Weight: 12.7kg / 28 lbs [birth - 2850g / 6 lbs 5 oz]
Height: 92.3cm / 36.3" [birth - 49.5]
Cranial Circumference: 41 cm [birth - 32]
Eyes: Blue (took a few weeks to tell).
APGAR: 9/10/10.

Pronunciation: So how do I say it anyhow ?!! - "S-air.ah | Oh.z-eye.ahh | Fed.er.co" - you know, "Sera", like you'd say "Tera"

Labor: 3-4 hours of active labor [27 total], Sherann figured she was literally going to "die" just before it was all over. I'll let Sherann fill in the rest of these details

Name story: We had a rough time before the birth hassling over the right name [didn't know the sex even, so we covered both camps], but it's bloody hard coming up with a name for a person you haven't even met yet, and to top it all off, they're gonna be stuck with it for the rest of their life! too heavy. A few friends mentioned to us that "the baby picks their own name" - when you see them, it will be obvious... Well, it wasn't immediately apparent, but while carrying Sera around the room, I tried to figure out what names suited her [or at least names that we had discussed], and after awhile, decided that she seemed to only fit a "Sera". I lay her back down on the bed, and then asked Sherann what name she thought she should be [not wanting to taint her mind], and she just asked me back..., so I replied "Sera", and she said with loving sincerity "me too" or something to that effect, and then we both said "well, that must be it then!" -- and thus it was fixed. The middle was a shoe-in even before the birth, and we both liked the flow, so there you have it.

Sera's first video grab - Sun, June 23rd. 1996?

Historic origins of the name: Sara, Sarah --- Hebrew: "princess" or "one who laughs." As Abraham's wife and Isaac's mother, Sara is an important figure in the Bible. The form Sara is popular arround the globe, from the United States to Bulgaria, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Rumania, Russian, Sweden, Norway and Spanish-speaking countries. Sadie, Sadye, Saida, Sally, Sari, Sarene, Sareen, Sarine, Sarina, Sarette, Saretta, Sadella, Zara, Zarah, Zaria (English); Sarotte, Zaidee (French); Sari, Sarika, Sarolta, Sasa (Hungarian); Sala, Salcia (Polish); Sarka, Sarra (Russian); Chara, Charita, Sarita (Spanish) --- excerpted from "The New Age Baby Name Book" by Sue Browder [1974, '78, '87] ISBN 0-89480-309-3 (pbk.)

Day 19 - lazin' in my party hat.

Sarah: Hebrew "princess". In the Old Testament Sarah was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her name is one of the first examples of a name change commanded by God. She had been called Sarai. Sarah was a very popular Christian name by the seventeenth century when the name almost became associated with nobility. Sarah Jennings married John Churchill, later the duke of Marlborough. She was a close friend of Anne Stuart, who became Queen Anne. The court was so jealous of the duchess of Marlborough and her influence on the queen that "Queen Sarah" became a common slur used against her. Queen Anne later became disillusioned with the Churchills, and they were banished from court. In the nineteenth century actress Sarah Benhardt reigned on the stage, as had the English tragic actress Sarah Kemble Siddons before her. The name is very popular today. Famous names: Sarah Brightman (actress) Sarah Miles (actress). Variations: Morag (Scottish), Sacha (Russian), Sadella, Sadie, Sadye, Sallie, Sally, Sara (German), Sarene, Sarette, Sari, Sarine, Sarita, Serita (Italian), Shari (Hungarian), Sorcha (Irish), Zadee, Zara, Zarah.

Day 118 - gramma came to visit!

Sara: Form of Sarah. Famous names: Sara Paretsky (novelist) Sara Teasdale (poet). --- excerpted from "The Complete Baby Name Book" by the editors of Consumer Guide [1990] ISBN 0-88176-814-6

Ozia: This apparent invention appears among free black women. 1800-60. ---from 11,001 Names For Your African-American Baby.

Ozias: We first heard of it from the French-Canadian painter "Ozias Leduc".

A few alternate name choices mulled over before the birth: Ozias, Yse, Euphemia, Oksana, Veronika, Alicia, Anastasia, Jake, Uta, Eva, Dracula, Kate, Lili, Ella, Jade, Sera, Vivian, Lorraine, Lillian, Maureen, Melinda.

Fedirko: This is Ukrainian in origin...

Johnson: This is of Swedish origin...

Week 37 I'm crawling -- look out!

serai2: (se'rai). Also 7 sou-, sowray, 9 surahee, -hi, surai, suraiee. [Anglo-Indian, repr. Urdu (orig. Arab.) curAhI.] 'A long-necked earthenware (or metal) flagon for water' (Yule).
1672 tr. Bernier's Hist. Rev. Emp. Gt. Mogol IV. 10 A Souray of the water of Ganges. . . Sowray is that Tin-flagon full of water, which the Servant that marcheth on foot before the Gentleman on horsebac, carrieth in his hand. 1808 ELPHINSTONE in Colebrooke Life (1884) I. 199 We had . . two surahees of water [etc.]. 1825-9 MRS. SHERWOOD Lady of Manor V. xxix. 47 She broke a serai of water. 1859 LANG Wand. India 145 Hold hard, syce, and gi ve me the suraiee (water-bottle). 1874 H. H. COLE Catal. Ind. Art S. Kens. Mus. 144 A surai . . with a long neck and flat bulged base. --- excerpted from "OED . 2nd edition 1989 . volume XV Ser_Soosy . page 1 (SER / SERANG)"

When I get excited, I wave my hands like this!
Seraph: ser.aph (ser'ef), n., pl. -aphs, -a.phim (-e fim). 1. one of the celestial beings hovering above God's throne in Isaiah's vision. Isa. 6. 2. a member of the highest order of angels, often represented as a child's head with wings above, below, and on each side. [back formation from SERAPHIM] ---ser'aph.like', adj.

Seraphim: ser.a.phim (ser'e fim), n. a pl. or seraph. [< LL (Vulgate) < Heb serAphIm]

cherub: cher.ub (cher'eb), n., pl. cher.ubs for 3, 4; cher.u.bim (cher'e bim, -yoo bim) for 1, 2. 1. a celestial being. Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 1,10. 2. Theol. a member of the second order of angels, distinguished by knowledge, often represented as a beautiful, winged child or as a winged head of a child. 3. a beautiful or innocent person, esp. a child. 4. a person with a sweet, chubby, innocent face. [ME < L < Gk cheroub < Heb kerubh; r. ME cherub(in), OE c(h)erubin, cerubim < L cherubim < Gk < Heb kerubhim (pl.)] ---che.ru.bic (che roo;bik), che.ru'bi.cal, adj. ---che.ru'bi.cal.ly, adv. ---from "Webster's Encyclopedic Unabridged Diuctionary of the English Language" [1989] ISBN 0-517-68781-X

Firsts: Received my very first piece of mail - a great baby card from Jo + Andre (thanks much!). Pulled Dad's hair + glasses, then wouldn't let go --- day 29. Went to her first bar, and didn't even "get carded!" (between Henri-Julien, and Laval is this funky place call "Yoda Den". Lots of fun - great decor, and hip music. Opens at 9pm, and closes at 3am. It's got the potential for a definite new hang-out.) Wax casting of left hand --- day 30 [one month].

happy

Plane ride out to Vancouver 1.5 months (July 22nd.). Attended Michelle's wedding outside of Ottawa (August 17th). Sucking the thumb - coordination --- 9 weeks. Flower girl at JJ & Pam's wedding (August 24th). Really got the hang of thumb sucking (left thumb) (September 4th). Basic "talking" around 12 weeks (no actual discernable words). Wax casting of right hand --- day 91 [13th week (3 months)].

smiling

Started to get into standing (with help only) --- 14 weeks. Spoon feeding started day 113 - seems to enjoy it (had been curious about us eating around her). Checked out Robert Bourassa's funeral (Ancien Premier Ministre du Quebec) at the Notre-Dame Basilica on October 7th. --- week 16. Enjoyed the jolly jumper for "real" --- day 114. Didn't mind being left on her stomach --- day 119. Actually shook her rattle with a sense of determination --- day 120.

cute

Rolled over by herself @ Thanksgiving dinner --- day 123. Sat in her highchair and played with some toys for about 5 minutes (seemed to want to "sit-up") --- week 18 (day 126). Finally slept through the night - 11:45pm -- 6:45am (day 131). Did her first "roll-over" from her tummy to her back --- week 21 (day 148). Playing in the mirror, she realized her own hand/arm movements that didn't need to touch the mirror are also tied to "her" --- week 22 (day 158). Drank from her special cup by herself after we introduced it to her (water) --- (day 159). First set of "real" push-ups in succession without freaking out. Understood the "double" relationship toy (spinning the sphere causes a spindle to turn) (day 160). Learned to turn off the light switch in the hall after a few days of explaining the situation to her. (day 172). Did her first "raz" sound. Like "bbbbblb" (day 176). Started doing intonations to Mozart (Confutatis) - Disc #3 track #9 of the Amadeus Soundtrack (day 179). 21.12.96-Sera dropped a huge log in the tub @ Grammas! (8:10pm)

loving

Enjoyed some of our whole peas (finger-squished) and when out for her first sled ride behind the CEJEP (7 months - day 214). Looks like she came down with Roseola -- very similar to the German measles, and the two are sometimes confused. (Jan '97). Used her middle finger to push her thumb back and forth (flexing) --- first week 1997. Toe in her mouth with her clothes on (she's done it awhile back without clothes -- she loves the freedom) --- Jan 6th., 6:50pm. Checked on a day-care facility, but infants need to be at least 9 months --- Jan 15th. Starting to really get on her knees and rock forward + back -- looks like a sprinter in the starting blocks --- Jan 23rd. (32nd week) Only moving backward though, and lots of spinning around like a sky-diver or break dancer --- Jan 24th. Crawled forward for the first time this evening -- feeding on the floor (breast to get at it) --- Jan 25th. Clapped once in the morning with sound. Started trying yesterday. Looked at the mirror reflection with a new sense of clarity and understanding (hands) --- Jan 27th.

