Good Day for Ridin'

The sun is out today and any Friday the sun's shining is a good day in my books. And if you're a motorcycle enthusiast, like Hudson's Uncle T, it's also a good day for ridin'.

This is a layout I did earlier this month at the Paperie retreat, showing Hudson sitting atop the (parked) motorcycle with his Uncle. We were lucky to spend quite a bit of time with Uncle T while I was off on mat leave and it shows. The smile on little man's face is always quick to appear when Uncle T is around. He's also one of the few people Hudson is happy to go to when he's just waking from a nap and one of the few he'll reach for in a crowd, other than mom and dad. This pic, taken when Hudson was about six months, is a favourite of the two of them.

The paper, with it's motorcycle image printed on the corner, was perfect for the page. I then blitzed it up a bit by layering a star mask on and spritzing with some Mister Huey's ink.

I also can't resist a bit of paper/embellishment layering. Off setting the photo I add a brown "cool" bingo card from the same paper line as the background sheet, which was placed on top of a misted manila tag. On there I added a few star chipboard pieces, some twine, and a phrase sticker.All that was placed on top of more squares and banners of patterned paper and some washi tape. The final bit in this cluster was that leather tag. It was just something kicking around my mixed button stash. I was holding onto it for some unknown reason and good thing! It was the perfect rugged touch for the layers.

After I added a few journaling strips and the date, I still felt like it needed a little something. Poking around my supplies, I found a couple of fun metal buttons that fit perfecting in the motorcycle wheels, playing up that design element. Altogether, I was happy with the end result.

Yes, the sun is shining. It's a good day for ridin' indeed. Happy Friday everyone!

Simple Things Sunday: Winter Walk

Yesterday, we decided to get outside for a walk. The weather was ideal for getting out and about with the babe - partially sunny, no wind, temps hovering right around zero celcious. We grabbed the backpack carrier and headed out to explore a local woods trail. It was an hour more than well spent. Fresh air in our lungs, sun on our faces, activity for our bodies, and, best of all, family time together.

One of my favourite pics from the afternoon was this one of D with HP on his back. Heading down the trail, sun starting to set, not another soul in sight, such peace.

And HP loved the walk. As long as he's moving and grooving, he's generally good to go. This was the first time we used the Kelty carrier and he quite enjoyed being up there. He would actually lean a little to the left or right to get a better view. That's our nosy-parker ;)

And what's a family adventure without a self-portrait?!

Linking up with:

Our Family Rhythm

You know when you're reading a good book, how you can't put it down? I find those books have a sort of rhythm to the words. Not in the way of a rhyme or beat, but just that cadence that draws you in and carries you through the pages effortlessly, with great intrigue. It's easy, it's fun, it's interesting. You enjoy it, want more of it, and hate for the last page to come. Families are the same. There's a rhythm to the days that you come to enjoy and expect. Yet, more often than not, that rhythm inevitably changes and you find yourself in the pages of a new story.

For the past five plus months, our family has enjoyed a very nice, peaceful rhythm. As some of you know, Des had taken a leave of absence from his ad agency position and, from August until last week, he had been home with us. While the instigation for the change was not ideal, having him home was awesome. We quickly settled into our new routine and the changed cadence of our days.

Two parents to one child - albeit one very sleepless child - made life a lot more sane. We settled into taking turns on the night shifts and early morning shifts. We could trade off on midday naps when necessary {which was much more often than we would have preferred}. Mid-week afternoon coffee dates were a common occurrence, as we were walks and hikes and hanging out in our PJs. One of us would do grocery runs and banking and other errands sans baby, getting it done faster and at more convenient times, while the other enjoyed playtime and snuggles at home. We could head out of town to Nanny's on a whim and stay as long as we wanted {thanks again Nanny!}. The rhythm of our days, even if they followed many a sleepless night, was good.

More importantly, HP got to spend lots of one-on-one time with each parent and even more time as a family together. That his first word was Dada is evidence enough for me that having Des home with us was worth the financial strain {let's be honest two people on leaves from work does not pay well}. In fact it was so worth it that it makes me want to advocate for all families being able to benefit from some joint parental leave time. Especially in those very early days when life goes topsy-turvy on you. Alas, I expect the national EI system wouldn't be so quick to pay out. I digress.

Last week, those family days came to an end. Late in 2011 Des resigned his agency position and accepted a new gig, which he started last Monday. Des went off to work, coffee in hand, waving bye-bye from the driveway. Then it was just me and HP for the whole day, for the first time perhaps in months. The rest of the week came and went. While Des went off to work, HP and I filled our days with play + snuggles + naps. We got groceries together, a little slower than going solo, but fun too. We ran errands - I was never so grateful for drive-through banking and coffee shops before! I figured out that morning naps are better times to fit in my run and, if lucky, a shower too. We met other mamas-n-babes for a winter walk in the park and a post-walk cocoa, so nice. We visited Grandma and cousins. We even fixed a car.

