Baby Blue Buddy

This is "Blanket" he has been around since Emerson was born. He has slept with Emerson nearly every night since he was born and Em still asks every night for: "Blanket?" and when he is feeling cuddly he keeps Blanket close by. He is like a little companion for Emerson and he adores his baby-blue-buddy: Blanket!

So the other day we were getting ready to leave the house and Em was dragging Blanket around. When I opened the door he dropped Blanket and headed out the door. I got him in his car seat and decided to go get my fleece vest, as it was feeling cold out. When I got back out to the car I could hear Emerson giggling. I sat down and turned around to see what he was giggling about. He was reaching for my fleece vest saying: "Blanket!" Yes that's right Emerson mistook my nice blue fleece vest for his nice blue blanket. Funny right! Except that now every time I wear the vest I'll feel like am wearing a baby blanket out of the house. At least I made him laugh :)

Orange Smile

One of Emerson's favorite fruits... don't let that fool you. There are only 2 other fruits he'll willingly eat - the rest he treats like poison.

Dinner Dilemas

So we have been struggling with a picky eater in our house for quite some time now. That's right, you guessed it... its Dean! No I'm kidding - although sometimes I wonder :) Its actually Emerson who won't try any of the meals I so lovingly prepare for him. Unless of course there is red sauce on it or ketchup on the side. I guess its just pay back for my picky eating habits when I was little.

I thought I would share some photos we took at the dinner table last week. This is typical dinner behavior. We try to get excited about trying the "yummy food". Then he tries it and thinks we've poisoned him. And then every time we try to get him to take another bite he cries like we're trying to kill him! I know I'm not a great cook but I would never poison him... not knowingly anyway.

We've made the new bed!

So the Bean has been trying to climb out of his crib for about a month now. As you remember in the last post, he somewhat successfully made it out of his playpen already. So we decided to take a trip to good old Ikea and purchase a "big boy" bed. A friend had suggested setting up the bed in his room and keeping him in his crib for a couple of nights - just so he could get used to the new bed. Unfortunately his room isn't quite big enough, so we did the transition cold turkey. Last Tuesday was his first night in his new bed. I am relieved to report that he really likes his big boy bed! My biggest relief is that he hasn't fallen out yet. Most mornings he just wakes up and parks himself at the door and jibber jabbers to the cats under the door until I come and open the door. He hasn't learned to open the doors yet... or so I thought! Yesterday he gave me a scare. We are trying to stain our fence. So when mr. bean went down for his nap I ran outside to try and get one section of the fence done before he woke up. I'm out there for about an hour and I hear his little voice. I panicked at first thinking that I'd left his window open and he managed to climb up and look out the window. I looked up and was relieved that his window was closed but the room next door's window was open. I thought to myself: "Did he open his door and climb up to that window?" I can't see him in either window. I drop my paint brush and run for the door thinking he is getting ready to climb up to the open window on the 2nd floor of our 2 storey house. As I get to the door, who is greeting me? Yup, my little man with a big smile. I was relieved he was ok but a little annoyed that he scared me so bad. I guess he has learned another mad skill. I'm hoping he doesn't feel inspired to start opening the dead bolt locks on the front door.

I Swam the Dam!

This past weekend was our long awaited triathlon. We chose the Magrath triathlon "I Swam the Dam". We chose this one because it was advertised as a family event, with all levels of athletes and it was being held on Saturday instead Sunday like most races. It seemed like a good tri to make our first. For those of you familiar with the area the race started by Spring Coulee at the St Mary Reservoir. You swim in the reservoir and then ride your way up to highway 5 and bike into town. Then start running at the high school around, out and back in again along highway 62.

