My Trip with my Cousins, Mommy, Aunts & Grandmaman

Hi All,

Well I am due for another entry for our little man's blog. There have been many new memories for him the biggest was his trip to Vancouver in the middle of February with his Cousins, Mommy, Aunts and his Grandmaman.

They left Edmonton very early February 13, 2011 with Via Rail. He was so excited to finally get some time on his train. Kai was the super star of the train and met lots of people. He made a real buddy in Denis, the park car attendant, and was not scared to ask him a thousand questions. Poor Denis got a lot of "look at me Denis". It probably helped that Kai was the only guy in the group. He was very proud to sleep on the top bunk as well.

The purpose of the trip was to say a final good-bye to Opa. They rented cars in Vancouver (another Jeep and the super fast red car) to drive out to Horseshoe Bay. Kai was excited to see the ocean. Well, really to throw rocks in it. They said their good-bye under sunshine and a rainbow. As the ferry left Horseshoe Bay, Kai said that Opa was on the ferry going away. It really was perfect. During the afternoon of February 14, 2011, the kids went to the Vancouver Aquarium. Kai met some new friends that made a huge impression on him...the beluga whales. He called them all "my friends" and spent hours, literally, hanging out with them.

On another note we have registered Kai in his first sport. He is playing tim bits soccer this summer and his daddy is going to be the assistant coach. We are all looking forward to this and we will update with pictures as the time comes. As well he witnessed his first hockey game with his Dad. He saw the Edmonton Oil Kings this past saturday night. He did very well for the first twenty minutes or so, then the chaos began. He spent more time dancing in the aisle during the whistles than actually watching the game. He was a trooper though, he made it the whole night and it was a late one. Well, I cannot think of much more at this time. We will update with more posts in the future.

I'm 3 and in charge

For all those who have been waiting for this, I am truly sorry for the 7 month delay. There have been a lot of developments for our little man over the last little while. Kai has been on skates now for a month or so and his dad is very happy. I did not think he would take a liking to it, but I was wrong. He really enjoys skating with his dad as long as I hold his belly and go fast. Heaven forbid I hold his hands, but we are working on it.

Kai, has since moved into the pre-school room at his daycare. Christine and I were talking today that our little man has now gone through all 3 rooms. We cannot believe how much he has grown. We have noticed over the last little while one of his many traits that he has from his mom. He is a little boy that knows what he wants and will make sure it happens.

Since Kai has turned 3 we have been very busy, we had Grandpa's Christmas party at West Edmonton Mall Galaxy land. He really enjoyed this day and told Santa what he wanted for Christmas. He favorite question this year for Santa was "Santa, where are your reindeer?". It was very cute and something Christine and I will never forget.

We had a great Christmas holiday season this year, way too many memories to talk about and Kai was very blessed with all the great toys he received. I would also like to make note that Kai lost his Opa this past December and we all know that he is watching over him. He loved his Opa very much and he will be missed dearly.

Good Times

Kai is now 2 1/2 years old and a real little boy. He loves to yell, pick up and squish ants, jump and smash his trucks. His love affair with fire trucks is still going strong. He knows where all the stations are along the daily routes to daycare. And heaven forbid you don't drive by them. He is starting to like horses as well. Although just from a distance and from the safety of his jeep.

Kai is talking more and more. He is very curious still and has embraced the word "why". We have started to potty train him and he seems really excited. It probably helps that he gets a sticker when he goes. And his pull ups have cars and fire trucks on them.

Big Boy Bed

Again, sorry for being so tardy when it comes to doing this blog. Well, were do I begin. Our little man is not so little any more. About 6 weeks ago, Kai moved into his big boy bed. Where has all the time gone. It just seems like yesterday that the doctor gave him to me for the first time and I had the sense of 'what do I do now'. Every day is getting better. It does get easier to an extent with a little one once they can start to tell what they want or what they are feeling.

Over the last few months Kai has started taking a liking to golf and hockey. This makes his daddy very happy. We have a mad half hour or so every other night in the basement. He is developing quit the back and one timer, we just need to figure out what had he is. Last week Kai, daddy and mommy paid a visit to deboer's golf shop. Little man quickly found the putting green and grabbed a putter/hockey stick and started smacking balls everywhere. I did'nt feel as bad because one of my good friend's works there. Other than that not too much else to report other than we are seeing the terrible two's once in a while. Hope everyone is well. take care

2 Years Old

Future blog notice. Just want to give everyone a heads. I am passing the blog torch onto Simon. Between working full time, looking after Kai, dishes, laundry, supper, bathrooms, grocery shopping and maybe even a little bit of sleep once and a while, I have been neglecting the blog. Simon has agreed to carry on with the entries. He has about maybe 10 minutes more free time during the day than I do.