Before we knew it, the weekend was here and daddy was home again. This week we're planning more of the same. The rhythm of our family has changed. The cadence of the days is different and we're getting used to the way it feels now. Like any good book, I was enjoying the story of three at home so much I almost dreaded the arrival of that last page. Yet, at the same time, I was so very happy to see what would come next, what the sequel would hold in store if you will. So far, the rhythm of the sequel feels ok too.

The Story of Today

In doing the Project Life album over the past 3+ weeks, I've realized how full and busy our weeks seem to be. Yet, in the midst of those weeks are mostly quiet, ordinary days. I guess its when you add them all up, the little ordinary moments write an extraordinary story. The story of today is more on the quiet and ordinary. The simple story of today includes:

    - Starting as a two car family for the first time in years.
    - Round one of playtime, snack time, and nap time.
    - Re-rolling the toilet paper. Again. Sigh.

    - Much easier-than-expected baking for a weekend dinner. Love that.
    - A few storybooks with momma and on his own.

    - More playtime, snack time and, with any luck, nap time.
    - An overdue trip to the grocery store on the agenda, baby permitting.
    - Some form of fish for supper, accompanied by veggies galore. Mmmmm.

    - After work cuddles and pre-bedtime fun with daddy.

    - And hopefully some reading and craft time for momma in there somewhere.

Nothing fancy, nothing exciting. Just an ordinary day contributing to our extraordinary life.
Yep, that's the story of today.

Our Weekend Lens

Our weekend was filled with good friends, good food, good hard work + good fun.

There was some chilling by the fire, this time indoors.

There was hanging with friends over dinner on Friday night.

There was Saturday morning coffee downtown at the Rocket, enjoying the first real snow, and sporting (aka showing off) a new mini-pea coat. Love.

There was a much need phone upgraded for D. hello iphone 4.

 

There was deciding on paint colours. As you can see there was much discussion.

But there was a decision followed by plenty of prep + painting.

There was some paper crafting ( + Starbucks)...

and some canvas crafting.

There was a fun visit with Nanny + Poppy. H's head is almost a good fit in Pop's hat!

And of course there was plenty of play time + fun. I love that face.

There was also brunch @ Blue with some fabulous friends on Sunday morning + visit to the hardware store. All in all, it was the perfect blend of productivity and R&R.

How about you, how was your weekend?

A {Belated} Birthday Post

This post is slightly overdue. One week overdue in fact. You see, last Friday was my lovely sister's 30th birthday. Of course I had fully planned on doing an ode-to-ma-sissy like I have done with my mama and besties on their birthday, but I also wanted to post a pic of her card and prezzie in the post. Since she shares her birthday with the Veteran's Day holiday, I posted about that last Friday instead with the hopes of seeing her sometime over the next week or so to give her the card/prezzie, followed by said post. Long story short, I've not yet seen her and probably won't this weekend, so the card pic will have to wait as I don't want to hold off on the birthday post any longer.

I can hardly believe Jodie turned 30 last week. In my mind, she's still that scruffy little playful girl running around behind me. Like most sisters, we grew up fighting and loving each other in the same breath. We were quick to argue over the phone, the TV, the front seat, clothes, and toys, yet would still crawl into one another's bed for a snuggle to end the same day. More often than not I think it was due to Jodie's forgiving nature. She's quick to apologize and even quicker to forgive. She has a kind heart and kinder soul. She loves to help others out as evidenced by the countless stray cats that got carried home and she somehow managed to convince mom to keep. She has that wonderful way of winning you over on almost anything.

She really is the best sister a girl could have. She was who I wanted standing next to me on my wedding day. She was my maid of honour and the only bridesmaid I asked to be by my side. When Hudson came along, she was the only person I considered to be his Godmother. I couldn't imagine any other taking that role in his life. When we had our first night away from the little guy back in October, it was she who took care of him and kept him happy and safe. Yes, I'd trust her with anything.

In all honesty, I really don't know how she's turned 30. Somewhere over the last ten years she's gone from young and single to married, motherhood and a beautiful woman. Still, to me she'll forever be my baby sister.

Happy {belated} birthday sissy. Love you!

