every little thing

{Winter Destination Fashion.}

2012-01-20T23:20:00.000-08:00

I'm cold!

My hands are cracking and last night I had a nosebleed.

You know you aren't cut out for true Canadian winters when things like this happen

when it's a slight -4 degrees.

Funny, my kids don't seem cut out for it either because they have not asked to go and play in the snow! And I, *sheepishly* have not suggested it...

I'M SORRY! I KNOW, I feel terribly guilty!!

But, I'm cold!!

Dreaming of a lovely destination...
Walking warm streets in the evening sun...

Maui 2012 by b3michelle featuring crystal watches

By Malene Birger ribbed tank
$52 - shoplesnouvelles.com

Current/Elliott long jeans
$210 - my-wardrobe.com

Maison Martin Margiela leather shoes
$615 - barneys.com

Marni suede shoulder bag
$630 - theoutnet.com

Michael Kors crystal watch
£199 - julesb.co.uk

Lemlem cotton shawl
$150 - shoplesnouvelles.com

American Apparel summer hat
$38 - americanapparel.net

Dries Van Noten round sunglasses
$259 - mytheresa.com

And WHO could forget suntanning...?!

My favorite part of warm weather...

Suntan for Mommy by b3michelle featuring plastic shades

Missoni Home Melville Towel Set in Reds
$67 - forwardforward.com

Bandeau swimwear
€79 - conleys.de

Cynthia Vincent suede shoes
$84 - bluefly.com

Michael Kors raffia tote
$535 - stylebop.com

Tory Burch plastic shades
$175 - couture.zappos.com

River Island hair accessory
£6 - riverisland.com

Fresh Sugar Honey Lip Tinted Treatment SPF 15
$23 - barneys.com

Hampton Sun Oil Spray Spf 4/4 Oz.
$35 - saksfifthavenue.com

Have you been dreaming??

Happy weekend, nevertheless!

(See what came in the mail this week over here...)

{A new Playroom. Work in Progress.}

2012-01-13T19:56:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, a family of three (+ a naughty chocolate lab) bought an old, run-down house in the suburbs. Daddy didn't let Mommy look inside the house before the papers were signed for it.

Not because he wanted to surprise Mommy, more because Mommy's surprise (at the state of ruin the interior was in) would probably have resulted in no papers being signed.

Our basement has been the latest project in what feels like a never-ending string of projects.

We were always told that by much wiser, more experienced home-owners...this is what home-ownership is all about. This is what young families do, though, and we'd never felt more up for the challenge.

When we first bought the house, we renovated our main living space to our liking and spruced up the basement just enough to get a tenant in to

soften the blow of reno expenses. Boy, what a nightmare for the tenant...! Sorry about that!

When Gavin was one, our tenant moved out and because shortly after that, I found out I was pregnant again, we decided to reclaim the space as our own.

Dismal at best, the basement remained infrequently used; a place to set up a computer desk and

house random, unloved toys.

The storage solutions and furniture left something to be desired and being down there made me feel dewy all over...like the morning mist had settled on everything.

This past fall, Ryan and our excellent builder friend, Nolan, got to work on the weird wasteland that was our pseudo-playroom/office. Of course, I had NOTHING to do with the demo phase, nothing to do with the building/drywall/lighting phase...no no, I'll just be in charge of the pretty end, if you don't mind!!

We removed stained carpet and replaced it with bleached oak laminate flooring.

It wasn't the cheapest choice, but very reasonable since we were on a budget, and laminate was a must for the crashing, banging and hockey-playing boys that we have!

I've always loved the sturdy look and versatility of the Expedit series from IKEA, so I went with this mid-sized shelving unit using Trofast bins. (I plan to buy one more as these can be set up horizontally for easy kid access or vertically to keep some items out of reach...ALWAYS anchor the unit if placed vertically-BEWARE CLIMBERS!)

I made a small gallery wall...it all started with the Dr. Seuss quote I had seen on Pinterest a while back. I HAD to paint it for my kids' playroom...so fitting...and their photos all around it.

We chose a gray/blue Behr color from Home Depot called "Gentle Rain" (790E-2).

We chose it over the others because it was neutral enough to go with the floors and our current sofa (so ugly-not pictured-must replace soon).

The kids are loving the new digs, and are no longer having to play on damp carpets as all the walls were re-insulated and built-in wall heaters were installed. Pretty sure there's a different name for the heaters, but my lack of knowledge on the subject of interior heating systems leaves you with my amateur description.

Of course, we are still no where near being done...there are always those last finishing touches that seem to fit into the "one day" category...the things you can live without doing and soon you end up not noticing them as being unfinished at all!!

(Until you decide to sell your home, then you realize just how much you filed into the "one day" category!!)

For the curious ones, here are the before photos...

As it turned out, there was no obvious reason why there had been a drop ceiling (YAY for us!) and we gained back the extra six inches we had done without for this long.

Moreover, there was no obvious reason why there had been a raised floor in the makeshift bedroom, except that the person who had decided to do that was obviously stupid. (My take.)

I mean, LOOK at the change already! I could have been satisfied with this!

We had a drywaller come in and, wouldn't you know it...kids must always leave their mark...bottom left photo is Gavin's hand print in fresh plaster!!

Again, fireplace before, fireplace after...in preliminary stages...

I repainted the bricks in a glossy white and it cleaned up like a whistle!

Before-stucco walls (above: Gavin circa 2008)...and after...play date in full swing!

We are all chuffed with our space...me, because I now am free from the monstrous piles of toys in my living room and them because they can be as loud and dinosaur-like down here as they want!!

WIN-WIN!

Happy weekend, all!

{My Skinny Breastfed Babies.}

2012-01-06T19:20:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we went for Ember's 2 month shots...2 months late.

That's ok, even though I am pro-immunization, I don't mind delaying the shots a little since I am exclusively breastfeeding.

You know the drill when you go for your child's immunizations...they measure length and weight and

record it in your child's health passport. Then they plot both of these numbers on the growth chart to see where your baby is at. At least that's how they do it here in Canada.

I guess some moms dislike it when they have to strip their babies down to nothing to get them weighed...understandable in the winter and if their baby is of an intense temperament.

The nurse will then let you know that they'll take 2 ounces off the child's weight for the onesie, and an ounce for the diaper...seems like too much to me, but what do I know?

However, when the ounces were removed, Ember weighed in at a slight 10lbs 9oz.

(She was 6lbs 4oz at birth, Aug 30, 2011).

Surprisingly, she was 24.5 inches, a whopping 6.5 inches more than she was at birth!!

This combination obviously made the nurse uneasy and she began asking rather judgmental (in my opinion) questions regarding when the last time she visited the doctor was, was I concerned about my milk supply, when did I notice Ember not gaining, etc.

All of it made me feel like a first-time mom and I went home feeling guilty and anxious.

Had I been starving Ember? WAS my milk supply low? How can I possibly tell??!

Was I a neglectful mother who was not aware of a slow weight-gain?

I posted a comment on Facebook and within minutes had supportive comments from my amazing group of wonderful sister-friend-moms out there!!

It was overwhelming and totally fantastic.

I began to feel less of a failure and more part of a community of wise, compassionate women, moms and friends.

Here's how it all went down:

(I've removed names for privacy, except for mine-if you like me, you can friend me on Facebook:)

Michelle Baldwin

Feeling guilty today. Ember went for her shots and had her height/weight placed on the growth chart. She is in the 3rd percentile for weight and the 85th percentile for height. I'm not sure what I feel more guilty about- the nurse used the word "underweight" (which I don't feel is completely accurate given she's actually scoring within the percentile range)...so not sure if I feel guilty about her weight or guilty about considering supplementing with formula...sob! FYI, I didn't supplement with the boys and they were small creatures too...Any words of encouragement??

