Daddy's home!

Last post

2012-02-04T18:11:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

I'm officially declaring my resignation from the world of blogger*. I have no beef with this format or provider at all, but I don't feel like I'm doing it justice, and it's time to stop. I'll keep posting (what I think are) good pics on ye olde Facebook. If you're not my "friend" yet, and would like to keep up with our growing family, drop me a line.

Thank you so much for reading - as a parting gift, I offer more pictures!

Take care!

edit: *I totally meant what I said, and leaving was a great idea. I've been able to be more present in the lives of my family which has been awesome. However, the blogging bug has bit me again, and in the interest of full disclosure, I've started a new one which doesn't have a theme at all. Feel free to check it out if you're interested, but if you're into seeing a lot of pictures of cute kids, you're only going to get your fix every so often. Thank you so much for reading!

Weekend #88

2012-01-12T12:12:00.002-04:00

Hi all,

Here are some pics from last week:

Joel requested he wear "the pirate hat". Arrrr.

Joel is upset about his new coat, but he loves it.

Drumming along with my latest purchase of Rocksmith - amazing game.

"This green engine's name is Percy. I like making him talk."

Tuesday was a treat, including a smoothie, and sitting in the dining room to drink it. "I'm not gonna get my hair cut" was his first reaction to the treat, but by the time he was done sitting, "I wanna haircut" slipped out.

Darkness still comes early outside, but Joel's use of his lightsabre as his flashlight makes me happy.

"Wanna sit at the counter like a big boy and eat butter chicken." - Your wish is granted.

Joel: "I see the future through my goggles."

Me: "Are there flying cars?"

Joel: "Yeah, and flying airplanes, and helicopters."

Me: "But those fly now, bud."

Joel: "They're flying super fast!"

Weekend #87

2012-01-04T16:58:00.002-04:00

Hi all,

Here are some pics from last week:

"Chuck is stuck!" Joel was pretty intense about his playing with dumptrucks on this ramp.

Eating pizza like a big boy. My heart swells with pride.

We were able to visit the Nielsen family, who welcomed their newest little boy, and it was an awesome opportunity to show us with a newborn. Joel didn't seem too jealous, as long as there were toys around, which there were in plentitude! HEAVEN!

Silly boy.

Recovering from his nap, all Joel wanted to do yesterday afternoon was "more go to sleep and watch backyardigans".

"My sunglasses are stuck to my eyes." The strap will do that :)

Happy week!

Weekend #86 - Christmas Bonanza!

2011-12-28T17:59:00.000-04:00

Hi all,

The last week has been a ride of awesomeness. There were lots of opportunities for pictures, and lots of really awesome outfits worn. Check out the pictures!

Christmas morning we drove to Ben Eoin for Christmas dinner and festivities afterwards. Joel was mostly well behaved, and cute as a button to impress the maximum amount of Crosbys. A highlight was him playing with his dumptrucks, and quoting "Finding Nemo" at the same time. "I'm gonna touch the butt..."

Boxing Day we headed back to Dartmouth for some Lewis awesomeness. Joel's roller-coaster continued - long car rides, and then presents and food when we stopped :)

Joel shows off his new Batman shirt, and holds his "liedescope".

Happy holidays everyone!

Weekend #85

2011-12-22T21:49:00.003-04:00

Hi all,

It's Christmas time!

"Look at this little light! It's not hot."

He still sings "Happy birthday" when these cones come out.

Eating spaghetti like a champion.

Visit to the Doctor's office where they were "not impressed" with his rash :) He wasn't bothered.
Also pictured is "Terry", which is becoming a fixture in Joel's life.

Dry o's with pizza. Mmm mmm.

Getting tall!

Weekend #84

2011-12-15T21:36:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

4 pictures for 4 days off:

Sunday we headed to the Fleming's for Grace's Pirate Princess Birthday party! Joel didn't have any princess garb, but he was plenty pirate-y! Only thing was, he wouldn't say arrr :(

Big tubes of pasta! BIG TUBES!

Just playin' :)

Weekend #83

2011-12-07T20:16:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

Jumping in on time this week, so there aren't many pictures:

We checked out the Split Crow Bedford Location (formerly Oakmount Station) - Heather had an awesome distraction in her purse - a kids meal from Wendy's sporting a spinning top "arena" which doubled (tripled?) as a crown, a camera, and many other things for Joel.

