“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving” ~ Einstein

Life has the ability to work in funny ways. Last week, business...life, picked up ten-folds.It literally went from 0-100 in about 3 days. I am definitely not complaining; but how is it that when one ball begins to roll, they all seem to move!

Real Estate is moving again here on the North Shore. The phones are ringing, listings are getting signed, and people are...dare I say, motivated!? One ball is now flying again after a restful holiday season.

My blog. Something I LOVE doing. For myself. For my kids. For whomever enjoys reading the happenings in our home. I was asked this week if I would be interested in talking on the book Bringing Up Bebe, the one I spoke of on here the other day. The radio host found me by way of my blog and the book link I believe. Michelle Eliot is a columnist, Radio Columnist, for CBC's The Parent Project. This sounds fun! Something new and different. So a mommy friend and I have the task of now reading the book by next week. No problem...just need to slot this into one of the balls that are currently being juggled ;)

I also not too long ago began a 90 day health challenge, Body by Vi. I found I was always crashing in the afternoon as I would skip lunch when I was on the go. I was looking for a g-free and lactose free product that I could take on the go, and came across the Vi-shake. It is so incredible, I got behind it and decided I was not only going to take the product, I was going to get mine for free, which led to promoting it and making some money for our family. It is going better than I could have hoped in many aspects. 2 paydays already, 5 pounds lost from no longer crashing in the afternoon, and overall better energy. I am a happy momma...and with this being another ball in the air, I am glad it is a source of energy for me.

My training. My exercise. For me this is a must not a maybe. I feel better for getting a workout in everyday. It gives me energy and confidence. I feel alive after a great workout. A ball that constantly moves.

And of course, the always floating ball, family. Out of everything, this is the number one priority. This is why I do all the others. I work to help provide for our family. I work to keep my mind functioning slightly above...baby talk. I work because, I enjoy what I do. I am fortunate that what I do provides me the ability to still be with my children for most hours in a week....but little breaks allow me to "re-charge." I think all you parents will understand that one.

The one ball that is falling lately...the house chores. Laundry is back to piling high...I am awaiting Mary Poppins to magically dance the clean clothes away into their drawers. The floors are calling the vacuum themselves. And I need to find our basement floor again beneath the kids toys that are strewn everywhere.

I am looking forward to this weekend. A weekend that yes, will house a little bit of juggling; but family and house will start to get organized...and will allow better ease for the other balls to move.

Happy Weekend!!
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I believe that being successful means having a balance of success stories across the many areas of your life. You can't truly be considered successful in your business life if your home life is in shambles.
Zig Ziglar ~

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Welcome to Mommyhood! Celebrity Interview...

Yes, I know it is Thursday; But today is like our Friday cause tomorrow is Canada Day! And so, in honour of our "Friday," our long weekend, the last day of June and the beginning of SUMMER (July), today is the day for the next Celebrity Interview!

Today's featured celebrity is another local woman. She comes to us by way of Global TV bringing us our weather. That's right, it's Kristi Gordon!

Kristi is an almost ready to pop mom-to-be.
With life in the public eye, an expanding figure and a new family addition, I had to ask her how life (and baby bump) has been treating her.

Check out our Interview.

1.  How has your pregnancy been overall? Any difficult times (morning sickness, etc...)

I've been very lucky. I had slight nausea for a month in my first trimester and otherwise was just tired. Since then I have felt great. Although, I have definitely slowed down in the last month. The only really difficult part about this pregnancy was sleeping...I often have a hard time falling asleep because I have too much on my mind or because I'm uncomfortable. Plus, I have developed Restless Leg Syndrome which makes it incredibly difficult to sleep. To fix this, I have had to cut out absolutely all caffeine. I can't even have a morning tea.

  2.  What are you most looking forward to with regards to parenting?

 I think I'm most looking forward to when the baby isn't as much of a baby anymore. I'm looking forward to seeing him or her grow up. I think watching (and helping) a personality develop is so neat. 

