Miss Independent

At 18 months, Sydney is full of independence lately and she's not afraid to show it! The word "NO" has become a frequent part of her vocabulary, and when we tell her not to say "no," she switches to "MINE!" another no-no in our house. A couple of her favorite activities/phrases include "hold[ing] it" and "I too." Here she is holding her cousin Leah (age 3.5 months), helping Grandpa make chicken sandwiches, and assisting Daddy with pancake-making. Sydney also loves to hold her babysitter's son, Liam (age 2.5 months), play Play-doh, color, play blocks, hide in her fort, play 'Tato-head, play with her friend Jori twice a week, and (of course) watch Dora.

Christmas in Canada

Baring all in FL - 23 weeks

Christmas 2009 in Florida

This year we decided to spend Christmastime in Orlando, Florida with (most of) my immediate family. We had a wonderful time just being together, and despite some cool weather we found time to shop at Disney Marketplace, spend a couple days at Sea World, make a day trip to Daytona Beach, and hit to swimming pool and shuffleboard at the resort. We are so thankful for our family and the joy they bring us!

Opening a couple gifts from Great Grandma while wearing her new jumper handmade with love by Beppe

Swimming in the pool on Christmas Eve - one of the only warm days!

Daytona Beach, FL

Sea World, Orlando

Quick photo shoot with Shamu

Unable to peel her eyes away from the Sesame Street show long enough to look at me for a photo!

The Shamu show

One of many aquariums at Sea World

The dolphin and bird show

Here Comes Winter!

Checking out the first big snowfall of the year

Reading Dora with Daddy

Running around Creekside with Riley during our recent trip to St. Catharines

Comparing bumps with Allison....22 weeks for me!

Ultrasound #5 - December 11, 2009

Just another routine ultrasound this morning for an expectant mother of twins....we are getting spoiled seeing them so often! Baby Girl A had the hiccups and Baby Boy B kept moving around, but we were able to find out that they are both measuring as expected at 22 weeks and weigh approximately 1 pound each. I guess I'll have to blame those other 10 pounds on myself! (By the way, if you click on each photo, it will open up larger in another window.)

Thanksgiving Weekend

What a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend - we are so blessed! My sister Marissa came out for a short visit (to see Sydney, of course) and we did some marathon movie-watching and eating. Dan and I each got to go on a "date" to the movies with Marissa, too! She even helped me bake some Christmas cookies and motivated me to make banket for the first time after she left. Here's a few photos of how we kept her occupied:

The welcome feast:

Watching Veggie Tales with Sydney:

Reading to Sydney:

And finally getting a decent photo with Sydney's cooperation!

20 Weeks

Finally over halfway, at least for twins -- and growing by the second, it seems!

Announcement at 18 weeks!

At our ultrasound on the 13th, we found out that these babes are one BOY and one GIRL! We are very excited and the wheels in my brain are already turning with things I want to buy, make, create, etc. My doctor says that at 18 weeks, my uterus is already measuring 25 weeks.....yikes! I am getting nervous now for just how big I may become by the end of this! For now though, I am healthy and feeling great, and we are extremely thankful for that. And for those curious minds who keep asking, below is a photo of the steadily growing bump.

Ultrasound #4 - November 13, 2009

Baby Girl A - playing shy:

Baby Boy B - relaxing:

Baby Boy B - showing off his "parts:"