Twenty reasons to visit Calgary

Destination Calgary made it to the homepage of Stuff today.. what a surprise! We've been to less than half of the recommended top 20 in our few months here.. certainly more places to explore now! I can see my next destination being .....

Hope

Wikipedia defines Hope as ".. the state which promotes the desire of positive outcomes related to events and circumstances in one's life or in the world at large " 

It is Dr Noel's hope that in the face of metastatic cancer, he'll get to see his yet-to-be-born daughter. 

The story is a moving one -the couple appear affable, yet the situation is dire and the outlook seemingly hopeless. 

Or is it? There is always a silver lining. The story struck an accord with those who have been there, all the young parents/parents to be. The outcome of the short fundraising has brought some, albeit brief, financial relief to the family.

My reflection of the story is that hope is essential to the human existence. It is with the hope that tomorrow will be a better day, that we have decided to have kids. It is with the hope that our future will be brighter, that we work today. 

Hope underpins almost all the decisions that we make. I'm hopeful that better days are yet to come for the Noels.

Halloween

Later this week, 2.5 weeks old little Jonathan gets to experience Halloween in Canada - not that he'll remember it but that's not the point. The pumpkin most likely will be eaten and not crafted.. nevertheless, "festive" pumpkins of this size are no where to be seen in NZ, another first for us as a family!

photo after first bath at home

Looks like a little bunny outfit.. but it's just a towel over the head!!

Jonathan survived his first bath by mum and dad... now let's improve on my technique..

Jonathan Choi

Jonathan Choi - born at 4am MST, Foothills Medical Centre - Calgary, Canada on the 12th of October.

He is 51cm long and 7'11 lbs. 

A great little boy. 

Jonathan, may you grow up healthy and wise, to love and to serve those around you and be a positive influence in the world.

A cloudy Autumn day in Calgary

Trees turning yellow
Winter tires on
Frost on the ground
No boats on the Bow

Yesterday was a much better day as the skies were blue, but anyway, just wanted to capture the color of the trees outside, today.

Dani's contractions are keeping her from sleep at night, anytime now!