Tuesday, April 29, 2014

because i gave birth to your daughter

My husband asks some of the most ridiculous questions and the answer is the same for every single one, "Because I gave birth to your daughter." And just to preface - my husband is 36 and not 3 years old from the sound of some of these questions. Ha ha!
  • Why is your hair suddenly coming in grey?
  • Why do you wear that tight tank top under your clothes every day?
  • Why does all your underwear resemble granny panties?
  • How come you never seem to speak in complete sentences anymore?
  • Why are you a lot less focussed these days?
  • Why aren't you exercising as much as you used to?
  • Why are you so tired today?
  • Why don't you want to grocery shopping on your own?
  • Why is your hair falling out and all over the house?
  • Why doesn't your wedding ring fit anymore?
  • How come you don't want to go back to work?
  • Why do you live in yoga pants?
  • How come you aren't wearing any makeup lately?
So. Annoying.

Maybe I should see if this book is available at the library ...

(I'm so joking. And I must say that I did summarize some of those questions. He really isn't that bad ... most days.)

Monday, April 28, 2014

Saturday, April 26, 2014

a baby in a bucket

That is all. Enjoy and have a great weekend!

Friday, April 25, 2014

it's okay


It's okay ...
  • That I am 35 and I watch Teen Mom religiously. I mean seriously people, what is up with Janelle?!
  • That I wanted to delay giving my baby solid foods because that was just one. more. thing. I had to think about. I didn't but I considered it.
  • That I consider it "cooking" when I heat up tater tots, frozen fish and frozen broccoli for dinner.
  • That I want to lost 20 pounds and tighten up but don't want to actually have to move to do it.
  • That I keep some people in my life just because it's easier than figuring out how to get rid of them.
  • That I really do not understand the point of newborn baby shoes. Sleepers are the way to go until at least 6 months people!
  • That I want to get paid to be a stay-at-home mom instead of going back to my job after my maternity leave.
  • That I wish I could wear yoga pants and sweatshirts all day, every day.
  • That I spent time scrolling through Facebook and then complain that I don't have enough time in the day to get things done.
  • That sometimes I sit here wondering when my baby girl will wake up from her nap and then when she does, I ask her when she is going to go back to sleep.
  • That I watch all of the Real Housewives shows.
  • That I add things to do my to do list that I have already done just to feel good about being able to cross them off.
It's okay ... isn't it? ISN'T IT??!!

Thursday, April 24, 2014

three things thursday

1. LOVE this!
 
2. Who doesn't love a rainbow to do list?
 
3. I don't know why I always need to be reminded to be grateful but this list sure does the trick!

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

my new favourite thing // podcasts


I used to be an avid audiobook listener when driving, going for walks, etc. but since my little girl was born, and I've been trying to incorporate daily walks into our schedule, I've been looking for something to listen to that didn't need my full, undivided attention. Enter my newest favourite thing - podcasts!

I am a bit obsessed with podcasts at the moment. I crashed my phone by loading way too many at one time. I have the proper settings now but it goes to show you that I am pretty excited about them.

I downloaded the iTunes Podcasts app and started looking for podcasts that matched my interests. Please note that the app has awful reviews, and it doesn't always work, but it is free and as far as I know, the easiest way to listen to podcasts on your iPhone or iPod - I use my iPhone.

Here are my top 3 favourites at the moment:

 
 
 
Do you listen to Podcasts? If so, I would love to hear your suggestions for some great ones to follow!

the reasons why I have fallen in love with facebook all over again

I have had a love/hate relationship with Facebook since I started using it years ago. All of the changes, rules and fake friend requests drove me nuts until I realized one day - why spend so much time hating on something that is FREE?! People complain about Facebook all the time and I just say, "It's free. Don't use it then." It's really that simple.

And don't even get me started on the elusive "I want attention" posts. Come on, you know those types. We've all been there but man, is it annoying ...

