Stacey's Blog

Birthday Party pics

2009-03-16T11:09:00.006-04:00

3 Years Old!

2009-03-06T15:49:00.009-05:00

Ethan and Hannah turned 3 on Wednesday. I took the day off work to have fun with them. We went to Rainforest Cafe for lunch. Ethan was a little intimidated by the big animals at first, but all in all it was a fun experience! Then we went to Kids Zone to burn off some energy! Here are some pics from the day.

Hard to believe they are 3!

We had their b-day party on Saturday. I will post pics of the party soon.

Merry Christmas

2008-12-22T20:52:00.005-05:00

It's been a while again since my last entry. Life is just so busy! And this time of year, makes it even crazier. There have been lots of fun things going on!

Hard to believe this will be Ethan & Hannah's 3rd Christmas. Soon it will be time for their 3rd birthday....but let's not get that far ahead.

I hope that you all have time to spend with family and friends over this Christmas season and remember that Jesus birth is the reason we celebrate!

This was the last family photo we had taken (for our Christmas card). It was a chilly day....poor Ethan was shivering by the time we were done. As you can tell, you should never say, "Smile" to Hannah. This is what you get:

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

My Halloween Dragon & Kitty

2008-11-04T22:32:00.004-05:00

My handsome "dragon"

My sweet kitty....

Sibling love

Rolling in the leaves

Kitty attacks the dragon....

Cullen Gardens (Oct 24/08)

2008-10-25T21:53:00.010-04:00

We took the kids on Friday (Oct 24) to Cullen Gardens. It's a shame that the place as we used to know it is no longer running....but it was a great spot to do a little photo shoot with the kids. Sorry I posted so many...but there were a lot of cute ones!

Can you tell that Hannah just woke up from a 10 minute nap on the drive there? This look is all attitude!

My handsome fella...

Peeking around the porch posts...

Seriously...too cute!!!

Playing in the garden

Hee...hee...

Heartbreaker!

Angelic... (don't let the photo fool you though...) :o)

I look at these pics of my kids and can't believe how blessed I am. From day one, they have been an amazing gift. Sure, they aren't perfect...no kids are....but I am very thankful for every moment I can spend with them!

Knox Pumpkin Farm

2008-10-06T20:53:00.011-04:00

It's been a while...

We went to Knox Pumpkin Farm on Saturday for a b-day party....and Gil used the opportunity to take some pics of Ethan & Hannah!

Hannah getting her face painted with a pumpkin!

Hannah riding a horse for the first time.

She loved it!

And so did Ethan (which really surprised me!)

Enjoying some b-day cake! ;)

Running through the corn maze

Peek-a-boo!

Sitting on the wagon ride

Ethan found his pumpkin

Hannah sitting on her pumpkin (and giving Daddy that goofy grin!)

Father's Day 2008

2008-06-15T22:22:00.004-04:00

Happy Father's Day Gil! I am so proud of the father you are to Ethan & Hannah. Your love for them is evident in everything you do! Thanks for being an amazing role model to them....and showing them so much love!

Mother's Day

2008-05-11T22:19:00.007-04:00

We went to the park at Children's Arena tonight to get a few pics of me with Ethan & Hannah. I feel very blessed to have two such amazing kids!

.....I miss you Mom...wish you could be here to see your amazing grandchildren. You would have loved them sooo much too!

Easter Egg Hunt

2008-03-24T23:28:00.008-04:00

Ethan & Hannah's Easter Egg Hunt...

Hannah was not impressed when Daddy had to take her picture before she could fill her Easter basket with chocolate eggs!

Ethan found one egg and thought he had done great!

Hannah on the other hand was like an old pro....she scooped them up quickly! She wasn't leaving any behind for her brother!

And even then, Ethan shares an egg with Hannah

Toddler Beds

2008-03-17T08:21:00.004-04:00

We bought Ethan & Hannah toddler beds this past weekend. So far everything has gone great! No little feet have gotten out of bed to see what was going on outside of the room. In fact, we had to wake them up yesterday morning. This morning, Ethan woke up on his own. I heard him stir for a minute or two and then his feet hit the floor. He came and opened the door and saw me in the hall and then walked back into the bedroom. I think he was a little confused by the fact that he got up on his own.... Hannah was still snoring away when I left for work.

Ethan & Hannah's 2nd Birthday Party

2008-03-11T10:05:00.005-04:00

We had Ethan & Hannah's 2nd Birthday Party on
Sunday, March 9. It was supposed to be held on Saturday but we had to postpone due to the crazy amount of snow falling that day.

Here are some pics from the party....

Our nephew Adam...

Ethan "mooching" from Auntie Cydele!

Riley

Our nephew Jaxsen

My Grandma & Ethan & Hannah's Great-Grandma

Opening presents....

Nemo & Dori Birthday cake (Thanks Denise...you did a great job!)

Hannah "digging in" to her Dori cake

Ethan getting a taste of Nemo...

Gotta lick all that icing off the fingers...

