Saige Wisdom

GIVEAWAY winner.

2012-02-10T21:28:00.000-08:00

can I get a drum roll please...

***

Congratulations Kathie!

You won a Custom Family Name Sign from Off Woodland Lane.

The response to this giveaway was tremendous; my iPhone was literally blowing up with all your wonderful entries and Jill's Etsy Shop is now empty. I'm SO happy my followers {old & new} love these one-of-a-kind signs as much as I do.

Okay February 14th bring on the marriage proposals - we got the wedding gift covered.

Happy early Valentine's Day!

obsessions. {money edition}

2012-02-09T23:35:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty sure I have undiagnosed O.C.D.

- TIL DEBT DO US PART as well as it's theme song and host, Gail Vaz-Oxlade {try saying that surname 3 times fast}. I love that Trev & I leave the couch feeling financially smug after watching an episode or two.

- Expensive stuff. Show me 12 seemingly similar pashmina scarves with all labels removed and I'll choose the priciest one. Some call it talent, Trev calls it ~~his~~ a curse. True story: in university I got talked into going to one of those wet t-shirt contests {read "I watched" not "participated in"}... somewhere along the way it turned into a topless contest {I mean there was a $100 cash prize at stake - college ain't free you know, and neither are highballs}. ANYWAYS at the end of 'the show' someone turned to ask me which set - I kid you not - I liked best? I ended up choosing a perky pair that unbeknownst to me were fakes... aka 'the most expensive boobs in the joint'. While inappropriate, it's an example of my cursed talent.

P.S. - I swear they didn't look like implants {not that 19 year old me had seen many enhanced boobies in my lifetime}.

- Bargain finding. Not to be confused with thrifting or shopping at outlet malls, although those are good too. I, Sara K, have a physical aversion to paying full sticker price for anyting {just ask anyone}. Since I enjoy "nice" things - see bullet point above - I spend a lot of naptimes and evenings searching the internet for deals. Some of my favourite websites include: craigslist.com, kijiji.com, zulily.com {they made their way to Canada finally!}, opensky.com, canadiandailydeals.com, bargainmoose.ca, motherofadeal.com

WARNING: they have an iPhone app

I really ~~could~~ should write a post about my money saving tips, but for now I'll just share one as it paid off for me the other day, sorta. Since Fall 2010 I've been searching for a classic - not too spendy - pair of leather riding boots {it's been a total nightmare because a) my $200 CAD budget is laughable and b) I apparently have wide calves, something that has NEVER been brought to my attention before and makes me super peeved... big butt? sure I'll admit I have an uninsured J.Lo booty but big calves? that I'll deny 'til my death}.

seriously boot makers, seriously?

Okay I'm getting waaaaaay off topic now... So I go into ALDO on Monday hoping to take advantage of their 'end of season boot sale' but before I do I quickly look up "ALDO COUPON CODES 2012" on my trusty iPhone google app {still truly, madly, deeply in love with my phone} and learn that online orders get an additional 10% off using LUCKYU31511. Of course their stock is totally picked over, but the size 5 salesteen {who also has "thick calves" YA RIGHT skinny miny!} recommends the Brendal boot which is still available on their webpage and can be shipped directly to their store.

** HERE'S WHERE MY internet research COMES INTO PLAY **. I innocently say, "oh I'll just order them from home and take advantage of your 10% off online purchases coupon". HINT: stores will do just about anything to make their weekly sales goals including: increase the discount by 5% and offer free next day delivery! boo-yah!

Unfortunately what ALDO calls 'knee-high' is actually 'shin height' so back they go and my quest continues. // If you have a reasonably priced wide calf boot recommendation that wasn't included in Dina's impressive list on Honey & Fitz and doesn't contain the words Beyond The Rack - contact me ASAP as there may be a cash reward for your efforts.

courtesy of Honey & Fitz

WOWZERS!! THAT WAS ONE LONG WINDED BULLET POINT... are you still with me? Not much longer I promise.

- The Netflix documentary "Maxed Out" - it's seriously crazy yo. Go watch it and report back to me.

- My FREE season pass to Silver Star Mountain Resort {retail value $1090 + tax} but more on that later... off to sleep I go, got a sk-ate: ski date in the morning.

***

~ would there be any interest if I hosted an "obsessions" link up one week? my last attempt was an EPIC fail so I'm ~~a little~~ a lot hesistant to try it again... let me know as I'm dying to know what you're all smitten about these days - I'm nosy like that ~

P.S. - I'm too tired to proofread this post so edit my mistakes wouldya.

confessions.

2012-02-07T22:31:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Trev took me to the big city of Kelowna for an old fashion shopping spree. He totally gets me which is why I wuv him - and my new riding boots - so very much.

- Trev has read my blog a total of ONCE so the above shout outs are completely useless. When I learn that other bloggers have their partners edit their posts or better yet write guest posts I can't help but laugh out loud - that my friends will never happen. Not unless you want an essay on heavy equipment.

- Is it wrong that I'm not trying to curb my 3 year old's nail biting habit? It saves me the chore of having to cut them. win-win?

- I did a happy dance when FRIENDS went off the air. I realize this factoid won't help with my popularity rating {I'll wait for your hate mail}, but seriously people Pheobe was annoying, Monica was a B-word, Rachel only had the 90's hair going for her, Ross - never in a million years, Joey made my Ken doll look smart and Chandler was such a goober. Sad that I remember all of their names without hesitation... hmmm.

- Popping zits brings me the same amount of joy as retail therapy and peppermint paired with chocolate.

- The only day of the week that I actually care about my appearance is Wednesdays when I take Gabe to Baby Talk. It gets ~~super~~ stupid competitive - "my baby sleeps 20 hours", "I ran 10k this morning with my $900 jogging stroller", "our nanny has the afternoon off", "my 3 month old said 'mama'". I swear the 'mama' sitting next to me last week had perfect sock bun curls straight from pinterest. Needless to say I put a lot of effort into looking effortless that day and put Gabriel in some ridiculously cute outfits {striped of course}. There's nothing more satisfying than hearing, "you look amazing for just having a baby" - little do they know I spend every other day of the week in spit up and sweats.

- I haven't shaved my legs since our trip to Halcyon in early December. In my defense it's still pant wearing season and my leg hair is translucent enough that only my husband has taken notice.

- Gabe is 2 weeks past his 1/3 birthday and I'm still working on his 4 month update.

- I can't help roll my eyes these days when I read The Daybook. Perfect hair, perfect husband, perfect wardrobe, perfect baby, perfect job... it's all too perfect. Even her 'Awkward & Awesome' Thursdays are getting a little too imperfectly perfect if you catch my drift. That being said I still visit her blog religiously.

- I feel bad for typing the above confession. Don't hate me Sydney {like she'll ever read this} I just miss the good ol' days when I could sit through your posts without gagging.

- I'm pretty sure I'm going to "H" - "E" - double hockey sticks.

***

{ just sayin } thanks.

2012-02-06T22:56:00.000-08:00

I have some of the best blog readers out there and I don't say it nearly enough {or ever actually, I just think it in my head all. the. time.}

I've started affectionately referring to you all as my 'wise followers' - get it? - not only do you make Saige Wisdom part of your ~~daily~~ ~~weekly~~ whenever I get around to it blog stop but you have proven time and time again that you are truly wise and deserving of this title.

Let it be known that 2012 didn't start off the way I planned. The misery that was January - which spilled into early February - had me begging for mercy while singing along to Duffy.

Gabe's tummy issues followed by blood curdling screams - which you can read about here - really set the tone for my new year; if it wasn't for your kind words full of advice, encouragement & inspiration, I may not have had the strength to push on.

I'd like to dedicate tonight's post to thanking YOU for all the comments, emails, tips, recipes, recommendations, comic relief... I'd especially like to thank the anonymous person out there that left me this...

changed our life around here it did.

Here's an expanded list of all the bullsh*t I've had to deal with in the past month and a half:

** throwing a last minute birthday party for my baby girl who's now 3 and far too mature {and tall} for my liking.

** sending said three year old to her first day of pre-school `sniff, sniff`

** learning that good friends of ours lost their baby.

** out-sobbing my son in the doctor's office only to get a blank stare and pediatrician referral... thanks Doc for being heartless {and tissue-less} and not doing your job by NOT asking me about post-partum depression. I now recognize that my desperation looked a lot like depression and while many of you wise followers picked up on it and sent supportive emails, mister I-was-in-university-for-over-a-decade to enhance & save lives sent me on my not-so-merry way without even a brochure. What if I was experiencing the baby blues? Let's add 'find a new doctor' to my ever growing to-do list.

** adopting a gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free diet for the sake of Gabriel's digestive system.

** seeing minimal results despite above sacrifice.

** feeling powerless as Gabe writhed in pain.

** quitting breastfeeding all together and experiencing the full gamut of emotions that came with that decision - guilt, grief, doubt, frustration, anger, self-pity.

** interviewing for a position I thought I wanted post-mat leave and having it given to the 'other candidate'. The sting of rejection is both painful and humiliating.

** caring for a house full of sickies.

** becoming the household sicky.

** falling behind on my blogging, relationships, resolutions, housework, basic hygiene, etc.

sounds pretty fun right?

I'm happy to report that things are looking up. Thanks again wise followers for your continued support and readership... I LOVE YA!

*mwah!*

our week on speed.

2012-02-05T15:03:00.000-08:00

1. he's on the board 2. hittin' the bottle 3. our sign to brighten someone's day 4. a smile to brighten my day 5. adorably adored 6. snuggles with Bo-Bo 7. a sibling slumber party {sorta} 8. kangaroo'ing it 9. this little piggy went to market

Can I just say that Fat Mum Slim is a freaking Aussie genius with her monthly photo a day challenges; every blogger turned instagramer I know participates in these mini-collages and now that list includes me... my creativity is once again on hiatus so prepare to be underimpressed.

a. your view today // it's a glamorous life b. words // win your very own with my giveaway this week c. hands // his & hers watching Grey's d. strangers // the audience at the comedy show e. 10am // bottle prep 101

** if you're playing along or have an instagram, twitter and/or pinterest account let me know so I can stalk you **

a LOVE-ly giveaway.

2012-02-02T21:38:00.000-08:00

I'm all about Valentine's Day this year which is so unlike me, perhaps it has something to do with my ahh-mazing LOVE inspired giveaway courtesy of...

I've done the math and since I first discovered Jill's etsy shop back in 2008, a whopping SIXTEEN of her one-of-a-kind signs have been ordered off my ol' pay pal account. Over the years they've become my 'go-to wedding gift' and newlyweds everywhere expect one of these bad boys to grace their gift table should us Knol's ~~crash~~ be invited to their party.

my BFF and her beau

Burr ~ Currie ~ Garneau ~ Grey ~ Goyette ~ Hein ~ Kohut ~ Kovacevic ~ Knol ~ Knol again ~ Logan ~ top secret ~ Unwalla ~ Wood ~ North Okanagan Midwifery Care ~ Dean's Family Daycare

If you'd like to join the above ranks and WIN your very own custom name sign ($25 USD value + free shipping) simply FOLLOW my blog,TWEET this giveaway @saigewisdom and/or LIKE off woodland lane on facebook.

** Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

** Contest closes Friday, February 10th @ 8:00 PM {PDT}.

** Winner will be selected using random.org & announced that weekend.

** Giveaway is open to all residents of Canada and the U.S.

** Please make sure I know how to contact you should you win.

** GOOD LUCK!!

peace out.

