The Smids

2012-02-09T15:10:00.000-08:00

I remember the day so well.

If I close my eyes, I can transport myself back there.

That week Spencer had asked me what I'd like

to do that weekend.

We planned to go on a picnic

to Harrison Hot Springs that Friday.

Well when the day came,

I packed us up a picnic -

Iced tea, sandwiches and potato salad.

We headed east.

Along the way Spencer suggested

why don't we visit Camp Kawkawa?

We hadn't been in a while,

and that was where we met.

I remember that Spencer wolfed down his sandwich

and didn't touch the potato salad.

I thought to myself, "What's the rush? Geesh!"

He suggested we walk out on the the dock.

I wanted to finish my lunch.

He convinced me to finish it later...

The lake had a layer of ice on it.

It cracked and crunched as we walked out onto the dock.

There was a low cloud over the public beach...

It was kind of eery and very romantic.

I wanted to take pictures,

Spencer seemed on edge.

I was kind of in my own world.

I love being there,

the fresh air,

the mountains so close.

It feels peaceful, nostalgic.

Our conversation was light,

broken.

We were both kind of taking in our surroundings.

Well, at least I was.

I think Spencer had a lot on his mind.

Spencer asked me a few questions

and I remember thinking it was funny.

It went from being a light conversation,

right into a deep one.

I told him how my whole life

I just wanted to be a wife and a mom.

{Still true today.}

That I was looking forward to our future together.

Then he got down on one knee.

He completely took me by surprise.

He asked if I would be his wife,

of course I said yes.

The moment was so wonderful.

It was quiet,

it was peaceful and so full of joy.

I remember we hugged and kissed

and I was so excited I was jumping up and down.

It was one of those moments that

I always thought I would cry.

But I just couldn't - I was too excited.

He quickly transformed from

the best boyfriend in the whole world,

to my fiance.

On that day,

if you would have asked me

if I would be where I am today,

I think I could have gotten part of it right.

The Portland bit?

Probably not.

The chiropractic part?

Not likely.

The Mama and Dada role?

Yeah, I think I would have guessed that.

But never did I know just how good my life would be.

We went from a couple who fell in love one summer,

to a family of two,

and now a family of three with an American Girl.

Your Baby Can Swim!

2012-02-08T22:40:00.001-08:00

Really?! Can she?!

{amazon.com}

My Auntie Is Awesome

2012-02-08T22:30:00.000-08:00

Lauren married my brother,

but that's not the only reason why she's awesome.

She is sweet,

drop dead gorgeous,

can walk in high heels

and rock mouse ears better than Minnie herself.

She is beautiful inside and out.

She is irreplaceable to our family.

She can hold her own and dish it out right back.

She is my first and only sister.

She is an amazing auntie to my daughter,

an amazing wife to my brother.

We love you Lauren and we hope that your birthday is nothing less then fantastic!

xoxo

Pink Camo Band-Aids

2012-02-08T11:41:00.000-08:00

Life record so far - 4 pokes.

I still think it is harder for Mama than Baby.

Ooooout 'N Abooout

2012-02-06T19:45:00.000-08:00

The sun this afternoon was too gorgeous to stay inside.

So despite the blustery winds outside,

we went for a beautiful walk in Fairview Community Park.

As you can see, Claire thoroughly enjoyed herself.

And so did I.

I loved our mother-daughter time together.

Walking along pointing out the budding foliage,

the birds and the bubbling brook,

all while Claire sang to me.

Lovely day, just lovely.

Colours of Spring

2012-02-03T08:11:00.000-08:00

Nothing quite like a beautiful, bright bouquet

to add to the shining sun streaming in through our window.

Half A Year

2012-01-31T20:55:00.000-08:00

Remember that little peanut?

Six months later,

she has become this little spit fire!

I think these photographs really capture her personality well.

She is so smart and strong -like her dad,

she thinks she's really funny - like her mom,

and she loves the spot light - unlike both of her parents!

These past six months have flown by

and we are so in love with our Bear.

We are excited for what the next six months will bring with her

and what new things we will discover about Claire.

A Week With Grandma

2012-01-29T12:55:00.000-08:00

We picked my mom up

at the train station on Monday.

The anticipation was building through the weekend

right until we saw her step onto the platform.

We had both made lists

of things that we wanted to accomplish

while she was here,

both knowing that the week would fly by too fast.

And it did.

Sometimes we relaxed in our PJs,

and went to MOPS.

My mom and I managed to

get away and share two slices

of divine cake at Palio's.

Something I'd been wanting to do with her for a while.

We shopped, of course.

And I think the highlight for both of us

was swimming with Little Miss Claire Bear.

Needless to say I am sure,

the week went by way too fast.

Time with grandparents is always precious.

I feel so lucky to have my mom,

who is able to have a flexible job

so that she can come and visit us whenever she wants to.

Who is young enough to tire us out.

Who is a good listener,

a good helper, a good cook,

an encourager, and a great friend.

{picnic with Grandma}

Sex, Marriage, & Fairytales

2012-01-28T08:14:00.000-08:00

"You Is Smart, You Is Kind, You Is Important"

2012-01-23T13:57:00.000-08:00

This afternoon I read an article

by Joanna Goddard on her blog, A Cup of Jo

It was about making your kids feel loved.

She spoke of one mom who would

spends five minutes each morning

spreading Mommy Love over them.

I loved this idea, and I think it is a fun way

to make each child feel important.

She started with the toes

and worked all the way to a kiss on the head

filling them with Mommy Love.

Then she would 'crack' a Mommy Love egg

on their heads to let it run down over them.

{Do you remember using hands to

tap, tap, tap and crack an egg on someone's head?}

My parents were always so good about

night time routines, tucking my brother and I into bed and saying prayers.

We would spend a few moments talking before bed.

These few moments I loved,

debriefing the day.

I still do this before bed.

All of the random questions I have come out

right before I fall asleep.

It drives Spencer crazy.

{Maybe because half the time they don't make any sense.

But I honestly don't expect him to have the answers most of the time!}

Another thing my parents did well

was take such good care of us when we were sick.

Knowing that I had such good care takers took

the edge off of being ill.

Room service of dry toast,

Slurpees,

hot packs and cozy blankets.

It felt so good to be taken care of.

One of my favourite things was having my head,

feet and/or back rubbed.

I loved the feeling of their fingers tracing the lines of my face.

There are still times that I wish I had my parents there to do

that for me when I am sick.

What did your parents do for you that made you feel loved?

{ Spencer encouraging Claire to crawl. }

She's Got Personality

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

Yesterday Spencer brought

James and Jordan home for lunch.

Claire loves these guys

and likes to think that she is the centre of their world.

I am not sure how it happened but

somehow her flower headband slipped

so that the flower was in between her eyes.

Of course we all laughed.

When she noticed the attention she

got from it

she just began to act like so silly.

Which made us laugh even harder.

The camera didn't come out until the

end of the episode.

We were laughing too hard to think

of capturing the moment.

She is such a ham! (see #15)

It is really fun seeing her personality start to come out.

She doesn't get it from her dad or I,

but she loves to be the centre of attention.

And here she was at lunch

last week with the same guys.

See what I mean about her thinking she is the centre?

{click the photo to make it bigger and take a look at her face!}

{'No paparazzi, please.' }

T.G.I.F.

2012-01-20T08:14:00.000-08:00

Growing up we were taught to say,

"Thank goodness it's Friday."

But today I am truely saying,

"Thank GOD it is Friday."

It has been one of those weeks,

y'know?

The ceiling in the bathroom is leaking,

and the maintenance men have neglected to

fix it OR patch the big hole.

So every time I get that 30 seconds to

sit down and breathe (oh, and pee too)

I feel like the upstairs neighbours can peer in on me.

They can't,

but that's how I feel.

