Brace yourself -- THIS IS TERRIFYING!

It's been too long

This one is for you Rob -- ;-)

I'm sure everyone is agreed - it has been far too long since the last post...it has been a whirlwind of two and a half months and, surprisingly I've found that we've been a "little" busy! I'll do my best to catch you up and not ramble on too long.

I'm sure the question is begging - how is it that we were blogging much more frequently when we were seemingly even more busy a year ago? Well - in fact I think we are even busier now than we were a year ago...it's true. Even though the number of bottles have decreased, the sleep has increased -- the girls are bigger and able to do more...this, as you might imagine, brings with it a whole new meaning of busy! I don't turn around or step back without checking first if someone is under foot...the couch  and chairs are no longer something that we sit on to relax (what does that mean again?) but rather miniature "climbing walls" for Caitlyn, Emily and Heather to access the forbidden - windows, tables, other chairs... Of course Jennifer, not to be outdone by her sisters, and in her continued spirit of teaching her sisters new tricks uses the couch for her increasingly more frequent flips, flops and fly-through-the-air manoeuvres which, of course are met with gales of giggles and shrieks! So - my apologies however, as I will remind you, it is the "art of the possible" as my dear husband continues to remind me....

We have had a great summer and a great beginning to the fall season...fun times at Kootenay Lake with the Fraser clan and glimpses of Kootenay friends...long drives; sleepy girls; wonderful reunions; loving cousins making the most of the time together; first lake swim and boat ride for Jennifer; warm days; late nights; star-painted sky. Best smores ever (thanks Lach). Great time, great memories and hopefully a return visit next year!

Our bliss of vacation was quickly ripped back into reality when we returned to learn that our nanny that we had hired had had a change of heart and, regretfully could not take our position. Our emotions ran high with confusion however, our job was to find a replacement rather than dwell on what we could not change. After what seemed like forever, our efforts were rewarded -- we are delighted to have found someone willing to come and work with us! She's been with us just over  a month and the four girls have really taken to her (and she to them)...it's great to see and very comforting for me to know that they are in the hands of someone who has come to care for them. My return to work date was put off for 2 weeks to allow us to secure and establish a nanny so, I started back on the 31st of October....SCARY...knowing the girls are being well taken care of has made the transition of going back so much easier. S

The update wouldn't be complete with out a full run down of our guest list...we were very fortunate to have Aunty Cindy in September...so many toys, so little time! (Thanks Aunty C) - it was a great visit full of fun and cuddles. Grandpa Bill and Grandma Pat returned for their annual Fall visit in late September -- a short but much enjoyed visit with both. Grandma Marg ventured this way for Thanksgiving. We were delighted to see her and, it was great to have some extra family around the table to eat the enormous turkey we cooked -- for baffling reasons, Caitlyn, Emily and Heather boycotted the turkey!! (I can't believe it either...)

So...what's going on with the girls...

Jennifer has really blossomed over the summer. I find myself telling people she's four instead of three because she has grown so much, physically and  in maturity. Her imagination continues to bubble over and Jeremy and I are often asked to "pretend to be..." and enter into her imagination with her. We're never quite sure who she will be as we are repeatedly corrected that "no I'm so-and-so" Just today, I was "Ajika" and she was "Alooloo". Early in the summer, I was quite concerned about her daycare/preschool. She seemed to be drowning there in spirit and confidence, and I was close to pulling her. However, September hit and she is a new girl in the class -- relaxed, confident and happy to go (most of the time)....so for now, she'll stay. Her love for her sisters never fails to amaze me and melts my heart. She is a great little helper and is eager to take on new challenges daily! Her biggest thrill this fall has been the start of her dance classes. We enrolled her in community dance school and she is loving it...twirling, jumping, galloping, twirling, hopping, bouncing, twirling....she is over the moon! The transition of me going back to work has been hard for Jennifer to wrap her mind around and, will continue to be a work in progress...

Caitlyn continues to exercise her inner monkey! She is a delightful girl, eager to please and comfort. She has been given a love of hugs and is always eager to share some with anyone who might need one, or her favourite stuffy of the moment. She is the smallest of the girls coming in at a whopping 21 pounds 1 ounce however, she is fast and agile despite her petite size. She has a sneaky nature to her, honing her skills on the classic "grab and dash then look completely innocent". maneuver. She has recently taken to walking and can now be seen toddling around -- rather a bit like "Frankenstein" but, we'll take it. She's delighted with her new skill along with which has come a love for shoes -- any shoes really, she would just like to wear them, or, eat them!

