Nya's Third Birthday Photos

Our beautiful Nya Bear is now three years old.  It's a very surreal feeling as she is our youngest and it seems like it was not that long ago that she was born.  She is sweet and cuddly yet fiesty and strong.  She loves to do whatever her brothers are doing, and if they bother her, you'll hear her scream.  She loves her tickle time with daddy and to be held by mommy.  We all think she is the cutest little thing at only 30 lbs and are so thankful to have her in our lives.  Miss Nya, we love you!

Every year we take photos of our kids around their birthdays.  Photographs of my family are very important to me and I don't think I've ever regretted putting in the effort to get some beautiful keepsakes.

Here are 5 tips for taking photos of your young child:

1.  Choose a location that they will enjoy!  Nya's favourite colour is purple.  Purple flowers and a purple pram to push around? Perfect.

2.  Take photos during the golden hour which is an hour before sunset.  You don't want bright sun in their eyes and as the sun sets it makes everything feel warmer.  Try to have the sun behind them for some back lighting.

3.  Have the child interacting with someone or something.  She stood in the field for about 3 minutes before getting bored.  Thankfully I was prepared to be in some photos with her.  She also loved pushing the pram down the path.

4. Make sure they are comfortable with what they are wearing.  I offered her several choices for what to wear in her hair so she felt some control over it.  She helped to choose her shoes too.  She wanted a different, more colourful, dress for her photos so I took some pictures of her in that dress at a different time.

5. Treats.  After the photos were taken, we went home and had ice cream to celebrate.

Isn't she the sweetest?

Nya Bear, we are all so thankful for you.  Your giggles warm our hearts and your dimples melt us.  We appreciate your enthusiasm and dramatic expressions.   Thank you for your cuddles and always making sure to hold my hand with our fingers intertwined.  We love you so much.

Love,
Mommy, Daddy, Kai & Koen.

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1. Dress up clothes. A few months ago, I bought 5 second hand princess dresses for $20 and they get used so much!

2.  10 years of marriage (as of next Thursday).

3.  Seasons.  I love that we're into some beautiful summer-like weather and then in a few more months, I'll appreciate the cooler temperatures again. 

4.  Bugs.  They make hanging out outside a little more interesting.

5.  Photos.  Love having pictures of me with my mom to look back on. 

6. Anniversary Cake.  For our honeymoon we went to the Kingfisher on Vancouver Island and enjoyed a piece of chocolate cake with raspberry sauce while on the ferry.  Now whenever Gary goes on the ferry, he brings me some home.

7.  A yard.  It's teeny tiny but I'm thankful we at least have one and that it gets used so much.

8.  Waffle night with friends.  We're part of a care group from church and we get together with 4 other families for dinner and sharing every other week.  It's chaotic with so many little kids but it's good.  Also, I'm a little proud of myself. The idea of having people over used to stress me out because I wanted our house to be nice and clean.  I wanted to be a great host.  Now, I'm happy just being me with my 7/10 clean house.

9.  Afternoon at Crescent Beach.  We celebrated Mother's Day and Father's Day on Victoria Day with Gary's family.  The beach was packed but we got a good spot and had a great time.

10.  Date night.  Gary and I are in a marriage class (we're good but maintenance doesn't hurt!).  Part of our homework was going on a date.  We had gift cards to Earls and Home Sense for some photos we had done so that was what we did!

As always, please share something that you are thankful for this week! 

Love, 

Louise

This is Infertility Awareness Week and I am 1 in 6.

{This is a guest post by my sweet friend, Estelle.  I met her at church and have enjoyed getting to know her better through Book Club, running, and photographing her beautiful family. She is sharing her story in honour of Infertility Awareness Week}

It is important to talk about the harder things in life. Often it is our instinct to do the opposite, to guard and hide the hard and messy parts. When the going gets rough, we tend to cocoon, but in reality that is when we need our community of friends and family most of all.

We think that we are protecting ourselves. But instead, often it is the fear of rejection and judgement that drives us into isolation, leading us to more heartache.

