winter family photos

Photo credits to Nicole Marie Photography

There have been many posts I have been wanting to share with all of you but this momma of three is trying her very best the last few months to learn how to function as a family of five with 3 kiddos who for the most part have been sick, running two businesses, trying to fit all the other fun stuff such as keeping our home from looking like a bomb went off, trying to take the mountain of laundry down to a wee size hill and making sure that when we open the fridge, there is something to eat inside. Wow, did you notice I have wrote "trying" several times. It is taking everything in me to make it through the last few months as I have been one exhausted momma. I can't wait for the winter weather to be over and the warm sun to lift my spirits.

Well, with that said, I was searching through the computer the other night when I came across the family photos we had taken right before Christmas. I realized I did not share these with all of you and definitely wanted too. As I have mentioned before, I am usually the one who is behind the camera and rarely have any photos with all of us. All I wanted for Christmas was a family photo.

I was lucky enough to meet a very talented photographer at a workshop. After chatting, I realized Nicole did not live too far away from us. I quickly asked her if she would be willing to take our family photos.

It was a very and very cold day, but I was determined to make it work. Let's just say as it always turns out when it comes to getting our photos done, the kids were not in the mood. They all whined and complained about the weather, having to listen to instructions and wanting to go and eat while we were supposed to be posing as one big happy family. In the end, Nicole was able to work her magic and here are a few from our session.

Don't forget to head on over to check out the talented Nicole from Nicole Marie Photography

5 months

We have hit the 5 month mark folks! The last month has been a tough one, baby boy... you have been teething and fighting an awful ear infection. Our happy and giggling baby was replaced with a little boy who wants to be held 24/7 as he can't get comfortable. We have spent several nights walking the house as you refuse to sleep. Both mommy and daddy are walking zombies these days. Mommy has been pouring hot water into her cup without the tea bag and wondering why her tea is not ready to drink. I have been placing items that should be in the refrigerator in cupboards, let's just say those items have now been tossed in the garbage bin. Your poor sister has gone to school with parts of her lunch missing. Your brother had to inform me that he could not leave the house because he had no pants. Sigh, we have our fingers crossed you are on the mend and this daze we are in will pass shortly.

On another note, you have been a rolling machine! As soon as you are placed on the bed or floor, you are quick to turn over. This is making changing your diaper extremely difficult. You have mastered blowing bubbles and love love love to do the motor boat as soon as we place a spoonful of food in your mouth. You are eating cereal, carrots, peas and sweet potatoes. You love your sweet potatoes and can get quite angry when there is none left.

Your giggle is still infectious and I swear the other day I heard you say mum (wishful thinking) I swear you are going to be our only child to say mum first or so I hope. You are becoming stronger and stronger as the days pass and your personality is beginning to shine. You are obsessed with your toes and I don't blame you - they are the sweetest things ever!

happy valentine's day

It is love day everyone! Wishing you all a fabulous day surrounded by lots of love. I am one lucky momma who gets to wake up to these three smiling faces each day. My love grows for these three (and their daddy) more and more each day. I often ask myself if that is even possible but it is.

Remember to spread the love today. Happy Valentine's day!

4 months

Wow, baby boy, you are four months old already! I keep repeating myself but it sure does feel like we welcomed you into this world only a few short days ago. Each day I wake to find a happy little boy smiling back at me. You have the best giggles, I could seriously listen to you giggle all day long. You still have not mastered the roll but you are working very hard on it. We went to your 4 month check up the other day and you are tipping the scales at 14.5 pounds. You are in the 90th percentile for height, that I can vouch for because you are wearing 9-12 sleepers and pants. You had two needles and you took them like a champ. Your big brother was there by your side to hold your hand and gave you big kisses and hugs afterwards. He even said you could hold his precious toy car.

You are always watching daddy and mommy very carefully while we are eating. We thought it was about time we introduced you to solids. You absolutely loved your cereal. Mommy can not seem to make it fast enough. We haven't got you back to sleeping through the night but after filling your belly up, it seems like you have been sleeping longer hours.

I like to call you my little chatter box. You are always chatting away to anyone who will listen. Let's just say if your stuffies could talk, they might tell you to lay off on all the yelling you have been doing at them.

I love the great big hugs you have been giving me. You could lay off on the hair pulling as mommy can't afford to lose any more hair.

