Dunbrack Family

Uncle Brian and Isaac

2010-07-14T23:26:00.001-04:00

Can't wait till our next visit... we miss you Uncle Brian!

Elise's Birthday... On her actual day.

2010-07-01T08:01:00.004-04:00

I find it hard to believe that my little girl is 3. After all the struggles we had just to be able to have her... it seemed to take years (well... it did in fact take years... and a few heartbreaks). And then the scare of almost loosing her... at 24 weeks.... the endless hours of bedrest and worry... and here she is turning 3.

Happy 3rd Birthday my princess. You mean the world to us.... we love you very much.

Sorry the pics are in the reverse order...

Elise checking out her new gift from Mommy, Daddy and Isaac.

Checking out the gifts from Grandma and Papa.

Enjoying cake!!

Papa giving Elise a birthday hug.

Blowing out candles!

I can't believe she is 3!!!!!

2010-07-01T07:49:00.002-04:00

These were from Father's Day Tea at Elise's school. They asked the kids why they loved Daddy - Elise said she loved Daddy because they play the cupcake game. LOL It's a game on Mike's ipod.

Giving Daddy his gift.

Singing.

She looks so short here!

Here's your cup Daddy....!

2010-07-01T07:43:00.002-04:00

I'm so far behind.... LOL but I'm working on it! Here are some new pics.

Daddy and his little man.

Elise and Isaac playing in their new house that Grandma Cathy and Grandpa Doug bought for them.

Our very first picnic on our new picnic table... thank you Kijiji.

Mother's Day

2010-05-13T20:13:00.008-04:00

So for Mother's Day I got a new camera! Which, in truth, was badly needed. Our old one was broken... usable... but broken. The battery door on it doesn't stay closed, so every 3rd shot or so it would pop open and you would loose the pic you were trying to take, and a few minutes of putting the batteries back in. By that time the kids had long moved on to something new.

Anyway, I've been trying out the new camera to see how I like it. Here are some pictures...

This was on our way to see the diggers.... again...

Miss Elise in the van... on our way to get a treat.

Isaac and the dandelions... so happy he didn't eat these.

Elise jumping and spinning around... yes these are action shots... LOVE my new camera.

Is it mean of me to take pictures of him crying... he's just so cute...

A picture of me and the kids.... I don't get many of those.

Elise giving Isaac orders... again...

Talk about mischievous!

Okay... I guess that's enough... LOL talk about picture overload!

Last nights game through Isaac's eyes

2010-05-13T19:00:00.002-04:00

My morning in short....

2010-05-04T09:11:00.002-04:00

Every day is an interesting day... here is a quick peek at my morning:

Breakfast time....
While enjoying our breakfast, Elise lines up her handful of Froot Loops (no that's not all she had... she also had some toast and banana) and she asked me, "what does this spell Mommy?" I replied, "I think it spells Froot Loops." She laughed at me and said, "No. It spells Mom. M - O - M." Yes, she spelled Mom. Completely shocked me... I guess they've been working on that at school.
Enter Mr Isaac... all the while he is trying to throw his food on the floor, between the occasional bite. He gets one warning.... two warnings.... now he thinks it funny. Third time was a charm... TIME OUT BUDDY!
I briskly remove him from his shackled eating area and whisk him away to his room for a time out. I plop him in his crib and give him a stern talking - all the while he calmly sits and smiles at me. I leave the room and close the door.
He doesn't make a sound.
I return to his room moments later to see that he is lounging back on his pillow... not a care in the world. I again tell him that what he did was not allowed... he smiles... and I ask him if he's sorry... he stands up and gives me a kiss.
The little monster could care less about his "time out".

Then Elise gave me a good laugh as I was changing Isaac. She was playing with a big beach boat and she was asking me to go sailing with her. I said, "maybe later... right now I'm scared of the sharks in the water." Elise said, "It's okay mommy, I can save you. Just come on my boat okay?" I said, "Hmmm.... maybe. But I'm scared of the whales too." Not too worry though... she had an answer for that too.
She said, "Don't worry Mommy. The whales aren't coming today, they have a headache."
She cracks me up! :P

My Little Man

2010-04-08T00:27:00.003-04:00

A cute story from tonight...

Today Uncle Elymer brought over Derek's old bed for Elise - which she is SUPER excited about. Well, she insisted on sleeping in it tonight... so Mike set it up for her. As he was putting together the side rails, Isaac walked in and grabbed the screwdriver and took off. So off I went recover the screwdriver from his concrete grip, and possibly save a cat in the process. As I turn the corner into the living room I see him open the door on their play kitchen and put the screwdriver to the screws in the hinges and try to tighten them. Ah... such a little handy man :) So I left him fix the screws (he fixed the one's on the little oven too) and then he took the screwdriver back and gave it to Daddy. What a sweetheart.

Our Easter Egg Extravaganza

2010-04-03T13:33:00.010-04:00

So yesterday (Good Friday) we decided to take Elise and Isaac out for their first outside Easter egg hunt. They had so much fun!!! I think Isaac was more into finding the eggs than Elise was LOL we couldn't get him to walk by any without scooping them up. At the end they got to trade the eggs for a "prize"... but the hunting was by far the most exciting part of the day!

Here are some pics from our adventure:

Excited to get to the hunting!

Elise and the Geese.

What a sweetie :)

Isaac meant business...

Daddy and Isaac.

Miss Elise.

This is what we like to call Synchronized Egg Picking.

Look at that form...

REACH!!!

Moving on to greener pastures.

Checking out the goats.

I was TRYING to get a pic with both of them looking... it wasn't working.

Daddy tried to help... still... no dice.

and Isaac was NOT impressed about being temporarily confined.

Off to see the goats again...

Isaac spilled his eggs and Elise being the sweet big sister she is, came over to help him pick them up.

"There you go Isaac, all cleaned up."

Saying cheese for Grandma.

Daddy and his boy.

There go the eggs again...

Elise showing Isaac where to go to trade in their eggs for a prize.
My sweet babies. :)

2010-03-23T16:15:00.000-04:00

Isaac showing off his muscles

2010-03-23T15:28:00.003-04:00

The Difference 1 Year Can Make

2010-02-23T15:32:00.002-05:00

January 2009

February 2010

2010-02-08T14:03:00.002-05:00

Here is a new picture of Elise and Isaac.... TOGETHER! This is not an easy picture to get... it requires hours of planning... there are zoning acts, behaviour modification techniques, advanced distraction techniques, and last but not least the agility that is required to capture that split second where they both look at the camera. I'm voting it in for a new olympic sport... right next to defensive speed folding (laundry that is). Enjoy!

Elise 2.5 yrs & Isaac 14 months

2010-02-01T16:48:00.000-05:00

Aunt Edie's handy work!

2010-01-25T11:26:00.002-05:00

Here is the vest and hat that Aunt Edie made for Elise. She LOVES it... and wears it every chance she gets. She loves anything that has a matching hat!

Thanks Aunt Edie!!

