Summer in a nutshell

In just a short few weeks, our little A is entering Kindergarten.  We are trying to savor the last bit of summer and enjoy this time before September kicks in.  As much as we are looking forward to sending A off to school, it's also sad to let him go!! 

Granville Island

 

homemade monkey cupcakes for Noah's bday

This summer has been filled with some lazy days and some busy days.  Poh-poh came for a visit and was here to celebrate Noah's 3rd birthday.  We managed to do some hikes around North Vancouver (much to Auntie Lulu's prompting!) and we were utterly surprised at how easily the boys hiked 4km!  We also had our first family camping trip to Porteau Cove this past weekend.  We all enjoyed the simplicity of the great outdoors -the boys played endlessly with rocks and logs and even Emmy had fun crawling in nature- we are definitely doing it again.  Sleeping will hopefully be better for Emmy next time since this time around, she woke up every two hours or so.  Despite the lack of sleep, it was all worth it!!!  Camping was even more special as we were surrounded by wonderful and generous friends.  Can you believe that we not only had one canoe to use but two?!? 

waterfront view

One sad event happened this summer:  saying good-bye to Milo (our first dog).  Due to an unfortunate event of Milo biting Aidan, we decided to put him down.  Thankfully, Aidan was not hurt and the bite did not break any skin but it was one of the hardest things that we've had to do.  Milo was getting quite old (not exactly sure how old he was as he was adopted from the SPCA, maybe ~13 years) and we think that the added stress of the kids was starting to get to him.    We want to remember Milo as our loyal rescue dog who loved tummy rubs, cheese and oranges.  We were also able to adopt Rylee because we already had Milo!  All in all, Milo had a good life and we miss him lots.  Here is one of the last moments that we had with him...

Happy 6 months Emmy!!

Wow, and just like that 6 months has passed since Emmy's birth.  I know that it's such a cliche when people say "time flies" but truly, this time around, it really has.  I look at her and I'm amazed at how she's no longer just lying there like a log, but either playing happily in her exersaucer or jumping on her jolly jumper.  My little girl is growing up.  She started solids as well but doesn't seem to really enjoy anything other than carrots at the moment.  I think that she wants to eat exactly what we are eating rather than that pureed stuff!


A lot of people ask me if it's different having a girl from a boy and thus far, I've noticed that she's a lot calmer.  During one of our play dates, Emmy was hanging with a boy her age, while she was content with staring at her friend;  he, on the other hand, just rolling and rolling and rolling non-stop!!  It's nice to finally have a "calmer" kid!  But we will see what happens once she really starts to move around.


What I cherish the most this time around is seeing the special bond between all the siblings.  Aidan takes his big brother role very seriously and protects her like there's no tomorrow.  Watch out!  :)  He greets her with a huge smile and hug in the morning and insists on having "special time" with her daily.  He loves her so much!!  


Noah emulates his goh goh so he also asks for "special time" with Emmy, too.  He also enjoys taking care of her!  I was expecting more jealousy from Noah but thus far, he seems to have adjusted quite well.  I try really hard to give him lots of attention as a middle child!

Life can be extremely busy and frustrating with three kids but my goal is to savor it and enjoy every moment as much as I can!  (yes, even when I'm disciplining and they are fighting).  I know in just four short months, Aidan will be starting Kindergarten and "time will fly" even faster then.

The dissapearance of the dinosaurs

While eating breakfast this morning, Aidan shares his latest thoughts with me. He asked me whether or not God existed during the time of the dinosaurs, and I said "yes". He, then explains how the dinosaurs died, "It was because God was playing with a ball, kicked it and it trans (transformed) into a meteor and hit the earth".

2011 Reflections

This has been by far one of the most eventful years for our family. We sold our duplex in Marpole and moved to Steveston. We got pregnant and had our baby girl in November. New jobs. New friends. New neighbors. It has really been a fantastic and stressful year to say the least!

We look forward to settling down and getting used to being a family of five. We are thankful to be surrounded by loving family and friends as we have received so much encouragement and support during this transitional period. We are most proud of our boys because they have welcomed Emmy into our family with open arms, showering her with kisses all the time and fighting over who gets to hold her first.

Wishing you a wonderful 2012!!

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

Happy 1 month Emmy!!

Wow, it's hard to believe that one month has already passed since the birth of our baby girl! Emilia is a joy to have and the boys have adjusted so well with their new sister. We are so proud of both A and N!! They love her so much already. Just the other day, Aidan tells her out of the blue: "I'm going to love you forever". That totally melted my heart.

Surprisingly, the transition from having 2 to 3 kids has been more seamless than from 1 to 2 kids. It might be because Emilia has been an easy baby or maybe I am just more of a relaxed mother. I must also add that I have a lot of help from Vince, my mom and my sister. Reality will set in at the end of the month where I will finally be on my own.


Many, many thanks to Auntie Melissa (owner of Green Pomme Photography) for taking our family pictures for us! You are awesome. xoxo, Chan familia

p.s. The first picture shown is known as the "Lea" pose

Our Baby Girl

It all started in the evening of Tuesday Nov. 8th when Isabel's contractions were about ten minutes apart while having dinner at home. We were so thankful that baby decided to wait until Auntie Lulu came home from China as an extra pair of hands to take care of the boys while we went to the hospital was crucial. Mom was already here from TO and we were already enjoying home cooked meals and her wonderful care!

We left to the hospital at 10:00pm and baby came at 2:27am. Isabel would concur that this is by far the most laborious labor even though she felt as though she's had prior experience. With no meds, and a painful (very, very PAINFUL) back labour, Emilia was born after four pushes. What made Isabel endure this kind of pain is knowing that this will be the last time!! And of course, having Vince's enduring support through it all, also made it more bearable.

We would love to introduce you to our newest addition to the Chan Familia:

Emilia Grace Chan
November 9, 2011
6 lbs. 12 ounces