Weekend Getaway at The Glen

We went away last Canada Day Long weekend to our family friends' trailer at The Glen at Mt. Baker. The weather wasn't the greatest but we still had an awesome time. Makayla had so much fun playing outside for 2 days straight. I don't think I heard a whine out of her the whole weekend. HAHA.

Dave & Makayla. She got confused that him and daddy had the same name and kept calling him daddy as well as Dave.

Wee!!

Bike riding!

Daddy chopping wood...this one got a bit stuck, it doesn't look too safe...

Daddy's cheer team, she kept asking him all day to go chop wood so she could watch and cheer.

Stoking the fire

 

31.5 weeks pregnant

  

Family photo <3

 

Daddy and Makayla reading a bedtime story by the fire

And lastly, totally conked out on the drive home. Someone played hard!

Loving Two

Loving Two

I walk along holding your 2-year-old hand, basking in the glow of our magical relationship. Suddenly I feel a kick from within, as if to remind me that our time alone is limited. And I wonder: how could I ever love another child as I love you?

Then he is born, and I watch you. I watch the pain you feel at having to share me as you’ve never shared me before.

I hear you telling me in your own way, “Please love only me.” And I hear myself telling you in mine, “I can’t,” knowing, in fact, that I never can again.

You cry. I cry with you. I almost see our new baby as an intruder on the precious relationship we once shared. A relationship we can never quite have again.

But then, barely noticing, I find myself attached to that new being, and feeling almost guilty. I’m afraid to let you see me enjoying him—as though I am betraying you.

But then I notice your resentment change, first to curiosity, then to protectiveness, finally to genuine affection.

More days pass, and we are settling into a new routine. The memory of days with just the two of us is fading fast.

But something else is replacing those wonderful times we shared, just we two. There are new times – only now, we are three. I watch the love between you grow, the way you look at each other, touch each other.

I watch how he adores you — as I have for so long. I see how excited you are by each of his new accomplishments. And I begin to realize that I haven’t taken something from you, I’ve given something to you. I notice that I am no longer afraid to share my love openly with both of you. I find that my love for each of you is as different as you are, but equally strong. And my question is finally answered, to my amazement. Yes, I can love another child as much as I love you—only differently.

And although I realize that you may have to share my time, I now know you’ll never share my love. There’s enough of that for both of you – you each have your own supply.

I love you—-both. And I thank you both for blessing my life. —Author Unknown



I saw this poem online and had to share. It beautifully describes what so many second time moms feel. I know it is absolutely true and as hard as it is to imagine I know I will love my second as much as I love Makayla, . If anything I almost feel guilty on Makayla's behalf. I feel guilty she will have to share my attention, I feel guilty I will love someone else as much as her, I feel guilty she won't be the only special cutie in my life, and I feel guilty we wanted another, as if to say she isn't enough. I know that the last one is especially silly as we are giving her one of the best gifts you can give your child, a sibling. However I love her so much I sometimes think, why should we want another? 

That being said I can't wait to meet our second child and fall head over heals in love all over again. I can't wait to see Makayla and our second baby interact and develop that special sibling bond. I can't wait to know what it is like to love two children the way I love Makayla. I am looking forward to our new bundle of joy with great anticipation. We are truly very blessed.

I guess it is past time to post but....

Dave and I are excited to say, baby #2 is on the way!!! Makayla is going to be a big sister come the end of August!

This is how we told daddy about baby #2 back in Dec. Don't you love my artistic ablilty and Makayla's colouring skills?

Happy Birthday Mom!

I just wanted to say a Happy Birthday to my Beautiful Mom today! We love you!

Makayla is 2!

Dear Makayla,

Last night you went to bed a 1 year old and woke up a 2 year old. Mommy was so excited to run into your bedroom singing Happy Birthday to get you up this morning. You looked at me like I was crazy at first, but it made you giggle.

I've tried to explain to you in simple terms what your birthday is, and although you know something special is going on you don't quite understand yet. However you do love all the presents, extra attention and cake you have been getting.

It is hard for me to believe you were born into this world 2 years ago today. Some days I look back and feel like I just had you. I know everyone says this, but it's true, time really does fly when you have children. You change and grow in a blink of an eye. I remember when you were born, so helpless and new. You were dependant on us in every way even though you were such a strong little fighter. Within 2 weeks you were holding your own head up and had rolled over for the first time by a month. From there your development and independence just exploded. It seemed like every time I turned around you were doing something new. The more you could do the happier you became. At 5 months you started sitting up, and crawling at 6.5 months. Once you started crawling life became so much easier for us. You transformed into a happy little girl; you could finally move and explore. At 9 months you started walking and never looked back.

Now you are a vivacious, silly, adorable, very mischievous and sometimes naughty 2 year old. Daddy and I love your antics and find all the small things you do extremely cute the way only parents could. Other times we want to pull our hair out in frustration when you are being cranky or exerting your new found attitude and will to have things 'your way'.

The past year with you has been wonderful. You have had a couple large growth spurts and are finally caught up to the 'average' height for a toddler your age. You are still a skinny minny.

Over the past several months you have really began talking. It started out slow, but now you have several full sentences and at least 100 words if not more. It's really hard to say since you have so many. Once you get over your shyness of new people, you are very sociable and love to talk to adults and play with other children. You can count to 5 and know parts of your ABCs. You can recognize the letters M and O and you know the colours blue and purple. We will have to work on all of that more this coming year.

You love to read books, colour and play with stickers. You are currently obsessed with Dora and adore anything to do with her. I don't know how this happened and she definitely wouldn't have been my choice of a favorite character, however you saw her once and just fell in love.