We are all adjusting

to Spencer being back at school.

The hours the quarter are the same as last

but for some reason they way it is layed out

makes the days feel much longer.

He is exhausted,

we miss Dada.

It has made for a long couple of weeks.

If you remember,

one of my resolutions this year was to loose

15 pounds before our trip.

That was going so well.

I was getting workouts in 5 days a week,

eating well and feeling great.

I was seeing and feeling results.

Then yesterday,

I slipped into 'emotional eating'.

So I grabbed myself a bowl of potato chips.

Yes, not a big bowl,

but my first mistake was bringing them into the house!

Salty savoury snacks are my downfall.

Afterwards I felt so disappointed with myself

and I felt so gross...it was not worth it.

Hey, I am just being honest here.

Thursday morning Claire woke up

waaaaay too early.

She was ready to play.

This made me feel tired all day,

despite a two hour nap.

Last night she woke up

every hour and a half.

Le sigh

T.G.I.F.

I am ready for my husband to be home.

I am ready for my mom to get here.

I am ready to sleep 8 hours straight.

And I am ready for the dishes to do themselves.

{And then I spot this teeny tiny hand print on the mirror

and it melts my heart.

I may never clean this mirror.}

Fun

2012-01-19T15:41:00.000-08:00

{oh, to have the warmth of the sun,

swing from a tree with Daddy

and plunge into the icy waters of the lake!}

Looking at this photo

I felt like I took a glimpse into my future

8,9 or 10 years from now.

I can't wait to gather our children,

a picnic and water wings

and head out for a day in the water!

Chicken Paprikash {With Pecan Pie}

2012-01-19T07:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had Paprikash?

I never have, but whenever I hear it

I always think of this scene from When Harry Met Sally.

This morning I saw this recipe on Tasty Kitchen

and thought it might be fun to give it a try,

and maybe serve it with some Pecan Piiiiiiiie.

j.crew

2012-01-19T06:02:00.000-08:00

News this good needs to be spread!

///////j.crew is having a sale on their sales. An additional 30% off///////

They're practically giving items away.

Bathing suit bottoms for pocket change, and more!

Enter code MUSTHAVE

{bathing suit I ordered }

Little Green Notebook

2012-01-18T20:07:00.000-08:00

Today I discovered a new blog.

It is the blog of Jenny Komenda, an interior designer.

She posts pictures of pretty things and I like 'em.

Snow, White Snow

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

We've been having snow the past couple of days,

but last night in North East Portland it decided to stick around!

There is something so serene about a fresh snow fall.

The world seems almost eerily quiet,

like time has stood still for a moment.

Outside Portland is going crazy.

Get this -

apparently Saturday night people were

headed to grocery stores to stock up on canned goods,

you know in case the possibility of snow makes you starved.

Buses have chains, car tires have studs...

yes Prairie Folk, insert your belly shaking laughter here.

Portlandians (and Vancouverites) don't know how to handle snow.

Yogurt Brulee

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

Last night I had a bit of a sweet tooth.

I am doing my best not to eat after dinner,

but I just had to have it.

Curving my desire for chocolate,

I remembered seeing this idea on Pinterest.

{Yes, Pinterest.}

First I put about 6 or so frozen raspberries

into the bottom of each ramekin.

Then thawed them just a bit

then scooped two heaping tablespoons

of fat-free vanilla yogurt on top of the fruit.

Then I sprinkled a teaspoon of sugar

on top and fired it to create that wonderful crunchy crust on top.

Caramel Brulee is one of my favourite desserts.

There is nothing quite like

your spoon breaking through the sweet crunchy

layer into the custard.

Mmm..

This was a delightful,

delicious healthy alternative.

{If you don't have a torch, just broil it for a couple minutes in the oven. Watch carefully.}

Boys Room

2012-01-17T20:18:00.000-08:00

My next nursery will be nautical,

because I love this art.

Time Waster

2012-01-17T16:23:00.000-08:00

Question: Is it really wasting time

if you enjoy what you are doing?

I've blogged about this before,

and I will again today.

If you haven't already

will you please, please visit Pinterest?

If you'd like an invite,

I'd be happy to send you one.

{Leave a comment with your email

and I will send it!}

I could seriously sit

for hours and browse through

the endless photos.

My husband described it well:

Remember as a girl

sitting with magazines and cutting out

the photos of things you loved,

then gluing them to a piece of paper?

It's basically the online version of that!

Dream houses,

home decor,

recipes of the fat and skinny variety,

cute clothing and hair style tips,

cute kids and cute animals,

craft ideas and

fitness advise...the list goes on.

It's a vortex - it will suck you in.

{And its the perfect thing to do while the hubby watches sports!}

amazing curls

yogurt brulee...mmm

DIY Sharpie pillowcases

Can I have a boy next, please? Look how cute his outfit is!

Snack Time

2012-01-16T15:28:00.000-08:00

brown rice crackers

tea time with Mama and Dolly

Big girl in her high chair

January Blah's

2012-01-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

Normally January brings me a birthday,

then a kick in the pants.

I am a victim to the January Blah's.

Not to mention February.

I cling to Valentine's Day

to add a little red glitter and pink roses

in my grey winter days.

Once the Christmas tree was put away,

I began to dread the dark, dreary, rainy days ahead.

A month and a half until Valentine's Day.

A weekend away sometime in between

{thanks Mom and Dad!}.

Let's just push through until March

when signs of Spring start to appear.

Two weeks into January

and the Blah's have yet to hit.

A nice change.

Perhaps its the waiting for Baby Maddie to arrive

that make the days a little brighter.

Or our own baby that lightens up the mood.

It could be our upcoming trip,

or my new motivation to health and fitness.

Last night Brian and Michelle babysat.

It felt so good to go out

with Ty and Lo,

eat, drink and be merry.

We went to a cool venue

called the Grain and Gristle.

Ordered drinks and appies

and visited for a couple hours.

Although we weren't celebrating

a Broncos win,

we had so much more to celebrate.

Tyler and I had our birthdays

(mine the 4th, his the 12th),

and a big CHEERS to a great year that has passed.

Afterwards as I lay in bed nursing my baby,

I couldn't help but feel the complete opposite

of the January Blah's.

My husband and baby beside me,

a successful date night,

friends who babysit.

We have our health,

we have education,

we have amazing family and friends.

Today we said good bye to our company

and it was just the three of us again.

Walking into the kitchen to make lunch,

a few remnants of our evening remained.

Leftover guacamole, tortilla chip crumbs,

the smell of garlic-y bruschetta.

All signs of an evening of game watching with friends,

laughter and conversation.

This year for some reason more then any other year,

I am overwhelmed with happiness of the life we have.

We are so incredibly blessed.

I just Tebowed in thanks.

{Sunday Football Nap}

Team Spirit

2012-01-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Today we cheer for the Broncos with Uncle Tyler.

Tomorrow we cheer for Green Bay with Dada.

Dreaming of A Sunny Retreat

2012-01-11T21:16:00.000-08:00

We're off!

Two and a half months and we are

heading to the beaches of the Mayan Riviera.

I think I'll need a new swim suit...

{anthropologie}

silver or gold?

{target}

Claire has three adorable swimsuits to rock on the sand.

Pink and white polka dot two piece,

a pink one piece with an amazing tu-tu

and a little blue and yellow one with sail boats.

Now all we need are matching sun hats!

New Years Resolutions

2012-01-09T15:01:00.000-08:00

What comes to mind when you hear

"resolution"?

Do you cringe at the thought of what you didn't do last year?

Are you excited of the chance to have your slate wiped clean

and start brand new?

What comes to mind for me is opportunity,

a fresh start, self-discipline.

Self-discipline is what I lack,

and every year I think I need to be better at it.

This year is no exception.

As December came to a close I mentally made a list

of what I hope 2012 will look like for me.

