tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4734156579292419532024-03-13T20:46:01.866-06:00sparked philosophythe discoveries of a new mumAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-62149241495186007572011-05-17T21:24:00.000-06:002011-05-17T21:24:00.876-06:00Big Girl Bed!<div style="text-align: center;">After Ember <a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2011/05/life-is-once-again-over-as-i-know-it.html">dismounted from her bed Sunday night</a> less than gracefully, Andrew and I planned to convert her crib to the toddler bed configuration. We planned that as soon as Andrew walked through the door, we would grab Ember and throw and "big girl bed" party!!!<br /><br />During the day, I pulled the necessary piece out of the closet and showed Ember how it would attach to the crib and talked a lot about her new bed. Very quickly, she got excited and would pull me into her room to show me the rail and ask me hold it up against her crib. Once Andrew got home, he grabbed the appropriate tools and the three of us rallied in Ember's room. The girl was bouncing with enthusiasm!<br /><br />Ember was over the moon with the new set up, but we knew the real challenge was yet to come: bed time. Dun dun dunnnnn.<br /><br />We kept the bedtime routine exactly the same: Andrew diapered and jammied Ember, read a story, we all hunted for the mice in Goodnight Moon and then lights went out and I nursed Ember to slumber. While nursing and rocking in her chair, I surveyed the new arrangement and got scared and weepy. How did we come to this so fast? And, it finally occurred to me that she was going to roll out of bed. Ember definitely squirms in her sleep and those crib rails kept her in place. Without them, she was going overboard.<br /><br />But there was no going back.<br /><br />A tumble out of bed was a much better alternative than Ember falling the several feet from the crib rails. Once asleep, I put Ember in her bed, kissed her forehead, and put pillows down around the landing zone. I lingered just long enough to watch her snuggle into her Kitty and then tiptoed out. Being that I'm such a sap, I made Andrew go in with me, and we peered at our big girl together, sound asleep. I managed to keep from sobbing uncontrollably and to <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> take a picture for fear of a flash waking her up.<br /><br />The night went remarkably well. She cried once at 11:30 - I went in to find Ember lying on the pillows on the floor, asleep. Clearly, it couldn't have been all that been traumatic. We checked on her twice more over the course of the night and both times found Ember on the floor, sound asleep. Without issue, we moved her back to bed.<br /><br />The hardest adjustment will be the mornings. Ember usually stirs around 6am but lulls herself back to sleep within the confines of her crib. She may not do that anymore. Instead, she may get up and play, prompting the start of my day. But really, I'm not complaining.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Scenes from a Big Girl Bed Party!!!</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBpeNzYgaI4/TdM1vZq3AfI/AAAAAAAAA5I/7ARKSCGfFwI/s1600/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vBpeNzYgaI4/TdM1vZq3AfI/AAAAAAAAA5I/7ARKSCGfFwI/s400/001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607885049467175410" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-ULsXIkpXU/TdM2FL2c55I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/IYF3bFwMRrc/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O-ULsXIkpXU/TdM2FL2c55I/AAAAAAAAA5Q/IYF3bFwMRrc/s400/005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607885423714822034" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdzkhQOsvw4/TdM261zotdI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/AXen2B6Pw1s/s1600/021.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sdzkhQOsvw4/TdM261zotdI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/AXen2B6Pw1s/s400/021.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607886345510368722" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0OXbRr_Ghc/TdM31lnCQuI/AAAAAAAAA5g/T-rzTARhLYQ/s1600/045.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l0OXbRr_Ghc/TdM31lnCQuI/AAAAAAAAA5g/T-rzTARhLYQ/s400/045.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607887354774831842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSq0Y_iI0X8/TdM4Vc_-32I/AAAAAAAAA5o/gCGUo8K6ZbU/s1600/033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSq0Y_iI0X8/TdM4Vc_-32I/AAAAAAAAA5o/gCGUo8K6ZbU/s400/033.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607887902219362146" border="0" /></a>"Nigh, nigh."<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-19069723547228248662011-05-16T11:40:00.006-06:002011-05-16T12:14:52.077-06:00Life is (once again) Over as I Know It<div style="text-align: center;">There are milestones in a child's life that are real game changers for parents.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Crawling.<br /><br />Walking.<br /><br />And, climbing out of the crib.<br /><br />Oh sweet parenting gods, give me strength.<br /><br />I woke this morning to a <span style="font-style: italic;">thud</span> that rattled through the monitor. Immediately, I took off knowing exactly what had happened: Ember had climbed out of her crib. When I opened the door to her room, there she was, lying like a plank on the floor. I got down beside her, lifted her to her feet and asked if she was okay. She looked at me, and then pointed to her stuffed kitty in the crib and said, "Kitty!"<br /><br />Oh, good, you're alright. Good thing, because my blood pressure had already spiked.<br /><br />I mean, Andrew and I both knew that it wasn't a matter of <span style="font-style: italic;">if</span> Ember was going to climb out of her crib, but <span style="font-style: italic;">when</span>. And I've always been grateful that she is on the tiny side of the scale because this day could have come much, much sooner.<br /><br />Oh, but that is little comfort right now. What are we going to do!? <br /><br />Well, we are going to convert the crib to the toddler bed set up. But that introduces a host of other issues ... like keeping her in bed. Hell. even her room! The kid can open doors so....<br /><br />Sleepless nights are coming my way again, I'm sure of it. Just when my eye had stopped twitching...<br /><br />Bravo Karma, you got us again.<br /><br />Any thoughts on how to get a 17 month old excited about her new big girl bed? Duct tape or chicken wire? Just kidding. I think.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xx1SunHXNJc/TdFnarB3hRI/AAAAAAAAA5A/WcALB-Gwk6g/s1600/109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xx1SunHXNJc/TdFnarB3hRI/AAAAAAAAA5A/WcALB-Gwk6g/s400/109.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607376718977795346" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">At least she's cute.<br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">This is how Ember dresses when left to her own devices: dress, rubber boots, denim jacket and a a ball cap. </span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xx1SunHXNJc/TdFnarB3hRI/AAAAAAAAA5A/WcALB-Gwk6g/s1600/109.JPG"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-82997030558381174502011-05-14T22:31:00.002-06:002011-05-14T22:37:39.964-06:00My Reason for Celebrating<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLx0BhEROMY/Tc9Xh6wzUsI/AAAAAAAAA44/Ua9C8lLstSE/s1600/079.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sLx0BhEROMY/Tc9Xh6wzUsI/AAAAAAAAA44/Ua9C8lLstSE/s400/079.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5606796301320803010" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-72722961478704414882011-05-10T20:16:00.000-06:002011-05-10T21:08:58.690-06:00Me as a MumI believe I am the mother that other mothers roll their eyes about, and question why I'm being such a high maintenance freak. Seriously.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Here's the thing: I have expectations of my child. Yes, even at 17 months of age.</span><br /><br />We taught her to sign a fair amount of words and she knows how to say please and thank you. With that, when Ember asks to be picked up, for some milk, et cetera I expect that she say "please" first. There was one evening after dinner that Ember declared herself "all done" and wanted down from her high chair. Well, Ember sat there until she said/signed "down please". It got to the point where Andrew and I were past the point of caring but assuming that she probably has the memory of an elephant, we stuck to her guns and waited for her to ask properly. We had company that evening and I believe she was being a bit of a smart aleck for their benefit but we got it out of her ... even though she spent a couple of minutes in her high chair in her bedroom. Since that night, manners haven't been too much of an issue and without prompting Ember is signing please in tandem with her requests. Things only go off the rails when she's cranky; that's when I'm really grateful for her ability to sign please. When she's jumping at my feet asking for something, reminding her "what do you say?" checks her and snaps her out of her mood. She smiles and signs please and we go on. And, we almost always get a thank you when you'd expect one. My heart melts when Ember walks through a door that a stranger is holding for her, and she looks up and waves saying "Tank ta" (thank you).<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Another thing: I narrate Ember's day. I'm sure I'm nauseating to listen to.</span><br /><br />While Ember and I are at play, I'm constantly talking about the things she encounters, their colours, and if applicable the sound they make. Absolutely, she has play time alone, where I don't dream of interfering but when she calls to include me, or asks to be included - the narrative picks up. When we're cooking/baking together I talk of the ingredients; their colours and texture. When at play, I talk of the animals, their sounds, the colour. I call "open, closed" while she plays at the bedroom doors. I call "on, off" when she's playing with her rubber boots.<br /><br />I don't even know how bad it is until I watch our family videos. From behind the camera I'm heard, "Can you find another egg Ember? Look to your left. Oh, you found the blue one!" Or, "What are those Ember? Do you hear frogs? What do froggies say? Ribbit, ribbit?" I can't be stopped!<br /><br />It's even worse when we're in public. When Ember has free reign, usually in the library or a bookstore, she obviously has no sense of her surroundings yet and I'm always to bring about a sense of consciousness. "Ember say excuse me when walking through a crowd." "Ember don't push in front of the little girl, she was playing at the computer first." "Ember, share!, that's not yours." I'm right in there while other mothers watch from beyond the fray like I'm a mad woman.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Oh, another thing: I talk to Ember like she's 5 (15) years older than she is.</span><br /><br />I can't be stopped. The best example I can think of right now was when Ember was playing on the computers in the kid's section of the library. Ember seized the opportunity when a seat opened up and grabbed the mouse like a seasoned techie. Of course I'm right in there trying to decipher the point of the game and what it is Ember is to do. Let me tell you, nothing makes you feel old like trying to navigate a kids game. Oh lordy! After tinkering with the mouse I figure that I need to be using the directional pad on the keyboard and Ember and I are off. "Okay Ember, you need to collect all the bananas. Move the monkey so that he gets them all using these arrow keys." As I'm offering these directions, Ember shouting "nana!" and making monkey noises. Once the level is cleared, Ember exclaims "All done!" and begins clapping. Okay, next level. "See Ember, that man there is holding up a letter and we have to move the monkey to the corresponding letter over here so the window can be cleaned." Ember nods like we're on the same page, we complete a few letters and she's off. "Bye bye" as she darts off to the next activity.<br /><br />I fully realize that Ember can't follow such directions yet but I'm incapable of practising it.