The arena stuck with Joel all through the day, through his nap ("I want you to fix this!"), and afterwards as well. He constantly yelled "I'm the king of WHAT?!" while wearing it. Hilarious.

Butter chicken was a welcome distraction from the crown :)

Weekend #82

2011-12-03T13:48:00.001-04:00

Hi all!

Joel has been super fantastic cute, but has also been a handful these days (acting 2 all the time). I thought I was too busy with the latter to take pictures this week, but the pictures I took disagree with that thought.

Enjoy the fruits of my being wrong:

The snow had mostly cleared up by last Sunday, but it was still hanging out, so Joel got dressed in his coat and boots to go to the park, but no other hat would soothe the savage beast. I'm not looking forward to the time when he outgrows that hat, and that time may have already come...

His boots are fantastic! Yay Superstore Joe!

Butter chicken awesomeness.

Rock Band was requested, and delivered. How could we not? Thank you Dartmouth!

"I'm riding on the digger, and carrying a dumptruck". He's also a giant.

Joel's mischievousness doesn't stop while he's brushing his teeth, although it DOES get more hilarious. Here, he's showing off his ability to stand on one foot. Righteous.

One of the awesome things about being off some days through the week is the opportunity to do regular people stuff, like doctor's appointments, without having to make exceptions at work and stuff. This appointment wasn't even mine, but Joel and I tagged along, much to his delight. He loves playing with the toys in the Dr's office, and wowed us with his phone abilities. Specifically "Here, let me put you on speaker" had us in stitches.

Funny little man.

"That bear is too heavy. Need Regular Bear."

Weekend #81

2011-11-24T16:33:00.001-04:00

Hi all!

This short entry is brought to you by the awesome concept of "last week's procrastination".

Saturday, I was working from 11:30-10, and Heather had two shows, so Joel spent both Friday and Saturday night with my parents. We were jonesing (Chrome says I'm spelling that wrong, but can't come up with a way to spell it right...) for some Joel time, so we had brunch at Cora's on Saturday morning. Joel demonstrated his ability to speak into a cup in order to make his voice sound "funny". Hilarious!

Sunday, Joel didn't really want to leave Nan + Papa's, but I convinced him.

Enjoying some backyardigans.

Joel's diet is 100% back to regular now, but when we were avoiding dairy while he was sick, he ate everything else like a champ.

Breakfast at Steak + Stein on the first two-parent day that Joel has had in a while was awesome. He was well behaved most of the time, and only required moderate coaxing to eat stuff that he likes, but not loves.

Check out the big boy wanting to sit on a stool all by himself! It took every ounce of strength in my body not to sit next to him holding the stool, but I gotta let go sometime. Also, check out the awesome hat Heather purchased for Joel!

See ya next week!

Weekend #80

2011-11-18T13:58:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

Last week was a rude awakening from the honeymoon period of having a kid who doesn't puke. That phase ended Friday night, when Joel erupted with... stuff. He wasn't feverish, and aside from the vomiting, he was fully aware of the time, and knew that he should have been in bed. Sad and hilarious.

This was the scenario for the next few days as well - Joel wanting to lie down on his tiger, or on the "wuvseat" all day except for when eating. Due to other digestive issues, he was only allowed stuff from the BRAT diet - Bananas, Rice, Applesauce and (dry) Toast.

Once he felt better, we made the most of the park, since it'll be too cold to go soon. Joel only wanted to swing when I took him.

The cowboy hat ALMOST fits, although Joel insists that I put it on him "backwards".

Os without milk is a sad sight, but Joel didn't mind.

Constantly moving, constantly talking, constantly smiling. I love this kid.

I tried to sneak into a few pictures to show off my crustache.

Weekend #79 - not many pictures

2011-11-07T16:11:00.001-04:00

Hi all,

Despite the awesomeness that was last week, I wasn't moved very often to take pictures, or they turned out terribly, but either way, here they are!

Joel was a spider for Hallowe'en, and although my pictures (above) were not great, check out this one that Heather took:

What a cutie, eh?!

Tuesday his hair was hilarious!

I took a lot of videos this week, as his language and harmony skills are fantastic, but he wasn't very pleased with the process. He's becoming more "2" every day. Here are some videos.