sweet

Really got into crawling -- commando style and can go a significant distance now --- Feb 6th. (34th week) Did a bit of crawling "like a chameleon" on the bathroom carpet (slow & deliberate). Picked the dark blue juggling ball over the red one 8x in a row. --- Feb 13th (week 35) Really has the hang of feeding herself Oatios (healthy version of Cheerios) now -- Thumb & forefinger on the O, and into the mouth . . . --- Feb 19th. Standing with only one hand leaning on something. Pretty much stopped the "thumb" pressing awhile back. --- Feb 20th. (week 36) Can really crawl a long distance now. Sitting up on her "honches" -- easy to change position that way (smart!) --- Feb 21st. Bounced her ball (dropped) also thumped it on the floor numerous times. Up many many times in the night. --- Feb 25th. Starting to use her feet a bit when crawling --- Feb 26th. Had some meat for the first time -- trout (fish) and quite enjoyed it too --- Feb 27th. (week 37) I said "Sera come here" this morning on the King size bed, and she crawled over! --- Feb 28th.

goofy

First stroll in the rain without a rain hood -- she found it relaxing!! --- March 1st. Stood up and down by herself --- March 2nd. Looked in wonder at her tip-it-upside-down-rightside-up-n-it moos cow (she never paid much attention to it before). --- March 3rd. Her legs are as soft and cushy as marshmallows (bizarre) --- March 7th. Really getting into the up + down motions (standing, then bending down to the floor, and back-up-again. --- March 9th. Packed up our loft --- March 12th. Spent 1st night at Pam + jj's. Sherann slept like a rock (long + blissful -- first decent night sleep in ages) --- March 13th. Flew out of Montreal to come back to B.C. --- March 15th. Stood for 3-4 sec. while holding on to the crystal lid @ Gramma's. Said "Da Da" -- it touched me! --- March 16th. Started to "clap" on command (sound + visual cue). Standing on the bed for a few seconds after feeding --- March 17th. Drove from Grammas to Grampas farm --- March 18th. Truck arrives -- spent morning unloading boxes (3 hrs.) Stood for 5 seconds while I was with her trying to vacuum. Realized that a reflection doesn't have two sides (moved the 3 panel mirror to see the back) Side stepped (while standing) to get at her drink cup. "Slept walked" tonight (I think). She was crying, so I went to check on her. She had crawled out of her bed (large cushion) and was standing by our bed (hanging on the edge). I picked her up, and she continued to fuss, and push away/squirm. After a few minutes I noticed (in the dark) that she wasn't opening her eyes, and might be still "asleep". So I took her into more light (Sher working with a single goose-neck lamp), and she still didn't open her eyes for some time. Only when she opened them, did her demeanor change, and ultimately calm down. --perhaps still food related, or circumstances (yet another move [day #2 at Grampa Carl's]) "Real Brew - Vanilla", tofu, brown rice, beans (which kind?), cheese, . . .--- March 19th. Dad setup his computer again. Stood for 6 sec. in crib. Fascinated by the harmonica. --- March 20th. Stood for 8 seconds today. --really bent on the standing experience! --- March 23rd. Turned "on" Grampas radio (like a light switch) 12:39pm --- March 25th. Stood up free form for about 30 seconds (showing off) --- March 28th. Her lips are "raw" (inside, but not the "gum" area) and her crotch is red again. Perhaps her teeth are finally coming in! 1:45pm. Went for a 1hr. stroll in the morning. Voice sounds "hoarse".

serious

Blood inside lips. Raw thrashed flesh in gum area. Lots of crying, discomfort in day + night. :( --- April 1st (Sherann figures it was her April fools joke!). First signs of teeth poking through! (hard to get a good look, but it seems like numerous white/grey slits appearing. Baby-sat for the first time other than Gramma(s) -- with Aunt Tracy + cousin Carter next door for 1 hr. --- April 2nd. Teeth seem to be gone (receded?) --- April 4th. Throws up her arms when we say "Soooo big!" --- April 5th. Says "Dad". Her repertoire of sounds has increased dramatically. --- April 6th. v.good at waving goodbye --- April 8th. Has been crawling v.well for sometime now. --- April 10th. Sat on grass for the first time and didn't want to put her hands down to crawl on it (v.apprehensive). She liked the grass blades (individual) tho. --- April 11th. Took her first ride on Uncle Scott's 4wheel all-terrain vehicle. --- April 12th. Stuck her tongue out on visual cue @ dinner -- quite a hit! --went to "Duncansville" to hang out with cousin Carter's cousins. --- April 13th. Had her first real plum, and was very excited about it! (noise, smiles, waving hands &c.) --- April 14th. Tellemarced (sp) on the couch (back + forth) but still no attempts to walk freeform. --- April 15th. REALLY enjoys frozen blueberries! --- April 16th (?) v.happy --- April 17th. Bad night :( --- April 18th. Turned the stereo "on" actually a couple times -- enamored with turning it "off" for quiet awhile now. --- April 19th. Enjoyed her "Doggies" book finally -- liked the sounds. --- April 20th. Went for her first hike to check out a waterfall nearby. Peeled off the childproof cabinet lock (in about 5 seconds!) Smashed her fingers in cabinet door 8:25pm --- April 21st. Wants to use her own hands to feed herself (no spoon PLEASE!) -- April 22nd. Sticking her tongue out now means "Grampa" (Carl Johnson) -- DOH! --- April 24th. Trying out new sounds "T" "N" "A" --building that vocabulary. --- April 25th. Tasted every pebble on the beach at "Green Point" (past Harrison). --- April 27th. Stood drinking from the spill-proof cup freeform for about a minute or more (real wide stance). --- April 30th.

eating an apple

Really pulling on Scott's lamb skin. Been pawing at the carpet (like a charging bull) for a couple days. --- May 1st. Sera got some new flexible sole shoes, so we made her try them out -- walking around Harrison's streets (holding each hand) -- she loved it! --- May 4th. Actually played with her stuffed toys a bit -- the two rabbits + Tigger. --- May 5th. I let her pick a blueberry on her own from the glass -- sheer enjoyment! (sher got some video of it). --- May 6th. 3:39pm took her first step! going around my legs (me on a chair) then fell down, and crawled away. (okay, very small step) --- May 8th. Climbed up Marilyn's stairs 4x now! all the way up. 12 steps. Sorta scared to climb down. --- May 9th. 20lbs today (9.1 kgs) --- May 11th. Keven + Sera are pretty sick (cold). --- May 12th. Took two more small steps (wanted some breast). --- May 13th. 11:21am took a few rockin' steps in the kitchen. (shifting the weight). 11:33 7 small well placed steps! --- May 14th. Played on a sandy beach for the first time, along the water's edge too. Luved it! Harrison. --- May 16th. Pinched Grampa Johnson's nipples + poked at his belly button while he was on the phone. Opened, and reached into drop-in-blocks-toy to get at things. --- May 17th. Playing "tiddly-winks" with peas + puffed wheat -- sending them soaring across the table! --- May 18th. Turned around on one heel, and 8 steps. (pivot with one foot). Lots of walking practice today. Walked (with help) from bedroom, all the way to bathie! --- May 19th. More articulate babbling. Rally enjoyed being turned upside down. --- May 22nd. Learned how to open the sliding bathroom door (when almost closed). --- May 23rd. Noticed that it's now v.rare for Sera to puke. :) --- May 25th. Saying "za za" sounds a lot, so Sherann likes to say "zzah zzah zoom baby" (Frank Sinatra voice) each time. --- May 26th. She can make a kissing sound now "pppuk" --- May 27th. Walked all over the house after her bath (holding both hands, and trailing behind) she directs me! --- May 28th. Tried to untangle her two play-phone cords by herself. --- May 30th. Starting to comprehend the shapes into holes toy a bit. --- May 31st.

eating an apple and watching TV

Started to climb -- the chair legs + baby gate (leg caught in diamond) -- what are we going to do now?! --- June 1st. Walked up a small-riser step @ Grammas (W.Rock) with us holding her hand. --- June 2nd. More vocabulary (more sounds) head looks a bit bigger. --- June 4th. Trying to snap her fingers (action - but no sound). --- June 5th. Played with a truck (rolling it along) at Carters. --- June 6th. Really pushing her stroller/activity thingy now. Can avoid/re-route obsticals now. --- June 7th. Lots of "meandering" around. The standup push-toy really helped her balance + confidence I think yesterday! -- way more sophisticated mumbling sounds. --- June 8th. Gramma + Grampa Fedirko arrive from Calgary Alberta --- June 9th. Went to a french restaurant in Harrison -- enjoyed some crusty white bread. --- June 10th. Really walking like a pro -- long distances with no stopping, and changing directions too! --- June 12th.

eating an apple and watching TV #2

1st. birthday! Woke up v.happy this morning. Read the Dr. Seuss book with the cow sounds, and she would look out the window for them, and said "ca" (cow). Had a big bit of cake -- made her shake/convulse almost -- then did some loud screaming later on. --- June 13th. Says "cra" "kal" (crackles) -- the Jack Russell Terrier dog here. --- June 14th. Party#2. Tori, Carter, Scott, Tracey, Lianne, Dave, Sandy, Diane, Nick, Vera, Momma, Pappa. Sherann made a great dinner with Vereniki (small Perroheh). --- June 15th (Sunday) Nick + Keven went golfing. Sherann, Sera, Vera went to Chilliwack to shop. --- June 16th. Went to bridal falls (trail closed due to slide) then to Minter Gardens to see the sites + have brunch. --- June 17th. Climbed up on the couch herself at Grampas. Nick + Vera go back to Calgary. --- June 18th. Went for a ride in her b.day wagon -- loved it! Pushed it on our evening stroll. Grampa got back from the logging camp (told us about him rolling a logging truck!). 9am Sherann noticed a tooth starting to poke through on the top left (53weeks) --- June 20th. Couldn't get enough of Grampas cat -- booboo. --- June 21st. Enjoyed chomping on a semi-hard nectarine at breakfast. Went to Carters b.day (turned 2) at Scott + Tracey's. Had fun with a dozen other kids. --- June 22nd. Loves going out in her little tikes wagon. --- June 23rd. Played with sand next door (base ball diamond) and watched a mule in the pasture. --- June 24th.