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">One more thing: She is already a time out kid. </span><br /><br />Ember has been spending 60 seconds at a time in time out since she was one year old. I realize that she doesn't fully grasp the concept yet but she will. Eventually. In starting out early, Andrew and I are getting stronger and are developing a few rules about time out as we go. Like, the parent who puts Ember in time out, gets her out of time out. This way neither looks like a hero. A bonus of time outs? It gives me a time out which is usually what's required in the moment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Other random confessions:</span><br /><br />- Sets of toys that are scattered all over the place really irritates me. I've been known to count pieces of Playmobil and puzzles to make sure they're all accounted for. The same goes for the ABC fridge magnets and crayons. A purple crayon has gone MIA and it's driving me CRAZY!<br /><br />- When Ember is colouring, I really want her to colour within the lines. She doesn't of course and that's okay, I just really, really want her to.<br /><br />- I started baking with Ember in a sling when she was itty bitty, 3 weeks old-ish. I would identify ingredients and measurements to her and I found it all very relaxing and enjoyable. Now, I can't do <span style="font-style: italic;">anything</span> in the kitchen without Ember wanting to help. She carries the step stool over to where I am working, climbs up and reaches into my work zone. It isn't always relaxing but I love that we bake and cook together.<br /><br />- Ember hears the word respect A LOT. Every time she hucks a piece of her meal on the floor, "Ember, you need to respect your food. People work hard to provide that for you." Wow, that sounds brutal when you type it out. I don't want to continue with this point anymore....<br /><br />So, do you agree with any of my sentiments or practices? Or do you think I'm effing crazy? Be gentle if you fall into the latter category.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-32766126808932474942011-05-08T21:14:00.004-06:002011-05-09T12:49:55.759-06:00Happy Mother's Day<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> Technical difficulties! This should have been posted last night, but here it is ... 15 hours later.</span><br /><br />To all the women who get their clean clothes out of the hamper while all other members of the household have their clothes neatly folded and put away,<br /><br />To all the women who wear sweatpants for enough days in a row that it makes you feel like you've lost weight, only to realize that this may not be the case when you pull on your jeans,<br /><br />To all the women who eat cold dinners, or have their meals interrupted 14 times while you hop and down fetching different accoutrements of necessity - a wet cloth, a spoon, the spoon off the floor, a fork, the fork off the floor, a wet towel to mop the quinoa off the floor .... ,<br /><br />To all the women who have an open door policy with a person whose favourite author is Sandra Boynton (no disrespect to Ms Boynton!) and have hands reaching from beyond a curtain while they're showering,<br /><br />To all the women who have lost the time to read for pleasure,<br /><br />And to all the women who love wholly, unconditionally, and unselfishly: bravo to you.<br /><br />I hope you had a wonderful day being loved and appreciated for the incredible job you do.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-35579463514162932122011-05-06T22:52:00.006-06:002011-05-06T23:10:13.984-06:00For the Grandmothers<div style="text-align: center;">I know all the grandmums (and aunts, and great aunts ...) will love Ember's little London Fog spring coat. Navy blue with dime sized white polka dots and a gorgeous magenta lining, it is swoon worthy to be sure. Hell, I'd wear it.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Between errands a couple of days ago, Ember wanted to stretch her legs and explore a quiet part of a parking lot. She's like that. I couldn't resist snapping some photos. I'm like that.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkcJQMT6O0U/TcTRyw7AwqI/AAAAAAAAA4g/j9Z78lGBpEk/s1600/014.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkcJQMT6O0U/TcTRyw7AwqI/AAAAAAAAA4g/j9Z78lGBpEk/s400/014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603834506411819682" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LqDwNdwFgD8/TcTSY2tazjI/AAAAAAAAA4o/PMthln8cYBE/s1600/018.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LqDwNdwFgD8/TcTSY2tazjI/AAAAAAAAA4o/PMthln8cYBE/s400/018.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603835160800448050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVZmNxLsWtA/TcTSsKIddxI/AAAAAAAAA4w/ywWG3c2n0Nc/s1600/022.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BVZmNxLsWtA/TcTSsKIddxI/AAAAAAAAA4w/ywWG3c2n0Nc/s400/022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603835492431656722" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Insert thought bubble: "Mum, put down the camera. There's some bugs I want you to identify!"<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Thank you Cara for such a beautiful coat!!!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-53303075798809327652011-05-04T22:31:00.004-06:002011-05-04T22:39:04.278-06:00For the Uncles<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfSd3lv-98w/TcIoVZHuhzI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Qu5YNjl2yI0/s1600/031.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wfSd3lv-98w/TcIoVZHuhzI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/Qu5YNjl2yI0/s400/031.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603085234387978034" border="0" /></a><a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2010/10/screens-are-fun-part-2.html">Screens are still fun</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFVuYtEBymU/TcIpWvG2OYI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/oSqdg1py2Yg/s1600/052.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kFVuYtEBymU/TcIpWvG2OYI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/oSqdg1py2Yg/s400/052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603086356981365122" border="0" /></a>FYI: Yellow crayons are delicious.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-59359019021281899572011-05-02T22:06:00.018-06:002011-05-02T23:38:06.119-06:00Easter Reflections<div style="text-align: center;"> Oops. I meant to document our Easter weekend within a timely fashion of the celebratory weekend but, alas here I am, a week and then some later.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />We sent the Easter Bunny our forwarding address as the three of us escaped to BC's Peace Country to see Andrew's mom and stepdad. It's been months since we drove the 6+ hours northwest and I'm happy to report this was Ember's best drive yet. For four hours at a time, Ember contentedly sat rear facing in the backseat babbling to herself and participating in sing-a-longs but her most favourite activities, making animal sounds while Andrew and I called out the corresponding animals.<br /><br />It was a fabulous weekend which included Ember's first (real) egg hunt and getting her first tricycle! Which came with the appropriate accessories of a bell and a hat ... or helmet to the rest of us.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COzC_tceyYk/Tb-DQE5xtbI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/r_0Ty0y60XI/s1600/163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-COzC_tceyYk/Tb-DQE5xtbI/AAAAAAAAA2Y/r_0Ty0y60XI/s400/163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602340773689406898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ember was happy to hang out in her new "hat".</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYv1dtDSh1c/Tb-DmMklm1I/AAAAAAAAA2g/pmzNvhjCOz0/s1600/173.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UYv1dtDSh1c/Tb-DmMklm1I/AAAAAAAAA2g/pmzNvhjCOz0/s400/173.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602341153705139026" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Even while eating her miso soup? Yeah, why not?</span><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atpjZhF_1pA/Tb-D_DoU_SI/AAAAAAAAA2o/uBJvUGwLnb4/s1600/196.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-atpjZhF_1pA/Tb-D_DoU_SI/AAAAAAAAA2o/uBJvUGwLnb4/s400/196.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602341580801637666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">What? Do I have something on my chin?</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yszpZMWej48/Tb-FNuUAJ4I/AAAAAAAAA2w/fBZDxOfqCXI/s1600/226.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yszpZMWej48/Tb-FNuUAJ4I/AAAAAAAAA2w/fBZDxOfqCXI/s400/226.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602342932288907138" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Aboard her swish new ride. If she were two inches taller she'd actu</span><span style="font-size:78%;">ally be able to pedal all by herself</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEdu2VEke6M/Tb-FxrHCGYI/AAAAAAAAA24/G0U64UqtVro/s1600/227.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tEdu2VEke6M/Tb-FxrHCGYI/AAAAAAAAA24/G0U64UqtVro/s400/227.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602343549904492930" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">But she can ring the bell all by herself!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95rJOc3GDCE/Tb-GZIUix3I/AAAAAAAAA3A/3pZpRgSOYFM/s1600/239.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-95rJOc3GDCE/Tb-GZIUix3I/AAAAAAAAA3A/3pZpRgSOYFM/s400/239.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602344227760686962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Studying the physics involved.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wY6D0EPxlkU/Tb-JaHZgVvI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/ag-tMRkjAYk/s1600/287.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wY6D0EPxlkU/Tb-JaHZgVvI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/ag-tMRkjAYk/s400/287.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602347543227815666" border="0" /></a>Post egg hunt.<br /><br />Andrew first put a few cereal puffs in the plastic eggs and then hid them in plain sight. Ember grasped the concept of hunting for the coloured eggs quickly - it was awesome! After collecting the eggs and eating their contents as she went, she sat with Andrew and went through each egg again to ensure she hadn't missed a rogue puff.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Kw8AXVi7ws/Tb-Mb9aqf0I/AAAAAAAAA3g/D9jGBxiuy8w/s1600/299.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Kw8AXVi7ws/Tb-Mb9aqf0I/AAAAAAAAA3g/D9jGBxiuy8w/s400/299.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602350873442942786" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YasPxlnIHs/Tb-NPNStuTI/AAAAAAAAA3o/sgnejAC5src/s1600/325.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_YasPxlnIHs/Tb-NPNStuTI/AAAAAAAAA3o/sgnejAC5src/s400/325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602351753877895474" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">She was <span style="font-style: italic;">very</span> thorough.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyJxU4btxnI/Tb-Nt_w2zbI/AAAAAAAAA3w/sCZAB3u_Sjg/s1600/008.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lyJxU4btxnI/Tb-Nt_w2zbI/AAAAAAAAA3w/sCZAB3u_Sjg/s400/008.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602352282822167986" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Before Easter dinner, Andrew and Ember played on the deck. He showed her how to blow bubbles. Or "buh-bles" as Ember calls them.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIZY4IZaZQE/Tb-QR-9En5I/AAAAAAAAA34/v3iz5xEZijo/s1600/088.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIZY4IZaZQE/Tb-QR-9En5I/AAAAAAAAA34/v3iz5xEZijo/s400/088.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602355100103516050" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcXReXkmvUs/Tb-RapJw6ZI/AAAAAAAAA4A/hmU0Rzl0rOw/s1600/339.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zcXReXkmvUs/Tb-RapJw6ZI/AAAAAAAAA4A/hmU0Rzl0rOw/s400/339.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602356348381620626" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ember's Easter outfit is courtesy her Grauntie Nedra. The shoes were a gift for Christmas which despite being too big are Ember's favourites and asks to wear them all the time.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DljQqRQX0_w/Tb-SdpbdWjI/AAAAAAAAA4I/gHxOCfm6Kj8/s1600/331.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DljQqRQX0_w/Tb-SdpbdWjI/AAAAAAAAA4I/gHxOCfm6Kj8/s400/331.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5602357499507071538" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Nana had turned on Toy Story 3 prompting Ember to assume <a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2010/07/i-have-tv-kid.html">her TV position</a>. <br />Has she ever looked more like Andrew?!