Jed and Elly Schoepp

Happy Birthday Eli!

2009-01-07T21:31:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe my 'baby' is a year! And I don't really like to think back to this time last year...well I guess I have mixed emotions about that. Anyways here are a few pics of Eli enjoying a birthday treat. Happy birthday Little Man. We love you and can't imagine our family without ya.

For Jacki

2008-12-05T20:33:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to my friend Jacki. She's probably the only one who still checks my blog. And because of her faith in me and her rebuke I decided to post some pictures of the last 2 months' activities instead of baking Christmas goodies tonight. So here you go, Jacki. You better leave a comment.
The pictures are straight forward: some at the aquarium, some at home, some halloween, and one pumpkin patch. Sorry this took so long. I know how annoying it is when you want to see new stuff!

Too Much Chocolate?

2008-10-15T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well, maybe. A couple weeks ago we finally got around to going to the chocolate buffet with our friends Colby and Lori. We had a blast....and lots and lots of decadent, rich, satisfying, chocolaty goodness. I suffered from a chocolate hangover the next day. My run felt quite sluggish and slow....but so worth it. I didn't get any pics of the buffet (I even felt awkward taking the picture of the mouse) - so here a just a couple of us happy customers.

September

2008-09-30T21:03:00.001-07:00

An other month over already? Where does the time go....
Sorry (Jacki) that I've been doing one post per month the last three months. Things have been busy! But I think they'll start to slow down a bit now.
Unfortunately I don't have pictures of all the highlights, I wish I had shots of the following September events:
-Eli crawling (he's been at it almost a week and there's nothing stopping him now!)
-Jed and Elly out of the house (without the kids) every wednesday night
-Jed and Elly addicted to 'Friday Night Lights', season 1
-visiting with Uncle Nate who flew in from Whitehorse to coach the mighty Wariors in the UBC tournament
-our new nephew/cousin Liam Schoepp (who we haven't met yet)
Here's what I did manage to catch on film/the digital camera:
1. James and Eli and I at the Ladner Leisure Center looking at bunnies. More and more bunnies are making their home at the pool. They were pretty tame too, almost dangerously tame. I thought one bunny was going to charge James... We didn't hang around him for too long.

2. Eli looking cute in the living room.

3. Some shots of the boys at our last trail run of the season. It was gorgeous! A run around Buntzen Lake on a beautiful day. There were tons of bridges, steep hills, different terain, rivers, cliffs, etc. It was my favorite run of the year. We didn't find a sitter in time so Jed hung out with the boys while I ran. Then James and I went for a swim afterwards. It was really cold. The best part of the run, as usual, was the food/free stuff afterwards. I hope we're able to do more of these again next summer.

4. Eli eating. He's so picky. All he'll eat (without a huge screaming fuss and spitting it out) is yogert and avacado. Everything else seems revolting to him. Once we shove it in and he tastes it he usually will eat it for a while, but not without a fight. Here he is between rounds. Jed and I are taking a break and eating our own dinner while he mocks us with the spoon in his mouth.

More Time at Keats

2008-09-13T21:30:00.000-07:00

We got to spend a lot of time at the cabin this summer (it feels like it at least....well, I got to spend a lot of time there). We had great weather for the most part and some great times! August is a sweet time to be at keats: the water is warm, the berries are ripe, and the island is busy - lots of people are up.

We hit a hot spell (not too common at Keats) and Eli spent a lot of time for a couple of days out in the shade on the deck in this tub:

James and Papa:

James hiked all the way to Salmon Rock and back (we carried him up the big hills). Here he is right at the entrance to the open rock:

Our favorite breakfast was blackberry pancakes:

On our way to 'Great-Nanny's House' - James really enjoyed heading over to my Grandma's place for visits:

Canoeing to 'Great-Nanny's House':

Eli had enough at 'Great-Nanny's House':

James went for his first swim off the government wharf - he loved it and hated it at the same time...:

July

2008-08-23T07:21:00.000-07:00

July was full of good times for the Schoepp family. We did a lot around Ladner, and took a few trips.
The lamb roast at keats island was great. We were glad to be able to make it and catch up with lots of family. Here's a shot of James getting better acquainted with the beach:

We had some great weather at home, too, which called for lots of lounging in the nude:

Here we hike up Cypress Mountain. I had just handed Eli off and was tired! Jed didn't have the luxury of sharing his load. He got very sweaty and very tired.
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The boys and I took a trip to Kelowna while Jed was at creation fest. Our first flight (for all three of us). It went a lot better than anticipated.

