just us

here goes

2012-01-24T09:28:00.000-08:00

Where to begin? Our Christmas was great. we were down in Raymond and Taber with our families. The girls had fun keeping busy with kids and toys and just being with everyone, and so did we. Christmas was definitely magical this year. Sadie and even Hannah got excited about so many little things. Visits from our elf, making gingerbread, counting down the days, Santa, singing and all the rest.

Aren't big sisters the best. These girls are all so excited and 'helpful' with the babies.

The 3 newest editions Talia, Sage and Oliver. they are each a month apart, how fun hey. So good to see the other babes and I loved that Talia looked like a newborn again.

My dad & I are always keeping up on Talias weight. So of course we did a weigh in, and she is not the only one that gained some Christmas weight.

We were home for a few days Ryan went to the world jr. hockey games. Then we headed to Palm Springs for a family vacation. It was a lot of fun, semi relaxing, but that was expected with 3 little kids. We did get lots of sun and fun. Sadie loved playing in the pool with Kyla and she wore her self out daily and was pretty much asking to go to bed. What? that was awesome.

We couldn't resist being so close to Disneyland and not going. So we woke up early and took the kids there. It was so funny to suprise them. We told Sadie we were giving her a suprise, guess what she thought it was, a treat, she thought we were going to get a 5 cent treat. Dang we really outdid ourselves hey.

The girls loved running around toon town

This was the Winnie the Pooh ride. Sadie was beyond excited because she had just went on the Jungle Cruise and Pirates. We really realized how sweet, and innocent and happy Sadie is. She does not like anything scary, and her definiton of scary covers a lot of things.

Talia and I on Small World

A highlight for Sadie was meeting minnie and mickey a couple of times. and the princesses too

It was a lot of fun to take the kids. I went a few times as a kid and it was fun to see some of the things that had not changed and were still awesome. Ryan & I even snuck in a ride on Space Mountain. Thanks to the Ehlerts they were the best hosts gave Sadie a swimming, dancing, play buddy, Ryan a golf partner, awesome rook competion, our Disney guides, even babysitting one night. Sheesh we were so lucky. thank you!

We did actually come home a couple days earlier than planned. Talia got really sick, and we took her to ER down there. We just felt better coming home incase it got any worse. boo for sick babies. Its just a little scary being in another country with a small baby and she had already been in the hospital. so home we came. Seriously I have to remember what a lot of work it was at times on this trip but is was a lot of fun. THe kids travelled so great, even with hannah's puking incident on the plane ride home. Ryan was seriously such a great dad and a sport (he was the one that got puked on). Couldn't have nor wouldn't have wanted to do it without him. Disneyland was actually pretty busy and crowded, but our kids were great (yes I'm bragging) come on no meltdowns from an 18 month and 4 year old, and yes our 2 month old too. We packed a lot into the 2 days we were there. I think Ryan & I got to be pretty good at just going with whatever or whatever was best for the kids.

2 month Tali

2012-01-12T17:25:00.000-08:00

Can you believe 2 months today! This little girl is such a joy in our family. She has been a lot of work for me, but always worth it.

Ask me what the hardest thing with 3 kids is.... for us it has been keeping her healthy. Sheesh. I'm sure its my own kids that have caused her to get sick sick sick. We try to stay home, usually thats the easy part. You will rarely see me out with 3 kids. We quarantine ourselves but then sometimes life and fun happen and we can't pass it up. So we get crazy and we take her on holidays with us and of course she gets sick and we get worried, because she is so little and fragile. Oh I'll just stay home and snuggle her for another month or so.

All things considered she is doing awesome, she did come a month early after all. She has gained weight like no babies business. She continues to woo me and my dad (who is always checking up on her) with her amazing weight gain. She is up over 9lbs now. which is bittersweet right. Unfortunately she has frequented the hospital and Dr. offices more in her first 2months then I care for, including while on holidays (slightly scary, no really scary for me) Her grunting and squeaking continue to add to the noise in our house, she has enough hair for a clip, she is looking less jaundice and more perfect baby skin, (she did have a bad case of baby zits) she is smothered by Sadie daily. She is told by Hannah when to be picked up or put down by me (all down with no words) I guess I have more to say about her than I thought. Mostly we just love her.

merry christmas

2011-12-21T09:25:00.000-08:00

I don't know what it is, but life just feels a bit crazy. ok maybe it is the fact that Ryans car pretty much died, I have a new baby, we had to go back to the hospital, we hardly leave the house, 3 kids outnumbers me big time. So it will be nice that in a day or 2 we go to visit our families and hopefully just enjoy time together and relaxing. My head is everywhere right now, so a quick update of a bit of our lives lately.

Merry Christmas

Hannah loves to dance to Christmas music and it is of course better with some blingy antlers

the perfect photo right?

round here is still a free for all. Soothers everywhere.

Infact Hannahs favorite thing to do is find Talias soother and give it to her.

The only good thing when Talia went back in the hospital, my mom came up for a bit. Thank YOU!!

Just having a moment here. I left Talia here and went to get the door, and came back to this... both girls reading her a story and I think Sadie is multi tasking and trying to keep a soother in too.

Somehow we have still managed to do a few crafts. Here they are making snowmen.

Ryan reading a Christmas story with the girls. It is Elf Magic. Our Elf Sally is back for a visit from the North Pole, she has done some crazy pranks and sometimes leaves a suprise too. They are both loving her (okay and maybe even fighting over her at times)

I really don't even want to talk about the fact that Talia is already 1 month old

Ryan asked if I was doing Christmas cards... ha I laughed yeah right, not my year. THis is the best family photo we have right now. Even though I could point out more than a few imperfections I pretty much love it.

Although, this little jem from Sadie is a close second.

Wow shes here

2011-11-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

Talia Kay

LOVE her. I've put this off long enough but I need to get a few things down and of course some pictures of this teeny tiny little girl.

Yes, Talia came early... a little too early. I was not quite ready... for it all just yet, but of course thats life and we are adjusting fine. So the story goes my water broke, this has never happened to me, so of course I was in denial and tried to carry on with my day. After talking to Allaina and Lindsay they both informed me I was having a baby and I better pack my bags and go... so I called Ryan he was in shock, but came home and we headed to the hospital. They had to induce me, but not before they let me do laps around the hosptial. I truly tried to get it going on my own and briskly walked around and up and down, but nothing. I did tell every nurse and dr. now that I was here I really wanted to have the baby today, cause hello 11/11/11 how cool is that to be born on. Anyways I got induced and it happened pretty fast, and she was born at 12:18a.m on NOv. 12. I guess I wasn't pushy enough. She is of course so super tiny and we can't get enough of her. We stayed in the hosptial for a few days just to make sure she was good and ready to come home. She was in the NICU for one day, and then did go under the lights for jaundice. She is growing pretty good, so far she is gaining weight and still seems so teeny.

As far as her fitting in in our family she is finding her place. Sadie is a proud big sister who definetly takes on the biggest sister role and thinks she can handle the baby more than she should. She has introduced herself a bazillion times ("Hi I'm Sadie, I'm your big sister, and thats Hannah, and there is your mom"-cute to hear their conversation) and loves to talk to her and hold her hand. Hannah is what i expected. She is interested for minutes or seconds at a time. She says "hi" and waves at her like a bazillion times. She tries to be gentle and touch her head and occasionally squeezes in a kiss, or better yet she loves to blow kisses at her. Sometimes Hannah is still my baby and when she wants me she wants ME, and I am getting good and snuggling 2 at once and suddenly the whole day passes us by. but what could be better right?

Ryan is so happy to be the dad of 3 little girls, after all thats what he thought we'd get, and he thinks it will be easier than boys... He has stepped it up and is happy to take the older 2 and play with them and entertain them, Talia is just too tiny and seems so fragile to him.

I have to laugh at a couple comments he made

" seriously will we ever leave the house with 3 kids" have to admit with Hannah & Talia being so close and more dependent on me it is a little daunting especially in the winter

"ok we have to make sure we do a diaper run through the house every night" you know so we don't miss any.

he was completly serious when said these, it was funny to me anyway.

Can't get over how tiny she is in this and not happy

just to show how much dark hair she has.

We are so lucky to have family and friends around that have helped us out so much. Ryans mom came up on a moments notice and took care of the girls and then my mom came home early from her holiday to help out with my kids, have some baby snuggles and give me many naps.

A few things about Talia

she was 5lbs 3oz, lots of dark hair, skinny little legs, long feet. I think she looks like Hannah

she makes a crazy amount of baby noises, like I've never heard before and she does it almost around the clock, she does look like she has a bit of a tan still, she sleeps a lot, is a decent eater, it is definitely taking some work. she spits up often. she is lucky enough to have a girl cousin, Sage 1 month older and a boy cousin, Oliver 2 months older. For now she is for sure the little runt.

3 no prob

2011-11-01T21:07:00.000-07:00

We are getting close to having #3 join our family. I'm sure the adjustment will be no big deal. right? I've got 2 big girls to 'take care' of the next little one. If this is any indication of what life with 3 will be, bring it on, it will be a walk in the park. ha ha

Just for the record this is just how these 2 play, I didn't try to pose them or tell sadie to catch the baby, or slide down together, or even pull the wagon so my preggo self could have a break. Don't get me wrong, I will gladly have my mom come stay with us when the baby joins cause I DO know that I will need the help, and my kids will more than welcome some entertainment.

The girls are definitely getting excited. Sadie has changed her mind and totally wants a boy now, cause duh we don't have a brother. I totally think it is a boy. I say Ryan doesn't want to get his hopes up, he says one more girl would be easy.. Hannah hardly has a clue, I think. She gets that my belly is getting bigger and points at it. When we ask here where the baby is, half the time she points at her own belly i think, or maybe she is just pointing at herself.

This pregnancy has had some ups and downs, so if I can just hold off having a baby until my mom is home, I'm sure we'll all be happy.

**go back if you missed the halloween post**

happy hOWLoween

2011-10-31T21:32:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween! I feel like we totally got our fill of the dressing up and taking in Halloween festivities. It was all fun, the girls loved it, if Hannah ever put up a fuss when trying to get her costume on, she was won over in less than a second by a treat.

Anyways their costumes. They were owls. Sadie could've been convinced to be anything, infact she came up with the most random things she could be. I got the idea on none other than pinterest. Not gonna lie it was more work than I thought, but I always forget that sewing is work for me. Then I thought I was good just making one, and Ryan reminded me that there is a small window when you can dress your kids alike or how you want. So Hannah got one too, it went way faster for #2.

We went to our ward Halloween party, it was super fun.

The dancing was a hit for everyone, with the occasional treat break.

Hannah was never scared of anything, she would rarrr right back at anything that looked scary or had teeth.

There was a little Halloween get together, and their costumes weren't quite done, luckily we found some back ups.

are these girls not the cutest

Ryan & I even dressed up once, thanks to Allaina for lending us their costumes.

Ryan took them out trick or treating, I popped out to snap a couple pictures. Hannah lasted longer than I thought she would. She was totally into it and loving her bag of candy. Sadie was just super excited, and happy to go as long as Hannah did.

I thought it was cute and a good idea for Ryan to take them in the wagon, umm Ryan said nope. I forgot that Hannah can and wants to keep up with Sadie, so they ditched it after awhile.

and the pumpkin carving always a hit for like 4 minutes, good thing Ryan is good to carve one for us.

Sadie goes to school...

