Wax On...

In amongst work and packing for vacation...I got my wax on. Pretty happy I was able to make some me time today :) On top of it all, my mom treated me to a pedicure. What a great morning!

Back to the wax though.
I tried this new wax place, Cutie Pie Wax Bar.
It was fantastic! On top of being such a cute / girly place, they specialize ONLY in waxing...and sure are great at what they do! I have experienced my fair share of waxing over the years... in general, the word "ow" sums them up. I figured, a little pain was worth the outcome ;)
At Cutie Pie, I swear, IT DIDN'T EVEN HURT! And with being pregnant, I opted out of the numbing cream that they even offer. I was amazed.
The North Shore was in desperate need of a place like this, and they are welcomed with bushy brows and furry legs ;) Go get de-fuzzed today!!

I have found a new found favorite and recommend everyone in need of a wax, from Brows to Brazilian, to check them out.
Amazing service. Beautiful atmosphere. And fantastic, bump free, results ;)

Ready for Speed...

In my preparations for cabin countdown, I checked another item off the list today and picked up Kai's dirt-bike helmet! Still a little young for his own pint-sized bike (I think that may come next year!), he is ready to double with dad on dirt bike and four-track (ATV).
He is soooo excited for his new helmet that he now wont leave a room without it, and is now relaxing on the couch...wearing it.

Immunizations...

Today I took Si for her 18 month immunizations. Yes, we are a few months behind.
I know this is a touchy subject as there are many thoughts and feelings on this as to do or not to do. Here in our house, we have chosen to do. Both kids have had there immunizations, are up to-date and doing great.
Si was so brave! Two shots, one in each arm...and NO TEARS! I think she was more questioning what the lady was doing and why she then had band-aids on both her arms. She walked away with stickers and a smile. Strong little girl.

Treading Water...(giveaway)

It's only Monday and this is how I feel already. I am looking at the week ahead and know how busy it is going to be and has been already; I feel like I am at a stand still with so much to do and not knowing where to even begin!

We are heading away on vacation this Friday for 2 weeks! I am so excited to just get there...and unwind! A much needed rest, and well deserved if I do say so myself. But it is the getting there that is always so stressful! The organizing of my work while I am away; ensuring everyone and everything is left in good hands. It's the packing of the kids. The "stuff," the clothes, the toys, blah blah blah. It's organizing the dog. Getting laundry done. Ensuring DH (dear husband) packs. And then finally packing myself. I am hoping to fit in a few "girl necessities" before heading away...we will see if that works out. Somehow a pedi and a wax don't seem to be taking front seat!

To add to the chaos of our lives, we are dealing with the wall in the basement where my office will move in to. Originally, we were just going to throw up a wall and call it a day; now we are re-thinking the plan a little as the area is also plumbed for a bathroom. So instead of doing it later, why not do it all at one time. The contractor is coming over tonight to ses out the situation.

When plans are all up in the air I always feel so "stressed" and disorganized. I like organization. I like post-it notes and lists. Right now my lists are long and the things i have to do do not fit on a post-it!


On another note, I received a link for all of my readers for access to a FREE COOKBOOK! There are some yummy sounding recipes in here...and some that sound really quick and easy!
If you are interested in taking part of this FREE COOKBOOK offer, the cookbook is called "dinnerRevolution" by Chef Jeff. Take a look and get cooking! Just click on the photo to receive your free online access!

Let me know if you try anything that is worth while giving a go! I will let you know once I find some time to get back into the kitchen ;-)

Happy Monday~





JUST CLICK IT DAILY! Thank you

A Dream and a Goal...

Lately I have really been missing exercise. And by that I mean, exercise at a higher level then my hourly sessions at the gym while pregnant. I still get there to get a sweat going, and it really does make me feel better...but I am talking about a workout that consists of my heartrate not sky-rocketing to high levels by barely doing anything and ligaments that don't throb from stretching with every run step I take.

I am currently dreaming of long runs, bike rides and future races.
What will 2012 have in store for me? I am leaning towards packing my schedule with Marathons...and maybe a 70.3 Ironman or two. I am excited just thinking about it!

Wouldn't today be the PERFECT day for a long run! The sun is shining, the temperatures are warming...our city is beautiful. For now, I will be heading across the street for an elliptical workout, dreaming of the run I will be doing in another handful of months.

