Teeth...They just keep coming!

Liam just can't seem to stop teething. He cuts one, and the next day it seems like he's got more coming! He's been better the past 2 days, before that though, he was alot of work. Very fussy, and his sleep and appetite was off. He'd also throw up at the drop of a hat, after I had got caught up on all my laundry.

We went and picked up the toy box that Grams got him for his birthday. It's a Little Tikes one, and it holds a ton of toys. Thank goodness, I was getting tired of weaving my way around toys. He seems to like it, and beats on the top of it like a big drum. Too cute.

Nothing too exciting has been going on lately. Went to Michaels today and picked up a few halloween decorations and some fall themed window clings. Cleaned all the windows today, and Andy got the balcony all cleaned up. Vacuumed, cleaned, did dishes. And now my left wrist is killing me to bend it and put weight on it. Will keep an eye on it. Pretty sure I just overdid it today. Gotta love fall cleaning.

Am going to try to get Liam to the zoo tomorrow. Need to enjoy the nice weather while we can. Hopefully he has a good sleep tonight, will definitely make the trip alot easier that way.

Watched the season premieres for ER and Survivor. ER had both Andy and I in tears. It was great opener for the last season of an amazing--and long running--show. And Survivor... I'll give it a chance, but last season wasn't the greatest. And we've got a new season of Pushing Daisies to watch, as well as Jon and Kate Plus Eight. Even Dog the Bounty Hunter is back from being on hiatus for awhile. Sadly, it's my guilty pleasure. And Two and a Half Men... too funny! And Ghost Whisperer! I swear to everybody I don't watch TV... partially true, because Andy records all this stuff for me, and I eventually watch it.

Am going with mom tomorrow afternoon/evening to see Dad and bring him dinner. He's doing well, has 1 or 2 more skin treatments to go. Still a long road to recovery, but he's handling it extremely well.

Should run, need to tear Andy away from video games so we can watch some tv before I go to bed. And I need to finish some laundry, and get my brownies out of the oven soon. Cheers!

Mixed Bag--Can Be Offensive To Some Readers... Sorry...

The mammoth donairs...my goodness...so yum-o!

We experienced donairs like no others yesterday. Andy and I went to Jimmy's A & A Deli over on 20th Avenue and 14 St. N.W. We had never been there before, but have heard great reviews about the food. We ordered large donairs, which is the usual size we order anywhere else. He ran off to prepare them, and we browsed picking out a few other things. Then we saw them. They were huge. Well, huge is an understatement. They were giant, mammoth things, bigger than our heads! We nervously paid and got 2 free desserts--we should for what we paid for all of our food there--and were on our way. The thing with Jimmy's? No prices on the menu. Definitely a downside. The upside to Jimmy's? The food is amazing. The donair meat is fantastic, the pita's are fresh and chewy, and the sweet sauce is homemade and perfect. We probably consumed enough garlic though to scare off a ton of vampires, but nothing a good swig of scope couldn't cure. All I can say is yum-o!!! Will definitely return there, but will NOT get the large ones.

The upside down church in Ramsay

And for the possibly offensive part of this blog. My apologies in advance. There is a new, and very large, art exhibit in Calgary. To be more specific, in Ramsay. It was purchased from Vancouver, and moved and constructed here. It was a combined effort from Glenbow Museum and Torode Real Estate. I think it's an amazing sculpture, but the artist's (Dennis Oppenheim-world renowned artist) views and opinions can be a tad different. He definitely expresses his opinions through his art work, as it is titled Device to Root Out Evil. It has been considered very controversial to some. Something to see for sure though, take a spin through Ramsay, it's at 803 24 Avenue SE, just off of Spiller Road. And while you're there check out the building behind it, Ramsay Centre. There is an amazing coffee shop, and nearby, on Spiller Road, a place that sells buffalo products. Apparently they have good lunches too!

Andy's birthday was today. He turned 31, and enjoyed his pressies. We are celebrating on Friday and having dinner at his parents. Will try to get to Tony Roma's on Tuesday evening, celebrate Liam's birthday too! I can't believe he is turning 1 already!!

Went to the portrait studio today. Liam didn't want to sit still, was tired, and teething. We managed to get a few nice pics, so will pick those up in October. Went and brought Chinese food to Dad for dinner and had a good visit. Am going to do a Superstore trip tomorrow to get some photos developed, and have a visit with Great Grams as well. Am going to cook salmon and new taters tomorrow night for dinner, yum-o!

My Dad and Liam--Buddies Forever

Should run, need to get some cleaning done, even though the couch is so comfy, and bed is calling my name.. Cheers!

Coming to terms...

The past few days have been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, to say the least. I consider myself to be a very strong and courageous person, who can usually overcome any obstacle that gets in the way. My strength and courage must have been tested too heavily this past month, leaving me feeling very raw and exposed. As it always proves true in my life, when it rains, it pours. I find myself sitting here, getting more and more agitated and provoked. Simple noises are grating on my nerves, I have turned the volume down really low on the television and I seem to develop a nervous twitch when a loud car goes past. Some of this could be the result of a rough night with minimal sleep last night, agreed. I also find, when under alot of stress, I tend to become very edgy. The phone ringing is the worst thing. It has been ringing all day. Yes, I could easily silence the ringer, but it's not quite possible when it could be dad or Grams calling. So, I or Andy quickly hit the off button when it rings, so it doesn't grate on my nerves too much.