· · · 23 hours ago

- Go with your gut. How many times was I told Michael was underweight and he is just fine and Brendan didn't eat food until he was 13 mths and he is more than fine. Ember is a beautiful little girl and we will be just like her brothers totally great Don't worry.
  23 hours ago · · 3
- Sarah started out low as well in both height and weight. Like 9th percentile for weight and 20th for height. Now she is over the 50th for both and I didn't supplement.
  23 hours ago · · 1
- The charts are kind of crazy b/c often the the tall skinny kids are underweight on the charts. While 3 % is really low they need to take into consideration that 85% is high. She might just be growing in length instead of weight right now.
  
  Sarah was 22 inches at birth and 24 inches at 2 months. Now at 3.5 years later she's 39 lbs and 3.5 feet tall. People often mistake her for a 5 yr old.
  23 hours ago · · 1
- You know your child, Michelle. Is her energy OK? Do you feel like she is getting full when you feed her? Every child is different. You are with her and know her better than any nurse or statistican. Do what is best for her and you (whatever that may be) and let go of the guilt. If you truly believe she is fine, then keep doing what you are doing. Listen to Ember and to yourself and trust that.
  23 hours ago · · 2
- Agreed. Mama knows best. I know people who had smaller babes and supplemented and it certainly didn't make them fly up on the growth chart. Breastmilk is soooooo good for them.
  23 hours ago · · 1
- I would say supplement because our bodies do change...maybe just a bottle a day....I couldn't nurse my kids because I didn't actually produce...and, my boys are fine. Whatever you decide, It will be the right decision:)
  23 hours ago · · 1
- Michelle Baldwin She's a happy little girl who sleeps well and eats frequently. Recently I've been pumping before I go to bed and feeding her that expressed milk the following evening before she goes down for the night. So far this has been working for both of us but I feel the pressure to "plump her up"!!
  23 hours ago ·
- You have done this three times. Do whatever you feel is best:) she will be fabulous. I know N was always high in that percentile and then one visit his height went through the roof and so naturally it looked as though his weight was slowing down. Next visit, high on weight again. :)
  22 hours ago · · 1
- Michelle.....I am a midwife and well aware of these 'charts'.....please ignore.....if Ember is content, alert and sleeps/settles well then nothing to worry about. An underweight baby is not just skinny!!!!!!! She would be lethargic if not getting enough. These jolly charts don't measure genetics at the same time so every baby is plotted the same way regardless if their mother and father are 5ft or 6ft or 7stone or 16stone......nonsense....
  
  22 hours ago · · 3
- Sorry wasn't finished my rant......do not let this upset you....makes me so mad! Keep up your feeding routine as it is. My middle baba Shannon was such a fine wee thing.....her head was so small she was wearing 3-6 months hats at 18months but I wouldn't listen to them tell me she was getting enough when she slept 8 hours and smiled and giggled at me most of the day. Keep up the good work!!!!!!! xxxx
  22 hours ago · · 2
- Teaghan was 9lbs 5oz at birth and wasn't gaining according to "stats" so I did supp with formula - and I probably jumped the gun cause even with the formula she didn't gain as she "should" have. I wish I waited it out longer...
  22 hours ago · · 1
- Michelle Baldwin Thanks, Claire and everyone else...I feel much better now!!
  22 hours ago · · 4
- Yes dont put any emphasis on the growth charts. I think all they do is make moms stress if your baby is in low percentiles. Zephyr is very low on the charts for weight but he is healthy, very happy and sleeps very well at night. The dr has said there is not a thing wrong with him. I am not paying attention to where he plots on the chart. I know he is doing fantastic.
  22 hours ago · · 1
- Michelle you are doing a fantastic job and like you said Ember is happy, sleeps well and eats frequently. Just keep up your great work with your kids :)
  22 hours ago · · 1
- Liv was in the 5% for weight and 95% for height for her first few years. She is still tiny but 100% healthy. She is 7 now and evened out. I don't think there are any wrong answers ... Go with your gut. Oh and we didn't supplement :)
  22 hours ago · · 1
- Ember is an individual and shouldn't be made to fit into "their" collective inanimate data!!!! Ignore "them"
  22 hours ago · · 5
- I am sure you know this but just in case. . . If she is eating frequently, make sure she feeds long enough that she is getting the hind milk and not just the foremilk. You could consider a b/f conultation just to make sure she is eating enough, but still, I think if she seems content and alert then those are the more important measures. Funny, I don't think they have charts for that! ;-)
  22 hours ago · · 1
- Ack!! This makes me so sad (and angry) Michelle! First off the growth charts commonly used are outdated and based on formula feeding - BIG difference from the growth of a breastfeeding baby. The amount of crucial information parents need from the doctors/health nurses is so out of date, and the continuing education is close to nil. Feed Ember on demand, when SHE wants it and know that at 3 months, that still can mean a lot. And so it should, she is rapidly growing and developing and the best way for that to happen in on-demand feeding. So many things give us mother guilt and unfortunately professional bodies really lay it on thick! I got a complete "talking to" from a health nurse with Asha as she was on the lower side of the weight and high on the side of the length. I questioned her on everything she put in front of me and she said you are right, the chart is out of date and it is based on formula fed babies and yes she is an INDIVIDUAL so is not the same as all other babies. "But you should still get her weight up"... OMG!! - they are so conditioned to think a certain way and have no idea what the heck they are talking about! All children are different and UNIQUE and you cannot put them all in the same category. I would strongly consider you research formula supplementation before giving it - you have perfect milk designed by YOU especially for Ember and her needs at each step of her development. Don't ever doubt this my dear! Sorry about the rant but this misinformation is one thing that really gets my blood boiling. xo
  
  22 hours ago · · 4
- Michelle Baldwin I think from the minute we conceive, we are guilty of something...it's a hard road being a mom...we are judged and advised at every corner. Thanks for all the encouragement, really and truly, it means so much!!
  22 hours ago · · 2
- Follow your mommy instincts...I second the others who have said you know best!! And if you truly are worried about supply, feed or pump more and your body will automatically start to increase milk production. The more you supplement, the less your baby will feed and then the less milk your body will make, it's a vicious cycle!
  22 hours ago · · 2
- Yes Michelle, "Mother Guilt" is huge and real - I always try and go back to nature and my instincts where my mothering is concerned and can safely say I sleep well at night knowing I have made my choices based on informed knowledge, not fear-based information. You are an AMAZING Mama!!
  21 hours ago · · 1
- If they're healthy you have nothing to worry about somebody has to be in the 3rd percentile:) Don't sweat it.
  21 hours ago · · 4
- Ashwin was 3rd percentile to, now he's fine. I wouldn't worry about it, genetics also plays a role... U r pretty small and so were your other babies. As long as you know she's happy and healthy. How old is she now?
  21 hours ago · · 1
- Hey!! We so were there with Nina too! She was "underweight" for well over 12 months, but as long as she continued to gain weight and was following her own growth curve all was well. Its when they start to lose that its a concern. Mothers milk is best!!! We did see a pediatrician when she was just under 12 months to rule out any possible health reasons as to why she was so little but nothing came out of that. I hear you on the guilt but..... we were reassured when she was meeting all her developmental milestones and continued to grow at her own rate!! Follow your heart on this one : )
  
