All about the Bates

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T13:53:00.013-06:00

So we tried to get our house done up but it really doesn't show too well in this picture. Grayson was really into it this year, more than I expected so next year should be really fun!!

And here they are...Megatron and Star Song. We will see if Grayson still wants to recycle his Transformer costumes for the next 3 years...he has Optimus Prime, Bumblebee and Megatron now. And Makenna will be her My Little Pony again in 2 years.

And here are our pumpkins...we had 4 but 1 had some stability issues.

Long Overdue

2010-05-08T15:42:00.007-06:00

So after 6 months this is what they now look like. I will try and get more pictures up this week.

Here is our rising star....2 games of soccer and he is a real pro.

Someone wants to play soccer like her big brother...only 3 more years!!

2009-11-27T10:23:00.002-07:00

pictures

2009-11-27T10:09:00.009-07:00

Pumpkin Hunt at Butterfield Acres. Thanks to Ange for the pictures.

See...we did have snow at some point this fall (in October only)

These were from last week when Grayson was sick. Granny bought them both new chairs and thiey are relaxing watching TV. Grayson burst a blood vessel in his eye as you may notice.

Someone decided to climb in the sink and practice with her toothbrush!!

Kids birthdays

2009-07-30T12:57:00.001-06:00

Here are the pictures Carmen took of the Kids birthday party...well Grayson's party really but many family friends showed up with stuff for Makenna. Cannot believe Grayson is 4 and Makenna is already!!!

http://picasaweb.google.ca/lindenfan1/GraysonAndMakenna2009?authkey=Gv1sRgCMem5J7p742nZQ#

June - so far

2009-06-04T10:27:00.007-06:00

May 2009

2009-06-04T10:20:00.005-06:00

Sneak peak!!

April 2009

2009-06-04T10:06:00.008-06:00

Ok so the next 3 posts will be pictures from April, May and June (so far) 2009.

To be continued....this was taking far too long and there are lots more!!!

San Diego

2009-03-31T10:50:00.011-06:00

Shane and I took a 60hr vacation to San Diego, thanks to my parents who came to Calgary to babysit G & M. In the short time we were there it seemed all we did was drive around but we did get to go on a low-tide hike at the Sunset Cliffs. Here are a few pictures from that....about the only pictures I took the whole weekend.

Tide pool...can you see the fish??

We did go to a SlipKnot concert on the Sunday night, but we will be returning for a longer visit and taking the kids so I can go to Sea World and The Zoo!!!

New pictures

2009-03-30T11:25:00.020-06:00

Daddy attacking...

Bathtime fun...

Playing together...

Learning to crawl???

Playing together while Grayson was sick...

Makenna 8ths old and sick, sick, sick...

Cheeky monkey feeling better...

Playing in the snow yesterday...last dump we hope!!

Watching her brother acting crazy in the snow.

Pictures for the patient

2009-02-25T13:18:00.008-07:00

There you go.

Another one from the photo vault

2009-02-13T11:17:00.002-07:00

OK so here is a picture from November 1975..which would make me about 7 1/2 months old, a little older than Makenna is now. Grayson thought it was Makenna. What do you think??

Look what I found

2009-02-07T09:53:00.004-07:00

OK so I was doing a bit of cleaning up...I figure after 18 mths in this house I would get to some of the unknown boxes around the house, and I came upon a few pictures from years gone by. This one is from December 1978, which would make me Grayson's age right now, just over 31/2. I showed Shane and he said it was scary how much I look like Grayson. It is a little blurry but I think you can get the idea.

Oh and in case you were wondering, I am the short one. And yes even then I was all disheveled upon going out...can't even keep my socks straight (sorry Mom), but now we know for sure where Grayson gets it.

Here you go Granny!!!

2009-01-29T15:14:00.014-07:00

So my mom has been bugging me everytime I speak to her for more pictures...here you go this is all this post is.

The kids yesterday

2009-01-04T09:17:00.003-07:00

Here are a couple of pictures to tide people over until I can get Christmas ones up. I got a new camera for Christmas and need to read a bit more about using it, but so far I love it!!

Pictures with Santa

2008-12-10T10:43:00.003-07:00

Here is our 2008 Santa picture. Both kids were great, but Grayson played shy when asked what he wanted for Christmas.

And here was Grayson in 2005...yep it is awesome, the same Santa every year.

He and Makenna sure look alike...Grayson was just about 3 lbs heavier.

Halloween '08 & First solid food

2008-11-07T13:12:00.015-07:00

So here are the only pictures I got from Halloween. Someone was WAY TOO EXCITED to go out to sit still. Also Makenna's outfit was a bit big and she only sits for pictures for so long...I am hoping Carmen got a good one and will send it to me.

And I think they are a little bright because Carmen and I were both taking our pics at the same time.

We had snow last Wednesday so Grayson got right back into his obsession with shovelling the backyard.

Makenna has the craziest hair and here are a few pictures of proof. Also, she got her Jolly Jumper set up and LOVES it!! Her are a few pictures of the tiny girl in her new toy.

And here it is...Makenna's first taste of Pablum. This was 2 days ago, Wednesday Nov 5th. She ate like a pro and now has rice cereal at lunch and dinner. On to Oatmeal tomorrow.

The 2 above are her waiting for her dinner!!!

Quick Post

2008-11-06T15:26:00.010-07:00

So firstly how do you get your baby to sleep by themselves??? We are trying to get Makenna to go into her crib and know it is time to sleep but she constantly needs held and rocked and soothed to sleep...HELP!!!

Anyhoo, here are a few pictures before I go help Shane with a screaming baby.

Daddy has taught him well!!!!

Here is Grayson at almost 3 months old. He is bigger by far and sits better in his toys. Makenna does not last in them as long and cannot hold herself up as well.

