Jacob Turns One!

Hi everyone. Sorry it has been so long. Things have been very busy here in the Taylor residence. We are about 98% complete on the basement development. I couldn't be happier as now Ethan has a new room, we have a place where the kids can be rowdier and mommy can have some quite time in the more "formal" sitting area upstairs.

My pregnancy is going well. I have 5 weeks to go but I am in huge nesting mode and feel that the baby is coming sooner.

Jacob is doing great! He's walking and sorta talking but really not making any sense. We've established that "mama" means food (probably because I'm the one who always gives it to him) and "nana" means he wants his bottle and a nap. He says "uh-oh" and dada too. He gets into everything! And teases you by getting close to things he's not supposed to and then runs away.

I can't believe he is already 1. Time goes by so fast. Here are some pictures from his party. Enjoy and we'll talk to you soon!

Yes, we are still alive!

Sorry for not keeping the blog up to date (it's been over two months since the last entry).
There have been many things keeping this young family busy: Nadia's pregnancy, basement development, yard work (ours and Maria's), entertaining the kids, etc., etc. Everyone is doing well, and we'll be soon on a week-long holiday to B.C.
Please enjoy the following pictures, summarizing the last few weeks.











Ethan, Kiera, and their Great-Auntie June (our trip to visit family in Saskatchewan, May Long Weekend)












Jacob and Mommy (at cousin Cathy's 40th birthday party)












Jacob and Daddy (at the Calgary Stampede)












San Diego (Bob attended a work-related conference in June)

Soccer Season is Back!

We've finally been enjoying warm Spring weather in Calgary, and with it the first few games of soccer. Ethan's team is from age seven to eight, but he still towers over everyone.

So far, his team remains undefeated (it's still a fun league, so they don't officially keep track) and Ethan has scored four goals so far. Enjoy some photos from his most recent game.

Update!

Yes, Yes I know it has been for-evah! Here are some photos of Jacob to keep everyone happy. He's been doing really good. He now has 4 teeth on his bottom jaw. He is also officially crawling. I will try to capture the crawling on my mom's camera and post it. (If I can do that) So everyone can see him in action.

The weeks are going by smoothly. I wish the weather was a little better! After spending 2 weeks in paradise I have to admit that the weather here is the pits. So I'm spending my days waiting for some sunshine.

Jacob went to the doctor last week. He is 21 1/2 pounds. Heavy boy! He's very healthy and doing really well. I've started introducing him to solids. He does not like carrots. But he loves Sweet Potatoes, Butternut Squash, Bananas, Apples and Pears. I'll have to work a little harder on the carrots.

Jacob is always getting into things he's not supposed to. He crawls into his toybox. He can open our tv stand door (by the handle I might add). Today I was big on teaching him no. Once he figured out that it wasn't a good thing and stopped laughing at me he put his head in his hands and cried. A little later he went to check out some cords and I said no and he pulled his hand away and kept on crawling by. Did I already master the all important rule of teaching your child No......I think not. I'm sure I'll have to remind him again soon.



Going....












Going....













Gone!











The four teeth!
















Up to no good!









Jacob, what are you looking for?

Pictures From Our Vacation

We had a fantastic time in the Seychelles and brought back many photos. I have posted a good number of them on our Flickr site. Eventually, I plan to compile a photo album of all our memories, and show them personally to friends and family.

For now, CLICK HERE to see our photos on Flickr, Note: as you browse, you can click on each photo to see a larger version, then click on the "All Sizes" button (along the top of the enlarges photo) to see the original (large) size.

Thanks to all who have been following our trip. It's good to be home!!!

In the Seychelles (Day 3, 4, and 5)

The internet connection on the island is painfully slow, so to keep you all up to date, the number of postings will be limited plus no more photos will be uploaded. We will organize our trip details upon returning to Calgary and send out a blanket e-mail. Otherwise, I can summarize the last three days as such.