2011-10-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Sadie is in preschool. I remember when I dropped her off, it just happened so fast. One minute she needed me to get her out of the car and the next minute she is lining up with all the other kids, and in my head I was wishing Hannah would run after her and give her a hug or cry, cause a teeny part of me wanted too. A simple wave was good enough. It's been almost a month now, so it really doesn't seem like a big deal. I decided I wouldn't make it a big deal for me, that she is growing up way to fast and gets to go off to school a few times a week without me. She does love it so that makes it easy, her teacher is great, and it just so happens the whole class is girls. Hannah and I have a small window where it is just the 2 of us, so we'll see what I can make of it.

happy birthday to my 4 year old

2011-09-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to our 4 year old

Sadie was sure she was taller the day of her birthday, she kept streching out and saying she was taller. She also claims she can't wear her clothes that are size 3 and some of her shoes are getting too snug. So at 4 she is trying to tell me she needs more new shoes and clothes.

Birthday Breakfast I got the idea for these cake pancakes from none other than my new friend pinterest for her birthday breakfast. Can you believe even I thought they were a little too sweet first thing in the morning.

Anyways she got to have her cousin James come up for a couple nights and be with her on her birthday. So basically it was non stop playing and fun for them. Seriously non stop, meaning even at bedtime they were too cute to break up.

I am including this picture for lindsay, just look at James.

James got Sadie some dress up stuff and it was the cutest thing, Sadie went to take them off to go downstairs and James just swooped in and said, "let me carry them for you" the rest of the pics I got of these 2 are on my other lost in the movie theater camera and I am so sad about it. So I won't obsess about how much fun and cute these 2 are together.

Sadie has so been looking forward to her birthday and all that goes with it. It's all over with and I don't think we disappointed her. But of course as I am putting her to bed she already has an idea for her 5th birthday, sheesh.

Sadie had a fairy party with friends and it was a hit. Let me tell ya how to throw a fairy party ha ha. First of all Sadie has the cutest friends and they show up and are all so dang cute and excited to do fairy stuff. The highlight for me was the nice weather so I could keep the fairy hunt outside and they loved it. The highlight for them was the magic pixie dust they got at the end. They just ate it up, they wanted to use it to fly and were just fascinated with it.

saw these on pinterest, fairies like rainbows right. so easy peesy.

oh summer

2011-09-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

Still feels like summer and I know everybody wants to see what we were doing for the rest of it. Even though we are in September I couldn't not post pictures of our glourious summer. We never went anywhere too far, but we had so much fun playing wherever we went.

Hiking with Grandma B. Some of the other adults went on a 'real' hike that some of the prego moms couldn't handle, but sometimes chasing around this many kids is more work than a hike. ok not really it was all fun.

Going to the mountains

Everytime we were near water Sadie would try to have a waterfight with Ryan it was always entertaining to watch and stay dry.

WRiting on Stone, which was so fun and I hadn't been in forever. I forgot how awesome it is. it was so fun.

cutest little kids altogether ( just missing Gavin, I'm sure he would've looked a lot like Hannah)

Splashing and running around the spray park, my kids LOVE it there. The first week in September we just kept on going & I just couldn't have been happier to wear my kids out and I think I rather enjoyed the sunshine and friends too.

Going to Heritage Park with friends

Getting pulled around in the car at the lake.

ok I love how easy it is to make a kids day go from good to amazing. Sadie has seen this pedestrian bridge and always wanted to go across it. So we did it. and even finished it with slurpees and the park. She thought it was amazing and "the best day ever" I'm sure its been topped since then, but man its nice having kids that are happy with the simple things in life.
Ahh yes WATERMELON! again remind me how easy it is to keep my kids happy sometimes. Hannah and watermelon DONE!

Trips to the zoo

Visiting Montana with friends. I thought it was so cute Sadie was telling Kyla a secret, a good one I'm sure.

This was Sadie forever ago at a photoshoot for a friend.

These girls and me all did the 2km race in Raymond. It was honestly soo fun. Sadie just loved it. It could've been worse getting them all up and out to run at 730 but it was really great.

This would be Lindsay with the kids at the start, it wasn't looking good for James or his mom (like 6 months preggo) at the beginning. But he came around and I'm pretty sure he beat his mom

Grandma B had some medals for the kids, if you can't tell Sadie was pretty pumped about

Enjoying the summer thundershowers

We even got caught in the rain, Hannah didn't mind one bit, she is sooo happy in the wagon.

July 1st Festivities in Raymond, I think they were spent, but I still like this picture

Oh these kids just have so much fun when they get together.
Playing at the Lake

Seriously LOVE summer and kids

I left Sadie outside for a bit and came back to this, good to know she is not too girly to get down and dirty.

Watching thundershower with Dad

Seriously we did have a super fun summer, and it is always sad to see it go, thankfully it is holding on still and we are enjoying being outside as much as we can. Hannah loves going outside is constantly getting shoes and heading for the door, so it could be a long winter. It was so fun to be with family and friends and do so many fun summer things. I couldn't refrain from using the word fun again.

oh Hannah

2011-08-02T20:14:00.000-07:00

It must be nice to have your own cheering squad. It's almost funny how long it has taken her to walk, she has seemed so dang close for so long. But maybe she has it figured out and is concerned that she won't be a big deal when she is really cruising on 2 feet.

Earlier tonight she was full on walking around unprompted... she still falls to her butt at any given moment, just because she wants to. I think it's cute that my kid will do what she wants when she wants.

Maybe she secretly does get it and knows that she only has a few more months to enjoy her reign as baby of our family.

here's something

2011-06-24T00:37:00.000-07:00

1. Back from NY. I promise an awesome post is coming to let you all know how amazing it all was, and how lucky I am that we have awesome family to leave my kids with for a whole week.

2. YAHOO for summer it's what I live for as a mom, that and bedtime, right?

3. I keep thinking about camp stuff & I can't lie the thought of taking a fanny pack has totally crossed my mind, however I'll try to take a backpack or something else instead & not kill my leader coolness on first glance. My mom always wore one at camp and I get it, it would be so convenient. Trying to be cool wins the day.

4. Sadie's soccer is almost over, it's been fun. She's definetly not the all star but she gets excited and has fun. She does better in our own backyard the whole game situation is still new. Anyway I coached her team, & occasionally i am tempted to stop the ball to help my own team but of course refrain & let the little kids chase around. Until last game it was ridiculous the other team had a girl that yes she was good, faster stronger and like a total one man show. Everytime she got the ball she made a breakaway happen TOTALLY taking kids out along the way ('i'm talking shirt pulling, elbows out, and the dad aka coach joking "it's not football" & if she didn't get her goal it was complete meltdown ughhh annoying. AND then there was the kid that would pick up the ball everytime someone came close to him.... oh wait but his mom came on the field and picked it up for him and placed it in front of the net for him to score. Yeah so not cool.

5. da da dum drum roll please. if you haven't seen or heard I'm getting fat... like preggo fat. As in last week Ryan said so are you telling people, because that dress is not really hiding it. Don't worry it was true and I'd rather hear the truth, right. Feeling decent so far and I will continue to gain until Dec when I am due.

6. Hannah is mental to go outside, like hang out by the door, in hopes it opens or try and try to reach for the out of reach door knob. It's a good thing we are all happier outside.

7. Did I mention we saw Bono in concert obviously, but then again in NY, as well as Alec Baldwin. I was a little distracted when Bono was sitting down the same row as me in the show and I kept looking to see if we thought the same things were funny, WE DID. For me it sorta took away from the fact that we were watching Daniel Radcliffe and everyone was wanting to see him and get pictures after, Ryan totally played it cool with Bono and was like standing right by Bono, no biggie.

8. I know, I know it just never gets old, sisters that is. Sadie has found a new way to get into Hannahs crib, consequently greets her immediatley after every nap, loves to play and tease. Hannah is so content and happy with it all, until she doesn't get what she wants and then we hear it.

Sadie likes to take her soother out, but then she gives it back like this.

9. Hannah likes to pull hair and is good at it, poor Sadie has never had a lot of hair to begin with. Hannah got her first tooth just after she turned one, it was her top front tooth, it looks hilarious, she has has a couple more come in but not the other front one. When her hair looks just right she looks a little hill billyish -and not like a baby WHAT!

10. Best summer buy so far is little spray bottles from the dollar store seriously awesome. Just try it.

10 on Tuesday

2011-05-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

I have seen this around I can pretty much guarnatee I won't be doing this regularly but today.. why not.

1. tomorrow we go to Edmonton for a very quick trip to see a concert that I am sure will be epic. U2

2. I am the YW's president - have been for a few months now, and I do love it, I still feel like sometimes I am completly scrambling and fumbling and wishing someone would just tell me what to do. The young women are great!

3. On that note YW camp is on the mind, I do know it will all come together and be so so fun, it stresses me out just thinking about it. (that is my problem, i think about it & not do something about it)-p.s it is a stake camp which should make it practically stress free right?

4. I am so completley spoiled I had the most fabulous girls weekend trip down to Arizona, it was seriously so fun and relaxing, and hello like 15 girls!

5. Hello golf season, goodbye husband ha ha joking. I love it and hate it. Great that my husband has a passion for something, not love it because it takes a good 4 hours to do and me the non golfer can think of a bazillion other things to do on a nice summer day. But, so far I am being awesome & I tell him to go and enjoy guilt free.

6. Can someone make supper tonight and repeat for like a month?

7. I know I am not alone on this one, but seriously supper is so painful with Sadie. We (and by we I mean mostly me and Ryan when he is home) are really trying to stick to our guns and make her eat her supper and be happy about it. So far she has sat at the table for a record of nearly 2 hours before it was all gone. This would be great if next month I knew that this eating fiasco was in the past, but I know better. Vegetables oh vegetables don't even get me started.

Oh and I could write a novel on the games we play to get her to eat, I"m not saying it's the way to do it, but we do it.

8. Thankful. yes I have lots to be thankful for, family that will watch my kids and entertain them and give me a break, while my husband is in AZ and I'm seriously under the weather. even my preggo sis gave me a break. Friends who invite my kids to play and my kids just love them for it as do I. Lucky me.

9. I am getting tired & I have to post this on Tuesday

10. Love this weather just loving it. we go to the park, we are outside. I love after supper park trips and then rush home & get them to bed. Hannah loves to be outside and cries if she can't get out as fast as Sadie, and is still scooting around scraping up her knees while she crawls around.

priceless...

2011-05-24T10:39:00.000-07:00

Sadie falling asleep at supper

only for me to wake her up for the ride home, where she quickly remembered I promised treats for the ride.

Sadie can't keep her hands off Hannah...ever.

Hannah sleeping didn't last much longer before Sadie couldn't resist poking her awake.

easter weekend

2011-05-02T09:16:00.000-07:00

Hallelujiah! What a great weekend we had. We were down at my parents for Easter. It was honestly so great to be outside so much and just enjoy it. Sadie loved all the freedom to open the door and run and play. Of course having all the cousins there was a major plus too. And thank heavens I hardly took a picture while we were there, they are all compliments of my dad. He loves it & so do I.

Easter Egg Hunting

Hannah's Birthday present

Easter Sunday

Happy Hannah with the cutest gummy smile

Gavin & Hannah

Nana & her girls in the new Easter pj's from her.

Sadie checking out her Easter basket, love it Kinder egg and she is pumped ...

and a disgusting chocolate Easter bunny, I don't think this made the trip back. The plus about going away for Easter is it is so easy just to leave all the chocolate junk behind.

you only turn 1 once!

2011-04-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

Hannah is ONE!

Hannah loves cake, so she got lots of it. We had a little cake party when Ryans parents came up to celebrate & she stuffed her face and hands till icing and cake were ozzing.

We had a few friends over to play and have cupcakes. I gave her chocolate and she loved it.

