12.24.2013

Happy Holidays!

We have been busy with all things holidays, and just life in general.  I should be back later this week with a ton of updates, and recaps from our lovely Christmases.


I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Holiday, full of love and laughter.

Until next year everyone!

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12.11.2013

Wordless Wednesday - First Haircut

Lucas was born with a pretty good head of hair, which everyone always found so amusing and ironic, because the Hubby is balding, and I have the thinnest hair.  Well here was my child with the thickest, darkest hair, and I wondered for a minute if he was even mine.  He went through the stage most babies born with hair do, and lost quite a bit at the top of his head, and he resembled his father a lot during that time, but he never lost all of it.  In the last six or seven months, his hair just started taking on a life of its own, and it continued to grow, got a lot lighter, and it had the most unbelievably gorgeous baby curls.


Lately I had resigned myself to the fact that he was going to need a haircut sooner than later. His bangs kept flying into his face, his hair was looking a little redneckish in the back with the longest mullet looking rat tail, and overall I was starting to worry that people were going to mistake him for a girl.  The Hubby for some reason was having a harder time letting go of the baby curls than I was, but one evening during bath time he saw just how long his hair in the back really was, and he finally agreed with me.

The next worry I had before heading to the hairdressers was just how well or badly Lucas was going to handle the touching of his head and hair, since he oftentimes wouldn't even allow me to brush it after a bath!  Well I booked the appointment at our local Melonheads, just to be on the safe side since the specialize in children's haircuts, and I am so glad I did.  Lucas walked in a cool cat, taking in all the different chairs from an airplace, to a ferrari, but he settled on Thomas the Train, and once sitting in the train he was just the most agreeable little man ever.  We double lucked out with the hair stylist who was so great with him, and was just so great at making sure that Lucas never even saw the scissors in her hand.  Result...Lucas sat through a ten minute haircut, never once crying, never trying to get out of the chair, and smiling at the lady and anyone who would look at him, the whole time.  At one point another little boy came in for a cut, and he was just so miserable, crying and ranting the whole time and I thought for sure we are done for it now, Lucas is really sensitive to other children crying and we thought he was going to start fussing in sympathy for the other kid; instead he looked at me like he didn't understand what the big deal was.



Overall such a great experience, and moment.  Sorry for the lame looking photos I completely forgot my camera and had to make do with the phone.

And just like that I lost my baby, and gained a little boy!

 

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12.10.2013

Holiday Pajama Link Up Party

Today I am linking up with DarciNatashaAshleyJenny, and Julie for a Holiday Pajama party for all our minis!

I absolutely love the holidays, and I have been having a ton of fun sharing the festivities with my little guy this year.  Last year he was only 3 months old when Christmas came around, and although he was such a bright eyed and attentive little baby, he had no clue what was going on around him.  This year there is still so much that I know he doesn't understand, but I can't help but expose him to everything holiday, and make memories, that at least his father and I can remember and share with him one day.

Here's a throw back to last year on Christmas morning sporting his cute Santa's little helper pajamas, and one at our holiday session.



God I could squeeze those cheeks, and look how absolutely little he was.

This year I went the traditional route with some candy stripped pajamas I purchased at OskKosh.  I must say holiday attire for boys this year was pretty slim pickings, and I found some great ones online, but sometimes I just don't trust online orders, and then I just felt it was a little too late.  I love how these look on him thought, and that face well makes it look that much more adorable wouldn't you agree.




I also got these snowmen themed pajamas as Carters and this was the best I could do getting a photo of Lucas in them.


And just like that he's over it! 


Hope everyone is having a great week we are off to finish some Christmas shopping.

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12.09.2013

Family Christmas Photos



The internet was completely down for a few days in my neighbourhood, so I am once again behind on my intended blogging, and to make matters worse I cannot find my computer cord to download my photos for some of my posts, so yup technology is not my friend lately.