I have gotten in trouble for using Facebook incorrectly before - even been thrown in "Facebook" jail once. Everything is back to normal but I realized that, for me, Facebook is a place where I can catch up with old friends, spy on people from high school and keep in touch with family. It's genius really. And I take it way less seriously than I did in the past.

Lately I have been using Facebook a lot more (I'm on maternity leave and when I was working, I was in charge of my work's Facebook page which - quite frankly - kind of took all the fun out of using it personally). Here are the reasons why Facebook is awesome again:
  1. BIDDING SITES - I have seen them before. People list their junk and other people bid on said junk on Facebook. I didn't think much of it until my family decided to plan a garage sale in May. Our house started to look like a junk yard with all the items we were getting ready for the sale so I thought I would check out a local Facebook bidding site and see what it was all about. I am hooked! Over one weekend I listed several items, got a ton of interest but - most importantly - sold stuff! In just one weekend - and a few hours of tracking the site, posting pictures, follow up messages etc. - I made over $200. I'm in love. In fact, as soon as I am done writing this post I am off to list more stuff. Look into it - it's easy, free for you to post and people actually buy stuff and follow through on payment and pick-ups 24/7.
  2. SECRET (PRIVATE) GROUPS - I belong to a handful of secret groups on Facebook and visit them each daily. They are a great way for me to stay in touch with a particular group of people in my life without having to navigate through a ton of group emails or texts on my phone. It's an open dialogue just between the members of the group and it's the perfect way to share information. For example, my husband and I attended prenatal classes before our baby was born and were so lucky to stay in touch with all the other families. I am in touch with the other moms on a weekly basis and we started a group - Rockstar Moms - to stay in touch, share articles, brainstorm sleep issues, etc. And all the information stays put for future reference too. Another great idea Facebook (ahem - Mark) - thank you!
  3. CONNECTING - I have made a handful of new "friends" on Facebook over the past few months who I never would have connected with without Facebook, and who I will probably never meet in person. Recently I have connected with fellow bloggers, other new moms, people who live in my neighbourhood, old high school buddies ... the list goes on and on. As mentioned, I will probably never see any of these people in the real world (some live in other countries even) but because of Facebook, I consider them friends and know where to find them if I have a question about a subject that connects us.
There's a wealth of information to be found, connections to be made and opportunities to be had using Facebook. I might not be in love with it forever but hey, it's free and for now, it works for me. Do you love or hate Facebook?

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

happy earth day

Our daughter is only 6 and a half months old but in the future, I would like to recognize events like Earth Day so that she can learn valuable lessons to practice the whole year through. Do you have any suggestions of good activities to do with little ones to celebrate Earth Day? Because really, the next few generations MUST make a difference - both as individuals and for mankind - don't you think?

 
PS - Be sure to check out this awesome blog: Small Footprint Family.

Monday, April 21, 2014

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Friday, April 18, 2014

1st time mom review series guest // becoming a mom to baby #2

Please welcome the 1st Time Mom Review Series first interview guest, Christie Winfield. Christie and I have known each other since grade 3 (insane!!!) and have kept in touch over the years even though we now live in different provinces. Christie is already mom to 18 month old Tristan but baby #2 is on his/her way so I've asked Christie to share her thoughts on becoming a 2nd time mom.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.
I am a 34 year old mother of an 18 month boy and wife of a wonderful man going on 10 years living in Calgary. I am a nurse working part time in an acute mental health unit. I am a lover of nature and the outdoors with hobbies that include golf, soccer, snowboarding and camping, although I have found little time to participate in these hobbies other than camping since my son was born.  
 
Describe how it felt to become a first time mom.
Becoming a mother for the first time was truly a dream come true. I was amazed, shocked, scared and truly in love. There is really nothing that can prepare you for the feelings that flood you when you see and hold your child for the fist time and then come to the realization that this tiny person depends on you to nurture and love them. Terrifying and thrilling all at the same time.

When are you due with baby #2?
My second child is due September 20th, 2014 which is actually 2 days before my son's second birthday. Too funny. My only wish is that they are at least a week apart in birthdays so they don't have to share.