Back in the Day

2010-01-23T23:10:00.004-05:00

So just for fun this year I'll be posting some old pics that I'll be scanning in. You never know what you might find!

We will kick it off with one of the cutest kids out there... seriously, any cuter and we may have eaten him :P

Me and Dad back in December 1981

Playing in the snow

2010-01-21T14:24:00.003-05:00

So what? It's freezing out... big deal... we are CANADIANS and we can handle it! It was actually -20º on this particular morning... lol we didn't stay out for too long, just long enough to enjoy a sleigh ride!

This is just another pic of Elise getting all dressed up to go out and help Daddy put out the garbage. It was her first time getting all dressed up this year.... she was loving her new snowsuit!

Christmas Parties!

2010-01-20T16:15:00.005-05:00

The 15th annual Lemieux Christmas Party was a hit as usual! It was extra special because Papa and Granny (Isaac and Vida) were there, and even extra extra special for us because Brian was here for it too! Their presences' have been MUCH anticipated.

The party was great! The food was unparalleled - as always - and I completely pigged out. But loved every second of the food and the company. It's always great getting together, helps you to remember that family is what really matters. And we have the BEST family out there. Love you all!

Hanging out with Uncle Brian

Isaac and Papa, waiting for Santa

Isaac getting his Santa gift

There was some confusion over WHICH Isaac was called, as Santa called for "Little Isaac".

Elise getting her Santa gift

This was Christmas Part #2 at Mike's family...

Playing before supper

Elise and Isaac's cousin, Sofia

Playing...

Isaac opening a gift... it was a long process

still opening....

Elise refused to smile for the camera... lol

Gifts....

Something was funny...

Isaac playing with one of Sofia's cheese shakers

He loved the shakers....

Playing peek-a-boo with Daddy

December 13th - Isaac's 1st Birthday!!!

2010-01-19T16:13:00.007-05:00

Mommy and her little man. How has this first year passed so fast? It seems to go so much faster this time... I guess because you're not just focused on one. Well that, and the excessive lack of sleep. Either way, I find it hard to believe that baby is one. *sigh*

Elise and Kristin sporting some party hats.

Isaac and Uncle Karl walking - Isaac isn't nearly as terrified of Karl as Elise is.

Isaac soaking up some Papa time.

Enjoying a laugh with Papa.

checking out how these balloons work.

perfecting his bum scoot...

hanging out with big cousin Kristin.

Opening presents...

Isaac taking his new truck for a ride.

Giving Elise a ride in his new truck from Grandma and Papa.

Isaac's cake:

Lets party!!

Ya, that only lasted long enough for me to take the picture...

Singing him Happy Birthday!

Isaac's own personal cake... Elise decorated it... I just tried to help "guide" her so that is was somewhat accurate lol

Isaac's first taste

Elise is wondering when she gets to have some cake...

He decided that it was pretty good stuff.

This gives new meaning to Papa's "potatoes and point"... we like to call it cake and point now.

looks delicious doesn't it?

My chocolate baby. He REALLY enjoyed that cake!

looks like a mud hole...

operation transportation for hosing down:

now that's ring around the tub... looks like murky swamp water.

2010-01-19T15:55:00.002-05:00

Elise and Mommy making Christmas shortbread cookies... we made a movie for a contest and won $25 to RW&Co :) Even if we wouldn't have won anything, we had a GREAT time!

December 2nd - First Haircuts!!

2010-01-19T15:29:00.003-05:00

Isaac's first hair cut at 11.5 months old. He was a very good boy... no crying at all... just kept trying to see what she was doing.

The final product:

Elise's first hair cut, at 2.5 years old! She was an angel... as usual. She didn't move at all, just did exactly what the hairdresser asked of her.

The final product:

After the haircuts, we went back to Grandma and Papa's house... to pick up Papa....

And then Grandma and Papa treated us to A&W... what a great day we had!!!

It's been too long...

2010-01-19T15:26:00.002-05:00

Okay... I've been truly neglectful. I haven't posted in ages... and there's no excuse really... but I will say that I didn't spare much computer time in December. I was busy working on my Mom's blanket... which I'm still working on, but that's another story. So lets get caught up with all of the festivities in December!!

Happy 1st Birthday Isaac!!!

2009-12-13T21:42:00.002-05:00

Now this is how you do cake....

Our new closets!!! Merry Christmas! :)

2009-11-28T12:41:00.001-05:00

For those of you who may not know.... for Christmas this year Mom and Dad gave us a HUGE and WONDERFUL gift.... His and Hers custom built closets (by none other than our family of professionals.... seriously... they should start a business, they'd make a killing!).

Here's a before and after shot... the before one is missing our 2 dressers that had been in there... we had already moved them out when we remembered to take the pics... I'll have to photoshop them in after.

And here's the after.... talk about an amazing transformation!! There are only some small finishing things to do now... like painting.

We are so happy with them... they are even better than what we thought they would be! We're so grateful.... Thank You Mom and Dad! and Special thanks to Uncle Elymer and Uncle Cliff too! You guys all did a great job... and with no major injuries! :)

p.s. Elise keeps asking when Uncle Elymer is coming to colour :)

2009-11-13T20:53:00.002-05:00

2009-11-13T20:45:00.002-05:00

Happy 31st Wedding Anniversary to Mom and Dad - and Grandma and Papa too.... AND Nana and Pa, and Granny and Papa (are you confused yet?)

2009-10-28T12:57:00.004-04:00

We want to wish Mom and Dad (aka Grandma and Papa) a very Happy 31st Wedding Anniversary!!

I can hardly believe it's been 31 years... you've been through so much together, and I wonder on a daily basis how you both make it all work. But looking at this picture, I realize that there was never any doubt. You are my biggest inspiration and the most amazing parents anyone could have. I love you both very much.

From Elise:

hhhaaaaaappppppppy aaaaaaaanniiiivvvvvvvvvvvvvvvredssssssssaaaaaaaaaaaaaaary

sklddkldkjdfkggkkk

oi loooooob b vvvvve b hyouu

(she typed that all herself)

Gilda and Ovelyn

We also want to wish Granny and Papa (aka Nana and Pa) a very Happy Anniversary too! We love you and can't wait to see you both at Christmas!

2009-10-18T15:35:00.003-04:00

This was our day at the pumpkin patch... all in all it was good. Isaac was getting testy near the end... but it was almost lunch time. The pictures are in reverse order... and I don't have time to change it... so they go from the end of our trip to the beginning.

Isaac Claps!

2009-10-12T21:24:00.002-04:00

Isaac learned how to clap today! This is big... Elise *wouldn't* clap until she was well over 1!

YAY Isaac! :)

Isaac's 'crawling'

2009-10-09T11:10:00.002-04:00

So this is how Isaac is getting around these days... not exactly traditional crawling but it works, and it's fast.

Isaac's first ride in the wagon!

2009-10-09T10:52:00.002-04:00

2009-10-07T16:38:00.002-04:00

Elise wanted to hold Isaac... it looks like it should be the other way around though... lol

Playing with playdoh... the red blob with the pointy bits is my cat. Okay... so I'm not much of a sculptor.

