Finally Sorted - Or so we think

So moving home has proven to be a little more of a challenge than we expected, mainly because it is so unusual for people from Burlington to move away that no one seems to know what to do with us. Thought I might vent a few of our issues

Mortgage

• Peter spent 3 days on the phone trying to get a mortgage. Apparently we have not been earning any recognizable income for the last 5 years even though Peter has been working for multi -national companies. Huge waste of time. In the end we were able to get one, thankfully!

Keys to the house

• Get the keys, start to move in – oh the old owners are still here, they think they have till 6pm to move out
• No big deal but want it on record that we are not in the house, we call the lawyer and real estate agent who calls their lawyer and real estate agen and the woman gets pissed off and is all offended that we would dare move in before they are ready, etc, etc, etc. Too bad we are moving in anyway!
  

Phone and internet

• Randomly the phone line would cut out, call the technician and it would magically be working again
• Had a technician come out to the house to find that our line is buried in water and therefore doesn’t work sometimes
• Technician ran a new line and all appears to be working fine, except the line runs through a tree at the front of our house and will not be buried until spring – ghetto looking
• Answering machine would not work so I took the phone back and replaced it
• Still does not work, called the technician figure it is a problem with the line, no it is just a bad choice apparently it means that out of all the phones we could pick this one is not compatible with a digital phone – fantastic
• Had to buy a new phone, works fine, thankfully
• Got a phone number so we could call long distance for a cheaper rate, couldn’t call within Canada for some reason – that is now fixed

Cable T.V

• Same issue with the cable line as the phone
• We bought a cable box off a friend and it did not work with our cable for some reason.
• Called the technician and they had no idea how to fix it so they sent out a technician
• He was baffled as well
• Finally called in our expert Patto who seemed to get it up and running
• Yippee we can watch T.V
• Wanted the cable box so we can record programs, that does not work
• Pat figures we needed a new remote so we get it and try it
• Of course the by the time we get the remote the cable is no longer working again
• Finally figure out we need a new hard drive in the recorder - everything is now working great, I love to watch T.V with no commercials

Appliances

• Ordered appliances to be delivered just after we moved into the house
• Finally got everything in on Christmas Eve
• Ordered Gas and have yet to be able to get the 'guy' in to hook up the gas so stove is sitting in a box in the kitchen, Dryer is ready to go but does not work, looks nice though, Microwave is in the garage waiting to install stove so we can install microwave above the stove.
• Freezer is on back order – still

Shipment

• Followed up on our shipment from New Zealand once we got to Canada. It had not even left the warehouse yet.
• Finally got them shipped on a boat with a confirmation of when they are meant to arrive, got the email saying what we need to get it through customs and find out we were never given the forms that we need in order to clear customs
• Had to drive to the airport (hamilton thankfully) to clear customs, showed up with all the items they said I needed, apparently that was not enough so had to go back and do it all again.
• On second trip to the airport put my credit card in to park in the lot and then when I was ready to leave I could not get out of the lot, apparently all the machines were down. Had to go back into the airport and find someone to let me out of the lot, good times
• Crate came on Monday Dec 14th, shipped on July 23rd crazy, 5 months – ridiculous
• Good news, only one bowl broke and a Tupperware cracked. Peter should go into the packing business he did a good job.
• Sprague did a fantastic job drilling the crates shut so tight with screws that it did not dare pop open, a bit of a mission for Peter to take out but they held for the long journey.

Car

• Fantastic car, Peter did a great job
• Has a navigation system and you can not set the clock on it, all manuals tell you to press a button that we do not have in our car

Furniture

• Ordered furniture from Lazy boy, supposed to bring a couch, loveseat, 2 chairs, rug and 2 pillows
• We got 2 chairs and 2 pillows, that are the wrong ones – more phone calls
• Finally got the couch and loveseat with no more problems
• Got another call from Lazy boy that they were coming to deliver more items, we were expecting 2 more chairs and a rug. The guy says I have 2 tables for you - no thankyou never ordered those - send them back
• The saga continues

So there have been a few issues as we try and get settled but we are looking ok now.

