Dedication to my Belle

I remember back in university, my cousin got their first beagle. It led me to meeting my sweet Belle. We picked her up from the Breeder and she was supposed to be a tri-color Beagle but she was mostly black in color and oh so tiny. I named her after Belle from Beauty and the Beast. I don't know why I chose that name but perhaps she was the most beautiful thing that happened to me then. She changed my life. It was then when I first became a mom. As a puppy, we kept her crated to sleep and potty trained her (much easier than kids!) I remember one incident where I had her in a box in the car and was driving somewhere, when i stepped on the brakes too hard and the box and Belle tipped over and fell. I was mortified. How could I let my baby fall like that? As a puppy, I remember how soft the pads on her paws were, like a little baby. Belle grew into a long, tri-color beagle. She had a long tail that gave away all her feelings and loyalty towards her family. She was such an energetic dog. We would take walks everywhere and I loved those walks (well she pulled a lot so it was a fast-pace walk). It was like having a companion with you, without you having to talk to them. Any chance I got, we would go on walks around the neighbourhood. Belle witnessed my life change but was still the amazing, wonderful dog she was. Rob would soon come join in on our daily walks and when Sofia was born, I would have her in the ergo and walk Belle. Belle loved to run. Although her legs are short, they run fast. When we let her outside, she would bolt down the stairs so fast that her front legs would not be able to catch up with her hind legs. Once she was in the backyard, she would run laps around and around. The best was when she got to run in knee-high snow, she would try to run but it looked more like a hop.

Belle had many health issues, nothing major but she costs us. She would have benefited from dog insurance. One of her first surgeries was to remove a red lump in her eye (cherry eye). She had allergies which would cause her floppy long ears to get infections throughout her whole life. We tested her to have many food and external allergies. In her older age, she was in good shape but her ear infections continued and were a nuisance. When she was younger, we used to bath her in the tub and then carry her outside so she could shake the water from her fur. It was a messy affair and when she was older, we tried baths outside which was also wet and messy. I would do all the brushing of her hair. With beagles, they have two layers of fur which is deceiving as they don't look like they would shed much hair but boy do they!

When we had the minivan, we went on a few roadtrips with Belle. She would sit nicely in the MPV while we drove to the interior for cherry picking. She even rode the Hell's Gate in Hope, BC. She would like to stick her head out the window and let her ears flap in the wind.

Belle hated bikers and other dogs. She would bark and want to take a run at them so I had to be aware of it during our walks. She didn't like going to the vet and would whine and shake during the ride there except for the very last trip to the vet.

On November 23, 2012, we said our good byes to our dear Belle. She was 15 years old which in dog years is over hundred! In the past month, we saw a rapid deterioration of her health. She ate less and less and at our last doc visit, she had lost severe weight which prompted the doc to suggest that either we hospitalize her or let her go. She was quite thin and her hind leg was so weak that she barely left her bed but what a trouper, she would still try to get outside to pee/poop. It was so hard for me to see her so frail and knew that the time had come for us to say good bye. It would be the last time I would be able to stroke and kiss her. My sweet Belle. You will be missed when we go over for dinner. Words cannot describe how I feel with you no longer here. I am happy that you are not suffering anymore and in a better place. May we one day meet again in Heaven where we can go for long walks. I love you so much!

New Beginnings

Life has taken on a different speed this year thus far, hence the lack of posts on this blog. It's not that I haven't wanted to blog, there just wasn't the time nor energy to do so. And so we are in the midst of summer 2012, a time of new beginnings and a chance for me to catch my breath from the first half of this year.

Alex Chin
Our third bundle of joy arrived on Monday, July 16, 2012 at 2:10pm, weighing 7lbs, 7oz. I woke up that morning feeling not right and sure enough, mild back contractions began. Not wanting to give birth anywhere else but the hospital, we made our way to St. Paul's around 9am. After a quick checkup, I was 5 cm dilated so we were here to stay. I had such quick births with the first two and actually labored at home longer before going to the hospital so my experience this time around felt like I was in labor for a longer time when it wasn't that bad. The progression was good but I was waiting for the active labor to come sooner but the body gradually prepared itself and i'm glad it did. By 1pm, I was in full active labor and it was a good reminder, I don't ever want to do this again =P Our little joy was good to mommy and the labor was a slow progression so I am recovering quite well, compared to the previous two kids. Like what I expected, Sofia has taken on the big sister role very nicely. She is very interested in being a part of helping out but has given me space when needed. Nolan was so oblivious at the hospital to who this new baby was but once we got home, he's been very sweet to Alex and just being his typical almost 2 year old self.