Miss Elise making a wormy.

Mmmmmm.... French Toast...

2009-10-07T16:31:00.002-04:00

Okay... so I've been lax... even neglectful of my updates... there's really no excuse.

Here are some pics of Isaac's first taste of French Toast. He loved it :) but really, who doesn't love french toast?!?

Miss Elise enjoying her breakfast... she insisted on wearing the hockey bib.

Isaac's first taste...

To say that things were a little sticky after wards is slight understatement. But it was worth it.

Isaac found the toy box!

2009-09-23T22:15:00.002-04:00

Fun in Montréal

2009-09-16T19:26:00.002-04:00

Helping Mommy

2009-08-27T16:08:00.001-04:00

Elise always wants to help when I'm cooking... she does pretty good :)

The Zoo!

2009-08-26T22:17:00.007-04:00

So way back when.... at the end of July... we went to the Toronto Zoo. We had a great time! Elise loved it... to bad the prices are so ridiculous. It's taken forever for me to just finish the pics... but here they are!

Elise and the BIG wormy.

Elise visiting the ever enticing Alpaca.

Playing in a giant log...

still in the log...

gorgeous girlie... in the ground hog exhibit

watching that crazy camel... he's SO CRAZY.....

again with the camel...

Daddy, Elise and Giraffe.

another log.... the logs are popular

can we say attitude? lol

Elise and the hippo

watching some roaming peacocks

sitting on an elephant.... guess that's pretty self explanatory....

Miss Elise playing on the stone elephants.

Watching the Orangutans... this one was playing peek-a-boo with the other ones.

Elise and Daddy going to see the jungle animals.

Yes, we brought Isaac too... he just spent most of the time asleep.
Mommy and Isaac going to see the turtles.

Some cool bird that was flying around.

A Birthday Yardsale... on August 8th 2009

2009-08-17T18:27:00.003-04:00

We had a great day at Aunt Linda's and Uncle Allan's on August the 8th for their yardsale. And we got to see the birthday boy himself, Uncle Elymer... I hope you had a great day!

A girl in her glory!

Isaac and Grandma taking a break under the tree.

Elise and Isaac having fun on the swing!

I'm not sure what kind of face this is... haha... but I still think it's cute.

Lunch

2009-08-17T14:14:00.002-04:00

Today's lunch was a wonderful myriad of edible scraps found in the fridge. Isaac had squash and oatmeal.. always a favourite. I had a plastic cheese wiz sandwich - the sandwich was real.. just the cheese wiz was plastic - and Miss Elise opted for spaghetti. No, she INSISTED on spaghetti. Lucky for her (who am I kidding... lucky for ME) we had some leftover from supper the other night.

I have Isaac's squash defrosting, and I set out to prepare Elise's spaghetti. I have Isaac in one arm, the phone on the other shoulder talking to Brian, and I'm reaching into the fridge for the container of spaghetti.....when BAM!!! Isaac pulls open the freezer door and nearly knocks me out. Note to me: Isaac can open the fridge/freezer doors.... at 8 months. I'm in for it once he starts getting more mobile.

In the end we're all full... that's all that counts some days.

A surprise visit...

2009-08-14T00:20:00.002-04:00

On Thursday Aug 12 we decided to give Grandma and Papa a surprise visit. However, Grandma was equipped with her own surprises.... tattoo's.... I'll let it slip this time... but only because they wash off. If they were permanent then Grandma would definitely get a BIG time out!

Papa's babysitting...

2009-08-14T00:02:00.002-04:00

This is what happens when Papa babysits...

More Lakehouse Pics....

2009-07-31T23:42:00.004-04:00

I'll continue to add more... I'm just very tired right now.

Miss Elise playing in the water with a stick... very entertaining. Who needs "toys"?

Isaac and Daddy having some chat time...

This was miss Elise Saturday morning... she was cold so they (Grandma and Aunt Brenda) wrapped her in a blanket and Grandma fed her small bird like pieces of food. Funny... nobody does that for me anymore.... haha

Is this an okay enough shot to post Aunt Brenda? Did I get your good side? *wink wink*

Daddy and his little ones just chillin'...

The beautiful view...

Now, this isn't something you see too often.... Papa and his girl together... I'm thinking they are a little inseparable!

LOVE this one!

A weekend away... A lakehouse stay....

2009-07-28T01:35:00.001-04:00

And last but not least.... some pictures in front of Young's Point - well, the sign anyway.

2009-07-28T01:31:00.002-04:00

These pictures were while we were watching the boats going through through the lock.

A weekend away... A lakehouse stay....

2009-07-28T01:29:00.003-04:00

The many faces of Isaac under a tree...

A weekend away... A lakehouse stay....

2009-07-28T01:25:00.004-04:00

Isaac hamming it up for the camera...

Miss Elise stole my cookie....

Daddy and his babies...

Our pretty girl...

A weekend away... A lakehouse stay....

2009-07-28T01:16:00.004-04:00

So, this past weekend (July 24-26) we went up to Aunt Brenda and Uncle Gary's "cottage".... from here on in, it will be referred to as the "LakeHouse". It was beautiful... and we had a great time. I'll be uploading pictures as I finish them - and as I have time. We got a ton of great pictures!

These first few are from Young's Point. We stopped there on our way up for a picnic lunch.

Isaac just waking up as we pull into Young's Point.

Elise is anxious for lunch :)

After lunch it was time for some "(s - the s is silent)pin arounds"

Then on to some toss me ups....

Just chillin' and having a talk with Daddy.

What a sweetie!!

2009-07-22T14:16:00.002-04:00

This morning as we approached the end of our delicious, if diverse, breakfast... I had to make a mad dash into the depths of our humble dwelling. Whilst on my mission for clean clothing recovery, I hear from above that Isaac is fussing. I know that my window is closing, for soon he'll need holding... but whats this that I hear? A sweet angels voice from above saying, it's okay Isaac. Let me tell you a story... of Goldielocks and the 3 bears. Ya, I think so... it will be good!

Dear sweet girl, told him an animated, but abbreviated version of the 3 bears... and Isaac couldn't have been happier!

Some new pictures of Elise....

2009-07-21T21:30:00.004-04:00

Miss Elise.... wearing the watch that used to be mine when I was little. It actually still fits me!

This is what we do for fun....

Great shot of Bob the Builder!

She was eating chips with the big spoon...

Seriously... I could eat him!

2009-07-21T15:49:00.001-04:00

Isaac's 7 month pics...

Some New Pics...

2009-07-19T22:33:00.003-04:00

This is what happens after spending a weekend with Grandma and Papa! She fell asleep half way through supper... she was eating a pickle and is still holding the other half in her hand. She fell asleep chewing! LOL What a sweetheart.

Mr Isaac was being a ham... this is the face you get if you blow on his hair.

He was playing the strap on the camera bag here... a good 20 mins of entertainment. Who needs toys?!

Up up and AWAY!! It's time for a bath... and he can't wait.

