letters to you: my heart is bursting with proudness

Dear A,

Naturally, we were nervous for your 1st day of school - probably more than you were. But you did great! & you continue to love it every day. I had your parent / teacher interview a few days ago & us being proud is an understatement. You're learning, thriving and excelling. You're such a sponge & your curiousity and thirst for knowledge is refreshing! I know you'll do wonders in this world.

Love,
Daddy, Mama & Sadie-Q

okay, it's official ...

I have fallen in love with Ikea's Expedit ... again.

When we were living with my parents while waiting for our lovely home to be built, we had a 5-cube Expedit in our basement room and LOVED it. It housed our books, some other random stuff and held up our tv - that Expedit was good to us. When we moved out, I can't remember if we took it with us or not, but my sister is now it's owner and I know it's being just as good to her.

In the front of our home now, we have a good sized room that we have dubbed as our "library" - mainly because we keep most of our books there (makes sense right?, lol). Our books are piled high on some Billy bookcases - and well, it does the job (not the best most awesomest job, but the job). The space used to be my "office" where I kept most of my crafty supplies and I loved it there because of the nice big bay windows that gave natural light. BUT ... it was far too messy to house all my stuff there and when we had company over or parties or whatever, it just seemed to be in the way. So we hauled all my stuff into my walk-in closet (LOL). More about that another time.

Ok, back to my new found obsession with the Expedit.
Basically, I stumbled upon this "I heart Expedit Unit" board on Pinterest & now I am hooked. I'm specifically in love with these ones:

 

*Kind of crappy that when I clicked on the photos, the links were all dead. I'd like to provide sources for these photos & give credit where credit's due ...

Seriously thinking of trashing the Billys (well, selling them on Kijii or something of that nature) and running over to Ikea to grab a beloved Expedit, possibly the 4x4 or maybe even the 5x5. Leaning towards photo #1 as a layout inspiration for the "library". But not sure how I feel about a desk in the middle of the room just yet & simply in love with the colour pallets of #2 and #4. Goodness, Expedit dreams are floating in my head :)

pick me up: kitchen edition

It's been a little while since I've splurge on something for myself & this is mainly because stuff for the babes are so much cuter, our fridge needs food & well, I've been on a "for the home" kick. This is the year I use our house as a pallet for my creative mind and make it our home. (Or else Ryan will ... well, let's just say I'll never hear the end of it). I am, however, trying to be smart with our funds. Since I'm on mat leave & the money tree in the backyard isn't growing. Must be time to water.
This is also the year that I organize our home and freakin' de-clutter. Gah.

So, in a recent trip to Crate and Barrel, I got these goodies:

1. Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, I actually had this grill pan on my wishlist for our family Kris Kringle, but my uncle got me this one instead. So I went to C&B to exchange that bad boy for the one that I originally wanted only to find out that it was no longer available. Boo. I had high hopes for me cooking on this grill pan hahaha. But they did however recommend the cast iron one. We've used it three times now (to grill chicken thighs, to grill zucchini and eggplant and to grill some pork tenderloin and mushroom skewers) and each time the flavour and grill char was bang on. There's nothing like being able to grill when it's freezing out and snow on the ground!
2. Tortilla Press, Ryan picked this kitchen tool up. We haven't had the chance to use it just yet, but tortillas are a fam fav around here. I'm excited to try to make then ourselves
3. Molcajete, This one is Ryan's as well. He actually purchased the same one for the chefs / owners at the resto he's the sous for now and needed to have one of his own! He had it on his family Kris Kringle wishlist and was beyond thrilled to get it for Christmas. The Molcajete, a stone tool, which is basically a traditional version of a mortar pestle. He's still "prepping" it for use, so I'll tell ya how it is once we use it! Can't wait to make salsas and guac, yum!
4. Hertitage Hill, Glass Jars, I've wanted to replace the jars that sit in our kitchen counter top with flour and sugar for some time now, mainly because they were just too small. Ryan and I would have to restock the flour so often that it defeated the purpose of having the jar on the countertop for convenience. These jars are a perfect replacement! They're not only pretty, but functional too - love the wide opening, perfect for scooping out the contents with a measuring cup. Convenient.
5. Rings Cooler Glass, I was so happy to see this style of drinking glasses there. We bought a set from the Superstore when we first bought our home and love their simplicity. But over the years, we've broken one too many and had a couple left. I've been on the hunt for the same or a similar style everywhere, but never any luck. So when I saw these, I immediately bought a few to join the lonely ones at home!
6. Wire Baskets, I'm a sucker for baskets like these. & with the clutter (toys) in our home - masking it is a must! I opted not to get the linen liners, mainly because I'd rather be able to see what's in the basket, and it's more motivation to keep things neat and tidy. Must find new baskets like these, some many possibilities.