We went down to Raymond for Easter and my mom made her rainbow cupcakes and no suprise they were a hit.

What a lucky girl. Her parties consisted of cake, friends, family, and balloons. When we were in Raymond, some of the older girl cousins who are totally into the party planning, pretty much threw her another party. It was entertaining, and so funny to see them run around the house to find 'stuff' to give her as a present.

A little bit about the sweetest smiliest one year old.

-She loves to play peek a boo.

-she doesn't crawl she scoots, it's funny to watch, and you might want to correct her but it's just too cute.

- Loves to do a little baby talk, it's amazing how Sadie claims to understand and even translate, because of course Hannah wants ice cream.

- She has no teeth yet, but is still a great eater.

- is awesome and pulling herself up and can just cling to my leg right around supper time.

- is sleeping like a champ

- she can plays strange sometimes and I am who she wants.

we just love this girl to bits.

Awesome!

2011-04-14T09:20:00.000-07:00

More snow what more could we ask for? It was almost funny to me when I woke up and saw all this. Secretly I wanted to go out and play in it, so we did. We were out there before 8:00 weird and crazy I know. We had our fun, I'm really hoping it will just be gone tomorrow.

Barried Sadie in the snow

Yes we've pretty much had it up to here with winter. Yes I know I am a dork for saying that.

ok we are done, we got our gumboots now MELT!

ridiculous

2011-04-12T19:58:00.001-07:00

That's right, every once in a while you think ya let's do it. Let's take our kids out to eat. Many thoughts run through my head on the way to the restaurant, like sweet there will be no mess for me to clean up, no supper for me to make, we will all eat whatever we want. Oh and not to mention we are going out with Ryan's sister and fiancee so obviously we will be engaging in some good dinner conversation. Right? So we get there. Don't worry we did of course choose our restaurant based on the kid factor. In fact, they even sat us in the same seats as last time, oh joy the corner back by the kitchen where all the kid families get to go. I actually don't mind, I don't have time to apologize to the couple who may get an animal cracker tossed in their direction.

I know I'm making this a big deal, and really we have 2 kids.... and 4 adults this time. But, really when it comes time to eat those other 2 adults are out and are doing exactly what they came to do eat. So we sit down. Sadie finds her seat, gets the crayons out and begins to colour away she is gold right now. Ryan acknowledges her beautiful artwork here and there and she is great. The waiter comes out and she is ready to order, a chocolate milk and french fries and ketchup. Today she gets exactly what she wants a plate of that. We get drinks order our food, and kid #2 is pretty much spent at this point. I have been throwing every sort of snack/food at her, she eats one and throws another on the ground. Awesome haven't even got my food yet. Oh well I will move on to toys, wipes, soothers anything to entertain Hannah, I desperately want to just give in and give her the shiny knife and fork to play with, but I resist. Out comes my food and of course the race begins, who can eat faster, Ryan or I. First one done relives the other one and takes over the entertaining. Then an act of desperation on my part I toss a napkin in Hannah's direction. Hilarious. She is now the entertainment. I can say peek a boo and eat and the same time. ahhhhh

Sadie is loving it too. Wahoo.

This is what we do and sometimes it seems a little crazy and a lot messy, sometimes it seems like we are doing something right and we all eat and enjoy. Occasionally I burst a little with mom pride and hold back my beeming smile when we leave and the couple by us comments on how cute our kids are and I feel like the cutest little family of four.

here's the thing

2011-03-30T20:22:00.001-07:00

It's not news to anyone who knows my kids that Sadie adores, obsesses, loves, just can't get enough of Hannah EVER. Some proof, I put Hannah down for a nap, 1/2 an hour in Sadie says, "I hear Hannah" said with much anticipation and excitement. me " no you don't babies need sleep." "ughhhh" Sadie. This little back and forth continued for the remainder of Hannah's nap. Sadie would be convinced she heard her, if I would've let her out of my sight I am sure Hannah would've been woken up. In the end I barely won Sadie over when I said we can make cookies. She was not grasping the fact that when Hannah's asleep we can do fun big kid stuff. Yes there has been tears at nap time -not from Hannah. Sadie & Hannah were a part for 2 days and if you would have seen the reunion you would've thought it was a least a week, she was away from Ryan and I too, but she could have cared less. She could not get enough of her she was so hyper and excited and while we ate she kept launching herself across the table to get closer to her. Sadie is getting smarter so she is starting to learn some letters. First letter she learned to write, was none other than the letter "H". I know I get it, it is easier than S. But, up until just recently if asked, "Sadie when is your birthday?" she responded Hannah's birthday is April 18th, she now knows hers too. Ok some concrete proof.

Exhibit A

A couple attempts of writing her name, a bit mumble jumbled but mostly the letters are there.

Exhibit B

Writing her little sisters name

All the letters all in a row all the same size. hmmmm

I wonder which name she writes more of.

the funny thing about this time she wrote Hannah she actually started backwards and wrote it, but no matter it all turned out the same right. ahhh the palindrome.

If I deny Hannah something don't worry I'm pretty sure her big sis will come through if she gets the chance. Thanks to Sadie when I am not looking Hannah has had cookie, brownie and some chocolate and that is just in the last week.

It was brought to my attention a little while ago, that all of this is not normal. What? When Hannah was smaller and Sadie still showed her love in crazy 3 year old ways, a friend said aren't you ever worried about what she will do, or isn't it exhausting? My answer nope. Seriously once you're around it for like a day it seems completly normal, and I simply can't imagine it any other way. I've said it before but I really do hope they are always like this, and just love each other to pieces. Sadie calls Hannah her best friend, and she already has plans that when Hannah gets bigger they will share a room. I think Hannah even misses the in her face baby talk and constant entertaining if Sadie is ever gone. Just a sampling of what life is like with these 2 sometimes. How did I get soooo lucky?

2011-03-24T20:34:00.000-07:00

Soooo let's talk about the weather. Everyone is talking about the weather right? Anyone that legitimately has not complained about the weather this year, the cold, the snow, the bundling, missing mittens, freezing temps, wow hats off to you, and who are you? or where do you live? It's just a little depressing, the calendar says it's spring, but outside it's just not, a few people have got away to some hot tropical vacation, but even a week away just doesn't cure the winter blues we are all trying to make it through. soooooo what have we been up to?

I saw this little pool in the dollar store & yes I knew it was small & I thought that might be fun for Hannah in the summer. I'm not gonna lie I didn't think it was like barbie swimming pool small. None the less, we opened it up and had our very own pool party inside. I tried to tell Sadie just let the little people go swimming, I knew it wouldn't last.. it didn't. She squished her little self in there & was so happy. Then we had a friend over, and walaa they fit. Who knew?

I know all the cool moms are thinking hello do you have a bathtub? Why yes yes I do, but what fun would that be. Honestly a few wet towels and a little water, it was worth it to me.

Back to depressing winter, my kid keeps asking when spring will be here so we can do normal spring things like blowing bubbles. Well we can't keep waiting so blowing bubbles

and sidewalk chalk sure why not. Looks like the sun came out so of course we embraced it.

Got Snow?

Want some more?

Yes we even have sand toys to dig around in the snow.

Clearly we are running out of fashionable winter get ups.

So we're done. soooo done with it.

For the record all these pictures are from probably the last week or 2.

The girls & I were down in Raymond for a couple days. One of my favorite things is when they watch the kids for a bit and I come back to sleeping kids and my dad gushing over the cute pics he took of the girls. The pics he takes are always good (as in my kids want to sit still and look cute for him) and I think he gushes over them almost as much as me.

cute cute cute

ahhh love everything about this, the cheek to cheek, touching hands, happy, sister love.

the double bow in Sadies hair, soother clip and teething necklace- had the mom been there I may have intervened.

But I just love it.

perfect little poser

so serious

A couple to show Sadie's awesome gymnastics skills.

Now that I got that whole weather rant out I think I'm good, I will not check the weather, I will just hope that tomorrow is a new sunny day, that our we'll just play in the basement.

so long winter

2011-03-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sadie had a few of her favorite friends over last week to play. After a while I asked if anyone wanted to go play outside. I swear in less than 10 seconds all of them were at least half dressed to go outside. They were so excited, I was too. It was so great to stay out there and play and just breath in the fresh air and enjoy.

Sadie & Ryan are both big

dr. seuss fans. Anyways Cat in the Hat was at the mall last week so I thought it would be fun to take Sadie, and it was. She thought it was pretty cool and kept saying its the real cat in the hat.

AND I had a birthday full of celebrations. Seriously best family and friends that made it soo great. Here we are having a birthday breakfast.

what the what?

2011-03-05T21:16:00.000-08:00

It's ridiculous. I haven't blogged in forever. I'm kind of at a loss of what to say right now. For a while I really did want to, then we had some computer/picture issues and now I've just been trying to get them all organized again. Here's the short computer story, hardrive wrecked pretty much all the pics from the last 2.5 years (basically my kids lives) gone unrecoverable... devastated like seriously unbelievable right. Pay lots of money (worth it of course they are priceless to me) in the hopes that by sending it away to a clean room they can recover them.... ahhh they did. Amazing. Lesson learned and that's why I have to share it. People myself included back up your pictures properly cause you never know. So my brain is as scattered as my pictures and is totally a random sampling.

I so remember this day. here it is 3pm Hannah still hadn't napped. So I gave it one more try, gave her a bottle, rocked her and Sadie came in and didn't want any of it she started bawling she just wanted to play with Hannah. Sadie got the boot, Hannah was left to cry in her crib. I went downstairs and then came back to this. "Hannah's not napping, she is so sad" well I guess I lost.

Who isn't so done with winter? We've all had our off days and sometimes I'm okay with letting the kids do something they maybe normally wouldn't, if it keeps them happy and entertained. Well let's just say now Allaina knows exactly how and why Mylee got a big goose egg while under my care woops.

It's every ones favorite toy right? the ipad -

Surprise girls trip to visit Jen in Vegas. So much fun, shopping, eating, sleeping, staying up late.
It seems like forever ago that Lindsay brought her kids up for a visit and let me tell you it was a hoot. oh yeah. I think the most hilarious moment was when we decided to try some clothes on so of course we all piled in one room and suddenly we looked down and James is stripped down to his undies so he can try on his new sweats, then the girls did the same. Seriously we were dying. I'm telling ya Lindsay seems roll with it, and I do to, but I still feel like a serious gong show.
the sleepover kickstarted with new $2.00 pj's for everyone. You would of thought that James' came with a skirt too, but no we never gave it to him but he still danced and possed like the rest.

Hannah at 9 months.

Back to some family fun. I think it's almost more fun how many kids we can get not looking.

these Christmas pics are courtesy of my Dad he is awesome. I try for like 3 Sundays and don't really get any that are great then he takes like 10 and wala. Pretty good.

Can you imagine if I would've lost this picture. I know tragic

Or this one of me and Pete running the Resolution Run. Let me tell you about this. Doing this run was my idea and then it was Dec. 31st and freezing and I wanted to back down, but of course couldn't. I really thought it was my worst idea of 2010, and then we (Pete, Gab, Regan and Brooke) it was so fun. I am not just saying that. I would do it again. I love that Ryan thought I was in idiot for doing it from the beginning and was not interested at all. Fine. But guess who was at the finish line oh yeah. He even took me out after.

The girls at the zoo, sort of looks like spring, but you can't be fooled by the massive parkas they are wearing.

