snuggles and tissues

Little Miss L. and I have been hit hard with a nasty cold for the last 11 days. As much as I hate being sick or hearing my little one sound like a purring cat, I love the quiet moments that surround such down time. This past weekend was met with lots of snuggles, hot tea, and several beautiful drawings. Here is to hoping we are nearing the end...

These products did not leave our side all weekend long.

Drawing a picture for daddy. Little Miss L. was determined to make it work using the opposite end of the crayon.

This is serious business everyone!

Let's check it out - umm maybe it doesn't taste as good as I thought!?!?

Tried lychee pear green tea for the first and I must say it is quite tasty folks.

This weekend was met with an unmade bed all weekend long - which is okay as we loved playing in the tangled sheets.

I could stare at these precious feet all day long.

Nothing compares to the moment when your child  wraps their little arms around you and lands a big kisses on your forehead. I received several this weekend. Lots of snuggles took place in this bed.

Lately I have been craving fresh salads. 

To wrap up the weekend, the hubby and I whipped up this roasted turkey and fruit salad- it was scrumptious!

16 weeks

It is always nice to be able to look back on your pregnancy and see the progress you are making. I also love technology for allowing me the opportunity to share my pregnancy with friends and family who are out of town. Through my blog, I have been able to connect with other women who are preparing to become a mommy or who have already welcomed their new bundle of joy. I love hearing about their own journey to motherhood and all the joys and struggles they have occurred along the way. It is comforting to know you are not the only one who has ups and downs on the journey. I hope you all enjoy my weekly updates!


Weekly e-mail update: Get ready for a growth spurt. In the next few weeks, your baby will double his weight and add inches to his length. His legs are much more developed, his head is more erect than it has been, and his eyes have moved closer to the front of his head. His ears are close to their final position, too. The patterning of his scalp has begun, though his locks aren't recognizable yet. He's even started growing toenails.
How far along?: 16 weeks
How big is baby?: The size of an avocado, 4 1/2 inches long (head to rump) and 3 1/2 ounces.
Weight gain?: I have gained 4 pounds since the beginning of the pregnancy. It is true what they say about second pregnancies- you do show a lot sooner!
Stretch marks?: Not yet.
Maternity clothes?: Still squeezing into my normal clothes, but my pants are starting to feel tight.
Food cravings?: For some reason I am in love with grapefruit.
Sleep?: Haven't had any in days- suffering from a bad cold.
Movement?: Nothing yet- hoping to feel the little one soon!
Gender?: Still deciding whether to find out or not.
Exercise?: Nada right now- maybe once I start getting some energy back.
What's been going on?: This past week I have been hit hard with a nasty cold. Lack of sleep is starting to get to me!

gourmet popcorn on a budget

I love love love popcorn, especially gourmet popcorn! Popcorn is my ultimate snack food and is my go-to food to pick-me-up when I am having a craving for something salty or sweet. As a young family planning for the future, we are always looking for ways to save money where we can. I love gourmet popcorn because of its mouthwatering flavours and aromas but I do not like the price tag associated with it. Over the last few years, the hubby and I realized we could make our beloved gourmet popcorn on a shoestring budget if we were willing to be creative about it. It really is easy- just hit up your local bulk food or grocery store and purchase your popping corn in bulk. Next step is to pop it the old-fashion way. Then comes the fun part - get creative with your toppings. Check out your spice rack for ideas. Basil, oregano, parsley, Italian seasoning and garlic salt are all great options. If you are a cheese lover, then hit up the Parmesan cheese- just grate some fresh Parmesan and you are all set! For those of you out there that have a sweet tooth like myself, combine some brown sugar and cinnamon for a sweet treat or melt some caramel and drizzle on top - there are endless possibilities! Instead of paying $4.00 or more for a bag of gourmet popcorn, you can make over 200 cups with one bag of popping corn for the same price!

Prepping our ingredients. Follow directions on package.

Add your kernels to hot oil.

All done! Smell that goodness!

Top with your favourite toppings such as basil, parsley, or oregano.

The finished product - the perfect snack!

stripes?

As each day passes, we are getting more and more excited to move into our new home. When we purchased our new home, it was the perfect match as the previous owners already had a beautiful nursery- we thought it would be just right for Little Miss L.. Then we found out that we would have to occupy all the rooms upstairs. We decided we would give the larger room to Little Miss L. and the nursery would be for the new bundle of joy. So, the planning has started and I am trying to figure out what we will do for Little Miss L.'s bedroom. I don't know what it is lately, but I am in love love love with stripes. I love that stripes add such a visual interest to the room. What do you think? How do you feel about stripes?

spreading the news

First off, we would like to thank everyone for their warm wishes and excitement after we shared the news that we are expecting a new member to our family. The outpouring of support warms our heart! Many of you have asked me how we decided to tell our families, so I thought I would let you guys in on what went down!

Before telling you about how we told our families, I know there are some of you out there wondering how we shared the news the first time around - so here it goes...First we decided to take my parents out to a nice Italian restaurant for dinner. During dinner, I was able to sneak away for a few minutes and ask the waiter to attach my ultrasound picture to our dessert menu. After he so kindly obliged, I was back to our table to finish off my plate of pasta. I sat patiently as I watched everyone finish up their meals - it was almost time! As our plates were cleared our waiter brought over the dessert menu. He first asked my mother to look over the menu, but she wasn't having anything to do with it. She just kept saying "No thank you sir, I am much too full for dessert" as the waiter persisted, I could see my mother starting to get angry. The nice waiter decided to move onto his next victim, my father. The poor waiter was faced with the same dilemma as my father had the same response as my mother. I could see the waiter starting to panic, so I raised my voice and said "just take the menu"! As my father opened the menu a smile came to life on his face but there was no verbal response as he passed it over to my mother. My mother took a quick look and starting smiling and laughing. There was pure joy as she realized she was going to be a grandmother for the first time.

