• Wait, I'm confused. The Harper Government has been found in contempt of The Harper Government? #cdnpoli #
• Actually, being in contempt of Parliament shows what I've been saying all along: the Harper Cons are in contempt of the Cdn public #cdnpoli #
• MT @Craig_F: No Westminster model Parliament in the commonwealth has been found in contempt, before today #cdnpoli #harpergoverment #
• The @InfoAlerteBot cracks me up. #cdnpoli #
• The increased driver distraction due to a rampaging 2 yr old in a rear facing car seat sounds more dangerous than front-facing! @shiral #otc #
• Seriously. Both our kids absolutely hated the rear-facing configuration. A screaming, thrashing kid seems a way more dangerous situation. #
• Ha! And now the geocaching bots kick in. Hi @GeoTicker! Where's your friend @gcbot? #
• Check out Yoyomama where we drop some links to #geocaching with kids including @seanfunk, @buzzbishop, @geocaching101 http://bit.ly/fJXqjq #
• Four, count'em, *4* different detours off the Off-Broadway bike route this morning. It's now the Off-Off-Broadway route #bikeyvr #
• Disgusting. The Harper Cons actually have a manual on how to disrupt parliamentary committees. Disrespect EVERYWHERE. http://bit.ly/gEs8yL #
• Doesn't seem the Liberals were much better. When will somebody get serious about Parliamentary reform? Please? #cdnpoli #
• This can't be correct. RT @ericmargolis: Gallup/Ipsos poll finds 58% of Canadians but only 16% of Americans believe in evolution. #
• In this day + age, how accurate is polling, particularly telephone polling? Who answers pollsters' calls, and is that group representative? #
• Today's coding tunes: LSO playing Holst's "The Planets". Fun fact: Holst didn't write anything for Pluto. In the end, he was right! #
• Wondering just what the heck is going on in federal politics this week? See http://bit.ly/eN95lj for the synopsis (via @sidschubes) #cdnpoli #
• Paywall? What paywall? #NYT http://bit.ly/gAkMQS #
• $150M in #bdgt11 to build hwy from Inuvik (pop 3,500) to Tuktoyaktuk (pop 900) in the NWT. Seriously? #RoadToNoWhere #
• I guess, if the gov't was interested in using Tuk as an Arctic port, or as a coast guard/navy outpost, but don't think its harbour is deep? #
• On the other hand, sounds like @jacklayton + NDP won't support the Cons' #bdgt11 I would rather they brought them down over ethics, tho'. #
• The budget will not pass. Why is anybody bothering to talk about it? #cdnpoli #bdgt11 #
• .@Nicole013 My prediction is no substantial change. My hope is rather different. #cdnpoli #elxn41 #
• RT @courosa If ur a Canadian father w/ child b/w 2-6 yrs , pls help my colleague w/ his research via this 15min survey http://svy.mk/idoBG1 #
• The poo-flinging has begun already + we don't officially have #elxn41 #cdnpoli Already tired of the ConBots telling us elxn is unnecessary. #
• Very un-PC of me, but I cannot believe the charity that an upcoming #YVR SM event is supporting. Surely there are more imp issues to addx? #
• Not engaging in this debate. 1) Personally regard "beauty industry" as vile. 2) Think there are many good charities in YVR. … 1/2 #
• I do not doubt the charity involved achieves good results, improves lives. Given my personal beliefs, is not my charity of choice. 2/2 #
• RT @suzannelittle: Please welcome @raffi_RC to twitter #saltspring WOOT (via @raincoaster, @rocksaltcafe) #
• The Grouse Grind is under full winter closure. North Shore Search + Rescue is heading up trail to rescue ppl in sneakers who ignored signs. #
• I really hope they get handed a bill for the cost of the rescue and an additional fine for stupidity and lack of common sense. #
• Interesting, live i-view on CBC Radio right now about #cdnpoli #elxn41. Thx to Twitter, I seem to know more about what will happen than xprt #
• Eg, xprt didn't know budget wasn't debated at all today, can't have budget-related vote until after Friday. Gov't will fall Fri, non-conf #
• Today's Grouse Grind rescuees were German tourists who knew they were out of bounds. Apparently 3rd rescue this WEEK (via @News1130radio) #
• While lamenting the cats' inability to open the can + feed themselves, I came to realization that it's the only reason they keep us around #
• Trying to find information on VSB seismic upgrade, but *all* the links on @VSB39's seismic information page http://bit.ly/faQmqN are broken! #
• Hey media-types: The BC's govt's school seismic upgrade report http://bit.ly/heOuqz says all "High risk" schools complete/started/soon 1/2 #
• But list they give doesn't match the assessment list: http://bit.ly/gaq8jJ ! In particular, my kid's school is rated "High", no action 2/2 #
• .@pattibacchus @VSB39 Why does the BC Gov't seismic upgrade progress report (saying all high-risk started/soon) not incl Tennyson? #
• How many other schools, ranked at high risk of damage in an earthquake, have "fallen off" the BC Gov't list? #
• In fact, there were 293 schools ranked at "high" risk in the event of a BC earthquake in 2004. BC Gov't says "all" high-risk is 121 now. #
