Life on Abram Lake

A few weeks ago, we had a local photographer come to the house to take a few family photos. It was lovely to have her take pictures in our backyard. Unfortunately, Henry was a bit concerned with this new face and camera and didn’t smile very much, but I think we got a few good pictures regardless!

Fall is by far my favourite time of year, and so far, we haven’t been disappointed. We’ve been so lucky to have had many warm afternoons playing in the yard surrounded by beautiful fall colours contrasted by the sparkling blue lake. Henry is much more independent in his play now and loves to crawl around in the grass, inspecting pine needles, pinecones and other interesting finds. He’s also been lucky enough to have access to all of Brooks’ and Hunter’s toys. His favourite is a Thomas the train that he can sit on and drive around the yard. After a few weeks of one of us driving for him, Henry all of a sudden discovered how to push the button himself and away he went! Unfortunately, he still hasn’t mastered steering so it involves us chasing him around the yard so that he doesn’t crash! I was dying laughing the first time he did it, as he didn’t seem at all surprised or excited that he was self-zooming around the yard! Henry has also started to stand unassisted without holding onto anything, so I think that walking is not too far off now. He loves to charge around holding onto your hands or pushing a chair and he is CONSTANTLY on the go, so it will come as no surprise if one of these days (very soon) he just starts running around on his own!

Blake and Henry riding Thomas

Hunter & Henry

Enjoying the late afternoon sun

John, Henry & Meghan

Ada in need of a haircut

John & Henry playing with Thomas

A beautiful fall afternoon

Henry playing mechanic in his ‘Hank’ bonnet 🙂

Thomas is a favourite!

This kid has no fear

A grey day for flying kites

Pinecones gallore

Since my last post, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming my brother John and his partner Meghan to Sioux Lookout. John is doing his consolidation placement in practical nursing at the hospital and Meghan is working at the local Native Friendship Centre. It’s been so nice to have them here and it’s been lovely to have an extra set of hands (or two!) to help with Henry.

Playing Settlers of Catan

John, Henry, Hunter and Meghan

Meghan and John paddleboarding in early September

Uncle Johnny playing with Henry with the IKEA bubble wrap

To welcome them, Blake and I surprised them with a float plane tour of our area. It was pretty surreal when we stood on the beach and waved the pilot down. He picked us up right in front our of our house! We had expected to go on a pretty tame sight-seeing tour, but Blake had requested some ‘roller-coasters’, and our pilot obliged with pleasure. It was a wild ride to say the least! I couldn’t stop laughing (with terror and excitement) the entire time. Needless to say, it was quite the rush and at the end of our joy ride, the pilot dropped us off at the docks of one of the local restaurants where we had a lovely dinner out. A true Sioux Lookout experience!

At the end of September, we celebrated our third anniversary and my birthday. As there aren’t too many options for places to go out, we were lucky that Sarah Harmer, one of our favourite Canadian artists happened to be doing a Northwestern Ontario tour and made a stop at the Sioux Lookout high school gym for a concert. She was amazing and we had the chance to meet and chat with her after the show. Again, an experience that you’d only get in a small Northern Ontario town 🙂

In not so fun news, I’ve been back to work ‘full-time’ this month which has been challenging to say the least. Unfortunately, in our occupation, there isn’t an upper limit of how many hours a week we work, or what even ‘full time’ is as there is no traditional 30-hour work week. For instance, in one week, I clocked over 65 hours and in the week after, over 100 hours (including call shifts).  Needless to say, I was missing Henry and sleep big time! It seems like an ongoing battle within myself to balance the need to be at home and with Henry and Blake against my duty to work, and devote the hours necessary to serve our patients and communities. It’s a struggle that I know will be ongoing for many years to come.

Happy boy in the morning!

Reading

Over the past week, Henry and I have been home alone without Blake and boy do we miss him! I am so fortunate to have Blake at home to help with childcare. I really don’t know how single parents manage on their own. Of course it’s been great to have time to spend with Henry, but I have also had to drag him along to full-day meetings, academic lectures and general admin work at the hospital. He did great, I have to admit though. He’s definitely busy but at least he’s always happy to scoot around the room or play with his toys. The best part is that he still will nap wherever which has been a blessing, as I have been able to put him in his tent wherever I may be for a snooze.

With Cat at our all-day physicians retreat

Meetings are so much fun with adorable babies and super-fun and relaxed colleagues!

At our Academic Days, where Henry learnt all about ECGs and radiology ‘pearls’. Like his mom, he definitely needed the coffee 🙂

So much learning!

Henry having a nap in the call room at the hospital 🙂

On a not so happy front, Henry has caught his first really bad cold and has been miserable for the past 48 hours with a goobery nose, fever and cough. Poor guy. I feel terribly for him as we spent most of last night in the rocking chair as he couldn’t breath due to his congestion when I lay him down. We are both pretty pooped and I have my fingers crossed that tonight will be better! I am hoping that he will get better in the next 24 hours as we are traveling South to visit family for Thanksgiving and for Blake’s father’s retirement party. Fingers crossed all will go well!

Blake and I out for a rare night alone to the community Lobsterfest where they were cooking up huge batches of lobster and loading them up with (appropriately for Sioux Lookout) a snow shovel!

Lobster dinner!

Multi-tasking – on-call for Henry, on-call for the hospital and trying to do something for myself (yoga on the deck) at the same time!

Brooks licking the icing off off of my cupcakes that Karla made for my birthday!

Henry and I out for an early morning stroll

Bathtime – loves putting things into things these days 🙂

Bottle before bed (don’t worry, we’ve been brushing his new teeth before he sleeps!)

Out for a community Harvest dinner at one of the local churches. Brooks came straight from hockey and was persistently feeding Henry Cheerios while we waited our turn for food.

A cozy fall morning walk – putting those big front teeth to good use!

Yum!

Thanks Sarah for my adorable pumpkin hat!

On a date with Mom – we went out for lunch just the two of us, then headed to the library to play and read!

Whoa! Check these out!

And when I say ‘reading’, I mean mostly Henry pulling books off the shelf hahaha

Fall time cuddles

Blake and our friend Andrew windsurfing in the cool September water

Playing with all of his toys

Getting into trouble! 🙂

On an outing to the sheep-farm with Meghan! We went to the petting zoo and saw lamas, emus, donkeys, turkeys, bunnies, etc. Henry loved it!

A beautiful sunset from our deck

On a sunny hike up Sioux Mountain

Ada, Henry and I on our little outing

This past week, during my last precious few days of summer vacation, Blake and I decided to take Henry out for our first family canoe trip. Although we have been camping with Henry before, we had yet to take Henry out on an overnight paddling excursion. We decided to just go for it!