Our House
We submitted our plans for the new house in March and finally in July, the City of Burnaby granted us the building permits to begin construction. There were many obstacles along the process which was frustrating and stressful as we had hoped to begin building our place in the spring. Very typical in the construction business but as a mom of 3 living in a temporary location, my life in boxes was wearing me thin. Demolition took place last week and we have excavated the site to prep for the foundation. We were very happy to hear that there was no oil tank on site which would have delayed our building process some more. From now on, it should proceed as expected with no surprises.

Goodbye House! There are many memories with this being our first home where both Sofia and Nolan spent their babyhood. Sofia still remembers this as her home. (sniff sniff)

House being demo

I love my new career...

I am just recovering from a weekend frenzy of meeting clients and writing offers on homes. It is a unspeakable, frantic detached market out in East Van and New West. Along with my partner, we wrote and presented 4 offers all in competition and lost on all. Buyers never win in a multiple offer situation so why is everyone vying for the same properties?! It is a nerve-racking situation for buyers and as their agent, we feel every bit of it so phew it's been a tiring weekend. But do not lose hope buyers, I truly believe that the right one does come along in due time and it takes perseverance and a bit of going with your gut (and two hardworking great Realtors!) to get you there. But wowsters, is the detached housing market in a frenzy...I can also testify that from what I have seen, these are not foreign buyers but perhaps it is the trickling effect into the outlying areas.

I am loving my new career! The work at times is grueling but there is never a dull moment and there is so much to learn. I just have to find more balance with my family and work life so I can truly enjoy my time with kids and then when I need a break, I go to work =)

I received a very nice email this morning from a client who is completing today on their first home and it does demonstrate to me how important our role is and that there is so much joy in helping someone buy their first home.

Morning Rachel,

I just wanted to send you an email thanking you so much for all your help! It was so stressful at times, but you and Louise really helped us find our dream condo! I know that in the future when we're looking for a house, we will definitely give you a call. I'm really going to miss our house tours.

Once the place is all painted and our furniture has arrived, I'd love to invite you and Louise over for tea.

I really can't begin to express how wonderful you have been in this extremely stressful time!

Congrats Cowans on your new home!

Family skating fun

Sofia has been talking about going skating around Christmas so we finally took her to a parent n tot skate one afternoon. Boy were we surprised and proud of how well and comfortable she was wearing her skates and helmet and being on the ice! She quickly was able to balance on the skates off the ice and was curious enough to venture out with baba onto the ice. They had tons of little kids toys and chairs so Sofia sat in a little chair and enjoyed a nice ride. She then ventured into holding the old-fashioned bars for support and seemed eager to go without them at times. Having the toys around definitely helped.

Then we took the kids out today for another family skate day with the Loks and it was fun! I got to take Nolan out on the ice with the stroller and Sofia got to try skating a second time. A few times she just let her legs go wobbly. We kept saying 'get up, stand up' but she wouldn't, so I let her wobbly legs take her down onto the ice (gently of course). She reacted quite well lying on the ice and thought it was pretty funny. Then she slowly grabbed onto the bars and pulled herself up to a standing position. I was pretty impressed. We skated together using the bars and i could swear she was pulling me along. It was very fun and I'm scared to admit but soon enough, she'll be asking me why I still need to hold onto the bars =P

Looking forward to more family skate time before summer is upon us =)

Life of a busy bee

I have been neglecting my blog for a few months and it isn't that I don't have the intention but life with two active kids and work just exhausts me by evening.

So the big news of 2012 is that we are expecting #3 in mid July. It was a bit of a shock how it happened so easily but we welcome another blessing into our lives even though this means a new car and finally a double stroller that we never got when N was born. Having the kids are just 2 years apart is a crazy thought and one just wonders how anything is possible with 3 but I guess that becomes 'our norm' and we adjust to life with it. I have been enjoying my time with the kids at home and working PT as a Realtor. It seems to be a right mix for me now as I get these little breaks from the kids but not full 8 hrs away from them 5 days a week. I have really been cherishing my time with them with lots of hugs, fun and games and chitchats. I'm trying to enjoy every bit before they all grow up and start school. I can't believe that I'll have to think of kindergarten registration in a year's time!