A little V-day partay

Hannah at 10 months her newest trick clapping and now scooting. Sadie was blowing bubbles for her
Sadie continues to be the big help and the entertainment. I almost feel bad when she can do things better than me. I guess I could take a tip or 2 from her

So feel free to welcome me back with some blogging love and hopefully I'll be back in the groove for good.

p.s I've also jumped back on the pic a day thing. I don't want to jinx it by telling you about it. It is of course not up to date right now but its on the side if you care to see what we are up to.

day 9

2010-12-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Put your Ipod on shuffle and list 10 songs
Because it is Christmas I am listing a couple of my favorite Christmas tunes that I have been listening too
O holy night - Josh Groban has a good version & I really wish I was there to see this (NY Rockefeller)
Glee Christmas cd all round pretty good, even some good ones to dance to with the kiddies.
If this doesn't amaze you and pump you up for the holidays I'm not sure what will- and by pump I mean "Pump it up"
Then I found this one and it is really just insane. Who does this? I wanna know. Wouldn't it be awesome to have a house like that in your neighborhood?
We went & saw this last year. It was intense. They really were awesome. If you want a totally different spin on the traditional Christmas song this is it.
My friend Maren just released this Christmas song, The King is Born it's good, go check it out.
And of course there are the classics that I am singing daily with Sadie, Rudolph, Frosty, & Jingle Bells.
Let me know some other good ones or your favorites.

Day 8

2010-12-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

A place you have travelled

If you have been following my blog for awhile you would know that we got to live in New York City a while back. It really was the most amazing time for our family. I didn't really know what to expect when we moved there and I don't think you can really prepare or know until you go yourself and see, feel it, taste it. I honestly CRAVE that city. If it made sense there is a big part of me that would absolutely and totally LOVE to live there. I know I was only there for a short time so it's not totally legit for me to say that. BUT I am telling you there is something about it that, just draws you back and even though there is some sacrifices to live in that city, it is so worth it.
There is so much to see and do, so much history, so many people. Just thinking about New York makes me come alive and I get excited to go back.

Ryan & I both loved the city, so I know that we will go back. I also promised Sadie I would take her back when she would remember it. We all know that every good parent keeps promises that they make to their 18 month old right? Wouldn't that be the best thing ever to surprise her with on her 18th birthday? I think so.

I made Sadie her own ABC's of New York Book. Now she can act like she remembers living there. I do have to say she was a great toddler to be there with, she was awesome, cause lets face it that is not an easy city to raise kids in! It pretty much cured her poor sleeping habits, but unfortunately maybe the cause of her poor eating habits.

Day 6

2010-12-02T20:19:00.000-08:00

A song that makes you cry

I don't consider myself a crier, so I had to think for a bit on this one. Sometimes its more the situation or feelings that bring on the tears and then the song seems to hold the emotion for me. Anyways I haven't listened to this song forever but it is a good for a cry sometimes. Jane Siberry It Can't Rain All the time. This song actually reminds me of my brother Ryan... okay now I want to cry. He died my grade 12 year, and I am so glad I have days or moments where I remember something about him or us or whatever. I first heard this song from him. It was just one from his huge alphabetized cd collection. I totally remember my friends and I admiring his cd collection, and taking some out and he knew right away the ones we took. The message just gets me, to me there is a lot of different emotions in it.

Day 7
Your favorite movie.
I wish I could think of a favorite movie. I like to watch just about any type of movie. I love sitting back with my popcorn and drink and just being entertained. However, I almost always fall asleep in movies. I rarely watch a movie more than once. That being said, I can almost guarantee no one else will say this is even on their top ten but here it is I really do love this movie
Cheaper by the Dozen

Usual Suspects -it's so been years since I remember watching this.

All the goodies from high school that I have watched too many times. Happy Gilmore, Tommy Boy, Billy Madison.
I can't be bothered to try to get these pictures uploaded but I'm sure it would've added to this post.

Comeback... day 5

2010-11-30T14:36:00.000-08:00

Somethings that make you happy. Of course there are lot of things that make me happy. Like when Ryan leaves my fav chocolate bar on the counter, getting good mail, peace & quiet, girls nights, Slurpee, sleep, good hair days, and I could go on.

Mostly it is my family.

These 3 are what make my world go round.

I absolutely adore the relationship these 2 have. Sadie is 100% sweet to her, and even if her sweet looks a little rough to me, it still makes Hannah laugh and smile. Some days I just can't get enough of these 2 together.

Wouldn't you smile if someone was making a funny face 3 inches from your face.

This is so precious to me. Sadie is showing and telling Hannah "I love you this much"
A few things that make me happy in this picture. first I love getting away for the day with just me and my kids its so fun not to worry about anything and just play. Wide open spaces, being outside, mountains, sunshine and all that.

I love these 2 together. Sadie adores her dad. I just get a kick out of all the things she wants to do just like her dad. She loves to see him off every morning with her own run hug and a "have a good day dad" She is even more excited when he comes home. At first I was maybe a tad jealous of their own special time they shared, but now I just love watching it.

Lastly is this. This is Ryan & I pre marriage but engaged. No one can stay in that phase forever, but it is so funny to look back at it now. Don't get me wrong we are more in love than ever today, but at this point we were over the top for each other. Ryan would do anything for me. So here we are Christmas Eve at my house preforming "Baby it's Cold Outside" I think it is safe to say you will never see a repeat performance of this by us. Unless maybe.... no I look ridiculous so nope.

day 4

2010-11-15T19:24:00.000-08:00

Something You Are Looking Forward To

Of course the first thing that came to my mind is when I can train this one to sleep through the night, but whatev.

So I guess I am looking forward to Christmas. Really why not. Not so much for me, but for the kids. It is really starting to get magical for Sadie and she just eats it up. Not to mention the whole santa's elf thing which is starting to work like a charm, I WILL be using this many times for the next month and a half. What is not to love about Christmas, there is the magic of the season, family, friends, chocolate and treats, so so many things to do and see. I'm excited to enjoy the whole season of it. I think Christmas morning will be fun & exciting for Sadie, if opening the mail is any indication of the excitement, its gonna be good.
Last week in the mall Sadie got to see a snow fairy, and Snow queen who gave her snow all the way from the North Pole, and then she saw Rudolph she was so excited.

Day 3

2010-11-14T13:34:00.000-08:00

Day 3 Siblings & parents

meet my family... the Steeds. When I think about my family it has always felt like just the right fit. I just can't imagine anything else other than 3 older brothers, 2 younger sisters and my mom and dad who raised 6 kids. We are who we are when we are together and they have made me who I am today. I don't think I always realized how good I had it until now. Growing up I I think everything about my childhood was the way it should be, including mud fights, barbies, and sleepovers with my sisters. For the most part going on family vacation was never a drag, because we all got along and we're friends.
I am honestly in awe sometimes when I think about how my parents raised 6 kids. As soon as I had my own kid my perspective on parenting and love totally changed. WOW right. If I didn't know how much my parents loved me already, I suddenly realized the love I have for my own kid is just the same as my parents love for me. Family is awesome. Of course love all the in-laws too. So here we are this last summer.

Me with the 3 boys

Me and the girls

Sometimes when I start looking at the oldies I just can't resist and I post more than anticipated.

I haven't mentioned Ryans family on here much, but they are Awesome! What I love about Ryan's dad is watching him be a grandpa it's sweet, amazing and hilarious all at the same time. He plays barbies WITH Sadie, when she crawled up the stairs he did. He totally adores our kids. Ryan says that of course he has always been a great dad growing up, but he is a totally different Grandpa... lucky for my kids.

Ryan's mom is golden. She is so thoughtful, giving, and a very busy person. She had this last week off work, so she came to visit for the day AND then she took Sadie home with her for a sleepover. She is gold, I love her.
Oh and she always makes the most amazing and cutest quilts for my girls, like this one!
p.s Nana if you are reading this you. Sadie has asked a few times if we can drive to Taber, because you said she is welcome to come anytime to sleepover.

eeeeks day 2

2010-11-12T19:51:00.000-08:00

Day 2 What Stresses You Out!

ahhh stress it is everywhere. Everyone has a little stress & sometimes a lot. How about I share a little bit of my little petty stresses. Not the big huge ones (cause thankfully I don't feel any exist for me right now). Those everyday teeny tiny eat away at you, wish they would go away, definetly won't kill ya, and in a matter of short time may be gone anyway. I'm a believer of sometimes you just got to laugh it off, at yourself, or whatever. A nice long hardy laugh (silent in my case he he) can go a long way and cure a lot. So humor in all things. Anyways

How about the fact that I signed Sadie up for preschool- I'm okay with my kids growing up. But the part that is killing me is the thought that I just COMMITTED myself to get myself, Sadie, & Hannah up and out the door by something like 8:30 am 3 days a week. Don't get me wrong we generally get up around 7:30, but most days we don't HAVE to be anywhere before 9:30, 10 or most days really we run our own schedule so we're pretty much never late. Anyways I am totally CHOOSING to do this. I know most of you are like what the heck, that is some stress. That is exactly what Ryan said umm Sus it's called life. Yeah well the stay a home life has been cushy for me - some might call it Rancho Relaxo.

Ok I HATE dwelling on this but at this particular moment it pretty much consumes my every thought. I am currently STRESSing about babies that don't sleep, namely my own. I'm thinking that if there was a cure for this the world or at least my house would be a better place. Remember a couple a months back I would often refer to Hannah as my 'dream baby' she was perfect, hold her snuggle her, feed her and walaa she would sleep. She slept in the car, in her chair, on the floor, in my arms- when I wanted too, she was so easy. In the night she would sleep n eat thats it. While the times have changed and my little slice of heaven is AWAKE all night long she wakes every hour, she sleeps only when I am holding her. I am DYING here, just surving, yet also trying to train her and make it all right. Sadie was not a great sleeper... I'd argue she topped the charts for worst sleepers for 2007, already its fading and our midnight and wee morning cries are a distant memory. I think this happens to all moms in time we forget the not soo good right? That is why I have 2 kids right?

Stress is when you wake up screaming and you realize you haven't fallen asleep yet.

TO go along with the sleep deprivation here's a little story from a couple weeks ago, that once again gave me a little perspective. The other night as we were cleaning up supper I informed Ryan I was a little low on patience, Sadie had been ridiculous and Hannah just a little needy, and me just a little tired. I thought this was decent of me so he would then excuse my behavior. Then he had the nerve to say "embrace it" he said aren't you always the one saying live in the moment and all that. SO it's true even though I am lacking sleep this to is going to pass. My girls won't be 3 and 6 months forever. I better enjoy it, savour it, and even though it might be easier and more desirable to enjoy this time with a few more zzz's I may just have to hold out for a bit . I guess that's life... my life.

Ok this has totally turned into a rant of sorts, more than stress. I might as well finish & get it out. Lastly is Sadie's eating habits. The kid has the teeniest appetite ever, but also has the smallest repotoire of what she will eat. Seriously she does not eat vegetables ever, she eats meat so so sparingly. What the average person can eat in 2 bites takes her 20, add in the time factor supper time can be a long drawn out painful time for all of us. There are so many things she has yet to even try, but I will keep on trying and really hope that Hannah is not the same. I try not to stress and worry about this too much, but honestly has anyone been admitted to the hospital with scurvy lately?

Yes we all have our stresses, but I think it's what we make of it.

Rule 1. Don't sweat the small stuff.
Rule 2. It's all small stuff.
Rule 3. If you can't fight or flee, then flow.

I'm joining in! day 1

2010-11-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

I just got this from another blogger who got it from another and I think I'm gonna join in too, everyone should. It's the 15 day challenge. Just when I think is the whole blogging thing gonna die out, because sometimes I just don't feel like blogging. I join this whole 15 day challenge. When I heard 15 day challenge initially I was thinking I would lose weight, eat healthier, run faster, have a cleaner house, something to make me a better person, but if I can stick with this I guess I will be around here more and a blogging blogger I will be.

