A two day entry… Tuesday was just a little too tiring to sit and put it all down here that night. Thanks to Chris and Chris Echo and I were able to make it to The Mall to do Christmas shopping for Ken, and then spend the money we were given for the kids (thanks Sharon and family!). I managed some deals… got in tons of walking and even breastfed in public… with nursing cover and head held high.

The Mall is all dressed up for Christmas, and surprisingly enough – not busy! I didn’t have to stand in line to pay and it was very simple to get someone to help me. Even at the Crepe place (talk about MMMM) I didn’t have to stand in line!

Christmas in The Mall

I had a little over an hour before (she) Chris caught up with me and we checked out a few places and then back to the food court for a New York Fries poutine and A&W rootbeer… then back to the dentist to pick up (he) Chris. All in all we were there around 3 hours and I certainly was feeling it!

We got Echo and myself back home in time to meet up with mom and Mike… and Phoebe!! Yup, I finally got to meet the new dog in person. She is a total sweetie. The kids had a bit of snuggle time with their grandparents and I got in some doggie time.

Miss Phoebe

Today was a bit less hectic but time seemed to slip right through my fingers. A bit of a late night interrupted with Echo had me in bed until after noon when (she) Chris showed up after her exam with great news – a pass of 80%!! So we hopped in the car (after my quick bath and feeding Echo) and went out to a Canadian staple – Tim Hortons, to buy her a congratulatory coffee… then a quick stop off at 7-11 for the always beloved slurpee (yes I love them even in the winter!). What can I say – gotta feed the addictions.

All done her testing!

We got back in time for Chris to head off to get (he) Chris and then head home and Nathan, Ada and Anna to come over to do their family photos. I dressed up Echo in her Christmas best to try and get a good picture of our two little god-sisters together.

It was fun to photograph a small (by our standards) family. So much less… drama, though Anna gave me a run for my money.

We have pressed onward with our Advent activities. Tomorrow I am hoping to do one suggested with a laminator, I just have to hunt down my confetti and glitter. I am telling you this UK site is AWESOME. The kids just love checking under their little tree each morning for the newest activity sheets, and examining the larger tree for their finished ornaments. We are going to have 100 new ornaments for our tree just from this activity! Maybe next year we will have to get a used shorter tree and string on some lights and let them have it for these projects!

The rest of our week is shaping up to be busy. Tomorrow Chris and Chris are over for the night (She Chris starts her clinical on Friday on the north end of the city) so Ken will catch a ride with (he) Chris when he goes for his other dental appointment and do some shopping… Friday we have to get cleaning in preparation for next weekend… Karyn and Esther should be here this weekend, Saturday is the boys’ pageant practice in the afternoon and Sunday Sunday School… and for me Karyn’s birthday party… so not much time to stop and waste time. Which is excellent when when we sit and are still it gives time to worry about our vehicle issues etc etc. Not needed now that we are so close to Christmas. The goal is to just make do and have the best moments we can here at home van or no van.

It feels like we have blinked and Christmas is almost here! Where has the time gone. At least I am done the kids (except for a run to IKEA) and Ken… we still have a few things to pick up for friends and a bunch of baking to accomplish, but baking can be done all day as long as we have the supplies and so is not a worry. The kids are getting more and more excited as we count on the calendar. I think this is the first year they actually realize how the days are passing.

The boys and Ken brought home Echo’s stocking, my mom finished it a bit smaller than the other but it is absolutely lovely! 5 stockings basically identical for my 5 angels.

Echo's stocking

We spent a few minutes tonight with a full tummy and down to the diaper naked baby Echo. She always is at her best after a nice bath/shower and a full tummy… especially when it is just Ken and myself. She was all giggles and sunshine, pushing up for forever and wiggling. It is moments like these that I just love having our camera and some spare time!

Joyous Baby