girls night.

Erik was in Vancouver for school a couple weeks ago. I am not the biggest fan of being home alone so I invited Maelle and Elinor for a sleepover.

It was only Elinor's second time sleeping over and she did wonderfully. Like I've said before, my house is magical when it comes to making babies sleep. I missed my girls -- I have been so busy that I haven't had much time to spend with them.

Elinor is more determined than her sister was... She will scream at you if she wants to be picked up. At one point Elinor was walking to me and I went to help Maelle on the potty so Nori started crying. It took Maelle some time to finish on the pot so poor Elinor hollared for a bit. When I came back into the kitchen I found her right where I left her... poor girl. She was so relieved when I scooped her up and gave her a hug.

I sheepishly told her Ma that I let her scream because I couldn't hold her the whole time. If I did than there would be no food or bathroom breaks for Maelle or I. Little Miss and I employed many methods of distraction to entertain the wee one and it worked much of the time. Elinor spent much of the time sitting on the counter drooling on whatever she could get her hands on.

Maelle Mai is getting so big! My little baby is so grown up! She is thoughtful (I was rocking an unhappy Elinor and Maelle brought all of her toys and placed them around us), she is silly, and she is cuddly. I love her. I have missed her so much.

Elinor Alida Joy is determined. She is goofy, she is stubborn, she is sensitive, and she is loud. I feel like I am still getting to know her -- I haven't spent nearly as much time with her as I'd like. My Little Joy.

Have a good day!

Nori's First Sleepover and a Visit from Heidi

Elinor and Maelle came for a sleepover a few nights ago -- Elinor's first sleepover! I was expecting to pull an all-nighter, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much we all slept. I went to bed at 8:00pm right after I put Nori Joy down thinking she would wake me up by 11:00pm so I was surprised when 5:00am rolled around without a peep from her. I actually made Erik check on her at midnight when he came to bed because I was worried about her being so quiet. She didn't make a sound until 5:45am and she quickly fell asleep after eating. She slept until 9:30am. I have super powers when it comes to making babies sleep -- that or my house is enchanted.

Middle of the night cuddles... It has been a while since I've had the chance to snuggle with a wee one in the early hours of the morning. Nori is 10 months tomorrow so she isn't even wee, but she still needed me and happily cuddled her sleepy body into mine.

We baked muffins in the morning and Maelle drew a picture for Sawyer. I told her I would mail it in a few days, but when I turned around Maelle was already at the door with her boots on waiting patiently. I scrounged up a too-small envelope and we marched to the nearest mailbox in our pajamas.

A dear friend from college came to visit this past week. I haven't seen her since my wedding and it was wonderful to catch up and spend some time together. It was as though we'd never been apart -- we picked up right where we left off. We baked cupcakes, ate delicious food, walked around downtown, and stayed up much too late. I needed some girl-time so the visit was well-timed.

quick photo update

August began with a birthday for these two -- I can't believe they are already one! I suppose missing half of their first year made it pass by much more quickly. We had brunch and a cake smash to celebrate Peyton and Avery's first birthday.

The day after their birthday we headed down to Western Washington to visit Erik's family and attend the wedding of a friend. Little Miss was the flower girl as her uncle was getting married. She was adorable (as always).

After the wedding Maelle joined us at my in-laws and camped in the backyard with us.

Erik's grandparents were in town so we got to spend some time visiting with them. I haven't seen them in a few years so it was nice to catch up again.

On the way home from Washington we stopped to visit an old friend and to meet a new friend... his new friend. We stayed longer than anticipated but it was fun to catch up with Joel and to get to know Brianna.

And that is about as much energy as I have post-night-shift.

Erik and I are heading to Harrison Hot Springs for a couple nights -- I cannot wait!! I feel as though we have hardly seen each other lately. The weather is supposed to be terrible, but we'll have a good time anyway. 

the best

This was waiting for me when I woke up this morning. It makes me ache for the people back home -- especially these six and their mothers.

I would be on a plane and on my way home for some serious snuggles if it weren't for the wonderful time we are having. And if we weren't going to Thai cooking classes today.

But these are my little sweetie pies. Aren't they precious?

Nori Joy's Birth Story: Part Two

I just realized I only wrote the first portion of Nori's birth story. I suppose I could just leave it as it does include her emergence into the world, but I love stories and I love birth so the story continues.

It was very special to see Sam interacting with his newest daughter, but I was even more excited to see Milena reunited with her littlest one. When she came up from PAR she was exhaustedly beaming -- radiating joy, relief and excitement. Sam wheeled Nori Joy in and Milena took her in her arms for the second time.

Little Joy took to the breast instantly and Milena fed her baby as satisfied as could be. Sam and Milena made calls to their families sharing the news of the baby's arrival.