Is there anything you are doing differently with this pregnancy than your first?
To be honest, I really have not changed anything I'm doing with this pregnancy from the first time I was pregnant. I am very fortunate to say that I had a very easy pregnancy the first time around and things have for the most part been the same, so far, this time also. The only thing I am doing differently is I am trying to do different is enrolling into prenatal programs such as prenatal yoga classes. I could use the relaxation and exercise but I think it would be nice to meet other pregnant woman, hopefully who also have young children Tristan's age.

Is there anything different you plan on doing with your second labour and delivery than your first?
I had no expectations with my first delivery. I have seen a few deliveries from nursing school and am well educated in the whole prenatal, delivery and postpartum processes so I was a little bit more at ease with what to expect, other than actually experiencing labour. I just wanted to go with the flow the first time and take each hurdle as it was presented. The first delivery was about 10 hours and I eventually opted for an epidural which was the smart move since my son was born with the help of forceps. I will again, go in with no plan and make my decisions as needed. The only difference this time, hopefully, will be the hospital. There is a new hospital that is much closer to me. The bonus of this hospital is that your delivery and postpartum will be entirely in the same room and they are all private rooms. This is soooo appealing to me and many other people in the city which is why they are turning many people away from their maternity clinics due to having too many patients. Of course they can't turn you away if you show up in labour, ha ha. 

What are you most excited about in regards to having baby #2?
I am most excited about having a baby to hold and cuddle with. Tristan is past the cuddly phase and wants to be so independent so it will be nice to get tons of cuddles again. I also am looking forward to this new little more so because there is that confidence now that I didn't have the first time around. We know what to do this time and I really don't think it will be as stressful as it was at some points with Tristan. I just wonder, as many mothers may, is if I can love another little one as much as I love the first and will I be able to share my love equally between the two kids. 

What is the #1 baby product(s) you must have for baby #2?
I am obsessing about strollers and which one to get. If only I would have bought a double stroller from the beginning, I wouldn't be wasting my money on a second one. Especially since all the really great double strollers that I am interested in (3 wheel for trail walks and jogging) are a HUGE amount of money. Also a better baby monitor. My monitor was a cheaper one and the range really isn't that great, especially when camping and I would like to have one with a camera. I have some friends with a camera monitor and it is so much better. Other than those two things, I'm pretty much good to go. 

Anything you would like to add?
I can't think of anything else to add. I hope this is helpful.
 
Baby #1 Tristan, Daddy Dana and Rockstar Mom Christie.
 
Interested in being a 1st Time Mom Review Series interview guest? Leave me a comment with your contact details. Cheers!
 
Are you a 1st Time Mom and trying to figure it out as you go along too? Feel free to leave me a comment with any questions and I will be more than happy to get back to you. Thanks for reading!

Thursday, April 17, 2014

three things thursday

1. Yes, yes we do.
 
2. The 10 Commandments to help you start your new, healthier lifestyle.
 
3. Love this idea as a different gift for a new mom: You Are Loved, A Baby Book.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

i didn't realize

When I first became a mom I didn't realize ...
  • That I wouldn't mind changing dirty diapers all day long.
  • How many hours would be spent obsessing over one subject: sleep.
  • How judgemental and competitive people really can be.
  • Who would become my support system and important to me.
  • Trusting my instincts will get me everywhere.
  • That people I care about would make me feel bad (not always intentionally) for the mother I am becoming and choosing to be.
  • How much hormones can really mess with your mind.
  • That I would quickly develop a love/hate relationship with breastfeeding.
  • How much I would regret not getting our financial situation under better control first.
  • Why they use sleep deprivation and crying babies as a military training tactic.
  • That I didn't really need any baby shoes until the baby can actually walk.
  • That zipper sleepers are the very best things ever.
  • How much energy I would get from an early morning smile.
  • How different every baby, family and mother are.
  • Why everyone told me to stop reading parenting books and websites.
  • That a little bit of crying is okay.
  • How young a baby can be before he/she starts manipulating mommy and daddy.
  • What it truly feels like to feel helpless.
  • How bad my anxiety could actually get.
  • That I would fall in love with my husband all over again.
  • That my baby girl would wear pink almost every day of her little life so far.
  • How long it would take me to feel comfortable in my role as mom.
  • That some days you don't want to but now you have to.
  • How even a diaper rash can break a parent's heart.
  • What a great father my husband would become.
  • That a baby changes everything. Truly.
  • Just how much hair I was going to lose after the baby was born.
  • How a month can feel like a year and a minute at the same time.
  • How much stuff is accumulated for such a little person.
  • The awesomeness of Netflix.
  • The power of strangers. New moms connect in such an amazing way.
  • That I had the capacity to love like this.