Beautiful

Getting Outside

Amelia over at Tales of a Mountain Mama and her hubby have a family rule about getting outside for at least 15 minutes every day regardless of the weather. I love it and think it's an awesome way to instill a love of the great outdoors, appreciation for fresh air and nature, and enjoyment of physical activity in your children. I'd be lying (to you and to me) if I said I could that here with my family. I mean everyday is tough and I'll be honest, as much as I love being outside and active, I am a fair weather gal... meaning those cold winds of the Atlantic ocean and the wet Newfoundland snow are some what inhibitive. What I can do though and what I am really trying to do is simply get outside more often.

Late yesterday afternoon, Hudson was getting a little antsy (aka whiny) sitting around the house with me. I can hardly blame him. After two plus weeks of being under the weather with laryngitis followed by a head cold and me still with a head cold, there's been a limit to his out-of-the house excursions. And let's face it, too much time between four walls will make any of us antsy. We had already worn out our jolly jumper, excersaucer, play table, book nook, treehouse TV and sing-song games for the afternoon. Nap had been had and belly was full. At a loss of what else to do, I thought of Amelia and her notion of getting outside.

Hudson's sniffles are all but gone and we had been at the doc for a check-up earlier yesterday, leaving with a clean bill of health. Des was already out back with a fire in the firepit, so I bundled H up in his bunting suit, put his hat on him, and out we went.  It was exactly what we all needed.

We showed H the fire again and talked about it a little bit. Got close enough to feel the warmth and talk about hot, but stayed far enough away to be safe!

We enjoyed some baby love. Seriously, how cute is a baby so bundled he can't move his limbs?

love from daddy

and love from mommy too

I walked Hudson around the "back nine" showing him trees and branches and leaves. There was plenty of exploring and fortunately the bunting suit immobilized him enough to keep dead leaves out of his mouth!

We played some peek-a-boo with daddy from behind the birch tree, quite the fun game!

While outside, I remembered I wanted to take in a fall sunset with the fam before the end of November and the timing was perfect. H enjoyed the late afternoon bottle outside by the fire as the sun went down before we finally headed in for supper. While we couldn't see the sunset into the ocean from the backyard, we could watch disappear behind the trees and watch the sky change colours from a bright blue to a pale blue edged with orange and gold before it finally darkened up. Lovely way to wrap up a day.



the mid-sunset sky

Getting the fresh air, seeing new things, playing a few games and simply enjoying each others company was the perfect cure for a bored little boy. Note to self: remember this. Remember this afternoon mid-winter when it seems too cold and go outside anyways. We were all happier after our 15 (plus!) minutes outside. It is amazing what a little fresh air can do.

A bonus: seeing those sweet cheeks turn oh so rosy pink. Too cute.

love you handsome boy

Sleep Like a Baby

Sleep like a baby. It is quite possibly one of the most inaccurate similes to grace the English language. It should be 'Sleep like a baby my a$$.' I am convinced, beyond any doubt, that the generation of the idiom came from a sleep-deprived parent uttering the words with excess sarcasm. Unfortunately, the person on the receiving end missed the facetiousness and spread the word to the rest of the world under the guise that it was indeed fact. I am also convinced, beyond any doubt, that person listening was childless.

don't let this sweet face deceive you ...

Now, if you're a parent who has an infant that miraculously slept through the night since like day zero or something crazy like that, you can stop reading here. This is not for you. I'm sure your sweet angel of a child is dozing peacefully in the bassinet nearby and you quite likely have something better to do than read my tale of torture, like knit or tat or whatever. Go enjoy your rested self. Please, don't let me interrupt you.

For the rest of you parents, who's baby doesn't (or didn't) exactly sleep like a baby, you feel my pain. My child seems to think he's going to miss something by going to sleep. It's like he thinks I'm going to break out the disco ball and have this kick-ass party when he's not looking. But I swear, changing out of my PJs into some sweats - or if there's a public outing on the agenda, some jeans - is as exciting as it gets around here. Sure, I'm ready to go back to work just so I can dressed up again. But I digress. Little dude just fights the sleep. Nap time, night time, every time.

I'm sure there will come a day when I'm trying to haul his pimply teenage butt out of bed at one in the afternoon and I'll look back on this thinking my gosh how he's changed. Right now though I just can't see it ever happening. Right now, this child of mine has to be convinced to sleep. I know right, who has to be convinced that sleep is a wonderful, wonderful thing? My child, that's who. I swear it's some sort of punishment for something I put my mother through, though I'm not sure what as I was a good little sleeper.

