high five to five

I blame the Christmas season for posting this so late - it's never my fault - there's always something / someone to blame! LOL. Here we go!

At five months ...

-You're still wearing size 2 swaddlers, but I have a feeling this will most likely be short lived.
-You're definitely favouring your a+a sleeping bag - comfy muslin.
-I love seeing your big belly in your onesies, hehe.
-Nighttime sleep is ... hit or miss. But we can never get upset at your sweet little face!
-Still exclusively breastfeeding! Thinking we'll start you on rice cereal right before the new year (close to your 6 month mark).
-You're still a Rolling Queen, very determined to get wherever you want to be.
-Because I'm writing this post so late, I can add this: you've officially started to "crawl", ahhhh!!
-Everything and anything that you get your hands on still goes straight into your mouth.
-You are a drooling machine (understatement).
-Daddy and Kuya A make you laugh the best.
-You adore exploring in your exesaucer, but when you've had enough - you have no problem letting us know!
-You're working on new ways to communicate other than crying, like when you want to be picked up your arms raise in the air and when you've had enough you murmur, "mmmmmm" - I'm convinced that you calling me by name :)
-You love kissy kissy noises & have even smooched Kuya A with an open mouth, bahaha.
-You hair is (slowly) growing!

Here's what else we've been up to:

Sleeping
Ok - remember when we had a baby girl who loved to sleep? In the early weeks, we even dubbed you our very own Sleeping Beauty. & though you're still holding up the beauty end of that name ... the sleeping part, is quickly diminishing! That's ok - we'll take what we can when we can. & we definitely let you lead and just make it work. After all, A slept in our bed right up until ... what seems like yesterday! Hahaha. We always enjoy the extra snuggles. But of course, it would be dandy if you'd fall back into your 4am wake up routine. A few nights this month, we even got a 6am wake up call - which was just splendid!
Napping is getting better for sure. Self-soothing in your crib for the first 1/2 of your nap and typically if I pick up and hold you, you'll sleep even longer. I don't mind (after all, you're already growing so fast!). Also, I've learnt that awesome naps during the day = awesome sleep at night.

Breastfeeding
We're still at it, and it's pretty wicked. It's simple, easy and it works for us. Up next, solids!

Weight
Our last visit to the doctor was mid-November when you were 20 weeks old. You were 13 pounds, 15 ounces! Growing steadily! Next visit will be at 6 months old.

Challenges
I wouldn't trade where we are right now for anything. I am in awe watching both you and A interact and love being with you guys. Ryan still works a lot - typically 6 days a week. Five at Quatrefoil and Sundays at Spencer's ... it's nice to have the extra cash, but I know how much he misses "hanging out" with you both. Hence why we live for our Mondays - Ry's only day off. I try not to think about it, but in no time, we'll have to make the decision whether I'll be going back to work or not. Childcare is beyond nuts in terms of costs that I'll basically be going back to work in order to pay for someone else to care for my babes! & I love caring for you guys! ... we'll see.

Me: Post-Partum

Okay so Christmas is in less than a week, and let's face it - my wandering eyes like to feed my tummy - lol. So yes, I indulge a bit more during the holidays, why the heck not! My clothes are fitting, but I've got some serious toning to accomplish. but no rush. I do wonder when my hair with stop falling out in chunks ... oh luscious hair during pregnancy, where are you?

So excited for your first Christmas Sadie Bean!

 

a little zinc inspired diy

OKAY, so this post was written a million years ago ... did I really just not hit publish? lol. 
Obvi a "mind wandering all over the place, can't think straight with so many thoughts in my mind" mama moment.

Yes, I'm a little bit late on the bandwagon - but like everyone else, I feel in love with these zinc letters from Anthropologie back when I was still pregs with Sadie. And I almost splurged to buy them at $18 each letter - then my preggo brain forgot about them until they re-appeared in a tutorial for a DIY version. A DIY with the most basic steps, ever:

paint cardboard letters with black paint and let them dry ... 

Once they've dried, paint over black paint with metallic paint and let them dry again. 

I ordred the letters from Etsy & had the paint, and foam brush on hand. So in total, I spend just under $28. Amazingness. I'll probably stick them on the wall in Sadie's room above her crib ... since I'm still, errrr, working on the details of her nursery. Oh gosh.

Ta-da! Ain't it pretty?

Owl frame & photo of baby S: gift from our dear friends at Madison Paige Photography.

list series: random thoughts lingering in my head

I'm here! Just working on a few other projects :)

1. I am behind on my Christmas shopping. Time to pull out the big guns, time to online shop, lol.

2. I pondering whether I should venture to the mall tomorrow with both babes (A has a PA day ). I'd really like to check our Santa photo off the list - but just the thought of two of them and one of me gives me a bit of anxiety. Also, A has been sicky all week and just started to feel better ... I'd like for him to be back to his silly-old self first.

3. I'm excited for 2013. Most people say thirteen is unlucky, it's always been good to me. 2013, bring it.

4. There's so much anticipation for the holidays and Christmas (who doesn't love this time of the year!), but I'm hoping that the days don't pass to fast - I love Christmas traditions. Can't wait with two babes this year.

