5 Years Young...

somehow i never posted this one...

Our little man turns 5!!

April 7 marked our baby boy hitting a milestone birthday- one entire hand in number count~ 5!!!

I still cannot believe we have a 5 year old. I know i say time and time again that time flies- but truly- to look at our last 5 years- introducing a child in to our lives, and then looking ahead 5 years to where he is today, it is so surreal.

Kai,

You are such an amazing person already. Filled with so much love and sensitivity: yet with a whole world of energy to live on. You succeed in all you touch- in your love and care for your sisters- the love for me and your dad- the skill, drive and determination you give to any and all you do and touch...you are an amazing little boy. From really learning to skate this year, so flying down the ice at hockey- learning to swim, play baseball, ski...the list is endless and i am always in aw.

My wish for you is that you follow your heart and always reach for the stars. I know you will touch them all~ I love you baby boy. Happy 5th Birthday!!

xoxoxo
Mom

Kai celebrated 5 years enjoying another passion of his- biking. He took a few friends to the bike park for some racing fun...and tested out his new bike- in his favorite color, green!

His day from start to finish was perfect~ and he has already requested to do the same thing next year.

A Year to Remember...

~November 7, 2012~

To my beautiful daughter T, on your First Birthday

Hard to believe a year has already come and gone. November 7, 2011 marked the special day you entered our lives. Every day since you have blessed us more than you will ever know.
Being the third child, you sure have been a real 'trooper' to say the least. Going wherever we were racing to get, putting up with copious amounts of noise, and definitely taking the brunt of some sibling jealousies- and yet through it all, you always have a huge smile that lights up from within and shines through your stunning big baby blues.
I remember being pregnant with you like it was yesterday. As all who know me know, I did not enjoy that stage. Sorry for that. Of course I loved the fact that I was bringing life to someone, to our daughter, but all the other not so glamorous side effects, i could have done without ;)
With the first born, parents seem to find a groove, get through the days, and try to not look to overwhelmed! With the second, you tend to not necessarily know more, but know what to stress on and where to just go with the flow. The new stress when entering the world of multiples is just that, learning how to cope with more than one.
And then came you. From day one, you have been a remarkably easy-going, laid back little girl. I think you made it easy on us! I have never been able to sit back and truly enjoy all of the baby stages the way I have with you. You astound me each and every day. From your first smile, to your first tear. From your first crawl, to your first step- third time around, I have found myself lingering- trying to take it all in so as not to forget a thing.
Thank you for making me slow down- to watch and to learn. To smile from my heart and through my eyes.

I love you my little girl. You are a gift and I am so lucky you have blessed my life.

I love you.
Happy 1st Birthday.

Love Mom.

Three going on Thirty...

Si turned 3 this week! September 19th our baby girl took the corner from toddler...to little girl! She is growing up so fast...a little too fast actually.

This girl is full of surprises. She has been a very fast and eager learner from the get go. Quick to crawl, walk...and most definitely talk! Before she was two sentences were streaming from her mouth; and now, well you cant really shut her up! She could talk your ear off all day long...and night long...and next day..and next night...you get the point! This little lady is a wonderment. Full personality. Determined. And motivated to do anything if there is a treat involved!

sorry for blur she wouldn't stay still

She keeps us on our toes. There is pretty much never a dull moment with her in the house. Si keeps the house a home...and yes, usually is the cause for loud voices and the occasional yelling match. Imagine, all this from a 3 year old.

Si is all that...and is also the most loving, caring, big-hearted person you will ever know. I think she has a bit of an old sole...

She loves telling people what to do and how to do it. But she also makes sure everyone is okay and is the first to kiss it better or bring a band aid. Always thoughtful.

When Si is alone (without her siblings) you get an entirely different side of her. The very soft, sweet and loving girl. She loves attention and she loves when she gets it one on one. She will sit and relax with you; tell you stories; brush your hair...endless hugs and kisses...and in these times, she knows how to be quiet.

Kai and her have an amazing relationship. They couldn't be closer peas in a pod. Yet, with this closeness...they love hard, and they fight hard too. Our little lady sure knows how to stand up for herself...its usually Kai coming out of battle with tears.