Yummy....white chocolate coral reefs...

My boy stuffing his face

Then they wanted their forks.... I think it was too late. The mess had already been made!

Happy 2nd Birthday Ethan & Hannah

2008-03-04T22:25:00.005-05:00

My babies are 2 years old.... Where has the time gone? They are changing so much and they learn so many new words every day! Tonight we went out for dinner and then took them to Chuck E. Cheese to play. Hannah loved it and Ethan cried for almost the whole time we were there. I'm not sure if he was just getting tired or was just too overwhelmed with everything.

Saturday we will celebrate with a Nemo theme and family and friends will come over. Stay tuned for more pics from that day!

Family Day Pics

2008-02-19T15:58:00.007-05:00

Just a few pics of the kids from Family Day (Feb. 18)...

Ethan & Hannah pretending to sleep on Mommy & Daddy's pillows

Ethan the artist at work!

Hannah also has talent!

Cutie boy! :)

Beauty girl! :)

Look at that pose...wearing Daddy's hat

Hannah was not happy about wearing the hat

What a smile!

Show some teeth!

The dynamic duo!

Ethan's 1st Haircut!

2008-01-25T21:22:00.001-05:00

Ethan had his first haircut today and he did a great job of letting my hairdresser Stephanie cut it!

Before (Front Shot)

Before (Side View)

Ethan taking a look in the mirror with Stephanie

He was doing fine sitting on his own until the cape went on!

So, Mommy had to sit in the chair with Ethan on my lap

Stephanie 'tickling' him with the brush

Hannah sat by in the other chair watching the whole thing. I could just see the wheels in her mind turning.... "Am I getting a haircut too?"

After (back shot)

After (Front Shot)...had to put a little gel in it!

After (Side Shot)

Christmas

2008-01-09T07:48:00.000-05:00

Hope you all had a great Christmas and best wishes for a Happy New Year! I'm just now getting around to posting Christmas pictures. Such a busy time of year...

Ethan & Hannah (Christmas Eve)

Stockings (Christmas morning)

Me helping Hannah open up her new baby!!

Gil with Ethan & Hannah (they both got babies!)

Hannah "feeding" her new baby!

Ethan taking his baby for a ride in a dump truck

Hannah still feeding the baby!

New toys and books!

Ethan in his favourite position with a book

My nephew Jaxsen eating wrapping paper!

Hannah with her new stroller (from Uncle Jeff & Auntie Cydele)

Ethan with a new truck

Jaxsen was so exhausted from his 1st Christmas Day!

2007-12-20T14:05:00.000-05:00

I cannot believe how close Christmas is to being here. Where has the month of December gone? There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done!

We are doing well. Ethan & Hannah are now 21 months old and keeping us on our toes! We're looking forward to this Christmas since they are a little older and will be more excited about new toys!

From our family to all of you, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Halloween Costumes

2007-10-31T07:57:00.001-04:00

Can you get any cuter than this little monkey and ladybug?

Accident Prone?

2007-10-23T15:21:00.001-04:00

Ethan fell in the driveway yesterday. He was holding onto a ball and when he tripped, he didn't break his fall with his hands. His face took the fall...as you can see! My poor little boy! Hopefully it doesn't scar him!

Thanksgiving

2007-10-16T08:30:00.001-04:00

I know Thanksgiving is past but I am just getting around to posting a pic of Ethan & Hannah from Thanksgiving weekend. It's been a busy time!

Vacation at Kennisis Lake

2007-09-17T10:46:00.000-04:00

We spent last week at a cottage on Kennisis Lake near Haliburton. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't as nice as we would have liked, but it was still nice to get away. Here are some pics from the week:

The view from inside the cottage

The beach "bay" at the cottage

Hannah staring at the water

Ethan's reflection

Big buck waiting for us after a shopping trip in Haliburton Village

Gil & Ethan on the beach

Gil & Hannah on the beach

A duck (or as Ethan and Hannah called it, "guck") came right up onto the beach to visit the kids.

We went to the dam at the end of the cottage road. These pictures are from that area.

Kisses!

2007-09-15T21:00:00.000-04:00

Summer days!

2007-08-14T08:27:00.000-04:00

17 Months

2007-08-04T23:53:00.001-04:00

Ethan and Hannah are 17 months old today! We took them to Memorial park this evening and Gil took a few pics!

Family Day (July 2/07)

2007-07-03T23:13:00.000-04:00

My Dad was down visiting and since we were all off for the stat holiday, we decided to take the kids to Lakeview Park.

Hannah 'walking' with Great Grandma

Jaxsen (big smiles!)

Jaxsen (not so happy!)

"It's ok little buddy...Auntie Stacey will give you kisses and make it all better!"

Grandpa pushing Ethan & Hannah on the swings.

Darlington Provincial Park - Jun 20

2007-06-22T13:53:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday, we took Ethan and Hannah to Darlington Provincial Park. It ended up being too cool to let them put their feet in the water...but they were more than happy to play in the sand with their new sand toys!

