Christmas in Winnipeg Part 2

Before Christmas, Jeremy asked Sarah to marry him... wedding's in August.

The ring

Julian & Andrea, knitting furiously at a (late) Christmas scarf

Lauren & Jie, our Shanghai cousin

Colin, in town from Seattle, Stan & David

Three sisters: Charlotte, Gina & Dorothea (Missing: Lorraine, Herb, Stephanie, Zachary & Hillary... we missed you guys!)

Toben's feline cousin, Nixon, the cross-eyed Kroeker cat

Surprise Sisterhood Shower: (l to r) Rose, Amy, Julia, me, Rachel, Danika, Sonja

Christmas in Winnipeg Part 1

On December 24th, David and flew home to Winnipeg to spend Christmas with our family & friends. Although it was too short, it was wonderful to see everyone and spend time catching up. We had a Kampen gathering on the 26th, and got together with all the Rempels that were in town on the 27th. My Sisterhood girls threw me a surprise shower (thanks girls!), and we were able to see almost everyone we had hoped to. I am looking forward to going back to Winnipeg in May, when Mateo is here and introducing him to all of the Winnipeg people we love so much- Omi & Opa and his (aunt- she doesn't want to be called this, so we have to figure out something else) Andrea, Auntie Anna, and all our other special friends and family.

Surprise layover in Thunder Bay... seriously, a more boring airport than Winnipeg.

Mini Christmas concert for Oma


Keith & Alexander try to take a "serious" shot


Attempt #5: gotcha!

Happy cousins: Melanie & Evelyn

January news

Over the Christmas holidays we decided that we would share both the gender and name of our baby. Since we certainly didn't get around to telling everyone we figured it would make the most sense to post it here. So for all of you who thought it was a girl....you were wrong. It's a boy! And for all of you who thought we would name him Gordon....you were wrong again. I already have two of those in my family. His name is Mateo Josef. Mateo is the Spanish version of Matthew and is a name that pronounceable in English, French, and German. Josef is my brother Gordon's middle name but spelled as it would be in German. We are planning to raise him bilingually (German-French) hence the reason for needing a name that is pronounceable in all three languages.

Pregnancy update: We (by we I mean Christine) are now in week 31 I believe. The nausea started again but definitely not as bad as it was in the first trimester. Christine has been dealing with her new friend back pain but I am sure that she would rather have back pain than nausea. Mateo has become quite the performer it seems. While Christine was teaching her German course one day last week he kept doing flips which, because you can see his movement now, was enjoyed by her students. Speaking of teaching, Christine will be teaching for the first six weeks of the semester and then, in preparation for the baby, will hand off the reigns to her teaching partner. This will then leave her with course work and lectures. Since her profs are, and have been, very understanding we are confident that everything will work out.

We will be posting a picture soon of Christine at week 31 so stay tuned.

Soccer Stars

Yesterday was David's soccer championship game. He has been participating in a co-ed rec league throughout the fall, and his team made it all the way to the finals. They lost badly yesterday, but #2 isn't so bad. :-) Some of the teams were fun to play, but the ones that were really aggressive (like the winners of yesterday's game) are not as much fun to play, and for me, it is not fun to watch, because you have to watch as the players go flying across the field. Always good for a laugh was Sean, the (really good) goalie, whose colourful vocabulary peppered the game. The whole team is coming back after Christmas, so "the Kickers" will strike again!

Goalkeeper Extraordinaire... Sean waits for action

Blurry Kickers: back row (l to r): Matt, Sal, Sean, Dave, Grant
front row: (l to r) Thomas, Mandy, Jo, Joni (sorry about spelling, guys)

Snow, snow, and more snow

So today we enjoyed our first "major" snow storm. I don't know why I put that in quotation marks because it infers the opposite. Let me try again.
So today we enjoyed our first major snow storm. Okay...better.
In the morning when I left for work there was no sign of impending doom but once I left work two hours later the snow had started to fall. Also, it wasn't falling in the "oh it looks so pretty and magical, like unicorns playing with rainbows" it was falling in the "my eyeballs are hurting from the ice daggers that are falling in every possible direction."

All of the kids had their faces pressed against any and every possible window in order to get a look. I'm sure in the morning before school the thoughts of "perhaps they will cancel school today," danced in their heads. But...like many a school day and division before it, these dancing thoughts and hopes were dashed. Now dash away, dash away, dash away all, thought the school division deciders.