While in K-town we caught up with cousin Hana:

and spent lot of time at the beach:

At the end of the month Sonya ran the third trail race with me (Jed was still gone). It was at Cypress and was hard but beautiful! Here we are before the run - clean and energetic....

Sorry this has taken so long Jacki - I know you've missed me and the boys. Now that summer is over (for the most part) I'll be a more faithful blogger.

Barnabas

2008-07-08T07:56:00.000-07:00

Jed and I decided to spend one week of holidays at Keats - but not the usual. Instead of staying at Fairview (our cabin) we were 'guests' at Barnabas Family Camp. We had a great time, and are saving up for next year. The staff was amazing, the speakers were great, the food was a huge treat (no cooking, no dishes, no thinking about what to make for dinner)!
The best thing was that there was something for everyone: lots of learning (adults only - sessions) so we were 'fed', the kids were well taken care of, we got to spend some time together and had some good chats as a couple, and there was lots of 'family time' where we had lots of options of what to do with our time.
Here's a shot of the building we stayed in. Our room was on the lower level looking out over the ocean. It was beautiful.

The view from our front window:

Quality Time:

James' favorite free time activity:

James' second favorite free time activity:

Behind us is the store - where we got our ice cream and hung out as adults at night while our kids were being baby-sat by some great staff. They also have an esspresso machine in there! Nothing wrong with sipping a great cup of coffee and overlooking the ocean...

Oh, I think this was actually James' favorite activity - there was a big boat-sandbox full of trucks and buckets. If we lost sight of James we could always find him here...(don't worry, Dix, we didn't let him run wild)

Eli enjoying the view and the breeze:

Some Keats island flora:

we miss you, Hana!!

2008-06-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Auntie Maris and Uncle Han were down for some fun on the coast last week. James had a GREAT time with his cuz Hana! We hung out in Ladner for a night and went to Stanley Park to go to the aquarium. James keeps asking for Hana ("Anna"). It was great to see you guys - thanks again for the great picnic, Maris.

Daddy and James waiting to go inside the aquarium:

An alligator!!! (or crocodile... I don't know)

Eli chilin in the stroller:

Elias Update

2008-06-12T20:58:00.001-07:00

Eli hit the five-month mark not too long ago, and things are going great. I can't believe we're already at five months. It seemed to take a lot longer to get to this point with James. He's started sitting up the last couple of days and he's getting stronger every day. He needed a lot of support when this picture was taken, but now he holds his own for a minute or so before tumbling to the side and onto his back.

I've tried giving him rice cereal a couple times but he doesn't love it (eats some - maybe by accident, and kinda spits the rest out). His big brother, on the other hand, loves eating Eli's left overs and 'pretending' to be a baby. We'll keep casually trying (ie - when it is convenient) - but I don't expect much for an other week or two.

Eli has had his two bottom teeth for a couple weeks. He cut his first tooth at about 4.5 months and the one right beside it appeared about 2 or 3 days later. It's not as scary nursing a toothy baby the second time around. Probably because I didn't have any 'accidents' with James. I might not be as comfortable once he gets top teeth.

Our little man is not the greatest sleeper and not the worst sleeper - somewhere in the middle. I'm still feeding him occasionally in the middle of the night (rarely - but it does happen) and really early (around 4am). It's not as easy to put him back down after he's finished eating as when he was 3 months old. But it's not bad...and no trends (positive or negative) seem to stick around for long anyways.

What a fun stage this is! Busy - but fun and exciting. It's incredible how quickly they grow and change....Eli's wearing size 12-18 months. It won't be long till they're sharing/steeling clothes...and everything else...

My Little 'Gardener'

2008-06-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

We've been spending a lot of time in the yard this year and James loves it. He follows me around in the garden and does what I do. We pull weeds, dig holes, water stuff, etc. However, when unsupervised, my little green-thumbed child was curious about these geraniums...well...what can I say....I was nursing Eli in the kitchen and I thought it was a little too quiet. I did replant them, but he wanted an other look at the roots (I guess) and it's happened again, so I'm just giving up.