</span><br /><br />It was a great weekend, one that I actually spent the bulk of relaxing while other hands corralled Ember, it was a treat! <br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-32632103481390994902011-04-28T08:30:00.006-06:002011-04-28T09:36:47.634-06:00BFFs<div style="text-align: center;">Ember and Isla. Isla and Ember.<br /><br />These two gals melt my heart.<br /><br />Their love for each other is so true and infectious. There is a seven month age difference that Isla doesn't want to acknowledge and she strives to keep up with Ember. On the other hand, Ember thinks she's much bigger and does this funny thing where she does an exaggerated squat when approaching for Isla a hug.<br /><br />Conveniently, these two besties live down the hall from one another so their run ins are frequent and often times, loud. Between them a secret language is spoken as they greet each with squeals and cheers that fluctuate through several octaves.<br /><br />"Isla" was among Ember's first words. <br />Ember will walk around with the phone pressed to her ear saying "Hi Isla" and carrying on a conversation. <br />And, when her sticky little hands get a hold of my camera, Ember tries to scroll through the photos calling Isla all in attempts to see her and her dear friend.<br /><br />Isla's mummy, Cara and I marvel at the friendship that our girls have established and value it completely. It's amazing that at such a young age, true relationships can be formed.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXf_9ATHWWc/TbmDAWhC84I/AAAAAAAAA14/Ryl_XrFoalY/s1600/044.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QXf_9ATHWWc/TbmDAWhC84I/AAAAAAAAA14/Ryl_XrFoalY/s400/044.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600651653679346562" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ladies who lunch ... and hold hands.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xarxgD8cbw/TbmFGBMqeMI/AAAAAAAAA2A/kIwD7H59U9g/s1600/242.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1xarxgD8cbw/TbmFGBMqeMI/AAAAAAAAA2A/kIwD7H59U9g/s400/242.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600653950059182274" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zduurNcg5wA/TbmGMA1vhFI/AAAAAAAAA2I/U1BCNdTydVE/s1600/325.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zduurNcg5wA/TbmGMA1vhFI/AAAAAAAAA2I/U1BCNdTydVE/s400/325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600655152553886802" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dpiabxXqJo/TbmHGpR349I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/m9KVR3P9QwE/s1600/345.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_dpiabxXqJo/TbmHGpR349I/AAAAAAAAA2Q/m9KVR3P9QwE/s400/345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600656159841706962" border="0" /></a>Love.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-82393496468923305092011-04-26T18:13:00.013-06:002011-04-26T20:21:28.052-06:00Her 16th Month<div style="text-align: center;">Ember got her first black eye.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJuKnppDQcE/TbdiG_3qiyI/AAAAAAAAA0w/j_SWaSo9-Qg/s1600/064.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hJuKnppDQcE/TbdiG_3qiyI/AAAAAAAAA0w/j_SWaSo9-Qg/s400/064.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600052534022146850" border="0" /></a>She still hasn't learned her lesson about climbing on the furniture. One week later, she replaced this black eye with a bruised cheek after surfing on her chair caused her to bounce off the coffee table.<br />*<br /><br />Ember got her first pair of rubber boots.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzPBGErivze_GEq1n7lt9eJlHZUcfJUNpbah9hAvEU3DXR8sx1PtXLClya_Q_63Cafs2tDbdkLTtk312ukAEQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Naturally, splashing followed.<br />*<br /><br />Ember was gifted a play table.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQY8-yOlCqI/TbdjnVXBaOI/AAAAAAAAA04/sr5WGX-yhX0/s1600/036.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RQY8-yOlCqI/TbdjnVXBaOI/AAAAAAAAA04/sr5WGX-yhX0/s400/036.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600054189058255074" border="0" /></a>Breakfast has never been so fun. Thanks Nana!<br />*<br /><br />Ember loves to colour.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08MrpqrOw1A/Tbd1IK3PM6I/AAAAAAAAA1A/1gsIAqB_dmY/s1600/047.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-08MrpqrOw1A/Tbd1IK3PM6I/AAAAAAAAA1A/1gsIAqB_dmY/s400/047.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600073444873941922" border="0" /></a>This will keep her quiet (and seated) for 15 minutes at a time. Hallelujah!<br />She put her doll in the opposing chair by herself.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPx8EdCviyw/Tbd2IF39Q6I/AAAAAAAAA1I/9P5ZyGpdL0c/s1600/054.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dPx8EdCviyw/Tbd2IF39Q6I/AAAAAAAAA1I/9P5ZyGpdL0c/s400/054.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600074543046411170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzddGjHXPkw/Tbd2htvmfeI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/kHub9aaocP4/s1600/057.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pzddGjHXPkw/Tbd2htvmfeI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/kHub9aaocP4/s400/057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600074983245512162" border="0" /></a>*<br /><br />Sunny spring-like Sundays call for a popped collar.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcIPn1GPYEM/Tbd7IoLFIzI/AAAAAAAAA1g/I49a4YHDktM/s1600/134.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LcIPn1GPYEM/Tbd7IoLFIzI/AAAAAAAAA1g/I49a4YHDktM/s400/134.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600080049811563314" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8DuLWxWYXg/Tbd7mPec18I/AAAAAAAAA1o/q1KDfVcviS0/s1600/161.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-L8DuLWxWYXg/Tbd7mPec18I/AAAAAAAAA1o/q1KDfVcviS0/s400/161.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600080558577997762" border="0" /></a>Striped pants are good, too.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kIcfxRAMms/Tbd8PqpFpII/AAAAAAAAA1w/d9eLIvhOxs4/s1600/163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9kIcfxRAMms/Tbd8PqpFpII/AAAAAAAAA1w/d9eLIvhOxs4/s400/163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600081270245008514" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn_GasyHpOU/Tbd6B_RellI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/1E4KyFl9cM8/s1600/162.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xn_GasyHpOU/Tbd6B_RellI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/1E4KyFl9cM8/s400/162.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5600078836241700434" border="0" /></a><br />Happy Spring to all!!!<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-58194619421537500032011-03-31T09:17:00.000-06:002011-03-31T09:38:19.364-06:00Multiple Choice<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Choose the best answer.<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I am to Ember, as:<br /><br />a) border collies are to sheep,<br />b) a traffic cop is to traffic,<br />c) a ringmaster is to a circus.<br /><br /><br /></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-48425966734992527392011-03-30T20:03:00.007-06:002011-03-30T20:32:58.059-06:00The Breastfeeding DollThere seems to be a lot of discussion in the media about a breastfeeding doll that teaches young girls to breastfeed. The doll comes with a floral halter top which has sensors that mimic a sucking noise when the doll is brought close to the chest. Currently the doll is only available in Spain, but the manufacturer intends on bringing it to America next year.<br /><br /><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/x7PsVQH6lCQ" allowfullscreen="" width="480" frameborder="0" height="390"></iframe><br /><br />Many are calling the doll "gross" and very inappropriate citing that it will promote teenage pregnancy and force girls to grow up too fast. Some have even described the doll as "sick".<br /><br />Considering it's completely socially acceptable for children to carry around dolls that require diaper changing because they wet themselves and dolls that actually bottle feed, is this doll really offensive?<br /><br />I question the necessity of the doll: I just don't feel that the halter and suckling noises are necessary. However I feel that way about all dolls that feature real life bodily functions. My thoughts are that children can imagine all those acts themselves. I know a few mothers that have given their first born children a doll when a new sibling has come into the family. When it comes time for the new baby to nurse, the older child has to feed their baby, too. Is that odd? Or is it teaching tool?<br /><br />Thinking forward to if we were to have a sibling for Ember, I would absolutely give her a "baby" to help her ease into her new role as big sister. I expect that she would mimic nursing her doll as I would be nursing a baby, just as she would burp it, change its diaper and take it for a walk.<br /><br />I'm dying to know - what are your thoughts?? Let's discuss.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-42828531441242262182011-03-20T13:49:00.003-06:002011-03-20T14:04:45.065-06:00ConsumedI'm overwhelmed with the preciousness of life and<a href="http://whoorl.com/archives/5250"> the cycle that is</a>.<br /><br />The perspective gained from the view parenthood is heavy at times. With my very best, I try to relish it all and never, ever take it for granted.<br /><br />With all that's happening on the planet right now, driven by a bigger power or those who have power issues, and I look at my quiet life and I'm grateful. <br /><br />My thoughts are with those I do not know.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-36473336231067429592011-03-15T20:42:00.000-06:002011-03-15T21:15:53.654-06:00Mommy Milk<div style="text-align: center;">I've been thinking about nursing a lot lately. I am still breastfeeding my little meatloaf.<br /><br />I didn't set out to breastfeed for this long. My original goal was to nurse until Ember was 12 months old and after that I'd address it. That milestone has come and gone and here I am, still milking it. Basically, Andrew and I felt that with a daily feeding, Ember was getting a great multi-vitamin that she wouldn't get anywhere else. I wasn't returning to work so it wasn't a hindrance in my life.<br /><br />Ember began to wean herself in January so I thought I'd let her do the work; we were down to nursing for nap time only. And then <a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2011/03/as-of-late.html">she got sick</a> and she reverted. She was nursing several times a day again. Considering she was dehydrated and wasn't interested in food, I was more than happy to oblige. I'm so grateful that I hadn't weaned because I believe it played a HUGE role in Ember recuperating so quickly from the RS virus. Since being sick, we've taken some time to get back to where we were but we're back to nap and bed time nursing only. <br /> No more night time feedings at all!!<br /><br />Now that Ember is 15 months old, my new goal is her second birthday. If Ember weans herself before then, great, I won't discourage it. However, I would continue to pump for her to have a sippy cup once a day.<br /><br />Sometimes I'm surprised by myself and this decision. But for our situation, I feel it's the right one. I'm home, it's easy to pump. And, with <a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2011/03/as-of-late.html">Ember's allergies</a>, I believe that breast milk can only serve as a benefit to her immune system and fat intake.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">I'm curious to know your experiencing with breastfeeding. How long did you nurse? Did you have a goal? Mums to be - what are you thoughts, do you intend to nurse?</span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-879906528931729252011-03-13T12:04:00.000-06:002011-03-13T12:06:34.137-06:00Ember Went to Jasper - Pt. 2<div style="text-align: center;">Picking up from where <a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2011/03/ember-went-to-jasper-pt-1.html">we left off </a> ...<br /><br />Maligne Canyon is a spectacular spot. So much so, that my DSLR lens cap decided to jump ship and take up permanent residence there. I miss it dearly but I suppose, it really is in a good place. Andrew suggested that I may find it during the spring melt swirling among some rocks. While I appreciate the dream, I don't think it's likely to pan out.