Love - Multiplied

It's been a few months, but I'm linking up with Jamie again for What I Love Wednesday

1. I love that the weather lately has been more like September than November. I can barely tell that it's less than SIX weeks from Christmas. The grass is still green, and I can take the kids for walks without worrying about scarves, hats and mitts... It's wonderful!

2. I love all the little smiles that my girl has been giving me. She'll be 4 weeks old tomorrow, but she's been smiling for over a week now. This week she's started cooing, and those sounds make all the crying and sleepless nights seem like nothing.

3. I love the grammar of toddlers. My little Monkey has a way with words that makes me laugh. He said the other day that he didn't want daddy to forget his lunch. Or rather he told him to "forNOTget" it. He also told me that he didn't want to behave. He said "I want to beNOThave mommy." I'm not going to pick on it, he'll learn soon enough, and those little quirks make me laugh.

4. I love family, especially my sister and mother who I just got to spend the weekend with in Toronto. We enjoyed my sister's vollyeball tournament and her team won their first medal (Silver! Go Breakers!). We stayed at a hotel in Toronto and had fun with just the girls while my hubby spent the weekend with Monkey.

5. I love my TWO little ones. I love how they stare at each other, and I'm so glad that Monkey already adores his little sister. He says that she's a gecko (and he is either a monkey or an elephant). This morning he started calling her "Kiki" but I don't know if that's a nickname, or just a made up word.

6. Everyday I choose to love this man. And today I love that he writes me love notes and calls in the middle of the day to see how things are at home. He's really stepped up around the house now that my attention is separated between the two kids, and I don't thank him nearly enough.

Today and everyday I choose you.

~A

What I'm Loving: Nesting Edition

It's been months (not sure how many) since I posted a WILW, but I think I've been missing the weekly dose of focusing on things I'm thankful for instead of focusing on things I'd like to change.

I'm loving so many things, these are just a few:

{one}

I'm loving...

...how cute all these tiny little sleepers and onesies are! I forgot someone could be so small. I've washed all the neutral clothes we have that are any size under 6 months. We're waiting on our dresser from my parents place, and we're picking up a "moses basket" and our car seat this weekend!

{two}

I'm loving...

...the suspense of not knowing if this baby is a boy or girl! It's a little nerve-wracking, and there are a few details that really make me second-guess myself on this choice (like the birth announcement, and the 'coming home' outfit) but I think the suspense makes me excited for labour!

{three}

I'm loving...

...nap time! I'm becoming more and more doubtful that Monkey will keep up with naps in the fall, but as for these past few weeks that I've been home, naps have happened most days. I'm enjoying them as much as I can right now, and I've even had a few myself while Monkey sleeps! It's been great!

{four}

I'm loving...

...completing projects that I've had on the go for months, or even years.

I've finished 2 large crochet blankets, one that I started before Monkey was 6 months, and the other probably 18+ months ago. I've also been able to make progress on Monkey's scrapbook (which I'm sure I'll never touch again once baby #2 shows up).

I'm also really loving being able to start new projects. Today I made new crayons out of melting old broken crayons for just a couple minutes in the oven.

Here they are straight out of the oven:

And here's the final product! I love that the green ones look camouflage. I hope Monkey has lots of fun with these, and they were super easy to make, so I'm sure I'll be doing this again.

{five}

I'm loving...

...that this is the first year that nobody in our house is preparing to go back to school. It's strange for me to see the "Back to School" Sales and to know that I'm not going to need any of that stuff. At the same time, I'm thrilled that I get to spend my whole energy focusing on being a mom this year. The past almost 3 years of being a mom I've also been a full-time student, so the concept of being able to focus on only the mom side without having to think about the school or work side of life is nice for a change. (And I know my time will very quickly be filled up once there are 2 kids, not just one)

{six}

I'm loving...

...supportive family and friends. We're making a trip this weekend to go see some amazing friends, and I'm thrilled to be (a) going on vacation, and (b) seeing great people I've missed for months. (Not to mention, we need to make sure Monkey doesn't forget his betrothed...)

{seven}

I'm loving...

...my husband. Sometimes the love is easier, and sometimes I need to really focus on choosing to love, but He's mine for the rest of my life, and I'm so glad that he's in my life.

Go over to Jamie's to see what she and (many) others are thankful for today!

~A

WILW: Mom's Week!

Mother's Day to me has always been right around my mom's birthday (May 12) and since it was so early this year, I guess I got distracted and missed celebrating my own mother.

So this weekend is my planned celebration with my mom.

I'm loving so much about this weekend, and I'm just really excited it's finally so close!

I'm linking up with Jamie, so head over here and see what others are loving this week!

