Affirmation

12.30.2011

Funny thing about being mid-thirties...
I have a pretty good knowledge of exactly who I am...
So, when going through my photos to start compiling my December Daily today, I was not all that shocked to see many of what I term the "Christmas bokeh" shot. Let's just say this little thing totally reaffirmed that I know myself well...and that I have a eensy-weensy addiction to the "Christmas bokeh".

December Daily

12.21.2011

So by now you know me. You know I love the idea of projects, but seem to neglect actually completing them...
I've been doing a pretty terrible job of my December Daily...mostly due to the fact that I didn't set up anything before December began...and all of a sudden it is almost over! But I have been trying to pick up my camera a bit more this month, so I'm actually ok with it. (Yay! Go me & my new lower expectations!)
This was one of my captures today.

Today, I want to remember:

- having S "help" me wrap the remaining presents (read - tear paper and chew on bows)

- having S "talk" away to me as I snapped this pic, hence his funny facial expression

- how stinking cute I think these jammies are

- the time just the two of us spent on the floor in front of the xmas tree, playing, giggling, cuddling & listening to xmas carols...the most relaxed I've felt since being home from BC!

- to adjust my camera settings (keep bumping up the ISO for the evening/nighttime pics and forgetting to put it back down again in better light...grrr!)

- some is better than none! (in regards to recording/capturing memories)

December is just going WAY too fast around here!

Hope you are all enjoying the season :)



Poor Boy!

12.10.2011

A day of sewing and trying to catch up on the to-do list...it ended up being a bit of an exercise in futility if I'm completely honest. But that is another story for another day.

I was attempting to help a friend with some digital files (I couldn't figure it out myself so had to google a tutorial...I can not imagine a world without google!).

This is the file that I was playing with, and I thought I would include it here as poor ol' Oscar gets a bit "neglected" here on the blog.

He is chilling out on B's bed just as my hubby was putting B to bed (they were cleaning up the massive block spill located immediately next to bed)....with his Christmas toy. He managed to riffle through all the shopping bags that we brought home that day and found his toy, helped himself, and carried it around with him all evening. He totally saw me going to snap the picture, and I'm sure he put on his very best "feel sorry for me" face just for the camera. We're glad you like your toy, O-man!

Reminiscent

11.29.2011

I just freakin' LOVE mountains.

This is the view "from the road" somewhere between Fort Macleod and Pincher Creek, AB.
I remember when this was my view every day on the way home from work.
Have I said yet that I LOVE mountains?
LOVE.
So glad I was the geek with the camera shooting through the windshield as we drove by...love the contrast of the season in this part of the world...the warm golden browns of the dry, windy Southern Alberta foothills with the cool blue, snowy mountains on the horizon.
LOVE.
Miss this view.

Winter!

11.21.2011

Ever since Grandma taught you that snow = wintertime (you love to go to the window or door when a new snowfall has happened and exclaim "Yook! Snow! Its winteh-time!") you've been pretty big on all things winter.

Wearing new snowboots while naked around the house (that you've put on yourself)? Check.

Wearing dad's big fuzzy touque? Check.

Drinking hot "coffee"? Check. (we make believe...we give you juice, water or milk in a coffee mug...you love it)

Playing, shovelling, and eating snow? Check.

And today...putting on your skipants all by yourself.

I heard you saying "Where are you toes?" and when I came around the corner, there you were trying to get the darn things on. You told me your toes were stuck, so I helped you just a little bit before you shooed my hand away and told me "Bendett do it self". You got them on, pulled them up and zipped them up all by yourself and promptly marched over to the door to put on your boots too. You don't love wearing your own touque, so you proclaimed "Hat!" instead. So that is how you hung out for a few minutes (until you decided you were too hot).

I love the enthusiasm and excitement that being two brings to the everyday.
I love how determined you are and how you've found this new sense of independence.
I love that you decided to stay (semi) still and say cheese for just the amount of time it took to snap one picture...I've definitely got to work on getting you in focus more quickly these days!
I love how most days the preferred "outfit" is no outfit at all (except diaper), followed closely by pj's.
I love how you are embracing the change in season :)
I love you!