He has a collection of his own shovels and buckets (meant for the beach) and he spends a lot of time in this spot putting dirt and leaves on his shovel and into the bucket. He does know which plants are weeds (at least one weed) but he asks if the flowers are weeds as well - sortof asking for permission to yank them out of the ground. He is getting a bit better at not tearing up my young zucchini leaves and uprooting my little beans. Our plants have taken a lot of abuse, and I fear this is only the beginning....

Brothers

2008-06-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

I'm loving watching the boys interact. They're a lot more interested in each other these days and seem to adore eachother in an older-brother/younger-brother sort of way. Eli loves watching James, and James loves making Eli laugh. I consider myself one luckey mama....(at times).
I have this picture on the fridge and love it! I wonder if it represents their personalities....it's a bit early to tell, but you never know.

More Birthday Pics

2008-06-03T09:05:00.000-07:00

I was way too exhausted to add any other pictures or comments about James' birthday last time. Kids' parties are draining!! So here are a few more - they'll give a fuller experience for everyone who wasn't there. James (and I) missed Baba, Grandpa, cousins Hana, Jake, Sib, Kian, Isaac, and Zephyr and all his Aunties and Uncles. Nanny and Papa, as well as great-Nanny were able to be there. His best bud Aksel was there too and James keeps asking for him every morning and throughout the day. The 'ladies' were there too: Siena (Aksel's sis), and the three sisters Allysa, Mikaela, and Kiara (cousins of Aksel and Siena). Our friends Denise and Rodney were able to make it out too, which was great. Anyway, here are some more pics. They're self-explanatory.

Happy Birthday Buddy

2008-05-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

These two years have gone fast!
We love you James!

Uncle Nate Gets Hitched!

2008-05-23T13:14:00.001-07:00

Uncle Nate and Auntie Joanna tied the knot over the long weekend. It was a beautiful ceremony and reception (not to mention the couple!). We had a great time with family. Thanks Bapa (grandpa) and Baba for everything!
Here's brother Nate and our new sis (-in-law) Joanna:

Pre-ceremony parking lot:

Our fam with g-ma Schoepp:

Han, Maris, and cousins Hana and baby with g-ma Schoepp:

At the reception:

Mommy and 'Auntie' Sarah:

One of the several meals out - always nice, quite, sit-down-dinners with 2 toddlers and a babe! Good thing there were more of us (adults) than them (kids).

Morning at the park:

Outside the hotel:

The best part of staying at a hotel: the POOL!

Haircut Fun!

2008-05-12T20:50:00.000-07:00

Last night we decided it was time. James' hair was getting way too long and rat-like. We went outside with the razor/buzzer and first did Jed's hair, then strapped James in his swing and put him in a head-lock and buzzed as fast as we could. It was not a pleasent experience for anyone. But it's over and his hair is short and easy to wash. Here are the three boys - all with the same hair style:

The after-the- haircut promise/reward:

This is what James loves to do with his trucks and animals. Line 'em up!

... and stack 'em:

Babies and Flowers

2008-04-30T14:05:00.000-07:00

What else is there? I mean, yeah, there's more to life...but not that much more...at least for me! These are two of my big passions right now. Flowers? Passion? Well...if you were to look around my house and yard you'd see a lot of them. Cushions, curtains, pictures, potted real ones, fake ones, napkins, dishes, linens, shower curtain, throw... And of course, my babies are a passion, and they always will be. I do have other passions and interests, so don't worry about my life being so unbalanced that once the kids move out and summer's over I'll have no reason to live. OK - this post is getting too deep - here are the pictures:
Eli's getting better and better at the jolly jumper. I remember getting a lot of use out of this thing with James!

What a little sweet heart!

James needs a hair cut - but he just flips out these days if we bring the scissors anywhere near him...maybe he'll have a pony tail for Uncle Nathan's wedding...

Getting better and more use out of the bumbo these days:

The flowers (I'll miss them when they're gone...who wouldn't?):

These are new. They're called Solomon Seal (I think). They're the long stalks growing under the rhodo. I walk past a house with a gorgeous yard everytime I go to Save On (every day), and yesterday I chatted with the lady and asked her some questions about plants, and she offered me a whole bunch of her stuff. I came back with the car and picked up about 5 big clumps of solomon seal, some iris', some black eyed susans, and a couple other things that I don't know what they are (but I do know they're perennials - so they'll be back). I really hope they all live and thrive!