I planned this post for close to the holidays, but due to the unforeseen tech problems I'm going to go ahead and share the photo goodness today.  We once again used our professional photographer Trayc with Blue Rooster Photography, and took advantage of the mini sessions she has for holiday photos.  I love how they turned out but I am really wanting to do outside family photos next year.  Lucas was really a great little boy throughout the whole session.  I had booked two sessions in fear that now that Lucas is extremely rambunctious, and can't sit still for too long, that it would take extra long to get some good shots.  Well my little man made me proud, not only was he so well behaved but he was so aware of the camera that he practically posed for the photos.

Taking professional photos is an investment I'm glad to make.  Even though I am constantly taking photos of our family, its so hard to get behind the camera with my little man, so I cherish the moments that the photographer has captured so far of my little family.

On to what really matters.


There are really no words to express how seriously I love this picture of my boys!


At first I thought the posing of this photo was a little cliche but now I kind of like it.


I'm a little critical of myself in photos (probably why I don't turn the camera around to myself that often), and I'm not a huge fan of my face here, but my little man's smile just melts my heart. 



I just die over Lucas' face here! 


I have a few more photos to share of Lucas' in his Christmas pajamas, but I'm reserving those for tomorrow's link up party. 

Hope you all enjoyed!


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12.05.2013

Holiday Gift Guide - Mommy Edition


The hubby is generally pretty good at gift giving, but he has his moments where he honestly sucks (sorry babe you know its true).  So this list is as much of a guide of some great things for the women in your lives, as well as a list to help the husband figure out what he can get me hehe.

1. Reitmans Pajama Set - I love sets like this to lounge around the house in on days when all you do is stay inside, watch movies and drink copious amounts of warm coffee and cocoa.

2. Beanie Hat - I have never been a winter hat kind of person, but I have also never spent this much time outside in the snow as I have been now.  As a mom of an outdoorsy son this is kind of essential for me this year.

3. Roots Side Satchel - Its getting easier to leave the house with Lucas and not have to lug a diaper bag, however there are always a few essentials that need to come with me, and the convenience of a bag that can be slung over the chest and be big enough for mine and his needs is a must.  This particular bag is on the expensive side, so honestly I would prefer a cheaper knock off, but this particular style.

4. Chapters Gift Card - This is always a winning gift for me.  Chapters is my happy place, and I go there with Lucas at least once a week, and he loves it just as much as I do.  This gift would probably be for the two of us hehe.

5. Eos Lip Balms - I have a fetish for lip balms, and I'm pretty sure there is always one at hand in every drawer possible, car and purse.  I'm running low and I have heard great things from this particular brand.

6.  Pandora Studs - I have discovered recently that I cannot wear my beloved hoop earrings for now, since my son finds it amusing to put his fingers through it and then yank.  Yup, lets just say I found that one out the hard way.  I'm in love with these studs right now, so classy and would make any mom on the go outfit look just that much fancier.

Hope all the fellas out there enjoy buying some special gifts for their hard working baby mamas lol.

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12.04.2013

Holiday Gift Guide - Daddy Edition

The hubby and I are looking into saving for a family vacation this upcoming April, so we decided to keep it low key with gifts for one another.  So here's a wish list of a few things that I know the husband needs, or would make a nice gift for him.


1. Pajama/Casual Lounge wear set - Here's a big confession about my man, he is one hot tamale...meaning the man is always hot hehe.  He gets home and literally lives in no shirt, and I have to beg him to put on shorts over his boxers.  Have you seen the new show The Goldbergs where the dad gets home, and immediately takes his pants off at the front door, yup that's pretty much like Gianni.  They have some nice thin casual wear at Marks Work Warehouse on sale for the holidays that I'm thinking of picking up, hopefully he will get the message.

2. Wool Beanie Hat - Gianni works outside a lot, and the weather has been getting progressively colder, and I feel his ratty one could use a replacement.

3. Under Armour Sweater - These sweaters are amazing for Gianni since they offer just the right amount of insulation without getting too sweaty.  This is great for work under his safety vests, or for quick shopping trips.

4. Batman Trilogy Set - This is on sale at Costco, and he is a huge fan.  I usually get him a DVD for his collection every Christmas, and I think he would love this one.

