Summer Girls

Today started out on a bad foot...as Mike pulled out of the driveway this morning, I realized I had made a monumental mistake by not taking the car. We didn't particularly have anywhere to be, but just knowing that we could if the mood struck would have been enough for us. But instead we were left behind to stare at each other wondering what the heck we would do next. So, breakfast, shorts and T's, sunscreen on and we were out to fill up the pool. Today we brought out bubbles for a change, and that added a bit of pizazz to the otherwise standard yard play.

Maisie decided that it was no longer good enough to have me blow bubbles, but rather she wanted to do it! It took a few tries, but eventually she got the hang of it!

Not a cloud in the beautiful blue sky

So, when all was said and done, we survived the day with the help of sun and popsicles. And now it's the long weekend, Mike's off next week which will be fun. Right now, I'm sitting by an open window enjoying the cool summer night air and the smell of someone's outdoor fire. Smells like camping and summer. I think that this season is the only reason we all survive the winter...just for the joy of these months. Tomorrow's Canada Day, which means fireworks! We're taking Maisie to her very first firework experience, so let's hope it's a positive one.

On another note, I need an opinion on this nail polish.

I've had it for a while, and forgot about it. It's nude with a matte top coat (which is seriously cool). The jury over here is still out on whether or not it's too boring or if it makes my hands look old. It went on like a dream, and it doesn't matter the mess you make cause you can't tell, so for once my right hand actually looks decent too! Also it has some chips and you can't see them either, so that's a plus. But I'm just not sure I'm in love with it. Thoughts?

Happy almost Canada Day/Weekend!

Beach Baby...or not...

This is the first day of summer, and our last day of sun until Saturday, so when Mike got home from work tonight, I didn't feel like cooking so I posed the question of...should we go to the beach?

We did! We headed out to Port Stanley to Mackie's, which is one of my favourite beach places from my childhood.

Delicious fries, hot dogs, burgers and their famous Orangeade!

Maisie had a great time...she ate a big dinner, and played on some of the $1/ride cars, that seriously, does anyone actually spend money to let their kids ride these? I was never allowed, growing up...nor am I ever going to shell out $1/ride that is basically just paying to have her meltdown 4 seconds after it's finished!! Just curious. Anyway, she was all smiles...but then, for some reason, when we visited the beach after dinner, it just did not agree with her.

Holding on for dear life!

She was terrified...she hated walking in the sand, she didn't want anything to do with the water, and the reaction shots after the fact really say it all.

A face covered in tears and boogers.

I'm not sure what exactly was wrong. Was it that she didn't have a long enough nap? Too close to bedtime? Or that she has so little experience in this world that everything terrifies her? Bugs, fans, beaches (apparently)...none of these things are particularly scary, and yet they scare the bejesus out of this child. Last year she was running and digging in the sand, floating in the water with me and getting her toes wet...this year is going to be a bit more of a challenge.

But after we got home, the little Dickens said to me "Mommy...can we go to the beach?" Oy.

To Mike...on Father's Day :)

Thank you for being the most amazing Daddy to our dear Maisie. You are a kind, caring and loving Daddy, and it is amazing to watch. You are Maisie's first love, and without even realizing it, you are teaching her every day how to love and be loved.

From Maisie's first day here with us, you have been a devoted Daddy...never letting us go without, and sacrificing of yourself so that we don't have to. I know you were nervous and scared when she was first born, but you have grown into your role and Maisie idolizes you for it. I wish you could hear her yell "DADDY!", clapping while she jumps up and down, smiling from ear to ear when you get home from work.

I hope that one day, Maisie meets someone just like her Daddy, who will love and care for her as much as you do.

We love you lots :)

Strawberry Season!

Today we took a nice Father's Day trip to Heeman's Strawberry Farm to check out the local strawberries, and flowers!

Walking up the garden hill

Reeeal mature, Michael!!

We got two quarts of delicious strawberries, and ate them both today! I made some yummy strawberry shortcake for dessert!

The farm is only 20 minutes from our house, so I hope to get Maisie back there next week to pick up some more strawberries and maybe pick our own!

Happy Father's Day! :)

Scaredy Cat

I'm on the fence about the life suggestion to "do one thing every day that scares you". On one hand, it might be a good idea...depending on what your fear is. But on the other hand, it would probably be a very stressful way to live! Especially if you do it every day!! Although, it is very freeing when you conquer a fear, so every now and again it probably wouldn't hurt!

Today I took Maisie to the splash pad. Last year, she couldn't get enough of it:

She would run into the puddles by herself, put her hand in the spray, squeal and run back to me. I was foolish to believe it would be exactly the same this year.

She was super nervous about it. I ended up having to go into the spray with her, and got quite soaked myself, but it made Maisie less scared and she actually wanted to get out of my arms and play in it!

It was a super hot day, so I'm glad Maisie was able to conquer her fear! Next stop, bugs!!

Big Girl.

Where, oh where has my little girl gone? Oh where, oh where can she be! My baby is growing up!

We sold her change table (since she doesn't fit on it anymore, and potty training is imminent), and now we have her big girl bed all put together and ready for her to sleep in...as soon as I get up the guts to start! I'm sure she'll be fine with it, and adjust very quickly to it...but why is it always me hanging onto any little thread of babyhood I can?

She sure loves to jump on the bed!!

She has yet to actually sleep in her new bed, and we have left the crib put together for now (in case of a rough night once we actually make the switch!). Plus, I am on the lookout for some nice sheets and pillowcases, so until then she continues in baby jail!

I often think of how nice it would be to have another baby...and I understand that there are many reasons why people do. When your first baby grows up, you're desperate to recreate the babyhood, because it is such a happy time. But then reality sets in, and I remember that it was also a hard, exhausting time. With Maisie growing into an independent little girl, comes freedom for me. She will trek by herself up and down the stairs to spend some time in the playroom, or read books in her bedroom chair. And she doesn't need (or necessarily want) either of us to come with her! She wants to do it herself. And I welcome this new independence with open arms. But I also miss cuddling with her baby self in these same arms.

On another note, we were desperately in need of a relaxing weekend, and we seem to have found it. The sun is out, it's hot and we don't have anything going on. It's nice to not be expected anywhere, to do things when we choose, and to relax out in the sunshine. What a way to start off the summer.

Happy Weekend!