Raised by Wolves

Quite by accident

2008-02-25T09:25:00.001-08:00

They are getting bigger all the time. They've grown an inch. Each! Just in the last month.

They are so cute and oblivious. What a wonderful way to go about your day to day things. Blithely missing everything but what you are focused on. It looks like a lot of fun. I never remember it.

One is in martial arts and piano, now. The other climbs everything and is constantly covered with food. I'll let you guess which is which.

But this too soon shall pass. I've had a few strange conversations lately about how fast time flies, in particular when you have kids. We are spending our time as judiciously as possible. I can't buy into the Driving everywhere all the time, to keep the kids busy. They need to learn how to busy themselves. A healthy balance must be struck for everyone's sanity.

So who's up for a game of cribbage?

The Beast!

2007-12-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

Well I have to say that I am more than thrilled with the Chariot. It's a Cabriolet (oooooohh!). Two Kidlet version.

We picked this up this summer and have had a great time running around parks and cycling around the city. The two girls have fun while they are in the Chariot. We walked, hiked, jogged, went to baseball practice, cycled in the warm, cool and wet, and made countless trips back and forth to school. It is a God send.

But my biggest kudos have come from todays experience. The snow was wet yesterday but froze overnight. So nobody shoveled their walks, naturally. So it was going to be nightmare walking the kids to school, right?

Big fat hairy NO. It cruised over the bumps, snowbanks and curbs. Everyone asked where we got it. I love it. Normally I don't gush quite this much but the Chariot is turning into such a helpful piece of equipment. I couldn't recommend it enough.

Thank you Chariot People. Much love.

Growing Up

2007-11-29T19:40:00.000-08:00

The girls are getting up in years. It is fascinating to see the growth and personalities develop independently. I hope to keep up with them. Continuing to grow and see them through everything from the good to the not so good. Right now it is papercuts and bumped noggins. Should it only ever be that way.

It shouldn't. They'll need more in order to grow and become big kids. Then adults. Oh, man, that is coming up way to fast. No one can really prepare you for the suddenness of their growing up. You can only hope to influence them. Do a little pruning here and there. Shape things up now and again. It almost seems like they are born with there personalities in place. A good environment just lets it grow and grow.

Man I love this.

Moving Right Along

2007-10-15T16:28:00.001-07:00

I just found out that the voice of the Special Agent in The Incredibles was the same guy who did the animation for "the Ladybugs Picnic". You know the one. It's about counting to twelve. I still sing the damn thing from time to time. Much to R's chagrine. Come on, don't leave me hanging like that. You know exactly what I mean!

The weather finally turned today. I know this because there was an explosion of mittens and head-gear in the foyer today. (chagrine? foyer? I'm on a roll today!) The walk to school is getting a little chilly but the lunch run is a still just right. If I could only keep the wind down to a dull roar, that would be great. I mean, how can it be a headwind there and back?

So we are in my favorite season. Sports season. Baseball playoffs, football of many stripes, hockey and college b-ball is starting up. I don't necessarily watch all of it, it's just nice to know it is there if you need it.

My girls are gonna love the sports.

Not Long Now

2007-10-05T20:07:00.000-07:00

We've settled into our new digs here. It is taking some adjusting though. New people, new attitudes, and new (old) pace of living.

So the girls are getting bigger by the minute. One is enjoying school and new friends and the other is talking and one high-step away from full out running. The school thing is a blast and we've begun piano lessons. It's amazing to hear songs being played from the very first day on. This is going to be a lot of fun.

We are off to the Cape this weekend for some food and fun. For my other projects some video is going to be shot and prepped for sale at a later time.

Anywho, it's a little late and I'm pretty much out of ideas. I'll have a few more later. Probably. Definite maybe.

Has it been that long?

2007-09-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks Maggie,

Been a while so I think that I should stick to bullet points for now.

Hannah is 1. That was fast.

Reagen is going to school tomorrow. For real. Now the fun begins.

I've been working on the business for a month now. Starting to get some momentum. I like that.

Holly is trying to get business done and rebuild the house. No small task.

We've spent a little bit of time where the photo above was taken. Man that was rough. Thank goodness the grandparents were there to keep us sane. I mean, just look at that, it's the epitome of chaos, non?

And the girls just keep getting bigger. Case in point.

Man are we in trouble. So keep up the prodding and keep us posting. When we moved here I guess we thought that we were closer and didn't have to post anymore. Enough of that I guess. We'll be around.

Who loves ya?

That Ought'a Do It

2007-05-21T04:09:00.000-07:00

Well here we are. The house is packed up less a few "need to live for a few days" items and we have only a few visits to make. It's not really stressful and everything is fairly organized. Thanks to Holly of course. I do the heavy lifting but she is the brains behind the operation. Reagen is handling it well and Hannah is as completely oblivious, as she should be.

The first day of the trip is going to be the long one. Quebec city-ish. The next, not so long, to St John. We keep reminding ourselves that we are in no rush and to take our tme on the way home. We'll make it a "cross Canada" trip. Complete with our own vesion of history. And what I don't know I will thoroughly enjoy filling in with random facts.

Now this means that we are expecting everyone to visit when we get home. That's the rule. New person in town = you must come and visit.

My humblest appologies

2007-05-03T12:28:00.000-07:00

Hello. We are in the midst of packing and organizing for the move. We can't tell you how excited we are to be headed for the East Coast. Reagen has gotten a little spooked by the packing of some of her toys. God forbid that some of them be removed form the light of day. All toys must be readily available at all times. Who knew.