I had to stop running a few weeks ago. The weight of my stomach was beginning to make every stride more uncomfortable: the feeling of ligaments stretching really isn't a nice feeling. I have also been experiencing sciatic pain this time around...which doesn't bode all too well with running. And so, the elliptical has become a close friend...and the occasional bike.

My husband is out for a long bike ride right now. Jealous! When he gets back we are trading off... bike outdoors or elliptical inside. Which one would you choose: i know, the answer would normally be a given!
I have to admit, when physical fitness is such a big part of your life, it's hard to loose the ability to do something so quickly. Especially when the desire is still there. Pregnancy is an AMAZING thing. It is amazing what a women's body goes through and produces, it truly is. But "you" are still in there. And for me, the "you" is missing the things that were taken for granted prior. Walking upstairs without being out of breathe. Standing up without getting light-headed. Running and biking with my husband.
I think what adds to the "missing" feeling, is watching the people around me continue to do it all. It's me wishing and missing, and them not really understanding how hard it is to suddenly S-T-O-P doing something that makes me a part of who I am.

Anyways...enough feeling down on myself, as that is not my intention here. I am excited to get out to move, period...and then enjoy this day with our family.

Maybe a picnic at the beach is in order!


 Just Click on It!!

Goodbye Friday...

Today is a day that requires either a long run or a glass of wine; unfortunately for me, neither are an option.
It has been a L-O-N-G day. The kids have been pretty cranky most of the day..and this isn't just in their moods; they have been crying, throwing tantrums, hitting, biting. Is it a full moon or something!?

It doesn't help to add to the situation that I have been so exhausted today that not much has been accomplished. I just want it to be tomorrow already!! A new day and a fresh start. Maybe with the sun shining it will bring better moods, attitudes and feelings for all.

Happy, end of, Friday ~

The unsightly side effects...

I am experiencing a side effect of pregnancy that I did not experience with my first two. A symptom that occurs in some, and a symptom I am not in any way a fan of. Venous pooling / varicose veins.
"Veins are the blood vessels that return blood from your extremities to your heart, so the blood in your leg veins is already working against gravity. When you're pregnant, the amount of blood in your body increases, adding to the burden on your veins. And your progesterone levels rise, causing the walls of your blood vessels to relax." ~babycenter.com

I find for me, they are the worst in the morning, after a night of lying still and sleeping. They progressively fade through the day as I am moving more...but never fully go away. I have done some reading, and for many they do disappear after pregnancy. And for some, they don't. I am hoping I am a lucky one!

Not only are the a bit unsightly, through the night or first thing in the morning, they can actually throb and hurt a bit. And throughout the day, my legs are definitely "heavy".

Apparently some ways to help prevent them are to exercise and refrain from being sedentary, sleep on your left side, and stay within the healthy weight range through pregnancy...all of which I do and am doing. I think if exercise and movement actually had a part in preventing them, I would have the most attractive vein-free legs you have ever seen, lol. I move daily. Through work, two kids and a gym workout I have no excuse not to! So, I am chalking it up to possibly " they tend to get worse with each successive pregnancy and as you get older."
Sure, why not!
Who knows, maybe its the way the baby is lying: the way I am carrying: or, just because!

Anyone had or have them through pregnancy? What was your secret? Did you find something that made them less or more prominent?

I am off to the store to make an investment...compression stockings for bedtime. Sexy I know. My husband is going to love me...

Giveaway Winner...

Assigning numbers to all entries, random.org gave me the number 2. The number 2 is...ERIN!
Congratulations ERIN!!! I am sure you will find much excitement and anticipation in today's giveaway!!

Thank you Just Shoot Me Photography for the awesome prize.

Erin will be calling you to arrange her shoot.
We cant wait to see some shots from your session. Be sure to send one this way so we can post a photo!
Happy Friday~

What's in a number...

