David's Birthday

Today was David's birthday. We didn't do a lot on the day besides have a steak BBQ at home and just spend time together. We just had a couple of day trips while Regan and Jen were out and have lots of things planned for this coming week when Debbie and Tim come out. So we thought we would take it easy this week.

On Friday we went to Marineland for a little picnic to walk around and see the animals. It's amazing how much more Sarah seems to enjoy it each time we go. On Thursday we went to Tony Roma's for all you can eat ribs. This is something that David has wanted to do for quite some time, so his birthday seemed like a great time. Too bad that dinner out with a one year old isn't exactly a relaxing experience. Hence dinner at home yesterday while Sarah was in bed...much more relaxing.

I can't believe how long her hair is already. The pigtails have become her daily "look." With the weather being so warm she seems happiest to have her hair off her neck. Cute too!

While at Marineland there was a band playing. Sarah enjoyed grooving to the music and turning in circles on the grass.

Sarah LOVED feeding the animals, especialy the bears! She watched David throw some marshmallows into the bears mouths and wanted to take part right away.

Every time she would throw a marshmallow through the fence she would squeal with joy...so funny!

The observation area is perfect for kids since it allows them to see all the bears and be able to feed them. Feeding the animals is very encouraged at the park. They sell different kinds of food all over the park. Last time we went to Marineland we took note of what they sold for animal food and the lists of what the animals like to eat. Then we just brought our own food for the animals. Who knew bears love marshmallows and corn pops!?!

Then it was time to visit the deer. As soon as David started feeding the deer corn pops they started to follow us. Within minutes we had a huge heard of deer following us. David thought this was great, Sarah wasn't too sure.

Today David wants to go to the Flea Market in the afternoon, so it seems that's the plan... should be interesting. Life is good. We're thankful for our central air AC with the warmer temperatures and looking forward to our next guests arriving. More good times with my cousins Debbie and Tim.

Babies..babies..

So it seems that the stork has arrived for many of our friends...Congratulations!
(Us women only wish it was the stork that brought these little miracles into our lives)

Michelle and Shane (from our new care group) had a baby girl last week, Leah Megan (pic above)

Pam and Stephen Wells had a baby girl yesterday, Olivia Autumn.

Emma and Adam (from our new care group) had a baby girl this morning, Brook.

Jeanette and Brian found out the other day that they'll be adopting a baby girl (she was just born last week).

Nate and Melissa had a baby BOY last week, Joshua Nathan.

(Hopefully I didn't miss anyone)


So many babies! Today we get to drop off a meal and meet little Leah, so exciting!

Port Dalhousie

On Saturday David had to go to work and Regan went to Waterloo to visit with friends, so Jen, Sarah and I spent the day together. After Sarah's 3.5 hour morning nap we headed out to Port Dalhousie for a walk and carousel ride. The weather wasn't that nice but it was warm out anyways.

Jen and Sarah on the pier.

Time for a ride on the 5 cent carousel. Sarah loved it!

Jen and Sarah playing on the playground

Today we are sad to see Regan and Jen leave already. It has been so great to have them here, even if it was only for a few days. We felt like we were on vacation as well since we did several touristy things and just spent time relaxing. Thanks for the visit Jen and Regan!

The African Lion Safari- Awesome!

Yesterday we went to the African Lion Safari (just over an hour away from where we live). There is 9 km of road/ pathway that goes through different animal areas where the animals are wild and uncaged. It was amazing!

Sarah loved being not buckled into her carseat and enjoyed watching the animals just outside the car.

One of the best parts of the safari was the baboons. They were jumping and sliding all over the cars. Sarah thought this was pretty great, as did we!

We were surprised the the ostrich's were really curious in the cars as well. They were walking right up to the car and blocking our way.

These big guys kept standing right in the middle of the road and eyeing us up. It was so funny to be sitting in the car and have animals looking right in our windows.

After the safari we watched the elephants go for a swim. The babies were so... cute!

After the elephant swim we went on the African Queen Boat tour to see more monkeys and birds.

Then it was time for the Train ride...

Choo Choo... Sarah LOVED the train!

Such a fun day and awesome experience!

Jen and Regan come to visit!

Yesterday evening Jen and Regan arrived! Today we headed out to the falls to see the sights and go on the Maid of the Mist boats.

Here's Jen and Regan getting ready for the Maid of the Mist experience.

On the boat... Sarah seemed to love the water. She even got her own baby poncho to wear, too cute!