We threw together our gear, planned a very conservative canoe route, packed Ada and Henry into the car and strapped the canoe on top. Away we went!

Thankfully, we had planned our little three-day trip on the sunniest, warmest days of September. It was an incredible 30degrees C everyday. We put in at a nearby provincial park and began our afternoon paddle. With Henry in the bow in front of me, things started out just great! He loved to hang over the edge and play with the water or attempt to ‘paddle’ with my paddle. After an hour of paddling, and portage, Henry started to get cranky. No problem, we thought. The site we had marked on the map, recommended by our friends was just around the corner. We pressed on despite Henry’s increasing protests. As I was beginning to run out of rice crackers and Cheerios to keep him happy, we discovered that the campsite that we were planning on staying at was really a tiny rocky point, with NO possible place to put up a tent. As the afternoon wore on, with the hot sun overhead and the wind picking up, we were in a bit of a pickle. Henry at this point, was desperate for a nap. We decided stop over at a small clearing beside another portage and hastily set up his little tent. He immediately fell asleep.

Unfortunately, it was a brief siesta and not even an hour later he was rocking his tent, anxious to be set free 🙂 We loaded the canoe back up and began a precarious quest to find a campsite. Blake and I have been in this situation many times before, and often we would paddle the shoreline until we found a suitable spot to pitch our tent. With Henry even more cranky than before, this strategy seemed a little bit like torture. As it was fairly windy, I had to paddle which meant that I couldn’t hold or really comfort Henry. As a result, he cried and wailed, initially standing up, clutching my t-shirt and then eventually, sobbing face down into the bottom of the canoe. It was so sad!

Enjoying life – before the meltdown 🙂

At the portage

Emergency pit-stop for a nap

After about 40 minutes, we finally found a site. It wasn’t ideal, but at least there was room to set up the tent! We quickly made camp, while Blake hastily cooked up a small bass for Henry’s dinner. We fed him and put him promptly to bed. I’m not sure what time it was but I doubt that it was even 6pm! With Henry comfortably sleeping in his tent, and with Ada and Blake fishing nearby, I had a quiet moment to enjoy finally being back out in the woods. Whew what a day!

Henry sleeping, Blake fishing

Cuddles in the tent

For dinner, Blake and I feasted on a curry made with fresh bass just as Henry awoke again! I guess he thought that his bedtime was just a nap. Oh well! After cleaning up our site for the night, we played in the tent for awhile and then as the sun dipped behind the pines, we all tucked in for the night – Henry, Blake, myself and Ada all squeezed into our little three-man tent 🙂

The next morning, we awoke to a beautiful sunny day. Henry crawled around the campsite and played in the barrel pack while Blake made breakfast and I took down our tent. Then, after a quick nap, we headed back onto the water, in a quest to find a better campsite. We ended up portaging back into the first lake and finding a lovely point with great swimming rocks and a shady tent area. I was relieved to get off the water and get Henry into the shade as it was so, so hot with not a cloud in the sky. We spent the afternoon playing in the water, fishing and just hanging out. Blake caught a few more bass which we all devoured. Despite their tiny size, they were pretty delicious!

Rise and shine!

Henry exploring while Blake makes breakfast

Henry loves to play in the barrel pack

At the portage

Family photo – while Blake cleans the fish 🙂

Hanging out at the campsite

Trying to catch some dinner

Desperately trying to reach the water!

Cooling off in the water

Ada joining us for a dip

Blake cooking the fish while Ada watches intently

In the evening, after Henry was fast asleep, Blake and I were treated with a gorgeous sunset followed by a beautiful show of the northern lights. We’re so spoiled! We played cribbage and poker well into the night as Blake tidied off his supply of rum 🙂 As it was so warm, we left the fly off the tent and watched the incredible night sky of stars before drifting to sleep.

On the morning of our last day, the weather finally had turned a bit chilly. We had a leisurely breakfast, then packed up, paddling just a short distance back to the car. All in all, I think our first family canoe trip was a success! Next time, I’ll know to bring WAY more Cheerios and plan to do WAY less paddling 🙂

Packing up to go home

Henry ‘paddling’

Unloading our gear – our little trip is over until next summer!

Finally, in other news, our canoe will soon be getting even more crowded as we will be welcoming a little sister or brother for Henry in the Spring! Blake and I are very excited and look forward to having twice the fun (and chaos) of two kids under two! If Kate Middleton can do, so can I 🙂

September 5th, 2015

In the busy, day to day hustle and bustle, moments of precious joy are often lost, mixed in with doing the laundry and endlessly cleaning of the house. As a parent, when these occasions happen throughout the day, I often feel acutely aware of how treasured these pockets of time truly are. I make a mental note, and try to will myself into remembering them forever, but they blend into the business of our lives and often are forgotten. This is the reality of the fabric of life – a blended quilt of happy, frustrating, devastating, angry, joyous occasions that make up our existence. Of course, a diligent mother would jot these down in a baby book, but alas, Henry’s baby book has many empty pages.

This evening, after I had fed Henry dinner, we put on some music and danced around the house before bath time. With Henry on my left hip, I held his left hand in mine and twirled and waltzed across the hardwood floor while watching Blake fishing on the calm waters in the bay in front of our home. Henry laughed and laughed while I dipped and bounced him in time to the music, his red curls floating up and down. It wasn’t anything new or different, we had done this routine many times before, but it struck me that it was moments just like these that truly make parenting an absolute joy. I am so very blessed in my life. I often feel incredulous at how we are truly spoiled with a gorgeous baby, a wonderful community, a beautiful home and a happy life.

What a busy summer it has been! I can’t believe that it’s the September long weekend already. It has flown by and yet again, we have truly been spoiled with sunny days of swimming and playing on the beach.

Henry and Christian splashing in the water

Brooks just casually eating pizza, naked.

Henry and Keith at the beach

Enjoying daiquiris and watiching the sunset

Keith and the boys joining us for a summer patio dinner

Brooks anxiously awaiting to get his hands into our salad that was made fresh from our gardens!

The baby green peppers that Brooks picked from my garden

Henry has changed so much over the past three months. Since the end of June, he has been much more mobile and is getting increasingly steadier on his feet everyday. I’m definitely not encouraging early walking, but I think it will be happening quite soon!

Henry just chillin’ in his room playing with his toys. It’s so sweet to watch him play independently.

My sweet boy!

Pushing the walker around  – he hates being in it but loves to cruise around holding onto it.