However, all hope was not lost. At noon, begrudgingly admitting defeat, the school decided to close. Fortunately, and by fortunately I mean unfortunately, I drove all the way back to school for lunch hour supervision only to find out that the school was closing. I guess in the craziness of calling every single parent they forgot to call the staff. Whoops! I did manage to squeeze in an hour of work supervising the main lunch room about a quarter full with the remaining kids. All was not lost. Yes David, there is a Santa Claus.

Now we have about 20 cm of snow on the ground with another 20 on the way for Sunday and more perhaps Tuesday. Since we leave for Winnipeg on Wednesday we are hoping that things will be clear and ready to go by then. If not, I have always wanted to spend Christmas at the airport. I mean, look at how much fun people have in the movies.

Albrecht/Robinson/Baker/Kampen Robinson Christmas at Dave & Christine's

So yesterday was Christmas at our house. We finally got some decorations up, baked some Christmas cookies, and had family over. We had invited David's brother Jason, his fiancee Michelle and their children Lorisa, Britney and Lucas, David's other brother Gordon, and David's mom and step-dad. Unfortunately Gord had the flu (we missed you Gord), but everyone else came. It was nice to spend time with David's family. We didn't have a table for everyone to sit at, so we did a lap meal, but it worked out pretty well. David and I made soup and baked chicken, Ellen brought a casserole, Michelle brought mashed potatos, and everyone brought delicious goodies to share for dessert. It was fun to host a "Christmas party" for the first time.

Ellen, Gordon and Lucas wait for lunch to be served...

My two favourite nieces, Lorisa & Britney


Grandma Ellen


Ellen & her boys: from left to right Lucas, Jason, Gordon, Ellen & David

The Robinson/Baker Family: Jason, Lucas, Michelle, Lorisa & Britney

Christmas Tyme in Wellesley

On Friday, David and I went to spend the evening in the small town of Wellesley, Ontario, where our midwife and dear friend Cindy lives. It was Christmas Tyme (that's actually what it's called, not a typo.) It's a real small town Christmas parade, and is followed by a real life nativity (with a camel!!) and a tree-lighting ceremony. It's so cute. All the businesses & churches in town have a float, and all the fire trucks and snow ploughs are decorated festively with their horns blaring. I think our favourite part were the Shriners in their mini-cars... a mini police car, fire engine, taxi, etc. It was hilarious because there were these old men in funny sparkly hats whizzing around in these tiny ridiculous cars. Afterwards we went to Cindy's for dinner & hot tea. Since I was sick for the Kitchener Christmas market last weekend, it was nice to do something to get into the Christmas spirit.

David & Cindy brave the cold (it wasn't THAT cold, but David was freezing as soon as we walked out the door.)

Looks kind of like the scene of an accident, but really, it's the fire trucks roaring along the road honking at everyone.

How small town is this?!

This was the funniest truck. Jumbo hotdogs.

I told you there was a camel. We felt kind of sorry for him because he was covered in snow.

Baby Belly

You have knit me together in my mother's womb...

Setting up the nursery or Adventures in the 100 acre wood

We found this amazing deal from a couple in Cambridge who was selling the exact nursery furniture we wanted from IKEA, plus Winnie the Pooh bedding & nursery paraphernalia. David managed to transport it all in our little Echo, and with a few minor scrapes & bruises, got it into the upstairs bedroom, which is now officially a nursery. Toben, perplexed as always by the presence of new stuff in the house, was ever so helpful in the set up. This morning, it appeared that he had had a fight with the mobile, the bumper and the toys I placed in the crib. Hmm... that's what he thinks of that. There is different advice about how to keep your curious feline out of baby's things: double sided tape, pop cans filled with coins... we'll keep you posted about our progress.

Papa David getting ready to set up the nursery


Toben being helpful

Toben testing out "baby jail"

Classic Pooh

The finished product...
except we couldn't figure out how to hang the dust rufflle... what is that for, anyway?

David and Kindergarten Kraziness

So....in the last month I have had the opportunity to substitute teach in 2 different kindergarten classes. Yes...I did say substitute teach. Since I am working for the Franco-Catholic school division (part of the Catholic school division...yes funded by the Ontario government...but that is a whole other post) they allow people i.e. me to sub even if you don't have a teaching degree. For me this is great because it gives me the opportunity to 1) do what I love to do and 2) gain experience in teaching and classroom management.

