tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83394762011-12-07T10:05:13.579-07:00Chronicles of Mika and DeclanMama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.comBlogger6781100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-77433343912586325772011-10-22T09:51:00.002-06:002011-10-22T09:58:02.123-06:00

I feel like we won the preschool lottery with Declan's school. The teachers are phenomenal in every way, awesome parents, great facility. Declan loves going and has nothing even remotely resembling separation anxiety. The kids are all quite fond of each other and it's sick cute to watch them - I went on a field trip with close to 60 preschoolers and there were zero issues - yay for gentle loving

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-3968719424967646352011-10-21T19:55:00.003-06:002011-10-21T20:01:19.347-06:00

"Even though she can't play on the 1/2 Field with me, she still really loves me." - Mika talking about her friend in grade 3, Angie. Mika brought home a letter today written by her friend Angie that reads:Dear MikaYou are the best girl ever because you are nice and kind. Love: Angie - So strange to me that the girls are in the same classroom, a 2/3 Combined class, but have no green space on which

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-42732972116852985502011-09-26T16:02:00.000-06:002011-09-26T16:02:57.049-06:00

Terry Fox National School Run Day

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-18546394218844388062011-08-24T20:06:00.002-06:002011-08-24T20:08:17.260-06:00

As of tonight, Mika has officially crossed off "ride a two-wheeler unassisted" from her childhood bucket list. Also crossed off in August 2011 were "See the ocean", "Ride in a boat ON the ocean", and "See real orcas". Good month for the kid!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-31730386303320647102011-06-28T11:47:00.002-06:002011-06-28T11:48:53.634-06:00

Declan: I wish I had three arms. One on my tummy right here. Then I could wave at LOTS of people.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-5313677836106174232011-06-28T09:48:00.002-06:002011-06-28T09:50:46.566-06:00

It's the day before the last day of school! YAY! Mika has done wonderfully this year. To help keep up the Chinese, Mika is attending a week-long day camp at the Confucius Institute. Yesterday her class went bowling, today she plays the spoons at the final assembly, and tomorrow she's done!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-54103710762576397182011-05-24T08:35:00.002-06:002011-05-24T08:46:35.689-06:00

I love that my child is more successful at 6 than I feel I am (or have ever been!) at 36. Mika recently placed third in her class for the school's Chinese Speech Contest. She went on to the Provincial Chinese Bridge competition on May 14, 2011 where she competed in three categories: written exam on Chinese culture and knowledge of China, speech, and talent. There were some seriously talented

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-77065376994281538192011-04-24T18:10:00.002-06:002011-04-24T18:37:24.097-06:00

Thumpin'!The kids and their friend Logan ran amok like wild things through Hawrelak Park for Earth Day on Friday afternoon. I made up nerdy seek and find sheets with simple ID instructions, but Mika and Logan were far more interested in tearing around than learning the differences between Spruce and Pine trees. Fair enough. It was the first time the kids have had a chance to just plain run

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-82726439640679282872011-04-19T12:18:00.002-06:002011-04-19T12:26:20.489-06:00

The month of March gives us a chance to wind down from busy February and prepare for whirlwind April. Yesterday was Declan's last dance class for the year and Mika's last Sparks group for the year. Today is Mika's dress rehearsal for her Chinese Dance Club performances tomorrow. Thursday is Mika's last dance class for the year. Friday is Earth Day and we plan on going to a big park to see how

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-82382175226216763962011-03-25T17:56:00.003-06:002011-03-26T18:43:26.659-06:00

Post supper convo:Me: Mika? You OK? - she had been in the bathroom for about 15 mins.Mika: Yeeesssss. I'm just reading. I found this book in here. I think it's called Blade Runner? - In other news, it's Spring Break! Despite the 4 foot snowbanks. Yay! Mika came home with a certificate that the only words I can read on it are the name of her school and a wrapped gift. She tells me she placed third

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-42774676577723210992011-02-23T14:06:00.002-07:002011-02-23T14:43:27.136-07:00

We've been a little busy since Mika went back to school in January. Chinese New Years has become a big deal in our house. We've been celebrating since mid-January and have a final Fun Lunch at the school this Friday to end it.Mika joined an after school traditional chinese dance group late last year. They practice every Tuesday and hit the stage for the first time on February 5, at the City

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-78076454674243878712010-12-30T13:59:00.003-07:002010-12-30T14:01:33.338-07:00

Christmas was grand, kids were spoiled. Shared food and fun with many friends and family. New Years Eve tomorrow - still undecided about what to do.This is a posterity post - Mika was caught cutting her brother's hair today. Wee curls strewn about the basement. Luckily, the boy has so much hair that it's not really noticeable. Oi.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-19624602023240730542010-11-19T09:27:00.002-07:002010-11-19T09:50:31.666-07:00