  3.  What are you most looking forward to doing on your own (without that bump!)?

Sleeping on my stomach and tying my shoes!

  4.  Do you generally have a workout routine (before baby) and have you kept one up while pregnant?

Yes, absolutely. The one thing I would urge any expectant Mom is to keep active. It has helped me feel better both mentally and physically. I have been taking a Cycle/Circuit class through the North Vancouver Rec Centre with an amazing instructor Louise. This has been great. Plus, I've taken yoga and other step classes. I just keep going to as many workout classes as possible (3-4 times a week). I can't do all of the exercises but it doesn't matter, I just do my own variation.

 5.  Have you had any “I wish they told me that!” moments through your pregnancy? (i.e.. Some woman gain a show size, sweat more, can’t sleep...) or any “pregnancy/upcoming mom” advice?

I wish they told me that you definitely need maternity pants. What? You mean...I can't just roll your regular pants down at the front? Nope. I can't even pull my regular pants up over my thighs anymore, let alone over my behind. 

As for advice...whenever someone says "you're eating for two now", don't listen. If you do, you WILL end up eating for two....two of you! The baby will still be tiny. 

Kristi

Thank you Kristi for finding the time in your busy life to answer a few questions and let some moms and/or moms to be in on a few tid-bits!

Wishing you all the best in the last of your pregnancy and a big congratulations on your upcoming addition!

all the best~

Post-it's and Paper...

There has been so much going on lately that I cannot live without my pen and paper to ensure I write down every flitting thought; otherwise i don't think anything would be getting done!
I feel like I have no time to breathe lately, but honestly, I am not complaining. It is a good thing to be busy. It seems as if, and i am not sure if this is true for all, when I am busy with one avenue in life, everything seems to kick up at the same time. Now it is the balancing act to ensure all is done; and that all is done correctly!

I have been so crazy with party planning, birthday surprises and a child-free vacation after Ryan's birthday that our personal life was taking on its own form of busy. Now add real estate picking up with lots of showings and offers being negotiated...and I have found a new scale of busy. And I cant forget the pre and post natal fitness classes I have been subbing along with a new interest in a prenatal training program by some new moms I now have to develop...and in a crazy way (cause clearly I am!) I am loving it all!

I am happy and satisfied, as long as I can put my best self forward in all of these avenues...and so far it is all coming out ok! And in a few weeks time, I will have a week of R & R with my amazing husband...some quiet time...sans kids!

Another update that I am behind on is Si's legs!
We had our follow-up appointment with the pediatrician a few weeks back and her legs are getting straighter every time! When she walks, she still shows a bow; but how they can judge progress is by pulling their legs together while lying down to see if the bones aline straight...and they went straight! So it really is a matter of time that will heal in this circumstance and we are so relieved. She is running fast and climbing high already...those little legs have not and will not hold her back!!

I had to sit and write for a few minutes to unload my brain...now its time to do the laundry, have a workout, clean the house, take dog to the vet, pick up party supplies, write and offer, drop of documents, play with the kids, show a house...you get the idea.

Hope your Tuesday is a great one!

"As busy as I claim to be, I've still got the greatest job in the world. " ~Peter Criss

Spring Cleaning...

Another "thing to do" on my list (you do not want to see my list; it seems to expand rapidly and never shrink). We have lots of things to clear out and I was thinking of having a "garage sale/friend swap." Who's in!? It's time to lighten the load in closet space and clear out the odds and ends sitting in our crawl-space.
We have kids/baby clothes, toys, men and women clothes, books, carpets...i don't even know what else! Another great reason to give it to a good home! (If we don't even know we have it, why do we have it!?).

Over the next little while I am going to organize...was thinking for a weekend (Saturday) in April.
If anyone is interested in bringing stuff and/or coming to check stuff out, let me know and I will see if I can organize a bigger "swap meet" for us all!

Happy Spring Cleaning...
For the Martha Stewart in you...here is her Spring Cleaning Checklist. Clearly, she has WAY to much time on her hands! Like any of that is likely in my house...my suggestions #1-800-house-cleaners! ;-)

Don't forget to Spring Forward TONIGHT!