What a rascal! I caught him in the bathroom eating toilet paper 🙂

Henry getting into trouble!

Our daily routine hasn’t changed too much, but with trips and social events, the ‘schedule’ has been shifted here and there to accommodate these special occasions. Henry has been a trooper and is always a solid sleeper no matter what is going on. We are very lucky in that department.

These days, Henry will wake up anytime between 6:30 and 7am. I always get up with him as it is our special time together (often before I have to go to work). I usually bring him into bed with me while Blake tries to keep snoozing while I feed him his bottle. These 10minutes of his day are the ONLY time where he isn’t moving! After he’s finished his bottle, he’s immediately on the go. He loves to climb up the headboard to turn the light switch on and off over our heads or crawl all over Blake or I, poking us in the nose, eyes, pulling our hair, etc. etc. While I love how busy he is, sometimes I really wish he would lay quietly and snuggle!

Then, wardrobe change #1 (usually of MANY throughout the day) and off to breakfast. I do my best to eat my own breakfast with Henry but I feel like most of the time, I’m grazing while I try to get some food into Henry. Most days, he’s a pretty good eater and will feed himself scrambled egg, PB on toast, Cheerios, fruit or oatmeal. Ada, is constantly right underneath his highchair. This symbiotic relationship has developed over the past few months of solid foods for Henry. At first, Ada would clean up whatever Henry dropped while trying to hit his mouth, but now, Henry has figured out that it is great fun to actually feed Ada directly and will endlessly hand over whatever is on his tray unless I’m watching closely. What two little monkeys!

Eating spicy curry!

After breakfast, we play a bit outside or go for a run if I don’t have to jet off to work. Then, he’ll go down for a nap around 9ish and will snooze until 11am. During these precious hours, I try to do as many of my chores as possible. Despite the fact that he has become a consistent napper, I always find that no matter what, his naps never seem long enough for me to get anything done!

Out for a morning run in the Chariot

Mid-day, is usually spent on an outing to town, playing outside at the beach or just hanging out in the yard. Brooks and Hunter (the boys next door) love playing with Henry and often will plunk him down on one of their toys (Thomas the train, the batmobile, etc) and will drive him around the yard. It’s a lot of fun to watch them play all together. Henry is certainly lucky to have those boys to play with him.

Just eating some grass 🙂

Such a big boy!

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With Brooks and Hunter Playing with the electric Cadillac and Corvette at Karla’s parents’ house On a float plane ride for the blueberry festival in Sioux Lookout  At the blueberry pancake breakfast at the Legion  On a family road trip to Hudson with Keith, Karla, Brooks Hunter, Henry, Blake and I! At the Hudson family centre celebration for blueberry festival So many yummy blueberries! At the community fish fry at the town beach for blueberry festival The most delicious blueberry crumble made by the ladies of the United Church for the fish fry Henry meeting Blueberry Bert

Blake and I have also been taking Henry out on the sailboat which has been great for all of us. I usually watch Henry while Blake sails us around. What great service! We have been out on many sailing adventures on Abram Lake this summer, whether it be a cruise to one of the islands for a picnic or just a tour up the lake to fly the spinnaker home.

our little Sailor

It’s sometimes tricky, but we try to get Henry down for his second nap by 2ish and he will have a solid snooze until 4pm. Then, it’s go time again! Back to the beach, out in the canoe, playing on the paddle boards, etc. There is always something to do! Then it’s dinnertime at 5:30pm followed by a very necessary bath. I then feed Henry his bottle and read him a book, then off to bed he goes at 6:30pm. We have been really lucky as well that Henry has never needed either of us to put himself to sleep, so we have really started to take advantage of having babysitters come in the evenings to put him down, giving Blake and I a chance to have some social time to ourselves which has definitely been a new development 🙂

Paddleboarding with Uncle Johnny & Meghan

Caleb, Blake and Cat trying to ‘surf’ behind our little tin boat

Cat having a quiet moment on the paddleboard

Enjoying a beautiful late Summer’s afternoon

Blake and Henry splashing in the water

Auntie snuggles with Megan

Cat & Caleb cleaning the catch of the day just in time for dinner

Friends, wine, sunsets and fresh fish

Keith and Blake burning the brush pile

Out for an evening paddle on Abram Lake

Bathtime!

Having a bath with his aunties 🙂

Over the last two weeks, I have had a blissful break from work. Unfortunately, my maternal grandfather passed away unexpectedly. Henry and I ended up travelling South for the funeral held in St Catharines. It was a sad occasion, but it was lovely to see my family and for Henry to have a visit with everyone. We also spent two days with my sister, Leah and her two kids, Rosie and Luc in Guelph. I haven’t been able to spend much time with them recently so it was a great (but short) catch-up!

Luc and Henry playing at the park in Guelph

Henry playing with Auntie Leah – he loves to be roughed around with Leah and will laugh and laugh whenever she is around

Luc and Rosie rolling down the hill on a walk near Guelph Lake

Cuties!

Playing in the grass

Picnic time!

With Grandpa Steve

With Luc, Rosie, Mom & Dad in Guelph

Playing with Noah’s Ark at Nana’s house in Dundas

Henry and I out for an early morning breakfast date – just the two of us in Dundas while visiting Nana

Such a trooper with all of this driving!

At Grandpa’s funeral

Henry was so good. I was very relieved that he did so well during the service

Henry and cousin Ava during Ava’s visit in Sioux Lookout

Cleaning Darren and Blake’s catch of the day

Cousin love!

Pile up!

Ava and Hunter at the beach

Ava and Brooks in the tree house

In general, travelling with Henry hasn’t been too arduous. I have now come to expect that he just will not sleep on flights any more! This makes things slightly challenging as it is hard to entertain him on the plane. On our flight back from Toronto to Thunder Bay, he spent the entire time climbing up all over me in attempt to get to the highest vantage point possible! Even the flight attendant commented that he had never seen a baby as busy as Henry! Geez!

On the seemingly endless Porter flight from Toronto to Tbay

Almost home! At the Tbay airport waiting to fly home to Sioux Lookout

Today is my last day of vacation 😦 I’m back to work full-time now – a transition that I am not looking forward to. In reality though, I ahve been technically working full-time in terms of the number of days per month that I have put in at the hospital, but now the health authority that I work for wants me to do full weeks where essentially I will be out of the house from 8am until 6pm plus call shifts throughout the week. Ugh. I’m definitely not ready for this. Especially since Henry has recently begun to go through a phase where he only wants to be held by me in particular. I’m a bit worried how the next few months will go!

Anyway, we’ll figure out a way to make things work, as we usually do!