Another whirlwind week of gymnastics, school, and dance! Ending the school week is report card day - Mika's first first grade report card. She's not concerned about it whatsoever. We finally received her school photo CD. The quality of the prints last year wasn't great, so we opted to just get the shots and order prints elsewhere. Worked out well! We will be attempting to get xmas photos done at

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-77589324696089945992010-11-01T09:37:00.002-06:002010-11-01T09:52:33.313-06:00

The kids had a fantastic Halloween this year. They always do. :)Mika wanted to be a bunny this year. I sewed a felt patch and fluffy tail onto the tummy of her old ballet leotard. Painted her face white with a pink nose and some whiskers and she was good to go. Declan went as Spiderman and a glow-in-the-dark skeleton. He dresses up regularly and, as such, there was no need to buy or make a

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-13860520503327581062010-09-26T23:03:00.002-06:002010-09-26T23:21:46.309-06:00

Kids are grand, Danny and I have been sick. Myself more so. Boohoo!Declan's loving his dance, library and gymnastics classes. Mika's enjoying school, Sparks, dance classes, and gymnastics. She's feeling some social pressure as odd-man-out - the only kid who goes home for lunch in her class. Luckily, she digs the home time enough that it yet to become an issue. She's had some bullying problems and

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-23740917478422087432010-09-11T19:37:00.001-06:002010-09-11T19:38:39.754-06:00

Mika's second tooth came out tonight. Mucho blood. Very dramatic. All good.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-63658688447707331222010-08-16T22:19:00.001-06:002010-08-16T22:19:37.575-06:00

loveOriginally uploaded by MamaTSammi is still Mika's number one friend. She absolutely adores this guy. It's been over four years since she started calling him her boyfriend. From what she says, Sammi was the only good thing about her time at daycare. This shot was taken on Sunday. She went over to hang out and see the one remaining puppy from the litter Sam's chihuahua had earlier in the

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-53358834065485668782010-08-10T18:40:00.003-06:002010-08-10T18:49:44.007-06:00

Declan finally saw his first movie in a theatre today - Toy Story 3. The boy loved the atmosphere. Hanging from the ceiling were some of his favorite 'people' - Batman and Yoda. He also loved the big fire-breathing dragon suspended from the ceiling and wants to go back just to watch the dragon. Amazingly, he stayed in his seat during the show.Both kids loved the movie. Mika detests daycare

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-32104193882502107422010-07-19T09:48:00.002-06:002010-07-19T09:51:51.219-06:00

Somewhere between the night of July 17 and the wee hours of the morning of July 18, Mika lost her first tooth while camping in Okotoks. She said she lost the tooth in the tent a couple of times, but had it proudly between her fingers to show me in the morning. Her new tooth has already pushed through the gums. Not long now before the rest of those baby teeth start popping out. Declan is very

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-24320638504339648312010-06-28T23:18:00.002-06:002010-06-28T23:19:23.289-06:00

Tomorrow is the last day of school already! What a year, what a year. Fantastic, all of it.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-56397950332524787042010-06-24T12:35:00.004-06:002010-06-24T13:09:21.190-06:00

This is Declan sporting his Dave Seville/Luke Skywalker costume. He made his own lightsaber. Methinks Danny was letting Declan make all the search queries on youtube this morning while I was at the school's field day with Mika. He loves the lightsaber duel montages and the chipmunks. It may be genetic. My brother and I had chipmunk and smurf albums - they were a damn sight better than my Mom's

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-54970546510200591322010-06-18T12:31:00.002-06:002010-06-18T12:58:31.051-06:00

Declan seems to be potty trained. Hunh? We've been talking about it with him since he was 18 months old, but he wasn't into it. Even when he was fully able to understand what we were talking about, Declan refused to attempt anything but going in diapers. He often asks when *he* is going to be able to go to dance, school, soccer, and hockey and I always tell him he has to be potty trained first. A

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-40082697461794558042010-03-11T15:08:00.002-07:002010-03-11T15:10:57.874-07:00

The boy who has shown no interest whatsoever in toilet training finally used the potty today - all by himself, at that. Sorry for the less than entertaining post, but just needed to make a note for posterity...

