Psst!

Hi. It's me, swimsuit... I see you're doing more exercise, and you're fresh off a waxing appointment... maybe we can go to the pool sometime? I'll let you show off your baby belly...

Filet-O-Fish

It's not Mickey D's... it's better! Tonight's dinner was an omega-3-packed wild salmon off the barbie! Mmmm.... so yummy! Makes my belly happy and makes baby happy too! Thanks to the hubby, who's BBQ skills are improving daily!

Zebra

This is me at 20 weeks and 1 day, in a dress that has become Sean's favourite - I think because it shows the belly more prominently than anything else I wear.

The belly is growing by the day it seems and after a short time of getting my energy back during the 2nd trimester, I think I am getting more tired again =( Sleep is definitely my friend.

Last week, we had another ultrasound and unless there's any complications, it should be our last one and we won't see baby McMillen until he/she makes his/her grand entrance into the world.

Conner Turns 3!

This is Conner, at his 3rd birthday party... waiting for his turn on the trampoline and looking tough with a band aid on the side of his head.

It seems not too long ago when he was the most laid-back baby I've ever met... but what a mischievous boy he's turned out to be! He's definitely grown to have his very own unique personality! Such a trouble maker - the very cute and adorable kind! =)

Dusk

It was a weird day today, weather-wise. Sunny & hot in Richmond, rainy in Vancouver, heavy downpour in North Vancouver, even hail!

Towards the end of the day, the sun finally came out in the downtown area... so we had a BBQ dinner on the patio with our friend, Stephen. After dinner, the view in front of us was in such weird lighting... most likely from the dark clouds that were still hanging around, and the sun trying to burn through.

Looks like an old photograph you'd see in an art gallery.

My New Favourite Spot

 

A year and a half after we moved in, we've finally been able to furnish our patio about 95% of how we would like it. This would easily be my favourite area of our home - if only it were nice out and I can enjoy it more! We now have a BBQ, so are equipped for summer cooking; an outdoor dining table for six where yummy goods fresh off the grill can be enjoyed; and a lounge area for after dinner drinks and conversation.

Mr. Sun, seriously... please come out and stay a while so we can enjoy this space more and I don't have to keep rescuing my plants from drowning to death; some of them look a little grim lately!

I sure hope Summer next year would be nice and long... I would love to spend much of my time out here with baby McMillen during my mat leave!

Downward Facing Dog

Tonight, we visited friends we haven't seen for a while and were entertained by their 14-month-old, Oliver. This is Oliver demonstrating how a proper downward dog is done. Sooo cute!

Mussel Tuesday At Twisted Fork

Met up with some gal pals at Twisted Fork for their Mussel Tuesdays - $8 for a pound of mussels! Can't go wrong with that... unless you're pregnant and have been forbidden by your doctor to partake in the mussel action. =(

I ended up having the duck confit and fries with lemon aioli - both were really good, but I was drooling over the mussels! Thanks for letting me dip some bread into that yummy sauce, Cat!

A Great Day For Frozen Yogurt!

This morning didn't look too good... but the afternoon proved to be a beautiful day to play outside! We went to the beach and saw some friends play volleyball - Sean even got to play a few games. It was hot enough to take off the jacket and enjoy a frozen yogurt!

Learning New Tricks

For our artists' date this month, my arty girlfriends and I went to the Williams-Sonoma cooking demonstration on grilling; this week is on side dishes. We learned how to make Gazpacho, and my favourite from the demonstration, which was the Grilled Romaine Salad. Never thought to grill lettuce... but it's sooo yummy!

It's always great to learn a new way to prepare an old favourite!

Dresses & Bubble Teas

Today, I spent the day with girlfriends and it was fabulous!

First, I went wedding dress shopping with my bride-to-be friend Natasha, along with her mom, and her bridesmaids Jaz and Amy. Lots of pretty dresses and lots of opinions later, Natasha is left with one tough decision between two favourites.

After, I went to the mall to kill some time before meeting up with my old university friends, Anne & Sue for dinner at an old favourite restaurant... then to a bubble tea cafe to enjoy a new flavour of an old time favourite drink - Sesame Chocolate Milk Tea.

It was a great day! =)

Go Play Outside!