Monday, April 14, 2014

Friday, April 11, 2014

1st time mom review series guest // overcoming breastfeeding challenges

Please welcome the 1st Time Mom Review Series first guest blogger, Tara Regehr. Tara is a first-time mom of beautiful 8 week old Isla. Tara and Isla live in Port Coquitlam with husband/daddy Aaron and 2 cats. This is Tara's story about her 1st time mom breastfeeding challenges. To connect with Tara, please check out her blog here. Thanks for sharing Tara!

I am a firm believer that every woman will walk their path in life the way they choose is right for them. We all make choices in life that we need to stand behind. As a woman who is a planner, who makes lists, sets goals, and is a bit of a control freak, entering into motherhood was something I knew would throw my world into chaos and I was ready for it. I saw my friends with the dirty dishes in their sinks and stacks of laundry. I saw their frazzled looks, spit up on their shoulders, bags beneath their eyes. I was ready for the midnight wake ups, the dirty home, the chance that I'd be late to events or wouldn't even make it at all. I was prepared. What I wasn't prepared for was the issue of breastfeeding.

A week before my due date, I found out that my baby was breech. After unsuccessfully trying a version to flip the baby, my plan of a completely natural birth went out the window in favor of a planned c-section. I went through a mourning period for what I wouldn't get to experience and I had to accept that something I planned (yes it seems strange to plan for the uncertainty of labour) was now being taken away from me. But when my baby girl (we didn't know what we were having in advance) was born on February 9th, right on her actual due date but 24 hours after we arrived at the hospital for the surgery, I was quite ecstatic that she latched on almost immediately. When I was 19 I had a breast reduction from a size E to a more comfortable C. I knew I may not be able to breastfeed, but the doctors reassured me that because I was so young, I had a great chance. The first day in the hospital, my newborn fed well and often. She was pretty content. The second night in the hospital however, we realized that she wasn't getting full so we supplemented with a little eyedropper of formula. She lost 10% of body weight, but they released us knowing that we had things under control. The lactation nurse assured me that my milk would probably come in sooner than later. When we got home from the hospital, things went downhill quickly. Not only was she not getting enough milk from me but she stopped latching from the left breast and didn't always want to feed on my right breast. I had no choice but to start her on a bottle of formula, something I never wanted to have to do. My best girlfriend rushed out on our first morning home with a breast pump to talk me down from the edge.

I spoke to the public health nurse on the phone as well as the nurses hotline (811) to get advice and as much as I listened to their great advice and calming words, I felt helpless. I felt like I was a failure to my child. I felt shame. Yes, it was the hormones talking, but i have never felt so useless and alone in my life even with a loving husband helping me through it. I was given these breasts for a reason... to nourish my child and I was failing at it. She needed me and i couldn't provide. She was crying for me and I was letting her down. After a trip to the health unit, 2 trips to the doctor, and a visit with a breastfeeding consultant, all within Isla's first 2 weeks, I was advised that I was probably producing enough milk but because of missing nerves from my ducts to the nipple as a result of my surgery 15 years prior, I just couldn't get enough out. The breastfeeding doctor helped me with new ways to encourage my baby to latch through the use of a nipple shield. She advised me that my baby wasn't latching for a variety of reasons including not getting the satisfaction of milk, my own nerves and hesitation were being transferred to her, and my wrecked nipples probably didn't encourage a good latch. I tried harder to relax, used the shield, used a ton of lanolin cream, and gave myself a little talking to for judging myself so harshly. The fog started to lift. At 16 days old, she started to latch more and more. By 6 weeks, I dropped the shield entirely and Isla started feeding straight from my breast.

