I am currently listening to 680 News while writing in my blog and just hearing about the "arctic winds" makes me shiver. We had a snowy rain this morning but the sun is out now. Back home, I hope everyone is bundling up when they go out or better yet, staying home with some hot cocoa.



Last night Daddy melted some Belgian chocolate and added hot milk. It was so rich and creamy. I think I will have to have another one today. Frunty and I just woke up after a nice nap and the boys have gone off for a walk so that I can catch up on our blog.



I ran to the doctor this morning for a pre-natal check-up and everything looks great. I am so grateful that I have a very friendly and funny doctor who takes time to talk to me about everything. I always feel like Dr. de V goes the extra mile with me. I gave him some "moose droppings" from Canada and he chuckled and told the nurse about them. Anyway, our little one is expected June 14th, according to the ultrasound from St.Luc. After the check-up, I continued running, through Woluwe Park and despite the rain, I thought it was a nice run. Last night I used our new rowing machine for half an hour. The doctor says I am fine to continue exercising and I am happy that I can. I do have to take a break from weight lifting as I am experiencing some carpal tunnel syndrome.



Our Christmas trip had many wonderful highlights but of course, some hard parts to deal with too. Our dear friend and neighbour who is a young Mom of 4 is suffering greatly with terminal cancer. We delivered a gift to her but she was unable to see us. Reports from other neighbours about our friend were heart-breaking. It just does not seem fair. The tsunami incident was also horribly shocking but at least there is something we can all do in terms of support. We are very grateful that our Canadian friends who were in Phuket got out safely just as the tsunami approached. (someone in a boat urged them to jump on board and they all took off. How lucky that they took this advice and got to safety.) On a happier note...



We got a chance to catch up with many friends and family members although wished we could have had some more time with certain friends. Hopefully in August! Here are some highlights:



#1: Frunty finding eggs in my brother's barn with his cousins and meeting Auntie L's beautiful horse and funny lama, Lloyd

#2: Playing trains with Grampa, eating Gramma's yogourt with homemade jam, learning how to use the Nonni's computer and drinking Mango juice

#3: Meeting friends/family at sushi restaurants/Lick's/The Mandarin (all kid-friendly and no-smoking!)



I will write more highlights later. I enjoyed going to some movies while Frunty got some excellent babycare. (three cheers to Grampa who got him to fall asleep twice!) I saw:



Ocean's 12 with Mami

Life Aquatic with Steve Zissous and Daddy! (happy anniversary!)

Spanglish with Mom

Meet the Fokkers with Mom, J, B and L

The Polar Express with cousins



We also enjoyed renting movies too. With a roaring fire, we were cozy and enjoyed relaxing in this way. Cheerio for now and thanks to everyone who made our holiday so lovely back home.