August 13th, 2015

After a twelve-hour day at the hospital, I finally sit down for dinner with Blake. I’m exhausted and starving but grateful to be off my feet. We watch the red sun sink down behind the trees, illuminating the water in purple hues.  Then, mid-meal, a slow wail cuts through the silence. Blake and I look at each other, perplexed. Henry’s been asleep for just over 2 hours, going to bed at his usual time of 6:30pm. He rarely wakes anymore, sleeping solidly until 6-7am. As parents do, we start to rattle off explanations for his rare protests. Maybe his teeth are hurting him… Could he be hungry still? What if he’s too hot in his sleeper?

Secretly, I am rejoicing at this unconventional wake-up. Running to work at 7:30am and returning after 7:30pm has meant that I have only spent a measly 30 minutes with Henry all day. Worse yet, I have missed his bedtime – a sacred ritual that I cherish with Henry every night. Wake-up and bedtime are always my job and I wouldn’t want it any other way. No matter how utterly, bone-aching tired I am, I never tire at being the one to be the first to kiss his chubby cheeks and the last to stroke his hair at night.

I listen to his cries, watching the clock intently. I wait an entire 8 minutes. “I can’t wait until 10 minutes, I’m going in,” I announce to Blake. Grabbing a bottle, I slip into Henry’s room. He hears me enter and immediately stops crying, anticipating comfort. I gently lift him out of the crib. He’s getting so heavy these days – a solid little ball of muscle and fat. With his chest against mine, I link my hands under his bum and rock back and forth slowly, while he buries his face against my neck, smearing his tear-soaked face against my skin.

His cries subside and we settle onto the rocking chair. I rest my face against the top of his head, running my lips and nose along the silky strands of hair, breathing him in slowly. I close my eyes and rock him gently. As I listen to the cadence of his breath slow, my mind drifts to all of the women I have seen in the busy prenatal clinic and on the maternity floor in our little hospital. I think of the young woman, only four-weeks post-partum struggling with homelessness, anxiety, depression, domestic violence all the while, trying to care for her infant and one-year old. I think of her baby, wide eyes fixed on me, smacking his lips, while his mother, turned away from him, face in her hand, weeps in desperation. I turn this devastating image over in my mind, contrasting it with the beautiful moment where, seconds after the arrival of a new baby boy, he squirms on his young mother’s chest while his father touches his face with wonder and love.

I squeeze my eyes tightly against the inevitable flow of tears that slide down my face onto Henry’s angelic mop of red curls.  Despite holding Henry close, I continue to ache for him as if the void of missing him all day cannot be filled. And yet, I feel incredibly grateful to be able to savour this rare moment of closeness with him. As always, these moments of joy and sadness ebb and flow through our lives, running up against each other in contrasting ways. After a time of silent meditation, I gently place Henry back in his crib. He immediately rolls onto his belly and buries his face into his lambskin, sighing deeply. I am filled to the brim with love.

After quite the journey, we finally arrived in Haida Gwaii to more blue skies and sunny weather. The heatwave continued well into our visit on the BC Coast – an area which normally sees a significant amount of rainfall. It was quite unusual to actually feel HOT on the island, not that we were really complaining 🙂 In general, if you ever feel like life is going too fast or that things are changing around you too rapidly, I strongly encourage you to take a trip to Masset, BC, where, literally, NOTHING changes. Everything and everyone seemed EXACTLY as we had left them a year ago when we left the island. It was actually quite lovely!

At the cultural centre in Skidegate

Watching a performance from Maori people in Skidegate

At balance rock (don’t worry, Blake was holding onto him!)

Whew! It’s hard work being a baby!

At St. Mary’s Spring – the legend goes that if you drink the water from the spring, you’ll always return to Haida Gwaii

So we dunked Henry into it 🙂

The Masset harbour

An early morning walk with the many, many eagles in Masset

The Masset library

A new mural in town

Visiting Sarah’s giftshop

Henry working the counter at Sarah’s

Dressed up in his new Haida hoodie

Going for a walk to Old Massett

Our plan for our time on the island was loosely planned in three ‘parts’. We had planned to camp for the first week, spend a week with our friends’ in Masset, then then last week we would go ‘glamping’ on North Beach where we had rented an off-the-grid cabin.

Up until this trip, we had yet to take Henry camping and I was curious about how it would pan out. I had heard horror stories from other moms who had attempted it but had had a terrible time as their little ones wouldn’t sleep in the tent. I was anxious to give it a go, however, as I felt that we had better start Henry early so that he would get used to joining our family on canoeing and camping trips!

Our first night of camping was in the most gorgeous hideaway (in my opinion) in Haida Gwaii – Bonanza Beach in Rennel Sound. We had been there previously to camp when my parents came to visit during my residency placement and we were excited to go back. The vistas did NOT dissapoint. I actually think it was more beautiful than I had remembered! Once we set up camp, and Henry was napping, Blake and I cooled off on our private, sandy beach where we swam and beach-combed for treasures. I couldn’t believe that it was hot enough to actually swim. I don’t think I even had worn shorts the last summer we spent in Haida Gwaii.

Our campsite

Henry enjoying the beach

Having a nap in his little tent

getting some R&R

Beach-combing

Hiking along the beach

Hanging out by the fire w/ Dad

Camping with Henry turned out to be fairly easy. The only challenge for me was having enough fresh water, and HOT water to wash out his bottles. This was tricky as our water supply was limited. It was also a bit of a challenge to always be holding Henry or carrying him in the Ergo, as there weren’t too many places that I could safely put him down and allow him to crawl around. As for the sleeping, Henry put my anxieties at ease. We modified the bedtime routine slightly (no bath) but essentially, I would feed him, change him, sing his bedtime song, put him in his little tent, then quickly zip up the zippers before he could escape and then just left him to put himself to sleep. He did great and slept like a champ despite Ada knocking into his tent and having Blake and I coming in and out of the tent. It was a lot of fun having him with us and it definitely made me relieved to think that it IS still possible to get out and enjoy the outdoors with a baby in tow.

Playing in the tent

Henry napping in the tent while Ada stands guard

Blake and I playing cribbage while Henry sleeps

Early morning snuggles

Ada & Henry trying to wake up Blake

Having a break

Eating rocks

Loves his little tent

Our days camping were very relaxed. We didn’t have an agenda, only to move from one spot to the next. Blake and I enjoyed some down time in the evenings which were spent playing cribbage and sipping rum (Blake, not me).

Our second campsite was a ferry-ride away on Moresby Island. We drove along a very bumpy, windy logging road to get to a gorgeous sandy beach at Gray Bay. It was well worth the trek and we spent a lovely afternoon playing on the beach and exploring the tidal pools.