5. Starbucks Thermo Cup and Tim Hortons Gift Card - Gianni's mug could also use a replacement this year, a lot of Gianni's gear gets banged up on job sites and they need to be replaced every once in a while.  Plus the coffee card is a nice gesture for those mornings when I forget to pre prepare the coffee maker.

Hope everyone else is having a fun time putting thoughtful gifts together for the men in their lives.


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12.03.2013

Holiday Gift Guide - Toddler Edition

Every year my side of the family has done Kris Kringle for the adults at Christmas time, we are just too many people to buy individual gifts for everyone.  Usually I still give something baked, or framed photos for my parents.  So this year we all decided to forgo that tradition and just spoil all the little ones in the family. 

In the interest of getting things for the kids that they would actually need and appreciate all the moms sent out a list of their kid's likes.  Here's a synthesized version of what Lucas is into this year, and some ideas for gifts for him.



1. Mega Blocks - He recently has taken an interest in building things, and this is a great toy to help enhance motor skills by putting the blocks together and tearing them apart.

2.  Lucas loves to be read to, and its honestly a proud moment when he grabs a book and brings it over to be read.  His favourites are definitely Karen Katz flip and flap books.  They are engaging, interactive, and quite entertaining.  He already has a growing collection, and I just discovered how many more there are!

3. Leap Frog Letter Factory - So I already know he's getting this, and I already know he loves it.  I was running errands at Walmart the other day, and grabbed a toy to keep him entertained while I continued to shop.  He figured out how to use it, and was trying to imitate the sounds of the letters and words while playing with it.  I was already a fan, since I'm a sucker for educational toys, but when I saw how he responded to it I was sold.

4. Little People's Farm - We practice animal sounds and names often when we are doing learning games and exercises, and as a consequence Lucas is pretty fond of animals.  This will be a great addition to our growing animal kingdom.

5. Trucks - I have resigned myself to a life of trucks and dirt!  Lucas loves like any boy his trucks, this is also am ever growing collection, but when he's playing with them and makes his little vroom vroom sounds, well its enough to make this mama smile.

Gianni and I had been debating getting Lucas a play kitchen as his big gift this year, since he loves to be in the kitchen with us, and takes an interest in making food.  However, they can get pricey, and I wasn't too sure how well he would play with one, but then I scored this Little Tikes Gourmet Kitchen set for $50 and I just couldn't say no.

 
Since we saved big time on the kitchen set, I have my eyes on a Little Partners Learning Tower.  I found this little gem from a fellow blogger and have been obsessed with it ever since.  Lucas often hangs with us in the kitchen sitting on the island and its not the most ideal situation since I need to swipe the area completely devoid of anything remotely dangerous from the little guys quick hands.  This learning tower is the ultimate in steeping stools for children, and allows them to participate in activities in the kitchen, and elsewhere.  I just saw that they are on sale, and may be making this purchase for Christmas as well! 

 

Happy Shopping everyone.

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11.28.2013

Lucas is 14 Months

My little man is a full fledged toddler, and he has the tantrums to prove it!  I'm still trying to grasp how fast this month passed.  Our days are pretty full with activities, meals, outings, errands, learning time, family time, that I feel that time just flies right past me sometimes. 

 
Lucas is going through some early onset terrible twos symptoms, that my sister had advised me could happen, as my niece experienced the same thing.  Seriously, I lose count of how many times during the day I give myself a time out, pray to God for some extra patience, and tackle the mister's outbursts.  Lucas has shown that he has a short fuse (but I'm sure that's true with most kids his age, he just has the added disadvantage of his Portuguese AND Italian heritages), and his temper is formidable, especially of course when he doesn't get his way, or he senses the word no is coming.  His limited communication skills are clearly still a hindrance, so when he gets upset and he's "talking" to me and I'm trying my best to get a handle on what's wrong, he will just have a total meltdown, crying, raising his arms in protest, until thankfully we understand each other or he gets over it.  Other times when his meltdowns are driven by "no you may not put your hand in the toilet", or "please for the hundredth time do not tear down all the ornaments off the tree", or "let me please wash this measly mug and then we will play together" there is really nothing I can do to tame the tantrum.  He clearly is too young for time out, so most often I resort to "ignoring" him until he calms down and then he meanders over to me with a huge smile all forgotten, or sometimes he sits on the couch with one of us until he realizes that he either a) has to calm down since crying and flaying his arms around is really not the answer, or b) he realizes that we are saying no or danger for a reason.  Its an uphill battle, and discipline is something that will be a gradual process, that is oftentimes exhausting, but we feel that sticking to a plan, or one set of rules; eventually with more comprehension will prove to be easier.