My new challenge, besides the overwhelming hormones rushing through my body, the sleepless nights, the sore nipples, learning her cues, the fear of being home alone with her all day while recovering from a surgery I hadn't wanted, would be to figure out the tricky balance of breastfeeding and bottle feeding. I wanted to ensure that she still got nutrients from me while getting the volume of food she needed from the formula. I will admit that the first month was a complete emotional roller coaster. This wasn't part of the plan! I wasn't supposed to use bottles. She was supposed to a a breastfed baby. I had all the covers they tell you to buy and the creams and the nursing bras and pads. I was ready to exclusively breastfeed her not to formula feed her. My plan was out the window and I had to adjust. Okay, I could do this. I would be on a new journey, one that involved figuring out the best way to prepare and store formula, when to feed her what, when to pump, the best bottles to use, what wouldn't give her gas, etc. but I could do this. I made a new plan. My baby just turned 8 weeks old and I feel like I've finally figured it out. We have a good system. I feed her only a bottle at her 2am and 5am feedings, but all during the day, she gets a boob when she gets a bottle. I will admit that sometimes she gets on my breast just to calm her down in between feedings, and I am flexible when I need to be. It isn't a perfect system, but it works for us.

Beautiful baby Isla - Happy, healthy and well fed.

Perhaps the hardest part of this experience is getting over the feeling of failure I continue to feel. When I feed my very young daughter a bottle in public, some people still glance over and I wonder if they are judging me for not breastfeeding. I will admit that I used to wonder the same thing, "Why isn't that baby on the boob?". There continues to be a secrecy about the issues of breastfeeding. It wasn't until I made a very conscious decision right away to seek support with my problems that I found out how many people in my life had similar problems. My aunt couldn't do it at all, my mom and my mother-in-law all had to stop after a few months, and some of my close friends couldn't produce enough for their babies. I had no idea. No one told me until my own problems arose. Why are we so open about our lack of sleep and feelings of being overwhelmed by the responsibility of a new human being in our lives, but we don't want to talk about the most natural thing on the planet - feeding our babies? I discovered that many of my mom friends went through all sorts of breast feeding journeys that i didn't know about. Now that I was a card-carrying member of the mom-club, I was learning more and more about what they went through in silence, or at least without my knowledge.

The best advice I can offer new moms is to seek support. Talk about your feelings. See a professional who will help you. I felt alone until I reached out. The hormones in your new body will attack you and tell you bad things. I cried every day for three weeks. But try to relax. You will choose what is best for you and the baby. You may choose to give up and only formula feed, and you should never try to rationalize or defend our decision. I found myself telling strangers or acquaintances that I COULDN'T get enough milk for my daughter. I shouldn't have said anything at all because it was no ones business but my own self-shame made me try to explain my situation so I wasn't looked upon in a bad light for giving my infant anything other than breast milk. Don't feel ashamed for whatever you decide - own it. This isn't what I would have chosen, but it is what happened. I've embraced our new path and my daughter Isla is beautiful and healthy and happy and growing. Being her mom is the best thing in the world. I've never been happier. And the trials and tribulations are all just stepping stones in the grand scheme of the long and amazing life we will have together, and I plan to tell her when she is older that I made the decision to be the best mom I could be.  
 
Are you a 1st Time Mom and trying to figure it out as you go along too? Feel free to leave me a comment with any questions and I will be more than happy to get back to you. Thanks for reading!