Day 3 - Victoria, capital of Seychelles. Nadia and I enjoyed the day touring this simple yet charming city, enjoying the shops, restaurants, and especially the people. The residents of this island are well educated and westernized. They often speak more than one language and dress in the same clothes that Canadians wear (in the Summer months, at least). The greatest aspect of the people is they are truly a happy people who enjoy life without hurting anyone in the process. They greet tourists on the streets and are willing to share a smile with you.

Day 4 - Snorkelling excursion. Nadia and I joined six others on a snorkelling excursion to a national marine park. The experience was incredibly fun and satisfying -- we swam with a sea turtle and saw a giant manta ray hiding under a coral reef. Our guides took us ashore on a nearby beach where they cooked us a fresh creole meal (tuna) with salad, and free alcohol. The other patrons all worked together as a flight crew on Qatar airlines. We had a blast partying with these guys and gals, who were from all parts of Africa, Europe, and Asia. In the evening Ken and Adele took us back into Victoria to eat dinner at one of the most popular restaurants. Great food and great people.

Day 5 - Island tour and Football. Ken and Adele drove Nadia and I around the southern part of Mahe (pronounced MAA-hee). We frequented three separate beaches, one of which we snorkelled for a couple hours -- another enjoyable experience. In the afternoon/evening we attended an international football (soccer, for you North Americans) match between Seychelles and Tunisa. The stadium was alive with people cheering and chanting. Unfortunately, the home country lost 0-2, and the fans retreated from the stands rather quickly -- much like a Calgary Flames game (which made me feel at home).

Now, a preview of what's next (in case we don't get to update the blog).

Day 6 - Beachside brunch with more snorkelling
Day 7 - Intra-island tour, La Digue (pronounced LA-deeg)
Day 8 - Intra-island tour, Praslin (pronounced PRAW-lyn)
Day 9 - Return to Mahe and wind down before leaving
Day 10 - Leave Seychelles, land in Frankfurt
Day 11 - Leave Frankfurt, land in Calgary

In the Seychelles (Day 2)

Today was a day for hiking, because Nadia and I like to hike. We quickly realized that we didn't like hiking in 30°C-plus, 85% humidity. Regardless, the effort was worth it as we found ourselves at Anse Major, a secluded beach with white sand an crashing waves.

We enjoyed the beach with only two other people for the afternoon, between floating in the ocean (did I mention the water is warmer than a heated swmming pool) or lying in the sand watching the ghost crabs scurry across to their underground dens.

Upon our return to Beau Vallon, we joined Ken, Adele, and (their son) Daniel at the main beach to watch the sunset. Being a Wednesday night, the locals host an open market for cooked food and local crafts, etc., mainly for the tourists but frequented by locals. Nadia and I enjoyed some food, dessert, and drink, then returned to home base to wind down.

No jet lag anymore, it's bloody hot, and we're loving every minute.

Sunset at Beau Vallon

In the Seychelles

We've arrived safe and sound, after over 26 hours of flying, transfers, airport waits, etc. We think that the jet lag will be corrected after our first sleep tonight.

Ken and Adele Mansell are our hosts and already are treating us like VIPs. After we arrived, Adele took us to Beau Vallon beach -- probably the most famous beach on the island. The next few days will see us hiking, touring the capital city of Victoria, snorkelling, and driving tours.

Keep checking in to see what we've experienced.

Nadia and Adele lounging on Beau Vallon

Our vacation in the Seychelles

Nadia and I are off to the Seychelles. As I mentioned in an earlier post, we may not update the blog until we return to Canada -- but we'll try. Can't wait to tell you all about it!

Enjoying our Son

Last week Nadia and I went to a nearby park to spend the afternoon in the sun while enjoying a picnic. It turned out to be a beautiful day, and in typical Calgary fashion, winter returned within 12 hours. Regardless, it was a great way to spend the day.

Jacob is beginning to crawl around the house. For now he is mostly moving backwards, but can pivot in any direction at will. Tummy time used to be one of Jake's least favorite activities -- not any more!