Playing on the beach

At our campsite

Ada always nearby while Henry sleeps

Blake and Ada enjoying the evening on the beach

So many barnacles!

Early morning smiles

Sunrise breakfast with an ocean view, just Henry and I!

Loving life!

Waiting for the ferry back to the main island

While camping, we met some really lovely people including a young couple with a two-year old baby (Meghan, Terry and Mallory). Our last few days of camping were spent at Agate Beach which is a gorgeous park near the north end of the island. Due to a very strong on-shore wind, despite the sun, all of our gear became damp and the evenings were pretty chilly. We decided to splurge on our last night and rent a longhouse at North Beach – a recent development initiated by the Haida Council. Our cedar-scented cabin was a perfect refuge from the cool wind. With wood-fire going, Meghan, Terry & Mallory came for an evening of yummy food and great conversation. It was a perfect way to end our camping days.

At our campsite at Agate Beach

Our little cedar longhouse at North Beach

Tow hill

Agate beach

Going for an evening stroll w/ Meghan, Terry & Mallory

Windy!!

Mallory & Meghan in their tree fort 🙂

For the next few nights, we were happily reunited with good friends Scott & Joanne. We first met Scott and Joanne when we were living in Masset for residency. Generous to a fault, they went way out of their way to help us and to give us a true Haida Gwaii experience. We were so excited to visit them again, this time with Henry on my hip. Not only did they host us and help out with Henry, but Scott and Joanne also took all of us out salmon and halibut fishing on many occasions. This was definitely a highlight for Blake. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an exciting thing to pull in a sparkling, gorgeous salmon into the boat, but fishing is more Blake’s thing than mine. Thankfully, it was Henry’s thing too 🙂 He just loved being on the boat and laughed out loud as the boat was tossed about in the big ocean waves (while I tried to keep from losing my breakfast). His other favourite part was helping Scott drive the boat which he loved.

Scott & Blake getting ready to go fishing

Scott teaching Henry all about Salmon fishing while he eats his huckleberries

Beating the (very unusual) Haida Gwaii heat! Also note, Henry, there is no diving into your pool! haha (check out the warning on the side of the pool!)

Loving the swings beside Scott & Joanne’s house

Relaxing and waiting for good fishing weather

Out on the boat – Scott & Blake land a huge lingcod while Henry naps on Blake’s back

Henry helping Scott drive the boat -his favourite!

Loves the bumpy waves!

Masset harbour

Coming in from an afternoon of fishing

So many boats out in the ocean

My first salmon of the year

Henry helping Joanne at the helm

Having a snack

Old Masset from the water

Reeling in a very fiesty salmon! Took me almost 10 minutes to get him into the boat. I was pooped!

Of course Blake had to then catch an even bigger fish right after me 🙂

Henry taking in the action

Back at home, cleaning the catch of the day

So many yummy fish!

Blake’s massive salmon

Using Henry to compare size 🙂

While Blake, Scott & Terry went fishing, I had a play date with Mallory and Meghan at their house

Up early to go crabbing on North Beach

Henry supervising the crabbing from the Chariot

Tow hill

Sizing the crabs up

Blake and his loot

Family photo

Blake tossing Henry around while we wait for the crabs to cook

Yum!

So much crab meat! Pretty spoiled…

Our last week in Haida Gwaii was spent at North Beach in a tiny off-the-grid cabin with no electiricty, heat or hot water. It was basically a step up from camping but was a perfect stress-free way to ‘rough it’ a little bit but still have a place that Henry could crawl around in. Our week was spent visiting friends, crabbing on the beach just steps away from our cabin, taking leisurely strolls along the beach and in the stunning rainforest and generally having lots of down time sans internet, cell phones or electricity! We also re-connected with our friend Cooper, who took us clam digging and generously brought Blake out halibut fishing. At the end of our week, when we packed up the car, the back was FILLED with frozen salmon, halibut, live crabs and clams! We did pretty well!

In our off-the-grid cabin at North Beach

Crabbing just steps away from our cabin

Blake and Ada looking for crabs

An attempt at getting everyone in a photo together, including Ada!

Fishing for trout at the Hiellen River

Henry learning his tree species 🙂

On a hike to the ‘blow hole’

Tidal pools

The blow hole! Ada was not a fan, since it made a very loud noise as the water was sent shooting through the hole in the rocks

At Tow Hill

Having lunch at the off-the-grid cafe

Ada waiting patiently for us at the door

Moon over Naikoon bakery

Going for a stroll in Naikoon park

My turn at crabbing

Got one!

Henry meeting our friend Cooper

Back at North Beach, trying our hand at clam digging

Blake and Cooper hard at work digging for clams

Look at the size of this one!!

Cooper showing us how it’s done

We were sad to leave the island but I know that this will not be our last visit to this magical place. There is just something that draws you back over and over to these amazing islands. Until next time Haida Gwaii!

Waking up happy in Winnipeg before our flight home to Sioux Lookout

Having breakfast at the hotel restaurant

Waking Henry up from a nap at the hotel to get our on last flight home!

At the Winnipeg airport

This face 🙂

Every summer, Blake and I have tried to go on some sort of getaway adventure. This summer, we spent 3 blissful weeks without internet, cell phone service or interruption in the most magical place in our country – Haida Gwaii. Previously known as the Queen Charlotte Islands, Blake and I fell in love with the rugged, isolated geography and the rich Haida culture when we spent 4 months living in Masset, on the northern part of the island during my residency.

Our BC coastal adventure involved planes, long car rides and many ferry crossings (9 to be exact). This was our first big trip with Henry and to my relief, he did great! I have to admit, I was anxious about how things would go when the daily schedule was dictated by ferry schedules and points of destination, rather than Henry’s naps. Henry, however, was easy going as usual and napped in the car, in his little tent on the ferries, at friends’ houses and even in our tent while camping! We’re pretty lucky parents I think 🙂

The morning of our departure, I was running around doing last minute house chores. As I unloaded the dishwasher, Henry was crawling around the kitchen. Then, without any hesitation, he crawled up the the dishwasher door and pulled himself up to standing. Just like that! I knew I was in for it then!

After finally getting out the door, Henry and I embarked on the first leg of our trip – a flight from Sioux Lookout, to Red Lake, and then on to Winnipeg where we then boarded another plane to Vancouver. It was sweltering hot that day and poor Henry roasted in the non-air conditioned little planes to Winnipeg. Needless to say, we were both pretty grumpy by the time we arrived.