Father's Day

2007-06-18T21:10:00.001-04:00

Happy Father's Day Gil! We took the kids to Children's Arena Park to take some pictures for Father's Day! Of course, more of the pictures have just the kids in them... but oh well!

Gil, I just want to say that I am very proud of the Dad you have become. Your love for Ethan and Hannah is evident in all that you do. And, since I went back to work in March, you have been doing a great job as 'Daddy Daycare'...or so you like to call it! I love you and so do your kids!

Fun @ Lakeview Park

2007-06-18T20:41:00.000-04:00

On Saturday evening, we went to Lakeview Park with the kids. They had fun on the swings and sharing a little ice cream with Mommy and Daddy. They are also loving their 'lil red wagon'.

15 Months

2007-06-05T23:05:00.001-04:00

Mother's Day

2007-05-18T20:07:00.000-04:00

It's a little late...but this is the first chance I've had to get these pics on my blog page.

I do feel extremely blessed to be a Mom to Ethan and Hannah. They make me smile each morning when I walk in their room and my heart is full knowing they belong to me.

Miss my Mom and know how proud she would be of my kids!

14 Months

2007-05-06T21:53:00.000-04:00

Well, Ethan & Hannah are 14 months old now... Gil took some pictures of them today while we were outside. It was their first time on baby swings at the park near our house. You can probably tell by the expression on their faces how much they loved it!

INTRODUCING...

2007-04-18T22:56:00.000-04:00

Jaxsen Mitchell Marchant, born Wed. Apr. 18 @ 11:03 am, weighing 6 lbs. 13 oz. and 19 3/4" long.

My little brother is finally a Daddy! Congratulations Jeff & Cydele! He is a beautiful baby and a blessing from God!

EASTER

2007-04-10T21:26:00.000-04:00

13 Months

2007-04-04T20:36:00.000-04:00

Yes, again, it's been a while since I posted pics. Being back to work full-time makes it hard to have time to do anything!

Ethan

Hannah

Ethan & Hannah

Visit with Paul

2007-03-20T19:54:00.000-04:00

On Sunday night, Paul Scibetta came to our church. He finally got to meet Ethan and Hannah after a year of just seeing pics of them on Flickr and my blog. Just thought I would post the pics of him here with Ethan and then one of him with Ethan and Hannah. Paul wasn't sure that he could hold them both at the same time, but he managed! As you can see by the 'wail' on Hannah's face, she wasn't impressed when Mommy handed her over. It's nothing personal Paul, she has just been having a hard time since I went back to work. She doesn't seem to want to go with anyone else when I'm around.

This pic is of all the people there on Sunday night who belong to Flickr. It was a great night...and it was really great to talk with Andrea and Paul. We definitely would love to have you come back and sing again .... (hint, hint..)

ONE YEAR OLD!!!!!

2007-03-04T21:48:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe...but one year has passed since Ethan and Hannah came into our lives...and what a change their presence has made! We can't remember what life was like before the joy of having such a beautiful son and daughter. They have brought us more joy and happiness than we could ever express!

Hannah likes to do the splitz! Oh to be so flexible... Maybe she will be a future gymnast!

Official family photo on the 1st Birthday! (Believe me it was tough to get one this good...)

Mommy's Birthday kisses for Ethan!

Mommy's Birthday kisses for Hannah!

1st Birthday Party!

2007-03-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

We had Ethan and Hannah's 1st birthday party yesterday (Saturday) so that it wouldn't be so busy today (their actual b-day)....especially since I have to go back to work tomorrow. :O(

This picture of everyone didn't turn out because the flash wouldn't go off for some reason...but you get the idea of how ridiculous everyone looked for the occasion! We wish more people could have been there to help us celebrate...but the house was full enough!

Here is Ethan's 1st taste of cake! He wasn't sure what to make of everyone standing around and watching him eat.

As you can see from this face, I don't think she was really impressed with the taste of chocolate cake (no offence to the cake-maker ... Amanda).

Here, she pulls out all the smiles! She knows everyone is watching her...

The Countdown is on...

2007-02-28T15:24:00.000-05:00

It's been 2 weeks since I last posted any new pictures so I figured I better put some new ones on. Only 4 days until Ethan and Hannah's 1st birthday and sadly, that means only 5 days until I return to work! :o(

This one was taken on Sunday. The photo is a little dark but I thought it was cute of the two of them!

Ethan in his high chair at lunch today!

BIG SMILES!

Hannah hamming it up? Notice all the teeth...

How I am going to miss the everyday things when I'm back to work...

Happy Valentine's Day!!

2007-02-14T21:01:00.000-05:00

Just a few pics taken today (Valentine's Day!!) Nothing says love like two beautiful babies!

Gotta love this one...Ethan is licking Hannah's ear! Happy Valentine's Day!!

11 Months

2007-02-05T00:25:00.000-05:00

Here are Ethan and Hannah's 11 month pics. Can you blame me for not wanting to leave these two in another month to go back to work? I am going to miss them so much...

