Merry Christmas

Wishing you and your families a wonderful Christmas season. May God bless you all in the coming year. I will be back to blogging after the Christmas season.

Wordless Wednesday - Boots

Free time

I am so excited about tommorow morning! My mom is comming to get Naomi in the morning and is going to bring her back in time for her afternoon nap! This means that I get an entire morning to myself. What am I going to do with myself? I am torn between the things that I should do and the things that I want to do.
I should organize the hall closet, bake some cookies, clean the house from top to bottom, and go to the gym.
But what I want to do is crawl back in bed after Naomi is gone, read my book for a while, get up and take a really long shower. Then blowdry my hair and head into town and buy some long overdue new clothes. Ahh, then I will come back and meet Naomi just in time to put her down for a nap. Then the afternoon of silence will be mine too! Sound to good to be true? It might be, I'll let you know tommorow how it went.

Let the madness begin...

It seems that Christmas gets busier every year. This year is no exception. Here is the itinerary for the next 10 days...

15th - Set up for Christmas banquet at church, Baby shower for my sister in law, banquet in the evening, my brother comes home from New Zealand
16th - Church, lunch with my parents and brother, Family gathering with the extended family.
17th - Angie' birthday, gift exchange with Ed
18th - Opa's Birthday, Christmas dinner with my parents
19th - Mom-in-law's birthday
20th - Get together with Capells and gift exchange
21st - Brian and Hilary arrive from Ontario, dinner out at Milestones, Ron's work party
22nd - Last minute preparations, maybe get together with friends.
23rd - Church, our Christmas celebration (Dinner at the Keg, opening gifts, and watching National Lampoons Christmas vacation)
24th - Christmas eve, Kids Choir program at Church, opening gifts at my parents
25th - Christmas day, open gifts at my in-laws, extended family gathering in the afternoon.

Phew! all these wonderful things to do in the next two weeks. Ahh.. Christmas time, before I know it will all be over and we will start looking forward to next year.

9 months

Here is a photo collage of Naomi's last 9 months. She has changed so much, and yet she is still the joy of our lives.
She is crawling in her own style (a few seconds of conventional crawling, then falling down onto her tummy, sliding along by pushing with her feet, and finally rolling to her desired destination). Once she gets were she wants to go she looks up at us with a huge smile! She is so proud of herself.

But, her favorite pastime is walking/running around the house while she holds onto our fingers. In this picture she is all dressed up in her Christmas dress. She looks so great! I can't wait for Christmas.
We have been wanting to take her to go see Santa for the past few weeks, however Naomi has been fighting with the most horrible cold. The poor things is so congested, and is really not acting like herself. She HATES getting her nose wiped (along with all other child in the world), and cries every time we get near her with a tissue. Hopefully, she will be on the mend soon and we can finally get out of the house during the day (I am going a little crazy!) I am thankful that she is getting this cold now and not right over the Christmas holidays.

Wordless Wednesday - Cousins

Naomi (9 months) and her cousin Kayla (1 month)