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-13972638684825102342010-02-18T09:25:00.003-07:002010-02-18T09:31:19.199-07:00

Mika has been waiting for this day for, well, about a year! She's very pleased to turn 5 and have cupcakes for snack with her class today. I'm taking Mika and her friend to Galaxyland this afternoon for some rides before we head home for supper and cake with Nana. The kid is lucky that a) we're looking after a friend's kids today and b) her Daddy took a day off work to help - otherwise she would

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-27272672062872996622010-02-09T16:47:00.002-07:002010-02-09T16:49:36.993-07:00

D: Mama, do you know why I have boogers?M: Why?D: Ummmm...because first? First I made me. Theennnn I added boogers and glasses.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-2843620446948587562010-02-07T12:35:00.001-07:002010-02-07T12:36:16.991-07:00

Me: Declan please stop kicking your sister.Declan: It's not kicking! It's foot high fives!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-75575586037494458622010-02-07T11:47:00.000-07:002010-02-07T11:48:35.369-07:00

While watching "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen on YouTube:Mika: Daddy? A lot of good singers die.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-38434509647281179522010-02-06T08:12:00.003-07:002010-02-06T08:31:51.425-07:00

Happy Birthday Boyo! You're the most wonderful 3 year old little dickens. I expect to see you on So You Think You Can Dance or maybe America's Funniest Home Videos at some point in the future.I know all parents say these things about their kids, but Declan truly is smart and funny. His sense of humor is both huge and a little "out there". We have a busy day of gymnastics, skating, and hanging out

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-33775218589229911142010-02-02T08:24:00.003-07:002010-02-02T08:30:13.630-07:00

Hi! Long time, no post. As usual. AND as usual, I am going to make an effort to update this more often - or at least get last year's Christmas post up at some point soon.In the meantime, here's Mika dancing for her Daddy. She's often too shy to dance in his presence, especially to her "slow songs". I grabbed this to show him and, apparently, the rest of the world. As always, excuse the mess in

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-71609514982927586172009-12-14T12:59:00.002-07:002009-12-14T13:45:33.159-07:00

The first session of dance is almost over. Mika has her final class on Thursday. Her usual teacher has a final that night, but Miss Katie recently returned from England and will be subbing. Mika is excited to see her fave dance teacher again. Miss Katie rocks!The class had an in-class first session recital last week where we got to hear Mika willingly sing for the first time...ever? I've heard

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-4961826022907805502009-12-01T13:34:00.002-07:002009-12-01T13:39:01.227-07:00

On our way to school this morning Mika told me about the dream she had last night. She said she dreamt that she woke up and came into our room. Danny and I were sleeping. She went into Declan's room next and he woke up. They went outside and played in the yard until a giant mosquito came. They were so scared that they ran all the way to Calgary where they found Auntie Amber and Uncle Dave who

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-90481035555444242602009-11-19T09:12:00.002-07:002009-11-19T09:38:42.987-07:00

Wow - it's been awhile. Where to start?Halloween was a blast! We did some crafts (bats, ghosts) and some baking (bat and ghost cookies - do you notice a theme for the kids? they dig the bats and ghosts). Mika had a party at school and went dressed as a kitty. They paraded around the school showing off their costumes. Mika was delighted that she got to visit the big kids' classrooms and got a lot

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-21314670150378256462009-09-24T23:27:00.002-06:002009-09-24T23:34:30.759-06:00

Mika stood at the end of our path for a few minutes to enjoy the beautiful morning before we wandered over to the school. As we started down the sidewalk, she exclaimed: "I love the music of the leaves as they leap from the tree and dance down the street!"

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-32928554094790463202009-09-19T12:32:00.002-06:002009-09-19T12:38:04.541-06:00

We encourage Mika to use mandarin at home and teach us words as she learns them. Today's lesson was 'brown'.Mika: "Daddy, your coffee cup is kafei se. Us: Cafe Say?Mika: Yeah, kafei se. You know, brown in chinese.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-30568695284635483672009-09-19T12:05:00.002-06:002009-09-19T12:32:05.421-06:00

The kids had their first gymnastics class this morning and I have never seen Mika get over her shyness so quickly. Usually we only attend the first class of *anything* long enough for her to have a complete meltdown from fear and shyness - 15 minutes or so. The second class is painful for her and by the third, she's fine. Today she tearfully and reluctantly participated in a group warmup session

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-6789744769565390962009-09-18T15:40:00.001-06:002009-09-18T15:42:40.224-06:00

Mika: I love Elvis because he's handsomer than ever!(er, ok, kid. maybe she's talking about an Elvis zombie or something....)

