Focal Point

It is tough to explain, but things have somewhat slowed down around here, all while staying busier than ever. That is an odd thing to say, I realize, however is seems the best way to describe our lives at the moment. As the snow has fallen and winter has come (although today we are getting a bit of a break from the cold), the routine of life has really set in. Work, coaching, and family time have all kind of molded into one, with the busy of the every day and the constant run around that we can only blame ourselves for. That being said, volleyball for Jason is over this weekend with provincials, and Christmas is coming oh so fast, bringing with it fun parties, gift giving and extra quality family time - all worth looking forward to.

Over the past few weeks, as the snow fell and temperatures dropped, we were able to tackle the next couple of steps to our never ending fireplace project. I like to watch the progression of toys in the following pictures - goes to show how much things change over the 1st year with a baby...

What started out as this (basically a fireplace plunked down in the living room - notice, basically no toys as Colin was only a few days old)


Became this... (notice the play mat and Bumbo - obviously a non-mobile child)

Became this a few weeks ago (toys were only put away because of the tools)


And now looks like this - all ready for stone...

The seat still needs to be mudded and then when funds and time allow we will be stoning the entire thing with a stacked stone of some sort. Over the next month or so we hope to actually select the stone and price it out so we know exactly what we are saving for. We will also install a mantel at some point too.

It is great to even get those steps completed as with every one, the fireplace gets closer and closer to the picture I have in my mind. It is definitely a focal point in our open concept home so it will be great to get it to the point where it gets the glory it deserves.

Now that winter is here, the true quiet of Clarence Road has sunk in once again. I was asked by someone the other day if sometimes it gets too quiet for my liking. I thought about it for awhile and realized that although it is quiet, its saving grace is the amazing friends we have only yards away from us. It is truly the perfect compromise of quiet and craziness - considering that there are many other little boys that come with our amazing friends. Although quiet, a visit is never far away and I never feel isolated or alone out here as I might if I didn't have next door and across the road :).

And the times where you do just want the quiet that winter often brings, Clarence Road does not disappoint there either. Nothing is as quiet as a fresh morning snow.

These past couple weeks I feel like things have really started to click for Colin too. He has picked up the signs for "please" and "more" and although he could wave before, he has now started doing it at the proper time. It is amazing how smart they really are and how much language they actually do understand, even though they cannot communicate very much on their own. I remember being awed by some of the instructions that my niece could comprehend around Colin's age and now feel the same way about my own kid. He definitely challenges me, each and every day as he pushes the limits and explores past the "no" that I try to authoritatively command, however for the most part he listens and learns. He definitely loves to be around other kids (especially his cousins), although I think my nephew liked it better when Colin wasn't quite so involved and in the way - especially when it is lego time :).

#2.

Yesterday, the day before I turned 29 years old, I finally heard the sweet sound of our next babies heartbeat. It was a great birthday present and made my heart smile and breathe.

For the past 2.5 months, ever since Jason and I found out we were expecting again, we were on edge, as this baby (just like Colin did as well) gave us a bit of a run. There were days where I did not think we would ever get to meet this one, but also days where I thought we just might get the chance. The unknowingness of it all was exhausting and therefore solidifying its existence with the soft beating of its heart yesterday, made my heart finally flutter with excitement and wonder.

We are expecting to meet our new little person in the middle of May. Some people may think we getting in over our heads, considering that Colin will only be 20 months at the time that our family will go from 3 to 4, and believe me, at times I think we are. That being said, I am fully aware and conscious to the fact that it is going to be a bit of a s#*@ show over here for awhile. There will be long days, laundry piled up, and tears all around I'm sure.

I guess I am just crazy enough to look forward to it all.

The slowest shark attack ever.

I guess this is how sharks look when they are still learning to walk...