Ella is 19 weeks today. We arrived back yesterday evening from a busy weekend at Gram’s.

Friday was mom’s birthday so although we tried to get there for early afternoon, we arrived sometime around 4 and made her a special dinner.

Saturday we all went to the market and walked around downtown. We checked out Science East which was actually pretty cool – lots of science stuff reminiscent of the Ontario Science & Technology Centre we were at recently in Ottawa. The old York County Jail has been converted into this kids science centre and they did a great job. And from 10-1 on Saturdays, it’s only $2 to go in.

Saturday night mom watched the kids for us to go out for dinner and a movie for our anniversary (7 years yesterday). Our service was so fast at Dimitri’s that we had time to hit the early show. Inception was sold out so we saw Salt. Then Rick had the brilliant idea to go see a 2nd movie since we were there, and we were able to get in to Inception. Wow! We usually go to about 2 movies a year, so there you go.

Sunday we hit the road to Sussex and had a visit with Uncle Jamie. We stopped at the Big Pumpkin on the way and Marshall fed the animals and we got ice creams.

Ella has started going to bed around 8pm or so, but is waking in the night again, around 1am usually and then 4 or so… I’m going to try giving her a “dream feed” before heading to bed tonight to see if that helps.

Marshall has been all kinds of adorable, but of course now that I’m sitting at the computer, nothing is coming to me.

We had Ella on the table in her bumbo chair while we had supper and I think she’ll be ready to start eating cereal soon. Marshall held her hand a bit while she was there.

Well, time to hit the hay!

He and Ella both put up a really good fight against the sleep tonight.

I’m going to try to write a little bit every day or every other day if I can because we are missing out on documenting the cutest things because we forget them weeks later when we finally get around to writing.

Saturday night after we finally got a rambunctious birthday boy to bed, Rick had a shower and then came down and stared at me with such fury in his eyes! I didn’t know what could possibly be wrong… and then he turned on the light so I could get a good look at him… toothpaste all over his forehead! Apparently Marshall had been playing with the toothpaste when he was supposed to be going to the bathroom earlier… anyway, Rick was pissed, but we both couldn’t help but laugh. We didn’t want to punish him on his birthday, but I told him that it wasn’t a very nice thing to do, not to do it again etc. and later of course we told him he had to be supervised with the toothpaste from now on. hehe. He also made little toothpaste sandwiches with the bars of soap that I’d left out on the counter. I mean… how tempting is that??

Marshall received lots of really nice gifts. Aqua Sand, outdoor toys, a camping lantern, Trouble (the game) … He even received a gift from Julien and Alexandre today at school – Lincoln Logs – we built a fort with them tonight after supper.

We gave him a wooden dragon for his castle that we picked up in Ottawa, a pirate puppet, some t-shirts, and some play kitchen things. Auntie Stacey sent down some sharper scissors and finger puppets. We made up a story with those and did a little play together. He used his new scissors to cut the tags off. Uncle Randy and Steve gave him a James megablocks train – he made a lighthouse, windmill and his favourite, the crane with the blocks!

The Grampys did well this year: Grampy got him the coveted DSi (XL) and he’s going to use Grampa Bob’s birthday money to buy a game for it! And Uncle Jamie dropped by Saturday afternoon with a RC Car. Nana had sent a box on the bus that he opened on Friday with some nice clothes and a cool magnet/spelling book, and Gram gave him a water bottle and some outdoor/pool toys and will be seeing him next weekend with some other things from her Atlanta trip.

Sunday we went to Greyson’s birthday party (across the street) – he turned 2! Marshall had fun playing wiht all Greyson’s toys and they had cupcakes. The adults enjoyed themselves as well with a fun guessing game and lots of good munchies. Must absolutely NOT get the recipe for Cathy’s nacho dip – deliciously deadly! Also: they had red velvet cake from the Cakebox. Yum!!

***

Just to backtrack a bit, Ella and I had a great trip to Calgary and really enjoyed our visit with Stacey, Cris, Sam and Diego and Martha. We saw Lake Louise and lots of mountains, we went to the stampede, and a stampede breakfast! We got to see my uncles Brad and Ron, aunts Jeannie and Roberta, my cousin Lara and her son (who was due the same day as Ella but born 5 weeks early) Gage, and Jeannie’s son Connor.