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-66744462798607480222009-09-17T11:07:00.001-06:002009-09-17T11:08:35.893-06:00

Me: Hey Guy! What are you up to?Declan: I'm not a guy, I'm just a little boy.Me: Got it.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-36925973728142569712009-09-17T09:48:00.002-06:002009-09-17T10:13:24.437-06:00

Mika is enjoying Kindergarten. It was a bit of a shaky start, but she has made new friends and they help keep her motivated to attend and less anxious about being there 'alone'. Mika is a bit secretive about what happens at school - we have to drag information about the day from her, but she's starting to open up more. Her teacher had a word with me yesterday - Mika does not participate in class

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-89494279902818063322009-09-11T18:46:00.001-06:002009-09-11T18:48:04.296-06:00

Mika: I wanna get a disco ball someday...Me: Why do you want a disco ball? Mika: Because it would be cool.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-15426230575354818862009-09-01T08:17:00.000-06:002009-09-01T08:18:27.849-06:00

...until Kindergarten starts!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-46425577224182942952009-08-20T08:23:00.002-06:002009-08-20T08:24:29.936-06:00

We have two new members in our family, Sero and Zac. They are wee kitten brothers - white with orange-beige patches. We're all completely taken with them. Photos to follow...

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-9179754090768572902009-07-31T10:57:00.002-06:002009-07-31T11:05:32.639-06:00

We had an awesome holiday in and around Calgary and the mountains. The kids are big on waterfalls and rainbows, so needless to say they were delighted. The birthday party at the waterslide park, folk fest, and Calaway Park helped too. Hotels with pools topped it off. Photos to follow at some point on flickr.Mika wrote her first song yesterday. It's called I Want to Be a Rockstar When I Grow Up.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-29647380021980756662009-07-16T19:46:00.002-06:002009-07-16T19:52:39.030-06:00

busy, busy. Playgrounds, Science Centres, Parks, Parades, and more! We have playdates tomorrow and Saturday (Yay! Other adults!). Sunday is a final soccer game - a make-up from one missed during the season mostly so we can pick up our photos. Mika loved the Street Performers Fest. Both kids were wild for the parade downtown - they'd never been. Splashing around @ City Hall with Saoirse and

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-92008858357774511522009-07-02T00:00:00.002-06:002009-07-02T00:03:43.982-06:00

We had an awesome Canada Day! The kids saw their first fireworks and loved it. I was surprised they were able to stay awake, but I guess the excitement kept them going. Amazing considering they bombed around Sherwood Park all day too taking in pony rides, bouncy castles and slides, and all sorts of other fun stuff with Saoirse and Brighid.Oi!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-15481789952923256762009-07-01T19:16:00.002-06:002009-07-01T19:18:26.512-06:00

Mika: (for the 16th time) Why did the butterfly poop on you?Me: Because I'm special.Mika: Well you're not the bestest special thing. I am.Me: I know.Mika: Why didn't the butterfly poop on me?Me: It just wasn't your lucky day, I guess.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-17751842180117434182009-06-13T23:15:00.003-06:002009-06-14T23:03:04.996-06:00

Mika takes a wee tumble.note: fixed the incorrect link. ewps!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-30455108969887329792009-06-01T08:02:00.002-06:002009-06-01T08:18:59.432-06:00

Here's my attempt at an update while the boyo eats cereal:Mika is one class away from finishing her cooking classes. She's had a lot of fun and made some great new friends. Her anxiety about it faded away after the second class - w00t!Soccer will be done at the end of the month too (i think) and the girl has done an awesome job. She runs like mad and is a great keeper. We tried to get her

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-41011520447858433112009-05-19T09:25:00.003-06:002009-05-19T09:33:14.641-06:00

The summer got off to a good start - until the snow returned yesterday. Mika's soccer season got off to a wonky start. She refused to speak to anyone or play because she was "too scared". She got it together last week and actually played a game. She loved it! The only problem is Declan. He really wants to play too and we can't keep him off the field.Declan is a superhero all the time now. He

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-53035698385733726042009-05-13T20:01:00.001-06:002009-05-13T20:01:39.673-06:00

soccer starOriginally uploaded by MamaT

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-17717557078931037252009-05-11T14:33:00.001-06:002009-05-11T14:33:26.460-06:00

The crewOriginally uploaded by MamaTThe recital went over really well. Mika had a few emotional moments, but managed to get herself onstage and dance for her class' number and the finale. She's standing to the immediate right of her teacher and proud as can be. The girl standing to the left of the teacher is the oldest daughter of my best friend from kindergarten. I hadn't seen my friend in years

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-41795088401732596722009-05-08T17:36:00.002-06:002009-05-08T17:38:10.871-06:00

gah! i broke down and bought mika one hannah montana song. i've kept it at bay despite mika's longing for well over a year now. i wonder how long before she discovers the tv show and movie?