I was once in this place. I was in full pursuit of trying to get pregnant only to continually be left empty handed. My husband and I represent the one in every six couples which experience infertility during the child bearing years.

I share my story with you to break down the unnecessary shame and stigma that surrounds this medical condition. In doing so, I hope I give both encouragement to those of you facing similar difficulties, and perspective to others.

In many ways it feels like it was a lifetime ago that I was on the roller coaster ride of infertility. Yet, I can be taken back on there on a moment’s notice. Most often, I am caught off guard by a flood of memories and feelings from these days, which can happen when I least expect it. I am at the airport, I see the bathroom where I had to cram myself in a cubicle to give myself a perfectly timed fertility drug injection. I laugh and shake my head. It is a heavy rain fall and I am driving. I am reminded of the day I almost threw in the towel as I drove home in flood-like conditions from a very painful procedure. I wince. I see a woman across the row from me at church. She is older, married and doesn’t have any children. I wonder if she is walking the road I once did. My heart aches.

When we initially ran into roadblocks with getting pregnant we only told a few select people. My husband and I supported one another. We were, and continue to be, fiercely committed to one another. We chose to face this trial with lot of prayer, good communication and humour.
As time marched on and as we upped the ante with more invasive treatments it became almost inevitable to tell others. Was I hesitant to tell my very personal challenges with others? For sure. In doing so, I had to prepare myself for people’s reactions.

And I did receive some classic, cringe-worthy comments. There were times I had to extend the gift of understanding and remind myself the intentions of most people were well meaning even if their execution was poor. For me to get bitter and upset about every misguided comment would not be helpful. Instead, I learned to be prepared with some simple, matter of fact responses.  When told, “You just need to relax and take a vacation.” My response might have been, “Sadly not even the best vacation is going to fix my ovaries. They are broken. But a vacation right about now would be lovely regardless.”

Or, “When you stop trying then you will get pregnant. My brother’s girlfriend’s sister got pregnant right after she gave up trying and adopted a baby.” My reply, “That is a great story but sadly not the situation for most people with infertility. You know and remember that story because it feels good. People don’t go around telling the hard and painful stories that are more of the common reality of infertility. They are less heartwarming but just as valid and important.”  And even, “Really, I got pregnant so easy. None of my pregnancies were planned.” For that one, I typically gave a long pause and responded, “You are very fortunate. I know my child will be worth all my waiting.”

I learned to value the people who, at the time, vexed me. They made me think deeper and often fueled my resolve. Sometimes my best support came from the people who initially said all the wrong things.

The best gift you can give to a friend who is experiencing infertility is to be open to learning and understanding. 

Sometimes it’s best to simply say, “I can’t pretend to understand what you’re going through but I’m here for anything you might need.” And when words fail, offer practical acts of kindness to show you care.

One friend sent us a cheque and a card in the mail. We received an envelope of cash from someone anonymously. A neighbour friend drove me to an appointment 1 hour away so I didn’t have to be alone. Co-workers demonstrated great understanding when I had to work a very flexible schedule around my medical appointments. My boss was a saint. One co-worker agreed to act as a buffer and let me know of any pregnancy news in the office. I could, and wanted to be, happy when others were pregnant, I just needed time process the information. A friend baked me cupcakes to savour each day of my IVF treatment. Another friend dropped everything when I called her in a panic (okay, near hysteria) and ran to the pharmacy before it closed to purchase my time sensitive fertility medication when I was stuck in traffic. Months later I would make another desperate call to a different friend who works as a pharmacy technician. She would talk me through my latest crisis; I mistakenly froze instead of refrigerated my medication.

Then, when I announced after years of trying to conceive and multiple fertility treatments, that I was pregnant, people were beyond happy for us. People cried, cheered and did happy dances. My Facebook newsfeed lit up with words of congratulations. One person sincerely told me, “I am just as happy today as the day I found out I was pregnant.”

Throughout it all, I learned that good or bad, I needed people.

