How we roll...

New giveaway -

2011-05-17T11:51:00.001-04:00

http://suissescenarios.blogspot.com/2011/05/bogger-messed-up-my-give-away.html

Check it out

2011-04-07T08:03:00.000-04:00

And enter. Because this is super cute :)

http://4redchairs.blogspot.com/2011/04/sarah-taylor-design-giveaway.html

another giveaway

2011-02-24T11:02:00.000-04:00

we love giveaways. especially when they are cute and useful :)

http://twostampingsisters.blogspot.com

fun giveaway

2011-01-24T09:29:00.001-04:00

see here:
http://twostampingsisters.blogspot.com/2011/01/pun-fun-giveaway.html

Shutterfly funness

2010-11-23T11:08:00.002-04:00

I was looking for a new way to send out holiday cheer, remembering that growing up my mother would spend her nights preparing her "annual letter". I don't have time for that, but I still wanted to send out love and good wishes. I stumbled accross Shutterfly a while ago (when Lyla was born actually, birth announcments were critical!!), and looked at their Holiday cards. I found so many that I wanted to use, they were each so precious.
I haven’t decided on what design I want yet, but you can be sure, it will be colourful and happy. Just like Lyla and I are around the holidays.
And another great thing about Shutterfly, I know they’ll be around to help me announce any new arrivals (baby or otherwise) in a most charming way. I love it. Simple and fun. Now if only everything else (baking) was this easy, right?!

So go along and check out their stuff. Its all awesome. My favourite stuff right now is of course the holiday photo cards, it makes me smile.

• holiday cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards
• Christmas photo cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery
• desk calendars to http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars/desk-calendars
• photo mugs to http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-gifts/photo-mugs
• birthday cards to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birthday-cards-stationery
• holiday invitations to http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations

Enjoy mes amis. It will definitely put you in the mood to crank up the Christmas classics!

Lyla's last days as a 1 year old

2010-07-19T15:12:00.004-04:00

a big girl

2010-06-05T16:01:00.003-04:00

lyla likes to wear big girl hats.

lyla likes to use big girl hair dryers.

help from the bloggers of the world

2010-05-19T10:28:00.002-04:00

if you are a blogger, then i have something for you.
it's a little questionnaire.
a friend of mine is working on her masters and is researching blogging. she asked me to fill this form out, and i said i would, and also give it to all of those who would take 2 mins to fill it out.
so, if you are interested, leave me your email address and i'll send it along.
i love filling silly stuff like this out. it's fun.

thanks!

Phone pictures

2010-05-04T13:46:00.005-04:00

We went to East Side Mario's for supper.
Lyla liked the water.

And the ice cream.

Sam, Lyla and the Bunny

2010-04-05T13:39:00.003-04:00

We visited our furry friend on Saturday. It was fun. Much more successful than our visit with Santa in Decemeber. Thanks to the Taylor's for coming with us :)

Beware

2010-03-14T17:07:00.002-04:00

We cage very exotic, furiously dangerous animals at our house.
Consider this your warning!

Paging Dr. Lyla

2010-03-11T15:59:00.002-04:00

I would totally let her give me a needle :) she comes with cookies (see left hand).

Sweet Caroline

2010-01-19T10:05:00.002-04:00

Bah bah bah.

Lyla loves this song, and knows "her part".

Watch and enjoy my little song monster.

We eat corn

2010-01-11T16:22:00.001-04:00

And gosh does it taste good.

Cheese!

Resolution #1

2010-01-03T15:37:00.004-04:00

Do something drastic to benefit someone else: (please ignore the fug pictures that make me look like i have a moustache, no for real!)Cut off 12 inches of hair for Locks of Love. Check.

Ho Ho Ho

2009-12-21T12:41:00.004-04:00

Lyla, what does Santa say?

"Ho ho ho" (said in her cute little voice, while trying to sound like daddy with a deep Santa voice, does that make sense?)

Lyla and Santa have a love/hate relationship. See...

First she gives him a hug.

Then a nice little pat.

Then she pushes him (not so nice)

Then she listens to a secret he's telling her.

Followed by nice kisses.I think this thing could turn out, especially when she finds out he brings her gifts!

we decorated the tree

2009-12-14T12:38:00.003-04:00

it's up, and lit and has presents all around it. lyla helped decorate.

best part: she loves it, and doesn't touch it. she's so good :) and so cute.

Giveaway

2009-12-08T09:44:00.001-04:00

http://grosgrainfabulous.blogspot.com/2009/11/chubby-baby-car-seat-cover-guest.html

SO darn cute!!!!

Scentsy

2009-11-04T09:37:00.002-04:00

So I went to this little party thing that my friend was having because she is now a Scentsy consultant. And I won the door prize. And it was awesome.

And now my other friend Kristi is giving away some fun Scentsy stuff on her blog.

This stuff is everywhere. And it's awesome.

You can even enter to win the giveaway too. Click here to do so.

My flower

2009-11-03T15:34:00.002-04:00

Mum, why are you making me wear this?

We pick pumpkins

2009-10-14T10:38:00.003-04:00

On Monday before turkey dinner, we travelled to Howard Dill's Pumpkin Patch. It was darn cold, and darn windy. But we picked out some fun pumpkins to carve. And Lyla got her first kiss. From a strangers kid. She didn't cry tho, just stood there stunned. It was cute, kind-of. Except for the whole stranger germs. I just wanted to post a picture of our little lady picking out the pumpkin she wanted.

And a family shot. Good times.

Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving.

All about Lyla

2009-10-06T08:53:00.006-04:00

As it usually is.

I come posting pictures tho, that's fun.

Blogger is being a bit of a jerk this morning and wont let me put my pictures where I want them, so you'll have to use your imagination, pretending that it all makes sense.

Here we have Lyla learning how to climb onto the coffee table we had in front of the tv so she wouldn't get too close, or touch it. This method clearly no longer works.

And here she is helping daddy swiffer. We love her willingness to work :)

At Peggy's Cove a while back. We went with the Keeping's. We love being friends with them. Mostly because they are nice and ask us to hang out with them and stuff. And they let us use their tools.

Eating an Oreo cookie. So yummy. So bad for you. So ok with me.

"Unlocking" the door with mummy's keys. Genius, right?

Enjoying some mini crisps, or whatever they're called. She will sometimes snack on these for hours. Again, not so good for her, but better than her not eating at all I guess. Judge me all you want.

That's all I got. Just wanted to show off my super talented, highly intelligent, overly advanced child. Gosh I love her.

and my kid is actually 14 months

2009-09-23T08:05:00.002-04:00

wow. thank you ariel for pointing that out.

i am an idiot.

don't tell lyla.

And my kid is 15 months old.

2009-09-22T11:39:00.002-04:00

She can:

walk

run

say lots of words (mum, dada, what's that, tickle, ball, baba, hi, bye)

go up stairs, and about half way down

answer yes and no questions by shaking her head

brush her teeth (tho i get to them before i let her have at it)

feed herself with a fork, but prefers her fingers

help put her shoes on

help mum get her dressed

crawl out of the tub

get out of bed in the morning to find mum and dad getting ready for work

dance

she loves:

to sleep

mum and dad

cuddling

playing games

eating ice cream

bath time

music

she dislikes:

car rides

being told no

being ignored

Work and Play

2009-09-22T11:35:00.002-04:00

So, we (Extreme Group) just got back from White Point. Translation: one major stress in my day to day work is over! Yay.

I am hoping to get some pictures soon.

It was awesome. Our meeting was wicked. My massage was awesome. The party that night was stellar. The cold I took with me couldn't keep me from staying up way past my bedtime. Gosh. I love my job, and my bosses and my co workers. Ice Awards are next, bring it on.

PS. No one understands me at this point, except Kristi, Lynds and Cav. But that's cool.

...

2009-08-20T07:45:00.003-04:00

i know a bunch of you have been asking me to update my blog.

sorry.

i've been busy. and honestly, if i get on here, i might explode with some not-nice-ities towards certain parties...

so i'll wait for the annoyance to pass.

and then i'll be back.

side note: we're all doing well. lyla is awesome. and we still love her, even a year and a month later.

Tall, skinny and a big fat head.

2009-07-25T10:06:00.002-04:00

That sums up Lyla's one year appointment with Dr. Robinson. Here are her stats:

Weight: 20.8 lbs = 25%

Length: 30 in. = 75%

Head: 18.5 in. = 90%

She had her needles, all three, and did amazing. Even with the last "really painful" one. She's my hero.

We're having her b-day party on Sunday, and we're getting rather excited about it. I have a million cupcakes to bake this afternoon, so cross my fingers they work out. Thank heavens Caverly is lending me her talent to help decorate. We had 2 birthday parties for Lyla so far, at the grandparents homes. And when I am not at work, I will post those pictures.

I guess that's all I have time to say. I am at work today because they are filming a movie in our office, and I am overseeing our space. Extra money is what I am in it for. And maybe some free food.

But yea, ciao for now.

A whole year old.

2009-07-22T07:50:00.002-04:00

Today Lyla turns one.

Lyla bug, Happy birthday. We love you.

Something big happens tomorrow...

2009-07-21T20:09:00.003-04:00

Can you guess what it is?

