6 weeks old: Stampede and other Adventures

It has now been 6 weeks since our little girl was born: she is growing quickly and no longer seems like such a "newborn". She is getting stronger, physically: trying to hold her head up, and moving herself around during her "tummy time". She is also becoming a social little girl: smiling and cooing when we talk and sing to her.

We have been enjoying spending time together as our own little family, as well as introducing Elise to many new friends and new adventures. We had our friends Chad and Maria here for a visit last week during Stampede, and braved the crowds at the grounds to watch the Rodeo. We also headed to Canmore for the day on Friday, where the boys enjoyed a mountain bike ride together at the Nordic Centre, and the girls did a mini hike at Grassi Lakes.

Getting out and about with Elise, we are hoping to prepare her for the next few weeks of travel to the Okanagan and Ontario. So far she has been pretty adaptable: LOVES being carried in the Baby Bjorn, but HATES her carseat (which is a bit stressful for her Mom when we are trying to get around the city!).

I'm continuing to take hundreds of photos of our little beauty--Dave figures we will need more space on our hard drive if I keep up at this rate! :)

3 weeks old!!

I can't believe Elise is already 3 weeks old! It's definitely true that time seems to fly much faster when measured by growing children!

So far things are going really well. Our teeny little baby is already outgrowing her newborn sleepers and diapers, and seems to be growing and changing every day.

She is sleeping well--for 2 hours at a time that is--and obviously eating lots (and consequently filling lots of diapers!). She is starting to have more awake/alert time, and has both of her parents fascinated by how intently she can look around and take in the world around her.

We are coping well, for new parents that is! There are definitely times when neither of us feels like we know what we're doing ("Is she hungry AGAIN? Already?"), but for the most part it feels pretty natural and she is a relatively easy baby--as long as she is fed, changed, and cuddled often.

Grandma and Grandpa Jackson had a nice visit with her for her first few days/week, and were said to say goodbye. Granny and Granddad Brewin are on their way tomorrow night for their first visit, and we are all looking forward to seeing them.

Other than "baby stuff", we have been keeping pretty low key the last few weeks/months. Dave is still busy with his MBA courses ("Marketing" at the moment), and has been trying to fit in the odd mountain bike ride or home workout, along with busy times at work. I've been really lucky to have a pretty quick and easy "post-partum" recovery, and am now feeling pretty much back to myself. We have been experimenting with pumping/bottle-feeding on occasion, which has allowed me a few hours out of the house without worrying about Elise going hungry. I was able to go to a Yoga class last week, as well as a few solo trips to the grocery store (a big treat for me!!). Elise has also been dragged on countless errands, and visits around the city. She is usually pretty happy to visit people (loves the cuddles!), but is not yet a big fan of her carseat. Hopefully once she can see what's going on around her a bit better, she will enjoy it more!

We have a few trips planned for the summer: a week in the Okanagan (Naramata) with our friends Steve and Tannis, as well as a few weeks in Ontario, including my cousin Kathy's wedding and our annual Family Reunion. We're keeping our fingers crossed that Elise will be a good traveller!

2 Weeks old

Here are some recent photos over the past 2 weeks--time is flying by already!!

More baby photos

She's here!!

Our little miracle has finally arrived!

We are so thrilled to announce the arrival of our baby girl:

Elise Yvette Brewin was born on Sunday June 5th at 8:20am at Foothills Hospital in Calgary: 6lb 13oz.

Overdue!

Still no baby: enjoying a visit with Mom and Dad and exploring the city...

Happy Mother's Day!

We spent our 4th Mother's Day in Calgary joining thousands of families for the annual Mother's Day "Run". Obviously it was a "walk" for us this year (note the belly size!), and true to tradition, it was cold and rainy, but a great experience. Thanks to all who sponsored us!!

And of course, Happy Mother's Day to our wonderful mothers, and to all those mothers we know and love...

Baby Room

Looks like we haven't had too much exciting going on the past few weeks: mostly making preparations for the baby, and Dave has been working on his MBA Finance course.

Dave finished building and staining the furniture for the baby's room (crib, dresser and shelf), and "Granny Sue" (Dave's Mom) did a great job on the bedding (bed skirt, bumper pads, quilt and valance curtain).

Great spring snow!

Backcountry ski day at Crowfoot Glacier (Dave and Tommy)

Crazy snow at Castle Mountain Resort

We've had lots of great snow these past few weeks--luckily Dave has been able to get out and enjoy it!!

More work in the woodshop

Dave has been busily working these last few weekends on building furniture for the (soon-to-be) baby's room. Here is the dresser/changetable so far...

Granny Brewin will be adding her handiwork by making the bedding/curtains/etc.