Those Three Little Words

Let's. Make. Coffee.

Aaahhhhh.

Three and a half years we've been waiting for this moment. It just started last week, as part of a new morning routine. (Maybe we have the new Dora bed to thank?) Instead of watching cartoons when she wakes up, she prefers to sit on the counter while I get breakfast organized. She scoops the coffee into the bodum then stands by to stir it once the kettle whistles. Sometimes we listen to the music from Tangled (or as it's known around here, les cheveux longs), but mostly it's just quiet.



While we're waiting I usually unload the dishwasher and get lunches organized and we eat a banana or share a grapefruit. Then she eats her usual raisin bread (cold, not hot! No toast!) with du butter, Maman. A LOT of butter. What can I say, I guess she's not adopted after all, her freakish aversion to potatoes aside.

Then she gets to push down the plunger and joy abounds.

We've had a few nights of fully UNinterrupted sleep (of course now that I've actually typed those words I'm sure that's the end of that) and it's almost the best part of my day when she comes bursting into our room in the morning: "Maman! Je veux faire du café!"

Luckily she has no interest in DRINKING the coffee but she does love making it. And I love having her sleepy little self perched on the counter with me. She's great company.

In other news, we have watched the Tangled DVD approximately a bajillion times since Papa brought it home on Tuesday. It's a really adorable film with a great message (a smart and capable princess-type that doesn't need rescuing!) and although I can now watch the end without crying, I may have developed a crush on Flynn Ryder. A cartoon crush. Sad.

Speaking of sad, it looks like the ol' gestational diabetes is back. My doctor sent me for an early test and I got the news last week that my sugar levels are a little high. Do not pass GO, get to the hospital for the dreaded two hour exam! Crap. There goes another half day! I know it's really not a big deal as far as pregnancy complications go but I was still disappointed. It means extra time hanging out at the diabetes clinic and following a sugarless diet until delivery not to mention random feelings of dread that PREGNANCY - UR DOIN' IT WRONG. Great. Oh and the Dairy Queen right down the street is now open for the season. I might get them to put my picture by the cash "DO NOT SERVE THIS WOMAN, NO MATTER HOW SHE BEGS FOR A STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE BLIZZARD."

Yes, B.C. readers, due to the frigid temperatures that we get around here almost 6 months out of the year, Dairy Queen closes down in the fall. Plus we don't have actual restaurants that sell burgers and stuff. They are all (I think anyway) outdoor walk-up/take-away counters.

Heading to Vancouver on Thursday, can't wait. Lower Mainland readers, we'll hang out at the movies next weekend, right? I'll be at the 7PM-ish screenings on Friday and Saturday of The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom at Tinseltown along with the writer/director and B.C. homegirl Tara Johns, not to mention Julia Stone, the star herself. Thanks for your comments on my last post! We wavered somewhere between panic and despair for a while, but now we're at peace with embracing the chaos. It's all good.

How Ikea Tried to Kill My Marriage

We survived. Probably because we ate lunch for less than $10.

But we got what we went for - a big girl bed. We decided to go for the not-quite-single-bed-size model which turned out to be perfect.

While Stéphane stayed home to put it together, I took the big girl out to choose bedding. Surprise! It's all about Dora.

Mission accomplished.

So the crib is now on the other side of the room, juuuust out of frame of all these photos. Once we moved a few things around, we were surprised at how well the two beds fit. We also got some super cute under-the-bed storage which took care of a surprising amount of toys.

So.... right. We're going to be putting another baby in that crib.

Wow. Kinda makes it real now that it's all empty and just sitting there. Ready.

It hits me every now and then, like when I'm combing out Liliane's hair after her bath and Stéphane is cleaning up the kitchen, that it's pretty easy just having one. How the heck are we going to add a newborn into the mix? Do I comb hair with one hand? Will the kitchen just always be a mess? Is it too late to change our minds?

Anyway, everything else is fine. I think my husband has almost forgiven me for Sunday. Liliane is good although all about Maman these days.

Parents, any advice on the morph from one to two? Everyone says it's easy but... really?

Girl Power, Etc.

I'm still here! Really! Blah, blah, still busy (please see my last post) oh and pregnant. Which is fun and everything but this kiddo is sucking the LIFE out of me already. ALREADY. Ha ha, just kidding, baby. I can't wait until you get here (stork is dropping off, right?) and you can suck the life out of me... literally! Actually I can't wait to nuzzle your fuzzy head and nibble your teeny toes. BAYBEE FEET. NOM NOM NOM.

So in case I didn't mention it already, we had an ultrasound 2 weeks ago and yep, definitely another girl. We're relieved because we have all the stuff already although hoping desperately that this kid is a little more, um, easygoing than her big sister. There's a finite allowance of personality per family, right? Surely Liliane has used up all that Type A juice so fingers crossed that the new girl is kind of a slacker. Or at least likes to sleep and doesn't hate doing her jacket up or wearing snowpants or being buckled into her carseat. Can you tell I'm a little tired of winter?