2012-02-02T17:13:00.000-08:00

I'm in a weird spot with this ol' blog here... I don't have much time for it anymore and my original plan to hop on the keyboard whenever I got a spare moment isn't working out so well. I was recently told - not so politely - by my not so polite little sister that I need to post everyday or not at all. Those were my choices as apparently these sporadic entries of mine are, "getting annoying".

If only there was some sort of technology that could convert my mind posts into blog posts. After 2 years of SaigeWisdom updates, I considered following the lead of my 3 year old nephew and calling it quits...

But I'm not ready to give it up just yet so hopefully you all aren't too annoyed and will bare with me and my 'I have a son named Gabriel who doesn't like to be put down' blogging schedule.

in the works.

2012-01-31T13:00:00.000-08:00

I'm WAAAAAY behind on my blogging and if I ever get more than 5 minutes on the computer at a time, I'll be working on the following posts:

* Gabe's 4 month update

* our family vacation

* a Valentine's giveaway

* the emotional rollercoaster that was January

* my mommy survival tips & kit

* Saige'isms

care to comment on which post you'd like to see first?

define sexy.

2012-01-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

As I'm watching The Bachelor this evening I can't get over the number of dates this season that require the girls to tread water. It's a good thing I found Trev-bob the old fashion way {ie. being blind-sided by a blind date} because I'm 100% certain the show would never pick me based on my inability to stay afloat among other things... if jumping off a yacht in a one piece and life jacket doesn't scream "SEXY" I don't know what does.

Speaking of SEXY - a word I cannot say or think without LMFAO's song, I'm sexy and I know it being stuck in my head on repeat - I've created a little link up party for you to share the quirks & qualities that you find über attractive {and I vow to read, follow and comment on every single entry}.

via

In last week's confessions post I revealed a portion of my 'hot & bothered' list and was happy to read that many of you agree with my definition of sexy and better yet, have real life baby wearing, literature reading, blazer sporting partners.

So now it's your turn wise followers to weigh in on what's sexy in 2012 - do wide brimmed glasses makes you weak in the knees? what about name tattoos? knitted toques? or guys who run in rain? {bonus points if there's a zip up hoodie involved}. I wanna know, what does it for you??

Add a link, post a comment, send a photo, define your SEXY...

blackmail.

2012-01-25T20:38:00.000-08:00

just when I think the girl can't take a bad photo to save her life, she goes and gives me this...

** oh the wedding slideshow we will have.

confessions.

2012-01-24T22:50:00.000-08:00

WOAH week slow down a little would ya?

jeesh!

Wednesdays just keep sneaking up on me giving me little time to craft well thought out confessions. Today's post may be a bit T.M.I. so consider yourself warned.

- I continue to end sentences with "psych" and "not" even though the rest of the population retired their use of this in the late 90's. The best part is that Trev falls for it every. single. time. "wanna hop in the shower with me................... PSYCH!"

- speaking of sex, my drive's in park... {there's the T.M.I. I warned you about}. I'd like to blame our 4 month old, but if I'm being perfectly honest, I've been plugging the "let's just cuddle" meter since Saige arrived. The dirty 30's better not be a myth or I'm going to have one disappointed hubby on my hands.

- guess who joined the Twitter party?! Question: is being 3 years late still considered fashionable? You probably won't want to miss out on my ahh-mazing ~~twits~~ tweets so join my fan base {hi mom!} and start following @saigewisdom HERE. Question: what's a hash tag?

- I met a lovely fellow mom at a friend's birthday party the other week; we started chatting and it turns out I went to high school with her brother-in-law's mistress! {how we got on that subject I'll never know}. When I realized I had graduated with "the other woman" I got all revved up and told the nice lady {really loudly} to "shut up!" and simultaneously smacked her arm {really hard}. I'm pretty sure I left a mark and I'm pretty certain the other party goers were a combination of "WOW" and "glad I wasn't standing next to the red head"... what can I say, I'm excitable.

- I find men who wear wedding rings attractive. Don't worry ladies I'm not one of the above, I just find the symbol of their commitment sexy. I actually have a whole list of strange things that only I find sexy. Examples:

... men who wear chapstick

... men who wear baby carriers {but only if there's an actual baby inside them}

... men who sing along to the radio

... men who play guitar

... men who wear flip flops {especially the worn in leather kind}

... men who pair blazers with jeans

... men who cry {but only once or twice per year and over really touching stuff like babies being born or dying grandparents}

... men who carry messenger bags

... men who read {Maxim magazines and instruction manuals don't count}

~ I planned on taking a picture of Trev in his flip flops, jeans and a blazer, holding a guitar, reading a book, shedding a tear all while wearing chapstick, his wedding ring and Gabe... that was my plan but he called it a night before I could play husband dress up ~

- I use ... A LOT. I can't seem to stop myself, it's like a nervous typing tick or something... dot, dot, stop.

- On Monday I stayed up waaaaaay passed my bedtime reorganizing my pinterest boards {and I'm still not done}... what's wrong with me? why can't I be normal and organize stuff that actually matters?

- When I hear the gentle buzz of my iPhone alerting me of a new email, blog comment or facebook message, I can't stay away... even if it's 2:18 in the morning and I'm enroute to the bathroom. Trevor's looking into a support group for me, social networking annonymous.

- I've taken my iPhone to the potty... how's that for T.M.I.?

Happy Hump Day!

whew.

2012-01-22T16:54:00.000-08:00

1. let your freak flag fly 2. pre-school prep 3. catching flies 4. explorers 5. best buds 6. pink Picaso 7. spectators 8. prime real estate 9. jumping bean

10. laundry mat 11. choo-choo 12. snoweeeee! 13. mini-photog 14. silk pajamas & soy 15. first class 16. poser 17. crazy driver 18. circus training

verdict.

2012-01-18T23:42:00.000-08:00

Want to know what's worse than giving up dairy for 3 weeks and gluten for one?

Having to give up BOTH for who knows how long.

{oh and anything made with eggs too}.

When we left Gabe's naturopath appointment today I felt a bit teary - not only have I been reduced to a diet of meat, rice and almond milk {okay it's not that bleak, but I'm trying to garner your sympathy here}. But to finally have someone - a professional - validate what we've known all along was chicken soup for the 'please help our son' soul. Here's what we knew:

- we knew that an exclusively breastfed baby shouldn't have man smelling farts that burnt nose hairs and cleared rooms.

- we knew it wasn't normal for babies to go 8-12 days without pooping.

- we knew that our baby was in some serious pain every time he woke up screaming with drawn knees and rock hard abs.

- we knew Gabe's feeding schedule, every hour on the hour, was a bit extreme.

- we knew that most babies didn't like to be folded in half and vigorously ~~spanked~~ patted, but ours would fall asleep like that.

- we knew it had something to do with my diet, but we didn't know what...

And now we do. I'm pretty sure this is the healthiest I'll ever be eating - no milk, no cheese, no bread, no cereal... meal planning is no longer a resolution, it's essential.

If you have any gluten/dairy free recipes that are quick and EASY {emphasis on easy} please forward them along.

Truthfully I was considering a switch to formula; we actually planned on asking the naturopath for a brand recommendation. I thought it might be best for everyone if I stopped nursing altogether; Saige - who typically adores her baby brother - asked if we could leave Gabe at home the other day so she didn't have to hear him cry.

My main reason for wanting to continue breastfeeding has more to do with convenience than with the 'mothers milk is best' mantra. Most moms who've formula fed for one reason or another swear that formula is waaaay easier, but I just don't see it. You have to buy it, mix it, bottle it, pack it, warm it, etc. and with boob feeding you just have to whip it {out} and maybe cover it if you're trying to be discrete. Am I right or am I missing something?

Anywho, here's what my breakfasts are going to look like from now on. Don't let the box fool you, gluten free cereal is disgusting...

confession & obsessions.

2012-01-17T22:50:00.000-08:00

I'm only sharing one this week because it's beyond humiliating and a girl can only take so much embarrassment.

confession.

- while we're both trying to forget it ever happened, I'm 93% certain our neighbour saw me in my undergarments the other morning. He was in his backyard scooping up dog poo {lovely} and I was rummaging through living room laundry baskets in search of my favourite pair of fleecy pants. I'm pretty sure I ~~screamed~~ squawked before making a beeline for the stairs. Once upon a time this may have been quite a show, but granny panties paired with a milk stained nursing bra does not a fantasy make. I foresee a lot of awkward lawn mowing going on come Spring... it's a good thing I leave the yard maintenance up to Trev.

obsessions.

- Almond Breeze Chocolate Milk, it's heaven in a carton.

- Netflix documentaries. I'm kind of a documentary junkie and Netflix doesn't disappoint. Remember when there were actual video stores and Blockbuster employees would chose their picks of the week? Well mine for January would be 'Waiting for Superman' and 'Dear Zachary'. Anyone interested in forming a documentary discussion group? Kind of like a book club but better?

- Spit bubbles courtesy for Mr. Gabe...

- The Bachelor. I haven't been this excited for Monday night television since Jillian Harris agreed to be the Bachelorette {you can read her recap of this week's episode here}. Call me Shawntel - another Bachelor fave-o-mine - but I've hearted Benjamin ever since Emily's season. I'm loving the dates and drama and I think Ben has good selection of quality girls to choose from. I'm currently on TEAMS:

- Saige embracing winter sports - skating, x-country skiing, snowshoeing - our girl won't let snowflakes and sub-zero temperatures get in the way of her outdoor fun. I'm sooooooo looking forward to our end of the month stay-cation where Saige'll be be strapping on her first pair of downhill skis! I dreamed of these days in the delivery room awaiting her painful arrival and now they're finally here! I love 3.

- Appearing on blogrolls. Today I discovered that Courtney from Little Glass Box added ME to her blogroll! say WHAT?! For those of you who don't know, she's kind of a big deal and therefore being on her list is kind of a big deal. So very flattering and I couldn't have asked for better company...

A big cyber squeeze to all of y'all who make this little ol' blog of mine a daily read. Your traffic and comments encourage me to continue.

us weekly. {& I'm not referring to the celebrity gossip magazine}

2012-01-15T20:20:00.000-08:00

Okay so things got a little serious last post; apparently before & after photos of Leann Rimes is my last straw.

Moving on...

the Knol's had a fun filled week of wiggling out of vibrating chairs, thumb sucking, skating lessons, snow days, sibling snuggles, eye appointments, dental check-ups, a long overdue date night, grocery shopping with mini-carts, snooze fests and cousin sleepovers.

What I thought was a milk intolerance and the pediatrician thought was reflux turns out to be a gluten issue {we're 80% sure with a naturopath appointment on Wednesday to confirm}. Can I just say that the only thing harder than cutting out dairy is cutting out carbs.

It's amazing how much self-control I have when it comes to my wee ones {with online shopping being the exception}.

rant.

2012-01-15T00:30:00.000-08:00

January. We're just 14 days in and already I'm nauseated by the sheer number of weight loss goals, diet plans and gym memberships. It seems that everywhere I turn there's 'motivation' to get skinny...

via pinterest

But what if that's not on our list of 2012 priorities?

What if we had other plans for the new year that didn't involve mirrors and scales?

In my world being healthy and being skinny are not synonymous.

In my world you can eat AND be happy.