A little Nudity...

So, toddlers obviously have a fascination with running around naked. Really, as long as its around our house, I can get over that...no big deal. But I have a few developing issues that I need to nip in the butt (no pun intended).

For starters, Kai. If he does not have pants on, he enjoys sitting on the couch "playing." Awesome...are you serious! You are not even 3! My daily task is to ensure pants are on!
Si, well, you have all heard my problem with her... if she is not in her onesie, when the inevitable daily poop comes, she enjoys painting (with the poop!). It got so nasty that last week, while I was out working, Ryan texted me saying "call me." The minute he entered her room to get her from her nap, he was hit by a horrendous smell... and a baby standing in her crib, covered HEAD TO TOE (yep, even the face) in s*#t. All I could say was that I was happy to be at work! In hindsight... eventually it could have made for a pretty hilarious photo... maybe for one of those wedding day slide shows. Next time!

And then there is the problem of nudity together and opposite gender fascination. Well more so, female fascination. When Kai is nude, Si tries to run after him and "grab." Yes. That thing that hangs down from his body is such a foreign object that curiosity gets the best of her... I guess all is healthy in the wondering.

Gotta love the ages and stages!

Friggin...

Friggin...apparently this is a new found, and favorite, word Kai has added to his vocabulary.
"Where is my friggin truck," "what is that friggin thing doing"... And so on and so on. The thing is, I try my hardest to not let the full-on f-bomb drop around him; But on occasion it does: And on the same occasion, he repeats. But friggin, this is definitely a word that is not in either my nor my husband vocabulary. I know he is around some other people on a weekly basis and so I am sure it was learnt somewhere! It is amazing how fast kids pick things up. They are basically watching and listening and downloading EVERYTHING, and once they process, they find certain words to spit out; and at this age, it seems the things they say are hilarious, rude or a combination of both. At least he keeps us laughing...and on our toes!

Hope your Sunday was friggin awesome!

Someone is almost 3!!

It is hard to believe our little man is going to be 3 in just over a month!! Where does the time go? Life just flies by so fast, I am constantly reminding myself to slow down and enjoy what is right in front of me.

I am trying to figure out what to do for his birthday party this year. Lat night at dinner, he actually asked Ryan and I for a Shark Cake...note taken! So what are we doing, and Under the Sea party...and animal party...not quite sure yet...all I know is that there will be a Shark Cake!

For Kai's 1st Birthday, we were still living in our apartment and had a party in the Party Room. We had a Curious George party as he is our little monkey.

For Kai's 2nd Birthday, we were living with my in-laws between waiting for out new place to be built. We had a Trucks, Diggers, Cars and Trains theme... basically anything with wheels! We had bouncy castles and all...he had a blast!

 

And this year!? For Kai's 3rd Birthday, we are in our new home!! We are going to have something here...just trying to work out the details.
I love planning parties and organizing events. I have a lot of fun doing it and it makes it so much fun to see the people you love having a great time!

"The bad news is time flies. The good news is you're the pilot."
Michael Althsuler

Take time to slow down and enjoy the minutes, the seconds. Don't ever wish for tomorrow to come faster then it already does.

To my two year old, I love you with all my heart. The terrible two's are actually a real phenomenon; but overall, you wore them well.

Have a little faith...

My domain whiletheyaresleeping.com is now officially up and running. I am so happy! It actually happened early this week, but this week has completely gotten away from me.

I had a bit of a rough time last week; between dealing with Sienna, dealing with the kids in general (!), and feeling down on myself, it was a hard one...
I was getting really frustrated on myself with regards to work. Trying to figure out how I was going to do it, and what I was going to do at all! And then it kind of just happened...as if the stars just aligned!? I had three opportunities come at me in one day...and another on Monday!
Isn't it weird how things like that happen? I find that I couldn't be stressing harder, worrying myself, and thinking so negatively...and then my hard work and patience (ya right) start to pay off, and in the course of a few days, I have a new listing, and a few other avenues that I will have more to say about soon! This week has been a crazy one...run of my feet with things to get done...and still a list 10 pages long to complete; but I am taking it as it comes, one step at a time. I guess the lesson being, have a little faith and keep on walking!

