Through the lens...

When you are expecting, you always wonder what this little being inside of you will look like. Whether "it/ they" will be a he or a she; whether they will have your eyes or his hair color; his height or your crooked baby finger that has been passed along through generations. Its all a guessing game, until that day comes when you finally welcome them into the world. And even at that, they still change!
Si was born with really dark hair, that turned strawberry and now is a light light shade of blond. It began straight, and now has abundance of curl. Apparently, in some crazy genetic world, my hair went through the same colors and the same textures.
When someone tells me she looks like her mommy. Or when someone says Kai looks like me, I don't see it. With Kai, I have always seen Ryan in him...and even bits of my brother. With Si, I guess when you are that close to them, you don't see it so much. Until you are given a photo.
My dad emailed this to me the other day, in response to my blog about how fast Si is growing up. I hope you don't mind I post this Dad! It really touched me and I am so thankful and fortunate to have you in my life and share the relationship we do; and have you as such a big part of the kids lives as well.
Dads note:
"Your last blog which by the way was really well done, triggered a strong visual picture of the same moment you just went through. However, on one side of the door was a strong willed curly haired beauty of about Si's age and on the other side was a very tired, glassy eyed father holding the door knob so that no one could escape..similar paths and similar magical moments that go so quickly. Thank you for rekindling this special memory."

And the photo that was attached (on the left). Photo on the right is one I had captured of Si the other morning on my iPhone. Its moments like these I see the resemblance.



Brittany- around 1.5 years



Si- 20 months

 Time to pull out my camera and start being better at documents through my actual lens...not just the iPhone! All of these moments are passing too quickly; At least to have great photos of the memories if I cant slow down time is the least I can do.

Caffeine withdrawl...

Today has been a pretty good day overall. Had a bunch of errands to do; work, groceries, then back home to the kids. We  baked some cookies this afternoon and a pie... don't ask me why, just was in a baking mood.  But now, I could literally fall asleep I am so exhausted.
I cant remember the last time I felt this tired. I went and lay on the couch while the kids were playing and almost fell asleep. Love the hormones. Need caffeine... not in the cards.
Today I am 16 weeks along!
I had my first stranger comment yesterday while I was at work asking me when I was due. Obviously I am showing now... and a lot faster (as I mentioned before) then the previous pregnancies. I don't think I really ever had many public comments last time... and when I did, I was definitely into the 30+ week marks. Crazy! The weird thing is, weight gain has pretty much been the same for me to be showing this much more already.

Time to get back to the kids and start making dinner. Some better posts to come this week. Had a great photo sent to me the other day that I will share tomorrow :-)

Happy Monday!

Success...

Si slept in her "big girl bed" thru the night! Yesterday afternoon i ended up converting her crib into the toddler bed. I put a gate in her doorway, and when it was time for bed, we put her down... and she climbed the gate and followed me downstairs.
Next, we closed her door instead. After a few minutes of her tearing her drawers apart, she made her way back to her bed, rolled over and went to sleep. And this is where she remained until this morning!

Success I would say!
Thank goodness. Now we know she is safe, in that there is no fear of injuring herself climbing from the crib. Her room is baby-proofed; and once she is asleep the door is opened and the gate is up so our ears are open.

Hard to believe that cribs are done in our house...weird! Until November that is.

When did our baby Si get so big!? It's like overnight she grew into this little girl. Time is going too quickly!

Just a few months ago she was beginning to utter single words and hum some songs; now she talks up a storm, sings her ABC's and counts to 10. She climbs up everything, throws tantrums, tries to keep up with her brother, and gives a pretty good glare, arms crossed and all. Where is our little 1 year-old going? She is on the fast track to 13 let alone 2!

These milestones are amazing. So incredible to capture and make memories of; because within a blink of an eye they grow up in a whole new way and are transformed yet again. If kids do one thing, they remind us of how precious and valuable time is. They know how to live in the present; that's all they really know exist. Isn't it kind of a nice way to live. Live like there is no tomorrow. Amazing concept; hard to do.

"While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about. "~Angela Schwindt



Si~ 20 months


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Sleepless night ahead...