I have MUCH to say on the topic of body image - and the above image - but to be honest I'm tired of talking about it. I'm tired of sitting in a lunch room full of highly intelligent women listening to how many calories their salad has and how many L.B.'s they gained over the holidays.

I won't say I haven't been sucked into conversations about muffin toppage or fat-free sour cream, I'd just rather these talks be limited to every few months, not everyday.

I'm going to save the rest of my rant for another time and instead share some inspiring facebook posts from the past week.

This one got me thinking... thanks Liv.

and this one got me crying {big surprise}... thanks Shaylene.

view full post here

** So I'm curious, how do you promote a healthy body image in your household?

{ Friday Finds } iPHONE CASES

2012-01-13T08:10:00.000-08:00

It's no secret that I brokedown and got myself an iPhone - can you say holy instagram Batman? I debated on whether I truly needed my email/facebook/bank account/stranger's blogs/etc. at my fingertips 24/7 and a resounding 'heck yes' won out in the end.

Because Saige is equally enamoured with my first ever Apple product {good-bye dark ages}, I'm in the market for a protective covering.

I recently started following this blog thanks to a recommendation following this post and I discovered that Adriane is not only a talented blogger, but a talented artist as well...

one who sells very cool iPhone cases in her very cool shop.

Now the hard part is deciding which one?

dog days.

2012-01-12T19:30:00.000-08:00

Ever notice that homeless people have the most well behaved dogs?

ours are anything BUT

They're still mad at us for going on a truck ride without them and coming home with 2 noisy, non-fur babies {like the house wasn't cramped enough already}.

Speaking of this small house, in home addition news our rather attractive contractor - Anthony - dropped by the house today with a 'design contract'... forward movement is good, let's keep this momentum going Tone-dog.

fort building.

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

nothing says childhood like secret hideaways made out of blankets

and

couch cushions

confessions {family edition}.

2012-01-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

{with a twist}

meet Saige

she's petite and peculiar and she's got A LOT of confessing to do...

- Saige eats boogers. it's disgusting but we can't seem to put a kibosh on it. {your anti-nose picking suggestions are more than welcome}.

- when she thinks no one is looking she'll stick her finger in Gabe's mouth so he can suck on it {ummm did you all read the first bullet? YUCK!}. When we try to scold her we'll get this in return, "but he likes insert whatever breakfast food she had that morning" {ie. peanut butter or cinnamon toast}. At present Gabriel's battling a nasty cold, hmmm... I wonder why?

- I've caught her more than once curled up on the couch watching 'Family Guy' with her dad {and popcorn}.

- leaving daycare yesterday she explained that she "was screwing around" and therefore forgot to say bye to her good friend Monte. No Trevor she doesn't understand Stewie Griffin and animated television at all {did you pick up on the sarcasm?}

- she tries to blame everything on her imaginary friend Jamie:

Me: "uh-oh you need to clean up your box of Little People that got dumped"

Saige: "but I didn't do it, Jamie did"

- as much as I didn't want this to happen, Saige is obsessed with iPhone apps... we limit her to one game per day, but that is one too many in my opinion. are there any kid friendly EDUCATIONAL apps that I should know about? Tom Tom the Talking Cat is getting put down very soon.

- Saige was the world's worst dental patient on Monday {I almost lied and said I was the nanny so the hygenist would stop blaming me with those squinty eyes of hers}. It didn't matter that we practiced ALL weekend or that Dr. Anthony made her a special balloon animal, that kid of mine {yes I claimed her in the end} wouldn't open up for anything - not even my desperate timbit bribe {donut holes for my American readers}.

- speaking of fast food, Saige has ate at Mc.Donald's before *holy GASP*

- bodily functions will put her into fits of giggles and farts in the bathtub? well that's just hysterical - the bubbles, the underwater echo... it's hilarity to the max.

- Saige does what she wants, when she wants.

- she cries crocodile tears.

- she swallows toothpaste.

- she jumps on couches.

- she sneaks chocolate for breakfast.

- she laughs at her own jokes.

- she's so much like me, it's scary {except for the booger eating part and the not being swayed by baked goods}.

love games.

2012-01-10T18:12:00.000-08:00

Trev & I play the game who loves who more?

sometimes I let him win.

keeping it real.

2012-01-08T21:53:00.000-08:00

I'm tiring of perfect mom blogs

you know the ones

I'm pretty sure they're lying

and their lies make me feel bad

I'm not inadequate

just real

{and maybe a bit jealous}

I love my kids

just as much

if not more

I promised I wouldn't lose myself in them

that I'd have a life outside of them

that's not selfish

it's good role modeling

I'm a mother

I'm not perfect

I'm tiring of the pretending

*****

these five blogs get 5 gold stars for their perfectly refreshing honesty & content...

link

thanks ladies for keeping it real.

{who would you add to this growing list?}

the party that almost wasn't.

2012-01-07T08:01:00.000-08:00

In the wee hours of morning, while attempting to rock one smiley - and very awake - little baby back to sleep, I decided mid-exhaustion to have Saige's party at our house instead of the teeny-tiny art studio I mentioned in my last confessions post. I'm pretty sure Trev thought I was stark raving mad when I had to wake him up at 3am to tell him. I just might have a little crazy in me because {A} we've never hosted a kid-friendly event at our abode and {2} I had exactly 30 hours to cancel the original venue, buy supplies, contact all the invited guests, prep food, blow up balloons, borrow tables, pick up baked goods and CLEAN... clean like there was no a party tomorrow!

So running-around-like-a-chicken-with-its-head-cut-off-me not only forgot to charge and change batteries in both cameras but I emailed party guests the WRONG street address {I've only lived here for like 8+ years}. I didn't even realize my 4th instead of 45th Ave mistake until one of the moms called to say she couldn't find us on mapquest.

Talk about pre-party chaos, but despite some last minute venue changes, directional mishaps and very few photos being taken, I do believe our art party was a huge success... I mean who doesn't love cupcakes for breakfasts?

With my new year resolutions in mind, I let Becs hold my baby and Byron sweep the floor while I focused more on Saige and less on playing perfect host and photographer.

Saiger's birthdays have all had themes: little cupcakes, a teddy bear picnic and now a budding artist party. I had so much fun pinning ideas and executing the ones I felt I could handle...

1 / 2 / 3

All 9 kids went home with their very own masterpiece and together they created a canvas for Saige to hang on her bedroom wall... is it not the most awesome 3 year old collaboration you've ever seen?

In my efforts to simplify - and save money - I opted for an evite.com invitation rather than an Etsy one. Believe it or not I didn't even care that the ,photo of Saige looked more like Zoolander's daughter than her, I just wanted a recent pic of her in front of her artwork and I also wanted to follow in Becca's footsteps and host the party on her actual birthday.

Saige's 10am-noon party is all about making messes & masterpieces so bring your creativity and a paint friendly shirt or smock.

Your presence is present enough, but if you'd like to bring Saige a gift, her bedtime routine could use some help in the form of your favourite 'before bed' book.

I'm beyond excited about all the new bedtime stories she received for gufts. Dean gave Saige her favourite book from daycare and it's become my favourite too. I highly recommend it for the child in your life's bookshelf.

the birthday song {well partially}.

happy, happy.

2012-01-06T16:22:00.000-08:00

today we celebrate TWO very special occasions...

the birth of Saige

the blogiversary of Saige Wisdom

{we've come a long way baby}

confessions.

2012-01-04T21:34:00.000-08:00

Pardon my recent absenteeism, I've been really busy doing absolutely nothing. Well that's not entirely true; I did manage to wear non-fleece pants long enough to take G-man to his appointment {more on the pediatrician's verdict later} and I did de-Christmas the casa. Other than that I've been attempting to throw together a party for our almost preschooler who turns 3 on Friday. P.S. - the room I booked for her and 9 friends is a ~~tad~~ lot too small... hahahahaha... that's my impression of me laughing instead of screaming {see 2012 resolution numero ten}.

I got lots to confess so without further ado here's my addition to E, Myself & I's

- I got fitted for ski equipment the other day {by an employee who obviously worked on commission} knowing full well that I wouldn't be buying any of it. I just needed to see if the size 26 boots posted on kijiji.com were the right fit for my fat feet.

- I'm probably the last blogger in cyberspace to get an iphone and I've now spent the better part of my evening trying to upload instagram photos and create collages!!! A tutorial would be MUCH appreciated... thanks in advance.

- My first car was a Fiero. I picked it up for $600 from a woman I'm 99% sure was a stripper. I loved that car. I could dedicate an entire post to that car... I think I just might.

- while Trev was at work this morning, Gabe & I played around with the thermostat and got the house temperature up to a tropical 27 degrees celsius.

- I cried every day last week, every.single.day.

- I'm slightly panicked that someone is actually going to follow through with their threat and nominate me for that show "Canada's Worst Driver". Sure I've had my fair share of car accidents {minor fender benders really} and yes they've ALL been my fault - while in reverse - but am I really that bad?

- Gabe's only 3 months old and I'm already fretting about puberty. If boys masterbate as much as I think they do... just kill me now. "Don't buy navy sheets" - that's the advice I got from moms with teenage sons... seriously?!... I'm so not okay with this... please help.

** Whew, it feels good to get that off my chest. Is there anything you want to unload, upload or download?

twelve for 12.

2012-01-01T09:21:00.000-08:00

I don't normally make resolutions for the new year, but I once read that if you put your dreams to paper they're more likely to be realized. I considered putting together a 30 Before 30 bucket list like all the other cool bloggers out there, but I'm turning thirty in April 2013 and accomplishing 30 things in that small amount of time seems impossible for a mom that doesn't get out of her pajamas most days. Instead I've committed myself to 12 goals...

twelve for 12.

(1) take better photographs.

(2) learn to run.

(3) drink more water.

(4) try new recipes. meal plan.

(5) spend more time outdoors.

(6) start our home addition.

(7) simplify, simplify, simplify.

(8) go on a family trip that requires passports and sunscreen.

(9) be a better wife.

(10) laugh more. scream less.

(11) read more fiction and non.

(12) get organized.

THREE MONTH update

2011-12-31T14:54:00.000-08:00

**I apologize in advance for the length... these posts are my equivalent to a baby book as I can't seem to do both anymore.**

BIG BOY: Trev and I were confident going into our last doctor's appointment that G-man would do us proud and hit the 12 pound mark (give or take a few ounces). Imagine our surprise - and strong insistence that he be re-weighed - when he barely made it to 10.5 and that's with socks and a onesie (great look by the way). For length he's in the 50th percentile, weight he's in the 10th and his head circumference dropped into the 5th percentile... yikes! We have a pediatrician appointment next week to look at the pinhead situation (okay it's not that noticeable) as well as his DT shakes (sorry buddy when mommy's anxious she makes awful jokes that she doesn't even find funny, forgive me).

UPDATE: I started writing this post over a week ago and since then Gabe's had his 2nd appointment. As of yesterday he's 11 lbs 4 oz aaaaand his noggin' is back in the 10th percentile... way to go G.

SNACK TIME: nursing is going good however because Gabe feeds on demand and has yet to establish a regular eating schedule, I rarely get opportunities to go - or be - without baby... "I am slowly going crazy, 1, 2, 3, 4, switch". Gabe & I - or more specifically Gabe and my boobies - are kind of a package deal these days so unless I find time to pump in between my 176 other daytime duties, it's just me and you kid.