I feel like if I put them in my blog,

it will keep me accountable.

Usually, by the time April,May,June roll around

I forget (or alter) my resolutions.

Perhaps if I have something to go back to,

it will help keep me in check.

Let this be an experiment.

Here we go

(I am hoping that you as a reader are not going to judge me!)

1) Lose fifteen pounds by the middle of March - We are setting off to Mexico with the family and we would love to feel comfortable in shorts and a tank. Who knows, maybe even a bathing suit. Now does anyone have a stretch mark eraser? I hope to achieve this goal by bumping up my activity level and being more creative with healthy cooking.

2) Giving myself more "me" time - I tend to want to to everything and be everywhere and end up feeling burnt out. I hate missing out on things. Whether it is tea with a friend, gathering for a games night or a bigger event. If there are people there, I want to be there too! Claire seems to have taken after me in this way. When I sit down and think about this, as much fun as I have during it all, I find that I get tired, irritable and disorganized. Its a sick cycle. I need to find balance. Don't we all? My biggest thing is just saying "no thank you". Who would have thought it was so hard. What I'd like to do when I say "no thank you" is to make a cup of tea and journal and pray. I used to journal all the time and I haven't in so long. I miss it. If I have a free moment, I like to clean or catch up on blogs/social media.

3) Being more purposeful with my time and my words - I know the first part kind of coincides with number two, but this includes the company I am with. Being 'in the moment'. Giving compliments instead of just thinking them, encouraging and choosing my worlds wisely.

Do you have any resolutions?

I'd love to hear them.

Christmas

2012-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

This year our Christmas break began mid December.

We made the trek to the Great White North as soon

as Spencer's last exam was completed.

I am sure he felt like a free man.

We started our time off in Ladner

and had a Christmas party with the Smids the next day.

It was fun to catch up and everyone was able to make it

except for Tyler and Lorna.

We got to meet the newest addition to the family:

Cousin Paul and Laya's son Rocco.

Unfortunately, it wasn't long after this that I realized

my camera battery was pretty much dead...

...and that I had left the charger at home.

Bummer.

The following photos have all been "borrowed".

I am sure you know by now that if I had my camera,

there would be a LOT of photos to follow.

Instead there are just a few.

My mom still has some pictures from Christmas day on her camera

that I would like to get when she comes down here to visit.

We had a party the next day with my mom's side of the family,

but no camera to prove it. :)

There was a lot of excitement with the little girls.

It was fun to get together with everyone you only see once in a while.

The following photos were from our week in Abbotsford.

After visiting with friends and family in the Valley,

and spending Christmas day with my family and grandparents

we packed up again (we had a ton of stuff!) and headed up to Sun Peaks

for a snow white week with the Smids.

That sums up our 2.5 weeks!

We spent one more night in Abby and one more in Delta.

Then we were ready for our own place, our own beds.

We didn't get to see everyone,

but it is hard to everytime.

If we didn't catch you this time,

we hope to next time.

Happy New Year!

Our Sweet Snow Bunny

2011-12-30T15:51:00.000-08:00

{ tuckered out after a walk with Nana and Papa }

Four Years and Counting...

2011-12-29T15:01:00.000-08:00

A Community

2011-12-21T22:06:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we returned to our 'home church'.

This is the church Spencer grew up attending,

and the one we went to until we made our move to Portland.

The church family warmly welcomed me first as Spencer's girlfriend,

then as the newest Smid back in January of 2008.

I have come to love the congregation and always

feel a sense of 'coming home' when we return.

There really is nothing that can replace the community of church.

A congregation of sinners,

each with our shortcomings who all clearly fall short of the glory of God.

But really, I think that is what makes it so beautiful.

We put aside our selfishness, our pride,

our messed up lives for a short time to come together and worship our King.

As we sang Agnus Dei on Sunday morning,

I felt overwhelmed as my eyes scanned the people.

Some had their hands lifted in praise,

some had their heads bowed in reverence.

There we all are, worshiping the same God together.

The one who made each of us in His image.

The one that holds us in His hands as we just try and make to the next day.

It would be so easy for me to walk into that room,

with the little knowledge of the people that I have,

and pass judgement - whatever that would look like.

As my eyes scanned the room I saw people who are

battling cancer, working through a troubled relationship,

dealing with an unruly child and working through the loss of a loved one.

A parent who is hurting for their child and is looking for guidance themselves.

All of these things,

yet here we are,

singing out praises to God

because we know He is sovereign.

That whatever struggles,

pains, mistakes we have

in our heart - or out there for all to see-

it is all erased when we come before the King.

It makes me so thankful

to have these people as part of my church community.

It makes me realize what an importance church is in my walk with Christ.

I am thankful for a church to call home

and the freedom to worship our Lord.

So Close!

2011-12-16T07:31:00.000-08:00

Spencer just walked out the door to write his last exam of fifth quarter.

The last one out of eleven.

Yup, eleven exams in 4 days and a morning.

Almost done!

A Good Reminder

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

I saw this quote in my Baby Center newsletter. Such a good reminder:

"When my little one is having a hard time, I drop everything – no dishes, no laundry, no nothin' – and just cuddle, play, read, whatever makes him happy. Sure, the house is a wreck, but the house can wait; my son can't." – Kara

Gift Ideas

2011-12-10T22:13:00.000-08:00

Need a little help with your Christmas list?

Tip #1 - Forget the bunny suit!

For Him

2011-12-10T22:11:00.000-08:00

A great CD

A leg lamp, for those that have a sense of humour

For the guy who is just so-so about the holiday season.

A very cool case for one classy man.

Leather flask

"It's not a purse, it's a satchel."

{name that movie}

Super cozy slippers

For Her

2011-12-10T22:03:00.000-08:00

Kissable lip...balm

Roller skates

Baby, It's Cold Outside - so keep warm!

Her own "cook book"

The perfect holiday polish

Cashmere

*sigh* Glitter clutch

For Baby

2011-12-10T21:56:00.000-08:00

Sophie the Giraffe

Led Zepplin Lullabies... Hm, okay.

A perfect swaddling blanket

Kermit. Classic.

This is way too cute.

Trapper's Hat

Cozy sweater

I heart...mommy?

Gifts For Them

2011-12-10T21:44:00.000-08:00

A Photo Journal

A hilarious book (on my wishlist!)

A burger press. Oh the possibilities!

An ice scraper mitt. (For one recipient on my gift list)

If you're Big Spender, you could give some gold cheese.

Or a deck of gold cards.

An iPhone phone.

Hail a taxi mittens.

Understanding Rap...I think we all need this book!

What Happened? band aids

*I apologize that some of the photos are blurry. Sizing issues.

Future Curls?

2011-12-05T20:22:00.001-08:00

My Girl

2011-12-04T00:16:00.000-08:00

Yup, she's got Playdate Potential!

Showing off her Favorite Things diaper, made by Leslie.

Taking a snack break on the drive up to Canada.
{I love her face in this photo!}

Our happy little traveler!

Matching shoes for Mama and Baby! So fun having a girl!

This beginning of this month marked Claire's 4 month birthday.

4 months, I can hardly believe it!

She has been to Canada twice already in her short little life.

She is so happy and has the best, gummiest smile.

She is giggly, talks non-stop,

loves putting her fingers, toes (and really anything) in her mouth.

We are waiting for that tooth to pop through,

and in the mean time she is drooling like crazy!

She still loves bath time, still looooves being outside,

loves watching sports with Dada

and still does not like to miss out on anything.

Adding to her growing world

are Christmas lights,

toys that make sounds,

her exersaucer and is learning to use her Jolly Jumper.

She enjoys reading books,

her currant favourite is God Made Me.

She is definitely getting interested in food.

Her eyes following our every bite.