Hannah is taking it well. She has not slowed in her quest to fill every diaper that has the misfortune to grace her chubbie (yet excessively cute) bummie. She is cutting a third tooth and she takes great pride in letting us know. Poor thing.

Reagen asked today what was in the (cedar) box that was on top of the piano. I told her that it was Ceilidh's memories. She accepted that answer and I stumbled away and wiped my brow. That was close.

So, as I sits and thinks, I am thoroughly enjoying the beautiful weather we have had for a couple days and, if the weather folks aren't fibbing, are going to have for the next few days. Reagen and I are going to the tennis court up the street so she can ride her bike.

Enjoy your day, too.

It goes without saying

2007-04-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

We have a few pictures from the trip and a recent certain someone's birthday. Click em. Enjoy.

What a difference can three weeks make?

2007-04-22T15:53:00.000-07:00

Well let me tell you.

We visited NS. We're moving home. Buying and selling homes. Starting a business in a new city. Most importantly, getting closer to home. Well, actually it is home, and getting any closer would mean I would have to start redifing what home is.

Wehave about a month to go before we arrive at our new digs. Some new paint, carpet in the basement and possibly a new kitchen. I'll let you know how the last bit goes.

Holly is great with moves. everything somehow gets packed into two small bags and a palette of colours miraculously appears with directions as to which goes where. Guess who puts the which where! But it is nice to know where things are going before you even get there.

The visit home was fast a stressful. Finding a suitable home in 6 days, sort of, does take a little bit out of you. We're going to be packing and all the other nonsense that goes with the move.

But it will all be worth it.

What a Difference a Day Makes

2007-04-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

Well it has been an adventure. The two wee ones traveled well. Their Mom and Dad are weathering well, though a little tired from watching over them like hawks for the whole trip.

The plane was a little daycare. We've never seen so many children and babies on a flight. Neither had most of the people on the plane. And wouldn't you know it, L'il H was the loudest. She only cried for 10 minutes and then she fell asleep for the rest of the flight. Everyone was suitably relieved. So were we.

We crashed at Holly's for the night. The next morning we took our rental and boogied for good ole CB. The trip was nice and the scenery was spectacular. Esoecially when we crested the last bit of mainland NS. The ice in the Straight was windswept with snow. It was one of the most beautiful sights I have ever seen.

Then we got to the causway. Where all that "beautiful snow" was headed. As were we. And when we met there was nothing else to see. At least not past 15 feet in front of you. About half way across the Causway we happened to be slowing as we saw the traffic in front of us had completely stopped. This is not a good thing with snow on the road. However it happened that a clear patch of pavement was under us and we stopped in time. We spent a minute hoping nothing was coming behind us. Three cars were in an accident and the semi that had stopped (in time) behind them had its trailer drift half way across our lane.

This is not good.

Well maybe not, but we were OK, we crawled past the trailer, inches from our mirror as we cozied up along the guard rail. A little nerve wracking considering I had all of three hours experience driving the bohemoth vehicle we had rented.

To make a long story longer, Mom and Dad saw the RCMP and EMTs fly by and didn't know the causway was a mess. Mom was a little perturbed but only moments had to go by before we met them at the restaurant we had planned eat at. We took a few moments to stop vibrating and as the adrenaline faded we began to enjoy our food even more.

What a difference a few minutes can make.

Stepping Out

2007-03-30T06:04:00.001-07:00

Hello all,

We're going on vacation. Sort of.

We are headed to the east coast for a family get together. There should be much frolicking and good times to report as the wee'est one meets the grandparents for the first time. It could get ugly with the hugging.

So have a great day and keep in touch. I'll let you know how it all went soon. Maybe sooner if they let me take my computer on the airplane.

HNIC

2007-03-16T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hello all. We are all getting back to some form of normal around here these days. People are breathing normally and eyeballs aren't falling out of heads anymore. Terribly messy stuff for a while.

So Reagen and I went on a little trip. We had a blast. Reagen is shown here with the rare "Splay Foot Hunched Wrister" technique. She got a few 2 inches off the floor and snuck one past the goalie who was napping at the time. He never saw it coming. No, really never saw it. I snapped a few myself. I haven't taken a shot since I was 6 so I was thrilled when my shot was clocked going faster than all the other old fogies who went in there. Still not good enough to put it on the internet though. Ask me some time about the fastball I threw at the Ontario Science Museum. That one I'll tell ya. It was from the stretch with no warmup.

So as for layout the Hockey Hall of Fame isn't all that particularly well laid out. They really need some new blood in there. We got lost a couple of time. But we did get in early enough to see this.

Unfortunately you can't see us. Last time I let the locals snap a picture with the camera even if they work there. Nice guy though.

About the first picture. Reagen and I bought our tickets to get in and they gave us a wrist band commemerating the latest ring to be removed from the "Cup" as well as a hockey card with the Art Ross trophy on it. Reagen took her card and held it up to every trophy in the place to see if it matched. (Note: you can touch any trophy you feel like.) None of the trophies matched. So we mucked about for another hour that included the half hour wait to snap a few wristers. On the way out Reagen pointed into a side room that had the Lady Bing and a half dozen other trophies in it and off to the side was the Art Ross.

She had the biggest smile on her face as che jumped up onto the (teeny) stage and leaned against the trophy so I could take her picture with it. I totally underexposed the shot but it is perfect for it. The day was a blur but we made some sharp memories.

