I done didded a new painting

yup I did


My name is Sadie... like my curves?

My mum has been very busy...

clicking her fabulous knitting needles. Her latest creation was a commissioned piece for Sienna in the form of a flopy knitted hat to match the ones her daddy wears. The commission was so successful that it was snapped up by Isabella! Mum apparently has several new orders for more now... if you want one for your wee one send me a mail and I shall add you to the waiting list! We will hopefully have a clearer pic soon but consider this the pre-relase!


Isabella modeling the prototype

Forget my last posting...

If some parties don't want to be grandparents we can't force them... its their loss... Sienna's too of course but hey, she has a heck of a lot of love around anyway so she is well looked after. I guess I need to take all the bad energy and somehow distill it into good energy and maybe that might help the job search. I am just so anxious and excited to get back to working to get things rolling her financially again I can just taste it... it is however very difficult to muster up enthusiasm every day to keep hunting:)

Turkey day for the Cannucks in my family came and went, but because our phone as also decided to pack it in, we were not able to speak with them and take part by-proxy in the celebrations. Ne mind really as I hear mash and turkey don't bide so well when squeezed down phone lines...

The humidity here is approxing insanity. We were sweating buckets today on the way across town to return the dead DVD/TDT... I swear it must have got to near 30 Celsius today at its peack (including humidex although they don't really do that add-on here)... I tell you, with my summer wardrobe tucked away nicely its very likely that the nice weather has something to do with me!

Its probably one of the worst feelings in the world...

You know when you are frustrated upset angry and disappointed all wrapped up into one? Like that feeling when you're young and this person you like is supposed to call you and you wait and wait and the phone never rings and your brain and your heart wants to explode? Kind of like that. I was really hoping that simply going to bed would be the solution and I would wake up and be past it all... no such luck... Yes, its better today but still the uglies are simmering just under the surface. I guess I'm more angry now than anything but hey, such is life right? You can't control other people to make them do what you want no matter how much its bothering you.

Our TDT/DVD decided to explode this morning just before the Dog Whisperer came on. This did not help my mood much. I can't even imagine that we still have the receipt or the waranty for the darn thing. Damn it. Perhaps I should just try the whole going back to bed thing and see if that helps... oh wait, that is just not an option these days is it? Grumble grumble. Did I mention that it was grey and cold outside too? Quite fitting no?

A tiny snapshot of sightseeing for the weekend...


Sienna and pops and the emblematic Barcelona Lichtenstein statue

Not that we were actually sightseeing... but we took a touristic photo this Friday on our way back from dropping off our mountain of paper work to the Agencia Tributaria... The final battle to receive the 2500 baby bonus we are supposed to have received drudges onwards... this time it goes to the courts so lets just hope they are more sympathetic to our mountains of proof that I have indeed live, worked and paid taxes here for the last two years... I swear to God that if one day they actually agree to give it to us I may just fall over from shock. But back to the picture... it was so beautiful here on Friday that some of us were wearing their sundresses... while others sweated away with too many clothes on.

Lilli and I went for an evening jog in the park again last night. I just love the endorphins you get from running but I am just really rubbish at it. I think its all to do with mental focus... perhaps the million and one worries swriling around in my head don't help with that...

We were told to exect a long awaited visits from the inlaws this weekend who incidently have yet to meet their first grand child... I know I know (we all have different families) but its mid-afternoon and we've not heard a peep from them yet... They were struggling to find non insanely expensive flights from Paris at the last minute... not something that is very easy I must say... Barcelona is a very popular weekend destination for Northern Europeans as its usally sunny and at least 10 to 15 degrees warmer than the North and not so wet... thus its allure. And oh yes it is indeed a beautiful city and retail runs at approx 30% cheaper than the pound... but that was a while ago, I have no idea what the exchange is like now in these crazy times... It will be a pleasure to meet them finally when they do arrive, however now its not looking so likely that it will be today or this weekend. Disapointing is I guess the only way you can name it...

Winnings!

Mum has been on a bit of a winning streak lately. Sadly not the lotto but still she can't complain. She won a hundred dollars in flight voucher from a westjet online competition she had entered and then she won a thousand dollar gift basket from ebay via a competition she entered in Chatelaine magazine (its a Canadian monthly woman's mag). I guess all that rubbing of the Buddha's belly in her front hall is producing winnings this year instead of grandchildren. We're all very anxious to see what goodies arrive in the gift basket. I laughed with her as we discussed how that now she would no longer need to do xmas shopping, she could just dish out her winnings. That being said, you know that is exactly what she would do even if xmas wasn't quickly approaching. She is such a saint.