Most of you are aware of our imminent vacation overseas. Nadia and I are counting the hours. However, many may not know the painful experience we went through to get Nadia's passport.

Long story-short, Nadia mailed her application Jan. 8th and there was no indication that we would have issues based on our timeline. Then, half of Canada floods the passport office with applications because of the new rules to enter the U.S.A. To be honest, I had no idea this was due to happen nor did I consider their deadline. Anyways, the typical 20 business-day turnaround turned into 45 business days! However, this still left us with enough time before our trip. Nadia called the passport office early on and they gave her instructions to follow-up closer to our trip.

Then Nadia calls a week before any chance of receiving her passport on time, and the agent on the other line said that "It's not processed yet, but you should have it next Friday. No guarentees though, and don't bother going in person -- they won't be able to do anything." Needless to say, Nadia was a wreck on that day. So, we regrouped over the weekend and got all the necessary paperwork together to go to the federal govenment building Monday morning. We both waited in line for about two hours (Jake was amazing), and the agents were able to track Nadia's passport -- it was printed and in the QC process. Passport Canada arranged to Xpress Post it to Calgary and...........

.........we received it yesterday (OH MY GOD, we are SO happy!) Now we're beginning to pack and enjoying the next few hours with our two boys.

We'll do our best to update our blog while on vacation but it will likely be after we're back in Canada before we post anything.

Enjoy some pictures of Jacob, in the mean time.











Our picnic (Baker Park, Calgary)













Dad and Jacob











Jacob starting to crawl











Jake and Nikki lying around

Montreal Trip

(News Flash: Jacob cut his first tooth today! Those in Montreal know how close he was while we were visiting last week.)

We had a great time visiting friends and family in Montreal. Jacob was very popular with all he met for the first time (the spotlight no longer shines on Bob). We want to thank everyone who we saw (and couldn't see) who offered us good wishes and gifts for Jacob -- it is greatly appreciated.


Here is a collage of photos taken on our trip (click to enlarge).



Jacob with Mama Giovanna






Nadia with Paolo (Robert and Paola's boy)






Rosalia (Nadia's cousin) with her boy, Lucas






Jacob with Molly (Nadia's Godmother)






Jacob with Carmen (Nadia's Godfather)






Clara, with her sons Frank and Vince






Paola (Nadia's cousin) with baby Paolo





Uncle Luigi with his Mom, Giovanna, and her sister, Maria






Nadia with Papa Mascaro





Auntie Sandra






Uncle George







Jacob with Meghan (Sandra and George's daughter)





Jacob with Samantha (Sandra and George's daughter)





Jacob with Nagypapa

Pernelle, Sam, Cedric, and Audrey (Nadia's good friends)

Cedric

Audrey

Jacob's Baptism

We had a wonderful day this past Sunday. Family and friends joined us to celebrate Jacob's baptism.

Jacob was very well behaved during the entire ceremony. He didn't even peep when the minister poured water on his forehead.

A special thank you to Uncle Luigi and Aunt Victoria for travelling from Montreal to particiapte as God Parents. They both have been enjoying themselves while visiting Calgary.

Oue next blog entry will likely happen after our trip to Montreal. We are looking forward to showing off Jacob to all of Nadia's family -- see everyone back here soon!











The God Parents dressing Jacob













The baptism ceremony














The proud parents

Our Growing Boy

Much to tell since the last entry.

Firstly, Jacob has grown quite a bit since his last doctor appointment. In three weeks he gained 2½ pounds (to 18lbs 10oz), and grew 1½ inches (to 27.5 inches). Geez! He's going to challenge Ethan for biggest Taylor boy. Also, Jake is starting to roll over in his crib, making raspberry sounds and laughing out load -- we're so proud ;)

We recently visited friends in Medicine Hat, which included a road trip to Cypress Hills -- very pretty! Check out some photos on our Flickr site.