Sippy Cup Time

2007-01-31T22:12:00.000-05:00

Gil decided to take some pics today of the kids while they were drinking out of their sippy cups. Some of them were cute and funny, so I thought I would post them. You may be able to detect a bit of their personalities from looking at these...

In other news, we have finally found someone to watch Ethan and Hannah when I go back to work in 4 1/2 short weeks. I was getting really nervous about it and not wanting to just leave them with a stranger who placed an ad for daycare...and something made me think of a couple we know who have 3 yr old boy/girl twins and Gil called her and she was more than willing to take them on for the few days a month that we need someone to watch them. I feel so relieved! I will still miss them terribly and I'm sure that every day at work will feel incredibly long but at least I know they will be in good hands!

2007-01-21T21:32:00.000-05:00

Ethan giving his Daddy a big smile! Can you tell our kids are used to the camera?

Hannah...being her usual dramatic self!

Future Piano Players??

2007-01-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

Ethan & Hannah got this Baby Grand Piano for Christmas from Great Auntie Alayne and they are having so much fun making music with it! Maybe we have future piano players on our hands.... ;o)

10 Months

2007-01-05T14:59:00.000-05:00

Actually, they were 10 months yesterday, but Ethan was not
feeling well...had a fever and was just out of it all day...so I didn't figure those would make for the best pics. He is feeling better today. His eyes still look a little tired, but he has perked up considerably.

Hannah is doing better today too. She was feeling fine yesterday, but it was more than apparent that she missed her "big" brother...who was either being held or was sleeping or away at the doctor's.

Today they are back to playing together and being silly with each other.

How on earth am I going to leave these two precious people to go back to work in 2 months? :o(

Morning Nap

2007-01-01T15:19:00.000-05:00

We put the kids down for their morning nap this morning and I found them both laying asleep with their one leg up resting against the back of the futon. I thought it was so cute and funny...and so Gil decided to take a pic of them!

New Year's Eve

2007-01-01T14:46:00.000-05:00

Ethan & Hannah's 1st New Year's Eve. I don't know if it's possible to love two precious babies anymore than we already do!

We had a few friends over and played games and ate Chinese food (my favourite New Year's tradition). It was fun...even if it meant being up until almost 2:30 am. We still managed to drag our butts out of bed this morning when the kids woke up for breakfast.

Visit with Grandpa and Great Grandma

2007-01-01T14:39:00.000-05:00

Ethan with Great Grandma

Hannah with Great Grandma

Ethan with Grandpa

Another Family Dinner

2006-12-30T22:18:00.000-05:00

We had a family dinner today at Uncle Roy & Aunt Collette's. Here are a few shots from the evening....

My handsome as ever boy Ethan

Hannah is wearing cousin Katie's headband.

Mommy sharing a strawberry with Ethan.

Katie, Hannah and Uncle Roy.

Uncle Dan with Hannah

Aunt Annette with Ethan

Uncle Roy & Aunt Collette

Our New Disney PJ's

2006-12-29T22:30:00.000-05:00

Daddy bought us PJ's for Christmas. Ethan in Dalmatians, Hannah with Thumper.

Boxing Day

2006-12-29T22:11:00.000-05:00

Oh Mommy....all these new toys are so overwhelming!

Hannah looking at Daddy's new camera

Big grins from Ethan

Chloe loves to play in the gift boxes and tissue paper.

Ethan & Hannah playing with some of their new toys.

"Daddy...I'm awake now. Please let me out of "jail"!!

"Peek-a-boo!"

Gramm and I chillin' on the couch.

1st Christmas!

2006-12-28T23:37:00.000-05:00

Well, here are just a couple of pics from Christmas Day. There are too many to post them all...

Ethan & Hannah with their stockings.

The Benight Family in their crazy festive hats!

Ethan & Hannah (surrounded by new toys...these ones in particular from Santa). They were spoiled rotten for their 1st Christmas.

Gil's favourite gift (his new digital SLR camera)

Christmas dinner at our house with Dan, Annette, Katie, Courtney & Adam.

Christmas Eve

2006-12-25T08:01:00.000-05:00

In their PJ's on Christmas Eve...almost time for bed. Can you tell they are anxiously awaiting Santa's arrival? Merry Christmas Everyone!!

Funny winter hats

2006-12-19T13:40:00.000-05:00

Ethan in his snowman hat! (This one is for you Auntie Cydele!!) :o)

Hannah in her moose hat!

Well, the kids are down for their nap...and with only 6 days left til Christmas, I need to get going and doing some wrapping. Merry Christmas to all of you if I don't get a chance to post anything else before Christmas.

Ethan & Hannah with Santa

2006-12-07T14:45:00.000-05:00

We took the kids to the mall today to have their first picture with Santa.

After this picture was taken, Hannah reached her hand back and started to pull Santa's beard. (She just loves to pull hair!!) We were happy that they weren't scared of him!

