Danny Meets His Hero

Happy 15 Months My Monkey!

The Unveiling

Well, here it is. Shorter than I thought but a heck of a lot more presentable and managable than before. It always takes me a couple of days to get used to a new 'do. I could not find a decent before picture. But just imagine long (down between my shoulder blades) straight hair that just dragged my (admittedly long) face down. Oh, and no bangs. I like my bangs! Also my stylist noticed that the hair on the side of my head was short and broken from wearing it in a ponytail constantly. Now I can't even get it in a ponytail! YAY!

I'm also loving my new cardigan that I found at Value Village! Cute and nerdy :P

Need a Change

After becoming a mother almost 15 months ago, I haven't really concerned myself with clothes, hair or makeup. I have slowly been redefining my wardrobe as my old clothes felt strange and ill fitting after pregnancy. I weigh the same as I did before, give or take a pound or two or three... But I swear my body must have changed shape in some way. That with the combination of getting older and wanting a more "sophisticated" wardrobe. That being better fitting clothes. No more wearing jeans that are too small. Also wanting to step away from wearing jeans and t-shirts all the time. Though I could never entirely give up my two loves. It's working out really well after getting a hefty gift certificate to Value Village for Christmas.

What I am super excited about is getting my hair fixed. Not that its damaged or anything. I just haven't bothered to do more than put it in a pony tail for about a year now. My bangs have grown out. My hair is long and shapeless. And I think my hair thinned out after having Danny. This coming Tuesday I have an appointment to get my hair cut and highlighted (by the same wonderful lady who cut and highlighted my hair for my wedding a couple of years ago...) I am so looking forward to it!

Pictures to come. I was trying to get a "before" shot taken today, but lack of makeup and being a bit tired I wouldn't dare post one of those pics out of respect to myself. If I can get myself to slap on some war paint before Tuesday I might get one done.

And although my New Years resolution is to worry and bitch less I guess self improvement on the outside could be included as well. Things are looking up! (and I won't worry about what that stupid weather man said about Tuesdays road conditions - that evil man!)

Little Man Dan

Just recently he has started to play more with his softer toys, rather than his blocks and my pots and pans.


He still loves to climb into the linen cupboard. Sometimes he has to share with one of the cats.


When its nap time the cats take turns on his Winnie the Pooh chair.


He loves that Bee's fur will tickle his nose.


And after putting these pictures together I realized that I don't have a recent picture of Daniel without those darn fingers in his mouth. And suggestions on how to stop him from finger sucking?

Happy New Year

Wow! Time sure flies when you have a child around. I still can't believe how much Daniel has learned and developed in the last year. Or how much his parents have learned also.
One of Danny's recent hobbies has been taking out each toy from his toy box one at a time and placing them on the floor all around him.

And when he's not torturing the cats he's giving me advice about my hair..."Mommy, get this head band off your head and get a haircut!"

Happy New Year to all. And a Merry (Ukrainian) Christmas!

Mother of a Toddler!

(Wearing his new snowsuit - an early Christmas present from Jamma!)

Yes! He is finally walking. He still feels that crawling, or walking with assistance is more efficient for his needs. But he is walking and quite proud of it. So I guess that makes me the official Mother of a Toddler! Now this parenting thing is starting to get more challenging. Okay maybe not challenging - just more athletic and tiring. Catching a 13 month old as he falls from the couch. Or chair. Or whatever else he can climb. I guess we can be grateful he hasn't figured out how to crawl out of his crib...yet!

(Proud to be rockin' in Gramma Gogo's rocker - it's nice to have something in the family for so long)

Daddy took this picture at naptime while mommy was at work. Daniel can just reach his bookcase from him crib. He'll grab his books thru the bars and "read" quietly until he falls to sleep. Kinda like his mama.

Halloween

Halloween was cancelled in our house last year. Aaron and I were very new parents stunned at the fact that we had a 8 day old to tend to. And though I long for those easy early days sometimes, he is a lot more fun now that his personality has emerged! (why didn't I appreciate the constant napping more? I write this as Danny bangs and clangs my pots and pans against the kitchen floor.)

As you can see Danny was Tigger this year. I bought a size 12month costume yet he was busting out of it.

We did not want to take him out trick or treating. He doesn't eat candy yet - and it's too damn cold for mommy and daddy. So we are very lucky that cousin Bella has her birthday on Halloween. And we were able to attend her 3rd birthday party this year. Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

There were a lot of kids at the party. I think Daniel was a bit overwhelmed but he had a good time. And Bella is hilarious with him. She kept taking toys from him, telling him "No, baby, no!". This natural comedy is why I love kids so much. Why do they have to grow up?

The excitement was just too much. Danny passed out on the ride home.

Did I memtion Elmo was there?

And then there was cake!

The Party

I think Daniel was a bit overwhelmed. All the guests just to see him. The great big play center full of toys and cousins. No wonder he didn't pay attention while mommy and daddy opened his gifts.





Oh, and the birthday boy had cake for the first time...video coming soon!

Last Day of Minus 1

I felt an urge to take some pictures of Danny before he turned one. The countdown is on. Officially at 2:15pm on the 23rd of october our little man will be one years old.

An Update of Sorts...

We've been gearing up for Daniel's big day. In less than a week he turns one! It's the big one. We will be having a small dinner party at Creative Play (a play/party center run by Danny's Gramma and Aunt). The theme is Winnie the Pooh. I was lucky enough to find a Tigger costume in his size. And I'll get my moneys worth out of it. Eight days after Danny's party, his cousin celebrates her third birthday on Halloween. (Pictures will definitely be in order!)

Daniel walks with help. We are pretty sure he can do it on his own, but I think he's lacking the confidence. He seems like me in the way that he likes to perfect his skills before showcasing them. I bet if we put a camera over his crib we would catch him walking back and forth.

Daniel's favourtie game right now is a variation on peek-a-boo/tag. I have to get into crawling position as I chase him around the house. Danny squealing with delight. Checking over his shoulder ever few seconds to make sure I'm still on his trail.

He is speaking more. Much of it babble. He can say Mama, Dada, Cat and Aaron swears that he said Daddy I love you! What a sweet little man.

For now we must go. It is almost time to go to the swings.

This Time Last Year..

I was eagerly awaiting the arrival of our little peanut. It's amazing how fast a year has gone by. And hard to believe that this kid actually fit in my belly.
Is it time yet?

Everybodies workin' for the weekend

Hey Danny! Olivia Newton John wants her head band back!

Book Worm

This kid loves his books. We are so proud!

He's Growing up so Fast

If I were just two feet tall I'd want to play in the closet (err, fort).


I swear he did this by himself. While eating dinner he looked at his carrot intensely then gently placed it on his own head.
I couldn't help but laugh. Apparently he was quite serious about it!

Literal baggage

I finally let go...my journals. My first one was started when I was 11 and 1/2.
I have been carrying all of this around with me on every move - from my parents house to Baba's and then to this house- all packed in a vintage suitcase and a cheap duffel bag. Literal baggage. Upon flipping through them I found a lot of negative stuff. I seem inspired by the bad and hardly wrote anything nice in there. Unless you count all the "I love this guy or that guy". Names I cannot remember the faces of. I actually kissed a guy named Don!??!

Now over 20 years later I feel I can let go. It felt good to make this decision - it shocked my mom (and inspired her to declutter a bit). Hopefully I can inspire more...

And it's Done...

I love the colour, which I picked out. I was afraid at first but everything worked beautifully.

During...

And so it was gutted.