I made curtains for the boys room, and Cris got me hooked on Lost again. We had many nice meals and celebrated Stacey’s … 34th??!! birthday!

Ella did really well on the plane both ways. I had lots of room on the planes on the way out to Calgary, but on the way back it was packed. We still managed! (even though on the way back they swabbed the baby bottles and got a red flag… everything had to go through xray again and they had to pat me – and Ella – down before they’d let us through!)

I learned on this trip that Ella loves her Bjorn (baby carrier). I picked it up on Canada Day for $35 on Kijiji.

I missed my boys though! It’s nice to be back home!
***

I have updated pics but am still working on the Calgary ones … I’m a little behind!

Did I mention I’m going back to work in September?? Eek!

One thing about this place was that the ‘camp cops’ seemed to be pretty intense. They don’t much like noise or conversation of any kind after the sun goes down. Regardless, we managed to have our marshmallows, some jiffy pop, and the boys sat around after the kids went to bed (the girls had their own fire). I was glad to have borrowed a Coleman stove, which allowed me to make coffee and some awesome bacon the next morning. I think I’ve also been crowned Jiffy Pop king, which means I’ll be responsible to make the popcorn every year.

Today was a weird day, because I was both lazy and busy at different intervals. Managed to catch the final soccer game, got the floors washed, and penned some invitations for Marshall’s birthday. Pretty tired now though, so I better cap the weekend. Later!

While all of this was going on, Tamara and Ella were basking in the not-so-warm glow of Calgary (I’ll let her tell you that whole story). The week has been non-stop even after that craziness, as Marshall had his “3-year checkup”, though I guess the only thing they look for is ‘lazy eye’. They don’t check hearing or anything. You’d think the health care system would be more proactive with kids so they don’t have to lean on it so much later in life. Anyway, he also had another swimming lesson (I don’t get to take him to many!) and he’s doing so well! I can’t believe how comfortable he is in the water now and able to paddle his way around. Won’t be long and he’ll be doing lanes.

Today I got the first of 18 ‘baskets’ (a box, actually) of fresh produce from a local organic farm called Amarosia. It’s a farm share program that guarantees fresh supply every week. While it’s a bit pricey, it’s kind of neat to try new things and see just how much better the fresh organic stuff really is. Check out the photo of my first haul in the new set of pictures.

Marshall and I are supposed to be heading to Murray Beach this coming weekend, but there is some nasty rain in the forecast, so I’m not sure if we’ll make the trip. It’s a ton of work and not that close, so I’ll have a decision to make on that tomorrow.

After tomorrow I’ll only have 4 more weeks before *I* get to go on parental leave for about 6 months! It’s kind of exciting. Tamara is heading back to her job, and hopes to get on permanently. Then we can maybe upgrade our vehicle! Hard to believe our Corolla is over 7 years old… still feels relatively new.

>Dear Mr. D,
>
>I’m writing to you today to let you know about a change to your
>banking services that might affect you.

I’ve recently been promoted to Head of Payments & Banking Services, and it has come to my attention that you’ve been getting away with something.

>In the past, we may have waived your fees on the purchase of
>Money Orders, Drafts or Single Signature Travellers Cheques, even
>though these services were not included as part of your current
>RBC account or other bank product.

Someone once thought you were a valued client and saw fit to throw in a few added perks to make you feel special. You’re not.

>As of July 24, 2010, however, standard charges will be applied:
>$6.50 per Money Order or Draft and 1% of the total amount for
>Single Signature Traveller’s Cheques.

As you may know, our sector has taken a hit lately, and we must do whatever it takes to nickel and dime our way back to eye-popping profitability. You know, like when we charge you close to 40 bucks for a book of cheques that we used to give away (they ARE gold-plated, after all).

>If these features are important to you, I invite you to consider a banking
>package that includes these, and other money-saving features for one flat
>monthly fee. The RBC Signature No Limit Banking or RBC VIP Banking accounts
>are all inclusive packages which offer benefits such as unlimited debit
>transactions and fees waived(1) at non-RBC ATMs.