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-39517716248322926362009-04-28T21:06:00.002-06:002009-04-28T21:26:40.901-06:00

Mika went to her cooking class on Friday and managed to participate without needing a parent with her - phew. As I figured, her reward for a job well-done was forgotten in her excitement of the victory over social anxiety. Mika burst out of the classroom and immediately announced to me that she spoke to two different kids all by herself - meaning that she initiated conversation. Ah grand. She's

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-1185096108795883462009-04-20T09:17:00.002-06:002009-04-20T09:32:54.022-06:00

So...cooking class was a bit of a bust. Mika was too scared to go in by herself. Her cousin was late and that threw her off because she expected to walk in with him. I had to stay with Mika for the entire 2 hour class. It was a challenge to say the least: keeping her from crying and breaking down while encouraging or helping her participate as I held Declan and tried to keep him out of trouble.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-89380734189886419502009-04-17T09:20:00.002-06:002009-04-17T09:26:47.154-06:00

Mika is hella excited today - it's her first cooking class at the city arts centre! For the next month and a bit, this is where she will be spending her Friday afternoons. The only downer is that we have to leave right when Declan usually goes down for a nap. Yay me! I'll be hauling a belligerent and LOUD 2 year old across the city on public transit. Edmontonians be warned! Avoid the transit

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-46632158785523558442009-04-14T08:03:00.002-06:002009-04-14T08:14:37.127-06:00

Oi! We spent Friday cleaning up the yard and running the kids outside. We filled 6 clear yard bags and have much more to go. Ugh. BUT - we've made some progress. Saturday was Els and Oren's Birthday party at the rec centre in St. Albert. It was awesome! Sheena rented out one of the gymnasiums for an hour or so and the kids just ran around like mad fools. There were many balls, mats, and other

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-19551447466329512822009-04-06T11:22:00.002-06:002009-04-06T11:27:51.933-06:00

Mika is officially registered for mandarin kindergarten starting in the fall. We had a school tour and everything looks great. She's so excited...to start having recess. :)

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-73127856353991049732009-04-04T18:46:00.000-06:002009-04-04T18:47:06.719-06:00

Mika: Mama what happens if you put fruit in a destroyer?

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-88693263467025889032009-03-29T10:19:00.002-06:002009-03-29T10:20:00.477-06:00

I asked Mika what her favorite word is. She replied with 'Wind' as in Blowing In The...She added that 'monkey' is her other favorite.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-43762900688912784312009-03-29T10:17:00.001-06:002009-03-29T10:19:04.729-06:00

As Declan runs down the hall with a hockey stick,Me: Declan! Are you Bobby Orr?Declan: No! I'm Bobby Hull!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-79084407181404483262009-03-27T09:17:00.002-06:002009-03-27T09:21:17.303-06:00

I'm on the huntdown through the house for Mika's birth cert and public health record. If found this morning, we're off to the school to register the girl for Kindergarten in the fall. She'll be going into a Mandarin bilingual program - should be fun!I got all teary last night talking about it with her - I am SUCH a suck.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-81100152907225239172009-03-27T09:13:00.002-06:002009-03-27T09:16:49.842-06:00

Me: Declan, what position are you going to play when you grow up?D: Blue team! (means he wants to play for the Toronto Maple Leafs)M: No, Doosey, position. Do you want to be a Defenseman?D: NoooooM: Forward? How about THE CAPTAIN?D: NOOOOOO! I be goawie and geta stanny CUP!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-79237344667824655292009-03-23T18:15:00.003-06:002009-03-23T18:23:55.098-06:00

"Mama? The next time you go to a store, do you think you could maybe get me some lipstick please? I'd be really pretty with lipstick." - Mika, age 4

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-17555525799904328102009-03-13T20:02:00.003-06:002009-03-13T20:04:42.066-06:00

Mika read her first book tonight - called The Cat's First Reader - very cute. She struggled a bit with some of the more difficult words like 'cushion' pronouncing it cush-ee-on, but read it all nonetheless. She's a sounding-out-words machine!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-72642923371346203332009-03-11T20:50:00.002-06:002009-03-11T20:56:45.736-06:00

Hey! We're all alive and well. The kids have been busy busy busy. Parties, playdates, crafting, painting, and other good stuff. Declan is his usual lovable monster self and Mika is a typical 13 yr old. Decals still loves hockey more than anything. Mika loves sulking in her room about how unfair life is. The kids were a bit sick on the weekend. Nothing made it past the fevered and lethargic point

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-45137642173834109782009-03-02T08:28:00.005-07:002009-03-02T08:35:40.213-07:00

Some things we've enjoyed lately: the Silver Skate festival at Hawrelak Park - we went once to meet Sammi and once with Saoirse and Brighid. Foolishly, we went later in the afternoon both times and missed a lot of the activities, but the kids made it out on the ice and that's what mattered to them. The kids have had many afternoons with Nana at home and at Nana's house. We met cousins Jackson and

