*sniff, sniff*...another milestone...

We've had so many little milestones the past few weeks, just another reminder that my baby is now a little girl. She gave up her final bottle about 1-2 weeks ago. Drippy cups and rubbermaid bottles and the occasional big person cup are all we do now. And she's started to tell us that she's pooping (albeit after the fact, but she makes sure she gets a diaper change right away, as she is quite uncomfortable with a big lump in her diaper. Understandably so!). Most of her little milestones make me happy and a little sad, but today....

Today was Addie's first day in day-care. Her grandparents still take her 3 days a week, but with me working a bit more than before, it just made so much sense to have someone else take her one partial day a week. There is a lady from our church that does daycare in her home and today was Addie's first day. Addie was a wee bit hesitant - until she saw KIDS and then she was totally fine, not a care in the world, just follow the KIDS!! Me on the other hand, I left with a big lump in my throat. I was happy that she gets the opportunity to spend the time with other kids and I knew that she would be fine, but it was still a bit to take in for me.

When I picked her up, Addison was still playing around with KIDS (she loves playing with other children, which was another reason I am happy this is working out!) and was sooooo tired - too much excitement going on with other kids around, no way was she going to take a nap!! We got home about 20 minutes ago and she's been sleeping for about 18 - boy did she crash!! I also have to pack bigger lunches for her - apparently in other people's house she doesn't eat like a bird, she actually has an appetite! So for Day #1, it was a success and I am so glad that it was. Addison likes the caregiver and the kids and she is being well taken care of...still have a little lump in my throat though!

Fall update

Addison hamming it up on Goat Island
Grandma, Grandpa and Addison enjoying a candid

moment on Goat Island

Mommy and Addison at the top of the Falls on the last of the 3 Sisters islands...next stop - THE FALLS! You can see the whitwater getting a little intense. And yet Addison's response: "Water, WANT-IT! SPLASH!

Grandma and Grandpa with a gorgeous view of the falls behind them.

Addison and Grandma at the market riding horsies. Addison loved this and talked about it for days!

Wow, it's been a bit since I last posted! My parents were out visiting the past couple of weeks and I'm adding pictures to the album on your right as we speak. Addison loved spending time with her grandparents (and they loved spending time with her!). Read lots of books, ate lots (AND LOTS) of Smarties conveniently hiding under Grandma's pillow, and many trips to McD's for ice cream and fries. We also went to Niagara Falls, USA once again (we went last year as well, this year the deals at the outlet stores weren't as good). And once again, Addison was fast asleep while we were actually at the Falls - like last year, we happened to wear her out at the falls and she missed it all. Though she was awake for the "3 Sisters Islands" part of the falls. That is the 3 little islands just off the main island on the US side at the top of the lake just before the falls. It is quite spectacular to see. And Addison really wanted to go into the water and was quite upset at my vice-like grip! Over the past couple weeks, she has begun to use small 3-4 word sentences. Her favorite seems to be: "Chocolate. I likeit!" or "Cheese. I likeit!" Or at the airport after dropping off Grandma and Grandpa: "Airplane, Addison, ONIT! Want ONIT!"

Work is going well for me. I started as Library Director at EBC 3-4 weeks ago and it is definitely a learning process. I will spare you the technical mumbo-jumbo but there is a lot to learn and a lot that is different from a public library. I'm enjoying it; though there is a ton of work to be done, the pace is very laid-back. And I get to go to meetings...lots and lots of meetings. Staff meetings, faculty meetings, and soon - library committee meetings!

Toddler Fashionista and Summer Wrap-up

Addison is developing her own sense of...how do you say...style (?). Each morning, she helps pick out her clothes and for the most part it's pretty easy. When it's up to her, she will always pick the "pink" shorts and the "pink" shirt. No problems, right? A few days ago we went to Children's Place and there were some decent sales on, so I picked her up a couple fall outfits. A flowery dress, a stripy sweater, and a pair of pink leggings. When we got home, Addison insisted on wearing all together. Yes, she actually did! Her exact words were: "Clothes...WANT IT!" ah yes, a diva in the making. The result, ladies and gentlemen.....
And yes, she loved it! Kept saying "Glamriss!"

This summer, we have enjoyed being a family in our new house. We've discovered our community by biking all over the place. The bike seat took some getting used to for Addison, but now she loves it. Same goes for the helmet! We have played with dollhouses and furniture to the point that it's driving me crazy, but Addison loves finding new places to put her furniture (sometimes her "room" is on top of the trunk, other times, it's on the landing...still other times in the kitchen RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE FRIDGE!!)


Now that fall is here, we've got a few plans up our sleeve. First on the list is the upstairs bathroom. Below is a picture when we first moved in, as well as 2 "current" pictures:


So far, the only change we've made is changing the tub and taking out the sliding glass door. And yes, removing thousands of purple tiles. Sitting in our garage is our new vanity, which looks like the one below (which I got from the company's web site...THIS IS NOT ACTUALLY OUR BATHROOM!).
We are in the middle of picking out flooring, plus lighting, faucet, towel racks, mirrors, etc. Dan will enjoy doing some demolition of the closet in the bathroom and I will be sure to post more pics as we go along!

Next up is a visit from my parents, who are coming out from BC next week to spend a couple weeks with Addison...and us of course! We are looking forward to good times with them - lots of plans so far, including a trip to the outlet malls in New York...I mean the beautiful scenery of Niagara Falls, US!! Will keep you posted!