  21 hours ago · · 2
- ‎Monisha, she's 4 months now. She weighs 10lbs 9oz and is 24.5 inches.
  21 hours ago ·
- Fully agreeing with the Mama's above! Screw those charts! Your body is feeding your babe just fine. Keep it up with a guilt free conscience. When she's all grown up and big and strong, you'll laugh at that nurse's comment ;)
  21 hours ago · · 3
- Ember started out just a little peanut so as long as she is gaining wait and thriving I wouldn't worry about supplementing. She will catch up especially when she starts solids. I also wouldn't feel guilty either though if you do decide to do formula. You have to do what you are comfortable with. This is your third baby. You are a good mom and you know what you are doing. :)
  21 hours ago · · 2
- Just be cautious about relying on pumping too often as nothing beats increasing the milk production like Ember and her suck! A pump generally does not remove or stimulate the same way as a baby does. And just seeing a few ounces come out can be disheartening for a lot of mum's whereas a baby will pull out a lot more and generally know when one breast is empty (and it's time to switch), or when they have had enough. You (not saying "you" specifically) may also be trying to get the entire bottle into baby without even knowing if he/she has already had enough. The more we rely on external gadgets (and I am not referring to extreme cases, only typical ones - because yes, there are times that these are an absolute necessity) to "up" the milk, the more we move away from full potential milk production made by the baby. Make sure you are resting enough, asking for help, eating enough calories and drinking plenty of water, limit caffeine (as it is dehydrating). You can also try the Weleda Nursing Tea (health food shop or online), is amazing at giving you a boost!
  
  21 hours ago · · 1
- Michelle Baldwin Nothing like the company of amazing, encouraging women friends to keep a woman strong!! Thank you all so very much!!!!
  21 hours ago · · 5
- I spent a good majority of O's first year worried because she was "underweight" said Dr's. Have you seen my babies cheeks?! I understand your worry, it's hard not too especially when it comes to health. But if she's breastfed that's the best thing for her :)
  19 hours ago · · 1
- BTW. Such awesome advice you have recieved! I fully agree with all of it. Another thing to add, i heard oatmeal increases milk supply which I never had an issue with but when I started eating it for breakfast everyday , O started gaining more :)
  19 hours ago · · 1
- aww.. sorry for your hard day. Ember is just a petite little princess. You are an awesome mom! Don't worry..everything will turn out ok. hugs
  16 hours ago · · 1
- Well soon u can start feeding her cereal..even now u can mix a lil rice cereal in breast milk, like 2 tsp a day, maybe that will help
  16 hours ago · · 1
- Michelle Baldwin Yes, Monisha, that's in the back of my mind too...she isn't far away from solid food feeding...6 weeks from now, this will be a non-issue.
  16 hours ago ·
- Agreed with all. Ignore the charts.....and yr instincts kno best. I went thru all that with tegg. Drove me nuts until yu decided yr baby is Just small n perfectly healthy & happy!!:). Denn isn't rockn the charts either, n I'm not supplementing at all yet!
  8 hours ago ·
- The Dr's 'growth charts' are all based on bottle fed babies, and most bottle fed babies get bigger quicker then breast fed ones(as a general rule). Don't worry one hair about your lil bean, she sounds like she's thriving perfectly, and you are doing a fantastic job of keeping her that way!
  6 hours ago ·
- Don't feel guilty! As long as she's healthy, trust yourself. Some babies are just more long and lean than others.
  5 hours ago ·
- My girls were off the charts early, and have always been small, my dr. Always said as long as there was some sort of gain it was fine. Annika is almost 5 and is 27lbs. And Falynn is 28 months and is only 21 lbs.
  4 hours ago ·
- Don't worry. One of my 4 kids was below the 5th percentile for weight and height the first year and needed to be weighed every month to make sure she was gaining. She was small but caught up later. Another one of mine was over the 100 percentile for weight and height and both of them were just breast fed. They're all different. One is still small and the other is tall. Not to worry. :)
  3 hours ago ·
- Actually this is a huge misrepresentation of a growth chart. Pediatricians use growth charts to measure babies over a period of time to allow them to identify issues that may be going on i.e. failure to thrive. Where Ember fits in is not the issue, if there is an issue it is measured many times over a period of time ( a year) and as long as she maintains her percentage or increases within a reasonable limit, then the actual percentage does not matter at all. So if you have a baby that is developing appropriately then you shouldn't really even worry yourself with a growth chart "number". Our society has such a need to see where our children "fit" in, that many numbers are misrepresented and the general public does not realize this!
  I wouldn't concern yourself at all with this number!
  
  2 hours ago ·

I'm still receiving comments: Here's the latest:

awww, guilt and motherhood go hand in hand doesn't it and it's so hard. as a public health nurse i feel really bad for you that she made you feel so bad. i agree with what everyone else has said that you need to trust your instincts, you know your baby best. there is nothing wrong with being in the 3rd percentile as long as she has always been there or somewhere near there and has been gaining somewhat consistently. i do have to disagree with some in that the charts have just very recently been updated by WHO and are now based on breastfed children but in agreement with julie above, it's all about looking at trends overtime and again, there is nothing wrong with 3rd percentile. if YOUR instincts tell you that she does need a little more i would try increasing supply with blessed thistle and fenugreek supps. for yourself or find a nice nursing tea. i'm sure you know about hind milk and i will stop there. i'm sure you are doing all the right things. and remember......YOU'RE AWESOME!!!!

2 hours ago ·

It was awesome. Tell me that's not some of the most encouraging words I could have ever received?!

No doubt there is a huge number of moms riddled with guilt out there who start their little babies on formula so that everyone they talk to doesn't make them feel guilty about their weight.

Then there's the guilt from starting formula to begin with.

I joined a Facebook group shortly after called "Mothers of Skinny Breastfed Babies". If you have one of these babies, you'll have to request an invite, but I was signed up and commenting within a few hours! Amanda was ON IT!

Ahhh, motherhood...it truly has it's ups and downs...

Victories and challenges, satisfaction and disappointments.

To follow up with my appointment with the health unit, I dashed out and bought

3 cases of formula. Only to return it all today.

Did that ever feel good.

Have you had similar challenges??

How did you deal with the (unnecessary) guilt?

Here are all my SKINNY BREASTFED BABIES!

From left-right: Gavin at 4 months (2007), Cole at 1 month (2009), Ember at approx 3 months (2011).

If that's not genetics, I'm not sure what it is!!

My tiny 6lb 4oz 18 inch baby...

DISCLAIMER: This is in no way meant to generalize that nurses don't know what they're talking about or promote the idea that the Canadian health system sucks or nurses suck or whatever can be misconstrued into such nonsense like that. As you have seen as well, many people in the healthcare profession commented on my status and gave real, educated and above all, compassionate information.

I would not be in the happy place I am today without the care of many nurses from BC Women's and Children's hospital where I gave birth to all 3 children, and the nurses from Peach Arch hospital who have helped me through my own treatments pre and postpartum.

I thank you for a job well done.

Sharing at Barla Banana

{Happy New Year!}

2011-12-31T12:12:00.000-08:00

What are you doing New Year's Eve??

Sadly, my new year's eve will be far from exciting this year with hubby on night shift...!

He's probably going to have some night "putting out fires" of one kind or another.

(he works for the fire dept :)

The day (or night) will come when we will get all dolled up and go out for New Year's Eve,

toast and smooch at midnight like you see in the movies...

Why is it that our ideas of what a certain time or place in our future will look like, are never quite as magical in real life??!

However, a girl can dream right?!
Let's just suppose I were heading out on the town tonight! Here's an outfit I might wear...I'm not a jewelry person, but I added a couple of pieces just because!