Things on this side of the pond plod on and the sun has been shining and we've been blessed with a bit of autumnal warmpth to keep our spirits up. The job hunt continues but we've been lucky to have some positive interviews in the last little while which is nice... nothing concrete but still nice to find something that would be great to get... time will tell!

I cleaned and organized the flat today for a good four hours today ... Fredu took the girls out this morning so I could indluge in my cleaning frenzy. I feel soooooo much better when things are in order... especially so when you live in such a tiny space. Now if I could only get the dog the baby and the boy to understand this concept...

Sureshee sent Sienna some fab pressies the other day. One of them is a little mobile phone which speaks in English and Spanish. Its so cute. What a sweet surprise to see it arrive one morning last week... I know she's only 8 months but we're sure enjoying playing with it... that's what is all about right? She's happy to just eat it... oh yes and he also sent a key chain that she can chew on that jingles when you shake it. Oh and a tiny pooh bear. We heart unkie Suresheeee!

Exciting news...

From my friend Joanna today who just had her second scan and now knows she's having a girl. I'm so pleased for her as I think she really wanted one!

Time is marching on at a hurried pace and before you know it, it will be xmas again. Time is also running out on our final appeal for the 2500 euro baby bonus that we are STILL fighting for... I honestly pretty much have given up as they just won't budge... they are still convinced that I have not lived here for 2 years prior to Sienna's birth... Even though I have so much documentation to prove that I have... they are being really really difficult about it. I'm sure its just part of the whole fiscal frugality that is surely in place during these hard times. Needless to say, we would be VERY greatful for this but as now it looks unlikely I'm trying to come to terms with it. Sigh... sometimes the good guys loose.

Life goes on and yea you've got to see the good things right? Miss S is now crawling (well sort of as she drags one leg behind kind of but she's moving alright and at a great pace!) and she is standing and pulling herself up as often as she can which means a lot of bumps an bruises for her as she finds her balance and then looses it....


New trick... one of many.

Lilli and I have been jogging in the park in the evenings lately... people look at me strangely jogging next to a small dog but what they don't know is that she is quite the little runner and often is the one urging me to pick up the pace... Its a feable attempt at draining her energy so she is not so hyper... its a tough task. Lets hope at least my fitness levels will increase and we can both make some progress...

Wee one is changing so quickly and in some pictures you can really start to see her looking like me... but in other she looks sooooooooo much like Alfredo. I swear if you look at these pics you would think they were two different babies!?!?!


Looking quite like mum!?!?!?


More like dad?!?!

Good things happen in threes...

Based on this principle then we've had lots of bad things in multiples of threes too so surely we can hope for the same with good things yes?

We received two really sweet packages today for wee Sea... some cool english/spanish speaking toys from Sureshee and a lovely CD from Jackie. Very nice indeed.

The third good thing I'm not going to talk about because I don't want to jinx it... then it would become a bad thing and that is not a good thing. Ha!

I may find it kind of hard to walk or type for the next few days with my fingers and toes all crossed like they are right now....

Its Friday!!!!!!!!!

And its Fredu and Joey's birthdays today... in the goofy spirit of the festivities Sienna brings you her inspired pose of the day:

We are a long long way away from Yankee Doodle Land...

but much to my surprise I've been noticing lately a lot of presidential paraphernalia floating about the 'cuidad comptal'. I really have to admit staring down the people wearing the hats and shirts... All supporting Obama of course... not that I know much about American politics but I can't quite envision McCain supporters travelling to a city so far far away... The thing that astounds me most is quite honestly the garrish design of said hats and T shirts. I mean I think that's why I always find myself turning around to catch more of a look when i see someone sporting one walk by. The hats and T shirts are black and have huge text and I swear they've taken a design sheet straight from the Wrestling federation styleguide. I swear to god one of the T-shirts I saw this large bellied gentleman wearing featured a huge portrait of Obama on it... words can not describe... I really had the impression when I first saw one that someone was wearing one to be ironic but with further inspection of the wearer's footwear it was quickly confirmed that he was indeed American and that, yes - he wanted to be wearing it to show his support. I don't get it. Fashion is not an option people - and don't forget please that it is an obligation - regardless if its politics or not. I checked the Obama site to see if I could find the examples that I've seen but sadly they don't seem to be part of the 'official obama merchandise'... sigh... however I did find this little jem... I'm sure Sienna would just love to wear it!