I start working 10 hour days next week, but only four of them, so there may be more Joel time, or less :) We'll see!

Take care!

Weekend #78

2011-10-31T10:23:00.000-03:00

Hi all,

Here are some pics from this weekend (Oct 29-30):

Joel has never lost the love for climbing on things.

Again, climbing. He can't quite get into the seat yet, but when he gets close, he'll "let" you help him. Also pictured, his fedora was an excellent substitute to get him out of the house :)

"I'm wearing Mommy's shoes."

Walking in the cold wind of Saturday was made easier by the destination - the park.

I credit the fresh air and outsideness for his almost 4 hour nap that he took on Saturday. YAY!

Sunday's weather was tremendously wet and windy, and my sickness took over again, so we spent as much time as we could inside. Our quick trip to Sobeys ended with Joel's statement of "It's scary outside".

Hallowe'en is today! Next week may or may not include pictures of him in a costume.

Weekend #77 - Back on the timeline!

2011-10-24T14:50:00.003-03:00

Hi all,

Here are some pictures from last week (Oct 17-23)

Joel has always adored jumping in puddles, and last week was no exception. Monday, when he was visiting Grammy, I pulled up to pick him up to find him running between two puddles yelling "Wait up!". Classic awesome!

Happy boy eating... something. At least he's happy with it :)

I switched devices, and am now using a new Curve, so I tried out the new camera while Joel was stationary :) He is a great subject!

Smoothees were demanded on several occasions this weekend. Things I have learned, that I never thought I would know: Tim Horton's smoothees are not thick, even if you add yogourt. McDonald's smoothees are extremely thick, and clog up sippy cups. They are both delicious. Now you know :)

On wakeup, Joel requested both his hat, and his "cozy blanket". The result is pictured above. Cute + Cute = Cuuuuute.

Joel hasn't yet learned how to... fall. We had a hugely long walk on Saturday morning, and randomly on this walk, he tripped over something or other (it could have been his feet). In the past, he has tripped while running downhill, but this was on a flat patch. He didn't put his hands forward when he tripped, and therefore, caught himself on his face :( It made having his cold all the harder, since he was more sensitive to having his nose touched than he regularly is. I also made the mistake of confusing a scab from his wound with a booger, and took it off :(. He heals fast, though.

More smoothee action, this time in sippie cup distribution (thank you Timmies).

Capturing Joel while not in motion was a struggle on Sunday. He loved moving around!

Then.... collapse.

Weekend #76 - Daddy's back to work

2011-10-22T12:28:00.002-03:00

Hi all!

Last week (Oct 11 - 16th) meant that I was back to work (YAY!), so it was a true weekend situation again! The pictures are fewer, but the time spent was immeasurably awesome:

Things Joel requests ("I need that!") on a regular basis: Hat (check), McQueen (check), Flashlight (check). He is now ready to face the world.

Saturday, we took Joel to a few places to see if he would tolerate wearing a costume. He was generally predisposed to not wearing a costume, but this pumpkin # lasted about 10 seconds (10 seconds longer than 99% of the rest).

Pure Images Photography should be called "Land of Awesome Photography". Despite the fact that Joel wasn't very happy with his costume that was a bit too small (going back to the store today), Joe managed to snap some amazing pictures. Thanks guys!

I think this was after the photo shoot, where Heather counsels Joel on how to be as cute as possible.

Park days are becoming few and far between, so whenever we have a chance to go, we take advantage!

Although Joel requests a fork, he doesn't use it to its full potential. Check out this spearing, though!

Sunday afternoon, Joel attended a birthday party at Kiddie Town - an awesome idea, and he had a great time.

I'm all caught up! More pictures to come after this weekend.

Weekend #75

2011-10-22T11:45:00.000-03:00

Hi all!

Sorry for the radio silence, but I've had some stuff going on. I seriously enjoyed the heck outta my last weeks of unemployment, and took a lot of pics (see below).

On another note - I really dig this new layout. I was all set to shut down the blog, since I didn't have the time, but I think I'll find the time now. What do you think?

Here are some pics from October 5th - 10th - I'll make posts with the rest soon:

Joel supervises the painting of the porch from the living room.

Eating pizza is popular with Joel. So much so, that he feels that the rest of his face is missing out on the pizza goodness. This makes up for it a bit.

