My 1st Christmas

Silly Mom and Dad... these are Java's antlers! My first Christmas was a success. I made out like a bandit. Thank you to everyone who sent me some clothes, books, toys and more. To those Oiler fans out there, well, we'll wait and see about wearing that toque. Mom, dad, Java, and I spent the morning at home and then headed for Nanny's that afternoon for dinner and desert.


Mike, Susan, Erin, Braden, Allison, Katie and Gabriel also came to Nanny's for some dessert. Here's me sitting in Katie's lap.

The Week Before Christmas...

It has been a very busy week for us all. We attended a party at Shawn and Daniele's place on Thursday. We had a great time. On Saturday, some friends (Tom, Tasha, Aidan, & Peyton) came over to enjoy a dinner on the Raclette. It was yummy. Here I am sitting with Peyton. Then I got to play on a gift from Aunty Susan and Uncle Mike. I'm still a little small to hold myself, but I like to bounce anyways! Java also got an early Christmas gift, but I don't think she liked hers as much.



For being 3 and a half months, I am talking a lot more now and I love to kick my legs and swing my arms. I've also noticed I can grab at things. I've started to play with some of my toys. I am now working on rolling over. Maybe before the New Year rolls around!

Happy Holidays

We'd like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Chanukkah, Kwanzaa, festivus or whatever You celebrate.

Valour has a 2 year time limit

A video everyone should see, yeah democracy

Christmas Bloopers

Merry Christmas!

Thank you to Aunty Donna for taking some Christmas pictures. Nathan was more than accomodating for a good 15-20 minutes while Donna took some photos. No screaming or fussing, just a little spit up now and again. He'll probably resent all of these photos I'm making him dress up for. Now, Nathan is almost 13 pounds and 24.5 inches long. He's still in around the 50th percentile, so everything is going well. He gets his next set of shots the beginning of January. Being 3 months old, Nathan is getting to be a little more mobile and inquisitive. Waking up in the morning, he has managed to turn himself in circles in his crib, as his head is where his feet once were. He's also come to rolling onto his side, so in no time he'll probably be rolling onto his stomach. Unfortunately, we can not teach him how to roll over like Java (giving her cheese as a reward)! Nathan is also taling a lot more and smiling too. Please look at the photo gallery for more up to date photos.

Just Visiting

Last week my aunties, May and Donna came for a visit. Aunty May left on Thursday, but Aunty Donna is still here. I've been having a good time with them because I enjoy hanging out. They have been a big help around the house, changing diapers, cleaning, etc. In this picture, Aunty May and I are at the Hamachi Sushi House at a girls night out. That's right, I was the only fella there! Here I am with Aunty Donna just hanging out in the living room. She leaves in a couple of days. We've been busy doing some shopping, as Christmas is fast approaching. We also took a short trip out to Peggy's Cove yesterday. It was snowing and the wind was blowing, brrrr...

Aerobics

Today was my second day at aerobics class and I met a new friend, Evan. He is only 3 days younger than me. This is him and I on the mats after a hard workout. I then proceeded to crash at home in my vibrating chair, as I am exhausted. I'll catch you next time.

My First Movie

I went to my 1st movie today with Mom and her new friend Kari and my friend Brady. Brady is 2 weeks younger than me. I may not look happy in the photo of me sitting in the theatre seat, but I was hungry and mom was making me pose. After I finished eating, I sat like a good little boy and watched the 1st part of "Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium". I really enjoy looking at all the lights and movement. About half way through, I fell asleep and woke up to see the credits. And as you can see, I'm also sporting my new Christmas sweater. Hope you all like it.

Taste of Japan

This week I got to go to the Mess with Mom and Dad and all their friends for the taste of Japan. According to Mom and Dad the food was great and the company even greater. I got to hang out with my soon to be Godmother, Daniele. After dinner, the karaoke stage opened. There was some good talent, and perhaps some... well, let's just say Canadian Idol is not their thing! One performance I missed was a rendition of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison" by the one and only "DADDY". I heard he did a good job though. I also realized that I like Johnny Cash, as I laughed through any of his songs. After the mess, the party moved to Shawn and Daniele's where I was up way past my bedtime, but had a great visit.

