Feeling A Little Teary Eyed

I got the long awaited call from one of the daycare centers that Paige is on the waiting list for today. There's an opening and she can start "school" August 18th. I'm not sure whether to celebrate or cry. We've been blessed with lots of help during the day from Gramps and Mema, Nana Nancy, Colleen, Koury and Uncle Dean over the past few months.

It makes me sad to think that we won't be able to spend our days playing, reading, eating, swimming, going for walks and just being together. The thought of missing out on all of her experiences away from us brings tears to my eyes. I know that she'll be in good hands and probably love just about every minute of it.

Dear Paige,

I'll miss your random kisses and bear hugs during the day...the way you play with your hair and say "pretty"...your search for cookies in the pantry...how you look for daddy throughout the day... how you say cheers everytime you get a drink and just about everything else that you do!! It's not like you are off to college , but it feels like just yesterday that you came into the world and brought our entire family joy beyond belief. Right now you seem too little to be without us, but I know that you'll be just fine. Your mom on the other hand is going to be another story... but I'll adjust. Know that your mommy and daddy love you. A new adventure awaits you!

Lots of Love,

Mommy & Daddy xoxo

My Great Uncle Gil Loves Me...

Friday was a special delivery day. We went out to get the mail and there was a little package addressed to Paige. In it was the cutest t-shirt that I've ever seen. It had to be documented accordingly. Thank you "Great" Auntie Pam and Uncle Gil for thinking of our little "Sweet Pea". We CAN'T wait for you to see her again...believe it or not, she's a bit of a character! Not sure where she gets it from?

A Little Something for Mimi and Papa

Biker Babe

Last week Paige and I decided to venture out on the bike for a "quick" ride to Cambier Park. Here she is in her GoBug, helmet and please note the bag that had to come along on our trip. Yikes!

Bum Bubbles

Toilet training is one of the funniest things I've experienced to date. Paige has finally warmed up to her potty. She practiced sitting on it yesterday fully clothed and rode off into the sunset (not really just around her room). Today was a new day... she sat on it "sans" diaper! :) YAHOO!!

I believe this was prompted by the early morning piddle on the floor before getting in the shower. Paige shed a few tears as she stood in this unknown warm liquid puddling below her. I reassured her that it was ok and used daddy's towel to clean it up... just kidding Jay - really!

Later in the day we made a quick trip to my office where she had a short visit with her Auntie Krista who always makes her laugh amongst other things. As Paige was frolicking about the office she leaned over and a little built up "energy" was released. Paige quickly identified the "passing" sound as "bum (dramatic pause) bubbles". So much better than the "f" word, I know her Papa is proud!

Summer Trip

Patiently waiting for the plane ride to Ottawa

Eating dirt at the cottage Going for a dip in the cold lake

Fishing with dad
Hanging with the girls: Naomi, Emily, Sophia & Paige

A walk with friends...
Loving cottage livin'


Solo trip down the slide

Strollin' with SamNo more Papparazzi please!Good old summer patio's: The Market in Downtown Ottawa

1st Hair Cut!

Daddy made me do it! He booked your first hair cut today at 8:30 a.m. before any one else was in the salon. It was like being a movie star, you had the place all to yourself. You were a great sport and loved Amy and Angel fussing over you. I held you in a big black super girl cape while Amy trimmed you up and Angel took photos. They even put one of your curls in a tiny envelope for safe keeping. When it was all said and done you toured the salon and even found daddy's favorite Aveda products on the shelf..."Daddy bubbles" as you fondly referred to each bottle. You were such a big girl this morning, thank you for being our Precious Paige.

Have Toddler Will Travel

First off, I would like to wish all of my Canadian family and friends a HAPPY CANADA DAY!

Speaking of Canada, we are off tomorrow on a family trip to Ottawa, Canada, The Nation's Capital to see my pals and all of their new kiddos! It will be the first time that we've all been together with babies...slightly different from our high school and university days - CAN'T WAIT! (Sorry Papa Ken, Nana and Uncle Preston... we'll come to Sarnia soon.)

This will be Paige's third airplane trip, but the first since she's been walking. I seem to be having a little travel anxiety. I am more concerned about what Paige is going to wear than anything else...I'll likely forget to pack a bag for myself. Between the car seat, the Go Go Kidz cart, Gate Check bag, Paige's new backpack / harness (yes, we bought a leash for our kid), the diaper bag, passports, tickets, snacks, drinks and whatever else I'm forgetting, I'm feeling a little overwhelmed.

Thank goodness daddy is coming with us! He's always calm, cool and collected and most importantly knows how to keep mommy grounded when she works herself into a tizzy. Jay will likely pack the morning of our trip and remember everything that we could ever need, I often find myself using his toiletries-thanks for sharing with me Jay Howard :). Just one of the many reasons I love him. Gone are the days of handsfree travel, but that's o.k., it will all be worth it being with my best buds and their babies.

Climbing Mount Mommy with new backpack

Ready for a hike in the Gatineau's

Almost forgot to post: "First Pig Tails", Courtesy of Stylist, Colleen Lingrin (a.k.a. dynamite babysitter - I never could have done this!)