Wordless Wednesday - Reading

Christmas Memories

Christmas has always been a special time of year for me. As a child I know that my main focus must have been on what gift I wanted and eagerly anticipating Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning. I also remember the great joy as the decorations made their way out of hiding and the house was filled with the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Our home was always decorated, there was an abundance of baking, and our homemade ornaments covered the tree.
As I was preparing for this evening I was thinking back to the all Christmas I have experienced. I don’t remember many of the gifts my parents bought for me. I couldn’t tell you what the newest toy was that I just HAD to have each year. And I am sure that most of the gifts I received are long gone, broken and forgotten. The things that stick out the most clearly in my mind are the traditions that had nothing to do with presents or Santa Claus, but rather with family, church, and the Christmas story.
Spending time with my family has always been an important part of the Christmas season for. I remember when I was younger my mom always took the time to bake a gingerbread house from scratch and helped us decorate it with candy. It was a special time together laughing and having fun. Mysteriously the candy never lasted very long and by Christmas Day all that was left was the half eaten gingerbread house.
For as long as I can remember about a week before Christmas our family had a tradition of eating a big dinner and going out for a drive together to look at all the Christmas lights in the city. It was a great to spend time together. We would always end our evening by driving through the live nativity scene on Gladwin Road. The Biblical account of Jesus’ birth was written out on large boards and beside each verse were people dressed up acting out the scene. It was always a beautiful and powerful way to wrap up the evening. I have been very lucky to grow up around a family that has taught me the real meaning of Christmas.
Each year my Dad would read the Christmas story from the Bible while Daniel and I waited patiently for our chance to dig into the presents. I must admit there were years when I wished that he would just read it quickly and that we could get on to the gifts. But now as an adult I treasure the sound of his low voice reading the beloved words slowly and carefully, giving my imagination time to create the images from so long ago.
Church was also a main part of Christmas time for me. I loved seeing the Advent candles flickering at the front of the sanctuary and singing the familiar carols leading up to December 24th. But my favorite Christmas tradition at King Road was participating in the Sunday school program on Christmas Eve. I looked forward to this program all year long, and always enjoyed learning the new songs and actions. I always loved hearing the Christmas story come to life and participating in this evening. There was nothing that could keep me from participating in that evening. I’m sure that the candy bag at the end added to my eagerness! Even now years later, I find myself humming some of the songs that I learned during my Sunday school years.
Now that I am a mother I have a new appreciation for the traditions that my parents established as I was growing up. I realize how wonderful and precious these memories are to me, and I want to pass them on to her. I want her to know that Christmas is not about presents and Santa, but about the birth of Christ.
I hope that Ron and I can continue the traditions that have been established by our families and even add a few of our own. I hope that in 25 years when Naomi looks back on her Christmas memories she will see that we have preserved the legacy of the true Christmas, and the importance of family.

Tag! I'm It.

I've been tagged for my very first meme! Thanks Debbie. (I don't know how to link, so click on her name on the right)

Here it is: Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself. Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs. Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. I had my appendix taken out when I was 4 years old. I still remember being wheeled through the doors into the OR and looking up at the doctor before he put the mask on my face to knock me out.

2. I have a very specific way that I like my toast. a)It has to be spread RIGHT after is comes out of the toaster, if it cools down a little I will put new slices in the toaster. (Thankfully Ron doesn't mind eating cooled toast) b) The peaunt butter and jam MUST reach all the edges. A few weeks ago Ron made some toast for me (so sweet), but I had to go back into the kitchen and get a bit more jam so that it reached the edges.

3. I like popping zits. Gross, I know, but I can't help myself.

4. I started walking when I was 9 months old, and I never crawled before that. My
Dad taught me to crawl after I was walking already. I wonder if Naomi will be the same.

5. I love singing along to the radio. I can sing along to almost any song soon after hearing it. The only problem is that I can never remember what the song is called or who sings it, even if I have heard the song a hundred times. This drives me crazy since I can never request a song or win any contest by naming the artist!

6. I have had a few names in my life. Before I was born my Dad wanted to name me Jennifer. I guess he lost that argument because they named me something else :). I spent the first years of my life with a name beginning with E. Then when I went to school my parents decided to change it and enrol me with the name that I now go by "Raine". Go figure. Needless to say this caused some confusion with my Grandparents and members of my extended family. So, I still respond to "E", especially if it comes from my Opa Born.

7. I used to have an imaginary friend named, Rolly. I was four years old by the time my brother came along, so I had to come up with a playmate for myself. He was everything from my son or husband when we were playing house to a student in my classroom, to my best friend. I love that my Dad has a video of me playing with Rolly in our basement. It is priceless.

So now you know 7 random/weird things about me. I want to hear from you... the trouble is I don't know who to tag.. hmmm
Well, as Debbie said, Lurkers this is your chance to DELURK!
I would love to hear your 7 random facts. I tag all my lurkers! So, leave a comment and do the Meme on your blog!