We had the pleasure of checking out Mermaid Theatre's newest production of "A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle". Joel was extremely well behaved, and only occasionally commented on "listening to the puppets". It was also great to reunite with 3/4 of the Schawilligans!

Joel models his new hat.

Yucky stuff that they use in the park to make grass grow. It looks gross now, but it works.

Drinking a smoothee on a break from shopping for Daddy's first day back at work.

Blocks and boats out at the same time! I must've been slipping.

Joel directs traffic with his "flashlights" (pegs).

He's extremely handy at helping when I'm looking for information.

Outside in the backyard is always a treat.

Eating and laughing is a funny combo, but not great for digestion.

Back at the park - he went from super serious to laughing immediately as soon as I started swinging beside him.

Joel's third haircut was a smashing success - even if he didn't want to sit in the chair.

Post-haircut bedtime.

Our meal outside was completed by an awesome sunset, which I wasn't able to capture on film, but I tried...

Brunch with the Flemings!

"I'm sleeping."

Weekend #74 - Projects!

2011-10-06T06:44:00.002-03:00

Hi all!

Last week was my second last week of unemployment this summer, as I'm headed back to Research In Motion on October 11th! I plan to spend as much time as possible with Joel, but we also have some time to start/finish some projects around the house. Here's some pics of Joel in and around those projects, and showing off his cuteness.

I think that there might be a delay after this post, but who knows. For now, captionless photos:

Weekend #73

2011-09-27T21:17:00.000-03:00

Hi all!

Joel sported his Star Wars hoodie to day care this week, and it came back saturated with sand. The sign of an excellent day.

This picture was intended to show off his awesome hair, and I swear the half-closed eye wasn't part of the plan.

Joel multitasks very well, eating and playing at the same time.

Joel is now big enough to ride his balance bike, but he's not very keen on actually doing it. That'll change.

He's so darn cute.

Bath time is still a favourite.

Blocks will only come out when other stuff is away, and until recently, I didn't realize the stress that comes with them. The living room turns into a disaster area, which I thought I was cool with, until he and I put them all away once, it was like a weight lifted :) I imagine it'll happen a bazillion times in the future.

"I'm playin' wit da radio!" - Nan and Papa's radio is similar, and he knew exactly which buttons to press. Smart kid.

Bucket + mat = heaven.

Saturday we took a ride on Theodore for a reading of "Chung Lee Loves Lobsters" as part of the Word on the Street event in HRM. Joel wasn't feeling great, but he was won over by the story and the awesomeness of Theodore.

Joel woke up from his LONG nap on Saturday with music and horns blasting. We headed down to the harbour to investigate, and the pictured cruise ship was making a turn and heading out to the ocean. We were both very impressed.

After seeing the cruise ship off, we had an awesome meeting with the neighbours, and some great time at the park. The blocks came out again, but only for the evening.

Monday we headed to the doctor's office for Mommy's checkup, and to hear baby #2's heartbeat. Joel was extremely well behaved, and always wanted to know what was going on while I was trying to record audio of the heart beat. "What are you doing Daddy?" would be deflected with something and then we would whisper about "secrets". Hearing the heartbeat was awesome, and it was the same rate as Joel's was! :)

Back to the park, where Joel acquired the amazing "skill" of putting rocks onto the playground, and then dropping them back down. This was a truly evolutionary deal, because I told him that he couldn't throw the rocks, but Mr. Problem Solver asked if he could drop them.

I took this picture because I think I have one of him at a year old trying to get onto a box of diapers. The box has changed (different size diapers) and he has changed.

More awesome weather let us go back to the park this evening and we caught a glimpse of this beautiful sunset. "I can't tell what colour it is, Daddy. It's pink and orange and blue and yellow."

Weekend #72

2011-09-20T20:33:00.002-03:00

Hi all,

No monuments for Joel this week, but I had the pleasure of experiencing my 33rd birthday! Here are some pics of the week:

I'm occasionally (all the time) struck with how tall Joel is. I'm pretty sure this was one of those times.

We've had the good fortune of being able to take Joel to see Mommy during her lunch breaks - just like when Joel was less than a year and I was on paternity leave! It's excellent at breaking up the day for Joel and I, and Heather loves to see Joel (and me too, I guess). Joel LOVES running around, and the theatre obliges this love quite willingly, with lots of rooms and hallways to explore.

