Let's Get Caught Up....

I know it's been a while, and maybe, you've even wondered where I've been.  The truth is, I've been enjoying life.  To say that the last half of 2011 has been exciting would be an understatement.  You see, I managed to squeeze four major events into a very short 6 month period.  Life changing events!  Events that most people tend to spread out over years.  

But not me and TC!  Nope.....we prefer to get them all out of the way at once.

I'm sure you'd like to get all caught up, so let's not waste any more time.

Natalie Jewel

First Ever Picture of Natalie Jewel

In July of last year, TC and I gave birth to a wonderful little girl - Natalie Jewel.  Well, to be fair, TC did all the hard work.  Basically I just stood there and watched.  And fetched her the occasional grape Popsicle.  But mostly, I just watched.

This is the fourth kid for me, and I think I may have got it right this time.  I think.

I'm teasing of course.  Kids 1 thru 3 are a'ight.

Princess Natalie is the first child for TC and I together.  She wasn't planned, and if I'm being honest, I was a wee bit panicked about starting over with diapers and Treehouse (my youngest was already a teenager when Natalie was born - the oldest was 20).  But now, I can't imagine my life without her.  Watching her learn and experience new things has been awesome.

I love coming home, calling out, "Allo Baby!", in my kick ass English accent, and watching her smile and bounce and kick cuz' she's excited to see her Daddy. My absolute favourite though is when she falls asleep with her head on my shoulder. I could cuddle her like that forever.

I don't love her more than I do my other kids, but, I am enjoying it more this time if that makes any sense.  I don't know if it's because I'm older and more mature (but let's be honest, I'll still get Natalie to pull my finger), more patient, or perhaps it's TC, my partner in parenting, but raising a baby seems a lot more enjoyable to me than it did 14 years ago.

And if my kids are reading this, and I know you are, I said, "I DON'T LOVE HER MORE THAN I DO MY OTHER KIDS".  Although, the Screaming Baby is a hell of a lot cuter than you ever were.  Just sayin'.

It wouldn't surprise me to find out this kid is going to change the world.  She's already changed mine.

New Job

In May of 2011 I finally managed to get out of the shit-hole I was working in.  The job was awful.  I felt trapped and tried desperately to get out.  The only thing keeping the owners of this craptastic company from turning it into a third world sweat shop are the nuisance labour laws we have here in Canada.  I will be devoting an entire blog post to this crap-fest in the very near future so stay tuned.

Now, I'm working for great people!  The commute is a little longer, but it's worth it. I'm treated with respect, my ideas are valued, and the work I do is appreciated.  I'm making a difference, and at the end of the day I feel like I've accomplished something. 

Engagement

In September, TC and I officially got engaged.  Way back, we had our very first date down at the beach front - we went for ice-cream and a walk, and slowly started to get to know one another.  So, it seemed somewhat appropriate to head down to the beach to pop the question.

Truth be told, after I picked up the ring, I didn't want to wait (nor spend the time required) to set up something elaborate, so I improvised.  I think it was a romantic moment - but maybe you should ask TC.

The important thing is - she said yes!

New House

In October, we took possession of our new house.  Yes, we finally managed to unload the unsellable house!  How did we do it?  With a new agent!

After some not so subtle prodding from TC, we switched agents, listed our house in September, and sold it five days later!  We had previously been listed from January to June and didn't get one offer.

Now I know what you're thinking - it may not have been the agent, it could have been a fluke.  And yes, I would have been inclined to agree with you.  Except, the deal fell apart, and we had to go back on the market.  Incredibly, our agent sold our house again two days later!

So let this be a lesson to you - YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT DOES MATTER!  Remember this when I get my real estate license.

So, TC and I moved into our new house at the end of October and we couldn't be happier.  Everybody has their own bedroom, we went from one bathroom to three, and we finally have the rec room we so desperately needed. 

I'm no longer being subjected to Hannah Montana, Zach & Cody, or any of the other mind-numbing crap that spews out of the Family Channel.

How do you spell freedom?  N-E-W H-O-U-S-E!

So there you have it - 4 life altering events in 6 very short months!  Whew....I need to catch my breath.

Except.....there is that little matter of a wedding to deal with.