Recovering

Unfortunately, more bad news.  Simon's mom has been losing weight for a few months, without her doctor being able to determine why, and recently this weight loss accelerated.  She became v. weak and was hospitalized while we were away.  MrsG was found to have colon + liver cancer, and had the surgery two days ago, and is currently recovering before starting chemo.   We all miss her and hope for a full recovery, but recognize there are many tough days ahead.  I'm hoping you can all help to send all your positives her way.

Si's been off work the last two weeks, which is a blessing. When we first got back from the Turks, Riles was still a disaster (poor kid, although he's now better, thank goodness!).  Si's also been able to spend time with his mom.  He's back at work next week.

Our kids are our joys.  Vani is ridiculously cute and snugly.  She is sleeping beautifully (wakes 1/night usually), and is the loudest two-month-old I've met (chatter, squeaking ... I figure its a self-protection mechanism so I don't forget her).  We have lovely chats.  She's still in the 'can't be put down' stage, but we have now managed two sleeping sessions in her bassinet - wonderful for allowing me to get stuff done!

Riles is back!  Wonderful to have our giggling, smiling gem with us again.  There's such a huge difference between looking after kids (like when he's sick) and enjoying them.  Now that he's healthy again, he's giggling and up to tricks.  We laugh from the belly so frequently with him around ... wonderful. 

Si recently bought a fancy camera, so you'll notice better pictures below.  Unfortunately this just highlights how dirty our windows are.  And seriously you'd think we never washed Riley's face!

Not the most flattering shot of Vons, but lovely that she's asleep!  Her pattern is to chat up a storm with me, and sleep as soon as Si holds her.

Love this picture

Documenting her nap in the bassinet!  Miracle.

What'cha think? I'm seeing auburn hair.  Rachel, thank you for the lovely outfit!

Family walk to the library/shops with camera.

Riles is king!  Simon wants me to clarify that this hat was given to us, we didn't actually go to burger king.  Although that's cool too, in my eyes/stomach.

How can you not love this girl!

Ain't so bad himself:)

See?  Dad holds her one second and she's OUT.

Video skype call with GogoPops.  Riles showing the Richie Bros heavy equipment auction brochure to Pops ... his new favorite book.  Front end loader!  Scraper!  Roller.  Wow.  Riley heaven.

Nanny visiting.  Nan's health is so much better recently, its wonderful to have her so full of beans!  Riles adores his time with her.

Riles got a balloon 'rocket' hat at the kerrisdale street fair.  Here it had turned into a lizard tail.

I've got you by the tail!

Brig with Vans

We made the most of Si being home and Riles being healthy to spend a morning at the aquarium.
To say Riles loved it is an understatement.  He could have been there all day. 

Watching the diver feeding the big fish.  Riles randomly talks about the "diver in the pool!" at least five times a day since.

Fish are cool.  But climbing on the rails is even more exciting.

Checking in amazon exhibit.  Three kids are a handful!

Riles absolutely adored the sharks and rays. 

SO: we're loving our healthy, wonderful kids.  We're glad Nana's sickness has finally been diagnosed and addressed, but are worried for her recovery and ongoing health.  Please send her all your positive thoughts.