Spring Cleaning

Ahhh....Spring.

The lovely smell of flowers in bloom, the sound of birds chirping their beautiful melodies, and seeing a house that is in dire need of Spring cleaning!

I've learned that I am somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to my home.  When I lived in Asia, I moved apartments a few times and discovered that I hate having tons of stuff.  It's funny the amount of things you can accumulate in a short period of time, extra dishes, small appliances, knickknacks...the list could go on and on.  I remember moving into my first place and having so little that it literally took one pick-up truck to take all my things to my little home.  By the time I left there a few years later, I needed a few vehicles to transport everything and had to travel back and forth a few times.  Do we really need all this stuff?  Don't get me wrong, I can't figure out how people could have lived in the days of no coffee makers or microwaves (where would we be without that first morning cup of java??), but has anyone actually used their breadmaker?  More than once, I mean? 

When Steve and I first moved into our home, we had only a few things.  We didn't even have furniture for our dining room, kitchen, or spare bedroom!  Two years and a baby later, my little home is bursting at the seams with stuff.  My living room is now home to our puppy's bed, baby toys, tons of pictures of my adorable kid, as well as the usual living room stuff.  The kitchen still has the all important coffee maker, but now also holds my hubby's desk, a high-chair, and Cody's extra large dog kennel (not to mention all of his toys or anything else Cody finds to entertain him...such as Steve's shoes).  Every room is full of stuff! 

We are planning on staying here for a few more years, so we decided that it was definitely time to do some spring cleaning so that our home feels more spacious.  It's easier for me than it is for Steve to purge our home of things we don't use, but he was starting to hate the clutter as well.  We cleaned and re-organised closets, Steve cleaned the garage, and we both tidied up the rest of the house.  One trip to Value Village with a very full car later, and my house is starting to feel a lot less cluttered.  Aside from the trauma of discarding clothes that no longer fit me (how depressing is that!!), I feel much better about my little home.  Yes, Cody's kennel is still in the kitchen, and yes you can still trip on a baby toy, but my home is starting to return to the place I loved when we first moved in.  Spring cleaning may be a lot of work, but it sure makes for a more loveable home!

A Few Weeks, A Ton of Pictures!!!

Yes, things are getting back to normal around here.  After the chaos of our new puppy Cody, I am now once again finding the time to blog!  So I figured I'd show a few new pics of my Elysia.

My mom purchased herself a fancy new camera, and she takes awesome pictures with it.  Thank you, Grandma!!

Perhaps you'll remember a few bog entries ago when I mentioned I loved the store 'Bunnies by the Bay'?  Well, I found her a Bunnies by the Bay jacket!  I could just tell you how awesomely cute she looks in it, but I figured I'd show you a few pics so that you'd come to that obvious conclusion yourself!  :-)

Ready for Easter anyone?

She looks so happy in this pic, but I should mention that she tried and tried to pull the hood off.  My kid hates wearing anything on her head!  We managed to sneak a few fabulous pics though!  I Love how they turned out. 

Meet the Newest Addition to our Family!

OK, he's a little bit bigger than I anticipated but he sure is cute!  At only 14 weeks old, he's already a whopping 25 lbs and still growing...

Steve and I had been tossing around the idea of getting a dog for a few months now.  It was never the right time, and it was difficult to agree on the type of dog we wanted.  I wanted a cute little dog.  He wanted a Lab.  I wanted one that wouldn't shed.  He wanted a Lab.  I wanted one that could sit on my lap.  He wanted a LAB.  The only thing that we completely agreed on was that he/she had to be a family friendly dog.  Hmmmmm.....

So, we finally decided on a Goldendoodle.  Best of both worlds, sort of.  First of all, he doesn't shed.  WOOHOO!  Secondly, he's family friendly and looks like a great big teddy-bear.  Third, he LOVES Elysia.  He was supposed to be a medium sized dog, but judging by the size of his paws, I'd say Steve got his wish of having a great big dog.  We found one that we just loved, and finally agreed to get him.  I'm so glad!