I would encourage you, if you are in the depths of your own heartache, to not shut yourself away from a supportive community. If you are continually running into hurtful situations, find others who are and have walked through similar experiences.

When I found a local infertility support group I found the beauty of people who knew and understood the infertility world. Not only were these people supportive, they empowered me to better advocate for my own health.

My days on the infertility roller coaster are now over and I am now firmly seated on the parenting one. I am grateful not only for my two beautiful daughters and ever supportive and loving husband but also a community of people continuing to encouraging us on this latest ride.


Infertility Awareness Association of Canada:  www.iaac.ca




Estelle is a wife, mother of two, and a Child Development Consultant.  She is a community builder, supportive friend to many, and a Book Club leader extraordinaire. She is also 1 in 6. 

Get To Know Me {Liebster Award}

Hey friends, I was nominated by Sarah over at Sarah on Purpose for the Liebster Award.  Sarah writes Thankful Thursday posts every week and I always love reading them.  Make sure you check her out, especially on a Thursday!  

What is the Liebster Award?  I had to look it up.  I will answer 11 questions, share 11 random facts about myself, and then pose 11 questions to some other bloggers. To everyone reading,  I would LOVE to hear some of your answers to any of the questions posed, so please share one.

1.  What are you most grateful for in your life?

Unconditional love. 

2.  Describe one of your happiest memories.

I'd say that recently winning a trip to Disney World was pretty amazing! 

3. How has your life been different than you imagined?

I thought my mom would always be around (she passed away 9 years ago).  I also thought that I would be working full time outside the home.

4. How did you meet your husband?

Gary and I started teaching Science 9 at the same school in 2001.  We shared resources (aka he borrowed all my stuff) and started with a friendship.

5. What is the kindest experience you've ever had?

When Koen was 10 months old, I was diagnosed with Graves' Disease.  This is an autoimmune disease that left me very weak.  I had to quit playing football and my team blessed us with someone to come clean our home. Twice.  It still brings me to tears because I'm not good at accepting help but they just did it without asking and I felt so loved.

6. Describe what you looked like as a kid.

7. What is your favourite dinner recipe?

I love pretty much everything my husband makes; Butter Chicken, Pad Thai, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Pork Tenderloin with Mango Chutney....he's the best.

8. What is your favourite smell?

I love smells that remind me of my childhood; diesel gas (because I used to go on the tractor with my dad), the ocean and the forest.

9.  What smell makes you gag?

Urine.  I think I am going to force my boys to pee sitting down from now on because I am so sick and tired of urine all around the toilet!

10. What are you  most likely doing at 9 pm on a week night?

Watching Netflix with Gary

11. What would be a perfect birthday gift for you?

A hike!  Is that a gift? I just love the gift of time and experiences.  

********************************************************

Okay, now 11 random facts about me:

1. I can touch my tongue to my nose (Gary can also do this).

2. I have my scuba diving license.

3.  I'm very afraid of spiders but trying to overcome it so my kids aren't scared.

4. I grew up on a Christmas Tree Farm.

5. I have misophonia. It's a thing.

6. The sport that I was best at in high school was shot put. 

7. My mom used to rub my forehead when I was little and I love that feeling to this day.

8.  I've hiked the West Coast Trail 3 times and hope to do it once with my kids when they are old enough and I'm not too old.

9.  I have a Bachelor of Science in General Biology and a minor in Psychology.  Oh, I also have a Bachelor of Education in Secondary Science.

10. 7:30-8:00 am is my favourite time of  the day.  I drink my coffee and Gary does the school drop off.

***********************************************************

And finally, the three bloggers I am going to nominate are:

1.  Jacqueline at TwoFunMoms.  Jac and Juli tandem write their blog and I always find their posts amusing such as Jac's latest trip with a toddler.  I actually played on a football team with Jacqueline for a season before we had all these kids.  

2. Carolyn at Moments in Mommyland. Caroline is a fellow blogging friend who recently bought an acreage which is pretty much one of the coolest things ever if you live in the Lower Mainland.  We also share the combination of two boys followed by a baby girl!