I have been searching all afternoon for a crib tent to put on Si's crib. They have proven hard to find! At the one store that carries them they are sold out, and another store has them in-stock...but I have a drive ahead of me.
As I was googling them, I came across this safety notice that has made me think twice.

Crib Tents: Another Hazard from the World of Unregulated Child Products

I think an afternoon of converting her crib to a bed, and baby proofing her room may be in order instead of the whole crib tent idea.

Has anyone used the crib tents or have any thoughts on them? There seems to be only the Cozy Crib brand sold out there and they are the ones with several concerns. Once I started looking, I couldn't believe all of the recall notice information out there.
I think we are up for a few sleepless nights, but in the end, may be for the greater good!

It's been confirmed...

My second home is... the grocery store!
I was grabbing a few quick items for our dinner tonight, when upon checkout was greeted by the store manager. He handed me a store loyalty card offering extreme discounts and incentives. It is given to the stores loyal shoppers... you know, the ones that are there 3 or more times a week! I thanked him, and he commented back, "No no, thank you!" I had to laugh. It's pretty funny. But I wont be laughing at extra savings! Always a good thing in this house.

Look Out!...

It seems like, with the evacuation of the flu from our house...good moods and patience went along with it!
Not only have the kids been picking on each other, pulling my strings and making days longer; it seems like all energy and good moods have left, period. My husband has been busy with his work days and coming home a bit later this week with other chores that had to be done, making for even longer days, and not much time to catch up together. By the time he gets home, with the way the kids have been so cranky, I am pretty much ready to throw in the towel and climb in to bed.
Long days + pregnancy hormones don't help in this situation either! At least I have an excuse ;-)
All I can say is TGIF!
Some much needed family time husband time is needed this weekend. I feel we are at the point of snapping at each other because of all the other chaos going on in life. You know, when you are annoyed with one another just because they are the person standing right there, not because they necessarily did anything to pi#* you off. Anyways. Time for a reset and rest this weekend!
Maybe I should bumper sticker this to me for the next 5 1/2 months:

Now, if only the sun would start shining.

A little humour...

Q. What is the most common pregnancy craving?
A. For men to be the ones who get pregnant

Q. My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A. So what's your question?

Q. What's the difference between a nine-month pregnant woman and a model?
A. Nothing, if the pregnant woman's husband knows what's good for him.

Q. Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A. When the kids are in college.

VOTE FOR ME! CLICK BELOW. THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE TO DO :-)

Sticky Fingers...

Yesterday was a long day. From poop and cranky kids starting the day, to Si learning how to continuously climb out of her crib to end it. It was a long one...one that maybe in a few more days I will be able to laugh about.
As for today, so far, I think it is going a lot better. As Ryan is leaving for work, we both turn around to see Si's finger up Kai's nose. Yep, that's right; Si was picking Kai's nose for him. And the gong show at our house begins.
Today, amongst a few work and personal appointments, I have a few stops to make.
1) to get diaper covers @ the suggestion of another mom. Maybe this will help the no-poop brigade!?
2) to get a crib cover...in case the suggestion of turning the high part of the crib to the front doesn't hold her in.
I am not being defeated by a pack of monkeys tonight! Or today for that matter!

Time to organize and get these booger-fingered kids to grandmas house for a few hours of my own sanity today.

Happy Thursday!

Painting in Brown...

It's not even noon yet and the kids are down for their naps. Today, they seemed to know EVERY button to press to test me. It was a long morning!
To distract myself, and let them rule the house, i did chores. Half an hour and i am off to do some work! Thank the lord!!
One number, to top the list this morning...Si. She, yet again, when "fishing" in her diaper and emerged with a hand brown in color.
This is beginning to be a real pain in my a#*...not just hers. What is it with this fascination.
It is practically daily these days that she emerges from some hiding spot with poop, yes poop, smeared on her hands. If she doesn't do it while awake, then she does it at nap time, and paints herself and the crib.
If you get the mental picture that is one thing, adding the smell is an entirely different story.

Where you a "Designer" from a young age? Do you have a child that enjoys painting?
What do you do!?

I was watching this TLC show the other day, Quints by Surprise, and one of their little girls does the same thing... However, she shares a room with her siblings. So when she paints at nap time, she throws it in the other cribs too! Thankfully not there (yet). They have begun duct taping her diaper to her so that she cant reach in or tear it off.
Is this what it has to come down to for me too!?