• Did I miss a reassessment, or is this a case where "high risk" doesn't actually mean "high risk". Good game to be playing w/ kids' safety. #
• I have never seen a mess of broken links as the VSB web site. The level of sheer incompetence is astounding. #
• If you get PAID to maintain a web site, I would think your first priority after "Is it visible?" would be "Do the links work?" #
• And, no, I'm not at work. At home. Sick. Grumpy. #
• Incompetence Over Evil: CDN politicians have long way to go to win back CDN public. Blog by @davemacdonald http://bit.ly/flvVKW #cdnpoli #
• Ugh. I'm sure #sworcery is fun and all, but another term has been added to my global filter. "Games" that pollute my stream are annoying++ #
• American Idol. W.T.F.!? Voters? Suck. Stupid. Crazy. #
• In a few hours, our eldest will be 6 yrs old. Wow. But for now, bed. #
• We are now the proud parents of a six year old. Happy Birthday Aidan! http://bit.ly/hCbGAU #
• RT @somecanuckchick: John Baird just said that "the opposition has used the tyranny of majority" against the Canadian government… #cdnpoli #
• How much contempt do the Conservatives have for the Canadian people, and Parliament? "Tyranny of the majority" sums it up entirely #cdnpoli #
• John Baird's inflammatory and ignorant rhetoric is emblematic of what ails Parliament these days. What ever happened to decorum? #cdnpoli #
• The Speaker of the HOC had no idea what riding Hedy Fry represented (mine, Vancouver-Centre). I guess she doesn't stand much, huh? #cdnpoli #
• .@AlphaDrake Certainly not. But Dr. Fry has been in this seat for 18 yrs. The speaker has been Speaker for 9. I'd expect *some* familiarity! #
• My CPAC feed died again. Does anybody have a good link? Or an audio-only link? #cdnpoli #
• I'm enjoying @GillesDuceppe's speech. Not sure which word he used in French, but it translated to "recidivists" several times. #cdnpoli #
• The "wait for it!" music on CPAC is so calming. Quite a juxtaposition to what is about to happen. #cdnpoli #
• The Harper Government … uh, I mean, the Canadian Government … has fallen. But will anything change? #cdnpoli #contempt #
• With Parliament dissolved tomorrow, who controls Canada's short-term foreign policy, vis-a-vis Libya, Afghanistan, etc? #cdnpoli #
• Budget? Why is he talking about the budget? He was defeated on charges of Contempt of Parliament. That just shows more contempt. #cdnpoli #
• Well, @M_Ignatieff's response was clear, but clearly not answering the questions put to him. #cdnpoli #
• Not cool, Twitter. We were reveling in democracy here. #cdnpoli #failwhale #
• MT @loxyisme: If any party promises to give me STV, I'm theirs. [DITTO #cdnpoli #bcpoli] #
• Heading to the Bon Jovi concert thx to tix from @News1130radio! #
• Shit. Should have checked the frigging date. Tix are for tomorrow night but we were told they were for tonight. Shit. #
• Ok, thanks to the nice ticket resellers we got in on a straight exchange. W00t! #
• Ryan Star opening for Bon Jovi in Vancouver http://campl.us/Lhw #
• Jon's hair hasn't changed in 20 yrs. Maybe it's a wig? http://campl.us/Lip #
• Wow, that was an awesome, high energy show. #bonjovi Thanks for the tix @news1130radio! #
• RT @somecanuckchick: .@M_Ignatieff says, "This is a commitment to the Canadian people — I rule out a coalition government." #cdnpoli #elxn4 #
• And with that, Michael Igantieff sentences us to another Parliamentary session exactly like the last. Suck it up and do something smart, pls #
• Which politicians think most like you? Find out with Vote Compass: http://www.votecompass.ca. #votecompass #cdnpoli http://t.co/tDxhM8v #
• Confused. Seeing lots of Twitter chat abt how PMSH is now just candidate, ridings vacated, etc. Who sets foreign policy right now? #cdnpoli #
• .@InDistans Thanks, that's the best explanation I've heard. Although the idea of *secret* gov't rules about governing the country bothers me #
• This is what happens when we go for a "bike ride@ @ Second Beach http://instagr.am/p/CkMpn/ #
• Our cool ride. If you see us on the seawall today, say hi! http://campl.us/LBx #
• Incredibly there are *two* playgrounds at Second Beach @ Stanley Park http://instagr.am/p/CkOBU/ #
• Dear media: The #CPC fear-mongering over "coalition" is happening NOW b/c you're talking about it instead of Contempt of Parliament #cdnpoli #
• The degree to which the #CPC controls the messaging in the media for past 5 yrs is astonishing. Other parties forced to REACT #cdnpoli #
• What would happen if other parties just ignored the #CPC messaging? What if they were proactive about their own issues & platform? #cdnpoli #
• Geocaching at Brae Island Regional Park near Ft Langley http://campl.us/LZj #
• Pretty good day out on McMillan Island in Langley today. Took the bikes and picked up 10 geocaches! Aidan rode his 2-wheeler the whole time! #
• RT @buzzbishop: why @tonyclementcpc changed his twitter handle and why @pmharper doesnt have to http://is.gd/uYzqqo #elxn41 #cdnpoli #