Henry’s only brief snooze of the day on our flight to Winnipeg

Unfortunately, our luck didn’t turn there. Usually, Henry would pass out as soon as the plane took off, lulled by the noise and movement. This time, Henry had an epic meltdown.  You know the kind, where strangers cast you I’m-so-sorry-for-you-but-so-glad-I’m-not-you looks. It was a horrific 3hour + ride to Vancouver where Henry screamed and flailed about while I looked more and more sweaty and disheveled. The only way I could get him to stop crying was to bounce him, standing up in the front of the plane where the stewardesses worked. I was at the end of my rope by the end of the flight!

At the Winnipeg airport

After finally landing in Vancouver, we checked into the airport hotel and breathed a sigh of relief in the quiet, air-conditioned room. Henry promptly passed out, while I gorged on take-out sushi (I hadn’t been able to eat most of the day). Later that evening, Blake and Ada joined us, after their three day haul across the country. Reunited, we were finally set to start our vacation.

Feeling much happier in our PJs in our A/C hotel room

All packed up and ready to go!

The next morning, we were all feeling much better. We loaded up the car and made a beeline out of the concrete jungle of Richmond BC. Scheduled to make the ferry from Tsawassen to Galiano Island later that afternoon, we spent the hot summer day at a local beach where Ada ran off some steam and we had a chance to dip our toes into the salt water. After a quick lunch of salmon burgers (we were so excited to eat BC salmon again!), we headed out to the Tsawassen ferry terminal where we sweated it out waiting to be loaded onto the ferry.

The first leg of our trip from Richmond to Galiano Island

Best buddies 🙂

At the beach!

At least Henry was a good sport about the heat!

Henry’s new favourite thing – ‘helping’ Blake to drive

On the ferry over to Galiano Island. We certainly were happy to get out of the city in this heat!

Arriving at Galiano Island after a hot, sticky day was like a breath of fresh air. We immediately felt relaxed as we drove along the winding roads, with giant hemlocks and cedars hanging overhead. The artsy island was the destination of Blake’s good friends, Pat and Morgan’s wedding. The venue was a lodge with little cabins built high up, overlooking the ocean on Bodega Ridge. After checking into our rustic cabin abode, we put Henry down for the night and with baby monitor in hand, we enjoyed a rare, baby-free night of drink and delicious food. It had been forever since we had been out together and it was certainly a nice treat!

The wedding venue

I’m not sure whether it was the time difference, or the fresh BC air, but Henry decided that the next morning (and every morning thereafter) his new wake-up time would be a bright and early 5am start! Thank goodness I am a morning person. Henry and I fell into a new routine of getting up at dawn, having a quick cuddle and a bottle in bed, then heading out for a hike or a little adventure so that Blake could continue to sleep. Despite the challenge of awaking every morning at this ungodly hour during my vacation, I grew to really love our cool, quiet mornings together, often with Henry on my back, exploring our surroundings.

An early morning hike

The view from the ridge

Having coffee on the deck with Ada

The day of the wedding fell within an unprecedented heat wave. To escape the heat, we went on a little hike before jumping into the ocean (Henry’s first ocean dip!) to cool off. The wedding itself was beautiful, but was it ever a scorcher! Henry did so well despite the temperatures but was happy to pass out after the ceremony in his little tent with a fan blasting cool air through the mesh. Again, Blake and I relished the opportunity to have a whole evening of adult conversation, wonderful food, drinks and music. It was a lovely night.

Hiking with Ada

Henry’s first ocean dip!

All dressed up for the wedding

Waiting for the bride

An attempt at a family picture 🙂

Our last day on Galiano Island was a slow, lazy one. We had a leisurely breakfast with the bride and groom before pushing off to explore a bit before taking the ferry over to Vancouver Island. The most hilarious part of our day came when, after having lunch at a local restaurant, Blake, Henry and I had boarded the ferry. The vessel was minutes from departing when I realized that I had forgotten the baby bag! In an instant, Blake took off sprinting off the ramp and up the hill toward the restaurant, about 400m away. In the meantime, I stood with Henry at the edge of the ramp begging the ferry operator to not pull up the gate and depart! He took pity on us and stalled. I was so so relieved when we saw Blake charging back towards the boat, baby bag in-hand. A near miss!

A very early morning hike the morning after the wedding

While hiking along the bluffs, we saw the ferry coming in and was trying to get a picture of all of us together

The trusty Element – with over 300,000km of cross-country driving

Ada and I

The view from the bluffs

Henry flying high at Morning Beach

Our ferry route from Galiano Island to Sidney, Vancouver Island

Once on the ferry, we settled Henry into his little tent for a nap while Blake and I watched the beautiful scenery as we sailed by. We landed in Sidney on Vancouver Island in the late afternoon, just in time to find a cute ocean-side restaurant where we ate a seafood feast of scallops, shrimp and salmon. Henry loved it all! We bunked down for the night in a pretty dingy Econolodge where I was nervous to even let Henry touch the carpet. Ew! Blake and I kept saying, ‘if we are ever rich, we’re going to splurge for nice hotel rooms and an air conditioned car!’ 🙂

Henry having a sleep in his tent

Henry loves sushi!

When Blake and I left BC to move back to Ontario, one of the saddest parts was leaving behind all of our fabulous friends that we had made during residency. When we decided to head West for our trip, we were excited to re-connect with old friends. So, it was a natural detour to head up Vancouver Island and take the ferry across to Powell River where we had a lovely visit with our good friends Matt & Courtney. The Sunshine Coast is a gorgeous area and we were happy to explore around briefly!

From Sidney to Powell River

On the ferry over to Powell River

Everyone was having fun except Blake!

Watching the water below

The Sunshine Coast

Matt and the dogs

Courtney and I hiking along the water

Beach baby!

Family photo

Another morning hike – looking for whales

Henry in the $10 stroller that we bought at Salvation Army!

Exploring Powell River before our ferry back to the Island

Waiting for Dad to finish his work call on our walk

From Powell River to Port Hardy

On the ferry back to Vancouver Island

Trying to entertain Henry while we wait for our food at the restaurant

Port Hardy harbour

Unfortunately, our stay in Powell River was pretty short as we had a deadline to catch! Months ago, when we had planned our trip, Blake and I decided that we would splurge and take the Inside Passage up along the West Coast. The ferry is a unique voyage along the rugged coast, connecting Port Hardy on the northernmost tip of Vancouver Island and Prince Rupert, a large port just across the Hecate Strait from Haida Gwaii. The ferry only sails every three days and books up months in advance. It was definitely not a ferry that we could afford to miss!

