a tooth

I'm so happy to report that Kate finally has her first tooth. We spotted it on Monday. I thought I had seen something while on the plane and the spotting was confirmed at dinner that night when we finally arrived home. It's beautiful.

I'm also happy to report that it does feel good to be home. I was a little weary for the first 24 hours but now have settled and am pleased. Moncton had a big dump of snow while I was away and the forecast is calling for 15 - 25 cm tonight. OMG - 25 cm! It's already a gorgeous, winter wonderland out there. I'll let you know how we fare.

Last night we picked up our Christmas tree and today Kate and I were busy decorating it and the house. Well I did most of the work while Kate oohed and ahhhed at the decorations and lights. She's a fan.

A few recent pics to share though I am sad to report I have been unable to capture a photo of the tooth:

I adore this shot of Kate, my Dad and my parents' dog having a laugh.

Another favorite from our trip, my Mom and Kate singing into the microphone.

My Mom made this beautiful stocking for the little Miss.

Look at all these beautiful girls. Our friends, the Bedard ladies: Lauren, Becky and Sophie.

Kate and her friend.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree.

Stay warm and safe everyone. xox aj

what's so good about good byes?

The end of our Calgary stay is fast approaching. Though a bit of a whirlwind, we have had a lovely visit. There has been Christmas trees, lights, snow, snow-blowing, sugar, dogs, shopping, kisses and hugs, bookclub, a haircut, friends and of course family. I thought I would send some highlight pics:

Today we took Kate out to explore the snow. I think she was already looking for the mountains so she could enjoy it fully.

Gramma was burying the little lady and she didn't seem to mind that or the -20 degree wind chill.

Grandpa out enjoying his new snow blower for the third time in 24 hours.

Kate helping undecorate the tree.

Kate saying hello to Katie, again.

Stylist Aidan.

Mmmm, Coconut cake.

Kate's first time licking the whisk.

Tomorrow is our neice Super Lydia's first Birthday party. We missed saying Happy Birthday to you on your actual birthday but didn't want to miss saying it for your party. Have so much fun - we're sorry we're going to miss it. We will at the same time be celebrating Marek's first birthday. Despite the many many nights of below grade sleep, this last year has seemed to go so fast. These once tiny babies are now well on their way to becoming awesome little people.

I can't even think about having to say good-bye again so soon but I know Cody is missing us badly. We miss you too baby. Thank you to everyone who made such a nice effort towards us, especially to my parents who have lived in baby chaos for the last ten days.

Will write more when we return to Riverview.

xoxo aj

sick and tired (but not of birthdays)

Kate's sick and I'm tired. She has a terrible cold and is dripping everywhere. Oh and she has a hate on for me and anything I try to do for her. I'm hoping she's doing a lot better before we have to board that plane on Friday.

Complaining out of the way, we wanted to wish Grandma Janice a very happy Birthday today! We're blowing you kisses. They're infectious but the thought is there.

Also celebrating a Birthday today is Aunt Darla. Happy happy birthday to you.

I was planning a party but Kate was not in the mood. So we had a pajama party instead - in both your honours.

I hope your days are better than ours! xoxo

a little early but what the heck

We got busy this weekend putting up the outdoor Christmas lights before any snow has a chance to fall and dampen our enthusiasm for such an effort. Plus Kate and I head to Calgary this Friday for two weekends and chances are that by the time we return we would be way behind the neighbors.

FYI - I couldn't figure out my camera so the shots aren't great but hopefully you will still be awed at the display.

Oooooh. Aaaaah.

This is Kate after a walk through the neighborhood tonight - pleased as her Pappa's lights are the best. At least so far.

Our son, I mean sunshine playing with her new favorite toy - a rogue piece of cedar from our swags.

She played with this for hours.

