Bittersweet

Next week our little girl turns three months old. I can't believe it. The time is literally flying by and it scares me. I am trying to catch every moment and frame it in my memory as I did with C but it is harder this time around. With two little ones it is pretty much impossible to give your full, undivided attention to both at the same time. Time seemed to go by a little slower then with our first. Now it seems as though overnight our little newborn has transformed into this chunky, happy, giggly baby. I want to bottle up her sweet, baby scent and keep it forever. I want to be able to re-visit the touch of her cheek against mine and the smiling, cooing shrieks she makes when she lays eyes on her Daddy. The way her eyes light up with excitement when her sister comes over to tickle her or to plant a big kiss on her lips. Her beautiful eyes looking up at me as I nurse her.

Our baby isn't the only one sprouting up as C seems to be growing before our very eyes. She changes every day. It is so beautiful and yet so sad. When A was born, our little C seemed to transform from a baby to a toddler overnight. Now that some time has passed by I can still see the baby in her. The baby, the toddler and the girl trying so hard to get her point across. The girl who thinks she is just like us, a little smaller perhaps but that doesn't make a difference to her. "I do it!" she says, as she struggles with her pant legs, sometimes putting both legs in the same hole. I try to help her but no she has to do it. When did this happen, this sudden independence?

The sweetness of these two beautiful children of ours makes my heart ache with happiness and sadness. C is already 2 1/2 years old. They grow so fast and although I look forward to watching them grow, it is bittersweet as I say goodbye to every month that passes. I am trying to implant these moments in my memory, but memories eventually fade like old photographs. I wish I could keep the freshness and the purity of every moment to relive again and again.

Food for Thought

“When you call yourself and Indian, or a Muslim, or a Christian, or a European, or anything else, you are being violent. Do you see why it is violent? Because you are separating yourself from the rest of mankind. When you separate yourself by belief, by nationality, by tradition, it breeds violence.” Jiddu Krishnamurti

Home Sweet Home

We came home at a half decent time yesterday after a marvelous trip. Great wolf lodge was incredible! Highly recommend it!

My grandparents were thrilled to see us. It was so much fun surprising them! We called them just before pulling into their driveway and then rang the doorbell. My Nonna's eyes started to fill up and the look on her face was priceless. Ah, I love surprises!

We also surprised my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins at their new Restaurant/Bistro and had a beautiful visit. The food was truly fantastic!

Its funny how a few days away can bring you such peace and joy yet at the same time a newly acquired appreciation for your home. I loved getting away and I loved coming home!

Wordless Wednesdays

Getting ready

My anticipation is beginning to build now that we are one day away from our mini vacation/Anniversary getaway! We were planning on a trip to Ottawa/Montreal, however 9 hours (not including bathroom breaks which are quite frequent with a 2 year old) is a fairly long drive with two little ones, so we had a slight change in plans. Toronto, Niagara Falls and Barrie are on the agenda.

My Nonno & Nonna live in Toronto so we will be visiting them before heading to Niagara. I can't wait for them to meet their new great grand-daughter! It makes me so proud to see my children with their great-grandparents, to see the joy and light in their eyes is priceless!

We are also going to, Great Wolf Lodge! C is going to be so thrilled, I can't wait to see her face! #1 item on my To Pack list? CAMERA!

Last but not least is a trip to Barrie where my dearest friend will be meeting us. Can't wait to see her!

I'm planning on making some snacks to take along so today is sure to be a busy day with the long list of other things that must be done before we leave.

Wordless Wednesday

Jumpin on Mama and Daddy's bed while little sister watches in amazement :).

The weather has changed from a sharp, jabbing cold to beautiful and balmy. I am hoping this means an early spring and not just a tease before one last angry storm. Every year we seem to get a huge storm in the middle of spring which is quite depressing after you've just said, "So long, farewell, we bid you all Adieu." To this cold weather.

My legs are itching to bike again, run again and just enjoy the outdoors. I'm so very tired of all this snow. Beautiful as it was in December it has now turned into more of a nuisance than anything else.

All this time indoors has given me an excuse to work on my new blog. It has been lots of fun for me. Basically a permanent, public bookmark of a bunch of interesting bits of information that I come across; as well as some of my favorite recipes. Please stop by and let me know what you think. Comments and suggestions are always welcome :)!