A lady bug ("bagh" if you're James) - almost as facinating as worms ("oourgm"):

So far, these are the only flowers that James has picked. He's squashed a few tulips with his feet, but he hasn't tried picking them... yet...

Hopefully this time next year there will be more solomon seals to show off. And more tulips.. I love tulips. But probably not more babies (make that a definately) although I do love babies.
Jacki - I'm reading the following books/recently finished because I don't like reading more than one book at a time:
- When Sinners Say "I Do" by I don't know and the book's in Eli's room and he's sleeping. About being a sinner and being married to one.
- Attonement Child by Francine Rivers: novel, really intense, really feel good at the end.
- Bible (James, Proverbs)
- Saint by Ted Dekker: novel, action packed, little on the weird side, very addicting - typical Ted Dekker book.
- Obsessed by Ted Dekker: see above.
- Hood by Steven Lawhead: novel about Robin Hood, little old-englishy (but don't tell tristan), christian themes
- Scarlet by Steven Lawhead: part two to Hood

spring in the back yard

2008-04-19T16:17:00.001-07:00

Spring is definately here in Ladner. It's GREAT having a back yard to hang out in! We love it. James especially - he can't spend enough time looking for bugs, collecting sticks, and stomping on my flowers!!!

Return of the ExerSaucer

2008-04-18T15:24:00.000-07:00

It's back.
The ExerSaucer has made an other hit at the Schoepp household. After seeing little Joshy Balfour in his exersaucer I decided to see if Eli could handle it.... he's still a bit young, and doesn't last long...but he likes it! And mama likes it too.

Les Boys

2008-04-15T13:11:00.001-07:00

Here are a few recent shots of the boys.
Things here are going pretty smoothly...we're just waiting for the next developmental whatever to disturb our toddler at 2am or irritate our 3 month old...hmmm..maybe teething for Eli? Who knows. Not that I'm a pessimist, but if I've learned on thing from the last 22 months with James, it's that when things are going smooth - don't get used to it!
Other than my bad/realistic attitude, things here are great. The weather is good, the flowers are blooming, I've racked up a lot of km's on the double stroller. James is saying new words everyday. Today's word/phrase is 'big weed'...only it sounds more like "ig eeeed". Yesterday's was 'lawn-mower', only "mo-more". Eli is smiling a lot more too and gurgling - which makes this job A LOT more fun!

Keats

2008-04-02T21:22:00.001-07:00

We were able to get up to Keats for a couple days over Easter. It was very exciting to get away....but while we were there we thought a lot about how it would be nice to be home. And when we eventually got home it sure felt good to have a well insulated roof over our heads, and to not to have to worry about who's going to put wood on the fire at 2am. I don't think I've ever appreciated my glider the way I did our first night home from Keats.
Enough complaining. We had a good time overall. It's always great to be able to get up to Keats, regardless if your 2-year old is puking, your 3-month old is too cold to sleep, and if it's snowing....in March. Once James got healthy he had an AWESOME time throwing rocks and sticks in the ocean, looking at all the boats, picking up sticks on our walks, and playing with the classy cabin toys. Eli got hauled around the island in the 'metro wrap'. I had to show him around. It was his first time to Keats. We went to Salmon Rock twice, Bonfire Rock, took a tour of the camp, and almost made it to Sandy Beach. I wanted to take him to Highest Peak, but that's when it started snowing. Jed demolished the deck on the 'new' cabin next door, went for a dip in the ocean, smoked 3 cigars, and drank a bit of scotch. My parents were up as well. Poor nanny was in the wrong place at the wrong time when James decided he didn't want to digest his dinner. She did a lot of laundry. My dad was happy to get the deck off the cabin and to have a big fire (to rid of the deck and some other things from Jacks....)
Here are a few pics of the trip:
The beautiful view from the deck...sometime around 8pm:

Eli enjoying a bath in the sink:

The snow's a little hard to see in the picture, but it was really coming down! Puzzled and perplexed Papa.

An other bath in the sink:

Fairview toys:

James, enjoying some breakfast. The rest of us, praying we don't see it again.

This kid was pretty fussy the whole time we were there....unless we were outside. Made for a lot of time in the metro wrap. He loved the hikes - and being able to look out and see where we were going. (What a chubster!!)

