Autumn 2008

Hi everyone,

This is my first blog in a very long time as Jenn has been updating you all regularly. Since it has been so long, I have plenty to share with you about us in the past months. First, as you can guess we have new routines in the house now that Caleigh is with us! She has become so big, so fast and we are experiencing new milestones almost daily! Caleigh is beginning to find her voice and already she has learned how influential her smile can be! She has two dimples that she gets from her mom when she smiles. In the evenings Caleigh's voice really shines as she coohs and sings at us when we talk to her. Last night was her first ride in the bouncy chair that allows her to stand on her own move freely without falling. At first she was hesitant, but shortly after finding her feet she was having a blast! Caleigh has also bonded well with "Gerry the Giraffe" who stands about 12 inches and is full of plush love! Gerry has been very helpful in getting Caleigh to focus her attention and begin grasping at objects! I told Jenn the other day that this was the beginning of the end of all things staying in their places around the house. Soon we will know what it is like to have a walking tornado in the house, but it's worth every second!

Aside from Caleigh becoming in tune with her environments, she is doing very well with her growth. We have seen Dr. Wheeler on a few occasions to dicuss some of minor issues like her reflux and weigh gain. We are hoping to see a specialist regarding the reflux in order to rule out any deeper concerns, and as for the weight gain, that has been put to rest as she weigh in this week at 11lbs13oz! Almost double her birth weight!

Caleigh also experience her first international trip over the Thanksgiving weekend as the whole family travelled to Montana! Although it wasn't a very extensive international travel experience, we still consider it to be a noteworthy event. Jenn and I decided to rent a nice little cabin just outside of Glacier National Park. The cabin was a small one bedroom but it had a huge backyard that was fenced so Molly could play all day and night. In addition to this, the backyard had a massive patio with a 54 jet hottub! Very relaxing! Having spent many of my summer and winter vacations in this area, I was really glad that Jenn and I got to experience it together giving her more time to become familiar with the area. Montana has always been a fun hideaway for me and I can't wait to experience more trips with our new family in years to come including everyone from both Jenn's side and my side!

Jenn has had the opportunity to travel to Saskatoon twice in the last month or so which has been great for her to see everyone there. Caleigh is getting to know what it's like to return to the Garner household and experience volume of love and family traffic that comes along with each long weekend. It will be exciting to see her grow up around her grandparents, cousins, uncles and aunts! It sounded like the trips were really fun and I'm sure Jenn will update you with trip specifics soon!

Before we left for Montana, we had my parents over for Chinese food and a visit with Caleigh. They are enjoying having a grandaughter in the mix of grandsons that preceeded her birth! Mom and Dad are staying busy despite retirement with their travels and part-time work schedules. we look forward to spending the Christmas holidays in Calgary this year and having the standard traditional Husband dinner at their house. We haven't seen Kristin and Tony much along with the boys because of their busy schedules also. Simon and Jonah are like little men now with their soccor leagues and bike-riding adventures. Simon is also in grade one this year so he is busy embarking new challenges and experiences at school. When asked what his favorite subject in school was, Simon relied, "Recess". Upon further questioning, science was also listed among the top.

Mike and Caroline are also having fun with having an addition in the their house. Parker has been doing so well despite the initial concerns. It's great to seen him each time and have him spend time with his cousin Caleigh! The last time they came over for supper we took a picture of the two together cousins for the first time and it truly was one of the cutest photos as they were holding hands! Jenn has really enjoyed spending time with Caroline as they swap mothering tips and stories with each other. Mike and I meet up for lunch now and again when we are in the same area. It's has been nice having them share similar expereinces that Jenn and I go through!

That's all I can think of for today, I look forward to seeing everyone around holiday time!

With Love, Caleigh, Matt, Jenn and Molly!