Soon we will be celebrating your first Valentine's Day. Get ready for lots of hugs and smooches that day!

christmas day

I always look forward to Christmas day... the gathering of family, yummy food and just relaxing. This year, we headed to my parents house for a fun-filled afternoon. The last three years, my parents have been so kind as to dress up as Santa and his Elf. I love watching the kiddos expressions as they see the pair enter the room. Each year brings new reactions and conversations. Little Miss L. is one smart cookie and is starting to question if they are the real deal. I just hope we can continue this tradition a few years longer.

Mr. D is not a big fan of Santa or his Elf. It took a little convincing before he stepped up and chatted with the big guy. I guess the promise of a gift may have pushed his button. Baby I just enjoyed staring at the pair and loved wrapping his tiny little fingers around Santa's beard.

After our special guests departed, it was time to fill our bellies, listen to Christmas tunes and enjoy each others' company. Thank you to my parents for hosting a fabulous day and spoiling our children and the big kids. Having children just brings a whole other element to the holidays and I absolutely love it!

Hanging out with Uncle Brady.

Look who has arrived!

I love the pure joy on Little Miss L. and Mr. D's face.

Little Miss L. and Santa had a great chat.

Mr. D was not having any of this sitting on Santa's lap business.

Santa with his grandbabies.

Baby I loved the big guy's curly beard.

Just chilling with Santa and Elf.

Look, Santa has something for you. I think I may keep my distance.

Okay, I guess I can give you a little handshake.

Elf and Santa were getting a little naughty!

Helping Uncle Brady open his gifts.

Mr. D was excited for some new books. He love love loves to read.

All this Christmas stuff is tiring.

Little Miss L. and great grandma.

This guy was doing a happy dance because he scored this new hat.

christmas morning

I love love love Christmas. Yes, it is always fun to rip open a big ol' present but I love how this time of year brings family and friends together. I love starting new traditions with our family and also carrying on those from my childhood.

We spent our Christmas morning in low-key fashion. We all cuddled in our bed until everyone was up and ready to head to the living room to see if Santa had made his appearance. The kids all giggled as they told us stories about how Santa and his reindeer had been flying all night and filling their bellies up with lots of yummy treats. They wondered how it was possible for Santa to eat all these scrumptious goodies.

After everyone was up and ready to head to the tree, they made a mad dash down the hall. Excited squeals came pouring out as they reached the tree. It was a blur of wrapping paper, toys, clothes and laughter as they went through their Christmas stash. I loved watching their faces light up with excitement when they showed each other what they had received.

After the madness slowed down it was time for us to enjoy some breakfast. We went with crepes - a favourite around here. Wish I could have shared a few photos but we were all too hungry to snap a picture. After our bellies were filled, we relaxed and enjoyed our new gifts.

Then, for the afternoon, it was off to my parents' house for Christmas dinner. More on that tomorrow.

Really, not too sure you should hug me so tight, sister.

Wow, look at this!

Look guys, Santa and the reindeer ate their goodies but left some crumbs.

Chilling as the tornado of wrapping paper happened all around him.

I am blessed to have all of this on Christmas morning.

Little Miss L. was thrilled with her new Hello Kitty neckless. Thanks TuTu Chic Boutique. 

Cool, sandals for the summer.

Mr.D was super excited about his new airplane and airport. He had played like for hours. 

santa visit 2013

Alright, it's time for me to fill you all in on our holiday adventures. I thought the best place to start off would be our visit with Santa. Little Miss L. is all about the big guy in red. The boys on the other hand have a different feeling when it comes to him.

The hubby and I didn't know how it would go down once we got up close and personal with the jolly ol' man. Well, Little Miss L. was a regular chatter box as she chatted away in two different languages and was so excited to inform us "Santa speaks English and French! He knows everything!" Mr. D decided to take a run for it a few times and in the end daddy had to join in on the group photo or it just was not going to happen.

This year, they were sticklers about taking photos so I was hiding in the corner trying to snap a few (hey, don't judge me lol)

After it was all said and done, the kids were super pumped about giving Santa their wish list and getting a few goodies to head home with. Mr. D decided as he was walking away that it wasn't all that bad.

Until next year...

Our little girl is growing up!

Checking out the big guy.

My attempt at a photo.

Baby I chilling with Santa.