This is the best one I could get of Makenna at 3 months old. I think they look considerably alike except as I stated Grayson is chubbier by far...and of course Makenna's freakish hair. She has been a cranky baby lately and we have started her in Pablum, it has only been 2 days but we are hoping it will help her out. I will post pictures if Halloween and her first solid food session soon.

Couple more

2008-10-02T13:56:00.006-06:00

Here are a few of Makenna that I took today. Grayson is at Preschool and I am trying to do stuff around the house but Makenna is only napping for about 1/2 hr at a time. Hard to get me big jobs done.

Here is a little vedio of Makenna in "Fishchair". This was one of Grayson's favourite places to be.

Few more photos.

2008-10-02T09:29:00.008-06:00

The kids at 2 months old.

Grayson: September 24, 2005

Makenna: September 21, 2008

So Makenna has WAY more hair, it has started out darker, but Grayson was WAY cubbier and his eyes look a bit bluer at the time. Could also be the blue in that chair making the difference. I have another one (better) of Grayson closer to the 21st, 2005 but need to scan it in.

Here she was trying to get to sleep. This was yesterday October 1st.

Photos and only photos!!!

2008-09-11T10:23:00.014-06:00

Hoping to update soon!!!

2008-09-08T09:19:00.002-06:00

Sorry I know I have been SO bad lately but I promise to upload my photos from my camera and post some pictures before the end of the week.

Til then, thanks for stll checking in!!!

Great big brother.

2008-08-04T16:41:00.008-06:00

Grayson really loves his little sister. So much so that he nevers leaves us alone and is constantly wanting to hold her and carry her and play with her...even though she is only 2 weeks old. Here are a few pictures of the 2 of them.

Quick update.

2008-07-23T11:19:00.006-06:00

Makenna Elizabeth Marianne Bates was born 7:50pm Friday July 18th, 2008. She weighed 7lbs 10oz and was 20 inches long. It is SO great to have her home but having a 3 year old...Grayson turned 3 Thursday July 17th, 2008, and a newborn is exhausting!!! Shane unfortunately had to go back to work this Monday the 21st as it was falling apart without him, but Grayson is SO excited to be a big brother and has been a rather good boy and Makenna is getting intot he swing of things. Here are a couple of pics until I can do more this weekend when Shane is home.

Bad Blogger

2008-06-18T12:00:00.005-06:00

OK so here I am at 37 weeks and 2 days and I CANNOT wait to be done with this pregnancy!! I SO want to meet this person that is rolling around inside of me. I am hoping to hold out until Shane is home for sure...as we are both pretty afraid that he may not make it back in time...so that means at least 10 more days. That being said Grayson was 11 days late so keeping that in mind I may have almost 4 weeks to wait, UGH!!!!! I have pictures on my camera to upload and post of Grayson's new sandbox but I am too lazy to do it right now so you will all have to wait. I do have a couple to keep you happy for the time being. We had some pictures taken when I was 30wks and here are a few of them.

32 weeks today!!!!

2008-05-12T14:27:00.002-06:00

YIPEE!!!! We are really on the home stretch now. Only 41/2 weeks til I can start trying things that I shouldn't do, but want the baby out. But realistically I have 8 weeks until D-day. Then we will see if and when this pumpkin actually decides to join us. I have taken a crappy but new (week 32) picture today so here it is:

And yep, my bum is about as big a counter weight as it can get...I hope!! I am still trying to organize myself and the rooms in my house to make life more efficient when baby arrives. I can hear everyone saying "Good Luck" and yes, I know I need it. Grayson is SO excited about the baby he continues to talk to her and tell her he is her big brother and he can't wait to meet her. And yes, we found out it should be a girl so if you didn't know...SURPRISE!!!

I have to run and do dishes. I will add the picture as soon as I can.

Happy Mother's Day!!!

2008-05-11T11:00:00.008-06:00

Wishing all my mommies, old and new, a very special day!!!! So my husband is at work until Thursday so we did not get to do Mother's Day together but I did get a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my son.

Here are a couple of pictures of the cheeky monkey. The weather was OK this week but it did snow again so we have been held captive indoors for a while.

It is supposed to be looking up for the week so I am hoping to get more photos of him in the yard and while we go our best to build him a sandbox around him slide.

Oh and Monday marks only 8 weeks left until Baby #2 arrives and it cannot go by fast enough. I think I am done being pregnant and cannot wait to meet the baby kicking around inside me. I am still attempting an updated belly shot but have not been successful yet.

Take care to you all and I will post again when I can.

Day out with Thomas

2008-05-04T15:36:00.008-06:00

We took Grayson to Heritage Park today to see Thomas the Tank Engine who is making his yearly appearance. Needless to say it was a big hit and we will probably do it again next year. It has been beautiful and sunny for the last 2 days and we have spent much of our time in the backyard. Here are a few pics from the last couple of days and some of the snow from not even 2 weeks ago.

I promise I will have an updated belly shot soon. Monday marks only 9 weeks left and I am excited to meet our newest addition.

Here it is!!!!

2008-04-06T16:21:00.003-06:00

My belly: 26weeks and 5days; or April 5th, 2008. I feel HUGE and very uncomfortable.

Playing in the sun.

2008-03-19T12:40:00.005-06:00

Here is a little video of Grayson out in the sun yesterday. It has been such a nice week that we blew up his ball pit and left it on the deck. Also here are a few pictures of him outside in the yard.

Some news

2008-03-17T14:10:00.004-06:00

OK I just wanted to let you all know, if anyone still looks at this, that I may be slacking ALOT in the next few months. Being that I am pregnant and feeling extra tired, fat and sore I am finding it harder and harder to do anything constructive. That being said, I will try and get a few pics of Grayson up form time to time, a pic of the nursery when it is complete and maybe a belly shot or 2 if I am in the mood. So for now, here are pics of Grayson raking the lawn yesterday

and the first item of baby clothes that I purchased.

I am not getting too much for the first year as the baby can wear all Grayson's old stuff but after the 1 year mark I will need new stuff.