{one}

I'm loving the plans with my mom: Dinner at a nice restaurant, a concert, and then a girl's night out in a hotel!

We're seeing Rainer Hersch, who is a British/German comedian and conductor. I'm looking forward to having an awesome time with my mom as we enjoy his show from BOX SEATS!

{two}

I'm loving the amazing gift my mom and sister gave me of a clean kitchen/living room/Monkey's room... We were so encouraged with their help cleaning that I cleaned the bathroom, and we started organizing our bedroom...

{three}

I'm loving the job fair that's happening this afternoon, and the possibility that I might find a job!

{four}

I'm loving the plants I got last week at the farmer's market, and on mother's day. I'm Also loving the amazing sunshine we've been having, and how I've had my plants outside overnight for 3 nights now, and they're growing!

Planters, some herbs, some tomato sprouts (which all died, so I bought tomato plants), and soil.

Herbs on the left (chives, chocolate mint, lemon thyme, and parsley).

Tomato sprouts in the round green containers.

Seeds I'd like to plant on the right (it's still to early for some)

{five}

I'm loving these new jeans from Old Navy (and that I got them on clearance for $16 instead of the regular price of $42)

The last pair of maternity jeans I got (I think from Thyme Maternity) ripped last week, so I needed new ones, and these are really comfy and have a lot of room for baby to grow!

I don't think this is the exact picture, but they're dark wash, low rise, boot-cut jeans... and they're on clearance so I couldn't find them on the old navy website.

BUT if you do shop right now, orders of $50 or more have free shipping! And they always have great sales. I LOVE Old Navy.

{six}

I'm loving that we get to see our little bean this Friday! Hubby didn't get to see any ultrasounds with Monkey, so he really wanted to come to this one.

I can't believe I'm 19 weeks along already!

The baby has been moving a bit. He/She is a night hawk just like Monkey, so I can usually feel kicks before I head to bed. Hubby hasn't felt any yet, but hopefully he will soon!

{seven}

And OF COURSE I'm loving my amazing Hubby, and my cute, trouble-making Monkey...

What are you loving this week?

~A

WILW: Schools (Almost) Out Forever!

Good Morning! It's raining today, but today rain is making me happy, so in my mind, it's a very good morning.

Today is another What I Love Wednesday, linked up to Jamie... head over there for lots of other LOVE-ly things!

Today I'm loving...

{one}

... the challenge of communicating without spoken words! My poor Hubby lost his voice this morning, and can barely even whisper. To someone who works on the phones all day, your voice is your most important asset, so he's resting... but this provides quite the challenge in communication.

We're blessed that Hubby took a couple ASL (American Sign Language) courses last year, so he's quite good at signing to me... however, I'm hopeless at translating, and he's had to finger spell most of the words he's signing until I get it.

I'm sure it's a little frustrating for him, but we've also had some great laughs, and we've learned that Monkey is much quieter when we sign to him instead of speaking.

{two}

... that today is my last practical exam of my college career! We have a team exam this afternoon, for which we're creating a Greek menu of:

Chicken (and something, it's not my dish)

Orzo Pilaf with Grilled Vegetables

Olive Bread with Tzatziki

Greek cookies or doughnuts with a honey sauce.

It should be yummy, and I'm just looking forward to a fun-filled class!

{three}

... that I get to visit my family this weekend! Hubby has a course on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, so Monkey and I are heading to my parents place on Friday afternoon for a great weekend! I'm hoping to get some gardening tips from my dad since I'm trying to grow a garden this year for the first time.

{four}

... my container garden is sprouting like CRAZY! All my pots have sprouts, and my zucchini plants are a few inches high already! I've got 5 types of tomatoes, some herbs, and some peppers as well, and they're all popping up. I'm really excited about trying to grow something myself. What a great way to teach Monkey where food comes from!

{five}

... and of course, I love my two favourite guys. I was watching Hubby "read" a book this morning to Monkey, and he was signing each animal's name. Seeing the two of them together makes my heart swell.

~A

WILW: April is Here!

Good Morning! It's April!

We had to scrape off the windshield this morning because of frost, but I don't mind because there is NO SNOW on the ground, and we've had weather that's almost t-shirt worthy recently!

I'm loving many things this week, and as usual, I'm linking up to Jamie. Go on over to her blog to see what others are loving this great April day.

{one}

I love April Fools Day... I know it was last week, but I didn't share the great trick I played on my mom...

I called her up in the morning, and after talking for a while, I told her about the ultrasound I had the previous day... and then I told her that THIS was the result:

(for those of you who know what this is, it's a TWIN ultrasound).

To say she was shocked is an understatement. Fortunately for her, I was only able to keep myself from laughing for a few seconds before I told her it was a joke.

