What a party!

The rains could not spoil Natasha's first birthday party. Sure, we had planned an outdoor barbeque, and I had spent a couple hours setting up the tent and decorations in the backyard - but everything still came off beautifully!

We were joined by 30 or so family and friends, who helped our little angel celebrate her first 365 days. The gifts people brought were very generous. Toys, cute clothes, books, and cash --- Tasha loves the cash!

Unfortunately, our camera died last week, so we didn't get many pictures. We did get some - and I know other people took a few. If you DO have any pics from yesterday, PLEASE email them to me - canadastallestcoach@gmail.com.

Tasha loved this fabulous cake that Sarah made, and entertained the crowd by digging right into it - hands and face first.

Thank you everyone for being so thoughtful, and being such an important part of Tasha's life. It takes a village to raise a child, and you're all contributing. Me? I'm just the village idiot. (Take that Diane! I said it before you could)

Happy Birthday Natasha!

One year ago at the time of this writing, I was standing next to Sarah, while she was in labour. Apprehension was at an all time high - as was my levels of excitement and andrenaline. It was a 24 hour span I'll always remember like it was yesterday.

Reading the story I wrote on this blog the day she was born, and it really feels strange to think that was an entire year ago. It doesn't seem like a full year ago that I walked down that hospital corridor following Sarah's surgery, proudly presenting the new grandparents with 7 pounds, 10 ounces of pure bliss.

Today, she's closer to 25 pounds. She's over two and a half feet tall and she is just brimming with energy, curiosity, and love. She crawls faster than a speeding bullet. She climbs up and down the stairs of our house (always supervised!) with ease. She's learning sign language. She loves to sing along with her mom or dad and do little hand actions that go with the song. Her favourite book is Pat The Bunny. She is an amazing little girl.

Natasha, before you were born, I thought I was prepared for what fatherhood would be like. I was wrong. It is so much more. A friend of mine, and our family dentist, Gerry Filgiano said to me a few months before you were born, "You have no idea how hard you are going to fall in love with that baby". Truer words have never been spoken by a dentist.

Your mother and I adore you. You are everything to us.

Later today, some of our friends and family will be joining us for your first birthday party. I'm sure it'll be a lot of fun, and you'll be flashing that $100,000,000 smile and giggling all day long.

I love you Natasha Alexis Venusina Abreu. God bless you.

Happy Birthday baby girl.

Hey, where'd my summer go?

I haven't blogged for a while and when I looked at today's date I realized, WHOAH - I've gotta go back to work soon!

I'm actually looking forward to this school year, but I'm not looking forward to leaving Tasha for entire days again. This summer has definately spoiled me. I'm sure it's much harder for Sarah who's been home a whole year now. Can you believe it? Tasha's ALMOST A YEAR!

The other thing that sucks is my best buddy at work, Amy won't be back. She and her boyfriend have moved to Calgary. She was a great teacher, an awesome asset to the school and really good friend. We went out a few weeks ago for a little going-away party. That night I got MORE crappy news. My friend Sam who also works with us is moving to Calgary as well! What the hell? Did Calgary suddenly become cool? Did I miss a memo? The picture you see was taken at Amy's going away party. It's Amy, myself and Sammy.

This weekend the Johnsons are up visiting us. Lina, Mike, Sean and Justin have been staying at my parents house. Weird to think that Justin is going to be a high school senior and Sean is going into the 8th grade. We went downtown yesterday and did all the touristy stuff. Today we're going to Christie Pitts to see the Intercounty Toronto Maple Leafs baseball team. I'm pretty sure a strong majority of Toronto doesn't even realize we HAVE an intercounty baseball team.

Yesterday was Dad's birthday. For those of you have emailed asking, he's doing much better after his accident and is back to same sold self. Corny jokes, loud and the center of attention! We wouldn't want it any other way. We all chipped in and got him a really sweet BBQ for his bday.

My father-in-law actually gave us his barbeque last weekend so I've been grilling like a fiend at home.

Last weekend was also Caribana. I went down with Dan-e-o and Jamie and met up with Lancescape, Grimace Love and Charisma. They put together a new Monolith CD and we were sellin them on the streets. Good fun!

Oh ya, one more thing.
I downloaded one of my fav games EVER on my 360. STREET FIGHTER 2 BABY!! YAAAA!
:)