There's a ton of other stuff I'd like to get. But right now I'm trying to get inspired with plans / ideas for our main floor and living space. We're really wanting to rip out the carpet and installing hardwood (possibly even laminate?). It would be much easier with unlimited funds. Slowly but surely, we'll get there :)

& so it begins ...

Steaming and pureeing like no body's business!

Solids for Miss Sadie-Q. Milestone after milestone - has anyone figured out a ways to slow down the newborn to infancy to toddler process? ... Geez.

Mama, what is this & do I have to eat it? ...

We started introducing solids slowly. We started off with rice cereal which I mixed with breast milk for a sense of familiarity. Originally, I was rather intrigued by the Baby Led Weaning Method ... but the conservative side of me brought out the purees. But as we're experiencing the whole process, I guess we'll do a little bit of both. Cause how adorable does she look knawing on her carrot!

Sadie tends to take the lead with nursing (on demand, well every 3 hours during the day), so I figure she can take the lead with solids too. We're starting with veggies first and so far we've tried: green peas, carrots and sweet potatoes. She doesn't eat much, two tablespoons max at each sitting. But each time is better than the last! Note to self: must get some silicone bibs, stat. We'll probably do a bit more veggies before we move onto fruits! Yum! & I'll definitely be trying to make everything myself ... because 1. it's super simple, 2. I love knowing what goes into what she eats, 3. It's budget friendly! Another adventure begins!

just one of those days ...

Silly guy played hookie from school today. He usually up at the crack of dawn, shoving Ryan out of bed so he can get ready for school. But today was a little different, he was whimpering, sobbing ... really, really didn't want to go. First, Ryan had his foot down - he was laying down the law. Then I had my foot down. Then Ryan got soft and I got weak ... and well, Aiden stayed home to "hang" with Sadie and I. I guess we're all entitled to one of those days, once in a while.

Plus, I love when both my babies are home with me, weeeeeeeee!

five.

In 5 years, we have grown up. We have learned to choose our battles & learned to forgive. We have loved - more than just ourselves. We bought a house & are slowly making it our home. We became parents!, to two of the most amazing kiddies around. We're still dreaming BIG & still discovering life. We're still rooting for each other, being each other's #1 fan. I couldn't imagine going through this journey with anyone else. What a ride it's been so far. Happy 5 years to my most fav, xx.

sleep is for the weak

I am very very weak & in dire need of some peaceful, uninterrupted, lovely sleep. Am I asking for too much? Possibly, lol.

Our sweet Sadie baby is giving me a run for my money. She was once a good, scratch that - great, actually she really was a fantastical sleeper - it all seems so vague now. I'm holding her in my arms as I type this very post. She smells my arm in the dark to make sure it's me & she stinks her little bald head into the joint of my elbow. She is quiet & content in my arms. So really, I guess I just need to learn how to sleep sitting up. Wah.

But Ryan's right, this will soon all be a blur. And I'm going to miss the nights where I could hold my baby to sleep. And then by that time, I'm sure I would have convinced Ryan that it's time for another! Maybe. Not sure about that yet. Three would be that they out number us. Ek. Lol.

This too shall pass.
Sleep, until we're reunited again ... I'm thinking of you.

one sick mama.

