First Meeting with our new Nephew

Auntie Ang and Parker meeting for the first time. When we arrived at Erin and Ben's Place, he had just gone to sleep. Lucky for us, he sleeps like a narcoleptic and doesn't seem to mind being passed around like a football. Ok, maybe not quite like a football....

Parker and Uncle Bill meeting for the first time, Keane in the background.

Parker just hanging out

Parker being held by Uncle Keane.


Parker studying Keane's face. He really seemed to be enthralled with Keane. One evening Keane spent the better part of an hour trying to settle the boy by carrying him around the house and singing songs to him. It worked like a charm! I think Keane is a natural.

We had a great visit in Canmore with Erin, Ben, Bill, Liz and of course - Parker. He was the star of the show. Keane and I are both completely in love with him. We had the great honor of becoming his legal guardians. It's incredible to think that we are now partially responsible for this new life. We look forward to watching him grow up over the years. Erin and Ben are naturals as parents, and it is so cool to see my little sister become a mom.

Nephew update

Here are a few more photos of Erin, Ben and Parker. It's hard to believe that he's not even a week old in these photos! I can barely stop staring at him, he is so amazing. He's a big, hungry, healthy boy! The word is that he eats well, sleeps well, and is just beginning to discover what his vocal chords are capable of. I can't wait to meet him in a couple of weeks and to start setting a bad example as soon as possible! He has really long fingers - good for guitar playing! - Keane? A possible new student?

New Life

Introducing... Parker John Haver Ellard, the first of a new generation in the Martin family and Angie's new nephew. And for those of you who haven't met my little sister, this is Erin Ellard. Parker was born on January 24th around 7:30pm in Calgary Alberta at the Foothills Hospital - the same hospital that Erin, Bill and I were born at!

I think this photo says it all really - exhaustion, relief and most of all pure love.

Congratulations Erin and Ben. Keane and I are proud of you both. Parker, you have chosen two of the finest people possible to be your parents.

Winter views

Hi everyone out there in blog-land. Happy 2008! Well, I would say 3 months between posts is a tad too long wouldn't you?

This was the view from our balcony one morning recently. When we wake up in the morning, we never know what the landscape is going to have in store for us, but it's usually stunning. Looking at this view while eating my cereal in the morning has got to be one of the best ways to start the day.

We had a fabulous holiday. It consisted of staying at home and doing exactly what we felt like doing every single day for over a week. We watched some movies, listened to music, read books, cooked gourmet foods and did some skiing on Grouse Mountain, which you can see in the above photo.

Next year we'll be right back in the thick of the big family Christmas. My new niece or nephew will be there to celebrate it with us, and I can't wait. My little sister is due to give birth tomorrow, and I still can't believe it. It's the most amazing thing in the world. I know that giving birth is nothing new, but god, I still can't help but feel that Erin is an exceptionally brave and strong woman, who is handling all of it with such grace. This little one is going to be an important part of our lives. Keane and I will be flying out to meet him or her on February 20th, and promise to bring you back some photos!

Disneyland!

My Grandmother's dream of taking all of her grandchildren to Disneyland was finally realized over the week of Thanksgiving this year. I had never planned on going to Disneyland before, but I have to say, now that I have been there, even at the age of 32, I would go back. It was that much fun.

Not only was Disneyland itself a riot, but having the opportunity to spend some quality time with loved ones was absolutely priceless. The highlights for me were spending time with my sister during her pregnancy, and getting to feel the baby moving! Also, swimming at the motel pool in the evening with 3 of my youngest cousins. They were so much fun! They showed me all of their cool tricks, and it was all I could do to get them out of the pool to eat dinner. They are water rats, all 3 of them. I enjoyed being reminded of how I was at that age. Spending time with my brother and older cousins was, as always, a riot. My uncles and aunts were tons of fun too, and it was great to catch up with them. I am so blessed that my family all enjoy one another's company so much.

Grandma, thank you. Thank you, thank you! Mere words cannot express the gratitude I feel. I am so happy that we got to spend some time together. I am really looking forward to making a trip out there in the summer to see your new house, and help you with your gardening.

Enjoy these few photos. Sorry I didn't get everyone in, but trust me, more photos will appear again - I took 337 of them, so not to worry!