I read this interesting article this morning. It is debating whether one child is the "right" way to go, or if 2+ is a better option. It is a short and simple summary of a few books that debate their sides on the matter; but no matter what side you are on, an interesting take on both.
For us, one child was never a thought. We knew we always wanted at least two...and now with our third on the way, we feel even more blessed.
I don't think you can ever completely decide on the number of children you are going to have, until you have one. Kids are amazing in so many ways. They offer you so much. They teach you to love like you never knew possible. They teach you, plain and simple. They surprise you. They love you. They test you. They exhaust you. Every child brings love and joy into this world: into your life. And every child is different.
As for the numbers game, doing what is best for you and your family is all that matters. Don't let judgement from others affect your desires. People can be so critical. Live your own life.

Here is the article:
The Case for Having Only One Child

Let it all hang out...

I am pretty sure Kai has been enjoying his "boyhood" these days. He is realizing that with his boy parts, it is quite easy to pee...almost anywhere.
In the bushes. In the garbage can (right beside the toilet might i add!)...and the most recent, over our deck onto the grass below.

Yes, I caught him standing on our main deck, pants down full frontal to our neighbours, peeing through the rails of our deck to the grass below. Awesome.
This took me so off guard, I couldn't keep a straight face long enough to tell him no, let alone a consequence. Once my shock and laughter was over, I was able to get out that we do not do that and we only pee IN THE TOILET!

Where is this all coming from lately!? He is pushing boundaries and limits. Doing things he knows he shouldn't do. Talking back...really trying to express himself.

Could this possible be the beginning of jealousy as my stomach grows and he wonders what is up next? attention seeking. Yes, clearly he is doing that. Why; that is what we have to find out.

What is with our children and their fascination with bodily fluids and functions!

For now, the toilet seats are lifted and the doors are locked. His urine is staying in the toilet.

**don't forget to enter this weeks Giveaway! Info on Giveaways page!**

And so the brown stays...

A while ago I bought a Carpet Cleaning package on Groupon from Sears. It was a great deal, and I figured, with the color of our carpets, they will always need a good cleaning. White carpets + kids = bad idea.
Well the coupon expired today...so today I had them in to clean our upstairs carpets. Aside from the odd ink stain in the office and juice stain on the floors...the main room of concern was Si's. It was time to get the professionals through to ensure her poop smearing career wouldn't leave lasting results on our floors. I must say, they did a pretty good job, and were in and out in a little over an hour!

I guess our problem is not that we have white carpets...it is that we have a daughter who enjoys painting in brown. Three hours after the carpet cleaners left, Si couldn't stand how clean her white floors were and had to ensure they were brown again!

I came home from work to our very apologetic nanny who had been trying to clean up the mess. Obviously, not her fault at all!! I guess the one perk, for a change I wasn't the one scrubbing...but poor 'M'!

And so, we have nice white carpets in a majority of our bedrooms...and a little patch of brown.

Pictures Say A Thousand Words...

Photography is a big part of my life. At one point, I began to venture down the path of Professional Photography...and got a little side tracked along the way. Shooting is something that still brings me great joy. And now, with my background and knowledge of imaging, I am fortunate to capture perfect pictures of our kids...and occasionally of others too :-)

For me, photography is such an important aspect to life and living! Capturing those moments so not everything is just a memory in your mind...some are memories on film (or disc these days, lol)!

I am so excited to announce a Giveaway for this week!

Just Shoot Me Photography Inc is an AMAZING photography company in Vancouver (and the Lower Mainland).

They are giving us a $50 gift card towards a Photo Session of your choice!! This company is extremely talented and specializes in a large range of Photographic sessions. Pregnant, Family, Babies, Portraits...Pets!? You name it and I am sure they will be there for you.

 
Please check out their website and join their facebook page as well.

Contest Details:

Draw is this Friday July 22, 2011.
Entries deadline Thursday July 21, 2011 at midnight.
Draw will be by random.org
You will be awarded an entry for every point you enter/follow!

- like While They Are Sleeping on facebook
- like Just Shoot Me Photography on facebook
- comment on While They Are Sleeping's wall or on this post on website with a favorite image that captures your family/kids/pets...or a vision of one you would like to have captured!
- if you refer a friend you will receive a vote per referral as well. Just have the referred person make mention on the fb page.
- make a guess on my bump # 3 by clicking on the link on the side bar :-)
- and don't forget to vote for While They Are Sleeping on topmommyblogs. Just click the link on bottom of this post.