It's been over a month so the exact details fail me, but Sam and Milena called for Mor Mor and Maelle to come meet the baby. I was super pumped because that meant I could almost hold the little one. Sam went down to get Little Miss and to help Milena's mom carry her things up.

Maelle suddenly looked like a giant when she walked in. Doesn't that always happen though? Older siblings seem to grow up the instant the younger one comes along.

Maelle was very excited to meet and hold the baby. She already knew her name and called her Nori Joy (Nowee Jowy). She beamed as she held her little sister and gently kissed her head. Maelle cried when Nori was taken away from her, but the baby needed to be fed and changed. Milena lay in bed with a daughter on either side of her and all was right in the world.

Mor Mor had a snuggle and then it was my turn! At long last I got my hands on that little cherub and I savoured every second. She was so plump, round and perfect. Her dark tuft of hair was delightful and she looked so peaceful and serene resting in my arms. The weight of her little body was wonderful and warm and I loved it!

Erik came to the hospital shortly thereafter and was rewarded with snuggles with Elinor and rough-housing with Maelle. I love seeing Erik with new babies. He is much more experienced and comfortable with them now then he was when Sawyer made her arrival two and a half years ago. He hasn't had much of a choice in the matter.

I went home with Erik and Maelle went home with her Mor Mor leaving Sam, Milena and Nori to get to know each other a little bit better.

The midwives, doctors and nurses were never concerned with Nori's blood sugar even though she was almost 10lbs. Milena had two separate gestational diabetes tests and they both came back negative. This made for a much different hospital experience this time around and Milena wasn't encouraged (read forced) to "top up" Nori after feeds and their new routine-making-process went relatively uninterrupted.

I still cannot believe how greatly you can love someone in an instant. I am always overwhelmed with how much my heart can grow and how fiercely I can love these little babies the moment I meet them. It is truly amazing.

Elinor Alida Joy. I know she has forgotten all about me, but I am confident she will be unable to resist loving me when I come home.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a lovely weekend! 

*** *** ***

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a cozy weekend!  

*** *** ***

keepin it real

I often want to share every detail of my day. This is especially true when there are tiny people involved in those days. In keeping with my current desire for simplicity, I will keep my words few(er than normal).

My days off have been so full. Full of children. Full of laughter. Full of joy. Full of family. Full.

I babysat the neighbour twins while I had Maelle and Sawyer over. The four little ones played wonderfully all afternoon. Sawy and Maelle spent the night.

My mother, sister, littlest nieces and I ventured to the coast for 24 hours to celebrate my Oma's 86th birthday. Oma didn't know we were coming and when we brought the babies in she got down on her hands and knees so she could see them in their little car seats. She had tears in her eyes as she marveled at them. It was pretty special.

My sweet Little Miss slept over again last night. She slept for 13 hours and it was awesome. She even let me put her hair into french braids in the morning.

  And now it's back to work.

:)

I got to see all my babies today!! I worked all weekend (got off this morning) which was disappointing as our church had its annual camp out. Erik and I obviously couldn't attend, but we made it out this morning for the worship service. I have worked or been out of town every Sunday all summer so I haven't seen many people from our church family this summer.

It was SO nice to be able to catch up with some of them this morning and early afternoon. Seeing Little Miss, Sawybean, and Gus Gus were an added bonus.

After hanging out at the camp Erik and I went to my sisters house to visit the littlest babies. They aren't so little anymore as Peyton is 7lb 15 oz and Avery's weighing in at 9lb 2 oz. Those little girlies are well over their birth weight and contently thriving. I just have to say that my sister is amazing! Two little babies cannot be easy and I think she is doing a fabulous job caring for her daughters. Two babies. I still can't believe it.

I have been up since yesterday so I should really be getting to bed. I feel like I have much to share, but nothing really to say. Seems as though that's often the case.

Goodnight!

Little Miss is Two.

Maelle Mai turned two on Friday. Two years old. A-mazing! Erik and I made it out to her birthday party on Friday. She seemed pretty excited to see him as it has been well over a month since they last played together.

I can't believe it has already and only been two years since this little girl came into our lives. It feels like just yesterday (or maybe last week) that I was supporting Milena as she laboured for hours and hours in an attempt to bring this little (10lb 9oz) darling into the world. And, at the same time, it feels as though I have loved her forever.

I have loved being an auntie to Maelle -- she makes it so easy to adore her. She continues to have a delightful and rambunctious personality. I love when she plunks herself down in my lap with whatever toy she is playing with or whatever book she is reading. And I especially love it when she comes just for a cuddle. She has an impressive grasp of linguistics and is full of giggles, kisses, hugs and joy.

Maelle takes a little while to wake up and I hear her playing in her bed for a while. I can tell when she is getting restless and ready to come out and if I don't go in to get her quickly enough she cries. She goes from happily playing to tears in a split second and it makes me laugh and means I get the best snuggles when I retrieve her. If I go in before the tears she will look up from whatever she is doing and say "Oh hi Auntie Ashley". It's pretty adorable.