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-51044409894337671182009-02-26T12:51:00.002-07:002009-02-26T12:55:55.459-07:00

Me: Mika, you're not always going to be able to have everything you please in this life...(she was complaining about having to use a yellow bowl)Mika: You can say that againMika: Daddy, you're not very smart.Daddy: Excuse me?Mika: Well, I guess sometimes you're smart about things, but not like a girl is.Mika: Mama? I'm not going to call Declan a c0ck because that isn't a nice word. You shouldn't

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-43183844428684110112009-02-20T09:53:00.003-07:002009-02-20T10:01:58.236-07:00

Declan finally broke down and referred to his sister as 'Mika' a few times yesterday and today instead of 'Dora'. We've been waiting for well over a year for this. The girl gets really frustrated with her brother - screams of "My name is NOT DORA!!" were often heard.Mika QOTD: "Boys are alright, but sometimes I'm allergic to them. They make me sick."

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-27543411806292534072009-02-19T10:20:00.002-07:002009-02-19T10:34:16.334-07:00

Mika had a great day yesterday for her fourth birthday! Her list of things that were great:helping to decorate her pink frog cakeno napbus ridefirst time in a movie theatreseeing Coraline 3Dchinese food for supper with Nanaeating cakeopening presentswatching ANOTHER movie before bed

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-27346279618467508442009-02-18T09:09:00.002-07:002009-02-18T09:16:23.821-07:00

Mika received a birthday call from Cinderella this morning thanks to Rob. Thanks Rob!Mucho thanks to everyone who came out to the kids' party on the weekend. The kids loved it and enjoyed all the generous gifts when we got home. We're in the process of making Thank You's - watch your mailbox!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-10646854558536179162009-02-18T07:12:00.003-07:002009-02-18T07:19:58.202-07:00

It's Mika's 4th Birthday! Yay! Declan has been up since 5-ish and I feel like keeling over with fatigue. Mika woke with a hoarse throat - possibly from hella crying yesterday (such is the ways of the diva) or maybe something bigger. Luckily we have a Dr. appointment tomorrow. If she's feeling well and fine we're going to see a movie today - Mika's first time in a theatre. Gotta run!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-81829230571790561782009-02-10T09:10:00.002-07:002009-02-10T09:12:04.347-07:00

Discussing the song Once Upon A Dream from Disney's Sleeping Beauty:"This song is nice. It's kind of like a lullaby, but I still like it anyway."

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-45909519013969117032009-02-06T08:01:00.003-07:002009-02-06T12:59:20.169-07:00

w00t! It's the boyo's big day - he made it to two! As I type this, he's trying to keep his sister from stealing his juice cup. She offers no mercy for birthdays.Declan still won't say 'Mika' and insists on calling his sister 'Dora', but he has progressed from saying 'wockey' to 'haw-key' in the last day or so. He's got his colours down and is working on counting. Declan is about 1000 times more

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-83327308884868975852009-01-18T08:51:00.002-07:002009-01-18T09:34:31.455-07:00

Manna-mn - SpidermanBic-yd-ig-n-dign-dign - BackyardigansPabbo - PabloBbbbbbrrrrrr - BlueEd - RedEen - GreenRellow - YellowBbbbbboooooo - BalloonDowa (Dora) - Mika (Declan STILL has yet to say the word "Mika" - he refers to her only as Dora.)Sch-OO - shoeBoo-T - BootBoo-P - BoobWe Buk - Read me a bookTicka - TickleWockey - HockeyWockey Stit - Hockey StickWockey Paya - Hockey PlayerSkit -

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-56676892871152522052009-01-14T13:35:00.001-07:002009-01-14T13:35:19.377-07:00

i'll just put the lid back on and everything's cool, right?Originally uploaded by MamaTnaptime chez moi. Declan has hit the terrible twos big time. He requires constant supervision at all times - even while he naps apparently! He screams, he punches, he hits, he kicks - he demands his own way all the time. He only gets things his way SOME of the time, so we hear a lot of tantrums lately.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-78662826955054107652009-01-10T18:25:00.002-07:002009-01-10T18:42:24.824-07:00

We finally got Declan on both skates and ice today. He did really well considering the dull blades. We went to BJ's in St. Albert last night to find skates - they had none in his size. As we were leaving the parking lot, I noticed a Salvation Army store in the next mall over. I ran in to look for a one-piece snowsuit for Mika (she's been begging for one and we're not into slapping down the $89 at

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-34547716401032540032008-12-29T09:42:00.002-07:002008-12-29T09:52:57.462-07:00

The xmas basement went over really well. Both kids were absolutely delighted. Mika already made us muffins in her easy bake oven. Both kids are having a blast with the carpet skates - especially Declan as he has become hockey obsessed. ALL that kid wants to do is play hockey or 'wockey' as he says it. When he's not chasing a ball or a puck up and down the hall, he is checking out his hockey cards