I'm not really that comfortable on a bicycle, but I love the idea of cycling under clear blue skies, with the sun's warmth shining on you and a bit of a breeze to keep you just cool enough. I'm thinking more of a along-the-seawall or along-a-quiet-country-road kind of cycling than on-a-scary-busy-street kind of cycling!

Today was such a nice day, I enjoyed my lunch outdoors... even though it was just outside of our office warehouse, by the parking lot. Had a productive day at work, and am looking forward to a long weekend with awesome weather - and lots of opportunities to go play outside!

Rhythm Of The Tides

Tonight, after a chicken and corn dinner off the barbie, hubby and I went for a walk and was amazed at how high the water level was in False Creek. We walked further along the seawall and saw this inscription on a structure in the water.

The full inscription says, "The moon circles the earth and the ocean responds with the rhythm of the tides."

Cracked

I went for a photo walk with a friend this evening and killed two birds with one stone; metaphorically, of course - hung out with one of my best girlfriends, Anne, and went hunting for my photo of the day.

Anne told me about this sculpture in the middle of a concrete park in Yaletown. I've been to that park a couple of times, but not recently... so haven't seen this sculpture before. It is a bit odd, a bit creepy... but it also does what a piece of good art should do - get you thinking.

It seems like a sculpture of a man, but somehow it reminded me of Lady Liberty. It made me think of having gone through some hard times, ones that leave you cracked and falling apart... but it also made me think of being held together by whatever source of support one can muster.

I read somewhere recently that as women, we have an advantage on health... that spending time with our girlfriends is like exercising. We relieve just as much stress talking to our gal pals when we talk about our frustrations, stresses and how we feel. The article also said that the best thing a man can do for his health is to have a woman in his life.

What unstitches you? What holds you together?

* I also think that sometimes, it is good to let oneself get undone... a good opportunity to put oneself back together a bit (or a lot) differently than before.

Ready for BBQ Season!

Last weekend, we finally got a BBQ - the latest addition to our urban oasis! It got delivered today and tonight, we had our first of many dinners cooked on the barbie! Mmmmm....

C'mon Mr. Sun, all we need is you and we are so ready for the Summer!

The Artiste Extraordinaire

Meet Nuala, my gifted friend... a talented illustrator, graphic designer, painter, knitter, photographer, etc. etc. etc. I'm glad I have her to play and explore art with!

She has been my reliable photography buddy... who is always game to go shooting with me. I am thankful for that, esp. when I don't have a picture for my blog at the end of a work day.

Today, not only did she come shooting with me, she modeled for me =) Then she introduced me to an awesome Persian restaurant near her house!

The Persian ice cream was so tasty and refreshing! Will be dreaming sweet dreams of saffron and pistachio goodness!

Sleep Monster

Madly developing baby McMcillen has made me a sleep hog!

Today was a very lazy day. I woke up at 11 this morning, had breakfast, then went to Home Depot with hubby to shop for a BBQ for our patio. That tired me out so much, shortly after the hockey game started, I fell asleep on the couch. When I woke up from my nap, I decided to take my self portrait instead of going out to hunt for today's photo.

This is sleepyhead me with an 18 weeks baby belly =)

On Your Mark, Get Set...

Go!!!

What a beautiful day it was today! It was sunny out, contrary to the weather forecasts. Hubby and I slept in, then went for a walk in the afternoon. We started out on the seawall in Yaletown and saw the Clearly Contacts dragon boat race. We came home just before 5pm to catch the hockey game, and it started raining shortly after. C'mon, Mr. Sun... stop sleeping on the job!

I am looking forward to flip flop weather so I can play more outside! Hubby had been sprucing up our outdoor space, I can't wait for the weather to warm up a little more so we can start enjoying it!

Doll Houses

Hubby an I walked to the West End to visit our friends Anne & Henry, as well as to hunt for my photo of the day on the way. We decided to walk by these houses which I just love. Aren't they dreamy? They look like doll houses! The green one, second from the left, is my favourite!

Chained or Linked?

Does the image come across as a burden of being chained, or does it suggest the support of a link of network? It's the same image, yet it could be viewed as either disheartening or empowering.

The chain is neutral; it is our perspective that gives it meaning, whether we view it as something that supports us or something that tears us down.