Something Wicked

2007-03-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

Something wicked this way comes.

I know I have touched on this before. Sickness. Well, let me tell you, I found something deviant these last two weeks. For reasons of this being a family blog I will not get into the particulars of how I have felt the last week. I just got back from the doctor who had a shocked look on her face when she started poking around my (remember, family blog!) eyes, ears, nose and throat.

She apparently gave me a wonder drug. My ears just popped, 4 hours after the first round. Only ten more days.

So, this is going to be old news for some. We've finally, after many years of stalling and deliberation (we like to call research), we are moving back to Nova Scotia. We should be back for the summer. Poor Mom and Dad. They have no idea what's headed their way!!!

Still here

2007-03-05T17:54:00.000-08:00

Brrr, it just got a smidge cold out. -18˚C (255 Kelvin for the geeks). Windchill takes it to -28 or so. Nasty.

We've gotten through the worst of it for certain. We enjoyed the whiteness of it all and now we are ready for spring. Speaking of which we are going to be taking a trip to CB in the near future. We'll be making the grand tour I'm sure. See you all around. And if you are not there now you had better be when we get there. No pressure.

Hannah is getting over something nasty and Reagen is a bundle of energy. Should be fun on a plane, non?

Take a Deep Breath

2007-03-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone.

I suppose you might be wondering where you've been. Well that is a great question. It all started one day when I decided to go wireless. I bought the wireless card. I installed the wireless card.

I didn't see the puff of smoke but I did smell something that was something akin to smoke. This is never a good sign. Certainly when the very next opportunity to start the computer is met with a disappointingly dark screen.

The next step was to stop crying and get my heart out of my throat. This was not easy. I am rather attached to my computer. We've had many great times and I planned on having a many more of the next few years both at work and at home.

Step 2: Call Apple. Briefly describe the sum total effect of their product on my computer and my current state of being. They were very helpful, albeit misguided. I made two follow up calls to make sure I had the "Canadian" way of sorting out the problem. Everyone was great, it's just the Canadian way is not the same as everywhere else on the planet. Go figure.

Net result: Fixed computer, on their dime, and the part shipped back, on their dime. It just cost me a heart attaack and a little bit of time.

Now that would have been fine, albeit stressful, if the story stopped there.

Two days later I tried to install a program on the older "workhorse computer" as a little upgrade. I was met with an error flag. OK, happened before, but it didn't make me feel good. Next morning the computer would start but not complete the startup process. Take a deep breath.

Break out the old system CDs and start the whole process over. I didn't lose any files but it did set me back an operating system or two.

The next day, once the crying stopped, I began to remember, oddly enough in the shower, where I had previously had backed up all my files and preferences. I was feeling better. Then a couple days later the shop down the street that Apple sent me to called and said computer #1 was fixed. New logic board. This is good. All my files are here and accounted for. That is why we can blog now.

I don't have a "Moral to the story". If you can think of one let me know. I am just thrilled to be back.

4 hours later

2007-02-14T19:53:00.000-08:00

The sun was splitting the rocks. That is, if it could make it through the 4 feet of snow that fell in 24 hrs.

Happy Valentines Day!

2007-02-14T13:11:00.000-08:00

Happy love day all! We will of course be staying inside while drinking hot chocolate and eating rice krispy squares. Hugs all around!

Self Protection

2007-02-12T06:08:00.000-08:00

It was a wonderful weekend. We spent a lot of time talking and catching up with the family over yahoo messenger. Video all around for those who could get it.

Reagen was showing off what sign language she has learned and Hannah chewed her way through a few toys. She is much more interactive and starting to explore the little space around her. More than Reagen she is "talking" and stuffing everything into her mouth. We'll have to keep an eye on that. Reagen knows not to play with small stuff around her.

Here you can see that we are on the cutting edge of technology for self protection. She is a scratcher and it is for her own good.

You should see the tie downs we have in the car to protect them.

Tuesday, Tuesday

2007-02-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

I was going to title it "The Future". When you click on the picture you will see why. She is turning up the energy 1000%. She goes and goes (and goes) then she blows a gasket, wants a bottle and then passes out. Sound familiar? It's DeWolf family tradition and she is starting already. Only the rest of our lives to get used to it.

Reagen is essentially the same. Holly is working on sign language with her and she is reading books well past her "level", whatever that is. We are just enjoying the playing and reading for now. I can't wait for the "awww, Dad" and walk-away-days to start. I don't want to hear about it either.

Monday, Monday

2007-02-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

You thought I forgot about you didn't you? Well after a well rested weekend, a little bit of sports on TV, we're back to business today.

All I can say is that it is rather chilly today. -32 with windchill. -20 all by its lonesome. Cool by most any account.

We are nice and toasty in the house today. I only have a few errands to run and I'll be all wrapped up and cozy tonight for a good nights sleep. More to come. Have a great day.

1 Down

2007-02-01T20:08:00.000-08:00

11 to go. How is everyone doing on their resolutions? Touchy subject, eh? Well if it makes anyone feel better, it has been a tough slog here as well.

Today was a wash. Hannah has a nasty cough and she doesn't lay down well, even though she really wants to sleep. It is tough to get started but once she is out she is good for a while. Reagen has shifted into a new hyper mode. It impairs her hearing and causes her to jump up and down. Either that she has finally become a kid. Well, it was good while it lasted. Only 20 more years to go.

