Nature Lover

Back in June, our little family packed up and headed out to the cabin on Lee River.  It being Ashton's first time there, he was mesmerized by so many things like the lake, the tall trees, the sounds of the loons in the water and the birds up above... but most of all, the most entertainment he experienced was watching his big oaf of a sister, Suki, gallop around the property at mach speed diving between the trees and launching herself off the dock into the water, and all for a measly, yellow, bouncy ball!  Ash also enjoyed sitting on the dock looking out onto the water with mommy and playing in his exersaucer on the deck with daddy while enjoying the view.  Gotta love Manitoba and it's lake country.

Snip! Snip!

On July 1st, I decided it was high time for Ashton's very first haircut. Lucky for me, I was the one for the job!  Other than the "shear" curiosity of the sharp pointy things opening and closing near his head, his squirming was limited and overall was a pleasant experience.  What was my favorite part you ask?  It would have to be Ashton's cute little head surrounded by a massive adult cutting cape.   There are no words to describe the cuteness!!!

Minnesoda Bound

We hit the road for the frst time with Ash in tow all the way to Minneapolis.  Kate and Corey FINALLY invited us (wink, wink) to come meet little Nya Dawn Malczewski!!  And what a doll she was!  Ty has become the wonderful, thoughtful brother we knew he would be - helping Nya with her soother, bringing her toys - it was so cute to observe.  Ash took to his two cousins immediately playing and smiling (as much as he was able), he loved up his Aunty Kate with smiles, hugs and cuddles and of course Ash gave his Uncle Corey a hard time.  I taught him well. 

On a beautiful, sunny day in Bloomington, we all packed up and headed to the BIGGEST play structure Ken and I, and for that matter Ash, has ever seen!  Ty ran in every direction possible with a huge grin on his face, Nya cuddled up with her momma, and ash attempted a couple of rides down the slide with daddy's help and watched with amazement all the children running around and screaming with delight.

On our last day in Bloomington, Ken, Ash and I took a walk down to a park & trail that Aunty Kate was so kind to show us.  There, Ash experienced his very first swing ride followed by a peaceful, serene view by the river.  All in all a wonderful trip to the States!

 

Folks, We Have Visual Confirmation...

Everyone told me, "Beware of the teething baby!"  And to be perfectly honest, I was terrified!  I was warned of sleepless nights, crankiness, inconsolable crying boughts, red cheeks, bum rashes, the list went on and on.  But with Ash, someone commented on the fact that he was drooling more than usual and that he must be almost at the teething stage.  Shuttering at the thought of what was to come, I took a peek, and what do you know?!  There, on the left side of his bottom gum, was a little white tooth poking it's way throught to the surface.  This was immediately followed by a second tooth days later!  Not a peep!  Either this is a miracle of epic proportions, or our little guy is a real trooper, who pushes his way through the pain and manages to give us a smile...

The Malczewski's are on the Move!

That's right ladies and gentlemen!  The Malczewski's are on the move.  The time has come when our growing family has out-grown our perfect little mint green starter home in the lovely neighbourhood of East St. James.  Where are we off to you ask?  Well believe it or not, we are diving even deeper into St. James in an area they call Crestview!  When Ken and I started to look for our "forever home", we never thought in a million years we would find it so fast!  We had a list of desires that were all met when we viewed this home, so we jumped on the opportunity.  And sure enough, we bought ourselves our second home!  Granted there is a lot of work that we want to do to it, but that just means that it'll be done exactly the way we want it!  Stay tuned for more info on this new adventure Ken, myself, Ash & of course Suki, are about to begin!

Cool Dude...

Lately, when I've been taking pictures of my little guy, I've noticed he's become increasingly unimpressed!  It reminded me of when I used to give this stare to my dad when he'd be lecturing me.  It was a blank stare, with no emotion or sign of life to be seen.  I'd just stare.  I did it because it got such a rise out of my dad, and that of course was my job as a teenager.  He gave his father a hard time when he was growing up, and so it was my responsibility to carry on the tradition.  So I knew entering the challenges of parenthood I was doomed to experience the same trials with my kids.  Little did I know it would happen so soon!  I thought we wouldn't have to deal with attitude till Ash was at least 14!!  At least he still looks cute while he's trying to be the "cool tough guy".

One Bite at a Time

Recently Ken and I have been experimenting with solid foods on Ash.  It's almost as though we take one step forward only to take two steps back.  We've tried rice cereal (one milk product, then one without), bananas, carrots, apples & honeydew melon.  And out of all that, we've only been able to stick to apples, carrots and melon.  He's broken out into hives, and recently has developed a rash covering his back, which we thought was calming down, but now has started to move to his tummy.  So back to the doctor we go...  We've been patiently waiting for an appointment to see an allergist, but after the second breakout that doesn't seem to be getting better quick enough, I'm afraid I'm going to have to turn "momma lion" on the doctors in order to get Ash in to receive the appropriate testing.  But in the thick of all this, Ken tries to get me to look at the positive, "At least it's only a minor reaction," or "he's a great kid!  You wouldn't even know he's having a reaction," or "babe, he's going to be fine!"  After numerous attempts to calm me down, all I have to do is look at his adoreable little face gobbling up carrots to know that we'll figure all this out in due time.  Yes folks, I've definately become my mother!

Lindsay's Baptism

On April 11th, 2010 our lovely niece Lindsay was baptized.  And to add to the wonderful festivities, Michelle and Jeff bestowed the honor of Godparents to Ken and I!  It was a lovely day.  The ceremony was quiet and smooth.  The priest was funny and amusing, the spread Michelle prepared was delicious and bountiful, and the company was great!  All in all a memorable day.  Congrats Lindsay!!!

Surprise Gramma!!

A few weeks back Michelle and I drove out to Stonewall to visit mom on her lunch hour.  We contrived a plan to put Ash and Lindsay in the sink and hide around the corner to watch mom's reaction to her cute little sink grand-babies.  Unfortunately, Gramma was too smart and snuck around the corner and shocked Michelle and I instead!  "What are you doing?" mom asked with a silly sneer in her voice...  After laughing off our ridiculousness, we revealed the true surprise to mom which was quickly followed by her reaction, "Oooooooooo!  Look at you twoooooo!!!"  Nice work mom!

A Walk a Day, Melts the Baby Fat Away!

Yes, I know.  It's been ages since I've blogged.  Bare with me, I do try.  However, I've been receiving complaints from a few family members, which will remain un-named, so here you go peeps with the updates of the Malczewski comings and goings.
Michelle and I have taken up walking around each others neighborhoods soaking in the wonderful weather.  Some days are warmer than others but the important thing is that we are getting out there and giving the babies some fresh air.  And the absolute BEST part is that my baby weight is melting away.  I will no longer be the whale of the past.  And yes, I KNOW I WAS PREGNANT!!!  It doesn't mean being fat is easier because of that fact.  I'm just lucky to have such a wonderful sister that gets me pounding the pavement day after day! 

Time Flies

Can you believe that these photos were taken only 1 ½ months apart? Ash and Lindsay are growing so fast I can hardly believe it!!! Next thing you know, they’ll be walking & talking, and getting themselves into all sorts of trouble. Not like Michelle and I…we were complete angels!

Taken mid December 2010:

Taken beginning of February 2010:

Chatter Box

Ash will be saying mama and dada in no time if he keeps this up!