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFy1_b_uSGo/TXw-6w_3ElI/AAAAAAAAAxc/GAz8kVh7QnI/s1600/261.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SFy1_b_uSGo/TXw-6w_3ElI/AAAAAAAAAxc/GAz8kVh7QnI/s400/261.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583406817338659410" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Lens cap, can you hear me?</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">A view from the fifth bridge.</span><br /><br />It was an incredible -6 degrees and Ember was happy to soak in some vitamin D and stretch her legs.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOHHsM60Cig/TXw_bISbWLI/AAAAAAAAAxk/79EyTKwMLpM/s1600/384.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BOHHsM60Cig/TXw_bISbWLI/AAAAAAAAAxk/79EyTKwMLpM/s400/384.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583407373346363570" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mrjTkpUmpI/TXxJza6WnLI/AAAAAAAAAxs/-2D2nR0uy3U/s1600/390.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mrjTkpUmpI/TXxJza6WnLI/AAAAAAAAAxs/-2D2nR0uy3U/s400/390.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583418785778801842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t74jFyI1kzs/TXxKIftTFBI/AAAAAAAAAx0/ybJGRxrxt8U/s1600/393.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t74jFyI1kzs/TXxKIftTFBI/AAAAAAAAAx0/ybJGRxrxt8U/s400/393.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583419147843474450" border="0" /></a>From the Canyon we decided to head over to <a href="http://www.fairmont.com/jasper">Jasper Park Lodge</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qM2v4-JUzMA/TXz0zYAJKFI/AAAAAAAAAx8/xvVw1FjTLyo/s1600/403.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qM2v4-JUzMA/TXz0zYAJKFI/AAAAAAAAAx8/xvVw1FjTLyo/s400/403.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583606801486129234" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">A view of Pyramid Mountain en route. Note the doe enjoying some lunch.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_12K3nO-M0/TXz1XmB7vgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/FpPYOdQe7Jc/s1600/402.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B_12K3nO-M0/TXz1XmB7vgI/AAAAAAAAAyE/FpPYOdQe7Jc/s320/402.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583607423727025666" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">The same shot while embracing negative space.<br /></span><br />Originally, we were going to snowshoe around the JPL golf course but the simplicity of a stroll along Lac Beauvert won out. It really was for the best otherwise we wouldn't have experienced memory making moments like these:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jet4Xl6wp8/TXz2kuWkNvI/AAAAAAAAAyM/XuD40Ey0oaU/s1600/421.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jet4Xl6wp8/TXz2kuWkNvI/AAAAAAAAAyM/XuD40Ey0oaU/s400/421.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583608748810974962" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6R54fHvNa0/TXz28I6OOZI/AAAAAAAAAyU/a9YKNfAJHUc/s1600/425.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s6R54fHvNa0/TXz28I6OOZI/AAAAAAAAAyU/a9YKNfAJHUc/s320/425.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583609151076841874" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5y0PxlDEVj8/TXz3atmO1PI/AAAAAAAAAyc/6rye5b0ft2g/s1600/431.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5y0PxlDEVj8/TXz3atmO1PI/AAAAAAAAAyc/6rye5b0ft2g/s400/431.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583609676321182962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ember did her first snow angels on the lake; that's her little angel next to mine.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLRyCzNsPnM/TXz4rvpolaI/AAAAAAAAAys/d1Rx-7_9bOU/s1600/440.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hLRyCzNsPnM/TXz4rvpolaI/AAAAAAAAAys/d1Rx-7_9bOU/s320/440.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583611068441728418" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2lKAWsWQzU/TXz3_XXjUeI/AAAAAAAAAyk/XEi3A1t_MbA/s1600/438.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c2lKAWsWQzU/TXz3_XXjUeI/AAAAAAAAAyk/XEi3A1t_MbA/s400/438.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583610306009190882" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ember's footprints in the snow. They slay me!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KL0YN-f8lU/TXz5IUJyTKI/AAAAAAAAAy0/kaC-R7xgQ94/s1600/446.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9KL0YN-f8lU/TXz5IUJyTKI/AAAAAAAAAy0/kaC-R7xgQ94/s400/446.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583611559276596386" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ember hosts her first snow tasting party. Grana RSVP-ed 'yes!'.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NueSy3vRhGU/TXz6VAhQpCI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ViyTIUFUhNw/s1600/452.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NueSy3vRhGU/TXz6VAhQpCI/AAAAAAAAAy8/ViyTIUFUhNw/s320/452.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583612876856271906" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPfLCxysJ7Q/TXz61LHKlvI/AAAAAAAAAzE/hvmYXp33lXg/s1600/454.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lPfLCxysJ7Q/TXz61LHKlvI/AAAAAAAAAzE/hvmYXp33lXg/s400/454.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583613429455427314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Blazing her own trail.</span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-cPw1ySA_s/TXz7afGFMxI/AAAAAAAAAzM/DK-U54Bnvl8/s1600/460.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b-cPw1ySA_s/TXz7afGFMxI/AAAAAAAAAzM/DK-U54Bnvl8/s400/460.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583614070474748690" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_cF2KOSE0k/TXz8jFSWQpI/AAAAAAAAAzU/m4ii9_ze44Y/s1600/472.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r_cF2KOSE0k/TXz8jFSWQpI/AAAAAAAAAzU/m4ii9_ze44Y/s320/472.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583615317677326994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">At the main entrance to the lodge, stood a beautiful snow castle.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94QXnm7slSg/TXz-QvO90jI/AAAAAAAAAzc/C60mdkq9JSM/s1600/474.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-94QXnm7slSg/TXz-QvO90jI/AAAAAAAAAzc/C60mdkq9JSM/s320/474.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583617201543172658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Over which, Ember quickly asserted her reign.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcV9FUZQW88/TXz_P7MjhrI/AAAAAAAAAzk/OsMFVJ4k_ao/s1600/483.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UcV9FUZQW88/TXz_P7MjhrI/AAAAAAAAAzk/OsMFVJ4k_ao/s400/483.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583618287086044850" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Only Daddy and a slide can still make a ruling monarch smile a</span><span style="font-size:78%;">nd giggle with such delight.</span><br /><br />After our winter fun, we enjoyed a late lunch in the lodge and then began our drive back to reality. Before leaving the gates, the park offered us a couple more gifts though.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgOc9dZRueI/TX0A1GUWexI/AAAAAAAAAzs/5PzTiz5p9tI/s1600/295.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YgOc9dZRueI/TX0A1GUWexI/AAAAAAAAAzs/5PzTiz5p9tI/s320/295.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583620025238321938" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fB5iUxlXSdQ/TX0BeqMAIQI/AAAAAAAAAz0/reMpz81EPuQ/s1600/315.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fB5iUxlXSdQ/TX0BeqMAIQI/AAAAAAAAAz0/reMpz81EPuQ/s400/315.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583620739241615618" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Bull (male) elk on one side of the road...<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ0ZqTCkCYA/TX0CWUlDFSI/AAAAAAAAAz8/rj_kwMiF30E/s1600/303.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ0ZqTCkCYA/TX0CWUlDFSI/AAAAAAAAAz8/rj_kwMiF30E/s320/303.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583621695513761058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">... cows and calves (women and children) on the other.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvyEqGMG5ec/TX0DnMD67YI/AAAAAAAAA0E/xZ_m6eHuT58/s1600/492.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vvyEqGMG5ec/TX0DnMD67YI/AAAAAAAAA0E/xZ_m6eHuT58/s400/492.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583623084796734850" border="0" /></a>Ember slept all the way home and then all night - just another reason to love that Jasper air.<br /><br />I hope you're all having a fabulous weekend.<br /><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-46809876983340857572011-03-11T23:05:00.000-07:002011-03-11T23:05:00.194-07:00Ember Went to Jasper - Pt. 1<div style="text-align: center;">Our weekend in Jasper, AB was just incredible. Here are some of the highlights of Ember's first trip to Jasper!*<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Driving into the park, I spotted some bighorn sheep on the side of the road. Being that I totally have my father's genes, I pulled the car over and snapped some pictures.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVnD6d6UXHA/TXr2b7IWMrI/AAAAAAAAAu8/yOA4UZaM36c/s1600/163.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YVnD6d6UXHA/TXr2b7IWMrI/AAAAAAAAAu8/yOA4UZaM36c/s400/163.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583045647668753074" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qm_vQ-x59ag/TXr1-y_jMFI/AAAAAAAAAu0/8OyTrhc9geI/s1600/164.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qm_vQ-x59ag/TXr1-y_jMFI/AAAAAAAAAu0/8OyTrhc9geI/s400/164.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583045147268165714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jJomOd5bnMQ/TXr9ls-TqKI/AAAAAAAAAv0/-SydnF9H8b0/s1600/229.JPG"><br /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEReWhntWo0/TXr201jadTI/AAAAAAAAAvE/j549iGor_ks/s1600/175.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEReWhntWo0/TXr201jadTI/AAAAAAAAAvE/j549iGor_ks/s400/175.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583046075668395314" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ember intently studying the sheep.</span><br /><br />This trip also marked Ember's first stay in a hotel. Another surprise to Andrew and I considering how much travelling we've done.<br />But I digress.<br />Ember <span style="font-style: italic;">loved </span>the room and she did what every kid does; jump on the beds and run around screaming while we settled in. Most of all though, she liked snuggling in with Daddy and Kitty Cat while enjoying some juzz (aka juice).<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfsI6J3JYhE/TXr4k3HT5wI/AAAAAAAAAvM/WEx1ai3A6mA/s1600/324.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XfsI6J3JYhE/TXr4k3HT5wI/AAAAAAAAAvM/WEx1ai3A6mA/s400/324.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583048000232744706" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiNlArl8oBY/TXr47tAQifI/AAAAAAAAAvU/3GtrjZOyTsY/s1600/328.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iiNlArl8oBY/TXr47tAQifI/AAAAAAAAAvU/3GtrjZOyTsY/s400/328.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583048392655800818" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABWwOdQIGEQ/TXr5WOFqmDI/AAAAAAAAAvc/FBe2rf822uE/s1600/180.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ABWwOdQIGEQ/TXr5WOFqmDI/AAAAAAAAAvc/FBe2rf822uE/s400/180.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583048848213448754" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">I wormed in on the moment, and Ember wanted me to heave ho.</span><br /><br />That night we enjoyed a fantabulous dinner at <a href="http://www.evildavesgrill.com/Evil_Daves_Grill/Home.html">Evil Dave's</a> (I highly recommend the Fun Guy) and Andrew and I even got away for a date after Ember had gone to bed.<br />In the morning, we did a walkabout town. Ember went kanga style.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIQ5lRhj0RY/TXr6tYsRjGI/AAAAAAAAAvk/lOcOxR36220/s1600/193.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YIQ5lRhj0RY/TXr6tYsRjGI/AAAAAAAAAvk/lOcOxR36220/s400/193.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583050345708358754" border="0" /></a>We stopped for the requisite photo with <a href="http://www.jasper.travel/content/jasper-bear">Jasper the Bear</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0HZ_CSiY5E/TXr72MoSvbI/AAAAAAAAAvs/BNvodJN-nkU/s1600/225.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0HZ_CSiY5E/TXr72MoSvbI/AAAAAAAAAvs/BNvodJN-nkU/s400/225.