Day 1-Self portrait picture, and 15 interesting facts

Day 2- Something that stresses you out

Day 3-Your siblings and parents

Day 4- Something you're looking forward to

Day 5- pictures of things that make you happy
Day 6- A song that makes you cry and why

Day 7-Favorite movies

Day 8-A place you've traveled to

Day 9- Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 10-Something you're afraid of

Day 11-Favorite tv shows

Day 12-What you believe

Day 13-Goals

Day 14-Some pictures you love

Day 15- pictures of your Dream house

So this is where the 15 interesting facts about me come in...

1. I usually go to bed with my socks on, but take them off at some point in bed.
2. I have never been to the eye dr. to get my eyes checked - I think I can see just fine.
3. I do a lot of online window shopping, but not near as much of the buying - there is something about walking out of store with something.
4. Even though I know it's pretty easy to at least put on a little mascara, lately there have been more days sans make up than with.
5. I am now looking forward to cold winter nights with my new peppermint syrup for hot chocolate
6. It drives me crazy when I call my husbands cell phone and he doesn't answer, come on ya got the phone use it, plus it's ME your wife.
7. I think about small town living vs. the city life often, pros and cons with both for sure. I am happy here, but sometimes it would be nice....
8. I had SERIOUS issues learning to drive a standard I was brutal, I thought it was completely normal to stall and so did my friends.
9. I love that I have friends in Calgary- ones that will come over even when I am in my pyjamas
10. I am bad for not always locking my vehicle when I am out and about, maybe because I have locked my keys in my car one too many times.
11. It is getting to me that I get very little sleep when I have a baby, (I wonder what it is like to have a baby that sleeps through the night or at least a few hours) I am surviving but it is making me mental.
12. I think its about time I start trying a few more things to domesticate myself, let's try making bread or some rolls perhaps.
13. I once tried to get fired from a job - I brought my friend along and what do you know the next week.... I was let go. thanks Em.
14. I used to dream about what I would do if I won the lottery, thanks to my husband and growing up I am a bit more realistic now.
15. I can only wink with one eye, and Sadie can't wink at all -but she keeps trying - how was that for random.

my blog... no make up, no sleep, no shame here. I may just have to post another tomorrow when I am all 'done up' ha ha

Happy Halloween

2010-11-01T20:11:00.001-07:00

Now that Halloween has come and gone I can share our costumes and what not. With 2 girls I think we opted for the cute over the spooky this year. Meet the cutest flamingo & strawberry ever.
Sadie can be brave sometimes, but when she sees something scary or spooky she is usually not a fan. I think she did some thinking and realized some monsters are not real or not scary if you're with your mom or dad. Even Batman was scary until she found out cousin James was being that.It's not Halloween if you don't carve a pumpkin right? All these things that I thought we should be doing to complete Halloween. But if I am doing it for the my kids I should see if they actually like it. All along Sadie was so excited to carve a pumpkin and curious to see what inside. She was disappointed and disgusted by what she saw... pumpkin guts. She hung around while we did the dirty work, at least she admired it for a good while.

It was so stinking nice before the girls went out I took a few pics of them in costume, seriously couldn't resist their cuteness.
I just told Sadie where to stand and she totally pulled the stand on one leg like a flamingo, it was awesome. She was into it, just ask her she'll do it anytime now, she's been practising.

The actual trick or treating was a hit! She totally loved it, she raced around the neighborhood and wanted to go to every single house... we didn't. But of course she has a ridiculous amount of candy and I am debating what we should do with it all.

Here we are

2010-10-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

We got some family pics done & I just love them. Anything else I can think of to write right now sounds cheesy to me. Sooooo I love my family, they are the greatest and I don't think the four of us could be much happier together. mmmmwah!
Except for the fact that it has been recommended that I try altering my diet and I feel like I am going to die... I am depriving myself of chocolate. It's just about the hardest thing I have ever done & I am still failing.

Our pictures were done by Alysha Sladek photography and she is so amazingly talented and awesome at what she does.

it's fall & we're loving it

2010-10-08T11:45:00.000-07:00

What can I say we are really just loving the great weather we are having & keep wondering when it will be leaving us. I just love spending the days outside. We took in not one but 2 little fall outings to different corn mazes around Calgary. We went to the Calgary Corn Maze & the kids were in heaven we literally had the place to ourselves us and the 2 other families with us.

these bouncy pillows are seriously so much fun, kids & adults.

Loving some time at the park. It was awesome 3 in the afternoon again had the place to ourselves Sadie played, Hannah slept and so did I. Life is grand.

I love how it looks like these 2 are deep in the forest exploring.

Happy Hannah in the swing

Sadie loved the corn maze, she loved leading the pack and choosing the path.

thank you

2010-10-06T19:57:00.001-07:00

Sometimes I have moments where life is tough. Not sure if I will make it to supper, and it takes A LOT not to lose it on the kids, & I can't believe that when my husband said I'll be home at 5:30 that 5:31 hits and he is not there. sheesh. You know not the real tough stuff, the kinda stuff that pretty much melts away when the kids fall asleep. Then I am reminded I am so lucky to be a mom to these 2 little cuties and they really do grow up way too fast.In case I forget I was trying to get supper done and so Sadie took it on herself to entertain and calm Hannah. It was totally cute then I took the blanket off and yes Sadie was very definitely squishing her. Somedays the smothering kind of love is all we know, and we'll take it.

You know when you close your eyes for a hug its a true intense love.

So we made it to supper, and it was less than perfect. So while I am insisting Sadie eats something and we try to talk about our days and what not. We all look over at Hannah who is no longer cooing and drooling she is OUT. Right in the middle of the chaos of it all she finally decided to take a nap at the supper table. So of course we had to laugh.

Thank goodness these girls are so dang cute and smiley. Love em to bits.
I have to thank these 2 girls for reminding me my life is great and I couldn't be happier.
And of course we get to do it all again tomorrow.

p.s. Just discovering that at 3 years old Sadie has decided that sleeping in a bed, with a shirt and with the lights off is just not cool and totally overrated. So here she is on the floor again, asleep. We all know you don't mess with a sleeping baby or kid right?

not 2

2010-09-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

She's 3

Me: Sadie how old are you?
Sadie: not 2. pause while she fiddles with her fingers trying to get 3 fingers ready.
I'm 3!

Three she is. I love how Ryan is trying to tell her all the things 3 year olds do and don't do. As if she will magically change this week. So if all goes well she'll probably be an angel at 3, sharing with everyone, never crying, no meltdowns, eating all her food, & never whining. So pretty much perfect. I don't think he was being unrealistic at all for wishing for all this things. What's the fun if you don't have a birthday wish.

For real we had a great birthday, Sadie was totally hyper and excited all day long. It's all about the cake at this age. So I really went all out for myself. I made the fondant. In the end it all turned out, but I had my doubts around midnight if this is was really worth it.
I can't deny I was kind of having fun making the whole birthday a big deal for her. So the night before (because I love to leave it to the last minute) I was telling Ryan all the stuff I needed to do and he was all, you do know that you don't have to do much to impress a 3 year old. uhmm not the pep talk I needed cause at this point I was going for it. I had talked to Lindsay earlier another mom who 'gets it' she was all "sadie is so lucky, you are an awesome mom, oh yeah you gotta do it all"
Sadie has such a little personality at 3. We always get a kick out of the things she says and does. She is our daily entertainment.
She loves being a big sister and how much she adores Hannah. I don't think you can understand how intense her love is, until you see her in action.
I don't think you know what an awfully pick eater she has, unless you witness it. It's ridiculous.
She loves to do all sorts of kids crafty things, colour, cut, glue, play playdough, paint.
She has a great memory, a little too good at times.
She must have her bedtime routine of stories, and hugs and kisses.
Lately I have also heard her talking in her sleep at night. A couple them that I remember are: sing of the alphabet, "no Bella no Bella it's mine" "Swiper Noooo" it's nice on occasion when I am awake in the wee hours that I get a little bit of entertainment, and to think this could've slipped by me, if I didn't get up to feed Hannah.

Her party was a pink & purpilicious! Those would be her favorite colours. She had a few other little girls over and they had a blast dancing around and doing little girly things.

I brought out the treats for the girls to add to the treat bags it was torture when I made them sit and wait for like 15 seconds and then they were in heaven.

And just a couple of the cute decorations.

oh what a life

2010-09-17T14:58:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think, my kids are spoiled, cause I am so so good to them. ha ha. But, how could we pass up a week of family fun in Arizona with the Schmidts and Dahl's. Sadie had 2 little girls to play with the entire time, and they were all seriously gaga over Hannah, we all had a blast. We had such a great time. I guess I have to admit my life is pretty dang good, so my kids don't have it too bad either. Our days were mostly filled with the hot hot sun and cooling off in the pool.

These girls could not get enough of each other.

Here they are leaving the desert and summer.

Life is really so easy when your biggest dilemma is hmmm what kind of freezie or delicious drink should I get.

I can't say enough what a fabulous host Val was. Everyone was so happy, boys did some golf, girls did some shopping and a night out solo, and just eating out and playing the kids out daily was so great.

Also side story. If you could've seen us travelling you would've either laughed at us or felt sorry for us, either way you definitely would've looked. Just between luggage kids, carseats and crying kids we were a GONG show! So guess who 5 mins into the flight realized we had left our car keys in our rental car in Arizona. US we are that awesome. So it was quite lucky for us that my parents just happen to be leaving from Great Falls to go to Arizona. So Ryan rehearsed with Sadie to nicely ask Grandpa if we could please borrow his car. Phewsh it worked. So we weren't stranded at the airport and luckily they did find our car keys and in the end it all worked out. right. So thank goodness my parents love to bale us out and continue to laugh at us when we do ridiculous things. Maybe it's because they get it, and they were a gong show at some point in their lives. Maybe just maybe travellling with 6 kids they were their own little gong show, but probably not.

loved

2010-09-04T09:02:00.000-07:00

This little girl is just so easy to love. We love to snuggle her, make her smile and laugh, and just watch her learn and grow. We love to take her places too, like Arizona. So we are heading out to enjoy the sun and some fun times together. Don't worry I'm sure will be back for winter in Canada... in a week.

Sadie loves to share her toys with her so we lovingly surrounded her by all the stuffies. I think she loved it.

Don't worry I'm sure will be back for winter in Canada... in a week.

to pete

2010-09-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

To pete
click here
from Sadie
Sometimes it's no fun that pete and gab are so far away. They miss out on all their nieces and nephews. I do think they got their fill while they were here. But I'm sure they still wonder if Sadie sleeps with Quachi ( yes he is in the rotation), or if she eats more than just ice cream and chocolate, if kids ever eat a meal, if kids go to bed without a scream or a fight, or if she stills has some of the same sayings and doings. Unfortunately some things just don't get old for my kid. We miss you guys, & are so glad you got to spend some time with the kids and me (as the last aunt and uncle standing with no kids we secretly wish you could just dote after my kids and that would be enough, but then I think your kids deserve a good tease). Seriously thanks for holding Hannah and carrying the cripple around when she needed it.
Pete hope you enjoy it, we thought you might.

end of summer ....almost

2010-09-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

When I first started this update I thought I'd do the real quick overview. Then I started looking at all the fun pictures and I just had to show and share the whole mother overload. Summer is fun and short but ya wouldn't know it by the amount of pictures I have taken. A few of the higlights were BIG Steed Reunion, Steed Family trip to Banff, Family trip to Panaroma, Cornfest in Taber with Tillemans, Baldry's came to play, and then of course all the little day outings around here.

