Our trip to Montreal and assorted stuff!

About 2 weeks ago, Gary had a business meeting to attend in Montreal so Calder and I came along for the ride and we stayed in Montreal for the weekend. It was Calder's first time flying in an air plane, and also our first time away with him and his first time sleeping in a place other than home! Yes, it was a trip of firsts, and they all proved to be successful ventures.

Calder fared well in the airplane, a much smaller plane than a normal flight as we flew out of the Toronto Island Island Airport with Porter airlines. I'd definitely fly that airline again! What with comfy leather club chairs, trail mix, cookies, free pop and cappuccinos at your disposal, plus a cheaper flight than Air Canada, it was a great experience.

Calder sat on my lap for take-off and the landing, and did very well, sipping water from his sippy cup when offered so his ears wouldn't be bothered by the pressure changes, and enjoyed looking out the window at the world below.

Mommy, Daddy and Calder had lots of walks around Old Montreal and surrounding streets, eating yummy meals and Calder even had his first taste of Raspberry Gelato! He loved it so much even though it was a bit tart. Mo! As Calder would say, when he wants more of something.




We also took a trip around Montreal in a horse-drawn carriage.

Remind me not to do that again unless I have taken an allergy pill - I was a wreck. Calder enjoyed it so much, but too much I think as he fell asleep part-way through the ride - his face cuddled against my leg. We moved him to Daddy's should and I think after that he was much more comfortable. He loved the horses though, every time he saw one in the city he would say Do! (his word for dog - we're working on that - it's a horse!)




Might I also say that our room was just luxurious on this trip. It was in the Hotel d'Armes and it was in a building that dates from the 1880's, I believe. I've included a few pictures for you to see.



Every night there was a wine and cheese for the guests, and although we only went once, Calder was on his best behaviour. He loved the cheese! Every morning we'd have breakfast together and Calder always attracted a lot of attention, from Francophones and Anglophones alike. He was always a good little boy, albeit a flirt with the ladies.

Over the past two weeks or so Calder and I went to the zoo twice - first with Daddy, and our friends Denny and Alicia and their daughter, Norah, and then with Grandma, Auntie Colleen and my friend Carrie and her daughter, Jaden. I think it was after all the walking with Daddy and Grandma both times at the zoo that Calder took off with walking on his own. Now he toddles around the house like crazy.










He is also practically running with his walker - it's amazing and hilarious to see! Over the past week he's really come along, and will walk quite far before finally grabbing something for support or falling down. Twice we've even had a family walk around the block - yes, Calder walked for most of it, although he did hold my finger - I didn't want him to fall on the concrete!

Here's a cute picture of Gary and Calder playing 'Strutter' on Guitar Hero. I HOPE Calder doesn't grow up wanting to be the next member of Kiss - I can't imagine him with all that makeup!!!

Calder also has two another teeth - his eye teeth - making that 7 teeth. One just popped up this past night. Maybe that would explain his horrible sleeps of late - the other two nights he was up from 2 to 5 am, and 2 to 4 am, and last night he was up from 3:15 to 5:45. UGh! One night I had to put him in the car and drive into Whitby for him to finally fall asleep.

If anyone has any tips for getting a baby to sleep on their own (Calder has to fall asleep in my arms) please let me know - I am getting desperate!

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Calder's 10 month picture

I've had this picture for about a week, and I apologize for not posting it yet. So, without further ado, here is Calder's 10 month picture. I may sound like a broken record, but with each month he is beginning to look more and more like a little boy and not a baby anymore. :(


Yesterday since it was so hot and humid out we decided to go to Calder's Avo's and Grandpa's pool for a swim. Calder and Daddy had a fun time in the pool together! This was only Calder's 2nd time in the pool, but he seems to love water.




Have a great week, everyone!

Headline News: Calder walked!!

Well exciting news in our household - today Calder finally took his first steps on his own! He and I were in our first music class together this morning, sitting in a circle with the other parents and babies, and he took 3 steps on his own! I was so very excited, as were the other parents! So far he's taken a couple of other little steps, and Daddy got to see some too tonight as well! Yay! He's still very apprehensive but he's trying his hardest! Yay, Calder!

Also, Calder had a fantastic time at my Mother's 50th Birthday Bash on Saturday night. We were lucky to get him down for a nap that lasted till about 7 when we left, so he was well-rested for the night ahead of him - which lasted until 11:45 when we left. Calder outlasted a lot of the guests. :) Even I was tired before him! He did a great job, hardly fussed at all, and gave out plenty of smiles and hugs to people. Here are a few images from the party:

Calder and Daddy



Our Little Family



My sister, myself and the Birthday Girl!!



Here are also a few pictures from the past few days or so - this first one is where Calder (who is quickly becoming a climber) climbed into his rocking chair, turned himself around and was extremely proud of himself. I have to watch that he doesn't do that when I am not looking, it's still a bit of a fall for him, and he's not yet sure of how to get down himself. :)



When Gary got back from San Francisco, he had some great gifts for Calder - some fun shirts (ie; "I get my good looks from my Dad" emblazoned on the front) and also a new toy for Calder. Well Calder has tried this toy, and never mind that it plays songs or makes animal noises like Calder normally loves - what he loves the most about this toy is the spinning action and subsequent noise it makes when he presses the center button. :) Here is Daddy showing Calder his new toy.



I couldn't resist taking this picture. Normally Calder does not like it when I vacuum - the noise, the fact that he has to be in his playpen when I do - who knows - but a few days ago when I was vacuuming the family room I caught him contently watching me. What a cutie.


I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week!