Hope this finds people still interested in our life and reading this from time to time.

OMG twice in 1 month...

2008-02-17T16:23:00.009-07:00

and with new pictures too. Can you believe it!? Here is the little man showing off his new hair again and his cheeky little grin.

Here is our "ice" man, it got warm and the snow was really hard...that is why the snowman is so small.

And here he is shortly after the first picture when Grayson took his rake to him.

Look at me!!!

2008-02-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got what Daddy would call an almost "real" haircut. Mommy almost cried but knows it will grow in a bit.

And here I am this morning being cheeky before leaving for Playschool.

for waiting patiently!!!

2008-01-30T14:46:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from January including our trip to see the Backyardigans. Oh and he is obsessed with getting into our pillows. He is ALWAYS the pillow monster.

Here he is ready to have a good time.

I am trying this video thing, sorry I can't figure out how to turn it but leave me a comment and let me know what you think. Thanks.

Here is his first "concert" T-shirt.

And here he is shaking it in the aisle.

Thanks...

2008-01-30T14:35:00.000-07:00

Here he is showing of his muscles!!! Oh yes...it has started way too early!!!!

Our tree the morning of...Grayson came down stairs asking where Santa was. He was a little scared that he was still visiting.

Here are a few pics from Christmas. Grayson didn't care who the present was for, if it was wrapped he was unwrapping it!!!

Oh and he got a kid friendly camera from Granny and Pampa and loves to use it all the time.

New Pictures

2007-12-20T15:02:00.000-07:00

I don't have much time for an explanation today so I will give a brief overview. Some got a haircut today, he was playing outside, meowing like a cat, being a cheeky monkey and running around fixing stuff the other night.

PS: Shane took the last pic. hence the garbage bag in the background!!!

As promised

2007-12-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Grayson being Grayson. First he is teying to start our Godzilla ornament...

And smiling pretty for the camera...so he thinks!

And being a complete nutter!!!

And screaming Cheese at the topf his lungs

Putting on the stockings...which are the "socks" that Santa puts presents in, according to Grayson...

Trying to hop into the kitchen after me with the stockings on.

And playing outside in the snow with his machines.

I know it has been a while...

2007-12-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

We have been busy with our company year end and other stuff. But here is Grayson with Santa 2007 to tide you all over til I get a chance to add some more of the tree and Grayson pulling the tree apart.

He was a good boy with Santa today so he got a pretty cool Melissa & Doug 24 piece puzzle...it is huge and plastic coated and goes on the floor. PERFECT!!!! Hope this finds anyone who still reads this well and getting excited for Christmas...I know we are.

Halloween at Playschool

2007-10-31T15:49:00.000-06:00

So being that it is Halloween, Grayson's Playschool (daycare) had a costume party and had the music man Rick come in to sing for the kids and their Grand-friends in the nursing home nextdoor. Here are a few pictures from the afternoon.

Ok first his haircut. He had it trimmed for the 2nd time last Friday and here he is flashing his smile and his kinda red eyes...he is fighting pinkeye right now.

And here he is....the fierce dragon. OK maybe not so fierce but darn cute!!!

And here he is in the crowd of kids listening to Music Man Rick performing.

Just a taste

2007-09-27T18:26:00.001-06:00

Here is the first picture I was sent from others at the wedding. This was last Saturday, September 22nd, 2007.

And yes, the little man in the tux, no not Shane, Ha Ha, stole the show as we all knew he would. I will add more as I get them and have the time. Thanks to all that came from everywhere and to those who coulnd't make it, you were there with us and we know it.

Better late than never...

2007-09-14T10:27:00.001-06:00

Well I tried to be fancy and load a video and all to the blog but it wasn't takeing it. So here are a few pictures. With only 8 days til the wedding I am trying to get all the little tedious crap accomplished and it is driving me nuts!!!

Here are the updated "Ram Lambs", 4 of the 8 rugby babies...Mikka was there but is only 31/2 mths old.

Here are a few of Grayson from the Zoo on his swings and just around.

Wednesday

2007-09-03T18:20:00.000-06:00

OK Wednesday is "playschool" day for Grayson and I have charged the camera and found the proper cord. I will upload more pictures and tell you how crazy life has been lately. Only 3 weeks til the wedding and all the little stuff is piling up.

Anyone still reading this thanks for caring and I promise..this Wednesday I will post more pictures.

Another Quick one.

2007-08-07T09:20:00.000-06:00

OK, so we are moved in, not all unpacked but living well. I just got the internet back up today and am hoping to post some pictures of Grayson's 2nd birthday tomorrow. Also there are new photos from Kelowna and of the house...I think. All is good and we have settled in nicely. Grayson loves the house, the backyard and his new room, both his sleeping one and his playroom. Now the last thing to do is get the wedding all sorted out. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day!!!

I will leave you all with this.

Quick Update

2007-07-13T09:30:00.000-06:00

Well among all the packing and running around figuring stuff out like paperwork etc...my blog has been left dormant. So here is a quick update from the Bates household. All is still go for the move on the 30th and we all can't wait!!! We are SO excited. lots has been packed but there is still lots of stuff still remains. Grayson is having a small birthday party tomorrow, Shane isn't even here...and then on Tuesday we will celebrate with cupcakes and a few presents. Other than that Grayson has seemed to enjoy his 1 day per week daycare so far...this Wednesday more than the first. So I can only hope that he continues to enjoy it because I know I am enjoying going to the bank without him and to the grocery store. Yep my life is exciting but he is SO rambunctious that taking him anywhere just doesn't work.

Hope this finds anyone who may still read this well. And I promise once life slows down a bit I will take more pictures and post more things.

Take care all.

Long Overdue update!!!