We tried to re-jig our banking packages to make more money, but we kind of screwed up that last time. We didn’t think you’d actually figure out how to get free transactions. Oops. (1)Many conditions apply.

>For advice on which of these banking accounts best suits your everyday
>banking needs, simply visit your branch, call us 1-800 ROYAL 1-1 or
>visit our website at and use our Account Selector Tool.

You’ll need an inconvenient appointment, but why not speak with one of our new hires about something they know little about. I’d give you my number, but I’ve got a tee time booked.

>We appreciate your business, and thank you for choosing RBC Royal Bank.
>If there’s anything we can do to be of service, please do not hesitate to
>contact us.

We’re pretty sure we won’t lose you as a customer over this, since it’s such a hassle to move banks and we all know those other guys are just as bad. And to be honest, please don’t call.

>Yours truly,
>Doug Collins

We rented a van and it was at capacity! We drove to Fredericton and stayed a night at Gram’s to kick things off. We even stopped on the side of the road in the rain so Rick could pick free fiddleheads.

The next day we drove to Melbourne to visit Grandpa Bob and Donna, and we got bonus visits in with Aunts and Uncles Judy,Terry, Spencer, Nancy, Cousin Chris, and Gran! Ella and Marshall were terrific in the van. It took us a while to get going, but once we did, we didn’t need to stop too often. Once in Perth Andover for coffees and a longer break at a rest stop near Quebec City for a late lunch.

Saturday Grandpa Bob made waffles with his $2 waffle iron (thanks to Spencer for the deal finding) and then walked over the bridge to Richmond to look at trinkets at Trillium Boutique and visit with the Watsons. Then there was a big turkey dinner at Bob’s place and the 3 of us went to Gran’s to pick more fiddleheads. I found out what Stinging Nettles are (ouch!), and the aunties and others looked after Ella for us.

Sunday we headed to Montreal to visit Nana for mother’s day! We had some delicious ribs and ice cream cake for supper. Sandra’s friend Avril joined us for the cake and Marshall grinned at her the whole time.

Monday was a big day – more waffles! (Marshall’s favourite) and a huge trip to IKEA where I shopped to my heart’s content (no really I was in there for 3 hours including lunch), and then Rick got to go to Game 6 which he says was quite amazing. The kids and I walked to St. Viateur bagels to pick some up for supper (Marshall was being fussy about supper) while Nana had a rest, and then we watched some of the game and looked for Rick.

Tuesday we were off to Ottawa for the week. Arrival at the hotel was a bit crazy – we arrived about 20 minutes before the conference started and the parking for the van was around the corner from the hotel and 3 floors underground! Rick managed to throw everything in the room before he left and made it on time. Me and the kids spent the afternoon in the room resting and organizing the ridiculous amount of stuff that travelling with kids requires. And it was then I found out that this particular hotel doesn’t have bathtubs. And Marshall doesn’t shower. Yikes!

Rick joined us after the workday was finished and we all walked to the Rideau Center for supper, then walked around the market area and the parliament buildings, then the boys swam, while the girls watched (and nursed).

Wednesday was a really big day for me and the kids. We walked to the Rideau Center to look for a new swimsuit for Marshall (how did I forget to bring HIS suit?) and Marshall counted everything in Spanish. On our way there he saw the boats on the canal and insisted he really really wanted to go on one. So after we found the swimsuit, I kept him going along by looking for the boats. We walked a fair bit. I managed to get him into a restaurant to eat lunch because I was too hungry to go on the boat before I ate. He resisted at first but finally gave in. We went to Zak’s and tried their famous milkshake. He ordered up a mini pogo kids meal with chocolate milk and proceeded to dunk his pogo in the milk…? The waitresses all laughed at my surprised “Marshall! what are you doing!!??” and said “don’t knock it till ya try it mom!” hahaha

We finally did make it to the boats with some adventures along the way (bought fruit at the byward market, and some Obama cookies and a latte, had a construction man carry my coffee down a long flight of stairs while I wheeled the stroller – and Ella – down) …

5 minutes after we were going, he asked when we could get off! LOL nice one! He did enjoy it though and I was able to get Ella out of the seat and nurse/change her.

