Arabella loves playing with the kick board in the pool. It is so cute to watch her swim around the pool with it. I love how she keeps it under control. Who knows, maybe she will be a swimmer as well as a gymnast!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Farmer's Market
On Saturday, we went to the farmer's market in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue. It was not a huge market, but was just the right size and had everything that we were looking for and then some! It was so nice to be able to purchase fresh from the farm fruits, veggies and eggs. Everything tasted wonderful and was not too expensive. We purchased kale, red lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, and blueberries. Jay and Arabella shared a fresh baked granola cookie and we also bought some cranberry chocolate bread, boy was it yummy! 
Jay even decided to try some duck eggs...I was not going to be the adventurous one, but he seemed to like them and said that there really wasn't too much of a difference in taste. They look like regular eggs, just a little bit larger and with a thicker shell. 
I cooked the potato's for dinner. All I did was cut them up, add some fresh garlic, herbs (from our garden) and a little olive oil and then baked them in the oven until they were a little crispy, Oh So Yummy!! 
After hitting the farmer's market, we walked along the canal and boardwalk. Arabella had fun checking out the boats that were tied up along the canal and also looking for the trains as the passed overhead. It was a beautiful day, a little warm, but was nice to walk along the canal. The canal links Saint Lawrence River/Lake Saint-Louis and Lake of Two Mountains at the mouth of the Ottawa River. Originally, the canal was an integral part of the Montreal-Ottawa-Kingston inland shipping route from its opening in 1843, however, today it is used mostly by pleasure boaters. It was fun to see how the canal and locks work. 
Here is a video of the lock opening...it was really interesting to watch them fill the lock with water and then open the doors to let the boats out. It was also amazing how many boats they actually cram into the locks before they fill it up with water.
After walking along the canal, we had lunch at a little cafe. I had an amazing goat cheese and veggie sandwich, I think it may have been the best sandwich I have ever had. Jay had one with salmon and Arabella had breakfast for lunch...eggs, and she ate them all! After lunch, Arabella had some "cream" what she calls ice cream, she thoroughly enjoyed it!
Jay even decided to try some duck eggs...I was not going to be the adventurous one, but he seemed to like them and said that there really wasn't too much of a difference in taste. They look like regular eggs, just a little bit larger and with a thicker shell. 
I cooked the potato's for dinner. All I did was cut them up, add some fresh garlic, herbs (from our garden) and a little olive oil and then baked them in the oven until they were a little crispy, Oh So Yummy!! 
After hitting the farmer's market, we walked along the canal and boardwalk. Arabella had fun checking out the boats that were tied up along the canal and also looking for the trains as the passed overhead. It was a beautiful day, a little warm, but was nice to walk along the canal. The canal links Saint Lawrence River/Lake Saint-Louis and Lake of Two Mountains at the mouth of the Ottawa River. Originally, the canal was an integral part of the Montreal-Ottawa-Kingston inland shipping route from its opening in 1843, however, today it is used mostly by pleasure boaters. It was fun to see how the canal and locks work. 
Here is a video of the lock opening...it was really interesting to watch them fill the lock with water and then open the doors to let the boats out. It was also amazing how many boats they actually cram into the locks before they fill it up with water.
After walking along the canal, we had lunch at a little cafe. I had an amazing goat cheese and veggie sandwich, I think it may have been the best sandwich I have ever had. Jay had one with salmon and Arabella had breakfast for lunch...eggs, and she ate them all! After lunch, Arabella had some "cream" what she calls ice cream, she thoroughly enjoyed it!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
What I Do All Day
Sometimes I am asked what I do all day now that I stay home with Arabella. It is sometimes hard to put into words and explain what encompasses our day so when I came across this article from Carolyn Hax at The Washington Post I thought I would share it with you. It puts into words what I can't.
Carolyn:
Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc. Me (no kids): Wow. Sorry. What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group . . .
Okay. I've done Internet searches, I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners . . . I do all those things, too, and I don't do them EVERY DAY. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events) and I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy -- not a bad thing at all -- but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a peeing contest ("My life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks get the same story and have the same questions.
Relax and enjoy. You're funny.
Or you're lying about having friends with kids.
Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them.
Internet searches?
I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed.
So, since it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. In list form. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head.
It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.
It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.
It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends, well-meaning and otherwise. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.
It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.
It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you to mutual friends, or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand or keep your snit to yourself.