*steps down off soap box*

Now who says I'm not political?

There are some things that are essential in this part of the world...

In Barcelona in specific, one of those things is 'Pan con Tomate' which is bread with tomato and olive oil. They prepare most sandwiches here with this as standard... no butter or marg... its oil and tomato! The Tomato they use is special its called 'tomate de rama' because the tomato comes off a vine that is like a branch... You can use a single one of these tomatoes to spread accross lots of sandwiches.

Sienna will show you how to eat this... please take note of my breakdown just before the end of the video... 'dear lord I need to wipe her hands!'



Because its friday and lets face it... we've been busy here today... I present to you a few other oscar contenders...

Sienna giggling with autie Becks (which finally uploaded to youtube)



Sienna clapping with me looking like a doofus sitting behind her... but thats what mums do no?



Sienna playing this morning in her crib before we went out for walkies

There is a very dark cloud...

Looming over the normally bright skies of Barcelona lately. I'm speaking factually and metaphorically. I swear I'm going to scream if one more news person mentions the word 'crisis'. I am convinced that its probably that but combined in some way with strange planetary alignment or the moon or something. So many people, not excluding myself are in really rough times right now for a foray of reasons... Some are lamenting lack of jobs, disillusionment, struggling marriages, trust issues, depression... all the heavies are there. My biggest fear is that I'm going to run out of steam soon trying to do whatever I can to help keep people positive... Me, I'm always last in that list of course, but its easier that way...

I guess as an interim measure I should aim to note a few things every day that should be observed as they are definitely not gloomy....

so lets give this a try

1) Seestor finally has a new fancy phone and her ankle is on the mend and the cast has been removed! (ooh that was like a hat trick)

2) Sienna's giggle fits (nuff said)

3) In a stupid attempt to distract myself today I tried on a size 29 pair of jeans. They fit! Not saying I would concede to wearing them but damn it if I wasn't so accustomed to everything hanging off me, I could in theory wear them... LOL... guess it does't count when the bellies cascade over the top eh? (just kidding i'm not quite at that point yet)

There, did that help?

Giggles with jo jo and becks

Ahh it was so nice to have the girls here for a visit... Fredu is back with his camera and thus the release of the pics that were stored on the camera he had with him...



Fredu also made this cute video of miss Sienna with the giggles... Becks was the source of the giggles of course... hmm its taken all day and the video is not cooperating... perhaps we can add it up later.

She sleeps like an angel (of course the sun beam helps the effect too!)

This morning walkies required hats and blankies. Barcelona is much chillier now but mostly only at 8h30 in the morning. Avoiding the muddy park we walked down to the Marina and stopped off to get a well deserved Soya latte for moi. While walking there I sneezed as I do a million times a day and bang. My old circus school neck injury jolted into action. So I went the rest of the way very delicately trying to steer the pram and handle the dog while trying desperately not to turn my neck. Not easy... the pain killers I took when I got home didn't help much so I'm now even more anxiously awaiting Fredu's return so he can help me function!

Outside right now a band of kids are belting their hearts out in a drum group. I guess you could describe it as like a brazillian marching band. Really nice and very uplifting but no so good for sleeping babies! I think its amazing that the kids here are so constructive. They've got the day off of school today and this bunch has chosen to do something so cool with it! We should ship some of my sister's little hellians here for an exchange program. Might do them the world of good!

Speaking of sleeping angels...


how beautiful is the tiny ray of sunlight on her face beaming in from the interior patio?


She's in her play pen and just drifted off... guess it was just all too exciting...

Photos of the guests before jojo and becks

Hon and Naoko were in town for their first trip ever to Barcelona just before the girls. They snapped a ton of pics and here are a few...


Me and my 'little brother', Hon


A stoic pose from my first baby...


Cuddles with the furry one

Time flies

and soon its time for jojo and becks to jet back to London... but someone got lots of playtime in!

I guess its for a number of reasons...

but I've just not been able to write much lately. Fredu is out of town for work until the end of the week thus fullt-time baby duty is tiring me out... Jo jo and Becks are here visiting which has been fabulous. They are both so good with the bub and have helped out tons. I'm blessed to know such wonderful people.

The job search continues but we're a long way from being out of the woods. I'm looking and looking but not a single interview yet. All in due time I supposed but I think time may be starting to be the biggest enemy (that and the bills of course). I think I falsely convinced myself a few weeks ago that it would all be sorted by now... finding that this was clearly not the case is a bit hard. I'm praying for some divine direction. We stopped into Santa Maria del Mar today to ask for help with just that.