To round off this new world of tantrums and stubbornness, Lucas is incredibly independent.  He refuses to be assisted sometimes with the most mundane things, but then will get frustrated if he can't figure it out.  I swear people, he drives me absolutely batty sometimes, and I don't know whether to shake my head and cry, or just laugh at the situation (sometimes its both).  His independence thankfully is a blessing sometimes, he enjoys independent play very well, it encourages him to try and understand certain toys, and games on his own, he has gained better self-feeding skills, and just overall his understanding of the world around him.

So don't get me wrong it hasn't been all bad around here, I'm just trying to keep it real, and I needed to get that all out there.

Lucas has also shown this month a more playful side grasping the concept of playing much differently.  His favourites activities are anything musical, sorting games, balls, and crafts.  We really kicked it up a notch this month with crafts introducing finger painting, and stickers, and even though his attention span for certain activities is still limited he is enjoying them more and more.  He engages other kids at his playgroup to play with him, and is always all smiles when he meets someone new.  I'm so glad that I really made more of an effort to join this playgroup, since I have seen such a change in him in how he interacts with other children, and seen a huge enhancement in his social skills; especially since he is one of the youngest in the group I feel that interacting with the other children who are already talking more has really helped with his want to communicate.  I'm pretty pumped for another group we are joining in January adding to are jam packed schedule, and keeping the little guy and mama busy. 

Some new words that Lucas learned this month was: good, there, again, and he is making the moo sound when we are learning our animals.  He speaks a lot even if it is incoherent, and I find it pretty amusing when he is trying to tell us something and we guess it right he will turn to us and say yeah yeah, pretty happy with us.  He speaks like an old Italian man with his hands in the air, and grunting when he is perturbed with something, its quite the sight to see.  When he wakes in the morning, he will cry out if he woke up startled or not feeling well, if not he is quite pleasant, just sits and plays in his crib until I go get him.  The best is usually his morning ritual will be to put his aquarium on, and proceed to have a conversation with the fishes, and all his stuffed animals, its adorable and I never rush to go get him just so I can lay in bed and watch him over the monitor. 

Lucas is pretty affectionate, just like his parents, often running over for hugs and kisses quite unprompted, but lately this poor mama gets no love before bed time.  Gianni always gives him his bottle before bed, and I read him a story, just before I leave them to have bonding time I use to get all sorts of kisses, lately nothing, nada, zilch.  Boy and I have to have a talk about that lol. 

I'm pretty sure that sums up the highlight reel for this month.  Everyday is a either a breeze or a head banging against the table kind of day; but overall everyday is a blessing.





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11.27.2013

Wordless Wednesday - Baby it's cold outside!


We had our first real snow this weekend, and I had been anxiously anticipating it so that I could take Lucas out and play for the first time in snow.  At last he had a nasty runny nose, and cough all weekend, and I really did not want to risk it getting worse. 

Today he is finally on the mend, and I was starting to get a little cabin fever so I braved the ordeal of getting him all snug up in his boots and snow suit and away we went to the cold.  And it was so much fun.  Being a mom I have come out of my comfort zone on more than one occasion, and with a rowdy and boisterous boy well that zone just keeps getting invaded all the time.  So I not only braved the snow, but got right in there with the little guy, and loved every single minute of it. 