Monkeys

10.31.2011

Happy Halloween!

We are super unorganized around here for some reason this year...we still have to decorate for Halloween, carve pumpkins, bake our Halloween cupcakes...and the list goes on (yes, I do realize it is already Halloween day).

I've been talking this day up to the 2 yr old for quite some time...he is not really buying into this whole dress up idea...so first thing this morning I talked him into trying on his costume. It lasted 5 minutes and that might be the beginning and end of our 2011 Halloween (although he loves candy so there may be a chance of coercing him back in costume with the promise of treats). And the baby...well he is not all that interested in monkeying around either.

So here is proof that Halloween 2011 did happen around here, even if only for 5 minutes!

Just the Four of Us

10.30.2011

We are back from an awesome weekend get-away.
It was just a great time doing ordinary things.
Like taking a trip with all four of us in the same vehicle, at the same time.
Going swimming, just the four of us.
Watching B go down the waterslides with his dad and love it. Such a big grin.
Listening to B call for his daddy (and not his mommy)...
Getting all dolled up, all four of us, to head out and celebrate with family.
Watching cousins scamper and play, and dance and play, and giggle and laugh and play some more.
Great conversations with family and friends. Good food.
Amazing atmosphere (my hubby's stepmom & stepsis could seriously be professional wedding planners - what incredible attention to detail!).
All of this and I didn't take a single picture...
Guess I was too busy enjoying just the four of us time, 'cause it happens so rarely these days.
We had a great weekend & hope you did, too!

...and because a post is always better with a picture, here are some snapped exactly one month ago :)

Chunk-a-burnin' Love

10.26.2011

Oh my little soybean...


You are just a chunk!
I love our Wednesdays when we get to hang out one on one...
I love your pudgey little rolls and your big toothless grins and your bright eyes that sparkle so...
I think you are getting cuter by the day.
I love to hug you and cuddle you and kiss you and bury my face in your neck.
I love to make you smile and giggle.
You bring me so much joy and I'm so glad I'm your Momma.
Thanks for rocking your little mini-shoot today to celebrate the fact that you are sitting all by yourself (sorry it has taken me so long to actually take the time to snap some pics).
Love you, buddy.
xoxo Mom

(and one final pic in colour to show your baby blues, orange-tinted hair & your constant squirminess)

Two

10.23.2011

Love these two.

Don't love how frustrating it is to try and get a picture of both of them together at this stage...but after a bit of editing this one may work as a keeper! Yay and a big thank goodness for technology :)

Outakes

10.23.2011

What terrific sunshine today :)
I was a bit under the weather (finally succumbed to the cold that the rest of the family has) and didn't get outside much to enjoy the sun, but didn't want the day to go totally to waste. So, I decided to attempt xmas card photos of the boys(for the umpteenth time) as I'm feeling like the nice days are definitely getting fewer and farther between. Let me tell you...that 2 yr old of mine wants nothing to do with having his picture taken. From the "deer in the headlights stare straight up to the sky, freeze body in weird position" to the "look anywhere but at mom with the camera stare" to the "I can't be still for greater than .5 seconds kiss & run"...let's just say it could get a little frustrating if you were taking this seriously.

Thought I would entertain you with some of the outakes from the day:

I love that little bro is just sitting/lying there at all times as he is "supposed" to be doing...and his expression sort of says - what the heck are you doing, brother? Get it together!

A thousand tears...

10.21.2011

I have started this post multiple times.
I have even saved a few drafts.
But I haven't been able to adequately express in words what is in my heart and in my mind.

I have shed thousands of tears this week.
A tiny but bright little light was extinguished, and I mourn her loss and grieve for her loved ones who will so desperately miss her every day of their lives.
I can't think of anything that will diminish their pain, but how I desperately wish I could.