The boys taking care of the deck:

Demolition can be exhausting:

I still can't believe he went in. He's pretty proud of himself.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Today was an awesome day. Great breakfast, good church service, tastey dinner, and some nice weather for an apres-dinner walk. It's fun getting more into holidays as a family. I don't think we would have had Easter treats for breakfast if it was just the two of us....then again, maybe.
Here's the breakfast table:

The boys getting ready for church (don't James' hands look huge?):

Our sweet, precious Eli:

and again:

Mommy and her little preppy man:

Ahhhh...Sunday

2008-03-17T13:30:00.000-07:00

I think Sunday is my favorite day of the week. We don't have to be anywhere till 10:30 (church), so there's no rushing in the morning and Jed's around so showering is an option. I get an hour to myself while the kids are in the nursary. We have small group at our place (which includes lunch), so chances are I don't have to prepare anything and I get to hang out with friends and have some good food and good discussion. We try to not do much so it's just an overall relaxing day. We need that! Everyone needs that.
Daddy and Eli, ready for church:

Eli and his bud Madison. She's got 5 weeks on him, but that won't be much as they get older.

Mama and James, having fun with the camera:

Buddies

2008-03-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Julie-Ann and I have started watching eachother's kids a little bit. This has worked out really well! I've been going to the gym, and she's worked (well we've each only done it once, but it's been great). And it gives James a chance to hang with his favorite bud: Aksel! I think it's James' favorite word. He goes through all his important people every once in a while, "daddy, mama, nanny, baby, bapa, aksel" repeat, repeat, repeat. Sometimes the only thing that'll get him to settle at night is reassuring him that we'll get to see Aksel tomorrow. Here are a few shots of the four kids at my place. It was a tiring 3 hours! I emptied my dish drain, and entertained. Not a productive morning, but a fun one (in an exhausting sort of fun way).
Here they're not really playing at all together. This is when I emptied the dish drain, and made macaroni.

Aksel:

Sister Siena:

Eli, all alone. He doesn't have much in common with the bigger kids....yet.

Eli's Baptism

2008-03-10T19:22:00.000-07:00

We didn't actually get any pictures of him being baptised, but here are some of the boys that morning - before leaving for church:

And here are some family shots after church:
James was having a rough nap so Jed brought him into our bed. He's still asleep and that's why we were able to get a shot of the whole family.

Good Times in Ladner (part 2)

2008-03-02T20:12:00.001-08:00

Hi Duck!

2008-03-02T20:06:00.001-08:00

We went to the bird sanctuary on Saturday. There were so many ducks! It was a little freaky - when you step out of your car and you're suddenly surrounded by a swarm of hungry, expecting ducks...
James was initially a little concerned - he wouldn't let go of my leg. But he warmed up to the ducks and kept saying "hi", "hi", and as we walked past, "bye", "bye", not to mention all the stcks he found and then used for throwing at/chasing the ducks.

Happy 60th Dad!

2008-03-02T19:52:00.001-08:00

Last friday we made our way up to the okanagan. Jed had a ski retreat at silver star so we stayed with my parents in Winfield. We went out for dinner friday night in order to celebrate my dad's 60th bday and all my sibblings were there...this hasn't happened in a while - great food, family, no mess to clean up, and no kids (except Eli) - made for a great time!

Nate and Jed

Elly and Tam

Bday Boy and Nate

Mel and Kev

Carey and Nic

We had dinner together again at my parents place sunday night. What a gongshow. Boys everywhere: crawling, screaming, fighting, playing, hugging, running, falling, pulling, pushing, kissing, grabbing, throwing....and this is only the beginning. Get ready Nanny and Papa for a whole lot of reffereeing!

All the grandkids (except Eli - he was sleeping) with Nanny and Papa

Elly and James with Tam and Zephyr

Good Times in Ladner

2008-03-02T19:48:00.000-08:00

Photo Shoot

2008-03-02T19:39:00.001-08:00

Eli had his first real photo shoot a couple weeks ago with our friend Kelly. She took tonnes of great shots - picking one for an announcement card wasn't easy. Picking five for this blog post was more fun. I can't wait to get a couple 5 X 7's or 8 X 10's for the house/Jed's office. Thanks Kelly!

What did we do all day before we had Eli??