SLEEPY TIME: the one question I hear and hate the most is, "how is he sleeping?". Yes Gabe has blessed us with good amounts of zzzzz's since day one, but because he's been a great little sleeper I feel like I can't complain about all the other baby annoyances like his deafening scream, his 2 hour crying spells, his needing to be held every second that he's not sleeping. I promise we work really hard during the day to make up for the 6-8 hours of peace we get at night {11 last night}.

Here's what his December sleep schedule looked like: starts off in his crib around 9'ish, transfers into our bed somewhere between 3:30-4 for a feed and then we'll both crash until 7-7:30 or when Saige wakes us up.

Now that he's 3 months old I'm going to try to work on a nap schedule. In the A.M. he typically drifts off and on in my arms and then he'll go for a longer 2-3 hour stretch in the afternoon... those are my 'power hours' when I tackle my to-do list and/or blog posts.

OUTFIT OF THE MONTH: I should probably rename this heading "stripes of the month" because I yet again picked an article of clothing that's striped. I purchased this ahh-dorable knit hat from JOE and it's hands down my December fave. In case you haven't noticed I'm all about dressing my boy in navy these days {and white onesies}.

TRYING MOMENTS: so Saige and I made de-licious no-bake cookies that I indulged in 2 nights in a row {and by indulge I mean ate a baker's dozen all to myself}... both of those nights Gabe became hysterically inconsolable so he was either {a} disappointed over my lack of self control or {b} not liking the milk & butter ingredients - I think it was the latter. As a result of his food intolerences, I'm avoiding all things dairy... starting now. I'd honestly consider going vegan if it meant no more fits of tears. To say I'm over the crying is the understatement of 2011... when people tell me their babies NEVER cry I become jealous and hateful and decide right then and there that we CAN'T be friends.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & MILESONES: I think Gabe was just as surprised as I was about his winter solstice roll over {tummy to back} and Trev & I were in hysterics when he demonstrated his first laugh mid-dream - it was the cutest most unexpected sound ever. December also marked Gabe finding his legs, tongue and ticklish parts {armpits and neck}.

As a family of 4 we took our first family vacation and the healing waters of Halcyon put Gabriel into a 9+ hour coma {that I had to disturb when I thought my boobs were going to explode}. He even got experience the craziness that is Christmas; has an ornament to prove it and everything.

To sum things up, Gabe's 3rd month had its fair share of highs & lows, tears & smiles. I've learned a lot about my little man - ie. when he hears Saige crying he'll start crying himself, but when I cry he just looks up at me and smiles. His 100 watt smile tells me he wants to be a happy baby but his sensitive stomach gets in the way of that happiness.

He's such a stinker - truly - and has started making other farting noises with his mouth which he and his sister find ha-ha-larious.

Yes our Gabriel Arthur can be difficult - much harder than I hoped for - but I keep reminding myself {and Trev} that he's easier than Saige as a baby and look how great she turned out. There's still hope for him yet and in the meantime I'll continue to deprieve myself of dairy and save money on a gym membership by doing the 'bouncing baby circuit' every 1/2 hour.

Dear Gabriel,
I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always
As long as I'm living my baby you'll be.
Love always,
Your Mama

confessions & obsessions.

2011-12-29T09:54:00.000-08:00

Linking up with E's

- I lied to my midwife about the amount of water I consume. I was honest at first, but her horrified facial expression encouraged me to multiply that number by 3 every appointment thereafter. Sorry Sylvia; if it's any consolation my new years resolution is to rehydrate.

- I've started buying less flashy pajama pants so they can pass as street wear. I think my new pearl earrings make the look even more believable... they add that extra bit of class.

- I can't tread water to save my life... literally. Go ahead and laugh and tell me it's the eaiest thing ever; I just can't stay afloat without completely exhausting myself. My buoyancy issues almost cost me my scuba certification.

- I really need to give google.ca proper credit; I rarely type up a blog post without toggling over to my favourite search engine at lease once. Today I used it to spell check thereafter, consolation, afloat and buoyancy.

- I should really be de-Christmas'ing the house, figuring out a grocery list and/or tackling our online banking but instead I'm airing my dirty laundry {figuratively} and planning Gabe's 3 MONTH UPDATE post... stay tuned.

- I just googled figuratively. I have like zero faith in myself.

OBSESSIONS.

- vanilla chai tea from Bolthouse Farms - hot or cold it's non-dairy delciousness.

- Adele's voice. I got her new CD for Christmas and those vocals give me some serious chills. My favourite track so far? "Rolling in the Deep"...

See how I'll leave, with every piece of you

Don't underestimate the things that I will do.

There's a fire starting in my heart,

Reaching a fever pitch and it's bring me out the dark.

- Gabe's smile, I'll probably be posting this every week for all eternity. I'm addicted to the rush of love I feel when he flashes those gums in my direction.

- Ferrero Rocher chocolates. It ain't Christmas until I eat an entire box to myself.

- when Saige gives me multiple choice questions, "mommy are you happy or sad?"... "can I watch cartoons, yah or no?"... "Barbie or Ken, which one you want?".

- these Wool JuJu Hats from the Etsy shop of a fellow - and very talented - Canadian blogger.

** okay enough about me... it's your turn: what are you obsessing and/or willing to confess? **

overwhelmed & overjoyed.

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-08:00

Christmas is so 3 days ago, but for your viewing pleasure - and my failing memory - here's a little photo collage of our excessive, exhausting and extra special holiday weekend...

It's a good thing Santa's not a germaphobe because these cookies were everything but food safe.

Christmas Eve is kind of a big deal and so after a fun night with Trev's LARGE extended family we headed home and kept tradition alive with:

{1} the annual unwrapping of Christmas Eve jammies

{2} the offering of milk and goodies to Santa & Rudolf - we opted for almond milk this year.

{3} the boisterous singing of Jingle Bells

and

{4} a ~~stumble through~~ reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'

** the key is for Santa to let himself in as we don't have a useable chimney **

Saige and Gabe crawled into bed with us at 3:30 am!! After two hours of begging/threatening I finally convinced our over excited, almost 3 year old to fall back asleep. Needless to say our morning 'Spoil Fest' started a wee bit late and I spent the better part of Saturday yawning my face off.

Becs & D wanted to host Christmas dinner in their new digs but that didn't stop my mom from PVR'ing Gordon Ramsay's Ultimate Christmas so we could cook a turkey just like Mister 'Hell's Kitchen' himself.

A Boxing Day brunch {mmm... crepes} and a final gift opening with Trev's parents was the cherry to our Christmas cupcake. Busyness and sleep deprivation aside, Christmas 2011 gets a spot in my Top 3.

As predicted Buzz & Woody stole the show...

{Saige asked me to take this photo of "her babies" she posed them and everything}.

But I was pretty smitten with this quilt set my mom whipped up for our newest Toy Story additions. Watching Saige tuck her Woody in at bedtime is beyond... as Rachel Zoe and her wannabe fans would say {aka Becs & I}, "I die".

Before I can switch gears and start planning Saiger's 'no gifts allowed' January birthday party, I first need to find homes for 3/4 of these presents! Thanks y'all for making our home look more like a toy store ;)

naughty or nice.

2011-12-22T12:09:00.000-08:00

Attempting to pose as a family of four was not only painful, but darn near impossible {m&m bribes can only do so much}. So when I couldn't find anything on ETSY that suited this year's not-so-great holiday photo, I opted to make my own not-so-great Christmas card.

Sources of inspiration:

via

and Danielle's "define naughty" blog post...

confessions & obsessions.

2011-12-21T09:36:00.000-08:00

confessions.

This morning I ate cookies for breakfast.

As of 3 seconds ago today became "Pajama Day". It may sound like fun - like when your elementary school would host Tuesday "Twin Days" or "Wacky Hair" Wednesdays - but it's really just a lame excuse for Gabe & I to stay in our cozies all day long.

I pretended I was feeding Gabe while Trev swept, vacuumed and folded laundry the other day; he actually just fell asleep at the boob, but I didn't want to help so I milked it {pun intended}.

I broke down and gave Saige's closet it's Christmas presents early... I didn't want to waste time wrapping clothes my child would have no interest in opening.

I crank the furnace when Trev's not home.

I'm too lazy to upload pictures so this post isn't getting any.

I lied. You get 2 off if Trev's phone.

I used to be quite the 5-pin bowler back in the day. My dad enrolled Jill & I in a league when we were small and I even had bowling balls with my name engraved in them {nerd alert}. Trev & I took Saige this weekend and let's just say for her sake and mine, 'thank goodness for gutter guards'.

obsessions.

The no-bake cookies Saige & I made last night that are sitting on the counter {calling to me}.

The fragrance 'Love Spell' by Victoria Secret. I'm not sure what I love more, the scent or the price tag.

Cranberry gingerale. It's hard to to find so stock up when you do.

These "Favourite Things" parties I've been hearing/reading all about where guests bring multiples of their favourite thing{s} and share them with others. It's very Oprah. I wanna host one of these bad boys fo sho but since I missed the Christmas boat, I was thinking maybe a "Things I Love" party near Valentine's.

My mom. She's a great mom.

Lingonberry Jam. I can't wait for post-Christmas dinner turkey sandwiches now that I have this Swedish import that tastes like cranberries... seriously yum.

Gabriel's loooong naps that take place in his crib without a fight... baby Saige wouldn't hear of such a thing.

The Christmas countdown...

do you know what I know?

2011-12-21T07:00:00.000-08:00

Okay so the above title is a bit of a stretch, but I`m trying to name every post after a Christmas carol lyric so bare with me.

Do you have a tip on how to make life simpler, easier, gentler? hook a sista up... I`m ALL about taking the easy street these days and thought you might be as well which is why I`m sharing this Daily Buzz blog post entitled, `25 clever ideas to make life easier`... if that doesn`t suck you in, I don`t know what will.

I actually started using this `sheets stuffed into a pillow case` trick a few months ago...

and now I know what to do with all those free shower caps I collect from hotel bathrooms...

If you`re looking for more time saving, space saving, `why didn`t I think of that` ideas, you can check out my pinterest board GENIUS featuring...

glow paint mason jars - for when Saige has camp outs in the backyard.

IKEA knife racks - to store Gabe`s cars.

purse paint chips - so my paint colours are with me at all times... I`ve also seen this done with popsicle sticks.

artwork collages - a great way to display children`s masterpieces without dedicating an entire wall or fridge to it.

** leave a link to your own ingenious or borrowed idea and I`ll be sure to pin it ASAP **

all I want for christmas.

2011-12-20T22:07:00.000-08:00

It's a good thing we didn't get too carried away with presents this Christmas because the rest of our family & friends didn't get our "let's not go overboard" memo. It's going to take Saige the better part of the day to open all her crazy, ahh-mazing gifts and there's even more I don't know about yet. SPOILER ALERT: if your name is Saige don't read any further...

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Grandpa Harber really outdid himself with the Barbie Dream Townhouse and everyone's favourite Space Ranger. We're pretty sure Saige is going to lose her mind when she opens Buzz Lightyear. If you recall in her letter to Santa she asked for every Toy Story character imaginable. Santa may have gotten her pull string Woody {#3} but Buzz {#4} is just the cooler toy in person and on DVD.

I'm not going to lie, I got pretty excited about Barbie's new living quarters {#1} when we assembled it on Sunday morning {Saige was at my parent's for a sleep-over}. It's beyond awesome. My confession this week might read, "I never stopped playing Barbies".