chomping an apple and watching TV

July 1997
4th Sherann told Sera to give dadda a kiss, and she made the kiss sound as she came over! (to confirm this new feat, Sherann asked again, and Sera kissed again!) -- 9:10pm [04.07.97] 5th - 26th Adapted to our new place -- took about three days, and felt better when dadda setup our kitchen table again. / Cut her 2nd. tooth on the bottom. / Pulled out some dirty laundry in the morning -- she wanted to wear "this", so Dadda obliged. / Sherann told Sera to show us where her belly-button was, and she thought for a bit, then pushed Sherann's belly-button! / Ate a whole banana (not sliced) piece by herself, and then offered dadda some (alternated between us both) / She used her first bit of "traditional" sign language of "more" which is two loose fists coming together. / Points to or drags out a new diaper when she needs changing in the morning. / Crawls out of our bed when she has a nap, and finds us. 27th Took Rick to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, and went along the transcanada (#1) via the 2nd. narrows through North Vancouver. We drove back along Marine Drive, and stopped into "Lighthouse Park" -- met other babies along the way. 30th Sherann noticed a new tooth! (#3) the left front.

laughs near Sicamous, BC

August 1997
2nd Sera has three teeth now (ouch sharp!), and Sherann said she actually used a spoon yesterday -- today she was stabbing things with a fork! 3rd - 9th Forth tooth appeared (top). Wondered where "dada" is. Kept asking the whole time at the SuperStore. Would open the armoir, and pull on Keven's jacket sleeve. (Dada was in LA for a week) 10th Went for a walk in the park (bare feet), and walked almost down to the baseball field + back. Even walked down/up the steep grade no problem. Tasted sand, and generally had fun exploring how it is hard to hold on to (slips through your fingers). Made the owl sound "hoo" when I opened to the owl page in the "wonderful sounds" book. 16th Went to the Lyndon fair (Washington State) and saw all kinds of cool animals -- even some Llamas. 17th Tooth #5 is starting to poke out (forth on top). Brought an open container of blackberries from the car to the house all by herself, and didn't spill any! (even through the door jam). 18th Tooth #6 starting (2nd on bottom). We jammed with the guitar, and bongos -- she loved it! She brought her shoes into Kev's office, so I put them on her, and we went for a walk. She cruised down the field like a pro, but got too close to the tiny marsh pit in the center, and ended up with a chocolate covered left-shoe. We went back home, and I took off her shoes. She then went straight for our car, and pointed to the keyhole. After a bit of this, I opened the car for her. She sat down in the front seat, and wanted to go for a ride. Then she looked over at the ignition (no keys), and made her way to the back. She climbed in her carseat, and pulled on the buckle! (around 8pm). 20th - 23rd Understands complex commands, like "go see momma in the bedroom", and "do you want some lunch" &c. (shocking how much she's picked up). 24th Went to Lynn Valley (N.Van) for a hike with Sasa, and crossed a suspension bridge (pretty scarey!). Discovered that she could use her teeth - on an apple, and crackers today. Said "jeee-jee" finally for jj.27th Standing up on her chair, and then turning around to sit "right" by herself. Brought me her shoes -- so that I'd take her out for a walk. 28th Brought her red chair over to the stove, and stood up on it to look around! (uh, oh!) Had fun in the fountain again -- likes to push her finger in the spout so that it sprays everywhere! Pulled out the 2nd. largest 'visions' pot, and dropped it on the floor --- smash-er-oonie! Lots of pieces for the trash! Met Vince, Margot & Riely tonight (they'd only seen her via this web page). Went for a walk in the park, and helped put garbage into a plastic bag -- she seemed to enjoy that! 29th Sherann suggested that she bring a book to dada for me to read, and she got up from in front of my chair, walked over to her bookshelf, and picked out "The Wonderful Sounds Mr. Brown Can Do" and brought it back for me! 31st Got scratched by Sasa's cat -- a few cuts on her left hand (and not too happy about it!).

September 1997
3rd Sera had a lot of fun chasing pigeons and other small birds in the Capers patio! 5th Got some yoghurt on her hands, and decided it should be licked off -- so she did! 6-9th Went to the Okanagan in Great-Gramma's car (didn't sleep until Kelowna!!!), and stayed with Momma-Jean & Pappa-Joe outside of Vernon. Attended her first rodeo (IPE) and took her first motor boat ride -- watched Dada and Momma waterski (Kahuli bay). 10th Dadda told her to give her momma a kiss, and she went right over and gave Sherann a kiss on the mouth (first time) 7am. Went to her first waterbaby swim thingy. 10:30pm while reading the "Baby Sees" book, said "Bubble" after I read that page! 11th 3:30am, learned she had a brand-new cousin (2:47am) named McKenzie Robert Johnson. 7:49am after Sherann said "Well, Duh!", Sera repeated it. Went to visit M.R. at 2-3pm, and Sherann took a bit of video for dada to watch. When asked Sera can point to the following things: eyes, nose, mouth, bellybutton, knees, hands (learned hands tonight in the bath). 12th poked my eyes this morning in bed and then said "eye" - 7am. Went off to her first group-day-care-thing for a few hours. If it works out fine, she'll go for a few hours each friday when Sherann is working. She seemed okay, but we're both feeling pretty guilty about it. 12:45pm, blows on her harmonica for the first time! 13th put all her bath toys away by herself into a hanging mesh bag on the wall (you need to hold it open with one hand, and use the other to place stuff in). 14th plucked/played the guitar by herself (she can really torque on 'em!)15th Opened the Baby Sees book to the toes page, and while playing with her toes said "toes". 16th Momma said clap your hands, and she did. Sherann winked at Sera, and then she asked her to wink back, so she winked at us during breakfast. 17th Brought over her package of Pampers, so I'd change her bum. I looked at the corner of her pants, and said "oohoo, pooh pooh", and she said "Poo". Can clap with conviction when you say "clap your hands", do the high five (raises her hand when you say "high five". Said "ca" (car) this morning looking out the kitchen window at Black Beauty. Was reading the Baby Sees book herself, and said v.distinctly "bubbles" (she said it the other day, but this was v.clear) -- so this is the first complex two sylable word for sure! 18th Unzipped her pajamas so that I could change her poo-poo diaper this morning! 20th Said "oooh" (shoe) and 'tried' to put them on herself. 21-23 Went up to visit McKenzie 24th Cried for us to pick her up -- 6:30am, and when I did, she said force-fully "MOMMA!" - touching. Picked up her real phone, and said "al-oh" jabbered for a bit, then said "bye" and hung it up. 27th Said "baby" while I was reading the 'Love you Forever' book. 28th v.proficient at her zipper skills (pink+purple sleeper). 29th The animal sounds book made her say the slurp, roar, gulp and yawn sound. Pointed to her bellybutton and said "bell-ba" before her bath. 30th actually fell asleep early and woke up pretty happy!

October 1997
1st Went underwater at baby-swim-class, and can blow bubbles under-water (mouth immersed) played with her new drum. 2nd been starting to ask to brush her teeth at night (when we do). Tonight it sounded like she said "g'nigh dadda" (good night dadda). 3rd In the morning she pried open our mouths, and pointed at the teeth, then said "yeeth". 10:10am pointed across the room to the box of tissue on the Kitchen table, so that dadda could blow her nose. So I got a tissue, and she actually let me pull the boogers out (with v.little fuss), and then said "all gone!". 4th While I was away doing a freelance gig for about 5 hours, Sera picked up the phone at two separate occasions, and said "ello, Dadda!". Says "dir-ty" at the toilet now. v.comfortable in the the bath now -- lots of acrobatics. 5th Pointed to the button on my pj's and said "bud-on". 7th Pointed to the fridge, so I opened it and let her pick what she wanted (yoghurt). Said her first sentence -- "A ball" when I pointed it out and said that in the soft teddy book (9:48pm). Wanted more (sign language) when I finished the 'baby push-ups', so I did 12 (I think she really likes the upside-down part). Said "hey!" (Hey come join the lot of us!) + waits until I've read each page before turning each page now. 8th Says "turtle" and "yo-yo" (when flipping through the tall ABC book). 10th Taking real gouges out of McIntosh apples (without me needing to remove the skin). 12th Pushes in my tiny non-handle on the stereo section (doh!) 13th Climbs up on the toilet seat (closed) and checks out the vantage point. Lifts the towel to see the toilet paper roll hiding behind it. 14th Kicked her multi-colored ball with her right foot in the park. Drank from the fountain, but first time dadda applied too much pressure, and I think it stunned her (big gush in her face!) Used my hands to clap with (much better sound that way). Brought out the small baby wipes so that I'd change her bum. Really knows the word "blueberries" -- we have to spell it out now, so she doesn't get worked up about it. Pointed to an apple, and said "a-pum" just before going to bed. 15th Ripped up tiny pieces of TP, and dropped them into the toilet (laughing each time). 9:24pm -- lifting momma's eyelids, and laughing (wants to see the eye looking at her underneath!). Said "row ro ro" after pressing that musical button on the book! 16th Meaow's at cat pictures now. Wanted to touch every mushroom in the park, but dadda wouldn't let her. Really enjoyed the swings at the playground. The tire-swing was a hit -- she liked going around in ellipsises. The double-sided kid seat one was also great -- that way she can lean her head back and look up at the sky, but not fall out (just like dadda used to do). Brought out the coloring book, then went into the kitchen with it, and pointed to where we keep the crayons (way in the corner on top of the breadmaker!) 17th said "bouwm bouwm bouwm" at that page (wonderful sounds). Reached up to the shower curtain rod, so I lifted her up, and helped her do pull-ups -- she loved it (laughing each time), so we did twenty reps. 18th Took the SkyTrain downtown with Sasa and Greg for the afternoon. 19th 10:05am -- says "shei" over and over (shit) -- perhaps hanging out with Sasa yesterday wasn't such a good idea... After going to the IHOP in NewWestminister, we went to Queens park. Her favorites were the spiral slide, and the giant spring-loaded multi-person teeter-totter. Again after the bath, she wanted to do more pull-ups. Said "beer-ee" (berry) for blueberries. Learned about heavy + light balls (crystal ball + beach ball). 20th Went to the Templeton Park Pool for babytime swim, and had fun with the shower-buckets (bucket with holes in the bottom). Walked backwards uphill at night (about one sidewalk square) for some reason. Says "hi" quite a bit lately, and adds the "h" into "hello" sometimes. Says "bye-bye" lots too. 21st asked for her white teddy bear, and bear rattle from the crib this morning. 22nd Said "ma" (man) this morning. 23rd 1:25pm, while reading "love you forever" she said "my baby". Sat down again in her favorite sactuary (below the sliding tower) and scrunched around gleefully. Slid down the gentle slide all by herself. While looking at the yellow weeds in the park "yew-ooh". I said "hi momma" coming back from our walk, and she looked at momma, and said "hi momma". 24th 8:05pm - After finishing a kiwi, she walked across the living room into the kitchen, and opened up the cupboard, lifted the lid, threw the kiwi skin inside, closed the lid, and shut the door again! 25th Hung out with Gramma (Marilyn) while momma + dadda jaunted off d/t to the Macaroni Grill for a night on the town. Dipped her hand in the soapy tub water, and then walked over to the closed toilet, and scrubbed the lid (over and over) -- v.into "cleaning" these days for some reason. Yesterday it was with her little yellow cloth all over the appartment . . . 26th Played in the baby section at the main Vancouver Public Library (new collosium-type building). Said some word with two parts (second starts with a "t") today. Started to drink lots of her bath water (probably 20 glasses) -- with apparently no ill-effects (dadda was v.grossed out though. . .) Picked out the picknick basket to play with the plastic items (hasn't touched it in probably over a month!).