"Faith is one foot on the ground, one foot in the air, and a queasy feeling in the stomach." — Mother Angelica
"What saves a man is to take a step. Then another step." — C.S. Lewis

I have been trying to get here to write, but with best intentions at hand, there hasn't been enough time in the day (and in a little over a week, there will be even one less hour in our day)!!

I will be back to post again soon...but I will leave you with this to look forward to.  In honour of my domain going live, I will be having a giveaway soon. Let you know all the details and what it is...in the next post.

I am taking some time for me this morning...gotta log some miles on my feet. Time for some sanity :-)
Happy Thursday!

"To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone and a funnybone."
Reba McEntire

If it's not one thing...it's another!

Why does it feel like life is always, "if it's not one thing, it's another!"

Lately, LIFE begins to settle in one area and then LIFE begins building in the OTHER. If it's not you it's another that you are affected by.

My question, when does life become your own...for a year, for a minute, for a second...

I am quickly learning...it never does. If you have family, in ANY FORM, it never completely resides in your own hand; because, the minute you care for someone, family or friend, you never know where life will take you.

If it is not your life experience and learing, it is someone elses...

To the tears, the laughter, the love...

To learing...

To life... 

Thank you for tomorrow.

xo

Time with Two

It is hard to believe it is November already! Where does the time go!?

This was a conversation that came up between Ryan and I last night once costumes were put away, kids were in bed and a glass of wine was poured! We look at our life and so often "wish away" time, when it goes way to fast in the first place. For us its the milestones in our children's lives that we can't wait for to happen; when is she going to start talking, when will he be okay to leave moms side...but why do we look forward to these stages instead of embracing the current ones? It feels like just yesterday Sienna was a newborn and Kai was just beginning to talk. Actually, in all honesty, it feels like just yesterday that we found out we were pregnant for the first time! How the years have flown!

We had a mommy playgroup over on Saturday. We would love to meet more often but busy schedules have made it next to impossible...but we finally arranged it, moms, kids and for the first time...the men too! It was a loud house for a couple of hours, but it sure was fun! All the kids were in costumes, lots of food was being consumed, and there was a common themed question in the room..."when are you having another!?" This is a question that really is hard to answer and only the people involved know what answer is right for them~

It has been my experience with having two so close together that there are many pros and cons to this situation, and a good point on the above note of time flying by! You only get busier with two and those first few months with the newborn are EXHAUSTING! I remember wishing for her to at least be able to sit on her own, to hold her bottle, to crawl, to stand all in hopes of a slightly easier day with the both of them...how much easier would it be if I could sit her with Kai and they could play while I tried to get a few things done! I want those stages back! They are all so amazingly precious and now my little baby is nearly RUNNING as she tackles her brother on the ground. Maybe with more of an age separation you would have more time with the newborn while the other is in preschool? I am not sure, but I wouldn't have it any other way...

Although our household is chaotic, and although I wish at times that I could turn the time back and enjoy the moments again, our two kids have the most amazing bond and friendship. Kai watches out for Si, he calls her his "pretty girl" and is always making sure she has what she needs. It is magical. And Sienna, she would follow her big brother around day and night if she could. She holds this wonderment in her eyes, a sparkle that only shines for him.

Where does the time go!?

Kailen and Sienna are my constant reminder to "breathe." To take in the minutes and live each and every day to its fullest.

One of my favorite quotes:

"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away."- Unknown

As long as we have many moments that have taken our breath away, lasting memories and lots of love, I am okay that tomorrow is gone and today we are losing our breath again.

So mommies... when are you having another one?

xoxo

The kids and the cupcakes Kai "helped" me make!