Last night, I spend most of what felt like the longest night ever, vomiting. Everything I ate during the day (and I must admit, I ate a lot - never eating like that again) simply found it's way up. And Sadie decided that she wasn't going to sleep last night, so Ryan trooped it out with her.

Ry's been off since New Years Day (yay), but today he worked. Of course, the one day he has to work, I fall ill and simply need some TLC. I called my Mama to come over to help with the kiddies, wouldn't have made it though the day without her help! Mama always comes to the rescue. I'm hoping that it's was just a bug that's now out of my system. Not enjoying feeling this way!

I'm resting up with bed while Ryan's still at work, eating some blueberry Activia which tastes beyond amazing and thinking I'll watch The Five Year Engagement before I fall asleep.

Oh, is that Miss Sadie Quinn I hear ... poor teething girl.
We haven't had a restful "full night's sleep" for some time now ...

Yawn.

Sadie Quinn: 6 months!

happy half birthday baby girl!
now to start planning your 1st birthday bash, how exciting! what's not so exciting is the thought of me having to go back to work, still conjuring a plan for me to stay home with my babies.

At six months ...

-You are simply delightful and such a joy in our lives, we cannot get enough of you!
-You're playful, attentive and determined
-Your thighs are getting chunky, just the way we like it!
-You've tried rice cereal & don't get what the fuss is all about, it's aiiiiight, lol.
-Your much more fun to dress up now, I simply can't resist a cute baby outfit hehe.
-I think it's safe to say that you're in the early stages of teething, cause you're the biggest drooling monster
-Your crawling is getting much better, you're so speedy!
-You love playing with your spoons, Sophie & the little purse Kuya Aiden got you for Christmas
-I will never stop loving you calling me, "mmmmmm"
-Your laugh is simply contagious

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

Sleeping
One day / night at a time. I know that this will eventually correct itself. We've not in the best boat, but not to shabby either. Everyone's allowed to have off days / nights! I just always tell myself that you're never going to be this small ever again, so I'm just enjoying the moments, especially the fact that you stil like to sleep in my arms - my favourite. Our bedtime routine hasn't changed and for the first 5-6 hours of the evening you sleep lovely in your crib, in your own room. We haven't dropped the "middle of the night" nursing session ... I actually enjoy this time the most - when the rest of the world is sleeping and its just me and you, bonding. You usually fall asleep in our bed after this nursing session and will stay there until you wake up in the morning (typically anywhere from 7:30am - 9:00am).
The Christmas season has thrown off our schedule a bit, so now that things aren't so hectic and go-go-go, I'm hoping to get you back on track. But boy, you definitely know how to catch up on your sleep!

Breastfeeding / Solids
Yes, we're still breastfeeding (woot, woot).
& a few days ago, you had some of this! It wasn't / hasn't been the most successful experiences, but hey it's a new one! I'm sure it'll only be a matter of time for you to be an eating monster machine. I've mixed the rice cereal with breastmilk to try to give some sort of familiar taste to it. We'll start with veggies and then fruits. Still trying to figure out the best way to prep all this for you, since I think I'd prefer to make it all fresh (which saves us money from getting the jarred stuff). We used to have a mini food professor like this one, but who knows what happened to it. Looks like I have to make it one of our next purchases.

Weight
We went to the doctor yesterday she was in awe with your "skill set": sitting up, crawling, "conversating". You got another immunization and to our surprise didn't even cry - not one little peep! Today, you're feeling a little feverish and cranky, just lots of cuddles from us. At 6 months, you're weighing 15 pounds, 2 ounces. Our next visit isn't until 9 months, but time is flying!

Challenges
Can I say it? ... I think we've got out groove!
Next up, baby proofing our home & making sure A picks up all his little toys! When you're on a mission, there's no stopping you!

Me: Post-Partum

I finally weighed myself (pre-holiday feasting, mind you) & I was pleasently surprised! Now time to tone up and continue making healthier eating choices (most of the time). & maybe I'll add in a work-out or two, *cough,cough. Hitting the 6 month mark has also sprung a bit of anxiety with regards to my back to work situation. I'm still conjuring up some sort of plan where I don't have to go back, waaaahhh!