November 1997
5th Talking a lot more after getting back from the farm, like full versions of "car" and "cow". 8th Said "dor" (door) and "bel" (belt) this morning, and played with the dust particles (in a shaft of light in the bedroom). 10th put the orange turtle puzzle piece in by herself (ABC,123-thingy). 11th getting the hang of the "Miss Spider" puzzle. 13th In a new park, said "shyde" (slide). Pretty bad screaming as of late both before bed, and at night -- perhaps it is the full moon or more teeth finally? About a week ago, Sher started giving Sera her 'babies' -- which she now needs so that she can go to bed (with little to NO fuss!). The babies of choice seem to be the white ballerina bear, and Grammas Cabbage Patch doll. 14th 8:39am -- said "two". She took out all the fruit roll-ups from the bin, then I asked her to put them all back. I said "one" when she put the first one in, then she said "too" with the 2nd., then I said "two", and she said "two" again, but clearer and more distinctly! This evening she actually snapped her fingers (right hand). 15th Likes the large slide at our park, especially since Sasa's trick (last week) -- lie her back, and zip her down -- she really gets some speed, and LOVES it!. Said "oll-up" (fruit roll up). Picked up the 'match-cards' with the old-style phone, and said "ell-Oh". 16th Picked up Lisa from the airport, and hung out at the Pan Pacific Hotel (liked the high kingsized bed). 17th Went to visit Auntie Lisa's new pad downtown, and had fun with the black phone, and Keven's beanbag chair. 18th Said "Bri" to Brian on the phone. Can do the "Miss Spider" wooden puzzle all by herself (each piece!) -- 12:30pm. Went to see David Suzuki talk at the new Vancouver Public Library, and was v.good for about 1hr. 19th Went swimming again -- liked it better, but still doesn't like showers. Still wants to drink the pool water from the bucket. Checked out the animals again -- touching the little fish, and gerbils. 22nd Says "wow" now. 23rd Saw a full double rainbow, and the sunlight illuminated the front wall of high-rises while it rained. Said "nice" at Kits Beach. Getting v.apt at the colored shapes in the holes (wow!). 27th A few days ago started responding to "two pages" -- when reading her thick-page-books, so will go back and try to open those two. 28th Started to use both hands when drawing with mommas pencils (better pressure / more control -- shorter strokes). 30th Gramma said "gross" while changing her pants, so Sera repeated it!

December 1997
2nd Said "hello", then took baby's arm and waved it. 5th 8:42pm said "how" (house) "apple" (both syllables) and "turtle", while reading the soft night time book. 6th Picked out a fresh diaper, and laid down on the floor to tell us "hey, change my bum!". 7th Turned on the bathroom tap by herself, so she could brush her teeth (standing on the toilet seat). 11th Said "ba-ba" and "dee-doo" (v.clearly) on the phone to baba when asked to say it! 13th Went to visit baby Luke Schleindl in Richmond. Winks when asked to "wink" (both eyes at once), met her 2nd. cousin "Malcolm" for the first time at g.grammas, and gave him a kiss on the lips goodnight. 15th Offered frozen blueberries to the cow, white bear, small teddy & bunny in the early morning light. Brushed all of her babies teeth this morning for them (cabbage, bear & rag). 17th Put her purple sweat shirt on by herself (head, and one arm) this morning!

January 1998
5th In the morning said: turtle, dog, nana (banana), cher (cherry) to the match-puzzle pieces. 8:19am said "money". 7th 8:05pm pulled her high-chair all the way into the kitchen by herself! 9th Un-did her snap-bib in one quick deliberate motion -- to tell us she was done! Can undo the velcro bib as well (hanging off the back of the highchair). 12th While reading the little sheep book, she pointed out "stars", and "bir" (bird) and lots of other stuff without us saying the words -- really floored us. 13th The third bottom tooth is about half way protruded I noticed today. Actually plays the harmonica now (sucking in and blowing out). 8:50pm. 15th 8:25am said "highcha" (highchair) to the picture book from the library! Pointed to my watch and said "wa". Went to Gymboree for the first time this morning, and quite liked the innertube riding in particular (so did Dadda!). 5:22pm showed her how to use the key on her toy, and she soon did it herself a few times to open the trap door. A couple minutes later she was asking for the key to mommas deskdrawers! 17th said "goat" again with the Animals 123 book. Actually said "ser" (sera) tonight a couple times while playing the harmonica and pointing to her chest. 18th Said "cute baby" when looking at the live video feed on my mac of her and me. Put her highchair buckle together, but gets v.frustrated when trying to pull it apart (obviously). 21st 10:57am put her hands under the tap after brushing her teeth, and then wiped her mouth -- just like Dadda does! 24th Said "all the way home" (wee wee, wee, all ...) "too pah" (touche pas). Put all the purple, blue, orange pegs away. But couldn't do the green or red ones. (may be color blind?, or doesn't really know those colors yet.) 25th Said "baby ba" (baby bag) 7am. 27th Led me by the hand around the kitchen a full time, and then directly to where her tricycle was hidden (wow!) emulating how I drive her around grammas place. circa last week in January at Grammas. 29th Sherann woke me in the early morning to rescue Sera. She was curled up on the top edge of the crib! (like a monkey) [I don't know if she would have stayed or was contemplating her first escape -- too chicken/sleepy to find out] Sher says she's been doing that for about a week-and-a-half now. Time to do something with the bed. . . Sera put the key in properly to Sheranns cabinet, but got frustrated trying to turn it. (wow!) 6:45pm. 30th 8am - figured out how to wind up her toy radio! Fed dadda an orange wedge (tore it in half too for me). Started saying the "t" in "out" -- at the end of her bath. Crawls over my legs on the table now with great ease. Making many double words now-a-days. Colors with both hands at once. Has been able to open + close most pens for weeks now. 31st

February 1998
1st Said "dadda, cut, or" (dadda cut orange!) "boys". 4th Said "happy" in the car ride home from Grammas. 5th Had been putting on her own socks for a few days now. Said "purple glove" at a funky clothing shoppe when she picked up a pair. Put both black shoes on by herself, but I said they were backwards, so she took them off and started to swap them! 6th put her legs through the polkadot bathing suit, and was trying to walk with them around her ankles, and then with the appropriate arm motions "swim! swim!". Wouldn't let momma put on her shoes -- she had to do it herself. 10th I said singing, and then she said it back (singing in bed while I changed her bum). 12th Crawled up on the crib edge again, but this time took her first plunge to the floor -- not too soft of a landing if the crying was any indication -- around 3am. 18th Let dadda feel her top mollars -- one on each side -- the crown tips poking through! 19th Too many new words to even document this past week or so! Very good at repeating what we've said now, and really getting the hang of "t" sounds, like "swea-Ter" this morning. "nice sweater" she said! 9pm - said "Elmo" and "big bird" while reading the Elmo book. 20th Said "more orange, all gone" at breakfast. 21st Gramma bought a small fish tank for Sera, and two fish. Humming the "abc" tune - 7:30pm. 25th She grabbed my hands, and forces them together -- creating a loud clap, over and over again! With her baby cell phone, when it said "I love you", she repeated it right after! 27th A woman at the park said "see ya later" when we were leaving, and she repeated it to her. 28th 4:10pm, put on one green Baby Gap sock by herself, after much frustration. 26th Kept saying "don't cry" (and she was in fine spirits). "baby stroller" on the way to gymboree.

March 1998
1st Said "lips" -- when holding up mommas lipstick in the car - 1:11pm. "Hi Unc Brian" on the phone to him this morning. Fed the seagulls moldy bread in the park. (wow!) exciting experience. Like being in a swarm of bees, or pirahna, but no fear realy, 'cause I knew they just wanted the bread. 13th The first signs of Conjunctivitis (pinkeye) started to develop in the evening - and she has already been sick with a fever/cough for about a week (started while the Montreal-clan was down). 16th Saw our first Robin of Spring this morning -- fabulous sunny day, but quite windy. Went to the park, and had fun on the swings. She likes to push each one by herself to watch them swing now. 17th Has been walking backwards for a bit now for some reason. Can open the refrigerator all by herself now (groan!) 18th On our big-stroll, she figured out how to put her white mittens on all by herself (did it over and over). After that she wanted to push the stroller herself (from Renfrew to the SuperStore!). 19th Her eyes are almost better -- just a few crusties this morning. 20th Grabbed onto the top edge of the water fountain, and pulls herself up, so she can drink all by herself (at our park here!) I pointed to her in the mirror and asked 'who that was', and she said "Sera" (!) 22nd Woke up and started speaking complete sentences, like: "Dadda, get up an' feed the fish" &c. 29th Opened the bathroom wooden cabinet above the toilet (slides) right after she saw Dadda do it. Was a bit freaked out by the baby sheep at Uncle Scotts, but was fascinated by them drinking (and wow! fast!)