2007-07-02T19:01:00.000-06:00

Well, ALOT has happened since our trip to the Dominican..not only will Grayson turn 2 on the 17th of July, but on the 30th we get possession of our new house...that's right!!! We sold our condo last Tuesday and then Wednesday we closed on our new 3 bedroom house in Somerset. Somerset is a community in Calgary farther south than we are, but it is newer, has a great waterpark and from what I have seen has lots of kids for Grayson to get to know. Also, this Wednesday July 4th, Grayson starts daycare once a week..it is a sort of pre-preschool. So anyhow, here is the new house......

Here is the kitchen and yep fantastic appliances!!!!

Here is the open concept living room..and the furniture is ours now too!!!

Here is the finished basement...great entertainment room. And the room with the french doors is Grayson's new playroom!!!

There is a nice backyard to house the playset Grayson should be getting for his birthday and a fabulous porch with a patio set and space for a BBQ and sandbox. Can you tell I am excited. Now to pack this place, sell our old furniture and be off with us.

I will try and get some shots of Grayson, but if my next post is not until after his birthday you know why.

Hope anyone who still reads this is doing well and we love you and hope to hear from you and see any of you soon.

Joys of selling a house.

2007-05-31T11:29:00.000-06:00

As many of you may know, we have our condo on the market...well since we have been home we have had a showing almost everyday!!! That may seem great and don't get me wrong it is..the problem is having a VERY rambunctious 22mth old and having to chase after him with a vacuum even more so now. I thought it was bad before...man oh man I hope our place sells soon. But it looks great. Check it out at MLS our number is C3265525.

Have a great day everyone!!!!

Quick Update.

2007-05-30T11:46:00.000-06:00

Ok for all of you anxiously awaiting new pics, here is a quick update on the Bates household. We returned from the Dominican Monday...it was FANTASTIC!!!!!! A little too humid near the end but the wedding was great, Erin looked beautiful and Dan didn't look too shabby himself.

Our house is still for sale and we are set for showings every other day or so. Therefore I am frantically running after Grayson tidying up his "little" messes. Shane is back at work, which again took him out of town but the summer is near and trips to Kelowna, Grayson's birthday and endless visits are sure to be right around the corner. Here are a few pics from our trip.

The reality of Facebook

2007-05-13T21:03:00.000-06:00

Firstly: HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the mothers I know!!!

Ok so many of you know of Facebook and are as addicted as the rest. For those that don't Google it and get hooked. Anyhow, I have been on for a bit now and found many people from various points in my past. Today I was e-mailed a photo asking me if I know the girls in it. It was from someone who attended the same camp in Ontario that I did. She is older and was a counsellor while I was a camper. Anyway, here it is.

Low and behold, look who is the centre girl in the picture...none other than good ole moi!! And I was only 12 or 13 at the time. Crazy, Crazy, Crazy!!! Now you can all have a great chuckle at my expense.

Still in the midst of house renos so I will try and get a few new pics of Grayson before we leave for the Dominican. Ta Ta for now.

UPDATE!!!

2007-05-07T13:34:00.000-06:00

First off HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY to Carmen...it really isn't as bad as it seems!!!

OK, it seems I may not get too much of a chance to post in the next little while. Shane and I are buying a new house therefore I am in the process of doing renos to get this condo ready for the market. We need to sell it to get a house. That being said, if anything really cool is to come up I will take time out of my busy schedule to update you all. For now here are a few random pics.

Grayson in Mommy's UGGs.

Buddies!!!

From Sue: Grayson in a pretty bow at Evan's 1st birthday party.

Take Care.

Born to Play!!!

2007-04-30T09:25:00.000-06:00

Here are a few pics courtesy of the camera guy from the Calgary Sun. We were out at Rams "Blues" Family Day Saturday and he snapped some shots of Grayson running around with a big rugby ball. They didn't make the paper yet but I am still checking.

Congrats to Carmen!

2007-04-23T21:49:00.000-06:00

Well it looks like her Canucks pulled through tonight and with 2 empty netters won 4-1 to clinch the conference quarter-final and move on. Guess Shane and I will be sticking with the West and cheering on the Vancouver Canucks with the loss of the Flames in the playoffs. Sorry Mike, but maybe if Ottawa advances again and Vancouver doesn't..it will always be a Canadian team.

CRUSHED!!!!!

2007-04-23T07:47:00.000-06:00

Even though I couldn't last long enough to watch the 2nd OT last night, I was hoping to wake up and see that the Flames pulled it off!!! That was a no go...it seems the Red Wings brought the better team and won 2-1 in the 2nd OT. I am SO sad that hockey in Calgary is over for another year but am still a true Flames fan...GO FLAMES GO!!!!!!! We will get them next year.

Guess all there is left to do is hope that the Canucks advance 'cause I don't know if I can cheer for the Sens!?

Here we are!!!

2007-04-16T21:14:00.000-06:00

The Family Bates....

and here he is, the master of our domain!!!!

And as a side note: Why the devil is "Degrassi: the Next Generation" on so late...I am tired and can't stay up until 10:30pm on Monday nights...geesh.

Hockey with the Telfords.

2007-04-15T19:28:00.000-06:00

Well the Flames bit it again today so here's hoping they come back at home on Tuesday night!! We had a fun morning with Derrik, Sue and Evan though. Here are the 2 boys getting into mischief. As most of you know Grayson will be 2 in July and Evan, his little buddy will be 1 on the 27th.

As you can see here Grayson is a little leaky in the nose...yep, we think his 2 year molars are starting their descent. He hasn't been the happiest camper the last couple of days and all the other signs are there. YAY for us!!!!

Our little helper!!!

2007-04-14T19:10:00.000-06:00

It was a nice day today so we decided to start on some much needed yard work. And we had just the right equipment for Grayson to help us. Here he is raking with Daddy,

and showing off his little gardening apron.

I am still holding out for my pics from Kelowna but if they don't come before my mom leaves for Toronto this week, I don't know if I will ever get them.

