I have known for a while but been really resistant to writing that we are expecting our fourth baby in May. I had a suspicion a while back and then we did the test and found out the exciting news. This was really the first baby that we had to "try" for and man does it feel good to finally have this great news. It is so interesting to think that five years ago it was just Anthony and I and now our love and commitment has created four beautiful lives. I went to the doctor for the first time on October 13th. I was a little apprehensive when she could not find babies heart beat and decided to schedule an appointment for two weeks later. Needless to say on October 27th, 2010 I heard the little beans heartbeat for the first time. A slow but steady 130 beats per minute.
Anthony and I both think that this will be our last baby. We had always talked about having four children and I truly feel like I do not have the need to be pregnant ever again. Not that I don't enjoy it but we have been so blessed and I am looking forward to adding this next addition to our family. We get asked all the time if we want a boy but I can honestly say that neither Anthony or I has a preference and we will love and cherish whatever we are given. I am so excited to see the girls welcome another sibling :)
My cup has overflowed!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Long time coming
Although I think about writing often, it obviously rarely happens. Life has been busy as it always is. Our family had a great summer. We went to BC, played at a variety of parks, did a little swimming and all around spent a little time together. Summer was rainy so unfortunately we did not spend NEARLY as much time outside as I wish we could have. We did however have one especially great camping trip to Gold Springs Campground which the girls LOVED! It was a great campground perfect for our little growing family. Mckinna started her second year of preschool at Noahs Arc with Mrs. Slomp in September. She likes it and although she tells me little about her days I assume they do great things. Kamryn is growing into a big girl and recently gave up her love affair with her soother. She was only using them for sleeping but it was a hard breakup for her. She is speaking better everyday and we are working on not wetting the bed at night but boy does that girl sleep. She can pee the bed and stay sleeping until the morning...oh well this too shall pass. Charlee has grown leaps and bounds. She is walking, running and climbing like the big girls. She has a few words and about 10 signs. I keep saying I am going to move her to a big girl bed soon so that all three girls will share a room and the nursery will be empty. At any rate, chaos is errupting and nap time is beconning so until next time.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Welcome Home
Well, the girls and I just arrived back home from our trip to the West Coast. I shouldn't say just arrived because we actually got home on Sunday. We surprised Auntie Deanna for her 34th birthday and attended Nana's 89th Birthday. I LOVE BC. I love being there, the smells, the scenery and most of all the people. We have so much family there that every gathering no matter how insignificant it a party. I also have such Amazing friends there that no matter how long the visit it is tough to get enough time to spend with everyone. I think that hardest of all these days is knowing that the time between trips, no matter how short it may be brings big changes as far as the girls are concerned. The last time my family and friends saw Charlee she was a tiny baby, just six weeks old (we went out in September for Auntie Coralees wedding) now she is nine months old and almost walking.
We met Breanna for the first time this trip. She was five months old and BEAUTIFUL. It is interesting and challenging to see my friend as a mom. What different lives we both have from when we met fourteen years ago. I love my "niece" so much and treasure every moment I spent with her, drinking in all her babiness. The next time I see her she will have changed so much and I will have missed all the small steps that she takes to get there.
I love coming home to my husband. Don't get me wrong, it isn't easy for me to leave my friends and family but knowing that I am coming home to Anthony makes the transition much easier to bear. Although I know that our relationship will grow and change and go through ebbs and tides I know that Anthony is my rock. Devoted husband, father, son. I know that he will support me through the challenges and adventures that life brings our way. He accepts me for who I am, who I was and who I am becoming.
We met Breanna for the first time this trip. She was five months old and BEAUTIFUL. It is interesting and challenging to see my friend as a mom. What different lives we both have from when we met fourteen years ago. I love my "niece" so much and treasure every moment I spent with her, drinking in all her babiness. The next time I see her she will have changed so much and I will have missed all the small steps that she takes to get there.
I love coming home to my husband. Don't get me wrong, it isn't easy for me to leave my friends and family but knowing that I am coming home to Anthony makes the transition much easier to bear. Although I know that our relationship will grow and change and go through ebbs and tides I know that Anthony is my rock. Devoted husband, father, son. I know that he will support me through the challenges and adventures that life brings our way. He accepts me for who I am, who I was and who I am becoming.
Friday, March 26, 2010
I may never be great
but I will try my best to be grateful. I was thinking the other day about how amazing some peoples lives are. You know those people who change the lives of millions of other people. I am pretty sure that I will never do anything like that. I do hope that in my lifetime I will find a way to help at least a few hurting souls though. I think that I realize now more then ever that I really do want to start the ranch.
