Personality

Not sure why, but he thought this flower was pretty funny

Woohoo! You're letting me hold it?!

This flower tastes way grosser than it looks!

The thinker... deep in thought

It's a Beautiful Day

(By the way, the title is one of Gary's favourite songs)

Kai and Auntie Jackie playing in our front `yard'.

So sunny!

Playing in the backyard. He then proceeded to eat this flower....of course.

Out for a walk. The park nearest our house is being worked on as we speak, they are putting in a playground! Woohoo!

Kai has been kissing his teddy bears for a week now (with the `mmmmm' sound included!) and finally, he kissed me twice today!! Woohoo!

Gary taught him how to `High Five'! I love it!


It's been hard to get smiles out of him today as that top tooth is coming in slowly but surely. Have to say that when comparing homeopathic teething tablets to Tylenol, the Tylenol works best for him.
Also, I know I'm posting lots but it seems like every day he is now doing something new. I'm the kind of person who loves to look back at where I was exactly a year ago, a month ago etc. so I love to document stuff:)
On a side note, last night I played on Gary's softball team because they were short a girl. I was their catcher and I got one person out and when up to bat, I actually got to first. However, when I was on second, I leaned to peak at who was up to bat (because I couldn't see around the pitcher and I wanted to know what was going on) and I got called out for `leading off'! I was so embarrassed! I don't think softball is my game!

Walking...with a little help

I need to get a better picture of his `duck' face but he scrunches it all up because of his top tooth coming in. I know, its fuzzy and not the most attractive look but you know, must document everything:)

So hard to get a picture of just one little tooth:)

Today he walked by himself using this walker toy (thanks Maria). He just goes back and forth in our small computer room until he hits a wall and then I turn him around. The room is only about 8 feet wide so it's a perfect practice space!

Happy 2 Year Anniversary Gary!

Today we had a bunch of friends and family over to celebrate our 2 year anniversary. It was nice to hang out and pig out and now, I'm exhausted. This picture doesn't really show how much food there was, but boy, we had a lot of variety. Kai did really well amongst the chaos and was visited by 4 other babies! All the neices and nephews on the Chapman side did a play entitled `Gary's nightmare'. It was cute and had to do with our wedding and Kai (who was played by a stuffed monkey) being born. Thanks to those who came to help us celebrate because as my dad would say, `It's important to celebrate the little things'. Well, I think that's what he says. I also made coffee for my first time ever. It was not successful because it was weak and who knew that when it stayed in the coffee pot, it got cold?! I thought that the burner stayed on and kept it warm! Live and learn. Have a great week!

EXHAUSTED!

Last night we had the Relay for Life at L.S.S. (7pm-7am) My sister Maria put together a team of 8 and at least one person from the team had to be on the track at all times. They had a very honouring first lap done by all of the survivors. It was extremely emotional as everyone lined the track and clapped for them. There will little boys, moms, husbands and wives, grandma's etc. Wow. I cried for happiness for them and sadness for me. At 10:30, they lit all the candles lining the track in memory of people who have died and those who have recovered and it was beautiful and honouring.

Our teams name was `Pretty in Pink' and between the 8 of us, we raised about $1800.00. Thank you to all of those that supported us!

We ended up wrapping the boas around our waists, much easier to run. We left feathers all over the place. This picture is me and Maria (my sis) running the first couple laps together. Thanks to Maria VT for coming out and walking with me from 10-11pm!
I have to admit that I did not stay all night as I had to get up at 6am because of my little guy and then I had to sideline a football game and then QB two games!! Long day but guess what?! We won (by more than a few points) against the 2nd and 3rd place teams! I think that they were shocked that we did so well, as were we:) What a fabulous day. There is nothing like throwing the perfect pass or running in a TD. Now, its time to spend some time with the family.
Gary was gone for 3 days (gr. 8 camp) and while he was gone, I had the urge to eat junk food! So strange, but I guess usually we keep eachother accountable. I ate a hotdog and drank pop. I also ate past 8pm (95% of the time we don't). I was wild. Oh ya, I stayed up late too.
Reading `The Time Traveller's Wife' and really enjoying it!
Have a great Saturday night all!

70lbs of cuteness

I have a cousin from the Dekens side getting married next weekend and so there will be a lot of family out. One cousin came today with his wife and baby girl so it was fun to have the kiddies hang out. These are the 3 great grandkids on the Dekens side. Annika gave Kai a hug, and Nora gave him a kiss. He tried to put his hand in their mouths.

From left to right: Annika at 16 months, Nora at 13 months, Kai at 10 months.
I think they all have Dekens eyes...big and blue.

Family dinners are getting bigger and bigger. Good thing my dad has a huge table!

DONE!!

Yay!!! I just handed in my last two papers so I'm done my 2 month online course through TWU. Now, it's time to start reading for fun again! Just read `The Book Thief', not my favourite but interesting enough. Maybe 6.5/10.
Also, I'm so sad that The Office and LOST (2 of my 3 fav. shows) are all done now for the season. I had to watch LOST without Gary last night which makes it a little less exciting. I got goosebumps when Charlie saw Penny on the screen while Desmond was in the other room, just before Charlie drowned. By the way, couldn't Charlie swim out of that porthole once water filled up that room? He didn't try. Maybe it was too small. I don't think he had to die. Couldn't he have shut the door from the outside before it filled with water? Looking forward to next season!
Its so super sunny today, excited for the walk to Extra foods when Kai wakes up.
Friday I have the Relay For Life in Langley with 3 of my 4 sisters and then double header football games again on Saturday. On Monday, Gary and I celebrate 2 years of marriage.
Have a great Thursday everyone!

