Saying Goodbye Is Hard To Do

Today's post deserved two photos. This is my desk just before I boxed up all my personal effects. =(

Although we've moved offices throughout my time in the company, I've had the same desk for most of that time and had worked on making my corner of the world where I spent 40 hours a week (and more, I'm sure) as cozy as I can. I do love my space and it's been home to me for a long time. I am pretty particular with things and yes, I can tell when somebody's been at my desk while I'm on vacation. It wasn't easy cleaning this desk up and seeing it empty when I left the office tonight.

I will miss this place and the characters I worked with - Harvey, the most interesting of them all! I kid you not, he is the human version of Brian from Family Guy! Gil, the coffee expert who occasionally blurts out curse words in German or some other European language when he gets frustrated (actually, he confessed that sometimes, they're not real words... just gibberish). Bob, he's basically been my work husband since Stephen and Amy left. There are others in the department, and I will miss you all!

It was also great for our bankers from across the border to come up for a visit and take us out for lunch. Alan, it was so awesome to see you and thanks for accommodating me and scheduling your visit on such short notice so that I can come along for lunch on my last day.

Gil stayed until I was done so I can give him my computer and office keys. He helped me take my boxes of personal stuff to my car and as I hugged him goodbye in the parking lot, his last words to me were, "you're right in the few seconds where you step into that portal as you end one chapter of your life right into a new one." It's so true!

With those words in my head, I drove away and bawled as I crossed the Lions' Gate bridge in the usual traffic that it comes with. I didn't want to look like a mental case to the drivers of the other cars beside me; also, Sean and I went to the BC Lions game tonight and I didn't want to be a mess when I got home, considering we had to hurry to get to the game... so that helped to keep the floodgates from letting everything out.

Below is the email I sent out to the company to bid everyone farewell:

Dear Peak family,

Donna knows I’m not a morning person AT ALL. For years, I have had a hard time getting up in the mornings to get to work; but today, I was up before 5.30am and got into the office by 7.30am - last day jitters?!

It has been a wild ride of tremendous growth and fond memories for me in my time here of almost 8 years. I don’t know what life would look like if I never came across this company and the wonderful people in it, past and present. Everything happens for a reason, and I believe I’m a better person and life is better today because of my journey with Peak. I have made many good friends throughout this journey, and although I will miss working with you all… I hope to keep in touch. Harvey, I will miss you most! =)

The thought of leaving this place has been a source of great struggle for me the past couple of months, and now it’s here. It’s hard to let go when you have “control issues” - haha. It was heartbreaking to piece out my tasks to different people in the department, when I’ve put so much pride and effort in my work and it’s been my “baby”. Also, for a long time, this has been the life I know and today feels sort of like “leaving the nest.” But now, the time has come when I have to make room in my life for a real baby and embrace the adventures of a new chapter in my life journey - exciting, but also… YIKES!

I have kept a blog since February 1^st this year, where I take pictures daily and put up a post each day with a picture of the day and a little blurb. It would be a good way to keep up-to-date with me and my world… http://www.365daysofalchemy.blogspot.com. Once Maddi arrives, I’ll most likely start another 365 days blog of her and will provide a link to it on my current blog.

Best wishes to all of you, namaste.

With all my love,

Jenn

Last Kick At The Can

One of the last times I cross this bridge to get home from work... for a while, sigh.

Tonight, I stayed late at work to get some things done as I don't have that much time left before I go on maternity leave next week. Gil called it my "last kick at the can."

I've been raking in free meals this week - Donna took me out for lunch yesterday, Bob today... and Richard stayed a bit later tonight and got dinner for both of us. Thanks, guys! Oh and tomorrow, our bankers from across the border are coming up and taking us out for lunch, too!

Well, it was a productive day getting almost everything sorted out. I think I'll have enough time tomorrow to pass everything off.

Donna

Today, Donna took me out for lunch as I wind down this week before I go on maternity leave.