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-12995433078045004812008-12-25T08:34:00.003-07:002008-12-25T08:41:06.155-07:00

from all of us to anyone out there.I cleaned up the basement last week and made a bunch of space (yay!). Daddy brought in a real tree the day before last. It's been in hiding. We brought it out last night after the kids were asleep and decorated up the basement. They woke this morning to their stockings where the biggest treat was a Wall-E pez dispenser. Mika is eternally grateful for what she

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-78056894878512573522008-12-24T12:01:00.002-07:002008-12-24T12:02:35.135-07:00

Mika wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and Declan says "Ho Ho Ho Ho". That's about all he has said for the past two days. :)Stay warm and peaceful!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-64258490737935613122008-12-24T10:04:00.001-07:002008-12-24T10:05:16.351-07:00

Mika wishes it to be known that upon her 18th birthday, she is going to "get some money" and legally change her name to Cinderella.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-58114678219778366242008-12-22T08:39:00.002-07:002008-12-22T08:41:11.150-07:00

Posing with her donationsOriginally uploaded by MamaTMika and I spent a morning at the Stollery Children's Hospital last Monday. I requested and received a copy of their Wish List in early November. We tried to get a good range of the items with our limited budget. Mika loved picking out things for kids that she herself would enjoy if she had to stay at the hospital. The one item she absolutely

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-90370128088201438812008-12-14T07:39:00.002-07:002008-12-14T08:10:10.877-07:00

So much to post, so little time...despite being officially unemployed!We took the kids to the work xmas party yesterday. Declan was freaked out by Santa while Mika happily climbed on his lap for a chat. (Mika loved going to see the mall Santa this year too. No amusing photos of her screaming her face off.) The party was at the leisure centre - after lunch and Santa's visit, we laced up and hit

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-19672191409476961942008-11-19T18:59:00.002-07:002008-11-19T19:02:45.881-07:00

I've resigned. My last day is Dec 12. Danny has resigned. Today was his last day at his old job. He starts what will soon be my old job on Monday. Whee!Mika found the idea somewhat amusing for about 20 seconds then wanted to go back to reading her Chirp magazine.More as it happens...

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-34917807646859148292008-11-18T19:07:00.002-07:002008-11-18T19:13:07.695-07:00

Mika had her first haircut tonight. It only took about 12 months of convincing. She just had a couple of inches trimmed all the way around - nothing radical. Mika is very much into being a grown-up (as she calls it) and when I told her that she still had her baby hair, she was all good to go for a haircut to get rid of it. As usual, she conducted herself very well. She's more mature than most

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-41501465642603889712008-11-06T21:21:00.002-07:002008-11-06T21:28:08.850-07:00

Mika had her first dentist/hygienist appointment this evening. She did so well that we almost did not believe it! We go to an office in the mall and they're pretty good with kids without being a specialized children's dentist. Mika let the hygienist brush her teeth with the motorized toothbrush without a problem and let the dentist poke at her teeth without issue as well. Mika's teeth are in

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-38462237043090800622008-11-01T09:23:00.002-06:002008-11-01T09:45:00.024-06:00

We had such a great halloween this year!In September @ Winners, Mika saw a mini-muffin pan bundled with halloween cake decorations. We bought it as I wanted a mini-muffin pan anyway. This past Wednesday, Mika baked the cupcakes and helped Daddy carve a kitty cat pumpkin. On Thursday, she decorated the cupcakes and we made treat bags for her friends. On Friday, Daddy and I managed to pick up the

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-19178456840700034042008-10-25T07:23:00.004-06:002008-10-31T20:20:01.123-06:00

Mika went on her first date last Saturday. ZOMG it was so cute. We met Sammi at the mall and the kids spent a couple of hours at Galaxyland. We didn't see Sammi and his mom approach as we were waiting for them, so Mika was surprised by a giant bear hug from Sammi. The convo between them went something like this:S: HI MIKA!!!M: Hi Sammi. Do you like my dress?S: Yes, it's beautiful. You look pretty

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-50923982712215268042008-10-06T20:56:00.002-06:002008-10-06T21:11:02.621-06:00

It's been awhile since a bday post has made it to the blog. Declan is a whopping 20 months old today! GAH! He's such an awesome little guy. Happy-go-lucky as they come as long as he can destroy as he goes. Declan is so much more physical than Mika was at this age and infinitely more daring. It's good because he encourages her to try more - it's bad because he is going to break a bone in no time.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-84435785768980191002008-09-30T21:36:00.001-06:002008-09-30T21:37:24.713-06:00