This guy

2009-07-06T15:12:00.002-04:00

Got a job! Yay for him. (Thank heavens he doesn't look like this for reals)

At the Dept. of Fisheries and Aquaculture. Doing what he went to school for.

So proud, I am.

A little laugh

2009-06-28T17:23:00.001-04:00

This is what Lyla learned how to do while I was away.

so busy

2009-06-22T19:16:00.002-04:00

hardly have time to do this, but had to post these pictures of lyla having fun with me. it's one of only a few moments i get with her a day, now that i am back to work full time. she's growing so fast. walking a bit, and growing teeth like it's her job.

i am going to toronto for work thursday and friday, but will be back for the weekend. maybe i'll post then? i hope life slows down soon.

p.s i want to take pictures of lyla's room soon...and post them. i just love her room. and our new leather couches.

What's new?

2009-06-07T19:56:00.003-04:00

Lots is going on. But it leaves me with little time to blog.
A few things to note, and then next time I'll post pictures of our new place.
- Lyla had another EEG, it came back nice and clear. We don't have to see the neurologist again for 6 months.
- We're moved in pretty much...still some boxes in the basement, but we wont talk about them.
- I started back to work last week, it was intense. I am so busy trying to teach myself crap that I don't have time to even read page one of Perez. Tragic, I know.
- Josh is working on some contract map stuff until he gets a job. It's out there, we just have to find it.
- I got called as the 2nd councilor in the Primary today. Should be an exciting learning adventure (since I didn't join the church until I was 20, and have no kiddies in Primary, I seriously know nothing)
I guess that's really the gist of it.
Just one questions: ladies? after your first child, how long was it until you started feeling the baby fever? I have held a few babies lately (including a newborn, which usually gets me) and NOTHING. I hope it get it (not too soon, but not too many years from now) because I don't want Lyla to be an only child. So, tell me. When did you start burning up again?

We're here!

2009-06-01T07:31:00.002-04:00

And alive.
Buried alive under boxes, but happy as clams.
Will post when I have time.

Funny, this was the comic this week on the 9th ward site. Thanks to all the guys that came out to help us, on both ends.

In all of her nakedness

2009-05-22T19:05:00.003-04:00

She can't possibly get mad at me when she gets older. It's just too cute.This is Lyla in the tub, doing what she know she's not allowed to do: stand up. That explains the sneaky smile. I guess it's not as bad a pooping in the water...

Back in the valley

2009-05-19T17:19:00.003-04:00

Eyes: fine (after some drops that open the pupils, and a few tears for being held down, we're all good!)

MRI: clean, best news ever

So what's wrong with Lyla? No idea.

But we're happy that this weeks tests were all good.

We see the neurologist again on the 4th for another EEG.

I think it's just that Lyla is so smart her brain can't keep up, so her eyes go funny :)

Thank you all for your prayers. I know it's helped us stay strong thru all this silliness.

In other news: we move back to Halifax in 11 days!!! Who's stoked? We are. It's too bad that the valley weather is showing up now that we're leaving. Here is how Lyla enjoys her warm mornings while mum cleans the kitchen.

So that's all we got. Nova Scotia is in for some nice days this week, so pull up a chair, open your door and breathe in the goodness. To all of you folks not in N.S...I hope the sun is shining your way too.

Where are we?

2009-05-17T21:15:00.002-04:00

We are supposed to be back in the valley. But we're not.
We're still in Halifax. Lyla had her MRI. She did so well. Fought the sleepy meds to the death, but they still won. Then it was an event to get her to wake up after it was all over. She got sick the day after (vomiting everywhere!) from the medication I think, but she has since recovered.
I went to work for my first 1/2 day back. It was fun. I was only there for like 3 hours, so it hardly counts. We'll see what the full days back in June bring.
Got a call from the IWK to come in for some more testing on Tuesday morning. I was a little upset, but might as well not plan for the worst when we don't know. I am sure it will all be ok in the end. Lyla's been a champ thru this all and actually doesn't seem to be raising red flags to me. She's learning to stand on her own, getting more adventerous with her attempts each day. She says Mum and Dad when she's wanting something from us. She hasn't lost her ability to do anything she could before, so that's good to hear, no retrogressing (I think that's the word).
So we're here until Wednesday morning I think. I may even go to work for Tuesday afternoon. Good times.
Oh, and I am getting my hair foiled and cut tomorrow. I got a gift card from my parents to the spa, so I am excited to get that done (it's been over a year since my hair has seen a professional). Yay.
So, that's the news in our little world. Hope you all enjoy your long weekend!

So helpful at 9.5 months

2009-05-09T17:02:00.005-04:00

Helping me to get pans out for baking (she gets into everything) Helping me pack (which we started yesterday)

What a nice gal eh ?

Reassurance

2009-05-06T14:21:00.002-04:00

I am in need of some reassurance.
Lyla has to go for an MRI next Thursday. I am nervous. Not so much of the huge magnet that she'll be going into (tho proven safe, I am skeptical), but more of the general anesthesia she'll be under. I don't like the idea of her being put under, and away from me for any amount of time.
So please, someone tell me that their kids been thru it before. She's only 9 months, I feel like she's just too little for things like this. I know it's for the best, we want to find out what's going on to make her better, but I wish there were another way.
So yea, please someone reassure me. I am a unnecessarily scared mumma.
Thanks

weather report

2009-04-28T13:43:00.001-04:00

2:43 pm
31 degrees
i'm outside. don't call

HOT-HOT-HOT

2009-04-25T16:16:00.002-04:00

It's 5 pm and 25 degrees here in the valley. Ask if I am happy?!

Heck yes.

Today we got up, opened all the windows and blinds, went to get groceries (in our t-shirts and capris) and then came home for a quick lunch. Then it was car washing time. It is nice to have a clean car. It makes me happy. For a treat we went to Pearle's for ice cream. Lyla sat on grass for the first time. She loved it. Then we came home and I sat and read a book on the deck while baby napped. As we speak, Josh is firing up the BBQ for sausages and corn on the cob. Oh man I am stoked. I don't think we could have asked for a better last weekend in April. Thanks Heavenly Father for allowing me to keep my sanity.

The countdown is on

2009-04-20T19:07:00.003-04:00

Only like 6 weeks until we move back to the city. Yay. Only bummer is that many of our friends will be gone forever, back to Ameri-land. So sad. We will truly miss you. Except you, Jake R. Haha.

So today Lyla had her last neck physio appointment. She is all good to go. I was glad to get the ok, even though the last 3 times we went was more for fun than to really get anything checked out. I've become friends with our specialist and we have a playdate (her son is one) for next Wednesday. I wish she lived closer (she's about an hour away) so we could hang out more often.

I also started going to this thing called "The Community Kitchen" (which sounds so "food-stampy" but it's just this group the local Baptist church put on for Mom's that live around here. We go Thursday mornings, drop the kids off in the playroom and then they have all the supplies needed to make a supper for the family. So last week we brought home a casserole, and this week I think it's Chili and biscuits. AND it's free! So good times all around. I finally met some mum's around here with babies. I wish this would have gone on last fall, I wouldn't have had to be a loner this whole time.

So as some of you noticed, I posted pictures from easter and my bday on Facebook, it's so much quicker than loading on here. But here is one of my sister and I celebrating our b-days ( 2 weeks apart...oh, and 3 years!)

And here is a cute one of Lyla in her Easter sunday dress. I was waiting for Josh to edit them all, but he's been busy with school so I got tired of waiting.

As I was telling Sonja, I have one of the kiddies on Sunday for those who stuck around to get the picture done, but it didnt go so well. I'll send it to those involved when Josh gets around to it.

I guess that's all I got to say. I am just trying to get over this stinkin cold that has had me down for the last 4 days. It really kicked my butt this time around, but Lyla didn't catch too much of it, which I am grateful for. How about all of you? Did you get the spring bug? (No, not the good one that makes you want to clean, but the nasty cold one!)

My mobile baby

2009-04-14T08:27:00.003-04:00

It's hard for me to find a second to post about my bday and easter weekend, mostly because Lyla is EVERYWHERE. (The picture above shows you how I feel) She crawls, she rolls, she sits, she stands, she walks along furniture and pushes the upside down laundry basket when she wants to get somewhere accross the room. Oh my.

I have a couple pictures to post of our most recent visit to the city, and promise to do so later. Hope you all had a nice long weekend.

A quick update

2009-04-07T09:48:00.003-04:00

Things going on in our lives:

- we're moving to 150 Harlington on June 1st. Excited about being back in the city

- we bought a leather couch and loveseat. dark brown. will be deilvered the day we move in

- i go back to work first week of june.

- recently taught lyla to wave bye. now added to her repretoire of clapping her hands and saying yay, shaking her head no, saying dada, and holding out her fingers when we say "kiss your finger". she also crawls, sits from lying down, and walks along the furniture. oh, and she has 6 teeth, loves to feed herself. makes funny faces (as per picture below) and then laughs at herself.

- i just turned 25, had a nice bday party with Josh's school mates. way fun.

- lyla will be 9 months soon enough. where has the time gone?

- went to see the easter bunny here in greenwood. he was creepy, but lyla didn't cry!

- josh bought a new lense for the camera. don't know what it's called, but aparently it's good for portrait shots. i wouldn't know either way.

Ok, so when i started this list i was sure there was more going on. Maybe there is, but Lyla is being fussy, so i can't think. Whats going on in your lives?

