Happy Birthday Nyla!!

We've had such a great day! When Nyla woke up and saw her birthday decorations she was so incredibly excited. I wish I had the video camera out to catch her expression :) Her eyes were huge and she had the biggest smile I've ever seen. She kept pointing at the balloons and screaming "LOOK!" at the top of her lungs. Ahhh, what a cutie :)
She powered out before we took family pictures, so those might have to wait till tomorrow.
She gets to pick out a fish tomorrow, so I'll post some pictures of her with her new buddy too.

This is a montage of Nyla's first year. It was hard to keep it a reasonable length... I had to cut about half of it out :) I hope you enjoy it!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

In happier news, Nyla's first birthday is on September 24th! We're shocked and amazed that the year has gone by so quickly. I'll post a birthday thing on Monday, but I thought I'd add a picture or two, just because she's so cute.

We're baaaack!

Well, I'm back and ready to blog again. Unfortunately this isn't how I wanted the posting to begin, but it's an important one.

Ages ago I told some of you about a friend who's baby was diagnosed with cancer. After many surgeries and treatments they were told the cancer was gone, unfortunately a few months ago they found out that the cancer is back, and has spread. The Weber family is trying to raise awareness for childhood cancer and are also trying to fundraise to help with the enormous bills that keep piling up.

This youtube clip is one of the ones they're trying to spread around, so feel free to share it if you're so inclined.

They have a myspace page set up, there are some technical difficulties, so there are two addresses with a little bit of different info on each one.

www.myspace.com/babykaylaweber2

www.myspace.com/babykaylaweber

Some of the images are incredibly heartbreaking, so make sure there aren't little ones around.

My blog will be on hiatus for a while.

Nyla's Update

Last Tuesday I took Nyla for her hip ultrasound. They brought in a doctor to do it instead of an ultrasound tec which was nice because he could tell us first hand what was going on. Unfortunately she's a bit old to be able to see any joint issues via ultrasound (her bones have calcified too much). She would need an Xray to really see what's going on. They are very hesitant to do an Xray because radiation on rapidly dividing cells is just not a good idea...
So basically we still don't know what's going on. I think she may just be double jointed like my sister. She pulled a gumby when she was reaching for a toy (bent in a way a normal baby shouldn't be able to bend). She has another appointment coming up soon, so maybe we'll get an answer - or at least get closer to finding an answer. I think she'll be ok. She's still very active and although her hip bothers her sometimes, it doesn't seem to hold her back too much.
I can't believe how fast she's growing up. She took her first step and keeps trying to walk, but gets so excited and starts waving her arms and shaking her bum so she falls down :) But she knows she can do it and she's fiercely determined to keep walking (probably just so she can chase after the cats), so before too long I'm sure we'll be running to keep up with her.

We went to Moonshine Lake the other day for a picnic. Nyla loves being outside - especially in the forest, so we hiked around the lake. If there were any bears I'm sure they were heading for the hills when they heard Nyla screaming 'yaayyaay!'.

She found one of Oscar's little toy cars under the couch and has been carrying it around with her all morning and saying 'car'. She's a genius! (Well of course she'd have to be... look at her parents!!)

She's going to be a year old in September! Crazy if you ask me.
Anyway, I'll post some pics from our little trip to the lake. I've been told that there aren't enough pics of Nyla on here anymore...

Notice Darryl's carefully cultivated 'farmers' tan?? He's so cool ;)


Nyla's goofy grin. (Trying to hide her top teeth).



I know you might be thinking, 'who is that mighty tanned woman??' Yup, that's me sporting my best 'tan' to date. (ya ya, so its just a bunch of freckles... just let me revel in my tan-ness and don't make any smart comments!!)
Nyla, being totally disgusted with all the kisses I was giving her. This is after I accidentally elbowed her in the face :( I think I cried more than she did...

YEEAAAAH BABY!

We have our team put together! Any challengers??? We're ready to kick some arse!

We've decided to do an adventure race next summer!! Its something we've been looking into for a while but the timing was never quite right. I'm SOOOOOOO freaking excited!
There are 2 that we're leaning towards, basically because they're in the north coast so we can plan a visit home at the same time.
The first one is an 8 hour challenge called 'City West Adventure Challenge'.
http://www.raidthenorth.com/2007/sac/CWAC/index.php
It looks like its more relaxed and fun. My little bro (Kieran) is going to join us to make up our team of 3. I'm not sure where its going to be next year (they're going to alternate between Prince Rupert, Terrace, Kitimat and Smithers) but I'm hoping to get a few other teams together to make it more fun. (Email if you're interested). There's a huge party afterwards - which may be enough of a draw for some of you ;)
The one I'm really excited for is a 36 hour race called 'Raid the North'. http://www.raidthenorth.com/2007/rtn/ This one consists of trekking, mountain biking, paddling, navigation and ropes. The course is completely unmarked so you plot your own route to the check stops. Kieran and I are going to do this one but we need 2 more members for our team. (COME ON JESS!!!!) We have 2 very tentative members but we'd like to find people who are REALLY 'gung ho'. So look at some pictures and get inspired AND EMAIL ME if you're interested!


