Happy Birthday Little Girl

“I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
as long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.”

Love You Forever by Robert Munsch 

Our little girl turns the big 1 today!

She has brought color to my world. I am proud of many things, but nothing beats the privilege of being her mom.

Happy birthday! I can't wait to see what the future holds ...

First Birthday!

Last night was our first snowfall of the season. Ironically, I can say without a doubt that last year the first snowfall occurred on the evening of the 21st. I remember this because I was awake half the night with a difficult labor and I could see the snow falling onto the Oratory roof across from the hospital.

As a Game of Thrones fan, we joked that "Winter is coming..." and, after our LO was born, "Winter is here..." but most of you wouldn't get the reference.

The Keg: Full Circle

It is that time of year again, my birthday; a day that everyone seems to want to celebrate, except me. Well, that’s not exactly true. I want to celebrate it, but quietly and in my own way. And, for some unknown reason, this is too difficult for certain others to comprehend which has, in the past, led me go out of town simply to get away from it all.

But, the last couple of years we have found ourselves successfully keeping the peace as I had always wanted and ending the day of activities with dinner at The Keg Steakhouse, just the two of us. Something we will do again this year, only we will be 3.

Life Begins At 36

Yesterday DH and I quietly celebrated my 36th birthday together… the last one with “just the two of us” and that couldn’t make me happier!

As we sat in The Keg eating dinner, I couldn’t help but think about how far we have come and how much things have changed since last year!

Nieces And Birthdays

I can’t believe how fast they grow up…. niece #1 is turning 4 years old this week! Time just flies, doesn’t it? I still remember visiting her in the hospital at less than a day old! Two years ago, at her 2nd birthday party, my SIL announced she was pregnant again and that brought us niece #2 and our godchild of course! Getting to play the role of aunt, uncle and godparents has been really special and those little girls mean the world to us!

Re-Claiming My Uterus!

Is this writer’s block? I don’t think so…
Some internal struggle between what to keep private and what to make public? Possibly…
Or maybe I simply haven’t wrapped my head around it all yet? Probably.

For some reason I am just having trouble getting thoughts out of my head and onto paper/blog this week. I am fed up. I am emotionally worn-out from being on display, speaking both medically and personally. I am so over being a lab rat! Although, this time the process has been less lab rat like but still not pleasant.

Is 35 Too Young For A Midlife Crisis?

Age is just a number, and in a couple of weeks my number will be 35. Normally age and numbers don’t really bother me all that much, but when you are TTC with PCOS and know that you require IVF/IVM you start looking at “35” from a statistical point of view… and then it hits you, I am turning 35!

Three Years

Three years ago today something awesome happened...

A friend of mine had reservations to a restaurant we had really wanted to try, which had a six month waiting list, and she was unable to go so she let us go instead. It was a great experience and we have been back many times since! We even got to meet the owner back in February when we went there for an early anniversary dinner. He put a sparkler in our dessert to celebrate which was very sweet! Counting down the days until we go back… and hoping DH takes me there for my birthday (hint hint)!

Oh, and now that my SIL is nicely fuming about me talking about a restaurant….

Something even MORE incredible happened after dinner that night… we found out that our first niece was born, and that means that she is turning three years old today! I can’t believe it has been three years already… it seems like it was only a few months ago… wait, no, that was their OTHER daughter! Ha, ha? Anyhow, looking forward to her birthday party this weekend and even more excited to babysit both of them on Sunday! 

Happy Birthday from Zia and Zio, G!

September Is Flying By!

The summer went by so quickly, and now we are already half way through September. Can you believe it? It will be Christmas before we know it! Back to school was CRAZY this year (which is why I haven’t been posting) but it is finally calming down! Now I get to play catch up from the last two weeks and try to get ahead on next week since I won’t be here all at once! Fun!

So, where were we last?