9 and a half weeks

Isn't my smile cute? Mom's having a hard time catching me with the camera. I'm almost 10 weeks old and looking forward to Aunty Donna and Aunty May visiting on November 24th. I've been fairly busy visiting with friends the last couple of weeks. I played with my friend Reese last week as well as my friend Peyton, who lives up the road. She likes to lift my feet to see me smile. I am going to see Dr. Sarah today to get my 2 month shots... I'm really getting them this time. On my last visit to Dr. Sarah, I weighed 10 lbs and 14 ozs. So I'm probably over 11 lbs now. I'm also 23.5 inches long, so almost 2 feet. She says I'm right on the button for my age. After today, I think my next visit will be in January. Mom and I start an aerobics class next week. Maybe I will meet some more friends there. It sounds like fun. I also attended my first Remeberance Day Ceremony. I went to church with Nanny, Mom, & Dad for the service. Then we went to the local Legion for the ceremony. In my opinion, I was a pretty good boy. I went to my Mom's old school as she was teaching some of the students on Friday. All the girls in class had a turn holding me so Mom could do her thing. Again, I think I was a good boy. I'm on a roll, so I think I will stop now.

Nathan's Friend Reese

It's been a few weeks, and now I'm 9 weeks old. I went to visit my friend Reese last week at Halloween. Isn't she a cutie? Reese and her family just moved here from Victoria, so now I will have somebody to play with, even though she's 4 months older than me. I look forward to playing with my friends as I grow bigger!

Happy Halloween!

Which one is not like the other? My first Halloween and mom is making me dress up in a silly pumpkin costume. I may not be going trick-or-treating, but we're in the spirit none-the-less. Next year I may be big enough to hit the houses. Mom and Dad also took me to a haunted corn maze. We went with some good friends, Shawn, Daniele, Jackie, Louis, Bart, Dee, Jane, & Tony. I slept through the entire thing, but kicked Dad when ever he jumped. It was fun, but it may be too much for me next year... We'll see. Please view our photo albums as they contain many more lovely photos.

Just Saying Hello

I want to show everyone just how big I am. I weigh in at 10 lbs 14 ozs as of my 7 week birthday. The nurse says I am 3 lbs heavier than I need to be, but there's nothing wrong with that. According to Daddy's measuring skills, I am close to 24 inches long... I'm a growing boy! On November 6th I have to go visit the doctor for my 2 month checkup, which includes some shots. I'll let you know in 2 weeks how it goes since it's the 1st set in a long line of shots for me. Java and I get to hang out every day, and boy does she like to give me kisses. Mommy tried me in my Bumbo chair, but I still need to work on holding myself upright. It'll come sooner or later (hopefully sooner)! And here I am getting some tummy time. Soon I'll be able to roll over, so Mommy & Daddy watch out!

I'm 6 Weeks Old

It's been 6 weeks since I've entered this world and loving every minute of it (with exception to the growth spurts)! I have been fussy and cranky this last week as I am a growing boy, feeding all the time and keeping mommy awake at night. I had my 1st Thanksgiving at my Great Nanny's place a couple of weeks ago with lots of family around. I also took my first road trip with mommy and daddy to Windsor, NS to watch the 9th Annual Pumpkin Regatta. We also went to Dill's Pumpkin Farm, which is the birth place of hockey. It started off as a nice day, but the rain could not hold off and everyone got wet. Until next time!

Grandma & Grandad McRae

I apologize for the Delay since our last post but I guess that's parent hood. Nathan was lucky enough to get a visit from his grandparents on the McRae side after my parents left 2 weeks ago. They were here for about 9 days and Yvette's mom was a huge help around the house since I was back at work; Thank you Doris. They arrived with suitcases full of gifts from all of Yvette's relatives who we can't thank enough. As those of you with kids know we were unfortunately horrible hosts as we were pretty tired . Nathan's last checkup was great, unlike daddy he's average weight and above average height, yay.

Yesterday Yvette, Nathan and I along with our friends Jen, Craig and their daughter Rebecca went for a long hike on the Pennant Point Trail at Crystal Cresent Beach. Unfortunately there are no pics as I didn't check the camera batteries before we left. It's a great trail and, as we found out there is a nudist section complete with a couple of naked old guys if any of you are into that sorta thing. If you're looking to do any hiking in NS check out this great website http://www.trails.gov.ns.ca/.

Happy turkey & fat pants weekend

Alex

Grandma & Grandpa Considine

My parents returned to Ontario this morning after a great visit with their first Grandchild. Dad unfortunately had to work in Greenwood until Thursday but Mom was a big help throughout the week. Nathan weighed in at 7lbs 15oz on Thursday and is taking a page from Jack Kwasny's book eating all the time, tiring Yvette out. He is sleeping pretty good and is fairly content unless he is hungry. Tomorrow, Yvette's parents arrive to spend some quality time with their first Grandchild.

