Thursday, 19 December 2019

3rd ANNUAL COOKIE EXCHANGE


I can't believe its that time again! Cookie Exchange weekend!









This is the third year I've been hosting a cookie exchange and I look forward to it all holiday season long. Its such a fun way to get together with some girlfriends. It is alot of work getting ready to bake dozens and dozens of cookies, but you leave with such a fun variety of cookies. Its truly a labour of love!

Here's a few pics from the party!



I try to serve a few savory items like mini sandwiches, veggies and dip, fruit and chips n dip.


Our Sprinkle Confetti Cookies

Eggnog Cookies


I served the little kids up with these red flower plates with a cute little reindeer napkins. Its simple, but adds a cute decorative touch!


Spearmint cookies

Mint Shortbread cookies

Classic Shortbread


I always try to have some prizes to give out. Everyone works so hard on baking cookies and it's something fun we get to talk about during the party. I usually do: Prettiest cookie, Fan favorite and Most Creative. This year I had cookie cutters, sprinkles and mugs as prizes. 


And of course I had to have something to give the kids too. I wrapped up cookie cutters and little sparkly bracelets for the to take home. Simple, but festive!



If you're looking for any tips on how to host a cookie exchange and past parties, feel free to take a look at these posts here!

Hosting a Cookie Exchange

Planning a Cookie Exchange

Hope this gives you a bit of inspiration on hosting your own cookie exchange!

Sunday, 1 December 2019

CHRISTMAS DECOR - THE HOLIDAYS


Christmas...my favorite time of the year by far.







With a new baby in the house, the holidays seem to be passing by so quickly and slowly at the same time. Night time nursing on the couch is that much sweeter with the glow of the Christmas tree.












Each year I also decorate the girls room with their pink trees and they love having it in their room!






And I love having the kids in their matching jammies all month long!





Hope you've enjoyed a few ways we've decorated our home for the holidays!

Friday, 29 November 2019

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

The holidays are sneaking up already! I can hardly believe it's the end of November. I always try to do my holiday shopping a little bit in advance, and I'm really excited to share some sweet gift ideas for kids this holiday season. I love to include a variety of items - something to read, wear, use, and play. I've rounded up a few small shops I love supporting, along with some bigger store box items as well. Hope this gives you a few ideas on some fun and thoughtful gifts for the little ones!




BABY GIFT GUIDE

Board Books I always love gifting books as you can enjoy them for so long. A few favorites are Tiny Farm, Peek a Who, Guess How Much I Love You.
Baby wrap Since having Annie, I've been baby wearing a lot to keep my hands free. We love Beluga Baby wraps - they are so comfy and she loves falling asleep in it!
Teether -  perfect for babies who are teething to bite and play with. Easy to wash and sanitize too! And made right here in Vancouver by Lou Lou Lolipop
Decor for nursery - These wooden animals are so sweet and perfect to dress up any nursery. I especially love this pink one for Annie's room. And I love that they are made in Canada through J&M home.
Kitty Stuffy - This adorable kitty doll is so sweet and looks like an heirloom piece.
Rainbow Stacker - So cute to add some whimsy in a nursery, and love that they will get played with as baby grows.
Christmas books - I love adding a new book each year to our Christmas collection. My kids loved The Little Reindeer last year. A favorite!
Baby onesies - Snugabye holiday bundles are so sweet and include a baby onesie, matching mama pajama and stuffy. I love that your family can match with baby over the holidays and winter. They also have them in toddler sizes! How cute!
Soft sole shoes - Aston Baby leather baby shoes are just so sweet. They're perfect for dressing up and for those adorable little baby feet!
Stuffy - All my kids have had these jelllycat stuffies, and I love the sweet bunny one for Annie
Baby bonnet - Carolina Baby Bonnets are so sweet. We have a shimmery pink lined with fleece which is perfect for winter weather. And I think baby bonnets are truly SO darling.
Nativity Scene - The perfect toy and decor for baby's room. And you can bring it out each year!
Storage basket - I'm a sucker for baskets in the home - perfect for corralling diaper necessities by your change table. They are perfect for collecting toys, stuffies, books and clothes.
Baby bows - As a mama to now 3 girls, I definitely have a love for bows. Annie's been wearing Clover and Jules headbands and we love them!
Warm blanket - Nothing better to help you stay warm than a soft cozy muslin blanket. I love all the prints that are available now!
Car seat cover - This Covered Goods cover is perfect for baby when you're on the go in the infant car seat. But also amazingly doubles as a nursing cover and shopping cart cover! I love that it has multiple uses.