I first met Donna almost 8 years ago when I interviewed for a Finance clerk position at Peak Potentials in January of 2004. Despite the humble beginnings of a 2-drawer filing cabinet for a desk in a cramped office... those were fondly remembered fun days working in an office that had a culture like no other.

It seemed we had cake every week celebrating someone's birthday in the pit. I loved the energy in the office and no matter how chaotic it was at times, everything seemed to somehow flow into place. It was an environment that encouraged play as much as hard work; where people pulled together what at times seemed to be impossible tasks.

This was supposed to be an in between job for me until I found a career job. However, a testament to how awesome this place is, and the people that work in it... almost 8 years later, I am still here. Despite frustrating times off and on throughout the years when I had thoughts about working elsewhere, I had struggled a lot on the thought of leaving this place at the end of this week.

Without any accounting education background, I've learned on the job and had been promoted over the years to take on more and more responsibility. I have the belief and support of an awesome manager and friend to thank for that.

I have many great memories with Donna over the years that I've known her. She was there to give me advice when I was trying to figure out my relationship with Sean, there at my stagette and wedding, there when I decided to go back to school, and now as I continue on my journey to having a baby. However, the best memory I share with her would have to be one from the Fall of 2004, at the first ever event of that season, when I traveled from event to event. Donna came to that first event. As I took a few bites of my "risotto cooked in red wine" lunch one day while working with her, my cheeks started to feel tremendously warm. I asked if they were red, because I thought I was getting drunk. I had to ask her if I was allowed to grab another lunch, as I can't eat any more of what I've got without passing out. She wouldn't let me forget it since!

Donna, you've been more than a manager to me. You've been a friend and a big sister who I can go to whenever I needed an ear to listen to what I have to say or a sounding board to sort out whatever may be troubling me in my head. Thanks for all that you've done for me over the years, I will definitely miss working with you.

Vintage Finds

A dollar fifty for a pack of 3 vintage designed glass magnets at Michaels... I couldn't resist! I bought 3 packs and these are ones that have messages on them.

Wise words I must say. This is my last week at work. Starting next week, until baby comes... is for me to take time for myself - relax, rest, nest. When Maddi comes, I'm sure the transition will give me lots of opportunities to look at myself closely and reflect. Lastly, the time during my maternity leave is an awesome chance for me to unlock some of my dreams and explore my purpose and passion.

I was in an Alice In Wonderland kind of mood when editing this photo...

Hubby's Culinary Specialty

Hubby has been great throughout my pregnancy - picking up the slack at home when I couldn't do as much. I usually do the cooking at home, but I haven't cooked regularly for months now... I just don't have the energy or the interest. Luckily, it was Summer time and hubby BBQ'd a lot.

Today, I felt especially tired. It was Sean's day off and it was sooo awesome to come home to this, his specialty (pasta sauce), cooking on the stove top. Lately, I find myself losing even more interest in food. I would eat it if it was in front of me, but it's a challenge to make myself a meal. I find myself being so grateful when someone else prepares my food... even if it's just picking food up from a restaurant.

In keeping with finding the good and wonderful in every moment and being grateful... today, I'm grateful for my hubby for making me dinner and for everything else he does for me - from tying my shoe laces to giving me a slight push when I have to walk up a hill.

Full Term

Today, I'm at 37 weeks and Maddi has finally reached full term!

This is me in my pre-pregnancy jeans with the belly severely in the way of zipping or buttoning it up. Sometimes, the belly doesn't seem to be that big; yet other times, it looks ginormous! Either way, it's neat to see how much it has grown in the last 37 weeks. Maddi's newest trick - full on kicks!

This morning, Sean and I met with my friend Angela to have some maternity shots taken. It was great (and awkward at the same time) to be on the other side of the camera.

The rest of the day was busy as we ran around doing last minute errands before heading out to our friends Nat & J's house. Amy and I threw Nat a bridal shower and despite being stuck in a horrible traffic that delayed us for an hour, everybody pitched in and helped set up once we got there and it was smooth sailing for the rest of the night.

Now there's just one more week left at work, and I am off to continue nesting and finish getting things ready for Maddi's arrival.