Welcome Home

Nathan finally got a clean bill of health on Thursday and was discharged from the IWK after his final dose of antibiotics. He wasn't sure about his surroundings and spent most of the night restless and crying. Yvette is doing great and is keeping up with Nathan's hectic feeding schedule which last night was every 1/2 hr. Java has been excited & curious about Nathan except when he cries, she has been a little sucky though and jumped into bed with Yvette while she was sleeping. Nathan is happily awaiting the arrival of Grandma & Grandpa Considine tonight then Grandad & Grandma McRae next weekend.

Alex

Hello Nathan

Nathan, William Considine was born 06 Sept 2007 at 2106. He was 7lbs 7oz and was 21.5 in long and his head was 13.4 in around. As you can see from the photos he had a full head of Brown hair just like daddy and big brown eyes. Yvette was in Labour for about 15hrs and took only 14 min to push Nathan out, all without any drugs. Unfortunately Nathan had a bit of an infection and was jaundice so he was taken down to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) where he was under UV light until yesterday but is still on antibiotics. Fortunately all the tests for major infections came back negative but he's probably going to remain in the NICU on antibiotics until Thursday. Yvette is doing well and Nathan is a fighter just like her. Everyone at the IWK has been fantastic, we couldn't have asked to be in a better place. We'd like to thank everyone for the well wishes and phone calls, hopefully you'll all get to meet the little tough guy soon.

Alex

Baby's Room

Almost finished! We just installed the curtain and valance last night, now just to add some pictures to the walls and perhaps a few more small pieces of furniture. At least we have the bare necessities we need for this delivery. The doc said my belly is all baby. Hopefully that means it will not be too big or too painful to push out! I think Java knows something is up, she's been a little more clingly for the last couple of weeks and doesn't like to leave your side... unless her boyfriend Katcher is visiting. He provides a good distraction. Only 2 more days of work, of which I am looking forward to ending as the carpal tunnel is not subsiding and is making work a little bit harder as the days go by. Hopefully it will disappear with the end of this pregnancy. Only 2 weeks and 2 days until the due date! The countdown begins.

Diaper free baby

So, while reading the Chronicle Herald this morning I came across an article about potty training your baby from birth and going diaper free...yeah right. I've included a link to the article have a read. http://www.thechronicleherald.ca/Search/856039.html Also included in the article is the website http://diaperfreebaby.org/. it's an interesting theory that we may partially try to incorporate but free range baby I think not.

Alex

Public Affairs, here I come

I attened the Thunder over Niagara Airhsow at Niagara Falls NY 11-12 August with a Sea King (yes we flew it there) and had a great time. The Airshow was hosted by the 914 Airlift Wing who have a bar in their sqn and know how to throw a party. On the way down we got to fly over the falls and got some great shots .

Apparently we were a hit and made the canadian airforce home page you should all check out the link as this will be the first and last time I will ever be used in a Public affairs capacity.

Alex

http://www.airforce.forces.gc.ca/site/newsroom/news_e.asp?id=4166

The Baby Shower

My friend Daniele held a baby shower for my on August 12th at her place. I knew about the shower, so it wasn't a big surprise. I would like to thank everyone who came, it certainly was nice to see you all. I would also like to thank everyone for their generosity, you are all very kind. A few games were played and a lot of food was consumed. Needless to say I had a great time even though I was forced to drink out of a bottle and eat a dirty diaper (melted peanut butter cup). The picture on the left shows me holding up a diaper cake from my friend Jen. Amazing what a little ribbon and ingenuity can do. Thank you again to all who attended. A very big thanks to Daniele for hosting the party.

34 Weeks & Counting

Well, it has been a long 7-8 months, but we're still hanging in there. This is the end of week 34, only 6 more to go! Things are coming along and we're slowly collecting what we need for the baby's arrival. The baby's room is complete with the exception of the closet, but that will soon be finished and we'll post a picture at that time.

I'm feeling as good as could be, with the exception of developing a little carpal tunnel in my right hand. Hopefully it will subside after the birth.

Alex and I attended our first labour and delivery class on Wed. the 8th, with the final class to be held on the 15th. A lot of planning and expectations. As the final hour draws near, there is more excitement and anticipation.

Under Construction

We've been hard at work for the last couple of weeks attempting to renovate the baby's room. Most of the painting is finally complete, with exception of doors and trim. Alex will soon install the new floor and trim. From there it's pretty much just putting in the furnishings and accessories.

Yvette's Graduation

It's been a long 18 months, but I am now finally finished with Massage Therapy School, entering into a great career. Alex and I attended my graduation on Thursday, July 19th at the historic Pier 21 in Halifax, with a reception to follow at the Nova Scotia Casino. It was a long day, as I did a lot of the planning for the reception, with the help of some good friends and classmates, Tina, Dave, Maria, Amanda, & Hillary. Thank-you. Now it's time for Alex and I to take another journey together.