Our Latest Adventure

2009-07-15T23:58:00.002-04:00

So as most of you know, Mike had to go in for a scope in Saturday. For those of you with nothing better to do right now... here is how it played out.

Friday Night:
We were sitting down to a delicious and much anticipated supper of bbq'd steak, baked potato, and corn. The feast had just begun when Mike calmly got up and went out of the kitchen... I knew it wasn't good and once making sure that both Isaac and Elise were okay to be left for a second, I followed him. A piece of food had gotten wedged in his throat. He could still breath and talk, but he couldn't swallow or he would start choking again. This happened around 6:40 pm and by 9:00 pm I convince Mike that he should go in to emerge because he's not going to be able to sleep like that - obviously. He was tentative at first because the kids were in bed AND asleep (that doesn't always happen much), but he decided he would go and just drive himself.
He called to let me know he got there in one piece and a few times after that for updates about x-rays - which they couldn't see anything on. At midnight he called to tell me that they were keeping him over night and that if it didn't dislodge by itself by then, then they would do a scope in the morning.

Saturday:
Up early, getting Elise and Isaac some breakfast and waiting for Mike to call to see how he was and what his night was like. Mike calls, says he has to be transferred to Oshawa, because they can't do the surgery at Bowmanville. I call mom and dad - at Granny's - and relay the info. Brian beeps in..... a nurse from Bowmanville calls and leaves a message... you're getting the picture. While my calling marathon is happening, I am trying to hastily get bags and lunches packed - Isaac is screaming bloody murder because he is tired, but I don't have time for him to have a nap before we need to leave. Finally everything is packed.... and it starts to POUR. Great... frigging great. No really... SUPER. Okay, get Elise's raincoat... umbrella... umbrella.... ummmm.... there's no umbrella. Again, super. Run all the bags out, come back for Isaac and Elise. Get them in and secured. Run back to close the door. Get in the van.... SOAKED.

DEEP BREATH

Pick up Mike at the hospital, run a note to his car so it doesn't get tagged and ticketed (yes, it's still pouring out). Drive to Oshawa hospital, park while silently cursing the ridiculous price that I know I'm going to have to pay when we leave.
Mike was given a letter and instructions to go to ER Admissions and that he would be processed and sent straight up to floor 7. Go into ER.... you have to take a # regardless if they are waiting for you upstairs. So we take a #, and wait. It's almost lunch time... Isaac is waking up.... Elise is getting antsy. Mike is called in. I start walking the floors with Isaac and Elise. The first lady is finished, sends Mike to the second lady.... who, after looking over his paper work, said we didn't need to go through all of that. Great.... thanks for nothing, just process us already so we can move on.
Finally processed, and we make our way upstairs - Elise is devastated as we pass pizza pizza, she was starving. Have I mentioned it is past lunch time at this point?
We get up to Mike's room and he gets his info, they said it would probably be a couple hour wait before he would be taken in. I take Elise and Isaac down to the food court to eat lunch... at long last. We are all very hungry... but not as hungry as Daddy who hasn't eaten since lunch the day before. Non the less, we head out for lunch.
At this point I am carrying Isaac (there's not much room for a stroller in the café area, and it just seemed easier to carry him and hold Elise's hand. We wait forever while some "thoughtful" moron decides to buy his nurses 2 dozen doughnuts. I was loosing patients... I didn't care about his nurses just then. I was holding our pizza's, Isaac's bag of food, Elise's hand, and Isaac all the while Isaac is trying to dive bomb my chest in quest for lunch. Alas, it is our turn to pay. I do so quickly and try to find a private'ish area to be able nurse Isaac without flashing all of the clientele that are currently enjoying their lunches. I get us situated at a table in a far corner. Elise climbs up on the chair and dives into her pizza.... little angle has been so patient. I start to nurse Isaac, who is very distracted by all of the noise and the new sights. I hold off on eating my pizza so as not to distract him more - I will eat when he is having his squash and rice. Still, he's not eating like normal... and doesn't seem to want to burp. I'm holding him on my knee, and he starts to throw up... not a little bit of spit up.... I mean gushing, so hard it's coming out his nose too... to be continued...

CONTINUING

So as great as gushing puke is... it's even BETTER when it goes between your legs. Yep... that's right. It looks like I peed myself, only smells worse. Great eh? I also have it down the front and back of my shirt. I'm a regular carton of sour milk.
Now I have to go all through the hospital to get back to Mike's room so I can get the carseat, stroller, and various other things, so I can then go home to get changed - as I am the only one I did NOT bring clothes for. *sigh* I didn't want to leave Mike right before his surgery, but I couldn't stay like that either. So I grab all the stuff, trek back through the hospital corridors - with a more than a few snickers behind my back - and to the van. Pile everyone in... Isaac starts puking again. Clean up the mess. Head home. Call Aunt Holly, beg for her mercy (well, just to watch Elise for me). Get home, change Elise, Isaac and myself - the power goes out, super - make some calls, then back in the van and off to Aunt Holly's to drop off Elise (who was very excited to not have to go back to the hospital). Rush back to the hospital, get there in time to pick up Mike.

Surgery went well. They got out the piece of food (Mike doesn't want steak for a while now). They also opened up his esophagus... he apparently has eosinophilic esophagitis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eosinophilic_esophagitis), and that is what has been causing him to get things wedged in his throat. Fun right?

So Mike was woozy and tired after being put under. We head home, have to stop twice for Isaac - who ate like normal this time - and pick up Elise. Get home, Mike goes to lay down, his chest is killing him and the anesthetic is making him feel sick.

Now for the good part of the day:
I give the kids supper and we leave for a walk... they both fall asleep... it's a long walk and it's wonderful. About 5 mins after getting home, it gets really dark, the winds pick up, and it starts to rain and hail like crazy! I had to run back out in that to put the stroller away, but was SO thankful that I wasn't still out walking when it hit.

*sigh*

Let's not do that again. Ever.

2009-07-15T13:11:00.002-04:00

So I fell off the boat, and not one of you offered to throw me a life ring... or floaty device. It was damn long swim and when I got to shore, all I was told was to take a life jacket next time. Thanks tips.

Translation:
My computer died, the hard drive to be specific, they couldn't retrieve anything. It took forever to get it back, and when I did they proceeded to tell me that I should back my stuff up.
NO REALLY? I should have thought of that first.

Anyway... I did have some stuff backed up (thank you brother!). I had the pictures backed up - all that was REALLY important to me. But I did lose some pics... but just a few. I did lose all the picture adjustments and set ups of about 400 pictures. That sucks. But at least I have the originals.
Music is a different story though. We lost all artists from E - Z... approx 6000 songs.

So I am officially back now... and will continue to post... but I don't think I'm going to try to catch up on the month of sorrow (in many more ways than one), lets just move on from here.

2009-06-10T15:38:00.003-04:00

Hello Ladies!

Isaac and Isaac.. two handsome devils.

Isaac and his God Mother, Aunt Sharon.

Isaac and Nana just hanging out and sharing secrets.

HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY ELISE!!