We picked him up yesterday, and we just think he is awesome.  The baby loves him too.  I think that it will be so nice having our baby girl grow up with a dog.

One Cool Kid

What is it about a kid in sunglasses that just makes them look absolutely adorable?? 

My daughter doesn't like the sun.  She never really has.  When we go for walks, she scrunches up her little face and squints if the sun is anywhere near her eyes.  So I was at 'Please Mum' the other day and found her these super cute purple sunglasses.  They have a band that goes all the way around so that they actually stay (even if only temporarily) on my girl's head.  So I put them on her the other day and headed downtown with my Mum.  The three of us strolled the sunny streets of Vancouver, weaving in and out of the huge Olympic crowds, and Elysia had a blast.  She was also very popular with the other people walking by.  Who can resist an adorably cute and very cool kid?

An Awesome Day

I love having the Olympics here in our city...

Yesterday Steve and I decided to take Elysia downtown to see the city during the Olympics. It was an awesomely glorious day, and I was excited to head into the city.

Steve and I parked our car at my parent’s house, put the baby in the stroller, and walked up to the sky train. Did I mention that it was a gorgeous day? The sun was shining, the weather was warm (as warm as it can be for Vancouver in February), and it was early in the afternoon. Steve doesn’t really like riding the train, but I don’t mind it. On a clear day you can enjoy a view of the mountains, or look at the downtown city lights. The people on the train can be rather interesting too!

The amazing view when we got off the train and took a short walk.








We got off the train near where many of the Olympic ‘houses’ were. As we walked over to Russia house, we noticed the line-up looked about an hour long. Sigh...I admit standing in a line with the baby for an hour didn’t really appeal to either of us. Thankfully, for some reason, since we had a stroller they let us just walk in! We were able to bypass the line-up and the metal detectors, and enter in what looked like a VIP entrance. It’s about time someone realised how important we know we are!!   ;-)

Russia house wasn’t nearly as exciting as I thought it would be. If I had waited in line for an hour I would have been really disappointed! It was mostly pictures of the many regions of Russia, and a lot of information about the city where the next Olympics are going to be held. I wanted Russian food and dancing! They were playing Russian music over the speakers, however, and Elysia loved it. I took her out of the stroller and she began to smile and do her little baby dance.

We left Russia house and proceeded to the Plaza of Nations. There was a band playing live music, vendors trying to hawk useless wares (unless, of course, you really like glow in the dark sunglasses with great big maple leafs on the lenses), and a food tent where restaurateurs had set up little booths selling wonderful smelling international foods that would satisfy any persons taste buds. Of course we had to eat there! I had fabulous butter-chicken with rice and naan bread. Steve? Well, he was really adventurous and had a White Spot Hamburger.

A little market at the Plaza of Nations.  I loved it!  It reminded me of some of the markets I have been to in Asia, except the vendors here weren't grabbing you to try and get you to buy!

Anybody want to buy a moose toque?  I know where you can get one for a slightly inflated price...





After a few hours of walking and taking in the sights, Elysia had had enough. So we headed back to my parent’s house on the sky train. At this point, the train was packed, and my wonderful little daughter was a wee bit cranky. Yep, my kid screamed almost the entire trip back to Burnaby.

Elysia when we just arrived downtown...Elysia on the train ride home!!

Steve and I weren’t done taking in the sights though. Elysia stayed with Grandma and Grumpa, and Steve and I headed back downtown. We went and saw the Olympic torch, felt the wonderful energy of the city at night, and heard endless cheers when Canada beat the Swiss in the hockey game. I have never seen anything like it. There were people all over the streets dancing, cheering, and wearing face-paint and maple leafs.  There was even an impromptu ball hockey game being played in the street!

There were flags from all over the world, and friendly bantering from all the different people. It didn’t matter what country you were from, the crowds were awesome. I don’t think I have ever been more proud of my city.

