tiny dancer

Our little girl did it, she participated in her first ever dance recital! As most of you remember, it was a rocky start as she began taking dance classes. Little Miss L. took a while to get involved in class and enjoy what she was doing. After months of practice, it was time for her year-end dance recital. I was not sure how this would go over with Little Miss L. because at first she seemed excited about the idea of dancing about on a big stage but the closer we got to the big day, she became unsure of the whole thing.

We were expecting the worst but hoping for the best as we piled into the van and headed to the recital. Little Miss L. had a huge smile on her face as she pointed out the make-up she was allowed to wear. I was waiting for the break-down as we were driving down the road, but it didn't seem to be happening. We reached our destination and headed into the building where I took Little Miss L. to her change area; again I was expecting this to be the moment she would break down and tell me not to leave but instead, she gave me a big smile and two thumbs up as I walked away to take my seat.

I waited patiently for her number to come on and the moment I saw my little girl cross the stage for the very first time, I thought I was going to burst into tears. I couldn't believe my little girl was so grown-up as she stood on stage tapping her little heart out. I could have not been any prouder of my little girl.

After the performance, it was time to congratulate our little girl on a job well done. Little Miss L. was over the moon happy when she received flowers, gifts and lots of hugs. I will check this one off the list as a success.

shanna's eats: fresh tzatziki pizza

One of my cravings this pregnancy has been tzatziki - I absolutely can not get enough of it. I could eat it first thing in the morning as I was getting out of bed if I thought it was socially acceptable! One of my go-to snacks or a light lunch is a fresh tzatziki pizza. Not only do I love love love this pizza but so do the kids. It is quick and easy and tastes even better when you can use the veggies growing in your garden. This is a great opportunity to teach your children about harvesting their on veggies and then making a scrumptious meal to fill their bellies.

This pizza is simply naan bread toasted with tzatziki and topped with Lebanese cucumbers, red peppers, cherry tomatoes and a little fresh ground pepper and sea salt. I like to add crumbled feta cheese on top but did not have any on hand the day I made this bad boy. I especially love this meal as it does not require any cooking time, the veggies are uncooked providing us with as many nutrients as possible and it's just pretty to look at.

Give this one a try and I know you will not be disappointed!

Happy Eating!!!

24 weeks

How far along?: 24 weeks
How big is baby?: Your baby has caught up with an ear of corn in size and gained about 1/4 pound since last week (Length: almost a foot.)
Weight gain?: I am up 12 pounds.
Stretch marks?: I started noticing some on my under belly. I hope they were from the previous pregnancy and will go away as before.
Maternity clothes?: Touchy subject these days. Let's just say that I need to go shopping!!!
Food cravings?: I am all about the tzatziki and cucumbers.
Sleep?: I am happy to report that I have been having some solid nights of sleep. Maybe I am just to darn exhausted to do anything but give in to sleep.
Gender?: Adding to the male population.
Exercise?: Slacking. Walks are about the extent of my exercise.
What's been going on? We have been one busy family these days and it looks like there will be no slowing down anytime soon. I feel like baby boy and momma have grown a ton in the last week. My belly seems huge and baby boy is swinging a good punch these days. Baby boy, your big brother and sister are talking to you all the time. They love to sing you lullabies before bedtime. I also want to thank you for allowing me a few days here and there without being sick. Here is to another busy week ahead, hopefully you can keep up, little one.

Check out week 24 with Baby #1 and #2 here.

may long weekend

Long weekends mean so much more when the weather is nice and you are able to spend your time outdoors. May long weekend did not disappoint. It was a busy one, it was full of fun in the sun enjoying picnics, barbecues, ice cream and time with friends and family.

Saturday started off at the dance studio as Little Miss L. was preparing for her big recital. Afterwards, we met up with my sister-in-law and nephew to enjoy a picnic at the arboretum. It was the perfect place for a picnic under the beautiful cherry blossoms. As the kiddos ran around exploring, I was able to snap a few pictures of my sister-in-law who is due to have another bundle of joy at the end of July. The day would not be complete without stopping for an ice cream. We tried out a new ice cream shop in town and the kids thought it was pretty cool that they were allowed to pick out the flavour of ice cream and add their own toppings. It was a great day and both kiddos passed out early for the evening.

Sunday, we headed to church in the am, then it was off to grocery shopping and finally home to the fun stuff of cleaning, laundry, and purging. I am determined to get rid of the junk that has started to accumulate in our home before the next bambino arrives. I was beat by the end of the day, and spent the rest of night cuddled up on the couch. I may or may not have fallen asleep before 10pm.

Monday, oh how I love love love the extra day of weekend. We woke up early and started our day with a yummy breaky of daddy's famous crepes. Once our bellies were full, it was time to finish some projects around the house. Daddy was able to finally get the garden and plants in. The afternoon arrived, the kids were super excited as we had a few friends over for a barbecue. The kids ran about as the men watched over because the ladies sat munching away and catching up. All three of us are expecting, which meant we spent most of our time gathered around the appetizers. Sorry, boys... we promise things will be different next May long weekend.

