Hip

What a great weekend!
Roberta, Mike, Darren and myself went to Kingston Ontario to see the Tragically Hip in concert. It was the opening of the new stadium and a big celebration for Kingston. The concert was fantastic! Really fun. Dan Akroyd was there and came out during one of the last songs to play the harmonica. The stadium is fairly small which was a great way to see the Hip.
We also found a good pub to hang out at before and after the concert and we went to dinner at a fantastic restaurant. One of the highlights of the trip was staying in a hotel and sleeping in. That is a big deal when you have young kids.
Big thanks to Emma for taking great care of the kids so we were able to go away and not worry. The kids had lot's of fun hanging out with Emma and having all of her attention.
Great weekend!

Baby Alexander is doing well. I had the chance to hold him for the very first time yesterday. What an amazing thing to hold a new born baby. Beautiful, fragile, strong, determined little one. Such a mix of all the great human qualities.

Nathan met his cousin for the first time. He was busy making funny faces at him and was a little concerned that Mommy was holding Alexander a little longer than what he would like. The feeding thing was a wonder to Nathan...it is not the way he gets his food...life is a big mystery when you are three.

David and Oksana are doing ok but TIRED! They are learning as they go along and loving their son like crazy. When you see your child for the first time...life changes...your heart fills.

As for me...life is great. I really am one of the lucky ones. I have healthy beautiful kids, I am deeply in love with my husband, I like my job and our little world is stable.

Baby Alexander

A big family welcome to the new arrival. David and Oksana had baby Alexander today. I was lucky enough to take a trip to the hospital to see him. Very cute! Oksana is doing well but very tired. I wish them all the happiness!

Snow day so no bus pick up for Jade. That turned into a plus for us because it gave Jade and I time to spend together without Nathan. We went for a hike in the ravine and it was beautiful. We were lucky enough to spot the beaver and we spent some time watching him. The Beaver was swimming in the -10 temp and coming up out of the water with ice all over him. It was really fun to watch and really amazing how the animal survives in the freezing temperature.

(Cliff's pic)

Darren is traveling this week so I am doing the parenting gig solo. I took the opportunity today to talk to Jade about growing up and changes that she is going through. The conversation did not go well so I dropped it. At bedtime she gave me a hug an apologized for being upset about me talking to her about growing up. She confessed that she does not want to grow up and I sensed that she is fearful of all the changes. Definitely a difficult time in a child's life when they start to approach being a teenager. I can truthfully say I am a little fearful about it as well.

the kids

Short bragging notes on the kids:

Jade: I am so proud of her for stepping out of the comfort zone and trying a new sport. She had her first volleyball class on Sunday and she loved it.

-Jade also got the highest mark in her class on her last math test. That is a huge achievement since the class is a congregated gifted class. Good job girl!

Nate: He has graduated to a booster seat. Very exciting to get him out of the baby seat and he is thrilled with his new position close to the window. Small steps but exciting.

-Nate has really developed in swimming class and is now actively participating. He is the little boy in the class to keep an eye on though because he likes to do his own thing. Nate looks forward to swimming class every week, that in itself is a big deal.

60

My Dad never made it to 60. Three of my siblings never made it either. Did they live their lives the way they wanted and were they happy?
Sixty. That number has been on my mind lot's this week as we celebrate Helen's birthday. The more I think of it the more I think what a celebration it really is. I hope I get the opportunity to see my children grown and to hold my grand children.
I feel like I am on the right track. I truly enjoy my life am looking forward to the next 24 as being very content times. Living my life with gratitude, caring for myself and those I love....can only lead to good things. The future is looking bright!