Which one?

2009-04-05T20:49:00.003-04:00

Which one do you like better?

Our crib is black, the room is pink.

Tell me what you think.

P.S The second one...the blocks are black...not brown like they look in the picture. Just so you know.

P.P.S They are both the same price.

i feel bad for not posting.

2009-04-03T12:28:00.002-04:00

so here's some new picture of lyla.

trying a pickle.she also recently tried yogurt and cottage cheese. both "yesses" for her. so yay for that. thanks kristi for those ideas. will post properly soon.

Oh Edward...

2009-03-25T12:33:00.002-04:00

You didn't hear this from me...but I guess R. Patz kinda stinks.As in, he doesn't shower often and even castmates complain.

Maybe I am believing in this more than I should just so I can get over my highschool crush?!Photo compliments of Perez.

Firsts, Boy Lyla and Shower

2009-03-13T10:08:00.005-04:00

Here we have it, another first caught on "digital film". As most of you know, I am an avid toothbrusher. I love teeth, I love the dentist, I love oral hygiene. It's a little weird, this amount of love I have for these things, but oh well. I am hoping to instill this in Lyla. So, she's got her first toothbrush, and she uses it while Mum brushes her teeth. She likes it quite well, but doesn't really care which end ends up in her mouth. I still love her for humoring me! I hope to have a child who never has a cavity (like me, yes I am bragging, it's the one thing I have over anyone else in my family, on both sides!)

Also, I wanted to brag about Josh's mad photo taking skills. He's like superman at it, and I am proud of him. I don't know if he'll be miffed I posted this, but I think it looked so good. That's our showerhead...and trust me, it's not actually that spotless. Good job Mr. Lighting and editing! There is another one he took of a chessboard, but I can't find it, so I'll have to post it later. It's really good!

Oh, and look what else I found...Josh took this picture of Lyla after dressing her up like a boy. She's going to have a complex with Josh as her dad!

So that's it. My boring post of the day. I just wanted to write something. I feel like a blog slacker!

Hairdos and Cheerios

2009-03-09T14:13:00.004-04:00

So, my post today, as per usual, is about Lyla.

Here she is sporting her day-to-day hair. All I can say is that some people spend lots of time teasing, backcombing and hairspraying their coif to get height like this. Not Lyla tho, she's a natural.And here we have her, mid-fart noise making. So cute. She does it when she doesn't want to eat anymore, or when she's frustrated. After the little whines, but before the full out cry. I believe here she wanted some more cherrios. All she had to do was ask. Haha.

Anyways, that's all. Oh, I am in town end of next week while Josh goes to Young Men's camp. I am excited to see Twilight with some of the girls, and to generally just be around civilization. I won't lie. I am going to miss our current living situation. We live in our own little "house". We don't have to worry about being too noisy or whatever. I am not looking forward to apartments again. But I do like looking for places to live in Clayton Park. We're checking out the ones on Parkland and Regency mostly. I am looking forward to a newer building. I hope it all works out. Anywho, hope you are all well. I am off to enjoy Josh's company for the afternoon (lucky me!)

Another first

2009-03-06T11:27:00.004-04:00

First piggy tails!

Oh, and I think my kid is going to be a musical genius. See the total concentration on her face?

Picture #6

2009-03-02T16:30:00.005-04:00

I got tagged from Jo to post my sixth picture in my picture file. I am at my parents place, so they aren't really my pictures, but it happened to be Lyla anyways (convenient!)

Here she is riding her pink pony. She loves it. I love that she loves it. Good buy from that second hand place in Tantallon. P.S Nancy W. I think I told Kaylee she could ride this anytime she wants. Come on over!

A big day for Lyla

2009-02-19T16:36:00.000-04:00

Yup, we got her ears pierced. I promise both of them are done. I just couldnt get her to sit still long enough to get a shot of them head on. Daddy, do you like it? (Josh is still in the valley, and wont see her in person until Saturday night)

Looking for a babysitter

2009-02-17T17:55:00.002-04:00

Any takers? Hahahahaha. We still love her, poopy days and all.

Are you one of the Lucky 5?

2009-02-16T09:47:00.000-04:00

Lucky you!

The first five people to respond to this post will get something made by me! My choice. For you. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make! (Though I hope you will!)

2. What I create will be just for you.

3. It'll be done this year {might be a little while}

4. You get no clue what it's going to be. It may be a story. It may be poetry or maybe even some creation I haven't even invented yet. I may draw or paint something. I may bake you something and mail it to you. Who knows? Not you, that's for sure!

5. I reserve the right to do something extremely strange.

The catch? Oh, the catch is that you must repost this on your blog and offer to do the same to the first 5 people who do the same on your blog. The first 5 people to do so and leave a comment telling me they did win a FAB-U-LOUS homemade gift by me!

Cafe Rio and Homemade Toys

2009-02-13T11:27:00.007-04:00

So I made Cafe Rio-esque supper tonight. It was darn good. Keeping the recipe handy, thanks Melese :) I thought I'd take a picture because it just looked so good. Lyla has a million toys, but for some reason, always enjoys mum's "toys" more. Whatever makes her happy I guess! Cheaper for us in the long run. And, boy does she love her num-nums. We can give them to her when she's whiny, and suddenly, it's like fun time at the Blakeney house.

So I guess that's all that is going on in our neck of the woods. Lyla has had a few more little "episodes" this month, but I just got off the phone with her neurologist, and he says it's still nothing to worry about, and that she will probably grow out of it. He said her development is going excellent, so they have no concerns at all. So, yay.

Tomorrow is V-day. We're not doing anything special, but I just wanted to wish you all a good Love day, and enjoy the people in your life, and let them know you love them. The end.

A tooth or two.

2009-02-10T19:12:00.004-04:00

Yup, we're busy growing teeth around here. So fun. Hopped up on Tylenol and freezing gel helps. Will get pictures when we can see them a little better. We stil get smiles out of her tho. Going to be in town mid next week. Excited for that.
Dealing with mold in our apartment. It's gross. Landlord is coming by with bleach and a dehumidifier. Hope it helps.
Saw Lyla's neck Dr. today. She pretty much doesn't need to go anymore, but we like to go once a month so we can check her progress in other development areas (sitting, crawling etc.) Dr. said she's "advanced" in some areas, makes me proud. One advanced thing she does: drinks from a sippy cup. She she is enjoying a drink while watching tv. So bragging, but it's ok, right?Should go and do dishes. 45 minutes until 90210. Anyone else watch? Loves it.

Pregnancy

2009-02-04T11:51:00.004-04:00

No, I am not preggers, just stole this post from Claudine (since I love to talk about all things Lyla!)

1. WAS YOUR FIRST PREGNANCY PLANNED? Yes, down to the week really!

2. WERE YOU MARRIED AT THE TIME? Yes

3. WHAT WERE YOUR REACTIONS? I cried, Josh didn't believe it at first.

4. WAS ABORTION AN OPTION FOR YOU? No

5. HOW OLD WERE YOU? 23

6. HOW DID YOU FIND OUT YOU WERE PREGNANT? 2 Pee tests.

7. WHO DID YOU TELL FIRST? Josh

8. DID YOU WANT TO FIND OUT THE SEX? Yes, I am not a patient person.

9. DUE DATE? July 18th 2008

10. DID YOU HAVE MORNING SICKNESS? More like all day 9 1/2 months sickness

11. WHAT DID YOU CRAVE? Different things at different times. Lots of cereal.

12. WHO/WHAT IRRITATED YOU THE MOST? Not being able to sleep really ticked me off.

13. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST CHILD'S SEX? Female

14. DID YOU WISH YOU HAD THE OPPOSITE SEX OF WHAT YOU WERE GETTING? No, I was so excited it was a girl. A boy would have been fine too, but I always wanted a girl first.

15. HOW MANY POUNDS DID YOU GAIN THROUGHOUT THE PREGNANCY? Over 40 I believe.

16. DID YOU HAVE A BABY SHOWER? 3 actually. Thanks Melese, Mum and Jewel.

17. WAS IT A SURPRISE OR DID YOU KNOW? I knew about all of them.

18. DID YOU HAVE ANY COMPLICATIONS DURING YOUR PREGNANCY? Not really, I had to leave work 2 months early due to insomnia, but baby was always fine.

19. WHERE DID YOU GIVE BIRTH? IWK Grace Maternity

20. HOW MANY HOURS WERE YOU IN LABOR? 18.5, 2 hours of pushing.

21. WHO DROVE YOU TO THE HOSPITAL? Josh

22. WHO WATCHED YOU GIVE BIRTH? Josh, my Dr. and 2 nurses. Oh and a NICU team.

23. WAS IT NATURAL OR C-SECTION? Nautral

24. DID YOU TAKE MEDICINE TO EASE THE PAIN? Yup, Gas and Epidural (which didn't work, so we might as well not count that).

27. HOW MUCH DID YOUR CHILD WEIGH? 7 lbs 13 oz

28. WHEN WAS YOUR CHILD ACTUALLY BORN? July 22nd 2008, at 9:38 pm

30. WHAT DID YOU NAME HIM/HER? Lyla Jae Blakeney

31. HOW OLD IS YOUR FIRST BORN TODAY? 6 months 2 weeks.

THEN: NOW:

Tag

2009-01-28T19:05:00.002-04:00

Rhonda tagged me. I liked it because I got to think about myself for a bit. Does that sounds selfish, I didn't mean it that way.