As a side note: To my dear friend Carmen...I think you spoke too soon! I am not going to say too much as I don't want to jinx the Flames but at least my team scored a goal, and against Dominick Hasek not Marty Turco!!! But we will have to see how they do in the morning.

GO FLAMES GO!!!!!

Still waiting

2007-04-12T12:05:00.000-06:00

So I am still waiting for pictures from my mom. I guess she is busy with work or they can't figure her camera out. Until then GO FLAMES GO!!!! Lets bring the cup to Calgary this year, it has been too long!!!

Back from summer!!!

2007-04-10T08:58:00.000-06:00

Well at least the weather in Kelowna last weekend felt like summer. We are back and trying to get back into the regular routine. I will have pictures to publish as soon as my mom figures out how to get them from her camera. I am anxiously awaiting an e-mail delivery soon.

Ta Ta till then.

Sorry!!

2007-04-01T15:45:00.000-06:00

First off let me say sorry to all those who like updates on my blog. I was sick for a week, then Grayson was sick, now Shane is sick. Also I am frantically trying to get all our wedding invites done before Shane goes back to work. So we are off to Kelowna for my birthday and Easter and I promise to add some new pictures either from there or when we get back.

Secondly, sorry to Carmen!!!! HA HA!!! Calgary won last night. We came out fighting..literally and stayed strong til the end to win 3-2. Vancouver played a great 3rd period but just couldn't get the goals they needed to be triumphant. GO FLAMES GO!!!!

Grayson

2007-03-17T20:05:00.000-06:00

Here is one of Grayson's newest past times...OK maybe not too new but he is getting more inventive with where he likes to get into. I am trying to get a picture of him climbing behind the couch to crawl into the built in we have behind it but he is too quick to get out when I head for the camera.

Here he is trying to make a phone cal on an old cell phone while climbing from the cupboard..as you can see all the tupperware that was in there is spread all over the floor.

And here he is intent on "The Big Comfy Couch" and Mimi as he calls it until he notices me approaching.

Then it turns into this.....

But never loosing sight of Mimi and "The Big Comfy Couch" in his quest to reach me and the camera.

One for Brie

2007-03-13T12:49:00.000-06:00

This is for Brie who is in Taiwan and misses the Canadian winter...OK maybe just seeing snow once and a while. Here are some scenes from the Wintery Wonderland Calgary turned into today. It was beautiful last weekend, so much so that we were in shorts, and last night around 5pm it started snowing. It just stopped and here is what it looks like.

Tuesday is Zoo day!!

2007-03-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

SO it seems that Tuesday afternoon has become Mommy and Grayson's Zoo day. If the weather continues to be nice that is. Today was BEAUTIFUL!!!! We saw Lions,

and Elephants,

and Bears.

We saw Camels,

and Hippos,

and Giraffes...the baby was just born this year!!

We saw Mountain Goats and Lynx and a Wolf, other things that I got pictures of but this post is getting too long. The one things we didn't see was the Tigers, they are doing construction on the habitat so they were away.

Oh and this wild creature as well.

Can't forget about him!!!

1 for Carmen

2007-03-03T12:47:00.000-07:00

Here is Grayson in the hat Mommy got him from the hockey game she attended last Saturday...when the Flames trounced San Jose 7-4. He still has a hard time keeping them on but I am trying to train him now. He much prefers when they are Mommy's or Daddy's, not his own.

Another passion

2007-03-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

Only 2 points to go to catch the Division leader Vancouver Canucks. GO FLAMES GO!!!!!

And for fans of my other boys...here's the crazed little on after an nap, enjoying a snack.

Banff

2007-02-28T15:40:00.000-07:00

Shane was finally home last weekend after 24 days away. It was SO nice and he actually got an extra couple of days at home than usual. So we took advantage and spent the afternoon in Banff on Sunday. It was nice and sunny for the most part, not that these pictures show it, but this was the beginning of the snow...which there is now ALOT of.

He is off to work again for another 8 days...it better only be a regular shift this time or the wrath will come down. 10 days is long enough!!!

This last one is what happens when Grayson tries to walk up a frozen plastic slide!! Some day he may learn, but then again he is a man.

Went to theZoo...

2007-02-20T21:12:00.000-07:00

but forgot my camera!!! I am so silly! I had a big plan of a nice day at the Zoo, well we went and in the rush to get out of the house I forgot to grab the camera. Grayson only napped for about 1/2hr today so I really needed to get him out and save us both a bit of unneeded stress. It was a nice day and we saw lots of animals. We will do it again when the weather gets better.

On the brighter side, only 48 hours or less until Shane is home from work!!! YIPEE!!!!!

4 sleeps and counting!!!

2007-02-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

Well as some of you may know, Shane has been at work for 20 days straight. Yep, I said 20 days straight...it will be 24 once he gets home. Needless to say I am counting down the days, hours, seconds until he is back and get some help with the littlest Bates. He is still fighting with his canine teeth and hasn't been sleeping the best. And when Grayson doesn't sleep, Mommy doesn't sleep.

The weather here has been really nice but unfortunately not all Calgarians believe in shovelling their sidewalks. So taking a stroller out for a walk is not the best thing to do even though the sun is shining and the birds are singing. I think we made it 2 blocks before it was too treacherous to continue. The weather is supposed to continue for a couple of days and seeing as how this is the "Family Day" long weekend; and yet I have no family here, and am not getting to whole reason behind Albertans needing a long weekend every month; I have little to do tomorrow as many things are not open. Thus being said I am going to try the Zoo on Tuesday, so hope to have some pics to post Tuesday night.

Ta Ta

Here we go!!!

2007-02-15T12:45:00.000-07:00

Lots of miscellaneous pics from Kelowna. Grayson and Mommy at the park,

Grayson being a little sneaky bugger,

Grayson and Auntie Krista drawing,

Grayson in Pampa's (Grampa's) chair,

and the "piece du resistance" Grayson and all his friends napping.

Sorry Carm, it is the best toque ever and he will wear it until it doesn't fit anymore.