I spent the morning in a class with Reagen. It was a "sit in" for the parents. Usually only one parent is there but today their were three. We had a good time and Reagen didn't burn the place down. Good start. That's one up on me. The nuns I had to deal with had me convinced I was going to hell. That is more fire than any kid should have to think about.

The other Dad, who grew up in Britain, and I traded stories on how creative our teachers were with punishment. It was as though they were getting points on creativity. The evolution of punishment, if you will.

And So It Was

2007-01-28T13:55:00.000-08:00

And so it has come to pass that the biscuit has become 5 months (ish). Here is the most flattering picture we could find. And by most I mean any picture would do but for some reason this one seems to work the best.

Toodles.

I Still Love Technology

2007-01-28T12:38:00.000-08:00

Did I mention that I recently got HDTV. Um, where has this been all my life? I mean the birth of my two children are awesome. I have the bestest missus ever. But this. This! I never knew TV could be so good.

I grew up watching the NBA on a teeny tiny TV. That was just the way it was. No big whoop. It probably helped me get my homework done (love you, Pops). I had gotten a rather large TV about 8 months ago and a new DVD payer (that was about 6 generations better than the last one) and I thought life was good.

I was wrong.

My weekends are filled with sports and highlights and replays and channel surfing. The likes that have never been seen before. I do squeeze some work and sledding in there to. But now I am thinking about the little stinkers. This is what they see now. And following my example, what in the name of all that is good in the world are they going to be looking at when they have a couple kids of their own. I can hear them yelling at their kids now.

"I told you to turn that wall off!"

Our Little Idol

2007-01-25T17:36:00.000-08:00

Oh my, she has found her voice. Hannah has been yelling (not screaming) for two days straight. Hmm, how do I put this. She is loud. LOUD. And I can't help but laugh. She is looking for attention. From me, Mom, Reag, the dog, the dolls, doesn't matter. She yells in the morning, afternoon and night. And now she is asleep. Thank goodness. In the name of all things holy, may it be for the whole night.

It appears winter finally found us. We could only hide for so long. I told everyone to be quiet so we could slip under the radar but I think someone goofed. It was a -18C windchill today, -12 all by itself. Now, I know what you are saying. "Todd, that's not that cold." Well you are correct. But relatively speaking, relative being three days ago, it was about 5C. It had been that for the better part of a month so that was a heck of a drop in a short period of time. Scary cold today. The car was creaking in odd ways.

Now, I think I'll take advantage of the deafening silence and pack it in for the night. Goodnight.

Of Shakers and Stuff

2007-01-21T11:52:00.000-08:00

Reagen is having a good day. She came home yesterday froma sleep over and she was wired for sound. She stayed up until 10:30 the night before doing God knows what. But I'm sure it involved a lot of giggling.

Us on the otherhand, staying up late, but chasing the little biscuit all night with diaper changes and feedings. So a little sleeping in when permitted is not passed over.

We've been in a spate of winter the last 4 days. Who knew it would be mid January before anything happened. But it sure is happening now. We've been tracking all our friends weather and sending positive energy in every direction to make sure the power stays on and everyone is warm.

Being that it is Sunday, two weeks before Superbowl Weekend, I can take a stab at what my south-of-the-border buddies are doing. I'll be tagging along as well. The Pats v. Colts game looks the most interesting especially with these two teams recent history.

Have a great week all.

Look Waaaay Down

2007-01-16T13:09:00.000-08:00

There is a new post a couple spaces down. Jan 13th post.

Snow Day

2007-01-15T06:12:00.000-08:00

Winter is finally here. We were surprised to see snow yesterday. Not much of it really. Colorado has SNOW. We had white dust. Today we have ice. Lots of it. I was scraping by 6:30 this morning. Fun in the freezing rain.

By the time of this post there were over 200 hundred accidents reported on the 400 series around Toronto. Here it is really messy. I went for a short drive just to see what was up on the roads. Yeah, messy is an understatement. But I didn't slide the car around the courners like I used to. Must be "the kids" thing.

It is now starting to snow on top of the ice as I type. Pretty but makes for a good day to stay home and play. If anyone has a beef and wants to call you'll know where we are today. Here is a snapshot (I hope).

The Messy Highway

Gotta go now. Time to get this show on the road.

What's to say?

2007-01-13T08:03:00.000-08:00

More of the same I'm afraid. Kids getting along. How terribly boring this is. Hours upon hours of one throwing stuf at the other and the other laughing their biscuits off. It must bore you to tears to have to watch this. It's like a train wreck. You have to watch all of it. Unable to turn away. Unlike being able to tune out my mindless prattle. I was wondering how far you get into this before you started to freak out and send me a venomous e-mail. So for staying with me this long I will tell you a joke that my Grandpa D told me once. I think mostly to get me to pipe down. Remember, I was about 5 when he told me. And so it goes:

GD -Would you like to hear a dirty joke?
T - Yeah!
GD - A white horse fell in the mud.
TD - Grandpaaaaaaa!
GD - Would you like to hear a really dirty joke?
T - Sure!
GD - Three white horses fell in the mud!
TD - [stunned silence]

In Your Face!

2007-01-13T07:57:00.000-08:00

Well I had to start with this. Reagen is being the bestest big sister ever. She asks to have Hannah in her room and she plays music and sometinmes, as seen here, catch. At least it's not a game of catch the baby. She picks a soft toy and throws it up in the air. Sometimes it lands on the ground and Hannah laughs. Sometimes it lands on Hannah and that is when she snorts and guffaws. It is hard not to laugh when recording it.