I've seen this view from a mountain bike one time too many...


HOW FREAKING AMAZING IS THIS????

Only a month late!!

Well I meant to do this a long time ago but somehow time kept flying by...

Congratulations Kelly and Chad!

Welcome to the world Calleigh May!

She is such a beauty :) We're so happy for you guys!

I'm melting...

I remember in the winter complaining because it was -40 and I was freezing my butt off... now I'm complaining because its so hot I think my skin may be melting off. H'mmmm.
Those of you who know me and have seen the almost transparent nature of my pasty white skin might understand why I have issues with extreme heat. All I can do is ooze around like a puddle of goo and hope that I don't start muttering to myself. I don't think straight when its too hot. Maybe that's why shaving my head seemed like a good idea... ha, just joking. I'm not quite 'pop star' crazy yet... but we'll see how long this freaking heat wave lasts. I think I'll try becoming nocturnal.
BUT on the positive side, I can brag about my tan (in Anita language that translates to burn and freckles).

Nyla has become 'DANGER GIRL'. She's trying to stand and walk unassisted. One day Darryl and I looked over and she was just standing in the middle of the room giggling like crazy. I think she loves the independence of it. Unfortunately this has been aggravating her hip so she's developed a limp when she crawls (if she's been really active) and she has a really hard time getting comfy at night. We can't really take her in the car seat or stroller because sitting in one position for so long is painful. Her ultrasound is on July 31 - it seems like forever away. I'm still hoping that its nothing too serious and that whatever the problem is will be easy to fix (without surgery!!!).

I think that's about it for now. OH, the grain elevator (full of canola) burned down today. The whole city smells like greasy, burning, nasty things. Its pretty barfy! With all these blazing fires in town I'm really missing being on the fire department.
Anyway, enough rambling. GOODNIGHT!

Flash floods and ponies!

Things have been pretty busy for the past 2 weeks.
We had a crazy flash flood that did a lot of damage to our driveway, yard and garden but thankfully not the house. It was so bizarre! One minute it was raining really heavily then we looked out the window and there was a raging river going through our yard (pics below).
And we went for a visit to my Aunty Pat and Uncle Bob's house. It was really nice to see them again. Kathy brought Sadie the pony over to visit Nyla (Nyla kept giving the pony the angry eye) then we went for a walk to see the big horses. Nyla wasn't a bit afraid - even when Chester the horse kept trying to lick her hand (and eat my shirt).
* Geesh, I can't believe I forgot to mention that Darryl's sister Laurie was here for a visit. Nyla really liked having her Aunty Laurie around for a while. They had some really great bonding time and we were sad to see her go

Sadie the pony.

Nyla decided that she was the boss and took the rope from Kathy.

Nyla's first ride on Sadie. (We forgot her hat... good thing they had a spare.)


Chester the horse.

Aunty Laurie and Nyla.


You can't tell by the picture how fast the water is moving but it was pretty nuts (It destroyed the fence). I'll post a video when I figure out how. (so probably never)

My poor garden is no longer a garden.

Darryl's Grandpa Perry (big grandpa) passed away last night. Its sad that he's gone but we're happy that he's not in any more pain. I'm sure he's hopping over fences, chasing cows and keeping an eye on everyone he loves.

My little storm chaser

We've been having stormy weather lately - which Nyla LOVES! I've never seen a baby so excited to see rain and lightning. I usually open the door and let her watch. She squeals and claps and if I dare to shut the door she throws a queen sized tantrum.
I love storms so I'm glad she has figured out that they aren't scary. I'm guessing when she's older instead of wanting to go to Disney Land she'll be begging to go on a storm hunt.
Next time I'll try to snap a picture of her enjoying the storm.

Sucker punched by good ol' perspective...

This has been a stupid week. You know when you were a kid and you realized for the first time that you couldn't really jump into a chalk drawing like they do on Mary Poppins, or when you realized that sometimes everything is not going to be ok, and the way that felt?? Its kind of been like that, so of course I've been feeling sorry for myself. Sure its due to my own stupidity but still I've worked up a good funk. Anyway, the point of all this rambling... I took Nyla to the doctor today and we found out that her hip hasn't developed properly. I have to take her for an ultrasound to find out the extent of the problem, but the treatment options are all pretty shitty.

Its bizarre how your world stands still and completely changes focus when your child is sick or hurting. I just don't want her to go through any of this. Its a crappy way to find perspective in life - but I guess that's how it usually happens right?

So if you're reading this and you pray, please pray for her. If you don't pray, then please keep her in your thoughts. I'll update when I know something.