Si desperately tries to take care of T. Her loving and nurturing side shines through as she attempts to mother her. The issue here, T is almost the same weight as Si, and so her carrying her around tends to look more like dragging the baby around the house. Thankfully T is a mellow child and generally has a huge smile on her face. Yes, the third child definitely puts up with a lot more (sorry Reid for all the torture Kajs and I put you thru!).

Her love of lips (lipstick), nail polish, purses and 'date shoes' (my high heels) leave me a little concerned for the future...but for then, i am happy that she is such a head strong lady. For now, i would prefer her to listen to her mom and dad; unfortunately for us, that rarely happens.

(bad iphone pic- but getting a pedi with her lips painted pink with "whips" i.e. lips)

Si,

You are such an amazing daughter. I am so fortunate to have you and am thankful for every day. You teach me how to be stronger, love unconditionally and the true meaning of persistence. You are only three today, and yet in so many ways you are wise beyond your years.
Thank you for being you, for bringing light to our days, love to our hearts... and a little crazy to our brains! You define the word energy, as well as define the word love.

I love you love bug. Happy Birthday!!

Love Mom

Another Year...4 years old!

One Month....That is how long it has been since I have found the time to sit here and write. I have been longing to do this and am so glad today...i am MAKING the time.
I have felt deprived of this ability; I have let other things take priority...and quite frankly, I have been a little exhausted lately. April is almost over, and it was an amazing, yet whirlwind of a month.

My first post back from hiatus is designated to our little man and his 4th birthday, April 7th.

_____________________________

Kai,

It is hard for me to believe that our little boy, our first born, is already 4 years old today. Where has the time gone. It feels like all we have to do is blink and the years pass. You have grown so much, both physically and emotionally. I am so proud of who you are and all that you are becoming. You are such a compassionate and loving little boy. You have so much energy and an amazing zest for life. You take in things so quickly; learn fast; and the way you are with your sisters, so patient and loving...so protective and caring...they are so lucky to have a big brother like you. I am so lucky to have you for a son. You amaze me daily....and yes, you tire me daily too ;) You are one busy little man that wants to learn and move (fast!) always.

I love you with all my heart.
Happy 4th Birthday Kai!

Love,
Mom
________________

Here are a few pictures from Kai's big day. This year, we decided a peddle bike would be his birthday gift...no training wheels. He went from his run bike to his big boy bike in 1 DAY!! Amazing. No training wheels. No help for balance from Mom and Dad. He amazed us!

Party Pictures...

A few pictures of our Princess Si's 2nd birthday.

Another Year Older...

Another year older. Another year gone to memories. Si is 2 today.
Hard to believe our little girl is two. Time...it just goes too fast. Some days longing for the day to be over...I want to take those wasted minutes back. Why wish time by? It only makes our little ones grow faster!!

This weekend we had Si's birthday party. It was a great night celebrating with family. Fun, food and a lucky little girl with many gifts to open. We are very fortunate to have such an amazing family. Thank you!

I never thought that my kids birthdays would make me so emotional! It makes me look at the past moments, memories and milestones... and honestly, miss them! It's all so bittersweet. Looking forward to future times and new beginnings, yet longing for the past.
Her first words. Her first steps. The first time she hugged Kai. The first time she became an "artist" of her own craft.
Our little girl is two today.
She is our princess...strong willed, gentle, loving, caring...Princess.

Happy Birthday Si. You make me a better person. A better mother. Thank you for teaching me. For loving me unconditionally. Thank you for being my daughter. I love you.

Happy Birthday Baby Girl.

A few iphone pictures. More to follow once my computer is back online from the move to my new office space :)

Ok...technical difficulties. Pics tomorrow!!

A Week of Firsts...

I can't believe I haven't had a spare minute to sit and type in over a week! So much has been going on, time has certainly gotten the better of me.
Since last week, we have had the wall in our basement built; Basement and office painted; and decided while we were at it to, paint the our stairways as well. Lots on the home front. And it is all beginning to take shape. I will be sure to take photos and post... likely next week once the rooms are complete!