I believe there are many things in life that are like the chain... and it is up to us to decide what story we allow them to tell ourselves.

Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head

Today was definitely a day for umbrellas and wellies. On the drive home, I started singing Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head in the car - yes, I had to hum most of the song since I really only know that one line.

Since it's so wet out, I don't know if I'll want to go for a walk in the rain later tonight. So, I decided to stop in the West End on my way home from work. I wanted to make sure I have a photo for today.

Isn't this such a typical Vancouver scenery? Wet, but beautiful! Most of us don't like the rain, but we know it is what makes this the beautiful place that it is. What if we learn ways to enjoy and play in the rain? I would love to go puddle jumping one day! Who's coming with me?

Dancing In The Moonlight

 

Hubby and I went for a walk tonight... in the rain. This was my favourite part of the walk... so pretty. 

And now, just as I'm writing this post, hubby is playing some really old tunes. Earth Angel came on, and I just had the image in my head of a couple slow dancing under moonlight in the middle of this courtyard.

It would be so romantic, wouldn't it?

In The Living Years

Today was an especially tough day for a dear friend, after receiving some unfortunate family news. And this is an especially tough post for me to write, as my heart goes out to my friend... I can't help but think that this day will come for me as well.

He had just spoken with his mother the other day to greet her Happy Mother's Day when she seemed like she was recovering quite well from a stroke she had a while back. Then this morning, he informed me that he got news she's had another stroke and has been rushed to the hospital.

It is hard to see our parents get old and get sick. I know my heart aches just seeing my mom having trouble climbing up a set of stairs because her knees are getting weak. I can't imagine what he must feel like to know his mother is in a hospital and he is halfway around the world away from her.

As I mentioned in a previous post, the Sakura is a symbol of the ephemeral nature of life to the Japanese. I believe the universe' message for me today is to always appreciate and be grateful for those that are near and dear to my heart, and to never take them for granted. Tell those you love that you love them often, give plenty of hugs, appreciate the beauty of your relationship, show them you care... in the living years. Do not delay, it may be too late one day.

Sending my dear friend all the love and light I have as he flies home to be with his mama; sending his mom all the healing energy in the world, so she may have many more days to feel how much she is loved.

One Too Many Cheeseburgers!

 

I've started resembling Randy from Trailer Park Boys with his infamous cheeseburger belly lately... but I swear, it's not a food baby!

It has been tough keeping such great news a secret for the last three and a half months; I have wanted to tell the whole world from the day we found out! We figured Mother's Day would be a good day to make the announcement - Sean and I are expecting!!!

I have had an awesome pregnancy so far; other mothers-to-be might think it's grossly unfair, but I'm glad I don't know what morning sickness feels like! I did have heartburn and my own battle with food frustration and tiredness; although all of that is also getting a lot better at this point.

Both Sean and I are enjoying the pregnancy journey, constantly amazed by how our baby is developing. We are very excited to be welcoming a wee one into our family in a few months' time!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

It's Raining, It's Hailing?!

Hubby and I hung out at our friends Anne & Henry's last night, had a late night and ended up staying over. This morning, we walked home to find some of our flower pots flooded with rain water... some of them are dying =( Isn't it May already?!

Just the other day, I thought the nice weather was a promise of warmer days to come. This week has been rain, rain and more rain! I realize the rain is what makes this city beautiful and I do appreciate it for what it contributes to make this the place that it is; but isn't Summer supposed to be just around the corner? Why, then, do I see hail on my patio today?!

I ended up finding my happy place tucked under the covers, while I took a nap for the rest of the afternoon. I got my much needed rest, thanks to the rain and the cold outside.

Imaginary Friends

This sight caught my attention as I was walking to my car from my chiropractor's office. I thought that disregarding it's surroundings - parking lot on either side with a few cars, this small patch looks like it belongs in a rustic, romantic, overgrown garden; the kind that fairies live in. It reminded me of one of my favourite movies, Pan's Labyrinth.

That movie showed me how powerful imagination can be - even in a really bad and scary reality, imagination can save us. It can give us a happy place to go to, introduce us to fairy friends for guidance and companionship, inspire us to be courageous and give us hope for a happy ending.

Mad

Tonight, I had another argument with the hubby. Last night, we never brought up the argument we had from the night before... perhaps we both thought it's not worth bringing back up. We were just happy to not be mad at each other anymore.

