Toast

Love this site, Toast.

If I had a million pounds I'd buy all of it.

Okay, not really.

But they have a ton of cute stuff!

Today I'm...

1)watching my baby is waking up from a nap. Yes, a nap. Her second of the day!

2) snacking on homemade roasted pumpkin seeds and watching the Halloween edition of America's Funniest Home Videos.

3) contemplating doing this do tonight. You use a sock!

4) wating for these to finish up in the oven : mini lasagnas. Mine don't look this pretty, but they do look yummy!

5) excited to see Claire dressed up as a football tonight. Cute! Pictures are sure to follow.

6) dreaming of our Winter Wonderland. This is Sun Peaks right now - ohhhhh yeah!

{photo courtesy of Sun Peaks Resort Facebook page}

7) not showered.  That's right. I haven't showered. Your priorities get all mixed up with a baby. Somehow spending 30 minutes of Facebook and reading a magazine become more important during baby's naps then basic hygiene. Meh, my teeth are brushed and I have deodorant on. I can't smell that bad!

8) thankful for Skype. We use it pretty much every single day. Today was a chat with my mom, and with Uncle Tyler. Its so nice to see their faces and their voices!

9) laughing at myself. It took me 2 hours to make dinner. Yup. That's the kind of day (slash mood Claire is in) it is today. I knew this the moment she woke up and her diaper had exploded in my bed. That is why I started making it at 2:45.

10) in disbelief. This little card playing gambler is three months old today. Can you believe it?

Remember when she was so little? 

That was three months ago?

Time flies when you're havin' fun.

And we are having fun!

Because Its Halloween...

...I'm going to make us this delicious looking smoothie,

without the graham cracker topping.

Mmmmmmm.

Trunk or Treat

Down the street from our house

a church held a Halloween party.

It is called Trunk or Treat.

Have you ever heard of this concept?

Cars/vans/trucks pull into the parking spaces

and open up their trunks and decorate them.

Then the kids come around 

and trick or treat out of the trunks.

So fun!

This makes it safe for the kids as well

because then you know that the candy has not 

been tampered with.

You can also hand out some baking as well if you wish

and parents don't have to worry.

We walked there

as we were not planning on giving or receiving candy

because Claire is just 3 months old.

We all know who would be eating it.

We dressed up Claire up as a little lady bug. 

So cute!

There was a chili lunch to kick it off,

then the kids did their thing.

There were quite a few people

from Spencer's school

and our complex.

So we knew a few people there.

{Claire and her little friend Nate. Born just 5 days apart.}

 

{Cutest pirate I have ever seen! A.J. is the sweetest little boy.}

{baby Nate}

 {baby Claire}

 { oh Nate & Michelle are in the trunk. I'll take those treats!}

 {sweet little bug}

 {trunk or treating}

 {This is Camden who lives kitty corner to us. Such a sweet little train engineer!}

 {I couldn't get a better photo. This is Luke, a little mummy!}

{Mama Potter & baby Potter! Even dad was a Potter. I think this family wins best costume!}

Our Sleeping Beauty

Oh My.

Yes, I am still droning on about what

a big girl Claire is becoming.

Today I picked Claire up & I swear

she gained 5 lbs! 

Okay, not really. 

But she does feel heavier.

I notice this especially while nursing.

Today she rolled over about 75% of the way!

In September she did the roll onto her side.

And today she made it just a bit further!

What the heck? 

Is this normal for a 12 week old baby?

I feel like its early.

If she could have figured out to pull her arm from under her

she would have been right over on to her stomach! 

She also can use her chubby little legs

to scoot around in a full circle.

Yes folks, a full 360' all the way around.

I am impressed.

In the womb,

everyone always commented how 

much she moved.

It seems out of the womb she didn't stop.

Man, I love this little girl!

{In Mama's bed yesterday, talking to Grandma on the phone.}

First Kiss

Just read this post about first kisses 

on A Cup of Jo's blog.

You should read it, it's cute!

What was your first kiss like?

What was going through your mind before/during/after?

Was your first kiss with your current husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend?

My first kiss with Spencer was simple and sweet.

He asked me if he could kiss me first,

which I think is really thoughtful and courteous.

Of course I said yes!

I'd been waiting for that moment for what seemed like forever!

There is something euphoric about first kisses.

{P.S. Thanks for your thoughts and encouragement on my last post}

Just a General Catch Up

...and asking for some advise.

Claire is nearing THREE MONTHS OLD.

What the heck?

Where did this quarter of a year go? 

She just had her twelve week "birthday" this past Sunday.

It's hard so believe that twelve weeks ago tomorrow,

we were bringing our baby home from the hospital.

So much has changed since then.