My birthday weekend was a blast! Not because of my birthday but because of the huge wedding the day before. My little bride was beautiful and the groom, casual and cool as always. And the flower girl was the cutest thing ever… my niece of course! The priest was half an hour late but kept things short and sweet and then it was on to the party. The hall was decorated beautifully, the food was very good, and things seemed to be perfect as far as I could tell. The happy couple is still on their honeymoon and I can’t wait for them to get back so we can look through all their pictures and see their new home! I miss you guys!

My birthday itself was quiet; a trip to the pet store and dinner at The Keg with DH. Exactly what I wanted! It hasn’t all turned out well though. I got a Betta and four Tetras for my new aquarium and by the following week they had all died! I think the Betta hunted the Tetras and then got sick from bacteria in the water. I tried to medicate him but he didn’t make it. Sigh. And, my gift from DH has been a total train wreck, but I am still working on that one so I won't bore you with the details just yet.

Labour Day weekend we went camping in Lake Placid again with our new big tent and did a lot of nothing. It was nice to do nothing for once! Of course I had to get sick right before we left but the fresh air actually seemed to help a lot. I think I have a new cure for my constant sinus infections!

Also on Labour Day weekend, my nephew finally made his appearance! He didn’t like August it seems so he chose September 1st! Unfortunately his first couple of weeks haven’t gone as expected, and he still hasn’t seen his beautiful room that his Mommy and Daddy built for him, but hopefully he will go home soon! In either case, I am on my way there this weekend to meet him for the first time and I can’t wait!

To replace the Betta/Tetra disaster, I went out yesterday and bought two Angel Goldfish instead. They should be more resilient so we will see how this goes… I consider them to be like goats of the sea – eat anything and not care if the water isn’t perfect – so hopefully these ones will last longer!

Anyhow, that’s it for now. Break over, back to work!

August Updates

“I restore myself when I'm alone.”
Marilyn Monroe 

This summer has been ridiculously busy, and the next couple of weeks will be no different - if not worse! 

Went to the eye doctor yesterday and while my prescription hasn’t changed all that much, a new type of lens may make a world of difference! They are anti-fatigue lenses and seeing as I am on the computer almost all day, every day, it should help with strain and the resulting headaches that follow. I have tried something similar in the past and they were awful but these sound much better! I want to research them a bit more though. I also found frames that I fell in love with (like, didn’t want to take them off in the store), but they are 200$ on top of special extra expensive lenses so… not any time soon! When things calm down I am going to shop around and see what I can find. Why do I now have an eye for designer glasses? Currently sporting Ralph Lauren… may be moving on to Guess!

Tomorrow we start a 4-day mini-vacation weekend and it is cottage time with the in-laws. Aside from some horseback riding, nothing else is planned and that’s just fine with me! I have a couple of books packed (ok, well a Kobo full), my Ipod, and my tablet. If I do nothing but nothing I will be happy! I have my reservations about this whole group/family vacation plan but we will make the most of it no matter what happens. It isn’t the family that gets to me, specifically; there are many reasons why I generally prefer not to travel with anyone other than DH. In either case, we travel very well together so it usually all works out in the end… and if it doesn’t, we are by a lake so I can tell him (or anyone else) to go jump in it! 

Next weekend is another busy 4-day weekend with my BFF/sister potentially giving birth any day now, my favorite little cousins’ ginormous wedding, and my birthday of course! And, what do I have planned for my birthday? Abso-fucking-lutely nothing and I am quite happy with that! I have only insisted on a competition fueled game of mini-putt and a nice dinner out so I don’t have to cook. And, who knows, maybe I will get enough cash to buy those glasses that I want!

So, between our short camping trip earlier this summer and this long weekend coming up, I have to say that I like the 4-5 day “staycations” we seem to be doing this year. So much so that in a couple of weeks we are going camping again!  And no, I haven’t lost my mind. I like camping a lot and we have a lot of fun – but I am still researching an amazing cruise idea for winter because I still know that I belong in the Caribbean!

The Royal Baby Is On The Way!