Baby is due in 6 weeks so we are working on getting ourselves organized so that we dont have to do too much sorting out when the baby comes and can just enjoy and get used to the sleepless nights again.

Lucas is enjoying himself and is so happy to be around his Granparents he is always asking about them and wants to call or go and visit so it was a good move even though the craziness is following us. Lets hope the new baby brings some sanity to our lives

A quick note, baby brain has struck and I accidentally put our camera in the washing machine so new pictures may be slow coming - oops

Hockey Night in Canada

Seems to be every night there is hockey on T.V. It is a bit ridiculous and have to say I never missed it one bit in all the 5 years I was away. Would be happy for it not to be on now either but I guess that is the breaks you have to live with when you marry a hockey fan - yippee skippy.

One more week and we move into our house. Looking forward to starting life over again, getting things sorted and finding a routine of some sort.

Lucas has been very happy, he is talking lots still, actually non stop really. He loves to talk, not always making any sense at the moment, as he is trying to make sentences but words seem to be connected with random sounds. Cute but not quite understandable at this stage.

We have bought a new (used) car. 2005 Nissan Murano. I like it, it is a bit bigger than I had planned so it is taking a bit of getting used to but we are getting there. Lots of room for all the stuff we need to take places for Lucas. which will be nice, no more puzzling it into our little station wagon. The greatest thing about it is, unlike the white wagon, it is quite inside, I can't hear the wind barrelling by at high speeds, thank goodness. Lucas seems happy with it so far, as happy as he can be in the car I guess.

New babies in town. Pat and Lori had their little guy 10lbs 1ounce if you can call that little. They named him Tyson Cater. Brown and Rhonda had their tiwn girls the other day as well. Having babies seems to be the thing to do lately.

I am still hangining in there, have a while to go yet. Not due until the middle of February with the next one. Lucas is excited about the new baby, at least he is so far. He loves to give kisses and cuddles to my belly and talks about the baby all the time, if it is not mommy's baby it is his that he has in his belly, sometimes that baby is a chicken. Hope nothing comes out of that one.

Peter is still plugging away at his business, not sure how happy he is with it, I think time will tell. Seems he likes working from home though and Lucas loves to see him during the day which is nice.

Lucas now has a membership at the YMCA and we go there quite often, he loves playing on all the toys (Elmos especially) and bikes that they have. Lots of big kids to watch as well, they do some funny stuff sometimes makes him laugh, which makes me laugh as well.

It is Halloween tonight but we took a pass this year, Lucas is a bit young and his costume is still in NZ, hopefully it will be here before Christmas time. Would be nice to open up a box of all our stuff before next year, we will see though.

Lucas taking his dog for a walk, notice it is not a real one, it will be a long time before he has a real dog to walk - this one works well for now

Still Going

Poor little Lucas has almost lost his voice. We had one day of not so hot weather and bam! runny nose, droopy eyes and a sore throat. Doesn't take much for this kid to get sick. It might have something to do with his aversion to vegetables, not sure. The cold has not stopped him though, he has been busy, busy, busy!

On Saturday we went to Nana and Papa's house to celebrate Madisyn's 3rd birthday and see Colin, Amy and Hayden. They were down as Colin leaves on Sept 30th for Afghanistan for at least a 6 month tour. It was great to see them and meet Hayden. Lucas and Hayden had loads of fun playing round and round wearing Papa's hats and taking turns pushing each other in Hayden's baby buggy. I will hold on to the photos of Lucas for incriminating evidence when he is older and much more macho.

On Monday we went to African Lions Safari. The one day it rained, of course, we had a good time anyway. The park was pretty much empty. Lucas loved all the animals (look Nana there are more over there!)and walking around the park in the puddles (may explain the cold he has now). Hayden was much more sensible. He also got to go for a train ride, which may have been the highlight of his day, as trains have become his favourite thing (especially Thomas the Tank Engine)

Yesterday Lucas had another eventful day, chickens came to Matter Farms. Wow was that ever exciting, thousands and thousands of chickens filling the barn floor. A sea of yellow (Lucas' favourite colour). They followed the little guy everywhere, guess they thought he might be their mommy. He is not the most gentle with little animals though, Lucas loved picking them up by the neck. Mommy not a big fan of all the chickens all over my feet, don't know how often I will go into the barn, next time I will have to wear boots to protect me from the little feet and beaks - yuck!!!

