In a snapshot, learning how to be a parent, taking another credit towards my graduate degree, looking after Catriona, housekeeping and chores, looking after Catriona and looking after Catriona. Throw in Catriona deciding not to be a great sleeper from 3 to 6 months more or less to make one tired mom and dad, and the time flew by.
Some highlights of our time were spending a month in Toronto with my mom and dad, Catriona's grandparents, her aunt and uncle and cousins.
Poor Dad was at work while Cat and I were enjoying being looked after, whisked around and being able to walk to stores and be home in less than half a day. Not so good for the ole pocketbook but it sure was fun! We also got to visit my uncle's farm near Creemore. The real bonus was that the weather was so nice - sunny and about 20C every single day until the day we flew home. After a coolish start to summer, it was a wonderful treat.
Dad also worked most of October, but we did have some fun. We also got wonderful news about Catriona's hip dysplasia: she no longer needed to wear her brace. An unexpected hiccup in our otherwise happy and healthy baby that healed itself after 3 months in a harness to keep her legs apart. To this day she loves pulling her legs up kinda like a frog and cuddling in. She earned the nickname, velcro girl, cuz you could lie with her on your chest with her draped over you. A very friendly Cat-o-saurus put in an appearance at the town children's Halloween party.
Dad was finally home in November to spend time with his little girl and she just loves time with him.
She is already going to school - she goes to Banff Elementary School every three weeks as a volunteer with the Roots of Empathy program. It is designed to help Grade Ones develop a sense of empathy towards other children and babies. Catriona loves an audience and the kids love watching her and seeing all the new things she can do each time. Very worthwhile!
December started with another visit with the grandparents, only this time here in LL. It was -20C or colder most of the time, but we had tons of fun. They helped me get my schoolwork done and catch up on some sleep. She got all dressed up for Christmas -
Her first Christmas party getting to sit on Santa's lap. There was even a present for her!
Christmas was spent in with Dad's family in eastern Alberta where Cat was once again spoiled rotten. What a pleasure to be able to experience all the love and excitement of the season through the eyes of a child. She has started to sleep more both night and day so we are slowly getting better rested.
We are also taking advantage of the snow that has been falling almost every night to get out cross country skiing most days. As Dad says, Rufus is lead dog, Dad is the sled dog, Cat the charioteer, me the mop up crew.
Hard to believe that in 6 months Cat has almost doubled her birthweight, can almost sit up, is wanting to move and is eating a repertoire of food that includes sweet potato, green beans, brocoli,carrots, apples, bananas and oatmeal, barley and brown rice cereal in her high chair.
2010 brings with it another three graduate courses, a trip to HAWAII (Big Island), another trip to Toronto and return to work in June. And of course, many changes in Cat. Hopefully some more regular postings now that she is sleeping a little bit more!