Emily has continued to move forward at a rapid pace with her gross motor skills -- our last post was over  2 months ago and she had just started to 4-point crawl. She's getting so much stronger and keen on watching her two sister toddle around. With this curiosity and steadfast determination, she has become our little climber...she climbs everything....including into the dishwasher...yikes! She continues her physio therapy work, and just the other day the PT and I were delighted to watch Emily get up using a walker and proudly push her way around the room....she was giggling with joy the entire time...admittedly, it brought tears to my eyes! Despite her motor challenges, Emily has rocketed forward in her language skills...she can often be heard from her crib saying "happy happy happy"...along with a number of other selections she has put into her repertoire. We love to see her grow and continually exercise her curiosity!

Heather is quite simply hilarious! She has been up walking now for about 2 months - getting stronger and faster with each week that passes. She too has a sneaky side to her -- she has figured out that neither Caitlyn nor Emily can keep up with her: She eyes a toy that one of her sisters has, goes in for the grab and toddles away only to pause for a second, look back, smile and then rocket away as if she is the smartest kid on the block!  Just recently, she has also discovered the game of chase -- around and around the kitchen/living-room she will go, giggling of course, with Mama, Jennifer or Caitlyn right on her heels...

Heather is beginning to foster her relationships with her sisters with a nightly routine of kissing everyone goodnight -- not one but often 3-4 times before going to bed-- it's very sweet. We love her dearly...

As usual, this post has taken me a week or so to put together so, in the meantime, Hallowe'en has passed us by...we dressed the girls as chickens and Jer was "Old McDonald"....it was quite hilarious....

So -- I think I've updated enough....let's get on to pictures. As a result of the delay in posting, the number of pictures has accumulated to such a staggering number that I couldn't possibly fit them all on one or even two blogs so -- I've posted a link to Picassa where you should be able to view a slide show of the latest snaps - once you get to Picasa, find the "slide show" and click then sit back and enjoy....just click here  to there now- it's long, so grab a drink and a snack and enjoy!

Some are having trouble with the link to Picasa - so try this link here:


https://picasaweb.google.com/118264352879179952368/Fall2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNaMu8fW8rKBCg&feat=directlink#

As well for your giggling pleasure, we've included a few videos....

Heather and Jennifer - twirling practice!

Our private CHAOS!!

Dance Party!

Emily-go-round

Emily's big move!

Hope it was worth the wait....you're all so dedicated - we're so appreciative for all the support, love and good vibes that continue to come our way! Thank you all....

Happy Fall....FYI - it's Winter here in Calgary - the first snow has fallen....brrrr.

Stay warm -- Until next time,

Love Jan

Emily Edith's Big Day!

We were delighted to watch Emily venture into four-point crawling yesterday - what a thrill for all!

No one can stop her now!

Thanks for all the support all...

have a great day!
Jan

Holidaze in a Blur...

Apart from the recent Baptism photos posted I thought I would update you on what's been going on here....Jer has taken a bit of time off of work for some brief holiday time. We've used it to our advantage, I think, and tried to pack in as much play and adventure as possible -- the zoo, Heritage Park (a historical park in the city), a four-day-stay in Canmore, hiking in the mountains, taking in a Folk-Festival, White-spot lunches (sorry A.Cindy) and more. It's been a great few weeks and we've really benefited from getting out of the house and out of the city for a bit. We've got super travelling companions in the girls and, as they all get older, we hope this continues!

The babies -- well, they're not really babies any more (weeping silently) -- are growing so fast. The past few weeks have seen some incredible growth and development all round:

Caitlyn has discovered a new way to terrify her parents and has managed to climb the couch AND the chair in her room -- no sooner have we turned our back and she is up on the chair, delighted of course, showing us how she can reach all of the items on the change table! She is truly a monkey and, enjoys every minute of her mischievous ways! She continues to work towards walking however has stalled at standing on her own for now. I've put away the walker toys so that she and Heather can get on gaining confidence and skill walking on their own!

Emily has shown great progress over the past few week. We were very concerned about her in June (regarding her motor skills) however she has proven that, in time, she will gain skill and confidence to get moving on her own. She has abandoned rolling as her means of transportation and fully adopted the commando-crawl. With this, she is eagerly practising pulling up on all fours and has begun to master getting herself up to a high-kneeling position. She has gained a whole new perspective on life now that she can pull herself up - specifically, she can look out the screen door to see what's going on in the front yard(s)....she is simply delighted with herself for accomplishing such a great task! Emily has also revealed to us that she is a talker! She has added "papa", and "mama" to her language bank, signs for the word "more" and can tell you (if you ask nicely of course) what a cow, sheep and more recently a duck says! We're very proud of her and the leaps that she is taking....

Heather is our little power-house! She has displayed great prowess and excitement with attempts to walk on her own...so far 2-steps!! Her shy nature often takes over though and, when she perceives too much attention is being directed towards her, reverts to her well-mastered crawling! She has taken to the walker toys we have in the house and can now steer them very well! Despite her enjoyment of walking with the walker, I've decided to put them away for a bit as I mentioned to allow her to gain skills walking on her own....it won't be long!!

