Thursday, April 29, 2010

First Boo Boo

Arabella got her first boo boo(s) while on vacation. She skinned one knee and then the other the next day. She wasn't too bothered by the boo boo at first, but as soon as we made a big deal over her bleeding she started to cry. It was kind of funny the reaction that she had to all the attention. I was able to get them cleaned up and then put Band Aids on them, but she hated them and would pull them off. And as soon as then scabbed over, she would trip and break the scab open. Luckily, they have all healed. I am sure we will have more skinned knees, that is what summer is all about right?

Beginnings Of Florida Fun At Grammie's House

Arabella and I spent the past 3 weeks having a wonderful time in Florida visiting family and friends. She made herself right at home and settled into her vacation routine just fine. It sure helped to be spoiled by Grammie, Grandpa Al, Uncle Mike and "Uncle" Jeff! I even think Macy and Rocco, Jeff's 2 dogs, spoiled her!

One of the first things we did was visit Grammie's house. She was so excited to see Grammie and Grammie was prepared for her visit. She had toys and books waiting for her. It was like Grammie's house turned into a playhouse for Arabella. There was a kitchen with all the accessories, a doll house, a tricycle, books and more books, and a desk area for coloring! One of her favorite things to play with was an adorable pink purse - she carried it around everywhere. She also loved too push her baby stroller up and down the back path! Good thing the stroller was able to fold down and fit in our suitcase so she could take it home. She now strolls around the house with it here. She had so much fun!











She was even able to persuade Uncle Mike to play with her doll house and he did not destroy it. I wonder how she was able to get him to play nice since he used to trash my Barbie Dream House???



Uncle Mike even helped her with the tricycle...and she got away with riding in the house!


One of her favorite things to do at Grammie's was to feed the fish, turtles and ducks in the pond. She would run to the dock yelling "Fish, Fish" and would have been happy feeding them constantly. She caught on quick as to where the fish food was kept and if she ran out of fish food, would head for the bread box in the kitchen. It was so much fun to see her wonder and excitement over such a simple act.











Arabella loved to explore the flower beds and backyard. One evening while she was helping Grammie water the flowers, Grammie taught her how to drink water from the hose. They both were laughing and giggling, it was priceless. One afternoon she even helped Grandpa Al plant some new flowers. She will probably have one Green Thumb when she gets older, and that is fine with me!











One afternoon, Arabella and Grammie played in a Florida Rain/Sun shower. They sure do know how to have a fun time!





Arabella was a busy little bee and loved every minute of it. And to think, these are the just beginning of our 2010 Florida adventures.

Thursday's Thoughts

Hearing: Silence - such a beautiful sound when it is nap time. If it is silent at any other time, my Little Bean is probably up to no good :)

Tasting: Chocolate frozen yogurt bar.

Seeing: Piles of laundry from vacation.

Smelling: The clean and springlike scent of a Daisy Yankee Candle

Feeling: Excitement and lots of it. I can't wait for this weekend and to see Jonna and Ashlee. There is nothing like being around your best friend.

Hope you are having a wonderful week...what are you thoughts today??

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Reality Check From Mother Nature

Yes, the calendar says it is April 27th. We have been have beautiful Spring weather with temperatures in the mid to upper 60's. Arabella and I planted flowers yesterday. The patio furniture is out and we have grilled the past 2 nights! Today, we have snow!! I know we live in Canada, the Great White North. I know we get snow, and a lot of it. But, Please, Mother Nature, I beg you to stop showering us with snow in April and let us enjoy Spring!







At least the weathermen tell us it won't last and we are going to get warm temps later in the week. I have my fingers crossed!

(Last) Thursday's Thoughts

Note - This blog entry was written on April 22nd, I am just now posting.

One of my favorite things about living in Canada is not working and being able to stay home with Arabella. For the past 2 1/2 weeks, Arabella and I have been on holiday a.k.a vacation in Florida. We were supposed to leave on Tuesday but we decided to stay 3 extra days. This is in part to Jay being out of town this week. Originally, he was going to meet us at the airport, load us in the car and then head back into the terminal to get on a plane to Nova Scotia. I wasn't looking forward to the potential colossal meltdown Arabella could have when he went back into the airport since she had not seen him in over 2 weeks. So when the opportunity to stay 3 more days (thanks to Delta screwing up and Jeff - who works for American - coming to the rescue), I jumped at it! We were able to spend more time with family and enjoy the perfect weather.

As I write this entry, I am sitting by the pool enjoying the sun, warm breeze and absolutely no humidity. The weather (and another blog I follow - Pink of Perfection) inspired this post and Thursday's Thoughts. Thursday's Thoughts will become a regular post where I reflect on my five senses and how they are impacting my day.

Hearing: The most perfect sound - Arabella's giggle as she splashes and plays in the pool with Uncle Mike.



Tasting: A Peach Milkshake from Chick-Fil-A...so yummy!

Seeing: A Cloudless blue sky and the ripples from the breeze on the pool.





Smelling: The sweet smell of Orange Blossoms in bloom.

Feeling: The warm sun and breeze against my skin.

When was the last time you thought about your five senses??

Monday, April 26, 2010

New Family Members

Don't get too excited by the title...we don't have sibling(s) for Arabella on the way...at least not yet! Arabella did however get her first pets

Please welcome George and Lucy!!



George is gold and Lucy is orange. Jay and I decided to allow Arabella to have 2 fish since she is such an animal lover and they are low maintenance. And I have not been able to talk Jay into a dog just yet. While in Florida she had such a fun time feeding the fish in Grammie's pond. She would get so excited for Grammie to get home from work and she would be waiting with the fish food or bread. It was too cute!

So we decided to make our way to Aquatica yesterday to pick out too goldfish. She got so excited by all the different types of fish they had. But in the end, we settled on two goldfish. However, Jay and I left the store feeling horrible about the conditions that the fish would be in. The clerk at the store told us that goldfish should be in a tank, with a filter and a minimum of 5 gallons of water each! Whoever, had goldfish in a tank with a filter...certainly not us. He also told us that goldfish should live for 25 years and will grow to 3 feet. Seriously?? Growing up our gold fish lived for a couple years, but 25??? He tired to talk us into a Beta fish, but they are boring...we want something that just doesn't sleep on the bottom of the bowl.

Arabella is happy with George and Lucy! She even said goodnight to them last night and she fed them this morning. George and Lucy seem happy and Arabella is learning a little responsibility. And that is all we can ask for!



Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Present For Me

Since the Easter Bunny didn't bring me a basket or gift this year, I decided to buy myself an Easter present while here in Florida. I have been looking for this necklace since Arabella was born. Every time I think I find the one I like, there is always one part of it that is just not right...the charm, the price, the size. However, last weekend while we were at the Riverside Arts and Farmer's Market, http://www.riversideartsmarket.com/, I found the perfect necklace. K.I.S. (www.kisjewelry.com) made exactly what I wanted, while I waited. Everything was just right, the size, the length of the necklace, the charms and the price (just $29, which included the necklace).



It has the "A" for Arabella, an emerald Swarovski crystal (Arabella's birthstone) and a starfish charm (for Arabella's and my love of the beach). I may add another charm later with her birth date on it. Or I just may decide to design another necklace for myself all together. They also make great gifts and K.I.S. has many different designs and ideas for you to choose from. They will even ship to Canada!! So if you have been looking for your one of a kind piece of jewelry, look no further than www.kisjewelry.com