We traveled down to Cardston on Friday afternoon and we were able to visit the temple before we headed to Magrath where we needed to get our race packages. The woman at the registration table must of recognized the fear on our faces because she asked: "Have you guys done a triathlon before?" I replied: "No, so any and all information you have... please." She gave us the run down - pin your race number to what you'll be wearing across the finish, clear bag is warm up bag, blue bag is T1 area (transition 1), make sure you secure the timing chip securely to your left ankle and so on. A little overwhelming because at this point all I could think was: "Am I really doing this?" Then we walked over to look at the map of the course. I said out loud: "I'm confused already!" A very nice man came over and proceeded to explain the course - red line is the sprint distance, black line is the olympic distance, start here and finish there. He continued to ask if we were doing the olympic distance. I laughed and said: "No, no... this is our first triathlon. We're doing the sprint." Then he said: "Oh yeah, well this is my warm up race I'm doing the Ironman 70.3 race in Calgary next month." We exchanged pleasant words and went on our way. I left thinking: "What have a got my self into? A warm up race?? I'm not sure this is a race for all skill levels... I'm going to humiliate myself!" Dean did a pretty good job of calming my nerves but I'm sure he had his own set of anxieties that he was trying to calm. We then checked into our hotel in Lethbridge and met my sister, brother-in-law and nephew for dinner. We had a very nice dinner and visit, and I was glad to think about something other than the race. We showered and got to bed early and set the alarm for 5am, as we had to get our breakfast in early enough to digest and to set up our transition areas and get marked with our numbers. However, I think the combination of nerves and being away from our little guy overnight for the first time didn't allow us much sleep.

The morning of the race I was a basket case. I could barely manage to get down my protein shake and banana. Thank goodness for the port-a-potty at the reservoir (I will say that I thought they needed more than the 3 they had... big line ups!). As soon as we got to the first transition area to set up our bikes I felt at ease. I saw the other competitors and saw that some of them were nervous like I was and that I was making the same preparations as they were - I didn't feel so out of place anymore. I thought to myself: "I can do this! I've been training for 7 months for this - lets just enjoy it."

Once the lady with the permanent marker wrote our numbers on our shoulders, we drove our car back to Magrath to catch the shuttle bus back to the start. The olympic distance started first. They were about 10 mins late starting, so we thought they would start us late but they only waited until they had done their second lap and we had a clear path in the water. Dean and I were fussing with our wetsuits and I felt rushed. We decided to take our time getting in the water. We had timing chips on so if we waited it didn't matter because the time we crossed the mat was our start time, not when the first person hit the water.

This is where the day became a bit blurry. I remember the shock of the water. It was so cold that I couldn't keep my face under the water very long. The water was rough and choppy and I felt annoyed when the waves hit my face. I had to flip to my back before I reached the first buoy because I couldn't catch my breath. I remember being in the water and feeling like I had just woke up from a deep sleep and couldn't remember how I got to be in the water in the middle of a triathlon. I was floundering quite a bit and felt like all the swim training I had done was being wasted. Somehow I made it to the T1 area entrance. I felt relieved that the swim was over and I was out of the water. I heard a volunteer yell: "Way to go! 2-4-7" I put my gear on, guzzled a bunch of Gatorade and walked/jogged up the short distance to the highway. I was pretty sure I was one of the last ones out of the water but hearing the volunteer yell out my time 2-4-7, 24mins 7 secs, and I was feeling pleased with myself. I felt like I had spent a lot more than 24 mins in the water. I was thinking: "Alright! I can't be doing too bad - 24 mins". My goal was to finish the swim in less than 30 mins. In my training the fastest I had done it in the pool was 21 mins. And feeling I had done so poorly in the reservoir and hearing 2-4-7 really got my hopes up. It wasn't until I finished the race that I realized she wasn't yelling my time but my race number 2-4-7, 247. Of course... my race numbers 247! I think I was a bit delusional coming out of the water :) However crazy I was it helped me get motivated for the bike and run. I don't remember a whole lot but I did really enjoy the bike. It was a beautiful sunny day. We passed canola fields and the enormous wind turbines of southern Alberta. I remember dropping my ipod as I got off my bike and a volunteer picked it up for me. I remember blowing a kiss to Dean as he was riding in and I was running out of T2 and giving Dean a high five as we passed each other on the run. Near the finish after a big hill, I remember saying out loud to myself: "You're almost there, you can make it!"

