goons 'n beans

Yesterday, Eli finally met his new little friend Mercedes :) We had a wonderful afternoon visiting with the new member of the Devries family, she looks sooo much like Kim... and is soo tiny! Eli was never that small; she's so fragile yet very strong...eating and sleeping well.
Its kinda strange to think that at one time Kim and I were hanging out in the school yard... sitting under an umbrella, having secret discussions of whatever 8 yr olds talk about..... and now we are wives and we have babies! beautiful ones at that! It is truely a blessing to have such a wonderful, lifetime friend.

Welcome Mercedes!

Yesterday, September 18th at 4:56pm I watched little Mercedes DeVries being born. It was the second most amazing thing I have ever experienced... the first being the birth of my own son. Kim worked so hard, she is such a strong amazing woman. She was in labour for about 15 hours, including 2 hours of pushing... with no epidural! By the time she wanted one she was already 8cm dilated, so it was too late. But she sure loved the laughing gas... we could barely tear away the mask at times... :) After about an hour of pushing, she was so exhausted and was starting to give up. They got her all prepped for a c-section as the baby was not really descending any more. But in one last attempt, the doctor used the vaccuum, and after about 20 minutes of pushing a pulling.... lil'bean was here! Kim really found her inner strength in those last few contractions... so amazing to watch. Once Mercedes was out, there were cheers and tears of joy... we were all an emotional wreck... it had been a long day. I feel so honoured that Kim & Steve allowed me to be a part of one of the most special moments of their lives. I didn't think I could feel any closer to Kim, but now there is such a special connection in my heart to her, Steve and little Mercedes. I love you guys :)

PICS :)

We miss you Daddy! XOXOXOXO

The Waiting Game

So here we sit waiting the arrival of Bean DeVries... Kim & Steve's lil one. Today is officially the due date, but no signs of baby coming so far. Eli and I have been staying out here in Peachland for a couple of days, cooking, baking and visiting with Kim and Bean. Jared left for Edmonton last weekend... someone had to end the vacation and go back to work ;) He is really missed, I can definately tell the difference in Eli when his father is not around. So tomorrow we head back to Grandma and Grandpa's.. I'm going to get in all the help I can before I head back home.. (on the 27th). Hopefully the little Bean decides to arrive soon, I can't wait to meet the lil' gaffer :)

Happy Snappy 5 Year Anniversary!

Yesterday marked our 5 year wedding anniversary. I really cannot believe Jared and I have been married for that long. Really its only a drop in the bucket compared to some people, but in todays society its still a good milestone.
We had a really nice day... I was able to get my hair did (finally!) and then we enjoyed a very fancy shmancy dinner at Fresco's here in Kelowna. Then we headed off to Peachland to stay in Kim and Steve's rustic wood cabin. So relaxing and nice. We did have Eli for the night, but Grandma and Grandpa took him during dinner, so we had some well needed and deserved alone time. God bless Grandparents!
Well, cheers to another 5 years... and another 5 after that... and another after that... :)

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Camping in Golden Ears

So our first experience camping with the little guy was successful... I have to admit I was a bit nervous at first, but he did great. We rented a Tent trailer with my parents and that made all the difference. I don't think I would've enjoyed being stuffed in a tent with a baby and all our luggage and crap.
There were 21 of us in all... 11 of that were kids ( i think...), so we were quite the crowd. The campsite was beautiful, and we enjoyed lots of poker, walks, fires and best of all... FOOOOOD!!! haha. We also enjoyed a good 3km hike to some beautiful falls, normally it would take someone about 45 mins to do... but with all of us (kids, a 9 month preggo and a cripple) it was more like 2 hrs... ONE WAY!! but still sooo much fun.
Enjoy the pictures :)

Look Ma, No Hands

Well the little guy can almost sit up all on his own now, thanks to a wonderful little seat called "Bumbo". Its this foam seat that is designed to help them sit up from young age. Some days he loves it, other days he'll have nothing to do with it. But he sure is growing fast... and trying to talk sooo much now! Its pretty cute when he tries to have a conversation with you when all his words are just "Gaaaa's", "Aaaaah's", and "Ooooohs". At least he's trying! He's just over 10 weeks in these pictures... enjoy :)

How Does Your Garden Grow

So while Eli and I were away in Kelowna, Jared kept himself busy by building us a garden. What a great job he did. I am very excited to see all the flowers take over the boxes, and next year to plant veggies in the large box at the back. It definately makes our yard look so much better. He has even more grandiose plans for the garden, which include lattice's and beams filled with vines and hanging baskets... but thats next years project!

Bon Voyage

So Eli and I have had our first adventure together. Last thursday we left Edmonton for the hottest city on earth.. Kelowna. Our first plane ride, which went really smooth. He pretty much just slept the whole time, and the West Jet girls were sooo nice and helpful.
So far our time has been really relaxing, just trying to stay cool. Thank goodness my parents have air conditioning. Eli also experienced the beach for the first time on Canada Day, he didn't seem to mind the water, even tho it was a little cool.
This week will be busy with lots of visiting and our baby shower tomorrow night, but lots of fun nontheless. We just miss Daddy... wish you were here Jared!

Champagne & Golden

So Sunday was my Champagne & Golden birthday... 25 on the 25th. It was an interesting day, a little emotional as I really missed my family. We still had a nice time tho, as some friends came over for a bbq and cake. I can't believe that I am a quarter of a century old. wow. 5 years to 30... thats a scary thought.

My best present of the day was when Eli gave me big smiles first thing in the morning. Made up for the fact that Jared didn't get me a card. tsk tsk.

A Sad Day for the Oilers

Well, we almost had a chance to win the Stanley Cup...sigh*. But the team played really hard and the odds were definately NOT in our favor. I suppose there is always next year. Eli sure was sad to see them lose :)

Smiles!

So it seems that Eli has discovered how to smile! Or at least look happy and make some cute 'cooing' noises. It could also just be gas, so hard to tell at this age. But still so cute nontheless. I can't wait until he learns how to laugh.. that is one of my favorite things!

Dreamer

Ever wonder what babies dream about? I think our little baby Eli is dreaming of something huge, perhaps the worlds largest boob. Or maybe the big poopie he had earlier. Who really knows, but it sure looks cute. Can't you imagine him just saying "It was THIIIIS big!"


Eli is 5 1/2 weeks here... growing more everyday!

Family Family Family!

What a crazy weekend filled with family and fun. Baby Eli was able to visit and get to know his Uncle Jesse on Saturday afternoon, he sure had a lot of fun watching and listening to him. They were very cute together.

Then Saturday night Eli visited with Grandpa Jon and Grandma Joanne. He was very peaceful and content the whole time and enjoyed watching the hockey game with us.

Sunday we rested, the last week had been so busy that both Eli and I were exhausted. Sure nice to have company tho but even better when life returns to normal. And there is nothing like baby cuddles.

Welcome!

Welcome to the life & times of the Bradleys! I will try and keep this site full of stories and pictures that depict our wonderful, exciting life ;)

Enjoy and visit often