I have to say that I was one tired momma after the long weekend and may still be recovering but we have another fun-filled weekend ahead of us. Happy Friday everyone!!

The cousins.

Baby D loves his big cousin L.

They have a love-hate relationship lol 

Just hanging out in the trees.

Trouble is brewing.

Playing knights.

My angels.

Sister-in-law rocking her baby belly.

I can't wait to meet who is inside!

Time for ice cream.

Strawberry ice cream with fresh strawberries and a few sweet candies.

Baby D loved his so much that he had to use two spoons.

Monday BBQ. Love how the men are busy watching the boys.

The girls out exploring the wilderness.

The girls hanging out. 

mother's day

Things have been so busy around here that I am behind on getting posts out to share with everyone. I first wanted to give you a peek into our Mother's Day festivities. I was one spoiled, loved, and appreciated momma that day. When people ask me what I do for a living, my response is always the same, I have the best job in the world because I am a mother. Each day, I am reminded how lucky I am to care for two of the most precious human beings I know and excited to be carrying another angel. I know there are days that I want to scream and shout and lock myself in the bathroom to get away from the chaos but I know I wouldn't change it for anything in the world. I have been lucky in life to be surrounded by women who are strong, compassionate, and just plain awesome. They give me something to work towards each and every day to become a better mother. Yes, Mother's Day comes around once a year, but to me, it should be celebrated year round - to the women who have brought human beings into this world, for those of you who are struggling to do so, for those of you who have opened your home to others, and for the ones who have fur-covered babies... each and every one of you need to be celebrated.

This Mother's Day I was able to sleep in, wake up to my beautiful children smiling as they handed me a bouquet of beautiful roses and the best part - a cake for BREAKFAST! They know mommy has the biggest sweet tooth and they were happy to join in on the sugary goodness first thing in the morning. After spending the morning with my babies receiving cuddles and kisses it was time to head to grandma's house to celebrate with Nona and great-grandma. The weather was -well, there is no other way to say it - crap. It didn't stop us from spending time with the ones we loved over yummy food and lots of laughs.

I hope all of you had a fabulous day, as I sure did!

My little girl hiding as she quickly ate part of the breakfast she picked out for mommy. Mommy didn't get a chance to try it but it was all worth it when she told daddy that mommy likes to share lol.

My angels.

Waiting patiently to head to grandma's house.

This boy is getting so big. I call him my little trickster. 

"Mommy, take my picture because I am wearing a pretty dress."

Love this boy more than words can express.

All ready to head to grandma's with his airplane backpack.

Spending time with my beautiful grandmother.

All giggles with my little man.

Little Miss L. gives dinner a thumb up.

The ladies :)

Grandpa and grandma with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

23 weeks

How far along?: 23 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby is now more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango.)
Weight gain?: I am up 10 pounds.
Stretch marks?: No new ones from this pregnancy yet - I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: This time around I feel like I did when I was in my 8-9 month stage of clothing with Little Miss L. and Baby D. I think I need to get my butt to a store and purchase a few new pieces.
Food cravings?: I have always loved pickles, so it is not weird to see me downing some here and there but this past week I may have gobbled a few more than I usually would.
Sleep?: I am not sure if it is a combination of finally getting a new bed (king size!!!) and being extremely tired all the time, but I have been having some great sleeps.
Gender?: A boy :)
Exercise?: Running after the kids all day long.
What's been going on? Baby boy has been kicking away, his kicks are getting stronger by the day. I know that sugar makes him really active and he loves it when his sister and brother talk to him. I feel like I have popped even more in the last week. I am finally getting some sleep at night but still sick in the mornings. Still working hard on trying to find a name we all love and that will suit our little bundle-to-be. A big thanks to all of you who keep sending us names - trust me when I say eventually we will stick with one :) I am in need of recovering from our long weekend, this momma is beat!

Check out week 23 with pregnancy #1 and #2 here.

22 weeks

How far along?: 22 weeks
How big is baby?: At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn
Weight gain?: I am up 10 pounds.
Stretch marks?: No new ones from this pregnancy yet - I have been lathering on the olive oil.
Maternity clothes?: Mother Nature decided to take spring away and replacing it with fall weather. It's been back to leggings and sweaters.
Food cravings?: I have been eating tzatziki sauce like crazy.
Sleep?: I am so happy to say that I have been able to get two nights of solid sleep. It has only taken 5 months, but I will take it!!!
Gender?: We are having a son :)
Exercise?: Running after the kids all day long.
What's been going on? We have been one busy family these days and it does not look like it will be slowing down any time soon. Baby boy has been kicking away. I had my OB appointment last week and he was moving about making it hard for the doctor to get his little heartbeat. This one seems to have lots of energy, his brother and sister better watch out! Still sick in the morning but starting to get more of my energy back. I am still struggling with my thyroid in this pregnancy and hoping I can get it to a level that's just right some time soon. Now that we know we will be welcoming another son, it is time to start figuring out bedroom placements and pulling out those tiny clothes to wash. We will have to buy a new car seat and a few other things but it is always fun shopping for a new baby!!!

Check out baby #2 at 22 weeks here.