 

It was a little comical seeing my little man tottering all around the backyard in this big suit, and boots, and having a hard time getting around.  He fell quite a few times, and disliked the fact that getting up in his gear was no easy task.  Just as he was getting more comfortable, he face planted right into the snow, and all hell broke loose.  He recovered fairly quickly but he was done playing with the cold stuff. 
 

Hope everyone is keeping warm, I'm off to enjoy a Peppermint Hot Chocolate!


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11.25.2013

Random Thoughts

I took an unintentional blog break, I had been busy with stuff around the house, Lucas, and I've been feeling off; so blogging when you're just not feeling it seems kind of pointless to me.  I'm back, and I thought I would start off with some random thoughts and what I have been up to.

* Last week was my birthday, 31, I'm not afraid to admit it.  I'm not those type of women who after a certain age stop "aging" and have repeat birthdays every year.  I'm going to embrace every wrinkle, age spot, and white hair that comes my way, its inevitable after all, and its only a sign that I have lived.  My boys took me out to my favourite sushi restaurant for dinner, and it was a low key evening, pretty much exactly what I wanted.  I did end up having my family over on Saturday for a seafood feast, a truly Portuguese style celebration and that was equally lovely.  I have a shopping trip, all on my lonesome with my name on it, courtesy of my husband for some time this week too!

* My sister and niece came over earlier on Saturday so that the kids could get some more play time.  We have always dreamed of the time when we would have kids, and they would grow up together; and even though we do not live right around the corner from each other, we do our best to get together on a regular basis so the kids spend time with one another.  I had prepared a simple craft for the kids to do together, and we adults found it hilarious when my niece would get upset that Lucas kept decorating her craft as well as his.  She's almost 3, so she talks up a storm and her expressions are just to die for.  For now Lucas just puts his hands up in the air and tries to argue with her, equally adorable; but I can't wait to see what the next year has in store for these two.

* My little sister Gyselle is just not so little anymore.  She's turning 10 this coming March, and she's so great with her young niece and nephew.  On Saturday she actually helped bathe Lucas, and I couldn't help have my heart burst with pride and love.  She has a lot of personality, and oftentimes sounds like she's 9 going on 30, but she continues to be my best little sister.

* I've been on an organizing kick lately, and I just finished organizing my office to include a playroom for Lucas.  It's pretty bare right now, so when I have some colourful prints on the wall I will have to post some pictures.  I'm taking advantage of this need for order to tackle other projects around the house, and its also extended to other parts in my life: finances, routines, schedules, personal goals, that overall make me happier.  I need order in my life, and I'm a huge list person.  Its complete satisfaction to put a line through a finished item on my lists.

*I've had the house decorated for a week now, and it really helps cheer my soul up.  This is my most favourite time of the year, I love everything about decorating, baking, the smells, the lights, and the season's events.  I actual prefer to give gifts than get them, nothing makes me happier than seeing someone's face light up over something that I gave them after careful thought.  I'm planning some events for Lucas in the next couple of weeks, and can't wait to share with him my love for the holidays.

*  For the past few weeks I had been feeling pretty down, and conflicted.  Something happened that I don't want to get into specifically but it made me question certain relationships in my life, and worse my view on raising my son.  From the day Lucas was born I have prided myself in how I confront the trials of motherhood; I have taken certain things from my own childhood, and either used them verbatim or adapted them to better suit mine and Gianni's lifestyle and beliefs.  Have I had moments where I questioned myself? 100%.  Its only natural to journey though motherhood with doubt and worry, but its destructive and damaging when that doubt is stemmed from someone else.  I've moved on from this feeling; with a lot of self-reflection, talks with my own parents, leaning on my husband, and with prayer.  I have realized that I am a good, if not great mother, and I should never question that again; no matter what vicious words may be thrown my way.

* On the same thought process, I've also come to realize that my family, as it pertains to my husband and son, are and will always remain my number one priority.  I have room in my life for my extended family, both mine and Gianni's, but I can't please everyone, I have to do what is best for my little family unit.  This was and is a difficult realization for me since I've always been a people pleaser, and often put other people's feelings above my own; but its truly exhausting and not worthwhile.  As long as my boys are happy and taken care of, well than I will always be a happy woman.

