Cleaning day

I woke up briefly at 6, then again at 7, but didn't hear any sounds from upstairs until just before 8. Kaylin headed back to bed, and Renn and I started our day. She initially thought Alphagetti should be the breakfast choice, but I managed to divert her to the usual yogurt and blueberries. Nathan joined us after 9 and engaged in more crafts with her. Unfortunately, he didn't get much sleep again last night.

Lamby was fed some yogurt too and had his face washed <3

Beans was given a 3rd eye as well

Kaylin enjoyed a restful sleep-in until 10:30, hopefully making up for the many early morning baby wakings. She started tidying up the toys and vacuuming bins out. We had hamburger soup for lunch - this pot is great for many feeds. Nathan went back for a nap, as did Renn, and then it was time for cleaning. I organized their pantry while Kaylin cleaned the floor with her fancy floor machine.

Renn had a super short under hour sleep today. Guess she did not want to miss out. Back at the ranch S took Harley for a much needed walk after her 13+ hour day inside yesterday. The sun was shining bright on all the hoar frost and snow.

Shanice stopped by for a visit. Kaylin had to quickly get dressed and head to work at 4 for a while. I took out the recycling and loaded the boards back into the car along with the borrowed cooler. Nathan was awake, chatting with Shanice, and when Kaylin came back, she brought three more bags of laundry. Shanice helped fold the laundry that was already done earlier, while Kaylin prepared veggies and chicken for a stir-fry, and I cooked the rice. Shanice left before we sat down to enjoy the delicious supper Kaylin made. Afterward, I cleaned the pots and pans and took Beans out for a brisk walk.

then there was a streaker :)

The evening was lively with Renn entertaining us until it was bedtime at 8. Nathan also went to bed. Kaylin worked on payroll and other tasks, while I ordered a new iPhone and caught up on the blog during Modern Family. She went to bed at 10, and then I headed to bed and began a new series on my trusty iPad.

Black Friday outing

The basement room is pitch dark and quite silent, yet strangely, I find myself waking up around 5 a.m. most days. Today, getting back to sleep was a challenge, but I managed to doze off again until I heard Miss Renny awake before 7. After giving her a morning snack, I sent Kaylin back to bed and played with Renny, who also enjoyed some yogurt and blueberries. I attempted to call WestJet three times to inquire about the possibility of changing our trip, but each call was disconnected, with the last one dropping after nearly an hour on hold.

hands free smoothie drinker

Nathan came down to join the playtime as the expert play dough artist. He didn't get much sleep last night but finds it more comfortable than the hospital. Kaylin also came down for her coffee and yogurt bowl. She reminded me that today is officially Black Friday, which explains why WestJet is likely swamped. Afterward, I took the opportunity to slip away for a shower.

couple extra eyes never hurt right?

they also help to do your work better too

For lunch, we had hamburger soup. Renn went for her nap before 1, while Kaylin left for a massage in a funky suit, and Nathan also headed to bed for a nap. I managed to do my Spanish lesson and quickly threw my clothes into the laundry. I did a quick 10-second tidy-up, which, although it may seem pointless, I believe always creates a pleasant atmosphere. Kaylin returned as I was tidying and began to catch up on the blog. Renn took another short nap today, lasting just over an hour, and seemed a bit out of sorts upon waking.

sporting his new white hunting camo

Meanwhile Sheldon was up early leaving home before 6 am to go hunting again with Todd. He was gone all day not back till 8:30 pm. BIG THANKS to Britt for letting Harley out and feeding her after 7.

We decided to go on an outing seeing Renn and I had not left the house since Tuesday other than our walk to the pharmacy. I installed "my" car seat I brought along, unloaded the wooden growth ruler boards, after I took the recyclables and trash out. Then K and R got into the car, and we set off for Costco. Perhaps it wasn't the wisest choice to venture near stores on Black Friday, given the usual bottlenecks at this location. However, I managed to process my returns swiftly, and we wandered through the typically crowded store finding only a couple things but enjoying the samples. Exiting was somewhat quicker, though there was still a considerable wait.

back seat driver Renn

Returning to the townhouse before 4:30, Nathan had risen from his day of rest, having caught up on some sleep. Nathan and Kaylin prepared a fresh steak meal for dinner while I did my Spanish lesson. The fire alarm sounded from smoke, suggesting that their stove hood fan isn't functioning properly; it's possible that the duct could be clogged.

These 3 are enjoying the weekend at Matt's Dad's cabin

The evening was delightful with Renn amusing us as usual. She enjoyed her bath and bedtime routine with Mama and Dada. Meanwhile, I conducted some online sales on coffee makers. Later, they settled down to watch an episode of a show they follow before Nathan went to bed. Kaylin turned in at 10, and I headed to bed where I finished watching 'The Hustle' before turning in.

Nathan goes home from hospital

I woke up after 7 and went up to brush my teeth. Renn and Kaylin came down shortly after. Kaylin made me a delightful coffee with Baileys, reminiscent of home. She also prepared scrambled eggs, toast, and orange slices for breakfast. Such fancy service. Renn sampled the eggs and licked the peanut butter off the toast. Meanwhile in the hospital, poor Nathan is still fasting, awaiting news on when his surgery will be scheduled.