Now, when I think about kindergarten kids usually the image of oompa loopas or monkeys comes to mind. In fact, this image is not too far from the truth...except, of course, for the singing of enjoyably "you should have listened" songs in unison. Actually, I think it might be a little scary if that happened every time something occured a kindergarten class.

Kid knocks over milk.

oo-mpa loom-pa doopedie do

You get the idea...a little unnerving isn't it.

This brings me to my second image, monkeys. First off, not every kid behaves in this way. Generally, it is the boys. For some reason boys tend to find farting, playing in the bathroom, and smashing toys together incredibley enjoyable and amusing. When I am watching these events unfold before my eyes I think back to when I was that young. Did I too find eating things off of the ground great even if the snow was a little discoloured? Did I also whine when I didn't get the toy I wanted? Did I call the teacher over just to tell him/her that I have 3 cats and that my dogs name is Sparkles? Thinking about it...I probably did. I was one of the little monkeys jumping on the bed and now it is time for me to pay my dues.

Sometimes the kindergarten classroom does resemble that of a zoo exhibit but I certainly do tip my hat to those brave men and...well, let's face it mainly women who do this day in and day out. I knew before hand that I didn't ever want to teach kindergarten and that thought has most certainly not disapeared. On the other hand, I have gotten better at managing the class and better yet, I got through the morning routine and even got them to do an activity. While this may seem like a very insignificant accomplishment, it is one I am quite proud of. On the last day that I subbed I had a parent in the room whom was helping with a toffee making activity later on in the morning. I mention this because at the end of the day this woman came up to me and said "I was thinking I should get you a hard drink after the morning you had." To which I responded "Well, that wasn't even that bad if you can believe it. The first time....," and I briefly recounted my first experience with the same group. Next, she made my day by saying, "Well obviously you are good at what you do. The way you just kept repeating and explaining to the kids...I certainly couldn't have done it. You have an amazing amount of patience." This made me feel like I must be doing something right. Having had no training and, like at the start of all of my educational endevours, feeling completley untrained and underprepared, I really had no idea whether I was even halfway decent at what I was doing. I guess you either sink or swim and since I am not very good at real swimming I am glad I am okay at "swimming" in the educational environment.

One kindergarten kid = really easy
Three kindergarten kids = easy
Five kindergarten kids = getting harder
Sixteen kindergarten kids and one monsieur = panadmonium

Ultrasound # 2

Definitely looks more like a baby this time

With these little feet he/she has been kicking away at Christine's organs

St.Jacob's

Today, David and I braved the rain to take a small trip to St. Jacob's Village. I think we've mentioned going to the St. Jacob's Farmers' Market, which is one of my favourite places in this area. We had lunch at the market today... the food court is indoors, and I think that's why it was crazy busy. The food court is always crazy busy, but I think because of the rain, everyone was hiding out indoors.
We went to go see "The Mennonite Story," which is a small Mennonite museum in the downtown of the Village. It was very interactive... lots of video clips, maps that lit up, pictures, artifacts. David loves museums that are interactive... so he really loved this one. It is totally worth a visit, even though it is pretty small. It traces the journey of the two main "kinds" of Mennonites, the Swiss ones and the Dutch ones. And in the portion of the exhibit about Mennonites around the world, there was a huge picture of Leah Bock, which was fun... a familiar face. :-)
David and I both have schoolwork to do this weekend, since the term is quickly drawing to a close. Amazing to think that my first term of MA work is almost over!! My students write their final exam on December 19, and David and I are heading back to Winnipeg on December 24. I am so excited to get home to see everyone and relax! (although I will be working on my thesis proposal)

Toben vs. the flyers

Spoiler - Toben wins.

David's new job

After about a month and a half of searching I finally found a job. I have become the only male staff member (apparently the second in it's history) at a Francophone daycare in Kitchener. Despite the early mornings and consequently waking up when it is still dark outside, I am rather enjoying it. It not only gives me the chance to work in French, it also gives me the opportunity to continue to work towards my goal of becoming a teacher. The daycare is attached to a Catholic elementary school (which is funded by the Ontario government...) which apparently is quite common. Both the daycare and the funding...
While I am quite comfortable with working with school aged children I have found it quite a bit different to work with 2 to 4 year olds. With older kids you can use rationality. With littler kids this concept does not yet exist. Saying, for example, throwing sand at someone will not only make a mess but will also get into your eyes and hurt, doesn't work. I found that a simple don't with a finger shake works better. Another technique is to get them to sweep up the mess themselves. On the one hand this works well in terms of teaching the idea of action-reaction. On the other hand man kids are terrible at sweeping. I mean, don't quit your day job kid. Stick to eating glue and shoving things into your mouth. Leave the sweeping to me.
In any case, this will be good practice.

