Ho Ho Ho

Lyla, what does Santa say?

"Ho ho ho" (said in her cute little voice, while trying to sound like daddy with a deep Santa voice, does that make sense?)

Lyla and Santa have a love/hate relationship. See...

First she gives him a hug.

Then a nice little pat.

Then she pushes him (not so nice)

Then she listens to a secret he's telling her.

Followed by nice kisses.I think this thing could turn out, especially when she finds out he brings her gifts!

we decorated the tree

it's up, and lit and has presents all around it. lyla helped decorate.

best part: she loves it, and doesn't touch it. she's so good :) and so cute.

Giveaway

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/chubby-baby-car-seat-cover-guest.html

SO darn cute!!!!

Scentsy

So I went to this little party thing that my friend was having because she is now a Scentsy consultant. And I won the door prize. And it was awesome.

And now my other friend Kristi is giving away some fun Scentsy stuff on her blog.

This stuff is everywhere. And it's awesome.

You can even enter to win the giveaway too. Click here to do so.

My flower

Mum, why are you making me wear this?

We pick pumpkins

On Monday before turkey dinner, we travelled to Howard Dill's Pumpkin Patch. It was darn cold, and darn windy. But we picked out some fun pumpkins to carve. And Lyla got her first kiss. From a strangers kid. She didn't cry tho, just stood there stunned. It was cute, kind-of. Except for the whole stranger germs. I just wanted to post a picture of our little lady picking out the pumpkin she wanted.

And a family shot. Good times. 

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.

All about Lyla

As it usually is.

I come posting pictures tho, that's fun.

Blogger is being a bit of a jerk this morning and wont let me put my pictures where I want them, so you'll have to use your imagination, pretending that it all makes sense.

Here we have Lyla learning how to climb onto the coffee table we had in front of the tv so she wouldn't get too close, or touch it. This method clearly no longer works.

And here she is helping daddy swiffer. We love her willingness to work :)

At Peggy's Cove a while back. We went with the Keeping's. We love being friends with them. Mostly because they are nice and ask us to hang out with them and stuff. And they let us use their tools.

Eating an Oreo cookie. So yummy. So bad for you. So ok with me.

"Unlocking" the door with mummy's keys. Genius, right?

Enjoying some mini crisps, or whatever they're called. She will sometimes snack on these for hours. Again, not so good for her, but better than her not eating at all I guess. Judge me all you want.

That's all I got. Just wanted to show off my super talented, highly intelligent, overly advanced child. Gosh I love her.

and my kid is actually 14 months

wow. thank you ariel for pointing that out.

i am an idiot.

don't tell lyla.

And my kid is 15 months old.

She can:

walk

run

say lots of words (mum, dada, what's that, tickle, ball, baba, hi, bye)

go up stairs, and about half way down

answer yes and no questions by shaking her head

brush her teeth (tho i get to them before i let her have at it)

feed herself with a fork, but prefers her fingers

help put her shoes on

help mum get her dressed

crawl out of the tub

get out of bed in the morning to find mum and dad getting ready for work

dance

she loves:

to sleep

mum and dad

cuddling

playing games

eating ice cream

bath time

music

she dislikes:

car rides

being told no

being ignored

Work and Play

So, we (Extreme Group) just got back from White Point. Translation: one major stress in my day to day work is over! Yay.

I am hoping to get some pictures soon.

It was awesome. Our meeting was wicked. My massage was awesome. The party that night was stellar. The cold I took with me couldn't keep me from staying up way past my bedtime. Gosh. I love my job, and my bosses and my co workers. Ice Awards are next, bring it on.

PS. No one understands me at this point, except Kristi, Lynds and Cav. But that's cool. 

...

i know a bunch of you have been asking me to update my blog.

sorry.

i've been busy. and honestly, if i get on here, i might explode with some not-nice-ities towards certain parties...

so i'll wait for the annoyance to pass.

and then i'll be back.

side note: we're all doing well. lyla is awesome. and we still love her, even a year and a month later.

Tall, skinny and a big fat head.

That sums up Lyla's one year appointment with Dr. Robinson. Here are her stats:

Weight: 20.8 lbs = 25%

Length: 30 in. = 75%

Head: 18.5 in. = 90%

She had her needles, all three, and did amazing. Even with the last "really painful" one. She's my hero.

We're having her b-day party on Sunday, and we're getting rather excited about it. I have a million cupcakes to bake this afternoon, so cross my fingers they work out. Thank heavens Caverly is lending me her talent to help decorate. We had 2 birthday parties for Lyla so far, at the grandparents homes. And when I am not at work, I will post those pictures.

