So as most people know I’ve work with, around, for (sort of) babies and children since…well….since I was a child. When I was a little girl, when someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up (which I have yet to do), I would say, “A Mommy”. Currently I work in a baby product store and Cam and I are in the very early stages of starting the adoption process, so you could imagine my reaction when I saw the preview for the movie “Babies“. I can’t WAIT to see this movie. It’s crazy, I know, but I’m excited. Watching the preview put the biggest smile on my face

One of my favorite blogs, Neatorama had the most jaw-dropping post today – apparently you CANNOT buy milk in bags in the States. Yes, you read that correctly, you cannot buy milk in bags in the USA!! I was shocked!!! They posted a link to another blog showing a video of a girl explaining how milk comes in a bag, how we pour it, and how it’s better for the environment. Now anyone that knows me, knows that I used to drink milk by the gallons, so I know how to pour milk, yet I was so fascinated by the process, and watched the entire thing! Mind-blowing!

So recently, Cam forwarded me this great link about how a guy who gave his 3 year old an iPhone, and how much it’s been a source of entertainment (and relief for the parents) for the child. I was a little skeptical until we went to a party last night.

Last night was the annual Fondue party set up by the Swiss Club of Toronto. It’s a night where we stuff our faces full of unlimited cheese fondue (and for some, booze), and see friends we only see at this event.

Our friends Nicole and Steve were there and they have this beautiful little 3 year old boy named Kyle, who melts our hearts every time w e see him. After a couple hours, Kyle was getting board, so his Dad turns to me and says, “watch this”. He hands Kyle his iPhone. Kyle took the phone, swiped the touch pad, and entered the security code – this kid doesn’t know most of his numbers, but he could enter a numerical code!!

He then flicked through the icons until he found the one he wanted. Then he picked it up and started taking pictures!! He then knew that if he pressed another button, he could colour the picture!!!! This kept him entertained for about 10 mins. Then he started shaking the phone – I jumped thinking I would have to catch it, but his dad reassured me and said, “he figured out that if you shake the phone, it’s like an etcha-sketch – the colours erase!! Un-freakin’-believable!!! I think he took pictures and “coloured” for more then 30 mins. At that point, he had enough, and went back to playing with the other kids. His mom told me that he plays on the computer for about 30 mins every couple of days, and he’s really good at it.

Cam and I both agree that Kyle was a mini-Cam!!! It was super cool to see a child that young be able to figure out something that most adults can’t figure out. It showed me that in small amounts, allowing your child to play with technology is not as bad as I thought it would be. Very cool!

On Sunday afternoon, my mum’s best friend, and my God Mother passed away suddenly from ALS. We all knew this day would come, but it happened much faster, and more suddenly then we expected. Just the day before the doctors were talking about what my Aunt usually does for Christmas, and my mum had hired someone to clean the snow for the winter. Maybe Roma listened to all this, and thought she didn’t want to burden these people for that long – because that was what she was like. Although I wish I could see her once last time, I am so very happy that the last time Cam and I saw her, we made her smile, and even giggle (she loved Cam so very much). I know she would have never physically made it to my wedding, but I was praying she could at least watch us via the online broadcast that we are hoping to do. I know she’ll still be able to see me, and she will have a huge presence at the wedding – but it’s still not the same.

Roma has been there for my family, especially my mum, in so many ways. She was a tall beautiful and intelligent woman, and that is the way she will remain in my mind. She leaves behind her 2 nephews and a niece who she helped to raise, her 96 year old father, step-mother and a brother. Sadly she also leaves behind her amazing care-giver Faye. Faye has stayed by Roma’s side for months – days and nights. And now poor Faye has lost her companion and her job. She is from the Philippines, and unless she gets sponsored by another family, she’ll have to go back. Although she loved Roma like she was her own family, I think Faye would rather go back to being a Nanny. She is an amazing, kind, and caring woman.

I know she’s in a much better place then the glass coffin she was trapped in, and I wish her all the love, happiness, shopping and theatre she desires.

- Claire-Lise

So, Cam had said that the best placed to take our wedding day pictures was to go to high park – I couldn’t agree more. Over the past several years I had seen many beautiful bridal pictures done, including my sister, and thought to my self, “it’s the perfect place”. Well, after spending close to an hour on the phone, trying to speak to the Toronto Parks permit office, I was told that it’s no longer possible to obtain a permit for High Park – Why? Just because, that’s why! The woman on the phone said too many people were sneaking in to take pictures, so to stop this they decided the not issue permits. Right away I thought to myself, ” so we’ll just sneak in too”, then she says, ” if you get caught, it’s a $5000 – yes that’s right, 3 zeros – fine if you get caught and you would be escorted out by police. As much as I’m up for a good chase, I didn’t think I would be up for one on my wedding day *sigh*. So we have to find a new place.

Enter Kew Gardens in the Beaches…uh, sorry, “The Beach”. It’s beautiful. It has a small wooded area, which will hopefully be filled with beautiful colours on that day (cross your fingers for me), a large gazebo, a statue from the 10920’s, and it goes all the way to the beach. The only issue is that it’s on the other side of the city from where I will be getting ready. In other words, I will have to be dressed, in my dress, and make-up’d by 10am. That way I will have time to take some pictures at my parent’s house before we leave. I was not wanting to be in my dress that early as I feel like I wont be “as fresh” but the time the ceremony starts.

Other option: The grounds of U of T. There are beautiful buildings there, but not a lot of nature. I haven’t yet looked into cost and availability, but it seems as thought since we’re getting married in the “off” season, it may not be much of an issue. I’m going to look into it more later tonight.

One thing is for sure, with Cam and I actually doing wedding photography we know how long it’s going to take and we know exactly what pictures we wont to take, it should go pretty smoothly….as long as a certain family member doesn’t decide they are a wedding photography expert!

- Claire-Lise

So….Cam has now included me in his blog – and I feel very privileged. I will do my best to keep things interesting. You may have to live through some wedding stuff, but I promise I wont rant too much.

So this weekend we went to a barn wedding…yes you read that right, a BARN wedding. I wasn’t sure what to think, or expect. Well, it was probably one of the most beautiful weddings I have been to. The barn was on top of a hill over-looking a valley and rolling hills. The bride and groom stood at the top of the hill, with the rolling hills behind them. Then the reception was in one of the cleanest barns I have ever seen (lol). They strung a whole bunch of little lighs from the ceiling, which made it feel very romantic. It was pot-luck, so we got to have all sorts of food – and wow was there a lot! I have to honestly say it was my favorite wedding!

The next day we headed to North Bay to visit the fam. The drive was smooth, and there was no traffic. Once we got there, we relaxed! Had some time in the hot tub, watch a movie, ate some wonderful food, and had some great naps (lol). Monday was rainy, but it gave a good excuse to relax. I know that Cam really needed it – no matter what he says. I can’t wait to have another weekend like that.