The kids had an awesome day at their new dayhome. 'Nuff said!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-67722225715729938662008-09-29T21:39:00.003-06:002008-09-29T21:44:38.448-06:00

The kids start at the new dayhome tomorrow. Declan is oblivious, which is good. We're pretty sure he'll be fine as long as he has his sister around. Mika says she is glad to be done at daycare and happy to be going to the dayhome instead, but she says it with a wee bit of hesitation. A good thing, no? She also talked about not seeing Sammi everyday anymore. I asked her if that made her feel sad

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-47434956223305186892008-09-22T11:37:00.001-06:002008-09-22T11:38:51.313-06:00

Mika was pretending to take my temperature this morning. Upon examining the results, she said "Hmmm...looks like we'll have to take out all your blood, okay Mama?".Halp!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-77646824203975154082008-09-20T19:45:00.002-06:002008-09-20T19:49:04.308-06:00

Mika's been on a Lilo and Stitch kick since returning from Calgary. Tonight's overhead conversation:Mika: Daddy? I want a hula dancing suit.D: You mean a grass skirt?M: No, a suit. Not just a skirt.D: Oh, I see.M: I want something to cover my boobs too.

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-7671466692086017392008-09-19T20:07:00.001-06:002008-09-19T20:08:54.852-06:00

when, if ever, we will stop saying 'cholocate (cha-lock-it)' instead of 'chocolate' a la Mika at around 20 months old?

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-64873889300413282292008-09-01T09:30:00.004-06:002008-09-14T09:13:47.486-06:00

Congrats to Auntie Amber and Uncle Dave! We had a fantastic time at the wedding in Calgary. Dave was most handsome and Amber was a knockout. Every part of the wedding was just plain awesome. The kids made their best effort to steal the show on the dance floor - and succeeded. I have a photo or two. Mika and Declan both loved staying in the hotel. Mika didn't want to leave and is still talking

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-38317684686595407012008-08-12T20:58:00.002-06:002008-08-12T21:06:19.045-06:00

Declan is 18 months old! - Declan peed on the potty for the first time on Saturday - We went to Alberta Beach for the helluvit on Saturday, fun despite algae - Mika is enrolled in Ballet level 2 for the fall - Both kids are enrolled in swimming lessons in the fall - We've been swimming Sunday evenings to get Mika used to the water again, Declan jumps right in without hesitation - Declan talks! A

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-26662878949632742712008-07-30T16:46:00.002-06:002008-07-30T16:48:40.524-06:00

Field TripOriginally uploaded by MamaTDaddy and I chaperoned a field trip to the John Jansen Nature Centre today - it rocked!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-61838740395854115762008-07-22T06:46:00.002-06:002008-07-22T06:50:53.402-06:00

The kids have been having a blast this year. We've tried to get out to most of the kid-friendly events. Yesterday, I took Mika to CapitalEx (It will always be klondike days to me). She had fun but was not feeling well, so the fun only went so far. Aside from the rides, she didn't leave the stroller. She went on almost every ride that she was big enough for that allowed Mama to ride with her:

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-42533468708994527682008-07-08T17:50:00.002-06:002008-07-08T17:54:31.668-06:00

Plugging in the values from Declan's weigh-in onto the growth charts found @ http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/growthcharts2/a/percentiles.htm - we get:At 17 months:your child is 26.75 pounds, and that isat the 66th percentile for weight.your child is 31 inches, and that isat the 19th percentile for height.your child has a head circumference of 19.3 inches, and that isat the 84th percentile for head

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-22325487465112060542008-07-04T22:03:00.003-06:002008-07-04T22:22:42.128-06:00

Declan had his first real taste of bbq'd steak tonight. He loved it. All that teething paid off, I guess...The boyo is chatting up a storm and a few words can actually be understood. Everyday he masters speaking new words. Word of the day today: cup! yay. Much better than his previous grunt/whine combo. He's at the stage where he understands much more than he can he can communicate and gets

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-61521483139349331972008-06-21T07:00:00.001-06:002008-06-21T07:00:39.542-06:00

oh hai. we're still alive and well - just busy!

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8339476.post-64782300373088477192008-06-06T18:21:00.004-06:002008-06-17T06:35:36.012-06:00

Mika and Danny both got strep - now Mika and I are fighting off parainfluenza. Whee! I forgot to note when Mika starting doing somersaults properly on her own, but she does!Declan clearly spoke the words "Good night Dada" on Tuesday night. Thanks to Mika, he also loves to scream "MINE! MINE! MINE! MINE!" - trying to get a lid on that, so far, not so good.Mika has issues with a girl in her group

Mama Thttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01219809945997170228noreply@blogger.com0