Good luck!! This is a great one!!
(To my readers not in Vancouver-Lower Mainland...I promise I have one coming up that you can vote on too!)

With Age Comes Experience...

This statement was just used in an article speaking of Sarah Jessica Parker and motherhood (click here to take you to the article on modernmom.com). I have to dispute this line a bit.
With kids come experience in the field of children. Not age. Nothing will ever fully prepare you for children until you have them. Not age. Not time. Not career.


Sure, you may be able to give your children more... more life experience lessons, more financially. Who knows! To each their own. Everyone is at a different point in the personal lives at any age.
My feelings; Age and Experience with regards to motherhood is inaccurate.

I am learning daily. My kids teach me daily. I constantly surprise myself; and they constantly surprise me.

Every day is a learning experience. Whether you are 20 or 40.

Thoughts?!










PLEASE DONT FORGET TO CLICK BELOW TODAY :)

Bedtime for Two...

I think I mentioned the other day how Si is finding pleasure in falling asleep in Kai's bed. Or rather, not always falling asleep; sometimes playing, talking, laughing, giggling, fighting, biting...not always "sleeping." Well, last night, two exhausted kids wanted to sleep in Kai's bed together; And that's what they did. They slept.
I had to capture this peaceful moment on camera. They were way too adorable, loving...and quiet!

Brat Day...

I haven't really thought of him in this way today...but today Kai was most certainly being a little b-r-a-t.
Pushing all boundaries. Throwing toys. Not listening. Not playing nice with the neighbourhood kids. He was most definitely on the worst behaviour I have seen.

I am hoping this is not a trend that continues in any way!! Maybe a goodnight sleep and he will roll to the right side of the bed in the morning.

Here is to hoping; otherwise, I may be seeking some advice!!

Three is Love...

Today was detailed ultrasound day!!
A little later in the weeks for it, as we are passed 22 weeks; usually detailed scans are between 18 and 22 weeks, but we couldn't get in sooner then last week, and of course, that's when we were away.
So the long awaited day finally came!

It was amazing. Something about this ultrasound makes it all feel real. Reality is setting in. Time is ticking!
Baby is growing and developing well. Body, hands and feet. There is a baby in there! Baby number three is on it's way :-)
I now feel like I can be excited! I am not feeling the morning sickness any more; in general I have more energy back; I am finally showing and not just feeling...f-a-t. I came home today with some pictures from today and showed the kids. They were so cute about it! Saying "that's the baby in your tummy." Si was talking to my belly...trying to ask if its a boy or a girl. No, we did not find out. Tempting, I must admit, but didn't find out!

Now time to "nest."
I have felt a little "tied" in how I can prep for baby. I know I have a bunch of time still; but I am a person of lists and organization! I am so excited to start organizing all things baby and all things, kids bedrooms.

First step...moving my office. My office is upstairs, and is housing the future location of the nursery. We therefore need to now build a room into our basement for my office to be re-located to, and then I can begin with the nursery decor and set up. I am already excited :)

So now for the wall...I need to do some drywalling...or maybe enlist in some help!?? This is the task of the summer.

I still cant believe soon we are going to have three kids. I am so excited. So nervous. So...crazy!? Lol. I know life is busy now, and will only be more chaotic; but in all honesty, I love it all and couldn't imagine life any differently. It is the way it is supposed to be.
Life is perfect. I am so lucky.

"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

Soccer Camp...

Today Kai started his first "camp" ever!
I cant believe how old he is getting. Where does the time go!?

For his age...camp is, S-H-O-R-T!!
This specific one runs Monday to Friday for an hour a day. Although he had a few minutes of wanting to play basketball instead, overall he loved it, and loved the fact that he got his own soccer ball even more.

I am sure you can imagine the chaos. 20 or so 3 and 4 year olds running around a big gym for an hour. The "instructors" tried to lead drills and teach them some moves; but again, they are 3 and 4. They were more interested in running, period.

Terrible Image Quality Alert!!!

He is excited to go back for more tomorrow! We have him registered in a few little programs throughout the summer to prep him for new faces and preschools come September. I am glad he took to today so willingly! 

Next week we move from Soccer Camp to "where the dolphins play." A two hour-two day camp. Sounds...wet!?