New Year's Eve 2011 by b3michelle featuring crystal rings

Alice Olivia strapless cocktail dress

$805 - mytheresa.com

Andrew gn

$2,859 - boutique1.com

Wolford sheer tight

$62 - net-a-porter.com

Manolo Blahnik satin high heels

$1,295 - bergdorfgoodman.com

Jeweled clutch

forevernew.com.au

H M braided jewelry

£5.99 - hm.com

Marc by Marc Jacobs crystal ring

$130 - net-a-porter.com

ASOS hair accessory

$15 - asos.com

My style is feminine with a little edge. I love experimenting with color and textures, all while

keeping a general underlying theme.

I love chiffon in an evening dress, and I find it probably the most flattering for me, as is the empire waistline. I have a small waist and ample hips, so this style suits me best!

Comfort also play a huge part, and so if a dress is a bit on the short side, wearing quirky tights seems to take the obvious mom-thinkin'-she's-young-look away.

I've never liked to wear coats or jackets over top of an evening dress because it feels like you're hiding the present with too much wrapping!

Thanks to the person who thought up the shrug!

Anyway, too much dreaming...I think I may have some chocolate I can gnaw on to take the sting away from this blistering reality that this new year's eve will be spent at home folding laundry!! Haha!

I'll leave you with this adorable song by the talented Zooey Deschanel and the equally talented
Joseph Gordon-Levitt...

Happy New Year!!

Best wishes for a wonderful 2012!!

{Handmade Stockings, A Merry Christmas message.}

2011-12-23T23:21:00.000-08:00

Jut popping in to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!

I've been busy launching Barla Banana Boutique and it's blog and haven't been putting a lot of time into my personal blog...life carries on so quickly when you're having fun!

Remember how I said I wanted to sew Ember a stocking for Christmas? Well, I did just that and in the process, realized that the one I had for Cole was embarrassingly terrible...so I fixed his, too!

Having put a little more effort into the two youngest, I began to feel bad for Gavin, whose stocking I had made for him for his first Christmas. It was great, except after fully lining Ember and Cole's, Gavin's felt a little flimsy! So to make it more sturdy, I fully lined it as well.

So left to right, Gavin's is the green stocking with the snowman wearing a striped hat. Ember's is the red and white striped one, only I ended up adding a star using the same fabric as the outside of Cole's (of which I lined Gavin's with too!). All are upcycled, Ember's and Cole's are lined with the sleeve of knit sweaters and Gavin's was a cloth napkin!

You can see on the close-up of the snowman top left that it's hat is a baby sock...as is the hat on the green stocking snowman, it's just not as obvious. I guess I have a bit of a baby sock theme

going on this year!!

When Ember and I had our second visit for Roots of Empathy a couple weeks back, the children asked me to take a photo of Ember in her stocking...I never even thought of it...but what a great idea...This is the only Christmas in her life where she'll be able to do that!! When I put her in and was taking photos, Gavin called her the Christmas Mermaid!

After I had made Ember's stocking, I decided it would be nice to have all the kids' stockings to somehow have a common theme. I chose snowmen for the boys and a star for Ember. I have slowly collected stars each Christmas...I guess people gravitate to a certain symbol of Christmas, and mine is a star...with a side of snowmen!! :)

Apart from the boys having snowmen on theirs, each one of them has the turquoise velvet used in or on their stockings. It's from an old piece of fabric I found at the thrift store thinking I would recover a chair in it...it's plush, soft and eye-catching. The fabric of Ember's is the same fabric I used to

make this dress..the one I wore for maternity photos...special meaning. I love how it all looks when they hang together...having coordinating stockings means it looks like less of a gobble-dee-goop

of colors and styles.

(I'm sorta known for having more of an eclectic mix...which, I'm learning, can sometimes look quirky and cool, or just plain bad!!)

So I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and send my love to you and your family...wherever and however you are spending the holidays...!

{Giveaways for the 12 days of Christmas @ Barla Banana!}

2011-11-30T19:44:00.001-08:00

I have been neglecting this blog for a while since we have been launching Barla Banana!

We've already given away plenty of amazing things...

The first day, we gave away a fabulous Ju-Ju-Be diaper bag...

We are giving away a pair of See Kai Run shoes tomorrow, so I suggest you bookmark the page to get in on this chance!!

Ju-Ju-Be

On the first day of Christmas giveaways, Trish took this Ju-Ju-Berry squares BeHip diaper bag away!

Noodle & Boo

On the second day of Christmas giveaways, Julie pocketed this set!

Tomorrow, one lucky person will be able to choose a pair of shoes based on availability!!

See Kai Run

Make sure you don't miss out!!

*Contest open to Canadian residents only*

{Red Christmas. Simple Scandinavian Style.}

2011-11-22T23:47:00.001-08:00

Red has always been a very predominant color in Scandinavian design. In fact, everything from interiors to the flags that represent the Scandinavian countries have a strong red influence.

I have been collecting Christmassy images on pinterest and have been surprised at how much red is in my "Holiday Magic" board. Red and stars, of course!

I am drawn to natural elements like wood planks and tree limbs.

Rustic furniture appeals to me, and makes me feel a warm, comfortable and
homey feeling.

Lisa Wohnen & Dekorieren

Textiles like sheepskins, wool blankets, linen and starched cotton is very nostalgic for me.

Period living

Baskets, wicker and barrel planters remind me of my childhood. My mom had a love for

natural elements as well. Wicker was kinda the "thing" back then.

House and Home

This daybed is a throw-back to the "good old days" for me, as is the wool tartan blanket. I still can remember the smell of my parent's wool blankets while we huddled up to the wood-burning fire...remember those?? :)

DIY

The decorations are being kept very simple this year...I do feel like I have a bad habit of overdoing it

a touch when I get passionate about something. And I can admit that Christmas is one of those times...

Restyled Home

My kids have a tiny Christmas tree that they have adorned in small wooden ornaments like these.

They are more or less impossible to break, which is the main concern!

Pretty sure the tree will be dismantled an redecorated several times between now and Christmas!

Skimbaco

Samantha Luck

Swedishop

The Nordic prints are around again this year, and I have deepened my love for them even still!

These sweater hearts are practically more adorable than I can handle!!

Ravenhill

The Heart Tree

And then there's the trees...

House and Home

Restyled Home

apartment therapy

Look at those doilies! I am in love with this romantic little tree! Imagine this in a little girl's room?!

flickr

flickr

And for whatever reason, I'm super into the traditional red, green and gold color combos for gift wrap this year!!

Country Living

Period Living

Oh, if that doesn't get you in the mood...not sure what will!!
What are your colors this year? What look are you loving?

Happy Thursday!

{Colorful Christmas. Baby Sock Advent Calendar. DIY.}

2011-11-18T15:41:00.001-08:00

In my mind, making an advent calendar would be reasonably simple but a tad time consuming...

I rationalized that sewing 50 tiny stockings or stars or snowmen was probably more than my time allowed!

It crossed my mind to visit the thrift store and buy up random children's socks...
you know I'm an advocate for up-cycling and reducing waste by reusing...

However, I soon realized that I could remove 25 pairs of my kids socks and still have

enough in rotation to last 3 weeks!!

Hmmm, reduce, huh!?

Since when do kids need 50 pairs of socks!?

So the "Elf" did this one day when Gavin was in preschool! :)

And he also put one up for Cole on the dining room mirror!

I actually didn't have to buy a single thing (except for the chocolates to fill them with) as I had

everything I needed right here at home.

I spent what felt like 5 hours writing out numbers in tiny circles and cutting them all out, then gluing them onto each clothespin (remember I did 2 advents...50 numbers!) Apparently you can buy number stickers (brilliant) or I'm sure you could find number printouts or do them yourself on the computer. Had I thought of this even in the first hour of my task, I might have thought myself brilliant. Alas...

I found a few little pieces to decorate the house the other night at none other than Home Sense.