Nesting

Today was another day of feeling good. I think it helps to have some things on my to-do list done. The other night, I drafted up my birth preferences. Now, I just need to go over it with our doula and it will be finalized.

Also, Sean was off yesterday so he had finished assembling Maddi's change table. I started laundering all her stuff immediately last night... and it took 4 loads!!! Look at all those miniature clothes in her drawer!

Her crib is ready to go, and all her tiny clothes are put away. Just a few more items to shop for, get our hospital bags packed and we are ready for Ms. Little Maddi to come!

Although ideally, I'd like to get the whole house cleaned, organized and some meals prepared & frozen for the first few days home from the hospital. Yah, as much as I'll miss work... now I wish I could be home to get all this done before Maddi comes!

I think the nesting instincts has kicked in with this mama!

Ice Cream Better Than I Scream

Ice cream has always been one of my favourite treats. And apparently, I can afford to eat it. At my doctor's appointment today, instead of gaining 2 lbs. since my last appointment two weeks ago, I've lost 3 lbs! I did notice that I didn't have as much of an appetite lately, but I didn't think there's been much difference in what or how much I ate. Perhaps the scale at the doctor's office was off? The doctor did assure me that I didn't have anything to worry about as baby is healthy and very active.

Today was definitely a lot better day emotionally. It was very helpful to come to the conscious realization that what I'm about to step into is far more important and significant in the grand scheme of things than saying goodbye to a job. I knew that, but it's different to REALLY know that! And, as much as I need to acknowledge my loss, I need to focus on my new upcoming role as a mother to a baby that will need to rely on me completely.

Thank you to everyone that has lent me an ear and given me tremendous support as I go through the emotional roller coaster that pregnancy hormones can sometimes take you on.

Quest For Happiness

I really hate how depressed I've been feeling lately. Especially because I am truly excited about Maddi's arrival, yet somehow this depression is over-shadowing my excitement. Damn pregnancy hormones! I was determined to get out of this emotional rut, so was consciously (and unconsciously) working hard to overcome it. In my quest for happiness... the universe came back with three answers.

First Answer:

Yesterday, I ended my day with a Skype chat. I was telling a friend how I don't understand why I feel so depressed about leaving work. If I want my job, it'll be there for me when my maternity leave ends. If I don't go back to work, it's because I have a better alternative. So why am I so upset about leaving?! Thinking things through logically usually puts things into perspective when I'm being emotional, so this definitely helped.


Second Answer:

Today, I stumbled upon a picture on Facebook that a friend had shared a link to. There was a write-up on what the picture was about. It was a mother who used her body as a shield to protect her 3-month-old baby from their collapsing house during the big earthquake in Japan not too long ago. Her body was crushed and therefore died, but her baby was miraculously alive. There was a cell phone in the baby's basket that had a text saying "If you can survive, you must remember that I love you."

I don't know if these stories that circulate online are real... but nevertheless, this one had a message for me. It put into perspective my grieving for leaving the work life in just a little over a week. It tells me that I will love Maddi so much, I would be more than okay to give up the life I've always known to embrace my new life with her in it.


Third Answer:

As I was leaving work today, I packed up some of my personal items to take home. And among those was my Soul Coaching Oracle card deck. When I got home, I pulled a card out of the deck. I got "Gratitude" - it reminded me that gratitude is the secret to a joy-filled life. If I find what's good and wonderful in every moment, I can experience happiness and peace.

So, whenever I have the urge to feel sad, I can just look down at my belly and be reminded that I can't wait to meet and snuggle with my precious baby girl.

Eeyore-y Mood

It seems Summer is over.

The weather has turned in the last couple of days and today is just a day away from the official last day of Summer this year.

This is what it looks like on my drive home at approximately eight o'clock at night - wet, soggy and gloomy. And it seems to reflect my mood recently. The closer it gets to my last day at work, I find myself dreading it and feeling really sad about a chapter in my life ending.