Six years ago I remember getting a game for Anthony and some chocolate for the both of us to make the most of our last free weekend. When my water broke that evening I knew that perhaps my plans for a quiet Easter weekend were not going to happen. That 24th March evening was a little uncomfortable, and while he had decided to come early, Aidan wasn’t really in a total hurry.

***

Aidan coming home from the hospital 6 years ago.

Aidan you are still like that, you do things in your own time. You are an incredibly curious boy, and I love the questions that you come up with. Your father and I are always challenged to find ways to answer your questions so that you understand, because you ask such complex questions. I love your use of language and vocabulary. You constantly amaze me with the things you say.

The Week Before Aidan Turned 5

Aidan I love that you have found your niche in theatre this year. Your acting skills have improved so much over the last year and your comedic timing is beautiful. You make your Dad and I laugh out loud. I think you are made for entertainment and I hope you continue to enjoy acting.

Aidan, I love that you are so willing to try new things and work to improve your skills. This year you have conquered your fear of putting your head in the water and you are well on your way to becoming a fish. You also wanted to try skiing and had a great time learning. I can’t wait to try again with you soon. You also are getting much better at skating. I love that you are so willing to learn to fall and you are getting much better. By this time next year you will be skating circles around me.

Aidan now.

This year you have gone from reading only books with pictures to reading small novels and now Harry Potter and some really cool books on whatever you want to learn. This has fueled you imagination and I love to watch you play wizards, or whatever comes to your mind.

Aidan, I love that you have so many inventions and plans for the future. The Aidan Company will be a great success. I love hearing about everything you think that the Aidan Company will do in the future. I love that you want to take care of your parents when you grow up.

Aidan I love how much you care about other people. You are mostly very sweet to your brother and there are times when you are the best brother in the whole world. I love that you think about things that make other people uncomfortable and want to figure out how to fix things for them. I love that are not afraid to ask about death and how babies are made even though I find it hard to know what to tell you.