So after a quick stop in Nanaimo to buy and install a small fan to cool Henry off in his car seat (oh to have A/C!), we headed up the Island. It was a long drive and thankfully Henry slept the majority of the way. We arrived in the evening and checked into yet another very seedy motel for the night. Despite it being a bit late, we headed out to gorge ourselves again on a seafood-themed dinner. Fish tacos and more scallops! Yum!

In preparation for our big adventure on the Inside Passage, Blake had called BC Ferries ahead of time to confirm when we had to check in at the ferry terminal. Thirty-minutes prior to the sailing is what they had told him. So that morning, Henry awoke at his usual 5am start and off Henry, Ada and I went for a stroll along the quiet streets of the small port. Thankfully, we found a small diner and the baker let us in pre-opening in for a coffee and a hearty egg breakfast while the baker cooed at Henry. Taking our time, we headed back to the motel to get Blake up. By this time it was about 6:30am but our ferry sailing time was 7:30am and the terminal was only a few minutes away, so there was no need to panic. By 6:55am, we were in the car on our way. Unusually, there we no other cars headed to the ferry terminal. Hmm… We arrived at the gate at 7:05 where the attendant greeted us in surprise. “Do you have a reservation for the sailing today?”, he asked. We nodded, starting to feel a bit worried. “Well, you were supposed to check-in 2 hours ago! If you’re lucky, you just might be to catch the ferry if you’re able to still get your ticket before they finish loading up!” YIKES! My heart started to beat faster. We COULDN’T miss this ferry! It was by far the most expensive part of our trip and there is no way we could’ve been able to re-book so late in the tourist season.

Blake jumped out of the car and sprinted towards the ticket counter. It was 7:11am and apparently they stopped printing tickets at 7:10am. Somehow Blake persuaded them to issue us our tickets anyway and we gunned the car towards the ramp, where the very last cars were being loaded into the belly of the great ship. “Don’t you just love it when we are running behind and you actually catch your sailing!”, exclaimed the attendant as he inspected our tickets. At 7:33am, we had been loaded onto the boat. We were the VERY LAST CAR to get on! Whew! What a relief!

Loading cars into the belly of the ship

Once aboard the Northern Expedition, BC Ferries’ newest vessel, we quickly realized why our tickets had been so pricey! It was like a giant, luxurious cruise ship equipped with amazing viewing decks, multiple restaurants, a theatre and shops. We checked into our little cabin and put Henry down for nap in his tent. He quickly went to sleep lulled by the noise of the engines and the rocking of the waves. Thankfully, our baby monitor worked quite well and Blake and I were able to explore the ship and relax on the viewing decks in the sun. Blessed with a cloudless blue sky, warm temperatures and a refreshing breeze, we spent a blissful day watching for wildlife, gazing at the gorgeous scenery and just relaxing on the deck.

Henry having a nap in his tent in our cabin aboard the Northern Expedition

A beautiful morning for a sail!

We saw a whale within the first hour of leaving the port!

Watching for whales

People watching on the viewing deck

Henry practicing his crawling in the viewing lounge

Watching the water

Henry always has the best view from Daddy’s shoulders

Bella Bella

Bella Bella

I love the colours!

Henry ‘enjoying the view’ haha

The highlight of our 16-hour journey came in the evening, after putting Henry down for the night, when we were lucky enough to slowly sail through a channel where a pod of twelve humpback whales were fishing. I wouldn’t believe our luck as we were blessed with fantastic views of the whales while they breached and played in the water. It was a sight that I will never forget. Too bad Henry missed out!

Humpback whale!

So many whales – it was amazing

A porpoise

This whale was right by the ship!

Wine & whale-watching! Pretty nice way to end a gorgeous day!

We pulled into Prince Rupert just after midnight that night and quickly went to bed in a cute little B&B. It was a short sleep as we had to get up early the next morning to board yet another ferry! This time, a shorter (six-hour) crossing over the Hecate Strait from Prince Rupert to Haida Gwaii. We got more and more excited as we drew closer to the archipelago. We were almost there and ready to start our camping adventures!

Prince Rupert port

Waiting for the ferry in Prince Rupert

Drooling all over the wheel! Yuck!

Prince Rupert

All of the cars jammed into the bottom of the ferry

Getting excited to get to HERE – Haida Gwaii!

Summer in Sioux Lookout is nothing short of blissful. Here are a few pictures from our recent summertime outings!

Henry and the well used Thomas the train

Beach-side

Dipping our toes in the lake

Kirsten came to visit! Here she is helping Blake with the sailboat

Brooks, Ada & Blake playing in the water

Yay! A visit from Kirsten!

Brooks & Blake

Brooks and Henry at our house for brunch

The boys clowning around as usual

My garden is growing!

First salad harvest! Yum!

Look! A tiny pepper!

Blake coming in from an evening sail

I just love love love watching him sleep!

Visiting Reilly in Kenora

Ada and I hiking up Sioux Mountain this weekend – it was the first time I had gone for a hike/walk/outdoor outing on my own since Henry was born!

Ada and Brooks trying to catch the crayfish

Beach day! Picnic for lunch in the shade

A sunny, bright, warm post-call day spent with Henry

Sit-down-paddle-boarding 🙂

Woooo for the beach!

Thanks Tory for my sweet board shorts from Australia!

Arrowroots = always a hit

Loves standing up on his own, he hasn’t quite mastered how to maneuver around much in the standing position, but he’s getting close! He can stand on his own with one hand holding onto something for quite a long time.

With Auntie Karla and the boys at the beach

Having dinner on the deck with Keith, Karla and the boys

First boat trip!

Ada is not a huge fan of our boating excursions…

Keith, Karla and the boys fishing at the chutes

Henry hanging out in the boat

Spending the day at Ruby Island!

Life in Northern Ontario

Hot dogs for lunch 🙂

Blake and Keith having a boys moment

Henry having a nap in his pack and play under a tree on the island

Brooks 🙂

The boys all having a tubby after a grubby day on Ruby Island

Snuggles

Always happy at the beach!

On Henry’s first ride in a canoe!

Everyone is out on the water enjoying the weather!

Family photo 🙂

Karla looking amazing at 30 weeks pregnant with ‘Baby Sister’

Yay for canoeing!

Christian and Henry at our neighbour’s camp where we spent Father’s Day

Relaxing on Lake Minnitaki

Henry was really into Blake’s beer

Brooks with cherry juice everywhere!

Christian and I

John and Nicole’s camp – a piece of paradise!