1 for the meantime

2007-02-12T13:02:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture from last Monday morning when we went sledding at Hudson and Joanne's house. The weather in Calgary was fantastic and if it picks up again we will for sure have another day like this one.

We will be home tomorrow so I should get a chance to post again with more pictures from sledding and Kelowna. Oh and a big CONGRATULATIONS goes out to the Speakman family on their second pregnancy. I am sure Caleb will truly enjoy being a big brother...I know Grayson will when we decide to make him one.

In Kelowna

2007-02-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Hello All,

Well it seems that Shane is working 24 days straight...for the first and last time, so needless to say I needed to get away and have some company with Grayson. Because of that, we are in Kelowna until Tuesday. We flew here, very spontaneously Monday night for a quick visit with Granny and Grandpa before they left for Mexico. Now we are hanging out with Auntie Krista. I will post again when we are home and put up some new pictures.

until then...Ta ta

1 more tooth and counting

2007-02-01T15:37:00.000-07:00

So I have had a couple of bad nights and days with Grayson lately and the reason is his bottom right canine has decided to pop out and join the party. YIPEE!!! Only 3 more to go and a bit of a break again...until the 2 year molars. Actually besides his reaction to Shane leaving etc, he has been doing quite well with these teeth.

Boy in the Box

2007-01-29T15:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry to rip off an old Corey Hart tune, but we were getting some things together for Value Village and Grayson wanted to get in on the action.

Then he got stuck.

It looks a little mean but it was quite funny. We kept telling him he would fall in but he didn't want to believe us.

Cutie in a touque!!

2007-01-28T13:27:00.000-07:00

Here is the little man in his new touque. It is reversible and is red on the inside...obviously mommy bought it for him.

Also, I bought my wedding dress yesterday!! I want to show it to the whole world but I have to wait until September...boo hoo!!!

Wedding Information

2007-01-23T18:19:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

As many of you may know, Shane asked me to marry him on Christmas Day. As for the wedding it is September 22nd, 2007. Originally it was going to be a small family/close friends thing but of course all that has changed. It is still going to be invitation only, some of our attended weddings recently have been out of control when it came to the reception, but it is going to be a "real" wedding. But ours will have the cutest ring bearer ever!!! Unless of course he decides he doesn't feel like walking down the aisle..or over the bridge as it is going to be. So far we have purchased invitations, booked our location, secured a commissioner, and I think I have found a dress. I also have Bridesmaid dresses to choose from and we found some rings. So barring any unforeseen circumstances it may all come together nicely. Oh and I won $100.00 towards a DJ service at the Wedding Fair last weekend.

There is an update for all those interested. Sorry if you don't really care and this bores you...well no I'm not you didn't have to continue to read it did you!?

And here is Grayson doing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider"

My son..my darling, darling son!!!

2007-01-22T21:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, so as many of you know Shane and I are getting married this September. Well I attended the Wedding Fair in Calgary yesterday. My girlfriends cupcake shop had a booth so obviously I needed a sample. Well, I didn't eat it and I brought it home. So I left Grayson alone for 5 seconds and he found it. This is what he looked like just before bed tonight.Sorry the picture is blurry, he just won't sit still anymore.

From Carmen

2007-01-22T13:06:00.000-07:00

Carmen tagged me on her blog so I had to fill all this out.

A-Available or Taken: does engaged with a kid count? Taken

B-Best Friend: A couple from different times in my life: and you know who you are

C-Cake or Pie: Chocolate cake all the way!

D-Drink of Choice: Diet Coke or Coffee

E-Essential Item (s) Used Everyday: Computer & any children's book

F-Favorite Colour: orange

G-Gummy Bears or Worms: Worms

H-Hometown: Newmarket, Ontario..spent a great 12 years there. Now it is Calgary, AB

I-Indulgence: Shopping for Grayson

J-January or February: January - World Junior Hockey Championship! Go Canada Go! Piggybacking on Carmen's answer

K-Kids & Names: Son - Grayson

L-Life Is Incomplete Without: Family, friends, hockey and rugby

M-Marriage Date: Will be September 22 if all goes as planned

N-Number of Siblings: 2 sisters: Kathryn and Krista - 28

O-Oranges or Apples: Have to honestly say both, it depends on my mood

P-Phobias or Fears: ?

Q-Favorite Quote: ?

R-Reason To Smile: My son!!!

S-Season: Fall for sure: all the pretty colours, but summer for Rugby

T-Tag 3 or 4 People: alas, Carmen tagged me and no one else reads me.

U-Unknown Fact About Me: I can be a girlie girl some times

V-Vegetable You Don't Like: BROCCOLI

W-Worst Habit: Too many to choose from

X-X-rays: Stomach, toe, ankle, teeth, knee...and so on and so on

Y- Your Favorite Food: a really good curry...which my future husband is awesome at, for a short white kid.

Z-Zodiac Sign: Aries and yep I am a stubborn, pigheaded, extrovert.

Thanks Auntie Kathryn!!

2007-01-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

This comes courtesy of my sister. She took this picture over Christmas while we were all in Kelowna.

I have been bad at picture taking the last couple of days. Shane has been home since Tuesday night and all we have been doing is wedding stuff. We have bought the invitations and today found and put a down payment on our venue. It is all coming together nicely...so far!! I will try to be better with the camera this weekend.

Water Baby!!

2007-01-15T14:13:00.000-07:00

I so can't wait to take Grayson to the Dominican and let him get his first taste of the ocean. He loves the water so much; pools, spray parks, his bath.

SO much he nevers wants to get out!!

Rugby Kids

2007-01-14T20:33:00.000-07:00

We had our first "Ram Lamb" get together today in a couple of months and it was nice to see all the little ones and how they have grown, with the exception of Tazer who was sick. Also, we got to welcome the newest addition, Angie's little girl Ivy, who joined the gang last November. Here is the best picture of the kiddos that I got...it was a lot easier when none of them could really move around. Margo isn't looking though.