If you're still reading these ramblings spitting from my mind, than a big thank you to you.  Hope you all have a great week ahead, and stay warm!

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11.15.2013

Five on Friday

I can't believe its Friday already, this week has completely flown by.  We've been keeping busy with crafts, I have the house pretty much decorated for the holidays, and I'm ready for some relaxing times with my boys this weekend.  Linking up with the lovely ladies Darci, Liz, Christina, and Natasha.

 
one
Tomorrow are our family Christmas photos and I'm pretty excited.  I'm mildly obsessed with taking family photos, and this session is turning into an annual tradition.  I love filling the house with professional photos, and our photographer has been taking our photos since Gianni and I got engaged!  Last year the little guy was a mere 2 months, and he was too cute beyond words, and very well behaved.  I'm praying for some good behaviour tomorrow, and I have timed them to when he is at his best mood during the day.  Here's a look back at his cuteness from last year.



two
The weather got really cold this week, and we finally got some flurries. The snow didn't last long in my area, but it was enough to have Lucas and I go out and explore the snowflakes on the grass, which was great since coincidentally this week we did snowflake crafts!  His cute bundled self was to die for, and thank the Lord I found a hat that he can't rip off!  Kid is exactly like his father, always too hot, and hates coats, gloves, and hats...its going to be a long winter for this mama if its going to be a struggle every time we go out!


three
Next week its my birthday!  31.  Wow.  Officially got my first year of my thirties done, and it was pretty darn great.  Last year I had a whole shindig at my house to celebrate my thirtieth, but this year I'm keeping it very low key.  Dinner out on Thursday with my boys to my fave sushi restaurant, a day date with my littlest man, maybe a movie date with the big guy on Friday, and then on Sunday we are thinking of heading to Niagara on the Lake for a family day.  All in all should be a lovely celebration.

four
After three weeks of constantly waking up at pretty much five in the morning Lucas woke up yesterday at 7! and still had a two hour nap in the afternoon.  Alleluia!  The days have been pretty long around here due to these early mornings, and sometimes I was lucky if Lucas got a good nap.  Darn molars really messed with him, but the last one is finally cutting through so I'm hoping this means he will back to his regular schedule, for all our sakes!

five
My mother told me of a co-worker who recently lost her brother to cancer.  He left behind his wife and three kids, one of which is a mere three weeks old.  The man lost his battle to the illness after being diagnosed only nine weeks ago.  Obviously the wife is struggling to make ends meet, and my mom had asked if I had anything at all of Lucas' that I could donate to their new son.  I was so moved by this story, and I filled two boxes of clothes, and diapers to send to her.  It really made me take a moment and be thankful for the blessings in my life, and for having my husband by my side.  Life is truly fragile, and precious; we should treasure every moment, and not just the special occasions.









I leave you with this quote, and encourage all of you to hug a little longer, give more kisses, and call that someone you haven't in a while!



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11.13.2013

Wordless Wednesday - Mommy's Little Helper

I get Lucas involved as much as I can, or think I should, in my daily chores around the house; even if its just a running narrative of what I'm doing.  Lately he has had a mild obsession with putting his hands in the toilet (dear Lord help me), but I think its cause he's watched me clean the toilets!  Oh well eventually it will all come to use. 

 
Monday's are my laundry day, and the moment I open the washer or the dryer Lucas will meander his way into the laundry room and "help" me.  Usually clothes end up all over the floor, or he tries his might to get into the washing machine, but this past Monday he actually took clothes from the dryer and placed them (well most of them) into the basket.  It sounds all trivial, and like I'm promoting my 14 month old to do chores; which I'm not at all doing.  However, its moments like these that show Lucas that things around the house need to get done, and toys, and clothes are not meant to be strewn everywhere.  I think it lays the seed for good manners, and for making him a good little helper; especially since I detest typical gender roles, and believe that Lucas should grow up knowing how to cook and clean, and take care of himself. 