The weathered star, the mirrored lantern, and the two cushions (one is an $80 cushion I've seen at Pottery Barn, and the other reminds me of anthropologie).

I love stars in decor, I'm not sure why!

Not only just for Christmas, either.

Do you see our mosaic tile hearth too?? Hubby just finished that about a month ago when we put in our new fireplace...it's only been four years without a hearth...or a fireplace, for that matter!

But i'm glad we waited so long to do it right. I love it!

The red lantern is from IKEA and the red snowflake on the mirror is actually

a felted placemat from Bed, Bath & Beyond.

Great bang for your buck!

So, in case you feel like making your little ones a sock advent, here's are some tips and a quick DIY.

If you have one child, you'll only need 13 pairs of socks if you want to do the whole 25. Some people only do 24, I'm assuming because it's like counting "how many sleeps".

I figure the socks can go back into the sock drawer at the end of each day anyway, so it's no big deal.

Step 1: Collect supplies. You'll need: scissors, twine, measuring tape,

clothes pegs, push pins (or small nails, depending on how you want to secure the line)

Step 2: Collect all the socks in colors that go well together. I chose Christmassy colors, but anything goes! Measure 6ft of twine and secure both ends on a flat surface.

Step 3: Line the socks up in the order you want to place them. I did somewhat of a pattern so to spread out the colors.

Step 4: Because I was doing two lines, I used one sock of each pair on each line.

Clip them with the clothes pegs. I hung one line across the mantle making little knots in the ends

and wedging the twine in the space between the brick and the mantle. You could use pushpins or small nails to secure it onto the edges of the mantle if my way doesn't work for your fireplace. I am cognizant that not everyone has the pleasure of having a '70's brick and wood mantle fireplace :)

The numbers:

These aren't really steps because you can do the numbers in an easier way if you wish.

I traced out 50 circles then wrote 1-25 twice.

I then cut them all out. I wish I had an elf to do this for me!

They were then glued onto the clothes pegs using a regular school glue stick.

Voila!! My kids might actually need an advent for their advent because they keep asking how

many sleeps until the elf comes back to put the treats in the mini stockings!! :)

**They've also been wanting to make lists to send to Santa...my mom showed them "The Wish Book."
I found Smallable this week, and kinda want this as our wish book!**

Hope you are having fun decorating your little winter wonderland!

tickled pink, beyond the picket fence, shabby nest,

young and crafty, be different act normal,

family ever after, home for the holidays,

{Wednesday weigh-in. Entitlement.}

2011-11-15T20:19:00.001-08:00

We've been running into some undesirable behaviour at our house lately.

We use Santa's elves as a way of preventing escalations...even though I don't have the Elf on the Shelf,

we have told the boys that we can call Santa's elves on the phone and that they can see

what the kids are up to and report back to him.

I can't say it's working yet.

It all started a couple of weeks back when Gavin suddenly had this idea he wanted

a spotting scope (thanks, Diego) and a pair of binoculars because he'd seen some high tech ones at the photo shop. I was able to persuade him away from those ones and told him that one night we could go out, just him and I, to find binoculars and a spotting scope.

A few days went by and he held me to my promise and we headed out in search of items.

We found the binoculars and a small kaleidoscope. I told him the kaleidoscope was not what he originally wanted and that we'd find a spotting scope another day (after going to three different places looking).

Ultimately, this ended in a rather embarrassing incident involving me dragging him by the arm out of a shop

while he screamed and cried and I foolishly tried to appease him by buying a huge bag of

discounted Halloween candy at Purdy's (Ya, 'cause that's exactly what he needs!).

He still cried about the kaleidoscope and attempted to guilt me by announcing,"You PROMISED me; it's not FAIR!"

Later that night, I did a huge amount of reflecting and felt scared that I (and my husband) had created an attitude of entitlement in our child. What sounded like a fun, bonding mother-son activity of going on a hunt for special items, turned into a frustrating disaster for me. I felt so disappointed.

Granted, this is talking about college students and recent graduates, I think the idea still applies. It all has to start somewhere:

"The entitlement mindset didn’t come from nowhere. It came from us. It came from a generation of adults who believed that kids should never be allowed to fail, or told the truth about their abilities, or learn that getting what you want is sometimes hard."

-Margaret Wente, Inside the Entitlement Generation, Globe and Mail

It was because of this that I have decided to buckle down and hope our children can learn what it means

to earn their rewards. The next day Gavin and I sat down and talked about all the things he could do in our house to contribute and how he can start earning stickers for each task. At the end of 10 stickers, he can choose a prize. I made stars out of construction paper with simple instructions and drawings to help remind the kids about these tasks. Each one is placed in the area where the task should take place.

So far he is excited about this prospect and even whisked his cousin around to all the star points today to show him what he can do to gain stickers on his chart.

Now that he's four, I feel like he understands consequences. Before this, I was unsuccessful with sticker charts or reward systems with him. Go figure! I'm only a behavioral therapist by occupation!!

What are some other ideas you have tried? I'd love to hear success stories and how they came to be!

And now to check the specs on me!

Baseline: Nov. 2, 2011

Michelle B

9 weeks PP

152.3

130 by Maui, 125 final

Last week:

Nov 10, 2011

10 weeks PP

149.1

goal: 130 by February

Total lost: 3.2

This week:

Nov 16, 2011

11 weeks PP
148.1

goal: 130 by Feb

Total lost: 4.2

{12 days of Christmas. Barla Banana Giveaways.}

2011-11-10T11:42:00.001-08:00

Is it Christmas yet?!

At our house, Christmas starts early. Usually the tree is up, the stockings are hung and the carols are playing by November 25th. (A month in advance isn't too early, right?!)

This momma switches into squirrel mode and I start making huge batches of chicken soup and freezing

large stocks of pre-made meals. This is the "winter-me". I am not even close to that organized in the summer

or during the warmer months. Strong animal instincts or something!

This year I'd like to get my act together and make a little advent for my kids (I love this one). I think they are at the perfect age where they love the element of surprise and they still believe that elves can report back to Santa about their behavior. Planning to capitalize on this!!

Christmas 2010

So, let's get to the main event!!

Think of this as your little 12 days of Christmas Advent!!

Barla Banana Boutique is set to launch on November 28th...In celebration of this, we will be hosting daily giveaways for 12 days of each of the lines B3 is carrying!!

We're feeling a little "giving" this season...

Here are the lines we will be highlighting and giving from:

Ergo

Petunia Pickle Bottom

Knuckleheads/Hula Mula

Ringley

Fine print: Each day a winner will be selected and announced in the following day's post.

A new product will be available each new day.

You may comment one time per day to increase your chances.

You may only win once.

Winners must fill the daily criteria outlined...

And that's it!

Not only are the items fantastic for gift-giving this season, they would also be a nice gift to yourself! :)

If you're anything like me, you stuff your own stocking!! ;)

PS. There is a very exclusive gift with purchase announcement coming soon...!

{Wednesday weigh-in. Chicken pox lollipops.}

2011-11-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

It's been a week of watching what Ive been putting into my mouth.

I have to say, it wasn't until Monday that I really started to feel like I wanted to stuff my face with carbs, sugar and fat, and by Wednesday, I was ready to pull the plug completely!

On the weekend, I started to notice how much my family unconsciously snacks on unhealthy foods.

A tiny bite here, a full bowl there.

It all adds up.
I allowed myself a "cheat day" on Saturday, and enjoyed several eggnog lattes!! (ahh, the holidays...It's going to be hard to say no to all that deliciousness, but by having planned cheat days, I feel like it's just a mind thing, and have been pretty good about knowing my cheat day is coming.)

The G.I. diet is not intended to make you feel like you are on a diet. You arent supposed to starve.