She notices glasses of juice/beer/water/milk

and will gladly gum your cold glass if you'll let her!

We are not giving her any food until she is 6 months old.

However every once in a while we will take the tiniest bit

of sauce/juice on the tip of our finger and let her suck it off.

Watching her facial expressions as she experiences the ever so

slight taste of something new is great.

I remember last Christmas sitting around with

our families dreaming of what next Christmas would be like with a baby.

And now, that time has come!

It will be fun to teach her about the

story of Christmas.

Read her the passages from Luke

that talk about the angels,

the manger scene,

and the miraculous arrival of our Lord and King.

Establishing Christmas traditions right from an early age,

that I hope will always bring light to those facts.

What a blast these past 4 months have been!

They're Comfy

2011-12-01T16:45:00.000-08:00

Sleeping on uncles is her favourite thing to do.

Jesus Was A Baby

2011-11-29T17:53:00.000-08:00

For some reason,

this Christmas season it has really sunk in:

Jesus was a baby.

All these years I have known this.

He was swaddled with strips of cloth and laid in a manger.

This I know.

This year though, I understand it in a different way.

This is my first Christmas as a mother,

along with that I am also reading Francine River's novel about

Mary's story, Unafraid.

Reading Mary's account of being the mother of Jesus

helped me make sense of the fact that our Savior was once a helpless babe.

Watching Claire grow and her world expand,

it helps me to appreciate the full life of Jesus.

Not only was He a teacher,

a Healer, a Savior -

He was an infant who nursed at His mother's breast.

A crying baby as he cut his first teeth.

He wobbled with His first steps.

He looked at His hands and toes with great curiousity

as Claire does.

He smiled when He played with His dad.

He learned simple words and animal sounds,

He chewed on fingers, on toys.

He learned to eat, He squealed with delight.

He had rolls on His arms, wrists and thighs,

just like Claire does.

Picturing our Almighty in the form of a baby

really makes me understand just how gracious,

and creative,

our God is!

Who would have thought

the the Savior of His people,

the Light of the World

would come to us in the form of a baby?

A human?

It's the Weekend!

2011-11-19T13:53:00.000-08:00

So I know this is not the clearest photo ever,I just used Google to help

me find this image. Spencer and I were driving this morning and we were in awe

at how amazingly beautiful the Coastal Mountains are. The sky was blue and clear and before were snow covered peaks as far as the eye could see. We could even see Golden Ears. Absolutely breathtaking. I will never take advantage of the beauty of where I grew up here in the Fraser Valley, however I have a new sense of appreciation for it every time I return 'home'. We really do live in a beautiful city. We have come home to celebrate Travis' baptism tomorrow. This weekend we are in Delta and have been enjoying the company of our friends and family here. Monday Claire and I head to Abbotsford to visit with friends and my side of the family. What are your plans for this weekend?

Here are some fun things from around the world wide web. Enjoy!

An amazing photograph of Saturn. Can you believe our God created this?

Fun idea for Christmas: presents in a jar.

Just blame it on the dog.

So we know the real Thanksgiving has already happened, but American Thanksgiving is next weekend. Wouldn't this stuffing recipe be simply delightful?

A bit of Dr. Seuss wisdom for you.

This Cowboy Casserole looks simple and delicious.

Five Simple Rules for Happiness

For those who love camping - a really fun website!

Google the word "askew" and see what happens. It's a pretty fun party trick.

These look amazing - who wants to make them for me?

Today I Like Monday

2011-11-14T13:52:00.001-08:00

In general,

I am not particularly fond of Mondays.

The carefree, lazy days of the weekend are over.

Spencer is back in school,

and on Mondays he only has one hour off at lunch.

I think she is very happy to see her daddy

when he comes home just before 6.

Today, however,

is a bit different.

The Christmas tree is up

giving the place a happy glow.

Claire and Michelle C. had a Target date together,

which allowed me to do some cleaning.

Now Claire is napping peacefully in my lap,

giving me a moment of peace to write this post

before I begin cleaning and organizing again.

To top it off and make it a truly exceptional Monday,

our dear friend Edolbina arrives on the train tonight.

Spencer is going to pick her up around 9:oo and bring her back to me!

She will be here with us for a few days.

I am so excited to have her here to cuddle with me,

to cuddle with Claire,

watch movies, go to MOPS with me,

drink tea and visit.

Today I like Monday.

Have A Fabulously Fall-ish Weekend!

2011-11-11T21:34:00.000-08:00

Weekend Update:
Spencer had 4 exams this week. Exams are never ending here.
Yesterday I made Vanilla Pear muffins. They're a hit.
The Christmas boxes have been pulled out of storage.
Today is Remembrance Day. Lest we forget.
Sometimes while nursing I like to 'surf the net'.
And sometimes I bookmark funny/interesting/pretty things that I want to show you.
Here are a few. Make sure you click on the links {you can click through them pretty quickly.}

LED slippers. Genius!
This picture reminds me why I hate the ocean.
Gorgeous iPhone case.
Fun nails for the holiday season!
Oh yum. I heart avocados and grilled cheese.
Snowflake and stripes
"Relax, I was just kidding."
I have tried the top suggestion and it works.
I'm in the kitchen, want a sandwich?
Speaking (writing?) of sandwiches....
This is so simple and lovely.
Have you seen this video? It's hilarious!
Communication is crucial.
Oh, so that's what that really means.
.... I don't have a # 15... so enjoy this photo instead!

{Claire's first visit with Santa Claus}

On Fatherhood

2011-11-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

Last week on A Cup of Jo's blog she had a friend report his side of the story regarding the birth of his daughter and what it is like being a dad. Inspired, I decided to do this as well. We often hear Mom's side, and dad's rarely speak so openly about their side of the story. Spencer was patient enough with to sit down and talk about his take on Claire's birth and fatherhood. Not only that, he obliged when I asked/told him I'd be blogging this information. What a guy.

Describe the moments surrounding "The Beginning" (when my water broke). What were you doing/thinking/feeling?

I was in bed. I was really tired. I didn't believe it was happening. More disbelief, like surprised.

What was it like for you watching your wife in labor?

Ummm, it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. It seemed natural. I was proud.

What surprised you most about your wife in the whole process? What do you admire about her now?

I didn't that she'd handle the pain well, {thanks.} so I'm amazed at how well she did. She was very focused. I admire the strength and determination she has.

What were your thoughts as you saw Claire's head, and then body emerge?

Disbelief that this was actually our daughter. And couldn't wait, anticipation, to hold her. Even when she was all gunky? Yup.

What were you feeling the first time you got to really look at Claire?

So thankful she was healthy and disbelief that she was really ours.

What was your first instinct after she arrived and knew she was okay?

I was torn between staying with Michelle and going to see her.

What surprises you most about fatherhood?

The love you can have for your daughter - your child.

What are you looking forward to most?

Seeing how she develops and what kind of girl she'll turn into.

Thanks Hun! I loved hearing your thoughts. I know I couldn't have done it without you, and I still can't. Being a parent is hard work and you are my biggest support,encourager, cheerleader. I love ya. Kiss! xo

{photo credit to Michelle Cervo Photography }

God You Reign

2011-11-06T22:55:00.000-08:00

This morning at church I felt overwhelmed

with how great our God is.

Singing worship

"God You Reign"

I felt my entire my body tingle with emotion.

Tears were in my eyes as I sang praises.

This past week it felt as though

I was hearing bad news, upon bad news.

It made me hold my family so close

and hand out plenty of hugs and kisses.

Life is so fragile.

A friends grandmother in the hospital,

a friend's uncle passed away suddenly,

a little girl from my MOPS group

who took a terrible and possibly lethal fall from

her dad's shoulders to the asphalt.

(She was injured, but is okay.)

A friend of a friend who was in a

terrible plane accident and his life

is hanging in limbo.