3.  Shawna at Simple on Purpose.  She calls herself a Lady Nerd, likes bacon and has three kids.  Awesome combination.  I know she has already been nominated but I would like to learn more about her, too!

Questions for you bloggers:

1. What is your favourite spice?

2. What book are you reading right now?

3.  What is your favourite hour in the day?

4.  What did you last laugh about?

5.  What subject did you enjoy most in school?

6. What is the story behind your name?  Why did you parents give you that name?

7. What is one of your favourite blog posts you've done?

8. When you were in high school, what did you want to be when you `grew up'?

9.  What nicknames do you have?

10.  If your husband took the kids out of the house for two hours, you would ____________

11. What is one lesson you wish you learned earlier?

I think that's it! Phew.  

To my friends/readers, please answer one of the questions in the comments! I love learning random things about people.

Love, 

Louise

Thankful Thursday

This week I am thankful for:

1.  Time to read.  Thanks for the recommendation, Terri.

2. My husband having a great hike.  He's doing the Juan de Fuca Trail with his class right now.  One day I will join him! I should probably add that I'm thankful for my kid's health while he has been gone!

3. Garage sale finds.  One of my hiking poles was broken so I got this new set for $5!  I also got a new purse and a Snow White dress.  I don't need a Snow White dress, but just in case I ever do....



4. Nature walks.  Although we live in a densely packed neighbourhood, we are nice and close to parks nearby.



5. Buttercups. 



6.  Losing in Monopoly.  Oh boy, it was going to be a loooooong game.

7.  Adoption.  One month ago, my bestest friend of 23 years welcomed a baby boy into her family through adoption!  He's adorable and I'm so incredibly happy for them.  I love how God brings families together.  We are open to adopt through fostering and I can't wait to see where He leads us on this.

8.  Bath time.  I don't bathe her often because of her sensitive eczema prone skin (just 1-2 times a week and no soap!) but she loves it.  Koen outgrew his eczema around the age of 5 so I'm hoping she will be similar.

9. Beautiful photos.  I try not to ask my family to take photos too often but sometimes it's important to me, like birthday photos.  I love that Gary captured a few of Nya and I.  Oh man, I looooove her age so much!

10. Quality time with Koen.  I went with him (and Nya) on a field trip to the zoo.  I've also been taking him to Karate lessons twice a week.  We're trying it out for this month to see if it's for him or not.  He loves it but I'm not sure if he loves it enough to warrant the cost of it :)  And, for me personally, I don't think I can handle two kids being in an activity two days a week. 

I hope that you have been having a good week.  We are healthy so I'd say that's a pretty good one.

As always, please let me know what you are thankful for!

Love,
Louise

Chocolate Zucchini Loaf {Gluten Free}

I love baking but I don't do it often because we have really cut down our refined sugar.  Another reason is that Nya has been on a gluten and dairy free diet so this just always seems to make it a bit trickier!  This Chocolate Zucchini Loaf  is an adapted recipe from `The Looneyspoons Collection' by Janet and Greta Podleski that they call `Isn't She Loafly'.

Ingredients
2.5 cups gluten free all-purpose baking mix (I use Costco's Cloud 9)
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp  baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp  cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup sugar (if you need it a bit sweeter, increase this to 1 1/2 cups)
3 eggs
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla
2 cups grated zucchini (I use one zucchini)
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  Spray two 8 X 4 inch loaf pans (or 8 mini loaf pans) with cooking spray.  I like mini loaves because sharing one loaf between the three of us is the perfect serving size.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the first 6 ingredients.
3. In your mixer, whisk the sugar, eggs, applesauce, vegetable oil and vanilla.  Stir in the zucchini.   Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.  Fold in chocolate chips (add dairy free chocolate chips to make this dairy free too!).
4.  Spread batter into the pans and bake for either 50 minutes in large loaf pans or 35 for mini ones.
 

The kids loved it.  We shared one before the going to the park.....and then another one when we got back.

Have a great day!