Speaking of which, since today is actually the first day of Spring, Montréal decided to celebrate with a 10 cm wet snowstorm. Yep, it was awesome. On a related note, I have seriously stopped calculating how much money we've spent on crap-weather taxi rides to and from daycare since January. Just doing our part to keep the car-for-hire industry alive and well here! Sorry baby, hope you like hand me down EVERYTHING because Maman couldn't handle a little bit of slush.

ANYWAY. Now that I'm firmly in my second trimester, I'm waiting for that "burst of energy" I'm supposed to be getting anytime now. Hello? Anyone? The all-around queasiness is definitely gone, but oh ho ho! Surprise! It comes back with a vengeance when I'm too tired or too hungry or the wind blows the wrong way or I get a massage. Yeah, a blissful, stress-releasing, muscle-soothing maternity massage last week made me want to hurl. Sigh.

So that's what's up with me! Aren't you glad you asked? Just be glad I didn't tell you about the pelvic pain (how is it possible to HURT LIKE THAT, THERE) and how I am periodically blinded by homicidal rage towards the upstairs neighbours for, you know, walking around so loudly.

The good news is that Dairy Queen will be opening soon, I have no stretch marks (wait, that first point could be a problem) and I'm totally enjoying feeling this kiddo move around so much. I also appreciate knowing specifically what I need to buy this time around. I have my eye on the Arm's Reach co-sleeper and I'm narrowing down the stroller/car seat combo we need to get. I'm even already checking Craigslist!

I'm also completely looking forward to my upcoming trip to Vancouver in April for the Dolly opening. Which reminds me: Lower Mainland readers - consider yourselves BOOKED for the weekend of April 8th! The Year Dolly Parton Was My Mom is opening at the International Village/Tinseltown theatre (downtown) on Friday April 8th and you definitely need to see it!

While we're in promo mode, if you're on Facebook, I'm sure you're already a fan of the Dolly Facebook page. Right? Are we friends or are we friends?

Speaking of Facebook, while you're there becoming a fan of our page, check out this contest that Stéphane made a video for. Click this link, watch the video (it's 30 seconds, you can do it) and hit LIKE. (Where it says "votez pour Stéphane Arbour.") He and I will be forever grateful. Or at least happy for a few minutes.

Alright, time to put this way long post out of its misery. Before winter leaves us completely (don't let the door hit your butt on the way out!), a couple of happy hivernal memories.

Back soon!

Still Kicking

Hellloooo from Preggoville! Land of snacks, naps and ill-fitting pants!

As some of you know, I helped make a movie that is coming out here in Quebec TOMORROW so between gestating new life and tending to the life we already made, my professional life has been off the charts with the BUSY.

Blah, blah, blah, everybody's busy. You're right. So I'll skip all that and just POST SOMETHING already.

I'm going to cheat a little and share a video with you that my adorable and talented husband made last weekend. It stars one Miss Liliane Arbour AND her new fish Dory.

Enjoy! While y'all are watching that, I'll be working on some more posts. Promise :)

Sunny Side-Up from Stéphane Arbour on Vimeo.

Surprise! New Year, New Project!

Yes indeed, what you are seeing here is the first image of who we're affectionately calling Bébé II.

Here are some vital stats:

-due July 17

-had ultrasound this morning, all is well

-I currently weigh more than the average blue whale

-70% chance that this one's a girl too. Help.

-Liliane knows, tried to see the baby herself through my belly button

-Stéphane and I alternate between being thrilled and terrified but mainly thrilled (although often terrified. Let's keep it real, shall we?)

Since I'm posting such awesome news, can I be forgiven for a nearly month-long hiatus? I assure you, I spent that time either eating to quell the nausea or eating to appease my random cravings (no, for reals, if you happened to mention food of any kind in my presence, THAT is what I need: STAT. Literally had to turn off the TV when the Burger King commercials came on), or eating because hey! I actually don't feel gross right now!

The good news is that my first trimester diet consisted of more than bagels (mmm, bagels) and milkshakes (ooh, that sounds good) like with Liliane. I've been able to keep eating a fairly balanced diet with vegetables and everything. So that's kind of nice. On the other hand, I'm already in my maternity pants and I don't think it's just the baby's fault if you catch my drift...

ANYWAY, that's our news. I have a bajillion fun photos to post but I'll leave you with this one for now.

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy new year!

My resolutions include more blogging, less eating of multiple lunches. Also surviving this crazy childbearing thing again, not to mention the whole newborn phase.

I'll keep you posted! Ha ha!

I Love Mall

We had the best time at the mall today. We didn't see Santa and we didn't actually buy anything. Weird, right?

It was a quiet morning at the Piercy/Arbour homestead. I have the head cold that won't die so we hung out at home until cabin fever started to set in. We heard about the fancy festive set up at one of the malls downtown so we set out towards the Metro.

We don't roll with a stroller anymore, but thanks to Papa's shoulders it doesn't take us 2854 hours to get anywhere.

Hallelujah! Real decorations!

Related: thus begins a series of mediocre photos taken my random (kind) people at the mall. Who suck at photography.