We're back up to full speed. Though my posting wouldn't neccessarily indicate that. We got a late letter from a Big Sis and a friend of mine who just moved back to NS. See, I'm not the only tardy one around here.

Miss you as well.

Glad That's Over With

2007-01-08T05:13:00.000-08:00

This is what I have to put up with. Super Girl. She's been prancing (flying) around the house for 2 weeks now. She hasn't hit her head on anything yet, that's the upside. No downside really. And how can you possibly be down when she runs up to you and asks you to check her arm muscle?

All that New Years' stuff is done. Now back to school. Know how I know that? Reagen was up before us pacing the floor. "Come on people!" She is so patient. Actually, she is. But she was up bright and early without our help this morning. So cute and excited to go to school. She's been tracking the days on her new Hello Kitty calendar. Everyday was a lesson on days of the week and what the date was.

I've stolen a few minutes away this morning. I had better get back to prepping for classes. Up, up and away!

To Wit

2007-01-05T16:54:00.000-08:00

The girls are fabulous, as you can see. We haven't posted a picture in a bit. There is a reason for that (Mom), we have to pace ourselves, people. We aren't photographers, as much as I'd like to think I'd make a pretty good one.

We had a plumber come in today. He was a real nice guy. Took care of three different items and all within an hour and change. It is nice to see someone who has the tools, know how do a good job. He even seemed to have pride in his workmanship. Having been in the casino industry for a while that is more than just a little refreshing. So now we have a reliable main switch, a working cold tap on the work sink and a dripless hot water tap in the shower. It's the little things.

Reagen is reading Dick and Jane books. I don't mean pretending either. The way they are taught their letters and sounds is remarkable and Reagen is putting words together all on her own. So it is a howl to see her reading to Hannah. Hannah is glued and Reag is plowing through her story. And I wasn't the least proud when the JK teacher sent home a list of things she wanted the students to be able to do when they came back to school and Reag had already been at them for a while. Ahem. Nope, not at all.

And the best I can say about me is that got a drip fixed.

Happy New... Wha?

2007-01-04T16:58:00.000-08:00

Well we are all flying along nicely, aren't we. It wasn't exactly an epiphany but we we did have a moment when we looked at each other and knew what we were thinking. 2007? When did that happen?

Well it happened. It looks like a very good year is on the way. We have ideas and plans. We seem to have made it over the hump with the cold. The coughing has subsided. Might even get a good nights sleep. Cross your fingers, would ya. And keep the mild weather coming. I don't know who requested it, but you are in my good books.

Brains! Brains!

2007-01-02T07:39:00.000-08:00

Hello all. Well, I don't believe anyone could have predicted the pox that has descended on our little home. We are all sick. Fortunately not the "I think I just saw a boot comeout" variety, but sick all the same. We've all been hacking and coughing and wiping up all the gunk coming out of the little ones' noses for about three weeks. Not exactly a joyous way to ring in the new year. But, as my chiropractor put it, this is the way your body expresses it's health, by fighting it. Nice guy, but a strange outlook.

We've seen everyone's pictures and they are b-u-tiful. Thank you for the pictures of kids dogs and rings. The little squirts have been playing with their toys non stop since they were opened. A good sign that the right ones were picked be all. Thank you. None of them involved a snare drum or an amp. So far so good.

We'll I hope everyone has been enjoying the good weather as we have (from this side of the window at least). Not even a sniff of sub-zero temperatures in the forcast for the next two weeks. More sunlight would be nice, but I am not going to be choosy. It looks like 5˚ on Friday and 10˚ on the 10th. It's not a misprint. They are only guessing though. Who knows what it really will be.

We'll have to get out today for another walk to get some fresh air. But first I have to go find my boots.

The Day After

2006-12-26T06:57:00.000-08:00

Good morning, everyone. I hope we've all had a wonderful Christmas. It's been a crazy ride and we all had to be sick just to round things out. Reagen's cold has made the rounds to Hannah and mom. I've been lucky that what I got was the watered down version. A cough once in a blue moon.

Reagen is enjoying her gifts. When I got up this morning (no I won't say what the lucky hour was) Reagen was playing with her toys in the living room. They all seemed to be quite involved in a grand discussion about breakfast. I guessed they were all hungry so I broke out the Christmas quiche. What a great word, quiche. Hannah was changed and fed. The dog went for her morning constitutional and I snuck a snack in there somewhere.

Christmas morning was a melange of hi tech connections back home and low tech gift giving. Wires fed cameras that captured as much of the action as possible so that Nana and Papa D. could be a part of the kids morning. More boxes and paper for the poor recycling guy. They must dread this time of year.

Reagen made out like a bandit. We are pacing the gifts because, frankly, we need to be able to walk around the house. The tree is actually a foot taller this morning because the stack of prezzies. Hannah has been non plussed by the whole affair. She made sure she kept up her demands so as not to be forgotten. Or lost for that matter, in teh debris. Smart girl.

Me? I've been eating. My specialty. It's been fantastic. And I can't even complain about the weather being bad and keeping me in. It has been fantastic. I don't think it has broken the f-f-freezing mark yet. Mostly cloudy and fog but for one day when there was nothing but sun in the sky. No blue moon to be seen. Now I just have to catch all the World Junior Games and Maybe a Spengler Cup game or two and I'll be as happy as ever. Go Canada Go.

Felice Navidad (or something like that)

2006-12-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

The title speaks for itself. Reagen had her first pageant today. A regular performer she is. No stage fright from any of the kids so it was a blast. Then we shot the breeze with the parents and got wasted on gingerbread cookies.