April 1998
7th Closed the bathroom door, and opened it with the knob at 7:38am! (took a couple seconds). 10th Opened the glass entertainment center door with her fingers (I took the knob off) 10:31am. I'm not sure how we're going to keep her out of that stuff now! 14th Said all kinds of letters I hadn't heard her say before (singing the abc-song in the car), like "x", "zed" "em, en, ooo, pee". 16th Only wanted to push gramma's baby on the swings (every one) at our park here. 17th Said "ocean", and "Great Gramma". Hung out at the White Rock beach, and had a blast. 18th Got really zippy (perhaps the Egyptian Licorice caffeine free herbal tea that's 95% organic) after diner was over. 27th Had lots of fun with baby Patrick, and JJJ + Pamela this past week -- thanks guyz. 30th Speaking in sentences now without being asked (amazing really).

May, 1998
5th Met some new buddies at the park. Kendra, Ozzy, Karen + Vic (ex-Montreal-ers). Might hang out next week. 10th Sera hadn't eaten too much the day before, and in the morning, finally had a fair bit of "fruit drink", so we were happy, but she was hanging over the highchair edge, and couch edge afterwards. Then with her party dress on, she had projectile-puke all over dadda's front/back, her dress, and all over the floor. :( So we cleaned it up, and didn't step out for cousin Tori's birthday party, as previously envisioned. 17th With a mischevious smile she walked along the wading pool edge three times, then we went home. Last week she was trying to pull her tounge out of her head, but couldn't do it. She's got the eye teeth starting to peek through. 20th Woke up happy, and doing a lot of singing by herself. Was a little cold, so wanted to play in the car (wonderfully sunny day), and she unrolled the back window all by herself! 22nd Had a smile on her face while still sleeping -- 7:22am. 25th Went overboard on the grapes at Peter Fox's 65th birthday, and now we're in rash mode from all the quick poos. 27th Actually climbed into her crib to hang out for a bit in the morning! 29th On the way back from the park, she asked if she could have: yoghurt, raisins and beans (!). 31st Ran around naked in the sprinkler at cousin Tori's 3rd. birthday bash.

June, 1998
1st Said "Momma sick of it". 8th Fell down while running on the sidewalk, and did a real number on her knees (scraped, bleeding, and bruised). 9th After coming back from the Renfrew Library, she said "home sweet home". 11th Counted up to nine on the stairs around the main Burnaby Library Branch, and splooshed the water in each little fountain. 12th Played with buckets of water in the front with the neighbour kid (Lisa - 6yrs old), spilling water from cup to cup like a mad scientist. 13th Had a lot of fun at the Vancouver Zoological Center in Aldergrove, BC. Walked all over the park, had healthy cake in Grampas bus, got to pet some baby chicks that Uncle Scott caught. 14th Recorded a bit of audio of her talking today. 23rd Had a blast at the indoor pool in Burnaby. 25th Doesn't care too much about reading books these past few weeks -- too nice out I guess. 26th Wanted to finish off the lime and lemon from last night -- really enjoyed it. Picked up a shower-curtain ring that I dropped on the floor, and decided to use it for a bracelet for baby. 28th Went swimming at Sasas and played with her new life jacket -- had to jump into the pool over + over + over ... she loved it! She would actually swim for a bit on her own to the edge stairs (with the jacket on). 30th Put on the grippy-beach-shoes all by herself ! ! ! (and those are even tough for dada to put on her). The neighbor kid "Lisa" came over again, and played for quite awhile. They even had "tea" at her table (soy milk and cucumbers), and thoroughly enjoyed that. (even we can't hardly believe that, but it's true).

July, 1998
1st Hung out at Canada Place most of the afternoon for the Canada day festivities (year 131). Rode on a horse (Mounty section) but wanted nothing to do with it (quite horrified), so I had to take her off finally about 3/4 of the way around. Really enjoyed the Michel Wright concert that Rosalind scored some free tickets for (20 bucks a pop). Sera had a blast. 4th Went to Great-Gramma's 80th birthday (Eva), and had fun with all the other great-grand-brats. 5th Went to her first Watson-family-reunion (partk at 80th & 160th in Surrey). 9th Said to momma: "Hey Man . . . what'cha cookin'". "How does that works?!" Climbs out of the highchair no problem now. Now she's been saying "S - E - R - Sera". I tried to show her how to hold a pen tonight, so that she could write her name (I'd forgotten how obtuse a ritual it was). 23rd speaking complicated sentences, like this morning: "Momma and Sera and Dadda all go swimming . . . Oh, no Dadda gotta go to work!" 26th Didn't want any in the morning when Momma asked Sera if she wanted some b.breakfast (!?!) Went up to Green Point (Saskwatch Park) past Harrison Hot Springs, and had a blast in the lake. 27th Demanded that she cut Dadda's fingernails and toenails with my digital watch band, 'cause they are "too long". 28/29th Went to hang out with Gramma (and sleep-over) 'til the next evening! 30th Blew me away how she was conversing with the local kids at the park. She's definately graduated to a new level with speech -- we can really communicate back and forth now (!!!).

August, 1998
3rd Pours her own glass of water from the water cooler! 4th Getting better with her tricycle -- pushing down on alternate peddles. Has a weird red rash/bump thing on both hand palms. Can almost pull herself up on to the swings. Started laying across the big-kid-swings (on her belly), and swinging herself (!!!) -- quite impressive. 6th Was able to do up dadda's buttons on his PJ's. 8th Lets Momma brush her teeth -- opens her mouth wide, to do the bottom row, and then tilts her head both ways, so she can to the top row on either side easily (!!!). 9th Fed the ducks some bread at Queen Elizabeth park, and after started to run down a v.steep hill (40-45 degrees), and couldn't stop herself fast enough, so started to cry, 'cause she scared herself! 13th Climbed up to the top of the monkeybars (hands on the top rung). Looked at all the old motorcycles (another biker meeting). Dadda recorded audio of Sera reading from the Richard Scary word book, and Little Lamb. 17th Pushed/manuvered her wagon backwards all the way home from the park like a pro (pushing on the handle part). 22nd Went to the PNE and saw the Cirque Parasol, rode on the log ride with Dadda -- loved it even though we both got drenched (put on her raincoat, and took off her pants tho) -- wanted to go again, but then Momma and Sera went on the ferris wheel, and she loved that too. 29th Started to read one of her books this morning by herself (reciting the words). While Momma was on the phone to Sasa, Sera picked up her phone, 'cause she needed to check up on Gramma and Bob, and had a conversation with them. . . Bought a Sera-sized bed (IKEA) that I had to cut-down because it was too long for her mattress, and a ridged round boat (with a hand crank to propel the two-blade prop) at two yard sales by the East Van Public Market today. Took the boat down to Jerico beach in the evening, and had a blast with it. Dadda tried it out first to see if it would sink (it didn't), so he got in and tooled around the ocean for a bit -- lots of fun. Then Sera got it, and the gentle ocean waves freaked her out, so Momma got in and tried it -- then Sera wanted to get back in, and they tooled around for quite awhile! Amazing ten dollar investment there. Got quite a few comments and turned heads at the beach too.

September, 1998
2nd Lifts herself up on the half-baby swing no-problem! (grabs onto the chain as high as she can, and lifts her body up). 3rd Slept in her new bed ALL night! 4th Had two accidents with the training pants & two peepees on the floor today, before she ran to the potty to use it for the first time! (Momma's v.excited!) 12th Had her first "real" conversation with Cee-cee this afternoon -- pretty amazing -- telling her all the things she did today etc. Picked up her own guitar (garage-sale-special), and started strumming and singing in front of the mirrored coat-case! (got a bunch of it on video). 13th Played her harmonica in the window this morning. Counted up to thirteen on the way back from our grape extravaganza walk. We setup her IKEA bookshelf, and arranged stuff to make her sleeping space "nice!", and then hung up her walk-height-chart. 20th Said "S E R A -- Sera!" in the car just outside our house. 22nd Shot her first bit of video by herself (pretty good too!) -- momma let her hold it. 23rd Walking to the park, Lisa the neighbor kid came to meet us, and Sera says: "Hi, Lisa, how are you?!" (totally sincere and non-schalont (sp)) expecting an answer -- amazing! 24th Finally got the total hang of riding (peddeling) her tricycle tonight in the kitchen. Like a pro, forwards and backwards. Look out world! Her speach development has made another leap again the past few days. She's become extremely articulate with complex speech. 25th Said "Momma, don't sing, it making me crazy." in the car. (Sherann was singing with an Scottish accent).

October, 1998
1st Uses the reverse-play button on the autoreverse tape deck to play the other side just long enough, then hits the opposite play button to listen to her favorite song on the other side again (!!!). 5th Sera went poo-poo on the big potty for the first time (8:11am) while reading the Clifford's Kitten book -- v.exciting! 6th Got up on the futon bed, and reached up to turn on the lightswitch by herself (but couldn't turn it off, because that was just out of reach). 7th Has in the past few days made another huge leap forward in linguistic prowess. 10th Sera brushed Dadda's hair tonight (8:58pm) -- felt great on the scalp! 14th-21st Busy in Montreal with friends (baby Patrick) 24th Talked with Baba on and on about things this morning (on the phone). 29th Put together one snap on her raincoat (whoo hoo!) 8:42am. 30th Won't say "please" when we ask her to ask nicely for the past few days now. Has reverted down to more "baby-esque" talk -- harder to understand lately. 31st Singing in the car, Sera chimed in all on her own "...they're happy and they're wacky, the Fedirko fam-i-lee" -- better than I say my name! (to the tune of the Addams Family).

November, 1998
14th Can lock/unlock the dead bolt now no problem. Went to my first movie theater (brand new cinemas at Metro Town (SilverCity - Metropolis) and saw the new re-release of "The Wizard of Oz". Dadda hadn't seen it before either. She managed to watch most of the movie, but fell asleep after about one hour, during the Lion's "King" speach/song. We were a bit worried in the beginning, since the first moving image that she sees (a trailer) is for a new 3D IMAX Tyranosauras movie that comes screaming at you. Sherann and I both examined her face to see how she'd take it, but it didn't seem to phase her! 16th Helped me snap up my winter coat buttons this morning, as I helped zip up her raincoat. 19th Hung out with Gramma + Bob during the day, while Sherann and I went to work together for the first time at the NFB (Joe Fortes project). Went poopoo and peepee in the toilet for momma. 30th Said she had a dream about Momma this morning. Made Gramma's baby go sit on the pottie, so she could go pee -- then got Dadda to see what she had done -- then we flushed it down. Played with all her instruments, and sung with me. Had some beer out of the bottle during dinner (she liked it!).