We do go to Q a fair bit still, and although Joel doesn't dig on their food (yet), he does enjoy noodles.

Park excursions are on again, as Joel happily announces a lot, "the park is OPEN!"

Wednesday, Joel had another sleepover with Nan + Papa while I got my board game on. He looks forward to these sleepovers almost as much as they do.

"Some grapes in a cup"

My birthday dinner of Pizza (yum), Root Beer (yum) and chocolate cake (YUM!). Thank you Heather!

Thursday night, I saw Roller Town (Disco didn't die, it was murdered) with friends, and I snapped this quick pic of the onesheet on our way into the theatre. The film Picnicface produced was selected to open the Atlantic Film Festival this year. Picnicface did a fantastic job at turning out their first feature, and the packed house swelled with applause tons of times! Congrats! Due to popular demand, they just announced the addition of a show, so if you're in Halifax and want to come see it, check it out!

The weather was extremely awesome this week, which leant itself perfectly to TONS of outside time, both at the park and in the backyard, and to line drying shoes (pictured above). This sort of thing is only necessary when daycare neglects to see the boots used for muddy play :(

He may be tall, but his height cannot compete with his attachment to "Regular bear". Joel will ask for him if he's stressed, or going to bed, and calms immediately once embracing him. He's always talked to it, but has recently consistently exclaimed "She's cute!". Kinda disturbing and adorable.

Warning: Joel may appear taller than he is. This time, he's sitting on a stool, like a big boy.

Peanut butter on crackers = amazing. Less worries about protein deficiency.

I can convince Joel to sit in his chair every so often.

Rohan visited last week too, and got to play with Joel for a bit before his nap, which was awesome. After Joel's nap, we headed to the park:

where running and swinging occupied them brilliantly. Rohan got picked up from there, leaving Joel to:

play with rocks - "I'm putting rocks on rocks in the sand" - no foolin' - at least 30 minutes worth of veg out time.

"I'm pretendin' to poop." At least he knows what it's for...

"The Maserati is jumpin' over the wire." Just like real life?

Lots of backyard goodness.

Look closely - that's a play-drill-bit in his mouth.

Joel selects his favourite Beatles song to play on piano.

Take care all!

Weekend #71

2011-09-12T14:10:00.002-03:00

Hi all,

Another week of awesomeness, captured in images:

Trashy Joel is trashy and cute.

Joel's skill of inserting a plastic toy drill bit into a plastic toy drill while it's moving is pretty awesome. I typed the last sentence without "plastic toy" twice, but then it just seemed bad.

Making trains out of cars is awesome. Heather has (correctly) pointed out that all trains are made of cars. Something inside Joel knows that too.

Playing a piano with percussion.

Joel loves sleepovers at Nan and Papa's.

This is what Joel looks like after a 3 1/2 hour nap.

Joel: "We're walking in the forest."
Me: "We're walking on a path."
Joel: "Well, yeah, but a path in a forest."
Me: "Touche, Joel."

Then to prove that he wasn't 7 years old, he proceeded to yell "INSIDE VOICE!" for the next few minutes.

Peanut butter sandwiches make life easy.

Joel has been OBSESSED with Cleo lately - following her around, and bugging her at every chance he can. She's really good about it, and mostly just walks away. He's also very gentle whenever he does catch her, so it's all good.

We visited Heather at work on Saturday, and brought spaghetti for a "picnic".

He's cool.

For some reason, Joel didn't want to let go of the duster to hold his cracker in his mouth. Dusting is THAT important to him.

Weekend #70 - Grandad's 60th Surprise!

2011-09-06T12:38:00.004-03:00

Hi all!

A week of gatherings - all happy ones too! Here are some pics!

Tuesday, Joel and I visited the Flemings, who were hosting the amazing Andrew. This meant lots of running around in circles, constant offers to wrestle, tips about the best city in the world, and lots of other awesomeness.

Lua wasn't able to keep up with the awesomeness, and had to have a snooze. I wish Joel still had the ability to fall asleep so quickly.

Pizza at Nan + Papa's is always a favourite!

Joel had a sleepover at Nan + Papa's, but we had an early morning pickup to take him to....