After the boat ride we went through the Rideau Center again (only way I could figure to get back up onto the bridge) and got back to the hotel in enough time to head back down to the van.

Rick was a little concerned about me driving the van which was 1. a van 2. rented 3. parked in a “very tight” garage, and in 4. ottawa. However, he need never be worried! Though once I got down to the garage I understood about the “very tight” part of his worries. I had to drive the van out of the space in order to open the trunk for the stroller! And then it was 2-way trafic around a corner and up a steep ramp! When I saw this I yelped “What!? What!? What are ya nuts!?” and Marshall thought that was quite funny. Unfortunately I forgot Marshall’s bath bag in the hotel room so I parked in the loading area for the hotel and unloaded everyone, ran up to the room to get the back and back down to load everyone back in. Ugh! I got angry with Marshall because it was almost rush hour traffic and he was hopping up and down in his seat while I was trying to buckle him. I apologized to him for yelling at him once we got going. He said it was ok, and then gave me a lecture about yelling at Daddy. WHA?! Apparently I yell at daddy a lot. Sorry Daddy! Can’t get away with anything around here anymore!

We had a nice visit with my aunt Bonnie, and then Marshall had his bath and shampoo while Bonnie played with Ella. We got home quite late and Marshall finally passed out around 10pm. Ella was sleeping in her stroller… and when I took her out, I saw why she was so relaxed! Poooopsplosion! So into the bath with her too! (we brought her baby tub luckily)

Whew! I told you it was a big day! Daddy arrived home a little while later.

Thursday we laid low – swimming at the hotel in the morning, got some bagels from Rick’s conference. Though I felt like I was stealing! Especially when someone from the conference “told” on us (she wasn’t aware the boss had said it was ok, and was also unaware of who we were as she was new to the company). Then lunch at the hotel restaurant which was slooow food. Then naps. For supper we drove out to Erica and Rod’s place – they have Connor (3) and Ava and Luca (1) – born the same week as Stacey’s boys. The boys became fast friends and both were super sad to leave.

Friday Marshall and I took a load of stuff to the van, then went swimming again while Ella slept in her seat, then another load to the van and conference sandwiches, cartoons and packing in the room, with the promise of a Dino Museum later. Also on one of the trips down the elevator, Marshall was almost crushed by the door! What a scare! I had a suitcase and the stroller, and Marshall had a suitcase. The door started to close before we could get out of the elevator, and Marshall tried to stop it -he was kind of stuck in the doorway because his suitcase was caught on mine – and luckily a hotel employee was coming along and helped hold the door for us. Scary! I was shaken and made a complaint at the front desk. A lady later came to talk to me about it and said that the standard for elevator doors is 30lbs of pressure to stop the door! That’s scary! Especially since I couldn’t reach the open doors button from where I was behind my luggage. Beware the elevator doors friends!

When daddy was back, we all pitched in to take things to the van, and then rushed off to our Canadian Mint tour. Which I don’t highly recommend. It was interesting, but not worth the trouble really. Then off to the Dino Museum…which was closed for renos. boo. aaaand Meltdown. double boo. So we convinced Marshall to go to the Science & Tech Museum instead which was a big hit! And it was free because we arrived after 4 (closing at 5).

We arrived and Uncle Phil’s place (Greely) for a late supper and Nana met us there too with Marshall’s beloved bed! He was thrilled. Phil started teasing Marshall about sleeping out in the backyard and at first he didn’t believe him but then he got roped in and actually started to like the idea! Bev tried to discourrage the teasing by saying there were too many mosquitos out there etc. Finally Phil took him outside for a tour of the backyard before bed to appease him. Unfortunately, a screenless window had been left open and there were some mosquitos in our room – one buzzed Marshall’s ear and scared him – he totally freaked out thinking there was a bee in his room! I got him calmed down enough to go to sleep.