Mommy Wars...

Today, my battle is not so much with the two little ones that run around at my feet, but the one doing somersaults within my belly.
I have been having some serious stomach cramps today. So bad at some points that it took everything I had to stand up straight. My position for the past hour has been flat on the couch feet up...and slowly the cramps are subsiding. I am trying to determine whether this is the last bit of the flu, my IBS, or just good old pregnancy gas and heartburn (acid) due to slowing hormones and growing uterus. Don't know which one is worse right now!
It is amazing how you can wake up in the morning feeling great and by the minute that feeling can change with pregnancy. I hope this passes soon!

On another note...I had to hit the grocery store today for some items. Between my store club card and COUPONS, I saved $105.46! My first attempt at couponing and I successfully bought items we needed and stocked the ones we use quickly. I am happy ;-)

With all my time, lying on the couch this afternoon, I have been searching baby names. I find it still surreal some days that there will be another baby here in not too many months! Ryan and I are pretty positive we are leaving the gender as a surprise, so we therefore need to have names for both sex. We seemed to agree upon a girls name relatively quickly [and no, we are not saying, so don't bother asking ;-)], but haven't really begun thinking of names for a boy. We had some past names for boys, and I still like some, but find myself not as set on them as I previously was. So the search begins!
For me, I have never been one to discuss our name thoughts before the baby has arrived, and is named. Ryan seems to be on the same page here. I think its mainly because, people have their opinions, and well, when it comes to YOUR child, as long as YOU are happy and in love with your choice, then why subject your thought to others. This isn't my mind set necessarily on life in general! Just baby names, for us anyways!

So, if you have name suggestions I would LOVE to hear them. We would be honoured to add them to our already growing list...however, please do not be insulted if 1) we don't choose your suggestion and 2) we don't tell you till little one has arrived ;-)
Thought this could be something fun...and different. A conversation starter.

On the other side of names...celebrity baby names. Some cute; some not so cute.
My thoughts on Mariah Carey's new baby names. Blah. What are you thinking. Again, my personal opinion! Moroccan and Monroe? I think Monroe is the more normal of the two...but Moroccan screams a Brangalina baby name to me.
Another "different" one. Bear Blu. Yes, this is the name of Clueless star Alicia Silverstone's newest addition.

Remember, these people have to live with these names for their lifetime...not just yours~
Anyways.

Time to drag my butt of this couch, make dinner...and watch the hockey game. GO CANUCKS GO!

The LONG, long weekend...

Ryan organized the kids to go for an overnight Saturday night at their grandparents house. It was such a nice treat and a great surprise! We had such a relaxing evening. Went for dinner then headed to a movie. We couldn't actually recall the last time we had a date night at the movies. It was so nice and relaxing. MUCH NEEDED! We saw, Bridesmaids. For those who haven't seen it and need a good laugh, even Ryan said, he hadn't laughed like that in a while.
We had a great night, and the kids weren't home till after noon the next day...so sleeping in was on the agenda! Until I woke up sooo sick. I thought at first it was a round of good old morning sickness. But with how lethargic, achy and pukey I was...the flu had hit. This thing swept through our house with a vengeance. It began with Si last week. It lasted one night and was gone. We thought we were safe; as almost a week later and no sign of it anywhere else. Until Sunday morning! By Sunday evening, Kai was puking, not even keeping water down. And then...bedtime hit Ryan hard, and his turn began.
Thank goodness today is a holiday! We are all lazying around, recuperating. Hope this is the last of it! I guess all it took was a day of rest for my body to let its guard down...and bring on the flu.

Ryan was supposed to compete in a Sprint Triathlon today; obviously that didn't happen. Hes a bit bummed, but cant do anything about it. There are more to be had when he is healthy and strong! This flu literally makes your joints so achy that walking up the stairs is not only exhausting, it physically hurts. I cant imaging him pulling himself through a swim, then bike and run. Not today. Next time love!