2009-06-09T08:55:00.003-04:00

Happy Birthday baby girl!! I hope you have a great day today. XO

I'll be posting pictures as I finish them over the next few days... here are a few:

Mowing...

2009-05-26T21:33:00.002-04:00

Daddy's girl mowing the lawn with Daddy. (Mind you, Daddy wasn't so impressed with the mini skirt haha!)

Cheesin' it up for the camera

Mr Isaac laughing at Daddy mowing under the tree...

Daddy stepped in the flowers!!!!!

Isaac @ 5 months

2009-05-20T14:26:00.003-04:00

So Isaac had his 5 month check up yesterday. No shots this time thankfully... I hate having to hold them down for that. We are hopefully going to be getting an appt with the GI soon.... at long last. I just want to know if there is something that can help the poor little guy out. Well, aside from that... everything was great!

Weight - 18 lbs 12 oz (95%)
Height - 28" (97%)

At 5 months Elise was only 14 lbs 8 oz and 26.5".

Dr's only comment was that he was one happy boy :) can't complain with that!

Here is Isaac's 5 month picture.

Stop to smell the flowers

2009-05-19T23:29:00.003-04:00

Everyone should stop and take a little time to enjoy the flowers!!

Elise's 2nd Birthday!!

2009-05-13T15:34:00.002-04:00

I just would like to let everyone know that we have tentatively booked Elise's 2nd Birthday Bash for Saturday June 6th 2009.

Please reserve the day!

Maple Fest!!

2009-05-08T14:58:00.004-04:00

So last weekend was Maple Fest in the Bow Dot. Good times! It was an eventful day.... starting with this Marilyn Monroe sighting. I wish we could have got the sunglasses too... it was impressive! ha ha

Isaac slept through all of that excitement... lucky for him...
*I assure you, he is not covered with saran wrap... it's a rain/wind sheild that goes over the stroller. This was Isaac's very first ride... and consequently first nap... in the stroller.

Miss Elise and Kristin decorating a cupcake. Yes, this was directly before lunch... but hey, you gotta live a little right?

Elise THOROUGHLY enjoyed it!
*a big thank you to Aunt Holly and PineRidge Nursery School for supplying the cupcakes*

This is from Miss Elise's very first ride on a pony. She LOVED it!! It was her highlight of the day.

Good Times!

2009-05-07T18:48:00.002-04:00

Miss Elise tearin' up Papa's driveway.

Isaac eating a plastic flower... will somebody feed this child already?!

Isaac's first day of Rice Cereal!

2009-05-04T15:32:00.003-04:00

Also on April 23rd, was Isaac's first day of trying"real-ish" food, known as rice cereal (or pablum from back in the day). He did really well. We ran into a few problems after a few days, but we seem to have resolved them for the moment.

He gets some everyday at lunch time. He seems to love it.

Just before first bite.

First bite...

After his first "meal".

Elise's first day with the Big Girl Chair!

2009-05-04T15:23:00.002-04:00

On April 23rd, Elise had her very first day of eating at the table with a big girl chair! We went out and got her a booster that evening. But she loves her big girl chair! And so do we for that matter... no more bracing her feet on the ledge below the table and pushing.... as fun as that used to be.

Yes she is eating a pb sandwich and french fries... don't even ask.

A few more pictures...

2009-05-04T15:16:00.002-04:00

Here are a few more pics....

Isaac hanging out on the floor.

Elise playing in her "tent". We have come a LONG way with her fear of being underneath something.

Story Time!!

2009-05-04T15:07:00.002-04:00

Ahhhh.... There is nothing better at the closure of a day, then the animated story telling from Daddy to his babies.

Isaac seems to really be enjoying this particular tale!

Elise being funny...

2009-05-04T00:05:00.002-04:00

2009-05-03T23:44:00.002-04:00

Here is Miss Elise LOVING her 4 wheeler from Uncle Brian.

Back track.... Uncle Brian came to visit!!

2009-05-03T22:23:00.004-04:00

Okay... so this is kinda like old news now... but I've been a little slow on the updates.

Uncle Brian (whom is VERY VERY sneaky) decided to surprise us all - except Stephanie - with a visit! And when I say surprise... I mean really surprise. Let me take you back...

It was a wonderful Friday morning. Mike had the off, and he got up early with Elise and Isaac and let me sleep in a little, as I had been up with Isaac a lot in the night. So there I was... peacefully enjoying my extra 30 mins or so of sleep - and having some weird dream about being back at Artisan. It was around this time that I hear someone saying.... "hey sis, it's time to wake up!". In my head I'm thinking... hmmm... that is weird... doesn't really fit into my dream... I open my eyes to see my BROHER standing in my doorway. "What the f***?!" I stammered.... "why? how? but...." I obviously needed to get a grip. First things first though... Osiris was having a panick attack and was moving in for a kill (you see, him and Brian have a long standing mutual agreement when it comes to house territories)... so I manage to get enough sense to throw the blanket over Osiris in hopes to calm him down.
*I would also like to take this moment to reflect that I am glad that I do not sleep in the nude... that would make this so much more uncomfortable.*
At this point I begin to fully wake up and realize that he is really here. It's not some crazy dream... it's for real. My next thought being, oh my god.. how is mom going to deal with it?! I was SO excited I could hardly think! It's not every day your brother flies a couple thousand miles for a weekend visit!

Here are a few pics from the weekend... there are more, but they are on mom's camera, and we can't seem to find the cord for it... it was lost in the foray of that weekend.

Isaac and Uncle Brian

Papa and Miss Elise having a little sing-song.

Kristin and Elise

Isaac sitting in the high chair for the first time.

Isaac hanging out with Aunt Iris.

We had a great weekend :)

And if anyone notices a grey cord for a camera laying around... please send it our way! Thanks :)
*grey cord has been found... mystery solved by undercover Uncle Brian*

Elise's FIRST Sleepover!

2009-05-03T22:17:00.002-04:00

This weekend was also Elise's first sleepover. Yes, I said FIRST. She had a great time (as did Grwamia and Papa - even if they are a little short on sleep haha).... Mommy on the other hand missed her terribly. That is the first time that she's been away from me, other than when Isaac was born. *sigh* I'm so happy to have her home. Yet, I'm very happy that she had such a great time with Grandma and Papa.... and I know that they will be looking forward to a repeat.

Mommy just has to get over it.... but that is easier said than done.

Isaac rolled again!

2009-05-03T22:14:00.002-04:00

Okay, so today Isaac rolled from his stomach to his back for the first time! He kept doing it too... so we all seen it :)

I'm going to try to get it on camera this week.... I can hardly believe that he rolls... haha... he still seems so disinterested though. I think he only does it because he hates being on his stomach.

He Rolls!

2009-04-28T15:42:00.002-04:00

Isaac rolled yesterday! Ofcourse I missed it. I was busy vacuuming ants in the kitchen with Elise. I had put him on his back on the mats to vacuum up an ant on the ceiling, when I heard him crying. I peeked around the corner and VOILA!! He was on his tummy.