It's just a matter of replacing certain foods for other healthier choices.

I can say I have been accustomed to rolling up a cup of fresh spinach and devouring it while the fridge door stays open. The veggie slash green leafy intake must triple.

In order to fill that, I do what I can to make it work for me!!

So, drum roll please.....

Did that make a difference this week?

My specs last week :
Nov. 2, 2011
Michelle B
9 weeks PP
152.3
130 by Maui, 125 final
0

This week:
Nov 10, 2011
10 weeks PP
149.1
goal: 130 by February
Total lost: 3.2

YAY!

What do you think about this??

Chicken pox lollipops

we heart it

I was reading on the Canadian Family website and came across this...

It was reported that parents in the states who have opted not to vaccinate their children

were turning to facebook to find tainted lollipops, q-tips and other spit-covered items to expose their children to the virus.

A woman in Tennessee was offering such items available to ship "tomorrow" for fifty dollars payable through paypal.

Without getting into the legalities and elements of danger this poses to innocent, otherwise healthy children, what do you think about it?

Did you or are you planning to vaccinate?
Do you think this is a crazy idea, or do you think this lady is on to something?

(Read the full story at The Associated Press)

{Roots of Empathy.}

2011-11-05T18:31:00.000-07:00

Before I had Ember, I decided it would be nice to do something special with her during her first year.

I'm not the mom who signed her kids up for every mom-and-baby class and as much as

I reasoned with myself that it was because I wanted to spend time ALONE with my baby, that

didn't usually happen!

Knowing this will be my last baby (let's hope!:), I wanted to do something memorable for Ember's first year of life such as a music class, baby sign, or involve her in her community somehow.

In classic Michelle-style, I didn't make the cutoff for a fall community class. Too slow, Joe!

However, here's where the story gets interesting!

Because I am an employee of the school board, I still have access to the school district webmail and all the goings on at my past school. I was perusing the internal emails one day when I saw a shout-out for a baby; the Child Care Worker from the school needed a two month old infant to run a program called

Roots of Empathy.

Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program established in 1996, which has shown a significant effect on lowering levels of aggression in school-aged children, while increasing social and emotional competence and fostering the development of empathy.

Of course, children have always been at the heart of everything I have done and accomplished in life.

What better way for me to give back to a community that has given me so much?! And by community, I mean the school, the teachers, the children and their families.

When I contacted the CCW, she gave me a run-down of the program, what was required of me and what Ember would be doing as well.

WHAT IS EMPATHY?

Empathy is the ability to identify with another person's feelings. The ability to see and feel things as others see and feel them is central to competent parenting and successful social relationships in all stages of life.

When reading through the information pamphlet that I was given to review, I was overcome with emotion at what some of the children from past experiences with the ROE program wrote to the child they had seen grow and develop throughout the year.

"I wish that Madelyn would smile forever and never stop smiling. Her smile would cheer up the world." (Grade 6 student)

"I wish that Jade will be loved and stay safe." (Grade 3 student)

"Courtney, here's my wish for you: Forgive your own mistakes." (Grade 4 student)

Profound, isn't it.

When I walked into the school, what I noticed right away was that there had been much preparation done for us to be there.

The room was set up and there were toys out for Ember. I was so overwhelmed by this opportunity that I didn't even notice the error on the board! Do you see it?!

The children came in (a grade 7 class) and sang a song as each one was able to touch Ember's bare feet. She faced them, they looked into her eyes, and she responded by cooing, smiling and retracting her tiny feet in a ticklish manner. It was a precious moment I will never forget.

The children loved her even before they met her, I could feel that. They already knew so much about child development and I felt myself feeling like "I should know this" when they asked questions about her reflexes and neck control!

One comment stuck with me so much, from a boy who said, "I just can't stop looking and looking at her, she's so cute!"

They observed three key ideas:

-Attunement (between mother and child)

-Temperament

-Emotions

I was asked to sing her a lullaby that I normally sing to her, as she fell asleep in my arms near the end of the session. Even though I was warned I might have to do this performance, I didn't expect it to be on the first visit!!

I stuck to the classic "You are my Sunshine". I'm certain it was a woeful rendition, nevertheless, when I thought more deeply about the words later, a surprisingly huge lump came to my throat and I became all misty-eyed!

Our next visit will happen in a month's time and I am already looking forward to that short 45 minutes! There will be nine visits in total during the school year.

For me, it was such a bonding moment with Ember.

"You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are grey.

You'll never know dear, how much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away.

The other night, dear, as I lay sleeping

I dreamed I held you in my arms.

But when I woke dear, I was mistaken

And I hung my head and I cried.

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

You make me happy when skies are grey.

You'll never know dear, how much I love you.

Please don't take my sunshine away."

{Gabrielle. 1 year. An update.}

2011-11-03T14:29:00.000-07:00

Gabrielle turned one last month, and with all the craziness of life, I am just getting up to speed now to give you a little update on her.

She has touched the lives of many people and has brought hope and inspiration to our family and beyond.

Gabrielle had a stem-cell transplant in the spring and lives with i-cell disease each and every day. Each and every time I see her, she is a happy, contented little darling.

Amy, my sister-in-law holding Gabrielle at her first birthday celebration

She plays quietly with her toys, her hands are gentle and soft.

She looks around the room and responds to every person who talks to her. Interactions with her are reciprocal. There is so much life in Gabrielle.

Gabrielle's birthday at Canuck Place via here

When she vocalizes, her voice is pure and precious.

She has been likened to an angel.

She has brought joy no heart can know but the hearts of her strong, amazing and advocating parents.

The family is enjoying another stay at Canuck Place this week. If you'd like to learn more about this amazing resource for families and children like Gabrielle, please go here.

Happy birthday, sweet girl!

xoxo

{Barla Banana Boutique. B3. The blog. And a little office.}

2011-11-03T14:27:00.000-07:00

Guess what Canadian moms?!

There's a new online store opening very soon!

It's called Barla Banana Boutique or B3.

This is exciting on so many levels!!

It the first Canadian "e-tailer" to carry the full line of JuJuBe products!

The website is not yet live, but when it is up and running, I will be blogging over there!
(Estimated to be up sometime in November-stay tuned for updates!!)

That's kinda why I linked the Knuckleheads coats and Ergo carrier in my earlier post. These two lines will also be available in shop, among many other top-of-the-line children's accessories, clothing items and specialties! (a full list available soon)

Not that I need an excuse to redecorate, but because of my new duties, I felt it completely necessary to
have a proper "office".

In a weekend I whipped together a corner office complete with a recovered antique chair, floating shelves,
a pine grey-washed workstation and freshly painted walls.
Hey, if you want something done around here, I'm your girl.

My work is cut out for me, for sure, to include relevant mom and baby content,

some product reviews, give-aways and guest posting.

There is the hope that it will be an interactive blog and website where super-cool Canadian moms
can network, share stories, crafts, DIY's, photos and whatever else is on the horizon.

My office cost me next to nothing to put together.
I did a quick run to Ikea for the floating shelves (a must-have!) and the white shag rug.
The chair was one I had bought off craigslist in a set of six. Each one of them ended up in a different place; with a desk, out on the curb and this was the last one under a pile of rubble in our storage room!

To be honest, it was destined for the curb as well, as it had excessive water damage on the back rest.
I ended up just foaming it and covering it up!
I spray primed it to cover up the ghastly dark brown that it was with a product called KILZ that I was told about by my good friend Natalie. Why, that's something I wish I'd known about a loooong time ago!
Then I distressed it a little because, if you must know, I didn't want to spend a lot of time on it and
my spray job was terrible. Distressing it helped to cover that up!