2008-02-13T20:16:00.000-08:00

It's strange thinking back to what I did with my time before Eli was born... I remember complaining a lot about being really pregnant...and doing lots of stuff with James - trips to richmond center, going for coffee, grocery shopping, cleaning, etc, etc. But it is sortof hard to think back to our days of just the two of us (me and James). With Eli here there is a lot more to fill our time with (when he's not sleeping) such as:
sitting in his chair and drinking tea

looking at Eli on the floor

wearing matching hats that make them both look ridiculous (thanks again auntie Maris)

snuggling up

this picture is just to show off James' new pj's - aren't they sweet!

and Eli keeps getting sweeter and sweeter too - we wouldn't go back to those days for anything!

4 weeks!

2008-02-05T14:41:00.000-08:00

Eli was 4 weeks old yesterday. Flyin by! We went in for his check up and he's doing great. He's 11 pounds, 6 ounces and 22.25 inches long. (James was 13 pounds, 8 ounces and 23.75 inches long - but he had quite a head start, so I'm not going to say James will be a bigger, older brother... yet). The last couple of nights Eli has decided to be quite alert and awake between 3 and 5:30am. He's also quite lonely during that time and complains if we leave him alone. Not the best time to be wide awake (from our perspective) but at least we don't have a miserable baby all the time, or one who's not gaining weight, etc. Things could be a lot more stressful.
Nate and Tam made their way to Mexico last friday and spent a night near the airport. They brought Zephyr over for a visit friday night and saturday morning. It was fun hanging with the Whitehorse Binghams.
Here are some pics of our little man/men and one with cousin Zephyr:

Thanks Auntie Maris for this hat. James has just stoped being scared of it and now lets me put it on him. He's a goof.

Cousin Z and James had a great time playing. It's crazy that there is the same age difference between James and Zephyr and Zephyr and Eli.

A Few More Firsts

2008-01-27T21:40:00.000-08:00

Today Eli is 20 days old, and James is exactly 20 months. Eli took his first bottle (possible future freedom for mama??) and met more family for the first time. Thanks Uncle Carey and Auntie Nini for the nursing pillow (James LOVES it) and the clothes for Eli.

Fitting In

2008-01-24T20:42:00.000-08:00

Eli has been here now 2 and a half weeks and he's fitting in quite well... for the most part. He usually gets along quite well with his brother, and he met his baba and grandpa today and had no problem getting aquainted with them. He's gained 1 pound 1 ounce in the last week - he's almost 10 pounds (9lbs,15.4oz)! He'll be out of his 0 - 3 month clothes in no time!

Slowing Things Down

2008-01-19T20:36:00.000-08:00

It feels like my pace has come to a grinding halt. Our big family outing today was to the grocery store and starbucks. I know this will change, and it doesn't even really bother me because I'm pretty tired and going anywhere else is most likely more trouble than it's worth. James loves getting outside to pick up sticks at least once a day - I think that's all he really needs. He's happy most of the time to be inside, playing with Dad, or his blocks, or reading books.
I cooked dinner tonight and it felt good to do something normal and eat something we're used to. Not saying that I'm sick of people bringing us food! Au contraire! The more prepared food the better!
Man, have I become a faithful poster! Here are some pictures of days 11 and 12 as a foursome - almost 2 whole weeks!

Getting better aquainted.

Nice hat bud. That's mama's tired eyes cover-up - I wear it everytime we go out.

Typical.

Ahh bath time. Is there any better part of the day?

The Boys

2008-01-17T21:21:00.000-08:00

We're still working hard to get into a routine and rhythm with the two boys - especially around and after dinner. My mom leaves tomorrow and then we'll really get into the true family life - no more safety net nanny. We'll be sorry to see her go, taking her laundry and cooking skills with her, but we're looking forward to it being just the four of us. My emotions and feelings are still swinging from extreme thankfulness and love for my boys to wondering why did I have a second baby anyways? Who wants to start all over at the beginning again? I guess this is normal for moms...well maybe it is. Overall I do love my boys (all three) but now is not the time to ask me when we're planning on having our third.
Eli continues to be a really good baby (overall) and James is getting more interested. He kept trying to hold Eli while I was nursing him today. My mom wrapped a stuffed animal up in a recieving blanket and called it James' baby and James carried it around, sat down with it, was hugging it, then decided to roll on it. It was pretty sweet. Jed is really comfortable with Eli and has taken on a lot more 'baby-chores', like bathing Eli, getting up with him after his 5am feed to settle him/hold him so that I can go back to sleep sooner, and seems to just love having Eli sleep on his chest while he reads. I guess Jed knows how short lived this'll be. I do feel very blessed.
God is very good.