When I set up this shot, I had "mad" in mind... but looking at it now, it looks more sad than mad. I think the fruits tell about how I feel more accurately than my intention for the shot.

As much as we love and care about each other, it is also the one relationship that we both feel most familiar with and not afraid to say what we think and be who we are. Despite both of us saying and doing things to each other that may end other friendships, we always decide to reconcile. Because of this, I think my relationship with the hubby is the truest friendship I have.

I hate how I feel when we fight... can't we just always get along? Here's hoping that over time, the fighting would be reduced to simply disagreements. No getting worked up, no raised voices, no hurt feelings. However, I'm afraid fighting may be a necessary evil to strengthen the relationship in order to get there.

I think it's time to sign off and go give my hubby a hug before going to bed!

Make A Wish...

On a dandelion!

I have always thought these to be sooo neat, albeit many consider them to be weeds. I love that you can blow on them and how interesting it is to see bits of them disperse and fly away... like sending your wishes to the wind, to find ways of making each of them come true!

Admittedly, it is a bit of a romantic way to think. It is a bit childish and a bit of wishful thinking; but sometimes, one has to spend some time with their heads in the cloud in order to catch a dream, then come back down to earth in order to realistically plan how to make their dreams come true!
 
Have you spent any time indulging your imagination with your head in the clouds? If so, what was your experience like? What realities did you dream up for yourself?

Lights Out

Today was a long day at work. Long, but good and productive. When I have long days at the office, it is especially challenging to capture that day's blog photo unless I've taken the time to do so earlier during the day. Otherwise, by the end of the work day, I'm just so tired and all I want is to go home and relax in my refuge.

By 9.30pm, right after a squabble with the hubby over an insensitive comment he made on my whine that I don't have a picture for the blog yet... I ventured out to hunt for my picture of the day.

It's amazing that this being Yaletown, the hip area for the trendy and the young... there's hardly anything happening around here. Other than a few restaurants being open, most things are closed. I brought my journal with me, because I like to write when I'm upset or just have some things to think about... but even the nearby Starbucks was closed!

On the way home, I took this photo of the marina. I think the title and the photo are appropriate for the mood of the hour - time to snooze and get some rest! Tomorrow, there will be lots of time to pick up where we left off with our argument earlier tonight. Or better yet, we'd hopefully be in a better place from where we were, after having had some time away from it.

To all - I wish you a good night and may you dream sweet, sweet dreams!

Vancouver Public Library

Today was election day. I wanted to post a photo of the voting center I went to, encouraged by the fact that it was busy. According to one of the volunteers, other than a short lull just before noon, there has been a steady stream of people showing up to vote all day. However, no photography was allowed in the voting center... bummer!

I had to pick up a few items at the grocery store, so I made a detour up Robson St. to IGA. On the way home, despite carrying a bag of fairly heavy groceries and it being very wet out as it has been raining for most of the day, I was drawn to walk into the courtyard of the Vancouver Public Library.

Stepping in immediately took me back to my university days, to the odd times that I had been at the library. It wasn't so much studying there that I remembered, but how cool I thought this place was. I remembered that I was more excited for the breaks that I gave myself between studying, because I just loved checking out all the shops along the courtyard and sitting there enjoying some food or coffee. Did you know there's even a flower shop?! It felt as if I was in Europe somewhere, although I had to daydream people around me to be enjoying themselves instead of stressing over their schoolwork... but daydreaming was something I was good at, so that wasn't a problem at all. I will admit, I was an easily distracted student back then!

Despite not having spent a lot of time at the library, it definitely is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city for me. It is one of my favourite places, I think it inspires me with it's beauty... it encourages me to imagine more than what my eyes can see.

Do you have a place that does that for you?

Warmer Days

First of May and it was a nice, sunny day! However, hubby was pretty sick and I was starting to feel under the weather as well. Finally, at around 2pm, we decided to leave the house for some fresh air. We ended up walking a long way from our place to the Pan Pacific Hotel at Canada Place for an errand at Spa Utopia, then to Denman St. in the West End for a late lunch and then onto the beach at English Bay to watch some friends play volleyball - a sight I haven't seen for what seemed like forever! I hope it's a promise of warmer days ahead...