Easter 2013 - Jimmy's First Egg Hunt and Graham's First Easter

Easter! The first family holiday of the year for us!

This year we spent Easter with Chris' parents. We decided to have dinner on Saturday - and we would spend the night and then James could do his very first Easter Egg hunt today!

Mum did a BIG ole Ham and  Turkey as well. The side dishes were DELICIOUS! I tried Curried Fruit for the first time - I think it may become a permanent side dish for Easter now! We also had my favorite potato dish - Schwartzies Hash Browns! Along with Green Beans, and Colorful Corn!

 

My new favorite side dish had to have been the sweet potatoes with pecans! OH MY GOODNESS! SO DELISH!

After dinner and pie we got Graham to bed. I nursed him like I normally do and then tried to put him down in his playpen. I couldn't rock him to sleep as he kept trying to go for the boob. Chris got him down and he slept the best he ever has! We had to move him downstairs with us around midnight, which woke him up but I think if we didn't have to move him he may have slept right through! Tonight - we are going to try him in his playpen in our room!!

James went down without a peep - and was very excited to wake up in the morning to see if the Easter Bunny visited!

James was up at his normal 7:00am! My MIL had gone out earlier in the morning to hid all the eggs we had stuffed last night. James got to do a mini hunt around the living room first then we went outside! He had such a blast looking for all his Eggs!

 

Graham is obviously too young to know what the heck is going on - but I didn't want to leave him out - so Chris and I bought him the cutest little outfit and sun hat! I also made him a new taggie blankie. He seems to really like sucking on fabric - like James did!

We had a wonderful time - and are going to be spending Easter Sunday at home - outside in the sunshine!

WELCOME SPRING & HAPPY EASTER

Much love
xoxo

Graham at Five Months

My Little Man - you are FIVE whole months old! Mummy cannot believe how fast you are growing. A lot has happened since last month - more milestones met and you are getting cuter and cuter each day.

Sleep Habits:

We are still bed sharing. Usually the boys bathe together - then James gets some cuddles and then I am off with Graham to nurse him to sleep. We are usually in bed around 7:00 still. If it's any later he gets very upset. I usually nurse for about an hour or so. Sometimes its shorter sometimes its longer. We had a couple of nights where it was almost 2 hours of nursing - but there was a reason for it! He goes from about 8:00pm till about 11:00pm. Wakes up to have a diaper change and I nurse him again for maybe 10 minutes and he's out again. Sometimes I won't have to get up to change him till Chris leaves for work - but I'm still nursing 3-4 times a night. Now some would say that is crazy - but he needs it. Even if he is comfort nursing I don't mind as I can fall asleep.

He still isn't napping on his own. I have been taking a nap with the boys - which I do not mind at all. I can sneak out and they will both sleep for at least an hour without me. On the rare occasion Graham has fallen asleep by himself but it usually doesn't last long. We are getting there. I am going to buy some black out blinds as I think it being light out is the problem.

Clothing:

I am SHOCKED as to the sizes he is wearing. Now - I don't really go off sizes as they are all cut differently. So Graham right now fits Carter's 12 month onesies - but they are tight length wise when he is in a cloth diaper. So we have moved up to 18 month ones. He is wearing 9 - 12 month pants and coats. Also he is in 12 - 18 month sleepers. I don't think it's his weight - but more his length. I am going to have to go and get new clothing for him as the seasons are off from James!

Milestones:

*Ok so last month I posted that he cut a tooth - BOY I was wrong! What I thought was a tooth was actually just the gum showing where the tooth was. Silly me!* BUT Graham OFFICIALLY has his first tooth. And its SHARPE!! He cut his right side lower tooth - March 18 was when I found it. I posted a picture on Instagram and Chris said it looked "inappropriate" - I have been trying to get a better shot but it's hard!

Graham is still rolling around like a rolly polly - but now he is scooting back. It's only a matter of time before he is crawling. He gets so mad when he is on his back (expect when we are doing a photo shoot!) so he rolls to his belly - but then he gets more mad as he can't go anywhere. He'll get it - and I am SO not ready for it!