So here I sit with a sad dog mourning the absence of her dad curled up in my lap and the tiny one fast asleep in her bed punching in the words to try and push through this. Its mad really as much as I crave financial infusion I also cringe at the thought of having to say good bye to this precious time with the girls... life gets tougher... why don't they tel you this?

We've been busy here at bcn headquarters these days...

Sienna is battling her first cold with chesty cough and Lilli is on the other side of a bought of stomach upset. Thus far (thank god) Fredu and I have been the ones tending to the girls and not participating in the illing. Lilli is on a special diet to return her stomach to how it should be and Sienna is now not so congested thus allowing her to sleep and sleep to fight the virus!

I think, however that the dog is the one who is suffering the most. After an entire day of eating nothing without vomiting immediately afterward she's even more ravenously hungry than ever... Tonight as I sat tucking into a yummy dish of bean dip she was completely fixated. The reason being is that the beans we used for this naughty dish were black pinto beans (re-fried) they bore a terrible resemblance to the pricy 2,50 E tin of dog food that is part of Lilli's re-hab diet. She stared at me incredulously as I devoured (as what she thought) was her plate of fancy food. I almost spat beans through my nose as the way she was looking at me was so hilarious. I am a cruel woman.

Everything is slowly getting back to normal here and I'm hoping that one of the four jobs that are still pending comes through with an interview! In other productive news I posted off little giftie packages to Yvonne and my Seestor today... I'm now convinced that the Spanish postal system is as corrupt as the rest of this country. Ah well, I'm excited to send gifts as truly, it gives me such pleasure. I'm now just really curious as to how longt they will take to arrive to their said destinations.

Back to my wine... I must enjoy it as tomorrow when I'm running along the beach at half seven with eric... lets see if we make it...

Routine is just so very important...

for small dogs, babies and mummies that have yet to find a new job and get back to work. Ours are all about the morning walkies in the park. The autumn overtures are drifting in and the once very sticky early morning walks have now cooled and call for warmer attire for babies... Handy for us that her Pj's seem to accessorize well!


With dadeeeeeeeeeeee!


Pinkie up close


Even my shoes match! Mum has clearly gone overboard this morning... we hope she finds a job soon!

Friday night with Oprah

Yes, strangely so... I'm not at all certain why, but one of the Catalan channels here broadcasts recent episodes of Oprah here (without commercials) and in English!??! So here I sit, watching and wondering and feeling a bit strange as it mildly feels like I'm home... I've never been a big Opera fan but hey, sometimes its nice to bite into a slice of Americana.

I've been really missing my London girlies lately. I know they are all so busy with their jobs and other travel plans thus no visits to me are lined up... I wish I could pop over to visit them but thats not on the cards either as paying the rent and bills and such are a much bigger priority... sigh

Back to catch the last of Oprah as Alfredo has just arrived and can't stand it!

Ridiculous baby schedules and - Walkies with Penelope and Alberto

Yesterday I was sent a link by my lovely sister to one of those baby sites that detail the developmental process for wee ones. Indeed they are handy sometimes when you are curious as to what is coming up next... this entry was however the funniest thing. It detailed the 'daily routine of the mother of a 6 month baby. It was by far the most pretentious thing I've ever read. I actually laughed out loud at what this woman had wrote! Go on, give it a read you know you want a good laugh don't you? My heart kind of breaks for this poor child as if the mother truly rolls like this with her I hate to think what will become of her! Just for fun I'll jot down our 'daily routine''... You make the comparison....

8am - Sienna awakes (in her own crib in her own room) and I go get her and breast feed her in bed with us and slowly try to awake from my slumber. We play around there for a while all together and of course do a technical nappy change.

9am- We're up and out the door with dog on the way to the park to 'try'and play fetch with Lilli... ha that deserves a medal all in its self as its more like I throw the ball- the dog runs for it and on a rare occasion will pick it up and bring it back. Sienna sits very patiently in her pram throughout this excersise in futility.

10am - Just as we turn the corner to arrive back to the flat, Sienna falls asleep. Sometimes if I'm lucky I can carry her up the 120 steps up to our flat and get her into her crib before she wakes up again. This is sometimes a window to check emails and apply for jobs and of course read my favorite blogs and terribly addictive gossip sites. Oh yea around now we tend to change her again...