Our family after the boat ride. We were surprised how much mist there actually was, it was more like water spraying onto the boat.

After spending some time at the falls we headed to Reif Estate Winery where David works. He had previously organized a little private tasting for Jen and Regan as well as a tour. It was fun to watch him do his thing!

Learning how to swirl the wine around. This was Regan's first winery experience.

Sarah and I got to have grape juice to drink (they always have it on hand for kids) Sarah was a pretty big fan!

Checking out the big barrels full of wine.

In the evening my friend Kim came over to baby sit while Sarah slept and the four of us went out for an amazing dinner at the Keg. It was so great to get out! Sarah was beyond tuckered out at the end of the day since she didn't get her afternoon nap, so she went to bed at 5:30 and is still sleeping. I thought she would have woke up to eat at least, but no signs of that at the moment.

Tomorrow should be another fun filled day.

28 Weeks...really?!?

Time just seems to be flying by. Today we had to go to the hospital so that I could get blood work done for being RH negative...good times. Then it was off to see the baby doctor for a check up. Baby is good, I'm good, we were in and out in minutes. The funny thing was that as soon as I lay down and the doctor was listening for the heart beat Sarah freaked out. David was holding her but she was crying and really upset.

In the last few days it almost seems like she's figured out that something is going on and isn't so sure about it. She likes to lay on my stomach (weird, especially for her), cuddle and wants to be with me a lot. All things that are out of character for her. Interesting.

Anyways, then at 4pm we had to head back to the hospital so that I could get my special shot for being RH negative, more good times.

While we were there I asked if we could have a little tour since we had never been to the Niagara Falls hospital. The nurses were really friendly and quickly offered to show us around. The hospital is small (usually only 5-8 women in the maternity ward each day) and everything seems to be set up really well. All of the rooms are private with ample space, an extra cot and a big window. There is even a mini parking lot just outside the delivery rooms so that we can park and go right into where we will have the baby. No walking through any halls or going up elevators, I loved this idea. Brilliant. I actually felt excited that we were having our baby there, it also made the whole thing more real once again. Our next baby appointment is in 3 weeks from now, they're starting to get closer together.

When we got home we went outside for awhile. David picked 7 more zucchini and about the same number of cucumbers. Sadly, one of my sunflowers (that's bigger than me) fell down in the rain/ wind storm last night and broke at the stem. I seriously need to re stake all of our tomato plants before the same thing happens to them. Forget tomato cages here, they do nothing!

Just as we were going to go in Sarah seemed to have gotten stung by a bee/ wasp or something. Poor girl's little pinky swelled up and she was crying. I was amazed how fast she seemed to get over it though. At least we know that she's not allergic.

And now we wait for Jen and Regan. They should be here any minute now. I just made some more zucchini/ carrot muffins (oh..so much zucchini!) and cleaned up Sarah's toys. We're so excited to see friends. We moved the spare bedroom downstairs, which makes more sense since there's another full bathroom downstairs and it's nice and cool. Now we're ready to make the extra upstairs room into baby's room.

This pic was taken a week or so ago. I still feel so small and comfortable, loving it!

Playing Outside

Another Saturday, David's working and Sarah and I are just hanging out. I thought I would post a few pics of Sarah spending time in our backyard. I was playing with the light levels, etc on our camera for these photos, kind of fun to do once in awhile.

Not much new here. It's been warm and comfortable outside which has been nice. David's working lots, Sarah has healed up well from her surgery and I continue to be busy with my new little business. I feel like I'm learning a whole new language, making up this new website, sure is a lot of work!

David and I have been enjoying watching Sarah's level of comprehension growing steadily. There are so many times in each day where I realize that she's actually understood the meaning of what I've said, so amazing! She's also started to play differently and has become so enjoyable to interact with (not that she wasn't before, but now it's just different). It amazes me how it all just keeps getting better and better. I keep wondering when the peak to this is, or if there isn't a peak, rather just changs each with their own positives and negatives (I'm going for that). We are so in love with this little girl in our life! She is always so content and happy with life. After David comes home from work each day I have to give him the run down on all the cute and funny things that Sarah did in the day.

One of my favourite things right now is watching her talk on the "phone." A phone can be a real phone, cell phone, play phone, random toy or even her hand sometimes. She laughs, smiles, throws her head back, changes tone continually, all while walking around at the same time. I am always amazed how much emphasis she uses in certain sounds. So funny to watch!