Love,
Louise

Thoughts On Mother's Day 2015

What did we do for Mother's Day?  It wasn't exciting and that was totally fine, I didn't want exciting.  I just wanted to relax and to have the kids tell me why I'm awesome.  Yes, I seriously need those words of affirmation.  Just once a year I want to hear them say, `Thank you for driving me to hockey, washing my stinky clothes, tucking me in, reading with me, cooking meals, buying me princess tattoos, taking me to parks, giving me hugs and tickles etc..', you know, just recognizing what I do for them and how much I love them.  I hope that doesn't sound selfish, I'm just a words of affirmation kind of girl, and I feel that the boys are old enough now to actually think about it. It didn't happen.  I got a `thanks for giving birth to me' from Kai and that was after asking him why he loves me.  I asked him for a compliment.  Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease tell me that my daughter will tell me that I'm fantastic.  I know she already thinks I'm beautiful...when I wear pink or purple.

We went to church and then took a picnic lunch to the park.  Koen is giving the peace sign and thumbs up (above) in case you were wondering.

The kids had a stick fight, of course.

I spent the day focusing on being a mom to these three little monkeys.  This was probably my best Mother's Day yet in regards to missing my mom.  I think because the anniversary of her passing was just a few days ago, I grieved it then, and for Mother's Day I just wanted to focus on my role in our family.

On Saturday we did Nya's 3rd birthday photos and I had decided to get in some of the pictures with her. I'm glad I did.  I wish I had more pictures of me with my mom, especially as an adult.  I am often critical of how I look in photos but I don't want that to hold me back.  My kids aren't going to say `Oh, mom's hair was a mess and check out her double chin!'.  

Having a daughter has helped heal me.  I feel sort of guilty saying that.  I love all my children the same but there is just something in that mother daughter relationship that has helped to fill an empty place in my heart.  Maybe it's just the timing of her arrival and that my heart had time to heal.  I'm not sure.  All I know is that I am thankful for each unique relationship I have with my kids.

Kai is serious, helpful and crazy about stats.  He loves to have adult conversations with me and the latest question was `What's it like to be married?'.  Koen loves cuddles, imaginative play, and being goofy.  It doesn't take much to make him laugh and he loves to process his feelings with me.  Nya is sweet and loves to play with others. She often hold my hands and ensures that our fingers are intertwined.  They are an amazing bunch and I look forward to seeing what God has in store for them.  I may have told Kai that his wife has to come from B.C.  Kind of kidding but....

Love, 

Louise 

Pamper Yourself

If you're anything like me, there are often days where you think, `Oh, I could totally use a massage right now!'.   What holds me back?  Someone to watch my kids.  Not planning ahead.

Well, guess what?!  Pampr provides mobile massage in Vancouver, Seattle and LA!  You can book a massage online and a certified massage therapist will come to your home. They go all the way out to Abbotsford (possibly Chilliwack) and can usually be there in just one hour!

Dads, are you thinking what I'm thinking?  Mother's Day idea!

Gwen came to my home and set up her table, sheets, music and lotion and all I had to do was slip under the sheets and relax for the whole hour.  It was awesome.

I am all about convenience and wise use of my time so the fact that they can come to me is a huge plus.  They offer couple massages which would be an awesome date night - you don't need to pay for a babysitter!   You can request a registered massage therapist for reimbursement if you have coverage.  In that case, you do need to call in rather than just book online.

My upper back and neck get so sore from editing photos at the computer so I will definitely book another massage towards the end of wedding season.  I think next time I'll just have the whole massage spent on my upper back and neck-I love it!  And yes, I'm very freckly.

They are available 7 days a week from 10 am to 10 pm and payment is online (which includes the tip).  If you would like to book a massage, use the promo code TALKNERDYTOME for $25 off of your first massage.

If anyone is still trying to figure out what to get their mother or wife for Mother's Day, I'm thinking this would be a pretty stellar idea!

Love,
Relaxed Louise

Disclaimer: I was given a massage in order to review Pampr.  All the opinions are 100% my own!