Then after my heart was so heavy for

these people, for their families

we heard word that a friend

collapsed suddenly while playing basketball.

His heart just stopped.

We don't know why,

we may never know why.

Things weren't good,

we prayed and prayed.

Begging God to spare his life.

To help him to recover fully,

praying against death, brain damage,

whatever the possibilities are.

Yesterday we learned he woke from his coma.

Not only that but he is talking!

Wow.

We serve a good and gracious God.

I am so overwhelmed by his mercy this week.

Whenever my mind drifts into the

"what-ifs" and "could'ves" my mind stops

and directs it back to how God worked in these lives.

We may never know the answer to the many questions we have,

the looming "Why?!"

But I know without a doubt that these are miracles.

Just because Jesus doesn't walk the Earth today,

it does not mean He is not present and working in our lives.

Just like we read the miracles He performed thousands of years ago,

I see them being done here.

Healing, preventing the "could have been" from being,

all to direct us back to Him.

He deserves the glory,

He gets the glory.

Just as fervently we prayed for these miracles

to happen,

we need to pray more in thanksgiving.

Thank you for holding Simon in Your arms,

healing him.

For protecting that little girl as she fell from her dad's shoulders.

It could have looked so differently.

When times are tough,

when things go wrong,

isn't this when we spend the most time on our knees?

God brings us to it,

He bring us through it.

Let's not forget to thank Him

for the blessings we have,

even in the darkest hour.

Recently I saw a poster

that read,

"What if you woke up tomorrow

with the things you thanked God for yesterday?"

Wowza.

I need to spend a lot more time on my knees.

Sundays at the Smids

2011-11-06T16:21:00.000-08:00

Sundays are our house are a day of rest. After church we get into our comfy clothes, or just underwear for one little person, and watch football. Go Packers!

Choices...

2011-11-04T06:58:00.000-07:00

{This is post has been delayed for several days. I'm not one to share my opinions on such matters, or other slightly touchy issues, so openly. After much though and consideration I decided to go ahead and post it.}

Babies - they are a beautiful image of God's grace for His people. He created these tiny little creatures for us to cuddle, to hold and to raise. He created a wonderful thing called pregnancy. (Despite the 4 months I was sick, I LOVED being pregnant. I know not everyone feels the same way!) He also created the messy, beautiful miracle of birth.

Today I read a review/interview with Ricki Lake and her new film More Business of Being Born. I watched the first film (same title minus the "more"). I watched the film while pregnant with Claire. While it did open my eyes to many good things about pregnancy and child birth, I also found the film to be very one sided. It was extremely negative towards birthing in a hospital with an OB. This was just my take on the film and what I took away from it. I am not a film critic, and I am not trying to be one. These were merely my feelings after the film.

In the interview I read today with Ricki, she stated that she is not trying to ask "people to do things my way. I just want women to do what's best for them." (American Baby, November 2011) Now, I have not seen her newest film (not yet out) but I did feel from watching her first film that a woman who chooses to have her baby in a hospital with an OB is naive or uneducated about her options. That "what's best for them" is not having an OB deliver your baby. Again, these are not her words, just how I felt after watching the film. I feel that Spencer and I researched various kinds of birth options when it came to everything from OBs/midwifes, prenatal care, positions during birth, easy laboring ideas, pain medication, medical interventions... the list goes on and on. I also feel that we made the right decisions based on the knowledge we had at the end of all of it.

Our experience with Claire's birth was totally positive. The only thing I would change, in hindsight, would be the IUPC and the Electronic Fetal Moniter. The pain for me was insanely intense and it left Claire with a sore on the top of her head which is now a scar. I felt that the care we received from the hospital not only met but exceeded our expectations. It was phenomenal. They let us make the space our own. We had one-to-one care from the most amazing nurses. They were knowledgeable, experienced, caring, they advocated for us and dispelled any unnecessary fears we had. As happy as I was to take Claire home, a tiny piece of me was sad to leave the hospital. It felt safe and homey. I knew that any emergency care we would need was right there where we are.

As a mother, a new mother, I can appreciate what women would desire for their idea of a perfect birth. I would hope that most moms put the importance of their child's health and their own above all else. I strongly advise any expectant, or planning to expect, women to do their own research. And to look at both sides of the coin. Not one more then the other. And follow your gut feeling. As a pregnant woman, I received advise left, right and center! It was overwhelming to know what was right, what was a little off and keep in mind that it was all given with the best intent. (That last bit was the hardest to remember.)

Not all doctors are treating you with a dinner appointment that you are inconveniencing. Not all nurses are out to drug you to make you be less mean to them, or to make their job easier. Not every OB wants to do a C-section to make some more coin or to get home to make it home in time for the child's Christmas pageant they had promised to be at. In my experience, I had an amazing team of medical professionals who were there for me 100%, encouraged me, encouraged Spencer, and shared in the joy of the birth of our sweet baby girl. I felt so calm in their care, that even when Claire was not breathing right away, I didn't worry a bit. I knew that I had competent people there to help her.

So whether you choose a home birth with you and your husband, a birthing center with a midwife, or you deliver in the ambulance on the way to the hospital - keep your focus (your baby!) If you want to do it au natural, or you want the anesthesiologist to meet you in the parking lot - remember that the baby is in charge here! What you have laid out in your mind, or typed out in your birth plan may not be in baby's plan at all! There is a beautiful adventure ahead of you. Read, educate yourself and be flexible!

{*These are only my thoughts and feelings about pregnancy and birth based on my personal experience. What you have experienced will lead you to your own opinions on the matter. I am not out to change your mind, merely encourage you to trust your intuitions, discuss the matters with your partner and do your own research to educate yourself and your partner.*}

Will Power

2011-11-02T10:33:00.000-07:00

My new goal : no eating junk food for the month of November.

Okay, so it actually started October 26 but then

Marissa brought over these amazing chocolate chip cookies

{I usually am not a big baking girl. I like to do it, I'd just rather have some chips over cakes or cookies.}

She said her secret was that she added too much sugar.

Well after two days of no junk food,

I completely lost my will power at ate four.

So I started over,

this time making it an entire month instead of three weeks.

The junk food includes items such as

biscuits/cookies, cakes, chips, soda, chocolate,

candy,donuts,fast food, ice cream, Nutella or other naughty spreads.

It is day 4 and I am really hankering for a caramel sundae.

Yes, at 10 in the morning.

I don't have an addiction to junk food,

and I'd like to think my overall diet is okay.

But I know it could be better.

We will see just how strong my will power is,

and how grumpy I get!

I am interested to see how different I feel at the end of November,

and whether or not I am even craving any of the items after over 30 days.

Wish me luck!

They've Arrived....

2011-11-01T12:43:00.000-07:00

Toast

2011-10-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-31T16:40:00.000-07:00

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...

2011-10-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

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

without the graham cracker topping.

Mmmmmmm.

Trunk or Treat

2011-10-30T11:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

Oh My.

2011-10-27T15:18:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-27T14:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

...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

2011-10-24T10:36:00.000-07:00

She's growing up too quickly.

But it sure is fun to watch.

2011-10-22T21:59:00.000-07:00

Bring the Tissues

2011-10-22T11:32:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-10-20T20:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-16T14:53:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-10T14:32:00.000-07:00

* 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

2011-10-09T22:46:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-10-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

{ happy thanksgiving }

Claire's A Canuck Fan

2011-10-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

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

Canada Week 3

2011-10-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

The final week in Canada we finished up our time at Sun Peaks,

spent a few more days in Abbotsford, the finished it off in Delta.

It was fun, busy and at the end we were ready to head back to Portland.

Uncle Matt comes by for an after work cuddle.

Together again, just before Angela heads back to Haiti.