Just as sure as a season ends, life chapters also end. Physically, I've had the best pregnancy I could ask for. Perhaps, my pregnancy battle comes in the form of emotional challenges?

I hate feeling this way. I am excited about Maddi's arrival, but somehow I'm focused on what's ending and what I'll be losing. I need to find a way to get out of this Eeyore-y mood. I just want to be happy, I need to find my happy place!

Get Paid For Results, Not Time

Tonight, I met up with a couple of friends from high school that I haven't seen in a while. We went for dinner, then I quickly took a picture just before they got in their car. Unfortunately, it was dark out and I was lazy to check and make sure I got a good picture. The photo turned out to be a dud, so I ended up taking a photo of the card I pulled tonight from the Secrets of the Millionaire Mind set. Sorry, guys!

This card speaks to me. I am that person that lives in fear and needs the guarantees. It has served me to not make foolish decisions. However, it does make me feel stuck. I can only grow as much as how far my fears would allow me to go. Here is one more nudge to take the plunge. Eeek!

Run, Terry, Run!

 

Tonight, hubby and I went for a walk. Seems like it was a while ago since the last time we went on one. A few minutes out of our door, we come across this new memorial in front of GM Place.

I attended university at SFU, so although I didn't grow up here, I have heard of Terry Fox and his accomplishment. Such a great reminder of not being afraid to dream for a miracle, and not giving up on going after one's dreams! What an inspiration!

However, I must be honest. Someone "ordinary" like me can either hold him up on a pedestal, view him as special and make excuses for why I can't do great things like he did. Or, he can really be an inspiration... if I view him as disadvantaged compared to myself, yet he accomplished what he did. How much more capable am I to be able to accomplish my dreams?

Pedro

Meet Pedro, a little turtle bobble head toy a colleague brought back from Guatemala for me.

Since last weekend, our dining table has been filled with stuff and the clutter has been slowly getting to Sean and I. Tonight, I spent some time and stayed up a little later to clear the clutter. When I was done, Sean has gone to bed and I was left with Pedro staring at me from my almost clutter-free table. He's adorable and I still have no photo of the day... so I decided to take his picture.

Content with the clean-up effort, I said goodnight to Pedro and am going to bed.

Snow Woman

So here's a picture of me with my new hair colour, thanks to Jeffrey of Is. Salon. Although I keep thinking a purple streak down on one side of that triangle of red would look even more rad!

I'm at 35 weeks and 6 days today, and another busy day as I count down to Maddi's arrival. We went to pick up our crib mattress today, then I met up with Amy to run some errands for our dear friend Nat's bridal shower next Sunday. We walked a lot, and got a lot done. It was awesome that my feet didn't start hurting until Amy's did, too. I remember being super frustrated during that small stretch of time a few months ago when it seemed I could hardly walk without a part of my body hurting after just a few minutes.

Tonight, as I got ready for a good night's sleep after a productive day, I asked Sean for help climbing onto bed... he called me a rolly, polly snowman. My belly does look VERY round, like a snowman. =P

Rule Breaker

This is Jeffrey, the guy who gave me a fringe last Friday. I've not had a fringe probably since I was five years old. I've always thought my hair was too thick and there's too much of it to be able to sport one. Jeffrey broke this rule for me and I love my fringe cut!

During my appointment with him last Friday, Jeffrey mentioned that he needed a hair model for a video he is submitting to ISO for a colour instructor position he is applying for. He asked if I would be interested in being his model and I'd get a free hair colour out of it for my time.

This afternoon, I walked into Is. Salon again for my hair colour appointment. I knew he was using red on my hair, but I thought it would be the brighter red, not the maroon-y red that I've stayed away from for years because it seems such a "Chinese" hair colour. Just as I was telling him this, he takes the towel off my head and says... it is a more maroon-y kind of red!

Jeffrey has been two for two with me - broke two hair rules for me in the two times I've met with him and both times I ended up loving what he's done with my hair.