9 Months!

2006-12-04T22:05:00.000-05:00

We thought it might be fun to take their 9 month pics in their new winter coats and hats! It was a chilly day today so they had to endure the hats, mitts and bulky coats. It's a bit of a chore to get them both ready too! :O)

Big smiles from Ethan!

Hannah just loves the camera!

Ethan & Hannah posing together!

Ethan & Hannah's Dedication Day

2006-12-03T22:38:00.000-05:00

Today, Dec 3/06 was Ethan & Hannah's Baby Dedication at church. There was a great turnout of friends and family to show their support. We appreciate all of you!

Pastor Christa (holding Ethan) and Pastor Jamie. Sorry Christa....I decided to use your "official title" for the purposes of these pics! :)

Lorraine, Pastor Christa, Gil, Hannah, Me and Ethan.
Thought this pic of Gil with Hannah was funny. He sure can sport a big grin!!
Family Group Shot after the service.

Lucas in his Santa hat.

Delicious cake (made by Amanda). Thank you so much! It was beautiful! And, thank you to all of you (Auntie Alayne, Cydele, Annette, Teresa and Tammy) who brought food for the party afterwards. It was all delicious and so much appreciated!

Riley loves to make silly faces!

Happy B-Day to me!

2006-11-29T21:48:00.000-05:00

Just a few pics of me with the kids on this my 33rd B-day! (Can I really be that old already?)

Gramm's Birthday

2006-11-27T14:51:00.000-05:00

These pics were taken at my Gramm's (Ethan & Hannah's Great Gramm's) 79th B-day party this past Saturday. Gramm has dementia and didn't know who a lot of the people at the party were...but as soon as Gil and I brought Ethan and Hannah in, her face lit up like a Christmas tree. She is always so happy to see "the babies" as she calls them since she can't remember their names. You can see the expression of joy on her face here. Happy Birthday Gramm!

Some Silly and Serious Pics

2006-11-24T00:04:00.000-05:00

Always nice when your daughter tries to lick your face....
Cheek to cheek!

Kisses for Hannah!
I am imitating her...she loves to run her fingers over her lips just to hear the sound it makes.
High 5!
You may notice that she is pulling my hair in this pic. One of her favourite pasttimes....
No silly pics with Ethan and Mommy. He was too tired by that point. I do, however love this shot of him. Such a sweet boy!

(all pics taken by Jeff)

Photo Shoot

2006-11-23T23:25:00.000-05:00

A silly pic of Gil with Ethan & Hannah. I just liked the silly smiles on their faces! :)
Me with the silly babies!
The 4 of us trying a different pose!
Hurry up and take this pic...my knee can't handle it anymore!

Some New Pics

2006-11-14T15:16:00.000-05:00

Ethan grinning after his bath!

Hannah fresh and clean after her bath.

Ethan wearing his cousin Alyn's baseball hat (a little too big for him yet!)

(photo taken by Uncle Jeff)

"Doesn't this hat suit me?"

(photo taken by Uncle Jeff)

Hannah wearing her cousin Brian's hat. Hat on backwards is definitely a cute look for her!

(photo taken by Uncle Jeff)

"What is this on my head?"

(photo taken by Uncle Jeff)

"The Cousins"
(l-r) Alyn, Jeff, Stacey & Brian
Ethan & Hannah
(photo taken by Auntie Cydele)

8 Months Old!!

2006-11-04T20:51:00.000-05:00

Ethan (showing off his silly grin and bottom teeth!! .... he actually has 6 teeth now).

Hannah (smilin' happy girl!!)

We are a couple of silly babies! But that's ok, we bring lots of smiles to Mommy and Daddy's faces!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

2006-10-31T14:31:00.000-05:00

Sorry there are so many pics to look at...but when you take two babies and put them in cute costumes...it's hard to choose just one favourite!

"Daddy....where did these big paws come from?"

Ethan just lookin' cute in his puppy costume.

Still can't quite figure out the paws....

"Daddy....is this photo shoot almost over? I'm tired of smiling!"

Hannah....cute little bunny!

(See my little rabbit teeth?)

How is this pose Daddy?

Are we cute or what?

A birthday party...

2006-10-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

Went to a b-day party last night for my sister-in-law Annette. I laughed at her because she was wearing a tiera and I told her I was going to take a picture of her and post it on my blog. So, Annette, here it is! Hope you enjoyed your party (and enjoy this last year of your 30's)!

Jen, you will probably kill me for this one if you see it...but I just thought this face you made was too crazy and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to post it!

Just playin' with my toys Mom...

2006-10-20T17:33:00.000-04:00

They are finally able to sit up on their own...at least they can both make it for a couple minutes before the pillows in behind catch them when they lose their balance.

Deck Project

2006-10-18T15:55:00.000-04:00

This is Gil....working away on the deck out back. This is his major fall project. The deck framing has been done and now he is slowly working on getting the deck boards on. Hopefully the project will be completed before the snow flies!