Rules: Write 6 random things about myself, link the person who tagged you & post the rules. Tag six people. Let them know they have been tagged.

1. I rarely leave my house. I find Lyla too hard to carry around, and it's so darn cold out, it's all just lame excuses to stay inside and play in our nice warm living room all day.

2. I still remember giving birth to Lyla like it was yesterday. I remember the pain exactly. It makes me want to steal my next kid so I don't have to do it on my own again. Everyone tells me I will forget over time. I hope they are right.

3. I overbook myself all the time. I try to make all sorts of plans, but most of them don't end up happening for whatever reason (no car, no time, no energy). It drives me bonkers.

4. I always told myself that I'd be the mum who would wear clothes and makeup everyday, no matter what. I don't. My line of thinking (as we are poor as dirt right now) is that why would I waste makeup if no one is going to see me, and dirty clothes that baby will just get dirty and have to wash more often?! Tragic, I know.

5. I still hate the valley life. I miss my friends, I miss my life. Looking forward to the end of May so we can come back home, or atleast move somewhere better than Lawrencetown. (Not trying to offend the great people of L-Town, just not my thing, sorry)

6. I talk about Lyla more than I even want to. My one and only friend in the valley had a girls night and invited me. They'd all be talking about something and somehow the conversation would revert back to Lyla and her poop, or Lyla and her many talents or Lyla and her something or other. It's rediculous. In my head I kept telling myself to shut up about it, because no one else had kids there, no one was even married, so I was sure they didn't want to hear it, but it was like word vomit. Oh man, I am sure I wont be invited back. But atleast we all know I love Lyla!

Now, I tag:
Ashley Q
Chantelle A
Sharee M
Aubrey F
JoLynne T
Sonja N

Bath time and thanks

2009-01-22T11:05:00.007-04:00

So, last night was a bath night in our house. Lyla got to go first (mums always come second to cute babies). She's just so cute in all of her nakedness and splashes. I had to take a picture, or two. She loves it in there. I don't know how she doesn't feel cold and want to get out after she gets all wet, but it doesn't bother her one bit, so I let her play. In this first picture, notice her face, she looks exactly like her pal Ducky!

Good times.

Also, I just wanted to post a little thank you to my friend Kristi. Pal, I just think you are wonderful in all of your wisdom-ness. Everytime we talk I feel ispired to "update" my life. We talked about a few things I had been lacking, or not doing etc. and after I got off the phone, I just felt like I needed to fix those things. I am working on that now, and I have to thank her for that. I am so grateful for your friendship Kristi. So, thanks to you.

Finally, I am also so grateful for my sister. I was thinking back to when I first had Lyla and the tough time I had dealing with breastfeeding and horomones and stuff. She was there for me, no questions. I find that we are growing closer as sisters now that we are older. Heaven knows that we've had our differences in the past, but I just love her, and I am glad that we are getting closer as we grow older. So, thanks Nicole, I love you.

This is a total random post, Lyla is in the background chattering away so it's hard to concentrate, but I just wanted to write that stuff down so those girls now how much they mean to me.

End of story.

the common cold

2009-01-19T17:10:00.005-04:00

has found us. we're taking cover as best we can by wearing our jammie and slippers all day.will post more when we're out of hiding.

Banana's for food

2009-01-13T16:44:00.000-04:00

Lyla decided to enjoy some of mum's banana (actually, she didnt really eat it, more just like squished it thru her fingers, huge mess). Oh, and dear Aunt Ashley Q, thanks for the chair, we use it everyday, and love it :)

That's my girl

2009-01-12T10:04:00.002-04:00

This is what Lyla was up to this morning.

Tricky little thing.

Side note: I did help her to get to standing, she didn't pull herself up. But she held her own for about 30 seconds before she get fed up with me taking pictures.

Update

2009-01-09T13:11:00.004-04:00

So, I meant to update you all yesterday so you wouldn't be in the dark, but I didn't find any time. Lyla has been quite clingy since her trip to the ER on Tuesday. I don't really mind tho, one day she wont want me to cuddle her, so I am lapping it up while I can.
Anyways, long story short, Lyla may have had a seizure. We aren't sure, since by the time we go to the hospital it had stopped. In any case, it wasn't a Grande Mal seizure, if it was one at all, it was just a little one. I called Dr. Robinson to get her opinion after the fact and she said sometimes, when babies are little, their brains are still working on working right. Something about the nervous system and blah blah blah, she says it's nothing to loose sleep over. There isn't anything we can do until we see the neurologist anyways. She put my mind at ease tho, which was nice. Josh also gave her a blessing which comforted us even more.
That's really all we have going on now. Josh is back at school most of the time, and I am here being Lyla's personal teddy bear. Hope you are all well. Oh, we'll be in the city for the last week of January, so hope to see some of you then. And because I don't love reading blogs without pictures here are a few from our holidays.

Quick Post

2009-01-07T17:42:00.002-04:00

Spent quite a while yesterday in Emerg with Lyla. Not quite sure what's wrong, but we're going to see a neurologist. Long story. But we're home and ok now :)

Until I have time to post for real, enjoy this video of my kid laughing at me because I kept looking at her!

A promise

2009-01-02T22:13:00.000-04:00

I promise to update soon. Maybe as early as tomororw. By the end of weekend for sure.
I am a bad blogger. I haven't even left comments to anyone in years. Promise I check in on all of you, my cool friends.
Please don't hate me :)
Update you soon.

Santa comes to Greenwood

2008-12-14T17:14:00.006-04:00

And I wont lie. I think he may have been the real thing :) He was an awesome Santa. Real beard, real hair, real glasses, real belly. Oh man it was magical. I think I was even more excited than Lyla.

I just wanted to post a picture of her sitting on his lap. She didn't cry, which was awesome, but we couldn't get her to smile either. Maybe next year?!

Anyways, I hope you all get your kids out to meet Saint Nick before this Christmas, especially all the new babies of this year.

Also, as promised, here are a few pictures of Lyla's first bites of rice cereal. No, she is not 6 months yet, but it was the right time for us. First one I believe she is saying (to quote Britney Spears) "Gimme gimmie more".

And this one, with a little more class "Please sir, I want some more"

Anyways, there are plenty more of Lyla and her time here in Greenwood, so check them out on facebook.

In other news, Josh finally got released from his Stake YM calling. Now he just has the YM President one here. I don't know that I like this one any more than the last, but I am his wife, and I support him haha.

I just got called to RS Secretary today. Not a hard calling by the sounds of it, but they ask a lot less of that calling down here compared to Halifax. Maybe I'll offer to take on a bit more (since I hace the extra time!)

Well, Christmas is nearing, and we put up our "christmas tree", a la last year, can you rememeber what it looked like? Look it up. I would love to go on about more of our going on's but Lyla desires some prunes, so I am off. See many of you soon :)

Long time

2008-12-02T20:03:00.003-04:00

It's been such a long time since I posted. And so much has happened. I don't know where to begin, and it stresses me out! I know you all know where I am coming from.

Anyways, all I can do is recap what I remember, and hope I get all the good stuff. I am also behind in Lyla's baby book and I have lists all over the house of dates and times of important things, but I am too lazy to work on that now.

So, as many of you know, I just got back to the valley after 2 weeks in the city. It was so nice to see friends and do stuff, but you know what it's like when you feel your welcome is warn out at your parents place and you just want to get back to your own bed? That was us.

We did a lot of things while in town, I can't even rememeber where to start. I guess the first thing important to blog about is that I read Twilight, and the other 3 books. In a week and 2 days. That's pretty darn gross. I couldn't help myself though. I wanted to keep reading, while feeding Lyla, when I should have been sleeping, while eating, anytime I could. It was annoying when I had to put my book down for something else. I really liked the books. I look back now, after reading the 4, plus the 1/2 one online, and there are things I would have like to have seen differently, but as Beckey reminded me, this was Stephanie Meyer's story, not mine. I found while I was reading, that I would be annoyed with the way the story was going, and I'd have to take a step back and breathe. Now I look over it all and say, "you know what, it was nice, but a little overly unrealistic". I think the thing that kept me going was the love story. I tried to take that away from the "experience" more than all the bogus things that were going on, and I am satisfied. I also saw the movie twice. It was pretty ok. I went into the movie not expecting much, and making myself not compare the screenplay to the book, so it wasn't a dissappointment (like it was for poor Nancy). That Rob Pattison and Kristen Whats-her-face...not the best actors, or the best chemistry I have ever seen, but it's all good. Again, I was satisfied.

Enough about that darn book though. I have more of a life than that (tho Josh disagrees!) Lyla went in for her 4 month check up and needles. She did awesome, and only cried for like 2 seconds for each prick. She weighed in at 14 lbs 10 oz, and was 25.5 inches long. 75th percentile. We know she must get her height from her daddy!

She is doing so many things now, that I feel she is no longer a baby, but a little person. She is rolling all over the place, talking like its her job, and eating like it's going out of style. In fact, we started her on rice cereal the other day. It was so fun! I have pictures of it, but Josh has yet to load them. I promise to post them when we get them up.