Speaking of Barbies - I could dedicate a whole blog post to the subject - their Black Label Basics Collection is unreal. Could Saige's newest Barbie {#2} be any more gorgeous? I think not {and I want her dress}.

Since good friends of ours ~~stole~~ bought Saige our first holiday gift idea {#6}, Trev & I decided that our Christmas/birthday present to Saige will be an outdoor playhouse - hence gift #7. We're coming up with a design right now and hope to start it's construction sometime in the Spring... let's just say it's gonna be the hangout of all hangouts.

I'm not quite sure if/where all these goodies are going to fit and since no one listened to our Christmas plea of no elaborate or large gifts, I'm hoping they'll just bring hugs or RESP contributions to her January 6th b-day.

too funny.

2011-12-19T21:38:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen these already, you're in for a real treat. I'm pretty sure everything she/he says has escaped my lips at some point in time. I especially love the line "get these chips away from me" and "aww that poor dog needs water"... ha-larious.

"Shit Girls Say" - Episode 1

"Shit Girls Say" - Episode 2

I shared the clips with Trev and instead of cry-lauging with me he just sat there and then told me, "it's not funny when you live with it everyday"... talk about Mr. Grumpy Pants {I only wish I was that hysterical}.

randoms.

2011-12-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

Here are 10 interesting factoids you may or may not know about the boy formerly known as Baby K...

{1} While Gabe consumes a ridiculous amount of milk - every hour on the hour *sigh* - he only poops once a week {twice if we're lucky}, it's a conundrum to say the least.

{2} I always knew his name would be GABRIEL. In 7th grade I was home with the chicken pox and secretly read the romance novel "Saving Grace" by Julie Garwood. The book's hero is laird GABRIEL MacBain and from him my baby boy name was born.

{3} G-man has super stinky - and sweaty - feet.

{4} He tolerates being swaddled so long as we 'bandage' his fists near his face. Forget thumbs and pacifiers, our Gabe is a hardcore hand sucker. The suction that kid gets is truly insane, Hoover and Dyson could learn a thing or two.

{5} He's uncircumcised and staying that way.

{6} He has an outie belly button just like his big sis, amazing eyebrow control just like his daddy and we all know what he inherited from me.

{7} For someone so teeny he sure has a lot of neck rolls and he sure loves to have them kissed and caressed.

{8} There's something about the pellet stove that makes him bust out in giggles and grins. It's no secret that he's got a killer smile; one that comes easily and will surely charm his momma for years to come.

{9} I sing him an Ojibway lullabye every night at bedtime. It goes a little something like this:

Hey, hey, watenay

Kay-o-kay-nah

Sleep, sleep, little one

Now go to sleep, now go to sleep

** you can hear the vocal here

{10} We decided on Gabe's middle name long before he was born. Arthur Valentine Leier was my grandfather's name although he went by the nickname "Red" courtesy of his flaming carrot top. My gramma refers to Gabe as her Little Arthur because he not only shares grandpa's name, but his hair colour as well. Saige Marie was going to be Saige Valentine, but we thought it sounded a little too porn star-ish in the final hour.

** Here's an interesting fact about the awesomeness that is/was my grandpa: he was born on Valentine's Day {hence his unusual middle name} and died on Valentine's Day 69 years later after suffering a heart attack. I haven't heard of many people dying on their birthday. I find it kind of poetic.

oh christmas tree.

2011-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

I wonder how many carol named blog posts I can bang off before the December 25th cut off? Oh and speaking of Christmas tunes, I'm proud to report that Saige knows the words to 3 of my yuletide faves: Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, Santa Claus Is Coming To Town and Jingle Bells... it's reason #1034 why I love that girl so very merry much.

So I've decided to jump on the old 'show me your Christmas tree' blogging bandwagon... drum roll please...

Maybe one year the 4 of us will get a tree cutting permit and venture into the forest with our axe and Sorels in search of a real pine smelling tree, but for now we're happy with our fake pre-lit spruce that requires no maintenance or watering. {I'm actually not sure it's a spruce, never was good with my conifers}.

The Bay gave us 50% off all holiday decor the year we got married {it's one of the perks of registering with HBC} and when I checked out their 2006 Christmas stock, I instantly fell in love with this pretty floor model - it was nature themed and had all my colours - SOLD. I told the salesperson to wrap it up and he literally disassembled the entire tree right before my eyes - the tree, the ribbon, the ornaments, the Santa topper - all mine at half price.

I've added a few new ornaments over the years and benched a few others, but all-in-all our tree has looked basically the same every Christmas since - i.love.it. I'm thinking this will be the last December our tree isn't adorned with ~~tacky~~ oh-so-special pre-school creations - popcorn garland, popsicle stick reindeer, construction paper snowflakes - but I'm gonna draw the line at tinsel.

When the Christmas tree is on at our house - which is pretty much 24/7 from Thanksgiving onward - all other lights are off... that's my rule. And so is, 'it's not coming down until Valentines so deal with it Mr. Knol'.

I love that it looks like Gabe is singing in a Christmas choir, "hark the hareld angels sing..."

There. I showed you mine, now you show me yours... {decorated Christmas tree that is}.

my little corner.

2011-12-17T07:05:00.000-08:00

I've received a few emails in past months asking "just how small is your tiny house?". While I'm not 100% sure of it's exact size, I guess-timate it's somewhere between 1000-1200 square feet. It's super teeny and since we gave the office/guest room to our first born, we operate our small trucking & excavating business out of a kitchen cupboard and my "work desk" has been reduced to my lap. Here's a peek at my little lap corner... a place I go to blog, blog read, pin, browse Etsy, return emails, facestalk, etc... it's where the magic happens.

As you can imagine we're getting a bit tight on space with baby #2 hanging around so I'm sending telepathic messages to our contractor, "hurry up with our addition plans, hurry up with our addition plans"... seriously how long do blueprints take?!

Sigh. I know there are other families out there living in crampier quarters than us; Jordan from 'Oh Happy Day' {pre-moving to Paris} is the perfect example. Her boy - and then boys plural - slept in an itty closet for 3 years! A really cool closet that makes me think Gabe could sleep in our walk-in for awhile if need be...

Moses' Closet Part I

Moses' Closet Part II

Moses & Roman's Closet Part III

Is that toddler/crib bunk bed not crazy ingenious?

{ Friday Finds } YARN BALL GARLAND

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

I haven`t done one of these posts in a really long time; G-man`s arrival has seriously impacted my ability to surf the net and use both typing hands simultaneously.

That being said, there was absolutely no way that I`d be able to sleep without sharing this latest Etsy find with my loyal followers first.

I`ve been stalking Courtney`s blog `A Little Glass Box` for the past year and fell hard for her yarn ball garlands...

Aren`t they cute?

She didn`t sell them when I first started following, but now she does and you better believe I took advantage of her pre-Etsy sale. I bought one for myself and one for my neice-to-be`s nursery {which I`ve sorta hijacked from the mommy-to-be \ aka my baby sister}.

Courtney recently {as in 2 days ago} opened an Etsy shop under the same name as her blog and I`m gonna to go out on a limb and say TREND ALERT. My 2012 prediction is that these pretties are going to {a} sell like hot cakes; {b} get pinned like crazy and {c} be DIY`ed all over the blog-o-sphere {starting with me}.

She even has a yarn ball garland tutorial on her blog along with a 20% off coupon code THANKS2READERS that doesn`t expire until December 31st.

confessions.

2011-12-15T22:30:00.000-08:00

* I'll save my obsessions for later *

I haven't unpacked from our mini-holiday and we got back on Monday. Our bags made it as far as the kitchen floor and there they sit. I even stubbed my toe one of the suitcases this morning and did nothing but curse.

My truck is wearing a Rudolf outfit. I impulsively got a set of antlers and matching red nose for the Avalanche and it's surprisingly awesome. I'm not sure when I became that person, but Saige thinks I'm the coolest mom on the road and Trev is a mixture of mortified and amused.

I'm an Amazing Race super fan. I would pretty much do anything to be on the show; I'd even shave my head {although I hope it would never come to that cause I'd make one ugly baldy}. I'm quite certain I'd be cast as the walking anxiety attack from Canada and as for my partner, I've narrowed my choices down to 2: Trev - my quiet, patient, frustratingly stubborn hubby or Jill - my hilarious, overly friendly big sister who can seriously do anything and everything.

My 'thank you for the lovely baby gift' notes are 3 months too late. I just sent out the last of Gabe's birth announcements yesterday {along with our almost-missed-the-deadline Christmas cards}. Better late than never? I'm sure friends and family know that he's here otherwise I would be in the Guiness Book of World Records for longest human pregnancy ever.

I played Barbies in high school. There's nothing else I can say about this little factoid other than I wasn't alone; my BFF and I would hide under her bed so her hot older brother wouldn't catch us having Skipper sleep-overs.

I was slightly horrified when Gabe came out a ginger. I had visions of my son growing up to look like the not-so-funny comedian Carrot Top or the Olympian snowboarder Shaun White who now stars in Stride gum commercials. But now that Gabe is showing us more of his boyish good looks, I'm fairly confident he's going to be cutie {maybe even a hottie}. Being a red head is no picnic - the teasing, the freckles, the SPF 60 - Gabe's got some tough times ahead of him, but I wouldn't have him any other way.

I tore a second pair of good pants. True story but instead of my favourite pair of jeans it was my favourite pair of pajamas. I think I should take it as a sign that I need to lay off Baba's Christmas baking.

Thanks for the fun link up E...

ho, ho, holiday.

2011-12-15T21:28:00.000-08:00

Tonight life is good. It finally snowed which means we had a fun day playing in the wet, white stuff and now all 3 of my loves are tucked soundly into bed leaving me to sit by the Christmas tree with my computer and borrowed novel "Together Alone" by Barbara Delinsky - it's a gooder.

Last weekend our family of four escaped to Halcyon Hot Springs with good friends to enjoy 3 fulls days of hot pools, hot tea and competitive board games. While Dean & Byron introduced us to the world of bananagrams, we introduced them to deliciousness that is cranberry gingerale {it'll be on next week's list of obsessions}.

Unfortunately I came back from our relaxing vacay with a head cold and since I never get sick, I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself {and my nose}. I can't believe there's only 10 more sleeps 'til Christmas... eeek! This elf needs to get wrapping.

it's beginning to look a lot like

2011-12-07T13:05:00.000-08:00

*CHRISTMAS*

We're just waiting on the white stuff.

*let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!*

obsessions & confessions.

2011-12-06T15:33:00.000-08:00

obsessions.

birth stories. When it comes to tales of babies being born, I'm all ears. There's just something about a good labour & delivery play-by-play that gets me all misty eyed. Bet you can't read this or watch this without getting a bit teary eyed yourself.

baby wearing. It's the only way this momma can get a hands free moment around here {no my babies aren't spoiled much}. I actual scored a 2nd bjorn off craiglist the only day for $35; this way I have one in the house and one in the vehicle at all times.

mexico. I want to go back SO bad and bring the kids this time. All you facebookers with your Cancun countdowns and Tulum tans, please stop.... you're killing me.

cinnamon. The taste, the smell, the colour - be still my beating heart.

the advent conspiracy. I usually LOVE finding perfect gifts for family & friends and wrapping them up pretty holiday paper, but this year I seem to have lost my Christmas shopping mojo. I'm so over the spending spree {as in we haven't bought a single gift for Gabe and Saige has slim pickings under the tree}. Instead we're leaving the presents to Santa and treating ourselves to a few memory making weekend family getaways. My friend Melissa shared this video and it pretty much sums up my attitude this holiday season...