Happy Father's Day!

I think Nyla is an extrememly lucky little girl to have a Daddy who loves her so much!
Darryl is an incredible father. I've never seen a man take so much joy in every part of fatherhood.
He loves spending time with Nyla and makes sure to take her on special Daddy time (usually shopping, or somewhere away from home so I can either get stuff done or have a break).
Nyla is crazy about her Daddy. I'm glad they make a great team.
Happy Father's Day Darryl! You definitely deserve the title 'Daddy'.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Guardian Grandpa

Darryl's Dad passed away a year ago (June 5th), just a few months before Nyla (his first grandchild) was born. Darryl doesn't want to keep remembering the anniversary of Alvin's death, so we're trying to make it a time to remember Alvin's life. So, to all of us loving and missing Alvin now, I hope we can all take a minute to remember something about him that makes us smile. Feel free to share with the rest of us!!
One thing that is difficult for Darryl is that Nyla didn't get to meet her Grandpa Alvin. We're sure that he knows all about her though and he's always near to her, being her Guardian Grandpa. Its nice to know he's looking out for her, our kids to come, and Laurie's kids to come as well. He's a good guy to have in your corner! :)

I don't think grief ever really goes away, the edges just get worn down over time, so please remember Darryl, Laurie and the rest of the family today.

PS: We love you Laurie! We miss you and can't wait to see you very soon. Nyla needs some Aunty Laurie cuddles :)

The only pictures I can find of Alvin right now are from our wedding. I'll add those, and I'll also add a few new ones of Nyla. I hope they make you smile!!

8 months!!

Nyla will be 8 months old in a few days. I can't believe how much she's changed in the past 2 months. She's crawling, sitting up all by herself (she could sit up before if we sat her up, but couldn't get up on her own), she's still saying a few little words, and has started to pull herself up to stand.
I heard her talking to herself in her crib after a nap and when I went to check on her she was standing up, reaching through the bars on her crib and taking things from the top of her dresser and throwing them around. Of course when she saw me watching her she gave me her big toothy grin. I just can't believe she's getting so big. (Ya, we moved the dresser).
She is such a character! If she hears anyone laughing she has to laugh too - but she does an old man laugh. She loves playing outside (she thinks grass is hilarious). She's a lot of fun right now!
I can't believe she's going to be walking and talking soon! Time is really starting to fly.
I'm going to try to get little videos of her crawling and the old man laugh and I'll figure out how to post them on here.
We hope you're all well!

My first mothers day :)

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Welcome to the world Lilly!!

I'm so happy to announce that my sister and brother in law welcomed their beautiful baby GIRL (yes they were told it was a boy) into the world today.

Nyla can't wait to meet her cousin Lilly!!

Congratulations! We're so happy for you!

Tagged for the random 7

Well, I like reading other people's random facts so I thought I'd actually do one since I've actually been tagged.

1. I CAN NOT STAND eating noises.

2. Watches go dead on my wrist (must be something to do with my electric personality... don't stand next to me in a lightning storm).

3. I'm afraid of ostriches. (If you've ever been chased by a very angry ostrich you'll understand what I mean).

4. I rocked the 'girl mullet' when I was a kid. RADICAL!

5. I was in a ukulele band in elementary school. We even wore the straw hats and weird outfits.

6. I would rather have my eyes poked out then have to play video games.

7. I love the smell of the different seasons. And the smell of the forest after it rains.

Ta daaaaa! Now in true blogging fashion, I tag anyone reading this who hasn't already done it lately.

Grandma's visit

Nyla was happy to have a visit with her Grandma. Diane came for a short visit to pick up Darryl and take him back to Lac La Biche to pick up the big truck. (Yes, he has decided to go back to work for Bob. They'll be doing a highway haul). He'll be gone more (which sucks) but at least he won't have to worry about cranes dropping loads of logs on his truck (yes that happened).
Grandma Diane will be back for a visit soon so maybe we'll have time to do some fun stuff then. I'll post pictures for all you family folk that check out the blog.

Missing Barkley... :(

Everyone has started walking with their dogs... it makes me miss Barkley. (We had Barkley for a year, then he went to live with my Mom and John cuz we wouldn't have been able to give him the attention he needed when Nyla was born. He died of cancer a few months ago. How lame is that?? he was such a young dog) I need to live out of town again so I can have dogs...lots of dogs. And maybe a horse or two... and some sheep (just cuz they're cute). Hmmm, maybe I need a farm. I'd even have chickens even though they stink and they're so incredibly stupid. I could be a farmer. I'm not sure what I'd farm but I'm sure I could work it out.
There, its settled. I'm going to be a farmer.

Another reason to love Germany...

My wonderful shoes arrived today!!! I love Birkenstocks - especially these birkenstocks :) What a wonderful day. Are these the perfect 'spring' shoes or what?? Now, which ones to order next... hmmmmmm...