memory lane

I got out the old camera today and found a little treasure inside.  Pictures from last August.  It's amazing to see how much Ruby's grown and changed since then.  It really makes her seem all grown up now!  She was still crawling in August 2011.... she wasn't talking (she could make animal sounds).... and she hadn't yet developed her glowing, heart warming personality.  What a difference 8 months makes!

Here's a walk down memory lane:

Back then she had no choice but to stay in my arms.
Today she'd probably be squirming to get down. 

I forgot how lovely she looked with short hair.
I bought these boots to go with her birthday outfit but it was way too hot to wear them.
So... they never got worn!  (I returned them).  

After attending her first b-day party.
This is when she developed her obsession for balloons.
She still has the obsession.

Emptying her snack onto the floor.
Still does this sometimes but with more finesse.
(and usually adds milk). 

It was easy to contain a crawler on the back deck.
I wonder what this summer will be like?  Duh!  I can guess.

She still does this 500 times a day.
But now it's the middle drawers she empties.  

maternity clothes

Being pregnant is tricky.  I've got three months left but I'm sick and tired of wearing the same thing every day.  The clothes I'm sporting aren't new either.  I didn't want to spend money on new maternity clothes this time around so I'm basically wearing the same boring stuff I wore two years ago while pregnant with Ruby.  

Just for fun.... I went online to see if there might be any cheap, stylish items that would do the trick and give me the lift I'm looking for.  If I weren't 6 1/2 months pregnant, I would want a pair of cool brightly coloured pants that are so hot this spring.... and a pair of Tom's in blue, red or yellow.  Plus a gorgeous new handbag to toss a few things in while I'm running out for coffee with the girls before an afternoon of shopping and a quicky pedicure..... (I'm obviously in a dream world here.... but that's ok.  Dreams are good.)

Well, from what I see online in the 'maternity clothes' sections, as an expectant mom, I'm definitely not doing my part to show off my assets.  Every women in these photos is showing cleavage galore, legs, legs, legs and wearing 3" heals.  Apparently, I have it all wrong.  My focus should not be comfort.  I should be aiming for fashionable and sexy. 

Here's what I'll need:  a strapless bra so that I can wear all the new tops with slinky or no straps at all ($75); a few pairs of heels ($150 - $300); some sexy maternity lingerie because I'm always in the mood for a little love after a long day ($100 - 300)..... and, I guess that's about it.  Oh, now I need some new clothes ($500 - $1000) and a new body!

OK.  That was fun.  :)  

See you next time. 

Who am I writing to anyway?  

a turning point - introducing... me!

I've been obsessed lately with the internet and blogs in particular.

In fact, I've spent more time online in the past 2 months than I have cumulatively over the past 2 years.  First, I discovered Etsy and not long after that, Pinterest.  Then, I started reading all of these amazing blogs connected to these sites that (mostly) women have created to showcase their talents and interests.  Ten minutes can easily turn into 2 hours when you're being inspired.  And I have been inspired.  There are so many amazing women out there with kids and families who still find time to create beautiful things:  art, photography, delicious food, beautiful homes on a budget... and they write about it.

I've said it before and I'll say it again - having a child has given me a whole new respect for women.  Being a mom is insane on many levels.  The love and admiration you have for this little person is often overwhelming.  You would and will do anything for them unconditionally and it's exhausting and you love every minute of it (and/or bite your tongue and do it anyway).  Through all of this, a year and a half into this new life of being a mom, I've grown to truly value the importance of finding time for myself.  That's one of the things I hope to achieve through this blogging adventure - quiet time set aside just for me to think and write.  (There's also a spa fund.  Donations welcome.)

I've always loved writing.  Not sure if I'm any good at it...but it's something that I enjoy.   I once dreamed of becoming a food writer and getting paid exuberant amounts of money to travel the world tasting and writing about beautiful food and wine.  Perhaps this blog will evolve in that direction one day.... when the kids are grown, our bills are all paid and I have time to travel.  Or not.  Who knows what will happen.  For the time being, the focus will stay on Ruby (and eventually little boy Grant).  I'll just try to throw a little more of myself in there now and then.

I recently realized that we haven't taken any photos of me during this entire pregnancy.

