Trying to Giggle

Annella Pics

Getting Settled

Now that the moving process is complete, we've started to get settled. On Sunday, we went shopping at Walmart and Superstore for some necessary items (shower curtain, humidifier filters, toilet seats, etc...). We were exhausted from the long day of moving, so the shopping was brief.

The following day, we went to our condo to clean. Maryann took Annie to the mall, while James and I cleaned the place from top to bottom. Dusting, vacuuming, washing, scrubbing, clearing out. You name it, we cleaned it! We were able to deliver the keys to the realtor by 3:00pm, which couldn't have come sooner, as we were once again tired from the weekend. That night was spent hanging curtains, organizing rooms, and spending a few minutes relaxing and enjoying our new home.

On Tuesday, James returned to work, and I ran errands. A trip to Costco, Sobeys, and Home Depot turned into an entire day of running around. The evening was no less restful, as we were both completing tasks around the house that needed to be done. James' commute has increased from 25 minutes from our condo to downtown, to 45 minutes from our new place. He says that he's willing to sacrifice a long commute for a quiet neighbourhood, which is something we didn't have before.

Yes, we will take time to sit down and spend time together as a family. Moving is a busy and hectic time, but some things can wait. We've finished most of the important items, and are hoping to take it easy over the next couple of days. As we get more settled, we're looking forward to having friends and family visit our new place. With the large kitchen, I'll even cook!

We're Here!

We have officially moved into our new home! We picked up the U-Haul at 7:00am, and began packing up last minute items as soon as we returned to our condo. Family and friends started to arrive at 9:30am, and the moving effort didn't stop for the rest of the day. They packed the truck to the rafters, and also filled a few minivans. We drove to our new place around 1:00pm, and the truck was quickly unpacked. There was a second trip to Ken and Lynne's to pick-up some of our stored items, and the truck was successfully returned just before 5:00pm.

Most of the afternoon was spent organizing furniture, and slowly beginning to unpack a few important boxes. We are very grateful for the generous help and support from family and friends in this effort to move. We couldn't have done it without you! And yes, we promise that next time we'll hire movers :)

The next few days will be filled with unpacking, unpacking, and unpacking. Hopefully we'll be able to have all of you over for housewarming meals!

Moving Prep

The final countdown has begun for the big move. We spent this evening packing up the storage closet, and packing some last minute items around the condo. We take possession of our home tomorrow afternoon. The day will be spent having the carpets cleaned, organizing the kitchen, and getting everything ready for the weekend. We're having some family and friends come over Saturday morning to help move with a U-Haul truck rental. Needless to say, it's going to be a busy weekend! We'll need to rest up and get healthy, and will update you again once we're settled.

Cooing for Daddy

Little Miss

Telling Stories

Season of Change

After listing our condo on the market in early spring with no luck, we re-listed just prior to the August long weekend. Two short weeks later, our condo sold! We viewed homes that weekend, and were able to purchase exactly what we were looking for. We take possession on September 25, which means there is lots to get done in a short amount of time!

Annella Elizabeth

Whenever we share our daughter's name, we are always asked where it came from. James' maternal grandma was named Anne. We were looking for a unique version of this name, so we searched online. Annella is a Scottish variation of the name Anne, meaning 'grace, favour.' Lauren's paternal grandma was named Elizabeth, meaning 'my God is a vow.'

Newborn Photos

These are a few of the professional photos taken when Annella was a week and a half old.

Baby Girl

Annella Elizabeth was born this summer. She weighed 7lbs 1oz, and measured 20.5 inches long. Our lives are forever changed!