Thursday, April 10, 2014

three things thursday

1. Could not agree with this more.
 
2. Is this really so much to ask for?
 
3. I need to remind myself of these
on a daily basis.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014

recently // april 2014

Making // changes to my blog and feeling refreshed and inspired.
Cooking // soup for dinner for days.
Drinking // lots of green tea.
Reading // yes and yes.
Wanting // to dye my hair blonde again.
Looking // forward to celebrating my mom's birthday this weekend.
Playing // with Project Life. So excited to start!
Watching // The Good Wife and Mad Men.
Wishing // that we win the lottery soon.
Enjoying // long walks with Charlotte in her stroller.
Liking // spring cleaning.
Wondering // how I have an almost 6 month old!!?
Loving // my husband more every day.
Hoping // that my grandmother leaves the hospital soon.
Marvelling // at how Charlotte knows exactly how to eat solid foods.
Needing // to move my body more.
Smelling // Scentsy Washer Whiffs in my daughter's diaper pail. Makes it smell amazing!
Wearing // my PJ's longer than I should today.
Following // Elise's podcasts.
Noticing // that Charlotte is going to be a blonde haired, blue eyed beauty.
Knowing // that I am lucky.
Thinking // about what it will be like when I have to go back to work.
Feeling // grateful.
Giggling // at the evolution of Charlotte trying a lime for the first time.

 

 

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

work in progress

image via kal barteski - so much talent. be sure to check her out!

It would be ridiculous of me to think that I am ever going to be done growing. I completely understand this huge concept - the only guarantee in life is change and that includes us, growing and changing as human beings. I get it. But I get it so much more now that I am a mother.

Things have changed for me so much in the last 5 and a half months - it's crazy. And I was so beyond ready for that change. I turned 35 in February and I have heard that (women especially) we have an itch to evaluate and change/improve our lives every 7 years (ever heard of the 7 year itch?!) so I am right on schedule.

Now that I am a mother, I am thinking more and more about the person I am, and the person I want to become over the next few years. What kind of a woman do I want to be for my daughter to look up to? What kind of things do I do now that are not the best decisions that need to change?

I find myself questioning everything about myself - my appearance, the way I talk, my body image, what I do with my time, what I want to do as a career, my friends, my family - the list goes on and on. Self reflection seems to be the name of the game right now in my life.

I know that I don't need to change. I am great just the way I am - we all are. But I also recognize that I am a work in progress and change is inevitable so why not pay attention a bit on work on becoming the best ME I can be for myself, my daughter and our family.

A few things I've noticed about myself lately that I would like to work on. Not necessarily change, but these are things that I am not super comfortable with and would like to focus some energy on:
  • Speak Less - Bottomline is I open my big, fat mouth way more than I should. I engage in conversations I shouldn't, I add to stories when I shouldn't and I provide way more detail than I need to. Some things are much better left unsaid and I think if I keep this in mind, I can clear myself of any gossip or wasted words. I just need to keep some stuff to myself - and do it way more often.
  • Look Into People's Eyes - I don't know when I developed this awful habit because I know I haven't always done it but over the past few years I have noticed that I very rarely look into someone's eyes when I am talking to them. I am 100% engaged in the conversation and am honestly listening, but I am sure that the person I am speaking with thinks I am not paying attention. I don't know why I do it but when I notice I am doing it, I feel embarrassed and disrespectful. Must make eye contact more often.
  • Say "Yes" and not "Yeah" - I have noticed this for a while now but even more so now that I am a mother. I use a lot of slang in my every day dialogue but one of the worst is when I answer someone with "Yeah" instead of a full "Yes". I am already telling my daughter (just shy of 6 months) to use the full word YES! I am sure I will continue saying yeah all the time but am much more aware and can at least correct myself for my daughter's sake. It's so tacky in a lot of situations to say, "Yeah" or "Yep".
Did you experience the 7 year itch phenomenon and if so, did you do anything about it or just ride it out and let life do it's thing?

Friday, April 4, 2014

1st time mom review series // a list of reviews so far


Last Friday wrapped my last regular, weekly "1st Time Mom Review Series". I am going to continue writing review posts but not on a regular basis.

There are still a ton of topics that I would like to tackle but I need a bit more time to do some research and pull my thoughts together.