Noon - The wee one has a bottle (halleluja she takes a bottle!) They eats/smears her rice pablum and fruits and vegetables all over herself and the dog who is waiting by her side attentively for any accidental spillage of foods (there are lots so she is content).

13h- Bathe said filthy baby (dog is suspicously abscent from this activity for fear that she may one day be subject to being bathed too). Nappy changing at this point is a given.

14h- Eat lunch- Alfredo normally cooks something divine or I prepare something not so healthy and eat it quickly so as to return to attend to the small child sitting in her bouncy chair complaining that she is not getting any more food just yet... Sometimes for fun we give her a rice cake and try and keep the dog from taking it away from her as she flings her arms around with glee! Its kind of like an adventure sport.

15h- Watch the news (yup it airs at 15h... its siesta time people) and play with baby and dog and sometimes get some domestic duties done inbetween like picking up wet bath towels from the bed... put out washing or if I'm really lucky I may just clean the toilet!

16h- Bottle feed (or sometimes breast feed) said child... a lot of the time I will ring mum as she will be awake by then and I will no doubt entertain her with all the excitement that was my morning. Sometimes the baby will fall asleep around now and nap for a wee while.

17h-20h- I'm not too clear as what we normally do around this time as I guess my mind stops working by then... but sometimes there are outings or such things as poopie nappies but one this is certain that sometime between 19h and 20h the wee one is breast fed, changed into her jammies and is ready for bed.

20h-22h- More likely than not the bub is asleep these days around 20h and will sleep through the night in her own bed... We do whatever inane things parents do when the bubs are sleeping..

And that's basically it. So what about that comparison with Piper's mum? I'm the mother of the year right? Ha! Not! Just wait till I'm back at work... this will change pretty dramatically (for me mostly).

Oh yea, those walkies with Penelope and Alberto... that happened this morning as instead of going to the park we walked along the port. Just at the very top of the port we ran into this old man and his chubby chihuahua named Penelope. He latched on to us and joined us for our walk. He did most of the talking (much to my amazement as I'm usally the chatty one... but honestly I couldn't get a word in edge-wise). He told me about his life, his family, his money, his pets and most importantly how he calls all his dogs Penelope. If one dies he gets another one and gives it the same name! He was prety cool. He gave me the skinny on all the hippies that are camping on the beach this summer, the stories of what the beach was like when it was still just a little fishing neighborhood... lots and lots of information. Cool little man. Amazing stories... And all of this happened of course before 9am. See what happens when wee ones arise extra early? I tell you! I'm wondering when Piper's mum fits this type of stuff in? HA! LOL!

Its suspiciously quiet here this morning...

Normally this is not the case at quarter past eleven on a Saturday morning. Fredu is lightly snoring the dog is buried under the duvet and the bub is in her bed sleeping like an angel. I of course have been clever and used the time to sweep and mop the floor. How exotic, yes! Nah but its so much easier to do when everyone is sleeping!

The heat has definitely subsided and after walking the pooch last evening we stopped at a hidden little terrace behind our flat to have a drink before heading home. I was down right chilly. good thing I had an extra little baby blanket to cover my legs with! I guess the whispers of autumn are drifting in. Today is overcast and grey but its good sometimes as it helps get stuff done during the day.

I think we are surely in the queue for the worst parents ever awards as 6 months into her life and we've only just installed some decorations for her room. Bad enough that we still catch ourselves calling it the 'spare room' instead of 'Sienna's room'... terrible terrible, I mean we don't even have any paintings or photos on her walls for decoration! I shall hopefully remedy this today in some way. Poor little sausage!

Hon and Naoko arrive next week for their first visit to Barcelona. It will be such a treat to see them as its been a long long time since I've seen my 'little brother'and his lovely wife. She is apparently very excited to meet Lilli dog... I'm just hoping she manages to behave herself. Being a teenager is making things a bit hairy (literally) as she is quite the little madam and of course it goes without saying quite a little bitch (literally).

The city right now is pretty much empty of my friends right now. Mele and Nico are the only remainders but I do believe they are soon off to Paris for a wedding therefore soon there will be none! It really is true about the city clearing out of locals at this time of the year. Vero is still in France and Joanna has returned to London to be with her parents for a short spell. Eric of course is or was here but is busy with an insane work schedule and blossoming new romance...

