Splash & Dash - November 2014

    When I came across the Splash & Dash fundraiser I knew it was something our family should get involved in. After winning over Jason on the idea I was pretty excited to tell the kids about it. Once I told the kids, the count down was on!  They were so excited to get to help out the children’s hospital, especially when they learned that it was for the same unit (different hospital) that had helped us 2 years earlier when Milayla was sick.

    As part of this fundraiser we needed to raise funds to support the oncology unit (Sarah’s Floor) at the Montreal Children’s hospital. Our part was to participate in the family relay. The kids would run laps and Jason would swim laps. Phinny and I played a large role in the encouragement side of things. We were pumped! We had some wonderful family and friends donate money to the cause - so grateful for their support and we headed over right after Milayla’s gymnastics class that morning.

    That put us there pretty early but gave us plenty of time to enjoy the festivities they had in addition to the main event. The kids pretty much exhausted themselves in the inflatable obstacle course, Milayla was taken out by some boys in the bouncy turtle (got a bruise to show for it!), we played inflated soccer and baseball and I demonstrated my mad skills at the flower sticks (seriously - Jason was shocked that I was so good. Ha!). Then a delicious lunch from the sponsors at it was a great morning!

   Having attended and helped with quite a few fundraisers, I am seriously so impressed with how this event was organized. The afternoon was the BEST. It kicked off with the Heroes & Celebrities relay. This is where kids who have been through Sarah’s Floor ran laps with local celebrities. Seeing those kids running around the track filled my heart to overflowing. It was so incredibly beautiful. I cried. Jason cried. And we weren't the only ones. And the cheers that filled the arena were simply magical and filled with incredible, genuine love. So so so beautiful.

   Then it was time for our family relay. Atticus was up first to run. He was a little nervous about running that big ‘ol track so he ran with someone else but he ran the entire two laps then tagged Jason for him to go swim. When Jason got back to tag Milayla, she was a little nervous about running so Atticus got back out on the track and Phin and I joined in and away we all went. Those little legs of theirs were working so hard and so determined. I wish I got a picture of them running through the finishing ribbon, Atticus and Milayla were holding hands to support each other. Instead I was running along side them cheering them on. Pictures are great, but I definitely think I was fulfilling the more important role in running with them instead of being behind the camera. My heart was beaming for them at how determined and excited they were to play a part in helping others. They have hearts of gold. I feel so honored to be their mom.

    It was a very full and wonderful day (especially since we went to a baptism and a church talent show afterwards) and I am so immensely grateful that we did it. A wonderful experience. And it has reminded me to be a little more watchful day-to-day in ways to help those around us. It’s a lifestyle, not a one time thing and we are certainly trying to do a little bit better.

Phineas - 1 Month Old

It's official, I need to take more videos. Because photos just don't do these memories justice. I am also wishing that I was in a lot more photos - the majority of my day is spent cuddling, crawling on the floor with, playing with or teaching these awesome kids and I sure would love a little picture documentation of that. Mental note made. In the mean time, I just want to reach into these pictures and snuggle this adorable baby! It's a good thing I'm still getting plenty of cuddle from him. 

In a month, Phineas has proven to be a big 'ol cuddle bug, and is smiling more. I wish these photos could capture his sounds. He has the most wonderful growl. It always puts a smile on our faces. He growls more than he cries. And Jason and I are both pretty happy that he is a pretty easy to read baby (read: we understand what he needs pretty well). Maybe it's because this is our third baby so we know a bit better or maybe he really is just easy to understand. In any case, we're grateful and I am sure Phineas is grateful to see his needs met a little quicker. 

Phineas has also been growing so quickly, he is already growing out of his 0-3 month old clothing and ready to fit into the next size. 

His favourite places to be? In mommy's arms or laying in a sunny spot. And he loves being sung to, but just Mommy's voice seems to do the trick; soliciting smiles and calming. And we are all set for him to have his baby blessing this coming Sunday. It is sure to be very special and we are all very much looking forward to it.

As for these photos, I tried to capture all the little details of this babe; the neck and wrist folds, the smile, the various shades of hair, the silhouette, the eyes, the smile, and so much more. Yet, there is still so much missing that pictures cannot capture. There is an infinite amount of love, tenderness and kindness behind these photos that just could never be captured in the photo. Not to mention, all those growls, coos, cuddles, touches and smells. We have so much love for this sweet 1 month old. I love you, Phineas! Happy 1 Month, Phineas!

I love these next three photos because these facial expressions were all back to back yet so different. Not to mention, I kind of love capturing his face when he's crying as it's part of his baby stage and it will be something that I want to remember for sure.

Father's Day 2014

I kind of feel like I really dropped the ball on Father's Day this year. Particularly when this was the only picture I got of Jason with the kiddos. 

So not representational of how much we love Jason/Daddy! And that hazy look in the picture? That was my handiwork of scorching a pan of french toast. Oh man, am I grateful that everyone is so easy going and was able to laugh it off! 

The kids were pretty excited about making cards and a tie for Jason and couldn't wait to give the items to him. And that banner over the kitchen table was affectionately colored by two very enthusiastic kids. Jason, as always, was absolutely awesome and even wore the new tie to church that day. 

Atticus also made a little heart for Jason at his french class.

I definitely need to get my act together better for next year. Seriously. In any case, success or not, these kids love their daddy more than any Father's Day could adequately portray, I'm sure.

Thanks Jason, for being the loving, supportive and awesome example of a Dad that these kiddos need! We love you!!!!

Phineas' Newborn Photos

I'm pretty certain that my incredible amazement, awe and reverence for God and the miracle of life grows deeper and stronger with the birth of each of our children. The entire process of welcoming a child into this world is incredible and nothing short of a miracle. I feel so honoured to be a mother and to experience it all in a very intimate way; it is a blessing.

I tried so hard to capture all the little details of little Phineas as I know they don't stay little long. While there is incredible beauty in watching your children grow and learn, there is something very precious about those first days when they are fresh from heaven. The little toes, the chubby folds in the skin, the smell, the button nose, fuzzy hair, little fists, curled toes, tiny noises when they make big stretches, angel smiles, and so much more. I adore the 'fresh from heaven' stage and watch in awe as they sleep and feel the love of heaven pouring out on them. And the love I have for them only grows as they grow and I get to know them and their unique personality, gifts and talents so much better. Phineas is a very special addition to our family and while he has only been in our family a matter of days I have felt the love for him grow so much deeper already. I love being a mom and I know I will love the journey of being his mom. Four days in - eternity to go.

This boy is so loved

Milayla wanted to hold Phin's hand for the photos - so sweet

On his baby blanket that I made for him