I think that it is very hurtful to think of the reality that some children live daily. It is hard to remember that children around me grow up with not only no one loving them but the people who are supposed to love them actually hurt them. I think that the word hurt is such an understatement because what some children endure is unthinkable. As hurtful and horrific these thoughts can be I still find myself drawn to finding a way to reach out a hand to help. I don't think by any means I have not done a great job of this so far but I also have a responsibility to my children to ensure that I guard and protect them in anyway I can from being in a situation where their safety is compromised. I also have a responsibility to my husband to love and support him in his career.
I guess that I will pray that God willing the day and the finances will come and we will be able to create a haven where hurting kids have the opportunity to experience the love of God and the support of being in a positive environment. It is my hope and dream to start a small scale version of Mercy Ministries started by Nancy Alcorn in the USA. As a matter of fact, I am hoping that perhaps on my next trip to BC I will get to tour the new Mercy Home in Canada and perhaps chat up the people in charge.
I think that it is very hurtful to think of the reality that some children live daily. It is hard to remember that children around me grow up with not only no one loving them but the people who are supposed to love them actually hurt them. I think that the word hurt is such an understatement because what some children endure is unthinkable. As hurtful and horrific these thoughts can be I still find myself drawn to finding a way to reach out a hand to help. I don't think by any means I have not done a great job of this so far but I also have a responsibility to my children to ensure that I guard and protect them in anyway I can from being in a situation where their safety is compromised. I also have a responsibility to my husband to love and support him in his career.
I guess that I will pray that God willing the day and the finances will come and we will be able to create a haven where hurting kids have the opportunity to experience the love of God and the support of being in a positive environment. It is my hope and dream to start a small scale version of Mercy Ministries started by Nancy Alcorn in the USA. As a matter of fact, I am hoping that perhaps on my next trip to BC I will get to tour the new Mercy Home in Canada and perhaps chat up the people in charge.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Busy like CRAZY
Whenever people say they have been too busy to do something I quietly think to myself that that is a lame excuse....we will always be busy. This past few weeks I feel like I have been too busy. I have spent the last three weeks working and trying to be a good mom and wife and I would like to not only applaud but give a standing ovation to the working moms out there. You ladies who work and take care of your families are amazing. I feel like after just three weeks my motor is running out of steam and I need some mommy time aka sleep.
The girls have been little troopers and we have marvelous people around to help look after them and shuttle them around daily. Fortunately we have also had dad at home to help pick up the slack. He has even taken time out of renovating the basement to help with the housework, run Kinna to preschool and even on two occasions take Kamryn to gymnastics. I think that going back to work is going to be hard on him because he is enjoying being home with the girls and interacting with them.
I have a good time teaching though and I miss being in the classroom. I enjoyed interacting with the kids and staff and yet I know that I belong here with my girls...at least for now. I missed them dearly each day and it was hard to hear about what they had done. I think it was especially hard because the weather was beautiful so I was secretly longing to take the girls to the lake and have some outdoor fun.
We did have our first two pony rides of the season this past week. My goal for this summer is to get the pony out at least a couple times each week. He has been highly under utilized and the girls are getting big enough now to actually begin to learn to ride. It is kinda neat to see Kinna and Kamryn sitting up there holding onto one another and the reins. I am not certain what the future holds for them horse wise but I know a great deal of my fond memories revolve around horses.
The farm is looking a little rough but I think that our family is going to work together to clean it up in a few weeks. I feel mostly to blame for the mess and the need to clean. Although a great deal of the mess is the fault of my animals some of the blame can also be shifted to mother nature and the passage of time.
Have I mentioned lately that I love my family. I have been reminded many times over the last few weeks just how lucky I am. I have a man that loves me, three BEAUTIFUL little princesses, a home, food and so many luxuries that many people do not share. I am blessed.
The girls have been little troopers and we have marvelous people around to help look after them and shuttle them around daily. Fortunately we have also had dad at home to help pick up the slack. He has even taken time out of renovating the basement to help with the housework, run Kinna to preschool and even on two occasions take Kamryn to gymnastics. I think that going back to work is going to be hard on him because he is enjoying being home with the girls and interacting with them.
I have a good time teaching though and I miss being in the classroom. I enjoyed interacting with the kids and staff and yet I know that I belong here with my girls...at least for now. I missed them dearly each day and it was hard to hear about what they had done. I think it was especially hard because the weather was beautiful so I was secretly longing to take the girls to the lake and have some outdoor fun.