I have been profoundly affected, yet I feel so selfish for feeling this. This was not my loss. 
My little lights are still mine.
But yet...

I feel prompted to live a better life.

I've always felt it, at least to some extent, tucked away in some corner of my heart.
My life philosophy:
No regrets.
Live with intention.
Live. Love. Laugh.

But I need to make more of an effort to live this philosophy, not just leave it tucked into a corner. Tucked away is not enough.

Life is so uncertain.

So short.
So unfair sometimes.

A thousand tears are not enough.
Nothing will ever be enough to replace that little light that was taken.

But living our lives to the best of our abilities each day is a step in the right direction.
I hope that effort in some way honours her memory.

Please...
to all that read this -
make the same effort.

Love. Cherish.
Make every day count.
Carpe diem.

Hugs xoxo

10.17.2011

Just hug those you love with all your might.
Love with all your heart.

Please keep, in your thoughts and prayers, our friends that would give anything to hug their little girl again.

About as good as it gets...

10.17.2011

Well, attempt #2 at a "Christmas card worthy" photo. Just to be clear, I categorize that as any picture with both boys looking at camera, semi in focus, not in pj's/naked/diaper (ie: actually clothed)...
BUT:
This is about as good as it gets...one boy stalling just long enough in the bawlfest to glare down the camera mom with the camera while other boy literally runs circles around first boy (cause that is for sure exactly what "come sit by your brother and smile" looks like).

I had a real vision for this session...but I guess that vision will just have to percolate in my mind a bit longer as it is not going to come to fruition...not with these boys.

Yup, we are totally a 3-ring circus. That's just the way we roll.

And at the end of it all, what is the point in getting frustrated.  Might as well just laugh it off 'cause I love these little men with all my heart and life would be quite boring without them.

So...this just may make the Christmas card after all!

Thankful

10.10.2011

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving...

The boys & I headed to "the farm" aka "Gamma & Gampa's" for some r & r, good food & family time.

We had such a good time.
Spending time with family is like a little mini vacation for this momma as the more people around to be entertained by 2 yr old, the better behaved said 2 yr old becomes.
There is so much that I love about spending time on the farm...but the best part I just don't know how to put into words.
The farm...it is just part of who I am. It has shaped who I have become in a most fundamental way. I feel all rosy and gold and warm and proud and content. I love sharing it with my boys and I am so thankful that they get to experience the farm, even if it is only in small snippets.

This weekend was filled with trips to the field to move machinery, checking pastures, feeding cows, tractor rides, quad rides, being silly, movie watching, puppy training, bird watching, being goofy, lots of hugs, kisses, giggles & belly laughs, friends, good food, pretty sights and quality family hang-out time. It is just what I needed, just what my two little men needed.

So many memories made.
So much to be thankful for.

(Oh, and by the way "boys feed cows" - as stated by my 2 yr. old.
Hey 2 yr. old! Girls feed cows, too...just so you know.)

Here are some glimpses into the weekend...

- late crops...waiting to be harvested or baled for green feed

- B helping Grandpa move the swather

- pretty fall colours

- watching the geese

- being an imp

- eating "popcorn" fresh off the cob

- skies of all shades

- checking cows, learning how to call "cuboss"

- riding in the "twuck" with Grandpa & Pepe checking pastures

- five of the people I love most in the world, all in one shot!

- giving ol' 3J some love...what a wild gal!

- a good momma with her babes

Today Is Important

10.03.2011

Firstly - I apologize.
I am about 759 blog posts behind...(well not quite that many but you get the point).
I've been struggling a bit with the ol' photo-taking mojo and thus have not had my heart into editing (I usually at least web resize & sharpen all my blog pics) so I have words down for several posts but haven't yet added photos.  They're coming, I promise...just like Christmas.