The little chili pepper

What. A. Day.

Last week was heaven and this week is proving to be quite challenging to say the least. My brain is actually hurting. My ears are ringing and my eyes are refusing to stay open.

I do not believe that girls are easier than boys! Whoever said that didn't have a C. She is a loving, curly haired, opinionated, free spirited, talkative (EXTREMELY talkative), strong willed, chili pepper. She isn't your typical little girl. In public you would never guess as she is shy and subdued, however at home its a whole different story.

Its as if she has to speak every thought and every idea that pops into her little head. What gets her frustrated is that we won't allow her to do certain things which are too advanced or dangerous for her. For example cooking, chopping food, doing dishes, mopping floors, writing emails and answering phones. I don't think I'm being to unreasonable? This doesn't only get her upset it infuriates her. The problem is, I don't think she realizes that she is two and a half.

Her latest is:

"Mama, C don't like it!" For those of you who are interested in what this little girl didn't like today. Underwear, pants, tops, socks, dresses, hair brushes (Oh boy does she ever hate having her hair brushed!) elastics, breakfast, lunch, dinner, television, movies, baths, Anna (her doll), computers, telephones, books, juice, water, potty, naps (Oh Lordy does she ever detest naps)! And the list goes on. Today was officially an I DON'T LIKE IT day!

And now I will sign out, make myself a tea, take a deep breath and relax.

Charles Shulz Philosophy

One of the lovely people I follow on twitter, "twittered" this today. I thought it was cute and wanted to share.



The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the "Peanuts" comic strip.


1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.
2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.
3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.
4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.
5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winner for best actor and actress.
6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners.

Here's another quiz. See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.
2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.
3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.
4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.
5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with.

Easier?

The lesson: The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.


"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It's already tomorrow in Australia." (Charles Schultz)

Four births and two funerals

Two deaths in my family and three beautiful babies brought into this world on my husband's side not including our own precious daughter. Its sad and beautiful at the same time. Two lives full of experiences and memories. People who meant the world to their family and friends. People who changed lives and brought love to so many. Those two people are no longer. Their families, children and friends in mourning.
And yet four brand new lives have entered the world. Four beautiful children who have no idea how much joy they bring their parents and families. Four beautiful souls who have their entire lives ahead of them.

Life doesn't stop for one or the other. It really puts things into perspective. Each moment is so precious, each memory everlasting.

Wordless Wednesdays

I've seen this quite often on blogs and thought it was a cute idea. So here is my first "Wordless Wednesday".

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or do not believe to be beautiful

Love this quote!

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or do not believe to be beautiful.” William Morris (1834-1896)

This is something that I must take more seriously this week. I've been trying to become more organized lately which means getting rid of much of our excess stuff. Its truly amazing how things just accumulate over time. Ebay is a wonderful tool and incentive for de-cluttering ;)!

Now toys can't really be called beautiful but they are useful. Well sometimes. Useful when they keep your child busy and occupied. I still haven't come across a proper solution for toys. It doesn't matter how, where or when you put them away, they always turn up in the most ridiculous spots. C's doll for example has to come with us on shopping trips, walks, naps, bedtime and sometimes trips to the potty. She has two dollies so they are always turning up in crazy places. Its not like I can put them away because they are a much needed accessory in my daughter's daily routine.

Blocks. Those are fun. You build a wonderful house and then it gets torn down. The minute you put the blocks away, out they come again because putting them away reminds C that we must build yet again.

Books. These never stay on the bookshelf. NEVER. Reading is something that is as natural and frequent as breathing so of course why would they stay on the bookshelf?

Plastic tea set. Never used as a tea set, of course! Instead all of the alphabet pieces get thrown in the plastic pot and stirred because they are not in fact alphabet pieces they are "pasta" and sometimes "cookies" and other times "cookies" according to C. Puzzle pieces are also excellent foods in case you were wondering. As are blocks

Play purse. Well these are used to tote the plastic tea set, alphabet pieces, blocks and books around in! It is NOT used as a cute dress up purse.

So you see I am truly confused as to where and how toys get put away. If anyone has any suggestions I would be ever so grateful!