Breakfast and cuddles with GG and GPa

Meeting Aunt Hilda, Uncle Paul, Aimee & RJ

Claire was sad to say her good byes to Megan.

An evening with the whole family at Uncle Matt & Auntie Lauren's.

To top it off -

a lovely visit with the Wilcox girls!

So glad we were able to visit with Doris as well.

We missed you Ben! Next time.

Canada Week 2

2011-09-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

We continued to spend some more time

in the Lower Mainland for the rest of the week.

We spent some time with Howard, Diane and Travis.

Visited Pake and Grandma,

as well as our "Delta friends".

We left Friday to head to Tyler's house

to spend the night before the four of us headed

up the mountain to spend the weekend.

We missed you Travis.

Getting ready for bed.

Here is one happy, naked baby.

And one happy dressed baby.

Headed out for a family stroll to visit Pake and Grandma.

She really enjoys the stroller for the most part,

after we discovered she likes to sit up and look around.

She is just mad here because, well

we stopped moving of course.

Such proud great grandparents!

The funny recliner at Ty's old lady house.

Such fun discovering quirky things.

But a really cool house!

Finally up at the mountain.

Here, Papa is lifting up Claire's hands to cheer for the

BC Lions when they scored a touch down against the Roughriders.

What do you think of this Grandpa?!

Friends and neighbours from Portland Brian and Michelle

joined us at Sun Peaks this past weekend.

Michelle is carrying Claire's future friend in that cute little belly.

Cousin Megan came up for a visit with her two

ADORABLE boys Hayden and Blaine.

Here they were playing a very brotherly game

of throwing the giant ball at brother's head.

Lots of cuddle time with Uncle Tyler.

This is what we do here: relax.

The center of attention - Claire Teresa.

Here she is with her new favourite toy from Ty.

Happy First Day of Autumn!

2011-09-22T23:13:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow,

September 23rd,

marks the first day of autumn.

How will you celebrate?

Spencer and I are driving up to the interior

for a BBQ with our brother Tyler at his new place.

Then we are going to toodle up to Sun Peaks

for a few days.

So looking forward to the beautiful drive

with all the trees turning colour!

I am sure that things will be

very "autumny" on the mountain as well.

In Canada Week 1

2011-09-18T21:44:00.000-07:00

Last weekend my parents came down to Portland

to pick up Claire and I to take us back "home"

(Canada) for Spencer's finals week.

We had a busy week visiting friends and family.

But my parents also got some good time to visit with Claire.

5 generations of women -

Great Great Grandma Winn,

Great Grandma Sandy,

Grandma Teresa, Claire and myself.

My second cousin Marla's little girl Marissa,

7 months old.

We had a girls luncheon at my great aunt's house,

15 girls and one little boy.

There were 3 baby girls there!

The "Fab Four" girls together again!

Now with a fifth one added!

Angela, Jessi, Claire, Edol and I.

Uncle Matt had some cuddles,

and Auntie Lauren did, too.

We had a visit to the pumpkin patch.

There were some BIG pumpkins!

Claire didn't seem to like the fall festivities as much as her mom.

Bartlett pears just waiting to be picked and made into something yummy!

Jonagold apples, not quite ready yet.

Showing Claire my favourite late summer activity.

Cruising the Christmas aisles at Costco!

The Christmas brainwashing has begun.

Claire meets her second cousins Ethan

and Sophie!

Claire meets Great Grandma Eileen.

and her great, great, great Aunt Edith.

First night at Nana and Papa's

and her first time sleeping in a "big girl" play pen.

This morning we returned to our home church TAC

to dedicate Claire.

We promised to teach Claire about Jesus' love and grace

and our families and church family promised to help us

and to pray for her.

Nana and Claire have a heart to heart.

I have a feeling it went something like

"Jesus loves you Claire"

because her Nana is so good at reminding her of that.

We are here for two more weeks and are busy visiting

and introducing.

So stay tuned for some more photos of Claire's Canadian Adventures!

Its A Girl!

2011-09-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Our dear friends & neighbours

found out yesterday that they

are welcoming a baby girl in February!

Perfect, girls are darling.

Last night we had a little soiree

at Alyx's place to celebrate,

complete with gluten-free pizza

for the mom-to-be.

Story time with Brian.

Cuddles with Alyx.

Alyx's baby, Penny, & Claire meet.

Both Claire & Penny put up with us girls.

And of course a chat with James.

Claire get ready to share the attention with Miss Cervo!!!

What We've Been Up To

2011-09-05T22:03:00.000-07:00

We've been adjusting to life with baby,

and it starting to begin to feel normal having her around.

Once in a while we still look over at her

and think,

"Wow, she's actually here!"

All that waiting is over.

We have had fun introducing her to some of our favourite things/people.

Like Pumpkin Spice Lattes,

and Fantasy Football.

Here she is with Spencer, picking players for his fantasy team.

I think this gives you an unfair advantage Spence!

Our friend James brought over this guy the other night.

Random?

You bet.

Just another night at the Smids.

We OFFICIALLY became parents

last Friday when we purchased a wagon.

With allll the stuff we brought up last December,

we figured with our frequent trips to Canada,

and an extra person,

we need the extra room.

Dave and Whitney came to Portland this past long weekend.

They fell in love with their pseudo-niece.

Come on guys, time to join the club!

I know you wanna wagon!

Enjoying the time in the sun with friends and family.

And evidence that I was there doing more then feeding baby.

The lovely couple.

Friends Mari and Drew took the train from Seattle to Portland.

They were antiquing/vintage shopping in Hawthorne

so we thought we'd meet them and show them our new favourite restaraunt

- the Waffle Window.

Gorgeous girls!

That's been our last few days.

Relaxing,

full of friends

popping by and coming to visit.

A whole lot of sitting by our air conditioner

(thanks James!),

playing games,

Skyping and

staring at our baby girl.

I'll Say It, I'll Say It Again

2011-09-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

I LOVE

When Harry Met Sally.

Just love it.

So thankful

for Ree Drummond

(a.k.a. 'The Pioneer Woman')

for writing this magnificent piece on the film.

I agree with every sentence.

(Although I would have to add a few to the favourite lines section.)

Yes, yes and yes.

Read it HERE.

Sprung A Leak

2011-08-30T22:41:00.000-07:00

Monday after lunch

I noticed that there were some soaking

wet spots on the carpet near the fridge

and the entrance to the kitchen.

I didn't think much of it,

assuming that Spencer just spilled a bit

while pouring himself a glass of water.

I soaked it up with a towel.

A couple hours later

I walked down the hall again,

stepping on the same soaking wet spots,

and some more wet spots.

Then I was suspicious.

I put down a towel.

Which was also soaking some time later.

We brought in the troops

(the maintenance men)

to come take a look.

Spencer and I had

already moved the fridge

(okay, he moved I looked),

checked around the dishwasher,

and in the bathroom under the cupboards.

No pooled water.

No water appeared to be leaking from

upstairs either.

The guys checked the same things and guess what?

They found the same results.

Spencer figured it was in the wall,

and guess what?

They came up with the same results.

This is when we said "yay for renting".

And left them to the fixing.

For two days we had some

guys in our space,

who made lots of noise and

unhooked my dishwasher (gr!).

They tromped in here with tools,

dirty shoes and watched TV over my shoulder.

(They seemed rather interested in my chick flick...)

But for now,

the leak is fixed and there is a whole behind my dishwasher.

(And the spiders are moving in!)

Skype

2011-08-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

One of our favourtie ways

to keep Claire in contact with her family

is Skype.

I know this is no knew invention

and that people have been "Skyping" for yearrs.

But we never really had a reason to

.... until now.

We Skype with

Nana and Papa,

Grandpa and Grandma,

Uncle Tyler,

Uncle Travis,

and Uncle Matt and Auntie Lauren.