SOFIA - 3 years and 3 months

-We are not over the terrible 3's and she continues to challenge boundaries everyday. Many times our struggles are around mealtimes and her defiance against rules (esp sharing with N) so on a daily basis, we'll get lots of whining and crying from her. I have to say that there have been times where I have triumphed and curbed the tantruming so we are making strides for sure. She's like a ticking time bomb; you never know what will be the trigger so we are always on the alert! Tacit I have been focusing on are reasoning, distractions, being consistent and most of all, being calm like a cucumber so not to attribute to negative attention given to her. I'm glad she is at an age where you can talk (aka bargain) your way with her, not like N who just has no clue and cries if he doesn't get what he wants.
-Sofia went skating a month for the first time. We were so impressed how comfortable she was in skates and she talks about going back for more =) I'm considering lessons in the near future but so many activities, so little time... She also got to try out her new run bike today during a beautiful sunny Vancouver day. Rob was brave to take her on the bike from the house all the way to the park which is a good 15-20 mins (one way) walk and back. She didn't last long on the bike but did have a successful first try. Looking forward to summer when both kids will be able to enjoy the outdoors!
-She enjoys reading much more advanced books now. We go to the library and some of the ones she picks are so long to read that our bedtime routine takes awhile to go though them. Poor mom and dad who have to do the reading =P Singing is still a fav of hers. Sometimes I hear her make up words to the song and we love to sing songs all the time.
-Her verbal skills have improved a lot and recently have been asking 'why'? to everything. Her fav phases lately are, "I miss you __________" and "___________, you are my best friend". I asked her how come baba is your best friend, what about me? Her response was, "Nolan is your best friend" hehe Of course this changes depending on who she's trying to gain favor from (sneaky gal I tell ya).
-She is a very helpful girl so I hope to take advantage of that and give her more chores around the house.

NOLAN - 1.5 years

-He is our little charmer and I think he is totally like Dad when he was a young lad. Still the cutest little guy around with his juicy, meaty thighs that I just want to eat everytime I see them =)
-Became a climber overnight and now he is climbing up chairs, stools and everything his big sis can do. It is freaking out the adults but he is enjoying his new height and what he can see.
-New words: gurt (feet), bei (nose), please, thank you, nana (banana), mama (yay!)
-separation anxiety: it's pretty bad with him. If he realizes that we are not there, the crying starts and does not end. I hope it's a phase and that he will grow out of it. I'm trying to take him out once a week to strongstart while S is at preschool so he can get a chance to be comfortable in public with me at a distance.
-Teeth #7 and maybe #8 are coming out but where are the rest?!?
-Fav book: Silly Sally. This is a wonderful book by Audrey Wood where the characters are tickled so to wake them up from a sleep. Once we get to that page, N would tilt his head to expose his neck in anticipation of a tickle from me, so cute!
-He is prob a normal eater but in our household, he is a great eater cuz when he's hungry, he eats and eats until he is full. There are days where he doesn't seem interested maybe due to being tired or teething but in general, he can eat and eat and eat. Still not a cheese lover but that's ok.
-A big eater = him doing #2 several times a day (2 or 3/day). It's the only thing we haven't quite mastered yet. There are days where he will go to the potty and others, where we'll miss them all. I never see any signs from him. He just likes to go after or during a meal so we have to keep asking and sometimes, he does go and sometimes, he just wants out of the seat. Quite different from Sofia who was regular and we rarely had to deal with poopy diapers at this age.

We are at a golden stage with sleep. I don't want to jinx it but let's hope it stays this way until #3 is here. Both sleep well on their own in the room together with no fuss and wake up around the same time most mornings. I am happy for the good sleep but it will chg very soon =P

They love to run and chase each other around. We have tent parties where they both run in and just horse around. S is sometimes not very nice to N esp when it comes to sharing toys but I think N likes to push her buttons by running away with a toy she is screaming after. It all makes for a noisy household. The funny thing is S likes to copy whatever N is doing. So sometimes this works in our favor if there's something we want her to do. Silly girl!

Other exciting news for 2012 is that we will be beginning plans to build our new house. The plans have been finalized and it's quite exciting to see drawings of it, much better than when we were envisioning it in our minds. We will probably submit plans to the City in March with the hopes to demolish our old home by April. It will be definitely stressful but we have been planning for this for awhile so hopefully, it will all come together smoothly. The fun part is looking at photos and picking out your style and what you want. The not fun part will be when we have to start opening our wallets to pay for it all =O

Hope 2012 is filled with much excitement and fun for everyone else as well!!