Just today, Nadia successfully purchased an exersaucer for Jacob. It's been a long time coming, really, since Jacob loves to be upright which translates to us (mostly Nadia) carrying him around constantly. Here's a cute picture of Jake and his new toy.






















We've also ordered a new car seat which will fit Jake better than his infant car seat.

Next event will be Jacob's baptism on February 18. We have family from Montreal visting us during the baptism, then we'll be travelling back with them to Montreal, which we're very much looking forward to.

So the week has been going really well. We had some friends come to town from Medicine Hat and I held a little dinner party for them and a couple from down the street. We are going to Medicine Hat this coming weekend to have a little visit and do a day trip to hopefully Saskatchewan to take some pictures of the prairie winter.

Jacob is doing really well. On Sunday he almost rolled over. Except it was from his back to his stomach....normally it is reversed. Watching him made my heart skip a beat. Every day is a little something more. He's almost rolling out of his chair. (We are going to need to strap him down) We've started shopping for Excersaucers and Car seats.

Jake goes for his second vaccinations on Friday. I hope he does as well as the previous time.

With our trip to Montreal fast approaching, I'm getting a little nervous about the plane ride with Jacob. He's generally a good kid however he likes to be up a walked around and in a plane that is just not really possible. I'll have to pack lots of quite toys and distractions for him. Otherwise I'm excited for the opportunity to see my family again and visit some of my friends from High School.

I've also been making plans for a trip to the Seychelles in March. I've been taking note of all the hiking trails and plantations and tea farms to visit. As well we've been in touch with Adele (the friend we are staying with) and she's been giving us lots of pointers on where to go what to pack etc. It will be a great trip but I'm sure it will fly by.

I've been exercising lots. I walk pretty much every day with a neighbour and On Sundays and Tuesdays I joined an aerobics style class. The classes are getting easier or maybe I'm getting more fit. Either way I hope that bikini I wear in the Seychelles won't look too bad.
Talk to you all soon!
Nadia

Hello again!

Hi everyone, sorry it has been so long since my last entry. Things have been going well at the Taylor residence.

Ethan is back in school after his Christmas break and he has since joined the "hands on" club at school where you learn lots of clapping and Rock, Paper, Sissor style games. He's back for another session of soccer and is really enjoying it. I, however am not enjoying looking like a chicken with it's head cut off every Thursday. It takes alot of energy to get both Ethan and Jake ready for soccer practice.

Jake is doing really good. He has now doubled his weight since birth and is about 26 inches long now. He's a very heavy boy. Him and I have joined a Mom and baby Fitball class. It gives me a chance to workout and meet other moms in the area. After every class we all go and have coffee and muffins. (Talk about defeating the purpose!) I'm also taking a 20/20/20 aerobic class every Sunday. It's brutal! I'm so out of shape! Also, I've started walking everyday with one of my neighbors who just had a baby as well. All this exercise is of course in preparation for our exotic trip to the Seychelles.

Jacob's baptism has been finalized. He's getting baptized on the 18th of February. His Godparents (Luigi and Vicki, My Uncle and Aunt) will be flying into town. I'm very excited to see them. Two days after the baptism we will be flying to Montreal to introduce Jacob to his Great Grandparents.
Everything else is going well. I promise I will write more entries. I'm so sorry that I haven't been.

Oh and by the way, Bob and I have reached a new low in our life as parents. We spent last Friday night watching the Teletubbies.

Jacob says "Hi!"

I've been playing with my MP3 player and it's ability to record from the built-in microphone. This is definitely the easiest way to record Jacob talking.

However, I've just learned that our Blog does not allow audio files to be posted. If you want Nadia or I to e-mail you Jacob's cute baby talk, just reply to this Blog entry, and we'll send it ASAP.

Happy New Year

We had a great party for our friends and family. The kids had fun tobaggoning and skating while the adults enjoyed the fact that their kids were having fun (of course, tha adults had fun too). Thanks to those who attended, and we hope to see you at the next New Year's Eve party. Here are some photos from the party... you know who you are.