There has been a robin's nest under the deck for the last few weeks, we didn't think anything was using it. Yesterday we saw the robin fly out from under the deck and took a peek. To our surprise we found three eggs.

Feels like Summer

Picnic at Subie Park

Swimming in the pool. Only Ewan made it in the water was too cold for the rest of us.

Quinn enjoying a drink of water.

BlueNose Marathon

Thanks to everyone who supported us in fundraising for the IWK. We raised more than $3300. Some of the team ran/walk the 10km and some did the 5km. So proud of everyone. Laura stuck it out with me and I finished my first 10km in 1hr 18min.

It's been one year today since our lives were forever changed. Over the past year, life has continued, despite our hope on many occasions that it would not. I vagually remember the first few days after Ella passed. Most of my memories are more dream-like, as if I was watching our lives unfold through someone else's eyes. We were greiving not only Ella but the life we had imagined for her...growing up with a twin sister and experiencing life as only identical twins can. It pained us to look at Quinn...what more can remind a parent of a lost child than their twin??

In the days, weeks and even months that followed Ella's passing everything was dark and we trudged through our lives like zombies...doing the things that we had to do because Ewan and Quinn needed us. But alas this did not last. Though there are still dark moments, there are still tears shed and a lot of "what if's" asked....things are better. I have accepted what has happened to us. I have accepted that this event has reshaped the rest of my life....

But out of all of this darkness and despair that we have lived over the past year...a beacon of hope is now shining. Her name is Quinn. She has become a source of strength and hope for me. This was a child who was not supposed to come home from the hospital...and she was home with us less than a month after she was born. This was a child with a future that was "worrisome"...she is a happy, beautiful and inspiring little girl who can sit up by herself, feed herself and drink from a sippy-cup. Yes, nothing is guaranteed and she still may have obstacles placed in her path...but they will be nothing compared to the obstacles that she has already overcome.

Thanks to all of you who continue to follow this blog.

Jeff

Ewan learned to play croquet yesterday with his new best friend, William the 8year old who lives next door.

the pink hat

Quinn has started to sit up on her own this week. The video is not great but you get the idea.

There is no lack of love here.

Quinn loves to have fruit in this little chewing bag. She loves that she can do it all by herself.

Ewan after we made blueberry muffins. His hands were this color most of the day, blueberry is very hard to get off.

Just in from my run this morning. Ewan joining me for the morning yoga. I thought it was so cute so I have included the pic even though my belly is hanging out. Sorry.

Quinn had the best physio appointment ever this week. She worked so hard. No fussing at all. She is looking like she is getting close to sitting and rolling. We won't rush her though, in her own time she will get there.

Watermelon is sooooo much fun!

Thanks Sarah, Delia and Leighton for a great trip to the park.

Had a great visit with the kids Great grandparents.

Quinn sporting her jean jacket. Still looks so big on her, it is a size 3-6 months. The sizes of kids clothing is so funny, she is wearing mostly 9-12months.

Quinn giggling away as we were trying to get her to sleep tonight.

Ewan went to Sydney with Papa and Glen to visit GreatGrandma Linda for Mother's Day. He had a great trip.

Just practicing taking some pictures of Quinn. She was trying to eat the flower, she managed to pull all the petals off.

Quinn looking Cute.

Ewan's new favorite toy, Gigi's strainer.

Ewan's first 'road hockey' game played in the 'driveway'. Still counts.

Picked up these sun glasses for Quinn today at the 5 &dime store in Antigonish for only $3.99, cost more than a dime but I think they are well worth it, even if she never wears them again, we got the picture.

Mark is Ewan's current favorite person. He woke up this morning saying "kiss Mark". I guess that is what he gets for playing hockey with Ewan, a best friend forever.

Check out Miss Quinn's picture on our photographers blog. Quinn had a mini photo shot last week. She did really well and the pic is so cute.

http://pureimagesphoto.com/Blog/

Ewan had his first dentist appointment yesterday. It went well. He let the dr check his teeth. He has 19 teeth and the 20th is on it's way. Ewan has been refered to dental surgery at the IWK. He has a attached upper frenum, it has cause the gap between his front teeth and it is very sensitive when we brush his teeth. The wait is 6month to a year.