Week One

2008-01-14T18:07:00.000-08:00

Well Eli has hit the one week mark! This is going so fast! I read in a book that this is the honeymoon week where baby gets lots of rest and sleeps easily - I guess starting tonight the honeymoon is over... too bad. I know I shouldn't write this here or tell any one because once you tell people these kinds of things don't ever happen again but Eli only got up once last night! It was amazing!! I fed him at 10:00, then 3:30, then 7:20. I woke up before him, had time to shower and get James up. If it's any conselation James also got up last night and it wasn't all roses. But it was pretty darn awesome!
It's been a week of adjustment, but there are more adjustments to come as Jed went back to work today and my mom (aka - my cook, my maid, my day care provider) is leaving sometime this week. I'm excited and a little freaked out for taking on this new life of two little darlins. James is adjusting pretty good too. He doesn't try to touch Eli's eyes/nose/mouth everytime he sees him (but still pretty often). James sits pretty good with me while I'm nursing Eli to read a book, and James isn't trying to sit on Eli any more. Eli gets quite a few elbows in the head but he doesn't seem to mind and it's getting him ready for toddlerhood and adolescence. Eli's eyes are still pretty dark brown/grey but still too early to tell what colour they'll be. His hair is still dark brown but it'll fall out soon and may grow back blond like James' did. He's eating well and was back up to his birth weight by day 3. I'm no longer super-engorged (still pretty full - but at least I'm able to sleep on my side and pick up James). Here are a few pics of our new life:

Elias David Schoepp

2008-01-08T14:05:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of our newest family member. We were very excited to meet and welcome little Eli into the world at 3:17am on monday, jan 7. The delivery was pretty smooth and he exited the womb in a mere 4 or so pushes (17 minutes of actual P-U-S-H-I-N-G).
Elly and Jed, getting excited (but secretly scared) for what's about to happen.

Our little gremlin:

Almost a pound less than his big brother!

Mama and her boys:

Our first family pic:

Daddy and wee Eli:

Thanks to technical difficulties with Air North, uncle Nate was our first visitor.

Getting ready to go home!

Home, sweet home:

Mount Seymour Attempt

2008-01-04T17:23:00.000-08:00

We tried to go sledding at Seymour the day after boxing day. We got all the way over there, part way up the mountain and then we got turned around. Staff were checking every single car for winter tires, 4-wheel drive, or chains. The echo had none so we weren't allowed up the mountain. We hiked/walked/picked up sticks along some trails instead. Hopefully we'll have better luck next year.
James - getting ready to go:

Christmas Morning

2008-01-03T21:09:00.000-08:00

James woke up Christmas morning with a runny nose, hot, red cheeks, and a bit of a fever. That combined with the chocolates he stuffed in his mouth (and drooled all over the rug and couch and floor) made for an unhappy boy. He wasn't at all excited about this truck, for example.

Yummy - doesn't that look discusting?! It actually wasn't. But I admit - it does not look good.

Daddy was able to get grumps to smile!

Getting Bigger and Closer (but not there yet)

2008-01-03T21:05:00.000-08:00

I am still 'with child'.

Schoepp Christmas at Harrison Hotsprings

2008-01-03T20:54:00.000-08:00

Because we didn't want to travel home for Christmas this year, the Schoepp's met us half way. We spent one night in the hotel, took several dips in the hot springs, openned gifts, ate some great meals, and had an awesome time. I think Ted said something about Hawaii as a possible location for next year....

Uncle Nathan, Hana, Auntie Elly, and James heading down to the pools.

The gang in the springs.

The happily (newly) engaged couple.

Baba!

Han and Jed.

The ladies: Joanna, Elly, and Maris (and James' hand touching the baby).

The New Stroller!

2008-01-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

Well, here's a picture of my new beauty - our double running stroller. Isn't she lovely? (I wish James loved it as much as mama.)

Festival of Lights

2007-12-08T22:13:00.000-08:00

Tonight we went to the Festival of Lights, at Van Duesen gardens. There were a gazillion lights - it was really cool. I think James was most interested in the sticks he found on the ground.

Let it Snow!