See the kissy-fish! Actually, to see the dentist, but his memories of the kissy-fish were captured on film. Joel's dentist is moving offices, but he has already stated his preference that kissy-fish adorn their new one as well.

Back home, Joel ran around some more, which led to...

Fat lip 2 of eleventy billion. He tripped in the hallway, and must have bit his lip, as there was blood :( He's ok, though.

Playing with the toys in the toy box at Grammy + Grandad's sometimes isn't enough. Climbing in the toy box is where it's at, apparently.

Eating in a high-chair is so last week :)

Although he can't quite reach the pedals from this position, he's mentally ready to drive Aunt Krista's truck.

"We're going to Dr. Cloney (pronunced Cwoney) 's house to play with cars."

Although this looks extremely sad, Joel was pretty ok with turning around and going home when we found the park to be closed.

I promise he's not pooping here, just concentrating a LOT.

Saturday morning we headed to Grammy + Grandad's to wish Grandad a happy 60th. Little did Grandad know that this wouldn't be the last time he would see us on that fateful day :)

Before Joel's nap, we walked around a lot, both in the backyard and around the neighborhood. His energy knows no bounds.

During Joel's nap, the trees got trimmed! I bought a dealfind voucher for tree trimming services in July, and on Saturday the company both did the estimate and did all the work. Joel woke up to sound of chainsaws, which he was pretty excited about. We watched them do a bit of it, but then went back to playing around. The biggest nuisance tree still has branches to be cut off, but it has a live power wire going through those branches, so they have to stay until someone with insulating awesomeness can do it up.

Pre-party, having a quick snack.

Joel had a ton of fun at Grandad's surprise 60th birthday party, although most of the fun was before the party "helping" to decorate with balloons and running around everywhere.

After Joel left for sleepover #2 at Nan + Papa's, the party continued to be awesome. Grammy did an amazing job of organizing everything without letting Grandad know what he was in for. It was a TON of fun, thank you!

Sunday, we fled to the Nielsen's for some much needed pool time, and Joel set up camp in the sandbox. Joel's new sandbox, made entirely out of sand from his clothes, exists in his crib.

Joel's new shoes are his mom's current ones...

Flying a kite started out brilliantly, but ended with the kite up a tree...

I ran out of steam with the captions, but look at his cute face! Love him!

Weekend #68 and 69 - Life trumps blogging

2011-08-30T16:14:00.000-03:00

Hi all,

Mostly pics this time around, but I'll throw in some gems where I remember them:

"I don't need a bum change - just downstairs with trucks."

The one time in 2 weeks he's been on the potty.

"I'm on a ferry boat. Like the harbour ones."

"Steering wheel! Red! ... Nah, too spiky."

"Propeller too big."

"Hi Margaret! Hi Doggy! Hug Doggy Margaret?"

"Lobsters are bugs."

"I are eating grapes on the stairs. No, no, no. I AM eating grapes on the stairs."

Weekend #67

2011-08-15T14:29:00.002-03:00

Hi all!

This weekend was delivered solo, as Heather has been on a well needed vacation in Ontario (coming back today). That being said, my hands were often making sure a certain 2 year old didn't die, and not so much on my camera, but there were some times where hit cuteness put an override on my crippling fear of his harm. These are those times:

"I'm wearing a car hoodie. A SUPER car hoodie! Hey ducks! Super car!"

This was the result of a tipped over box of lego, which doesn't look like that much, really. At the time, I thought the world was going to end, but it's just stuff, and it cleaned up in seconds. Those that were lost under the coach may never be seen again, but it's all good. Anyone know of anyone who sells stuff to block the couches? If so, I may be making a purchase soon...

Due to the constant rain, and Joel's lack of interest in doing anything but destroying our living room, a trip to Kiddietown was made!

My new specs courtesy of ClearlyContacts.ca I need to get them properly adjusted to fit my huge noggin, but I like em for short stints.

Joel's fascination with his drill, and drilling EVERYTHING is awesome. Most of the time I mean that non-sarcastically.

When headed to the park on Saturday, Joel took a tumble head first into some pavement. He had a scraped nose, cheek, and a bloody lip. He was shaken up, but snapped out of it pretty quick when he remembered where we were going.

I'm glad he's still a fan of pasta, but his list of foods that he is a fan of are shrinking :( We expose him to lots, still.