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Ok so this time Stéphane framed us up before handing off the camera.

Oookaay. I think family photo time is officially done.

It was super fun! Lots of activities that don't have to do with waiting in line to see Santa. You have to make an APPOINTMENT to see this Santa and all I will say is that those who foolishly mosey out to the mall at 3PM don't get an appointment. Really not.

In other news, my child knows more words to O Christmas Tree than I ever did. She has a blossoming love of the Christmas season and particularly Père Noël. Who brings presents! And candy!

She asks me sometimes "You OK Maman?" and occasionally requests that I not speak. Usually when I've reminded her to PLEASE SIT DOWN ON YOUR CHAIR. But her excitement for Christmas is really the best ever.

I don't know about you but December 1st kind of took me by surprise. It felt like it was forever away and then BAM! How come your decorations aren't up and WHEN WILL YOU GO SHOPPING?

Ha ha, no stress. Liliane has her Christmas gymnastics show next Sunday which just so happens to be the same day as Carols by Candlelight at the church. I'm singing in the choir again this year! The good news is that our commitments are over on the same day and pretty early on in the game.

*Side note to my Mom - I understand why having the church Christmas program happening so close to the 25th was so tricky! And here I am whining about my Dec. 12 activities. Pshaw.

ANYWAY, that's it for me, taking the code in my node and heading to bed. Have a good week!

Christmas Decoration at the Mall FAAAIIILLLLLL

Let me preface this by saying that these photos are not from, like, Florida or anything. This is a big-time, downtown Montréal mall. Montréal, Québec. Where it's COLD at Christmas. You see where I'm going with this? You see why I'm confused?

Umbrellas? Really? This decor is supposed to make us think of the most cursed weather of all time, ICE RAIN? It's hard to see in the photo, but the Santa parasols (??) are hung in the midst of sparkly, icicle-y (??) lights.

I would seriously not wish ice rain on my worst enemy. If my hormones jumped out of my body in the form of evil, vicious, carb-crazy goblins I wouldn't even wish ice rain on THEM. That's how sucky it is.

And to compliment the theme, behold the jaunty evergreen swirl complete with partially closed Santa umbrella/parasol and more icicles. At least there are a few snowflakes in there to make it a little festive. Like okay, thanks to global warming Christmas will probably be WET, but just for the sake of tradition, we'll throw you a flake or two. Thanks a lot.

The photos don't accurately capture the sheer FAIL of this decor.

End of crap decoration rant. The rest of the city is gorgeous, I assure you. Although so snow yet. Which is A-OK by me.

Have a great weekend everybody!

Crumbs

I had a witty, photo-filled post in mind but sadly I fell victim to Sunday night fatigue.

So I leave you with only this - a princess waiting for her coach to bring her to dinner at Cinderella's Royal Table.

Even if there are no Royal meals in your immediate future, have a magical week everyone!

Ready For My Near-Drowning Mr. DeMille

Friends of mine where I used to work needed a toddler to shoot a re-enactment for this documentary. Now, having just come back from holiday (and needing distraction from the Disney depression) and knowing how Liliane does enjoy the spotlight (ahem), we signed her up!

Wait, I signed her up once it was determined that she was a SURVIVOR of the shipwreck. This was important to me.

She had to get all dirtied up to play a penniless passenger.

I don't think I can describe exactly how comfortable my child was having not one, but two lovely make up artists fussing over her. Like it was totally normal.

Did you get my espresso?

What do you mean they didn't have Dora crocs in 1849? Get my agent on the phone.

Although her burlap sack-like ensemble was far, FAR from the very sparkly princess garb she had been used to wearing, she was thrilled to be in a COSTUME.

Even the headgear.

Luckily they weren't shooting this re-enactement anywhere near icebergs, or water for that matter. Welcome to the magic of green screen!

Hello little urchin.

Since she was to be rescued from the ocean, she had to be wet. Julie from wardrobe sprayed her with water which was about as unpleasant as it sounds.

L was a total trooper. She got right into character.

Being rescued from the water by her mother.

Director Brian McKenna watching her performance on the monitor.

Brian and the crew.

Once her scene was over, she went to her trailer and sipped champagne while playing with her contractually required orange balloon.

Ha ha, good one.

Frolicking with another filthy kiddo, adorable Arthur.

Unfortunately that's not makeup.

One more group shot at the end and voilà! That's a wrap!

OK, unable to end a post with my kid dressed like that, here she is at the Crystal Palace brunch at the Magic Kingdom:

And there it is. Just think, you can say that you knew her when!

Seriously, not hoping that L will be an actor for realz. But we're having fun with opportunities as they come.

Although... You gotta admit, she looks pretty comfortable in a sparkly costume:

I will end by saying that we have successfully cleared ALL errant Halloween candy from this house. My hips are relieved.

And that Stéphane bought a Christmas present for Liliane today which is impressive because a) it's only November 7 and b) IT'S ONLY NOVEMBER 7. He's such a hero.

Oh and I went to TWO cardio classes this week and totally enjoyed myself. Go me.

Have a great week everybody!