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583051596600884658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">It was hard to get Ember and Jasper in the shot. This was the best we did.<br /></span><br />We had a lofty agenda for the day so after a hearty breakfast (and some pastries and java from the <a href="http://www.bearspawbakery.com/">Bear's Paw</a>, mmm), we quickly got underway.<br /><br />First stop: Maligne Canyon for a self guided walk along the canyon floor.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d2rEA1pGVg/TXr-KmVKtiI/AAAAAAAAAv8/C2Dn3UKgIUg/s1600/232.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9d2rEA1pGVg/TXr-KmVKtiI/AAAAAAAAAv8/C2Dn3UKgIUg/s400/232.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583054146120627746" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Hiking in.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tyhT-b-iPzw/TXr_NgvwVgI/AAAAAAAAAwE/CxUrEelLwps/s1600/234.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tyhT-b-iPzw/TXr_NgvwVgI/AAAAAAAAAwE/CxUrEelLwps/s400/234.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583055295672768002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">The view at our backs.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe4SNkpkMP0/TXr_01hwkJI/AAAAAAAAAwM/yUMoj6fN-Aw/s1600/241.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe4SNkpkMP0/TXr_01hwkJI/AAAAAAAAAwM/yUMoj6fN-Aw/s400/241.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583055971266105490" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Ember was nice and toasty riding in the pack on Da</span><span style="font-size:78%;">ddy's back</span>.<br /><br />The canyon is full of spectacular sights all year round however in the winter, it is sheer magic.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2MTb0CJXjQ/TXsArMV8HrI/AAAAAAAAAwU/4lmnv4tu9zE/s1600/345.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W2MTb0CJXjQ/TXsArMV8HrI/AAAAAAAAAwU/4lmnv4tu9zE/s400/345.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583056905103482546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Hoar frost in one cave.<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfesjivJnxA/TXsBHiFcgDI/AAAAAAAAAwc/egVxIOZsG-k/s1600/342.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PfesjivJnxA/TXsBHiFcgDI/AAAAAAAAAwc/egVxIOZsG-k/s320/342.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583057391976218674" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4Ea2zROTtE/TXsB2Buf9fI/AAAAAAAAAwk/2Z7LHg2WxFw/s1600/347.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4Ea2zROTtE/TXsB2Buf9fI/AAAAAAAAAwk/2Z7LHg2WxFw/s400/347.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583058190743893490" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GWpyFHA9ds/TXsDW60jURI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4MwV3eMLQJE/s1600/360.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GWpyFHA9ds/TXsDW60jURI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4MwV3eMLQJE/s400/360.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583059855337541906" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">In the cathedral - this dome is roughly 70 feet high - very hard for photos to do it justice.</span><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GWpyFHA9ds/TXsDW60jURI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4MwV3eMLQJE/s1600/360.JPG"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2GWpyFHA9ds/TXsDW60jURI/AAAAAAAAAw0/4MwV3eMLQJE/s1600/360.JPG"> </a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Npo1RDFDVgU/TXsGXJp_ALI/AAAAAAAAAxE/oQK8HhrVqEo/s1600/365.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Npo1RDFDVgU/TXsGXJp_ALI/AAAAAAAAAxE/oQK8HhrVqEo/s400/365.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583063157854634162" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SsB_HE_0Sk/TXsF0UwAsJI/AAAAAAAAAw8/eoHQ48RpXE4/s1600/248.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9SsB_HE_0Sk/TXsF0UwAsJI/AAAAAAAAAw8/eoHQ48RpXE4/s400/248.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583062559537279122" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Climbers on the Queen icefall.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eAOAbJ54z8/TXsHKp336UI/AAAAAAAAAxM/PkN8QhWBTSs/s1600/256.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7eAOAbJ54z8/TXsHKp336UI/AAAAAAAAAxM/PkN8QhWBTSs/s400/256.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583064042676152642" border="0" /></a>Behind "the curtain".</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-m8jhIQkWM/TXsJjl-kDAI/AAAAAAAAAxU/Fh5JNuK95wg/s1600/251.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D-m8jhIQkWM/TXsJjl-kDAI/AAAAAAAAAxU/Fh5JNuK95wg/s400/251.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5583066670150454274" border="0" /></a></span><br />Stay tuned for part two!!<br /><br /><br />*How ridiculous that this was Ember's first trip to Jasper when we live just a few hours away, but alas it's true. We've attempted this trip many times but something has always come up that has prevented us from travel. What may be even more ridiculous that this trip is the<a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2011/03/teaser.html"> first time Ember ate snow! </a>Considering we live in a winter climate, Andrew and I have both been scratching our heads wondering if this is in fact true. And, we seem to concur that yes, it is so. Then we remember that it's been a frigid (seriously effing cold) kind of winter and the snow is as deep as she is tall and it all kind of makes sense.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-41253660446316867332011-03-10T11:33:00.001-07:002011-03-10T12:13:43.269-07:00As of Late<span>Before I post more pictures of our trip to Jasper, I thought I would bring you up to speed as to other happenings in Ember's life as of late.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember went curling.</span><br />My dad would be so proud. When Andrew had a work event centred around curling, I couldn't resist getting Ember in on the action. Without delving too far into a tangent, I spent a lot of my childhood in a curling club so Ember + curling was a bit of a thrill for me. Turns out it was for her too. Not exercising any caution, Ember would walk on the ice and start playing "skip". The photos below are from before game... when she had little interest. It was once the game started, with all the yelling, sweeping and sliding rocks, that she tuned in. There are no photos because it was all hands on deck trying to control her.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzytKKFZ0f4/TXj3IpVUesI/AAAAAAAAAtU/CrRB-4NNAXQ/s1600/213.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TzytKKFZ0f4/TXj3IpVUesI/AAAAAAAAAtU/CrRB-4NNAXQ/s400/213.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582483466032020162" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MR9ZJCqpMwc/TXj4BMIjpLI/AAAAAAAAAtc/FDexOMQOP4A/s1600/229.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MR9ZJCqpMwc/TXj4BMIjpLI/AAAAAAAAAtc/FDexOMQOP4A/s400/229.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582484437446403250" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember has allergies. Boo.</span><br />An incident with yogurt when Ember was 9 months old lead me to believe were dealing with a dairy allergy, and I expressed this to my doctor at Ember's 12 month check up. (Before then/post incident, we had decided to avoid dairy until this landmark birthday.) Anyway, Dr. decides that Ember go in for a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAST_test">RAST test</a>. I was expecting the dairy to be positive, but was quite surprised to learn that she is allergic to wheat and egg whites as well. What fun! This was a blow to me as I love to bake and cook and was hoping to turn Ember on to white flour and buttery decadence early. Alas, Ember (and us too) have taken quite a shining to Earth Balance - a delicious buttery flavour spread. I wish I had more information about the severity of the allergies but the earliest we may see a pediatric allergist is September ... so... we go with what we know is safe.<br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Anyone out there dealing with allergies? I've been told wheat is a misnomer. Hel</span><span style="font-size:85%;">p!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember may be an only child.</span><br />Why?, you ask. Simply because she is 15 months going on 16 years. We have entered tantrum territory already. Oh my girl, she's a <span style="font-style: italic;">strong </span>self advocate. Her style is a little different than the traditional tantrum though. Instead, Ember more or less stages a sit in. Her protests are usually staged on the elevator of our building, after I've picked her up and she can no longer run up and down the hallway. As soon as she's in my arms, Ember lets out a disgruntled shriek,and goes boneless. I set her down once we're on the elevator, hoping she will stand but she opts to lay flat on the ground, and <span style="font-style: italic;">she just stares at me</span>, with a look that says, "Now whatcha going to do? Huh? Huh?" Quiet it is, but oh so adamant. I fear the "terrible two's".<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember loves Kitty.</span><br />Andrew and I clearly lack imagination because Ember's new BFF is named Kitty Cat. Kitty Cat was a gift from Ember's great grandparents when she was three months old. While it (Kitty's gender will be determined by Ember) has been a bedtime buddy since then, only recently have they become true snuggle buddies. And, Ember doesn't like to share Kitty - she hangs on to it no matter the activity.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ke446b9udzo/TXj9QxT85lI/AAAAAAAAAts/AdDrbUpQHCw/s1600/025.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ke446b9udzo/TXj9QxT85lI/AAAAAAAAAts/AdDrbUpQHCw/s400/025.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582490202682484306" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lpc280PvAY/TXj9r6MDVvI/AAAAAAAAAt0/yPG7h0W_RbQ/s1600/029.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Lpc280PvAY/TXj9r6MDVvI/AAAAAAAAAt0/yPG7h0W_RbQ/s400/029.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582490668921738994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember had the </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://kidshealth.org/parent/infections/bacterial_viral/rsv.html">RS Virus.</a><br />Oh lordy! This was a knock em' down battle for a good five days. It started off as the normal stuff - slight fever, sniffles and congestion. And when they didn't clear up within 24 hours like all her other colds previous, Andrew and I simply thought she had a her first real cold and was going to take a few days to kick it. Well, by day three she was looking worse, and wasn't eating all that much. It was that night that her breathing changed; it sounded like her lungs were crushing plastic. Clearly, we went to emergency. After a barrage of tests that were all the more traumatic because of the sleep deprivation we were experiencing, a few doses of oxygen and some antibiotics, we were sent home knowing that Ember was a statistic in the number of kids who will suffer with RSV this winter. Despite needing a second round of oxygen treatments the following day, she rebounded quickly. She walked out of the hospital that second day and didn't look back.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hyLyGmvizU/TXj-gCfl-bI/AAAAAAAAAt8/9YzeZY4d4Co/s1600/238.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4hyLyGmvizU/TXj-gCfl-bI/AAAAAAAAAt8/9YzeZY4d4Co/s400/238.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582491564504381874" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Day two in emergency. You can see my poor little lady lost some weight while sick.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember is one.</span><br />Her new party trick.<br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxDpKftNfpF3_qfSIaTgt1B5FB4CXzUNh6734eUnQh0eHxOXJxZLwF89SDz9JOE2Z656KRa2rrN8oPEBJJZTA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember has a buddin</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">g imagination.</span><br />She now plays peek-a-boo with her stuffed animals. Dress up is up there as her favourite activities: she wears the pumpkin hat and I wear the cat/bear/whatever it is. Daily she goes into my closet and pulls out a pair of my flats, and then comes clomping out of our bedroom.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-JDrw6vhbA/TXkDYXLCxzI/AAAAAAAAAuE/sbBlaCotWoM/s1600/075.