He is still busy doing stuff though, we went to the dollar store today and he got a new winter hat for, you guessed it a $1 - I love North American pricing, feels so good to spend only a little and get something new. We also made a stop at a book store to have a look around and boy oh boy did we hit pay dirt! A whole table with Thomas the tank engine and all his friends all set up to play around the track, all to play with for free, another reason to love North America, not everything costs to play. I did get asked an awful lot if I needed any help but I just kindly said no thanks just taking a look. Never spent a dime and Lucas had the time of his life.

Something new that Lucas knows - How old are you Lucas? "I'm One!"

Getting Used to His Surroundings

Lucas has been doing pretty good here, lots of people to play with. He is loving seeing his Grandma and Opa every day. He asks for his Nana and Papa all the time as well, can't forget Daisy he always wants to make sure she is still around as well.

He loves playing under the coffee table, good times when Daddy comes under as well.

Getting ready for the winter season, Dad needed some new hockey pants so Lucas and I went along for the ride. Lots of stuff to do in the hockey store, pucks and balls and sticks to play with. Could become a regular visit for the little guy.

We went to a drop in centre today, Ontario Early Years Centre, it was really good. Lots of toys for Lucas to play with and he can even paint there which means lots of fun for the little man and little clean up for Mom. It is close to our new house so we will have to drop in there every so often, it will be nice once I have some other Mom's to come with me. Missing Coffee Group for that reason. Soon enough though.

Big NEWS!!!

We have bought a house. We will be moving to Waterdown on November 6th. We are pretty excited about it. The house is fantastic and the backyard backs right out on to a park - Lucas thought that was awesome, I may be spending a lot of time at the park in the near future but this time I don't have to drive to it! I am looking forward to looking for new furniture and everything else to make our new house 'ours'!

More Big News!

Lucas drove all the way home from Hamilton (1/2 hour) without screaming!!! Could this be a turning point? I am not holding my breath. He was having fun playing with his sun glasses that Aunt Em gave him, taking them on and off - good times.

Lucas is adjusting well to his new environment, it helps that he has a few new toys. Thanks to the Mom to Mom sales - best thing every, toys that would cost me a fortune ended up being a couple of bucks, fantastic, and to great friends that have older kids and are off loading their "left overs" to us. Lucas loves his new bikes and cars and ride on fire truck.

Another thing Lucas has had no trouble getting used to here is T.V. There is always a kids program on and the T.V is life size! Wow Elmo is huge!!!!

Although he loves his T.V programs, everyday a couple of minutes after breakfast he goes into the T.V room and starts making his penguin noise. He misses Kelly Tarlton's so much that we have to watch the video at least twice a day to make up for it. He loves looking at himself as he walks around and looks at all the animals. I will have to find a place to substitute here.

It has been Far TOO Long

Alright so I have to get back at this, I have let it slide for far too long, there is so much to report that this BLOG could be very long so I will try to keep it as short as possible.

The last I reported we were thinking of moving back to Canada well here is what has happened since

• We sold our house


• Moved in with Sprague and Sandra for a couple of weeks


• Shipped or sold all our stuff


• Moved back to Canada


• On the way we stopped in Australia Sydney, Cairns and Port Douglas


• A stop in Vancouver and Chilliwack


• Finally home to Ontario


• Peter is busy setting up work and I Lucas is spending lots of quality time with his grandparents. I think both are happy to see him
  

Things have been a bit rocky for me as I am pregnant and sick again, not lucky with pregnancy I guess. Hopefully now that I am over the 3 month stage I will start to feel better soon. Time will tell.

I will keep you posted on all our new adventures in BORINGTON, as Peter calls it, and hope we can still find things to keep us entertained. I know we have a lot on our plate right now looking for a house, a car, a job, etc, etc, etc. I had forgotten how hard it was to set up in a new country. Oh well all in a days adventure I guess.