When Blake and I found out that we were pregnant, we vowed that no matter what happened, we would do our best to continue to pursue our current lifestyle (with some modifications, of course!). Our biggest fear was that we would stop doing the things that we loved to do, like skiing, camping, canoeing, traveling, etc. Both Blake and I very much enjoy being active, being outside and pushing ourselves outside of what is ‘comfortable’. The activities that we are passionate about independently, are also what have brought Blake and I together as a couple and continue to be an important part of our relationship.

Since Henry has been born, we have travelled across the country and have gone North to live for a week at a time in a fly-in First Nations community. These adventures have not been without challenges, hilarity and frustrations, however, they have already brought our family closer together and have reinforced our hope to continue to embark on journeys that other families might have significant reservations about!

Our most recent trip North to Neskantaga First Nation was definitely a challenging one. With swarms of mosquitos and black flies as thick as storm clouds, cool weather and lots of rain, our ability to get out and about in the community was really limited. My working days when we are North are long but also very rewarding. It’s one of my favourite parts of my job. I love having continuity with patients and hearing about people’s lives and their stories. Unfortunately, in part due to EXTREMELY slow internet, I am often in my office from 8am-5pm, then from 7pm-10 or 11pm charting, writing consult letters or following up on test results. The long days make it difficult for all of us, as I am not able to help out much with Henry. It is also challenging for Blake and Henry to be stuck in the little apartment at the back of the nursing station when the weather and bugs make it literally impossible to get outside. Despite this, Blake has been incredibly patient and very resilient. As always, he makes the best of the situation and keeps himself and Henry occupied by chatting with community members and getting out when they can. I am so very grateful to Blake for supporting me and enabling me to provide care in this community.

Waking Henry up bright and early to catch our first flight from Sioux Lookout to Thunder Bay

En route to Thunder Bay to meet Blake

Father and son reading material 🙂

Henry’s first flight in a very tiny plane!

Neskantaga (formerly known as Lansdowne House) is a community of about 250 people perched on the shores of the great Atiwapiskat Lake. Our first glimpse of the community came on our descent towards the gravel runway that beings and ends at the water’s edge. A landing not for the faint of heart. Thankfully Henry adores turbulence and laughs as he is bounced around on the tiny aircraft. I, on the other hand, usually have my eyes tightly shut and am concentrating hard on not losing my breakfast. All northern airports look identical. Corrugated steel buildings, singular rows of chairs, a desk where the ‘agent’ sits to board passengers. In reality, getting onto a flight out of the community involves as little as the pilot yelling, ‘Anyone going to Thunder Bay?’ and people piling on at random onto the plane!

The airport in Neskantaga

Within minutes of our arrival to Neskantaga, acres of black spruce and bogland flash by on our dusty ride from the airport to the nursing station. Jason Derulo blasts from the pick-up trucks speakers, contrasting the very easy going, silent medical driver who is definitely a man of very few words. Once arrived at the nursing station, Henry, Blake and I drop off our bags at our apartment – a small two bedroom abode attached to the back of the nursing station. Our luggage, which includes a tupperware bin full of baby gear including Henry’s portable high chair, as well as a large cardboard box crammed full of frozen meals for our weeks stay gets piled by the door as we quickly settle into our new digs. Henry goes for a nap while I head to the clinic. The days go by quickly for me and slowly for Blake as he discovers the world of satellite TV, bound to the apartment while Henry snoozes. Our outings consist of walks around the community which is carved into the land in the shape of two semi-circles. Henry and Blake do their rounds multiples times during the day, while I attempt to join them as much as possible in the evenings.

Henry visiting me at work

The nursing station and community centre in the background

Our apartment at the back of the nursing station, Band Office in the background

My office – I took this picture to show the many many dead mosquitos that lay in a mosquito graveyard at my feet

Having a baby on your back or in your arms is an open invitation for conversation. I am so grateful that Henry has been with us for our trips North. Without hesitation, people are quick to say hello, ask us about Henry, coo at him, hold him and bounce him. Children touch his cheeks and hair. As a physician, it has really changed the way I feel that I am perceived. Less like ‘just the next white doctor’ and more like a person with a family, with a life and stories of my own.

A visit to ‘old Lansdowne House’ – the now abandoned church and yard

Ice in May!

Blake and Henry picking up garbage in the community

Still lots of snow and ice in May

Without a doubt, Thursday evenings and Friday mornings are my two favourite times during our week in Neskantaga. Just after 9pm on Thursday nights, while I work away at my desk, I hear the doorbell of the nursing station ring. Soon, I hear growing chatter, the voices of women clucking away. Laughter erupts continuously all night, until well after 11pm. These ladies are the Thursday Night Sewing Group. From young to old, they sit around a table in the nursing station community room patiently sewing intricate bundles for new babies, bug bonnets for their small ones, and beautifully beaded moccasins. Every Thursday, I rush to try to finish my charting in time to join them. I am desperate to learn how to embroider as they do. On our recent visit, one of the ladies from the group presented me with the most darling bug bonnet for Henry. Hand embroidered with his nickname, ‘Hank’, the bonnet’s lace frames his perfect face. It is a beautiful gift and I am incredibly thankful that our family has been welcomed so.

Henry with Gloria, the very talented community health representative

Henry in his bonnet

On Friday mornings, at the end of our week, we gather for breakfast together in the community room. A spread of eggs, bacon, click, toast and donuts fills the bellies of all of the nursing station and band office staff,  patients and whoever else might be around. Henry bounces in an exersaucer while the ladies coo, clap and laugh with him. We chat over coffee and talk about the weather, fishing, upcoming events and how the week went. It is a wonderful way to end our stay.

Gloria & Henry at Friday breakfast

Then, Henry and Blake head out on the early flight back to Thunder Bay and go grocery shopping in the big city while I continue to work. We meet in the late afternoon before beginning the long drive back home to Sioux Lookout. Ada greets us with a furiously wagging tail and we are finally home, until we do it all over again in a month!

Ice on the lakes

Henry loving the flight from Thunder Bay to Neskantaga

A pit stop in Fort Hope

Future pilot?

Waiting at the Fort Hope airport

Henry’s 360. Blake tells me he now can do a 540. I shudder at the thought.

Adrenaline junkie baby

During my residency, I have been so fortunate to have made connections with communities in rural Canada. Tomorrow, we set out to reconnect with old friends in Haida Gwaii – a hidden gem on the West Coast where Blake and I spent four months in the town of Masset. This adventure involves many plane rides, 10-hour ferry rides and camping! I’ve never slept in a tent with a baby, nor have I had to deal with bottles while roughing it. I’ll keep you posted on how we fare 🙂

Much love!