Cute Little "Pumpkins"

2006-10-10T07:52:00.000-04:00

Hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving!

7 Months!!

2006-10-04T21:08:00.000-04:00

Ethan

Hannah

Enjoying some laughs together!!

Black & White Pics

2006-09-23T09:02:00.000-04:00

Just thought I would post a couple of cute pics of the kids!!

One Year

2006-09-20T20:34:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe today has been one year since my Mom passed away. In fact, sometimes I still find it hard to believe that she is really gone. She and I were so close and sometimes when I see someone that I haven't seen in a long time or something major happens in my life, I have to catch myself, because I want to pick up the phone to call and tell her about it and then I remember that she's not there....

This picture of her was taken on my wedding day and I love it! It's probably my favourite picture of her. She was so happy and her smile is radiant!

Today Jeff came over and hung out for most of the day...so he didn't have to be home alone to think of everything. We went to the cemetery when Ethan and Hannah were down for their nap this afternoon. And, it still seemed surreal to see her name on the headstone. Jeff and I talked about some of the events leading up to the last week of her life on earth and how she was ready to leave her tired and weak body behind to join her Heavenly Father in heaven. I'm sure it was hard for her too because I know she loved us so much and didn't want to leave us, but also knew at the same time that it was too difficult to continue on when she was so very tired....

I will always be grateful that she spent her last week living here with Gil and I. As hard as it was to watch her physical body deteriorate, at least we were all here to care for her and she wasn't alone. I remember the times she would call me over to her and want me to kneel in front of her laz-boy chair so she could just hold me and she would rub my back and tell me that she loved me. I will always cherish those memories.

The day she passed away was so hard for all of us....struggling to let her go.... but we knew that where she was going was a much better place, where there is no pain and sickness. Jeff and I were at her side with Gil and Cydele standing by us and she held our hands and squeezed them as her time was coming to a close. It was so hard to watch her go, but I am glad that we were there with her. God called her to come home to be with Him.

I miss her so much. Words cannot express how deep that pain is. I cannot help but wish she were here to hold her granchildren. They would have loved her so much and she would have been a wonderful presence in their lives. Someday, when they are older, I will tell them about their Grandma and how excited she was when we told her that I was expecting. And twins! She cried when we showed her the first ultrasound picture. She said she wanted to get better because she wanted to be able to help me with them. She said I would need her help and there have been many times I have thought to myself, "if only she were here...." Don't get me wrong...we have been blessed with family and friends who have helped out when we have needed it. I just wish my Mom could have been one of them.

Below, I have posted a picture of my mom as a baby, me and then Hannah. Hannah's resemblance to my mom's baby picture is unbelievable. Maybe in some small way, she is God's reminder to me of how special my Mom was and that her legacy will live on!

So, Mom, I miss you and I love you so much! One day I know I will see you again, but until then, I will always treasure you in my heart. And, I know that you must be so happy to see that your son has found his way back to God because I know that it was your prayer. And, I will continue to pray for the others you loved that you wanted to see in heaven with you.

Jesus says, "My peace I leave with you, My peace I give you."

2006-09-20T19:57:00.000-04:00

Mom

2006-09-20T19:49:00.000-04:00

2006-09-20T15:30:00.000-04:00

Hannah

Dr's appt and needles

2006-09-12T13:12:00.000-04:00

Ethan & Hannah had their 6 month checkup and needles this morning. Ethan weighs 18 lbs. 5 oz. and is 26 1/2" long. Hannah weighs 16 lbs. 4 oz. and is 25" long.

Dr. Flock asked how they were doing with pablum and today we are going to start those nasty vegetables (peas....) I like peas, but the mushed up baby ones in the jar just look gross!! Here's how the kids reacted to them....

Busy weekend...

2006-09-11T14:41:00.000-04:00

Had a busy weekend...especially visiting Ribfest 3 x. Good food!

Ethan cut his first tooth on Friday night. I wouldn't have even known. He wasn't miserable or anything, but when I went to put the spoon in his mouth to give him pablum...there it was!

Went to visit Jeff & Cydele yesterday. They brought their new puppy Kayos home for the first time. He's a cute, fluffy little guy!

In other good baby news, I think we have made another shift in their sleep schedule at night. They went to bed at 8:45 last night after their pablum and bottle and Ethan didn't stir until 6:30. Gil went in and gave him the soother and he slept until almost 8:00. Hannah woke at 8 when Gil was changing Ethan's diaper. So, they slept for just over 11 hrs. YEAH!!! Here's hoping that pattern continues!

6 MONTHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2006-09-04T21:14:00.000-04:00

Ethan (my cutie boy). He's the smilin' poser!

Hannah...my precious baby girl!

And....they even love each other! Check out those smiles as they look toward one another!

It's just soooo hard to believe that half a year has passed already since the day they were born.
One thing is for sure, I don't think two babies could ever be loved more than these two! I am not looking forward to having to leave them to go back to work in another 6 months!

This weekend....