I guess that's all I have time to say. I am at work today because they are filming a movie in our office, and I am overseeing our space. Extra money is what I am in it for. And maybe some free food. 

But yea, ciao for now.

A whole year old.

Today Lyla turns one.

Lyla bug, Happy birthday. We love you.

Something big happens tomorrow...

Can you guess what it is?

This guy

Got a job! Yay for him. (Thank heavens he doesn't look like this for reals)

At the Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Doing what he went to school for. 

So proud, I am.

A little laugh

This is what Lyla learned how to do while I was away.

so busy

hardly have time to do this, but had to post these pictures of lyla having fun with me. it's one of only a few moments i get with her a day, now that i am back to work full time. she's growing so fast. walking a bit, and growing teeth like it's her job.

i am going to toronto for work thursday and friday, but will be back for the weekend. maybe i'll post then? i hope life slows down soon.

p.s i want to take pictures of lyla's room soon...and post them. i just love her room. and our new leather couches.

What's new?

Lots is going on. But it leaves me with little time to blog.
A few things to note, and then next time I'll post pictures of our new place.
- Lyla had another EEG, it came back nice and clear. We don't have to see the neurologist again for 6 months.
- We're moved in pretty much...still some boxes in the basement, but we wont talk about them.
- I started back to work last week, it was intense. I am so busy trying to teach myself crap that I don't have time to even read page one of Perez. Tragic, I know.
- Josh is working on some contract map stuff until he gets a job. It's out there, we just have to find it.
- I got called as the 2nd councilor in the Primary today. Should be an exciting learning adventure (since I didn't join the church until I was 20, and have no kiddies in Primary, I seriously know nothing)
I guess that's really the gist of it.
Just one questions: ladies? after your first child, how long was it until you started feeling the baby fever? I have held a few babies lately (including a newborn, which usually gets me) and NOTHING. I hope it get it (not too soon, but not too many years from now) because I don't want Lyla to be an only child. So, tell me. When did you start burning up again?

We're here!

And alive.
Buried alive under boxes, but happy as clams.
Will post when I have time.

Funny, this was the comic this week on the 9th ward site. Thanks to all the guys that came out to help us, on both ends.

In all of her nakedness

She can't possibly get mad at me when she gets older. It's just too cute.This is Lyla in the tub, doing what she know she's not allowed to do: stand up. That explains the sneaky smile. I guess it's not as bad a pooping in the water...

Back in the valley

Eyes: fine (after some drops that open the pupils, and a few tears for being held down, we're all good!)

MRI: clean, best news ever

So what's wrong with Lyla? No idea.

But we're happy that this weeks tests were all good.

We see the neurologist again on the 4th for another EEG.

I think it's just that Lyla is so smart her brain can't keep up, so her eyes go funny :)

Thank you all for your prayers. I know it's helped us stay strong thru all this silliness.

In other news: we move back to Halifax in 11 days!!! Who's stoked? We are. It's too bad that the valley weather is showing up now that we're leaving. Here is how Lyla enjoys her warm mornings while mum cleans the kitchen.

So that's all we got. Nova Scotia is in for some nice days this week, so pull up a chair, open your door and breathe in the goodness. To all of you folks not in N.S...I hope the sun is shining your way too.

Where are we?

We are supposed to be back in the valley. But we're not.
We're still in Halifax. Lyla had her MRI. She did so well. Fought the sleepy meds to the death, but they still won. Then it was an event to get her to wake up after it was all over. She got sick the day after (vomiting everywhere!) from the medication I think, but she has since recovered.
I went to work for my first 1/2 day back. It was fun. I was only there for like 3 hours, so it hardly counts. We'll see what the full days back in June bring.
Got a call from the IWK to come in for some more testing on Tuesday morning. I was a little upset, but might as well not plan for the worst when we don't know. I am sure it will all be ok in the end. Lyla's been a champ thru this all and actually doesn't seem to be raising red flags to me. She's learning to stand on her own, getting more adventerous with her attempts each day. She says Mum and Dad when she's wanting something from us. She hasn't lost her ability to do anything she could before, so that's good to hear, no retrogressing (I think that's the word).
So we're here until Wednesday morning I think. I may even go to work for Tuesday afternoon. Good times.
Oh, and I am getting my hair foiled and cut tomorrow. I got a gift card from my parents to the spa, so I am excited to get that done (it's been over a year since my hair has seen a professional). Yay.
So, that's the news in our little world. Hope you all enjoy your long weekend!

So helpful at 9.5 months

Helping me to get pans out for baking (she gets into everything) Helping me pack (which we started yesterday)

What a nice gal eh ?