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m-JDrw6vhbA/TXkDYXLCxzI/AAAAAAAAAuE/sbBlaCotWoM/s400/075.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582496930174519090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVSNRqiXCvc/TXkGO9rS7WI/AAAAAAAAAuU/xQ4TG7Yin-I/s1600/030.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QVSNRqiXCvc/TXkGO9rS7WI/AAAAAAAAAuU/xQ4TG7Yin-I/s400/030.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582500067246533986" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember has new words.</span><br />Shoes. Cheese. These are her favourites. They're more "shzz" and "cheezz" though.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember has her own chair.</span><br />When Ember saw this gift from Grandpa at Christmas, she beamed. The affection has not desist since and every morning she drinks her milk (rice) and eats her puffs (kamut and corn) in the comfort of that chair.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTXp14GEKAk/TXkG_rARyLI/AAAAAAAAAuc/S_YrXmF-CDM/s1600/890.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTXp14GEKAk/TXkG_rARyLI/AAAAAAAAAuc/S_YrXmF-CDM/s400/890.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582500904047855794" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember sleeps through the night. Regularly.</span><br />Pop the champagne! This has been a <span style="font-style: italic;">long </span>time coming. We had gotten there, only to have the RSV ruin all our hard work. Now, several weeks later, Ember is back sleeping 12 hours straight. I credit Andrew on taking night shift (I'm no longer nursing at night, woo!) Ever since, I have been working hard at catching up on 14+ months of sleep deprivation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ember loves swimming lessons.</span><br />Ember is back in the pool every Saturday and just loves it. It's the same program as last time, because let's face it, she couldn't take direction then. The difference 10 months makes! On command, she can now blow bubbles, splash and kick. Most notably, she is brave enough to jump from the side of the pool into Andrew's arms. She's part fish and I'm all delighted.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ag19jGV8xA/TXkcQDfUNuI/AAAAAAAAAuk/Fx__YV8KI-g/s1600/130.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Ag19jGV8xA/TXkcQDfUNuI/AAAAAAAAAuk/Fx__YV8KI-g/s400/130.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582524275242579682" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThNCcxyJIBc/TXkc8nomQSI/AAAAAAAAAus/sOcvp8UqwrI/s1600/132.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ThNCcxyJIBc/TXkc8nomQSI/AAAAAAAAAus/sOcvp8UqwrI/s400/132.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582525040859431202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Waving at folks in the bleachers.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-38925352315569109672011-03-08T19:58:00.003-07:002011-03-08T20:17:50.003-07:00TeaserMy mum was here to visit this past week. It was so nice to see her, and watch her and my daughter forge a bond. There's something about grandparents - watching them love up your kids and love them so, makes you feel like you're doing something right. <br /><br />Over the weekend, this little family + Mum decided to run away to Jasper for a night. All of it was new for Ember and we delighted in watching her take it all in. <br /><br />For instance, Ember ate snow for the first time on this trip. It was on her own accord, and I'm not sure if she could have chosen a better vintage: <span style="font-style: italic;">Blanc neige</span>, Lac Beauvert at Jasper Park Lodge, 2011. Superb.<br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwtrXCBsuP5ufv_OaffhTsEMfFFRYVNq2bqgkpumuPK0RDGl9rkzWspChk-d2TKJCEckvjk0x41vdtdEZVmnw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />"Have you seen this?! It's delicious!"<br /><br />More pictures to come!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-8761130437077773622011-02-18T08:19:00.000-07:002011-02-18T08:26:50.839-07:00To Buy Some TimeTalk about a case of poor attendance.<br /><br />Life has been full of everyday busyness that a 14 month old dictates, and it's grand. Parenting is no longer just about watching and containing (okay, there's still some of that) but instead there's so much interaction, play and budding imagination to behold. I find it next to impossible to accomplish things for fear that I may miss something priceless. So, frankly, I don't. Days are spent building forts, singing songs, dancing, reading, being trains, cars, sailors.... laughing. A lot. Ember's nap time is reserved for my productivity where I do a power tidy, work at a project and then often sit in silence, sipping tea and shop online - filling carts and never checking out. <br /><br />Because I know some are sick of logging on to see Christmas posts ....<br /><br />Andrew came home weeks ago with some promo swag and Ember found joy immediately in a mag lite.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyVI2leULyam7U21tiB-iSVNGxkSa8WvXfiAhNPwRP5ffDupqbnwrVBAiQQwel3OwRaJoG0pcWiKaGKl_SD1w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />I will be back soon and more frequently. I'm thinking stream of consciousness writing is the key to consistent blogging nowadays. In the meantime, I defy you not to smile.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-13823927834868808622010-12-09T09:31:00.000-07:002010-12-09T11:44:22.028-07:00Christmas 2010: Stocking StuffersSo, it turns out I'm the kind of mum that approaches stocking stuffers with an air of practicality. I mean, there should be more than just chocolate in them right?<br /><br />Well, in everyone's except mine.<br /><br />Here are my favourite non-chocolate items this year:<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.cheekymonkey.ca/BoonFlo.htm">Boon Flo</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEa6J9KdZI/AAAAAAAAArs/bWlJ8R0SQfI/s1600/flo_601.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 176px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEa6J9KdZI/AAAAAAAAArs/bWlJ8R0SQfI/s200/flo_601.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548745802304353682" border="0" /></a><br />...because my child always seems to come <span style="font-style: italic;">thisclose</span> to bonking her head on the faucet.<br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.alextoys.com/product/132764/635W/_/Farm_Stickers_For_The_Tub">Alex Jr Farm Stickers for the Tub</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEb-EmhtfI/AAAAAAAAAr0/a-07gvpUo3g/s1600/b6775ee2cb028fb84d017e382b368662.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEb-EmhtfI/AAAAAAAAAr0/a-07gvpUo3g/s200/b6775ee2cb028fb84d017e382b368662.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548746969098335730" border="0" /></a><br />...because the acoustics in the bathtub are all the better for moo-ing.<br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.rollinggrove.com/cms/product/tabid/2699/productid/588/sename/lifefactory-multi-sensory-silicone-teether-yellow/default.aspx">Life Factory Multi-Sensory Teethers</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEc8FszQZI/AAAAAAAAAr8/iYcqZnRWfts/s1600/588.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEc8FszQZI/AAAAAAAAAr8/iYcqZnRWfts/s200/588.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548748034544976274" border="0" /></a><br />...because they can double as snazzy bracelets for me and they work!<br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://well.ca/products/weleda-childrens-tooth-gel_9502.html">Weleda Childre</a><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://well.ca/products/weleda-childrens-tooth-gel_9502.html">n's Tooth Gel</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEdcaW50pI/AAAAAAAAAsE/bZ1XWTDtCOc/s1600/9802.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 165px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEdcaW50pI/AAAAAAAAAsE/bZ1XWTDtCOc/s200/9802.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548748589846090386" border="0" /></a><br />...because my toddler needs to get those chompers clean.<br /><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.rollinggrove.com/cms/product/tabid/2699/productid/602/sename/educo-early-melodies-tambourine/default.aspx">Educo Early Melodies Tambourine</a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEeuYvtXKI/AAAAAAAAAsM/cHX9dxzhTbg/s1600/602.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEeuYvtXKI/AAAAAAAAAsM/cHX9dxzhTbg/s200/602.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548749998162533538" border="0" /></a><br />...because she will love it and it will make her smile so big.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.nuby.com/en/nuby/cups-spouts/9644"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Nuby Sippy Cups</span></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEgibq7r6I/AAAAAAAAAsU/5B1U-S77XeY/s1600/9644_md_1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TQEgibq7r6I/AAAAAAAAAsU/5B1U-S77XeY/s200/9644_md_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548751991812632482" border="0" /></a><br />...because out of the few we have, this is Ember's favourite and basically we need another one.<br /><br />Socks and toque will find their way in as well. What are your favourite stocking stuffers?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-91424311656680571972010-12-08T20:02:00.000-07:002010-12-08T20:05:39.949-07:00Christmas 2010: Ember's Book Picks<span style="font-weight: bold;">The </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search/?keywords=knuffle%20bunny&pageSize=12&suggest=1">Knuffle Bunny series by Mo Willems</a><br />The series follows a little girl named Trixie and her beloved Knuffle bunny. They are so good. The series begins with pint sized Trixie in <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Knuffle-Bunny-Cautionary-Tale-Cautionary-Mo-Willems/9780786818709-item.html?ikwid=knuffle+bunny&ikwsec=Books">A Cautionary Tale</a> which tells of a trip to the laundromat with her dad that goes bad for somebunny. Next in <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Knuffle-Bunny-Too-Case-Mistaken-Mo-Willems/9781423102991-item.html?ikwid=knuffle+bunny&ikwsec=Books">Knuffle Bunny Too: A Case of Mistaken Identity</a>, Trixie takes her best friend in for show-and-tell to discover a classmate has the same bunny! Rounding out the series is <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Knuffle-Bunny-Free-Unexpected-Diversion-Mo-Willems/9780061929571-item.html?ikwid=knuffle+bunny&ikwsec=Books">Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion</a>, that sees Trixie and her bunny go overseas with a slight detour for a long eared traveller. All three picture books feature black and white photography layered with Willems' colourful illustrations. This lends itself to Ember's age group while the strong, hilarious tales are good for grade school level readers.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Duck-Rabbit-Amy-Krouse-Rosenthal-Tom-Lichtenheld/9780811868655-item.html?ikwid=duck+rabbit&ikwsec=Books">Duck! Rabbit!