5. I know I always say this, but I need to de-clutter. Clutter is everywhere and clutter is taking over!

6. I found out that IF I was working, I would've been in NY this weekend for the 5th Avenue opening - boo. But having Sadie baby is def a fair trade.

7. December Daily, I will finish you this year.

Oh & to my American friends and family - Happy Thanksgiving!

find something you love to do ...

& you'll never have to work a day in your life.

I couldn't be more happy and more proud of my hubs. Most times, the things we need to happen simply just fall into place ... & this was one of those things. With lots of patience, the right "job" came along. In less than a week, your spark has returned - you're so happy (and I love that). You're inspired & challenged. This is what you're meant to be doing.

Quatrefoil Restaurant
Ryan de Leon, Sous Chef.
What a lovely thing!

 

Read more about Quatrefoil here & here. And if you watched Top Chef Canada, remember him?

Photo credit.

a big day for our baby girl!

So I'm posting a little late (surprise, surprise).
But my excuse is valid! I've been working on another, related post ... over here.

Earlier this month, we christened our baby girl! What a big day it was for our Sadie Quinn! Ryan and I both have BIG families, so you can image what a celebration it was. We definitely count ourselves blessed to have so many of our loved ones there to celebrate with us.

Aiden was too busy running around with his cousins, booooo!

Woohoo! Family photo! 

Whomps, no Aiden again ... but I am in love with Sadie's expression. Hehe.

I may be biased, but Sadie's truly the sweetest!

Sadie, know that God is always with you - trust and believe in Him. And of course, we're always here for you too! We can't wait to see the kind of person you'll grow to be and we're in great anticipation for lots of hugs & kisses from you! We love you too much!

twenty-seven

The biggest parts of my heart!

I feel a little older, a little wiser.
But one thing is certain, I am more blessed than I was last year.
Making the most of my life every day - living for the moment & loving my most favourites.
Hoping for the best year yet.
Cheers to twenty-seven!

life lately: according to my Instagram & iPhone

Since I take so many photos with my iPhone and Instagram has really been my social media of choice ... I thought it's about time I post these on a regular basis. It helps enjoy, life unscripted.

So here's the first instalment.
Enjoy!

my loves / monopoly deal 

the sweetest driveby surprise / someone's looking a little girly-er

LOL / operation!

hand pulled pork / stayed home from school but still practicing letters

halloween dinner by hubs / A loves when S cuddles

quinoa pancake / 4 months!

thank you for being part of Sadie's big day / homemade soba ramen

Tell me you're Instagram obsessed too ... 

you are so lucky ...

... that your husband can cook.
(creative, like I haven't heard that one before, LOL).

But in all honesty, the statement is beyond true. Of course, cooking uberly delicious food isn't the only thing I love about him. He's definitely the hardest working person I know. Whether it's at home or at work, he always puts 100% of the effort. He's a fantastic father who has the softest spot for both Aiden & now, Sadie. I can't image doing this parenting thing with anyone else but him. His sense of humour truly compliments my sarcastic nature. He's also thoughtful, especially when it comes to my needs. He does the things you least expect, so the little things really are the big things. & he's passionate, about life and about his work. Who the heck works on their birthday? Am I the only one who takes a vacation day? LOL. He put us first, protects us and simply loves us.

So, yes - I am definitely lucky.

So here we are, another year older and the start of a new journey. This is yours - own it. I am beyond happy for you and so proud. I have always been and will always be, your #1 fan. I'm freaking rooting for you babe!

Oh, & happy birthday.
We love you like a lot, a lot!
Me, Bunky & Bean.

four months!

Is it really time to do this again?

You're napping in my arms as I type this post (& my back is hurting), but I am cherishing this moment because soon enough, you won't want to sleep in my arms anymore. So I'm soaking it all in. Aiden is sleeping too, right beside us. He always naps on Fridays after school, LOL.

At four months ...

-You're wearing size 2 diapers (pampers swaddlers are still our fav)
-You're definitely busting out of your 0-3 month sleepers and moving onto 3-6 & we're still using sleep sacks
-We're getting closer to sleeping "through" the night, waking up on good nights at 4am for a nursing session
-We're still exclusively breastfeeding! (Yay!), no bottles just yet
-You are a rolling queen, I wouldn't be surprised if you started to crawl soon
-Your ambition is refreshing - always trying to reach for your toys while on your belly & of course, they go straight to your mouth
-We're catching snippets of your laugh & it's so contagious
-You love being upright & "standing", looks like our next purchase is some sort of exesaucer for you
-I feel like you know us now, well, I know you know me (since I'm the milk machine), but your face lights up in the mornings with Daddy & when A gets home from school
-You got your ears pierced!
-& we're still waiting for hair, lol.