Good luck on that application, Jeffrey! I am crossing my fingers that you get that position. Onwards and upwards... I love it when people work on improving themselves and go after their dreams.

p.s. Thank you also to the very generous Is. Salon - I got a full-sized bottle of Morrocan Oil moisture repair shampoo, full-sized jar of Davines Alchemic Conditioner for red hair colour and a free shampoo and style the next time I go into the salon. I was very impressed with how supportive the salon owner was of Jeffrey's venture.

Ramen!

Today was another day with the sore back. All day, I looked forward to my acupuncture appointment with Sonia after work. Just the opportunity to lay face down was such a treat! I would love to have a pillow with a hole like the ones I lay on at her clinic, at my chiropractor's clinic and at the spa when I get my massages.

The treatment was great, such a great way to just relax and let her take care of me. I was her last patient, so we decided to go for ramen after my treatment. It's been a couple of weeks since I had a craving for ramen... this was definitely a home run for hitting the spot!

Epsom Salt To The Rescue

Having had such a great pregnancy, knock on wood... today, I woke up with a very sore back. And it just got more sore as the day progressed. By the end of the day, it was uncomfortable enough that I can't not complain. I can't just sit there and hope it goes away, I had to do something about it.

So, after dinner... hubby went with me to the Shoppers close by and grabbed a giant jug of epsom salt. When we got home, I drew myself a bath and sat in it with candles around me and my Hypnobabies pregnancy affirmations track. It didn't really take all the soreness away, but it was a much welcomed simple pleasure that definitely helped.

 

The Chins Welcome A Plus One!

My sister sent a present for us a couple of months ago through a friend and on the card it said not to open until my baby shower. I was good and followed directions. On Sunday, Sean and I finally opened the present... and out comes Baby Chin! Isn't he cute?!

Chasing Dreams

This is a vision board I made with a group of friends last November. A couple of the things on the board have already come true for me! I am just weeks away from meeting my little girl, I've taken this year to explore my creativity by starting an artist group with a few of my friends and getting a membership at the art gallery; I've also taken this year to search my heart, mind and soul by keeping up with this blog and openly sharing; and I've cultivated my smart parts by going back to school. Although I've added fuel to my passion for photography by going to the Image Explorations workshop this summer; now, I feel that the time has come for photography to take center stage in my focus.

My brother, who grew up being generally shy and quiet... has unexpectedly become one of the most inspiring people in my life. I love talking to him about dreams and going after them... he is one of the most driven, disciplined and ambitious people I know. I think he and my dad share more similarities than they both want to admit. =)

Tonight, I had a chat with my brother on Facebook. I told him I really need to use the time during my upcoming maternity leave wisely. It is my opportunity to figure out what I want to do with my career - whether I move forward with a secure future in accounting, or venture into the world of entrepreneurship and give my best to building a career in photography.

I have demons to slay in my head when it comes to photography - insecurities I need to get over, fears that I simply need to overcome by jumping in with both feet. I told him I've hesitated pouring financial resource into photography because I didn't want to make my family (Sean and now Maddi, too) suffer because I've misjudged photography for a worthy investment. Then even when my parents had offered to financially support my venture, I didn't want to waste their generous gift, so I was going about it really slowly. However, I now think that perhaps half-assing it is actually preventing me from making it. So maybe, I should just take their generous gift and give it my best shot. According to my brother's encouraging wise words, "Yes... GO, GO, GO... in a big way!"

I need to go after my dreams, if I'm going to be convincing when I tell Maddi one day that she should go after hers. For this, I am grateful to have people in my life that are willing to support me in whatever way they can so I can have the opportunity to chase after my dreams.

How did I get so lucky to have such awesome people in my family?!

Cookie, Milk and Entourage

Just as we were packing up yesterday after my shower, Nat gave me this cookie and said it was a special gift from J. Apparently, when Nat was baking away for my shower the night before, he wanted to make one of the cookies for me. Such a sweetie.

Tonight, I am enjoying this cookie with a glass of milk while I watch the final episode of Entourage. I sobbed at the end of that episode! Did anyone else find it to be so emotional? Or is it the pregnancy hormones again? Good thing I had the comfort of having my cookie and milk.