</a><br />Can you go wrong with <a href="http://www.whoisamy.com/">Amy Krouse Rosenthal</a>? Honestly, I want her brain. In this bright picture book, she couples with Tom Lichtenheld to debate whether the nondescript illustration is indeed a duck or a rabbit. I love bringing the two "off screen" debaters to life with radically different voices which always seems to make Ember smile. <br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search/?keywords=scaredy%20squirrel&pageSize=12&suggest=1">The Scaredy Squirrel</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Series by Melanie Watt</span><br />Canadian author Melanie Watt has created a hilarious series centred around Scaredy Squirrel who, get this, is afraid of pretty much everything. Since the<a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Scaredy-Squirrel-Melanie-Watt/9781554530236-item.html?ikwid=scaredy+squirrel&ikwsec=Books"> first book </a>in which Scaredy Squirrel conquered his fear of leaving his nut tree, he has had <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Scaredy-Squirrel-Makes-a-Friend-Melanie-Watt/9781554531813-item.html?ikwid=scaredy+squirrel&ikwsec=Books">made a friend</a>, <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Scaredy-Squirrel-at-the-Beach-Melanie-Watt/9781554532254-item.html?ikwid=scaredy+squirrel&ikwsec=Books">gone to the beach</a>, and overcome other fears. The humour is still very much over Ember's head and often wanders off during storytime though we always finish reading because we enjoy them so much. <br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search/?keywords=oliver%20jeffers&pageSize=12">Oliver Jeffers</a><br />British author Oliver Jeffers is brilliant. Basically, I adore all his work so <span style="font-style: italic;">he</span> makes Ember's reading list as opposed to just suggesting one book. When I was pregnant, I learned of <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/The-Incredible-Book-eating-Boy-Oliver-Jeffers/9780399247491-item.html?ikwid=oliver+jeffers&ikwsec=Books">The Incredible Book-eating Boy</a> which I promptly took out of the library and read to Ember in utero. (Yeah, we read to my belly. I was determined to have a reader, but that's another story.) Since then, we have gone through the Jeffers library and own many of his books. The illustrations are beautiful and the writing clever. For younger kids, I like the Boy and Penguin series which now includes four titles: <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/How-to-Catch-a-Star/9780007324613-item.html?ref=item_page:richrel">How to Catch a Star</a>, <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/LOST-AND-FOUND-Oliver-Jeffers/9780007150366-item.html?ikwid=lost+and+found&ikwsec=Books">Lost and Found</a>, <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/LOST-AND-FOUND-Oliver-Jeffers/9780007150366-item.html?ikwid=lost+and+found&ikwsec=Books">Way Back Home</a> and <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Up-And-Down/9780007263844-item.html?ref=item_page:richrel">Up and Down</a>. For those a little bit older, I'm sure <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/The-Incredible-Book-eating-Boy-Oliver-Jeffers/9780399247491-item.html?ikwid=the+incredible+book+eating+boy&ikwsec=Books">The Incredible Book-eating Boy</a> and <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Great-Paper-Caper-Oliver-Jeffers/9780007182299-item.html?ikwid=the+great+paper+caper&ikwsec=Books">The Great Paper Caper</a> would be a hit.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/search/?keywords=sandra%20boynton&pageSize=12"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sandra Boynton</span></a><br />Definitely known for her board books, Boynton is an author is very popular in the toddler set. I'm sure every child has their own favourite and Ember's is hands down <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Fifteen-Animals-Boynton-Board-Book-Sandra-Boynton/9780761130666-item.html?ikwid=fifteen+animals&ikwsec=Books">Fifteen Animals</a>. A story about 14 animals named Bob and one turtle with a very different name always holds Ember's interest. A great thing about this book and all of Boynton's for that matter, is how easy it is to re-purpose the book. When Ember is keen to turn the pages quickly, we do colours instead or we count, or we name the animals and their sounds. The simple illustrations and bright colours make this really easy and engaging. Other favourites include: <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Moo-Baa-La-La-La-Sandra-Boynton/9780671449018-item.html?ikwid=moo+baa+la+la+la&ikwsec=Books">Moo Baa La La La </a>and <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Blue-Hat-Green-Hat-Sandra-Boynton/9780671493202-item.html?ikwid=sandra+boynton&ikwsec=Books">Blue Hat, Green Hat</a>. <br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/My-Friend-Rabbit-Eric-Rohmann/9780312367527-item.html?ikwid=my+friend+rabbit&ikwsec=Books">My Friend Rabbit by Eric Rohmann</a><br />This Caldecott Honour award winning picture book is one Ember will unwrap this year. It's all about Mouse and his best friend Rabbit and the trouble they encounter when Rabbit gets Mouse's airplane stuck in a tree. The method Rabbit employs to reclaim the plane is hilarious and where the story really takes off. (No pun intended). Rohmann relies solely on illustrations at this point which allows the story to become as wild as your child's imagination. Of course, Ember is too young to write her own tale but she loves the way Andrew and I tell it and points at the brilliant illustrations. Mouse is loyal and not at judgmental of his best friend Rabbit despite his questionable choices at times because Rabbit always means well. It really is a lovely book.<br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/The-Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Eric-Carle-Carle/9780399250453-item.html?ikwid=the+very+hungry+caterpillar&ikwsec=Books">The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle</a><br />At the risk of being painfully obvious, I'm including this. To date, it could be Ember's all time favourite book so I would be remiss if I didn't throw it in. She always smiles when I'm reading it. It's the only book that she never walks away from. It's the only book where she waits for me to turn the pages - she doesn't want to skip ahead. And, I apparently read it the exact same way every time because she mimics my actions when reading it - gesticulates and shakes her head. To be clear, we read it at least once a day and we've been reading it since she was three months old. Already, it's been decided that Ember's second birthday party will be the theme of the Very Hungry Caterpillar. It's a pretty big deal in this house.<br /><br />Happy reading! What are the favourite books and authors in your home? I'd love to hear your recommendations!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-58400339320349898242010-12-08T12:38:00.001-07:002010-12-08T13:11:19.616-07:00Christmas 2010: Gift Guide for the Kiddies<div style="text-align: center;">In addition to the the items on <a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2010/11/holiday-2010-embers-list-to-santa.html">Ember's wish list</a>, these are favourites of mine this Christmas.<br /></div><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/categories/departments/childrens_ikea/">Ikea kids' section</a><span style="font-weight: bold;">.</span><br />Dude, it's worth checking out. They have some pretty great toys and since it's Ikea, you know the price doesn't is completely reasonable. Affordable and cheap even. From plush fruit and veg, to mini kitchens and all its accessories, to art easels and other great wooden toys, Ikea is a great place to check any child, of any age group off your list. I think the <a href="http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80028929">wooden block set with wagon</a> is pretty fantastic for $14.99.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPcSm9IBKfI/AAAAAAAAAqk/IqLASpViCvw/s1600/21601_PE106540_S4.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPcSm9IBKfI/AAAAAAAAAqk/IqLASpViCvw/s200/21601_PE106540_S4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545921926582577650" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kooandpoppet?ref=pr_profile">Koo and Poppet</a><br />Recently, I <a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2010/11/im-sorry-i-dont-think-youve-been.html">properly introduced you to Ruby</a>. Wanting to keep the attention on dear, sweet Ruby I didn't gush about Koo and Poppet quite as I should have. From the enviably creative mind of Sarah MacNeill, incredibly stylish stuffed animals have been born complete with irresistible personalities. I want to adopt them all. I may or may not have ordered <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62318674/25-off-everything-in-the-shop-heart-bear?ref=pr_shop">Ruby Heart Bear</a> for a small red head. Who says you can have too many Ruby's? And, I've always had a soft spot for <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/34954507/black-bear-liam?ref=pr_shop">Black Bear Liam</a> who likes caves and dislikes getting stuck. Melts my heart.<br />In addition to these delightfully kooky animals, there are accessories for your home and child in the way of pillow and scarves.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPcbOI5Cr8I/AAAAAAAAAqs/XHw_ooo7LT8/s1600/il_570xN.185698618.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 134px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPcbOI5Cr8I/AAAAAAAAAqs/XHw_ooo7LT8/s200/il_570xN.185698618.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545931395848908738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Cute Bunny Milly<br />likes: snowflakes<br />dislikes: toothaches</span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.clementineart.com/">ClementineArt </a><br />These are art products that you can feel good about. I love that they are eco-friendly company producing non-toxic products made with natural and wholesome ingredients. Check out the <a href="http://www.clementineart.com/?display=nitty_gritty">ingredients glossary</a>: I really appreciate it when I can pronounce everything on an ingredients list, especially since no matter how fastidious I am, Ember will inevitably taste test all that she holds. Aren't the <a href="http://www.clementineart.com/?display=products&p=5">soy crayon rocks</a> a great idea for little hands? These art supplies coupled with an art easel from Ikea will mean special, one of a kind artwork for many years to come.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPfquHo16rI/AAAAAAAAAq0/_xommjvWEfE/s1600/natural_rock_crayons_image.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPfquHo16rI/AAAAAAAAAq0/_xommjvWEfE/s200/natural_rock_crayons_image.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546159544175291058" border="0" /></a><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.stonzwear.com/department.aspx?deptid=7&&RD=1">Stonz Booties</a><br />These are freaking awesome boots for the 3 & under set. Not only will they do the job and keep your kiddie's feet warm while allowing them to walk naturally, <span style="font-style: italic;">they stay on</span>!! My girl is a Houdini of footwear and the double toggle on these means she can't escape. Plus you can get the warm and fuzzies considering they are Canadian designed <span style="font-style: italic;">and made</span> company. Ember sports the <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/product.aspx?ProductID=44&deptid=7&">Daisies</a> and I really groove on <a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/product.aspx?ProductID=100&deptid=7&">these pink skull and crossbon</a><a href="http://www.stonzwear.com/product.aspx?ProductID=100&deptid=7&">es</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPfvG2ytcbI/AAAAAAAAAq8/zBibK8LPl9Y/s1600/563M_2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 178px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPfvG2ytcbI/AAAAAAAAAq8/zBibK8LPl9Y/s200/563M_2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546164367196516786" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.tiptoeyjoey.com/">Tip Toey Joey</a><br />Combing style and support for the developing bones of your wee one's feet, these shoes made of soft leather are fantastic. They offer three different lines covering the ages of 9 months - 8 years aiding your furniture cruiser to your budding Donovan Bailey, they are made to encourage your kidlet's developing peds. I love that the girl's shoes are feminine without being the requisite bright pink. The lads' shoes are pretty adorable too, yes?<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TP_ZS7rlN6I/AAAAAAAAArE/v00-lJVIk68/s1600/1681_big_1249585314.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TP_ZS7rlN6I/AAAAAAAAArE/v00-lJVIk68/s200/1681_big_1249585314.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548392185225099170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TP_Zqa-QxPI/AAAAAAAAArM/CmUdO73LWUM/s1600/2262_big_1291311565.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 164px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TP_Zqa-QxPI/AAAAAAAAArM/CmUdO73LWUM/s200/2262_big_1291311565.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548392588761941234" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://shop.lego.com/Product/?p=3844&CMP=KAC-GOOGEU&HQS=lego+creationary">Lego Creationary</a><br />What kid doesn't love Lego? For the age appropriate, Creationary combines game play with Lego brick building. Roll the dice to find out what you're building and have the other players guess. The dice is even buildable, and rules changeable which means you can play a different game each time you play. Lego recommends for ages 7-12 but I'm thinking this is good for those aged 7-12 at heart. Read: husbands. What? Ember will grow into it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TP_eXGatebI/AAAAAAAAArU/XmhZ3zT9aJk/s1600/3844-0000-xx-12-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 125px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TP_eXGatebI/AAAAAAAAArU/XmhZ3zT9aJk/s200/3844-0000-xx-12-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548397754384742834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.bananagrams-intl.com/checkcountry.asp?page=index.asp">Bananagrams</a><br />I freaking love Bananagrams. I was given it a few years ago and I'm always nagging Andrew to play it with me. It's an award-winning word building game that is played without a board which doesn't require a pencil or paper and fits into a case the size of a big banana. Hello, awesome! There are oodles of way to play it, it travels well and would make a great stocking stuffer. The company has also come out with <a href="http://www.bananagrams-intl.com/new_products_dec09.asp">Appletters</a> and <a href="http://www.bananagrams-intl.com/new_products_dec09.asp">PAIRSinPEARS</a>, two other wordie portable games. Maybe you could give someone an educational and fun (that's not an oxymoron) fruit bowl this season. Ha! I'm a dork.