Anyways, on to the week!
I blogged on this the other day; but am really curious as to if others do it and if so what are their secrets!? Couponing! I am so fascinated by this and am looking to attempt it. I have always assumed there are guidelines at the grocery stores that you cant mix coupons etc...but this doesn't seem the case!? Or is it the case in Canada and not the US? I have no clue! Please fill me in if you know...or if you happen to be as curious as me, maybe we can help each other out! I am determined to start this. I have heard that once you save the first time, you get hooked; lets see how this goes!

Baby update.
15 weeks!! Where does the time go. I am getting through the awkward feeling months and beginning to accept and love the bump that is forming and not just feel bloated and "fat." There is a bump; The boobs are growing [not sure I am a huge fan of this side affect ;-) ]; and my energy levels (other than this weekend) are growing! Loving the second trimester so far.

Baby's now the size of a naval orange!Continuing the march toward normal proportions, baby's legs now out-measure his arms. And, finally, all four limbs have functional joints. Your fetus is squirming and wiggling like crazy down in the womb, though you probably can't feel the movements just yet.

A little humour in the "what not to say to a pregnant women department." However, my one suggestion...never make a comment to someone about their "baby bump" unless you are 100% sure they are pregnant. You may find yourself in a very awkward position; i have heard some great (well, maybe not so great) stories.

Happy Monday!

Don't forget to click below to vote :-) I am close to braking TOP 50!

Hours in the Day...plus Giveaway!

Finally, it's FRIDAY! The sun is still shining and its going to be a hot one today! No work for me today (well, not so far) and all play! Getting an early start on the day and heading to the park shortly. Trying to maximize our sun time :-)
As mentioned, I have another giveaway in honor of the long weekend. Details posted at the end of this entry.

Lately, I have been finding there just aren't enough hours in the day. By the time I get home from working, play with the kids, do some house work...which generally is centered around laundry and dishes, its already time to make dinner, bath the kids and bed. I am so happy summer is approaching. Already our days are longer. Doesn't the light make such a huge difference!? I am finding I actually have more energy to do things throughout the day now that I am in my second trimester.  And these past few days, no excuses for hanging inside with the sun shining. The kids and I actually got some color on our skin yesterday (even with 60 slathered all over them!).
I have so much to do lately, with not enough time...but I am learning to prioritize. And with family, my priority is to spend some time with them. The pile of laundry will be there later, the dishes will grow after lunch...today is Friday...my one no work day of this week, and I am taking the kids to the park!

Happy Friday and Happy Long Weekend!!

Today's Giveaway:

A One Hour Circuit Class for you and 4 friends (up to 5 people).
I am a certified Group Trainer with qualifications in Pre/Post Natal as well.
In honour of bikini season, I am offering 1 free Group Class. All you need are the people!!
If you are not located near me (but within the Lower Mainland) I will come to you :-)

Details:
Date of Group Class must be used by June 30, 2011 (this is a SUMMER fit promo).
To enter post on the wall of While They Are Sleeping on Facebook and/or add as friend.
More posts/adds the more votes.
People will be added to random draw and chosen by end of day today! Friday May 20. 2011.
If there are more than 5 people, then each additional person will be charged $10.
Good luck and hope to see you soon!!
(Unfortunately, for the non-local readers, this one wont apply for you. Next time!)

Thanks everyone.
TGIF!

Work, Family, Sunshine!...

Happy Wednesday!! Our NICE SUNNY weather has arrived and it appears to be here for a few days at least! I love it!
Busy work morning, then off to the park with the kids this afternoon. I love summer (hopefully soon!)!!

So, the last few nights I have caught some episodes of the show "Extreme Couponing." Anyone else addicted!? It is amazing to me how much you can actually save when you know what you are doing! It makes me want to attempt this! When we spend WAY TO MUCH money on groceries every month, if I could even save a few hundred dollars a month, now that would be incredible! I do not have the kind of time some of those people do to actually sit for 10+ hours a week and focus on coupons, but if along the way I can find some good deals and save us some cash, then my learning of the art of couponing will have been met! The other night, this women's grocery bill total was almost $1200 before coupons...crazy! Even crazier, after coupon she spent $4!!! Can you believe that! Now THAT is a full time job.

On the home front, Si had the flu 2 nights ago...it was a long night, but by morning she was fine. It swept thru in less than 24 hours and so far, fingers crossed, everyone else has remained un-scathed. Thank goodness!