Sometimes with Angela,

sometimes with Jessi and sometimes with Edolbina, too.

They can see how she

grows,

how she changes

and hopefully she will be able

to recognize their faces and their voices.

Nana and Grandma

can read her stories over Skype.

Family can give her puppet shows, too.

For now,

she seems to time her meals

(I feed her on demand)

to when we Skype.

But every once in a while

she turns on her charm and will throw out

her smiles,

on just be content.

She is starting to try and focus on the computer,

although I'm not sure what she sees.

I love technology!

And as my brother said,

"Why would anyone pay for long distance?!"

Its true,

and there's no video!

Here she is Skyping with Grandma.

And HERE is Nana's point of view Skyping with Claire!

Top 5

2011-08-28T21:46:00.000-07:00

Top 5 Things I Never Really Understood About Motherhood Until Now:

1 - Babies eat ... all. the. time.
I seriously knew that, but I never understood it until I had a human attached to me this often. Wow. Eat. Burp.Sleep.Poop.Repeat.

2 - Mother Bear is a real thing.
The need to protect is instinctual. I never realized how STRONG it was until she arrived. When she was in utero, I wanted to make sure she was healthy and developing well. But when she was born, I got this weird alteration of the brain where I knew I would never hesitate to kick someone's @$$ if they hurt her.

3 - I am awake at 3 am.
By this I mean, when I start hearing her lookin' for a boob, I am awake. It doesn't take me an hour to wake up like it used at anytime before noon. Its like an instant alertness, very strange and very unlike me. I am tired, but not sleepy.

4 - Nursing happens anytime anywhere - and you need to be ready.
First off, let me say I have been EXTREMELY blessed to have a baby that latched on perfectly from her very first time at breast. But other then that, nursing happens anytime, anywhere. I have learned two lessons from this. One is that life stops to nurse, and two is that life doesn't stop to nurse. Okay, I know that doesn't make sense. Let me explain.
a) Okay, first off I am not a person that can sit still. Watching TV, or a movie - If I'm not sleeping I'm moving. Changing positions, fidgeting, reading a magazine. So in this way, I have learned to just gather some things, prop up some pillows and sit. It can take up to 45 minutes for her to nurse, so might as well get comfortable. (This has also lead to an addiction in a few TV shows - Keeping Up With the Kardashians, Bridezillas and of course re-runs of Friends and Gilmore Girls.)
b) When out and about (because I need to get out and about) Claire gets hungry. This means that I am becoming skilled at lifting up t-shirt, undoing bra and putting Claire in the right position while holding her AND under a "hooter hider". Walking, window shopping, eating and nursing lying down.

5 - Finding time
This little one knows what she wants, and your undivided attention is one of them! Studying? Look at me Dad! Showering? Hold me Mom! Making dinner? Feed me Mom! Many times I have fed, burped and rocked her to sleep. Just when I am sure she is in a deep slumber, I lay her down in her bed. Sneak out of the room and sit down on the couch. Just as I log into my email/begin to read a blog/pick up a magazine/get the kettle boiled...she wakes up. When moms said they hardly had time to shower I used to think "okay, sure". But it really is true! I've learned to just bring her in there with me. She loves it! Balancing time is hard. When she is napping I often find myself debating whether to fold the laundry, or just sit for a moment and catch up on Facebook/Twitter/Blogs, read or just put my feet up with some (iced) tea. I have become quite a pro at power cleaning.

It really is a tough job, but the most rewarding. I have realized I never gave moms the credit they really deserved. Mutli-tasking, prioritizing, organizing and in all of that just trying to find five minutes for yourself. To have a cup of tea, read a page or two or maybe soak in a bubble bath, even just for a few minutes. Its busy, and it will only get busier, but I love it and I am so confident that this is exactly what I was cut out for.

For you moms out there -What was your biggest lesson learned in motherhood?

How did you find time to balance baby's needs, husband's needs and making sure there is clean laundry?

REALLY?!

2011-08-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

Lingerie Football.

Only on American TV

Update

2011-08-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday

It's hot

Too hot for typing out a full blog post

Here's an update in point form

and picture form.

We're having too much fun around here.

1. I am currently addicted to Keeping Up With the Kardashians. What are they famous for anyway?

2. Claire and I went to Costco today with Marissa. She slept the whole time. Success.

3. Claire has been helping (ahem, distracting) Spencer study Pathology.

4. I really want to see, and read, The Help. Have you read it? Did you see it?

5. My MOPS group has been bringing us meals for the last week and a half. Such a blessing. I have mixed emotions about going back to cooking full time. I love cooking, but I really want to get out of my rut and try new things. My friend Marissa inspires me by fearlessly trying new meals and recreating ones she's had in restaurants.

6. These two make me smile. She is becoming so much more interactive with us and we are having so much fun. One day a certain thing will make her laugh, but the next day it makes her cry. Today, it seems to be when we shake her belly and lying around nude. (Mind you, with this heat wave I think lying around in the nude would make anyone smile! It's just too hot!)

7. Pregnancy cravings have continued into post-pregnancy cravings. I feel like I could eat all the ice cream in the world. I am practicing some MAJOR self-control. But can I just say I love that breastfeeding burns so many calories?

8. Spencer has admitted that Claire has been a major distraction in his studies. Uh oh! Good thing he has the brains because he is still doing awesome in school. Can you believe only 3.5 weeks until Finals Week?

9. Friend Megan and her sister Rebecca came to Portland for a visit and a snuggle with Claire Bear. It was a whirlwind visit but we made the most of our time together! When they arrived she had just eaten (yesterday she would eat every 45 minutes to an hour. Can you say "growth spurt"?!) so she was super smiley and giggly.

10. A few of our favorite Claire times are when she snuggles in bed with us in the morning, bath/shower (she loves it!) and napping with her on our chest. My personal favourite to add, her milk breath. So sweet and something I know I will miss.

Just for fun - another video of her smiling, because it is just so freakin' cute!

PS - I just noticed we are seriously lacking some photos of MOM and babe.
I think we need to fix that.

A Tale Of Baby's Arrival

2011-08-22T16:18:00.000-07:00

Over much humming,

hawing

and asking a few girls,

I came to the conclusion to tell

the Tale of Baby's Arrival.

This version will be censored

because I don't know who

the audience will be.

Men and women alike can read it

and not have to be sick to their stomachs,

look at me any other way than the already do,

and save whatever dignity I have left.

It all started about 3 weeks before her actual arrival.

Yes, you read that right:

THREE FREAKIN' WEEKS.

Week one - contractions about 5 minutes apart,

lasting anywhere from a couple of hours to ten hours.

Then the next week, nothing.

The following week,

contractions again off and on.

My mom and dad arrived mid week,

finishing off their road trip with a visit in Portland.

We had been saying how it would be nice

if she arrived when they were here.

Early Saturday morning they were planning to depart to return home.

By Friday I was cranky,

I was big, hot and uncomfortable.

My dad suggested using reverse psychology,

so jokingly I was saying things like,

'Fine, come whenever. I don't care.'

That night I hit the hay earlier then everyone else.

When Spencer came to bed at about 11:20,

I got up to use the washroom.

(Surprise, surprise.)

When I returned I was standing next to the bed

saying something to Spencer when

GUSH.

I thought I'd peed!
But nope, again.
And more to follow.
We called the hospital ignoring their
suggestion to eat something
(stupid, stupid, stupid!)
woke up my parents
and drove to hospital.

Once there the nurse (Jeannette) tested to see
if my water had broken, and it had.
I had been hooked up to the monitors to
see how Claire was doing
and what my contractions were doing.
Baby was doing great,
moving around so much it was hard to
keep track of her heart rate.
My contractions were VERY far apart.
I was having one about every 45 minutes to an hour,
and I wasn't even sure when I was having one.