There has been a lot of new things happening around here since we last gave an update. We last said Kai was in love with Thomas. He still does to a degree, but it is more now towards fire trucks, Bob the builder, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, Monster Inc and Cars. He is becoming quite the little boy and talking more and more every day. So much, that next week Auntie Kerri has set up a meeting, possibly, with one of her fire fighter friend's so Kai can drive an real fire truck. I think I am more excited than he is. Should be a good father/son bonding experience.

This past weekend we had his second birthday and it was a success. Kai was spoiled to no end. He received quite a bit of clothing, some books, toys, tools(so he can help his daddy), remote control fire truck plus some hockey sticks. He actually had to go to sleep last night with one of his sticks.

Other than that not too much has been going on. We have uploaded all the new photos up to yesterday. Hope everyone is doing well. Take care.

Summer Fun

First off, we send our apologizes to everyone regarding the lack of new photos and blog entries. Things have been very busy around here. With both of us working full time, household things to take care of and a very active little boy, it is hard to find time to keep up with everything. We are suffering from very little space time.

Kai is now a little boy. He is no longer a baby. He is talking all the time and definitely knows what he likes and doesn't. His current love is Thomas the Tank Engine. He loves to watch Thomas, read Thomas books, sleep with his Thomas trains, dvd covers and bedding. Simon has recently been in the doghouse with Kai because Simon had the nerve to turn off Thomas to watch game seven of the Stanley Cup finals and the masters.

Kai's next love would be playing out side. He loves the backyard especially now that the deck is done. He could spend the whole day out there playing with bubbles and mowing the grass. Going for walks has become more difficult as Kai like to pull his wagon by himself. He maybe growing up but he still has little legs and stops constantly to point out buses and birds. And in case we were not 100% sure, he will also let us know that the wagon is his if we happen to touch it. We hear "mine" a lot.

We are in

The day has finally come and gone. We are in our first home. It has been a tough week so far getting everything organized, but it is coming along. Kai is adjusting well to him new surroundings, especially his bedroom. We have had a few rough nights so far but it is to be expected.

Kai is growing up more and more each day. He is becoming very independant and not wanting mommy and daddy to help out as much. He is quite content with doing his own thing when it comes to cleaning up,putting away his toys or having a meal with his new forks. Kai is still fascinated with vacuuming and tries to copy daddy. He enjoys it that much he tries to take the vacuum from dad to try and tackle the job himself. He does very well considering our vacuum probably weighs as much as he does. Well not too much else to add right now. We will try and be more diligent in the future with our entries. Hope everyone is doing well. Take care

Big News

We have bought a house. Simon and I bought a house this past week. We are so excited to finally have a place of our own. It close to a new school and big park. So perfect for our little man and for us.

Kai is having so much fun at daycare. He is growing up so fast. It is fun to see him discovering his world. He has started to help clean up and loves to put away groceries. Really, I think he just loves to play in the fridge. He is making lots of little friends at daycare and has even made his first craft.

February 2009

Our little man is going up so fast. Everyday he seems to be so much older. We are starting to see just how much he understands. He heads straight for the bathroom whenever the word bath is mentioned. He is now able to point out what he wants. It is so amazing to see how much he is changing.

Kai is going to be starting at a new daycare this month. I am excited. it will be so much more interesting for him. He was getting a bit bored at his day home. Now he will be playing with more kids and really able to learn so much more. He is going to the same daycare as his cousin Sophie which will be great. She is going to keep an eye for him I am sure of it.

We have had a few firsts this month. Kai has fallen in love. With vacuuming. He is always pushing around his little vacuum. He even inspects Simon's vacuuming jobs. Kai got his top two first year molars. They have finally poked through. Now he is working on getting them to come out completely and the bottom ones. Kai also got his first haircut. he was so good. He just sat there and let the girl cut away. Oh, our little boy is growing up.

Life has been very busy

The past month has been very busy for our little family. I have started back at work, Simon went away for two weeks, Kai started at a dayhome, and don't even get me started about Christmas.