Life seems to be absolute nuts.
I think it has something to do with having a capital B busy 2 yr. old in the house and an almost 6 month old who lately thinks sleep is highly overrated and an absentee husband...but this momma is struggling to find her "balance" right now.  Have no fear, I know I'll find it, but I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed on a more consistent basis than I ever have before. It is not a feeling I am comfortable or familiar with, nor a feeling I want to stick around for long...so I'm busy re-prioritizing and unfortunately what is getting tossed is what I consider "me time"...the time I take to play around with photos/computer etc.
Thanks for understanding.
But I digress...

The whole reason I'm writing this post is two-fold...to remind you all (and myself) how stinking fabulous and amazing everyday, ordinary, crazy life is and to remember this specific moment.

I'll set the scene...
So - baby had just gone down for a little nap.  Toddler was busy (toddler is almost always busy). Momma was tired and wanted just 5 minutes of deep breathing and "relax" time. So - momma grabbed her book, and told toddler to grab his book, and said "let's just read our books for 5 minutes, buddy"...to which toddler replied "be back" (with an intense eyelock). Toddler comes back with a Clive Cussler novel and announces "Bennett's book" (with accompanying belly tap - love how he does this lately when talking about himself...guess its just in case there is any confusion who Bennett is, lol). Toddler climbs up on couch beside momma and goes about opening the book and reading it out loud (but under his breath) to himself. He was totally serious & totally into it. I love how much he loves books right now (and hope it lasts & lasts). I love how much he is such a copycat right now. I love how clever he is. I love how sweet he is (when not in meltdown or whine mode that is). I just loved this moment and wanted to remember it.

So thanks, buddy, for reminding me that even though life seems crazy, and lots of days seem to drift by lately with nothing getting "accomplished", that each and every day (and each moment) is important.

That every day is a gift.

And to you all out there in blogland...I'll be back...it just might take me awhile :)

Scrunchy

Around here, we call this the "scrunchy face".
This face means this little man is in a great mood.
We love the scrunchy face (and accompanying snorts)...

One month to go...an update!

09.10.2011

So we are down to mere weeks until you turn two...and boy, oh boy, have you hit the "terrible two's".
The terrible part is basically how you've managed to take the term "busy" to a whole 'nother level (I'm just not all that sure there is an adequate word in my vocabulary to describe it).
Here is a great example of how I know you've hit this stage:
- you wrote scribbled all over the wall with Daddy's carpenter pencil...and then hid the pencil before I even saw the marks
- you managed to be out the front door, across the street and over halfway down the block (in just your diaper) in the amount of time it took me just to take your brother's dirty diaper off (I didn't even get it changed...the silence alarmed me, so I just did it back out, put baby in the crib and went running in search of you)
- you spilled half a carton of formula (the new "powder gold"...this stuff is expensive! Grr...)
- you dumped/spitted water all over, on purpose
- you got into a new package of wipes, squeezed a wipe repeatedly on the carpet, squeezed over your little brother's head (and got it in his eye)...you got told no, and diverted to something else, and you came right back to do it again (and got a time out for not listening)
- you bit your brother so hard on his shoulder that it left marks (and made him cry), just for the heck of it (and looked at me with a not too sweet gleam in your eye)
- you tormented the dog by hitting him with your toy bat, then you kicked him (while proudly proclaiming "I kick Ocar")
- you steamrolled your little brother
- you ran laps, and laps around the kitchen/living room loop, loudly announcing "I fast"
- you managed to transport every single tractor, combine, truck from the bucket in your room to the living room floor
(and the list goes on...)
- you watch me taking a picture of your baby brother and say "mom - I cheese!...my picture", and in the amount of time it took me to take the lens cover off and focus on you, you had already demanded I put the camera away and "no picture"!
This all within a two hour span (and because it was already 24 hrs ago, I'm sure I've forgetten many details!). Phew - did you ever exhaust your Momma...I can tell you are going to keep me on my toes, to say the least!
But despite it all, I can't help to feel so blessed to have you in my life. You amaze me daily.
Love you so much, my "almost two" B!

Overwhelmed...