She started off being an easy baby,

then a not so easy baby,

and is slowly easing back to being easy-ish again.

For a while she would rarely nap.

This made it hard to get anything done during the day,

but I didn't mind because it meant I slept very well at night!

Now she is starting to nap a bit more throughout the day.

Although it is rarely more then 30-40 minutes

and usually is less then that about twice a day.

She still eats all the time.

Usually about 2, to 2 1/2 hours between feedings.

All of these things are approximate. 

Each day is new and it changes.

She is not a "by the book" baby whatsoever. 

She is generally pretty happy!

But, like any of us girls, she can go from smiling and giggling

to crying in seconds.

Oh, and then we're laughing again.

The things that made her laugh yesterday,

will make her cry today.

Generally speaking,

she doesn't like to be held in the cradle position.

She likes to be up and looking at the world.

If Spencer is holding her, she is facing out.

If I am holding her, she is on my shoulder.

And if you are holding her...

well who really knows.

She is still SO alert.

Her big peepers looking around,

taking it all in.

She loves the outside.

She is crying inside and almost 

immediately of stepping outside she will stop.

She loves to look out the windows too.

Maybe she will be an outdoors girl like her Grandpa and Uncle Tyler.

Her cries are getting louder,

more high pitched,

and they demand more attention.

I am getting used to it somewhat,

but she can still make me cry when she gets worked into a tizzy.

Particularly when she is in the car/car seat.

I used to think it was the car seat,

then the car.

And now I am not quite sure which one it is she hates so much.

Really, it maybe just be the fact that she's strapped in.

I'd hate that too!

She is standing with assistance. 

Sitting with little assistance.

She is STRONG but her balance is just a little off.

Last week she sat up

on her own for just a few seconds before falling over to the side.

She can stand on her own while holding into your finger with one hand.

Is this normal?! 

I would not be surprised if she was sitting on her own by Christmas.

Some of her favourite toys are her

teething rings,

her sensory elephant,

her Bumbo for about 10 minutes,

her play mat for about 10 minutes,

her jingly frog, and thanks to the Wilcox's 

her new favorite is her exersaucer!

She has a blanket wrapped around her middle,

but she likes to look at the toys on it. 

She will last about 5 minutes,

then I turn her to look at the new area of toys

for another 5 minutes and then she's about done.

She Skype's almost everyday with either or both sets of grandparents.

She goes for walks almost daily,

and watches Gilmore Girls with Mommy.

Claire may just think we are Skyping with more family!

The Gilmore's do feel a little like family. ;)

Well, I should go.

Claire is crying in her crib.

That brings me to the piece of advise I need:

At 12 weeks how long would you let them cry before going in to get them?

I try about 5 minutes sometimes (depending on the cry) to see if she will just fall asleep.

Doesn't usually work.

Big Girl

She's growing up too quickly.

But it sure is fun to watch.

Bring the Tissues

Two articles I read on A Cup of Jo

that made me appreciate being a parent

to a healthy baby.

A must read.

Really.

Grab a box of Kleenex and sit down.

Then go hug your kids.

The Age of Mechanical Reproduction

by Paul Ford

A father's take on IVF.

Notes From a Dragon Mom

by Emily Rapp

A mother's take on parenting without a future.

His Velvet Voice

Okay,

I had to title this

something other then a Christmas title.

Even though this post really is

all

about

Christmas.

Spencer told me yesterday

that about 1/3 of my posts are about Christmas.

I'm okay with that.

I am accurately portraying what takes up about 1/3 of my mind.

This post is more then 

just Christmas.

It's about Michael Buble and Christmas!

Two great things!

I am going to go ahead and assume

that you know his Christmas album comes out

at the end of this month.

You did know that, right?

Okay, so not all of you have been highly anticipating it.

But I have.

Have my album pre-ordered?

Yup.

(Shhh! Don't tell!)

Note: Sorry to michaelbuble.com but I am going recommend to you

to not purchasing it through his sight, or a store selling it.

If you buy it from amazon.com its LESS then half the price! 

His past Christmas album "Let It Snow"

was pretty good.

But overall I knew he could do better.

He didn't quite seem to accurately portray the joy of the season.

Well my fellow-Christmas-lovers,

he nailed it this time!

From the videos I've been watching 

the music makes me want to put on a party dress,

make up some cranberry flavoured cocktails

and serve them alongside hors d'oeuvres and tiny delicatessens.

The sound is poppy, fun and festive.

Pinterest

Some of you know about the 

Wonderful World of Pinterest.

Pinterest.com is an online pin board.

You create different "pin boards" 

and as your browse through items others have "pinned",

you can re-pin them to one of your own pin boards.