So know at least I know he CAN do it. I just need to see it.

On a side not... he is laying on the mats right now, and Elise is sitting in front of him playing with a guy and a purse and he is laughing his head off.
So cute!

ROAD TRIP!

2009-04-22T00:44:00.003-04:00

So the day after the girls' dinner (the 5th I believe), we hit the road for Niagra (US side) to score some deals on clothes for Isaac and Elise. It was a little traumatizing for me to leave without my girl - but Papa and Grwanmia LOVED it!! I missed her terribly, but in the end it was much better for her to stay here as the drive was eventful.

I WILL FINISH THIS LATER... IT'S 1:00 AM AND I NEED TO GET SOME SLEEP

Okay... so I'm only finishing this A LOT later... lol but such is life.
So like I said... we hit the road with visions of deals dancing in our heads. It was good going for the first bit... I *think* we made to around Oakville before Isaac woke to eat. We pulled of the highway and right into a Tim Horton's (honestly, where else would one go?!) I fed Isaac while Mike waited in line for coffee and hot chocolate. Then with Isaac fed and burped, and seemingly content, we set out again. We made it 2 or three exits before having to stop again - that's what?... 10 mins? max? So again we stop... again I get Isaac out to feed him. We are parked in some abandoned warehouse parking lot. Mike decides to go for a walk... across the abandoned parking lot, down the side of the building... over to a small ravine... but I digress.
I finish feeding Isaac, again, and burp him, again, and get him set up in his seat. AGAIN.
Alas, we make it to the border... wait in line... Isaac starts FREAKING when we are only 2 or 3 cars from being checked through. The poor woman a the booth... I could see the pain in her eyes as Isaac's piercing screams shredded her ear drums. Needless to say she passed us through quickly with no questions. We stopped at the first exit off of the Queenston-Lewiston bridge. Did the feed/burp routine again... and once again we were on our way.
Alas, we reach our destination. Angels are singing and bells are ringing. Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it was nice to finally be there. We head right into the Carters store. Then the angels really did start to sing! haha The sales they have there are so crazy. We have a Carters here, and there are seldom to never sales. If there are, its on the stuff that is going out. But there.... there are sales on EVERYTHING. Everything. It's to comprehend a 50%+ Off sale on brand new items. Mind boggling. It gets blurry after that... there was a flurry of movement... clothes were flying off the racks and into our stroller... all control was lost. And yet, we managed to hold back a little and not buy one of everything they had. We shopped around a bit more, but spent most of our money (okay... not really OUR money - thanks mom!) in Carters. Have I mentioned that I love that store?
So we set out again... this time for home. Can we just say that we've had better drives? Isaac started to cry just as we left the mall. We drove to target (less than 5 mins away) and I fed him in the parking lot there. Then we set out again, and we had to stop just before the bridge to feed him again. The line to cross back into Canada was CRAZY. Isaac was good for most of it. As the border came into sight, he woke up and started freaking out again. I sat in the back and tried my best to passify him until we were through. I think the guy at the gate felt sorry for us... we had to shout to be heard over Isaac's screaming. We pulled into the currency exchange lot, and I fed him again.
Okay, lets cut to the chase, I fed him 3 more times before arriving home. We had left the mall at 4:15 and only got home at 9:30. It was great. Anyone want to come on a roadtrip with us next time?
It was well worth it in the end though. We SAVED more than we spent. Again, outstanding. Why can't we have sales like that here? Maybe we would actually buy stuff here then.

Isaac wanted to drive.... this is legal right?

This is the Carters store... everything you can see was on some sort of a sale. Truly amazing.

The Girls Dinner

2009-04-21T23:43:00.005-04:00

So, I'm only what? two weeks late? haha. Things have been busy. But I have not forgotten our dinner!!!

We had a great time... it was nice to get out and see everyone... although I seemed to be occupied most of the time.

Enjoy the pics and bits of commentary below.

This is at our house before the dinner.... Grandma giving Isaac kiss marks... poor little guy... lipstick all over his face.

Miss Elise looking just a little sassy... and a whole lot like her Daddy.

My cheesy girl hanging out with the big girls.

The two oldest girls (cousins that is... don't get carried away)
*had a nice chat Meg.... you had better keep me posted!*

Miss Elise and Kristin (birthday buddies) rockin' it out.

Aunt Iris stealing a momentarily happy Isaac.

Aunt B and the beginning of the night.

Aunt B part way through the evening (notice the slight decline in her sobriety?... I wish I could have had pictures from the end of the night... I'm not saying she had a drink or anything.... okay... maybe a few.... well... maybe a lot... lets just say she was a little glazed by the end of the night) xoxo Aunt B

Debbie and Gilda laughing at something clever and witty I must have said.

Iris and Fiona pretending to get along (you should have seen the pic before this...) Just kidding... does look like they're having a great time though... must be the bruschetta... makes everyone happy.

No idea what's happening here.... I must have missed this, maybe I was feeding a baby or something of the like... any suggestions?

I wish I had more to write on the evenings events.... but the truth is, I feel like I missed most of it. Dinner was outstanding as usual (speaking of which, I still owe you Aunt Brenda), the conversation was great when it wasn't drowned out by Isaac's screaming. We were also one of the first to leave... which is a bit of a pity. Would have loved to stay and witness the downward spiral of a certain person in there quest for inebriation.

Looking forward to the next one... lets not wait 2 years this time!

Are you jealous?

2009-04-13T22:03:00.002-04:00

Bath Time!

2009-04-12T15:00:00.002-04:00

Isaac loves his bath... as you can tell. We got a few nudy shots... but those are restricted... lol

Some pics from yesterday....

2009-04-02T11:53:00.003-04:00

Anyone up for a drool contest? He can take ya.

Some new pictures....

2009-04-02T11:35:00.003-04:00

I love this one... think it's my new favourite!

Oh to potty...

2009-03-31T23:14:00.002-04:00

So as of yesterday I start to "officially" try to potty train Elise. We had been doing some here and there... but I just hadn't fully committed to it. Over the weekend I we bought some training pants... and voila... Monday was our big day. Things aren't going to shabby... and I *think* we are making progress.

However, at one point today in my potty woes.... I thought to myself.... do NOT get discouraged.... be thankful that your not using an outhouse! I can't imagine the amount of time that would take up... always running back and forth, emptying poe's... (I have no idea how to spell that... but work with me on this...). And can you imagine flour bag underwear? - okay... so maybe some of you can... haha... My hat goes off to Granny... training 10! Ha... I'll be lucky if I get Elise trained by the time she graduates high school! Okay, so that's a slight exaggeration.

I just wanted to share my reflective moment, thinking of how much harder it was way back when... and decided to be a little more thankful for the resources I have. And thankful for indoor plumbing. Remember that next time you flush ;)

ABC's

2009-03-31T13:26:00.003-04:00

Pictures

2009-03-30T21:08:00.002-04:00

Miss Elise in one of her spring coats.

Isaac working on rolling.... we haven't been getting far on that lol

Papa's masterful photography skills...

In keeping with firsts...