So to all our buddies a happy start to the holiday season. And more importantly a happy happy 5th birthday to our nephew Aidan. Aidan is traveling with his Mom, Dad and Sister somewhere in Europe where it's probably already the 23rd and his birthday. Kate and I can't wait to celebrate your birthday with you on Sunday. It's so hard to believe you're already a whole hand's worth of fingers old. We love you very much and hope you're on a warmish beach in Spain or somewhere glorious for your big day.

yeah visitors!

Cody's Dad Paul and step-mom Janice were down for the weekend and we had such a nice visit. Like her Momma, Kate loves it when the house is busy. On Saturday night we went out for dinner to celebrate Janice's upcoming birthday. Oh it was lovely, it felt adult and reminded Cody and me that we need to make more of an effort to do such things - even if Kate is in tow.

Sunday we headed off to Janice's parents for a great turkey dinner. Again Kate was in good spirits around the crowd and Grandpa used the occasion to try and get her to crawl, bribing her with Cheerios.

Alas, another failed effort.

I didn't quite make it in time but this was an effort to capture Kate chillin' out with Grandpa Paul. She had been quite content lying around but then lost it when she saw me and the camera.

Kate and I say "thanks for the visit we look forward to seeing you again at Christmas!"

two thumbs up for centennial park

Cody called it an early day yesterday so we headed off to Moncton's Centennial Park for a lovely autumn walk. It turns out that the park is totally awesome. It's big, has a couple off leash dog areas, bbq areas, kiddie equipment, a little man made lake for canoeing, a little man made beach, a splash park, skating rink and then the coolest tree course. And it's really only a few minutes away from our place.

The lake's ducks.

Through the trees is probably not the best view of the little beach/pool but it's the only one I have.

Aidan - check out this park, doesn't it look awesome. Behind all this equipment is another splash park.

The tree course is definitely the highlight - it looks amazing and has a few different courses at varying levels of difficulty. With that said, they all look challenging. Here are a few pics:

Kate's is dreaming of the days when she'll be manoeuvring through these tree courses.

The Jorgensen Sandwich is almost unanimous in its love of the park - I'm sure once Kate's a little older she'll look more enthusiastic. We can't wait to take some visitors there this summer. Lots of love - Aimee

november 11th

Our routine is pretty set here in Riverview so not a lot to report. I keep hoping one morning I'll wake to announce a tooth, a crawling daughter or a baby who sleeps longer than a 5 hour stretch, alas, to date, I wish in vain.

There is no doubt that Kate is busier and more agile. The other day I left her sitting nicely playing and then came back to find this...

She basically laid back and then did a backwards roll over the wall and into her old play gym. It was quite a feat for her.

She's gotten the hang of a few toys too. With her baby she always tells long stories and holds or chews on her little hand.

She's also been busy humming and shouting into the new microphone that her Aunty Candy bought her for Halloween. To her credit she usually knows which end to talk into.

She's also trying to figure out how to stand on her own. Grandma Donna bought her this little table last week and she has figured out how to get to her knees and work at the activities.

But for the most part she seems to be taking after her Pappa...

Chilling out to Coronation Street.

And goodness knows she would love to give his eastern diet a try too. For those of you who have no idea what you are looking at - there is a hamburger between those slices of white, gravy-covered bread.

As an update on our classes, swimming is going great. Kate loves it and doesn't mind being dunked once each class. We have only one more music class but we're going to sign up for some more. She's discovered music and is always bopping to a little beat. She's also a heck of a drummer and little shaker. I believe in the music business these skills are the equivalent of most groupies. Awesome.

On a completely different note, my Dad goes for knee surgery tomorrow. Dad, I want you to know I'm thinking of you and wishing you the best in the procedure and your healing. I can't wait to see, hug and kiss you in just over two weeks.

And on a final note, it is Remembrance Day and not to get political or cliche but I want to recognize the people who are in active duty for this, our beautiful Canada. As a mother all I can think of is that each person is someone's baby and it pains my heart to think of them in harm's way. To our veteran Melissa, Norm's smart, strong and beautiful daughter, a special shout out to you and your friends.

Peace and love, Aimee