The whole article can be found here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/22/AR2007052201554.html?referrer=emailarticle
Carolyn:
Best friend has child. Her: exhausted, busy, no time for self, no time for me, etc. Me (no kids): Wow. Sorry. What'd you do today? Her: Park, play group . . .
Okay. I've done Internet searches, I've talked to parents. I don't get it. What do stay-at-home moms do all day? Please no lists of library, grocery store, dry cleaners . . . I do all those things, too, and I don't do them EVERY DAY. I guess what I'm asking is: What is a typical day and why don't moms have time for a call or e-mail? I work and am away from home nine hours a day (plus a few late work events) and I manage to get it all done. I'm feeling like the kid is an excuse to relax and enjoy -- not a bad thing at all -- but if so, why won't my friend tell me the truth? Is this a peeing contest ("My life is so much harder than yours")? What's the deal? I've got friends with and without kids and all us child-free folks get the same story and have the same questions.
Relax and enjoy. You're funny.
Or you're lying about having friends with kids.
Or you're taking them at their word that they actually have kids, because you haven't personally been in the same room with them.
Internet searches?
I keep wavering between giving you a straight answer and giving my forehead some keyboard. To claim you want to understand, while in the same breath implying that the only logical conclusions are that your mom-friends are either lying or competing with you, is disingenuous indeed.
So, since it's validation you seem to want, the real answer is what you get. In list form. When you have young kids, your typical day is: constant attention, from getting them out of bed, fed, clean, dressed; to keeping them out of harm's way; to answering their coos, cries, questions; to having two arms and carrying one kid, one set of car keys, and supplies for even the quickest trips, including the latest-to-be-declared-essential piece of molded plastic gear; to keeping them from unshelving books at the library; to enforcing rest times; to staying one step ahead of them lest they get too hungry, tired or bored, any one of which produces the kind of checkout-line screaming that gets the checkout line shaking its head.
It's needing 45 minutes to do what takes others 15.
It's constant vigilance, constant touch, constant use of your voice, constant relegation of your needs to the second tier.
It's constant scrutiny and second-guessing from family and friends, well-meaning and otherwise. It's resisting constant temptation to seek short-term relief at everyone's long-term expense.
It's doing all this while concurrently teaching virtually everything -- language, manners, safety, resourcefulness, discipline, curiosity, creativity. Empathy. Everything.
It's also a choice, yes. And a joy. But if you spent all day, every day, with this brand of joy, and then, when you got your first 10 minutes to yourself, wanted to be alone with your thoughts instead of calling a good friend, a good friend wouldn't judge you, complain about you to mutual friends, or marvel how much more productively she uses her time. Either make a sincere effort to understand or keep your snit to yourself.
The whole article can be found here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/05/22/AR2007052201554.html?referrer=emailarticle
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Fabulous Finds
When Lori was here we spent a lot of time outside and by the pool. And this led to using a lot of sunscreen and we had to laugh because we both had Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen, just in different SPF levels, that squeaked each time we sprayed it. For the life of us, we couldn't figure out why it would squeak. Anyway, this led to a discussion about sunscreen and sun tan lotion and how we both desperately miss a sun tan lotion of the past - Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee. You used to be able to buy it anywhere and then probably 10 -12 years ago it just vanished. You couldn't find it anywhere. Lori thought she might be able to to find it here in Canada, but I already looked for it and haven't been able to find it. You should have seen us, we were so sad thinking about this sun tan lotion and our Summers from high school and college. It was so funny that we were pining over sun tan lotion. This is where drugstore.com came to the rescue. First we googled it and it sent us to Bain de Soleil's website, we were definitely on to something, then their website connected us to drugstore.com. Lo and behold, it was there, just like we remember, nothing had changed. Could it be true?? Yes, it could and even better, drugstore.com ships to Canada, YIPPEE!! So last week, I ordered a tube (and a few other things) and I received it today (I couldn't believe how quickly it got here)! I couldn't tear into the shipping box fast enough. Arabella thought I had gone mad and then when I got the tube open, Aah, the wonderful smell came rushing out! I am in heaven and so happy to have found a old favorite. Welcome Back Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Green Thumb
Arabella has been helping me in the garden and in the yard with pulling weeds and trimming flowers. She loves to pull the weeds and is so helpful. I just love to be outside and spend time with her! She also loves to make sure the plants are watered and it looks like she has been taking really good care of the hibiscus plants...
I would have never thought such tropical plants would love the Summer in Montreal. Last night Arabella also tried the first cherry tomato of the season, she loved it!