Me and the girls at the pool, abandoned by the golfing husband. not bad, for a self shot picture.

Hannah... Happiest baby ever. She is always with us everywhere we go, but you wouldn't always know it, cause she is always so stinking good. I'm spoiled and lucky, but I know it, so it's ok.

Yeah for group hugs. Sadie just can't get enough Hannah action

Right now she loves to suck, chew, and just have her fingers in her mouth

Watching yet another hail storm.

Picnics at the park

ahhh the 'money shot'

so so happy and I'm sure she slept like a rock after a full day outside.

I think this was a huge highlight at the fair for Sadie, but I know it was for me. We LOVED it, she was so excited and for real screaming at all the right times.

Love it when the Dads show the kids around the petting zoo, stinky.

umm cutest kids

more fun at the fair. Not until I sent my kid on a ride, did I stop and worry for more than 5 seconds about the fact that the carnies come in and put up and take down these rides in like what less than an hour?

Sisters & Me... one of these things is just not like the others...

Wohooo Grandpa saved the summer Sadie got a new waterproof cast. That was huge since, well hello it is summer and we were going to water slides and lakes.

Sadie was so excited she could get the new cast wet.

Grandma trying to share the ipad with way too many kids.

The kids lounging with Grandpa

Awesome

Love these girls

Intense Sadie

The zoo with the Baldrys

Broken

2010-07-25T20:20:00.000-07:00

Way to take the fun out of our summer. sheesh. It happened. Sadie broker her little leg.
It all started while jumping on the trampoline, and then the screaming cry that is oh so different than her 'normal' cry. Then me feeling bad for her, but thinking she has got to tough it out, so I try to convince her she will be okay and even tried to make her walk on it. Deep down my gut feeling was to get it checked out. We waited and debated and finally decided to take her to the hospital. Ryan took her at 1:00a.m and she returned at 5:00am with her purple cast and didn't get a wink of sleep.

Yes it has been sore & my heart breaks to see her waking up in wincing in pain. She has gotten a fair bit of TLC and way too much candy, she often insists her leg needs a pillow to prop up on. She is getting better at being mobile as in scooting and crawling around. I am really hoping she can get a walking cast next week, other wise I feel like I am carrying 2 babies around, and she is definitely way more demanding.

She should only have it on for 4 weeks, I am sure it is going to be the hottest most gorgeous 4 weeks of summer, so your welcome people enjoy it.

Everyday

2010-07-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

I get variations on this little show everyday. It's hard to believe that I will forget exactly how this is right here right now with 2 little kids & me. My sister kept telling me ya gotta get Sadie on video, cause you'll forget how her little voice sounds and well you know just how little and sweet they are. So I caught this the other day, I promise she is not hyping it up at all for the camera. At first I had to hide the camera or she wouldn't do it. Anyways its definitely long so tune out whenever, after 30 seconds you get the gist of it. It definitely counts as my daily entertainment around here.

Having 2 kids is great! I'm learning new things each day... like how fast this little sequence of events can unfold.

It starts soo soo sweet, and I feel the need to capture it on camera...

then it turns into a little playful fun game of hiding under the blanket

then come the smooches and the Sadie just can't get close enough

but in the end babies are amazing and resilient, thank heavens.

Sadie is not the only little girl that loves baby Hannah. yes if you look closely these girls are naked.... from swimming.

Here Ryan is "coaching" Sadie on how to just look and talk to Hannah from a distance, I appreciate his efforts and I'm sure it will catch on soon.

Life is not perfect & I have had days where I wish I could bribe Hannah with a treat and shove a soother in Sadie's mouth, but I think that is perfectly normal right?
p.s. did I mention she just figured out how to climb into Hannah's crib. It was the one safety zone, & I had even used the line "if you don't give Hannah some space she will go in the crib."

what would I do....

2010-07-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

without Raymond on July 1st. It's never been a question of what and where I would be on Canada Day. It is simply the place to be... like what does everyone else do on July 1st? My hometown never disappoints on the weekend of celebrations.
Sadie was so excited & loving the parade this year. She was clapping, double waving, and didn't take long and she figured out the whole collecting candy too.

Hannah & Gavin just doing their thing Yeah Canada!

Sadie loves loves loves Hannah. She loves having little conversations with her that always begin with "Hannah , Hannah Hannah..." before we went to my parents I overheard this;
S: "are you so excited to go to Grandma B's Hannah?
H: lets out a little cry
S: oh Hannah Please don't cry. Mom I will get her sooder, don't worry I won't force it."
I don't know what it is but she feels the need to get right in Hannah's face and then pretty much yells her name over and over. Brooke's baby Gavin definetly experienced this a few times on the weekend.

Lucky Sadie managed to stay up so she got to sneak out of her bed and take in the fireworks. Looks like we are all ohhh and ahhhhhing at this one.

Sadie up at the street fair. How fun was that. So fun to see so many people that were around for the day.

Here is a shot of most of the family who ran at the Raymond Road Race. It was a good time. Ryan let me run and he came up with all the kids to meet us at the end. I thought if I was really fast maybe I would be done running before he got up there. Either he is amazing and can handle getting 4 kids up and out the door solo or I was too dang slow. They were all there to cheer me at the finish line.

The other day I was folding some laundry & this was the thought that went through my mind as I folded Hannah's clothes. Ummm what did this shrink, I don't think this will fit her anymore. that's weird she has only worn it a few times. hmmm I guess our little baby is growing faster than I think she should.

'bout time

2010-06-24T21:14:00.000-07:00

IT is AbOut TiME......

the rain stops so we can get out and enjoy the glorious months of summer. Although this girl couldn't be happier with gumboots, umbrella and rain and puddles to play in.

Ryan stop asking for kisses on Fathers Day if he doesn't enjoy them, cause the slobbery wet ones are here to stay

We all get out and do some yard work.

We enjoy the nights where, my kid is totally played out from the day, and falls asleep without much of a fuss.

I realize that a new baby has been the best new 'toy'/ source of entertainment and torture (ok not really, but kinda) for Sadie. What can I say babies are fun, and amazingly resilient, right?

That Sadie learns about weenie roasts and more importantly s'mores.

I realize that my kids WILL be entertained by technology and they will love it and even learn from it. It is a toss up who will know more about technology than me, grandpa or my own kids

I show you all the cutest quilt Grandma B made for Hannah.
AND another one a friend made that is the same pattern and so cute too!
I show you how much bigger cousin Gavin is then Hannah. (he is 1 month older) He will be tall.

You see how much Sadie LOVES these little babies, and finds her way into pretty much every picture.
I take some pics of JUST Hannah.

that kids can make me laugh even when they are sleeping.
I realize I just can't get enough of these 2, and they feel the same.

baby blessing

2010-06-09T21:11:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Ryan blessed Hannah. It was a special day that we spent with our families. Families are the best and we are so glad that Hannah is a part of ours. I know she will be a sweet little girl in our family and it is exciting to see her change every day.

The Dress

This dress is the same one Sadie was blessed in, and me, and my mom, and my grandma. Pretty amazing and special. It is 100 years old. I think it it so beautiful and delicate, perfect for Hannah.

I think it was so sweet to hear all the special things Ryan had to say about Hannah. What a special little bond between a dad & his little girl.

I've said before how much Sadie adores Hannah, and it hasn't changed. Let's just say that we never need to ask her to give her kisses or hugs, in fact it's quite the opposite, "give Hannah some space."

classic 3 generations

All the grand kids at the end of the day

Then it hit & Sadie crashed, nothing would keep her awake.

Lindsay might kill me for putting this up, but i tell ya it's so classic them. If there is the slightest of chance to squeeze in Sunday afternoon nap, they make it happen, even for 5 minutes.

one fine day

2010-06-09T12:55:00.001-07:00

One day a while back, I was just not feelin it. You know those days just can't get your groove on & get going. Two kids in tow we headed out to do a couple errands and drop something off for Ryan at work. My own husband could see I was just not up to par. I blamed it on the not so great weather. He pretty much said, "well go do something or go home and feel sorry for yourself" Lame. so a little underdressed we bucked up and headed to the exciting world of the zoo. I still didn't have my energy, but I tried to gear myself up for a great time. I got there and fed Hannah in the car and let Sadie climb around in the car. We headed into the zoo and it turns out Sadie was totally into the zoo. Not too suprising since I was being a bum. The zoo did prove to provide loads of entertainment, good ol fresh air, walking, some learning, and sometime with my girls. Sadie seriously loved everything was taking her time looking in every cage and checking all the animals out. After a lot of walking around, I thought great we are both spent so we headed out. I loaded the kids in and went to start my car and ...... wait for it, NOTHING. I realized when Sadie climbed all over the car she turned on my lights and drained the battery. Feeling helpless I called Ryan he pretty much dropped everything and came to our rescue as quick as he could. Apparently we are more important than work, I agree work can wait we can't. We waited Sadie fell asleep, I dreamed of sleep and held Hannah. ahhhh

Not a great picture but, what is hotter than your man coming to your rescue in his suit & tie?

p.s I may fall into another little funk due to the crummy weather, anyone wanna go to the zoo?

dear sister

2010-05-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

I started this post a while ago & I am now getting around to adding some (a lot of pics). I will admit it this is a little sentimental and cheesy, but we all feel that way some days right?

Dear little sister,

I do not think I could have been happier the day you came into our family. I waited and waited a whole 9 months for you to come out of mom's tummy. Since you've been around I have loved you only like I know how too. Whenever you cry I come running or jumping and I try to give you a soother, it usually works. I always say "suuushhh" it works too. If it doesn't work I call for mommy, because I know that is who you want. I always just want to make you happy. I am always quick to let people know that you are my "new baby sister" I just want them to know that we are together and always will be. I ask mom to let me hold you and she lets me because it's important that we are close. I want you to remember, so I ask mom to take lots of pictures of us. As soon as you came home I really wanted to get to know you. I was fascinated with you and liked to check out your 10 little piggies, I check to see when your eyes are open and closed. I know mom will dress up in some matching clothes and it might be cute, but only for so long. One day we will shop together but we might have to tell her we are too old to be matchy. I really am happy to share just about anything with you (including my cracker -which I am told I have to save for later, my cold, even my blankie). Don't worry I will continue to tickle your face, tummy & toes until I get a laugh from you. It is so fun and soooo not getting old having a new little sis around all the time. She is so all over soother control

sometimes nap times are shorter than plannednot afraid of a little diaper changing
getting her dressed

As a mom of 2 girls I really do hope that they are more than just sisters, I hope they are best friends. Maybe it's because I consider myself lucky to have 2 sisters that I have always been best friends with. I know I am lucky that we were and are such great friends. I think I can honestly say we never did have a phase where we did not get along. Fights didn't really exist. Unless you count the time I was a little upset when my sister ratted me out for stealing a box of smarties. The occasional debate when we both liked the same jewellery or outfit shopping and there was only one, or maybe the time when my little sister had her first kiss before me (nope wasn't jealous I snuck out with her he he). So really I just hope that Hannah & Sadie are always there for each other, no matter what. That's just my hope right now. I think they are off to a good start.

We always know how to have a good time!

