the little man turns 2!

This past weekend, we celebrated my dear nephew's 2nd birthday. I can't believe how fast our babies grow up! One minute we are holding them tightly in our arms as they depend on us every waking moment, and then the next we are watching them run away from us as they tell us they don't need our help anymore. As time passes by so quickly, I want to stop time just for a little while so we can enjoy these precious moments for a bit longer. Saturday provided us with a beautiful, mild day so we were able to enjoy some time outdoors. My nephew loves Shrek, so of course, what would his birthday party be like if that was not the theme? Here is a little peek of the birthday bash. HAPPY BIRTHDAY LITTLE MAN...WE LOVE YOU!

Of course, there was one little patch of snow still on the ground and every single child just gravitated to this area. By the end of party, everyone was covered in mud.

Do we really have to wear these hats?

Is this not an awesome cake!?! Absolutely amazing job.

Look at this handsome fellow.

I turn my back for one moment and Little Miss L. already has a boyfriend.

The birthday boy blowing out his candles.

The birthday boy with his momma and daddy.

What party would be complete without the balloons!

22 weeks

Remembering when Little Miss L. was this size in my belly.

Weekly e-mail update:His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums. His eyes have formed, but his irises (the colored part of the eye) still lack pigment. If you could see inside your womb, you'd be able to spot the fine hair (lanugo) that covers his body and the deep wrinkles on his skin, which he'll sport until he adds a padding of fat to fill them in. Inside his belly, his pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.
How far along?: 22 weeks
How big is baby?: At 11 inches (the length of a spaghetti squash) and almost 1 pound, your baby is starting to look like a miniature newborn.
Weight gain?: I have gained 8 pounds.
Stretch marks?: Not yet. Lathering up the lotion.
Maternity clothes?: Still using the belly band with my normal clothes. I love leggings and yoga pants!
Food cravings?: I love this time of year because one of my favourite chocolates is available in stores - that's right, those scrumptious mini easter chocolates covered in hard candy.
Sleep?: Wow, I have been having some very intense dreams lately - what is this child doing to me?
Movement?: The little bean has been moving all around. Each day their kick gets stronger. I can't wait for Little Miss L. to feel her sibling kick.
Gender?: Coming soon...
Exercise?: Was a bit of a slacker this week, does packing boxes count?
What's been going on?: I am definitely feeling like a big balloon lately. I think back to my first pregnancy and remember not feeling this way until I was in my 9th month. I have been experiencing some lower back pain this week but all those back massages from the best hubby ever seem to be working.

22 week belly.

climb...jump...roll

I have been debating for several weeks now if Little Miss L. was ready to join an organized gymnastic class.  So many questions ran through my mind: Will she have fun in an organized setting? Will she understand she needs to listen to another adult besides her parents? Will she get along with other children in this type of atmosphere? Does she have the strength and coordination to take on such a class? I checked out several local gymnastic centers and decided this week I would take the opportunity to join one of their drop-in classes. The drop-in class allows Little Miss L. to have one full hour of free play in a safe and fun environment. It would give me the opportunity to watch and maybe answer some of the questions I stated above.

Yesterday morning, we put on our jackets and boots and headed out the door to an unknown territory. Once the initial meet and greet happened, Little Miss L. was free to do whatever her little heart desired. For an hour straight, my little girl did not stop running, jumping, climbing and swinging all over the place and she loved every minute of it. As she interacted with children, I knew she would have no problem in future classes with social interaction. During the hour, there were several staff members who came and asked Little Miss L. to complete a task (like climbing through a tube or jumping on the trampoline) and not once did she ignore them - she listened and watched as they demonstrated and then copied what she had just watched. I realized as I observed my daughter running and jumping - she was more capable and stronger than I gave her credit for. All this to say that I am glad we made it to the drop-in class and I will definitely be back again next week. For the time being, I think I will hold off on organized classes not because I do not think Little Miss L. is capable but I like the flexibility drop-in classes provide.

If you have an energy-filled child, check-out your local gymnastic center and see if they have the option for a drop-in class available. I promise you will not be disappointed, this is great way to foster your child's physical and intellectual growth.

We had a moment when Little Miss L. thought she was superman and could fly off the trampoline. After several times explaining she must step off - this is the look I received (yes, my daughter has an attitude)

See Momma? I told you I could jump off without falling... my little gymnast in training.

rainy days

I love love love the smell of April showers and yesterday did not disappoint. I love the sound of the rain drops against the window. After it is all said and done, I love the little puddles that appear all over the place. Once you find a puddle, there is only one thing to do of course - jump in! I truly love being a mommy for many reasons, but I think I most love the fact I can be a kid all over again. Rainy days means pouring a cup of hot tea while in your warm house as you gaze out the window knowing how cold those tiny little drops are; cuddling in a soft blanket and reading your favourite book; or bulding that famous tower and then knocking it over once it is completed. Don't get me wrong, I can't wait for summer, but every now and then, I love a rainy day!

Little Miss L. building her tower...over...and over again.

Who are you looking at momma?

A rainy day spent reading our favourite books.

The quiet moments I will cherish forever as my little girl reads to me.

I can't believe in a few days this blue eyed baby will be 18 months.

Splish Splash!

And as we splash around in the puddles outside, we stop and remember to dance like no one is watching and to sing like no one can hear...

The Rain
Pitter-patter, raindrops,
Falling from the sky;
Here is my umbrella
To keep me safe and dry!