Maelle will sometimes ask for something without saying please and when I say "what do you say??" she will repeat back "what do you say??" without even thinking because she is so used to repeating what people say to her. So instead of just asking I have had to repeat the full sentence back to her with please tacked on the end so she will say it.

Like any two-year-old, Maelle makes frequent attempts to establish her independence. She can be defiant and does not like being told no (but then who does?). When she is frustrated with me she frowns and refuses to make eye contact. She cries when she doesn't get her way and when she is tired. Distractions and redirection works wonders when she is frustrated and time-outs seem to be rather effective when she needs discipline.

Little Miss has an impressive grasp of linguistics and is full of giggles, kisses, hugs and joy. Oh! Another one of my favourite things is conversations that go like this:

LM: canahafdoos?

Me: What do you want?

LM: canahafdoos?

Me: You want some juice?

LM: Okay! 

(little does she know I never have juice in the house)

This happens multiple times a day; Maelle will ask for something and then act like I was offering it when I clarify. What a stinker.

Maelle Mai, I love you something fierce. You are and will always be welcome at Auntie's house. You make me smile, you warm my heart and you make me feel loved. You are playful and sweet and entirely adorable. We love you so very much and are so thankful to be a part of your life. Happy Birthday!

my hands (and my heart) were full.

These three little rascals sure kept me busy. They were all in bed by 8, but by that time I didn't want to do the dishes... or anything else for that matter. I just wanted to sit on the front steps drinking my tea. Props to all you mama's out there who manage to keep a clean house. I think that mine will be a pig sty when I eventually have babies of my own.

I may have caught Sawyer climbing into Maelle's play pen this morning. I heard her softly calling, "Auntie, help pease" so I went into their room to find her straddling the play pens. She got herself stuck and needed my help to get down. I took her out so as not to disturb Maelle who was still fast asleep. What a goof ball.

 Grunty Gus is less grunty, but still exiled to the living room. The boy can roll!! It's hilarious to come into a room and not know where the baby is. I found him in a couple strange places -- under the couch and stuck between the dresser and the seat.

 And Little Miss probably said my name 500 times while she was here. "Ok Auntie Ashley" "Auntie Ashley" "Hi Auntie Ashley" "Auntie Ashley, ok." Constant and cute. I love it and find it absolutely adorable.

I'm off to bed because I have to work in the morning. I haven't been asleep before midnight on any of my days off so I am in trouble -- 0530 comes early.

blessed

I am so incredibly blessed to have friends who let me borrow their children. I currently have these three little one's sleeping over. And yes, Sawyer is smothering Kaden.

A few of my favourite moments...

When I put the girls in their room to nap Maelle quickly fell asleep, but Sawyer just kept singing "Auntie, Auntie, Auntie". After a while I came in to put her in my room for some quiet time (it seems she doesn't always need to nap). When I opened the door to transport her she said "Shhhhhhhh, Maelle sleeping".

Kaden fell asleep at 7:30 so I went to lay him down. When I came out of my room the girls were jumping on the couch chanting "I'm hungry! I'm hungry! I'm hungry! I'm hungry!" They ate so much food today! They ate as much as I did at supper AND they had about four snacks afterwards. You go girls!

The girls played hide-and-seek in my little pantry cupboard for about an hour today. Sawy just danced in the cupboard and Maelle ran from the living room to the kitchen over and over giggling like crazy.

I had to go shush the girls after I put them to bed tonight. Sawyer was calling for me, but when I opened the door she pretended to be sleeping (what a brat). The girls fell asleep after about 30 minutes -- not too shabby for little buddies whose play pens are pushed up against each other.

And, of course, the spontaneous affection. Sawyer and Maelle both randomly came up to me and kissed me, held my hand, hugged me or just hollered "Auntie!!!!!!"

Man, I love these kids. 

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday Ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. 

Wishing you a sun-filled weekend!  

*** *** ***

perfect weekend.

I had the perfect weekend.

I got off work on Saturday morning and snoozed for a few hours before heading to a barbecue at a friend's house. The boys had time trials with the go-cart, we jumped on the trampoline, we ate plenty of delicious food, and then we hung out until past my bedtime while I snuggled with a sleeping babe. Perfect.

On Sunday we had a going-away party for a friend after church. He is heading up north to work for another year so we got together to do what we always do -- chat, eat, and play.

We went to this lovely little park that I had never even heard of and played baseball, blew bubbles, ran around the playground, napped in the shade, and wrestled. Perfect.

Erik and I both had Monday off. Kaden and Sawy came to hang out for the day so we brought them to the beach by our place. Kaden and I enjoyed the shade while Sawyer and Erik played in the freeeeeeeezing cold water!

