The Week in Review

It has been a week of many adventures in between all of the rain and cold weather we have had. On Monday I had the honour of babysitting wee Emma for a few hours. She was as good as gold and we enjoyed some play time. I must have done a good job as I will be looking after her again today for a while. Nothing like spending special time with our precious granddaughter.

Emma having a bit of a nap. 

She always seem to have her arms up when napping

Smiling during our play time

Hiking In The Woods

On Thursday Nancy and I went for a 4 1/2 hour hike at the Hydrocut Trails in Waterloo. Neither of us had been there before but we will definitely be going back. We only did half of the trails and it was a great place for hiking. The trails wind all around and there are some boardwalk as well. There were high spot with good views as well as ponds. The sun came out for part of our hike and that was a welcome addition to all of the other wonderful sites we saw along the way.

A red trillium ready to open

Early spring flowers in full bloom

I think these are a few feathers from a Northern Flicker

Garter snake basking in the suns rays

A Robins nest built in the crotch of a broken tree

Four eggs will bring new life to the woods

There were different types of flowers all over the forest floor

Black and white warbler in the wind

Even the fallen trees are leafing out

Backyard Visitors

Bird migration is in full swing and I have had some of them stop by to enjoy my offerings at the feeders. It is so nice to see the cardinals as they are pairing up to mate. The robins are busy working on their nests as well. Some will just be passing through but it has been enjoyable to watch them as they travel to there summer homes.

One of a flock of Cedar Waxwings

I really enjoyed listening to this Song Sparrow

Mr. Cardinal feeding the Mrs.

Mr. Mallard was here to inspect the neighbours pools for a nesting spot

I don't think the Mrs. was impressed so they flew off

A Hermit Thrush was here for a few days

Nest building time for the robins

A Chipping Sparrow

A Common Grackle trying to hang on at the feeder

He is showing his dominance to the other Grackles

This is our latest arrival. A White Throated Sparrow

Special Easter Visit

We were given a special Easter treat this year. We had two bunnies visit us and one had a special wee gift in the backyard. I had noticed that she was acting a little strange and was doing lots of preening and before we knew it she had a little kit lying on the lawn. Mommy bunny was trying to keep the other bunny away from her little one and so we witnessed many chases between her and the other bunny. At times the fur was literally flying. This is one Easter I am not going to forget for a long time. Baby Emma visited and a newborn bunny all on one week-end. What Easter treat could be better?

Two bunnies in the backyard

Mommy bunny in the garden

Baby kit just after being born

Moving around and getting its legs under itself

Starting to sit up like a bunny and its ears are starting to stand up

What a wee thing it was

A Squatter On Our Land

I noticed a rather small hole in the back lawn last week and one day the little Miss showed up when I was sitting outside enjoying the sunny warm day we finally were having. I decided I would try and get a few pictures if she would cooperate. She was a little timid at first but with time I almost had her eating out of my hand. Peanuts always seem to help when trying to convince them to come closer. She was more trusting if I was sitting rather than standing. It was interesting to watch her as she went through her little rituals. She always just peeked out of the hole before coming up and she washed her paws almost always once she was out of her hole. She would wash up after eating as well. Some of the time she would sit and enjoy the treats and others she would just fill her cheeks and crawl back down into her burrow drop them off and be back for more. I enjoyed watching as much as she enjoyed the nuts.

Just making sure it was safe to move closer

She was collecting some nesting materials

 

Peeking out to make sure it is safe to come up

 

Enjoying one of the nuts 

 

She closes her eyes and enjoys every bit of it

 

Ahhhh, its all gone

 

Must wash my paws with my wee tongue

Time to fill my cheek and store some of these

Heading back to my burrow

Down the hole I go

Hi, I'm back for more treats.......

Happy One Month Old Emma

It's hard to believe a month has passed since Emma was born. She has grown so much, is much more alert and likes to check out her surroundings. She has out grown her newborn clothes already. 

I hope she has a wonderful 1 month old birthday today!!!

Cuddle time with Pop's

 

Ahhhhh.....Sleeping beauty Emma

Hanging onto Pop's finger while she checks him out

She is becoming much more aware of everything

Always good to have some tummy time

Sharp-shinned Hawk

While I was making my lunch today I happened to look out the window and saw this hawk on the neighbours fence post. I ran downstairs to get my camera and was able to get a few pictures through the kitchen window before it flew off.

Side view of the Sharp-shinned Hawk looking for lunch

I think it has spotted me through the window

Play Date

We had our first "Play Date" with Emma on Saturday March 22nd. We spent time enjoying

 the pleasure of this wee girl in our arms. She is such a cutie and so warm and cuddly.

Sleeping beauty Emma

Colour coordinated for our first play date

Looking pretty tiny in Pop's arms

Fruncle Drewcifer holding his niece

Dream's Really Do Come True.....

Yahoooooooo

 Duncan and I are GRANDPARENTS and Drew is an Uncle. We are thrilled with the arrival of our first grandchild. We are all looking forward to this exciting new chapter in our lives and the wonderful memories we are beginning. She is adorable and what an amazing new adventure we are about to enjoy.

Emma Bailey Matheson

Born: March 15th 2014 at 2:58 pm

Weighing: 8lbs 7oz and measuring 22 in.

Proud Mom & Dad: Ian & Brittany

Ian and Emma just after she was born

What a joy it was to hold her in my arms

Pops having a good look at this special child 

Emma was born on Duncan's late brother Charlies birthday. This makes Emma all the more special. It was also The Ides of March so a little bit of her Irish roots are in the day as well.

 

Emma fills out her sleeper length quite well

Quite content in Duncan's arms

Emma is checking out Pops as he enjoys his first cuddle with her

Gold Medal Performance

I will have to see if I can reach the suet feeder as I am hungry

If I squint a little maybe she won't see me

My first step onto the high wire

I reached the feeder. Can I get low enough to get some?

Wow! This is a full body extension

Enjoying a treat from this little platfrom

Time to show my acrobatic skills and do my dismount

 

That was a paw licking good treat!!