6 months

I can't believe I am writing this post already. Wow, here we are folks... Baby I has hit the 6 month mark and I need to pinch myself to be reminded this is not a dream.

Baby boy, you are growing and changing at a rapid pace. Each day, I feel like you are mastering a new task. You absolutely love to bounce. If you could eat, sleep and play in the Jolly Jumper you would be there 24/7. Even when you are not in the jumper, you have to be bouncing around on mommy's knee. You love love love Toby our dog - you are always on the look out for that little white fluff ball - you giggle as he runs by you and you and your brother love to play games with him. Your giggle is becoming louder more boisterous; I can't get enough of it.

You have cut your two bottom teeth. Let's just say that you haven't been the happiest camper around here. It has been making for some long, sleepless nights.You have been doing a great job exploring new foods. You can't seem to get enough squash and let me to tell you, you really lose your cool when you want more.

You still love to give mommy cuddles and please do not ever get over that. You are sitting up all by yourself. We just went to your 6 month check up and you weighed in at 17.5 pounds. I think you are going to be like your daddy as you are in the 95th percentile for height and the 30th percentile for weight.

Keep growing and smiling my little one. You make mommy so proud.

surprise 30th birthday party

Today, I am celebrating the last hours of my 20's. I can't believe tomorrow I will be turning 30!! Wow, hurts a little to write that.

Well, I am not one for surprises but the hubby pulled off a pretty good one yesterday. Growing up, I spent most of my time at the ice arena. I love love love figure skating. Over the years, I have not been able to hit the ice as often as I would like but now that the kiddos are getting older, I have had the privilege of introducing them to skating. With that in mind, the hubby decided to plan a surprise party at the skating arena where he rented the ice for an afternoon of fun.

I won't get into details on how he got me there but let's just say it wasn't an easy task and there may have been a lot whining and complaining about taking the kids out in the cold etc. but once I was there and I was surprised to see family and friends gathered to celebrate this old gals birthday, I quickly whipped on my skates and had an afternoon of laughter and fun.

Thank you to everyone who came out and helped my hubby prepare for my birthday shindig as it truly meant a lot to be surrounded by so much love. It was great to see lots of you enjoying a passion of mine and for those of you who did not hit the ice, maybe we can convince you to try it sometime soon. I loved watching our babies head out on the ice with smiles plastered on their faces. They soon will be skating circles around this old girl. I think we may have to make this a yearly tradition.

A huge thank you goes out to the best hubby this girl could ask for. You pulled it all together to make an awesome afternoon and pulling off a surprise, as we know isn't an easy task when it comes to surprising this momma. Love you all!

P.s. I may or may not be a little sore today!

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.