December, 1998
5th Watched the first snowfall of the season before bedtime -- lots of fluffy snow! 6th Went for a sled ride out front in the sunshine! After we took the wagon down to the SuperStore and picked up a Christmas tree for the house. Sasa came over with Elly to hang out. v.excited to put the ornaments on the tree. 8th Washed her own hair in the bath (scrubbed her head -- dadda put the sudz on). Bought our first DVD movie : Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 10th Has watched that movie I don't know how many times now -- really likes the singing parts. 13th Measured her - 92.3cm tonight before bed, which is 7mm more in just two weeks! 14th Been v.into grapefruits this past week. She ate almost a whole pink grapefruit to herself this morning! 15th Washed her hair by herself in the tub (just the back, but put shampoo on, and scrubed it). Watched about an hour worth of C.C.B.B DVD in french (amazing she sat through it). 16th Slept until noon (had to wake her). Sherann measured her tonight, and found that she grew about 1/4" in the past three days!

January, 1999
start Saw her second movie "The Prince of Egypt" in Calgary. 5th Happy to be back home, and access to her own bed. Peeled all of her new crayons from Patrick (Dadda really can't understand where this peeling fetish comes from...) 10th Thought the entrance way needed vacuumming, so she asked for it, and then did it! 11th Is able to put her boots on by herself, unlock the deadbolt AND open the door all by herself (wow I'm scared now!) 19th Mom asked her what Adriann's oldest kid's name was, and she said matter-of-factly "I don't remember" -- just like a little adult! 29th Said "I want to touch your skin!" (put her bare feet on mommas back).

February, 1999
1st Placed the highchair table back into the inserts by herself! (8:41am) 2nd Saw some new shoots of rubarb growing just off Commercial Drive -- amazing! Getting really good at taking off her outfit, but still refusing to use the toilet ever. Has a great technique for taking off her shirt -- tucks her elbows in and lifts up the shirt over her head, then wiggles the shirt off her lower arms behind her back! Wants to sleep by herself mostly now (makes us sit on a chair next to the bed while she drifts off). 6th Went to see her third movie (she's been asking for a long time!) again at SilverCity Metrotown -- A Bug's Life (PIXAR/Disney film) -- her parents sure loved it, and she stayed awake for the whole thing this time! 7th Eats at the table in her highchair, but without the tray -- snugs up to the table and eats with the big-people. Learned how to use her own scissors and cut paper this afternoon! 13th Opened up the cutlery drawer and picked out a spoon! 25th Wanted to see the Wizard of Oz again this morning, and opened up the TV cabinet, turned on the TV, and played the DVD all by herself! last few days Grew bigger again.

March, 1999
2nd Visibly bigger again. 11th Didn't like the fact that we were going to get rid of "Black Beauty". 20th At breakfast, took her socks off, and then proceeded to stuff them in her t-shirt. She then proudly proclaimed: "I have Ma-ma's!". 23rd Said "I don't want an oval", and handed me her yoghurt container (wanted it put back into a circle -- 'cause now it was an oval shape!) Really into the beach. Hung out in White Rock today with Sasa, Great Gramma and Momma. 30th Screamed at another kid at Granville Island not to hit her (we're very proud!) -- a bunch of kids were waiting for this bully to go down a big slide at the Kids Only Market.

April, 1999
13th Put some letter sticker on my fingernails this morning, and picked out a "W", and said "this is a W, and if you turn it upside down it's an M (!!!). 14th Has been able to climb "up" the twisty-slide now for a few weeks no problem. 15th Went ice skating with mom. 20th Went to her first music lesson thing. That night she was singing in the bath: "if you have a brain..., you better take care of your b r a i n . . ." -- very sincere and lilting (too bad Sasa has our video cam...)

May, 1999
3rd Hands look bigger today. She slept for quite awhile during the late afternoon (crashed face down on the floor in the living room). 6th Not feeling well. Asked to lye on the couch, and then past out (poor thing). 13th Sherann took her to a clinic to check to see if she had the chicken pox, and she definately does, but since she's got such a good immune system, the break-out has only been a few red blemishes on her face (like bad zits, but not). Before bed, I told her that it was only one month until her birthday, and then asked her if she knew how old she was going to be, and she thought about it for a little bit, then said "three". 16th Hasn't been asking/playing with "Gramma's baby" for about a week. Then of course after I mention it, she asked for her that night. 20th Caught the big ball a few times playing catch. 21st Getting v.good at catch now. Tossing over-the-head, and just normal to me too. 22nd The past few days (?) she's gone on the potty many times -- peep AND poop! Very impressive. Also recently she's actually asked if she can go to bed at night (!!!). 28th Sher informed me that the diaper I re-put-on Sera tonight was the same diaper that I put on her the previous night! (bone-dry)

June, 1999
Early Been traversing the log-bridges' *outside* at the park lately! (little dare-devil) 3rd Had some milk and ice cream at Joudy's Greek Tavern (she enjoyed it, but I knew it was a bad idea...) 4th Fainted at night when Sherann tried to put some calamine loation on her sore (face spot), and she figured it was a cesiure (sp), so we all went to the Burnaby Emergency for a bit. Sera was freaked out, and pale-pale, but probably exacerbated by Sherann's freaking out, and the faint. The first doctor thought it might have been a fibrhal convulsion (sp), but couldn't say for sure (perhaps not). 5th Took her to the Vancouver Children's Hospital in the afternoon, and the doctor there figured it was really just a "white-spell" (fainting because of trauma/stress) -- so we feel much better -- Sera's been fine the whole time though. 6th Hands look bigger today again. Went to see Raffi at the Vancouver Children's Festival -- liked it a lot. 8th+9th Went to Victoria (took the ferry from Twassen (sp)), and had a great time. Saw an albino peacock at the petting zoo, and stayed at a funky Bed & Breakfast there. 13th Had her birthday here at home with a few key friends. Picked up her birthday cake (she insisted on a lemon cheese cake of all things -- quite good, but v.unorthodox. at Granville Island). 20th Going through some great days of wearing panties and tremendous potty-success, and others of utter failure. We've had to resort to taking away "wearing a dress" priveledges, which seems to work somewhat -- v.strange punishment, but hey, what-ever works right? 24th Went down a sliding pole all by herself -- the other park by the Renfrew Library (close to the schools). 28th Had a sore belly (so did Dadda today). Drew some "family portraits" on her magnadoodle -- big heads, with eyes, and a mouth, and long skinny legs with little feet.

July, 1999
3rd Rode on the big-kid tire swing (vertical one in the field) and loved it. 4th Said: "Yes, Y-E-S, yes!" to wearing some fire-red socks this morning. 10th Took her to a wedding (dad was shooting at Whonnock Lake) and had a blast playing with the other kids that she didn't know. 11th Said: "Well, pull my lips off!" (from the Big Snit) out of the blue. Went to the little beach (south end) of Trout Lake, and played with her sand toys. Made a few bouquets from tall clover flowers and grass that's gone to seed. It looked like she got it from a florist! I was really blown away. Just stuff she picked by the side of our car. 12th Can get to the next monkey bar now going downhill, and is very fast with a bit of help from me. Looks bigger again. 21st Had to knock off all the Japanese Red Plum's off our tree out front (and in the neighbourhood) with a long broom handle -- I don't blame her -- they're very good! She's crawled on the floor and fell asleep there the past three nights. Perhaps it's too hot for her in bed, and cooler on the ground? 24th She can hang upside down on the swing now like another older girl who was trailing her long hair into the sand. She can get in AND OUT of the baby swing while it's swinging! She can traverse the chin-up bar and wrap her legs around the opposite post now. . . (what a monkey!) Went to see the lantern festival again tonight. Got scared with the dragon and the stilt-walking-fire-touting-freaks. 31st Moved into our new house! with our very own room

August, 1999
8th Has been crapping her panties everyday since we've moved (doesn't like adjusting I guess, but she seems to like the new place from her visible attitude . . . 11th Rode her tricycle by herself (forwards and backwards) in our private lane.

September, 1999
1st Dido was teaching her how to read (one of my old books dealing with color) when I got home from work. She's been sleeping more and going to bed early most nights lately. I've noticed that she's been looking bigger again many times. 11th Took a boat ride on Lake Kalamalka -- really enjoyed it, and got to watch Dad waterski. 13th Went to the bathroom (pee) in our house all by herself -- and didn't even announce it! 27th Buttoned all the buttons (snaps) on her blue-stripped jammies all by herself -- she could do all but the top button last week.

October, 1999
30th Went to a Halloween party, and she one "most creative costume" prize -- she was a Rododendron (Sher made the head-gear). She recited almost verbatim "The Little Mermaid -- Arial's Wish" to me last night (got about 90 percent of it -- a bit sketchy near the end), but really blew me away! 31st Went to a bonfire at Grampa Jim's and did a couple houses of trick or treating.

November, 1999
6-7th Enjoyed Uncle Ken coming to visit on his way through to Edmonton, AB. 8th We put together a bunch of puzzles tonight -- and she was doing an amazing job of putting in the shapes (alphabet one in non-alphabetic sequence) and the animals and numbers. 20th Helped me paint the garage with a roller and brush.

December, 1999
9th Answered the portable phone all by herself tonight. Turned out to be Baba. She didn't know, so she asked "Who are you?!". Spent X-mas in Calgary, AB this time. Had a good one. Came back on the 30th., just to avoid any Y2K nasties.

January, 2000
16th Actually gave a nice good-bye kiss to Uncle Scott (he reciprocated nicely too!). 27th Can open/shut the heavy dishwasher door (and un/lock it) now. 30th Played basketball outside with Gramma, Erin and Sherann -- had a blast. The family painted her room Canary Yellow (while she didn't -- which was good!)