Aidan, I am so glad that you are mine, or should I say, Aidan I am so glad that I am yours. I love you baby boy, Happy Birthday! I can not believe you are 6!

• It's pi day! #
• The EQ preparedness guidelines tell us to keep 12 l of water per person, plus water for pets. Where am I supposed to put 50+ litres of H2O!? #
• Aidan got a kick out of watching the video of his Imagination Station's class performance from last nt. Link available for friends & family. #
• .@alexishinde It was 4 litres per day per person for 3 days as recommended by the BC emerg prep program. http://is.gd/lOaOTp 4x4x3=48 litres #
• Did @WCBADoctorBrian just quote Spiderman!? @CBCStephenQuinn #otc "With great power comes great responsibility" #
• Curious about the Japanese reactor situation and want to avoid the WOO-factor from MSM? Check it out: http://bit.ly/eU3t32 #
• And @BadAstronomer also has a great easy-to-read look at the nuclear reactor situation in Japan. @raincoaster @IanAMartin @reneestephen #
• Ppl have same irrational fear of nuclear reactors as about dying in airplane crashes. In both cases, they are much safer than alternatives! #
• Spent the evening editing Aidan's video review of Munscha Mia. 3.5 hours' effort for 6 minutes of video. Now rendering, rendering… #
• Aidan's at it again. This time, he reviews @CarouselTheatre's Munscha Mia: http://youtu.be/Vj53m9MlnDk (it was a busy theatre weekend!) #
• Less scare-mongering, more educated perspective on the Japanese nuclear reactors: http://www.anengineerindc.com/ #dontpanic #
• The situation at the nuclear reactors in Japan is serious, for sure, but MSM is contributing to developing panic + hysteria. Irresponsible!! #
• In a further ex of poor media skills, BC's Chief Med Officer on #cbc says nice calm, reassuring things then ruins it w/ 1 in M possiblities #
• .@smuttysteff This blog: http://www.anengineerindc.com/ is really quite calm, rational, and clear (I think) for non-nuclear engineer types #
• The coolest thing you'll see today, perhaps this week, maybe this month: http://1.usa.gov/dZcr8u #apod #space #saturn #video #
• RT @bobmackin: Just interviewed B.C.'s top doc Kendall. No [nuke contam] risk or likely risk. Better to build a 72hr EQ emergency kit. #
• The Union of Concerned Scientists has been used a lot as "expert authority" on Japanese nuke problem. Credibility? Low: http://bit.ly/hVpF7a #
• In particular, CBC has been giving them a lot of airtime. What happened to a balanced approach to reporting? Why give voices to the fringe? #
• I've collected some of the links I've Tweeted about the Japanese nuclear reactor situation into a blog post: http://bit.ly/gzGws0 #
• Some of the links I've Tweeted about the Japanese nuclear reactor situation collected into a blog post: http://bit.ly/gzGws0 #
• Mea culpa: there is clear + non-alarmist MSM local coverage of Japanese nuke situation http://j.mp/g7twc8 http://j.mp/fkQ4Tr (via @lisasj) #
• I updated my nuclear reactor post to include links to @lisasj's TV spots and an MIT article http://bit.ly/gzGws0 #
• Someone has left a baby in a car parked in front of the Sbux here. 3 construction workers passing by are MAD. RCMP called. #
• Guy comes out of Sbux, gets told off by construction worker. Kid looks about 18 months. 2 RCMP cruisers show up, giving guy talking to. #
• The power of Twitter: rather than watch Survivor DVR'd, we're going to watch live b/c @JeffProbst is live tweeting it. #
• Stay Calm, Be Brave, Wait for the Signs #
• Changed two more clocks tonight. This DST transition is not occurring smoothly. #
• What's it like being a Canadian uni student in Kyoto right now? Read Sarah Marchildon: http://bit.ly/eLNKVa #
• Some clever being has stenciled "A Hill With A Bike On It Stands A Little Taller" on the University Blvd bike lane, near the crest of a hill #
• It wasn't particularly motivational. #BikeLaneGraffiti #