Playing!! Graham is finally playing with toys! I love it! Right now his favorites are a handmade plush taggie ball that I got in a bundle from Bundles and Buzz, and his Zolo Fuzzi Nubbins I won from Kushies! He also is still loving his Jumparoo!

His bouncy seat has been retired - he is simply too strong for it. I'm sad to see it go but what can I do!?

Graham has certainly found his voice! he is a very vocal little man. He makes us all laugh! He will start to screech and laugh and then James joins in which results in belly laughing... Oh gosh its something else. He is just so darn funny.

Life is so freaking amazing right now. I feel happy - and I am so in love with both of my boys.

Happy Five Months Little Man - you really do not know how happy you make me!

xoxo

ChewBeads {Review}

At four and a half months old Graham cut his very first wittle tooth. He's been teething for a couple of months - but I didn't really think he would actually cut one this soon. James didn't get ANY teeth till he was eight months old.

With James we did the traditional teething tablets - then I freaked out when they were recalled and tossed them - so we used an Amber necklace and it worked wonders. Graham was also wearing Amber but he was still MISERABLE! Graham needed something the actually gnaw on - but being me, I wanted to make sure it was natural, soft and was designed for teething babes.

After A LOT of searching I found Chewbeads!

About Chewbeads:

The idea for Chewbeads began in 2009 shortly after the birth of my son. Like most babies, he loved to put everything in his moth and my necklaces were a favorite. Like most moms, I didn't feel comfortable letting him chew on them, with concern that they might break or have unwanted chemicals. As a veteran of the fashion industry, I had an amazing collection of necklaces and bracelets, so with those inspiration, I set out to create soft, non-toxic jewelry, which was colorful, chic and, above all else safe. Hence Chewbeads!

• Beads are made with 100% silicone (similar to pacifiers & nipples)
• Soft on babies gums and emerging teeth
• Easily cleaned with dish soap & water, also dishwasher safe!
• No BPA, PVC, Phthalates, Cadmium, or Lead
• Necklaces have a breakaway clasp for added safety
• Necklaces are a great sensory tool to the your baby focus while nursing
• Bracelets are a colorful reminder of which side you've just nursed

I was sent a Jane Necklace in Ivory to test out and review. I must say - they are very chic necklaces. Chic and simple. Which is what I like.

The beads are a great size - perfect for little hands to grab at and to chew on. Graham was interested in Chewbeads the moment I put it on.

Since the beads are made of silicon, they have a slight "squish" to them. They are very soft - I took a turn nibbling on them and I can see why little gums like to chew on them. Each bead is separated by a knot. This is a great safety feature - if for any reason the necklace breaks, you aren't going to have all the beads fall off. Chewbeads necklaces also have a breakaway clasp. Another great feature. To wash them - you can hand wash with some dish soap or for a really good clean - toss it into the dishwasher.

Graham has become very curious. While nursing, he tends to want to look around at the world that surrounds him. This can cause unnecessary discomfort for this nursing Mum. The Chewbeads necklace gives him something to play with and he in turns stays focused on nursing. Score!!

I have received a lot of compliments when wearing my Chewbeads necklace. The Jane necklace is very simple - but it is very chic and I love that I can wear it with any outfit. I can dress it up or dress down. A plain black t-shirt and jeans for running around or pair it with a super cute nursing dress say for Easter and you have one awesome outfit! LOVE IT! You can add a second or third necklace in coordinating colors to add interest to any outfit as well.

 

I am VERY thankful for Chewbeads right now - Its a wonderful product for my little guy. He really enjoys gnawing on the soft beads - and it doesn't look like a 'traditional' teether. I give this product two big thumbs up! A great shower gift for any expectant mother - or for a Mum who's little one is cutting teeth!

They have a great selection of styles - and they even have bracelets - which is another product I REALLY want to try. They have super fun, bright colors that will make any little one excited!

Connect with Chewbeads!