Here is a list of links to all past 1st Time Mom Reviews:
Two of the topics I wanted to tackle when I first started this series were "How to Make Your Way Through the Maternity Leave System in Canada" and "Cloth Diapers" but I have since learned that (unfortunately) the Service Canada system (although I am extremely grateful for my maternity leave) is difficult and different for everyone, and I haven't started using the cloth diapers (Happy Heiny) that we were given as of yet. And I am not 100% sure if I am going to. But if you have any questions about either of those topics, just leave me a comment and we can discuss.

Also, if you have any suggestions for future reviews, please leave me a comment and I would love to chat with you about your thoughts.

Thanks for following 1st Time Moms (and Dads)!

Thursday, April 3, 2014

three things thursday

1. Could not agree with this more.
 
2. Charlotte went on her first swing last week. I think it's safe to say she enjoyed it!

3. This is one of my goals right now so this article was so timely - Designing the Dream Job.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

i want to be a doer // april 2014 update


Back at the end of February, I wrote this post about wanting to be a doer and want to focus on doing things that make me happy. Fast forward a little over a month later (seriously - where is the time going?!) and I am making progress.

Most of my "to do list goals" are long term (and would need a positive change in our financial situation which isn't on the horizon yet) but as mentioned before, I just wanted to dump all the things I have on my mind into one list and see what we can accomplish as a family.

I have a handful of items to add and I think this list is going to be organic - changing constantly and as long as I have it all written down in one place, this works really well for me - visually seeing what we have done and what we still want to do.

Completed Dreams:
  • Pay off our American Express (and stop using credit cards completely). Ever since I started my maternity leave, we pay off any charges we make on our credit card right away (we get Air Miles while using our American Express so it pays to use it). We have found a way to pay off our American Express interest free. So even though we still owe a large sum, we have a plan in place and are paying down the principal 100% vs. only paying off the interest each month. I feel great about this and it is a weight off my shoulders. We aren't out of the woods yet but we will be ... in about 2 years - ha ha. I am crossing this one off because it is definitely being taken care of. Phew!
  • Take Charlotte swimming. This happened and it was fabulous!

Dreams Added Today:

  • Take Charlotte to the zoo.
  • Take Charlotte to the aquarium.
  • Wine tasting at Krause Berry Farms.
  • Get all our random photos, pictures and art framed and hung.
  • Create and continue keeping a Project Life album.
  • Build a table top work station for my craft room.
  • Have a garage sale this spring.
  • Get a photo of Charlotte blown up for our bedroom.

On-Going Dreams:

  • Be a stay at home mom.
  • Plan Charlotte's fabulous 1st birthday party.
  • Go to Vegas again with my husband and friends.
  • Take Charlotte to Disneyland with the grandparents.
  • Go on a cruise with my husband.
  • Buy a more family friendly vehicle. Yes - a mini-van is probably in my near future! :)
  • Re-do our kitchen (gut job).
  • Buy a new TV and storage unit.
  • Have brunch at Lou's Bar and Grill (we love it at Lou's but have never had brunch there).
  • Take a day trip to Lynden, Washington (my parents used to take me there all the time and I need to go back for a visit - I always drive past it on the way to Bellingham - time to stop by).
I'll keep updating as I add things and check things off this list. The checking things off part is my very favourite!

 
I found this post inspiring and love all the beautiful and inspiring things on this blog.
 
What are your dreams this month?

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

charlotte // first time swimming

Phew - yesterday was a rough one. I was so not feeling well but what a difference a night can make. Feel so much better now thankfully - thinking the beautiful sunshine we are having today has something to do with it.
 
Sunday we met up with my brother-in-law and his family at the local indoor pool and took Ms. Charlotte for her first swimming experience. It was a success! I really wanted my husband to come the first time because I had no idea what to do with Charlotte while I got ready, etc. but we figured it out.
 
She loved it. We put her tummy in the water and she kicked her little legs and moved her arms back and forth. So cute. Hope she continues to be a water baby - summer is coming!



 
P.S. Did you fall for or pull any April Fools' Day pranks today?