09.09.2011

I have to admit I allowed myself to fall into a bit of self-pity-party the last couple of days.
My hubby is "officially" off on the adventure of his new business which will have him away from home for the first couple of months :(
I am so excited for him, but was sad for our family (especially B-man, who will miss seeing his Daddy every day). I was dreading the tricky-to-do-by-oneself parts of the day and the constancy of being "the" parent 24/7.
It is so easy to allow yourself (or at least myself) to get stuck in the vicious thoughts that percolate in the mind...and all of a sudden something seems far worse than it actually is...I all too often let this happen to me...and when it does? Instantly overwhelmed.
I pride myself on being a strong, independent & capable individual, so those feelings of being overwhelmed frustrate me. I'm not sure how they so easily & constantly infiltrate my mind. But (and this is a big but) - what makes me happy about it all is that I am now mature enough and solid enough in the knowledge of who I am that I can recognize these feelings when they show up (although sometimes it takes a day or two of total grouch for me to "snap out of it" so to speak).
Our family's single-parent status is temporary. Many don't have the same luxury.
So today, I let my toddler chase me down the hallway and into his bed, where we both collapse and giggle hysterically. I grab him in a bear hug and snuggle into his hair, take a deep breath and realize that instead of dreading the next few months, I need to cherish all these precious moments I get to spend with my boys.
Overwhelmed no longer.
Simply.
Blessed.

And...on a sidenote...a flashback!
As I typed the date above, I realized that exactly two years ago on this day, I was hoping, wishing and willing my first born to be born. Two years ago, this was my due date! Wow, how time flies :)

Progress - an update!

09.03.2011

Since the last update, torn down old garage has transitioned from wreck, to "big hole", to footings, to foundation...to foundation with WALLS! Yay :)

(the exterior walls are all sheeted & up - now for a roof!)

Observed

09.04.2011

Today, I observed this little man wrapped up in watching his movie - something he is getting more and more attentive at...although some part of his body always has to been moving (this time it was his hands). I have to admit that although I don't encourage him to watch TV, this newly found interest gives me a bit of reprieve when I feed his little brother.

Sweet

09.02.2011

It is not often I will take a b&w pic over a colour pic, especially when I've been the one to take/edit the pic (I like others b&w's quite a bit, just not my own)...for some reason I just favour colour...but when I looked at this particular shot I had a feeling I would like it in b&w, so decided to try to edit it that way. What do you think?

I just think he is so sweet :)

Today...

09.01.2011
Hello, September! I can't believe you have arrived so quickly :)

Today brought a much more calm, "laissez-faire" approach to our day (it feels like for the last little while I have let the "to-do" list hover too prominently in my mind, which detracts a bit from the overall enjoyment a day can bring).
Today, it was grey and windy and felt like fall, which I think brought on that calming mood.
Today, I struck out to just "chill" with my boys as it seemed like the kind of day to do so.
Today, we still managed to accomplish something (a long morning walk, baking a couple of cakes & making a yummy supper).
Today, B-man went to play in his room by himself for some quiet time (where he has to go if he wants his "blankie & ditti" - they are not allowed in the other living spaces in the house any more) and fell asleep all on his own. About an hour later, I heard him playing with his toys, but again he fell asleep.
Today, I took little man into bed with me while B-man napped...and the two of us spent some quality time staring into each other's eyes until he, too fell asleep (I then indulged in a guilty pleasure and read a bit of my book).
Today, as I was looking through pictures of you, little man, I was struck at how grown up you are getting...and it made my tummy do some flip-flops.
Today, as you asked for your movie and got excited ("here it comes"), I watched as your eyes sparkled, and I tenderly brushed your hair back and marvelled that I made you.
Today, I was smattered by some big.fat.juicy.kisses (that we affectionately refer to as just "juicies"). Love.
Today I just felt so content. So content to be. So content to just let the day pass. So content to just enjoy the little, everyday moments.
Today it felt awesome to let the pace slow down.

The Farm

08.22.2011

I almost always carry my camera with me to the farm.
I almost always forget to take any pictures.
But this trip I didn't forget...at least not totally.