Jo Jo and her lovely girlfriend, Becks are set to roll in for a visit early Sept. Jo jo is anxiously awaiting a thrice-daily visit to her favorite gelato shop while here. I just love them they are so cool. Again it will be a great treat to have them in town for a couple of days and for them to meet Sienna of course!

Best get moving and get some more life-admin done while its still quiet here... it surely will not last long!

Today...

Instead of walking the girls in the park, I was escorted to the gym where I was told that I must get in there and do some swimming... I've been so slack lately in my gym regime its terrible! I managed to do about 30 minutes of sploshing about and then climbed out and lumbered home. I can't remember the last time my energy was so low... oh wait, that was when I was pregnant... and no, I am not pregnant again... but I'm just saying...

I came home and stumbled across a really really exciting job posting. I can honestly say its been a very long time since I've seen something so interesting and its client-side not agency side which is what I'm really aiming for! Now lets just see if the fates have the same ideas as I do with this one...

On the other side of the coin, my head is teeming with new ideas and goodness if I only had some cash we could do some really cool projects! That will come, if you build it, they will come?

Amongst all the other clever things I did this morning... I managed to scald 3 fingers on my right hand while anxiously opening the bottle sterilizer... I'm so smart... and so so so sore!

Things are nearly back to normal...

in our mini technical world anyway... we've still no photo editing software but we're making do... we've of course not stopped taking pictures but its been a bit slower to re-size them with the limited software we do have...


Boob or frap? I think the choice is clear...


Smiling with our hair clipped back


Finally sleeping in my own bed


Not long till I can wear all her shoes!


I'm eating an olive as I'm born in the med so I surely must like them right?


Cuddles... featuring the lovely scarf auntie mele brought us from Puerto Rico!


I got to try chocolate mousse!

Of course Lilli had to help clean up...


Give me all your money!

Well I'm all finished...

Sitting in the corner with my dunce cap on. I'm brewing up creative ideas to try and get us out of this no-job rut that we seem to be in. Again, its August here and no doubt there will be no climbing out of this hole until at least mid-sept but hey, we like a challenge no?

The heat here has been monumental but it seems to have subsided a bit today which is nice. We went to the park last night to listen to some jazz and chat with our frenchie friends. Some friends of Mele and Nico had the most adorable little boys who just doted over Sienna. They just wanted to cuddle her. It was the sweetest thing. She is truly a little flirt. She ended up falling asleep in Alfredo's arms while watching the band from up close. She did of course awake again once we returned home as the heat was just still too much and she was so sticky... T'was however a nice night. There are of course pictures but they are in a long back-log as the 2nd re-build of the computer has just been completed... re-installing everything again for a second time was not fun nor was it clever.

So yes if you're sitting there and you're wondering what you can do today... you can always send me along a job okay? Thanks!

Yes I am a doofus

so thank you commenter for the kind correction of my terrible mistake in my posting yesterday... I should have cited...

'it was the best of times it was the worst of times' is Charles Dickens - A Tale of Two Cities

If you're looking for me I'm in the corner sitting there wearing my dunce cap.

Now its not only clear that I'm in a rut but also that I've never read the book...

A book that I have just however read which I finished in the wee hours of last night was the 'Book Thief' what a brilliant book. Of course I cried at the end but that's not much a surprise is it? Thank you again to the lovely Andrea for sending it over to me. To say I devoured it would be an understatement.

Back to job searching I'm afraid... crossing this many fingers and toes is quite challenging especially when one is trying to type.

Its really not been that peachy lately...

Thus perhaps the lack of posting... Its always a challenge to keep up writing when you're feeling a bit low as it seems to verge on the wingeing rather that the reflective... just me then? Nee mind... Amidst the wash of so many of my friends struggling with relationship break downs (long term ones) and other with broken limbs we lumber on with our employment searches and it all just jumbles in together... Boil it down to the fact that everyone has their own problems so although they are all different struggles, they are struggles nonetheless. Lucky for us however my mum has been our total saving grace through our testing time. I am so so greatful!

Beyond the grey skies the sun is blasting down here in Barcelona and its hot hot hot... The little one is keeping us smiling by being... well being her. Yesterday while devouring a piece of watermelon with of course much help from Lilli dog, it reminded me how lucky we really are. I feel like its kind of like the begining to war and peace... it was the best of times it was the worst of times...

you know its not so good...

when there are ants in your breakfast cereal... the dog is barking and the baby of course is crying. Our last lead for work this month has fizzled and I guess I could go on but best not.

Holiday hangovers are never nice but this is particularily poor.