Showered

The picture above is of the amazing diaper cake that my talented friend Anne put together for me.

Today, my awesome girlfriends threw me a most amazing baby shower for Maddi. A big spread of yummy food, adorable decorations, and super fun games. Then, I was SHOWERED with lots of presents for Maddi. Such tiny stuff!

After carting everything from the party room where the shower was back to our place... I started to go through everything, take tags off so I can get them ready to be laundered. As I did this, the pile of stuff just kept growing and eventually I had a mountain of them. It was pretty overwhelming.

I had guests from out of town at my shower, and some of my friends were stuck in a horrible traffic jam getting here. Maddi even got unexpected presents from our friends all the way in the UK, from one of my guy friends who wasn't invited to a ladies only shower, and one of my friends' moms all the way in Ontario. I feel very lucky and grateful to have such great friends and family... who wanted to shower Maddi with so much love.

London Chic

I often just get these sudden urges to get my hair cut... and today was one of those days. I just love getting my hair cut... definitely one of the things that take me to my happy place! On one hand, I hesitate to cut my hair because it had just gotten long enough in the back that I could sort of tie it up in a mini pony tail... and Sean said he likes it. However, my hair just looks like a mess and I feel the need for a rescue operation before it got any sloppier.

So I made a consultation appointment to see what they would recommend before committing to a haircut. Literally, the consultation took a minute or two... was assured that I could polish up my look while keeping some of the length in my hair and I went for it. Towards the end of the appointment, he asked if he could give me a fringe. I told him that if he thinks it'll look good, I am pretty adventurous with my hair and I would be open to it. I just never had a fringe since I was five because I have thick, coarse hair and lots of it... and I didn't want to end up looking like a mushroom head. He assured me it wouldn't, so I consented. And this was the result. He said I look very London-y!

It took a bit of getting used to... I did feel a bit like a mushroom head at first, but I love my hair now.

A Floaty Kind Of Night

Today was another busy day at work. I imagine the rest of the month will be busy until I go on maternity leave, as I tie up loose ends and finish projects or prepare to hand them off to some lucky person in the department. =P It was about 7.45pm by the time I drove home from the bank after doing some banking for work.

After dinner, I was chatting with a friend on Facebook about how I've been feeling lately. As much as I am excited about Maddi's arrival and can't wait to hold her in my arms... I can't help but feel like I'm also in the midst of mourning for losing the life I have always known - before it even ends!

Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't change a thing even if I could have a take back or undo anything. I guess it's all just a part of the emotional journey with the hormones that comes with pregnancy, as well as fearing the unknown in the inevitable life-change that is coming in just a few weeks' time.

It was good to know that I am not alone in feeling this way. I was comforted with the assurance that although it will be tough and much sacrifice will be required of me, the time will come soon enough when I will realize that what I am about to step into is worth losing the life I have known. And lastly, that it is okay to bawl my eyes out and grieve if I need to... but that I should remember to enjoy the time that's left because that's all I have of the life I know, and learn to accept the fact that life will be changed forever when Maddi comes.

So, I bawled my eyes out after that FB chat. Sean saw me out of the corner of his eye and asked what happened. I moved to the couch to cuddle with him and tell him about how I'm feeling. After I've settled down, he asked if I wanted an ice cream float. Of course, I said yes! We sat in front of the tv with our ice cream floats as we watched the 9-11 special programming on National Geographic for the rest of the night. Oh, the simple things that bring comfort and joy!

And now, it's time for bed! Good night, everyone.

p.s. Today, I sang Over The Rainbow to Maddi in the morning, and on the drives to and from work. It may have worked in lulling her to sleep since I didn't feel much movements from her while I sang it. Hopefully, it'll work just as well when she's out!

English Bay Sunset

Today was a busy day!

First thing in the morning, I had to go get AirCare test done on my car. On the way back to work, I get stuck on the wrong side of the train tracks when the crossing train decides to stop halfway and delayed getting to the office even though I was just about 2 minutes away.