Reagen had a blast and ran like mad around the gym with her best friend for about five minutes. Reagen and Br. (her cousing, whom she likes to call her brother) played for a moment then went their seperate ways. There was a lot to do and lots of snacks to be had so you couldn't hold anyone up for very long.

There was a half dozen songs to chose from but this was by far the best. Don't look directly at the screen. It was shot from quite a distance so any little movement was tough on the video. Dodging kids and little toes didn't help either. So here is our little bit of Christmas to you. Try not to fall out of your chairs for the cuteness.

And don't hog the screen. There is enough gingerbread cookies for everyone.

It's the Most

2006-12-20T18:27:00.000-08:00

Wonderful, wonderful.

We've been enjoying the e-mails and pictures from everyone. We received 5 boxes from the delivery truck today. She said it was the most to any one house she delivered to. Thanks to our East Coast crew for the connection. We understand now that there is yet another straggler package on the way. Just to round things up.

So the tree is starting to look a little more Christmas-y with a few more gifts under it. I even had to add a couple extra links to the train tracks to make more room. I have grown quite attached to the train set. Holly doesn't think it is healthy but it is fun. Reagen likes playing with it. Hannah likes to watch it go round and round (so do I). She doesn't miss much as you can see. Always on the lookout.

The only problem is keeping the dog off it. She's been good but her senior eyes aren't what they used to be. She'll clip it on the way by or put a paw or two on it when she lays down. Good girl.

That Was Fast

2006-12-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

That week flew by. We've been in the midst of the Holiday madness. We are sure you can relate. Not to mention that Reagen seems to have caught about three different illnesses all at the same time. Doc says she's good to go. She is just napping a lot more these days. So, really, what's so bad about it.

Well we've rediscovered why we crawl into a hole this time of year. We stepped out for a few last minute things. Seriously, two or three things. Now, most of the world is quiet but when you shop, you take your life into your own hands. It's not as though it took us hours to get to and from anywhere, but you could really feel that everyone was hurrying and you were in the way. I don't know why I was in the way, but there I was. Short story shorter, we stayed in tonight.

We have plans for the 25th when Alex and Jeff are coming over and the 26th is a pizza day at our friend, Arlene's. New Years Eve? Wide open. I think we are going to enjoy making phone calls and taking pictures with minimal driving / flying / visiting responsibilities for the first time in a number of years. Oh dear, that makes me feel old.

So much has been happening lately. We have much more to share, though later would be better, I would imagine. It's not like we are in a rush or anything.

It's Getting Closer

2006-12-13T12:02:00.000-08:00

Every day we take our lives into our own hands working with these two. As you can see one is a little loud and the other is always questioning. Two guesses which are which.

Reagen went to school today and they had set up a small "store" so that the littler kids could buy something for their families. If they felt like it, of course. So she came home and with the highest level of secrecy asked for tape and paper and wrapped the gifts. They are under the tree now. Not a bad job of wrapping either. Minimalist, even.

Apparently we have a new joker in the family. This is her Jonathan Winters imitation. She is hilarious. Expecially when she pretends to be Jonathan pretending to be a baby. Funny on so many levels. She likes a good laugh and a stiff drink after the shows. No requests for blue M&Ms yet.

Today we took the Christmas pictures. It started out great adn we got some really good pictures, But, as you can see, it turned into a real circus. Nobody was listening to Anybody, and Somebody forgot the cookies. Hannah and Reagen became acrobats and I threw them around for a while. I stayed flat on the floor to make sure my back didn't get thrown out. They are pretty demanding.

So Hannah is still eating like a rented mule and Reagen is getting a little eye infection thing. A little facecloth action is needed to clean up her eyelid in the morning. The Doc said all was fine and use these drops for 7 days. 2 down, 5 to go. Pretty crazy stuff around here. They'll have to commit me if the craziness doesn't subside soon.

"Mental" Note

2006-12-11T12:07:00.000-08:00

By the by, we never did mention that if you wanted to see a "slightly" larger picture to click on the image. The picture comes up full size. Happy trails, all.

Just Enough

2006-12-11T11:50:00.000-08:00

Well these two get along rather well. Nanny and Grandpa saw the two of them playing on their computer the other day. Reagen is gentle, until she isn't. Just excited to get to play with Hannah. It is fun to watch and one can only hope that it last for a very long time, minus the fights over bathroom time and borrowing the car. Oh, what we have to look forward to.

We've been settling into the Christmas groove. No baking yet, it is only a matter of time though. And what a god time that is. I become everyones best friend because their is so much baking laying around that you have to give some of it up. It just wouldn't be right to let just sit there. Breakfast pulls, Gingerbread Heads (Reagen's creation), stuffed anything, turkey and on and on.

We thoughtfully chose a smaller bird this year for just this reason. We forget that there really is only two of us here that are going ot put a dent into the bird.

So the motto of this Christmas will be Just Enough. Can't have too many phone calls, though.

Merry Ho Ho

2006-12-08T18:12:00.000-08:00

Well what can I say. This is what we have to put up with day in and day out. They were both worn out from putting the Christmas tree together. I'm surprised it hasn't gone through the floor. Holly has amassed a formidable array of antique german ornament (paper thin, thank you very much) and her own personally created ornament, numbering in the thousands. You can see behind Reagen's head a corner of the tree. Everyinch of it looks like that. No tassles. No Garland. No popcorn. No room. Don't tell her I said that.