At breakfast – a nice spread! – Marshall gave Phil what-for “YOU HAVE MOSQUITOS IN YOUR HOUSE!” and Phil teased him about not having met Edward yet – who’s Edward? The really big mosquito I’m training to get little boys! Marshall just laughed and laughed. And he tried French Toast for the first time because Bev and he had so much in common and since Bev liked it… well he liked it too. So cute

After breakfast and all the loading – we took the cot with us – we stopped in for a playdate with Calder and Jake (oh and my old friend Melanie) in Gloucester. While we were there, some firemen came to the door checking smoke detectors. Marshall and Calder ran up to see who was at the door. Marshall arrived first – “It’s the COPS!” and turned and ran away. LOL A bit later, we heard a siren and a firetruck was parked in front of the house – the boys all ran outside to check it out. Calder got to get up in the driver’s seat and have his picture taken. Jake and Marshall weren’t interested…then they all ran around playing outside for a bit.

Then on to Orleans to Lana and Curtis’ place (and their boys Elijah and Ethan). We had a great visit, bbq and beer. Marshall didn’t want to eat until bedtime (of course) so he scarfed down a hotdog in bed. Unfortunately, he woke around 2am screaming about bugs and we couldn’t get him back to sleep for quite a while (Phiiiiiiil!?). Marshall and Ethan played really well together – so well in fact, that we had to go check on them Here was Marshall on my iPhone calling Gram! yikes! After a tearful goodbye, we set off once again for Montreal.

Marshall started asking us “where we were going to sleep tonight?”

We had a nice catch-up with Shane and Colleen. We didn’t get to see Bronwyn, but Zoe was available. Marshall and Zoe played a bit but then we heard Marshall telling her off and saying he wasn’t going to play with her anymore. I went to see why – it was because Zoe had dropped a piece of poster gummy (Marshall saw this as Playdoh) on the floor in her room and wouldn’t pick it up. At our house, there is no playdoh aloud on the floor. I guess he plays by the rules!

After our visit we had a quick visit with Nana (tranferred cot back to her and loaded bike – for Marshall for next year – from Uncle Phil) … grabbed some more bagels to bring home… and continued East. We arrived at Grandpa Bob’s in time for supper and a nice visit, but we had to leave the next morning for Fredericton once again, supper, visit with Gram, sleep and off again to Moncton – Rick had a meeting at 4 he needed to prepare for, so we were home at lunch. We were pleasantly surprised to see our neighbour, who was looking after Bounce for us, had mowed our lawn! Much appreciated!

And that was the biggest trip so far. (with the kids) And the furthest Ella has ever been!
I will be making the kids even by taking Ella to Calgary in July!

I seriously do not know when I will have time to do that again. Bummer. See Current Photos for totally awesome video of the kids. That is all.

I’m going to try to catch up a bit:
April 24th Marshall had his first swimming lesson! We heard about a swimming instructor who does private lessons for some of our friends’ kids, so we decided to give it a try. He wore his lifejacket to the hotel pool, and Angela, the instructor, was a bit agressive and dragged him around the pool and he cried and cried for Daddy who was totally at a loss of what to do. Finally we asked her to tell Rick some things to do with him and they eased him into it. By the end of the lesson, he loved her. He’s had a few more lessons since and always asks if Angela’s coming whenever we go swimming anywhere now! Her hourly rate is very reasonable, and the schedule is flexible, so it works really well for us. We usually book his lesson for right before or after one of his friends.

April 27th Marshall had his first dentist appointment. He went with me to my appointment the week before and saw the xrays of my teeth and hung around watching and went back and forth to the waiting room a bit with Daddy and Ella. Then he went on the 27th, same day Rick had an appointment. It seemed to be going pretty well. We sat there and talked with the assistant who showed him all the tools and the light and talked about what they do with them etc. Then the dentist came in. Marshall didn’t want to try out the patient chair. He had to sit on my lap facing me and lay back onto the dentist’s lap. She just counted his teeth and although he cried the whole time, he was ok as soon as he sat up and realized it wasn’t that bad. He was very proud to be sporting a goody bag afterwards, with a toothbrush, and stickers etc.