Advent Conspiracy from International Justice Mission on Vimeo.

scalding baths. my tub philosophy: the hotter the better. Halcyon Hot Springs can't come soon enough, 3 more days.

iphone apps. I don't text or twitter, but I want an iphone just for its instagram capabilities; oh and thanks to Bri, Saige has taken a liking to 'Tom Tom' the talking cat.

confessions.

I'm addicted to my computer. I've been known to turn down social invites just so I can stay home in my pajamas and read blogs, surf the net, shop etsy and pin things to pinterst. Seriously, what did I do before high-speed internet came into my life?

I haven't showered. I think we're on day 3; if I don't go in for a hug the next time I see you, you'll know why.

I don't love newborns. Of course I love MY newborn - and not just cause I have to - but if given the choice I might opt out of the whole newborn stage... it's just not my thing. Maybe I say this cause I haven't had the easiest {or robust} babies; something about their fragility and complete reliance on yours truly freaks me out a ~~little~~ lot. Gabe 100% trusts that I know what I'm doing so I feel like a big fat fraud ~~somedays~~ most days because I seriously have NO clue. I'm definitely on Team fake it 'til you make it.

I don't pay full price. I wasn't sure if I should make this an obsession or a confession, but I'm truly.madly.deeply obsessed with deals, coupons, discounts, savings, etc. If it's not on sale, I don't buy it {or I try to barter}. Something inside me refuses to pay full sticker price which is why browsing these sites has become part of my daily routine:

Bargain Moose

Canadian Daily Deals

Mother of a Deal

I'm not a fan of the Ergo. Moms rave above this carrier, but Gabe & I just can't get on board. For now we're staying loyal to the bjorn brand.

I don't fold laundry. I used to, but now I just leave heaping piles of clean clothes scattered around the house in baskets. How do I manage the wrinkle situation you ask? confession #2 - I don't iron either... I'll just put on a creased cardigan, give it a good spritz of water and let gravity & my body heat work their magic.

I eat cookie dough. And so does my daughter... it must be genetic.

3.

2011-12-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

I've said it a hundred times before, but I'll say it again... I LOVE BEING AN AUNTIE. Especially to my loveable little nephew who - as of Monday - is no longer a toddler. And this is what turning 3 looks like in Caleb's world {it's kind of a big deal}.

3 THINGS ABOUT MY CALEB-BEAR:

1. he's cute and clever and hopelessly car obsessed.

2. he's too cool for PDA's but will humour his auntie with a bear hug if asked.

3. he's a best friend to Saige, a role model to Gabe, a soon-to-be big brother and on my top 10 most favourite people list.

oh yes we did.

2011-11-30T14:00:00.000-08:00

Good-bye Movember!

We have a family shave on tonight's agenda... that and watching Grey's which hasn't been on the PVR rotation for 2 whole weeks!! What's up with that ABC??

{holiday WISHLIST} seventh

2011-11-30T06:00:00.000-08:00

... 7th on the HoLidaY WiShlisT ...

I've worn

diamond studs

for as long as I can

remember

I'm hoping

to class things up

a bit

with some

classy pearls

TWO MONTH update

2011-11-29T15:46:00.000-08:00

BIG BOY: our little guy is packing on the winter weight which means, smell ya later newborn nappies and preemie onesies. According to our super scientific method of weighing him - where we step on the scale first and then add Gabe to the mix - our baby boy is a whopping 11.5 lbs... ~~weigh~~ way to go buddy!

SNACK TIME: feeds are on demand and boy-oh-boy is our boy ever demanding... somedays I find myself nursing every hour or even every 1/2 hour! Yes Mr. Gabriel is a snacker {and a puker} and likes to fall asleep at the breast. I'm starting to feel like 5 star resort with an around the clock buffet and feather pillows. P.S. - Gabe's aversion to milk continues and so I dutifully bypass all eggnog displays and ixnayed my daily white hot chocolate regime... oh the things we do for our children.

SLEEPY TIME: Gabe cat naps throughout the day with a longer stretch of slumber in the afternoon. While I ahh-bsolutely love the closeness of co-sleeping, our itty baby takes up A LOT of space making our queen-size bed feel more like a twin. We've started putting him in his crib at bedtime and he's surprised us by staying in there for a good 6 hours before waking for his 4am feed. Truth be told my body aches for him when he's not tucked in beside me {I check on him incessantly}, but at least Trev & I are sleeping comfortably again.

OUTFIT OF THE MONTH: my wonderful friends & family must have read my I LOVE STRIPES blog memo because 90% of the outfits gifted to Gabe are just that, striped. When this oh-so-soft little Gap number - with matching cap - showed up in the mail courtesy of my dear friend Kate I was in horizontal heaven... 

yes that is a Costco dog bed that he's lying on; we actually bought it for Gabe and not the pets... it's truly the perfect baby hang out and makes for a nice photo backdrop as well. Trev & I joke that we're going to buy a whole bunch of them at $20, add some bogus baby label and resell them for a tidy profit... I think we're onto something.

TRYING MOMENTS: shrill: /SHril/ high-pitched and piercing in tone or sound... the very definition of Gabriel's cry along with loud and heartbreaking. Gabe did a fair bit of fussing in his 2nd month and let's just say it wasn't fun. I had a couple conversations with God that went a bit like this, "seriously?".

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & MILESONES: not hating the crib was a big discovery as was finding out that he LOVES showers as much as his baths. There's nothing cuter than our little ginger leaning back so the water can get at his head - he looks like a different baby with slicked back wet hair.

Other November accomplishments included: snuggling with Santa {actually Mrs. Claus}, being out in his first snowfall, taking in not 1 but 2 light up festivals, supervising the holiday decorating, joining mom & dad on a lunch date, hitting up Princess Auto & Costco in Kelowna, going to a chiropractor {more on that in a sec} and getting his first bruise thanks to Saige dropping the phone on his head which was a total accident but hurt nonetheless.

Gabe's farts are rancid and he still spits up - A LOT - so much so that we've nicknamed him Chuck. The midwife thought his puke problem might be affecting his weight gain and recommended an infant chiropractor. Never again. I think we were there for a total of 20 minutes {including our time in the wait room}, the guy barely touched Gabe, suggested we come back for weekly sessions and then charged us $60! Pretty steep. He'll have to put that money towards his dry cleaning bill caus our lil' Chuck upchucked all over his fancy doctor shirt.

We have an actual doctor's appointment next week to discuss Gabe's frequent spit ups, goopy left eye and his startle type motion that's hard to explain but cause of minor concern... I'll keep you posted.

So there you have it. MONTH #2 was full of burping, farting, puking and fussing {he's such a little boy already} but it also brought us smiles, coos, kissable kissy lips and ahh-dorable yawns. There's just so much to love and that we do... we LOVE our smiley, smelly little fella so very much.

hip-hop happenings.

2011-11-24T13:44:00.000-08:00

Another photo dump for you to enjoy while we spend our day crafting, baking and singing "happy birthday" to our little man who turns 2 months today...

* first snowfall * letters to santa * fuzzy new toques * naked babies * painting for hours * mommy & son stripes * underwhelmed by ol saint nick * daddy time * playing dress-up with Gabe * light up @ predator ridge * sweet smiles *

{holiday WISHLIST} sixth

2011-11-23T08:13:00.000-08:00

... 6th on the HoLidaY WiShlisT ...

big comfy wrap sweaters
ponchos
& capes
the ones that let you
nurse anywhere
eat anything
& wear pre-pregnancy
denim despite the oh-so attractive
muffin topping

obsessions & confessions.

2011-11-20T13:56:00.000-08:00

this is a total scottyboy & katygirl knock off but since I don't have the time or desire to blog everyday I'm trying to find someway to some up life in one post.

obsessions.

.Gabe's KINA slippers. I'm tempted to buy a few more pairs - one for every stage.

.my morning WHITE hot chocolate from Tim Horton's. These last 10 pounds may be hanging around for awhile yet.

.chapters.ca... between them and etsy.com, my Christmas shopping list is 90% covered. I think I need a badge that reads "I heart online shopping" because I do.

.the chocolate covered açai and blueberries from Brookside Foods - to.die.for - sure the snack packs are only 90 calories, but when you eat 3 in one sitting you can't expect to fit back into your 'skinny' jeans, Sara.

.Saige Marie & Gabriel Arthur, enough said.

.the friends and family members who insist on holding my baby no matter how fussy or pukey. I'm in total awe of them; they never raise the white flag and won't give Gabe back until he's wearing a clean diaper and peaceful smile. You ladies rock... visit ANY time.

.fleece sheets {thanks Costco}.

.the pizza from Little Italy Market & Deli. If you're ever in or around Vernon, B.C. you need to look them up... it's that good.

.Jillian & Ken's July 2012 nuptials. Pretending to be their wedding planner is ridiculously fun and makes me want to get married for a second time to the same man.

.'Breaking Dawn (part 1)' - Bella's a mom and Taylor Lautner's hotter than ever... sure did go with the girls on opening night.

confessions.

.Rebecca's April baby is a gonna be a GIRL!

.I tried to wear my fresh-out-of-the-dryer favourite pair of pre-pregnancy jeans and in my attempt to stretch them out via aerobic lunges/squats I heard a deafening 'rrrrrRIP!'... I was seriously this close to crying.

.Trev's Movember mustache is kinda growing on me, but let's keep that on the down low.

.I've been letting Gabe sleep on his tummy... cue the collective *gasp*.

.I find it very hard not to laugh and/or cave when issuing 'time outs' to Saige as she's quite dramatic & her Oscar winning performances have the ability to win me over. Is it wrong that I kinda love her sass? Mid-tears she'll say things like, "no you need a time out! you're not using your listening ears to me". Or the one that totally gets me is, "I promise I'll be a good girl"... heartbreaking {like I have tears in my eyes right now}. See why I'm so obsessed?

Saige is big into bananas again... I think she's eating one in every picture I took of her this week :S

.the Christmas CD's have been on repeat ever since yesterday and our artificial tree is up just waiting on decorations.

.the house a few streets down received a major facelift/addition and I loved the end result so much that I actually pulled over when the homeowner was shoveling his driveway. My intentions were to just get the builder's contact information but I found myself asking some pretty personal questions like how they financed it and how much it cost! - who does that? apparently me! -fortunately he didn't take offense and we have the designer coming later this week!!

.I spend too much time on the computer and often find myself reading ahh-mazing blogs that leave me feeling inadequate... some women do it all - and better - all the while sporting flawless make-up, great hair and a wardrobe straight from J.Crew's catalogue.... sigh... why do I torture myself?

{holiday WISHLIST} fifth

2011-11-19T07:00:00.000-08:00

... 5th on the HoLidaY WiShlisT ...

an iPad 2 with free engraving

and a bunch of Apple and Etsy accessories

aside from

an ancient Dell laptop

a hand-me-down Blackberry

and a basic PVR

I own nothing

cool

I've never

used iTunes

never

downloaded an app

never

played angry bird

my time is now Santa

my time is now

* I'm soliciting iPad advice including app recommendations and must-have accessories.

{TREASURY HUNT} winner!

2011-11-19T05:30:00.000-08:00

I hosted my 2nd {TREASURY HUNT} giveaway over on 'A Little Etsy Love' this week.