Well Reagen has been having a blast. Two nights ago Santa delivered the tree. Last night we decorated it. Tonight Reagen helped us put together the train under the tree. No pictures of that yet but here is a little snippet of the dance moves she choreographed for the decorating.

She really can move.

Oh, the festivities have only begun.

I'd like to buy the world some green space.

2006-12-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

Oh, a little note. Holly just recently had one of her works published. In the UK of all places. The book is about making the world self suffecient and generally a much nicer place to live. They are giving a book to her and a little discount for any more she might want. She's been on cloud nine all day.

If you would like someone to talk your ear off give her a call. She's a little chatty at the moment. Can you blame her?

I'm Waiiiiiting

2006-12-06T12:52:00.000-08:00

A friends recent post has made me think of how uttelry tech obsessed I am. I am far too embarassed to list the number of technological baubles at my disposal. Let's just say I'm addicted and leave it at that, shall we? Which leads me to an all consuming thought for the last two days.

I still don't have the powercord for my laptop. Apparently it is in the mail (Brown, I believe). I really rather miss the computer. Once it arrives I'll begin to show you the pictures that should have been accompanying these posts.

So today the Christmas tree showed up like magic. Holly told Reagen taht Santa dellivered when she was at a friends. It was her first play date away from home. She is suitably tired (yay) and I hope ready for bed at a decent hour. She is such a card and will not stop singing. I'm sure you can relate. She is also continuing to pummel her Dick and Jane books. What a great find.

Hannah is porking out. 2 lbs in the last month. She is steadily outgrowing her sleepers. There is a wake of nonfitting clothes behind her. I'm not sure how her thumb stays on, she is really working it now. Other than that, business as usual with the bottle trashing and diaper filling. If anyone wants to pop over and go on didee detail for a couple days, Mom and Dad will be indebted to you.

(Update: I could also use a proofreader. I had to check this 4 times before I put it up. Gahhh.)

What time is it?

2006-12-03T09:49:00.000-08:00

We've had a nice couple of days. Well, not really. The weather has been mightily atrocious. Could, windy and damp. Still going. So I guess winter is here? Thanks for giving us the heads up. The house has been winterized and I refuse to go out until March 14.

Hanah has found her thumb, mixed blessing. She now puts herself to sleep (nap times) sucking on her thumb. And she has begun talking. Sort of speak. She is particularly vocal when Reagen is around. She gets really animated and starts making all kinds of noise when Reagen is playing with her or even just running around the room. So she is hitting all her marks. Reagen herself has begun to read. She is making short work of all her Dick and Jane books.

So another week of school for Reagen and we'll be just about to Christmas. She is looking forward to it this year. It has really kicked in. She wants everything she sees, bu tshe has only really asked for three things. This should be a lot of fun.

Goobie Goober

2006-12-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

Reagen has a favourite film. Wanna know how I know this? Well, it has been playing for 6 days straight now. Spongebob - The Movie.

It has some redeeming qualities. In particular the Goobie Goober scene. My description would not do its cinematic glory any justice, but I must say that choosing ice cream to be what gets Spongebob and Patrick thoroughly inebriated is just this side of genius.

Back to today, this is the coldest, windiest, dampest day so far. Not a bad combination. Makes for some serious pajama and nappy time fun. Hannah fell asleep on my lap while read. The up side is that Mom couldn't tell me to go anywhere (on the outside, anyway,... ouch) so I finished the book while she slept. She is adorable and so alert, when she is not sleeping of course. Two guesses what Reagen is doing.

I have ordered a new power adapter for the laptop It is a leetle more up to date than this one. This computer is a workhorse but it won't let us put up images. So we have a bit of a back log to take care of, don't we. I'm sure you've been waiting. There are some really cute ones. You will love them. No, really, you will.

Bitterly Disappointed

2006-11-26T06:56:00.000-08:00

Well that book sale wasn't run nearly as well as it was the first time we went. This time it was the complete opposite of organized. Crowded and in a warehouse is not how I like to spend a couple of hours looking around in hopes of seeing something good. There wasn't a section set aside for anything. The books were helter skelter and so were we.

That being said we made off with two boxes of books. This will give an idea of the range we saw. We got a gigantic, illustrated, complete Shakespearean collection (in one book!), ump-teen kids books, and a history of Monty Python in their own words (also rather gigantic). Some personal interest, design, and biographies also made it into the box.

Reagen was a complete doll the whole time and Hannah and I made a quick escape to our friend and web developers business for a half hour. Where Hannah promptly filled her diaper to capacity. Fortunately I could pass this off as a learning experience to my friend as he is a newly expectant father. Hannah brilliantly displayed the "poop face" and articulated the "pushing grunt" to perfection. It was text book, I tell ya. I made the, "oh isn't that cute" face and promptly ran away. Once the bum was fresh we picked up the gang and the books and hightailed it for home.

We've had a nice couple days now and we can only hope that it continues for the week. It is so nice to have sun. It really picks you up. But not as much as 'ole poop face.

TGITDBF

2006-11-23T16:39:00.000-08:00

Thank God it's the day before Friday.

I don't think I could have handled one more day in this week. It really was jam packed, not a bad thing, but it dragged on rather long, not such a good thing.

Well tomorrow we are off to St. Catherines to the Box O' Books sale. $30/box. Last time we made off we $3k worth of books in three boxes. Oh yeah. You don't have to be Steven Hawking to now there's some good shopping to be had. We'll have the wee ones and a friend of ours along for the ride. You know, mules.

