First Haircut - Don't worry, he still has some curls

Ramble

We're all settling back into our routines again. The girls are back at school, and keeping busy. Desiree is in grade 12 and has a pretty good schedule this year. She's taking photography and dance and her school day ends at around 2pm everyday. Dakota is not in band this year. She's been trying to convince us to sell her sax and buy her a guitar. She's running for grade 10 student representative and has been busy on her campaign. Calum's settling back into the Old DC but we are getting anxious because he's only there till March. One parent told me today that her son has been on some wait lists for over two years! They are are two top choices too.

Not much new for Don and I. Don's looking forward to the start of the regular season (hockey), even if he says he doesn't care. He's been trying to convince me that we need digital cable this year but I'm resisting. As far as I can tell, you really only get the channels you already have in digital format. I've been slowly doing some fall cleaning - getting together that yard sale stuff for the sale that we have not yet had. We've got a lot so I'm going to have to do something. I've also started knitting a scarf. I got about 12 rows done, was just getting into the pattern when Calum decided my knitting needles were light sabers and pulled the scarf off. It has since unraveled to about 2 rows but I won't start over till he tires of this light saber kick. This morning he was desperately looking for something to take over to the Old DC so he and his friend could be jedi. I had to say no to the plastic swords, Christmas decorations, knitting needles and pieces from the grandfather clock(???). Yesterday he was using a small piece of construction paper so I knew he'd find something there and he did (a piece of plastic asparagus and a banana).

We've been working on potty training though both Don and I are reluctant to jump into it. Calum likes his big boy underwear though so he wears it in the evenings while we keep trying to get him to use his potty. He'll pretend but we not had any success yet. This weekend we are going to try to take him in for a haircut. His friend at the Old DC has a new cut (he had long curly hair) so I think he'll finally be ready. Look for some pictures next week.

Something for Bonnie

My sister is off to New Zealand on Friday so here are a few pictures to get her ready. If I don't see you, have a great trip! When the conference is over be sure to take lots of photos, go shopping (don't forget the chocolate fish & a bottle of L&P or Lemon & Paero), try the meat pies and go on an adventure or two. Remember that Kiwi drivers are crazy so be careful crossing the street.

On getting ready for bed

Don and I have a theory that Calum is like a shark. It's physically impossible for him to stay still. His body is constantly in motion. It's not something I'd call hyperactivity, more along the lines of the "If-I'm-Up-I'm-Doing-Something" philosophy. I blame my parents because they can get more done in a day than anyone I know. We know from experience that this will change when he hits the teen years and sleep becomes the most important thing in his life. I do wonder though, is there ever anything in between?

Getting Calum ready for bed is quite the exercise. Lately, we have to chase him around the house to get him into his pjs. He knows whats coming so he insists his shirt is clean and the pjs are stinky. When we do get him undressed he runs away again. After a brief chase he'll tell you he's cold but still insist his pjs are stinky. He'll point to an imaginary spot on them and say "They're a mess". Then you have to struggle to get the pjs on him (unfortunately our son has a slightly large head which is further complicated by the fact that he can never keep still). Luckily though, once you are done he's pretty much tired out. I'll ask him if he's ready for bed and he'll usually say "Yup" and start heading for the bedroom. Sometimes Don and the girls will get a quick "'Night Dad, 'Night Dez, ' Night Dakota".

Back Home

Grandpa Bain is out of the hospital and back home now. We haven't seen him yet because Don and I both have colds. We heard that Buddy was very excited though!

Getting better

Grandpa Bain is doing well. We went to see him last night and he is looking much better. He may be released in a day or two. Buddy will be very happy to have him home. It's almost to the point where Calum and I are trying to think up ways to smuggle him in. Last night, Calum and I went for water and came back to find everyone gone from the hospital room. They had gone for a little walk but Calum was convinced that they went to find Buddy. He was a bit surprised when they came back without him.

Calum got a bump on the head yesterday. He and is good friend Nico had a bit of a tussle at the end of the day. Calum was crying when I got there and kept pointing at Nico saying "You stop. You're bad." Then he pointed out the scene of the incident - a carpet burn on his forehead. I don't think he was entirely innocent but that's not how he sees it.

I'll post some pics of Don's birthday cake later. As usual, Calum was really excited about the cake. He was even telling the staff at the Old DC.

Happy Birthday Dad

Happy Birthday Dad! Let's have cake. Love Calum.

Good news

Grandpa had a triple bypass and the surgery went well. Don checked in this morning and the nurse said he's doing great and even had breakfast. We'll be going by for a visit soon. Thanks for all of the good wishes everyone! Now for a speedy recovery.

Grandpa Bain's surgery is today. It looks like it may be a long day. He is scheduled to start this afternoon. I'm going to be on my way to the hospital soon. I'll pass along all of the good wishes and warm thoughts.

I tried

Calum, the Gamer, was getting very addicted to XBox 360. I had to hide it. He would get very upset when I told him to turn it off or that he couldn't play. I kept it hidden for a few days telling him that it was broken. Today I brought it back out because he was trying to play the old school XBox and was having a tough time with all those games. One too many calls of "Help Mom" and I decided to bring out the one he's good at. Now, let's hope there is a positive side to this and he turns out to be a game programmer or develops the ultimate operating system some day.

Grandpa at the hospital

What!? You don't like watching Batman!