Fire Station Field Trip

On Tuesday, Arabella's class visited a fire station as part of their class theme of Safety.  There was such a difference in the kids from last year to this year - they went on a fire station field trip last year too - but this year they were more engaged and understood more about safety and what was being told to them.  It is amazing to see how much they grow and change in a year.  Arabella was very excited for the field trip and she wanted Max and I to stay, so we did.  I strapped him into the Ergo baby carrier and he slept on me the whole time.  It was great!  All the kids were excited to learn and to help the fireman get dressed.  One of my favorite things was when the firefighter showed the kids how he would look for them if there was ever a fire emergency - he would be fully dressed and crawling on the floor - it was great for them to see and understand, that way if there ever was an emergency, they wouldn't be scared of the firefighter.  All of the kids loved sitting in the fire truck and were excited to see the ladder go up too!

First Walk

Monday was a mild day...a January thaw...that has now frozen over.  We took advantage of the warmer temps and took a walk/bike ride in the afternoon.  Arabella was happy to be able to take a ride on her bike now that some of the snow had melted and the roads were clear.  We bundled up and put Max in his stroller and went for a nice ride/walk.  The crisp air did all three of us good!

My Loves

We seem to have adjusted to having baby Maxton in the house.  Although, we are still working on the whole schedule thing...but after all he is only 2 weeks old!  Arabella loves him so much, she is such a proud big sister.   She couldn't wait for me to pick her up at school on Monday and to show him off to all her friends and teachers, it was the sweetest thing ever.  She is also a great big help.  She checks on him if he is fussing, she holds him and helps feed him and has even warmed up to helping with diaper duty (mostly she watches and gets the clean diaper...she isn't brave enough to change one yet!)  We haven't been doing too much but just keeping a low profile...too cold out and too many germs!  But I have been taking pictures and trying to keep on top of things. 

Arabella & Maxton

Last Saturday, we had photos done of Arabella and Max.  I wanted newborn photos of him.  The pics came out great and here are a few of the proofs.  Arabella and Max both were really good during the picture taking.  I am glad we did it and can't wait to get the actually pictures up and framed in the house!  Cookie Photo in Pointe-Claire did the photos and we couldn't be happier.

Maxton Denison Ripp

On January 3, 2013, at 10:55 pm (or as they like to say here in Quebec 22:55), Maxton Denison Ripp entered the world.  After 7 hours of labor and 1 hour and 10 minutes of active pushing, the little guy made his presence known.  He weighed 7 pounds 4 oz and was 19.5 inches long.  We are so happy he is here and are so blessed with another beautiful baby. 

Let's Skate

On New Year's Day, we headed to the local park where they have set up a hockey/ice skating rink up on the tennis courts.  Arabella had been asking to go skating despite the fact that her skates were way too small!  She had fun for a bit before her feet started hurting!  Jay skated around for a bit more while Arabella and I went to the snow covered playground!  She has fun skating so the next day, we went out to Play It Again Sports and traded in her old skates for a new pair!

Two Thousand Thirteen

It is hard to believe that another year has passed.  So much has happened in the past 12 months and we are looking forward to what lies ahead in 2013!

I hope that everyone has a healthy, safe and blessed 2013 fully of promise and hope.  Look for beauty and good in each day.  And may we all grow and learn and be more understanding. 

I hope you enjoy these quotes I found to ring in the New Year:

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. - Benjamin Franklin

New Year's Day... now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual. - Mark Twain


We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. - Edith Lovejoy Pierce