I have gone back to work (damn you lottery) which means that Kai has started going to a dayhome. The family is lovely and they have a little boy who is about one week older that Kai. He seems to really enjoy going there. I am slowly getting back into the work groove. I was really hoping to win the lottery but no such luck. I feel about as exhausted as I did when Kai was just born. It is hard to be a working mom.

Simon got to go on a trip to Pennsylvania for work in the beginning of December. He really enjoyed himself even though he missed us terribly. He got to check out a hockey game and make to New York to visit some friends. Our little fella missed his dad a lot. He would go looking for him and sit by the door waiting for him to come home. Big thanks to our parents who help me out while Simon was gone. Again...damn you lottery.

December brought out with it the holiday parties.

Kai got to go to his first kid's Christmas party hosted by Grandpa's work. He had a lot of fun and got to see Santa again. He was great and did not cry. Santa gave Kai an old school telephone which he loves.

We had a great time celebrating St Nicholas Day with my family. Auntie Mich and Uncle Michael hosted the event. All the kids had fun and thanks to the chocolate fountain they had lots of energy. Kai got to spend time with his aunts, uncle, cousins and Opa.

We had the next family gathering at my parents house the Saturday before Christmas. It was a lot of fun and again very exciting for Kai. All the aunts and uncles were there as well as all his cousins. He did very well despite all the people.

We had a nice Christmas morning just the three of us. I was spoiled and so were my fellas. Kai was more interested in playing with the Tupperware then opening his gifts but what can you do. He has since noticed that there are new toys and loves pulling them all out. I think the current favs are the trains that he got. He is into Thomas the Tank Engine right now. We also got him a Fisher Price Little Peoples Train Set. Simon keeps threatening to take out the batteries because Kai loves to hear the two songs that it plays over and over and over and over again. We spend the afternoon of Christmas dad with Simon's family and we were all spoiled again. I am hoping that next year Kai will really get into opening his gifts. He really had no desire to rip the paper or anything.

New Years Eve found us at the Opalinsky's, which was a lot of fun. The Woodroffes were there as well. It was nice and low key which is perfect when you have kids. Kai and Hailey had a lot of fun playing with each other. Hailey was so great with Kai even though he kept taking the pink stroller she wanted to play with. Us adults rocked it out playing rock band which I totally suck at. It was awesome.

I must say that I am glad that the holiday season is over. We all need some sleep. All the partying has effected our little man's sleep. Well in all fairness, he is teething AGAIN.

I AM ONE!

Our little man is now one years old. It is crazy how quickly time has flown by.

We have had a very busy few weeks.

A couple of weekends ago we got to go down to Calgary and spend some time with Helen, Matt and the kids. It was a lot of fun. Helen taught Kai how to climb stairs, Bailey and Tyler were so great watching him, Simon and I got to help Matt with the Xmas lights... It was a great break. And we all love their new house.

I started back to work on the 24th of this month. It was hard and I shed a few tears quite a number of times. Kai got to spend the week with his Grandmaman and Grand-dad and his Auntie Mich. He apparently had tonnes of fun. I think it will be harder for Simon and I to adjust to me being back to work then Kai. He starts at his new dayhome on Monday, so we will have to see how that goes.

Kai had his first birthday party on the 23rd. It was crazy and he was spoiled. He was not overly keen on the cake. He smeared a bit of icing on his face/body and that was about it. He did not put his hands in it at all. I will say that a little bit of icing goes a long way though. Kai did get a bath before rejoining his party after his cake.

Kai got to visit Santa again this year. I am sure that he did not remember last year at all. He did not cry but was very curious. He had to check out his beard and had a very serious face. (The Santa at Southgate was awesome by the way) We did get some smiles once Kai noticed that Grandpa and Nan were watching him.

Our fella is now 24 lbs and 3 oz and is 31 inches tall. He is in the 90th percentile for height and 75th percentile for weight.

Now for our biggest news....KAI IS WALKING. He took his first unassisted steps on Nov 28, 2008. He was standing beside me and just started walking towards his dad. I will admit that I got teary eyed. He took a good four steps. Later that night he was a walking machine. He took ten to twelve steps across his grandparent's kitchen. We are in so much trouble. And to top that off I am very confident that Kai said Dadda.

Big thanks to Uncle Evan for watching over our little man this past year. We love you and miss you.

Playing in the snow

Kai had so much fun playing in the snow. Well actually he was just sitting in it as his snowsuit does not allow for much movement. We let him go without mittens for a bit so he could feel what the snow felt like.

