Cadence updates

I just realized that I haven't updated much on Cadence lately, so here goes:

weight: up to 15 lbs we guess (it's been a couple of weeks since was last weighed)

neat things he does: tries to talk--both cooing and other noises, and lots of hand gestures. Starting to figure out how to use his hands to do things like hit a toy dangling over him.

He's been sleeping much more regularly: one or two good naps every day, longer spaces between feedings, a more predictable bedtime. Plus we only have to get up to change a diaper once in a while at night--in fact, only once in the past week--otherwise he's in bed all night, with breaks for feeding only, and only two or three times per night. A big difference from even a couple of weeks ago.

Lots of smiles, a bit of a giggle, and we're now getting into singing songs together. He loves an old french song I learned in school; it's guaranteed to get a smile every time.

Cadence Goes to the Fall Fair

The weather has been beautiful, only enhancing the feeling we have every day that we're not living here but rather vacationing at a cottage. Today's a bit rainy, but it's still so warm out that it's a welcome, relaxing sort of rain.

Cadence is now ten weeks old. That sounds like such a short time, but our pre-baby life seems ages ago. So much has happened since July! Our new roof and furnace are in and working well. We're now keeping our eyes peeled for a new car, if anyone knows of a good one for sale.

This weekend was the New Liskeard Fall Fair. I took Cadence to see the animals





and the parade. One of the floats even had pogo balls!


Our friend John Quinton driving the Pepsi float:

The best float of the parade had everyone dancing to YMCA:


Cadence and his new friend Clayton, six days old:

Drew was doing sound for all the live musical acts at the fair; we paid him a visit:

Tonight's forecast: low -1

Fall is here--the leaves are beginning to change, the nights are cool, the days are just perfect--jeans & sweater weather, my favourite.

Up behind the house




Cadence is clearly impressed by the view.


This week our roof will hopefully be finished. I'm going to head to the HRDC office to find out what kinds of training I can take advantage of while on EI. Maybe I'll learn how to do something brand new! Also I'm going to try to get a part time job soon, to add another dimension to life.

Great news: our good friends Kelly & Curtis welcomed a healthy baby boy, Clayton, into the world this weekend. Can't wait til he and Cadence can start playing together! Actually having babies seems to be popular; we know a number either recently born or on the way, which is perfect.

Also Drew went out & jammed with some friends the other night; there is word around that he's in a band with the Outdoor Life Network's Survivorman. Stay tuned to learn more...

And remember, you're all invited to come for a visit--the leaves will be fantastic as we make it into October.

Cadence Frederick Gauley

We've finally picked a middle name for Cadence!

There's not much new happening here, but I'll share some new pictures.

Diaper Dino, on the front porch, & last night's sky

I've received a few requests for more frequent posts, so I'll do my best...but really, life doesn't have all that much variety right at the moment. Incentive I suppose to get out and do something new/interesting every day so that I can tell you about it.

Today's something new was Cadence hugging his dinosaur. The yellow dino hangs out in the diaper zone and kisses Cadence's nose when he gets his diaper changed. Although Drew has told me that dino sings a special song when he's changing the boy's diaper...he doesn't sing at all when I'm around. I think our little diaper dino might have a split personality.


I've been encouraged to let Cadence nap outside as much as possible. Here's proof of today's outdoor time. It was a long one; I'm a little worried about a pending sleepless night.


Drew took a bunch of pics of last night's storm. This is the second good storm we've gotten to watch. If there was any doubt as to our nerdliness, it was dispelled after we not only stayed up to watch and videotape a big storm moving over the lake a couple of weeks ago, but got up and watched the tape the next morning. We've since gotten cable, so I don't think that will happen again.

Our House

We live about halfway up a big hill, so no matter where we go for a walk we get to climb--either the beginning or the end of the walk. Looking forward to seeing how we're fare in the winter...will our little car make it?

Taken from the back of the yard

and of the yard from the house. This is where there are bunch of small trails

This is the view of town from the front porch

and of the lake. The trees block the vista a bit but are great for muffling the sounds of the nearby train. Also they'll be bare in the winter so the view will be very different. As it is we have a gorgeous sunrise every day, and we've already watched one amazing lightening storm move across the lake.

He's changing each and every day...now cooing more and more, gripping his little blanket, smiling and once or twice even giving the starting g hints at what might soon be a giggle. His face just transforms when he smiles! As is the case with all of us, I suppose--takes a wee one to remind me of the joy that is found in witnessing a simple smile.
All is well. A dreary day today but Drew and I are finding ourselves excitedly on the cusp of whatever our future holds. After spending the past month unpacking and just trying to settle, we now feel ready to move forward a little: we're still tired, but feel at the same time energized to make some plans, hang some art, get involved in the community. I'm sure we'll have boxes still around for quite a while, but they'll eventually all get unpacked--as we really make this place home.

Cadence has become a much better napper, but still likes to eat every two hours. My life is now lived as those 90-min spaces between feedings, day & night. I'm feeling fine, although I think with a good morning coffee (with caffeine) I might just feel more completely myself again. I wonder how that would affect the little tyke...just one cup...perhaps worth an experiment.

Drew was in Toronto last week and I went to KL. Grandma and Grandpa were a huge help

All our best to friends and family, who are all doing so well at staying in touch. It's wonderful to know how you're all faring, and we look forward to visits and letters and phone calls and emails. Happy September!