February, 2000
22nd Started daycare -- seems to like it, but doesn't like Momma working . . . 24th She corrected me twice while I was reading a newer Little Red Riding Hood book (great illustrations) to her. First, I was talking about Red, and used "he", and then later on I was talking about the huntsman, and said "she". Wow, that really blew me away! 26th Asked me how to pause the DVD, so I showed her the button, and then told her to press the triangle picture to play it again. Then a few minutes later she needed to go pee, and paused it herself, then went pee, and played it again no problem (!!!) first try!

March, 2000
10th Pulled over one of the orange chairs to the coat-hanging section -- and manouvered it so she could get her purple coat down! (2:32pm) 11th Did the same kind of thing to get a fresh glass for water this morning after she gobbled down three waffles (9:43am) 25th Took a road trip down to Seattle WA, and stayed in a motel -- loved it. 26th Toured around Seattle a bit (the day they blew up the KingDome apparently -- so the d/t core was all blocked off), and then took a ferry over to Hansville to visit Dave/Brigette. Had a lot of fun on their private beach-front playing with Pixel, running around and looking for oysters. We all got pulled down into some quicksand -- v.exciting. Jumped on the neighbors trampoline, and watched a bunch of DVDs. Got pretty close to Pixel (their dog), which shocked us all.

April, 2000
9th Tried out the new swing that dad made for her (added it to her play-climbing-area).

May, 2000
6th Played with Carter and MacKenzie at their place -- hockey (which she called "Baseball", because they used a wiffle ball instead) and frizbie. She wanted to try to catch it, so Dadda threw it gently to her, but it ended up konking her in the nose, and then horrific shrieks ensued, followed by a fair amount of blood. Not impressed was she. . . No real damage except perhaps her syche. 9th v.excited about the new baby chicks (chickens) that we picked up today.

June, 2000
10th Stole Dad's b.day away from him again, but it was a good thing -- was only nice and sunny this Saturday for the party, and rained every day after. Got her a big-ass pool (12' in diameter), but we've still got to pH balance the water. . . 13th Gave her a few more presents on her real birthday, and watched "The Little Mermaid" tonight on DVD.

July, 2000
15th At lunch today, she said "bon appetite, moi pettie chaufleur!" (sp) to us! 21st Went swimming in our pool with Kev, and she finally got co-ersed into swimming by herself with the aid of the boogie board!

August, 2000
Sherann brought back the pool for a VISA credit -- the rim wouldn't stay inflated anymore 12th Opened the venitian blinds by herself in our bedroom this morning.

September, 2000
4thWent for a 10min pony ride (two ponies pulling a cart) in Vernon at the Farmers Market. Had lots of fun with her cousin Elly. 11th Enjoyed a foot rub by regular Gramma (doesn't usually care for them!) 15th Went down to the beach in White Rock, had a great time. Afterwards, she wanted to listen to some music, so popped in a tape into the deck, and liked it -- so she cranked it up and wanted me to clap along. She was v.excited -- good taste too -- Eric Clapton's Cocaine (live version).

October, 2000
10th Devoured three small bottles of Bio K (potent health yogurt) worth about nine dollars -- didn't even ask . . .

December, 2000
2nd Said she wanted to finish watching x-mas cartoons instead of opening x-mas presents (Baba/Dido are down for an early one) 3rd Had a blast looking (and pointing out) x-mas lights tonight. 14th Played outside with the neighbour kids until after dark in the SNOW! Mom took her around with the sled too. 17th Showed me this morning that she could wistle! 25th v.happy that she actually got her "Sleeping Beauty Barbie" that she asked Santa for. Wondered how soon the next christmas would be!

January, 2001
6th Played outside almost the whole afternoon (sunny today) with the neighbor kids. Dunked under the water to wash her hair (in the tub) all by herself -- no freak-out(s) tonight! Helped momma setup her "other" bed infront of the fireplace. 7th V.excited to see her little sister -- made a bee-line right over, and hugged her. Said she can't wait until she has her own camera so she can take pictures too. 9th Washed her hair all by herself at Regular Grammas place this morning! After playing at Ali/Julia/Travis's place in the afternoon, she came home and asked a little worried if her sister had grown all up without while she was gone! 14th Christine and Sue brought over three boxes of toys'n'clothes. Quite the hit! A mega-score of Barbies - probably as good (or better) than winning the lottery! 18th Finally freaked out on the baby for keeping her up (trying to fall asleep tonight - unsuccessfully!) Getting excited about going to pre-K tomorrow too. 19th Wend to her first pre-K class - went well, had a lot of fun. Was disappointed that she didn't have a lunch-box like everone else, even though it was after lunch time and only two hours. 23rd she looks bigger again - curious as to why we wanted to get rid of the teak couch tonight. 28th I asked her if she could do up her own buckel (in the van), and she said yeah -- then proceeded to discourage my help -- and she did everything all by herself [awesome, since putting in Taija's seat getting to the 2nd. seat to put her in is quite a drag now]. 29th Closed the vertical blinds by herself tonight (close and then twist) -- has been helping me open them in the mornings lately -- getting v.proficient!

February, 2001
18th Played outside today (sunny today) - taught her how to "pump" on the swing -- seemed to finally get it! 20th The PhotoBlaster Quad camera finally arrived (thanks CeeCee!), and she loves it! What a cool thing for a kid to have - can't wait to develop them (23rd.)

March, 2001
6th Made a marionette paper puppet at class today (pretty cool!) 11th Went swimming with Dad for the first time at the local pool (1st. time for Dad -- she's been taking lessons for a few weeks). Swam for over 90 minutes -- 'til our fingers 'n toes were all prunny. Then we went to the Hungry Heart for lunch. Said "Mom, you have a nap, Dad can make diner and I'll do the chores okay?!" to us after getting home from regular Grandma's place. And she already brought in the chicken eggs... (!!!) 17th recited our phone number to us this morning! (Erin taught her recently).

April, 2001
4th Told me that her neck was sore this morning. This afternoon/evening she feels horrible, and crashed out on the couch. 13th Went to her first outdoor Easter-egg hunt. Sera loved it! It's an annual event for Adriene, and Sera wants it to be for us too! 16th Made and illustrated her own story book! She had Sherann transcribe the story for her, but she wrote the cover title by herself -- extremely touching!

May, 2001
24th Little Buddy flew off -- his cage was on the deck getting some sun, but his door was open. Sera's still sad about it.

June, 2001
14th Coughing a bit in the morning with a headache and a slight fever -- slept a lot during the day on the couch. 15th Same again today, but seemed much better briefly when she got up. Still quite hot tonght. 19th Better (was worse the past few days) - we roughly checked her height, and she probably grew about 1cm this past week! 21st Sera and I hung out after dinner for the solstice. When to the local school park, then down to the Beach where the giant swings, go-round and stuff are. Picked smooth white shell bits at the beach front until twighlight. She passed out at around 10:25pm. 23rd Picked some strawberries for me out of our garden! 24th Had a blast on the trampoline tonight with Linda's daughter Rene (Gordon & Winnie's pad). 25th Went for her first Dentist visit - went great apparently.

July, 2001
12th Not that impressed that we cut-off the cable TV... 21st Was the flower-girl at Laird and Bonita's wedding (Ocean Park / White Rock beach), and got to wear her heart-shaped locket for the first time (birth gift). late loves blueberry picking with dad, but we did have a poo accident at Mary-Ann's farm. 28th Went to the lantern festival (13th. annual) at Trout Lake (East Vancouver) and watched the fire performers, and all the local freaks milling about. Got scared at the first "show" that the fire people were going to get too close to her (front row seats), but was okay after that.

August, 2001
6th She decided to forgo a nightly book, in favor of listening to "her music"! (Bach on our stereo system) -- Dad is gonna have to buy another system soon... 10th wanted me to crank the Stevie Ray Vaughan album so she could rock out on the patio while Sher cut her hair -- then she came in and wanted it louder so we could dance to it. Liked almost everything except the Hendrix song (sorry Frankie!) Taysia loved it too. 19th went fishing with Sher, and uncle Scott -- Scott let her reel in a fish, apparently it got quite a reaction out of her!

September, 2001
1st Grew an inch since her birthday! 4th Had her first day of Kindergarten -- just 20 minutes - no biggie for her, but Sher seemed bummed-out (losing her girl to the system) 5th Had her second day of Kindergarten (short initiation-week), and got to check out the library, computers and the "Jack" room (err, that's probably Gym). Seemed quite excited about things. 9th Tried to wake us up at the bottom of the stairs in the morning, "because the TV's not working right!" -- i.e., there's no cartoons on! So I begrudgingly went down to check out the TV, and saw live footage of the WTC building start to implode. I told her that this was extremely important news, and there probably wouldn't be any cartoons all day (she wasn't impressed...) Uncle "Ken" (Fedirko) came to town for a visit with his friend from Texas "Michelle", and the got along quite well together. 11th Asked Michelle if she'd like to come with her to visit her school (soooo cute!). 13th Julie came by for a short visit w/everyone (with Ken & Michelle). 18th Looking at our old family albums, and came across a picture of Bob, Gramma's baby and Gramma - - then she said "hey there's Gramma's baby, and there's Bob. I miss Bob - he's dead in Gramma's heart!". (yowza!) 30th Tied her own shoes today before going to visit Dave, Kathy, Luke & Emma, and again coming home. (Dad's v.proud!). Had a great time playing with Luke. Didn't want to go home at 10:45pm!

October, 2001
14th Went to Grampa Carl's wedding (to Ida) on the farm -- got to dress up in a fancy dress and wear the locket. 17th Gramma brought her new puppy over (lab), and she's super terrified of it -- Sher doesn't get it, and I'm caught in the middle. 23rd 6:45am - said "Daddy, help, I think I exploded!" (she had barfed on her pillow-v.sad!). I guess that comes from me warning her not to eat so much (or you'll explode!). Another episode at 7:15am - this one painted the wall and floor, and another in the hallway -- looked like a movie set. 31st went around the neighbourhood tonight, then to Grampa Jim's for a visit, and to spark off a bunch of fireworks. Came home, and lit off a bunch more in our yard (loved it!).

December, 2001
25th all month was counting the "sleeps" until x-mas - and was quite excited to see the mound of presents that magically appeared in the the night.