2006-09-03T15:49:00.000-04:00

Grandpa came for a visit. I'm sure he was quite surprised at how much Ethan & Hannah have grown since the last time he saw them. Here is a pic that Gil took of them together this morning before church.

Recovering from surgery...

2006-08-29T09:58:00.000-04:00

Well, I had my gall bladder removed yesterday. Wasn't even sure if it was going to happen or not. My surgery was scheduled for 1:00, so I had to be at the hospital for 11:00. Shortly before 1:00, a nurse came and told me that my surgery may be delayed until 4 or 5:00 because of a previous surgery with complications. She said it may even get cancelled altogether. I was hoping not. I didn't want to sit there all those hours and then get sent home. After still sitting there for what seemed like forever, and hearing nothing, I got up to see if I could find a clock. It was 2:25. There were 2 other women's surgeries who were delayed as well. And, they didn't even have the same dr. I chatted with these other ladies. We were joking about how starving we were. I told them I was craving a big plate of pasta and the other girl wanted pizza.

At 2:45, someone came to take me to the OR waiting room...so I figured it was only going to be a couple more minutes. My dr. came out shortly before 4:00 and said that a woman had a baby and needed an emergency d&c...so they had to use the operating room for that. So, finally at 4:15, I was taken in. I woke up at 5:25. I honestly don't think I have ever felt so groggy from anesthetic. They also gave me 2 Tylenol 3's at that point...so I could not keep my eyes open. Gil came to get me around 7:30. I felt so out of it! Thankfully, Jeff & Cydele were at our house to watch the kids so Gil could come and get me! (I appreciate it guys!!) Jeff left shortly after since he had to be up at 3 am for work. Cydele stayed and helped do the 10:00 feeding since I couldn't have done it.

It's really hard not being able to pick them up and hold them. I'm sure this week or so will feel like forever! Even if Gil put them on my lap, I would be afraid one of them might move too quick or touch where my incisions are.

Coughing is very tricky! It constantly feels like I need to cough and I have to use a pillow to do so but I can't seem to cough deeply enough to get relief. Oh well...here's hoping I recover quickly and can soon eat normal foods again!

Quietness...

2006-08-25T16:38:00.000-04:00

It's 4:30 in the afternoon. Ethan & Hannah are napping. Gil left at noon with Dave to drive to Goderich for Brian's wedding. He won't get to see the kids again until Sunday morning but even then only for a few minutes before he has to leave to go to work for the day. I know he will miss them. I am getting a ride with Christa to Goderich tomorrow morning. It will be a long day away from the kids for me too.

Monday, I have my gall bladder removed. Not looking forward to it. Thankfully, it's day surgery and I'll be back home the same day. However, I cannot pick my kids up for at least a week. How on earth am I going to do that? I am thankful for family who have offered to help while Gil is on nights next week.

Sounds like my munchkins are awake. They are 'yapping' in their cribs. I love the sound of baby babble...

First Day Eating Pablum!!

2006-08-22T12:06:00.001-04:00

This is Ethan's first attempt at eating with a spoon! After it went into his mouth, he ended up spitting it back out. (He hasn't quite grasped swallowing it!!) He ended up crying through most of the experience as he was already really hungry and getting tired (he had to wait for Daddy to get the video camera and digital camera ready to go!!)

Hannah on the other hand was a natural! She just seemed to know what to do with the spoon and how to swallow the cereal. You can tell by the mess on her face how much she enjoyed it!

Finally....

2006-08-15T13:50:00.000-04:00

A month later than Ethan's 1st attempt...but Hannah has finally rolled over. I think she has the hang of it too...as she has done it 3 x in a row in the last 15 minutes!!

5 Month Photos

2006-08-04T13:51:00.000-04:00

Ethan

Hannah

It's hard to believe 5 months have already passed since these beautiful babies came into our lives!

Sunday, July 30

2006-07-31T21:13:00.000-04:00

Close-up of Hannah....

Uncle Dan put Ethan in a hammock swing...I think he's too little for it....

Grampy with all 5 of his grandkids!!

2 Monkeys!!

2006-07-27T23:35:00.000-04:00

Ethan & Hannah were having fun together tonight before their bath!!

'Cutie Bums'

2006-07-20T22:34:00.000-04:00

Look how well they seem to get along?! Here's hoping that lasts when they get older. Gotta love those pudgy baby thighs too....

Rolling over...

2006-07-13T18:41:00.000-04:00

Ethan rolled over for the first time this morning on our bed. Took him about 15 mins. to get all the way over...but he did it!

They went to the dr. for their 4 month checkup and needles today. Ethan now weighs 15 lbs. 11 oz. and is 25 1/2 inches long. Hannah weighs 13 lbs. 9 oz. and is 24 inches long. They are growing like weeds!

