Our Story: January 2010

Sunday, January 31, 2010

Humane Society Visit

Yesterday we went to our local humane society to drop off the presents that Abby's friends bought for the "homeless kitties & dogs" for her birthday. Check here for the "thank you" they wrote to Abby on their website. What a sweet idea! They also now have a whole section about fundraiser birthday parties on their site and will soon have certificates in lieu of loot bags, etc.

While we were there, one of the animal workers took us on a tour. Abby tried to convince us that we needed another cat. We declined. We may go back and volunteer with Abby. I think it would be a great experience for her. We have cats (no surprise there!), so the boys especially were very taken with the puppies and adult dogs. Even I was trying to figure out how we could make a dog work in our house, with 2 cats. I certainly would not call myself a dog person, but there's something adorable about little boys and puppies/dogs.

Our "nursery"

Jordy is now in his big-boy bed. The crib has been taken down. Over the next few months we'll be making the transition of Jude and Jordan becoming roommates. Jude will move to Abby's top-bunk and Jordan will claim the bottom. The "nursery" will be converted into a Lion King Jungle room for Abbs.

We though decorating it in a Noah's Ark theme was appropriate when we found out we were expecting twins in February 2003 :) As they were born very prematurely, Jon never had the opportunity to make their ark-shaped toy cupboard. Josh and Jonah went to their Heavenly home without ever seeing their two-by-two Noah's Ark room.

Even though Josh and Jonah never had the opportunity to live in their nursery, Abby, Jude and Jordan have each had a turn.

Daddy on a slightly crazy hair day.

Mummy pregnant with baby Jude.

I'm excited for Abby to have her own room and to be able to decorate as she likes. But, it will be a change. To not have a Noah's Ark room. It may be more difficult than I imagine it will be.

This little guy...

...makes me smile.

Jordan loves Abby's old glasses (worn by Abby in this post and likely a few others).

Projects...

Any guesses on what this is?

It's difficult to find time for projects. There seems to be a never-ending pile of tasks to accomplish leaving precious little time for extra stuff. But, to give the family room a more finished look, I went back to working on the ceiling. We chose to use venetian plaster which looks lovely when done. I'm hoping it looks lovely once we're done with it too! Working above my head for several hours challenged new muscles. Jon helped me finish the first layer/coat. It still needs one more.

This project is a lovely antique kitchen cupboard. I love it. I will love it even more after hours of stripping, sanding and refinishing :) It's new home will be in the bathroom side of our suite to hold our toiletries & linens.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Happy Birthday Abbs!!!

Celebrations for Abby's birthday have spanned 2 provinces & 2 years! We celebrated her birthday with our family in NB with a sliding party at Nana and Papa's on New Year's Eve day. On her actual birthday, her Sparks group went skating, so we made chocolate cupcakes with pink icing for her to share with her friends. Yesterday was her party with her Thunder Bay friends. We went sliding at Hillcrest Park on an unseasonably warm January afternoon. After the decorate-your-own-kitty-cupcakes, the kids had fun playing...imagine 11 meowing children :) Abby told me last night ..."I didn't have fun, I had a BLAST! It was the best ever!"

Instead of bringing present for Abby (we're really trying to refocus!), her friends brought presents for a homeless kitty or dog that we will deliver to the Humane Society later this week. She still got some presents as well, but we didn't open them with her friends (again, to try to take the emphasis off presents). She enjoyed opening them later on and will write a little thank you note to her friends.

Instead of pary hats, the girls wore flowers in their hair. Abby loves her flowers and wanted to have some for her friends as well!

I can't believe this sweet little girl is already 6!!

Here is a little slideshow of Abby's birthday celebrations!!

Tea Parties

Auntie Joan got Abby a paint-your-own-teaset for Christmas. She finished it the second day we were home! After painting, the finished dishes are baked in the oven to set the paint. We had girl guide cookies (we forgot to take them home for our family at Christmas so are STILL eating them!!) and hot chocolate with marshmallows.

Even Jude got in on the party fun!

Monday, January 11, 2010

6 years ago today...

...I laid cuddling & nursing my sweet newborn daughter. Although 3 1/2 weeks early, Abigail Grace weighed nearly 7 lbs and was healthy. After losing the boys, her healthy birth was an enormous blessing. Jon made a video of Abby's first 2 weeks home with us. You can see it here. I can hardly believe that my "baby girl" turns 6 years old today!