Kaylin got ready and left for work around 9:30. Renn and I FaceTimed Grandpa who was still in bed at 10, who returned late from his road trip and the power plant tour. Renny and I had a fun morning playing as per usual. 

Dressed and ready to brush her teeth, pocket works great to hold it too

Nathan texted that his surgery was postponed to December 17th after speaking with his surgeon. It's unfortunate that we'll be away, but I'm relieved they have a plan and he can return home today to the comfort of home. I offered to pick him up, but Renny was tired early today. He'll check out the new Arthur Child Cancer Center and wait for Kaylin to pick him up after work. Shaina FaceTimed a few times today, craving her Renn time after three weeks apart and seeking updates on Nathan. Speaking of which, the GoFundMe his brother initiated is gathering funds rapidly. It's heartwarming to see so many kind and caring people in the world. XOXO

Renn settled down for her nap just after 12. I proceeded to make a pot of hamburger soup. I forgot to send in my invoices but I managed to do so on my iPad, yay! Afterward, I tidied up the kitchen and toys, then bagged a dry load of towels for the shop. Kaylin washes approximately 35 pounds of white towels and facecloths every day! 

Renn's nap was short today; she woke up after an hour, lay down again for 20 minutes, and then got up. I offered her some of the soup, but she was uncertain about it, and even the alphagetti was not appealing today. However, I managed to get her to eat a bit of cheese and a squeeze pouch.

Welcome to the Renn's nail spa

Kaylin wrapped up work at 4:15, picked up Nathan from the hospital, and they arrived home before 5. Renn was thrilled to see her Mama and Dada return. Kaylin prepared a Fresh Prep meal for her and Nathan. I polished off the last of my Vietnamese from Tuesday. Renn and I bundled up and I ventured to the pharmacy to retrieve Nathan's prescription. It was -12 degrees, but calm with a gentle snowfall.

Nathan shows Renn his incision

she is showing me blueberries on the cereal box

Back at the house, there was some playtime with Renn, followed by bath time. I bathed her, and Kaylin applied lotion and got her ready for dreamland. Nathan also crawled into his bed, which must have felt amazing after a week in a hospital bed. I worked on today's blog while watching more of "A Man on the Inside." K came down after her shower to warm up a bowl of apple crisps I had brought, and we watched some episodes together. She went to bed at 10 as I finished the finale. Afterwards, I started watching the movie "The Hustle" in bed for a while.

Busy day in the city

At 7 am, I heard the sound of little feet coming down the stairs (which was Beans in the lead), and moments later, Little Miss was there giving morning hugs. We then went up to the main floor to start our day with some playtime. I suggested to Kaylin that she could go back to bed, an offer she wisely accepted. Renn and I had a busy morning; she enjoyed a breakfast of yogurt and berries, while I treated myself to a fancy espresso coffee. S took care of feeding the animals, including rolling out a bale for the horses, before heading off to Calgary to pick up the friend for an exciting tour at the Genesee Power Plant this evening, where a friend, Doug J, gave him a tour.

Daredevil, all this before 9 am :)

Kaylin woke up after 10 and kindly prepared yogurt bowls for us. We bundled up and set out to visit Nathan at 11. Today's -12°C felt much colder than yesterday's -2°C. Renn was so sweet, running in to hug her dad and then promptly checking his selection of food, finding yogurt. She attempted to feed him which was adorable. The Schmitts FaceTimed him, catching us all there for a catch-up.

Just as we were about to go for a walk, Nathan had to return and talk with the doctors who are planning his second surgery for tomorrow morning to address the small lesion that remains. This one is a bit more concerning as it's closer to the brain cortex. All our positive energy and prayers are being sent your way, Nate. We did go for a little walk then.

Renn was growing tired; she even dozed off briefly on the way to the hospital, so we decided to head home after 12. She went straight to bed and fell asleep quickly. Kaylin prepared for work while we had leftovers for lunch. She packed her Santa sacks with clean towels and left for work after 1.

play dough tubs in a basket too

I managed to catch up with the blog posts from yesterday and today, as well as complete my Spanish lesson. Renn had a good two-hour nap and woke up in a cuddly mood. Our afternoon was filled with playtime, primarily using small play dough tubs with lids featuring the Sesame Street characters, which are great for teaching colors, numbers, and character recognition. We constructed and knocked down numerous towers. While Renn played in her kitchen tower, I prepared a chicken mushroom risotto meal kit. Dinner was ready by 5:30, but Kaylin's last appointment ran late, so she didn't get home until nearly 6. The meal was perfect since it was simple to portion out for the three and a half of us.

my sous chef

Nathan's brother, Kale, initiated a GoFundMe campaign, which he was initially uncertain about. However, following the EI fiasco, he decided to proceed and was astonished to find that people were actually contributing.

power plant tour crew

watch her face

After supper, it was playtime until bedtime for the little one at 8. I continued watching the JonBenet show while Kaylin warmed up Nathan's meal and delivered it to him at the hospital for a visit before 8:30. I was wrapping up the final episode when she returned before 10, joining me to watch the conclusion, after which we both went to bed. I caught up with today's blog and then watched a bit more Netflix on my iPad in bed. Sheldon made it home from his northern adventure 1:30 am.