This picture was taken one evening as we sat in the field enjoying supper. I've always loved suppers in the field :)

Love how this shot includes the silhouette of the grain bin & the warm glow of sunset.

And of course, some play time with my macro lens...

Brotherly Love Saves the Day!

08.21.2011

We made the trek home from MB today.
I ignored my "momma instincts" today.
I paid the price.
Normally my boys are travelling superstars...but not today. Not by any stretch of the imagination...
Big bro was begging to get in the car for at least an hour before we actually departed...little bro fell asleep just around the time we should have left (about an hour and a half before we actually left).
There was crying. There was whining. There was screaching. There was a pounding headache. There were many stops.
A 3 hour trip stretched into a 5.5 hour journey (with one little errand thrown in). Eek!
Needless to say pulling into the driveway was oh, so very satisfying. As much as I love trips, I love coming home even more and today just solidified that.
Apparently my boys also love coming home...both of them perked up as soon as we entered the house.
My favourite moment of the day was when big bro asked "Hold Sowah", "Hold Sowah"...climbed up into the chair, asked for pillow and "Hold Sowah" again...so baby bro got placed in his arms and the biggest grin took over his face as he talked away to his little bro (and Momma snapped the moment with her camera). I am so amazed by the mutual love these two have for each other. As powerful as all the emotions that being a mom bring, watching this sibling interaction trumps it all! This 10 minute slice of time managed to totally negate all the bad vibes the travel brought to the day and showered the day with sunshine sprinkles. Love that!

Tuesday Randomness...

08.16.2011

Today was a busy day. Some parts typical, some not.
It went something like this:
5:07 am - up with baby S
5:10 am - diaper change & feeding
6:00 am - lie back down in bed (take baby S with me) & try desperately to ignore the shrieks of baby glee that signal there is to be no more sleeping for me (despite the multiple soother-into-mouth shoves)
6:15 am - look out window & check weather, debate weather worthiness for a run (thumbs down)
6:16 am - repeat of the 6 am activities
6:55 am - baby S starting to get a little ticked off (it probably has nothing to do with the fact that momma keeps trying to shove the soother in his mouth), so we get up & go throw in load of laundry
7:02 am - diaper change & feed baby (yes, again...yes, it sometimes feels this is about all I do in a day)
7:55 am - listen to the thunk, thunk of big bro walking down hallway
8:15 am - make porridge for bfast, eat said porridge (B asks for "suggah")
9:00 am - diaper changes, clothes on, feed baby
9:30 am - load into stroller, head for a walk (holy wind, batman!)
10:30 am - get home, lay baby down on floor to play, tidy up mess made by toddler earlier
10:50 am - Skype w "Gampa"
11:15 am - attempt to pack diaper bag for Minot trip
11:17 am - feed baby
11:47 am - put baby S in bed, change into swimsuit
12:05 - load boys into car, off to noon hour lap swim (we usually bike w our chariot but today is soooo windy that I don't want to do so)
12:15 - jump into pool, swim 45 laps :) (feels great today!!)
12:45 - jump out of pool, dry off, load boys back into car, head home
1:05 - diaper changes, outfit changes
1:15 - feed baby (see? again!)
2:00 - load boys into car
2:05 - pulling out of our driveway (head to Minot where we hit up Wal-Mart, the mall foodcourt, Children's Place, Old Navy, Target...massive toddler meltdown starts so we hightail it back to car (there was some more diper changing/baby feeding between bites/stores)...remember I wanted a frapp before leaving Minot, so run back into mall. Attempt to get dadda his item at Menards, but give up due to hysterically screaming baby & grumpy toddler & no helpful employee to be found :(
8:18 - arrive back home, unload boys
8:20 - try desperately to calm down screaming baby
8:21 - diaper change. Take off rings & set them down right beside change pad on dresser.
8:25 - feed baby S
8:45 - get ready for bathtime. Go to stash rings back in their "spot"...engagement ring MIA. Search frantically. Get hubby in on the search. Drill toddler "did you touch momma's pretty ring? show momma where her pretty ring is"...realize he has no clue what I'm talking about. Panic. Look for ring some more.
8:57 - decide to bath baby despite not knowing where ring is
9:07 - while changing baby, have a stroke of genius about where ring could be...find it inside baby's sock (just below the dresser on floor) - yes...this could only happen to me...have a ring randomly fall onto the 1 square cm of the entire floor where a small sock opening happens to be
9:10 feed baby & eventually put him to bed (cross fingers as I put him down that he sleeps the "night" again...waking a little later than 5 am for the day would be perfect!)
10:00 - wardrobe change (get on the shred gear), workout
10:30 - upstairs, put away groceries, tidy up mess from toddler earlier in day
11:25 - sit down at computer, catch up on some blog surfing & check emails, think about going to bed, write a blog post about the randomness of my day instead...