There's a part of me that now worries that there might actually be two, but I had an ultrasound at 9 weeks, and there was just one.

{two}

I love great friends. Last week we had dinner at our friends place twice, and this week we had a friend of mine over for supper and to help me make cookies.

I love laughing together and having people you can be comfortable being yourself with. Not to mention I love getting together over meals... Food always tastes better when you share it with friends.

{three}

I love that my final projects of my post-secondary education are finally complete!

I had two written projects due last week, and then two presentations yesterday, and the feeling of being done all that work is such a relief.

I'll be sad to see the end of this stage of my life, but at the same time, I'm really glad that I can just enjoy the last few weeks without homework hanging over my head!

{four}

I love long warm baths and big glasses of cold milk, and I especially love that my wonderful husband pampered me last night with both those things as well as dinner in bed, and a night off from Monkey-duty... I needed that extra sleep!

{five}

I'm loving the songs that my little Monkey sings. Every now and then I'll catch him singing, and I can only understand a few words, but it makes me smile. This morning he was singing "Itsy-Bitsy Spider". He also loves "He's Got the Whole World", which he requests me to sing as a bedtime song almost every night.

{six}

I'm loving that my little bean is now almost 14 weeks old! My pants are getting tighter, and I still haven't gained much weight, so it's becoming more and more real to me! I can't wait to feel the little flutters and kicks that should be starting soon!

Hubby and I are trying to figure out names, but the more we talk about names, the more possibilities we come up with! Does anyone have suggestions? I love hearing other peoples favourites.

{seven}

As always, I'm loving my little Monkey, and my amazing Husband. This summer will be 4 years since we got married, but sometimes it just feels like yesterday. How blessed I am!

~A

Sweets on Wednesday!

Hello! Happy Spring to you from the great white North...

As usual, I'm linking up to Jamie for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

Today I'm loving:

{one}

There is NO SNOW on the ground! On the second day of spring, we woke up to a mini-blizzard and a layer of white on the ground, but now it's gone! I like snow, but after a long winter, I'm ready for green grass!

{two}

I had a doctor's appointment this morning! Everything is great, but unfortunately I have to find other pre-natal care because the school health clinic doesn't have a Doppler, so they encourage moms once they reach 12 weeks to find other health care options.

I'm still waiting for a spot at the Kingston Community Midwives, but I might also have a referral to another clinic in town.

{three}

Great success with the cupcakes last week for the birthday party of my friend's son. I made chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, with either chocolate or white buttercream, and then I made fondant animals to go on top. I had a lot of fun, and everyone loved them!

{four}

New (to us) furniture! This week we were given a couch, an arm chair, and we purchased the coolest firetruck bed for our little Monkey! I love being able to stretch out on the couch (we just had a loveseat, so I couldn't comfortable lay down). Now when we have friends over, we can all have a comfy seat!

{five}

As always, I'm loving my man (If you look in the picture of the giraffe cupcake - number 3 - that's my great hubby in the back!), and my sugar-loving monkey...

Have a great day!

~A

It's Wednesday and Spring is almost here!

As usual, I'm linking up to Jamie for What I'm Loving Wednesday.

Today I'm loving:

{one}

Spring! I love the smell after the rain, the sounds of the birds and the squirrels, and the green grass growing where there used to be snow...

{two}

Family! Tonight my mom, my sister, and my brother are coming to eat at my school's restaurant! If you're in Kingston and haven't tried Essence yet, you've only got a couple more weeks! Check out the schedule and menus here.

{three}

Rubber boots! I'm so glad there are so many cute ones out there like these...

I want to go get a pair and go jumping in puddles!

(first picture, second picture, third picture)

{four}

Daylight Savings Time. I love changing my clocks in the spring, because then I get to have more and more sun, and it reminds me that winter is almost over...

{five}

I love my two best guys. We got to go for a walk as a family last night, and we had so much fun looking at the animals, and playing at the park...

I'm so blessed to have them.

~A

Wednesday, I Love You!

As always, I'm linking up to Jamie.

This week I've got a LOT to love!

{one}

Today is Doctor's Appointment #1 with Baby #2!

(32 more weeks!)

{two}

Today is the last day before my last reading week as a post-secondary student!

{three}

Monkey didn't cry at all when we dropped him off at daycare!

{four}

I found a $25 gift card for Tim Hortons on the same week that Roll-Up-The-Rim started! Yay for free coffees! (even if I don't win anything!)

Oh, and I've been able to eat breakfast all week without hating food!

{five}

My amazing husband has been spoiling me by waking up early, doing all the dishes, and basically running the house (as well as paying the bills) so that I can get as much rest as possible to grow this little blueberry.