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween to all. We had the best time taking Kai trick or treating for the first time. And he was way too cute dressed as a pumpkin. Our first stop was at Opa's. Kai knocked on the door and got a full size Hersey's dark chocolate bar (his parents were very happy to split that one).

Then we headed to the mall. When Kai is bigger we will head outside for our trick or treating. Kai loved seeing all the people and walking with daddy. We only got a bit of candy as it will be Simon and I who have to eat it. Nan and Grandpa met us at the mall for a couple of laps. It was such a good time.

11 months

Kai is now 11 months old. Where does the time go? He is 30 1/2 inches tall and 23 lbs.

Life is a bit more challenging now that Kai is mobile. He pulls himself up on everything and is way too fast. He says "mum" now which is very sweet. Simon is working on "dad" with Kai. No luck so far. Kai loves his daddy very much. They play catch together and chase each other around. It is very cute.

And He's Off

Kai is becoming more and more mobile every day. He is constantly pulling himself up on furniture, toys and in his crib. He is very proud of himself. I am pleased that he is starting to be able to get himself down from where ever he is standing. It makes life a lot easier. Our little man is also walking with the assistance of his bright pink car. For the record, his new set of wheels comes from a very kind older cousin (who is a girl).

Man On The Move

Kai is a man on the move. He has started crawling and is getting to be quite fast. He is still super frustrated that he cannot walk yet but it won't be long now. He is getting better balance and has started to pull himself up on the furniture. Look out world, here he comes.

10 Months

The little man is now 10 months old. He weighs 22 lbs 6 3/4 oz and is 29 1/2 inches tall. He has 8 teeth now and is starting to work on more (I think so due the fact that his gums are totally swollen). Kai loves to examine his toys and is very curious still. Frustration is a big emotion for him right now. Kai is dying to be more mobile but lacks the physical skill. He wants to walk all the time (Simon and I have the backaches to prove it).

Our Trip Out East

On September 9 th we headed out east for a fantastic family vacation with my parents. We visited Montreal, Pembroke, the Quebec countryside and Quebec City for 2 weeks. Kai was a great traveller.

He had many firsts on this trip....first flight, first taste of a Fairmont bagel, seeing family for the first time. He was great on the plane. He had a lot of fun looking out the window with daddy. He did get a bit bored during the flight but was a real trooper.

We got to visit with my family including my Grandmaman who will be 90 this February. We took a trip out to Ontario to see Laura, Gabi and Steven. They really need to live closer. Gabi had lots of fun toughening Kai up. We were very touched to be included in a very significant moment when Steven proposed to Laura. I cried.

Kai was a very adventurous eater on our trip. He tried anything we put in front of him, as long as he could eat it himself. He does not like to be fed anymore. It was very cute on the flight home watching him eat his rye bread and cream cheese sandwich. He is still a big fruit lover.

Our trip to Quebec City was a real treat. Kai got to spend some quality time with Grand-dad while Simon and I took a carriage ride. It was nice to spend some time alone, looking at the beautiful scenery. Quebec City should be a must see on every one's list.

We went to the Biodome in Montreal and Kai had a ton of fun looking at all the fish and penguins. He was super excited.

The only thing that was not great about our trip was that Kai was teething the entire time. He got on tooth the day before we left and a second one the day we got home. He still tried so hard to be happy despite the pain. We are very lucky to have such a wonderful little boy.

9 Months

The little man is now 9 months old. He is 21 lbs 12 oz and 29 1/4 inches tall. He has 5 teeth and is currently working on some more. Kai is super busy and very curious. He has to inspect every angle of his toys and does not seem to miss anything. We are looking forward to a trip out to Quebec and Ontario in September. I am sure it will be quite the adventure travelling with Kai. He is still a major flirt and is very quick to smile at the ladies.

Lots of Summer Fun

We are having a lot of fun this summer. Kai has experienced many new things. Swinging, strawberries, ice cream cones, swimming in the lake, sliding. Kai and I spent 6 fantastic days in Sylvan Lake this month. The weather was awesome and we had so much fun. Kai got to play with his cousins and aunts and uncles. I got to have a bit of a break with the all the extra hands. My parents are the best.

Kai also got 3 new teeth while we were on holidays. They are all across the top of his mouth. Poor little fella suffered. By the time Simon came out for the weekend those teeth were in and Kai was very excited to see him.

It was so cool to see Kai try all the new experiences this summer. He loves swinging and sliding. We are going to have to make trips to the park now. Kai even loved the water. It was cold for the first few seconds but then he was having a great time, chillin' out in the waves.