Time for a field trip!

Not only did we start solids today, but we also decided to take Maddy on her first trip to the Vancouver Aquarium. I received a membership to the Aquarium for Chirstmas and it's good for one year, so Maddy and I can go as many times as we'd like. It's funny how I've been to the Aquarium on many field trips with a whole class full of children, but going with Maddy seemed to be just as stressful. I'm happy to report that all my worrying proved to be for nothing and it was a great day.

We got there early and it felt like the whole city was still asleep. The roads were quiet and there was tons of parking. Little did we know that every other family with kids was also up at this time. Before Maddy was born, we just be 'thinking' about getting up at 10am. Today we were up, ate her first solids meal and driven to Stanley Park by 10.

So far Maddy liked the Beluga whales the best. I think it's because she can see them easily. The dolphins were a little too fast for her to notice as they whipped by. I look forward to taking her again when she can see the other exhibits and tanks full of fish.

Eating Solids

Today was the first time Maddy ate anything other than milk! I have to say that it was a little bittersweet for me to know that she is growing up. I'm really beginning to try and cherish every time that I nurse her because I know how fast this time will pass. :(

We started with rice cereal this morning. She took her first couple of bites like a pro. We thought we were golden!! Then she started to push it back out with her tongue like it was too thick to swallow. So we decided that maybe the consistency was too thick. I added some water but then it must have been too runny because all the rest of the pictures to follow involved a "this is yucky" face. We'll try again tomorrow and hopefully Mommy will be able to make the cereal just the way Goldilocks likes it! Here are some pics of her first time eating.

Six months....ALREADY!?!

Yesterday was Maddy's 6 month birthday. It's all come and gone so quickly. Here she is in her 'big girl' outfit. Jeans and a shirt that ISN'T tucked into her pants! Happy 1/2 Birthday Pumpkin!

XOXO
Love Mom and Dad

Introducing Nora Kate Brown-John

Today we got to see Nora for the first time. She is so beautiful and it brought back so many awesome memories of holding a tiny newborn. Nora was born on March 24th to our friends Sharon and Travis. It was funny to see Maddy and Nora together. Maddy is only about 6 months older, but right now she looks monsterous compared to Nora. We can't wait until the girls are older and can play with each other. Congratulations to the new Brown-John family!

Sharon looks awesome. It's only been 11 days!!!

Can you believe how far the 'Beach Ave' boys have come?!




What a difference 6 months makes.

And the winner is....

We now have an OFFICIAL winner of the favourtie toy race. I mentioned before that because of the sleeping issues, the toys have been left on the bookshelf for a while. I had a feeling that she liked the Binkie (this purple blanket I made with ribbons attached to it), but now it has been definitely confirmed. Maddy has finally learned to soothe herself and the poor Binkie will forever be on 'sleep duty'. She like to put it up against her face, covering her mouth, and suck on it! Sometimes we can even hear her suck on the Binkie through the monitor. It works like a charm. No more patting or shushing and she is usually asleep in 5 mins as long as she is not overtired. As far as I'm concerned, Binkie is more of a life-saver than Hippo. Sorry Auntie Jo!

Good 'Ol Hippo

She's been napping for 1h and 40m so far!!!! So here is a post about my good friend Hippo. My sister Joanne gave Hippo to me when they found out we were pregnant with Maddy. As a kid my sisters had given me that nickname and tortured me with it throughout my childhood. Hahaha! Anyway as my sleeps during the pregnancy became more and more uncomfortable, Hippo came to the rescue. First he was between my knees to keep my expanding hips aligned. Then as my belly got bigger, he was put under so that I could sleep on my side better. Poor thing was pretty squished! Then after Maddy was born, you'd think that Hippo would get a break. Nope! Hippo now has to help with nursing. I use him to raise my head to a comfortable height when I nurse Maddy in bed. I have to admit that Hippo is looking a little on the lean side now! Here is a cute picture of Maddy telling Hippo how much she appreciates his hard work.

Thanks Auntie Jo, Uncle Philip, Frances and Pippa for bestowing Hippo upon us!!!

Maddy's First Easter

I remember Easter long weekend well. We were trying to get Maddy to sleep for naps during the day. It felt like an extra long, long weekend. Things are better now so I have more time to post pictures. Here is Maddy's Easter picture. We had intentions to get her dressed up and outside with some coloured eggs and all. Bad weather + sleep training + tired/lazy parents = picture in bumbo with chocolate bunny! Happy Belated Easter everyone! We promise next year will be more fun and we'll get a nice 'Spring' photo all dressed up when the weather is nicer.

Laura and Kevin's Wedding

Congratulations to our friends Laura and Kevin who got married last Saturday. The ceremony was in the beautiful St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church downtown. I've always wondered what it was like in there. A gorgeous setting for the vows. It was quite a shock when we came out of the underground parking to find downtown covered in snow!!!

The reception was held at the University Golf Club and the food, company and celebration were awesome. We didn't get to stay late, but we did get to stay long enough for the slide show (I LOVE wedding slide shows!!), first dance (I was really impressed by your dancing skills you guys) and even got to dance with Josh for one song (thanks Auntie Jenny for holding Maddy!). All the best to the newlyweds. Thanks for having us!

Happy 35th Josh

I know that it's a bit late, but better late than never. Has it already been over a week since his birthday?!? Well we had a quiet evening at home on the 26th. Got a pizza and a movie. Quite a nice, relaxing night. Unfortunately, Josh came home from work, we snapped this photo and then Maddy went straight to bed, so she didn't get to join the party. Happy Birthday babe!!