While krmuir {#1} was our lucky random.org winner - CONGRATS! - goldiez receives 'treasury of the month' for her babyburrito inspired collection...

baby visitors {part II}

2011-11-17T15:55:00.000-08:00

Dr. Meg & speech path Sash weren't the only ones to visit this weekend, Auntie Jill & Uncle Ken blew into town to do some dress shopping, poker playing and baby snuggling {in that order}.

I don't think Gabriel's head rested on a non-human surface for the entire 3 days thanks to his Aunties, Gramma & Baba.

BIG MOMENT: Gabriel wore his first pair of jeans on Sunday; there's something about babies in denim that makes my heart go pitter-patter. That rule doesn't apply to overalls, but it does apply to jean jackets {a staple in my both my kids' wardrobes}.

Yup, there's no denying Gabe's mine. We went to Kelowna on Monday and were treated like circus freaks. Only a brave few actually approached us while the rest of the Costco crowd kept their distance while pointing and loudly whispering, "would you look at that, mother and baby with matching red hair".

Being a redhead all my life {28+ years} I'm used to my hair colour getting a lot of attention, but Monday's shopping experience was a whole new level of ridiculousness. It was slightly uncomfortable as the 'gawkers' weren't actually talking TO us just ABOUT us and I had to pretend I didn't hear all the ginger comments... did you know we're almost extinct? Like I haven't heard that 1,000 times before, but it's okay.

Trev has a Gabe story of his own, apparently 3 women circled him at Ya Ya's Play Centre on Wednesday and asked if they could smell our baby. True story.

People are so funny when it comes to babies and I admit when I don't have a baby of my own, I do a lot of "awww, she's beautiful, how old?" when I ~~stalk~~ bump into newborns and new parents in Walmart shopping aisles.

{yes I shop at Walmart, get over it}.

{holiday WISHLIST} fourth

2011-11-16T07:04:00.000-08:00

... 4th on the HoLidaY WiShlisT ...

the new ADELE21 cd
I don't own a single
Apple product
yet
& without an
ipod
ipad
iphone
my music
comes from
compact discs
no itunes for me
yet

** don't forget to VOTE...

baby visitors {part I}

2011-11-15T09:14:00.000-08:00

Two of my most favourite people in the whole wide world came to visit this weekend. They came bearing Munsch books, pumpkin loaf recipes, medical advice and comedic relief.

Believe it or not this was Megan's first time meeting Gabriel.. AND Saige. Usually shy around new people Saige surprised us all by climbing onto Meg's lap after 5 seconds of introductions. You know you're special when Saige doesn't require her obligatory 2 hour warming up period.

Saige adores Sasha as much as I do. I often look at Saige and am reminded of Sash {aka Natalie Portman look-alike}, maybe it's their matching hair or their larger than life personalities.

As for Gabe - aside from a few lung exercises - he was cute and content sleeping in our newest visitors' arms.

.............

Speaking of cute, sleeping babies SO many of the blogs I stalk are having and/or preparing for wee ones...

... Fashionista Sydney from The Daybook recently introduced baby Everett on her super popular site.

... Christine from Just Bella welcomed her first baby, ahh-dorable Alice - check out the nursery reveal, it's ahh-mazing.

... and Andrea, Nicole, Brianna and Bess are all waiting for their own bundles to arrive {as is my friend Caitlin}.

SO EXCITING!

{GREAT GIVEAWAY} babyburrito

2011-11-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

I'm over on 'a little etsy love' today hosting my 2nd {TREASURY HUNT} and you'll never believe what we're giving away.

I don't want to spoil it, but I can tell you that the prize comes from one of my favourite CANADIAN baby gear websites.

You might remember babyburrito from this {Friday Finds} post. When Lianne heard we were expecting baby #2 she sent a lovely and unexpected gift for our new arrival... this gorgeous baby blanket {see below}. Not only was I overwhelmed by the company's generosity, I felt like a big-time celebrity receiving one-of-a-kind Oscar gowns from world famous runway designers.

Gabriel and I ahh-dore it and I know I said we didn't need anymore baby blankets, but I take that back. Gabe will happily accept anything from the babyburrito online store including another super soft, super modern minky.

I'm lovin' their new baby collection so much that I think I'll be adding the babyburrito sling to my 2011 {holiday WISHLIST} . You just can't beat the price - $29.99 on sale.

only 5 days left 2 vote 4 me...

{holiday WISHLIST} third

2011-11-12T06:00:00.000-08:00

... 3rd on the HoLidaY WiShlisT ...

a custom stamp by notetrunk

I love sending mail

almost

as much as

I love receiving it

except bills

& junk mail

so these would sure help

my holiday

return address writing

hand cramp

holy dinah...

2011-11-11T06:00:00.000-08:00

It's been over a month and a half and I'm just mailing off Gabe's birth announcements and thank you cards; if you haven't received yours yet it's probably enroute... sorry for the delay, I'm blaming it on our cute wittle baby.

Things have been a tinge crazy around here. Trev's B.F.F. Sean and his ha-larious wife Brianne have recently relocated from Ontario so we've been relishing in our close proximity.

Sometimes, if I need my arms baby-free for a few moments, I'll plunk Gabe in front of the fire and he'll either be {a} be enthralled or {b} lulled to sleep. Trev says I'm encouraging our son to become an arsonist, but I say "whatever, momma's pipes need a break".

I promise I didn't leave him unattended on top of our pellet stove {aka the makeshift change table}; Trev was off in the shadows while I played brutally amateur photographer.

Wednesday was our final appointment with Sylvia - boo - I'm so going to miss not seeing her every few weeks. Honestly you have no idea how happy I am/was that she agreed to take us on this time round because with Saige we got shot down. I literally called Sylvia hours after the pee stick read "positive" but my due date {Jan 13/09} interfered with her holiday plans so it was a big N-O... double boo.

At six and a half weeks Gabriel now weighs 9 lbs 1 oz and measures 21.25 inches in length - I just love my wee 12th percentile babe. I am however looking forward to him outgrowing his tiny {in both size and quantity} newborn wardrobe... I simply can't wait any longer for him to get longer and fit into the drawers {yes plural} full of ahh-dorable 0-3 month outfits.

** there's only 7 days left to VOTE and the competition is getting fierce y'all **

{holiday WISHLIST} second

2011-11-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

... 2nd on the HoLidaY WiShlisT ...

a new wallet by fossil

my chocolate & turquoise

faux crocodile

2003 Winner's special

isn't cutting it anymore

my pennies need to be stored

in style

{holiday WISHLIST} first

2011-11-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

... 1st on the HoLidaY WiShlisT ...

'index steel chopping board' by joseph joseph

prepare vegetables

fish

raw meat &

cooked food

safely & separately

*** while I love all the items I'll be posting on my {holiday WISHLIST} including this one... I'm featuring them merely for fun. I am not hinting or expecting them as gifts; honestly this house cannot handle anymore of anything pre-addition. ***

I will, however, accept cash for Christmas.

happily.

I'm kidding.

or am I?

a welcome surprise...

2011-11-08T13:00:00.000-08:00

Just when I think I couldn't possibly love these 2 anymore, my heart rents out more space for my kiddos.

We've had a few 'trying crying days' - note the extra emphasis on trying - but there have also been quiet, tender moments between Saige & Gabe that literally take my breath away.

I don't think any of us expected Saige to be this nurturing & gentle when it came to her baby brother. We still can't believe how easy it was for her to give up the title of "baby" in exchange for her "big sister" badge. Oh and apparently she wants more of these siblings...

Saige: I want my other brother now.

Me: you don't want Gabe anymore?

Saige: yes, I want my other brother too.

Trev: you want another brother?

Saige: I want this many {holding up 3 fingers}

Me: you want 3 brothers?!

Saige: 3 or 4 or 5...

and a sister.

Don't hold your breath kid. My uterus is flashing a 'no vacancy' sign at the moment. I think 2 is definitely good... for now.

............

Not sure what to get me for Christmas? Well you can give me {A}the gift of a vote everyday for the next 9 days

by clicking * HERE *

{B} buy me something off my HoLidaY WiShlisT which I'll be revealing in bit & pieces right up until Santa's sleigh hits the skies.

pssst... option {A} is cheaper.

{ Operation Purge }

2011-11-05T11:17:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how much stuff a person can accumulate over the years {especially when that someone has something of a shopping addiction}.

Being on mat leave and at home 24/7 forces a person {aka "me"} to take inventory of all their accumulated stuff and shake their head in overwhelmed disbelief. This small house of ours has huge storage issues and it's high time I did something about it.

Operation Purge has officially commenced.

Every few years I catch the "declutter bug" and pretend I'm on an episode of TLC's 'Clean Sweep'; Operation Purge is similar, but on a much larger scale - it's more of an "organization epidemic". I'm rallying the troops - kijiji.ca, freecycle.org and the Big Brother Renew Crew.

OUT with the old and NO more new!!

Jen from IHEART Organizing is my inspiration...

{via}

So while I'm limiting what comes into the house... starting now... we happily purchased a pair of used gender neutral ice skates for our Saiger who insists on wearing them EVERYWHERE - well the inserts anyways. She even sleeps in her booties which makes me think "perhaps I have a future figure skater on my hands".

She's as CraZy as her hair looks and her beloved butterfly necklace came from Dean because "I'm special"... confidence is clearly not an issue for our girl.

tricking & treating...

2011-11-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

It's 2:24 pm on Movember 1st, the kidlets are napping and I'm still in my Class of 2001 sweats, eating handfuls of Gaytan cheezies thinking "I really should have taken a nap myself today". I've been a bit of a 'work widow' these past few weeks and let's just say the days leading up to Hallow's Eve did a number on single parent me. Thank goodness for grandparents and Nadine & Byron who are more like Saige's co-parents than daycare providers.

We can all credit Gabriel's late night gassiness for this low energy day... his poor tummy has been his ~~main~~ only complaint which is why I'm STILL off the milk.

Here's how our Halloween went down:

* Sully & Mike Knol *

* we decided to forgo traditional trick-or-treating and took our sugar crazed monster & dragon along Main Street instead... the downtown merchants host an annual Treat Trail *

So I really need to give Auntie Becca a big cyber hug for allowing mom & I to take the cousins treating while she worked late {boo to jobs getting in the way of fun}. Trev also missed out on the Saige & Caleb show {ie. squealing for suckers}, but he made it home in time to watch Saige give mittfuls of candy to the lucky few who came to our front door. I think handing out mini-chocolate bars was the highlight of her night; a couple treaters even ran back to their chaperones shouting, "that baby gave me candy!" - haha... except she's not a baby anymore.

No we left our baby with Granny Knol while we walked with Dean & Byron to the BX Fire Hall for their big bonfire and fireworks display.

*I love that I look like I'm on fire {and that you're all thinking up some clever redhead joke right now} *

* it was cold and loud and awesome all at the same time... *

I was pretty much done by 9, but Mister Man was just getting started and that my friends is why I have these über attractive bags under my eyes.

If you're bored you can click HERE to vote for Saige Wisdom... the nomination has really brought out the competitor in me - big surprise.

halloween 2011

2011-10-30T22:20:00.000-07:00

a wee skeleton + a recycled pumpkin + two doctors {one with a creepy mustache} = the knol family in costume.

wishing you more treats than tricks

p.s. - scrubs are SUPER comfy! I think they should be considered appropriate work attire for ALL professions... who's with me?

another photo dump

2011-10-29T14:41:00.000-07:00

Our crazy week was just a warm up to our even crazier Hallow'eekend and to make room on the ol' memory cards, you get a Saturday afternoon 'photo dump'. I'll let the pictures do the talking...