I bought three 6 foot by 10 inch pine planks at Home Depot, cut them to length then stained and

grey-washed them. I LOVE the color they turned out!!

So instead of blogging on the armrest of the sofa, I actually have an office! Wow!
How fun is that??!

Some of my friends wondered how on earth I had the time to do this with a 7 week old baby and
two big boys to look after. Well, I guess when design and redesign is your hobby, it's like anyone else who finds time for their own hobby!

Having a husband who works night shifts also "helps", as weird as that may sound. I run a tight ship on the nights he's away, have the kids in bed and dishes done by 8pm. This gives me plenty of time to get what I need done, done. Frankly, I have come to realize that I cannot afford to procrastinate with three kids either. If you have time, do it now!

Now to convince Ryan to let me dismantle the rest of the existing "basement suite" kitchen, gut the
downstairs adjoining bathroom and add a window to the back wall for some nice
natural afternoon sunlight!!

If you have any questions for me regarding the shop, the blog, or if you would like a guest posting slot, send me an email to:
michelle(at)barlabanana(dot)com

{Wednesday weigh-in.}

2011-11-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

It's an embarrassing topic. Weight.

It's sort of up there with age once you're past, say 35. In fact, probably more embarrassing than

age because at least with age there's nothing you can do about changing it.

Weight is almost always totally changeable, weight gain in adulthood (expect in pregnancy and perhaps for medical reasons), altogether preventable.

I did have a baby, that much is true, so I couldn't really do much about the weight gain.

Now that I am 9 weeks post-partum I am beginning to feel uncomfortable in my own skin and

full-length mirrors are to be avoided entirely.

I was inspired by an old high school friend on Facebook who began posting her weight weekly as

an incentive and accountability strategy for losing her baby weight. What struck me most was that I honestly couldn't care less what weight she actually was, it was more about how much she'd lost and in what space of time.

For two weeks I have been watching her status, and although two weeks doesn't seem like a long time,

it's obviously enough to make a difference! She has lost a pound a week already! Go, Tara!

In January, we have a trip to Maui all booked and a fabulous holiday waiting for us. A year ago at that time I was already 9 weeks pregnant in Maui and not feeling so hot...but then I had an "excuse"...this year I DO NOT want to fall into a place where people think I'm just about to have my fourth!!

So, this being said, I have decided to let go of my shame and put it out there.

Gutsy, I know, because all my life I have battled with my weight.

"Face your fears, Face your fears...!" I keep telling myself that...:)

I'm not the only one who has this same struggle post-partum but it seems like wherever I look, there are more of them who the weight seems to glide effortlessly off.

Not for me.

Each week, on a Wednesday, I will be posting my weight on the Barla Banana (B3) blog.
(In case you have no idea what B3 is, please read my earlier post.)

I have decided to stick to the G.I diet by Rick Gallop.

He's the past President of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario and his book "The G.I. Diet", is a New York Times Bestseller. I was tipped off about this diet by the same girl on Facebook.

This is where I need your help!

Since I am posting mine, will you post yours? If you've had a baby in the last year, and want to join me, I would love for Wednesday Weigh-in to be a place where I can be encouraged, YOU can be encouraged, and together we can fat-blast our way to a healthier, hotter Maui bod! haha!

And if you're not in this to lose weight, I plan to post about a hot topic related to parenting, or anything relevant to Canadian families. This is where you can "weigh-in" on the weekly topic.

Win-win!

I am taking a photo of myself today and will post it as a before and after when I reach my goal weight.

I'm actually not brave enough to ever post a photo of myself unedited. Sad, isn't it?

What I do know is that many diets suggest you find an inspiration photo of a body you'd like yours to look like. Thankfully, one of my pinterest friends has been posting VERY inspiring body-image and personal health photos lately.

Here are some I liked:

Sara Rue Style Watch

via pinterest

via pinterest

Ok, so the way I'd like to set this up is you list your name or screen name, whichever one you prefer.
You list your post-partum date.
You list your current weight.
You list your desired weight.
Then you list your total lost.

I hope no one takes offence to this, because I do believe that for some, losing weight is not a priority, and I respect that. What I do know, however, is my weight directly influences my mood, energy levels and
ability to feel good about myself. Backed up by research is also the fact that reduced fat stores around a woman's mid-section reduces the risk of heart disease and Type II Diabetes.

And just to clarify, I may only be posting this weekly weigh-in once or twice on this blog and then it will be moving over to the B3 blog once it is live.

So here goes! (aaaak, nervous!)

Nov. 2, 2011
Michelle B
9 weeks PP
152.3
130 by Maui, 125 final
0

via tumblr

{A little Halloween.}

2011-10-30T21:43:00.000-07:00

All Hallow's Eve.

Time to light the pumpkins we spent all night scooping out and carving into

intricate masterpieces (pppft! :)

Time to smell the sweet scent of burnt pumpkin innards and eat way too many wrapped treats

consisting of way too much high fructose corn syrup!

Time to put on the hand-made costumes (another pppft!)

and walk the streets with your next door neighbors.

Time for bobbing for apples, popcorn balls, pumpkin spice lattes and the beginning of fall attire.

Time for rainfall.

Time for leaf fall.

Time for fireplaces and outdoor lights.

Time for slippers, skating lessons, boots and hand moisturizer!

There are some fun and cozy aspects of fall, and Halloween sort of marks the beginning of thinking about

(dare I say it!?) Christmas!!

(Large photo: Cole hears an owl. He's a tad spooked :)

The boys were very indecisive about what they wanted to be this year and flip flopped

over costumes. Both are going to be wearing costumes from years gone by and

I have decided that this really isn't a big deal!

It's easy for me to slip into crazy over-the-top mom mode and want my kids to have everything new and

the best of what money can buy...

Honestly, a four year old and a two year old care most about the candy at Halloween, let's be honest.

I could barely get Cole to keep the dragon costume on and when it was on

he complained and cried the entire time!

Let's see what happens when we actually trick or treat!!!

Charlotte came over for a play and photo op, too...seriously, the cutest little ice cream cone in town!

When we dress up Ember, the boys find her oh-so-deliciously cute as I buzz her around the room.

Gavin practically devours her with hugs and kisses in her little ladybug costume!

Quickly one night, I went ahead and painted a rack of ribs on a black shirt like I'd mentioned earlier.

What? Do I look zombie enough?!

I am a huge nerd.

Happy Halloween!!!

PS. Wondering why I linked the knuckleheads and Ergo carrier in my last post?

Details coming soon...

{Pumpkin patch birthday party that wasn't. Petunia Ergo that was.}

2011-10-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

You might remember my visit to the pumpkin patch last year.

It was interesting. I hadn't made a big deal about "planning ahead" and felt smug that I had even decided to embark on such an expedition without my husband's help. Nevertheless, it was an outing I still look back on with found memories. A day where mom and the boys had a little adventure

in the muck and mire.

This year was no different in the muck and mire department, however, we did a little more planning ahead and decided the pumpkin patch would make a fantastic place to hold our youngest son's 2nd birthday party! (I'm sort of OVER hosting birthday parties at my house; you see, I have mess anxiety really badly right now, and that is the tipping point for me-another story for another time...)

In the end, 5 out of the 8 children planning to attend Cole's pumpkin patch birthday party couldn't make it! (In that count was two of ours...do that math! Only one child showed up!! The others were absent all for very good reasons, for the record ;)

Not to worry, though, we enjoyed a carefree morning at the petting zoo (sheep and goats) and had the entire farm virtually to ourselves, which we had booked ahead for.

