it is starting to look a lot like christmas...

I have been a little MIA and for one reason and one reason only - I am sleep deprived! I can't remember the last time I slept for more than 4 hours in a row. It just seems like we can't catch a break around here. Little Miss L. was up for days because of her throat infection, and then Baby D has decided that he would like to wake up every 2 hours on the nose. I am surprised I was capable of writing more than one sentence! With that being said, my brain is fried... here is a quick look at what we have been up to around here.

This past weekend it was time to pull out the Christmas decorations. Little Miss L. found a stocking and thought this was the perfect place to put it.

We have seen this face several times in the last month.

This picture was taken 20 seconds before our daughter starts her fake crying session.

Time to put up the Christmas tree! Little Miss L. loved handing mommy all of the ornaments.

Daddy and Baby D had to get in on the action too.

Baby D love love loves the sparkling ornaments and lights.  

Thanks mom and dad for coming to help us put up our lights and tree. I love love love  Sunday family dinner.

This is what happens when someone doesn't take a nap.

Little Miss L. loves when her uncle comes over because it means its time to wrestle. 

Watch out little girl- the tickling is going to begin...

These two like to goof around.

I love love love Christmas lights.

Little Miss L. was so excited to see her front yard lit up at night.

time to pull out the sensory bin!

I woke up this morning to a dreary day. As the day began, I was trying to decide what to do with the little ones. I quickly learned that I did not have the energy to get the children all bundled up and head outside. Instead, I pulled out the good ol' sensory bin to keep Little Miss L. occupied. What is a sensory bin you might ask? A sensory bin is exactly that: a bin which contains items that require you to use your senses. Today we went with uncooked pasta noodles, spoons, containers, bowls, and a few figurines. Little Miss L. will usually spend countless hours filling and pouring out the noodles. If you find yourself in a rut and need an idea to keep the kids busy, pull out a bin and fill it with whatever you have around the house: rice, water, sand, noodles, flour, kidney beans, buttons, marbles - the possibilities are endless.

What are you putting in your bin these days? I am always looking for new ideas for our bin - I love love love watching a child's imagination run wild.

Note: Please be aware that small items can be choking hazards for young children. Always remember to use age-appropriate items in your bin.

Great way for children to experience different textures.

Helps children with their hand-eye coordination.. 

Look Momma, a noodle!

snow time fun

For weeks now, Little Miss L. has eagerly jumped out of bed and ran to the window in hopes of finding snow-covered ground. Each time, she would turn back from the window with a disappointed face, as she realized the grass was still green. I am sure there have been several dreams of the white fluffy stuff in the past month. Yesterday, as luck would have it, her wish was finally granted. As I was laying in my bed, I heard a little shriek, then several giggles, followed by "mommy, daddy there's snow!" Our little girl came running out of her bedroom and full speed down the hall to our big bay window in the dining room - there she stood for several minutes with a huge smile on her face as she pointed out all of things the snow had covered.

It was finally time to pull out the winter gear, and head outside to enjoy our first taste of winter. I am always looking for fun activities to do outdoors, and snow brings the perfect opportunity to get out our squeeze and spray bottles - all you need is a little bit of food colouring, water and let the snow painting begin. This is a great way to let your child's imagination and creativity run wild. This activity can be a little messy, so it is a good idea to have clothes you don't mind getting dirty. Little Miss L. had a blast doodling in the snow and spraying the trees and bushes. She informed us that she was putting make-up on the trees and bushes. Our family is super excited the snow has finally arrived, and can't wait to spend more days outside playing in the white stuff.

Little Miss L.'s first attempt at making a snowball. 

Here we go...

Roll it...

Now it is time to throw it at daddy!

Baby D and daddy. Baby D wasn't too impressed with being outside.

Baby D's first snow angel.

This cold weather makes me sneeze!

Time to let the artist go to work.

I asked Little Miss L. if she liked the snow and she said it made her smile. I thought this was the perfect symbol of how she felt.

The spray bottles are out, watch out snow here I come!

The trees look beautiful now that they have their make-up on.

This is the "Momma, I am cold now" face.

    

movember

It is "Movember" once again and Baby D wanted to remind everyone that it is important to create awareness and educate those around you regarding men's health. As you may remember, last year the hubby sported quite the "mo"(you can check it out here) but unfortunately he is not growing that scary looking creature again this year. Instead, his son has stepped up to the plate and I must say he looks pretty darn cute!  If you want to support this great cause, please donate to your favourite Mo Bro, Baby D!

weekend catch-up

Sleep - I am not sure if I even know what that is anymore! This past week, Little Miss L. has been under the weather. On Friday night, she woke up around 11pm and cried her little heart out until the following morning. Everything the hubby and I tried did not seem to help... she was hysterical! First thing Saturday morning, we took Little Miss L. to the doctor where we found out she was battling a nasty throat infection. The rest of the weekend was spent cuddling, sleeping, cuddling, sleeping, and a few attempts to brighten her day. I knew one thing that would put a smile on her face, it was time for a family bubble bath. What child doesn't like splashing around in the white foamy stuff? It seems to us that Little Miss L. is on the mend and we are hoping she will be back to her normal self in no time.

Most of the weekend, our sick little girl could be found like this all over the house.

Baby D decided it might be fun to do the same. 

Even under the weather, Little Miss L. was determined to have some fun.

When she grows up, she would like to be a "Vallerina" as she calls it.

Momma, watch me do my twirl. 

I can't believe Baby D is 3 months old. The time is flying by and he is getting bigger and bigger!

Baby D was full of cuddles, he just wanted his big sister to feel better.

Bubble time!

Seeing that smile made everything better.

My two little munchkins.

Baby D's first bubble bath and he loved every minute of it.

Moments like these I will cherish forever.

Little Miss L. had to demonstrate how daddy usually washes her hair.

Splish, splash I was taking a bath...

Bubbles, bubbles!

No, daddy!!!!!