So, as you can see, not alot got accomplished today although we managed to be busy. Pretty typical for our house.
Here are some of the random musings that happened to me throughout the day.
1. Pet Peeve: a) that clothing departments for little boys are half the size (if that) of the little girls...
b) that said little boy clothing departments, already lacking choice, are totally picked through for sizes & can find absolutely nothing in the size range I'm looking for...grrr!

2. Tried on some skinny jeans today (note that these were stretch skinny jeans). Definitely shouldn't have. It has something to do with all this extra middle I've got going on. I'll be wearing the good ol' lululemons a while longer by the looks of things (insert sigh here). A little depressing for sure considering how hard I'm working out/working at a healthier lifestyle.

3. Noticed some super pretty "wild flower fields" & gorgeous light during the drive. Why do I never have my camera when I see something camera-worthy? (Probably because stopping on the side of the road with two sleeping boys would chance waking said boys up, so leaving the camera at home removes the temptation to do so). Reason #7041 why I'd like an iphone/android.

4. Shopping in the later afternoon with baby & toddler is not ideal.

5. I love road trips...even if they are just to Wal-Mart.

6. I love swimming. I am already mourning the loss of noon hour lap swim come September...what is this...pre-mourning?!

7. I had several items in my hands today but after asking myself if really necessary, I put them back & didn't buy...restraint whilst shopping? Yay me!

8. Love that almost every day of summer includes a morning walk. Very typical activity for us (although it does help eat up time and somehow makes a morning disappear). 

9. Having a deja-vu back to the summer of 2009 lately. Eating a lot of watermelon (but no, not pregnant this time around :)

10. Man, do I spend a lot of time tidying up. So constant. Sometimes draining.

 11. Despite hating my mid-section, I love my life. Smile.

Same but Different

08.15.2011

People always ask me if I think baby S looks like his big bro...
They looked alot alike as newborns, and there are definitely some traits that are similar...
but I've never really been able to answer that question with any sort of authority (a mother's eyes are a little biased after all).

Today baby S had his 4 month needles, which allowed me to compare the weights of both boys at this age (they are only 1 ounce different) and made me think about the similarity question again. So I dug into the photo archives and did a side by side comparison...

How cute is it that they are both sort of sitting up, with a sideways lean?
What do you think? Are they similar or very different? B is on the left, S on the right (the seasonal differences account for the attire, lol).

To me, they are the same yet very different...if that makes any sense!

Quest

08.14.2011

In my quest to live a healthier lifestyle (and lose all my baby weight) I am trying so hard to eat my "veggies". I actually like vegetables & fruit quite a bit, but find when I am cooking meals for the family that I don't eat as much of them as I should...making quick, balanced meals that everyone likes is a bit of a challenge some days.
Today, as I was scavenging through the fridge trying to decide what to make for supper, I found a flat of strawberries and a bag of spinach (do any of you tuck things at the back of your fridge only to forget they are there...seriously, that place is like a black abyss in our household, lol). Strawberry spinach salad it was! Add some grapes, mandarin orange segments, almonds and a tiny sprinkle of creamy poppyseed dressing. Yummy :)

Victorious! Today, I ate my "veggies" :)

Too fast!