Joel didn't care too much for his flip-flops, but he did wear them around the house. He calls them "beach shoes", so I think he might have had them on before.

"Daddy and Joel's shadow on da bridge". The bridge to Shubie park, which was gorgeous and awesome, but not a park designed for kids, so I had to be on my toes to make sure he didn't decide to tumble off a bridge or something. If you've been there, cherish those memories instead. If you haven't, you should go. It's awesome, and close to Dartmouth Crossing.

Joel got bored of the baby swing, so we tried him on the big-kid swing. He wasn't a fan, but I see a lot of potential.

Biggest toy to be brought up for a nap. It didn't stay long.

When Joel got up from his nap, he demanded breakfast. I love this kid, his ideas rule.

Sunday evening we had supper @ Heather's parents house with Krista, Marty, Barb & Howie visiting. Awesome times, and Joel behaved ok, despite not eating much of the delicious pulled pork. He did try some, though (how could you not!).

"I go on this bench and walk to the end."

Walking in the dew makes Joel's shoe and sock encased feet all wrinkly.

Heather's back tonight, and back to work this week, so more Daddy and Joel time to come!

Weekend #66

2011-08-10T10:34:00.002-03:00

Hi all!

This week was sadly not the best, and there weren't many pictures due to my lack of camera. Here are some that existed, though:

Joel's last exploration of the backstage area of Beowulf.

Saturday, Joel and I headed back to civilization, and Sunday we went to brunch and to a park with Nan, Papa, and Jeannie. There were lily pads, and a...

FROG! Ok, I can't really see it either, but you can take my word that it's there. The frog was completely still while we tried to get him to jump, probably out of fear, but it was a very effective camouflage.

Joel decided that crawling up the hill would be easier than walking. He may have something there.

Joel and I went to the park by our house twice on Sunday - it was a gorgeous day, and I couldn't see why we shouldn't go. Great times.

Butter chicken for supper was amazing, and Joel ate a TON of it.

Joel is very good at the hammering game, and it has served very nicely as a distraction when all he wants to do is watch TV.

Speaking of distraction - Joel had a doctor's appointment for his 2 year checkup yesterday, and was enthralled by this car set. Whole minutes of fun!

After the doctor's, we headed to the Hutkas to drop off some stuff and to play on their awesome playset. Although not pictured, Joel is stretching to look in a telescope.

On a non-Joel note, this week was also the end of my career at Research In Motion (therefore, no camera for a bit, since my BlackBerry served as my camera). It was a joy to work with them, and I hope to have the opportunity to work with them, or people I worked with, soon.

Take care!

Weekend #65 - Joel is 2!

2011-08-01T13:50:00.002-03:00

Hi all,

A lovely vacation week has passed, and then some. Here are some pics:

Monday, we trekked to the gorgeous land of Cape Breton, and stayed at my Aunt Jeanie's place. We started off with a swim in the pool, and then:

Ceilidh got jealous of our swimming, and did some swimming of her own in the Bras D'Or while we hopped on the new boat with Captain Bern!

The boat was a blast, and Joel got a real charge out of driving - he hasn't stopped talking about it yet. Whenever a steering wheel is near by, he reminds us about the time there was a "boat" and "I steered".

We stopped into Sydney to see Heather's grandparents. Joel charmed as always, and amazed me by looking out the window, watching a car, and saying "That car is drivin' North". No compass available to verify, but I trust he knows somehow.

Back at Jeanie's, Joel found lots to distract :)

"Funny shoe on head!"

Tuesday we drove back down to the Valley in the nick of time for Heather to start work. Joel busied himself with playing and trying on shoes that were mine.

Wednesday morning we headed into New Minas for supplies for Joel's upcoming birthday, and some breakfast at Cora's. The balloon was given to him by a waitress at Cora's and made his crankiness disappear for a few seconds. Due to his subsequent meltdown, it wasn't as successful a trip as we wanted.

Back at the farmhouse, Joel's game of trying on my shoes gained popularity, with all the kids having their parents' shoes on.

Thursday we came back to New Minas. Joel pigged out on some McDonald's apple slices, and I marveled at the toy ideas.

"No pants on!"

Joel's real birthday was Friday, and we celebrated by letting him have whatever he wanted in the morning (Videos). For Breakfast, Mommy Burgy made Joel an amazing face of fruit! He was in heaven

After some more running around, we had Joel's party!