Here's what else we've been up to:

Sleeping
We're getting there. Our bedtime routine (which consists of a shower for A, getting you & A into pjs, complete with a baby massage for you, & som quiet time and a bedtime story with A). Our last feed is still around 7:30pm. Typically, nursing is the last thing you do before bed. Between breasts, I slip you into your sleep sack & post-nursing I quietly take you from our room to your room and lay you ever so gently into your crib. You wake up anywhere from 2:00am-4:00am for a feeding. I'd like to say that you sleep right after your nursing, but this has been a hit or miss as of late. I can recall a few early mornings where we were up every hour. We even tried having you sleep with us in our bed, but even that didn't work. I think you prefer being in your crib (which is in your own room) or play pen (which is in our room) because you're able to move around more, find your "sweet spot" and self-soothe. Of course, this doesn't always work. I often nurse you laying down, then we both fall asleep. I've been reading up on 4 month old sleep regression ... and yikes! With daylight savings tomorrow, God knows how your sleeping will be.
Naps are becoming a hit or miss these days too. You were napping just dandy in your crib (a bit of fussiness for a few minutes), but then I'd find you self-soothing (thumb-sucking) and sleeping peacefully on your belly. Some days, you'd wake wake up after a 1/2 hour where you'd either fuss & then find your "sweet spot" again or Mama comes to the rescue (with a binky) & I hold you for the remainder of your nap. Lately, you've been fussing for longer than usual. I cave & scoop you up. You lay in my arms napping while I catch up on some tv. Which reminds me, who has the boxset of Grey's Season 4?

Breastfeeding
A few days ago I turned to Ryan and said something along the lines of ... I'm in awe that Sadie grows and thrives from milk (liquid gold) that my body produces. The entire process is simply amazing. Not much to much more to report, but I basically wear nursing pads religiously. Our nursing sessions last anywhere from 5-40 mins, usually depending on the time of day and where we are. Typically when we're up and about, you'll nurse much faster and make up for it in later feedings. Your last session of the day is usually the longest - I guess you try to "bulk up" for the night ahead. I still plan to breastfeed exclusively for as long as possible and maybe ... in the new year, we'll work on starting bottles. But it's been quite smooth, so in no rush for that.

Weight
Because the doctor was on vacation for the first 3 weeks on October, your 3 month check up was definitely overdue. We went on the 24th and you weighed a steady 12 pounds, 11 ounces. We scheduled to go back in a few weeks, hope we get more chubs!

Challenges
We're pretty much in the groove of things, but it's tough! Two kiddies means more laundry & a messier home ... but! there's doubles the smiles and double the love. I simply adore our A and Bean. There are definitely times when Aiden "needs" me at the exact moment that I'm tending to Sadie. A will pout about it & I remind him (& myself) that I'm only one person. That usually works.

We're up for a new challenge in the next week or so (will post more details soon). Wish us luck!

Me: Post-Partum

I feel good! I'm no where near my "ideal" weight (actually, I still don't know what my current weight is), but I feel pretty good! We're buying less junk when we're at the grocery store, which means less junk in our home (minus the crapload of halloween candy). I'm inspired by people I stumble upon in the blog world and by healthier recipe options via Pinterest. I haven't cut myself off from anything because I always feel that in moderation, it's ok. I did, however, buy a brand new pair of demin ... that made me feel good. The holidays will be challenging, lots of yummy food and lovely company ... definitely worth it! Oh and I finally got a haircut, that's like minus 10 pound right there, LOL. 

You'll be at a wonderful stage for your first Christmas Sadie, we can't wait!

 

halloween!

The night before Halloween, I turned to Ryan and said ... "we're just not big Halloween people". It's not that I don't like it or enjoy it, but I've never been one to be super excited to dress up or to think of creative costumes. We semi decorate our home & carve pumpkins, but of course, this is all for Aiden.

I really wasn't going to dress Sadie up, but 4am while I was nursing her - my mama guilt came over me. I felt bad. So I rushed over to Michael's in the morning to pick up some felt. For under $4 and with one of A's old onesies, I impressed even myself ... (of course, sewing would have made it 100 times cooler, but I don't sew - so fabric glue & a hot glue gun it was!) Ta da!

I was debating on getting the costume from Etsy last month, but just couldn't justify spending $52 for it (plus shipping) - yikes! My makeshift DIY version was more than enough.

It was slightly challenging getting her into her costume and even more of a challenge getting her to lay still on her back, but we managed! So here's Miss Sadie baby making her nigiri debut!

Aiden, of course, wanted nothing more than to be the Red Ranger. & since we already had the costume, mask & megasword ... it was a win-win. Getting a photo of this bugger was challenging too. He's definitely at "that" age. 

His posture in the second photo kills me, LOL. Pretty much sums up how he feels about the photoshoot.

The weather was gloomy, cold & wet. Sadie and I waited and waited and waited. I managed to snap this lovely photo of her. Don't mind my gross unwashed hair (weave) - I actually chopped it off today. 

I was beyond generous with the first bunch of kiddies & almost thought we'd run out of goodies (ek!). Despite the weather, we definitely got the most bunch of kids this year so far.

So until next year, happy halloween from our Red Ranger (pow!, A says) & Sushi Sadie (nom, nom).

Will we ever have nice fall weather for the kiddies to trick or treat in?