We did have our first two pony rides of the season this past week. My goal for this summer is to get the pony out at least a couple times each week. He has been highly under utilized and the girls are getting big enough now to actually begin to learn to ride. It is kinda neat to see Kinna and Kamryn sitting up there holding onto one another and the reins. I am not certain what the future holds for them horse wise but I know a great deal of my fond memories revolve around horses.
The farm is looking a little rough but I think that our family is going to work together to clean it up in a few weeks. I feel mostly to blame for the mess and the need to clean. Although a great deal of the mess is the fault of my animals some of the blame can also be shifted to mother nature and the passage of time.
Have I mentioned lately that I love my family. I have been reminded many times over the last few weeks just how lucky I am. I have a man that loves me, three BEAUTIFUL little princesses, a home, food and so many luxuries that many people do not share. I am blessed.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Lego
One of my very wise friends once said that everyone is like a piece of Lego. Some people are like the big green board. They have a lot of bumps which means that they can accomodate many other pieces of lego. These are the people who have tons of friends, are always surrounded by people and love to make new friends. They make new friends with great ease and never seem to have enough relationships around them. Then there are the long skinny pieces that can accomodate quite a number of other pieces. Just like lego pieces get fewer and fewer "bumps" some people come with fewer and fewer social "pegs" I have often thought that I am like one of those two prong pieces. Not that I literally only need two relationships but I am the type of person who although I enjoy the company of others I really only desire true relationships with a very few people. The people around me may not agree with this statement because I am by nature a very social person who enjoys getting to know new people. I have a genuine desire to find out personal information and important information about the people around me I just have no desire to recipricate this.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Surrounded
I am so thankful for my friends. Right now I am trying to start up a small home business. I have created to market a baby wrap style carrier that turns into a bag. It is trendy and stylish yet at the same time very functional. The idea came out of the best product I discovered in three kids which was the Cuddlywrap. I wanted to take this simple wrap one step further and create something that was a little bit more stylish.
Well, my friends (and husband) have absolutely been the driving force behind this little endeavor. It started when my friend Crystal generously offered to loan me her sewing machine. Then following that my mother in law let me borrow her serger but I seem to have burned it out after only two wraps. Although they assure me it was not my fault I can't help but feel responsible for this unfortunate mishap. Then my friend Kathy stepped up and offered to let me borrow her serger which I discovered from the sewing store lady was like the Mac Daddy of sergers in it's day and still is a "Very good model, not at all an introductory serger." I will not take the comment to heart because I can assure you that I have no in clings of even beginning to think that I am even a beginner seamstress of any sort.
Just when you thought I certainly could not get any more generous souls in my path yet another friend, Tammy, offers to let me use her embroidery machine to add a "professional" logo to my product. And believe it or not it does not stop there, Jen a mother of two young boys with a husband out of town offers her professional photographic talent to help me take pictures for my instruction manual and advertising.
Did I mention my friends are AMAZING? I cannot believe the outpouring of support that I have received and I count myself so blessed to have so many people in my life that are SO willing to give of their time and their processions. Although I often tell people thank-you I really do want these people to know that I think thank-you is insufficient for what they have done. I hope that as we travel in this life I will one day be able to provide something to each of you that you are perhaps not able to provide for yourself. THANK-YOU :)
Well, my friends (and husband) have absolutely been the driving force behind this little endeavor. It started when my friend Crystal generously offered to loan me her sewing machine. Then following that my mother in law let me borrow her serger but I seem to have burned it out after only two wraps. Although they assure me it was not my fault I can't help but feel responsible for this unfortunate mishap. Then my friend Kathy stepped up and offered to let me borrow her serger which I discovered from the sewing store lady was like the Mac Daddy of sergers in it's day and still is a "Very good model, not at all an introductory serger." I will not take the comment to heart because I can assure you that I have no in clings of even beginning to think that I am even a beginner seamstress of any sort.
Just when you thought I certainly could not get any more generous souls in my path yet another friend, Tammy, offers to let me use her embroidery machine to add a "professional" logo to my product. And believe it or not it does not stop there, Jen a mother of two young boys with a husband out of town offers her professional photographic talent to help me take pictures for my instruction manual and advertising.