• Please welcome Vancouver YA author (and Canadian TV phenom) @susinnielsen to the Twitterverse! #
• Who insures the insurance companies? #ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmm #
• Wow. @WINDmobile bought by Russian company VimpelCom http://bit.ly/dWEsw1 I wonder what @TonyClement_MP will have to say about this… #
• When did Stephen Hawking join the Black Eyed Peas? #DeathToAutotune And what did they do to Fergie? #idol #
• The ongoing misinformation, exaggeration, and fear-mongering even gets to those who try to provide clarity http://bit.ly/fEo9gp #
• Punk-ass hipster riding bike down 10th Ave, left arm fully extended, business end of u-lock aimed at oncoming. Didn't look like @gregeh #yvr #
• Acoustic Irish punk song about #geocaching Yes please: http://bit.ly/fGbV6A (via @kjwx and the http://www.notaboutthenumbers.com blog) #
• Acoustic Irish punk (@strtrs) song about #geocaching Yes please: http://bit.ly/fGbV6A (via @kjwx + http://www.notaboutthenumbers.com blog) #
• Both kids up, dressed, and fed by 7:30! #winning #
• Youtube is promoting the "1st Major Motion Picture Made for the Internet On Youtube". Only, it's geo-locked + N/A to Canada. Internet=USA!? #
• RT @APStylebook: Language evolves. Today we change AP style from e-mail to email, no hyphen. #
• Really people? "Supermoon"? NO. The moon is 2% closer. You won't notice. http://bit.ly/hVO1hc #MisinformationSociety #
• Due to intense pressure, I feel compelled to say that you should visit Sutton Place Wine Merchants tmrrw to taste @Blackcloudwine 4:30-6:30 #
• The internet makes everything better. That awful Friday video? Matt Mulholland makes it better http://youtu.be/hxleH60hDJY #
• The internet makes everything better. That awful Friday video? @matt_mulholland makes it better http://youtu.be/hxleH60hDJY #
• Gun-shy: 2 phone msgs within 30 mins fr 2 diff numbers of family on East Coast. All is ok, just a coincidence, but got heart pounding a bit. #
• I need some libraries from MS Visual Studio *2005*. Yes, that version specifically. Anybody have a copy they want to sell? #longshot #
• I'm making a note here. Huge success. #
• Cons now attacking Ignatieff by attacking his great grandpa. Tell me that these personal attacks aren't causing division in #CPC #cdnpoli #
• Seriously. We need an agreed-upon non-royalty encumbered sarcmark. #
• It seems like the #CPC just keeps looking for more exotic ways to piss off the left … then laugh when their poll numbers bounce #cdnpoli #
• Q required emergency raspberry infusion this morning. He's almost human now. #WokeTooEarly #
• Video of Sendai earthquake in Tokyo Central Park, several hundred km's away: http://youtu.be/b2f2Nw3j2fE Note that's it's _not_ liquefaction #
• French warplanes destroyed 4 Libyan tanks today. We they *flying* tanks? I thought it was a no FLY zone!? #
• Glad I didn't take Q sledding today at the bday party Aidan's at right now. Q's rounding hour 3 of an epic nap. #dontwakesleepingbabies #
• Oh noes! RADIATION http://xkcd.com/radiation/ #
• Q: Why's it so quiet upstairs? (checks) A: Apparently we left a bag full of Wine Gums out #WiredStartToTheDay #
• Tweet-a-friend: 5 kids. 5 adults. Can't find @_CanadianBacon_'s Burnaby Lake Blue Sky cache. Help? #geocaching #
• Success! Found after encouragement from @geodug. Thanks Doug! http://campl.us/JGa #
• Kids ran out of energy, had to call it a day. #geocaching Thanks for the company @VickiWoodward @SlvrLambStudios @Seanfunk @LeftCoastMama #
• Poor, poor armadillo. The moral of the story seems to be someone *always* gets left out. #ButNotTheHippopotamus #
• M-O-O-N spells bed. #

On the weekend, Aidan and I went to see Carousel Theatre’s musical “Munscha Mia”. Aidan has started doing video reviews of the plays he sees, so here’s his review of “Munscha Mia” for you to enjoy.

You can also see his review of Bird Brain.