Nine Months

Please allow me the briefest of indulgences in order to permit me to give my coveted endorsement to the film "Marley & Me". Based on the terrific book by the same name, the fears of a terrible adaptation were fortunately unjustified and the movie gets a rating of 5 happy wags out of 5. Go check it out.
In other exciting news, yesterday was Madeleine's nine month birthday. She celebrated the special day with a totally delicious pear flan. It was so tasty that my family forgot to give me a taste. Boo!
As a retaliation for the no treat oversight, I cut off Mom and Dad's head in this otherwise fine snapshot.
Learning to ride...
and play the piano.
Baby M is indeed a baby of many, many skills. The best of which might still be unabashed cuteness.
Definitely!
Earlier in the week, Aunt Liesa swung by during her West Coast visit for some waffle breakfast.
Did I mention that Baby M has mad skills? Well, if you don't believe me, check out the following indisputable video evidence of the mastery of the near impossible "High 5" (be sure to check out the handsome canine in the background) as well as the exceptionally difficult "dimming of the light" (Baby M reminds you to do your part and conserve electricity.)



Birthday bonus!
The most recent dog blog poll surveyed the generally populace's opinion as to whether Madeleine would ever merit her own star on the famous Walk of Fame in Hollywood. The opinion was of course unanimously in favour and, as is no great surprise, the powers that be have dully recognized Miss Madeleine with her own star, thereby making her the youngest person to receive such an honour.

Merry Christmas

As Christmas approached, I was very keen to let Baby M in on the secret about how much fun it was going to be (especially if she were to happen to give up that cookie she was holding).
On Christmas eve, the Lower Mainland had a ton of snow, it was awesome. Check out our place.

When it snows, fun happens. Dad for example, decided to create some art and made a self-portrait out of snow.
Madeleine on Christmas Eve in front of the tree, and her presents!
Hey, no peeking!
Here, Madeleine and I are looking for someone to read us a nice Christmas Eve bedtime story.
Pa(w) was kind enough to oblige with a lovely rendition of Twas the Night Before Christmas.
On Christmas morning, Madeleine started out by raiding her stocking.
"Yes, tube socks!"
Dad helps out with some gift opening.
Madeleine loves her new rocking horse.
Uroma sent Baby M many lovely toques.
One of her favourite gifts, Madeleine quickly proves that she may just be the next Bach.

Lucky for me, even though it was Baby M's first Christmas and much attention was on her, Santa did not forget about yours truly.
Baby M tries out her new snowsuit.
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night."

Old Man Winter hits BC

Although Vancouver is the host of the 2010 Winter Olympic games, it's actually pretty rare for it to snow out here, let alone for there to be a blizzard of the magnitude that is currently unfolding.

Here is an account of recent events. First up was the trip to the Christmas tree lot to pick up a fresh Douglas Fir.
Here, Dad thought that he had found the perfect tree. More like a Charlie Brown tree I said, and unless you want to be a blockhead, better keep looking.

Ah ha! That's more like it.
Baby M and Mom approved of the selection, so on to the Mazda 3 roof it went and fortunately, but just barely it made it back to our house. Photos of the fully decorated tree to follow on a future post.
Next event of the social calendar was Dad's annual office Christmas party. There were many laughs and shenanigans as well as some lovely gifts; especially luck was Madeleine who received a lovely dress that is sure to make a future appearance on this blog sometime next spring or summer. Here's Dad with the gracious hosts.

Here's Baby M with Olivia, whom I am given to understand is my number one fan.
Today there was even more snow, it snowed pretty much all day, the weather guy called for 10 centimetres and there has been at least double that. Mom and Dad thought that taking a stroll in such inclement weather was a good idea. Check out the street outside our place.
The whole family on the dock on the Fraser River.
Dad and Baby M in a winter wonderland.
Snow angel!!!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.


Snow is all well and good, but it is not particularly pleasant when one is less than two feet tall and the snow comes up to one's belly. Enough!
Ah that's more like it.Lastly, Mom and Dad spent much of the afternoon constructing this lovely gingerbread house. They seem to have carelessly left it on top of the sideboard at a level that just might be Burns-able. Again, check back frequently for updates on Operation Feed the Basset.

The End of the Great Adventure

One of the most exciting parts of the vacation was the visit to Hollywood for a little celebrity sightseeing. Fortunately, Baby M managed to avoid the paparazzi. For part of the tour, Madeleine wanted a bird's eye view of the scenery. Dad was more than happy to provide. One would think that Baby M would have been interested in Tiffany & Co. or Louie Vuitton but actually her favourite store in Hollywood was the all-AC/DC store, go figure. Of course, Madeleine was incredibly excited to see the Walk of Fame, especially her two favourite stars...

Mickey Mouse And Ricky Martin? ("Shake yer bon bon...") Dad and Madeleine in front of the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre. After that detour, it was back to Disneyland! Madeleine and Mom prepare to go 20,000 leagues under the sea in the hopes of finding Nemo. Disneyland at night. And of course, Madeleine was totally thrilled to meet more Disney characters.

The Mat Hatter Peter Pan and Wendy Mary Poppins and Bert Cruella Deville Pooh Bear and Tigger Captain Hook Wall-E (Dad's hero) One last time, Mickey and Minnie. Well okay, one more.

Mickey Mouse So long Disneyland. Until next time...