Did I mention my friends are AMAZING? I cannot believe the outpouring of support that I have received and I count myself so blessed to have so many people in my life that are SO willing to give of their time and their processions. Although I often tell people thank-you I really do want these people to know that I think thank-you is insufficient for what they have done. I hope that as we travel in this life I will one day be able to provide something to each of you that you are perhaps not able to provide for yourself. THANK-YOU :)
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Mom
Since I had children I cannot help but think about all the times that I undervalued my mother. I spent many of my years growing up taking this amazing woman for granted. She sacrificed, she was patient, she put us first in everything. I can absolutely honestly say that I never valued or thought twice about all the things she did for us.
My mom spent countless hours carting my brother and I (mostly I) all over the map. In the winter she would drive us up to the ski hill and let us ski the day away while she sat in the lodge. In summer she carted me to soccer practise and game and tournament one after the other. If we weren't away with soccer then she would have us out at the lake camping. When I was in choir she spent time as the convener and organized many a concert and fundraiser. When I wanted to ride she drove me 45 minutes out of town to the middle of no where so I could join a 4-H club even though I had no horse of my own. She even mucked out stalls with me to bring home the mother daughter sh** shovelling contest. Thinking about all the times she sacrificed for me I can honestly say that I don't think I can ever even come close to the bar she has set.
She has always given EVERYTHING that she could for me and my brother. Even now as adults mom is always offering her time, her money, her cars. Whenever and whatever we need mom is always there with and eager to give.
I wish that I was a more sensitive child and adult, not so wrapped up in my own world and thoughts of me. I wish that I would have told her more how much I appreciated all she did/does for me. I guess that I will just have to spend the rest of my life trying to make up for all the times that I didn't express my appreciation. I am so thankful for her.
I was thinking the other day about a time in my life when I felt especially close to my mom. When Mckinna was about seven months old we adopted our beautiful Jack Russell Emma. She came from the shelter and needed some love and attention. It was a particularly warm winter and so daily my mom would meet me at the lake so we could get the dog, baby and I out of the house. We would walk around the wintry lake and talk. It was so wonderful to be able to spend those times with her and just to share those moments of our life together.
I guess that I am hoping that by writing this I can give some small glance into the amazing woman that my mother is and also in some way honor all the great things that she has done.
My mom spent countless hours carting my brother and I (mostly I) all over the map. In the winter she would drive us up to the ski hill and let us ski the day away while she sat in the lodge. In summer she carted me to soccer practise and game and tournament one after the other. If we weren't away with soccer then she would have us out at the lake camping. When I was in choir she spent time as the convener and organized many a concert and fundraiser. When I wanted to ride she drove me 45 minutes out of town to the middle of no where so I could join a 4-H club even though I had no horse of my own. She even mucked out stalls with me to bring home the mother daughter sh** shovelling contest. Thinking about all the times she sacrificed for me I can honestly say that I don't think I can ever even come close to the bar she has set.
She has always given EVERYTHING that she could for me and my brother. Even now as adults mom is always offering her time, her money, her cars. Whenever and whatever we need mom is always there with and eager to give.
I wish that I was a more sensitive child and adult, not so wrapped up in my own world and thoughts of me. I wish that I would have told her more how much I appreciated all she did/does for me. I guess that I will just have to spend the rest of my life trying to make up for all the times that I didn't express my appreciation. I am so thankful for her.
I was thinking the other day about a time in my life when I felt especially close to my mom. When Mckinna was about seven months old we adopted our beautiful Jack Russell Emma. She came from the shelter and needed some love and attention. It was a particularly warm winter and so daily my mom would meet me at the lake so we could get the dog, baby and I out of the house. We would walk around the wintry lake and talk. It was so wonderful to be able to spend those times with her and just to share those moments of our life together.
I guess that I am hoping that by writing this I can give some small glance into the amazing woman that my mother is and also in some way honor all the great things that she has done.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Kamryn is Two
Well, although most people are celebrating that arrival of a new year and this year a new decade I am celebrating one of the most important days in my life. My beautiful, priceless Kamryn is two years old. It hardly seems that two years has passed since we welcomed our tiny spitfire into the world. Every single day that I get to see that little lady I am so thankful for her.
Today we are having a party at our house. The friends will come, the family will gather and we will blow out candles and then I will anxoiusly await the joys and pains that two will bring. I guess that only time will tell what kind of a two year old she will be.
My pregnancy with Kamryn was a little unexpected. I would never say that she was an accident but I was most certainly pregnant sooner then perhaps my timing would have been. Looking back it was the best way to do it but at the time I was more then a little worried about what life would look like with two little ones 19 months apart. The pregnancy was uneventful and unlike most pregnant ladies I felt Terrific for the whole nine months.