Here is Ivy on her own...she is SO petite!!

And then of course, our little man.

And I am not sure if this makes me a bad Mom, but I couldn't help it. Grayson and Jade were playing and all of a sudden Grayson was in the laundry basket. It was too funny so I had to take a picture.

That is all for tonight.

Just a cute picture.

2007-01-13T11:50:00.000-07:00

So I try to wrap Grayson up in towels like I do when I get out of the shower..oh for those who don't know, he showers with me nearly everyday!!! Anyhoo, here is the outcome of the wrapping job, it usually only last for about 30 seconds before he is scampering around in his birthday suit.

The face of feeling better

2007-01-13T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is Grayson this morning polishing off almost a whole piece of toast with peanut butter on it. A little bit of medicine goes a long way...that and he slept most of the day yesterday. Now I just have the daunting task of getting him to sleep on his regular schedule and by himself again. He got WAY too used to snuggling with Mommy while he was sick.

Here are a few more shots of the visibly happier boy this morning.

Oh yeah, and he has taken to the travel booster seat instead of his highchair now. He really screams if I try to put him in his highchair. So I guess that Wal-Mart gift card we got will buy a plastic, permanent booster for the "growing up too fast" Grayson Bates.

It's my life!!

2007-01-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

So my week has been quite eventful. It started off OK, I was feeling a little poopy but nothing I couldn't deal with. Tuesday I took Grayson to the doctors as I thought he was getting another ear infection, but the doc gave us the all clear. Well if there is one thing I know it is Grayson when he is getting sick, and on Tuesday he was beginning to get sick. Joanne and Hudson came over for supper that night and all was well, until about 8pm when I began to feel ill. I had to call Joanne to make sure I didn't poison us all. Then later that night I was up sick, I threw up more than I have ever remembered...except for my drinking years. It was horrible. And of course my worst thought is that Grayson would get it. As it turns out he didn't get throw up sick thank god, but as the doctor confirmed this morning, he has the beginning of another ear infection. Which explains why he has been a real treat for the last 3 days and I could sense it was coming. I was just a few days ahead of it. Right now he is in Mommy and Daddy bed fast asleep and has been since about 11:30am. He has barely eaten in the past couple of days, but thankfully today he drank a pediasure which made me feel better. The last time we tried him with them he wanted nothing to do with it. I am hoping he wakes up and I can try him with some oatmeal as he didn't like the soup idea yesterday, but I want him to eat something more substantial.

That has been my week in a nutshell. Hopefully next is better and I can get a few more shots of the big guy for you all to see.

Running around outside.

2007-01-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

Well since winter hasn't really hit us yet...with the exception of a cold snap in like October/November, Grayson has been enjoying the days outside. It is nice and sunny, and apart from the wind quite lovely. Here he is running around what you can call our front yard yesterday after we got back from the movie store.

And the rosy cheek of the fresh air loving boy.

Can't forget!!!

2007-01-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

The ring!!!

This is the best I could get on my hand. I will try for it in the box to see if I can get a better angle.

Quick one.

2007-01-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick post with a few pictures from Christmas. I promise to write more once more pictures come in.

First his ballpit at Grandma and Chip's house.

Then our tree Christmas morning. Most of which was for Grayson of course.

Then the man of the week in his cutie Christmas pj's. Of couse he isn't the camera hog he used to be so it is hard to get him to sit still long enoug for a photo op. And he and Daddy opening presents. Mommy stays behind the camera until at least 3 cups of coffee.

Very Bad Blogger!!!

2007-01-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

I am sorry I haven't been keeping up on the blogging but with the holidays being SO hectic, I couldn't find the time. Now if I can get Grayson to nap again I will try to post 1 or 2 with new pictures.

Quite a bit has happened so I do have a lot to say and I know there are a few things people are waiting to see. Hopefully soon everyone.

Love you all
Karen

Too much bragging!!

2006-12-19T12:29:00.000-07:00

So I have been so impressed with the change in Grayson's sleep that I have been telling everyone how great he is. Yep, last night it was like nothing had ever changed. I don't know if it is the Chinook or the last molar completing it's decent or what, but all the stuff he was doing was gone and we were right back to the starting line. Poopy, Poopy, Poopy!! I was most unhappy.

Awe well, only 6 more days til Christmas and I am SO excited!!!! That and Shane comes home tonight, 2 days early, YIPEE!!!

Peek-A-Boo...I see you!!

2006-12-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to get these pictures for days and I just finally did this morning. Grayson thinks he is being sly and tries to get at the tree when we are not looking. Well, we know!!

Here he is showing just how sneaky he tries to be...and how he loves to get caught. In the next picture you will see him diving away from the tree after he knows I saw him.

And here are just some various pictures from the last couple of days. He has been trying to get into his toy buckets a lot lately so I put him in one the other day..and then he got caught in one this morning.

And back to the obsession with the tree, he loves the lights and plays with the few that hang off near the plug.

And last but not least...Sir Grayson of the Crazy Laugh!!! Yes he is laughing at the cat who I believe just hissed at him.

Where's Grayson

2006-12-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

I came downstairs to publish an entry and couldn't help but get this on camera.

This is his current napping position. It's like "Where's Waldo?" Can you find Grayson in this picture?

Growing up too fast?

2006-12-13T13:49:00.000-07:00

Now Grayson is not even 17 mths old and he already tells me when he has, or is going to, I haven't quite figured the timing out yet, "poo poo". He points to his bum and says "Poo Poo". Now if we work on the timing we can begin potty training. That and this morning after our shower...yep, he either showers with me or throws stuff at me through the shower curtain, he tried to get himself dressed...well put his diaper on anyway.

He always tries to put his socks and shoes on, but this was the first real attempt at the diaper. I am not too sure I like all of this happening as it is making my baby disappear faster and faster!!