Who could resist a family photo op in such a beautiful place?

The two of us walked the entire city that evening. We even took a little ferry across the water and went to Granville Island. I had never taken that ferry before, and I loved it! I can’t wait until Elysia is a little older so that she can really enjoy it with us.

It really was a wonderful day!

Olympic Excitement

It's the day before the Olympics begin here in Vancouver, so Steve and I decided to pack up the baby and head downtown to see the festivities.  What a great day it was for people watching.  I heard people speaking Italian, German, Russian...just to name a few!

Such great fun it was to be a tourist in our own backyard.  When you see people viewing your city for the first time, you look around at things with new eyes.  Such a gorgeous city we are blessed to live in...the mountains, water, architecture, truly lovely!  Yes, true to the nature of Vancouver, it did rain a little but nothing could dampen the excitement in the air.  There is such an energy in the city right now. 

I wanted to see the different 'houses' from around the world.  The first one we went to was Germany House where we enjoyed a German Bratwurst.  OK, I didn't add any sauerkraut, but it was still delicious.  Perhaps next time I'll sample the German beer...

Sadly, we found that most of the other houses were closed until tomorrow when the Olympics officially begin.  On the bright side it gives me an excuse to go again!  Steve and I are planning on heading downtown one more time before the Olympics are over.  He is working a long schedule during the games so it won't be for a week or so, but I am really looking forward to it.

Elysia and I also had a great afternoon with my Mom the other day.  Mom came to my house for a visit and the three of us went to IHOP for Brunch.  Elysia sat in her high-chair like a big girl and behaved like a little angel.  OK, slight exaggeration, but she was pretty darn good.  In fact, only a couple of spoons landed on the floor!  She's still so little that the server put a package of napkins behind her so that she could sit forward in her high-chair.  So funny...

She couldn't decide what she wanted to eat, but she finally decided on a little of Momma's pancakes.  (notice the napkins??)

After breakfast the three of us headed to the little park next to my house.  Grandma pushed Elysia in the swing and she loved it.

Elysia sure loves hanging out with her Grandma!

All in a Week

It's been a week, so time for an update!

Let's see...

Well, Elysia had a doctors appointment a few days ago and it turns out that our little pumpkin is now 14 lbs, 5 oz.  Way to go, Leesee!!!  Tomorrow she turns 8 months old.  I can't believe it!

A few days ago we took Elysia to Walmart to have her portrait taken.  My Mom and Sara take so many fabulous pictures of our little muffin that I never felt the need to take her to a portrait studio.  However I've been toying with the idea of trying to put Elysia into baby ads and they need a portrait picture of her.  I don't know if she'll get in, but I thought it would be fun to try.  Anyway, we decided to go, so I dressed her in this really cute ladybug dress and away we went.  As soon as we arrived, my little peanut threw up all over her dress!  Thanks, kid.  Good thing there was a sale on at 'Children's Place'!  What a perfect day...shopping and pictures. 

You know what's really hard when you have kids?  Going out to a restaurant.  I never understood why couples with kids eat at home all the time, and now I know why.  Taking Elysia to a restaurant is an adventure!  Last week Steve and I decided to go out for breakfast, so we went to IHOP.  I was really proud of my munchkin because she behaved (surprisingly...) well.  She sat in a high-chair, which was a first for her, and munched on Mum-Mum's while looking around at the other patrons.  She loves to get their attention!

Here are a few pictures of Elysia in the outfit made for her by her Grandma.  Thanks Grammy for the lovely clothes!!  If I'd known I'd get a new wardrobe, I'd of made sure you got a serger a long time ago!!

Yesterday, the three of us decided to go on a little road-trip to La Conner.  I love it there, and so does Elysia. 

It was so much fun going on an elephant ride!

La Conner is a lovely little town, and if you get the chance to go there make sure you check out this shop!

'Bunnies by the Bay' is the cutest store and totally worth the visit.

That's the update.  Now we're getting ready for new adventures next week....