Okay, time to head out and enjoy the morning sun on my run, then off to work for the morning.


"Some people dream of success... while others wake up and work hard at it." - Anon

When it rains, it pours...

Lately this saying hold very true for our city. I am still wearing my wool jacket, long pants and occasionally even Uggs. This is ridiculous! This weekend is May long...and they are actually calling for sun!! I sure hope that holds true. This weather is proving un-motivating to many...and it definitely catches me on some days.
So on the weather front, when it rains it pours it not the best thing!
But when its pouring in life and business...I sm to be run off my feet these days...and I am NOT complaining!! The listings are coming like crazy, the kids are busy as usual, have been having some great date nights with my husband, and we have lots to look forward to in the near future. Life is good!
So now, it's time to work on the weather and motivate those people to come purchase my listings :-)

What are your plans for the long weekend? Anyone doing anything exciting?!!
We are around for the long. Hopefully playing at the park and in the yard; maybe a bar-b-que or two...and possibly working on the beginnings of a summer tan!?
Come on SUN!!
In honour of sun, summer and the long weekend, there will be a giveaway this week. Stay tuned!!
In the meantime, stay dry, enjoy the week and... VOTE FOR ME :-) I am now in the top 70's for Top Mommy Bloggers thanks to all of your clicks! So vote daily if you remember ;-)

Happy Monday!

The Up's and Down's...

The up's and down's of pregnancy, gotta love'em.
As my bump slowly grows and my morning sickness begins to ease, other symptoms kick in. The other night my stomach felt like it was literally on fire and I was thriving in pain all night. Our amazing resident doc in the family said...acid reflux. Awesome. Took Malox, and most was better. Wow.
Other than this new symptom that I had never experienced with my first two pregnancies, most is going really well! I have more energy throughout the day...until about 7:00pm hits and then I am pretty much ready for bed; but overall, physically have been feeling really great! It is I guess more so the emotional side of my physical changes that have been getting me down a little more so.
Obviously weight gain is a key factor in pregnancy; but when you feel like you still are barely showing, and yet try to put on a pair of pants from your closet that suddenly don't button up, i sometimes find myself being a little too hard on myself, examining if I am eating well enough or possibly over-indulging a little too much.
Really!? Grab a life, I know! I remind myself of what my body is doing...and re-think the previous pregnancies, and am quickly reminded that my body is again doing, the exact same thing. It is pretty crazy how the body just know and the body just does. I am almost identical in weight gain so far; with all I seem to gain a little faster at the beginning and then it slows dramatically second trimester onwards. I was a healthy gain for both kids, 27 lbs with Kai and 24lbs with Si; and found to be very fortunate to have lost the weight quickly afterwards. Well, lucky mixed with a lot of hard work! I goal set. So after Kai was born...I ran and ran my way to my first marathon 6 months later. After Si, I decided to re-learn how to swim properly, bought a road bike and learnt how to ride...and then found myself in the Oliver Half-Iron Man 8 months later. So...what's next!? I am currently looking ahead to the 2012 season. Only time will tell ;-)

This is an area in life that I am really missing. I am envious of those that are taking part in races, etc! Exercise is a huge part of my life. Active living is something that we really follow in our family. My husband and I are very active people. My dad is an amazing swimmer. My sister is training for her first 1/2 marathon next month. My sister-in-law lives to work out and has endless races planned for the year. And my brother is living in another city to be trained by amazing coaches in hopes to take his Decathlon career to the next level...and possibly the 2012's!?
So, when my usual 1.5-2 hour runs are cut back to a max of 45 minutes; when walking up a flight of stairs or chasing after my kids leaves me breathless, sometimes, i just get a little frustrated! So I look ahead. Why is my body telling me to slow down. Because, inside of me, I am making the newest member of our family...and we have so many other things to be excited about and look forward to first, before "real life" kicks back in.

This is what I have to remind myself of on the days that I am being hard on myself.
So now, I am going to make breakfast for my family, head out for my 45 minute run, and then put on my jeans and attach an elastic to the button to hold them shut. And remember to laugh through the moments of frustration. :-)

"Everything grows rounder and wider and weirder, and I sit here in the middle of it all and wonder who in the world you will turn out to be." ~Carrie Fisher


DON'T FORGET TO CLICK ON IT FOR ME! THANK YOU :-)

Happiness is beautiful...