Heather, not to be out done, also has wowed her parents with her verbal skill...Jer and I have convinced ourselves that she says "good girl"....it is quite hilarious and we both get a chuckle watching her excitement at mimicking our words!

Jennifer seems to have grown exponentially this summer - in height and maturity! We continue to get spoiled with her caring nature towards her sisters and delight in her smiles abound! She's enjoyed all the adventures this summer (so far) however feels compelled to ask..."when are we going to be there?" about 1000 times, seemingly unphased that the same response awaits her every time!

We'll be off to Kootenay Lake next at the end of August...we've had good trial runs so far and look forward to a more extended holiday!

We caught a quick glimpse of Grandpa Bill who was able to come and visit us for a few days! What a great visit it was -- all the girls (and grown ups) enjoyed the time we spent together...looking forward to next time! 

In between all our adventures, we've managed to secure a nanny! I can't tell you what a relief it is to have someone willing and able to work together with us! Sadly, this also means that I will be going back to work in October. It was a long, arduous and thoroughly hashed out decision that we've made....admittedly, I'm not sure how I'll fare being back at work full-time but, nothing is in stone and there are always other options if things don't work out! So, we'll make the best of the rest of the summer and then....

Here are a few snaps of the weeks past....enjoy

showing her hiking prowess...Jennifer scales the Douglas Fir Trail with ease!

...swim hat and goggles in one!

Caitlyn and Heather....tupperware fishing!

...and so it starts! Heather taking after techno-Dad!

Zoo day! Eating lunch with the peacocks!
Heather, Emily, Caitlyn

First taste of ice-cream.....mmmmm Caitlyn is hooked!

Group hug!  Caitlyn (lying) and Emily!

Nothin' like watermelon on a hot "Heritage Park" day!

Heritage park picnic lunch!

Our pizzeria girl!

First lunch out -- White-spot - YUMMY!

Food tastes better in the mountains!
Picnic en-route to Canmore!

Caitlyn enjoying the scene!

Emily taking it all in!

HIking with Papa -- Caitlyn!

The view on the hike!

Jennifer with friend and hiking companion - Norah!

Holidaze part II....

...the few remaining pics! Just in case you're seeing these first, click here to get the update first!

Like bees to honey!

We didn't capture it well but Heather (sitting) was Grandpa's shadow the entire visit...

Happiness is....
Heather, Emily, Caitlyn w/Jennifer

taking care of each other...Heather (purple) and Emily (pink)

our favourite past-time - looking out the window...
Caitlyn, Heather and Emily

Cool Caitlyn - chillin'

Emily's new skill - getting herself on her knees to look out the screen door!

look at me - I did it!

Ha ha - can't stop me -- Caitlyn....

....also known as the mischief maker!

Thanks for all of the ongoing interest in our little growing family. We continue to have busy but happy hands and feel very blessed with our beautiful (four) gifts that have been given to us....

Happy summer...

Love Jan

Baptism photogs....finally

Finally, I've got the pictures from the baptism...okay only two months after the fact! We had a great day, everyone did well despite lack of sleep (no nap). I am biased, of course, however all three of the babies looked delightful and Jennifer was pretty in pink! The morning went quickly - thankfully the baptism was at the beginning of the service -- the minister called each of the girls and baptised them, after which they were blessed with the sign of the cross on their forehead. Each was presented with a baptismal candle and following this, they were given a prayer shawl.

It was a lovely morning. We were delighted to have Grandma Marg and Uncle Don on the Carr side, along with Aunt Joanne, cousins Devin and Kiara on the Fraser side to support and witness this very special occasion. In addition our good friends and neighbours Craig and Heather joined us.

 We caught a few pictures of the day - not many however it gives an idea of what went  on....enjoy! 

Caitlyn getting "beutified"...

Caitlyn being baptised...

Emily being baptised...

Heather assessing the situation...

...cautiously accepting the blessing of the minister...

...being clear that that is quite enough...

,,,and then letting her true feelings be heard!

As tradition goes, the girls were all presented with a baptismal candle
after they were baptised...As a unique gesture, each of them were also
presented "prayer shawls" that the women of the church had knit.

The crew....
okay - everyone started with shoes...

Three beauties...

We have truly been blessed and are trying to make the most out of the wonderful gifts we have been given. Thank you for being a part of the support that has been integral to our family! 

There will be another blog up momentarily -- more recent updates etc. 

Thanks for sticking with us -- I realise that the blogs are slowing a bit....

Take care 

Jan

We're Free!

After approximately:

149 days
3 laser scans
3 very stinky heads
150 hair washes
8 check- ups
1 tube of crazy glue

We're finally Head-band FREE! Our heads have been successfully reshaped and we can say goodbye to our stinky helmets!  We're loving it!!

Night night!
Love

Caitlyn, Emily and Heather
xoxoxoxo