I spent that last month of my prenancy (December) working in a grade one classroom at Senator Buchanan and we all laughed daily at how big I was and the things that I was doing (dancing at the sock hop) Our due date was Christmas but that "due" date once again came and went any we were left waiting. Thankfully the doctor couldn't let us wait too long this time as she was called away on an emergency. Dr. Godwin asked me timidly if I would mind being induced on New Years day and I jumped on the prospect of having my second baby born on the birthday of my best friend (Coralee is also a New Years baby)
We arrived in the morning excited to meet our baby but anxious about the delivery. They began with the gel because I was already 4cm dialated and had been for sometime. We did the standard walk around the hospital, which was quiet due to the holiday. We visited with my mom and her co-workers and went through the routine checks. Finally at 2:00 they decided to break my water. They monitored me for 20 minutes after then I left the puddle of the bed to have a shower. In the shower I felt the contractions begin and quickly get harder and stronger. Anthony came to check on me and I told him I was fine so he left to check the score in the Hockey game. I got out of the shower when I could not take it any longer and things went fast and furious from there. The nurse came and I requested an epidural she checked me then left to put in the order. It was then that I knew Kamryn was coming. I began to shout because the call button was on the wall and I was alone. I NEVER want to be "that crazy lady" so I did not shout too loudly for fear that the nurse would come and tell me it was nothing. I got gradually louder and next thing I knew Anthony and the nurses were rushing into the room. Within seconds of their arrival Kamryns head was out and Kamryn was fully out just as doctor walked through the door. She came into this world at 2:47pm only 47 minutes after they broke my water.
I fully realize that my children are a gift from God and that he has entrusted Anthony and I to raise them, love them and shelter them. It is a miracle to me that you can love something so much and that with each one the love grows even when you are sure you cannot love anymore. Happy Birthday my beautiful princess, may we celebrate many many more years of laughter, memories and growth.
Today we are having a party at our house. The friends will come, the family will gather and we will blow out candles and then I will anxoiusly await the joys and pains that two will bring. I guess that only time will tell what kind of a two year old she will be.
My pregnancy with Kamryn was a little unexpected. I would never say that she was an accident but I was most certainly pregnant sooner then perhaps my timing would have been. Looking back it was the best way to do it but at the time I was more then a little worried about what life would look like with two little ones 19 months apart. The pregnancy was uneventful and unlike most pregnant ladies I felt Terrific for the whole nine months.
I spent that last month of my prenancy (December) working in a grade one classroom at Senator Buchanan and we all laughed daily at how big I was and the things that I was doing (dancing at the sock hop) Our due date was Christmas but that "due" date once again came and went any we were left waiting. Thankfully the doctor couldn't let us wait too long this time as she was called away on an emergency. Dr. Godwin asked me timidly if I would mind being induced on New Years day and I jumped on the prospect of having my second baby born on the birthday of my best friend (Coralee is also a New Years baby)
We arrived in the morning excited to meet our baby but anxious about the delivery. They began with the gel because I was already 4cm dialated and had been for sometime. We did the standard walk around the hospital, which was quiet due to the holiday. We visited with my mom and her co-workers and went through the routine checks. Finally at 2:00 they decided to break my water. They monitored me for 20 minutes after then I left the puddle of the bed to have a shower. In the shower I felt the contractions begin and quickly get harder and stronger. Anthony came to check on me and I told him I was fine so he left to check the score in the Hockey game. I got out of the shower when I could not take it any longer and things went fast and furious from there. The nurse came and I requested an epidural she checked me then left to put in the order. It was then that I knew Kamryn was coming. I began to shout because the call button was on the wall and I was alone. I NEVER want to be "that crazy lady" so I did not shout too loudly for fear that the nurse would come and tell me it was nothing. I got gradually louder and next thing I knew Anthony and the nurses were rushing into the room. Within seconds of their arrival Kamryns head was out and Kamryn was fully out just as doctor walked through the door. She came into this world at 2:47pm only 47 minutes after they broke my water.
I fully realize that my children are a gift from God and that he has entrusted Anthony and I to raise them, love them and shelter them. It is a miracle to me that you can love something so much and that with each one the love grows even when you are sure you cannot love anymore. Happy Birthday my beautiful princess, may we celebrate many many more years of laughter, memories and growth.
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