Choo choo

We recently met up with Yvette, Aves, and Joshie at the train ride in Confederation Park. It was Sophia’s first time there and I knew she would enjoy riding the train. She loves the book “The Little Engine That Could” and says “choo, choo” repeatedly (complete with her arm going up and down) when I read her that story. The train at Confederation Park was a real treat for Sophia, especially getting to ride it with her friends Aves and Joshie.

 

Reno update - #2

According to the original schedule, we would have been preparing to move back into our townhouse this coming weekend. However, due to the countertop material being delayed by three weeks (the manufacturer, Cambria, is having factory trouble), we are looking at moving back in late August instead. All the work that can be done has been done - plumbing, electrical, tile floor, kitchen cabinets, lights, and painting, There wasn’t any work done at our place all of last week because our contractor is just waiting for the counters. Sigh…

Ed and I are very happy with the work done to date and are also relieved that our design choices are visually and functionally appealing.  It's quite exciting to see it come together.

Cabinets and pot lights installed.

Sean's pool party

Two weeks ago, we went to Ed’s colleague’s beautiful house in West Vancouver, which has a magnificent view of Vancouver, to attend Sean’s annual pool party. We took Sophia last year, too, and I have to say it was much easier for me this time around. I had more time to chat with people and notice what was going on around me, instead of being completely focused on my baby. It was a hot, sunny day and Sophia loved playing in the pool. She spent over three hours in it (one in the morning and two in the afternoon). Ed tried to put her down for an afternoon nap but she refused to sleep. She just kept saying “pool, pool”. So we gave in, dressed her in her swimsuit again, and brought her back in the pool. She had so much fun. Unfortunately, since Ed and I were both in the pool with her, neither one of us remembered to take photos.

We fed Sophia dinner and got her ready for bed at Sean’s because we knew she would fall asleep in the car. Sure enough, not even two minutes into the drive home, Sophia fell asleep. It was a great day.

A "new" trike

Sophia got a hand-me-down Schwinn tricycle from her buddy, Ethan. (Thanks, Ethan!)  It is so adorable, although, I don’t think it’s really the best fit for her.  It has a bulky metal frame which makes it a heavy trike.  Sophia’s poor little legs will have to work extra hard to get this trike moving.  It is, however, a beautiful trike.  And she will grow into it, I am sure.  She was a little intimidated, at first, but warmed up to it a few hours later. 

Checking out the trike

Mommy, push me there.

Go, go, go

Reno update - 2.5 weeks

Two and a half weeks in, our both our kitchen and bathroom have been stripped down to the studs, the electrical and insulation have been upgraded, plumbing adjusted as needed, the wiring for the heated floor has been installed, and new walls and ceiling have been put in place.  Our new bath tub is also in place already.  That’s a lot of progress in a short time!  We have selected the tiles for the floors and walls, as well as the fixtures for the tub and sinks.  So many decisions!  it is exciting to see it come together. 

Kitchen before the reno

Kitchen demolition

Kitchen a week into the reno

Bathroom before the reno

Tub before the reno

Tub area demolition

Living in a one-bedroom basement suite has been interesting.  It feels a little like camping where you have just the bare essentials for everything.  Aside from sleeping fitfully the first night, Sophia has embraced the new living arrangements with aplomb.  I think Sophia is really enjoying it because I am always within ten feet from her.  I was washing dishes the other day and she was playing, about six feet from me.  Then I feel her feet on the back of my legs and I look down to find her laying down by my feet holding her toy and blankie, smiling up at me.  I guess six feet was still a little too far for her liking.