I do have a fun picture from the other day when we went to dinner at the Wentzell's. Lyla is the best baby. She finds a way to sleep anywhere, and their place was no exception. To make Nancy feel better (no, it wasn't your bad hosting skills that put her to sleep) she fell alseep in her exersaucer the other day while I was reading her a book.I wish I could get away with sleeping anywhere.

What else is going on. Not too much. I am feeling alittle overwhelmed these days with the holiday's coming. It's always a big ordeal to make sure both of our families are included in the festivities. Also, shopping isn't as easy now that we're not near a mall, and I have a baby to tag along with me. I think next year I may consider all online shopping!

I am also a little concerned with our future. See, since Josh and I have been married, we have always had a plan. We always knew we'd be in Halifax, until school in the valley. We had planned for the move here. Now, after school is over, we have no clue where we're going to be. It really takes a toll on my head. I cannot plan for anything, because I don't know what the future holds for us. Oh man, thinking about it now makes my heart pallipitate. Let's talk about something else.

Um, I got to go to see Four Christmases last Wednesday with a bunch of girlfriends. It was a special Reel Babies event, with free goodie bags for all the moms. I love free stuff, so that was good. I also got to hang out with a few people here and there. It was just so nice to do stuff instead of sit at home with Lyla all day, bored. The valley is definitly not my idea of fun. So really, I should be happy knowing that even tho I don't know where we'll be after May, I do know it wont be here!

Well, my kid decided to wake up, so I have to go tend to her (it wont be long before she doesn't need me, I have to cherish the time she does).

Hope you all are well. I will post more pictures soon.

Ladybugs can swim

2008-11-10T15:53:00.003-04:00

Well at least our little Lylabug can! Today Josh and I took Lyla for her first ever swim. We went to a parent/tot swim on the base. She got to wear her cute bathing suit I bought her back in the summer, and she totally rocked it.

I just had to post a picture of this special occasion. We have tons more, I will load them on Facebook one of these days. She did very well for her first time. No noises until we took her out and headed to the showers. We didn't want her getting too cold so we were only in the pool for about 20-30mins. She didn't really splash around like she does in the tub tho. She pretty much had this confused look plastered on her face for the whole time. It was so cute.

This past weekend we also took a trip to Yarmouth to visit Kelly and Rob. We hadn't seen them since, oh it must have been September sometime, so it was nice to hang out with them. We, along with Greg and Jocelyn, all went out for supper to Boston Pizza. It was so nice to get out with friends!

Josh also had today off, which explains how he was able to go swimming with us, and he of course has tomorrow off too. Four days of pure Josh-ness... HOLY COW! (Actually, as I write this he is at the lab at school, so we don't get his undivided attention all weekend, but at least we got a few extra hours.)

I hope you all had a nice weekend. And have a nice day off tomorrow too. Lyla and I are back in the city this weekend and we'll be around until the weekend after. Oh my, how I miss my city life. I love being there, if only for a week at a time :) Hope to see a bunch of you while I am around.

Lyla Ladybug

2008-11-05T14:02:00.006-04:00

So this post is way overdue (Halloween was like a whole 5 days ago!) but I wanted to post a few pictures of Lyla in her costume. She was a ladybug, which is totally appropriate because that's what Daddy calls her. This one is compliments of Helene (mon ami extraordinaire). She a wonderful photographer and did an awesome job with Lyla. There are more pictures from the shoot on my facebook. Here's the link to it. I don't know how to make it so you can click and go to it. I am so not computer savvy. And I am lazy and care not to learn.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=177504&l=1458e&id=555360623

In other news, today Lyla rolled front to back. So now she's fully "rollable". Though she doesn't have the hang of it yet. After she does it she's like "so...um...what now?"

Not too much else is going on. I was thinking we were going to make it to the city this weekend since it's a long one, but Josh says maybe not so much. Perhaps some of you could come visit me instead?! The next time I'll be in town is the week of the 16th. I will be around all week and then Josh will come that weekend since it's my mum's b-day. I'd like to throw a random picture in now. This was taken by Grandpa before church on Sunday. He was impressed with his skills. Way to go dad! Oh, and that's the bumbo we're borrowing from J.J. Thanks friend. Lyla loves it.

We had a great time in Halifax last week. Lots of stuff going on. Thanks to my parents for housing us during our stay. I know we're a handfull but we love seeing you! Also I'd like to thank the Petersen's for having us over for Halloween. It was a lot of fun, and there was a ton of yummy food! I always come back to the valley feeling a little empty and lonely since Josh has school but this week so far he's been home early everyday. And he's come home for lunch hour which has been a nice treat.

I guess that's all I have to report on today. I am sure more has been going on, but I just woke up and forget all of my life's events!

Correction!

2008-10-29T18:30:00.008-04:00

I told you all that Lyla showed no signs of rolling over... Wrong-o. She accomplished this awesome task on Sunday, rolling from her back to her front. My sister, mum and I got to witness. It was so amazing...and then I shed a little tear because she's growing up so fast. Gosh I love this little girl. Here's a picture of Lyla after she rolled. I think she's like..."so what now?"

In other news, we're in the city this week, visiting all we can before going back after the Hallowe'en festivities end (I have pictures of Lyla and a pumpkin but they are on my home computer, check them out on Facebook). I got to go to church on Sunday for an hour to see some friends, and then to a little potluck put on by my friends Leah and Dave. All the kiddies got to wear their costumes. Lyla gave hers about a 10 minute test drive before puking on it! Hopefully we have better luck on Friday. I will post pictures of her costume after Friday. I made a cheese ball spider and I think it looked pretty darn good. It's simple. Cream cheese, shredded cheese and roll in poppy seeds.Monday was a relaxing day with my mum, we just watched t.v and chatted, and picked my brother up at the airport late that night. Here are a few pictures to show how much fun Lyla is having with my mum. She fell asleep with her twice when mum wasn't even trying. This one shows that mum was going to lay her down to change her, but Lyla was asleep before she even hit the couch. And this one is when mum went to burp her...no dice.Oh, and I bought my first pair of jeans since having Lyla. It was not fun trying them all on, but I found a pair I liked (thank heavens) and now I just need to get them hemmed.

Tuesday was a rainy day, and I wasn't feeling the best so we laid low again. I love visiting because I can just hang out all day long and not feel like a slob.

Today, along with Nancy, Leah and Jo, I went to the Reel Babies at the Empire Theatres in Dartmouth. They were showing HSM3. It was so cute, not a disappointment at all (how could it be with dreamy Zac Efron! Haha). Lyla was such a good baby the whole time, not making a peep. She loves t.v just as much as me. For those of you who can, you should go. They have change tables, wipes, diapers, toys, bottle warmers. It's all very cool, and you can win prizes too. I am going to try and do it once a month, just to get out (Bayer's Lake and Dartmouth are the only theatres that do it, boo New Minas). Let me know if you're interested and next time I'll let you know about it.

After the movie we ordered some pizza and went to Jo's for a photoshoot compliments of Helene. She's a little photographer in the making and I am so looking forward to seeing how the shots turned out. She was so good at giving direction and put up with my whiny baby too. Thanks friend!

I guess that's all that's gone on so far this week. Josh comes up on Friday for Hallows Eve, and Lyla and I miss him, so we're getting excited for that.

Hope you are all well. I'll post pictures from the shoot when I get them. Love.

Look who's 3 months today!

2008-10-22T14:39:00.007-04:00

I can't believe it was July 22nd, 3 months from today, that Lyla joined our little family (in a less-than-ladylike way). I feel like it was yesterday, and at the same time it's like she's always been here. I just wanted to post a little list of what my baby genius can do (I just think she's so talented!) I am going to print this right off and put it in her baby book, so I don't have to do it twice. Oh, so smart.

Anywho here are my lists:

Can:

smile

laugh/giggle

babble up a storm

mimic Josh and I when making noises

entertain herself while I do housework

grab toys held in front of her

sleep 8-9 hours thru the night

blow bubbles with her spit

eat 7 oz bottles in one sitting

hold her own 4 oz bottle

soothe herself to sleep

lie on her tummy and prop herself up

respond when she hears noises around the room

sit in a bumbo

put everything in her mouth

hold her hands, fingers interlocked (very reverent eh?!)

give Josh and I a reason to smile everyday

learning:

to hold my fingers and pull herself up to sit

sit on her own (briefly before tipping over)

hit toys to make them sing (cause/effect)

support herself on her legs when holding her up (she would much rather not tho)

hold her head up straight instead of sideways, she loves a sideways world.

no sign of:

rolling over

stopping the spitting up of foodWe're so proud of our little one and can't wait for each day as she learns and accomplishes more. Happy 3 months Lyla!

