mother's day

As I sit here reflecting on this past Mother's Day, I am more and more thankful for the women in my life... the ones who will be bringing new life into this world, those who have been there by my side, and those who have touched my life in one way or another. As I was smothered with hugs and kisses all day long, I am reminded how lucky I am to be a daughter, wife, and mother.

Many of you know my grandmother has been battling cancer over the last several months. Since surgery over a month ago, she is still in the hospital recovering. We all gathered in our van (see it's good for something) and headed to Kingston for Mother's Day to spend it with my Nan. She was delighted to see us all arrive and the kids love spending time with her. It was the best condition I have seen my grandmother in months. She was up walking about and making jokes. I hope this means we are on a good path to recovery from here on out.

Little Miss L. thought the hospital had some pretty cool stuff to get her little hands on and she enjoyed talking to all the patients. Seeing my grandmother improving was the best Mother's Day present I could receive. After an afternoon with Nan, we headed out for dinner with my momma. Let's just say there is a reason we don't eat out often - as soon as we got to the resto, Baby D decided he was tired and cranky. He wouldn't sit and didn't want to have anything to eat. Little Miss L. decided to sit all of 10 minutes and then she was ready to leave too. Sorry, Mom, for the quick dinner.

To all of the momma's out there, keep being you! I hope you all had a fabulous Mother's Day.

Three generations.

Little Miss L. was zooming about the hospital.

Four generations.

My handsome men.

Thanks Baby D - you rock too!

Nan and my momma. Two of the strongest people I know.

Baby D telling Nan a story.

I wonder who is the bigger kid?

Having some fun with grandpa.

TROUBLE!

Thanks Uncle Gord for the yummy cake and ice cream.

I really wanted a nice family shot for Mother's Day but of course I have two little ones who never want to cooperate.

My little man. 

bachelorette girls night are back!

My guilty pleasure is back! That means Monday nights consist of a quick dinner, throwing the kids in the bath, and then a early bedtime is in order so this momma can get into her comfys and settle down to watch the Bachelorette. I am not sure what draws me - the cute looking guys, watching the men's true personalities finally break free, or the fact that I am still a hopeless romantic at the end of the day.

Yesterday, the girls came over and we made our predictions for this season. We had a few goodies to munch on to get us through the show. I think this will be a good season and look forward to the drama it shall bring.

Little Miss L. didn't want to miss out on the girls night.

What is the Bachelorette without some goodies to munch on?

Our good friend Chris - we missed you!

caterpillar update

First off, I want to take this time to congratulate our whole fam for keeping our two furry friends alive. I didn't know how long our little friends would last in a house with a two year old - the temptation for Little Miss L. to go over, take the lid off and play with her little friends have kept us on high alert, but I must say that Little Miss L. has kept her little hands off of her friends. She loves waking up in the morning as she takes a mad dash down the hall to see how her friends have changed overnight. It truly is incredible to see how fast they grow and change. Our "baby caterpillar" is no longer a baby and "momma caterpillar" has now started to form her chrysalis. We have progress!!

Our friends when they first arrived last week.

Momma caterpillar is now hanging upside down in the shape of a J. This is a sign she is ready to  begin her chrysalis.

One day after the transformation began you can now see the chrysalis forming.

Little Miss L. showing off the new home she picked up for her friends. Once the chrysalis has hardened, we will be able to transfer our friends over to their new home.

on the move

These little feet are on the move and there is no stopping them now. Baby D has now mastered the crawl and that means he is into everything! Nothing is off limits, he is especially drawn to dog food. Oh, let the good times begin...

weekend catch-up part 2

Saturday morning, I jumped out of bed and started the mad dash towards the laundry room to get started on what seemed like a million loads of laundry. After getting everyone ready for the day, we were off to town to get a few errands done and quick stop at the in-laws for lunch. The rest of the afternoon was spent preparing food for Baby D (this kid loves to eat.)

Saturday evening we headed off to celebrate the engagement of MJ and Paul - such a cute, loving couple. It was a wonderful evening with fabulous appetizers and desserts. I love love love when people pay attention to detail. This lovely couple have a great group of friends who know how to throw a beautiful party. The little details did not go unnoticed. I especially liked the homemade cookies with their initials and the homemade jam in the middle was delicious. Little Miss L. loved to be the social butterfly, and certainly enjoyed filling her belly. Baby D on the other hand wasn't in the partying mood. Mr.D has two little white daggers cutting through his gums, which makes for some unpleasant moments. I guess while running around after the wee ones, I forgot to get a pic of the happy couple - sorry guys!

Sunday, we headed down to my parents house. The kiddos spent the day with daddy, Uncle Brady, and Grandpa. They spent the day catching frogs and tadpoles which Little Miss L. thought was pretty cool. My mom and I headed to Kingston to visit my grandma in the hospital. Thank you to everyone for their kind gestures/get well wishes because Nan sure has needed it over the last month spent in the hospital. It has been a tough battle. It seems we move one step forward and then four steps back. Fingers crossed we can get her on the mend soon and back home with us shortly.

Posing for momma.

Little Miss L. thought we should all take her bus to the party, unfortunately I don't think we would fit.

Big sister is always there to show her little brother how to work things.

My boy!

Baby D's favourite thing - take momma's hair and try to put it in her mouth.

My snuggle bug. I love love love that my little bear loves to give me so many hugs throughout the day.

Drink table!

Typical scene - daddy and Little Miss L. at the food table.

What? I didn't have anything to eat.

Yum, the dessert table.

Grandma and Baby D.

Daddy and Little Miss L. checking out the Supermoon. It was one beautiful sight.

weekend catch-up part 1

Saying that we were busy this past weekend is an under statement. Friday started off a weekend full of laughter, babies, birthdays, engagements, and some much needed time with my Nan. Friday, I was joined by some of my fabulous girlfriends for an afternoon where we met baby B for the first time, had a few good laughs (much needed), ate, ate, and ate some more. Little Miss L. was smitten with baby B, and throughout the afternoon, planted some big ones on the wee little one. I love this time in my life where I witness my girlfriends starting their families. There is nothing better than holding a cuddly bundle of joy with that awesome baby smell. Congratulations to a beautiful couple - you guys sure know how to make a cute baby!

After a great day with the ladies, it was time for this momma to get dressed and head out on the town to ring in another year with a wonderful friend. We had a yummy dinner, and it felt great to have a night out with the hubby minus the kiddos (did I just say that... yep, sure did!) After a fun filled day, it was time for this momma to hit the sheets.

Sound asleep.

Look at those tiny lips.

He's pretty handsome and he knows it!

The boys getting to know each other.

Paparazzi...smile baby B. 

Mr. Serious.

Little Miss L. knows who to hit up for the good stuff - note the empty cupcake wrappers.

We tired him out.

Happy 30th Birthday Sara. The best years are yet to come :)

To be continued...