Then all of a sudden it was over and I was hugging Dean after he'd finished. It was seriously a blur. I still think to myself: "Did it even happen? Was I even there?" Dean was feeling exhausted right away but it wasn't until I got to my sister's house that the adrenaline wore off and I felt tired. I am still feeling a bit sore but mostly proud of myself for finishing it. Dean is feeling pretty awful, because on top of having to recover he has a horrible cough and cold. Poor guy! He rarely gets sick but when he does it seems to hit him hard. I guess the physical stress of the tri was enough to push his immune system over the edge.

We weren't the last one to finish but we certainly weren't very far from last. I think there were about 7 people behind me in the sprint category. It doesn't matter though - I proved to myself than I can be athletic! I wish we would of got more pictures. Especially one of Dean and I together but Dean was pretty wiped and we were too busy filling our stomachs with the yummy food they had for us after the race. It was a great triathlon (not that I have much to compare it to). I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to do their first triathlon.

PS - Em had an good sleepover with Auntie A and Grandma. He didn't wear them out too bad :) And he learned how to crawl out his playpen while we were gone... well sort of. He didn't quite make it all the way and got stuck in between the playpen and the bed. Scared Auntie A to death but survived it without a scrape or bruise :)


The before picture. Trying to show off my numbers.




The after picture. Enjoying the shade of the tree.

Family Vacation

We just got back from the "old country". We had a great time celebrating Dean's little sister's graduation and visiting family. I thought I would just post some highlights. Sorry it's not more detailed but we've only got 10 days before our triathlon. I'm hoping life calms down after the race.


GGs backyard is huge and Em loved having the space to run free and explore. He also enjoyed GGs watermelon as you can see.


This was one of Em's favorite playmates while we were there. Dean's little brother was so great with Emerson. I wish he could of come home with us... the perfect babysitter :)


As a result of all the playing the bean slept very well. This particular morning he could only stand to be awake a couple hours and had to go back to sleep at 10:00am.


Dean trying out the coveted black powder gun. And yes the dog is chasing the bullet :)


We took the camera gear up and did photos for his sister. This was one of my favorites.

Quick Smile

I just had to share a couple photos Dean caught of Emerson yesterday. Emerson was enjoying one of his favorite pastimes - playing on the bed.

Just keep swimming... swimming... swimming

I've had swimming on my mind a lot lately. You might remember awhile back I posted about our first triathlon in July. Well the time has come to start the swim training. I think I might of waited too long to start. I have been running since January and biking since late March. I left the swimming until last because I didn't think it would be that difficult.

We went swimming last night to practice our technique. And all I can say is that I don't think I really have a technique. There was this guy in the lane next to me who definitely knew what he was doing... probably a tri-athlete. He was so quiet in the water - barely a splash or a gasp of air that I noticed. Me on the other hand, well... I'm sure the wake from my splashes spread the length of the pool and I couldn't figure out when to breath, so there was a lot of gasping going on. I only did about 10 laps in total. I would love to take a swimming class but working evenings and weekends doesn't really allow me much child free time to take lessons. So I've decided to get a book on Total Immersion swimming. It is a common swimming technique that tri-athletes use. It's kinda like the zen-of-swimming. You focus on your stroke and breathing in order to conserve your lower body strength for the bike and run. This guy in the pool last night was using the technique I'm sure. He made it look effortless. I'm just gonna have to make the time to go to the pool and practice. Maybe I'll have to drop Em off at the pool baby-sitting service for an hour every once in awhile. Anyone ever used those baby-sitting services? Are they any good?