You can categorize them however you wish,

and Pinterest will make their recommendations of 

popular pin board categories.

For example,

you can have a Cooking pin board

and then pin different recipes to it.

It can also act like an online storage for recipes! 

You can also have a "Do It Yourself/Crafts" pin boards.

Really, the options are endless.

You follow your friends' pin boards to see what they are adding,

or follow a board of someone you don't know

because is something that interests you.

Some of my pin boards include "For the Home",

"Fitness", "Looks Delicious", and "Interesting..."(fun tips and tricks).

If you don't know about it already,

I suggest you take a look.

Once you get started your home page displays

items that have recently been pinned by people you follow.

The Pinterest.com home page are items that are being pinned by all "Pinners".

It is can inspire,

make you think,

offer a new perspective,

offers laughter.

I have often said 

"What a good idea!"

and "Awwww" quite often.

There have also been a few recipes I

have tried that I saw on Pinterest.

Like these Reese's Squares,

Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (good but too sweet),

 and these Lemon Crinkle Cookies have  been a hit.

Warning: It's HIGHLY addictive.

Once you go on, you'll be stuck there for a while.

Enjoy.

{photos borrowed from pinterest.com }

Love Overwhelming

This morning when I was getting ready for the day,

I had Claire strapped on my front in her sling

as I was straightening my hair.

She had a firm grip on the chord and was smiling at herself in the mirror.

I was singing to her

(I know what you're thinking if you've ever heard me "sing".)

"All Who Are Thirsty" by Kutless.

It goes a little like this -

"All who are thirsty, all who are weak.

Come to the fountain, dip your heart in the stream of life.

Let the pain and the sorrow be washed away

in the waves of His mercy.

As deep cries out to deep

we sing, Come Lord Jesus Come."

Suddenly I was overwhelmed by love.

The love that my Father has for me.

I couldn't control the waves I was feeling come over me.

This incredible, unconditional love.

He knows every part of me.

Every yucky sin, every terrible thought,

every hatred, every grudge I hold onto.

He knows it all.

*shudder*

And yet, He loves me despite all of it.

I looked at Claire,

smiling back at me in the mirror.

I love her so much my heart aches.

There is absolutely nothing she could do to make me stop loving her.

Yes, I know she will disappoint me.

She will cause my heart to ache,

make decisions I don't agree with,

say things to me that will make me cry.

But despite all of it,

I will love her with every fiber of my being.

He loves me that much -

but way more.

 Today during Spencer's lunch break

we were playing with Claire.

She was smiling away and squealing

when all of the sudden she let out a giggle!

Not just once, but many times!

Spencer and I were laughing so hard

at this pleasant sound.

It was evident we were both

filled with so much delight

because of the immense joy Claire was displaying.

It was so wonderful.

For a few minutes 

all three of us were just laughing.

I was so full of happiness

at how wonderful my family is,

and how cute my baby is.
There were tears in my eyes.
Partly because I was laughing so hard,
and partly because I was so overwhelmed,
once again,
with such great joy.

Then I could just hear God telling me:
"You give me this much joy, Michelle!
When I watch you with laughing with your family,
doing the things you love to do."
Wow.

All day today I have been processing this.
When Claire was first born,
I was overwhelmed with the realization of
how much my parents love me.
After considering the love I have for her,
reading, listening,
I am only beginning to somewhat get a grasp
on the amazing, everlasting, unconditional love
our Father has for us.
Unconditional, Everlasting,
Love Overwhelming.

{ photo via Faith,Hope,Love }

Something New

Today was girls day.

Claire and I went shopping 

with Michelle and Marissa

to Washington Square Mall.

It is waaaaay on the other side of Portland.

We went allll the way there to go to Pottery Barn kids,

and to go to Janie and Jack.

I received a gift certificate there,

so I decided to use some of it to pick out

Claire' Christmas dress.

I tried to upload pictures but for some reason

Blogger isn't allowing me to,

so you will just have to click on the links to see.

Here it is : the Rosette Bubble Dress.

Won't that be cute?! 

Love the gold, which will be paired with

a cute pair of patent red t-strap Mary Janes we have for her.

Afterwards we went to 

one of my favourite districts in Portland,

the Alphabet District.

Northwest 23rd street.

Picture old brick buildings,

tree lined streets with little white lights,

boutiques, home decor shops, stationary stores and little cafes.

There is a shoe store called Ether Shoes

that always has great deals. 

I got a pair of little red faux-leather ballet flats

there once for $10 - REGULAR PRICE.

They have great accessories

(hats, driving gloves and whimsical handmade jewelry)

as well as shoes and boots at great prices.

While window shopping there on many occasion,

I had never seen a pair of boots more expensive then $60.