No, this is not actually a post about Will and Kate’s Royal Baby! But’s it’s true… the baby is on his/her way as I type this. Honestly, poor Kate. Can you even begin to imagine having the whole world know that you just went into labor and everyone is waiting with baited breath to know if it is a boy or a girl, the name that you chose, and so on? It’s too much pressure if you ask me. And then the criticism will follow. Already the whole world is talking about what they should name the baby because that will show how they wish to lead the country in the future and bla, bla, bla… what if they simply want to call the baby Michael or something a little more unique like Delilah? Certainly those are both better names than the “Apple’s”, “Moon Unit’s” and “Jermajesty’s” out there! And no, I am not making those names up. Anyhow, whatever happens, I hope they get to lead somewhat of a normal life… at least for the first moments of their new family’s life.

Also, I would like to wish DH a Happy (belated) Birthday. Nothing fancy this year (as he requested); just brunch, gifts and a steak and lobster dinner (I cooked). There is more in store, but that will come later!

And, this Friday we are going to see the comedian Danny Bhoy at Montreal’s Just for Laughs. Usually we see more but the line-up just wasn’t right for us this year. The bigger comedians we would have liked to see are hosting galas filled with people we don’t really know, and since I am not a fan of the galas we just got tickets for the one show. He actually has a funny story about when he met the Queen, so in the spirit of the royal baby… here you go!

The first time Danny Bhoy met the Queen, he was more nervous than he expected.

''Oh, you're the comedian, are you?'' she asked him.

Unwittingly mimicking her posh accent, he was horrified to hear himself reply, ''I am he,'' before giving a regal bow.

Their second encounter, a few years later, was even more embarrassing. After hearing her say it was nice to meet him, Bhoy found himself blathering about how they had already met: that one time, after the awards show, in that room at that place …

''She has 300 engagements a year,'' Bhoy says. ''As if she's going to remember some prick who shook her hand four years ago.''

Nodding politely, the Queen waited for him to finish, then inquired, ''What does one do if one's audience does not laugh?''

''One shits oneself,'' he blurted, at which point her minders quickly ushered him away. He was pleased, however, to notice Her Majesty stifling a laugh.

You can read the full interview here.

August Updates

August was pretty slow up until a few days ago so I thought I should update before the month is over!

On Friday, August 24th, I went to see Wicked and it was awesome! I had started to read the book a while back but couldn't get into it. The tickets were a gift and I wasn't too sure about it but I am glad I went! It was entertaining and quite funny as well. I wasn't sure what to expect at first but I was pleasantly surprised!

On Saturday, August 25th, we went out for dinner at Le Vieux-Port Steakhouse to celebrate my birthday and then everyone came back to our place for cake and coffee. Yes, I usually have my BBQ but I really wasn't up to it this year at all and going out was a nice change! Less work for me at least!

And tonight... MADONNA!!! Need I say more? I am super bouncy and excited today and I can't wait! I have AMAZING seats, better than ever before, and I am really looking forward to this show! Apparently she was 2.5 hours late a couple of nights ago but it was her first show in North America so they were having "issues". Her trucks have already been spotted here so hopefully they are all ready to go! I can't wait!!!

May Babies

If “April showers bring May flowers” and “friends are flowers in the garden of life”, then I am truly blessed with one awesome garden every year! And I don’t mean the one outside my house that I am planning to dig up!

From the end of April right up until the first week of June, there are so many birthdays to celebrate and I just wanted to take a minute and tell each and every one of you HAPPY BIRTHDAY and I hope that your special day is filled with love, laughter and hopefully some sinfully delicious cake too!

And, to my BFF… welcome to your “Forever 29”! Just think, while you are dreading it some of us are wishing we could be back there again so don’t be bummed – flaunt it! 

Happy (Belated) Sweet Sixteen Times Two To Me!

So many things have happened over the last week that I just haven’t had the chance to write a thing until now! Let’s get caught up.