Deux Ans

2008-10-20T14:25:00.003-04:00

That's two years to all you non-french speaking readers! Josh and I have been hitched for two years today. We're pretty happy we made it this long, it was touch and go there for a while..haha. Joking!!!
To celebrate, we went to OPA in the city on Saturday for lunch and then got a hotel room for the night. The best part was that we were asleep by 10 pm. We are soooo old. My parents took Lyla for the night, so we thought we'd take advantage of the sleep time (yea, she does sleep thru the night, usually 11-8, but you know, it's not the same as getting away!)
I have a few pictures from our day, but I don't know how to crop and edit, so I'll just post one for now.
Also, Beckey was asking where I was for the past little bit. I went to New Brunswick this past week to show Lyla to her family on my Mum's side. It was nice to get up there, even if Josh couldn't come, but I was glad we went before winter comes. I have some pictures of that too, but I'll put them on facebook.
On Sunday on our way home from the city we went to Stake Conference in Kentville. Afterwards we got some family pictures outside. Too bad it wasn't nice and warm out, we only had time to take a few. Oh wearing a bow, but Josh hid it on us before pictures. Jerk! Lyla's over 12 lbs now, and is about 23 inches long. She can babble like no one's business and giggles (only when Josh isn't around!). She is doing well holding her head up, and before I mentioned that she was going to see a specialist about working on her neck muscles, but I don't think we'll need to once she is assessed (which she hasn't been yet...sigh). Like I said, she still sleeps thru the night, usually 8-9 hours at a time, with 2 naps during the day. She's just so good and I love her to death. I know I am bragging, but I am just so proud of her all the time.
I guess that's all that's going on here. This week I am going to be working on her Hallowe'en Costume. It's a surprise, and I am sewing it, so I hope it actually works out. We're going to be coming to the city for the festivities, so get your kiddies dressed up and come on out with us!

Good weekend

2008-10-06T10:21:00.005-04:00

So, as you all know, we went apple picking this saturday. It was so much fun. I was so thrilled to see a bunch of you, my halifax friends. It reminded me that I missed living near you all. Only 9 months until we're out of the valley tho :)

I just wanted to post some picture of apple picking, I also have them on facebook should you feel the need to view more! P.S The lighting is bad in some of them. We're not professionals!

Oh, and yesterday was another lovely day so we went for a hike up the north mountains. Josh showed me to this lookoff, which was over all the town. It was awesome. And we had bundled Lyla up in a little warm suit (thanks to Beckey for that). She just looked so cute. I love her.Today is another sunny day, we're pretty darn lucky. Feel free to come visit anytime, and we can enjoy the sun together.

So you know

2008-10-03T12:30:00.004-04:00

Here are the final details for tomorrow.
It's supposed to be sunny with clouds, 13 degrees.
We're meeting at Noggin's Farm at 12 noon. To get there go on the 101 to exit 11 (Greenwich, Port Williams, Canning). Turn left at the stoplights. They are the first farm on the right. It should take you around 40 minutes to get there (says Josh, I know nothing about timing).
The cost is 8 dollar per adult (12 and over), 6 dollars per child (3-11), and free for kiddies younger than that. This cost covers admission to the corn maze, the wagon ride to the apple orchard, and the barnyard funzone (tunnel slides, tire mountain, hay horses, corn and sand box). The apples are 10 bucks per bag (each bag is about 20lbs). You can also pick your own pumpkins, squash and herbs. I don't know those prices. Sorry.
I think that's all I have to say.
Hope you can make it. We're going rain or shine (unless it's like super super raining and gross). If we don't end up going, we'll post it on here. Or you can reach us on our cell phones 209-2292, or 880-9029.

They're getting bigger...

2008-10-02T13:47:00.004-04:00

Check out the bow I made for Lyla yesterday....(for some reason the picture loaded sideways...not sure why/how that happened)Look a little larger than the ones I started with eh? And I love it.

I made 4 bows yesterday...intertchangeable ones (proud Melese and Amber?) and the other day I made this black one. I think it's so cute but I dont have anything for her to wear with it. Why don't they sell black baby clothes? They should.

In other news, Lyla is now 10 weeks old. She had her dr. appt. a week ago and she weighted in at 11 lbs 5 oz and 22.5 inches long. She did very well with her needles (better than me) but it threw her for a little cranky loop for a couple days. She's back to her schedule now, but I was worried there for a while. Poor thing. She has a little problem with her neck and has to go to physio, but Dr. Robinson said it's not a big deal and it will be an easy fix. I sure hope so. Lyla doesn't know anythings wrong tho, it doesn't hurt her or anything, she just favors one side and needs to work the muscles on the other side more.

What else can I tell you? Oh, Ashley and Chad were up this past weekend. It was Chad's b-day and so he and Josh went golfing and Ashley and I hung out. Also the Veinot's came up from Yarmouth for a wedding and so they stopped in for a visit. It was nice to see friends again. I just miss you all so much. I am pretty stoked about apple picking this weekend. Mainly because I get to hang out with a few of you. Hope you're looking forward to it as well. It's supposed to be sunny and 14 degrees. Fingers crossed :)

Apple Picking Update

2008-09-29T09:28:00.003-04:00

Ok kids.
So apple picking. I am pretty excited about it. Some of you can come, some of you can't. It's all good. For those of you who are coming, here are the details.
We'll meet at noon at the farm, in the parking lot (I assume they have a parking lot!). Then, from there we can make a plan. The corn maze will be open (it's 8 bucks per adult, and I think like 5 bucks for kids over 2...you can find that stuff out on their website that I posted before), as well as the apple picking stuff (where they have 52 types of apples). I suppose at some point my big butt will want to eat, but I could always just grab an apple. It's perfect.
Oh, and just to clarify, anyone reading this is totally welcome to come. Bring your friends, your children, maybe even your neighbours pets. It will be awesome.
So that's all. Please msg me so we know if we're to expect you. We don't want to get in there and leave someone behind.
I am so excited.

Apple Picking

2008-09-24T09:31:00.003-04:00

Ok, so it's that time of year. I found the place (thanks to the Calder's). Check out their site and let me know if you're in. Saturday, October 4th, I'm thinking.
http://www.nogginsfarm.ca/
So you talk it over and let me know if you're in. I will check with Josh...not that I care what he says, I am going. Such a grinch he is :)

Daddy...

2008-09-22T17:53:00.004-04:00

Friends, help me!

This is what happens when Mum lets Daddy get a hold of me. Yikes.

I like what Mum lets me do though. Watch the television.I love T.V! Sex and the City is my favourite. Mum thinks it's because of the fun music and flashy outfits. Really I just like looking at the hot men. Shhh, don't tell.

Another 2 nights

2008-09-19T17:08:00.002-04:00

Yup, that's right. Another 2 full night's sleep. Last night was awesome, with a snooze from 10 pm until 8 am. Holy cow. I wish I could have enjoyed it all, but I was up with a nasty cold both nights. I was so scared that I was going to wake Lyla with my coughing that I would get up and go to another room if I felt it coming on. Haha. Lame, I know. Anyways, I am hoping my cold doesn't get to Josh and Lyla, fingers crossed. I hope you all are dodging the fall "back to school" virus.

Not to brag...

2008-09-15T14:13:00.002-04:00

Last night was night 2 of sleeping through the night. She's done it before, on and off when she was like 4 weeks old but nothing constant. I am wondering if maybe this second night thing was just a fluke or not...

She slept from 10:30-6:30 last night and 11:00-8:00 the night before. Maybe she's going to turn out like mum and dad and love the sleep :)

In other news, we had a nice visit in the city this weekend. It was my dad's b-day so we had a nice supper to celebrate, and then we got to see our friends at church on Sunday. Of course we had to dress Lyla up (no one quite appreciates her dress up clothes like the Halifax girls!) Anywho, hope you're all doing well. Congrats to Jaci and Ladd on their new arrival (he is so cute). Hope you all update your blogs soon (I love reading the news). Byes.

I made a friend, and a trip to the coast

2008-09-11T15:57:00.004-04:00

So, it's been pretty interesting living here in the valley. I have found that the hardest thing is not having my friends around to hang out with. There are a few people my age that go to the Greenwood branch, but none of them live very close.

Lucky for me, Josh made friends with some people at school and one of them is a girl and she lives accross the street and she's super nice. Her name is Stef, and I am proud to call her my friend.

Last night Josh's school had a bonfire on along the Fundy coast and Lyla and I went too. Stef was there and so it wasn't totally boring for me. Plus, she likes babies, and is super great with Lyla.

Anywho, Josh took a picture of me and my new friend.He also took some great shots of the view on the coastline (this one is just one of many, you all know how long it takes to upload pictures sometimes). It was a nice evening and it wasn't even too cold. I was glad to get out and socialize, and enjoy the weather before it gets too cold.

So that's all that has been going on lately. Oh, Jes met me in Berwick today to go to Wheaton's and then to the fabric store. It was nice to see her and I felt special knowing she traveled all the way out here to visit me. Thanks Jes. Anyone else want to come visit? Apple time is upon us...don't be shy.

Our Weekend Home

2008-09-03T10:30:00.002-04:00

So we got to come home this past weekend for Lyla's blessing and did tons of fun things. I don't have time right now to write about it all, but I wanted to post a picture of Lyla on her big day.Thanks Jake R. for taking pictures. You are almost a superhero :) Also, thanks to all of our friends for hanging out with us while we were in town. We miss you tons.

Lyla Talks

2008-08-27T12:56:00.002-04:00

Lyla giving a little hello to the world, and a smirk or two.

We went to the "Mall"

2008-08-25T10:28:00.002-04:00

So the other day when we were bored we decided to hike it on up to the Greenwood Mall (20 min drive). When we got there I discovered that it wasn't quite as bad as I thought it would be. There is a candy store, and a Bluenotes and a Suzy Shier. Not too bad. Nothing like the city (which I miss, even tho I never went shopping there). Anyways, we came upon one of those photo booths and Josh thought it would be fun. Here are the results of that. Sorry, it's smaller than I thought it would be.P.S It was fun. Poor Lyla didn't know what was going on. I just had to laugh at her expressions.

