The end of January was quite busy for us with Chinese New Year, a visit from Oma and Opa (Josh's mom and dad) and then my neice Frances' 5th birthday. We had a great Chinese New Year with family and including all the cousins, the kids and adults we were 3 full tables! It was fun because Maddy could hold the Lucky Envelopes this year. Lucky for us that she doesn't know what's inside them yet! Josh's parents were in town the same weekend so they joined the celebration. It was quite an experience for them to see and taste some of the different chinese dishes. It's funny how the beef tongue and jellyfish dish always seems to come out first!
It's hard to believe that Frances is already 5 years old! This year she wanted to have an Octopus party and Joanne did not disappoint. Your cakes are really good Jo, I'll have to get advice from you for Maddy's future birthdays. It's always nice to go and see the girls. They take such good care of Maddy and always remember to include her when they play. Recently she learned to say their names and often we'll hear Maddy call out "Pippa! Pippa!" The name Frances is a little harder for her to say but she repeats it well. Happy Birthday Frances!
Maddy and I have been going to gymnastics class at the Jump Gymnastic gym in Yaletown. We go once a week with her friend Aly and now Nora. From the very beginning, Maddy did NOT like go under anything. She is the same way at home. She's not one to go playing under tables and chairs. Every week I'd see if she'd try to crawl through the tunnel but no. Well the very last lesson, for some reason she did it!! It was quite a moment for mama! Now that we are about 2 classes into the second session she's again reluctant to go in the tunnel. I guess we'll just have to wait until the last class.
The beginning of February was Aly's first birthday. Aly is Sandra and Mike's daughter and we met them while camping with Sharon and Travis back when we were both pregnant. I've really enjoyed spending my mat leave year with Sharon, Sandra and the girls. In the beginning it felt like the 3 girls were so different in age and abilities. Now that they are older the gap is closing and it's great that we can see the girls begin to interact with each other. Aly's birthday was fun, so many babies in that circle of friends. Aly's face while we all sang to her was priceless. Even Maddy got to enjoy some of the low sugar, no eggs cake and she loved it!!
Now it's nearly the end of February and I can hardly remember where it went. The countdown to Spring Break is definitely on, but first I must get those report cards out of the way!