When I got to the office, I had to plug away at my to-do list for the day as I had a chiropractic appointment at noon. I headed back to work for another hour, then had to leave early for a doctor's appointment in the afternoon.

Sean was off today to I swung by home to pick him up and he came with me to the doctor's office. The doctor confirmed that Maddi's still head down and everything looks good.

After the appointment, we stopped by our friends Sonia & Jeff's place for a little bit. Sonia wanted to give me Maddi's shower present as she likely won't be able to make it to my shower this Saturday.

On the way to drop Sean off at the beach, I decided to stay and hang out instead of heading home. I'm glad I did. I just chilled by the courtside, watched our friends play volleyball, grabbed dinner, and ate it with this sunset view in front of me. These are times worth soaking in...

A Sushi Date

On my way home, I felt a craving for some ramen. I also know that hubby has been craving sushi. In light of my post from a few days ago - realizing that it would be wise to cherish these last few weeks of being just the two of us, I called Sean on the drive home from work and asked him out on a sushi date.

We walked to the Japanese restaurant across from our place. Although a bit disappointed that they don't have ramen, they did have udon. We ended up with a feast. First, we ordered a 42-piece sushi platter and vegetable udon soup. When Sean realized that there was no sashimi in the platter we ordered, we ended up getting a 6-piece sashimi combo since that's what he's been craving for a while now. Can't believe my hubby who wouldn't eat sushi just over a year ago, now craves sashimi!

It was waaaay too much food, but we managed to finish everything... then we both rolled our way home. My belly was rock hard and it's not all baby; 3 hours later, I'm still full! And Sean, he was the piggy that burped all the way home!

Thanks for being my date tonight, baby!

Baby Suit

Sean and I both don't like clutter, so we haven't bought anything other than the essentials. As for clothes, we planned on waiting until my baby shower to see if we need to get anything... but we knew we wanted to get Maddi's first outfit and/or also for when she comes home from the hospital.

We're both not that big into the idea of having pink everything just because we're having a girl... so this was our pick. I can't wait to see her in it, I hope she fills it out. I love it when babies snugly fit into their bodysuits and you can see their little bums!

Meeting Baby Ethan

 

A few days ago, our friends Roland and Susan welcomed their second baby into the world. Today, Anne & I made the trek into Burnaby to meet Little Mr. Ethan.

I just love that baby smell... and how everything about them is miniature.

Here, mommy had just finished feeding him; Auntie Anne is putting him on her chest to burp him, and Auntie Jenn is there to capture the moment.

I Get By With A Little Help

Tonight, we decided to walk up to Anne & Henry's place to hang out for the night. It's a half hour walk from our place to theirs so I decided to put on my comfy walking shoes.

What I discovered, was that my belly has grown quite a bit since the last time I wore these shoes... and that wearing them now would require a little help from Sean to tie my laces.

Oh, the joys of pregnancy!

La Casa Gelato

My friend Amy's mom is in town and since her birthday was just around the corner, we decided to go out for dinner to celebrate. After dinner, we came up with the brilliant idea to go for a gelato stop at La Casa Gelato.

This place is definitely up there as one of my favourite places in town. Being a gelato place that offers over 200 flavours, how could it not?!

One of the flavours I usually get is durian. Yes, the stinky fruit... you can usually tell which one it is because it'll be the only flavour covered. It is an acquired taste, not everyone likes it... but I most definitely enjoy it!

Just The Two Of Us

Seems like it's been a while since the last time hubby and I went for a walk. Tonight, we decided to go on one. I enjoy these walks... just the two of us.

With just six weeks before Maddi's expected arrival, there are a few different emotions running through me. Of course I'm excited to welcome Maddi to the family, and look forward to the joy that she will bring us; although to be honest, I have no idea what it will be like. However, I'm a little scared to leave what I know, and a little sad about forever losing life, as I know it - just Sean and I.

I think the message from the universe tonight is to take the next six weeks to really cherish these "just the two of us" times - go on dates, spend quality time with each other and go on these walks.