P.P.S We're coming to the city on Thursday evening. We're blessing Lyla on the 31st in Halifax and I am so excited.

P.P.P.S I have a video of Lyla talking and smiling, but it turned out really dark. Will post better one when I get it.

Very Important

2008-08-20T08:57:00.003-04:00

I'd just like to remind all the mum's out there how fun it is to read to us babies. We love it! I am extra lucky because we just moved to the valley and my mum has lots of time to read to me. I don't know if mum is as thrilled as me tho :)

Love Lyla

P.S We have our first playdate with our church friends today. I think it will be lots of fun. It must be a big deal to mum because she dressed me in real clothes. Here's a picture of what I am wearing today. Mum is a loser for taking this picture, and she knows it!

Thanks Friends

2008-08-13T14:42:00.007-04:00

I just wanted to post some thank you's to friends who have been really great to us, espcially lately since we're in the process of moving, and with new baby and all...sooo much going on. So here are some thank you's:

Thank you Tanya. The outfit you gave Lyla is going to good use. She wore it this Sunday to church, but you wern't there to see it so I just had to take a picture to show you.Thank you Nancy and Kent. Supper the other night was really great, and Bummy was a fun game to learn (mainly because I didn't loose, yet). Also, thanks Nancy for being so good at Mormon Mouthful, it was awesome being on your team!

Thank you to Kelly and Rob for coming to visit us all the way out here at my parents place (which really isn't that far out of the way, like seriously, 8 minutes from Clayton Park people!). It was nice to have you for a swim, even tho it wasn't very nice out. Oh, and thanks Kelly for the Gumdrop soother. We love it.

Thanks to Aunt Nicole for looking after Lyla so Josh and I could have a date night. You were very good, as if I ever doubted your skills!

And a big thanks to everyone of our friends for just being so awesome. We love you so much and are sad that we have to leave. We'll be back for Lyla's blessing at chuch on the 31st, so hopefully we can see you all then. Also, I'm going to try and be in the city often, I mean really, what else am I going to do with my time?!

I'm leaving you with a picture of our beautiful Lyla. We had some fun with a pink ribbon the other day and just had to capture the moment. I loved this picture because of the cute face she is making. It's like "who? me?". I just love her. More of the pictures from this are on facebook.

Oh, one more thing before I go. We went to Peggy's Cove the other day for something to do and um, can I just say that it's not stroller friendly. I don't know why I thought it would be but whatever. I accidentally packed my Snuggli carrier (from Kristine, thanks!) so it's in the valley, waiting to be used. Anyways, it was a nice trip out, and Josh took some amazing pictures. This one is our favourite. P.S It's nicer when you see it on a big screen.I am so proud of him for learning how to use the camera :) This one didn't need to be edited or anything. Good job hon. Ok, I'm done. Bye.

So cute

2008-08-06T19:18:00.002-04:00

So, you know how everyone thinks that their baby is the cutest thing ever? Well I am totally one of those people. I am a total mum, and I love it. I can even find something to love about Lyla when she is crying (which doesn't happen often because Heavenly Father knew I couldn't handle it!)

Seriously, Josh and I are so blessed to have Lyla in our family. We lucked out with one sweet baby, and we can't get over how much we love her more and more every day.

Here's a little picture of our cutie. Side note: thanks to Kelly for the soother.

Anyways, I know I've been slacking with the posts, but I just want to keep holding baby in my arms, so there isn't any time for anything else. Hope you are all doing well. Can't wait for summer to be over (kinda) so all of our friends will be back from vacation. We miss you :)

My first post

2008-07-29T08:18:00.003-04:00

Hi guys,

It's Lyla. I thought I'd just introduce myself, since I'm new here.

Let's see, what can I tell you about? Well, I like to sleep, and eat and poop, but really who doesn't? I love my mum and dad a lot, and like having staring contests with them. Sometimes I even crack a smile (don't tell dad, but it's not because of his jokes, I just have gas).

Anyways, I have to go and get pretty for the day. We're off to our first doctor's appointment, and then to Julia's work. Can't keep my fans waiting.

Lyla

P.S My parents like taking pictures of me, and mum snapped this one of me to send to my dad yesterday while he was at work.
She didn't think I looked too comfortable, but I totally was. Mmm, sleep.

Little Monkeys

2008-07-24T11:18:00.002-04:00

Takes 18 1/2 Hrs Laboring , Weighs 7 lbs 13 oz and is 20 1/2 inches long

2008-07-23T14:57:00.003-04:00

Who is Lyla Jae Blakeney ?

Making up

2008-07-18T08:26:00.004-04:00

So, for the lack of baby in our life, we decided (quite on impulse actually) to purchase this. A Sony Alpha DSLR200.

Josh said he really wanted one because he was jealous of all the nice pictures people have on their blogs. I just wanted to spend money because it makes me feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. Let me just tell you the story. So Josh works during the day and I like to hang out and do stuff with him in the evenings. I convinced him to take me to Mic Mac to look for dresses for our still unarrived little girl. I tell you, it's hard to find nice Sunday clothes for a newborn. I was actually getting kind of ticked but that's another story. Anyways, so we walk into the mall entrance where Black's photography is right there. They have their SLR cameras in the window so Josh just takes a peek. We find one we think is nice (but really, we have no idea, since neither of us know a thing about photograhy and stuff). We walk out of the store, Josh with his tail between his legs because he's let down that we cant buy it for money reason. Then we go to Babies R' Us and I am looking around at their outfits and asking Josh which ones he likes and I have to ask him like 50 times, finally he's like "Julia, I can't focus on you, I am trying to work out money so I can justify the camera!" And I am thinking in my head "this kid is a nut case!". So yea, I finish at Babies R' Us (purchasing nothing because I can't find anything I love) and Josh says "Let's check the Sony Store and see if they have a better price. That lead to Future Shop and Best Buy. Finally, after 2 hours of humming and hoeing in Josh's head he decides to do it. So we do. It was thrilling really. Neither of us know how to use it yet. We took a few shots last night (this belly shot included), but we don't know all the technical stuff. There are so many buttons and oh my. Maybe one day I could take a class or something. Anywho, until the baby comes, this is our new toy.
P.S Josh graduated back in May from St. Mary's with a BSc. We finally got it framed and I wanted to post a picture of it because I am just so proud of him.

When is she coming?

2008-07-07T09:27:00.003-04:00

Well, it's 11 days until Baby B is scheduled to make her appearance into the world. It's about 4 days past when we thought she'd be here. And I am about 7 seconds away from going crazy!

No, honestly, it's not that bad. It's just that our doctor told us to expect an early arrival based on signs and stuff, so Josh and I have been hanging out patiently for the past almost 2 weeks, holding our breath for this so-called "early arrival". So far, nothing! I know she's going to come out when she's good and ready, and I am ok with that, but the fact that I know my body is ready for her like nowish...so annoying. Oh, and I don't care to hear about overdue babies at this point, why do people feel the need to share their stories about being 3 and 4 weeks late? I don't really want to think about that. Maybe selfish, but it intrudes on my finger crossing and positive thinking, so go away.

Aahhh, deep breath. Worst case, I'll be induced on the 25th. Even that's not too far away. Tragically, we're to move our stuff to the valley on the 26th, so that could be interesting. Maybe we could all cross our fingers for our "early arrival". Thanks.

(Yea, I am pretty sure this whole post is just rambling, and I think it's more for me than for you all to read and get bored. Haha. Sorry. Hopefully next post will be good news!)

Pregnancy Tag

2008-06-24T09:26:00.002-04:00

This comes from Rhonda. Cute things to think about. Enjoy.

5 Things that make my stomach turn.....
1. when josh spits in the sink when brushing his teeth
2. pretty much all food from restaurants (tho I eat it anyways)
3. the smell of garbage (especially after I cut up fruit and put it in the bag)
4. needles
5. the smell of broccoli and onions together

5 Things I Absolutely Love/Crave.....
1. cinnamon buns
2. double cheese burgers from McDonalds
3. sleeping for 3 hours or more at one time
4. when Baby rolls over
5. candy of all sorts

5 Things I worry about....
1. my water breaking in public (tho statistics show it’s not that common)
2. josh never being attracted to me like he was before I got pregnant
3. not knowing what to do with the baby when she cries
4. moving very shortly after baby comes. Stress!
5. not being able to breastfeed

5 Things I Am Excited About....
1. meeting Baby who I’ve known for a long time now, but not at all.
2. getting my body back to a somewhat pre-pregnant shape
3. introducing the baby as my very own daughter
4. getting to have a more comfortable sleep, with no jabs to the ribs or head buts to the cervix!
5. not taking all kinds of pills like I do now to regulate everything baby throws off wack.

5 Names that I love...
1. Lyla
2. Lyla
3. Lyla
4. Lyla
5. Lyla

If You Don't Know What You Are Having What Do You Hope It Is....
We know it’s a girl, but I hope that she is healthy and beautiful inside and out.