I'm back out there applying for work again as we've got to get back to reality sometime and we've had a good 5 months off of work now thus something has got to pay the bills somehow...

positivity is fleeting and thank goodness for some peoples cheeky wee chubby smiles as they really help making it through the day.

Welcome to my crib!


well I mean it literally!

The heat has subsided here just slightly... thank goodness as it was getting pretty uncomfortable. We're busy trying to get things organised for the weekend. We're also gearing up for the battle with the gov't who have just confirmed to me that they have denied our application to receive the one off 2500 euro baby bonus... they cite that I have not lived here for 2 years prior to the birth of Sienna... of course I have but proving it to them in the way they want to see it is not too easy and lets just say they're not about to lay down and roll over so I'm strapping on my boxing gloves!!!


Some people are cooperating at certain times of the day and playing nicely by them selves (sporting the lovely top from Noeleen)

My friend Karm's ass called 911 today by accident... they rang him back to let him know... I giggled and called it an assergency!

Happy Canada day!

Today started bright and early at 5h30 am and certain parties ie. me, did not manage to get back to sleep after someone's early breakfast... we were out and on the road before 9am en route to the park for walkies! By the time we returned home close to 10am I was ready to collapse. When the troops finally were ready for their mid morning naps... the phone rang. I am clearly not meant to actually function today... On a positive note, the heat has subsided a bit and the breeze is up a bit more so its not as stifling hot as yesterday!

I'm still a bit baffled about how weird random pieces of information manage to compute within my head... mostly this happens when i lie awake early morning trying to fall back asleep... What exactly it all means I really don't know but... lets just jot down some of these thoughts just for fun shal we?

• My two last boyfriend's mothers live in France
• Two of my three friends named Joanna don't have their ears pierced and the third has a monster almost cork sized piercing in one ear
• Sienna was born on groundhog day but of course since its not observed here I didn't realise this until afterwards... meaning both her and I share our birthdays with halmark card observed days (mine being st. patrick's day)

Clearly I need to get back to work as my brain is scary when it runs on autopilot.

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The heat continues here in the land of Barcelona

The streets are full of fireworks and celebrations with the recent EuroCopa win of the Spanish team. The bub is tucked into bed albeit a bit later than the past few days but the sleep pattern regulation regime that she's been on since we returned last week is not yet firmly established. Lilli is tucked in under my arm doing her best to ignore the shouts and fireworks.

I spent a lovely girlie afternoon with the lovely Mele who trudged acros town through the heat and then hiked up our monumental stairs! We prepared a scrumptious lunched and lounged out on the terrace and caught the light but very well appreciated breezes.

Not long now until the villa. I am so excited to see the London crew as none of them have met Sienna yet. It will be so nice to catch up with everyone properly over a few drinks and giggles.

Mum's next door neighbour at home gave Sienna and Isabella little summer dresses as gifts when we were there. So sweet...


super squooge!!!!!

It took me longer...

to write about the project than the project its self but hey... the terrace as i wrote about yesterday, is now ready to be enjoyed. We cleaned it up, gave it a lick of paint and added a sun shade and presto we're in business!


We're free!! (we had this pic already)


Clean clean clean


All done!

I can honestly say this is pretty close to bliss

I'm sitting here typing from the sofa on the terrace... the baby and the dog are frollicing next to me as the warm breeze blows my hair around. We're back in the land of Barcelona and although I'm working (and procrastinating) its just so lovely. Sienna is now sitting so she's sat right next to me chattering away. Don't get me wrong I've got my fair share of worries but right now it feels pretty good!

We returned on Wednesday and apart from being home alone with both girls (Fredu is out of town for work) and feeling quite exhausted its been good. It was really hard to leave my family back in Canada as it was such a lovely visit! I was so lucky that while I was there the lovely Sean came down to visit with his bf Grant. I'd not seen Sean since 2002 when he came over to visit me in London. God I wish we could live closer to one and other!

The lovely vero has invited myself and Sienna to travel with her and her boyfriend to Marseille this evening for the weekend. She's even most likely found a car seat for the little miss... however I've not yet found a sitter for the hound thus its looking less likely that we will go in the end... Ah well maybe next time?

I'm hoping to buy a wee paddling pool for Sienna so she can keep cool out here! I've got to buy some fans for the house too as its pretty sticky in the evenings and certain dogs go mental when the wind picks up and makes noise... not the best combo when the babe is sleeping...

Its nice that summer has finally arrived!!!