In my first attempt at caramel apples, I had made up my mind that a cake wasn't entirely necessary seeing as 1) how was I going to safely transport an elaborate dirt bike cake to the pumpkin patch? 2) Is there no consideration that I have a newborn and a husband who works nights and maybe can't "pull off" that dirt bike cake anyhow?! and 3) Did I really want to have to deal with paper plates and plastic forks? The kids would be just as happy getting their teeth sunk into a caramel apple anyway.

The truth is, I was being a little lazy and I wasn't sure I had the energy to orchestrate all the moving parts.

Wrestling with how I was going to manage Ember at the pumpkin patch made me a little anxious too. Should I bring the stroller? What about going on the hayride...the corn-maze...the actual pumpkin patch?! I felt my armpits prickle as they do when I get anxious (weird, but true!)...then I started to sweat a little remembering my feelings about last year's visit without any of those things.

Having an "AH HAH!" moment, I shoved my new Petunia Pickle Bottom Ergo into my Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag and was off.

It was the easiest way I could have carried her! I managed to breastfeed while carrying her (using the cradle position with the infant insert). When she was all fed up and satisfied, I removed her from the insert and had her facing me with her little legs crossed slightly below her. She snuggled right in and before my boys were done at the petting zoo, she was dreaming of rainbows and unicorns!

(on Cole: Knuckleheads Canby Jacket)

(on Gavin: Knuckleheads Pippen Jacket)

We took a bumpy tractor hayride into the corn-maze and through the mucky trenches of the patch. Ember felt completely secure, snuggled in, yet not suffocated and squished like so many other carriers I have used seemed to make me worry about. Not having a thought about how comfortable she may or may not be was wonderful, allowing me time to focus on my other kids, and in particular,

the birthday boy!!

I always marvel at what he looks like in photos. He's always sporting the most serious looking little expression! The interesting thing is that Cole is so giggly and goofy!

Before Ember was born, when we were in a conundrum over names, I looked up the meanings of both our boys names late one night.

I had forgotten what they both meant.

Cole: Laughing

Gavin: Little hawk

Before you have your children, the meanings usually are just a bit curious...as you have no idea

what or who your baby will be like.

It struck me so deeply at how these two boys have encapsulated the meanings of each of their names.

The boys loved the muck! I, on the other hand, felt like each foot weighed 50 pounds and sadly had to retire my black boots a little prematurely.

I thought I'd learned my lesson in flip flops last year and wore boots. (not rubber)

RUBBER boots are essential.

The kids picked a pumpkin each and we were back to the ranch for a snack.

We decided not to sing happy birthday or make a big deal of the fact that

only Charlotte could come...Cole and Charlotte have a special bond, so he was

tickled by her being there.

Later that night, we celebrated as a family and the boys whooped and whinnied over the dirt bike cake. It won't be long before they think their mom is a super-nerd, I know, so I relish in the times they think what I do is an absolute, earth-shattering miracle!

The three pumpkins sat at attention while the other three pumpkins gobbled the cake, complete in their motorbike (Overlook Hoodie) Knuckleheads shirts!

Happy birthday to our precious Coley!

Love you, babe!

xoxo

{Cousins. 3 days apart.}

2011-10-19T21:37:00.000-07:00

I'm playing catch-up with my blog posts as I have allowed so many events to slip by without

documenting them...so next event was my trip to Edmonton with my parents and Ember.

Rowan Shea was born three days after Ember.

He was due one week earlier!

When Paul (my brother) and Shannon called us to share their news, we also shared our news!

It was a surreal moment, knowing our kids would likely be only days apart!

They live a 12 hour drive from us and Shannon and I lamented that we didn't get to see each other pregnant in the flesh, but it was a different high entirely to meet our little nephew in the flesh!

Ember proved to be a bit "fiery" that weekend while little Rowan was calm and mellow...

The height of his distress sounded like a gentle snuffling!!

Seriously, it just so happens that I caught Rowan at his absolute loudest in this video!

So cute!! Love him!!

(Let me know if the video doesn't work!)

It was precious to see them together nonetheless, and even more precious to have Grandma and Grandpa

there to see them together as well.

I know it was a proud moment for my parents.

They love nothing more than their dear grandchildren.

I don't know when we will be together again, but I hope we can pull something together for a joint

first birthday??!

Here are the two mommies...one with her first and the other with her last! (let's hope :)

{Pink. A shower for Ember.}

2011-10-18T00:09:00.000-07:00

The beginning of the pink is definitely here!

Closet and drawers brimming with the notable female hue...

I never thought I would be dressing my little girl in pink so much, but it's simply irresistible!

My good friends Julie and Tracey co-hosted a very intimate shower for Ember one evening before she reached her one month birthday! Julie's home had been decked out with tissue and yarn poms,

laces and tulle...

Everywhere I looked there was perfect pink goodness!

Ember was spoiled, and so was I. It was a special night reflecting on good friends and for what

an incredible reason we were all together.

Ember is a precious gift to our family and we are thankful she arrived!

The theme was "Sugar and Pumpkin Spice"...so fitting for my little pumpkin, not to mention this early fall we are having!

I could barely keep my hands out of the caramel corn, and Julie sent me home with this box...

To my detriment, as I clean polished it off before bed that night!

What is it with those postpartum hormones that make you go squirrely for sugar!!?

Tracey very casually whipped up this cake that I had pinned on Pinterest! Oh, no big deal right?!

Wait till you see the inside!

We enjoyed every last square inch of that layered deliciousness!

A tiny bunting reading "sweet ember" hung from a couple of skewer sticks and twine.

So adorable!

These two girls pulled off the kind of baby shower I could only have imagined!

It was perfect!

Sweet Ember she is.

{I'm still alive...thinking Halloween.}

2011-10-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hello...? Hello...?

Yes, I'm here!

It's been an agonizingly long time since I sat down to blog.

I think about it, believe me, I do. If thinking about it made it happen, I would have had a post every day since Ember arrived.

I have numerous posts waiting to be posted and plenty more in my head!

But guess what is in my head now?

Halloween.....!

Country Living

We went out to the pumpkin patch last week for Cole's 2nd birthday (photos and post of that coming, I promise) and picked out three little pumpkins for our three little pumpkins.

Gavin is determined to carve a fierce and evil face into his...he's gotten to the stage where scary is cool.

Every time we go to the bookstore, even though he's never seen Star Wars, he will pick up the Star Wars book and ask me about each and every character and whether or not they are a "mean guy".

Not that I know!

I haven't started decorating yet, as I run out of time to do all that fluffy stuff in my day.

Right now, it seems like every minute is sucked into doing the menial yet necessary everyday tasks.

Nothing more. 6am to 10pm.

Seven.days.a.week.

Pretty sure I was in my kitchen for 5 hours straight today.

However, I did have great pleasure poking around online for some ideas tonight after the kids were settled!

We have had countless discussions about what the boys want to dress up as this year and Gavin seems to think he can do a couple of costume changes throughout the night.

"First I'll be a dinosaur, then I will be a tiger."

Feeling badly that Cole was just getting hand-me-down costumes, we made a point

of going on a costume hunt...

Nevertheless, he seemed more interested in hiding in the clothing racks and sweeping the floor with the front of his shirt than about the costumes.

Hand-me-down it is!

As for me, who would have thought Halloween and Tim Burton-esque attire was high fashion for the 2011

Fall and Winter??!

All I need to do is paint a rack of ribs on a black t-shirt!

JC de CASTELBAJAC

Fashion Model Directory News

Remember when Heidi Klum was "ribbed" for wearing this shirt??! (Haha, had to!)

Well, that was back a whole year ago and now look.

pinterest via sugar pie farmhouse

Usually I can be a bit of a party pooper and not dress up.

For now, I'll focus on doing a little decorating of the house and some pumpkin carving!