Reassurance

I am in need of some reassurance.
Lyla has to go for an MRI next Thursday. I am nervous. Not so much of the huge magnet that she'll be going into (tho proven safe, I am skeptical), but more of the general anesthesia she'll be under. I don't like the idea of her being put under, and away from me for any amount of time.
So please, someone tell me that their kids been thru it before. She's only 9 months, I feel like she's just too little for things like this. I know it's for the best, we want to find out what's going on to make her better, but I wish there were another way.
So yea, please someone reassure me. I am a unnecessarily scared mumma.
Thanks

weather report

2:43 pm
31 degrees
i'm outside. don't call

HOT-HOT-HOT

It's 5 pm and 25 degrees here in the valley. Ask if I am happy?!

Heck yes.

Today we got up, opened all the windows and blinds, went to get groceries (in our t-shirts and capris) and then came home for a quick lunch. Then it was car washing time. It is nice to have a clean car. It makes me happy. For a treat we went to Pearle's for ice cream. Lyla sat on grass for the first time. She loved it. Then we came home and I sat and read a book on the deck while baby napped. As we speak, Josh is firing up the BBQ for sausages and corn on the cob. Oh man I am stoked. I don't think we could have asked for a better last weekend in April. Thanks Heavenly Father for allowing me to keep my sanity.

The countdown is on

Only like 6 weeks until we move back to the city. Yay. Only bummer is that many of our friends will be gone forever, back to Ameri-land. So sad. We will truly miss you. Except you, Jake R. Haha.

So today Lyla had her last neck physio appointment. She is all good to go. I was glad to get the ok, even though the last 3 times we went was more for fun than to really get anything checked out. I've become friends with our specialist and we have a playdate (her son is one) for next Wednesday. I wish she lived closer (she's about an hour away) so we could hang out more often.

I also started going to this thing called "The Community Kitchen" (which sounds so "food-stampy" but it's just this group the local Baptist church put on for Mom's that live around here. We go Thursday mornings, drop the kids off in the playroom and then they have all the supplies needed to make a supper for the family. So last week we brought home a casserole, and this week I think it's Chili and biscuits. AND it's free! So good times all around. I finally met some mum's around here with babies. I wish this would have gone on last fall, I wouldn't have had to be a loner this whole time.

So as some of you noticed, I posted pictures from easter and my bday on Facebook, it's so much quicker than loading on here. But here is one of my sister and I celebrating our b-days ( 2 weeks apart...oh, and 3 years!)

And here is a cute one of Lyla in her Easter sunday dress. I was waiting for Josh to edit them all, but he's been busy with school so I got tired of waiting.

As I was telling Sonja, I have one of the kiddies on Sunday for those who stuck around to get the picture done, but it didnt go so well. I'll send it to those involved when Josh gets around to it.

I guess that's all I got to say. I am just trying to get over this stinkin cold that has had me down for the last 4 days. It really kicked my butt this time around, but Lyla didn't catch too much of it, which I am grateful for. How about all of you? Did you get the spring bug? (No, not the good one that makes you want to clean, but the nasty cold one!)

My mobile baby

It's hard for me to find a second to post about my bday and easter weekend, mostly because Lyla is EVERYWHERE. (The picture above shows you how I feel) She crawls, she rolls, she sits, she stands, she walks along furniture and pushes the upside down laundry basket when she wants to get somewhere accross the room. Oh my.

I have a couple pictures to post of our most recent visit to the city, and promise to do so later. Hope you all had a nice long weekend.

A quick update

Things going on in our lives:

- we're moving to 150 Harlington on June 1st. Excited about being back in the city

- we bought a leather couch and loveseat. dark brown. will be deilvered the day we move in

- i go back to work first week of june.

- recently taught lyla to wave bye. now added to her repretoire of clapping her hands and saying yay, shaking her head no, saying dada, and holding out her fingers when we say "kiss your finger". she also crawls, sits from lying down, and walks along the furniture. oh, and she has 6 teeth, loves to feed herself. makes funny faces (as per picture below) and then laughs at herself.

- i just turned 25, had a nice bday party with Josh's school mates. way fun.

- lyla will be 9 months soon enough. where has the time gone?

- went to see the easter bunny here in greenwood. he was creepy, but lyla didn't cry!

- josh bought a new lense for the camera. don't know what it's called, but aparently it's good for portrait shots. i wouldn't know either way.

Ok, so when i started this list i was sure there was more going on. Maybe there is, but Lyla is being fussy, so i can't think. Whats going on in your lives?

Which one?

Which one do you like better?

Our crib is black, the room is pink.