2009-03-30T20:38:00.004-04:00

This is the day after our night of firsts. Gwama (recently upgraded from Mama) and Papa had, what they thought, was a great idea.
They requested my permission to let Miss Elise join them for the day... sans parents and brother.
Well, I finally gave in... and much to Papa's delight, he dropped what he was doing and rushed off to our house - how he managed to evade the cops we will never know.
Elise was very excited... though I don't think she was as excited as Gwama and Papa were.
Mommy, on the other hand, has to learn to let go. It seemed so quite without my girl... but she did have a great time :)

This pic was taken just before she left...

Isaac Laughing... He's one happy boy!

2009-03-30T15:39:00.003-04:00

Here is a little video of Isaac cracking up at the supper time last night. Sorry for the back videography.... I was taking it... and holding him at the same time. Can you guess what he was laughing at?

Old MacDonald...

2009-03-30T11:41:00.002-04:00

Here's a little ditty I wrote.... it goes to the tune of Old MacDonald:

Diane Dunbrack has a house,
EIEIO
And in her house she has a girl.
EIEIO
She pee pee's here, and she pee pee's there,
Here a pee, there a pee,
Everywhere but on the potty...
Diane Dunbrack has a house (that is now full of pee)....
EIEIOOOO!!!

Encore anyone?

A night of Firsts

2009-03-21T09:25:00.002-04:00

So tonight was a big night of Firsts. We went to Boston Pizza for supper (Thanks Aunt Iris and Uncle Elymer!). It was the first time that we've taken Isaac out... because of his colic we don't usually stray far from home in the evenings. But it seems his colic has been getting better, and yesterday was a particularly good day. So, off we went, with ideas of bandera bread and pizza and pasta dancing in our minds. Once there, we decided to go for a booth so that Isaac's seat would fit in with us (he was still sleeping at this point). But detting a booth also means that Elise got to sit in a booster seat for the first time... meaning there was nothing to hold her down.... she did EXCELLENT!! Another first is that she got to use the colours and colouring mat - previously not allowed due to the eating of crayons... when my girl is hungry she means business! - anyway, that was a source of much fun. She also ordered off of the kids menu - normally she would just eat some of ours - so she got a pizza with pepperoni, french fries (can't pass up the chance to have ketchup!), her own special cup with a special straw and to top off the meal, a giant chocolate chip cookie! (I know supper of champions... but it was a treat!)

Keeping in line with firsts, it was also the first time I've had to nurse in a restaurant... and if you haven't tried eating spaghetti with your wrong hand, then I suggest you try it! :)

This is a picture of miss Elise and her big cookie, once we got home.

Sharing her big cookie with Daddy...

Our happy little man....

This pic has nothing to do with last night.... but I thought it was cute.

2009-03-21T09:13:00.003-04:00

These are a few pics of Miss Elise when she was still feeling sick... but cute none the less.

Talking on the phone to Uncle Brian... and enjoying a most delicious cracker.

It's funny... I don't think this picture even looks like her.... maybe it's the messy hair.

She was waving to Isaac here... and as you can see, she isn't feeling too good.

Barking at the dogs outside....

Watching for daddy to come home.

Isaac's 3 month pictures

2009-03-18T15:06:00.002-04:00

Mid wink

Isaac Laughing

2009-03-18T09:29:00.004-04:00

Some Pictures from today....

2009-03-17T21:23:00.003-04:00

Here are some pics we took today... they were too cute not to share!

I love that smile!!!

Anyone up for a pint?

2009-03-17T14:53:00.001-04:00

Love my Moby...

2009-03-16T12:52:00.002-04:00

So, on this particular night, Elise was running around like a little terror (this is pre-sick) and Isaac was SCREAMING... and wouldn't stop unless I was holding him.... minor problem was that I was in the middle of cooking.
Choices:
• Let him scream (which also results in Elise screaming) and finish supper.
• Hold him and to H-E-double hockey sticks with supper.
• Put Isaac in my Moby wrap so he will quiet down, Elise can then play, and I can make supper.... and piggie WILL jump over the stile and I will get home tonight.

Needless to say, the wrap saved the day! Here is how I managed to cook supper:

Update Update

2009-03-16T12:28:00.002-04:00

Hello avid reader(s) - the (s) is for those of you who read, but never comment... so we don't know that you read ha ha - it's been a while since I've updated anything. The reason you might ask? Miss Elise has been sick, and if I'm not feeding Isaac, then I'm holding her. They are, for the moment, both napping.... so I'm going to get in as much as I can.

We had a dr appointment on Friday the 13th for Isaac's 3 month check up and for Elise's ear (which also turned into her throat). First for Elise.... She freaked. No surprise there as our previous dr wasn't overly friendly with kids and she was also the one who gave the shots... now Elise is terrified of dr's. In the end we found out that one of her ears is still blocked, so we have to continue with drops in her ears - this experiece deserves a whole seperate blog post. We also got her measured... she is 33 3/4"... didn't get her weight though... as I had mentioned... she was freaking out.

Now for Isaac, he did GREAT... hardly a peep until it was time for him to eat LOL. Are you ready for his stats?!

WEIGHT - 15 lbs 14 oz
HEIGHT - 24 3/4"

Elise weighed 11 lbs 8 oz at 3 months... quite the difference!

Hmmm.... I know there have been other things going on..... but I could be too tired to remember them at the moment. Did I mention that Elise was up.... hmmm.... 1,2,3,4,5? maybe 6 times last night? Poor girl... she was running a fever again, and her throat is so sore. If I wasn't up with her, then I was up feeding Isaac.... they are a great tag team! Oh woe is me.... HAHAHA I'm trying to enjoy every second of it!

Partners in Crime

2009-03-13T01:32:00.002-04:00

It had been some time since the Boogie Buster had shown his face around the house. He had to plan... he had to pick the perfect timing. For he knew Miss Elise would be keeping her eyes peeled for his return.
He saw his chance... Mr Isaac's boogies were plaguing him, and he could sit back no longer. He put on his ninja suit, and quickly moved in to do his important work.
Things were going well... there was no screaming, and no sign of Miss Elise. He was done... and there were no problems. Just as he was about to call it a day... he seen one more boogie. He looked around.... there was no sign of Miss Elise... should he risk one more?
He thought so.
He was wrong.
Just as he was finishing Miss Elise came to Mommy's side and seen him... Mommy did her best to hide him... but alas, Miss Elise had him in her grasp.
It gets a bit fuzzy here.
It was dark in her grasp, and she wasn't gentle.... the was a lot of "whooshing" as the wind blew by. She was running... and Mommy wasn't able to catch her in time before the Boogie Buster was so forcefully thrown under the couch.
Will the Boogie Buster live to return another day? We will have to see.... depends on if Daddy can manage to retrieve him in secret.