The Stats

I took Naomi to the doctors this week for a check up.
Here are the stats:
Weight: 24lbs - top of the class :) (a.k.a. pleasantly plump)
Height: 71 cm - 75th percentile
Naomi loves to walk around the house while we hold on to her hands. Crawling seems to be coming along, but she still gets easily frustrated when she does not make progress. She is full of smiles and kisses these days, and especially loves playing with her rubber ducks.

Tackle It Tuesday - Christmas Decorations

Todays tackle was hauling out all the Christmas decorations and setting up the tree. We put our Christmas CD's in the stereo and sang along to all of our favorite carols. It turned out quite nicely. Now we can enjoy it 'till next year!

It's Snowing!

Today we had our first snowfall of the winter. The meteorologists had been warning us that it was coming, and this time they were actually right! Why can't they be this accurate all the time?
We took Naomi out for her first experience in the snow. She did not seem to really care, but she humored us and we took a few pictures to capture the memory. Another first for our little one.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday! We love you so much. You are a great Mom and a wonderful Oma. Hopeing that you have a wonderful day today in sunny Arizona. We miss seeing you on your birthday but we will see you when you get back.

Stolen Moments

My favorite momment of the day:
The house is silent, except for the tick-tock of the nursery clock.
I look down and in my arms I see the most precious sleeping baby.
Her cheeks are slightly flushed from the warmth of the blanket.
The weight of her body resting comfortably on my lap.
Her chest moves up and down with the rythimic beat of deep sleep.
I brush her hair off her forehead and give her a gentle kiss.
"I love you my dear sweet Naomi"
There is nothing that I would not do for my little girl.
I gentle lay her down in her crib and close the door.
Stealing these precious momemts before they are gone...

Bloggers Block

I have bloggers block. Since I don't have much to write enjoy these pictures from a recent evening at the local arcade. Naomi and I met Marilyn and her kids there. The kids had a great time. Naomi really enjoyed riding in this car.

Flashback Friday - 1982

(l-r) Esther, Debbie, Michelle, Me
This picture was taken by Michelle's mom at her 1st birthday party. (I borrowed it from her blog)
I can't believe that we have all known each other for more than 25 years! What a blessing to have lifelong friends.

Kayla Leanne is here!

I am proud to announce that I became an auntie for the first time. Ron's sister Angela gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Mommy and baby are doing great.
Welcome to the world Kayla Leanne Klassen.
Date: November 14
Weight: 6lb 15oz

Oma and her granddaughters.

8 months

Another milestone! 8 months ago today our lives changed forever. Here are just a few pictures of the last few days. Happy 8 months Birthday Naomi!

Priceless

1 dozen red roses from my husband = $15
1 dozen pink roses for Naomi = $15
Knowing that he loves us = priceless

Ummm...Really?

This was a fun little quiz about what I should be when I grow up. I am not sure if I agree... What do you think?

You Should Be a Politician

Confident, assertive, and dedicated - you know what you want in life and how to get it. Stubborn and opinionated, you can stand your ground... even if it's unpopular. And while you have strong views, you never overwhelm people with your opinions. A true charmer, you subtly influence people into seeing things your way. You do best when you: - Work according to your own rules - Can change the world with what you do You would also be a good lawyer or talk show host.

What Should You Be When You Grow Up?

Wordless Wednesday - Generations

Naomi and her Uhr Oma Born (Great Grandma)

Sleeping Beauty

It is amazing what a good night sleep does for my perspective on life! This morning I woke up to Naomi crying in her crib and rolled over to look at the clock as usual, however I was pleasantly surprise to see that it was 7AM! YAY!
Sleep has been a HUGE issue in our house lately. It has been MONTHS since Naomi slept through the night. She has been up at least 2 times every night to nurse. This was especially frustrating since she was sleeping all night when she was only 8 weeks old! When she was up at night, we tried to let her cry it out, but she just got histarical and totally woke herself up even more. Then it would take even longer to calm her down! I would finaly just cave in a nurse her when she was up at night. I knew that this was just reinforcing her getting up, but at 2 and 5 AM I just didn't care!