January, 2002
5th went swimming with Sera today until they had to kick us out! About 2.5-3hrs. Which was good, 'cause we were a couple of prunes by then anyhow. She finally swam all by herself with one of the tiny boogie boards all over the kid pool. 17th Excited that Baba + Dido are coming "for a sleep-over" - slated on the 18th. 19th Went out with the neighbour-kids sledding in the reserved lot (21B + 153) for hours -- this snow is great! 20th distraught over Spencer chewing up our last chicken (the nice one). "...and then there were none..." Asked if we can get another "buddy" (i.e., little buddy - the budgie) when regular gramma comes for a visit. 26th we had a H U G E dump of snow here, and we had a blast sledding around the neighbourhood. 27th still great snow, and more fun at the local hill.

April, 2002
2nd Did a big puke-session in the hallway (rug), and more in her half-sleep - v.sad Momma and Taysia have had it too. 19th Her first "away" sleep over at her buddy's place (Carly).

May, 2002
22nd Went to the "Festival des Beaux-Arts" at the Bell Centre for Performing Arts, Sulivan Heights Secondary School (Surrey) with her class, and performed a wonderful song on stage - the best of the five performances we saw (Regular Gramma and Dad) - they all had flower costumes on - amazingly nice theatre.

June, 2002
13th Was a bit out of sorts - awoke to a pile of presents at the end of her bed - but loved it! Grampa Carl + Ida + GG came over for a birthday diner. 30th Really enjoyed "backwards day" - she suggested it - so momma oblidged - we went out to Campbell Valley park (south side) and had a picnic - started off with strawberry pie, then pizza and a plain salad.

July, 2002
15th Went blueberry picking (first day open) to our favorite patch - got 21lbs worth. She wanted to listen to my "tunes" - so I let her, and she was really groovin' to "Kickstart my heart - by Motley Crue" !!! 24th Really enjoyed "The Enchanted Forest" - Taysia too - a place I used to stop at occasionally on our summer vacations to Kelowna years ago. 30th Came down with a fever - and lack-luster. 31st Extremely hot all over - went to sleep at 9:15pm.

August, 2002
25th Got some funky new school pants and other mix-n-match clothes. Has been doing the hoola-hoop lately - she's very good! Can even do it around her neck! 28th Went swimming twice at the local pool (afternoon and evening) - it's a great pool, and it's free! Very confident - went into the deepend (with her water-wings). We brought Travie along with us, and met Emily M there too.

September, 2002
30th (or 29th) - 11:20am - learnt how to ride her bike! - I started to let go a bit, and she was going for a bit of a distance without me - by about 11:25am she was asking me to "let go" - stayed out until about 12:10pm riding up and down our lane - made it the whole length by herself (I just needed to start her out) and she would coast to a stop or use her feet - braking seems too foreign a concept. Whoo Hoo! She loves it, and asked to ride all the way to school already! Sher got some of it on tape.

October, 2002
6th 2:15pm, learned stopping (breaking) today on her bike - by the end of the session she was doing brake skids even. Then we found her colored bits to put on the spokes and WD-40'd the chain and the old faded colored bits for fun. She's almost ready to ride totally on her own (but she thinks I need to start her off still). Yah!.

November, 2002
16th Didn't freak-out when Taysia came to console her (was crying in bed) - they hung out for quite awhile in the bunk. Hmm, progress?! 30th Asked Taysia if she'd like to go up to sleep in the parents bed (!)

December, 2002
1st 1:27pm - told us in the van that she was going to try to allow Taysia to play with a few Barbies (!!!) 14th Went skating (no skates) with the other kids (Robin and Esme) near softball city - loved it - pushing these new devices around (to give them confidence) and at the end, I held her hand, and we booted around the adult section. 15th Finished decorating the xmas tree this morning. Washed her own hair tonight (with shampoo) in the tub 18th Sang and danced at her school Christmas-concert - v.cute! Christmas got along amazing with Marilyn's dog (Ginger - a one year old golden retriever) - hugs, rode it like a horse, took it for three walks a day - and the last time it came over she completely FREAKED out - screaming and cowering in fear in the corner. I still can't believe it!

January, 2003
3rd 4pm - got her to try to coast-start on her bike, and after a bit of proding, she DID IT! Also tried out the roller-skates that jj sent. 7:30 - got Momma and Sera hooked on Ms. PacMan [doh! - now I'll never have my mac back again!] 18th Went to see some Shakespeare in Vancouver with both girls, and rode in the new millenium scare-train cars - you can see out the front - much nicer, with more lighting. 26th 9pm - wanted to play my guitar (I started playing first) - seemed very excited about it, but it's too heavy, and she seems to really think as a lefty - so she'll need a lefty version - she suggests a red one (should be like mine).

March, 2003
3rd 3pm - She asked me if I could take off her training wheels (!!!) - and I was thinking of asking her again, but didn't - as they were getting in the way of her legs trying to coast. So I got out the wrenches, and pulled 'em off - no problem. YAHHH!

April, 2003
early Quite excited about "treasure hunting" - we found some great stuff this year (as usual) - so she'd like me to look everyday now... 9th She's a super-pro at the tire-swing. I'll have to shoot some video soon - using figure-skating techniques for controlling spin-rate and stuff. I can't believe they all don't just go flying off the thing. Into "chess" now - already can beat me at checkers - for some reason she sees double jumps - and I can't.

May, 2003
Have been on a special diet for awhile now - trying to figure out things she is allergic to (or perhaps just can't tollerate) - seems to be wheat and milk products in general. [Wheat makes her mess her pants] Strawberries give her a stomach ache. Trying to avoid oranges and tomatoes too for now anyways. She's been keeping her pullups dry for the most part, unless she has some of the above. Almost like a miracle...

June, 2003
3rd Made scrambled eggs this morning (and dressed herself before anyone else was up) - made a bit of a mess with one egg - then asked me to turn on the stove to cook 'em! 6rd work up around 5 this morning. Went to the family doctor, and we're gonna have some blood tests taken in two weeks - so back to regular eating. And after only 20-30 minutes, she already pee-d her pants, with wheat pasta and marble cheese. Hmmm. 13th got a "jumpy castle" for her party - quite the hit. 29th Was scared, and intreagued by the small frog that I found in the dirt delivery (thanks Rosalind!) - it really blended into the old dirt. Now our 3rd blueberry plant has a new home.

September, 2003
28th Sera noticed a new front tooth poking out (to push out her baby tooth) this morning. Finally the first one!

January, 2004
10th Started Violin lessons with a Russian instructor - she had been asking for lessons for a long time, so that's what she got for Christmas - we'll see how it goes...

February, 2004
15th Had her first recital : doing a pizzicato piece (finger plucking - no bow) - she was fine until she got there, then she was petrified until she started to chat with another younger girl behind her - that gave her some courage - her piece was priceless - caught most of it on video. The pianist really was patient, and helped her out. I was very proud of her - I don't think I'd have the guts even now to do that!

March, 2004
Spring Break Went up to visit Gramma in the Okanagan, but Taysia and her ended up getting the flu (?), and doing lots of barfing. 21st I offered her a penny for each pine cone she could put in a big bucket (was cleaning up the yard to do the first mow of the year) - and her and Taysia collected 253! 24th Read to us tonight from a Roald Dahl book - Danny the Champion of the World - and I was astounded at the words she was reading. Wow, this french emersion thing is really paying off!

April, 2004
8th Can monkey-bar swing backwards now - seems there is extra competition at the playground pushing the boundaries!

June, 2004
3rd and 4th - went swimming at the local outdoor pool - lovin' it - swimming around with her pink swimming ring (no fears - all the way to the deep end). 26th really liked playing croquet (first time)

July, 2004
15th second last day of swimming lessons at the local outdoor pool. Will go under if she holds her nose, but is very reluctant to put her head in - she swims like a dog struggling in there (kind cute/sad!) - so I went to find some nose plugs, and goggles. She balked at the nose plug - wouldn't even try it out, but we did pick out some funky bright yellow and pink goggle-shades. They match her main swim-suit actually. So we'll see how she does tomorrow. I tried explaining holding her breath this afternoon too - with my stop watch. She managed to hold it for 19.5 seconds in the house. I figure if she can see under water, then that will alleviate one of her fears - then she can concentrate on the non-breathing part...

August, 2004
? Our last visit up to Grammas (Stump Lake waterfront property) - Sher got her to use the flippers (like pulling teeth), but once she figured it out, there was no stopping her. Lots of bites, which we figured must have been parasite things. 21st Took a circus class 10-4pm for whole week 21st Went to a pool party at Danny's house (aka) - we crusing around the pool in flipper and googles. After awhile before we were going to get out of the pool I asked if she'd like to try swimming to the end without flippers, and she finally agreed. Well, she did it! After that, she was swimming like a fish. Excellent!27th lost her second tooth (middle bottom front) this morning - noticed it at 9:33am. The first one I don't think we found a little while back. She's very excited about it!

September, 2004
22 Lost her first big front tooth at school today - wiggling it, and it fell out - the secretary gave here a tooth box to put it in.

November, 2004
29 Crazy about the first snow! - noticed it at 6:43pm - then the neighbourhood kids all came by at about 10 minutes later. They were going to blow it off because they were already in their jammies (so they could watch a movie) - I told them, pffft - get your dayclothes back on, and have fun! So they came in cold and happy at 8:15.

January, 2005
30 Got a new mattress finally for her - much nicer, but now the safety rail is too short...

April, 2005
2nd Ate about one third of her chocolate bunny.3rd of course [to my theory] she's got a head-ache, and 'feels sick/awful tonight'. 8th Had a really bad bleeding nose in the morning - made a fair mess in the bed (coughing), but went to school anyhow (like a trooper). 9th Tried out the new Crayola Crayon Maker - had fun picking and designing the color schemes, and sorting through the various small bits left over the years from the collection. Sher and I had made our own a few years back, but didn't have any "real" molds, so the output was wacky and sub-standard. This is pretty easy, and cleanup was no biggie (unlike our first attempt!). So if you've got any crayon bits - bring 'em on by!

Sept, 2006
5th Started grade 5, and liking it

December, 2006
28th Came out with Sherann and Taysia to visit Dad at Baba + Dido's house in Calgary, AB

January, 2007
5th Went back with Taysia (by themselves) to Vancouver - their first solo adventure!