What are you loving this Wednesday?

~A

Love on this Wednesday

as always I'm linking up to Jamie...

I'm loving...

...my yummy breakfast of yogurt, blueberries and granola (so much better than the Mcdonalds I was considering!)

...the full night of sleep I got last night even with Monkey sharing the bed!

...the amazing Valentines present from my favourite guys in the world!

...sharing dinner with friends and family (and I get to do both this week!)

...the excitement over the cooking competition this afternoon in class!

...the fantastic volleyball games I got to see on the weekend! (I'm so proud of my brother Ryan and the 4 years of Volleyball he's played for RMC. You're awesome little brother!)

...lemon tea to make my sore throat feel better!

...this beautiful love song!

... only 33 more Wednesdays...

...and (of course) my wonderful husband!

What are you loving this Wednesday?

~A

What I'll be loving for the next 34 Wednesdays...

As always, I'm linking up to Jamie...

I'm loving:

Valentines Day crafts, cookies, cupcakes and all the prettiness of hearts and pinks and reds...

New curtains in the living room and bedroom!

Comfy jeans and warm sweaters on cold winter days...

My first week of my LAST Essence dinner service!! (If you're in Kingston, come check us out and have dinner here)

My amazing little man who loves me so much he doesn't want me to leave him at daycare in hte morning...

My wonderful husband who surprises me constantly...

Oh, and most of all....

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Just thought you'd like to know...

I'm loving this new little bean, who makes me want to eat ginger ale and crackers for breakfast, and sleep ALL day...

There will be lots more for me to love soon! (And lots more OF me to love)

What are you loving this week?

~A

What I'm Loving this Wednesday (recipes!!)

I'm loving... family days. Especially because this week, with the snow day today, we've had two!

I'm loving... cleaning with my husband. I love how tangible our partnership is as we work side by side, whether it's dishes, or cleaning...

I'm loving... how happy my little man is AFTER he has an afternoon nap. And I'm loving that he had a great nap today.

I'm loving... playing board games with my hubby (and beating him terribly!).

I'm loving... that cooking all day makes the house nice and warm.

I'm loving... my amazing hubby who has been so gentle and patient with our monkey all day. I fall in love with him over and over on days like these.

I'm loving... when my little man comes up to me and says "Hug please Mommy!"...and when he dresses himself (currently he's wearing an argyle sweater and khaki shorts - backwards)

I'm loving... Valentines Day crafts. Usually it's not my favourite day, but this year I'm feeling exceptionally excited for all the reds and pinks and hearts...

And Lastly....

I'm loving... banana pancakes, and eggs benedict where the hollandaise sauce won't give you a heart attack!

Banana Pancakes:

-serves 6-

1 cup milk

1 egg

1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt

1Tbsp vegetable oil

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

2 Tbsp sugar

1 banana sliced thinly

butter for frying

In a large mixing bowl, combine the milk, egg, yogurt and oil. Beat until combined.

In a separate bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.

Add the dry ingredients and the banana to the wet ingredients. Stir until just mixed. (It will be lumpy)

Heat your frying pan, add butter and let it melt. Then scoop about 1/4 cup batter per pancake into the hot pan. Cook until edges begin to brown, then flip and cook the other side.

*As a family, we loved these pancakes. I added a little extra milk because the batter was a bit thicker than I like. My son and I ate them without syrup. They can also be served with more banana slices and whipped cream.* (recipe found here)

Easy Eggs Benedict

-serves 4-

4 cups water

2 tsp white vinegar

4 large eggs

2 Tbsp Mayonnaise (NOT Miracle Whip)

2 Tbsp plain yogurt

1/2 tsp Dijon Mustard

1/4 tsp lemon juice

pinch Paprika

2 Plain English Muffins, split

4 slices deli ham (about 3 oz)

Pour water and vinegar into a medium pot and bring to a simmer (bubbles are breaking the surface but it's not boiling) Give the water a slight stir before gently cracking one egg into the water (the stir will help the egg fold over themselves) Cook each egg for 2-3 minutes until the whites are cooked and the yolks are done how you like them. Remove eggs with a slotted spoon.

While the eggs cook, combine mayo, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice and paprika in a small bowl.

Toast English muffin halves. Place 1 ham slice on each muffin half. Place eggs on ham. Spoon yogurt mixture over eggs. Enjoy!

*I'm a huge fan of this. I didn't feel heavy like after eating real hollandaise sauce, and the sauce is really nice. You can also go low fat with the yogurt and the mayo. Mustard is almost calorie free, so this is a light breakfast option! One of my new favourites!* (recipe found here)

~A

What I'm Loving Wednesday is linked up to Jamie!