Dear Big Sister,
I know I am teeny and may seem kinda boring to a 2 year old right now, but I am glad you are my sister. Even though I don't do a whole lot right now, you are always talking to me and trying to share and show me new things. Thanks for trying to "boo" my hiccups away as I seem to get them lots. Mom says that you smoother me sometimes and I need space but really can a baby girl have too many kisses. It is sweet of you to show me your toys and books and even watch t.v with me. I love your goodnight kiss and that you always come running to me in the morning. I know I can count on you. If I get left in the room you quickly come over to see me and are good and keeping me happy. Can't wait to grow up with you.
so none of these pictures are posed but Hannah did have a little help getting into the baby crib

good little multi-tasker

I think I noticed a trend we take a lot of pictures in the morning and evening & Sadie's fav. nightie is obvious

what we've been longing for

2010-05-19T12:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is here. We are just lovin every minute of it! I get so excited on the first really nice summer days & try to spend every moment outside. I feel like have filled the last few days with sunshine and fun. Summer is the time to forget the housework only what is absolutely essential, because who the heck cares, and we all know it will be over much too soon.

Good bye house work!

Summer is a good excuse to wear your swimsuit all day, eat popsicles and freezies inbetween every meal, dig in the dirt, play in the pool, soak up the sun, make numerious trips to the park, eat outside as much as possible, and end each day with a necessary bath.

2010-05-17T18:19:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to put some of these newborn pictures of Hannah up for a while. They were taken when she was just over 1 week old and now she is one whole month. Yikes! Anyways they were taken by the amazing Alysha. Not only is she one of my sweetest friends, but she is so talented in so many ways and busy with her own kids, but still makes time for so many other people and things. She came right to my house and I probably could have run upstairs and snuck in a little nap (ok she even told me to) but it was fun to watch her work her magic and Hannah was a dream and slept so perfectly. The combination of her great work and my sweet little one pretty makes for perfection in my eyes. I LOVE them all so much. Thanks again Alysha

I adore these headbands that Alysha brought oh and of course she made them herself. The only problem with all these newborn photos is how do I choose my favorite. Seriously I could gush about Hannah and how sweet she is and all that but just come have a snuggle with her and you'll know.

lucky me

2010-05-10T12:36:00.000-07:00

I get to wake up everyday and do what I love. It is what I am meant to do I am sure of it. I can't think of 2 better girls to do it with & the a better husband to have at my side. Most everyday I want to be a better mother, not because yesterday was a failure, but because I always want to be better and can be, and I think these two little darlings deserve it.
It is truly amazing the emotions and things I get to experience all because I am a mom. I love spending my days with my two girls. Being a mom is a title that I am grateful to have. Don't get me wrong I have my days or crazy nights where I wanna throw in the towel (sometimes I do & that's what husbands are for right?) & wonder how we will make it. I know there are those moments where if there is one more meltdown or if she doesn't eat some decent healthy food, or if she doesn't close her eyes and go to sleep right now I am gonna lose it. Then the moments pass and I'm sure my memories will fade. But I remember the times when I hear her around the corner say "nice tush mom" and see them reading a story together, the first smile and I love you with a kiss. Some days I really do think lucky me. Some days I even feel a little bit bad that Ryan goes off to work and I get to go meet up with kids at the park and let the kids play while soaking up the sun and chatting with friends. I choose to be the stay at home mom and he chose to go work (he he lucky me again)

I love my mom. It's days like this I get to stop and appreciate her and all she does. She is an amazing example to me in so many ways. I remember someone saying to me " oh you remind me of your mom" I didn't even ask them to expound, I just took it as such a compliment to me and of course called and shared my news with her. That's what my mom does she listens, she shares every bit of excitement, she is so giving and really just an all around great person to know. I love her for always looking at the bright side of things. I love her for taking the time to 'smell the flowers' with her grand kids. I do LOVE that she was around after Hannah was born and insisted I take afternoon naps and while she snuggled Hannah. I think she is one of the happiest moms I know. I don't know what I would do without her, and I don't know what I would do with out my little girls.
We spent the day with my mother in law. Who is really a fabulous mom, almost too great( in a good way). I say that because I married her son and now I have to try to tame Ryan's expectations sometimes. She worked outside the home, and still managed to have it soo together. She is an amazing cook, so organized, a great quilter, so supportive of her kids. Let's face it she is a lot of things I am not and so from her I can learn a lot. I love her for raising Ryan the way she did, for always being so sweet to me and LOVING her grand kids.
To all the mothers, happy mothers day!

She's Here

2010-04-23T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hannah Sue

We are so so excited to have another little one in our family. Hannah arrived on Sunday April 18 @ 1:25a.m, she weighed 6lbs9oz. She is absolutely perfect, imagine that. I just love all the excitement of having a baby there is so much that makes her story special and one we will never forget. As far as the whole labor and delivery everything went really well and quick (I'd say that is a very good thing). I love that we didn't know what we were having, it made the whole thing so exciting and nothing beats the moment when you get that first cuddle with them on your chest, NOTHING. that makes every bit of my not so bad pregnancy so worth it. little tid bit about her weight we left the hospital thinking she weighed 7lbs, then on day 2 she weighed in at 6lbs 40z and I was thinking that's a lot to lose so quick. Then my sister looked at her scale pic and clearly she weighed 6lbs9oz. Glad we figured that one out.
Sadie was so excited to hold our new baby. Ryan now appreciates the efforts I make to do Sadies hair, he really had no clue what to do.

Yikes, here is our first pic of our family of four.

So far Sadie pretty much adores Hannah and everything about her. When she walked into the hospital with Ryan, her first words were "where's our baby?" She is quick to help in anyway she can and is quickly learning what babies are all about. They are best to look at and hold and snuggle with.
I have to add this Hannah has dark hair and a decent amount, it's worth documenting as I don't know how long it will last.

We came home from the hospital pretty quick, but we had to take Hannah back when she had a high level of jaundice. So she had to spend some time under the lamps and now we are glad to be back home.

We can't get enough of this face. What is not to love? thanks to grandma B for the smiles.

no joke

2010-04-15T21:12:00.001-07:00

So this is either really lame (in Ryan's case) or good for a smile or laugh (in my case). I was putting away the dishes & went to put some tupperware away and found some tupperware in there WITH the leftovers from the day before. I smiled and laughed at myself. Come on, we've all done it or come REALLY close to pouring orange juice on cereal or putting the milk in the cupboard, right? I blame this on preganancy, mostly just because I can. Tell me I am not the only one who does something dumb and blames it on pregnancy.

Anyways still here I await the few phone calls I get daily from my mom or sister just 'checkin in' on me only to tell them NOTHING of the baby news. Ryan has started answering my EVERY call just incase. I'm really not to antsy yet. Last week the dr gave me a scare and pretty much told me I was going to have the baby (she thought I needed to be induced, sent me for an emergency ultrasound) Ridiculous I know I've had a whole 9 months to prepare but suddenly I did not want it quite yet. It is also ridiculous that I have yet to find out what I am having after the 6th ultrasound.
My Dad snapped this one of Sadie & I when we were visiting. I know I am getting bigger because Sadie just looks at me daily and says "you're having a baby"

trip to the zoo

2010-04-07T19:46:00.001-07:00

It was a beautiful day today so we made a trip to the zoo. It was the first time we went to check out the new dinosaur park. It was pretty sweet. A lot of walking (but that's the zoo experience, and the joys of being pregnant I definitely notice these things).

Sadie wasn't too sure about these fancy dinosaurs that moved and made noise. This is her initial reaction when I tried to make her watch the dinosaur. She covered up her eyes followed by, "let's keep going mom". She started to like it a little more and kept asking the names of all of the dinosaurs.

I knew she fell asleep on the way home, but I forgot she had a chocolate granola bar in her hand. I was all excited that I wore her out and thought we could both nap... nope she woke up right after this.
Why does my kid have to grow up? Lately (right now as I am still in the process as we speak) it sure makes the bed time routine drag out.
Why did you have to give up the crib and move into a big bed?
Now you get in and out as you please.
Why did you have to learn how to open doors?
Now if I try to ignore your calls or you just want out you just come. Like tonight you came out wandered around upstairs looking for me and then found me downstairs.
Why did you already learn a million and one things to request at bedtime? It begins with "one more book, a toy, a drink, I gotta go potty..."
Why do you try to reason with me? When I think I'm being nice and leave a light on so you can read your books do you reply with, "but I can't read the words" duh
Why did you learn to be so dang sweet through it all? When you call "mommy can you come here for just a second?" in the sweetest little voice it's hard to be mad. Then you just share the most random thoughts in hopes of striking up a great late night conversation.
On one hand I'm thinking I must savour these little moments, on the other hand I'm thinking I gotta lay it down bed time means business right??

Easter Happenings

2010-04-06T14:55:00.000-07:00

Hippity Hoppity! This is what Sadie & I spotted in our front yard last week, Easter is coming! We were at my parents for the weekend, as soon as we got there we were all anticipating the arrival of the newest addition.... 'Baby Gavin" Brooke made it all the way from Edmonton to show off the new little one. Let's just say he was well loved all weekend long.

We enjoyed all the sun and Lindsay was out trying to be the best mom before she left for Mexico (ughh jealous). Pulling all three of the kids around, that's how she rolls in the small town. I'm jealous she makes it look fun and easy.
The Easter Bunny came on Saturday which was genius I think, and didn't bring too much chocolate or candy which I also think is genius. (thanks Linds) It was Lindsay's idea & I was all for it, I felt a little stingy and grinchy at first but when all the candy was pretty much gone in a day it was good.

Sadie had her first go at colouring Easter eggs, she took it very seriously.

We took the eggs out to the 'BIG' Hill in the backyard to roll the eggs. Again a hit with the kids.

But even better was rolling them down the slide followed by a wee

We ventured over to the town Egg hunt and I know I am from southern Alberta, but the wind was crazy. So it was really a race to get a couple eggs and run back inside.

Sadie totally loved Baby Gavin and loved holding and smothering him all weekend. I hope it lasts.

uneventful events

2010-03-25T09:53:00.001-07:00

In no particular order some of the uneventful things still going on here and there....

giving up the soother for some golf clubs... this was HUGE for the both of us you have no idea how much I loved it too. Really hasn't been too bad either.

The night she gave up her soother, she also gave up her crib, the floor for the night

trip to the zoo with these cute girls

freezing and flying kites with the Hudsons

obsessing over sunglasses on sunny days

taking naps less and less, but none the less still taking some

working on her mommy skills
for the last week I anticipate the moment she actually gives in stops requesting for anything and everything she can think of and finally falls asleep

watching James ride his bike...

and his mom come to the rescue to fix the broken wheel

looking and feeling more preggo everyday. My friend and fabulous photographer Alysha took some pictures the other day (35 weeks) you can see her photography work here

I know I will be feeling the effects of less sleep and lack of energy after the baby joins us, so I am trying to enjoy a few last lazy days here and there. Some mornings I pretend I am on bed rest and teach Sadie the importance of independent play. good plan. My due date is April 19th so 3 weeks or so to go.

less is more

2010-03-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

I 've heard this quote before I read it again today & I love the little reminder.

“The biggest mistake I made as a mother is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less” (Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

-Author Anna Quindlen

Today happened to be a pretty good day. I didn't capture too many moments on my camera (which if you know me I do love to do). But together the 2 of us created many unforgettable memories in my mind. First I did go to my 5th ultrasound & STILL don't know what we are having (by our own choice). Sadie played over at the Hudson's. We went to Toys R Us & it totally reminded me of New York where we would spend a good portion of the afternoon in the toy stores there & never once would she want one of the toys, so I think that has stuck she seriously did not ask for any toys just looked and played with them. We were there to get a toy but that is a whole other story I can't even talk about yet. We stopped at the playground where she had so much fun. She played with some of the other kids, & just kept herself busy. Before supper she totally invited me into her little pretend world, it was so fun to see her little imagination go. Pulling out cushions, rowing her boat, saving parrots and turtles, yes it was good times. Had a bath where again a whole other world of play opens up. Yes, she can & does play by herself. Sometimes I like to just listen & watch, sometimes I am forced to join, and sometimes I await the invitation to PLAY!
So it is the end of the day & yes I suppose I "got a little less done" but I don't think I would change a thing.