I love to read

so when I arrived home I was so excited to go through all the fantastic books mum had bought for the bubs. When at my sister's house the next day she showed me about this fab book that she had picked up the other day for her wee one. It's called bossy bear and needless to say I NEED TO OWN THIS BOOK. We're off to hunt the bargain bins at winners to find me a copy (that's where KJ got hers from)... I know I can of course always buy a full price one at the book store but that is beside the point... do we really need excuses for trips to winners?

Videos...

because its just that much better to see it live (kind of)


Sienna Sitting up!


Baby symphony

Please remind me in a few weeks time...

when I'm moaning about all the blub I acquired while in Canadialand that its truly my fault... There are so many naughty temptations I swear I've over indulged every day on something or several things for that matter... Perhaps writing about it will curb my 'maybe just one more gobstopper (because we don't have them in Spain)' ... doubt it.

There are too many photos to even explain... thus best perhaps to inundate instead. Hope you're wearing your wellies...



A donde esta mi papi???


Mum and watermelon bum


Girls in dresses holding hands... Sienna is really just trying to nick her bangle.


The power struggle begins!


Super drool!

At long long last

Last Friday the wee one's passport arrived. Saturday morning first thing her and I boarded a plane to Amsterdam and then transferred to another one to get to Toronto. I was mildly terrified as obviously I have never traveled with a small infant on my own. I was really lucky and honestly pleasantly surprised. KLM were very good to us and I even had a cot for her to sleep in which meant I could put her down! I tell you, holing a small baby for more than 12h consecutively would have damn near killed me. I even managed to watch two movies (Volver and 27 dresses) and a few episodes of the simpsons, will and grace as well as one of the sopranos! Not bad!

The heat here is monumental but so nice as summer as of yet had not arrived to Barcelona. The wee one wasn't quite too sure where I had taken her as she went from bundled to boiling in the matter of a few hours.

To say that it is wonderful to be here is an understatement. I really really needed a break and it is so good for my soul to see my whole family. I sometimes forget how hard it is to live so far away from them.

I'm equally thrilled that Sean and Grant are coming down from Ottawa next weekend. I have not seen Sean in over 6 years! We are far overdue!

I think we've taken about a zillion photos since we arrived... brace yourself this might just be a mommy blog for a short while...


Arrivals! We don't look too shabby after more than 12h of traveling...


Sienna and Isabella's first encounter.


Meeting great grandma


Meeting Great Grandpa


The girls with my mum (grandma that would be I suppose)


Girls in their car seats (this is all new for Sienna)


Isabella quickly showed her how it was done...


I am in the jolly jumper... one of several instruments of torture they have for me here in this strange country.


Hmmm this is a chair?


And this thing? some sort of spinning walker? We surely have no room for such things in our tiny flat!


Brampton boot camp is all to much work... nap time!

Life thus far...

seems like a series of transitions... I kind of see it like a series of sliding screens... mostly opaque but constantly moving. I've become more concious of this in the past few years. I think it started when I moved from Ottawa to London. Moving marked the end of one chapter of my life and the begining of many others. When my dad died the sliding screen feeling felt so foreign and I felt sort of caught inbetween two screens yet unable to pass through onto one side or another... When I found out that I was pregnant, a very different thing happened... it was like a screen slid over and I became the observer in the events happening in my life and not the antagonist. This feeling persists and sometimes I really wish I could shake it... Its like this strange interceptor that is perhaps protecting my heart. I can't remember a time in my life where I've felt more vulnerable and terrified but yet still amazed and inspired. The problem being is that the distance that being the observer instead of the antagonist really mutes things and only in tiny little spurts do intense feelings of joy and amazment seap through. I guess its all part and parcel of becoming a parent. The only thing that I figure is that its a way of your mind protecting your brain from going absolutely insane with worry about all the horrible things there are in this world. I can honestly say that since I've become a mum that I've visited some very dark places in my mind... fueled by what must be maternal need to protect their young... the unfortunate part in this process is that in order to prevent harm my mind seems to conjure up the need to imagine a million horrible and unspeakable things that could possibly befall the people I love (most importantly the bub)... being concious of all the bad should surely be to equipt me with the ability to prevent it from happening... name the evil I suppose?

Pretty dark really, but I'm hoping that its just another transition happening and that it will all make sense to me in a few years and I will laugh when I go back and re-read this post... In the interim I'll keep hoping for more clarity on the good things and perhaps some greater opacity on the more scary bits.