So, at long last.... here I am:










Laurie Sheryl Grant (Ginn)
Birthdate:  April 24, 1973
Eyes:  Brown
Hair:  Changes quarterly
Gestation:  26 weeks
Weight gained to date:  22 lbs.

temporary bliss

The heatwave didn't last.  By Friday we were back to below zero temperatures but three days of +28 sure was nice.  Ruby and I played outside a LOT!  She got a few scrapes and scratches on her knees, but no blood was shed thank goodness.

Getting used to her new wheels.  Thanks Grandma and Grampy!

Stopping for a second to say "hi" to her biggest fan (me).

Pretty girl.  

We took the bike all the way down to our local McDonald's and Ruby had her very first taste of ice cream! It was cute watching her try to figure out what to do with her mouth.  Next time I'll bring the camera and wait for Daddy so he can join us.  He really missed out on this 'first' and I felt bad about that.  But, it's not my fault he has to go to work every day.  Or, is it??  Hm.... ?

Thanks to the warm weather, she's also discovered dirt in the garden and is having quite a time with that.  I'm definitely going to have my work cut out for me this summer if I don't want mulch and dirt all over the steps and inside the house.  Oh boy...

Look Mommy.  

It didn't last long but sure was a nice taste of what we can all look forward to this summer.  Warm weather just makes everything better.  Can't wait.  Cannot wait!!!!!!!!

special delivery

I'm happy to report that Mother Nature delivered BIG TIME!  This is the best first day of Spring I've ever had!  Twenty degrees!  No mittens or snow pants.  No coat.  No sweater even!  All of this equals heaven.  Ruby and I had such a great time playing outside.  It was difficult to get her to pose for a photo because she was so excited and just wouldn't stand still for two seconds.  (what else is new?)

Here's a look at the afternoon:

Snack time on the front steps!

Concentrating deeply on eating that cheese. 

Shovelling the garden.  

Ruby thinks the snow brush is a 'shovel'.  She's been calling in that for weeks now.  It was the only thing she could grasp with mittens on so I gave it to her one day when I was shovelling the snow.  She put two and two together and voila - it's been a shovel ever since.

Anyway, I really think I need to hire a cook for the summer so that Ruby and I can play outside for a few hours after nap and come in to a healthy cooked meal.  Sounds good, hey?  Know anyone???  I'll only consider someone with good qualifications and references.

saint patty's crib

Oh ya!

 

baby blue

The past few days have been crazy.

Weather-wise, we went from +12 one day to -5 and a pseudo storm the next.  Ruby and I played outside on Monday for 3 hours (not consecutive) with no snow pants or mittens!  We were both in heaven.  She could actually use those little hands of hers.  The sky was a beautiful bright blue, the birds were out and I even took my coat off for a while - before noon!

Tuesday turned cold and wintery.... but on the bright blue side - that's the day I found out the sex of my little baby.  Turns out, there's a healthy baby boy bouncing around inside of me!  I can't explain the feeling I had when the Dr. told me.  Not sure what I was expecting but I got quite emotional and needed several kleenex during the visit.  It was just as amazing as the moment when Ruby was born and they told us 'it's a girl'.

I had thought in some way that the thrill would be spoiled after the initial excitement but it's actually quite the opposite.  I think I'm getting more excited every minute.  Planning the nursery is going to be so much fun..... I just wish I could take sleeping pills so that my mind would take a break overnight.  I'm still not sleeping much and now that I have 'boy stuff' to think about.... well, let's just say if anyone knows a safe way to knock me out, please let me know!  (I'm even open to being literally knocked out if it works).

Today's another grey and gloomy day.  The forecast looks dismal but the skies are still blue in my mind!  I'm super excited and can't wait for Ruby to meet her little brother.  She's going to be an amazing sister.

Here are some supper time antics from yesterday.  Daddy worked late so us girls were on our own.

  it's a little on the boring side... but cute.  She loves to dance to the music.


In other news, I recently fulfilled a dream and climbed into bed with Ruby.  We played in her crib together for about an hour until I basically had to force her out.  I think we could have stayed in there all afternoon..... it was so much fun.  Maybe next time I'll try napping with her.  Wonder how that would go?