Another hockey game and another small step for man.

What a happy pair Madeleine and I make, n'est pas? Why is she so happy you might ask? Because I suggested that we head out to another hockey game, and if there is one thing that Baby M loves, it's live hockey.
This time we were off to the old barn on Renfrew Street to watch the dominating force of the WHL that is the Vancouver Giants. I took moment during a break in the action to snap a shot of the whole crew.
Sylvia, Opa and Grandma's friend from Edmonton was in town. She brought along many gifts for which many thanks were offered and Alberta weather, for which there was no thanks.
Aunt Lynda just flew in from Australia (and boy are her arms tired) but she loves hockey so much that she just couldn't stay away; and maybe Madeleine had something to do with it too.
Madeleine and Pa(w) admire the poetic beauty that is a fresh sheet of ice.
And now a little video for you to enjoy... Madeleine is a born shopper!

Presenting...

the many new and amazing skills of Baby M!!


First, the sitting on her cow stool on her own.
Next, reading.
Working out with push-ups,
chin-ups,
and yet more push-ups.
The spectacular making-her-own-hair-stand-up-on-its-own.
Wow.
Master of the extreme close-up.
And finally and most troublesome, the stealing of my new bed.

Eleven Months Young

So today was Madeleine's eleven month birthday, and luck for me, she was in a very loving mood.
What better way to celebrate an eleven month birthday, than with eleven chocolate cupcakes.
Happy times.
Aaron & Penny heard that there would be cupcakes, so of course they came over.
So too did Nana. Hey, who's that cute looking baby on the refrigerator?
Madeleine told Pa(w) a funny joke.
Only eleven months old and already Madeleine is taller than her Grandma.
Madeleine upon hearing the news that for her eleven month birthday, we were all going to the Canucks game.
Fortunately, my fears that GM Place would have a no dog allowed policy were no big deal. While there is in fact such a policy, the burly security didn't want a piece of yours truly. Can you blame 'em? Here's the whole family:
Mom and Baby M rocking the flying skate apparel.
Madeleine tells you who's #1.
Madeleine thinks Luongo is going to have a solid game.
The Canucks were playing the Columbus Blue Jackets, a team famous for its futility (they never once made the playoffs).
Lower bowl seats are quite roomy. Lots of room for Madeleine and Dad. Special thanks to Uncle Neil for his amazing generosity.
Burrr, hockey rinks can be quite chilly. Fortunately, Madeleine came prepared with an Uroma toque.
"This is fun Dad, when can we go to another hockey game?"
"Soon Baby M!"
Final score: Good Guys 3 - Bad Guys 1. Ya!!
If you think that Baby M isn't really into hockey, wouldn't be able to sit still and wouldn't totally be engaged by Canada's national pastime, check out the following unedited video footage.

The calm before the storm.

This weekend is going to be huge. Why? Because it will mark Madeleine's first ever NHL game. And to think, it will be Ossi Vaananen's first game as a Canuck! Rest assured, the camera will be along for the ride, and assuming they allow basset hounds into GM Place you can expect photos a plenty. In the meanwhile, satiate your appetite with some other these pictures taken this week.
Madeleine is told that Trevor Linden is retired and will not be in the game on Sunday. This news caused Baby M to be a little unhappy.
Fortunately, she has been studying ancient texts and has learned quickly achieve a zen-like state in moments of distress.
All smiles again.
Learning to stand...
and crawl.
Too cute for words.
Here, Madeleine explains to her friend Lila what she will do each time a Canuck scores, delivers a big hit or drops the gloves. "It's called clapping."
What a pair!

Oscar Party

The Academy Awards were on Sunday, and of course that can only mean one thing... ice cream cake! DQ did a pretty decent job, although can you spot the mistake?
Mmm, ice cream cake. Let me at it! Here I am, as the Slum Dog Millionaire. Check out the sweet million dollar bills.
Here a couple of Benjamin Buttons: young Ben and older Ben. Nice suspenders.
Nice hair.
Nana came straight from Mumbai.
Another, more abstract, Slumdog/Millionaire costume(s).
Nice suits!
Father Pa(w).
Family portrait.