Since Naomi has been on strike and taking formula supplements she seems to be sleeping better. I guess she was really getting hungry at night when she was only nursing. The first night of the strike she was only up once, however it was for over an hour! The second night she was up once, but only for 20 mins. Last night she slept straight through!
I can't begin to express how wonderful if feels to have uninterrupted sleep. I thought that I was going to go crazy these last few months. There were days that I could not even think straight. I was so tired that I couldn't even enjoy playing with Naomi. Yesterday and today have been awesome. I am not just a food source, but also a playmate. We have been having so much fun!
She has been so smiley and happy lately as well. It must be the combination of good sleep and finally feeling full because of the formula. She is babbling and laughing at the silliest things. I am enjoying her so much more, I didn't even know it was possible.

Trick or Treat!

We had a wonderful time last night going Trick or Treating with Naomi. When Ron got home from work we quickly got ready, dressed Naomi in her costume, and headed out to see the Omas and Opas.

Then we were invited to our good friends house to take the kids out Trick or Treating. There were 8 kids ranging from 7 months to 2 1/2 years old all dressed up in very cute costumes. This is the best picture that we could get of all of them together.
(L-R)Makayla (Ladybug), Josh (Tigger), Mary (Canucks Fan), Noah (Lion), Ashley (Bunny), Naomi (Pumpkin), Samuel (Hunter), and Dawson (Jester).
They were all so cute! I am already looking forward to next year!

She's on Strike!

Well, my little girl is on a nursing strike. It started yesterday morning when she bit me really hard. I jumped and sternly told her not to bite Mommy. She was startled and started crying. Ever since every time I put her in the nursing position she just starts to cry. So frustrating for her and for me! I feel so guilty for making her afraid, but nor do I enjoy being bitten by two very sharp teeth! Ahhh! I ended up pumping because I was so uncomfortable, and Naomi eagerly took the bottle when we offered it to her.
I thought that she might nurse during the night when she was half asleep, but no such luck. She cried and cried until we gave her a bottle, and then I had to pump afterwards. So instead of nursing her while we are both half asleep we were all up for over an hour in the middle of the night.
Today is still the same as yesterday. I did some research and read that nursing strikes can last a few days or even a week. We will see how she is doing in a few days. I hope this strike does not last as long as the Civic Strike in Vancouver :)

Monday Night Football

It has been Ron and Dennis' Monday night tradition for the past 8 years to get together to watch football. Each year they make predictions about who will win the Monday night football games. The person who gets the most right gets taken out for wings by the one who lost. The friendly competition makes it more fun to watch.
I got in on the party when Ron and I started dating. I soon came to realize that Ron and football were a packaged deal, so I made it a point to learn about the game and to understand the rules. I must admit that my interest in football in the beginning was 100% due my interest in Ron, however now over 5 years later I look forward to Monday Night. Ron and I even made our own wager for the who would win the Monday night games. Our wager: One week of doing the dishes, no complaining, with a smile (We don't have a dishwasher). Current score: Raine - 5, Ron - 4. It could get interesting.
Tonight is a special Monday Night game because Ron's favorite team the Green Bay Packers are playing the Denver Broncos. This year the Packers have only one Monday night game so it had to be special. Ron really wanted to go all out so he decided to make his own wings. We picked up pizza, chicken wings and Cajun sauce from Costco. Ron barbecued the wings first and then tossed them in the sauce. They turned out great!

Here are the guys enjoying the wings and pizza.

When the Packers play Ron likes to wear his Packers gear and sit in this special chair.


Here is all that is left from 2 kg of wings. That is a lot of wings for two guys, but they polished them off without missing a beat!

Of course we had to snap some pictures of Naomi cheering for Daddy's team.

GO PACKERS GO, GO PACKERS GO!

Wordless Wednesday - Fall in the Backyard

Fun Fall Day

My friend Marilyn and I took the kid for a walk around Mill Lake last week. Here are a few shots of the kids after I played around with the effects on Picasa.