4 Months Old Today!

2006-07-04T15:06:00.000-04:00

Ethan & Hannah (notice his arm around his "little" sister)!!! :o)

Katie's Grad

2006-06-29T13:35:00.000-04:00

Last night, our niece Katie had her Grade 8 graduation. She looked beautiful and made honours! We are so proud of you Kate!! Just thought I would post a couple pics so you could see how she looked. The second pic is of her dancing with her Dad! Congrats Katie and we wish you all the best in high school!

Just hangin' out!

2006-06-23T16:09:00.000-04:00

Daddy was taking pics of us for his Flickr photo assignment. He says he never knew love like this before!! Mommy just thought she would post this picture...since we're just so cute!!!

Happy Father's Day

2006-06-18T23:05:00.000-04:00

Gil is one proud Daddy!! But then, who wouldn't be with two adorable kids like this? lol...

Seriously though Gil, I am so proud of the father you have shown yourself to be with Ethan & Hannah. I wasn't sure what to expect before they arrived, but since they came into our lives, you have been incredible with them. Who would have ever thought you would be changing dirty diapers and cleaning up baby puke? lol... And, when I see how their faces light up when you smile at them and make your silly faces, it makes my heart melt. You are an amazing Daddy and your kids are going to always be more than aware of how much their Daddy loves them! Happy 1st Father's Day!!!!!

Today we took the kids for their first "swim" in Aunt Annette and Uncle Dan's pool. As you can tell by the photo, Ethan was cool with the swim....Hannah however was not impressed!!!

Gettin' Ready for Summer!!!

2006-06-11T21:08:00.000-04:00

Just thought we would show off our new swim suits....compliments of Mommy & Daddy!

Get ready Aunt Annette...we're going to be wearing the most stylin' suits in your pool this summer!!

2006-06-09T12:12:00.000-04:00

No pictures today....lol... We took the kids to the dr. yesterday. Ethan now weighs 13 lbs. 13 oz. and Hannah weighs 12 lbs. 1/2 oz.

Want to also wish my friend Charlene a very happy 40th!! I can't believe you're that old already!! (just jokin'...you don't look it at all!!!)

Time to hit the shower. Gotta go watch my niece and nephew for a few hours this aft.

3 Months Old Today!!

2006-06-04T21:55:00.000-04:00

Here's our handsome "little" Ethan...3 months already! He is growing by leaps and bounds!

And, of course, the cutie pie Hannah.

And together, they are the cutest peas in a pod! (not that we are biased or anything...)

Me & My Hannah

2006-05-31T17:36:00.000-04:00

Hannah was having a lazy day today....napping on Mommy's shoulder. Wow...do her cheeks ever look chubby from a side angle!!

And...this is Hannah having a nap on the couch with Daddy. Like father...like daughter (at least when it comes to sleeping!)

2006-05-25T14:02:00.000-04:00

I figured I better post something...since it's been a week and a half since I last posted. This picture of Ethan is funny! Gil was snapping shots of him last week. Life is busy but good! They are sleeping so well at night. We definitely can't complain. We put them to bed at 10:30 last night after their 10:00 feeding and they didn't wake up until 6:00. Then they went back to sleep until 9:45. Good babies!!!

Daddy's pic posers!
My sweet baby girl!

Just a couple pictures for fun!!

2006-05-15T21:13:00.000-04:00

Mother's Day

2006-05-14T18:57:00.000-04:00

A day of conflicting emotions....one of pure joy, happiness and pride that I am now a mom of two beautiful children, who are a true blessing from God....and then....

it's the first Mother's Day without my Mom. Words cannot even begin to describe how much I miss her and how much I wish she could be here to celebrate this day with us. I know that she would have loved to hold her grandchildren and she would have cherished them as much as I do. I have included this picture of my Mom and I on my wedding day. Mom, I know you are in a better place now....but I love you and miss you so much!!

Happy 5th Anniversary!

2006-05-12T09:31:00.000-04:00

Wow! 5 yrs. ago today, Gil and I said our "I do's". I can hardly believe it! This is a picture of the gift he bought me. The ring has 5 diamonds for 5 years and an aquamarine stone (Ethan and Hannah's birthstone). It is beautiful and was a wonderful surprise!

Gil, I love you very much. Thanks for a great 5 years...and...here's to many, many more to come!

We are going out for lunch to celebrate, because unfortunately Gil is working nights. So, with no babysitter to find during the day, we'll take the kids with us. Here's hoping they sleep through the meal!!

2 months old today!!

2006-05-04T21:47:00.000-04:00

Where has the time gone? My babies are already two months old!!!

Hannah Grace
2 months old

Ethan Asher Gil
2 months old

Ethan &
Hannah chillin' together!!

Family Photo

2006-04-23T21:07:00.000-04:00

We are 7 weeks old now.... Thank you Aunt Annette for throwing us a baby shower. We have been blessed by gifts from many people.

Hannah having a snooze on Mommy at Great Auntie Alayne's. Must have been all that turkey that made me so tired...

Happy Easter!!

2006-04-14T23:05:00.000-04:00

Ethan & Hannah just wanted to say Happy Easter to everyone!! Hope you all have a good one!