2007-12-08T22:03:00.000-08:00

This past weekend Jed and I were at a Youth Workers Conference downtown. We stayed in a hotel, ate out, heard some great bands/speakers, and had a sweet weekend! Nanny Linda came down to babysit and stay at our house. We drove home to a winter wonderland - and what was worse is that Nanny decided to drive over the Coquihalla in this! Crazy lady! She made it. But I still can't believe she left...she must have really wanted to get away from James! Poor Nanny. Thanks again for babysitting! At least the driveway was cleared off for her - thanks to Jed and James:

Centennial Beach

2007-12-08T21:29:00.001-08:00

We've been getting some great weather (as far as the coast goes) lately - cold and clear! What better place to enjoy it than Centennial in Tsawassen... There's a playground, a pond, the ocean, tons of sand, eagles, and a washroom.

Dadda and James are checking out and chasing the ducks:

Once all the ducks were gone we made our way down to the water:

Hanging at Home

2007-12-08T21:16:00.000-08:00

James has been getting creative with his bath toys. I've had to stop letting him play with these though because I'm sick of wiping up the puddles all over the bathroom floor.

Looking sharp!

HALLOWEEN!!!

2007-11-03T13:03:00.001-07:00

James was diggin the vampire nails - he was very upset when we took them away...

Daddy Dracula and his baby bat:

Our scary family:

Trick or Treating!!

Thanks Tim and Norine (and Lisa and Christina) for the pumpkin, or as James called it - the nana.

Cozy Fire

2007-11-03T12:58:00.000-07:00

It's getting pretty chilly in Ladner, so we decided to make use of the fire place. Unfortunately we smoked out the basement dwellers, so this was the first - and only - fire of the season.

Cleaning Bug

2007-10-15T21:54:00.000-07:00

It's finally kicked in - the nesting instinct. Every closet in the house must be cleaned, reorganized, and sorted! There are several trips to the second hand store planned. And I don't even have that much stuff! Slowly I have less. Less room for stuff means more room for baby. James has been a big help...eating candles, getting vinegar-water everywhere, finding and emptying baskets to sit in... Hey, at least it's something productive that I can accomplish while he's awake! That precious nap time can be spent doing other things than cleaning. Like making dinner, doing laundry, planning meals, scrubbing the floor...why is there so much more to do around the house since I stopped teaching?!

Thanksgiving Weekend

2007-10-15T20:26:00.000-07:00

This thanksgiving we went to Kelowna for a couple days (and had two thanksgiving dinners), then came home to Ladner for our third. Last night we actually had our fourth, although it wasn't technically part of the thanksgiving weekend. However, I didn't take any pictures of the food or our trip. The best I can do are some shots of the Municipal Hall in Ladner - a great place for a stroll:

Vancouver Aquarium

2007-10-01T14:10:00.001-07:00

A couple weeks ago we decided to go all out for Jed's day off and we took off to the Vancouver Aquarium!

James' first look in a huge fish tank.

Some of the inhabitants were U-G-L-Y! not to mention huge - I'm glad no one got tossed into the tanks.

James was quite taken by the butterflies in the 'tropics'.

There's another "ba" (translation: bird, ball, bus).

Seahorse. They do exist.

Ohhhh...jellyfish!

Moon jellies.

Baluga.

There was this sweet set up for kids (which I hadn't been in before). They could touch some stuff, dress up, pretend to be vets, read books, or just romp around on some big cushions. This was mine and James' favorite part.

Slimy!

A crab costume.

More fish.

Good time to fit in some dancing I guess.

And some exploring.

Back to the main tanks.

A dolphin Mama!
James didn't really say that. It was probably more like oh! oh! ohhh! Ump?

Ohhh!

What a better way to finish off the day (well...every day) in James' own tank.

Keats in September

2007-09-30T16:14:00.001-07:00

Salmon Rock with Daddy.

Chillin on the gov.

It made for a hard weekend, and a relaxing ferry ride home.

Sandy Beach with the Bos'

2007-09-30T15:34:00.001-07:00

At the end of August we got up to Keats one last time. Our favorite part was an afternoon at Sandy Beach. As usual, James loved the sand and the water.

Kian didn't have to wear a swim suite...

...so James got the opportunity for a better tan too. But he better wear a hat!

The water was definately starting to get chilly - but the rocks were nice and warm.