Totally Jinxed

2006-12-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Yep, so last night didn't go as smooth as I had hoped. Grayson was up for 20mins at 9pm and then again at 12:30ish. Then he did the normal 4:30am come and join mommy for a bit longer.

Oh well, baby steps as they say.

Grayson's Cousin

2006-12-09T20:54:00.000-07:00

Here is a picture of our nephew Javen. Shane's sister Renee sent this to me today.

It seems that the mid parts of Ontario...I am not sure if this is Mattawa or North Bay, have enough snow to build snowmen. Here is Javen's first of this season.

Grayson + Blackforest Cake =

2006-12-09T20:45:00.000-07:00

One messy munchkin!!!

Sometimes these things have to be done.

Oh and as you all know Grayson is a VERY bad sleeper. So we went to the doctors on Thursday about it and I have been trying some really tough sleep stuff since then. Hopefully I am not jinxing us, but tonight he only got out of bed fussing once and was asleep before 7:45pm...which is Friggin' fantastic. And the last 2 nights he has slept from bedtime...8ish until 4:30-5am, which again is phenomenal!! Lets just hope this is the beginning of something truly amazing...I had forgotten what sleep was.

HUGE, HUGE MILESTONE!!

2006-12-07T21:01:00.000-07:00

Well Grayson for the first time tonight, said Da Da to Shane on the phone. I usually put the phone up to his ear so Shane can say "Hello". Tonight however, when Shane said "Hey buddy" Grayson answered with "Da Da. Da Da". It brought tears to my eyes and probably to Shane's as well but he would never admit it.

Just thought I would share I am quite ecstatic about it.

Few new bits.

2006-12-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

So as I said I wanted to do, I added a few things to the tree. The Flames Ornament is not new but in order to get the Mice Skiing rotating ornament I needed a wider picture. And as you can see I timed it great, so I only got the ass end of it.

This "Ho Ho Ho" one also rotates but I was disappointed as I hoped the Ho Ho Ho would light up as well, it doesn't.

Here is the tree all lit up again. It looks a bit fuller but the camera can lie, as I do not have enough ornaments nor a real need to decorate it, the back of the tree is bare. I did however add some new decorated glass balls to the tree so the front is quite a bit fuller.

Give me a post-Christmas sale or 2 and a couple more holidays and the tree will be so full you won't be able to see green...well maybe not as I quite like a more minimal approach to decorating.

Christmas '06

2006-12-06T14:53:00.000-07:00

Here they are for you all to see!!!

And don't worry you will all be getting your copies soon enough...just be patient.

Kid with a death wish!?

2006-12-05T11:20:00.000-07:00

OK, Grayson even though he has been scratched numerous times, still enjoys tormenting poor Road Kitty any chance he gets. As you can see she stills loves his Spiderman chair, but he now likes to sit on top of her and assert his position in the house...and the chair.

Really after the amount of times he has been scratched, bitten or whatever else, you think he would have learned. Of course not!!

BTW: that is an old wrapping paper roll in his hand. I am trying to get a jump on things this year...but I am not as crazy as Carmen!!

Missing Pieces

2006-12-03T19:15:00.000-07:00

Here are a few things I forgot to include and a picture of the tree in the dark all lit up.

Our stockings are simply tacked to the wall under our shelves as we have no real mantel or anywhere else to hold them for the time being. Once filled they will simply sit on the couch like last year.

Grayson has already attempted to grab things on the tree but we are trying to keep him away. Here he is tempting fate as we look on.

And here he manages to grab an ornament before we catch him...but of course I had to take a picture before taking him away.

And finally the tree lit up.

UPDATE!!!

2006-12-03T18:00:00.000-07:00

Only 8 teeth to go...All of Grayson's molars are FINALLY through!!!! YIPEE!!! I stuck my finger in his mouth today, just to check and I can feel them all. Perhaps this means some sleep until the canines begin to appear!?

Out of touch!!

2006-12-03T13:52:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been out of touch, but as my mom so nicely pointed out on her visit here, I am very rundown. Grayson still isn't sleeping the greatest therefor neither am I. Here is a picture of him trying on my shoes. I haven't been taking too many as of late but will make up for it.

Anyhoo...Here we are 22 days til Christmas and I have our tree up. It was either this weekend or Christmas Eve, so I chose this weekend. Shane leaves for work on Monday until the 21st, so if I wanted to get it done without little hands all over it I needed to do it today. And here it is in all its glory. I think it is missing something so I will fill it in and take more pictures...and I will for sure take pictures of it once it hits the floor, which I am hoping doesn't happen but with Grayson you never really know.

The tree topper was Shane's idea.

He likes to think of himself as the Grinch but we all know better. Now that we have Grayson he is just as excited about Christmas as the rest of us.Godzilla was purchased last year, after Christmas I believe and is a great addition to our tree. He lights up and makes fierce noises...we have yet to play him for Grayson. And this little doggie in the Jolly Jumper was Grayson's 1st Christmas ornament. Hallmark has sets and this year we will add the number 2 in the series and so on and so on.

That is about all for now. I have a little movie of Grayson admiring the tree but alas, I do not know how to attach it to a post. Maybe someone will show me the way of the blog...Carmen got any tips?

Until next time....lots of holiday cheer..the Bates Family.

Bad blogger!!!

2006-11-25T20:01:00.000-07:00

Where to begin???

Shane left for work Monday and I have yet to sleep in my bed alone. That sounds bad but between the top molars finally coming through, the bottom ones starting, and as I found out today, another ear infection; Grayson has needed the company so that we both got sleep over the past week. Needless to say I am exhausted and have been losing it a bit so picture taking and blogging are the furthest thing from my mind. I am hoping the medicine and some sleep will help us both and I can get back on track.

Ta Ta.

PS: Dylan is going to be a big brother, which I think I mentioned before, but Heather is having a little girl!!!! YIPEE!!!!