thank you daddy!

This Sunday marks a special day when many of us will be celebrating the men in our lives. What is a father? Many would agree their perception of a father is an array of things - to me, a father is someone who is loving, understanding, a disciplinarian, a great listener, open-minded, imaginative, leads by example, supportive, loyal, and knows how to challenge his family. In just under four short years, my husband has taken on this role not once but twice and in a few short months will be welcoming the challenge again.

I am thankful everyday that my children are surround by a man who allows them to be themselves, who pushes them to do their best and understands that children make mistakes and that is a part of growing up. They are loved by a man who would sacrifice anything for his family to be secure and happy.

"Anyone can be a father, but it takes a real man to be a daddy."

-Anonymous

Thank you for being the man you are and continue to be. Happy Father's Day!!

Love,

Little Miss L., Baby D, Little Bean and your HAW
xoxox

Holding his baby girl for the first time.

Holding his baby boy for the first time.

Thank you for being the best swing pusher...

Thank you for teaching us how to skate...

Thank you for always napping with us when we needed it...

Thank you for always letting us blow out the candles even if it's your birthday...

Thank you for teaching us how to swim...

Thank you for always making us laugh...

Thank you for always waking up early with us...

Thank you for always allowing us to get the apple at the top of the tree...

Thank you for always holding us when we need it...

Thank you for always goofing around with us, even if it makes mommy nervous...

Thank you for taking us around the world to explore new things...

Thank you for having bubble bath parties...

Thank you for always getting messy with us...

Thank you for making sure our bellies are always full, even if it means you have to wait to eat your meal...

Thank you for always spoiling us with treats...

Thank you for always giving us a helping hand...

Thank you for taking us to the ocean...

Thank you for always smiling when your hands are full...

Thank you for being the best daddy we could ask for...

Little bean can't wait to meet this amazing man.

fairies in the park

As a little girl, did you ever dream about being a fairy and going off to a magical place where you were surrounded by other beautiful fairies dancing about with their magic wands? This past weekend, my little girl had a chance for that dream to come true. She put on her fairy best and entered an enchanted place surrounded by other little children fulfilling the same dream. The weather wasn't supposed to be in our favour on Saturday but it must have been all the little fairies wishing to have clear skies for their special day as the clouds parted and the drizzle stopped.

A big thank you to Stephanie Forgues for bringing such a wonderful event to the community of Brockville. The kids had an absolute blast skipping around as they checked out the craft table, tried cotton candy for the first time, met Tinkerbell and danced about with their fairy friends. It was evident how much my little fairy enjoyed herself as she left screaming because there was no way she wanted to leave. May we see this event continue for years to come!

All dressed and ready to go.

Lucky little brother gets to join in on all the fairy fun.

This captures our daughter's personality perfectly.

Thank you Stephanie for hosting such a wonderful event!

Cotton candy for the first time.

Ready to give it a try...

Umm, not sure if I like this.

Cousin C decided to join in on the action too.

Fairy dresses.

Making her fairy wand.

Baby D opted to hit the playground instead.

Baby C decided to hit the swings.

Little Miss L. meets Tinkerbell.

My little fairy.

After our trip to the park, we had a visit with grandma and grandpa. Baby D was all about the trucks after his fairy filled afternoon.

Riding the tractor.

All the fairy-watching tired him out.

A spin on the bikes before they left grandma and grandpa's.

lori & gregg tie the knot

Have you ever watched a movie where two people find each other in unusual circumstances, fall in love and then the perfect couple marry and become best friends? Well, I can now say I have seen this movie played out in real life. Two weekends ago, I witnessed one of the most stunning brides marry her best friend. The bride was gorgeous (like a barbie doll), the groom was handsome (like a Ken doll), the location was perfect and the decor was breathtaking. There were tears, laughter and lots of dancing. The whole day can been summed up as magical.

It was truly a beautiful wedding, you could feel the love in the air the whole time. It was great night spent with wonderful friends and it was nice to have the hubby all to myself for awhile.

Here is a sneak peak...

Love...

The bride and groom chose the beautiful Codes Mill on the park for their reception.

The rare opportunity for the hubby and I get a pic together.

They chose grey, white and a splash of pink and purple for their decor. Love love loved it!

Centerpieces varied but this one was my favourite.

Hanging with two of my fav girls.

Head table was draped in a grey tablecloth with crystal lamps.

I loved this special touch. The name cards represent how the couple met.

The couple preparing for their first dance as a married couple.

The happy couple.

Beautiful ladies :)

In one hand I hold what I wish I could have been downing for the evening and the other is what I downed instead.

The bride wore two stunning gowns. This was number #2 for the day.

The bride and groom made this handsome specimen. The cutest ring-bearer. 

The girls.

Congrats again to an incredible wife, mother and friend.

25 weeks

How far along?: 25 weeks
How big is baby?: Head to heels, baby now measures about 13 1/2 inches. Their weight — 1 1/2 pounds — isn't much more than an average rutabaga.
Weight gain?: I am up 16 pounds. I have gained 4 pounds in the last week!! Hopefully, this will not become a trend.
Stretch marks?: My goal is to keep my skin moist to hopefully combat any of those pesky stretch marks.
Maternity clothes?: Still have not found the time to go shopping, but am in desperate need of some new clothes that fit this ever-growing belly.
Food cravings?: Bring on the roasted red pepper hummus and tortilla chips.
Sleep?: I have to admit that I have been sleeping better the past week. I don't know the reason, but I will take it!
Gender?: Little Miss L. and Baby D will have a little brother.
Exercise?: Chasing after kids all day has been enough exercise for me.
What's been going on? Let's just start off with one of the most annoying side-effects of pregnancy -HEARTBURN! I have been hit hard with heartburn this past week. I had experienced severe heartburn with Little Miss L. and a little with Baby D and I had hoped the third time would be the charm where I might be lucky to bypass this not-so-pleasant side-effect of pregnancy. I have tried all the recommended tricks but nothing seems to be helping. Although I have been sleeping better this week, when the heartburn hits, I'm unable to sleep. I am hoping the heartburn doesn't get worse or else I will have to start sleeping sitting up like I did with Little Miss L. I was 25 weeks on Tuesday and had a check-up with my OB in the morning. Little Miss L. loved listening to her brother's heartbeat but said "it sounds like he is chewing a lot in there" and was afraid he may eat my belly :)

Check out baby #1 and #2 at week 25 here.