All in all the cuteness of him helping me is too much to handle, and we make a pretty good team!

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11.11.2013

{Toddler Activity} Tree Inspired

As I mentioned on Friday I started a craft learning schedule with Lucas last week.  I pick a theme or a word that I want to introduce and center crafts for the week around it.  So I scoured pinterest, and the general internet world (I actually found some great mommy bloggers who are devoted to teaching posts, and toddler crafts), and planed the week ahead.  For the first week we did three crafts, and I worked them around the days we don't have outside activities scheduled already.  Last week was also pretty cold around these parts so it was great to already have something planned.  I pre-prepared all the crafts in zip lock bags and then placed them in a basket in our mud room, so that way it was simply setting up his space, and saved time. 

Craft 1 - Finger painting Tree



This was really simple, and I have been wanting to introduce Lucas to actual paint since he seemed really into the bath tub ones I have.  This was a lot more successful than I even anticipated it would be for Lucas, he really loved feeling the paint on his hands, and we experimented with our fingers, and our whole hand on the paper.  When he was done painting, he looked at me, put his hands in the air, and said all done (I'm not going to lie makes me pretty proud). 

Craft 2 - Glue Leaves on Large Tree


We went on a discovery nature walk earlier in the day, looking at the different trees in the neighbourhood (we live in a typical suburban area, so the tree options are pretty standard, and not all that grandiose, but a 13 month old doesn't know the difference lol).  We collected leaves, which Lucas really loved, when he saw me picking them up, he kind of got what I was doing then started collecting them and bringing them to me as well.  Once at home, I have placed the "tree" on the patio door for easier access to the little guy, pre glued the whole upper area, and just let him discover.  I placed the first leaf on the tree so he could see that it would stick, and then he would put them up and tear them down.  Again another pretty successful craft, he enjoyed crunching the leaves as well.

Funny enough fitting with the season of the year, once Lucas had all the leaves glued on the tree, he started taking them off, leaving the tree bare.  But his dancing around in the leaves on the floor was worth the mess!


Craft 3 - Decorate the Christmas Tree


First of all this would have been so much easier if I had contact paper, but I didn't so I used double sided tape from my scrap booking supplies, so the tree could only really be decorated in certain areas.  I hung the tree on his easel, so that I could place the pompoms (bought at the dollar store for a steal) on the bottom ledge.  Besides the fact that Lucas would get a little frustrated cause he would try to place the pompoms in areas that were not sticky, he really loved this craft, so much so that I kept it up the rest of the week, and once in a while he would gravitate to it on his own.  I found this great for his fine motor skills since some of the pompoms are pretty small.  Even though he at times tried to eat the pompoms (note to self maybe he should have had a snack before doing this craft that involved round colourful balls that look like candy!), he would look at me and clap his hands whenever he was able to get a ball on the tree!

Hope this inspire some crafting time with your minis.  These were pretty all low maintenance, and gave me enough time to do some things in the kitchen while he was occupied, or motivation to "teach" Lucas about new things, and words.

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11.08.2013

Five on Friday

Its been a long week around here.  Lucas is having a hard time teething his molars, and wakes up really early because of it, which in turn makes for some really long days, especially if he isn't in the best of moods.  We have been keeping busy with crafts and outings, but I'm usually ready for bed when Lucas goes down for the night too!  On to this week's five.

one
Next week we have our family photos for our Christmas card, and I'm pretty excited about them, more so cause its giving me an excuse for some mommy time this Sunday.  While the boys stay home and watch football, I'm going for a much needed haircut, and I'm working up the courage to chop a lot off.  I'm thinking of maybe a bit longer than this version from Katie Holmes.  I definitely need some texture and a bit of a new look, but I want still the option of being up to pull my hair up if needed.

two
In the interest of helping teach new words to Lucas, and having realized his newfound love for crafts I started a routine of centering at least three crafts a week around a new word.  This week we worked on tree, and it has been really great.  I have a whole post dedicated to our activities but for now here's a preview of the fun he's been having.


three
I recently purged several boxes of books from my collection and donated them to my brother in law's school.  It was actually a lot easier to part with them than I thought, if I didn't think I would read the book again then in the box it went.  There were a few book on the shelf that I haven't gotten around to reading yet so they are up next on my list, but all the extra space has me itching to go to Chapters and fill them up!  I'm staying away for awhile, or else.  Book nerd problems.

