Partners in Crime

Both girls like their new walking arrangement. Sedona held Aja's hand our entire walk today.

Hanging Out in My New Toy

A Picnic with "Umbrella"

We went to a nearby park tonight for a picnic with Sedona's friend Isabella and her family. Sedona was excited for this all day and kept talking about seeing her friend "Umbrella." They chase each other around endlessly, stopping for hugs here and there and always take time to look for woodbugs. Chris pulled the tired girls home in our new wagon at the end of the fun filled picnic!

They're Growing up so Quickly!

Today I had a real feeling of time flying by. The picture on the left was taken of Sedona just before going to her first ever drop-off birthday party. She's been to lots of parties, but this was the first time she went to one alone. She was so excited and I felt like I was dropping her off at her first day of school with her little backpack in tow! Then Aja has been adding all sorts of new things to her repertoire the past few days: facing out in the snuggly and actually staying awake for some walks, cutting out one of her naps, sitting in the stroller beside Sedona, going in the exersaucer, and hitting the toys on her play mat (in the picture). I want to hold onto them like this just a little bit longer!!! They're growing up too fast!

Anniversary Paddle

We went for a paddle today to celebrate our two year anniversary. Sedona was in daycare and Chris' teaching partner was kind enough to both lend us her kayaks and take Aja for a couple of hours while we had some solo time. It was great to be amidst the seals and bald eagles while having "adult" conversation that didn't revolve around our two gals! Thanks Heather!

3 Month Update

At 3 months old, Aja is still as smiley and happy as ever. Her favourite person to smile at tends to be Sedona. While driving in the car, she just stares at her and smiles continuously. Sedona loves Aja more and more as the time goes by and she is already protective of her. When I pick her up at daycare and all her buddies come to see Aja, she runs over right away to watch over her.

As I mentioned in an earlier Blog, she now grabs toys and loves to put them in her mouth, as well as clothes, blankets, and whoever's hand she may be holding. She drools up a storm and likes to blow bubbles. She is wanting to roll over from her back to her front and is almost there. Her favourite spot is lying in her crib or playpen bassinet looking up at the animal mobiles with whom she is quite vocal.

She is still a very good sleeper, having 5 naps a day and sleeping 11 hours at night (with a couple of short milk breaks in there). She does a 51/2-7 1/2 hour stretch at the beginning of the night which is nice. People keep asking me if it's difficult having 2 kids. Right now, it's not bad at all. She travels well and still sleeps anywhere (in a bed, her crib, sling, playpen, snuggly or on people). I think it will get more challenging when she is down to a couple of naps a day at home and when she is mobile. Frankly, having a 2 1/2 year old is a lot more work than a newborn! It's nice that Aja's so mellow because she just goes with the flow when we're having to tend to Sedona.

We've been having a wonderful summer with Chris off work. We've been spending lots of time outside in the garden, backyard, at the beach and hiking trails. It's also nice for Chris to spend so much time with the girls; he is tremendously helpful and it's so much fun watching him interact with them. To me, there's nothing better in the world than being a family and I'm really enjoying this time with mine this summer.

A cool discovery

The coolest non-family moment for me in Vancouver was the discovery of this communal vegetable garden in the city. Two blocks east of Boundary and East Hastings, we stumbled upon this oasis of green and healthiness. A beautiful plot of veggies and herbs all tended to and harvested regularly. In fact we found many examples of thriving vegetable gardens in the city. perhaps it was the Italian heritage of the East Van/Burnaby neighbourood we stayed in, but in many yards there were thriving tomato and pole bean bushes. Must be the Allen in me to be so stoked to see working, sustainable gardens in an urban setting.

An offering to the Weather Gods

Dear Weather Gods....thank-you so very much for giving the Allen family wedding on July 23/05 sunny skies and 25 C weather...you know, kind of what summer is supposed to feel like on the West Coast. Lisa and I really appreciate the gift as we stare out of our front window, barely able to even see the ocean through the rain, fog, and clouds. Though today is not our actual wedding anniversary, it is the anniversary weekend, as we married on a Saturday night.

Thank you too to my wife Lisa for the best two years any couple could ever ask for!!It has been a quite a busy two years: new child, new home, new jobs, but has been so much fun along the way!!! I can't wait for the next 42 years.
chris

City Slickers

We headed to Vancouver for a few days (thanks for letting us stay at your place Bob and Judy) to mix things up a bit. Here are some pictures from the petting zoo (thanks for the recommendation Cosuin Owen) and the Aquarium. You can click on the images to make them bigger.

Gardening Rockstars

New Tricks

Aja's newest trick is grabbing toys, and now, everything she can get her hands on goes in her mouth! It won't be too long before we have to start babyproofing the house again!



This was her first time sitting in her "Bumbo" chair. We never had one for Sedona- they're pretty cool!

Speed Boat

When my Dad and Cheryl came to visit, we were supposed to go on a boat tour. However, the weather was so bad the entire time that we didn't end up going. Sedona has been asking me every day since if we were going on the speed boat that day. I kept telling her that as soon as Dad's off work and it's nice outside, we'll go. Well, we figured 35 degrees was nice enough to be on the ocean under a cover for 45 minutes. There was nothing speedy about this tour of the harbour, but Sedona still enjoyed her "speed boat" experience. As for why you don't see Aja's face in this picture, she slept through the entire boat ride.

Aja's Inaugural Canoe Ride

We went for a short paddle up the Sechelt Inlet yesterday to introduce Aja to canoeing, but as you can see, she slept through most of it! She lay down at my feet at the bow of the boat as the waves rocked her to sleep. Sedona was a little nervous at first, but then loved it and was very busy looking at all her surroundings and asking her favorite question "why?"

Beautiful link #2---The Sequel!

It must be my love for the underdog that has hooked me onto this story. or perhaps it is finally I have been able to see something on Youtube that actually inspired me. (Girl fights and Paris interviews just don't do it!!) or perhaps i am embracing a hidden love of opera, either way, here is the second installment from the TV show "UK's Got Talent". The contestant from the clips is named Paul Potts. Paul went on to win the program(Think UK Idol) and Simon(the judge) signed him to a record deal on his record label. And that is the story. c

Loving the Beach

Skookumchuck Rapids

We got an early start this morning to hike out to the Skookumchuck Rapids and avoided the midday madness; we had the place to ourselves. Next year when Aja is old enough, we'll bike out instead. We were amazed at all the trees blown down this winter.

Home Grown Salad

Beets, lettuce, snowpeas, carrots and cilantro made up this 100% homegrown salad. We've been busy in the garden and love reaping the benefits!

Grandma Karen and Aja

The last few times Grandma and Grandpa have visited, Aja has been asleep. She finally stayed awake long enough for them to see her eyes open and talk to her!

Beautiful link number #1

Please do check out this Youtube clip, and then in turn pass it on to anyone who else you know who may be inspired. I stumbled across this last night and quickly brought Lisa out to watch it. At first glance, i thought it may have been another youtube hoax, but a little research proved it to be a true story. I will post the next installment soon. Enjoy. chris