And then we played outside in the front yard for the rest of the day. Kaden was a good boy and he cooed at the clouds in the shade while Sawyer and I walked up and down the driveway with my little pram. Repeatedly. For an hour. Perfect.

I worked an overtime shift on Tuesday night and now I am back for a regular set this morning. Not so perfect, but a lovely weekend makes it that much easier (and harder...) to go to work on this rainy Thursday.

Hope you all have a wonderful day.

Little Miss: Bis Sis

My sweet Little Miss is going to be a big sister! Her Mama, my dear friend Milena, hit the 12 week mark today and is due on December 6. Yippppeeeeeee!!!!

weekend with the boy-ohs.

My nephews are gone now -- they left with their mama yesterday. I miss them already. Man 9/10-year-olds are loud and full of energy. Did I mention that they are loud?? And full of energy??

These boys also got "so bored" if they went 5 minutes without a planned activity. I sent them out into the front yard to play frisbee or toss the ball around, but I regularly heard complaints about how bored they were. They also seemed to always be hungry, but I was surprised at how little they actually ate. Just nibbled on snacks here and there. They were delightful though and I loved having them here!

We kept pretty busy over the weekend. We went on hikes, threw rocks and branches into the stream, went fishing at one of the parks (they provided the gear), went to a fair, had a picnic with our friends, had a sleepover with Sawyer and Kaden, went swimming at the pool, walked along the trestles at Kettle Valley Railroad, and went to play at the park.

Christopher even caught a fish! The pond was supposed to be catch and release, but he did a number on the little guy so they let him keep it. The park ranger wannabe even beheaded and gutted the fish for us. He was probably about 18 and so good with the kids! He showed them the liver and cut open the stomach to retrieve Christopher's worm. We fried the fish up and ate it with dinner. It was pretty tasty too.

These two girls met us at the park after fishing to have a picnic. They brought their parents with them and we had a lovely lunch. Then we all headed up to the Kettle Valley Railroad. Kev, Mandi, Sam and Milena biked it while Erik and I walked with the kids.

Aren't they sweet? The boys absolutely loved Maelle and Sawyer. They desperately wanted to be loved back, but the girls were so shy! I felt bad for the boys, but couldn't help but laugh every time they tried to befriend the girls.

Sawyer and Maelle did relent and hold the boys hand while we were walking back to meet their parents. Christopher was tickled pink he was so excited!!

Sawy and Gus Gus came for a sleepover after our walk. You can't tell in the photo, but Christopher is holding Kaden's hand. The boys frequently went and rubbed his head and face commenting on how soft and cute he was -- it melted this auntie's heart. And poor Sawy in the middle of all the boys wanting her to like them. She doesn't know any bigger kids so I can understand why she was so quiet and nervous around them.

Zachary loved holding Kaden. He was so good with him too, gently planting many a kiss on the top of his head. I come by my baby obsession honestly -- my whole family shares it.

Christopher held Sawyer's hand every chance he got. He would rub her head while he brushed his teeth, he held her hand as he played, he would brush her hair with his fingers as he chatted with the other boys... and she remained shy. She would send me many concerned glances and I would kiss her forehead and tell her it was ok. 

 And Gus Gus was his usual self. Grunty and sweet.

Sawy did warm up to the boys -- every time they walked away from her she would look at me and say "boys?" and "Chris? (kiss)". Then she would run after them... until they turned around. Then she would flee back to me and I would walk her back over.

We brought the boys to the May Days Fair in Rutland. We had church outside in the morning and then stayed for some of the festivities. We put the boys on a couple overpriced rides and I joined Zac on one because you needed to go in pairs. It was called the Zipper and it had a lot of flipping upside down and you often didn't know what was up or down. Poor Zachary did not like the ride one bit. He didn't stop talking the entire time saying things like "I don't like this. I don't like this one bit. This is not fun. I don't feel safe. This is never going to end. When's this going to end? This is never going to stop. When's it going to stop? I don't like this at all. I don't like this. I don't like this one bit. Make it stop. I don't want to be here. I'm sliding around! I don't like this. This is NOT fun." On repeat. Until the ride was done. And then he cried. It was sad and I felt bad for the poor guy, but I was laughing the entire ride through. I didn't really like it either and I tried to comfort him, but I was laughing so hard. It's a good thing my laugh is silent or I would have felt extra awful. He quickly recovered and we then watched an awful wrestling match and I giggled the entire time because I felt so uncomfortable.

Lindsey and Ade met us at the fair. Look at my sister carrying my nieces (two girls!!!!!!!!). She's 26 weeks and looks awesome! Then Shar came and took the boys home. And that pretty much sums up the weekend.

I have missed having my nephews around and I'm glad they could come for the weekend. I hope it happens more often!!