I really think my mom 'treasured the doing' with all of us kids and for sure I see both her and my dad do it with all their grand kids. So here they are just doing what they should be doing.

Tell me my dad isn't the only one who has been doing this for as long as I can remember, it never gets old with kids.

If you haven't heard

2010-03-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

30 is so the new 20! I am loving it.

I had the most fabulous birthday week, because when you turn 30 you celebrate for a whole week. It's so great, and it was so worth going down to my parents so I could celebrate the first half there, and when they were done I came home. I had to inform Ryan the party must continue, he wasn't thrilled but he is a sport and spoiled me.
Here are some of the reasons why the week was soo great.
Friends - I am ridiculously lucky I have some great ones.
Simone planned a little surprise get together with a few other girls which was really fun. Super cute little 80's theme (the year I was born) so we had some good laughs about all the fads of the 80's. I really felt so special and spoiled.
Got together with a couple of my 'high school' friends down south always a good time.
Family- I had 2 birthday dinners with my family in Raymond, and then one with Ryan & Sadie.
Sadie napped on my birthday. loved it.
I have had way too many birthday cakes, desserts and treats. I think I'll just blame the added weight gain on the baby not me.
so many sweet little thoughtful gifts from friends and family.

I guess I was too busy having fun I didn't really take many pics to document the BIG occasion.
Thanks to everyone who made my day so great. 30 is so my year! Maybe don't ask me how old I am for a while I am still getting used to it.

BAD idea

2010-02-24T16:21:00.000-08:00

You gotta have at least one or two least favorite chores to do, right? So the other day I decided to do some of the dreaded ironing. For the most part this consists of Ryan's dress shirts. I don't know if anyone else is like me but if at all possible I'd rather not waste "my free time" at night or during a nap to do the dreaded task. I pulled out the iron and Sadie immediately started saying "no, no" like she read my mind. Then she saw some Styrofoam packaging and started poking, clawing & picking at it. I SERIOUSLY thought sweet I bet she will be entertained by this for a bit and I'll get the job done. I totally just watched (& ironed) as she made a complete mess and had a lot of fun. Harmless right? Don't get me wrong I knew I would have to clean it up, but I for real thought NO BIGGIE, I'll whip out a vacuum and woola it would be clean in no time and completely worth the mess. I finished & I got out the vacuum, then the broom, the shark, the hand held. UGGHHH Those little Styrofoam balls were EVERYWHERE & were so clingy. So it was total disaster, BAD idea. The truth is I'm still picking some stray ones up.

My finished project. yeah!

Sadie's freaking disaster, the picture doesn't do it justice. Although it is a little embarrassing how messy the room is too.

I need some GOOD ideas. Sadie doesn't eat, for real blame me, blame Ryan (he will never admit it but he is kinda picky- he refers to it as preferences.) It is true invite him over for dinner and he will eat whatever is served no questions, but it may not be what he "prefers." I say Sadie has his picky eating habits only he is not even picky compared to her. Most days I push it outta mind, but when I think about it or see other kids eat everything off their plates. I remember ahh yes lucky me, my baby wasn't a dream sleeper, and now my toddler is so not the greatest eater. Thank goodness she's got her looks. he he jk. It would be easier to make a list of things Sadie does eat than what she doesn't eat. Hasn't eaten vegetables in who knows how long, meat is tricky, I can sneak it in sometimes, but sometimes she spits it out. I try no snacks in hopes if I starve her she will eat whatever is served. But day after day I lose the battle. We've tried the dessert tactic, and as much as she LOVES the sweet stuff in the end she will hold out. She usually just walks away from her dinner & dessert. So I keep hoping one day it will all change or at very least I have high hopes of how I will train the next one. Anyways I don't want to rant for too long, just been thinking about it, and that's about it.

I wish...

2010-02-16T22:01:00.000-08:00

Just the other day I was wishing that winter was over & it was really spring. I'm not one that likes to complain or overly talk about the weather (but I think it's just in my blood as in from my dad).
I don't think this winter has been horrible, and it has been getting nice and I just know it's gonna be a teaser and we will get more snow (and I shouldn't be surprised by this). It doesn't help that Sadie is a winter wimp and needs to be toughened up, so our winter outings are limited. On the nice days we do try to get out and enjoy it.

But do I wish I lived somewhere else of course not. Isn't everyone so proud to be a Canadian right now. Love watching the Olympics!

just me???

2010-02-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

I would be lying if I said I am happy it won't be just me & Sadie anymore... ok that doesn't sound quite right. Am I alone in thinking that having just one little sidekick is the best? Seriously I feel like we've both got it down so good, we can head out for the day and are soo happy to do whatever the 2 of us do. Sometimes it's just good ol errands, grocery shopping, stopping in at the mall, getting a treat, going swimming, or meeting up with friends. No matter what it is it seems easy for the most part and fun. I suppose I fear the unknown, & right now 2 is still the unknown.

I am also experiencing a little bit of that anxious feeling of ughhh.... it will never be the same. Did I make the most of our little time together? I know it sounds ridiculous. But perhaps that explains the fact that in the last week I have been getting all "Sadie isn't your mom the best" as we painted, made and played playdough both for the first time, did other crafty things, took her to a little music class, had her book club friends over, planned a little Valentines get together, asked for a few more cuddles and read an extra book or two at bedtime(I don't think I really did that, but now that she is sleeping it seems like a nice thought). Right now me and 2 kids seems like a lot to handle, going to groceries suddenly sounds overwhelming and becomes a chore rather than a fun outing. Did I mention I went to the zoo today too. Enough mom bragging the other moms I went with had 3 kids with them, so I say wahoo hats off to them.

She looks so content to just do her thing. Hoping she will find good ways to entertain herself when it really counts.

I totally think this picture looks like a school photo, it was self posed.

I guess I will continue to make the most of the next couple months and try not to let this growing baby slow me down just yet. I really have pretty much nothing to complain about as far as pregnancy goes. I overheard Ryan on the phone to a friend the other day and in response to the question of how is the family and such doing Ryan said something like, " yeah she's good, other than a little tired, she is pretty much made to have babies." So there ya have it, spoken like a true husband eh. Who by the way does not pay attention at all to when this baby is suppose to come, as in he thought it was in March?? ughhh what's another month right?

I am sure I will say it every time I go up to Edmonton. I like that city. I really do like that mall, it's so great even on a Saturday. Of course fun to see a few people when we go up too.

Sadie doing the pee grab.

I think I somehow managed to look not so pregnant next to Brooke who is due in a month, lucky me for now anyway. Anyway I totally made her take a preggo picture. After harassing her she admitted she has one picture of herself preggo and didn't like it so she deleted it. I suppose she'll be laughing when I'm still large and she is just cuddling a new babe.

Paradise

2010-02-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

I knew I should've blogged this all right away, because it's official the vacation high is over. It doesn't take long when you come back to snow, cold and just regular ol life. But, that being said I knew it wouldn't last forever. Anyways we had a week away just the 2 of us in Maui. Honestly it was fabulous. It was perfect in every way. So great to sneak away and just enjoy being in such a hot, sunny & beautiful place with just us. I don't know what anyone else's idea of paradise would be, but this did it for me. It was amazing. We did many of the typical Hawaiian touristy things. Which included lounging by our fabulous pools, and the beaches. The beaches are amazing, and where we were they were totally not busy, as in less than 5 people one morning.
It was really nice to go away and have no real agenda or plans, we just did whatever, whenever. Although, that is asking a lot of Ryan he is such a planner and really wants to make the most of everything, and he has a hard time just sitting and relaxing.
Don't worry he managed.

Here is our resort, which we seriously loved everything about it. It was fun to really treat ourselves to such a great place.

I thought with it just being the 2 of us I wouldn't take THAT many pictures but be prepared, I did. I had fun just fooling around and trying to capture some shots from the beaches and whatever else seemed worthy. I don't think you will ever see a post with more pics of Ryan in it. For some reason I think it's funny when we would take pictures of each other, (nothing like a solo shot), but I was usually the one with the camera so lucky for Ryan he finally got some camera spotlight & of course a few self portraits of us.

We went to a luau which was totally fun, entertaining and had way too much good food.

Ryan did a preggo shot of me so here I am just over 6 months

We went to Haleakala National Park, which is such a cool drive as you just keep going up and up above the clouds. We checked out the craters at the top. It seemed like a must do to see some volcano sights in Hawaii. Then Ryan (or should I say WE) I guess I agreed to it too, we hiked down into the crater it was breezy going down, and seriously killer coming up. Honestly what was I thinking it was like Susie vs. the Volcano. I know sound ridiculous & it was.
Fortunately he did feel kinda bad for making us hike way down into the crater. Unfortunately there was only one way out ... on my own 2 feet.
The picture does in no way do it justice this is part of the trail we hiked down. I know it looks like a nice easy walk, but it was brutal not to mention we were hiking in Hawaii in the middle of the afternoon, scorcher.

I laugh when I get Ryan to do some awesome picture posing.

If you know Ryan you may be familiar with his love of golfing. If you know Ryan you know his personality and when he gets into something he is like full on, & dedicates every thing to it. So he usually doesn't take on too many different things. Golf has made the cut, he freaking loves it. Everything about it. Anyways there are some amazing courses in Hawaii, it just so "happened" that the most amazing golf course (where they just played the PGA tour a week before we got there) was right at our resort. Oh life coincidences right! So he did get out to a few courses and really it was a huge highlight for him. He seriously loved the courses & could talk about them forever. The views were pretty amazing, but again I'm so not a golfer & will never understand how you could choose to do golf over sun, fun & beaches.

So there you have it. I do have to say we could not have done this without my parents & sister and Ryan's parents who all had Sadie stay with them for a bit. THANK YOU again! Really she is like a little slice of paradise to the grandparents right?

Where were you last week?

2010-01-28T22:22:00.000-08:00

We are back from the island of the sun. I will do a proper post very soon with a few details and pics of our glorious week in Hawaii. But I just looked at all the pictures and am a little overwhelmed at the number of pics we took of ourselves including way too many in a swimsuit. eeeks!Our time there was fabulous I didn't get sick of these beaches or this guy. Yep I'd do it all over again.

But, I can't kid myself it was exciting to come home to this little one.

Update

2010-01-14T22:21:00.000-08:00

I am lost in my pictures right now. Ryan got me a new little camera for Christmas that I have been using. Now I don't always have to haul out my bigger one. So I decided to do what so many have done and started a photo a day for 2010. I don't know what I plan to do with them all when the year is up, but it motivates me to take pictures more, which I like. I'm organizing and adding to them on this 365day blog. I'll admit it's mostly just me following Sadie around right now. So I've been into that & haven't felt the urge to post pictures here.
But, really what could be more fun and any cuter than this.

A girl who know how to work a hammer & nail

The finished project was a calendar, and painting was for sure a higlight. Having a tea party with Bella

Every kid has a bedtime routine. Right now Sadie's includes of all these guys joining her along with her sippy cup, soother and blanket. She would probably like it if I moved her to a bed, it's looking a little squishy.

This may not be funny enough to put on the blog, but it kinda cracked me up. Sadie went potty and I got a new roll (and a new brand) of toilet paper. This was her reaction. It was Purex if you were wondering.