GIRLS GIFT GUIDE

Slippers - My girls love warm fuzzy slippers in the winter. And these unicorns are so cute!
Cozy blanket - Nothing better for movie nights and reading than grabbing a super warm blanket. I have one for each child so there are no arguments!
Christmas books - Each year I add a new Christmas book to our collection. This year I got them How Winston Delivered Christmas. I cant wait to give it to them!
Microphone - We got this microphone last year for Ellie and it's been played with so much by all our kids. Such a great gift for little music lovers.
Wooden play food - My kids love playing kitchen, cooking, baking, and restaurant. These adorable magnetic play food pieces are so cute!
Books - Books are always a top pick for gifts. And these Narwhal ones are so funny. Maddie loves reading them!
Warm hats - I love adding something useful like a winter toque...and this red one with a pom is so cute!
Lego Duplo - Endless hours of play!
Bubble toys - These are so fun and sweet for making bubbles at bath time. You run them under water and they last for many many baths!
Animals for dollhouse - If your kids love playing with their dollhouses, pets are the cutest addition!
Dollhouse - My girls play with their dollhouse every day, multiple times a day. Its the most played with toy in our house.
Unicorn mug - I love getting the kids cute mugs for their hot chocolate days!
Puzzles on the go - These puzzles are perfect for taking on the go to restaurants or to keep busy when you're out. They have a carrying container so nothing gets lost. They are wonderful single player games!
Calico Critters -  Our dollhouse is filled with these adorable vintage looking animals My kids love these so much and I love adding a new family for special holidays.
Dollhouse car - Fun addition to the dollhouse
Nativity set - I love having a special nativity set to bring out each year at Christmas. The kids love setting it up and playing with it.



BOYS GIFT GUIDE

Puzzles to go - These puzzles are perfect for taking on the go to restaurants or to keep busy when you're out. They have a carrying container so nothing gets lost. They are wonderful single player games!
Game Matchi Koro
Nintendo Switch
Mug - Perfect for cold winter days!
Harry Potter Illustrated books - this is a new release for Harry Potter fans, and it looks so amazing with the illustrations and explanations. I love how it all looks and gives the perfect visual for little fans.
Helmet -  Love the look of these simple helmets.
Lego - So many hours of play.
Game Rummikub 
Monopoly Deal - Its faster than regular monopoly and really fun! Plus, it it doesn't take up much room at all.
Scooter
Cozy blanket - The kids love having their own blankets for snuggling while watching movies and reading.
Harry Potter cookbook - I love these fun little recipes that HP fans will enjoy!
Christmas jammies - Each year I get a pair of matching jammies for the kids. These fun Santa ones are adorable - and the girls have the pink version.
Pokemon figurines - Super fun for Pokemon lovers!
Books - I always love a good book series, and Ben has been loving this Amulet illustrated series.
Instax camera - The perfect little gift for those who love pictures and being creative.

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

WELCOMING ANNABELLE FLORENCE


We're so excited to announce the birth of our 3rd daughter Annabelle Florence.

She's only been with us for over a month, but we've all fallen totally in love with her, and we couldn't imagine her not in our family.





Sharing a little bit about labour and delivery...

At the end of my pregnancy with her, my midwife was worried about her size. The ultrasounds I had done showed signs that she was a bigger baby. They wanted to induce me slightly early at 39 weeks just so I didn't have any problems delivering her.

I got called into the hospital for Monday evening for my induction. I was already 4 cm dialated (from my appointment at my doctors the week before) and labored for hours with the oxytocin. Before they broke my waters, I got an epidural because they weren't sure how long I would labor for before baby was ready to come out. A few hours later, I was ready to push. They had a team of pediatricians and the obgyn there in case I needed an intervention (which I had when Ellie was born as her shoulder got stuck on the way out). But they were able to turn baby girl during the pushing and she came out really easily.

We ended up having to stay at the hospital until Friday because Annabelle had some jaundice and they ended up giving her light therapy to help with her bilirubin count. Friday we were discharged and we couldn't have been happier to be back home.

Less than a week later I went back to my doctors for a routine baby wellness checkup. The nurses had been to our home for 2 visits already to check that her weight was going up. She seemed healthy and on track to gaining more weight. But when we were at the doctors for a wellness checkup, they asked me to do some more bloodwork for the jaundice, as she was looking more yellow. Later that day I got a call from my doctors asking me to go to Children's Hospital, as her bilirubin count was very high. We packed a bag, and when we arrived, they rushed up to the NICU for more light therapy. Her levels were dangerously high, and they were really concerned. They immediately started her under the blue lights and we saw her levels slowly returning down.

After just under a week of being in the NICU, we were able to go home.

Its been a sweet but challenging few weeks as we adjust to being a family of 6. But theres been so much love and we wouldn't have it any other way.


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