We are happy to be home though, we have been able to go out without Lucas more in the past week than we have since he was born, grandparents are fantastic!!! For more reasons of course but at the moment Lucas is excited to get to know them and they are happy to play with him.

Cool dudes Auntie Em and Lucas. Lucas learned how to say her name right away, and continued repeating it ALL day. He is a big fan!

OK that is enough travelling time to settle down somewhere

New TOYS!!!!!

last days at the cabin with Nana and Papa

cuddles for Daisy - Lucas loves her

A Short One Today

We are on the move to Canada!!!

So many things to do.

Sorry so short, will write more when I know more of what we are going to do

The End Of Shake n Bake

We have made it through all our shake n bake and we are not sending for any more, fingers crossed we move home soon so Peter doesnt go through withdrawal.

Lucas has been spending lots of time outside, as much as possible with the weather, he loves to play on the deck, picking up leaves and throwing them over the edge. Pretty cute little guy in his kiwifruit touque (Peter and I think it looks more like an acorn but whatever)

Showing off his Dr. Poopsie tougue from Lorna - can't believe it still fits him, the label says 3-6 months, I will never understand child clothing lables it really is just guess and go.

We spent some time in the mall the other day since it was raining and I melt in the rain so we had to go inside for a while. Lots of time in Kathmandu playing in the tents. He is trying them on for size for our move back to Canada. This one is too small I think, maybe ok as a tent just for Lucas but Mom and Dad need to sleep in it too. Sorry Lucas I think we will wait until we are in Canada to buy one.

Lucas loves to colour and enjoys sitting at his table. He just learned to get on his chair all by himself, great news for mommy means I don't have to drop everything all the time to sit him up on the chair. But bad news for Lucas has meant a few bumps on his head as he misjudges it often and falls off the other side, good thing he has a hard head.

Busy Day at the Office

Lucas is very quickly building up his vocabulary, he has lots of sounds (especially animal sounds - snake is my favourite right now, buzz is pretty good too) here is a list of some of his favourite words, they go pretty much in order of the amount of times I hear them in a day

• No
• Mom
• Go
• Door
• Car
• Mad (Aunt Elissa gave him a book "I Was So Mad" and he loves to repeat that word)
• Boo
• Bye
• Hi
• Yeah
• Nana

A few we are working on

• Lucas "ts"
• Banana "B"
• Bath "Ba"
• Nose "No"
• Pants "P"
• Cracker "CuCu"
• Dad still "G"
• Water "G"
• Socks "G"
• Shoes "G"
• Drink "G"
• Lights "G"
• Do you see a patern here?

Lucas got all dressed up for church on Sunday in a vest from Uncle Sean. Unfortunately Church did not go so well, Lucas was not a happy camper.


After looking at these photos, taken after church, he had a lot of work to do so couldn't concentrate at church and needed to get home to take care of business. Little man taking after his "G" already - future accountant

Bumps, Bruises and Tears

Little Lucas has been walking everywhere but he thinks he can go faster than he can, which means a lot of falling. The poor kid just can't get it through his head that he needs to learn to walk before he can run.

We have had a lot of rain lately which means trying to find things inside to do - Lucas gets a little antcy when he can't go outside so I am thinking making more use of the rain coat and maybe investing in some gumboots so he can actually take advantage of being out in the rain, not sure I want to be out in the rain though. We have been spending some time in the library, Lucas loves the beads on the wire toy there. He insists on sitting on the seats and using the table.

Elissa and Sean came over to visit with Lucas. Elissa is Lucas's best friend, he gets so excited to see her and shows her everything he has, new or old. He loves playing with her hair and having her read stories to him. The other weekend Elissa took Lucas to Kelly Tarlton's to see the fish - sounded like he had a great time. He made sure to let Elissa know what a penquin says - he made it up himself so only he knows.

Lucas has started to take after me, he hates getting out of bed!!!

Peter had a new injury in hockey the other night, his chin split open again, so he has a nice new scar to add to his collection.

We are still working on selling the house and have signed on with a new agent, hoping for some better luck this time, fingers crossed. It is unfortunate that we bought in the top of the market and are now selling in the bottom.