The Beach

What would summer be without a trip to the beach? Oma and I loaded the cousins into the car in early August and off we went. The girls absolutely loved it. The day was picture perfect for sun, sand, water and a picnic lunch. It was Keira's first beach experience. Two of her favourite past times - a GIANT sandbox and water - rolled into one. What's not to love? The summer has gone by way too fast. We are definitely going to have to make an effort to get to the beach more often in the future. It was my kind of day. The girls thought so too!

Summer Time and the Living is Easy...

I love the summer. It's as simple as that. I love the weather. I love the clothes (or lack thereof). I love the food. I love the activities. Does it get any better? We've had a great summer so far. It's been easy and relaxing. Swimming lessons, bike rides, splash pads, sandboxes, paddling pools, walks, spending time with friends. Nothing fancy....just being. I love it. That's the way it should be! Our only glitch was multiple A/C difficulties resulting in just shy of four weeks of no A/C. Not really a great summer for that, but we managed. Luckily we had a one week stretch during the breakdown period where the weather was more reasonable, plus for the most part the evenings did cool off somewhat....somewhat. It's back up and running and was covered under warrantee, whew! All is good. We're enjoying this season. For Keira it's the season of learning to walk. It's great she can be barefoot and in lightweight clothing or in the water or in the sand. Lot's of fun! She is loving this season too!

Then and Now

On July 18th (yes, I know it's now August), little Miss K turned 18 months old. Good grief - I have a year and a half year old! Yikes!!! ;-) She has gone from a quiet observant introvert to, as someone recently described her, quite the little firecracker. Everything is done with enormous gusto! Yes, my daughter is stubborn, loud, and very determined. However, she is also a very cuddly, funny, and loving little girl. Was the wait worth it? DEFINITELY! 

Meeting each other for the very first time, January 8, 2012; She may not have realized it then that she had been waiting for me and was not really impressed at the time, but I had certainly been waiting for her for a VERY long time!!!

Very first day at home - January 21, 2012; A wee bit jet lagged, she fit right in, right from the get go, pets and all. Each day, another step forward, there has been no looking back!

July 18, 2012; 18 months old and full of trouble! I have my hands full!

Summer Time!

There was once a little girl who absolutely hated the water. She would scream the moment her toes got anywhere close to the water in the bathtub which, in turn, made bath time loads of fun....not so much. Well, not anymore! Keira now LOVES the water. She can't get enough of it. In fact, I get an earful when it's time to leave the Splash Pad. Mom and tot swimming lessons are going to be fun this summer!

Alright Already! ;-)

I have been scolded by a few people (nicely of course), for not having updated the blog and provided Keira fans with any recent pics. The last photos are from mid March and it's now the end of April. How did that happen? Time is passing by far too quickly! Changes are practically happening each and every day. I literally can't keep up!

What can I tell you about the little girl who, just under four months ago, was a little introverted peanut, and spent much of her time simply taking everything in while constantly sucking her fingers? She was a tiny little thing who couldn't sit on her own, couldn't roll over, and she had no teeth. Well, she is most certainly not a little peanut anymore and she most certainly isn't a little introvert! She babbles constantly, waves at anybody and everybody who will give her the time of day, and is army crawling throughout the house and lightening speed. Keira is a sensitive little soul. She absolutely adores animals (especially her own), loves her family, thinks music is the greatest thing ever, and has the most infectious giggle. She now has five teeth and eats almost anything and everything. She also, at just fifteen months old, has figured out how to test the limits and push Mommy's buttons. We've all had to work really hard at keeping a straight face (that includes grandparents) as it's really hard not to laugh sometimes, as once Keira figures she has an audience, look out!

She is an absolute joy. It is as though she has always been here. For those of you who have been longing for some updated photos....enjoy! 

Feeding the chickadees in mid March

Checking out my Uncle's Easter gift while wearing the Ladybug suit giving to me from a friend...any guesses who?

Would you like a blueberry?

My first visit to the Experimental Farm - I LOVED it! Every animal I saw was "Titan". ;-)

Swinging during the heat wave. Slides - swings - I love it all!

Last Month to This Month...Where has the Time Gone?

Quite frankly, I'm not sure where the time is going!!! I do know one thing...it's going quickly. I'm going to have to backtrack quite a bit to get caught up, aren't I?

On February 5th, we went to my parents to celebrate my birthday which was on the 4th. It was another opportunity for Keira to dress up and see her cousin, uncle and, for the first time, her aunt.

I look at these photos and can't get over how much she has changed. As of yesterday we have been together for ten weeks....ten weeks! The above photos were taken when we had been together for four. The ones below were taken this past weekend on March 17th.

This child takes my breath away. She is such a character - a smile, a laugh or giggles are always just around the corner. And look out, because they are contagious!

January 29th, 2012

On January 29th we celebrated Keira's 1st birthday at home, quietly with family. She met her Uncle Brett and cousin, Chameli for the first time. What a treat it was to be able to celebrate at home with her grandparents. Although Keira wasn't quite sure what to make of birthday cake, apart from the fact she seemed to enjoy sticking her hand in it (sorry, didn't get a picture), she certainly had the hang of taking wrapping paper off gifts and tissue paper out of gift bags. To say she was rather spoiled is an understatement! 

Getting to know my cousin

Chillin' with Oma

Ready for bed