My favourite place

By `my' I mean Kai's. He loves his high chair with a little bread and cheese in front of him! Sometimes (like in this picture), the food is somewhere in his fist and he has to put his whole hand in his mouth to get it:)

I do have to say that I really enjoy each step in which he becomes a little more independent. I loved it when he started sleeping in his own room, sitting up, and now, feeding himself non slippery items:) I know people say to enjoy each stage, and I do, but I love each stage more than the previous and do not miss the early days one bit! I can't think of one thing that he did/didn't do in the first 2 months that I would want back again...maybe being able to sleep in his stroller? Falling asleep in my arms (after 45 minutes of standing up rocking back and forth)? Please don't think I'm a mean mom, I'm just being honest about what it was like for me.

Gary came back from grocery shopping last night (he likes to go once in a while to get himself some treat items that I would never buy because of the cost...things like a big block of real parmesan cheese) with an outfit for Kai. Gary does not buy clothes by himself ever. I thought it was really sweet. So what if Kai is almost 10 months old and its a size 6-9 months? So what if that colour green is not my favourite:) Gary pointed out that its great because its got cookie monster playing basketball, it was half price, AND its the old Hartford Whalers colours. Well, in that case, its a keeper?! Gary also said that I tend to have him in blue and khaki all the time...could be true:)

Here he is in the outfit that daddy picked out for him!

Finally, I'm getting nervous as summer is approaching because that means it will soon be back to school. I will be going back part time which is the great that it worked out but still, I am really nervous about how it will be to leave him for a full day at a time. I've left him for the entire day on several Saturdays due to football, but then he's always with Gary. I know he will be fine/safe/happy but I just feel like I will miss him and I hope I don't miss any fun developmental stuff. I'll have to try to get him walking before September! I have really loved being at home and enjoyed a slower, more relaxed pace of life. When someone asks what I am doing on a Saturday, I no longer have a list with at least 10 things on it, its more like `We'll see...not sure yet'. So calm. So much slower. I love it! I hope I can maintain that attitude when I return to work and with the hopeful addition of future children (not any time soon!). I love being able to go on walks during the day, bake cookies, watch a tv show, read a book, visit with friends or family...I know that these are the benefits of just having one kid and I hope the relaxing fun will continue if we have a second!

May Day Parade

Went to the parade in Fort Langley today...have to say its a little more fun when you have a kid:) Grumpy pants (Kai, not Gary) was awake before 6am today but we just ignored him for a while...can't believe he has so many more teeth to come in!

Wild Weekend

Not sure if you can see the tooth, I'll have to get a better picture but there it is! He's been up pretty late every night. Last night we (all 3 of us) sat on our front steps wrapped in a blanket and watched all the people and cars going by, he loves that. Sometimes a doggy even walks by which of course is the best thing ever!

Here is our patio set. I don't think you'll understand my excitement at getting it but I have been religiously checking flyers for over a year now to find one that is under $150.00, has an umbrella, and looks like it will last...so, here it is! Gary was not as excited because he likes to point out that why would we get a patio set if we don't even have a patio...kind of makes sense. I think he's just mad that we had to move his bbq:) Haven't been able to use the patio set yet because of the rain but in my mind I have! I'm envisioning fun dinners outside on a nice summers eve.

A couple weeks ago, I found a bedroom set at a garage sale. This was perfect for our spare room (Kai's future room). The drawers were a strange blue so we sanded them and painted them navy blue. By we, I mean Gary:) So, here's Kai on his captain bed...

and playing at his new desk.



Okay, so as for the title, it wasn't wild at all. Sorry if you were looking forward to some crazy fun stuff! Friday night I had my residence advisor reunion out at UBC. I was an advisor there for 3 years and it was a whole lotta reminiscing as I was driving in. My 5 years at UBC were fantastic and probably the most fun I've ever had. Don't get me wrong, life is good now, but a different kind of fun with perhaps more depth to it if that makes sense. Wow, the memories though. Living with all of your friends, having food made for you, the sports, parties, fun classes, cute lab partners, and wow, it was great. Besides, UBC campus is beautiful. I would def. recommend to everyone to live on campus to get the full experience.


Saturday, Gary and I were def. wild as we aerated our lawn and planted some flowers. We also went out for dinner to Red Robins and I had a fantastic dinner; Bruschetta Chicken Burger...mmm it had pesto on a ciabatta bun and was oh so yummy. Kai was fantastic as long as we just kept shoving food in his mouth. He was also quite fascinated by his surroundings and all the fun stuff on the table, we def. don't go out for dinner with him very much! We finished off the night eating frozen yogurt and watching `The Prestige' which we both enjoyed.

Sunday, we went to church and then I finished my last paper for the course I'm taking. I'm not going to hand it in yet as I want to take a break and edit it later but it feels so good! Oh ya, we also got screens for 7 windows in our house! I know that seems kind of cheap not to get screens for all the windows, but, if we don't open a certain window all year, why would I get a screen for it?

That's about it! Have a great holiday Monday!