 
I have lost it when this has happened, especially to a new book!

four
I've slowly started getting the house Christmas ready, and I'm itching to put the tree up, but I'm waiting until next week after the Santa Parade.  I have a few DIYs that I'm working on this year to spruce up my décor, and trying to make a few non breakable things for my living room, since I have a toddler who thinks that anything within his grasp is a either a toy, a teether, or just plain his to do as his likes.

five
I've been mildly obsessed with researching events and activities for the upcoming Christmas season, since its by fair my absolute favourite time of the year.  Last year we didn't do that much since Lucas was only two months old, so I really want to try to do more this year.  Last year I went to the mall for his Santa pictures near my sister's house, and I will definitely be going back there for sure, the Santa is incredibly believable, and was just a jolly (hehe) man.  Last year we had no tears, so lets hope for a repeat performance.  Lucas is a pretty social kid, so I'm not too worried.  Can't wait for another round of cuteness like last year's, maybe with a smile though instead of the worried stare lol.


And just because here's my little man in a bout of laughter, this smile is the only thing that makes teething, poor sleep, and crankiness really that much more bearable.


Have a great weekend everyone!

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11.05.2013

October Book Review

I have been averaging three books a month which isn't too bad considering I spend most of my days running around an energetic 14 month old.  I really try to make some time for myself to indulge in one my favourite hobbies, even if its just half an hour of Lucas' nap time, or a little before bed.  I find that it helps having a little me time to restore my mental energy during the day.  On to this months reads.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

So I'm loving this series a lot more than I thought I would, and I know for someone with an English degree it might be a little embarrassing to admit that this young adult novel is entertaining, but the nerd wants what it wants.  Besides sometimes I just need a little easy reading!  The second installment sees the protagonist begin to learn and attempt to understand this power that she was born with, but grew up not knowing she had.  Its all very supernatural, and unrealistic, which is just the perfect dose of fantasy that I need to help my brain shut down for a few hours hehe.

Chesapeake Blue by Nora Roberts

 
This is the fourth book in the brother series I started last month, and it was by far my favourite of the series.  If you remember, the series centers around foster brothers who come together to raise and help a new child that their adoptive father had taken in shortly before his death.  All these men have suffered personal traumas, and grown up in broken, and fractured homes; and we discover that Seth, the "new" son is in fact the grandson of their benefactor.  Besides all these tedious details, this novel was just so warm, if that could be used as a description for a story.  Its lovely to see a series come to fruition, when the novelist revisits Seth's story as an adult, finding his own love to tell.  Like most of Roberts series, I highly recommend this one. (Sidenote: sometimes I struggle whether I should continue this series, but then my mom was over the other day and took this series home based on my reviews, so I was sold to continue with them!)

Revenge Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

 
I read the prequel to this novel just before the movie came out, and loved it way more than I thought I would.  The movie is fantastic, Anne Hathaway and Meryl Streep portray the characters pretty much exactly as I had envisioned them.  I don't usually put too much stock in sequels that are written so many years later, I find that it comes off as contrived, and often it ruins the original story for me.  I was pleasantly surprised with this one, I must admit.  The plot is fresh, very current to family ideals nowadays, and struggles that women face today with fulfilling roles they want, and others they think they need to attain.  We revisit Andrea ten years after the last novel, successful in her own right now, as she struggles with friendships, marriage, new motherhood, owning a business, and leaving the past behind.  A lesson that I took from this novel was that you can only make yourself feel inferior, and when necessary remove from your life the ones who are helping you feel that way!

Happy reading everyone!







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