Makayla thank-you for opening up the world of parenthood. It may not always be easy, but it is the best thing to happen to us. What a wonderful, amazing thing it is to be a mom. You are such a sweet, special little girl and I love you more and more each day. I cherish every hug, kiss and "la you" that you give me .

xoxo
Mommy

Makayla's first photo Makayla at 1 year oldMakayla today at 2 years old
Makayla playing with her new kitchen from mommy & daddy
2nd Birthday family photo

We took Makayla to a Christmas display in Langley for a fun evening out

Pumpkin Decorating

We went to the mall this morning and they had free pumpkin decorating. We decided to take advantage. Makayla is still a little young, but with some help from mommy she managed to decorate her pumpkin. Mommy put on the glue and Makayla stuck on the decor. :) I of course made the face. ;) We had fun. It's a great idea and I will definitely be doing this in the following years either at home or the mall if they have it again. They make for cute Autumn decorations.

View the following photos to see an almost 2 year olds artistic talent...

Makayla is so proud of her "pupin"

Finger Painting in a Bag

We were stuck in the house last week and Makayla was getting really antsy. I decided to try something new to keep her occupied...Finger painting in a Bag...

It's simple, fun and not messy. Just squirt different colours of finger paint in a ziploc bag, squeeze the air out, seal, tape to a window and voila.

Maan Farms Pumpkin Patch

Last weekend we watched the Trooper clan, Charlotte and William while their parents were away for their anniversary. They behaved wonderfully and we really enjoyed it. Makayla had tons of fun with them. Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch in Abbotsford since we had purchased a Groupon. You'll have to excuse the photo overload, but there is triple the amount of cuteness. ;)

Dorothy Leita Moses

In Loving Memory of my Great Grandma Moses:
March 23, 1918 - July 25, 2011

5 Generations

L to R: Great Grandma Moses, Grandma, Mom, Me, Makayla

Great Grandma Moses & Makayla in August 2010. I am so thankful they had the chance to meet.

I have some wonderful memories of my Great Grandma from trips to Nova Scotia over the years growing up. She was a wonderful lady and I am proud to have known her. You will always be loved and missed.

Here is her Obituary:

MOSES, Dorothy Leita (Porter) – 93, of Beaver River Road, passed away in Mavilette, Digby Co., on July 25, 2011. Born March 23, 1918 in Cedar Lake, she was a daughter of the late Roland “Leigh” and Mabel Sophia (Switzer) Porter. Dorothy had a very enquiring mind and read extensively, especially in areas of mysticism and paranormal experiences, including studies of Edgar Cacey. For many years, she did very good needle work and weaving. She was an excellent cook and will be remembered by her grandchildren for her Tusket Island lamb and garlic. She also enjoyed collecting many beautiful things. Dorothy was a person of high integrity. She is survived by daughters, Estella “Joy” (David) Shaw, Hantsport; Fay Ellen Ashley (Allan Sollows), Springdale/Langley, B.C.; brother, Roland Leigh Porter Jr., Gig Harbor, Washington State; sisters, Ann Sorensen, Springdale; Hazel Stos, Springdale; Virginia Weltner, Franklin, PA; eight grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild. She was predeceased by husband, Lloyd; a son in infancy; granddaughter, Janice. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sweeny’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Yarmouth. Visitation will take place Wednesday, August 3 from 12 p.m. until the memorial service begins at 2 p.m., from Sweeny’s Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. David Shaw and Rev. Mark Shaw officiating. Interment will follow in Cedar Lake Cemetery. Donations in memory may be made to the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation or Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation. On-line condolences may be sent to: sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guestbook on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net

Makayla is 18 months old!

Well this post is 8 days overdue, but better late than never right? Makayla is now over 1/2 way through her 2nd year. And my how she has been growing. In the last 3 months she has grown 2 inches. She now weighs 22lbs and is 31.25" tall. Makayla runs, climbs and everything in between. Her vocabulary has also increased. She says 25+ words, that we understand, probably even more that we don't. She comprehends most things we say to her. She also knows at least 10 words in sign language. This definitely helps us understand her. Makayla's favorite thing right now is to be outside. It doesn't matter if she is exploring, at the park, out for a walk, or in a pool, as long as she is outside she is happy. Her favorite toy is her bubble wand. She would play with that all day if we let her. She also likes her teddies and reading books with us or alone. She also loves playing "If You are Happy and You Know It". I must admit I think she is just the cutest when she does it. Especially when I find her singing and doing the actions by herself.

Along with all the fun and joy she brings we have also been dealing with her independence the last little while. It has really started to show. What a little personality Makayla has. She's a bundle of energy that is for sure and I wouldn't want it any other way. :)

Walk for MS 2011

This post is extremely overdue as our Walk for MS was at the beginning of May. However I thought I'd just quickly share our Team Roy photo.



I'm already looking forward to next year. We plan on starting fundraising way earlier. I'd like to triple what we raised this time. Thank-you so much to all that donated. It really is appreciated.

3 years!

I married my best friend 3 years ago today. He is the most wonderful husband and father. I couldn't be more blessed.

Since our anniversary fell on a week day we celebrated on the weekend. We had a wonderful time. I forgot my camera at home so there are no pictures. Marg spoiled us with some baby free time. We dropped Makayla off at her house at 1pm and she had her very first sleepover. I was so worried, but Makayla did great!

Wow I can't believe how fast time flies especially now that we have our wonderful little girl Makayla.

Happy Anniversary honey. I love you

Go Canucks Go!

Interesting fact:

It has been exactly 17 years since Canucks last won the Western Conference Final on Tuesday May 24, 1994 in 2OT. Score 4-3

Tonight we won on Tuesday May 24, 2001 in 2OT. Score 3-2.

Stanley Cup here we come :D

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
Yah Canucks!!!