The Ws

No, I am not talking about the current president of the U.S.A. Nor am I talking about the famous 5 Ws we all learn in school. I am talking about Winnipeg, Waterloo, Winter, and Wrong. Having left Winnipeg talking about how wonderful the fall is here in Ontario mother nature saw fit to prove me wrong. Today, upon my departure from home, and yes it is the 29th of October, we had a blanket of snow on the ground. Oh and out came the windshield scraper for the 3rd time! If disapointed or sad started with a W it would fit perfectly in here. Believe me frozen tears were shed. To further add to my sadness I saw that the weather in Winnipeg was about 13 degrees warmer than here in Waterloo. What gives mother nature? Have even you been affected by the financial crisis? Did you invest in those faulty mortgages too? Was there no more money warm weather?

Well, this bring me to my last W, wrong. It is just wrong to have snow in October. I am sure you will all agree.

20 WEEKS!

Here is the most updated pregnancy picture, and I am actually looking pregnant now. Last week I woke up and realized that my clothes no longer fit, so it was time for a trip to a maternity store. And I am so thankful for the new (comfortable!!) clothes. We have our next ultrasound on November 4, and we will find out whether "it" is a girl or a boy. But... we're not telling. :-)

A few more pics

A few pictures of Graeme's menagerie... (his pets all have wonderful names that I always mix up.)

The Gecko

Graeme and the Little Egg-Eater Snake

Me and the Big Egg-Eater Snake

Toben, who doesn't belong to Graeme, but provided amusement by getting stuck inside our lamp.

Thanksgiving weekend with Mom & Dad

And over Thanksgiving weekend, my parents came to visit... something I've been looking forward to since moving all the way out here. We had a wonderful time with them. We spent time outside taking walks in the beautiful autumn weather... the leaves stay on the trees longer in this part of the country. We made a trip to IKEA where we enjoyed Swedish furniture, fish & chips and wish lists. We also went to Stratford, where we saw Romeo & Juliet in the Festival Theatre. We also spent an evening in Guelph with Graeme, getting to know his magical animal kingdom. :-) The weather was dreamy... 30 degrees in October!! It was so good to spend time with my parents, showing them around our new home... we are looking forward to coming home to Winnipeg at Christmas to see everyone again!

Mom, pretending to enjoy a coffee on the flowery chaise longue.


Mr. Peanut comes for a visit

My parents enjoying the scenery on the Avon River in Stratford


The River Avon

The Festival Theatre in Stratford

October Update

The beginning of October meant visits from people from Winnipeg that we love... our doors are always open, and we love visitors!

First came Takashi, the most artistic sushi maker I know.

Our biggest adventure: grocery shopping at Sobey's.

Julia & Amy were in town because of Cara's wedding (Don't be blinded by Whitey in the middle there.)

Verbs and Nouns

Here we are....week 17 of pregnancy. There were some days, when Christine was cuddling cozily up with her porcelain friend Flushy, that I thought to myself that it is certainly amazing that the human race has made it this far. I mean, if every woman feels like this while pregnant (and yes not all do but for the sake of my point they all do) I can't imagine wanting to put yourself through this more than once. Perhaps it is like winter and summer in Winnipeg. Winter is kind of like the crappy parts of pregnancy; uncomfortable, long, and tiring. Once the summer arrives we all forget about how dumb of an idea it was to build a city in such a bitterly cold and ruthless environment and thus, the cycle continues. I guess in the end it is all worth it. I mean, I do like summer and especially summer in Winnipeg. It's just that when you feel like your eyeballs are freezing solid well it's not an experience one wants to repeat. I am sure once I see our little one working away in the wheat field I will want/need another to pick berries or something.

Anyways, the nausea has let up. I do not want to jinx it but we are quite happy about this. Our next ultrasound will be in a couple of weeks and at that point it should resemble a baby rather than an odd looking alien object. In other news, we have heard the heart twice and that was pretty neat.

Well, we hope everyone has a safe, relaxing, and family/friend filled Thanksgiving weekend.

Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.