Then it was off to the in-laws to break the news. We knew many of our family members would be there as we just arrived back from Portugal to visit for a week. Prior to arriving at our in-laws, I called one of my very good girlfriends and asked her to bring a cake over to the house. As we arrived home, we were greeted with lots of hugs and kisses. A few minutes later, there was a ring at the door as my girlfriend had just arrived. She said that she had brought everyone dessert. As she opened the cake, she asked my mother-in-law to read what the cake said. As she read out loud "Congrats Shanna and Jeff" it still did not click-in. Then my sister-in-law shouted, "are you pregnant?" I said "I sure am!" So, there you have it folks...this is how is all went down the first time around.

Smiling for my first preggo photo with the girls and my little nephew. May 2009.

Sharing the news with our good friends and family! May 2009.

Now onto the present. We hit the road to go and visit my parents at their home. We thought it would be fitting to use our ultrasound picture once again. We thought, what better way to share the news than allowing big sister-to-be the honour of delivering that special photo. As I pulled out the photo from my purse, I handed it to Little Miss L. and asked to her take it over to Nona because she had something special to share with everyone. As she handed the photo to my mother, the same pure joy washed over her face as she realized once again she was going to be a grandmother. As my father looked over, my mother informed him "they did it again!"

Really- this is my brother or sister? Kind of looks like a blob. 

I am not too sure how I feel about this?

Then it was time to share the news with the hubby's side of the family. We asked everyone to come over for dinner that night. After dinner I asked if we could take a group photo because Valentine's Day was coming up and I thought it would be nice to have a photo with everyone in it. We all gathered around as my hubby set up our trusty tripod. As we took a few photos we shouted out "say cheese" and "smile." Then I said, "Just one more!" and as the camera was about to take that last picture, the hubby yelled out "Shanna is pregnant!" It took awhile for it all to sink in!

I love this picture as it totally captured the moment. Look at Little Miss L. It looks like she is praying that this "baby thing" better be good. Also, look at Toby (the dog)... it's as if he just realized that another one of these little people that chases him around is going to join the family-"I am out of here!"

family.friends.fun.

This past weekend was full of laughter and fun. Even though the weather was not inviting, we still managed to enjoy some time outdoors with our fabulous friends visiting from Toronto, Little Miss L. had a sleepover with her cousin, and we baked some treats in preparation for Valentine's Day.  What a great weekend!

The backyard doubles as a toboggan track

Little Mr. N says hi

Daddy teaching Little Miss L. how to make a snow angel.

Little Miss L.'s first attempt at a snow angel.

All tuckered out after playing in the snow- asked them to smile and this is what we got!

Asked Little Miss L. to show us her teeth - still a work in progress!

Valentine's Day would not be complete without making a batch of delicious cupcakes!

Fun with potty, time to start practicing.

Sitting on the potty like a big girl.  Next, learning to lift the seat cover!

valentine's day is always full of love

Happy Valentine's Day everyone! I love love love this day! I know many people are thinking "why do you like such a cheesy day?" Well, for me this day always brings so much happiness and joy. The past few years it has been filled with amazing memories I will cherish forever. I will fill you in on why I love this day so much.

On Valentine's Day 2009, I was sitting at home waiting patiently for my husband to arrive back from his business trip. As my husband came in the door I could not contain my excitement for many reasons... I knew he would be hungry, tired, and would probably want to take a hot shower but I asked him to come and join me on the couch instead. I wanted to give him his Valentine's Day gift. He asked me if we could hold off until later but I just said no, no, no open it now. As he opened some chocolates and few smaller gifts I could see him pondering why these gifts were so important to open right this second. As I gave him one last small bag, he reached inside and pulled out a pair of small booties. A big smile washed over his face as he asked me "does this mean what I think it means?" I said, "It sure does - you are going to be a daddy! That Valentine's Day, we were on cloud nine as we celebrated the hope of bringing a new life into this world.

Valentine's Day 2010 was another memorable day. The hubby and I decided to take a short trip to Valencia, Spain. Our weekend was filled with excitement as we watched our daughter experience many firsts such as riding the train, sleeping in a hotel and exploring another country. The city was full of great people, delicious food, and beautiful buildings I will never forget. I couldn't have asked for a better day than sharing it with my two favourite people in a unique city which I would love to go back and visit someday.

Now we have come to Valentine's Day 2011. Today our family would like to share something with all of you. Little Miss L. would like to announce that she is preparing to become a big sister! Our family could not be more excited that we will be adding a new member this summer. Now I hope you can see why this day has been and continues to be so special to me, and I hope there will be many more amazing memories to associate with this day. I love love love Valentine's Day :)

a valentine's gift to cherish

As you know, I am always looking for fun and easy activities to do as a family. With Valentine's Day approaching, I thought it would be the perfect time to make some homemade gifts for loved ones. I went to our local dollar store and purchased a Plaster of Paris kit (plaster & mold). Little Miss L. loved putting her hands into the cold and gooey mixture. Only a few steps involved and clean up was fast and easy. After plaster has dried over night, add your own personal touch. Paint, sponge paint, add a flower, or write a saying...really, it is all up to your imagination where there are endless possibilities!

Simple four step process!

Daddy pouring the plaster into the mold.

Little Miss L. experiencing the cold and gooey mixture. 

I love these tiny little hand-prints! Plaster must sit overnight to completely set.

The finished product. We opted to use crayons to write a loving message.

Adds a great personal touch to any room. This keepsake sits perfect on this photo stand which we had in the house already.