While waiting for his retrieval, the Boogie Buster conspires with Temp Taker. Temp Taker cannot believe the Boogie Busters unfortunate peril, and vows to avenge him. He sees the perfect chance when Miss Elise comes down with a fever. Temp Taker comes out and forces Miss Elise to hold him under her arm. She is furious at this, and squirms and wiggles and squeals as Temp Taker continues to do his work and beep. Alas, Temp Taker triumphs! He gives his final triple beep and its over. Miss Elise's temperature has been taken. Mommy swiftly puts Temp Taker away before the same fate can be exacted upon him.
Temp Taker is happy he was able to do his job, and do it well.
He still thinks of Boogie Buster and hopes nothing but the best for him. Will he ever return?
Stay Tuned.

2009-03-11T14:48:00.003-04:00

Princess Cheese and Prince Pickles - I don't know why pickles... just thought it well with cheese.. crackers was unfortunately missing this morning.

Isaac having some tummy time last night... he wasn't completely opposed to the idea... we were working on our rolling skills.... so far, not so good.... but check out that drool, sweet eh?

Miss Elise from today... she was shopping for cheese balls and books. She was aksing "meow's" (a.k.a. Osiris) if he wanted anything from the store... LOL

Jammin' with Papa

2009-03-11T13:30:00.003-04:00

This is an old picture... it's from November 08, but I thought it was cute. She loves to jam with Papa!

What's new...

2009-03-09T23:47:00.002-04:00

So... what's new in our world? I'm sure you're dying to know... its been, what... 2 days? ha ha.

I picked up Miss Elise's antibiotics on Friday afternoon (thank you mom for coming... not sure I was up for another outing!). She is NOT a fan of that disgusting banana medicine... can't say as though I blame her (not everyone can drink that stuff like Uncle Brian). So we have a routine for taking it. First she gets to shake it, then she has to take it. After which she gets to call Papa - not a bad reward for taking that yucky stuff. It nearly makes me sick just to get it ready to give to her... I'm gagging just thinking about it

Tonight I had to put mineral oil drops in her ears... (thanks for the tips mom!) didn't go too badly, though I know she wasn't a fan. But then, who would be? I guess it really tickled, because she kept asking for a drink afterwards - are you following my logic? If not.... here goes.... when you're ear drum/canal tickles, it often makes your throat kind of ticklish/itchy.... we try to solve this by using our tongue to scratch it, or by having a drink. This is my logic. It's probably wrong, but I'm sticking with it for now. LOL

Not sure why I'm still up.... I'm dead tired... everyone else is asleep, and I'm up. Hmmm... I'm blaming it on Mikey.... we're playing scrabble, or "Lexulous" as the cool kids call it these days.

Janice, I got your gifts! Thank you SO much! I'll post a pic of Isaac in the outfit soon... it's adorable :)

2009-03-09T23:25:00.003-04:00

Mr Isaac having his Mommy time... he was all smiles until I brought out the camera.

Come on already with that flashy thing Mom... geeezzzz....

I love his toes... lol

Any cuter and Brian would call me Hannibal Lecter.

And this is Miss Elise enjoying her new rocking horse from Mama... although Papa is taking the credit ;)

Mommy's Little Helper

2009-03-09T23:15:00.003-04:00

Elise was "helping" me while I was changing Isaac (and not a good change I might add.... I'm talking poo to the shoulders kind of change)... anyway... she emptied the hamper into the fish tank (Mike's friend had borrowed it and just dropped it back off), and added some of the clean folded clothes that were in the basket, then topped it off with some of the clothes that needed to be packed away. She also stuffed half of that stuff into the bottom drawer of his change table (not visible in the picture). Please also notice the smattering of books... a work of art I tell you.

If anyone else would like some extra help around the house please r.s.v.p. as soon as possible, we are getting pretty booked up.

Who spilled the milk?

2009-03-06T15:04:00.002-05:00

No Mommy, I don't know who spilled the milk. I didn't see anything.... I was just eating my cereal. Maybe it was Igees...?

The Dr's Office; Episode 2

2009-03-06T12:49:00.002-05:00

PROLOGUE:
Yesterday Miss Elise was acting a little strange. By evening it was clear that something was really wrong.... the rubbing of the ear made Mommy very concerned.

Fast forward to today:
This morning Elise is still acting off. We get up and get dressed have breakfast... get ready for our day. Then Mommy calls the Dr to see if we can get an appointment for this afternoon (when Mama would be here to help). No such luck. They did say they could fit us in if we could make it there in 15 minutes. Mommy takes a DEEP BREATH and says, "sure, no problem!".
We throw on our coats and hats, get Isaac in his carseat, and off we fly to the dr's office. We actually FIND a parking space - now that is a novel idea - and Mommy puts on her super human strength cape and carry's Isaac (in his seat) and Elise up 3 flights of stairs in record time (this is about 42 lbs). We make it up in one piece with no major catastrophies. Sign in... get settled and are called in right way. It's a 3 Little Piggies wait (the extended version). Dr comes and checks out Miss Elise's ears (much to her dismay). Mommy's fears are confirmed. Elise has an ear infection. As the Dr is writing a prescription, Mr Isaac insists that it is time to eat - NOW. So with a whimpering Elise and a wailing Isaac, we make our way back to the waiting area - we were VERY inconspicuous. Feed Isaac (and get a dirty look from some old guy... at this point he's lucky I didn't tell him where to go lol), Elise pulls every single card out of my little credit card book.... it was great. Once we have Isaac settled we make a follow up appointment for Elise for next week. Super. Now we get to get bundled up again, and I get to put on my super human strength cape and back down the 3 flights of stairs (who needs a gym?!). Back to the van, where Isaac begins to scream again.... and all I can think is "Dear God, please let us just get home."

At long last we get home, and world returns to its normal state. *sigh* I still think I need a nap.

Stay tuned for the next episode of The Dr's Office, coming next Friday.

So what's Miss Elise & Mr Isaac been up too?

2009-03-05T11:14:00.002-05:00

Miss Elise has learned some new things.... she can climb onto the couch - BY HERSELF - now... mind you, she still says "Mommy. Help!" and prefers for me to help her (all I do is hold her hand... not much of a help lol). She has recently learned Mommy and Daddy's names. Now when she wakes up she calls "Daddy? Daaaaa-deeeeee! Michael?" and finishes it off with a whispered "Dunbrack." LOL
This morning Elise woke up asking for Mama and Papa.... Mama was here two days in a row. Yesterday she was learning Mama and Papa's names... still have a bit of work to do there. She still insists that her brothers name is "Igees".
She is still obsessed with Froggy... but then, who isn't?!

Mr Isaac is doing well... some days "weller" than others LOL We *hope* that we are turning a corner in the land of colic. It's high on my wish list.
He has found his hands... and not just to chew/suck on... he actually stares at them now... and then smiles... guess he thinks he's got them all figured out now.
We think he's got some of Mom and Papa (okay... that sounds confusing... I mean Gilda and Isaac) in him... he doesn't like to go to sleep. He's nosey and doesn't want to miss out on anything! But for the most part he is a very happy little boy. He is always smiling and laughing now. I love it.

Okay... perhaps I should be doing some cleaning instead on being on the computer... you know, before the board of health comes to shut me down ;)