2 Years

Today is our 2-year wedding anniversary! It is also 3 years from the day that we met. (In case you didn't know... we got married 1 year from the day we met.)

We have been the real-life example of the old childhood chant; "First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage!" Yep, that describes our 3 years together pretty much.

It is amazing how much we have accomplished in these 2 years of marriage.

- We have sold and purchased 2 houses! (Whoa...crazy! More to come on that...)
- We gave our entire home a face-lift
- We have travelled in 7 different countries (Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, France, Belgium, Germany, and of course, Canada)
- We had a baby!
- We both found our dream jobs at great schools where we plan on staying.
- We became committed to eating a plant-based diet.
- I'm sure I've missed something. Needless to say, we have been busy!

I have felt so happy and so lucky since meeting Joe. I still sometimes have to do a reality check that he is really my husband, and that we really have a baby, and that life is really this good. I don't know what I did to deserve this life, but I sure am happy in it :) I look forward to many, many more years together.
I love you, Joe!

Henry at 3 months

Happy May 1st! Today marks 3 months of Henry! You know what that means... time for my monthly photo-bomb! I must say, he is adorable!

It has been the longest and quickest 3 months of my life...is that possible? I mean to say that it's strange to think about life before Henry. It seems like he has been around forever! At the same time, I feel like it was just the other day he was born. I think I say that every month...

We think Henry weighs in at around 14 1/2 pounds these days (according to our scale), although he hasn't been officially weighed for a month, and we likely won't have him weighed again until his 4 month appointment. He's a big guy!

Henry loves going for walks in the carrier these days. We have been enjoying the nicer weather. He loves getting fresh air and checking out the neigbourhood. Although, he does get tired sometimes! We are very excited about the forecast for the next few days! It looks like it is going to be summery!

He also LOVES his Daddy. He is so happy every day when Joe gets home from work. They're a pretty cute pair!

We have been adjusting to life with a baby. I'm definitely feeling the lack of sleep and lack of "me-time". I did go out with my sister, Erin, the other day for a girls night and it felt so great. I am realizing I need to do that more often! (Thanks, Erin! I'm still feeling refreshed!) That being said, Joe and I bought a Yoga Wag-Jag and we are excited to book in some time away from Henry together.

All-in-all, he's a pretty great dude, and we love him, even when he's cranky!

There you have it!

pssssst... don't forget to check out his month-by-month photo here!

2 1/2 weeks in...

It's hard to believe that Henry is already 2 1/2 weeks old! I feel like each day zooms by!

Things have been going pretty well. I think I have been surprised by how challenging the first weeks with a newborn really are. I wished away the end of my pregnancy without realizing how great it was! Not to say I am not thankful that Henry is here. I love him to pieces!!! He is the greatest thing ever, and Joe and I are amazed each day.

That being said, some of the greater challenges have been:

1. Healing physically: As you can imagine, pushing out an 8lb 4oz baby takes it's toll on your body. I think because of my quick delivery and  being a first timer, the damage was pretty severe. Luckily, I have the most wonderful and supportive husband, and he was off for the first 9 days. He definitely took care of me, Henry and our home. I am very grateful! By now, most of the pain is gone and I'm feeling pretty good. But I'm still taking it easy.

2. Breast feeding: Oh my! I was definitely anxious about breast feeding before giving birth. Rightly so! Breast feeding has definitely been the biggest challenge. Not only does it take a substantial amount of my day (feeding on and off all day, on demand), and make it so I have no routine or schedule at this point, but it hurts! I'm talking excruciating, tooth-grinding, grunting pain. It is extremely painful still and I'm going to see a lactation consultant this afternoon. I hope she works some magic because I need it... and so does Henry. Luckily, Henry has been feeding like a champ!

3. Lack of sleep: I know, I know... this is what everyone talks about. I have to say, I prefer the lack of sleep to number 1 and 2. Also, Henry has been pretty good at night for the most part, and we have been co-sleeping, which makes nights a lot easier. Still, there have been a number of fussy stretches through nights, so Joe and I have both been feeling it.

4. Lack of time: You'd think that being an at-home mom I would have lots of time to do things around the house and cook. And write on my blog. However... being at the beck and call of a newborn means very little time for anything else! It is amazing... poor Joe has been coming home and STILL picking up my slack. I can't wait for there to be more of a routine in place so that I can do more. The good news... it has given me lots of special time with Henry, and time to read :)

Despite the challenges, I couldn't be happier. Being a mum has been something I always looked forward to. Having a baby with Joe makes it even more special! He is the greatest Dad and Husband. I feel extremely fortunate. Plus, Henry is pretty darn adorable! He makes me smile and laugh out loud every day. I am one proud Mama. 

Exciting times!

Today is my first nephew's 1st birthday!

Just one year ago today, this was me meeting him for the first time :)

I am just getting home from his party where I was a photo-stalking auntie. What a fun day! Here are a few of my favourite photos of him from today.

Brady and his Mom - My beautiful sis, Kate.

Dancing dude

Mesmerized

Yum!

Family photo. Braden was pretty tired by the end of it all.

Today got me thinking... this Spring/Summer will be full of exciting times!

In May, as you already may know, Joe and I will be moving into our new home.
Early this summer, Joe and I are probably going to go to Europe.
In the summer, my sister-in-law, one of my best friends, and two of my favourite cousins are getting married!
My sister, Kate (pictured above), and my friend, Kate, are both having babies this summer. Can't wait! I love babies.

It is an exciting year for us! I'm looking forward to it all! I feel so lucky to be surrounded by so much good news and a great family and friends.

6 months :)

December 23rd, 2011
Today marks 6 months since Joe and I got married.

I have so often heard that the first year of marriage is the hardest. I have also heard that divorce most often happens in either year 1 or year 2 of marriage. I have to say it... married life is awesome! It's hard for me to even imagine how these statistics are possible. But I guess I'm just lucky. For me, my first 6 months have been easy. I assume that will continue on because I am still so insanely happy. And as far as I know, Joe is, too!

Since we first met, things have felt "too good to be true" with Joe. I remember at first wondering if there was a catch...he couldn't be so great. And things couldn't be so right! I STILL look at Joe with awe and wonder how I got a guy like THAT! He's kind and generous and thoughtful and hard-working and sensitive and fun and healthy and loving and so on and so on... and on top of all that...I think he's pretty cute! I've never been treated so well by someone. I feel like Joe spoils me. He has this endless and abundant energy and zest for life. He is definitely quirky... but I love him to pieces!  He inspires me to be a better person every day. He has never left me feeling disappointed. I'm still getting used to just. being. happy. No catch.

Here is a picture of the day that life with Joe became official :) I'm looking forward to the next 6 months and the rest of our lives together. Love this guy!!