robyn and the kids still came over so that Jon was able to nap. After I got home from work, we picked up Angel and headed to Park Royal for some Christmas shopping.

I went into work on Friday, but called Jon to come pick me up early as I was starting to feel worse (I think I pushed myself a little too far during the week with this cold). He had called in sick again as well. We both alternated taking naps and then went grocery shopping. We picked up some outdoor Christmas lights for our balcony while shopping. In the evening I baked a batch of peanut butter blossom cookies for a bake sale at work.

Saturday was baking day. We made mini apple jar pies, sugar cookies, Jon's evil brownies, and coconut ice for the bake sale. We also managed to put up our Christmas lights. In the evening, we watched the baby Birds at our place while Robyn and Raven went to a work Christmas dinner. Cordelia and Isobel had fun jumping on our bed. Isobel was thrilled as she got to watch a lot of Dora with Mason. Both of the girls were really tired, but wouldn't go to sleep until Robyn got back.

On Sunday, we finished decorating the sugar cookies in the morning, and then took the sky train downtown. The plan was to drop off some stuff at Angel's place before heading to Stanley Park to get tickets for the Bright Nights miniature train and then hang out at the Art Gallery until our train time. It took almost an hour to walk to the Stanley Park ticket booth and by then I was exhausted. Isobel slept in her stroller most of the walk. So we decided to get tickets for the first train ride (3-3:30pm) instead of waiting to the 4:30-5:00 time slot when the sun would have been down. That gave us a couple of hours to kill only, so we headed over to the Aquarium since it's been a while since taking Isobel there, and it would be drier than wandering the park. Since I have free passes to the Art Gallery from work that expire at the end of the year, I'd really like to go another day. Isobel really enjoyed the aquarium and than had a lot of fun on the train. The picture above was taken while we were waiting to get on the train. We were on the first train that day and I think it was the perfect time slot for Isobel; not as much waiting as last year and it was dark enough with all the trees to see the lights but not too dark. As she gets older, we'll start going later though. And we got home just as it was getting dark out.

I got up on Monday and brought all the baking with me on the skytrain into work. Helped set up for the bake sale, and then started to feel really sick - too hot, headache and wanting to be sick to my stomach. I managed to get hold of Jon before he left to meet up with Cally to hand off Isobel to her, so he called and cancelled with her and then came and picked me up. I laid on the coush until Isobel stated asking for something to eat. Made her mac and cheese; ate some myself so I'd have something in my stomach, pulled out the couch into it's bed form, and settled down to watch Dora with Isobel. When I started falling asleep on the couch, I gathered us up and headed to my bed where I forced Isobel to nap with me. Despite listening to "me no tired" she eventually fell asleep and we napped for just over 90 minutes.