Shape sorting

Here is a link to a small video of Daniel sorting shapes (on youtube). He says 'no' when it doesn't fit, and 'yeah' when it's in the right place. I'm amazed at how clear his attempt at 'triangle' sounds, a fluke I think. This was videoed 2 weeks ago.

Shape sorting video - click here

Christmas Lights at Stanley Park

Last night we all ventured downtown on the bus to Stanley Park for the Bright Nights display put on by the firefighters every year. Thousands upon thousands of lights and decorations! I'm sure there must have been at least 100 santas. Daniel loved the displays, and kept repeating "more!" But after an hour we were getting cold and hungry, and it was time to start the journey home.


Daniel sampled his first hot dog, and enjoyed looking at the penguins (not real), the giant polar bear, and watching the train go past.

Playing games

Sometimes Daniel surprises me by doing something more 'boy'-ish than babyish. Yesterday he started playing with a toy train by himself, saying 'toot toot', and driving it over the furniture (and me). He has a shape sorter (the tupperware variety that most people have experienced in their lives sometime) and he is getting good at doing it by himself. If the shape doesn't fit he says 'no', and if it goes in he says 'ya' with a nod of his head, or gives himself a little clap. I'm enjoying this independent playing! He seems quite industrious at play, and I appreciate when it coincides with dinner preparation. Sometimes he yells at the top of his lungs (could be mama or dadda or some random noise) just because, which takes a little getting used to. Daniel is 17 months old today, and his baby side is quickly vanishing.

Daniel in the snow

Here's two photos from today. Nice 'dry' snow (so it wasn't slushy).
Nathan took Daniel out for 10 minutes, but I think he was more interested in playing with his stick!

First snow

Today we had the first snow (a very light dusting, probably thinner than icing sugar!). Lots of Christmassy things happening as the year wraps up. One week for Nathan left: 2 papers and an exam.

This weekend is our church's community Christmas party, and lunch with our friends Frank & Amber. I've been busy trying to get photos printed (which is more work than is reasonable), baking, finishing our family Christmas letter, trying to get a stool sample from Daniel (I never, ever want to put me or him through that again!) and keeping warm. My snow jacket is about to be retired (last night I had to get Nathan to zip me up, it was that tight) and I'll dig the bigger one out of the suitcase upstairs. Here's my 6 month belly shot. Sorry it's poor quality, it's hard trying to do it yourself and I never remember to ask Nathan.

Less than 2 weeks til Christmas! We still have no firm plans for the day itself, which isn't as unsettling as I'd thought. We will catch up with lots of people before the day, so it will probably be pretty low key (and relaxing). Regent let us know of some Christmas meals we could attend, but unfortunately Nathan's exam or Daniel's naps coincide.

I will email out our Christmas letter soon. If you would like one (and I forgot to email one to you), please ask :)
Merry Christmas!

Sunny days

Not much to report right now! Getting ready for Christmas (tree is up and Daniel's presents are wrapped), Nathan has 2 weeks to go and a few papers to write. We've had sunny days though, and expecting more for the next few days, so loving the clear blue sky! Does mean it's very cold though. When the clouds come back maybe they'll bring some snow. We've had some frost the past few mornings, and ice on the car windscreens. But that's about it :)