08.06.2011

If I know one thing, sweet baby...I know you are growing up way too fast.
WAY, way, way too fast.
You are four months old - that is a 1/3 of a year - already.
You have started teething (evidenced by massive amounts of drool, gnawing on absolutely anything you can get into your mouth, and a bit of cranky).
You are getting really good at holding toys and can bring them to your mouth to chew on (although you're not all that great at holding them there long term).
You roll both ways and are super proud of yourself when you do so.
You always have the biggest smile for your big bro, which he thinks is pretty darn cool (and I think it is amazing considering how much he mauls you).
You are getting pretty strong and sometimes will sit up by yourself for a short time.
You love to be tickled.
You screech.
You scream.
You yell.
You gurgle.
You giggle.
You coo.
You are quick to "tell" us when something is not to your liking.
You smile, and smile, and smile.
Love you, little guy!
Happy four months :)

(sidenote: I chose this pic because it shows his chubby & his "almost sitting" skills the best...if only he had been looking at the camera & flashing one of his big grins!)



Life is Good

Sometimes life just gets a little busy.
Busy with a 22 month old tornado, busy with renovations, busy with daily chores & exercise...just busy.
So imagine my chagrin when I realized littlest man was almost 4 months old and had never been offered a toy to hold, sat in his bumbo or tried out the exersaucer...all things that we were so anxious for big bro to do when he was a babe.
Funny how it just doesn't seem to matter as much the second time around.
Not that we don't love the second every little bit as much as the first...but the experience is just different.
We are not as anxious for the "next big milestone" (we know they are coming eventually). This time around each day is savoured and cherished because we truly understand just how fast they grow up. In fact milestones are met with a tiny feeling of bittersweetness... excited that they are growing up, but sad that they are growing up so fast.
Parenthood is simply the most amazing experience in the world. It is all so cliche...but so true. It changes your perspective on the world so much, in a way you can only truly understand once you've experienced it (even though you think you understand it all before it happens to you). I find myself reflecting on experiences, emotions, events with far more regularity, insight and clarity than I ever did before becoming a parent. I am so thankful to walk, run, stumble & soar in this journey of parenthood.
I just have to remember to remind myself of this as baby is screaming for the second straight hour, when big bro is demolishing the kitchen for the second straight time in as many hours, when the frustration creeps in and takes over my mind.
I have to remember what a gift my little boys are and how very thankful I am to be "mommy". I have to remember how having these little beings have made me a better person...and how they will help me continue to grow and evolve forever.
And then, I have to sit back, offer little man a toy,

plunk him in his bumbo

& let him try out the exersaucer

...and grin from ear to ear when he masters all three.

Life.
Is.
Good.
Great!

Sailor's Delight

The boys & I were out for a bike ride tonight after supper...as we turned the corner heading west on the east end of town, I was struck by the beauty of the sky. The sun was peeking out from behind clouds, making the clouds almost seem as if glowing, the blues, pinks and golds and the sun's rays were striking. Of course, I had to head home to grab my camera...and of course, by the time I got back to the east end of town the sun had almost disappeared and the sky did not look near as striking. But I still tried to catch some of the beauty. Then the boys & I went to the park, played for a bit and on our way home the sky was the most beautiful orange/red/pink, so out came the camera again. If only I didn't have the boys in tow I would have jumped in my car to head out of town and find a more beautiful horizon silhouette....

Tonight, I loved the beauty of the sky.

Tonight, I was frustrated I didn't quite capture that beauty.

Splash, splash!

08.03.2011

We have been spending a large amount of time at our local pool this year (we were there 3 separate times today, lol).
B loves the water!
We are so lucky to have such an awesome toddler pool - I love being able to let him splash and play without having to cling to me...it really lets little ones become more comfortable with the water on their own terms :)

 My absolute favourite part of the day was the "jumping" and "falling down"...and the rolling around just being silly B. The looks of sheer delight and all the giggles just melt my heart :)