So while on the lookout for a great pair of fall boots

the past few months, I kept going back to Ether's website.

After seeing similar boots in other stores for $120 and up

(most about $180)

I finally decided that for my student budget

I was to replace my well-loved falling apart 

(literally, I lost my heel on the way to MOPS last week!)

boots with a pair from Ether.

I chose Outlaw-91 in the dark brown.

Winner, winner chicken dinner!

With Claire's new dress, my boots and a scarf,

I officially feel ready for the season!

Is there any particular items that make you feel "Fall Ready?"

Something old? Something new?

Something tried and true?

Looking forward to a family photo shoot by the colorful trees by Michelle!

Fun Finds From Around the Web

Happy Sunday!

What have you been up to this weekend? 

Do you go to a pumpkin patch and drink hot cider?

Or maybe went for a hike in the ... rain?

Friday we night we layed low with a cranky baby.

Saturday was also lazy, but we spent the afternoon

walking to the local produce market then taking the long way home.

We capped it off with some friends coming over to watch the Canucks beat the Oilers!

(Two of our guests happen to be from Edmonthon. Heh heh heh.)

Sunday we went to a new church,

the one I go to MOPS at.

Now we are parked in front of the TV

watching football,

sleeping,

and 

'Pinning'.

Here are some fun things from around the World Wide Web - 

Guiltlessly cruising the holiday pages of Pottery Barn.

What a precious Little Mermaid.

A gorgeous bowl.

He's Not Perfect.

A little note to say howdy, mister.

Some good tips on how to massage a baby. I think I'll use these!

Oh, yum.

Haters gonna hate.

This is funny : Inside the mind of a two year old.

How to say razor blades in an Australian accent.

A sweet sentiment to send your loved one.

A Monday List

 * Watching Gilmore Girls again. I am on Season 2. Its my favourite thing to have on in the background as I nurse my baby, clean the kitchen and eat lunch (so basically while I am doing anything and everything.)

* Today I have one sleepy baby! She woke up at 11 : 20 this morning. Played, ate and went back to sleep!

* This morning I stayed in my PJs until 1:00pm. Claire was sleeping in our room, and I didn't dare go in there to wake her up.

* This morning I got to clean the bathroom (lucky me!), did some laundry, cleaned the kitchen, etc. Feels good!

* Turkey yesterday, turkey tomorrow. I shall be in a food coma by Wednesday.

* Speaking of turkeys - tomorrow I am cooking my very first turkey! I am nervous and excited. I am trying out Martha Stewart's Lemon Rosemary recipe. I hope it is yummy and moist.

* I really, really don't want to reach my hand inside the turkey's body.

* Egg Nogg is out! It's official - Christmas is RIGHT around the corner. You can run but you can't hide. I love it in my coffee.

* Thursday I am canning with Michelle! On the list is salsa and tomatoes. Maybe some spaghetti sauce if there are any tomatoes left over.

Multnomah Falls

Yesterday we went for

an adventure to the Multnomah Falls.

I was a bit ambitious with the fall wear,

as I was excited to get outside in the fresh, crisp air.

It was about 16 degrees outside,

but since our apartment happened to be covered with

dark clouds I thought it would be the 

perfect excuse for mittens and scarves.

I quickly peeled off my layers (& Claire's)

to match the others who were wearing t-shirts.

We admired the falls from down below.

How majestic it is to see the water falling from so high,

feeling the mist on our faces.

We decided to go up to the bridge to take a closer look.

After seeing that the very top was only a mile away

(I am Canadian and have to say I am rather naive when

it comes to some forms of American (Imperial) measurements.)

so I suggested to go up to the top to get a better look.

The walk/hike is roughly paved 

and was alright for the stroller.

A good walk for various levels of fitness

and we even saw a woman wearing heels 

(this is not reccomended!)

There were plenty of switchbacks,

steep climbs and gorgeous views along the way.

Some places were a little narrow

with a steep edge that gave both Spencer and I some sweats.

Thankfully Spencer was pushing Claire and had a good grip!

Miss Claire loves to be outside,

so this outing brought her great enjoyment it seemed.

She was babbling the whole way

and had plenty of admirers as well.

She squawked a few times,

but just when we would stop for a break

(c'mon Claire give your dad a break. He was pushing you!)

or when she needed some dinner.

The heights were a little nauseating at times

but the the view of the Gorge from the top was gorgeous. 

We were so thankful for a sunny day to get out.

It felt so good!

{ happy thanksgiving }

Claire's A Canuck Fan

Tonight was Claire's first Canucks game.

She was so excited she pooped her pants!

Literally.

Just watch the video.

Through the Lens: A Coco Exclusive Unedited

{what happens when a 3 year old gets a camera }