Pizza and cake for all, loot bags for the kids, and presents for Joel! Thank you to all the farmhouse crew for an amazing time.

Apparently the party kept going while Joel napped. He did nap, though :)

After Joel's nap we ran around some more and toured the whole centre before getting him all balled up and ready for the drive home after Heather was done working.

Joel's birthday party at home was awesome as well. Amazing dirt cake made by Heather complete with candy rocks and gummi worms (YUM!), TONS of presents, and great company! Thanks to all!

Sunday was a Daddy and Joel day. Joel took advantage of the toys still being out to play with them some more, and then we headed to the park.

"That's my shadow!"

Great brunch with Nan and Papa at Athen's, then a great walk in Point Pleasant Park, where Nan once again proved that she gives the best camel rides. After Joel's nap, we went to the Woodside Park, and I took a ton of pictures.

Butter chicken for supper. He ate all of his, and most of mine.

There's always room for goldfish crackers, though.

Smoothie break before heading to the Natal Day parade.

Joel really liked the parade, but liked diving between Heather and I more.

Tired out from all the excitement :)

Weekend #64

2011-07-24T22:58:00.001-03:00

Hi all!

I'm very glad that Joel is turning 2 this week for many reasons, but one reason especially is pretty silly. When Joel turned 1, I started a new album in Picasa, since they had a limit of 1000 pictures per album. Tonight's upload brought his album back up to an even 1000. If you're thinking "You take way too many pictures of your kid", you are not alone.

On a second note regarding my fondness of technology and sharing - Google+ may well be replacing this blog. If you have a feeling about that, let me know - online or offline. I'm not sold either way yet, so your input would be appreciated.

This week started with Joel home, but he went with Heather to Ross Creek on Tuesday. We chose Butter Chicken for his meal to eat at the table without his chair. This was a bad choice on our part, since his giant spoonfuls ended up mostly in his mouth, but some of the grains of rice are now one with the floor. Gross.

Saturday morning started with Heather cutting Joel's hair - much to my glee. She did an amazing job, and we both commented a lot about how he looks like a totally different kid. Still amazingly cute, as you will see :)

Wolfville market is still an awesome destination - and this week was no different. The band (pictured above) consisted of two fiddle players, a guitar player and a drum player. Watching them set up, I imagined a typical country / irish / folky band. Whether that's fair to them or not, but I was BLOWN away by their song selection, including covers of Talking Heads (Psycho Killer), Eurythmics (Sweet Dreams), A-Ha (Take on Me) and The Clash (Should I Stay or Should I Go). Joel was mesmerized as well, but mostly by the drums.

After the market, we drove around with a sleeping child (thanks to the Canning Day Parade) and eventually made our way to the "boys" cottage near the mud flats. One of the cast was turning 30, and decided to celebrate the occasion with mud sliding. I didn't intend to go sliding, but was cool with accompanying my family down. Although he didn't get to slide - Joel was COVERED with mud, just from walking and falling. Heather was subsequently coated with mud since Joel wasn't being cooperative in the walking home portion of the afternoon and she sacrificed herself to carry him. I fully believe that after two showers, I am still finding mud on my person. Next week = new sneakers for me :)

When Heather went to work, Joel and I hung out. This consisted of making sure that he stayed off the road when patrons of Beowulf were driving up to the site, and hanging out with Grammy and Grandad on their way to see the show (which they loved). He was especially taken with the "mountain" of gravel (a pile about a foot squared) and proceeded to take handfuls of gravel, and carry them a few steps before dropping them. This lasted about 20 minutes, and he was so gleeful about it, I couldn't imagine tearing him away from it for anything not life sustaining.

After a fitful night's sleep, Joel woke up sweetly on Sunday morning proclaiming - "Hi Mommy! Hi Daddy!". Totally cute.

We had no specific plans on Sunday, so we just kinda went with it and chilled out for the day. Joel and I explored the grounds of the Arts Centre, complete with a "backstage" tour of the Beowulf stage.

We got home Sunday night in time for Joel to enjoy a bath. Penis-free video link here.

Cape Breton beckons our family tomorrow, and then Heather heads back to work. Since I'm on vacation (YAY) I'll be with them for most of the time, and I'm looking forward to dropping off the grid for a bit more. Have a great week!