First of all, THANK YOU ALL whom continuously click on my link below for Top Mommy Blogs! You can click daily if you are so inclined (so please do)! I am now TOP 100 and appreciate all of your support and votes so keep clicking!
Thank You!!

Hope all of you Mom's had a fantastic Mothers Day. I sure did! I was so spoilt! I started my day at a respectable 8:30am...I got the sleep in! We went for brunch, had a run, played at the park with the kids, and then had a wonderful dinner in (and i didn't even have to clean up the dishes)! A fantastic day on all accounts thanks to my husband and amazing children. I even got a little "shopping spree" out of the day and got the cutest pair of wedge sandals from one of the best stores i know... Kiss and Make-up, as well as the cutest shirt from Aritzia (another store that I should not be allowed to step foot in to!).

Now, on to Monday. It has been a busy one so far, with no end in sight for the week! I just finished submitting another listing, and am now working through some fitness class logistics! I am loving life and having fun right now :-) I feel like the luckiest girl (and mom, and wife) alive!

Now it's time to bring on some Summer Heat and get rid of this weather for good!

Happy Monday!

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.  Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost."  ~H. Jackson Browne

"There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness." ~Lady Blessington

Doctor to the power of 5...

Today was my first appointment at the Maternity Clinic where I will be seen through my pregnancy. This is a new place for me, as through my past two pregnancies, my GP saw me through and delivered. Well, he delivered Kai, of course the odds were with Si that he was away that weekend! So his fill in delivered her. But needless to see, either way, I am now in an entirely new ball-game. Right after Si's birth, my doctor retired from Family Practice. That was a sad day...and with post natal hormones flying, a sad one too! He had a new Doctor take over his practice; and she doesn't deliver! So I am facing a new routine through this pregnancy.
I new I wanted to deliver at the same hospital as the first two. Familiar place, great nurses, and its close to home. So my choices were limited as to what that meant for a Doctor... or midwife.
For me, Midwife was not an option. I have absolutely NOTHING against midwives, I just know what I want and what I like, and I am sticking to it. I know I want a hospital birth...and I know I will want an epidural. End of discussion. Me and pain= wimp.

So, with a referral and my charts, I checked in to my new group of of Doctors for the next 6 months or so. I say group because, it is a group of 5 female Dr's that work through the clinic on their days off from their other Doctor jobs. Delivery is something they enjoy doing and the offer an amazing service to those in need of someone to deliver their child. Through the course of my months, I will meet all 5 Doctors. Today's visit was great! She was so kind and friendly. I feel safe and good about this decision!

And to end the appointment, and start my day of on the perfect note... I got to hear the heartbeat. A healthy 163bpm. Happy Baby. Happy Mommy.

12 weeks...

I am now 12 weeks pregnant! Depending on what resource you follow I am now out of my first trimester or almost there (one more week)!
I cannot believe how fast this is going by. I guess it helps when there are two other people that occupy the better part of your days!
Hard to believe that at this point, babies systems are almost fully formed and baby is only the size of a plum!
So, if this baby is only the size if a plum... why is it that with the more pregnancies you have, the sooner you show. It is still ONLY the size of a plum.
I have looked back at my bump watch from the previous two pregnancies...and i seriously look the equivalent to 20 weeks with the first two.
So, here it is... bump watch at 12 weeks through my three pregnancies.

There is definitely a baby in there, and it is getting bigger by the day.
Time to go fold more laundry before the kids are up.

Happy Monday!

So Proud...

Yesterday my husband completed his goal and ran the Vancouver Marathon!
I am so proud of him, he did such an amazing job and conquered an amazing feat, his first marathon.
He is still not sure as to whether this will be his first...and last...but he had a wonderful day and we had such a great day cheering him on!

I took the kids downtown and we caught him at miles 6, 17 and then of course...the finish line.

Ryan had such a great race and looked strong the entire way through!

mile 6, happy dad seeing his kids

mile 17

almost at the finish line!!

What a day. And the weather could not have been better~ The kids even got rosie noses the sun was so fantastic!

Congratulations love. HUGE accomplishment. We are so proud!
xo