It'll give us a chance to see a friend of ours from St. Catherines, whom we haven't seen in some time. That is the way it goes once one commences with the family type activities.

Reagen is doing fabulously. Her teacher has no reservations about dumping the material on her. I mean really, people, it's JK, how much material can their be? Well, apparently quite a bit. She starts long dividion in January!

Tune in next week when you can hear a storrrry about a quack who has gone to the dogs. ($10 to whoever tells me where that line comes from. Think of it as an early Christmas gift. Limit two per customer.)

Slight bump in the road

2006-11-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

So we are on to the backup computer. It's a little dated so I can't put up pictures for a while. I have to get a power supply cord for the laptop. We've been using it so much lately that the power cord gave up the ghost. To much bending at the waist wore it out.

We went in to check Reagen out last night and found that she was out like a light but had managed to put on her Santa hat first. It was so cute. She wore it to school today. It's just as well because it was a little chilly out so here tete was warm.

Tonight around 7 a musician friend of mine is popping by to tune up the piano. He will likely play a note or two so I am curious to hear it in action. I can't wait to see Reagen's reaction. I have to give it a little clean up as well.

This Friday, in St Catherines, about 35 minutes away, Book Closeouts is having their annual Books in a Box Sale. EVerything you can get into a bankers box (and still close the flaps) for 29.99. If I remember correctly we picked up (ballpark) $3000 of books for $100 last time. They may have a ding, torn page, be upside-down, but a book is a book. You can still learn something from it.

Holly will clean out the kids section and I will go all geeky in the medical and biography areas. The only trouble will be trying to keep Reagen's hands clean.

Where did the weekend go?

2006-11-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

Gather ye rosebuds, people. Time, she is a flying.

We've had an uneventful weekend. It is safe to say almost all the leaves have succesfully found their way into my eavestrough. A few missed and Reagen can be seen here standing up in a pile. It nearly tipped the garbage truck when it passed by. Lovely tree isn't it. Planted solely to annoy me. That is it's only mission in life.

Reagen spent two and a half hours running amok in the MacDonalds play room. First time we've been there. We had an OK time there except for the odd fellow who wanted to discuss current events and religious topics. He made it a few sentences in before we clammed him up. We gave him the thousand yard stare and explained that our Sunday dinners typically involve relaxing after the week, not reliving it. Worked like a charm.

Hannah slept through most of the chaos. There were kids flying in every direction. Reagen had her face painted and played relentlessly. The series of tubes and slides had to have been over 25ft high. She made short work of it over and over. I would have liked to have joined her but I didn't want to get my butt stuck at the top. That's be embarassing.

New Junior Scientist

2006-11-18T08:08:00.000-08:00

OK, seeing as how I took psych you can know how this happened. When Hannah was born at McMaster they had asked if we would like to participate in any studies that may involve babies. Why sure, we said. So we were contacted for an appointment, which we made for Thursday. Typically studies start when babies are 6 months old but these inquistive students were aiming fro the two month-ish crowd.

It was to see if babies at this age were able to percieve and or anticipate a visual "treat" that was always preceeded by an auditory cue. Well all I can say is Hannah would have given Linda Blair a run for her money with the way her head was snapping around to see the video screen.

The most horrible, excruciating part of the whole process is that they made me listen to the Beatles while I was sitting behind her. Oh.My. God. I totally cheated and slid one ear phone slightly off so I could hear what Hannah was. It was a blast. They thought she was so adorable and cooperative. Dad wasn't too proud. When it was over they made Hannah an Honorary Junior Scientist for her contributioin to science. One more for the folder.

O Brother, where art thou?

2006-11-15T12:19:00.000-08:00

Well I was wondering what I was going to write about from day to day, but kids say the darndest things. In this case they draw 'em too.

Apparently I have a brother (name unknown, that's a bit sketchy don't you think?), according to R. She has drawn me a reasonable facsimile. I am having Cranium Envy, though. Look at the size of that noggin'. I bet he's real smart. At least I have my eyesight working for me. I even have more hair, though that may take a back seat in the near future.

New Addition to the Family

2006-11-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

So the stork dropped by the house yesterday. However, this stork is about 24ft long and probably does 120 km/h on the highway. But she was the right one for the job.

So the Lutheran church that I bought the piano from could not have known where I was from and I bought her sight unseen. I mean, how crazy could a church get with a piano? Don't answer that. This little number (actually its # is 22235) is aptly named "Little Princess". Amherst Piano Limited existed from 1913 to 1928, until the high cost of shipping ran them out of business. They even had a scratch and dent sale after the Halifax Explosion. Enterprising, non?

So if anyone can get their hands on theme music to The Simpsons or The Prisoner, ship em up.

So it Begins

2006-11-13T17:27:00.001-08:00

So we started out by trying to come up with a suitable name for this blog. Something that would represent all of us (and you since we want you along for the ride to). Do you have anyidea how much crap is out there? It took us twenty minutes. Holly had a stroke of genius, however, saving us from utter disappointment. Thank Dog for the creatives.

So here it begins. Who knows where it will go. there isn't a pulitzer in our future so we aren't even going to try. And if anyone corrects my spelling I will ban you for a week. We'll be posting as often as possible.

As you can see, from the very beginning, this is going to be heavily "kid-laden". And unapologetically so. It is what it is. And if you don't like it, you know where the "close-window" button is.

That being said, we miss all of you horribly and we hope that this helps keep us all closer.

T, H, R and H.