Anyway, the swim is not going to be as easy as I thought. If I can't get my front stroke down I might be doing the breast stroke the whole way... and be the last one out of the water - hopefully still alive!

Easter Getaway!

We decided to enjoy the Rocky Mountains over the Easter weekend. It was nice to getaway and unplug from the city life for a few days. We spent a lot of the time at the playground with Emerson and ate way too much Easter chocolate. Emerson however is not very fond of candies and chocolate yet (unless it is chocolate milk). I even tried to give him a marshmallow bunny but it was a no-go. Strange, he doesn't know what he's missing! I think he's more of a cake and cookie kind of guy. Thankfully we didn't get him any Easter candy because between his Grandma Debi, Grandma Russell and Auntie Amy he got a ton! We forgot the camera when we did the official egg hunt with his cousin Tanner. So on Sunday morning we gave him his basket and had him pick up his trains and cars... so we could get some pictures :) He thought it was a blast and did a good job of cleaning them all up.

We also got to enjoy a bit of General Conference. It was such a nice way to celebrate Easter. I feel very blessed to know the gospel of Jesus Christ and to have access to the healing power of His atonement.

Learning to Make a Mark...

Look who has found the joy of coloring... OK maybe the joy of being able to use a writing utensil! But as you can see he loves sitting up to the craft table and scribbling on paper.

This is still a very closely monitored activity but maybe someday it will be a nice quiet activity that will allow me worry free time to get stuff done around the house. *laugh* I guess I should invest in some washable writing utensils, right?

Xin Nian Kuai Le

It was Chinese New Year on Sunday. We decided to do Chinese hotpot for supper. We had it lots in Taiwan especially at New Years. It is so yummy, I can't believe I've waited so long to have it again here in Canada. I had to research out some of the ingredients as it has been several years. Luckily we have a Chinese food market close to home. I couldn't remember what kind of sauces we used in Taiwan. I found some XO satay sauce and then we used hoisin sauce and chili paste. Our hotpot was pretty tasty but I think we'll have to do it a few more times to perfect our "secret sauce". And next time we will definitely be inviting friends over to share. We had way too much food but it was fun! Dean really enjoyed it... Emerson not so much :)

Happy Valentines Day!

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day! I really enjoy this time of year. I wish I could send you all homemade sugar cookies with pink icing and a paper valentine heart with sticky glitter all over it.

February 14th is also Dean and I's wedding anniversary. I feel blessed on a daily basis to have such a good companion. He is my Eternal Valentine! Here is an old pictures of us on our wedding day! Hope you take the time to show someone that you love them on Valentines Day.

Run, run, run as fast as you can...

As I'm sitting here trying to think of something clever to write I am reminded of my junior high gym classes. I don't know what your gym teachers were like? Probably really cool, right? which made gym your favorite subject. Well my gym teachers were not cool. They were pretty lazy actually. For several winter months they would have us change into our gym strip and turn on Dance Music Hits from the 90's. Then make us run the whole gym period in circles around the gymnasium. And if we stopped running they would yell at us (that was whenever they looked up from their magazine). I think this is where my great disdain for running stems. I have been doing a lot of running in the last 3 weeks and I can't say my love for it has grown.

I decided to do a triathlon. I will be turning 30 years old this year and I thought if I wait any longer to do this I may inflict serious injuries on myself. I have wanted to do a triathlon for a awhile now. I enjoy swimming and biking but running not so much. I have convinced Dean to do the triathlon with me. And no, we will not be doing the the full Olympic distance. I think I would seriously die if I did that... ok at least puke -a lot! We will be doing what they call the Sprint distance. It is a 750 m swim, 26 km bike and 5 km run. That's long enough, right? For running we are using a training plan we found called: "Couch potato to 5K". We thought it sounded perfect for us :) So far, so good. It is a gradual training over 8 weeks and the goal is to get us running for the full 5K. Of course we are doing this all on a treadmill right now and I have been warned that running on pavement is completely different. We run Monday, Wednesday and Friday -increasing the intensity every week. On the days in between we weight train to build our core strength and muscle tone. Dean is much better at this all than I am. I just throw around the kettle bell for 20 mins and barely break a sweat. Meanwhile, after Dean works out he looks like he had a shower with his cloths on! Dean is very committed. Once he sets his mind to something there is no stopping him -very determined that man. No wonder where our son gets his determination?!

