We're Melting, We're Melting!!!!!!!!

Hooray!!! The snow is FINALLY melting! It has been so exciting to actually be able to go play in the backyard. We have hit temperatures as high as 50 in the past week. It still freezes most nights, but we are making progress (just in time for us to leave for Texas!). It has been fun to see how quickly everything melts. People were walking on the lake behind our house just last week and it is already just water in some spots.

This was taken on Saturday and by Monday, our backyard was snow free (it was not, however, poop free...the result of months of snow cover without poop scooping--ick) !

Big smiles for outside time!

In our excitement, we decided to go to the dog park on Sunday. Unfortunately, with lots of snow melting comes lots of mud and a soggy soggy mess! Every time Maya did her usual "dog park drive-by" (or fly-by), we all got covered in mud. Olivia thought it was hilarious that she kept getting splattered in mud. I think we were there for about 5 minutes before we realized we were a little over excited and should have waited a couple weeks.

The Largest Mall in North America

We visited Edmonton's one claim to fame...West Edmonton Mall, the largest mall in North America. It has an aquarium, sea lion show, a life size replica of Christopher Columbus' Santa Maria, miniature golf, and an indoor water park. We hit the aquarium and sea lion show. It was perfect timing as this months theme at her school is underwater. Olivia had a blast and we actually had a good time too. She has been talking about "The Mall" ever since.

Checking out the sea turtle, sharks, and BIG fish.

Penguins!

We just took a peek at the indoor water park. We may try it out this summer.

The sea lion show was great. It was really well done. Funny to see it right in the middle of all of the stores.

The brave sea lion about to jump off the high dive!

We Have a Date!!!!!!!

I called to make a regular appointment with my OB for the day after I arrive in Houston. Before hanging up, the receptionist accidentally confirmed the wrong appointment. She said, "Monday, May 23rd at 12:30". After a "huh?" from me, she said, "Oh sorry, that is the date of your repeat c-section". I had no idea it had already been scheduled.

So there it is, Baby Sister's Birthday!!!!

Monday, May 23rd at 12:30.

We are sooo excited!

Potty Training Blues

After receiving lots of pressure from certain grandmothers, we decided to try potty training during Olivia's Spring Break. The method I chose was recommended by a mom at one of her preschools. It focuses on staying dry, giving kids the reason why they need to use the potty. Well, Olivia definitely learned how to stay dry. She did not, however, get the "go in the potty" part. The result: Olivia got a Urinary Tract Infection from holding her bladder in order to stay dry. So, we have decided to shelve potty training for now. I am in no hurry and apparently Olivia isn't either.

She likes the potty...just not using it!

Maybe we will just let Elmo use the potty for now!

Here is another use for the little potty now...empty Mommy's wallet and hide everything inside :)

Baby Beds

It doesn't matter what we do or where we go, Olivia can turn anything into a bed for her baby and find something that will work as a "blankie". I had to wash the slipcover of Olivia's chair (thanks a lot Maya) and the inserts were immediately stacked and turned into a bed for her baby.

A week of Mommy obsessively checking her roller coaster temperature had an effect. Once baby was comfortable, she needed to have her temperature taken.

Hugs for Baby Sister

31 Weeks (this sweater makes me look A LOT bigger than I am)