When the rain is over,
And the sun begins to glow,
Little flowers start to bud,
And grow and grow and grow!

By Bethany Roberts

sugar bush...pancakes...funday

Spring is finally in the air and it was about time we got out of the house. This past weekend, we decided to hit up a local sugar bush - I mean who doesn't like fresh maple syrup?!?! Little Miss L. had a blast and I love love love being outdoors. It was a perfect morning filled with many fun activities; we will be sure to return when the berries are ripe for the picking this summer.

Sunday morning, daddy decided to make Little Miss L. and myself some delicious homemade pancakes to try with the syrup we purchased the day before. Let's just say daddy has some mad pancake making skills! Sunday afternoon was filled with laughter and joy as several family members came over for lunch. Little Miss L. loved having playmates for the afternoon and we loved the fact she was in bed an extra hour earlier because she was so tired out. The hubby and I finally broke out the boxes and started to pack, as we are counting down the days until we move into our new home!

Our transportation - a horse-drawn hay ride through the maple bush.

Little Miss L. was unsure of what to think of these big hairy creatures. She kept pointing out the horses had boogers coming out of their nose.

Daddy telling Little Miss L. she has nothing to worry about - she decided that she would give them a high five.

The syrup shack where they make pure maple syrup.

We had a chance to hit the trails around the bush and see the sap being collected into buckets.

Little Miss L. and daddy checking out the sap.

Watching as the sap is transformed into pure maple syrup.

Little Miss L. had the chance to make maple taffy on ice.

Taffy is so very yummy!

Little Miss L.'s first taste of taffy.

Wow, this is some messy stuff, but so gooood!!!

We had quite the fight getting the taffy away from her. As you can see, she decided to make a run for it... no way was she giving this sugary treat up - not in a million years!

Mommy and Little Miss L. checking out the tipis. 

We stopped by the petting farm where Little Miss L. loved the pigs - they made funny noises.

She wasn't to sure what to think of the goats - I think this picture explains it all.

To end our trip, Daddy and Little Miss L. enjoyed some playtime.

 

Banana pancakes.

 

Little Miss L. enjoying her pancakes.

 

All the little ones showing us their dance moves.

21 weeks

Weekly e-mail update:You may soon feel like she's practicing martial arts as her initial fluttering movements turn into full-fledged kicks and nudges. You may also discover a pattern to her activity as you get to know her better. In other developments, your baby's eyebrows and lids are present now, and if you're having a girl, her vagina has begun to form as well.
How far along?: 21 weeks
How big is baby?: Baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana
Weight gain?: I have gained 5 pounds.
Stretch marks?: Not yet. Lathering up the lotion.
Maternity clothes?: Still using the belly band with my normal clothes. I love leggings and yoga pants!
Food cravings?: I haven't really had any this week.
Sleep?: Too many bathroom breaks!
Movement?: The little bean has been more active this week. Seems their favourite time is in the evening just before I hit the sheets.
Gender?: Hoping in the next few weeks we might be able to find out.
Exercise?: Was a bit of a slacker this week. I hope next week brings better results.
What's been going on?: This week I had my appointment with my ob/gyn. Everything is on track ( I am gaining the correct amount of weight etc.) and baby is doing well. I was able to hear the little ones heartbeat and it was perfect.  Little Miss L. joined me for this appointment. She loved hearing the baby's heartbeat and kept telling the doctor she was going to have a sister - let's see if she is right. On the sickness front, I had a pretty good week. I was sick only four times this week :)

Yesterday I spent the day with these two cuties. I couldn't help but share.

Little Miss L.

Little Miss E.

a must have!

I know you are probably sick of hearing me talk about colds, but frankly, I am just as sick of having one. With Little Miss L. down sick again, I watch my daughter run around with goop pouring from her nose. As a parent, you hate to sit and watch your children be uncomfortable. We all know what a challenge it can be to teach our young ones how to blow that junk out with or without our help. When our children are unable to relieve their noses and their sinuses are unable to breathe, we are setting ourselves up for infections such as rhinitis and sinusitis. That brings me to todays post- for all you parents out there, I am going to talk about a must have item for your home... the HUMAN-POWERED Nasal Aspirator.

The human-powered nasal aspirator does wonders, let me tell you, we couldn't live without it. This handy gadget was purchased when we were living in Portugal, but you can find similar products here in North America. I receive many different reactions when I tell fellow friends and family about the contraption we use on our daughter. I am not talking about the traditional nasal aspirator (like using the hand pump), I am talking about the human-powered nasal aspirator you use by placing one end of the tube in your mouth and then proceed to suction. This is great because you are in control of how much suction you apply. Many people wonder where the mucus goes, but there is not need to worry as the hygiene filter prevents transfer from the child to the user. This product is easy and safe (because you are not inserting anything into the nose) to use. Plus, it gets all of that goop out in no time flat, which is a bonus when dealing with a squirmy child. If someone asked me what is a must have gift for a new parent, I would recommend this product hands down. So, if you have a stuffed up little one, then hit the stores and purchase one of your very own. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

I have tried other products out there like the above but I find  they just don't work as well. They do not have enough suction which means the process has to be repeated leading to an unhappy child.

I also find products like these are hard to clean.

This is the winner... a human-powered nasal aspirator that lets you suck out the culprits in no time.

Little Miss L. demonstrates on her daddy.