Let’s begin by recapping my horrible-turned-wonderful day last Tuesday. So, as you all know I got my beloved Kobo e-reader last year on my birthday. I cannot live without this thing! So, I was just next to work about to get off the bus and the driver slams on the breaks. My purse hit one of the poles and I heard a small crack from my bag but I thought nothing of it at the time. Later, on the way home, I take my Kobo out and see that it was ruined! It won’t turn on, the screen is all grey with black lines through it, and my first thought was “I am leaving in 2 days, I need my book”! Thankfully a friend was with me on the bus or I probably would have sobbed the whole way home (only half kidding). Anyhow, so I get home and I race to the bookstore to buy a paper copy of the book because I really love it and to talk to them about my Kobo. The manager takes one look at it and says “Oh, I’ve seen that before. Why don’t you take a look at the new model” and starts showing me all the features. Now, don’t get me wrong, I loved the new model but really didn’t want to spend another 140$ plus 30$ for a new cover (because the new one is smaller). Reluctantly, I agree, and the guy rings it up and says 80 something dollars. What??? He gave me a 100$ bill credit for my defective Kobo!!! I kept my mouth closed about the damage, took my new Kobo and ran! On the way home I realized that I forgot to buy the book but it was getting late so I didn’t bother going back. But, to my surprise, when I get home a copy of the book is waiting for me in my mailbox! My friend on the bus saw how upset I was and went to the bookstore herself to buy it for me as a birthday present! Oh, and I LOVE the new Kobo so all in all it turned out to be a great day! Thank you for making me smile AND for the book!

So, that was Tuesday. On Thursday, my actual birthday, we set out for the waterslides up north. It was raining at home but the forecast said sunny where we were headed so I bought my tickets online (to save 50%) and we left. And the weatherman was WRONG. Dark clouds, cool winds, and rain rain rain! But, we already had our tickets so we braved it like a couple of crazy people. It turned out not to be so bad all things considered and we had 4 hours of fun followed by a wonderful dinner at a nearby Creperie. And that was where the fun comes to an end. We arrived at our usual spa around 8pm and we were nothing but disappointed. They have renovated so we no longer had our usual room. Our new room was overpriced, moldy and dusty but it was late so we decided to stay and handle things in the morning after breakfast. Hah, breakfast! A tiny cold buffet and they no longer serve hot food like eggs or pancakes. So, after my toast and peanut butter I got into an argument with them about wanting to leave a day early, disagreed on the refund they were offering but ended up accepting it and leaving the spa for the whole day just so we didn’t have to be there. We came back for our massage in the afternoon (because my shoulder is acting up again) and then we went home. We won’t be going back there ever again! I have a long review on tripadvisor if anyone wants to read it and already know the next spa I will be going to instead. A little more money but 5 star service! Oh, and while we were avoiding the spa we did a little shopping at the outlet malls and I bought some new running shoes and a Guess purse that I am in love with!

Saturday and Sunday were just spent relaxing, getting some things done around the house, visiting family and having an interesting slalom across the Champlain Bridge due to hurricane Irene.

And, last but not least, we went out for groceries yesterday and while we were there we bought a small birthday cake since I never really had one. DH even put a candle in it and sang Happy Birthday to me! Awe! So, all in all not a bad birthday this year I guess!

The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust

A very good friend of mine is celebrating her birthday today, so for starters I would like to say happy birthday and best wishes to you! I don’t know what I would do without you sometimes! Thank you for the yummy dinner last night! And, because this friend is very special to me, I wanted to do something extra special for her and I found the perfect gift that I would like to share with all of you as well.

A few weeks ago I was watching an episode of Oprah called “Amazing Animals”. Kristin Davis (from Sex and the City of course) was on the show talking about a program for adopting elephants in Kenya. These elephants have been orphaned usually due to poaching and drought. Kristin’s story can be found here. As soon as I heard the story I went on-line and began to research The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I knew in a heartbeat that this was something I wanted to do and knew exactly who to do it for.

“Sities” is the little baby elephant that I adopted and is now being fostered by her new “mommy”. You can read all about her on her profile page. There is also a documentary entitled “For the Love of Elephants” about The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust on The Nature of Things with David Suzuki which has already aired on TV but you can also watch it online. Ironically, the little elephant that I adopted before even seeing this show is the starlet of the documentary!