We found a biking/running trail near home that is 5Km and will be a great place to do some outdoor training when the snow melts. Dean's Aunt generously gave us a bike/running stroller, so maybe the Bean will do some training with us. We haven't decided how to train for the swim yet but luckily the race is not until July, so we've got time. Any suggestions?

I'm sure my view of this triathlon is very romanticized. You know... running into the water with a swimming cap that matches my swim suit, black numbers tattooed to my toned, tanned skin. Then picking up my bike and seamlessly mounting it. Running for the full 5Kms while splashing water in my face from the water station. Then running across the finish line to a crowd of family and friends cheering for me. And being in the top 10 to finish!

In reality I will probably have an ill fitting swim suit with cellulite bulging. And I can guarantee I will not have tanned skin. In fact I will probably blind the other contestants with the whiteness of my skin. I'm sure I will be confused at one of the transition areas not knowing where to go or what to do. Hopefully, it won't be from the swim to bike and I won't get on someone else's bike and ride for 15 kms before I'm waved down. I pray I'll have energy to actually run for part of the running. And I'm sure anyone who comes to support me will tire of waiting for me, that they'll miss me crossing the finish line as the last contestant.

Happy 20-10!

I guess this post is a little late but here it is:

Christmas this year was nice. We decided to Secret Santa someone, which was fun trying to be all sneaky and to not get caught. It was hard deciding what to do. I really wanted to participate in the adopt a family program here in Calgary, where people or businesses gather food and gifts for families in need. But they said it costs $400-500 dollars for one basket, so not something we could of done on our own this year. I think maybe if we got a couple families together it would be fun but I wasn't that organized this year. I think next year Dean, Em and I will each pick a nice winter coat to purchase and donate it to the Mustard Seed here in Calgary. I learned that the Mustard Seed gives out winter coats to the homeless folks who come in on Christmas day. I wish I had known earlier but we had already decided to do the Secret Santa. It was fun and I realized that there are a lot of ways to serve others during the Christmas season. I guess the challenge is keeping that service spirit going through out the year.

We spent most of the holiday at home with each other or with my side of the family. Dean offered to prepared a smoked pork shoulder for Christmas dinner instead of the traditional turkey. He got a smoker for his birthday in June and has been trying recipes out here and there. It has become one of his new obsessions... at least he's good at it and it puts food on the table :) Everyone agreed that it would be OK to not have the traditional bird but I think when it came time to serve up and there were no mashed potatoes or candied yams, that my family were a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong I think they enjoyed it and Dean did a superb job! We served in on buns and had 3 or 4 different salads with it. I was surprised that the family even agreed to have pork instead of turkey. I guess it's hard to break tradition. Anyway, Dean spent over 12 hours working on the meat. He barely slept Christmas eve and not because he was putting together some ridiculous toy for Em (although I'm sure those years are coming). He was tending to his other baby... his pork baby. He has done a pork shoulder before but used a different method this time by injecting juices into it. It was so yummy! I'm just sorry we didn't have more left overs.

I hope everyone had a nice holiday and got some time to reflect on the last year and its blessings. Here are some pictures/highlights of our holidays:

Dean tending to his baby on Christmas eve.

I got a replacement of my favorite CD.
I love this sound track so much that I wore out the old one.
We went for a winter walk with the Bean's new sled on Boxing Day.
I was trying to show him how to throw snow but in the end he liked watching me throw snow better than actually doing it.
Emerson in front of the house making a funny face.
I think he has already learned to pose for the camera.
What a guy!