 

Facebook

Twitter

  

Thank you Chewbeads!


Please note that I was sent the above mentioned product free of charge to facilitate this review. All opinions are strictly my own and may differ from others. NO monetary compensation was exchanged for this review. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

Wordless Wednesday - Homegrown

{NEW} Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment {Review}

 

I'm going to be honest - I really hate shaving my legs. During the winter months, these bad boys stay covered up and I just pretend I have smooth, sexy legs underneath. I love taking baths - don't get me wrong. I love to relax in a bath but really hate pulling out the shaving cream and razor.

 

I have always been a shaving cream and razor kind of gal - I tried an 'epilator?' once - NEVER AGAIN! So I have always stuck with what I know works for me.

 

That is until....

 

I was given the opportunity to test out Schick's New Intuition Pure Nourishment shaving system. (if you would like to call it that.)

 

Now, I've seen these in the stores, and always thought it was kind of like shaving with soap. I have VERY sensitive skin so doing that would cause me terrible irritation. I was slightly skeptical about it, but I thought what the heck - I'll give it a try.

 

When it arrived in the mail - I could smell it! It wasn't an unpleasant smell - it was heavenly! The Pure Nourishment smells of Coconut and Almonds - two of my favorite scents.

 

I tore it open and took a look at it - it seemed really...big. Like how the heck is this supposed to be comfortable to hold and shave with? My little razor is dinky compared to this.

 

The packaged contained 2 conditioning solids and the handle. It also came with a cap to cover it, and a handy suction cup holder so you can hang it in the shower.

 

I put it to the test right away - I couldn't resist.

 

Pros:

• 4 blades - makes for a very close shave. My legs were very smooth!
• The conditioning solid smells divine
• No need for shave cream - the solid really does lather and didn't irritate my skin
• All in One system. I like the idea for traveling.
• Pivoting head - follows my contours
• Interchangeable cartridges

Cons:

• Hard to see where I have shaved my legs*
• Conditioning solid seems to run out before blades do
• Slightly bulky

So as you see - there are some good and some bad points in my opinion. I love that I just have to buy the refill cartridge's - no more shaving cream and razors. Plus - the Schick brand is in all major stores so it's not hard to find them. Plus you can use ANY of the Schick Intuition Conditioning Solids - not just the Pure Nourishment ones. I think for traveling this is great. One item - that's it. It left my skin feeling smooth and it didn't irritate me at all. Plus - when you are sitting in a steaming bath - the scent was intoxicating. Really!! Another point for the pro side is how easy and quick it is to shave my legs in the shower. BIG bonus points!

My BIG issue with it and it's probably only because I was a cream gal was - I couldn't see where I had shaved my leg. I have to keep rubbing my leg feeling for the hairs. Now to some this might not be an issue, but what normally only takes one pass with shaving cream and a razor and two or three passes with the Intuition. I think once I use it more and more I will get use to it.

Overall - I do believe I will continue using the Schick Intuition shaving system. Again, I just really like having an all in one gadget to take care of my legs.

You can find Schick Intuition's in you local Wal-Mart and or Grocery Store. Actually I'm pretty sure you can find them anywhere! I took a look around to price out the amount it costs to buy refills and the going rate is around $12.00 for 3 - so it's not too bad if you factor in buying razors and shaving cream.

My legs are very happy to have found Pure Nourishment from Schick!

 

 

Please note - I was not compensated to write this review. I was sent the above mentioned product free of charge to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are strictly my own and may differ from others. If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me.

Dinner Out

I'm sorry I haven't posted anything in almost a week! I have been busy, but I have also been writing up reviews and a giveaway! So be sure to check back soon!

Anyways - I just needed to say that tonight was my first night out WITHOUT the boys!

I am a TERRIBLE pumper, and the way Graham eats - well, I don't get to get out without him. Tonight on the other hand was different.