If you can, I encourage you all to show your support. There are so many to choose from, both young and old, and they all have their unique stories posted online. These elephants will capture your heart!

29 Again? Nope... 31 and Counting!

I haven’t had a chance to write because we have been pretty busy the last couple of weeks but it has been fun! DH came home August 20th and took my b-day off the following week so we could spend some time together. I had most of the week off so it was a mini-vacation for me too!

From August 19-28 my BFF and her BF were visiting from Toronto. They stay with us but we often do separate things as they have their own room and keys so they can come and go as they please. We had a lot of busy days and a lot of lazy days too! It was fun!

On August 22nd I had my annual BBQ for my birthday but unfortunately it was raining so no pool this year. About 20 people were there so we had a full house! I tried to talk with everyone there but I never made it to some people. DH occupied half of the room and I occupied the other mostly. I was just trying to go anywhere that was cool! I got a lot of nice presents that day including a gift card for Chapters, a Pizzelle Press (kind of like a waffle iron for those of you who don’t know what it is), a Smores kit, a Vanilla Bean Diffuser, and a lavender filled eye pillow… and cake!

August 23rd was clean-up day and a lazy day and on August 24th I went to work and then to DH’s parents’ house as it was my mother-in-laws birthday. I happily accepted money for my birthday from them because I already had a plan for it. I bought my Kobo!!! No more carrying around heavy books. Now I can have my library in the palm of my hands!! Also, my BFF insisted on giving me my gift that night so I agreed and was very happy. I got a Hollister Hoodie! Kind of an inside joke, but I love it. After this, DH asked me if I wanted his gift as well. I hesitated because I really wanted to open something on my birthday but I was too curious… and I was happily surprised! I am sorry to everyone who reads this who got me a present… but his is my favorite!!! He got me the white gold, diamond accented horseshoe necklace from Zales that I wanted!!! I love it so much!!! I never took my old necklace (his birthstone) off for anything, but I took it off for this!

August 25th we went to Granby Zoo for my birthday. It was a cool rainy morning followed by a cool and sunny afternoon. We went to the water park for a bit but it was freezing! One thing that made me super happy though, was the Meerkats. They have this tunnel you can go into and pop your head up right in the middle of their exhibit. Last year, there were too many kids there and the Meerkats were hiding in the shade because it was really hot out. This year, on the way out, I was able to get into the tunnel and just as I popped my head out I saw a Meerkat right in front of me! I took so many pictures of him! We left just after that and on the way home we went to pick up my Kobo!

The rest of the week was a lazy week. Mini-putt on Thursday, dinner on Friday with a bunch of good friends, followed by a weekend of house cleaning, laundry, yard work, etc… All in all a great week and now back to the grind! Well, actually, not so much. On Sept 2nd I am getting my last wisdom tooth out and will have the 3rd off to recuperate as well. I see lots of popsicles in my future!

126 Days Until Christmas...

And more importantly... 5 days until my birthday! I still haven't completely absorbed the idea of turning 31, but it will come wether I like it or not so I will just have to get used to the idea! My BFF came down from Toronto and is spending the week with us again AND I am on vacation for the next week so that makes up for the birthday blues!

So, as you can all imagine, the next week will be a busy one so forgive me if I don't post anything. Actually, the next few WEEKS will be busy. Vacation for a week, followed by 2 days off the following week for a wisdom tooth extraction, followed by 2 weeks of "crazy-town" at work.

Yes, it's official... the summer is nearly over!

Happy Birthday to my Wonderful Hubby!

"A best friend is like a four leaf clover; hard to find and lucky to have."

Sarah Jessica Parker

 

Once again, it's your birthday and we find ourselves on opposite ends of North America; me here at home and you, surrounded by palm trees in California. I realize that you are working and probably exhausted, but try and have a great day! Go and have a nice dinner tonight and top it off with a big piece of cake!

I love you, I miss you, and I am counting down the days until you come home.

Happy Birthday!