As for some serious milestones and firsts...

Kai started school (pre-school) on Tuesday! He is in the Mon-Thurs program 4 hours a day.
He was so excited to go, and even posed for a cute first day of school photo.

The nerves kicked in a little once we parked and walked towards the school. He told me he was scared and to please stay with him. I did. We walked to the classroom, found his hook, labelled with his name, for his coat and backpack to hang on, then met the teachers.
He has three great teachers. All very friendly and comforting. We went into the classroom, looked around and he began to feel more settled.  The parents were given the choice of "integrated transition" where we just play for an hour or so the first day and extend the time through the week; or, see how the kids fare, with knowing they have our numbers if the kids needed to go home. Most chose to later...as did I. And 4 hours later, with no phone calls, I went to pick up Kai from his first successful day of school!
He went all days this week, with no tears, lots of smiles and a fun time all around. I am so proud of our little man. He is sure growing. I will admit, once I left him on day one, I had a few tears of my own. I cant believe how big he is getting.  Time... please slow down.

Another first for Kai came on Wednesday. He started skating lessons!
He wants to play Hockey, so we tells us; And so, the lessons on ice begin. We went after school on Tuesday and got him all the necessary gear for his first day. A pair of skates (the are so adorable and tiny! Who knew Bauer made the mini-me sizes!) along with a helmet and cage. He was ready to take on the ice.

Getting to the rink Wednesday, he showed no signs of nerves...just pure excitement! He was over-joyed to see the ice, and couldn't wait for me to lace up his skates. Skates on, he very quickly learnt how to stand..and jump...on dry land. Then to the ice with his instructor. Hardly hesitant, and with very little frustration and a ton of determination, he continuously tried to stay on feet, not bum. A few quick tears were brought mid lesson (I think frustration got to him a little) he asked me to stand in a certain spot so he could see me, and went right back to the ice.
I could not be a prouder mom. What an amazing week for our little man. Many firsts, and he conquered them all, head on.

And next week, a week of seconds, Si's 2nd Birthday!

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments."~Rose Kennedy 

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

3-0...

Life lately has been pretty much anything BUT relaxing. Work has been crazy, family has been busy... and things in general seem to be never ending! I am not complaining, honestly, just looking forward to some summer sunshine and good books.
My husband is turning the big 3-0 in a few weeks... wow where does the time go!! Considering we have been together since he was 18, watching the 20's creep past us and the big one is on the horizon is a little crazy to say the least! Not that we haven't done much through those years, you know: bought a condo, had a baby, bought our current home, had baby number two, baby number three is on the way... Jake, our dog, is still trying to pretend he is a puppy even though he is almost as old as our relationship! Love, Life, Work. Wow! Much has been packed into the years. So as Ryan's 30 is approaching, I am busy organizing a little party for him to honour all of his accomplishments in life.
In the words of Tim McGraw, a favorite artist, along with the singer of our wedding song,

"My Next Thirty Years will be the best years of my life

Raise a little family and hang out with my wife

Spend precious moments with the ones that I hold dear

Make up for lost time here, in my next thirty years."

I hope that they are for you babe, the best years of your life!

I think I may be more excited about his birthday than he is! He is being pretty quiet about the whole thing... maybe a little anxious!?? I have heard that the 30's truly are the best years of your life. Learning who you really are; being comfortable in your own skin; knowing what you want in life and from those around you. I am excited to venture into a new chapter with Ryan and am looking forward to a celebration to start the journey. :-)

I would love to spill some party details... cause honestly it is pretty hard holding it all in!! I have some great things planned and this birthday will be one to remember; however, mum is the word as most of it is, A SURPRISE!
Can't wait!
So, a question for those who have passed a birthday milestone and had a memorable moment or happening; what was it and what made it so fantastic! I am always seeking more ideas.

"Men are like wine: some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age." 
I am lucky then that I have the best!
Now, back to planning...
oh, and another thing to think about... Fathers Day. I told you, the list is never ending these days! Tomorrow I will be featuring a giveaway in honour of Father's Day. Stay tuned!

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.