And this morning we had fun working in the yard a little bit before swim lessons. We even cut some of the beautiful white hydrangeas that we have in the yard. I think we have at least a dozen bushes and they are all starting to bloom, just beautiful, no wonder they are a favorite flower of mine.
I would have never thought such tropical plants would love the Summer in Montreal. Last night Arabella also tried the first cherry tomato of the season, she loved it!
And this morning we had fun working in the yard a little bit before swim lessons. We even cut some of the beautiful white hydrangeas that we have in the yard. I think we have at least a dozen bushes and they are all starting to bloom, just beautiful, no wonder they are a favorite flower of mine.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
I Think The Ohio Heat Got To Him
For the 4th of July weekend, Jay went to Ohio to visit with his Dad, Ricki and his brothers, Kris and Kraig. He had a great time and Dennis and Ricki enjoyed having just the boys visit. While he was there, he did a little needed shopping. Now Jay is not one to like to shop and it is hard for him to tolerate shopping, but everyone was going to the outlets and he needed some new summer things. He called to ask my advice on which stores he should go to for the things he needed and he also asked if there was anything that Arabella or I needed (very unlike him). I let him know to check out Carter's for some winter or next summer things for Arabella and the only thing that I wanted/needed was another bathing suit cover-up. I was pretty detailed in what I was looking for and besides I wanted one like the one I already have, just in another color. Pretty easy, right?? Well, when he called later that day, he told me about his purchase for himself and Arabella, and he told me that he found a cover-up for me, but he didn't really like the colors. Oh well. Not the end of the world. So when he got home on Thursday night, I was just looking forward to the new sneakers that I ordered and had sent to his Dad's house (call me crazy but I was able to get them at Dick's online for $70 and the same sneakers here were $150, crazy!!) and when I saw the Nike bag, I was very excited. But when he handed it to me, he said that I had to guess what it was, not sneakers, that was for sure. I thought it was a purse, but no way would he get me a new purse. He jokes about putting all of my bags or at least some of them on eBay. I was shocked when I opened the bag to see Coach tissue paper, what they heck had gotten into him. Seriously, he actually went into the Coach outlet. Now for sure I thought he was joking. But when I opened it, this is what I saw...
Holy Crap!! I can't believe it, the last time he bought me a bag, we were in NYC and he said he would never buy me one again. I just love it!! It is perfect and I have been thinking about getting a cross body bag for a while, but have been putting it off. I love that I can wear it across my body and it frees up my arms for when Arabella and I are out running errands, and it has more space, which is nice now that I am trying to not have to carry a diaper bag with me everywhere. The handles also fit on my shoulder in case I want to carry it that way too. Thanks Jay for such a wonderful surprise, you did good! So maybe the heat in Ohio did get to you or maybe like Mike thinks this could be Jay's way to easy me into the idea of him getting another project car...
Holy Crap!! I can't believe it, the last time he bought me a bag, we were in NYC and he said he would never buy me one again. I just love it!! It is perfect and I have been thinking about getting a cross body bag for a while, but have been putting it off. I love that I can wear it across my body and it frees up my arms for when Arabella and I are out running errands, and it has more space, which is nice now that I am trying to not have to carry a diaper bag with me everywhere. The handles also fit on my shoulder in case I want to carry it that way too. Thanks Jay for such a wonderful surprise, you did good! So maybe the heat in Ohio did get to you or maybe like Mike thinks this could be Jay's way to easy me into the idea of him getting another project car...
Friday, July 9, 2010
Pretty Toes
I have been wanting to paint Arabella's toes for at least a year and would always have second thoughts about doing so because of all the chemicals and junk that is in regular nail polish. All that changed when I found Piggy Paint http://www.piggypaint.com/ Piggy Paint is a line of natural, non-toxic, and Eco-friendly nail polish and remover. The water-based formula is virtually odorless and the finish is pretty durable. What makes Arabella love Piggy Paint is the fun colors - who can resist names like Ice Cream Dream, Mac-n-Cheese Please, Twinkle Toes, Clouds of Candy, Forever Fancy and Angel Kisses. Another fun part of Piggy Paint is that you need to dry it using the blow dryer (not required, but recommended) - this helps it to cure quicker due to the water content. Yesterday when we painted her toes she wanted to help me and that is fine by me as it works on her fine motor skills and hand eye coordination!
She loves her Ice Cream Dream toes and they are so adorable for Summer!
She loves her Ice Cream Dream toes and they are so adorable for Summer!
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