My Mum and Dad are in town for a few days and we planned a dinner out to the Keg for Sunday, so on Friday I started pumping. I got NOTHING! NOTHING!! Saturday - Chris took the boys to their play group at the Rec Centre. Graham was an angel - not a peep from him. I tried pumping and got about two ounces. Not a lot - but I knew with the other two ounces I had stashed away - that was an ok bottle.

Then today I tried pumping again. I didn't get a lot at all - maybe an ounce and a half. So total MAYBE 5.5 ounces. It's better than nothing. I thought if I nursed him before he went to his Nana's I may be able to get away for a couple of hours and I had my mini stash just in case.

I nursed him like I planned - and off they went. I was so nervous. I hate leaving them. Even if its for a couple of hours. I packed a couple different brands of bottles and my measly 5.5 ounces of breast milk, and hoped to God he would make it through.

We went to dinner (Must say, it was DELICIOUS!) and returned home almost 3 hours later. My Mother in Law brought the boys home and told me that Graham had one little crying fit - and it wasn't because he was hungry.

*Wait a second - you meant to tell me that I still have my 5.5 ounces of gold left??*

YES!

OH.MY.GOODNESS! I did it! I went out and had an adult night - and adult 3 hours with my husband and my parents.

I missed my boys like crazy, but I have to say it was so so SO freakin' good to get out.

Anyways - I just wanted to write that down. I am going to continue to try and pump - and freeze whatever I get - even if its not a lot.

Happy Sunday!

Much Love
xoxox

Motivation...I don't got that!

Motivation... 'The general desire or willingness of someone to do something'.

Yeah - I don't have that!

I told myself at the beginning of the year - It's times to get in shape. Not back in shape because I have never been 'in shape' but I wanted to tone up and get healthy. I bought the 30 Day Shred and again told myself - 6 days a week! I will do this everyday except for Sunday. WHAT A JOKE!

I have maybe worked out...4 times? I bought the damn thing in February. I came to the realization that I'm just not motivated yet.

I tried working out in the evening - but after the boys are in bed I don't want to work out. I want to sit down with Chris and indulge in a glass or two of wine. I have tried getting up before the boys get up - but as soon as I leave the bed, Graham is up searching for his next meal.

So I decided I would get the boys situated in the morning and then do it - Well, James doesn't like me working out - "MUMMY STOP! NO JACKS!"

I feel so bad when I say I'm going to do it - then don't. I feel even worse when I don't work out all week. But I always feel so awesome after I have done my little 20 minute DVD,

Today is Tuesday - and I didn't work out yesterday - and I am sitting here blogging rather than doing the damn workout now.... Maybe I will do it tomorrow......... poo.

Much love
xoxo

Out with the old...

And in with the new!

Google Reader and GFC will be no more come July! OH MY! What will I do - what will you do??

Well, all the cool cats are headed over to Bloglovin - it's a SUPER easy way to keep up to date with all your favorite blogs!

Come on over - I'd love it if you would follow me! I've got some great reviews and giveaways coming up! Wouldn't want to miss out!


Come and join!

Much love
xoxo

Some Friday Fun

It's been miserable here in Vancouver for the whole flippin' week! I despise rain! It meas we cannot get outside - which makes Jimbo go stir crazy and this Mum goes nuts!

Today wasn't the nicest day - so we watched some movies and cuddled on the couch. I decided to do lunch early as we have been napping in the 'big bed' and watching old VHS Disney movies.

YES I said VHS!!

Anyways - I wanted to do something fun for lunch so I decided to make little pizzas.

What you will need for Ham and Pineapple pizzas:

English Muffins
Tomato sauce/paste (am I weird that I like paste?)
Ham
Cheese
Pineapple
Mushrooms

What to do:

Lightly toast the muffins first - this makes sure they won't end up soggy.
Spread on tomato sauce - add ham - pineapple and then cheese. *Note: You can add whatever you want!*

Place on baking sheet and broil till cheese is bubbly and the muffin is crisp!

That's it! Seriously! That. Is. It!

James LOVED making these. He asked if we could do it again and I think we will. They are so good!

What's your favorite pizza toppings??