* toppling towers *
I couldn't be more happy with our semi-planned kid spacing; 2 years & 9 months turned out to be the perfect age gap for our eldest. We've yet to experience any jealousy and have benefited from her willingness to help and ability to play independently... it's not all roses but we prepared for much worse.

Heather {right} is off on her 2 month Honduras honeymoon, but before she jet-setted, Lori {left} organized a little good-bye luncheon for our 3.5-some which morphed into a Starbucks snuggle fest.

Saige shares my love of all things Autumn and according to Trev has perfected my Sara scowl... I couldn't be more proud.

Our family hearts Polson Park and the ducks heart our stale bread.

* so glad I didn't miss 'goggle day' at swim lessons last Saturday *

Tagging along on daycare outings satisfies the wanna-be kindergarten teacher in me. This week we went to Davidson's Orchard, Ya Ya's Play Centre and Red Robin for a special lunch. I don't know how Dean does it, but I'm in total awe.

* weeeee! *

Photos of Saige's pumpkins all carved up are on my other memory card {yes I broke down and bought a second Lumix for the diaper bag - point & shoots are waaay more convenient}

* a snapshot of our bedtime routine *

Angel baby is baaaack! Looks like Gabe's fussy baby act last weekend was just a minor blip in his perfect baby track record.

Caleb and fam came for dinner and yes Saige is wearing a random Lightning McQueen pull-up over her jeans... we don't even try to figure her out.

I couldn't hate the Movember mustache more and the fact that he cheated by growing it before November 1st makes me unable to look at him. Gross facial hair aside, I love my boys.

happy trick-or-treating!!

i give up... nevermind

2011-10-27T14:24:00.000-07:00

this blog is so all over the map that i'm having trouble keeping up. my solution? commit to NOTHING. yup I'm leaving the 'photo a day' challenge to the professional, i'm only doing giveaways & etsy features when i feel like it and if I want to take a 2+ week blogging hiatus, i will.

going to bed feeling guilty over a silly blog is just that... silly. some days it felt like i was neglecting my adorable children {see below} in order to pay attention to my blog which is totally back-assward.

* what a difference a year makes *

yesterday when i started writing this 'blogging sometimes sucks' post i was seriously contemplating pulling the plug on {Saige Wisdom} and then i got this email...

someone nominated {Saige Wisdom} to the Top 25 Canadian Mom Blog list on Circle of Moms! i have to give a big thank you to whoever paid me such a huge compliment, it was just the ego boost i needed to carry on.

you can vote for me everyday until November 17th by clicking on this button found on my sidebar... don't worry if you forget {I'll remind you}

and don't get me wrong, i do love my blog {and now i know at least one of you enjoys reading it}. i just think i need my little place in cyber space to be fun again instead of an obligation.

* born to be cool *

cause we're all about fun over here at casa knol... massive photo dump coming ~~soon~~ sooner or later ;)

ONE MONTH update

2011-10-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

So Baby G - as in Gabriel and not the watch brand - is officially ONE MONTH old... crazy right? Before I get to his ONE MONTH update I need to apologize for all the emails I've been sending out that are super delayed and completely void of any punctuation, capitalization and substance. Obviously typing with one hand is going to take some practice.

* cars instead of cupcakes *

BIG BOY: last weigh in... 7 lbs 13 oz. His cheeks are definitely filling out which makes him look less like a little old man and more like a squishy baby.

SNACK TIME: now that we've got our latching issues under control, we're completely off the bottle and eating every 2-3 hours. My body must think I'm nursing twins or something because I have so much milk that Gabe literally drowns in it {and then spits it back up again... lovely}.

SLEEPY TIME: he's definitely a carseat napper; easily soothed by vehicles, strollers and noisy crowds. At home he's a bit more alert - and cranky - unless he's being snuggled and/or in his baby bjorn/ergo carrier. Fortunately he's a better, more consistent sleeper at bedtime. We typically call it a night at 9:30 pm and will get 3-4 hour stretches in between his feeds. The combination of bedsharing + side lying nursing has me feeling rested when Saige wakes he & I up at 7:15 am {ie. hollers "yoo-hoo" in the baby monitor}.

OUTFIT OF THE MONTH: the only thing cuter than baby clothes is baby clothes with horizontal stripes. When Saige was a wee one I fell in love with 'baby gowns'; they make midnight diaper changes far less challenging than fighting with newborn legs and sleeper snaps. These reasons make Gabe's stripey nightgowns/day gowns my favourite ONE MONTH outfit...

Saige & Gabe

September 2011

Brooke & Saige
January 2009

TRYING MOMENTS: last Saturday was by far our hardest day with baby Gabe who cried and cried and then cried some more. Let's just say inconsolable babies have the potential to wreak havoc on marriages {ours in particular}. My midwife did remind me about the purple crying period but since Gabe has been such a chill baby I thought "oh I can handle an increase in crying"; over the course of the weekend Mister Man went from virtually no crying to non-stop crying which left me wanting to cry}. Thank heavens his wailing has subsided and our baby angel is back... for now.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & MILESONES: honest to goodness we had to wait 4+ months before Saige graced us with her first smile; with Gabe we only had to wait 4 days. He smiles in his sleep and just recently he started smiling when I kiss his chubby cheeks or rub his button nose with my non-button nose. It's probably just his nervous system reacting but I'll take it.

I wish I had video of Saige communicating with Gabe... it's simply ridiculous; she copies Trev and I, but puts her own Saige spin on it {ie. drama}. My favourite is when she gushes, "awwwwww look - he's so cute & cuddly" and she says it with this pained expression on her face. An actress in the making. I'll try to capture it on my flip the next time, but just know she's Gabriel's biggest fan and calls him Gabey every so often.

Gabriel's other nicknames thus far: Gabe, red, monster, mister man, Baby G, handsome and hiccup. As you can tell we're pretty smitten with our ginger baby and looking forward to month #2.

Happy 1 Month Little Man!

... 10.24.11 ...

2011-10-24T22:08:00.000-07:00

was hoping to do a little ONE MONTH update today, but he wouldn't let me... I guess we'll just have to try again tomorrow.

... 10.23.11 ...

2011-10-23T20:00:00.000-07:00

... 10.22.11 ...

2011-10-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

someone slept through Saige's entire Saturday morning swim lesson {alliteration at it's finest}

{TREASURY HUNT} winner!

2011-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:00

... congratulations...

jenni from lovestar

she won october's {TREASURY HUNT} over on 'a little etsy love'

and my pick for 'treasury of the week'...

suzanne from house of plush

have a retro blue & red christmas

... 10.21.11...

2011-10-21T20:30:00.000-07:00

{GREAT GIVEAWAY} rikrak

2011-10-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Family, friends & followers here's your chance to get in on the fun...

{via}

Entering this {GREAT GIVEAWAY} also known as a {TREASURY HUNT} is as easy as 1, 2, 3... simply visit my guest post over on a 'A Little Etsy Love' and follow the instructions. ** P.S. I'm going to be a regular over there so get acquainted. **

As promised here's a great tutorial on how to create your very own Etsy treasury so now there's NO excuse for you NOT to enter my giveaway sponsored by RIKRAK...

I'm definitely no expert when it comes to treasury making, but here's my Cole's notes version on how I play curator...

{1} Go here and click on "CREATE A LIST"

{2} Fill in the BLANKS

{3} Start adding items by copying & pasting URL's {tip: it's helpful to toggle between 2 browsers - one for your treasury and the other for hunting handmade goodies}.

*** don't have an etsy account? what are you waiting for?! just kidding... click here to register {do it now}.

Don't forget to take advantage of RIKRAK's 15% off everything sale exclusive to 'Saige Wisdom' followers. Just enter TREASURYHUNT at checkout to stock up on stockings {and ornaments} - discount code expires 10.22.11 so quick like a bunny.

... 10.19.11 ...

2011-10-19T20:30:00.000-07:00

I probably couldn't love my girl anymore than I already do. She's so unbelievably sweet in her interactions with Gabe that I forget how sour she can be {especially on non-napping days}.

I guess it's time I introduce you to the 5th member of our family... JAMIE. I would show you a picture of him except he doesn't actually exist; he's our daughter's imaginary friend.

Saige first started talking about JAMIE a couple months ago... she has no one by that name in her social circle - and neither do we - so we did A LOT of prying.

Somedays JAMIE is a grown up and other days he's a toddler sleeping in a "Toy Story 1" bed that Saige helps potty train. According to Saige, JAMIE is responsible for 90% of her bruises; he's ALWAYS hurting her and he's usually "at work" when Trev or I want to have a word with him. She even pointed out his office the other day which is just some random downtown building.

Oh and this past weekend JAMIE was in the hospital after "falling down a flight of stairs" and we needed to "bring him medicine".

Saige is so consistent when she describes her "very best friend" JAMIE that I'm slightly creeped out by it... I truly hope JAMIE is just a figment of her imagination and not some spooky ghost.

I'm sure you'll be hearing lots more about JAMIE since he doesn't appear to be going anywhere. Please tell me phantom friends are totally normal at this age.

... 10.18.11 ...

2011-10-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

We busted out the Halloween decorations last night and found Saige's costumes from 2009 and 2010. Can you believe they BOTH still fit?!

Halloween 2010

Wow has she - and her hair - ever grown! I miss my little candy corn witch *sniff-sniff*

Halloween 2009

It's crazy how much of Saige I see in Gabriel and I can't wait for next year when Gabe can wear the classic pumpkin costume. To be honest I don't know what little man is going to be in 2011 as I'm not positive his Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc. toque will fit him come October 31st.

... 10.17.11 ...

2011-10-17T20:30:00.000-07:00

Only 3 weeks old and already has the sniffles - poor little fella.

I know, I know... my daily photos leave much to be desired. I desperately need a photography mentor and I also need to decide where to put my creative energy this year: blog, photography or etsy shop? I FINALLY have an idea for etsy store that doesn't require graphic design and/or sewing skills. The problem is I can't do all 3.

Please help me choose.

... 10.16.11 ...

2011-10-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

So Gabe had his first trip to Parker Cove this weekend! When Saige was a baby we dreaded the 30 minute drive to Gramma & Papa's because she'd literally scream the entire commute. I keep expecting Gabriel to morph into an 'I hate everything' baby like his big sister Saige, but he's just super laid-back when it comes to things like carseats, strollers, bottles, etc.

That being said the soother isn't as big a hit as we had hoped. We keep popping it in his mouth with crossed fingers but more often than not he gags or yawns or cries even harder.

The only times he's not super chill is when he's hungry {which is often}. He goes from 0 to 10 in 3 seconds if his milk demands are not met... Trev says, "yup, he definitely has red in him".

I'm officially part of the my 'baby spits up club'. We escaped membership the first time round with Saige - never put a bib on her until she started eating solids. Unfortunately I see A LOT of milk puke in our future; I'd seriously take poop over puke, but that's just not in our Gabe cards.

Gabriel also happens to be the King of Hiccups which are painful to watch.

So many good stories to share, so little time. Bye for now... until the next nap.

... 10.15.11 ...

2011-10-15T20:30:00.000-07:00

miss independent missed a step before washing her hands

help me choose:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
pollcode.com free polls