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TP_k8MTDukI/AAAAAAAAArk/DJNjuoqynNA/s1600/banagrams.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TP_k8MTDukI/AAAAAAAAArk/DJNjuoqynNA/s200/banagrams.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5548404988688185922" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-87041346655058794992010-12-08T09:54:00.002-07:002010-12-08T11:28:47.244-07:00It's Ember's Fault.Friends, I'm sorry for going off the grid for a week. It's Ember's fault. Seriously! On her birthday, she decided to upend a cup of tea on my laptop keyboard. This prompted her first time out - in the playpen she went for a minute while I tried to mop up the tea before it flooded the keyboard. Too late. When I returned to the laptop sometime later and tried to resume my blog post, half of the keys weren't working. I called Andrew for help who said, "Turn the laptop upside down and let the tea flow out." Hmph. Should have maybe done that immediately after the incident; doing it an hour or two later didn't really garner any success. Go figure.<br /><br />Of course, it was Ember's birthday so I had a celebratory dinner to prepare that day and cupcakes to make so I wasn't spending much time at the computer anyway. Last Friday, family arrived for the weekend, I had Ember's party to organize and host and of course, spend time with the family. So, it hasn't been really until today that I can sit down and resume blogging with ease. My keyboard still doesn't work and though the comp is still under warranty, it turns out "my kid spilt tea all over it" isn't covered. Boo.<br /><br />Only the A and F keys work. I'm so annoyed. Here I sit, with a keyboard plugged in via USB to my laptop (it's so ridiculous) attempting to catch up on a week's worth of posts. Posts are going to be coming rapid-fire style especially since we're less than three weeks away from Christmas! Oh, and Ember's 12 month birthday post (complete with pictures) is coming, too. Hang on!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-53205395168520253222010-12-01T16:43:00.006-07:002010-12-01T22:05:10.273-07:00We Interrupt Your Regular Programming for Sobfest<div style="text-align: center;">Ember will be a whole year old tomorrow. <br />We are rounding home on her first trip around the sun.<br />Time is running down on this 364th day.<br />I've been teetering on the brink of an ugly cry all day.<br />At one point, I actually sat on the floor and took in the world from her perspective. I want to appreciate it all.<br />We've been banking lots of snuggles the last two nights since she is teething. There are four coming in all at once and they are taking their sweet time.<br />***<br /><br />I sat in her rocker last night, rocking and soothing her to sleep. <br />I opened up all my senses as wide as possible to soak up the moment and savour the right now of it all.<br />My eyes to remember every curly locket of hair, the way her feet still flex like a newborns, and the pudge of her thigh. <br />My nose to inhale her sweet breath and the scent of her freshly bathed body.<br />My ears so I could fully appreciate the perfect rhythm of her inhalations and exhalations.<br />My mouth so I could kiss her oh so kissable face perched just-so on my shoulder, being sure to plant a few on her rosy, apple cheeks.<br />And my hands: I wrapped one around her torso, managing to cover the expanse of her back, and the other supported her tush so we could rock, back and forth, back and forth, slowly helping to lull my girl to sleep to dream sweet dreams. <br /><br />I recalled how nearly 365 days ago, how very differently our bodies fit together. How her tiny, fresh to the world body, fit between my collar bone and belly button. <br />I thought about how for our first nights together, she slept on my bare chest and we formed an unmistakable, heartfelt bond. <br />My heart swells.<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-473415657929241953.post-24066617434324462892010-11-30T11:54:00.000-07:002010-11-30T12:30:57.856-07:00Holiday 2010: Ember's List to SantaObviously, Ember can't write to Santa yet, so I am penning her list this year on her behalf, with her best intentions in mind, rest assured. My outlook on toys for Ember: I want her to play with the toy, rather than the toy playing with her.<br /><br />My friend Kim taught me this; it is her criteria for her girls. Much to her chagrin, it's not a concept I fully appreciated until having Ember. For Kim's daughter A's first birthday, we bought her a <a href="http://www.camelotkids.com/high/catalogue/chp3f.html">Fun Time Tr</a><a href="http://www.camelotkids.com/high/catalogue/chp3f.html">actor</a>. While I believe it to be a fine toy - there are animals, there's a happy little farmer, there's a tractor and wagon - there is one reason I wouldn't buy it for Ember: it takes batteries.<br /><br />You have to be cautious of toys that require batteries because quite often they are the toys which will do all the work leaving your kids in a vegetative state, but more so - toys that take batteries make noise. I distinctly remember a voice mail Kim left us some months after A had unwrapped that tractor. "You hear this? I have been listening to it for an hour straight this morning. I just thought you should have to listen, too." In the background was a jolly Old MacDonald E-I-E-I-O-ing his little heart out.<br /><br />Ember has exactly one toy that requires batteries - a little attachment on her Exersaucer - a chicken/weather vane thing. When the weather vane is pushed, one of five instrumental rhymes start playing with a country twang. I remember how proud I was when Ember learned that music came as a result of her pushing that chicken on vane but now <span style="font-style: italic;">I want her to forget!</span> Each time she presses that thing, she looks at me, beaming with pride, starts dancing and looks for me to sing. And I do, each and every time. Why? Because it's not her fault I didn't take those batteries out in advance.<br /><br />Anyway. All of the items on the list to Santa this year are items that I would happily give my child without regret. I would also give any of them to Kim's girls knowing that I won't come home to voice mail full of disdain.<br /><a href="http://www.plantoys.com/home.php"><br />Plan Toys</a><br />I love this company! They are all about promoting a child's development, both physical and intellectual, while being ecologically responsible.<br />Favourites of mine include: the <a href="http://www.raspberrykids.com/plan-toys-cone-sorting.html">Cone Sorting</a>, <a href="http://www.raspberrykids.com/plan-toys-sorting-bus.html">Sorting Bus</a>, and the <a href="http://www.raspberrykids.com/plan-toys-dancing-alligator.html">Dancing Alligator</a> and the <a href="http://www.raspberrykids.com/kids-toys/toddler-toys/plan-toys-clatter.html">Clatter</a>.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVDWPGBpiI/AAAAAAAAAps/rLNM3MMGP_c/s1600/x5313-1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVDWPGBpiI/AAAAAAAAAps/rLNM3MMGP_c/s200/x5313-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545412565464622626" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVDnvvH5OI/AAAAAAAAAp8/tBl6L2CkNMI/s1600/x5105.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVDnvvH5OI/AAAAAAAAAp8/tBl6L2CkNMI/s200/x5105.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545412866284709090" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.camelotkids.com/high/catalogue/chp3g.html">The Early Years Farm Friends Bowling Set</a><br />We picked this up for Ember while in Vancouver in October. She actually <a href="http://sparkedphilosophy.blogspot.com/2010/11/ember-went-to-vancouver.html">played with it once </a>before it went into hiding. It was a big hit! There are animals, chimes in the pins and ball, numbers and colours and it encourages play. I look forward to rousing game of five pin on the 25th.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/toys/search/?keywords=bilibo&pageSize=12">Bilibo</a><br />To me, the Bilibo is everything a toy should be; it can be anything that your child would like it to be, the only limit is their imagination. Awesome. I love both the <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/toys/Bilibo-Game-Box/843583001190-item.html?ikwid=bilibo&ikwsec=Toys">Game Box</a> and toddler sized <a href="http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/toys/BILIBO-BLUE/843583000049-item.html?ikwid=bilibo&ikwsec=Toys">Bilibo</a>. The Game Box has six mini bilibos, coloured chips and more that I think Ember will really benefit from this year. She can learn colours, invent games and whatever else her heart desires. I know that those mini bilibos would pretty quickly transform into little cars that she pushes around the floor. Vroom!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVI1mbrVgI/AAAAAAAAAqE/1p9gsgLh7LI/s1600/843583000094.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVI1mbrVgI/AAAAAAAAAqE/1p9gsgLh7LI/s200/843583000094.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545418601863534082" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.blablakids.com/welcome"><br />Blabla</a><br />Hand made by Peruvian artisans, Blabla is a line of beautiful creations for little people. I am quite fond of the <a href="http://www.blablakids.com/Online-Shopping/Classic-blablas">Classic blablas</a> that are soft dolls that are of many ethnicity and creature. There are monkeys, frogs, mermaids, dolls and more in a wide variety of colour scheme which makes them a great gift for either gender.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVLvHRYP9I/AAAAAAAAAqM/P_Aox6QKqPY/s1600/media.nl.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVLvHRYP9I/AAAAAAAAAqM/P_Aox6QKqPY/s200/media.nl.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545421788954509266" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVMXKbR8oI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Dyf3m2go5Fg/s1600/media.nl1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVMXKbR8oI/AAAAAAAAAqU/Dyf3m2go5Fg/s200/media.nl1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545422476996113026" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.okiedog.com/fropper/index.php?mv=1&color=rd&table=1">Fropper Ride On Trike</a><br />Ember already motors on foot and come springtime, I'm sure she would love this boogie around on. Considering her birthday and Christmas are back to back, I believe we need to give her one or two things that she can grow in to in an attempt to pad our pocketbook through the spring and summer months.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVO3KaGJVI/AAAAAAAAAqc/S7YsZvWUMh0/s1600/rd2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 197px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_jCG2K6ml-8s/TPVO3KaGJVI/AAAAAAAAAqc/S7YsZvWUMh0/s200/rd2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5545425225770214738" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Ember won't be scoring every item on this list from us (or Santa) but this is the list I'm working from this Holiday for her. They are things I know she will like and favour for some time, which is imperative for every parent, right?<br /><br />Tomorrow, I'll be featuring a gift guide of items I love for kids of varying ages and some of my all time favourites that we've been gifted. In fact, all this week I'm focusing on the upcoming holiday. Stay tuned!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">--Companies in this post have no idea who I am; I just really like their products. I'm sharing on my own accord. I am not being compensated in any manner.--</span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16858612163616812919noreply@blogger.com7