This really sounds like I'm just crabby or cranky, I agree, but Liam was having a day all on his own. His teeth are stubborn, and his gums look so painfully sore. I feel for the little guy... We kept him busy today though. Went to the weight loss clinic this morning. Andy lost 4.5 pounds (way to go) and due to alot of fast food, I gained 1.2 pounds. I had a feeling I would, so it wasn't a huge surprise. We went for our treat lunch at the gourmet hot dog place, visited with the owners--we were going there even before I had Liam, and they have seen Liam since he was basically a newborn. They're like his adopted grandparents.

Went to Confederation Park tonight for a walk and to take pictures. I have been having a blast taking gorgeous pics of Liam. We did the same thing last night, after having dinner and doing some shopping at Deerfoot Mall. He also went for his first ride on a little carousel last night. $6 later, he was having a blast, but to get him off of it, oh my! I see why some parents tell their children that the ride is broken!

Going to see Dad tomorrow morning. Bringing him cheese, salami and olives, as well as leftover ham dinner. He is starting to get tired of the food there--personally I don't blame him! It would get boring after awhile. They have him doing some painting on some planter boxes there, so he isn't going as stir crazy.

Am trying to find Liam a playgroup. Will make some more calls tomorrow to figure a few more places out. And Manda and I are trying to work out some coffee and play dates--gets us all out and about, and keeps the kids happy. I am also trying to teach Liam social skills and how to adapt to different situations, as well as maintaining the schedule that we have worked so hard on the past few weeks. Teething sometimes messes it up, but usually it's like clockwork with him!

Andy's birthday is coming up on Saturday and Liam's on Tuesday. Can't believe how fast the year has gone!

Should run, am going to read some of "Pride and Prejudice" so I can sort of look like I know what I am talking about at Manda's book club! It's very good so far, definitely enjoy the writing style as well as the moderated usage of wry humour. Cheers!

Catching up.

It's been a little while since I last blogged. It has also been very hectic the past few weeks. But I shall try to get everyone caught up on our happenings since the last blog. Here goes...

We had part one of Liam's birthday celebrations on Thursday. We did it early, so that everyone we care about would be able to celebrate with us. We had a full house, fired up the bbq, and had a great time. Liam learned how to open presents, with help of course. He wouldn't eat and cake or ice cream, but he did say the word "cake", which was adorable. And we had a beautiful cake, in the shape of a turtle, done by Andy's dad. Thank you again Mr. H, it was a hit!! We will be having the big family party later on, once dad is out and on the mend.

(1) The gorgeous turtle cake (2) Liam opening presents

The people we wanted there were Tina, Alex and Shelby. They live next to my parents, and over the years, we have all become very close. Tina made the final decision after giving many chances, to leave her husband. I know it was a tough decision, but she needed to do what was best for the kids, so she is moving them out to BC to live with her parents. They need a fresh start and need the support of family and friends. It wasn't an easy decision for her, but she couldn't keep living her life like she was. We all went up to see dad last night so he could say goodbye to the kids, and it it was heartbreaking. Alex, who is the sweetest little boy, told my dad that he wants his legs better soon, and gave him hugs and kisses. My dad broke down, which broke my heart. He is going to miss them dearly, especially Alex, as they had become good buddies. My mom and I said more goodbyes today, which left us all balling our eyes out on the front step. I know that it is what's best for the kids, and for her. She is a strong, passionate and amazing mother, who deserves nothing but the best. It's an honour to call her not only a neighbour, but a friend, and we will definitely be doing a trip to BC to see them in the spring. May she continue on with the same strength, courage and passion in this new chapter in her life. And may her little ones remain as adorable as ever.

(1)Liam with Alex and Shelby (2) Miss Shelby--very proud of this picture.

Dad is in the therapy/rehab centre. As of Tuesday coming up, it will be a month since the accident. It is definitely getting harder and harder to leave him after visiting. It hurts to see him in there, and I feel absolutely helpless. It will be another 5-6 weeks in there. They have been doing treatments on the skin on his foot, and he has another one on Monday. They are not the most pleasant, but it will speed up healing. The infection that was in his foot did set him back by 2 weeks, but he's strong and will pull through all of this. He has a long road ahead of him, but we'll be there every step of the way (that sounds like a bad pun). Plus, all the rest of the people there get a kick out of Liam and I, and we seem to make their day a little brighter. Mom, Liam and I are going tomorrow night to have supper with Dad, which is always alot of fun, plus the food is really good. Alot better than regular hospital food anyways.

My dad with Liam--the highlight of his day

That is pretty much all the updates for now. I'm exhausted and need to get some sleep. Cheers all!