Reuben's Beard

Elyssa getting lots of love from Uncle Reuben.

Reuben and Josh playing with Josh's toy. Notice Reuben's new growth!

Elyssa loves giving smiles to her Mommy. She's 1.5 months old now and is studying things more intently and giving smiles when she's cooed at. She also likes to smile in her sleep. I often wonder what she's dreaming about.

Getting cuddles from Gramma. This position helps to soothe an upset tummy.

Elyssa's Weekend

We had a very fun-filled and busy weekend this past weekend. Everyone came out to celebrate our new family member! On Saturday evening we had a baby shower. Here is the precious girl, who slept through the whole thing.

Here is part of the decorations!


Here's the food ... oh so much and oh so good!

Gramma Buist and Cathy Jager.

Nanna Foster.
Johannah reading a hilarious version of the Owl and the Pussycat that we all helped to write.


And Karin opening all the lovely gifts.


The next morning we gathered at the Ottawa Reformed Presbyterian Church for Elyssa's baptism. It was a really nice service.

Here are Grampa Buist with his first grandchild, Hadassah and Papa Foster with his first grandchild, Elyssa.


Our cousin, Amanda, husband, Derek and son, Ezekiel made the long trek from Montreal for the service.
Hadassah and Mike.


Father, daughter and granddaughter.

Elyssa, Hadassah and their moms bonding.


The whole Buist clan.

Winter

This is what I saw out the window when I woke up this morning.

Reuben getting suited up to face the dreadful snowy, wet, cold walk to the bus stop. But he never complains.

I, on the other hand, crawled back into bed as soon as he left. I had such plans to go out today and get some errands done but every bone in my body is not ready to face that dreadful snow and all that comes with it. Most people would see the beauty of the snow shimmering in the treetops but all I can think of is -30 degrees and wind whipping my face such that it feels like it's not there with numbness. And my feet freezing as I skate on the canal behind everyone. I wrote about that last year so I won't bring it up again but that's all I can think of when I see the snow. Ugh! Snow. Every year the experience of winter confirms my suspicions that I was not meant to live in Canada ... I was meant to live on a tropical island.

Fun with Hadassah (my other beautiful niece!)

My Beautiful Niece, Elyssa

*Josh(proud Dad) took these pictures.

Elyssa Rachel Foster

I am the proud Auntie to another little niece. Elyssa Rachel was born to Karin(my sister) and Josh on Nov 3 at 7:40pm. She weighed 7lbs 14oz. This is cool because that's how much I weighed when I was born.

The very happy family:)

I can't wait to hold her when she's all bundled in a cute outfit, here she is slightly loosey goosey in the hospital gown and a receiving blanket. She was also crying a bit so I was a bit nervous but I'll get used to holding a tiny one again, I'm sure.

Here it looks like she was worried about something but conked out in her mother's arm right in the middle of her thoughts. Such a sweetheart!

Some scrapbooking

I've finally gotten around to starting our wedding album. In the midst of moving and everything. I guess seeing all my stuff in a different place inspired me or something. Here are some shots of the first couple of pages.

Carpet

Here's some pictures of our carpet when it was freshly installed. It's in all 3 of the upstair's bedrooms and looks and feels great! Oh and the furnace guy is coming tonight so hopefully we'll get it working. It's supposed to go down to 2 degrees tonight so it might be nice to have it on.





Also, over the Thanksgiving weekend, Reuben's dad came down and installed our bedroom closet doors and all the crown moulding and baseboards in our room and one other bedroom. It looks wonderful!

Painting

We've had to do a lot of painting recently. We had to paint over all the bright colors we did in the old apartment. My dad and Reuben managed it in under 2 hours! While looking through our pictures, I found this.


Then we started painting our new place. This is our Master bedroom.

Finally, late Saturday night we were all done and ready for the carpet to be installed on Monday morning. Isn't the dark red awesome? We love it!

the Schriemers

Just a few pictures of our good friends, the Schriemers. When we're hungry they feed us. When we're in need of chicken wire, herbs or fresh veggies, they are always there to supply us. When we need an excuse to try out go-carting for the first time, they indulge us. We are ever thankful for their kindness and friendship, smiles and hugs.
Tessa

Tessa and Nelia (always showing great affection for Reuben).

Lydia loves to learn play the organ from my Dad
Victor

Marybeth and her new glasses.