My child, not so much. Whether through rocking, walking or driving, the child needs some sort of motion to drift off. And even then, there are no guarantees it'll last. More often than not, once the car stops moving, the eyes open. Once the side of the crib has been breached, the eyes open. And lay him down in the crib to let him fall asleep on his own, bah-ha-ha-ha-has-hah. Now that's joke if I ever heard one. In fact, any attempt to lay him quietly, the eyes open. And we do the rocking, walking or driving all over again.  I think he thinks it's a game. Well, bud, let me tell you, mama's not a gamer.

asleep ... finally... in the car

But I am about to initiate a game of 'let's see who's the sleep boss around here mister'. You see, I recognize that some of his sleeping issues are a result of the habits we've created as parents. He was so fussy with his tummy troubles as an infant that often the only way to settle him was though a gentle rocking or swinging. So he spent a lot of time being held and rocked or in his (glorious) swing. Any naps he did get, came about that way and still do. I also realize we can't really expect him to expect much different now that we started that routine. Unless of course we teach him different.

Well, teacher mom is about to break out her stern look in the nursery. While I really don't mind rocking him to sleep, it's just that he fights sleep so much that the process can be a long one a lot of the time. Like from 2am-4am the other night. Seriously. And then back up at 5am and again at 6:40am. No joke. Again, I digress. As much as I try to enjoy the midnight snuggles knowing they are indeed fleeting moments, I know in my mommy heart of hearts that the excessive rocking and coercing to sleep is not necessary. I know he can learn to fall asleep on his own.

So soon, very soon, we will begin to change the routine. It won't be easy, but it will be worth it. Once he learns to go to sleep on his own, we'll rest a little better around here. Perhaps then we'll all sleep like a baby.

Labour Day Re-Cap

Hard to believe the Labour Day weekend has come and gone for another year. Sure it seems like we just celebrated Canada Day! We spent our extra-long weekend with family and friends from Southern Bay to Northern Bay (no joke, Des grew up in Southern Bay and my family comes from Northern Bay!) and we enjoyed it thoroughly. Here's a look through our weekend lens:

Hudson P's first visit to Dad's home in Southern Bay

Hanging out on the bed in Daddy's old room
(at some terribly early hour after a very sleepless night!)

There`s was plenty of attention from the older cousins

Espresso found here :)

Plenty of food & drink consumed

a scenic drive through Trinity to encourage much-needed sleep for the boy



some lawn-mowing followed by riding just for fun!



trying out of old furniture ... showing off that chubby belly :)

fresh blueberries and homemade muffins

folding some laundry for Nanny Pat

All wrapped up with some time at Chapters. The scene from down below...

and the scene from up above.

Hope your weekend was as delightful!

Remember

Today we bury Hudson's Grandad Ryan. Even though he may be too young to remember him in person, his Dad and I will be sure he knows all about him. He really is a lucky boy to have met all of his grandparents.

Here's a layout I made of Hudson with his Grandad, which we displayed at the funeral home over the past couple of days:

Journaling: Their lives intertwined for only a short time, but it was enough to share love and happiness.
Hudson brought a smile to Grandad's face every time he saw him.
You could tell how proud he was if his youngest grandchild.
Though Hudson may not remember Grandad Ryan as he gets older,
he will know how much his Grandad loved him.

To everyone who has sent their condolences, offered a helping hand and was simply there for our family, thank you so much. Your thoughtfulness has been much appreciated.

It's a Terrible Thing to Say...

On Friday, my father-in-law passed away. At 82 years old, his passing was a long time coming. He had been far from 100% for many years and certainly more unwell in recent months. Around mid-August he was admitted to hospital where he continually declined until he ultimately passed away.

In the weeks and days leading up to his death and in the days since, similar words were said and repeated over and over. Almost everyone had said something along the lines of "It's a terrible thing to say, but he would be/is better gone." And yes, it certainly sounds like something that's terrible to think, feel or say, but each and every time I heard it, I found myself thinking that it's really not such a terrible thing to say.

The phrasing might sound bad, but the intent is pure and good. In wishing for his final moment on earth, everyone was really seeking mercy, rest and peace for his soul. No one was asking for anything but the inevitable. He had been unwell, was worsening day by day and had almost no hope for any sort of recovery. He himself had said many times before, most notably in recent months, that he was ready to go. That he wanted to go. He had made it clear he did not want to be where he was in those final days and hours.

As Christians, specifically as Catholics, our family believes in life ever after and that there is a place in heaven for us once we pass. For our family, particularly his wife and children, the last couple of weeks have been long and tiring. Time has passed slowly, mostly spent waiting and wondering. If that was the case for us, we can only imagine how he must have felt.

He was no longer living, but dying. Knowing that, seeking reprieve for his body and mind is far from a terrible thing. We know in our hearts, through our faith, that he is now in the arms of God and that is truly a wonderful thing. May he rest in peace forever more.