Pregnant People I tag....
So lets say:
1. Sonja Nelson
2. Amber Richards
3. Melese Sorensen
4. Jaci Udy

Summer days

2008-06-19T13:24:00.006-04:00

Can I just say that I love the sun? It makes me happy when I wake up and the sun is shining and even happier when I realize that I don’t have to go to work. It’s a wonderful life this homemaker stuff. I was totally made for it. Now, that may change when we throw a baby into the mix, but I don’t think it will.
Josh and I are quickly approaching d-day and getting quite excited about it. I am doing little things here and there to start the process like bouncing on my yoga ball, and thinking positive about the due date. I truly believe that Baby B is going to make her entrance before July 18th, but even if she doesn’t, it’s all good. I mean worse case senario, I go a week over and they induce me and she’s born on the 25th. That’s only 37 days away. I can totally handle that.
I can’t say I loved the whole pregnancy roller coaster, in fact, it may be a while before I want to do it again, but it’s all for the cause, and I am just so excited to be a mum. I’ve set up her temporary nursery (until we move to the valley) and I have her bag packed for the hospital. Mine isn’t done yet, but I did go out and get some things that I’ll need. Mum had a baby shower for me at the beginning of the month and it was nice to see people I hadn’t in a while. We all just relaxed on the deck and enjoyed some yummy food that mum prepared (shown here!)I want to send a big thank you out to Ashley Q for coming with me. She’d already been to the shower the Melese threw, but I asked her to come and I just love her. And of course, thanks again to you Mum, you're awesome.
Tonight Josh’s mom is having a little get together for me as well. It should be fun, I mean food will be involved, so I can’t see it not going well. I just love food. It’ll be sad when the baby gets here and I have to start watching how much I eat. If I had to pick out something I like about being pregnant, it’s that I just eat what I want and don’t care. Mmm.
That brings me to my next topic. Marshmallows. Ok, so I love roasted marshmallows over the campfire. I could eat a million, get sick, and then eat a million more. Usually the craving for these is in the back of my mind (since I never go camping, it’s not like I have lots of opportunity to satisfy myself). However, the other day Jake Richards mentioned that they went camping and had marshmallows and since then, I just can’t stop thinking about them. So I got this idea (and I am sure everyone else already thought of this but I am super not smart sometimes and it takes me a while) to turn on a burner on the stove and use my fondue sticks to roast some yummies. And I did it, and it worked. It was the best day ever. Now I do it everyday after lunch. I try and limit myself to 4, so hopefully that’s not too out of hand! Seriously tho, it’s awesome and I am in love.
Oh, two more little things. Some people wanted me to take a picture of the rag quilt I made, so here it is. I have to say, I am quite impressed on how it turned out and I have been really enjoying sewing other things (burp clothes, bibs, hemming pants etc). I wish I would have gotten into this sooner. Last thing. I love opening the windows when it’s sunny out. It’s so refreshing. However, one of the windows doesn’t have a screen and so a hornet got in and I had to catch him before he caught me. (does anyone remember my post about a wasp last year? I caught it and then put a chair on the container so he couldn’t get out?) Well this was a similar fiasco but the bug was on the window so I had to get creative again. This is what I came up with.In case you can’t really see it, I took a plastic container and stuck it to the window with packing tape. It worked, and so I am happy with that. Now if I could just get Josh to dispose of the exoskeletonish thing that remains, that would be awesome.

Anywho, I don't want to end this blog with a complaint, but I just need to ask you all a question.

Please help, if you can. Ok, so heartburn...um, it pretty much kicks my butt. I am up every hour at night taking tums like they're candy and all day I sit and think about ways to ignore the burning sensation in the back of my throat. Does anyone have any remedies that they use (non-medical)? Dr. Robinson said she'd give me a perscription for something, but I am really just trying to wait it out, only a few more weeks left, right? So yea, let me know if you have any ideas. Thanks!

Sick computer

2008-06-09T11:25:00.001-04:00

Hi friends,
Just a note that our computer is down, and I am not sure when we'll be getting it back. Hopefully by the end of the week. So if you've written me on facebook or anything, I promise I am not ignoring you, I just have limited access to the internet :(
Hope to talk soon.
Julia
P.S Kelly and Rob's baby is super cute. Her name is Ruby June. Check out their blog for pictures and more info.

Long time coming

2008-06-03T12:10:00.004-04:00

Oh wow, I am like horrible blogger extraordinaire! Sorry about that friends. I will try to be more on track. Honestly, I don't have much to post about. I stopped working a few weeks ago and have just enjoyed relaxing at home really. I have a picture from my last day of work. It's funny because Kristi and Joyce were both pregnant this time last year, and I was not, and now they both have their kiddies and mine is on the way. How time changes things.

Oh, an exciting thing happened in our household. Josh graduated! I am so proud of him. He didn't go to convocation (can't blame him, how boring!) so he picked up his degree the other day. We're going to get it framed this weekend. I also wanted to get him a little something for all his hard work, so I went to the DMV and got our plates switched to the conservation ones. Josh thinks it's super cool. Whatever floats his boat I suppose!

What else is new? Um, well Baby B is continuing to grow. She swims around all day long, and night time too. I can't get too mad tho, I love knowing she's alive in there. I can't wait to meet her in 45 days give or take. I still have a feeling she's going to come early, but who knows. It's probably just wishful thinking.

Oh, so a lot of you have been asking if I have been bored since being home, and seriously, not at all. I love it! I can wake up on my own (which still happens pretty early since I am uncomfortable, but atleast I don't have to get up for work) and then I always have my days planned. I go to quilting on Tuesday mornings, and I've already learned so much. I love sewing (tho I should try and be more patient), and have a few fun projects on the go. Also, I have been able to go and hang out with friends. It's nice not to have to worry about the time in my day, and I think I was made for not working! I usually have a nap mid-afternoon, which is nice since sleeping at night is hardly sleeping at all. I don't feel as run down as I used to at work, so I am in a much better mood, which Josh likes!

I think I am rambling now, see, not much going on. Oh, 'cept this weekend Josh is going on a golf vacation with his dad as a grad gift. I am totally scared of the dark so I will be staying at my parents house. I have the car tho, so I can still get out and about (thank heavens!). Mum is having a baby shower for my work and school friends this Saturday, so that should be fun. Anywho, hope you all have a great day. And I promise to post more. Maybe!

The last...

2008-05-15T10:12:00.002-04:00

So it hit me this morning while I was getting a new tube of toothpaste out to brush my pearly whites, that this tube of paste would be the last one I would open before Baby B comes. I am pretty sure we can use a tube for like...2.5 months and she comes before that so there you have it. I got pretty excited. And so this whole morning I have been thinking of random ways to measure the time before Baby B gets here.

For instance: this morning was the last Thursday I will work before she comes, then I have 60 Thursday's of no work, 52 of them with a baby.

Our car will only drive like 2000-3000 more km's until we add a baby seat to the back, and then we'll travel as a family of three from then on.

I have no more paycheques coming in, today was my last one. EI doesn't start for 28 days. Sad state of affairs!

I am sure I will think of a million more today, but I just wanted to give you an idea. I think it's fun to count down to the most exciting life altering day of my life (aside from when I got married, but that's old news now).

So, maybe you all should pick something you are looking forward to and start counting down in weird ways too. Good luck, and have fun.

Momma's Day

2008-05-12T08:52:00.001-04:00

So, Mother's Day, as you all know, was yesterday. Because Josh and I are lucky enough to have both of our mother's within 20 minutes of us, we got to celebrate twice.

On Saturday we took my mum out to China Town in the Bedford Highway. I wont lie, it's not as good as it used to be, which is tragic because my whole family used to love it there!

Anywho, Nicole and I snagged a picture of our momma. Mum and I aren't looking top notch, but we're all happy with full bellies.

On Sunday, we had Josh's mum over for Taco Soup (Melese's recipe is awesome). All and all it was a nice relaxing weekend, full of naps :)

Hope you all had a nice break. Oh, and next weekend is a long weekend (for all of your workers out there!) Let's just hope the sun comes out.

It's official

2008-05-09T11:16:00.002-04:00

Drum roll please.
My last day of work is May 16th.
My doctor wrote me a note citing complications due to pregnancy, so EI and poverty, here I come.

Actually, I won't lie. It's kind of sad to be done work. But I am glad that it means I can finally nap during the day (since I don't sleep at night). Hopefully this will bring back some sanity before the baby comes. Oh, and my perscription for my oxygen levels is helping a bit, hopefully with more time it will get better.

Ah, the joy of pregnancy. I know I complain about it a lot, because to be honest, I don't like being pregnant at all, but I am excited for the finished product. She's going to be just the greatest little gift ever.

Hope you all are doing well, and enjoying the peeks of sun during the day.

Random Numbers

2008-04-28T11:03:00.000-04:00

81 days until Baby B is here! Feels like a lifetime away, but not so much.
70 days until I think she’ll actually show up. Wishful thinking.
2nd last prenatal class tonight. Labour and Birth.
75 hours of work left? Maybe 150.
42 squares left to cut out for baby’s rag blanket that I plan on making.
37 stairs between me and the nearest bathroom. Not fun. Especially in emergency situations!
30 points, between my hemoglobin levels and “normal” hemoglobin levels.
7 times I’ve been kicked in the ribs since I started this post.
100% sure I love this kid unconditionally.