Tell me what you think.

P.S The second one...the blocks are black...not brown like they look in the picture. Just so you know.

P.P.S They are both the same price.

i feel bad for not posting.

so here's some new picture of lyla.

trying a pickle.she also recently tried yogurt and cottage cheese. both "yesses" for her. so yay for that. thanks kristi for those ideas. will post properly soon.

Oh Edward...

You didn't hear this from me...but I guess R. Patz kinda stinks.As in, he doesn't shower often and even castmates complain.

Maybe I am believing in this more than I should just so I can get over my highschool crush?!Photo compliments of Perez.

Firsts, Boy Lyla and Shower

Here we have it, another first caught on "digital film". As most of you know, I am an avid toothbrusher. I love teeth, I love the dentist, I love oral hygiene. It's a little weird, this amount of love I have for these things, but oh well. I am hoping to instill this in Lyla. So, she's got her first toothbrush, and she uses it while Mum brushes her teeth. She likes it quite well, but doesn't really care which end ends up in her mouth. I still love her for humoring me! I hope to have a child who never has a cavity (like me, yes I am bragging, it's the one thing I have over anyone else in my family, on both sides!)

Also, I wanted to brag about Josh's mad photo taking skills. He's like superman at it, and I am proud of him. I don't know if he'll be miffed I posted this, but I think it looked so good. That's our showerhead...and trust me, it's not actually that spotless. Good job Mr. Lighting and editing! There is another one he took of a chessboard, but I can't find it, so I'll have to post it later. It's really good!

Oh, and look what else I found...Josh took this picture of Lyla after dressing her up like a boy. She's going to have a complex with Josh as her dad!

So that's it. My boring post of the day. I just wanted to write something. I feel like a blog slacker!

Hairdos and Cheerios

So, my post today, as per usual, is about Lyla.

Here she is sporting her day-to-day hair. All I can say is that some people spend lots of time teasing, backcombing and hairspraying their coif to get height like this. Not Lyla tho, she's a natural.And here we have her, mid-fart noise making. So cute. She does it when she doesn't want to eat anymore, or when she's frustrated. After the little whines, but before the full out cry. I believe here she wanted some more cherrios. All she had to do was ask. Haha.

Anyways, that's all. Oh, I am in town end of next week while Josh goes to Young Men's camp. I am excited to see Twilight with some of the girls, and to generally just be around civilization. I won't lie. I am going to miss our current living situation. We live in our own little "house". We don't have to worry about being too noisy or whatever. I am not looking forward to apartments again. But I do like looking for places to live in Clayton Park. We're checking out the ones on Parkland and Regency mostly. I am looking forward to a newer building. I hope it all works out. Anywho, hope you are all well. I am off to enjoy Josh's company for the afternoon (lucky me!)

Another first

First piggy tails!

Oh, and I think my kid is going to be a musical genius. See the total concentration on her face?

Picture #6

I got tagged from Jo to post my sixth picture in my picture file. I am at my parents place, so they aren't really my pictures, but it happened to be Lyla anyways (convenient!)

Here she is riding her pink pony. She loves it. I love that she loves it. Good buy from that second hand place in Tantallon. P.S Nancy W. I think I told Kaylee she could ride this anytime she wants. Come on over!

A big day for Lyla

Yup, we got her ears pierced. I promise both of them are done. I just couldnt get her to sit still long enough to get a shot of them head on. Daddy, do you like it? (Josh is still in the valley, and wont see her in person until Saturday night)

Looking for a babysitter

Any takers? Hahahahaha. We still love her, poopy days and all.

Are you one of the Lucky 5?

Lucky you!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (Though I hope you will!)

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year {might be a little while}

4. You get no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or maybe even some creation I haven't even invented yet. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer to do the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

Cafe Rio and Homemade Toys

So I made Cafe Rio-esque supper tonight. It was darn good. Keeping the recipe handy, thanks Melese :) I thought I'd take a picture because it just looked so good. Lyla has a million toys, but for some reason, always enjoys mum's "toys" more. Whatever makes her happy I guess! Cheaper for us in the long run. And, boy does she love her num-nums. We can give them to her when she's whiny, and suddenly, it's like fun time at the Blakeney house.

So I guess that's all that is going on in our neck of the woods. Lyla has had a few more little "episodes" this month, but I just got off the phone with her neurologist, and he says it's still nothing to worry about, and that she will probably grow out of it. He said her development is going excellent, so they have no concerns at all. So, yay.

Tomorrow is V-day. We're not doing anything special, but I just wanted to wish you all a good Love day, and enjoy the people in your life, and let them know you love them. The end.