We spent the evening sleeping,
waking up every so often for checks.
The next morning I hadn't progressed at all.
Now that my water had broken,
there was a risk of infection.
Because my contractions were still
pretty far apart,
and I wasn't dilating
I was put on medicine to help
me progress early Saturday morning.
By lunchtime,
things were progressing a bit more.
But because I hadn't eaten since dinner out
with my parents Friday at 5:30,
I was STARVING.
I didn't know what was worse at that point,
the contraction pains or the hunger pains.

During the day visitors
(my parents and Marissa)
were a nice distraction from the long day.
But by late afternoon it was hard to have
other people in the room.
I felt bad because I couldn't focus on
them being there because I had to focus so much
on breathing through each contraction.

In the afternoon my doctor
came and talk to me about a couple
procedures she wanted to do.
One of the was a monitor that they insert into
the uterus to precisely measure the contractions and their strength.
The other is a small incision made just beneath
the baby's scalp to accurately measure
baby's heart rate.
This is because it is illegal in the state of Oregon
to be on the medicine and not measure baby's heart rate.
It took about 4 or 5 tries to insert the heart rate monitor.
This by far was the most pain I have ever experienced,
and yes that does include giving birth to Claire.
My poor baby had two little sores on the
top of her head because of it.

By late afternoon my contractions
were climbing one on top of the other
making impossible to rest between each one
and difficult for me to catch my breath in between.
This is when I consulted our day nurse,
Elizabeth, about pain medications.
My doctor and Elizabeth told me about
Fetanol. A pain medication
that does not take away the pain,
it just makes you not care about it.
She described it like having a couple margaritas.
It sure did feel like that,
but unfortunately each dose only lasted about 10 minutes.
I had two doses before I was asking
to get to meet the anesthesiologist.

My mom was there with me during this really intense part
and I could tell it was hard for her to see me that way.
Both of us had shiney eyes.
Doctor Feelgood came down and explained things to us,
and answered our questions.
Spencer and I had already done PLENTY
of our own research on labor and delivery,
so we (I) decided about 5 minutes after he left the room
that I wanted him back.

Nurse Elizabeth joked to me
that girls always say
"Diamonds are a girls best friend"
until they have an epidural.
Then it changes to
"Anesthesiologists are a girls best friend."
So true!

While he was doing the procedure
(what an EXTREMELY calm and competent man!)
I had another dose of Fetanol.
After which I apparently
( I saw apparently because I have no memory of it)
sent a text message to a variety of people that said
"Just got an epidural and its AWESOME!"

Were you one of them?

The medication they gave me in my epidural
first was numbing.
I loved watching the screen that displayed the monitors' readings
and seeing that I was having a big contraction but not feeling a thing.
Later it was switched so that I could feel pressure,
feel contractions,
be able to move my legs
and when I pinched my thigh I could feel that pain.

That evening was more relaxing.
I believe that if I hadn't gotten the epidural
I wouldn't have progressed as quickly
and my story would look differently.
Spencer and I napped on and off
throughout the evening and night.

The nurses switched shifts at 7pm,
and although we were so sad to see
Elizabeth go home we were very
excited that I was back in Jeannette's care.
She was there with us for Claire's birth,
and Elizabeth returned the next morning to see her as a newborn.

When I slept,
I progressed rapidly.
I did not argue with the nurse when she would
turn out the lights and tell me to sleep more!

By 1 am I was awake
and wouldn't be able to fall back to sleep.
I was checked and it was confirmed that it would be soon!
By this point I was really, really hungry.
I hadn't eaten for well over 24 hours.

At about 2, I asked Jeannette how to push.
I'd never thought about how it would work.
She explained it to me,
then suggested I practice.
She and Spencer counted to 10 as I pushed.
Then she left Spencer and I to "practice" together.
I thought I was practicing almost the entire time!
Even when she called the doctor to come up
it didn't dawn on me that I was actually doing it.
I remember really getting into 'practicing',
even being able to push twice during contractions a few times.

At about 2:55 Jeannette told me
that she thought I could have her born by 3:30
and that if I did, she would bring me a turkey sandwich.
That was around the time that I really tried!
(She was born at 3:39, and they ran out of turkey
so she brought me egg salad. Blech.)

At about 3:10 or so,
Jeannette said she may be delivering the baby
herself if the doctor didn't come up!
This was the first time I realized that
it was all going down.
The baby was coming down and Spencer could now
see the top of head.
The look on his face was priceless.

Jeannette told me to reach down and touch the baby's head.
If you had asked me two days before if I would do that,
my response would have been something like,
"Ew gross! No way!"
But I am so glad I did.
That was the moment it hit me,
she's so close!
She's here!

I had to try not to push until the doctor came up.
It was only a matter of a couple of minutes,
but it was so hard not to push!
As soon as the doctor came in the door,
I started to push again.
It was such a short time,
but I remember at one point
I had Jeannette to my left along with Stephanie
(Claire's nurse),
Dr. V in front of me ready to catch,
and Spencer to my right.
They were all saying
"Push! Good job! Just a couple more pushes!"
I remember looking at Jeannette and thinking
"What do you THINK I am doing?!"

Three contractions after the doctor
arrived Claire was born!
The put her on my chest and started wiping her off.
The next moments were such a blur.
I remember looking at her,
being grossed out by the umbelical chord,
and trying to look at her little face.
The doctor clamped the chord and told Spencer to cut.
We had wanted to wait until the chord stopped pulsing,
so Spencer asked if we could wait a bit.
The doctor said,
"We can't." so he cut.
She looked at me and told me everything was
going to be okay, but the nurse just needed to see her.

Normally,
the words "going to be okay" and the fact that
she wasn't crying would scare me.
But I felt such a peace about
everything.
Her being here,
Spencer being with her
and Nurse Stephanie who is a pro
taking care of her.

About 30 seconds later
Claire started to cry.
She wasn't breathing until that point
because she had so much fluid in her lungs.
She was put back onto my chest
while the doctor helped me.
She was so sweet.
Her dark charcoal eyes studying me for the first time
and me studying her.
It was such a sweet moment,
the three of us together.

3:39 am Sunday, July 31st.
Already a very special day for my family,
as that day was Matt and Lauren's first anniversary!
She weighed 7 pounds and 9 ounces
and was 18 1/2 inches long.
The smallest baby born that night.

She was so content and alert the hours after her birth.
Looking around, really studying people's faces.
She nursed about an hour after she was born
and latched on like a old pro.
So thankful for that,
and things are still going that well!
We laid together in my bed,
both kind of sleepy,
both hungry.

My parents stayed the weekend,
and were able to be there less than 2 hours after Claire arrived.
Howard and Diane came right after we called them
and arrived right around lunch time.
So thankful that both sets of parents
were able to share such a special day with us!

Claire Teresa.
Claire after Spencer's maternal grandmother
who passed away in 2000.
Unfortunately,
I never got to meet Grandma Claire
but I have heard so many great things about her.
A legend among the Westerhof family.

Teresa is after my mom.
Mother Teresa.
It only seemed appropriate to name
my daughter after my mother
who has been such an important and influential
woman in my life.
I am sure that Claire will live up to both of her names!

How to make a baby

2011-08-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

New York, One Day We'll Meet

2011-08-18T19:37:00.000-07:00

Today I had that craving again!

(See here and here, for example.)

To just hop on a plane and head to New York.

Manhatten for shopping,

the Hamptons for a little vacation during a vacation.

Eat some good food,

drink some good wine,

sight see,

walk,

tour.

How about a girls trip?!

Mom? Diane? Claire?

You in?

Okay!

Sometimes,

watching When Harry Met Sally will cure this craving.

For the time being.

Especially this part:

(ugh, I LOVE this part.

Can someone recite this to me?

We could act it out.

It would be almost as great as the real thing.

I'll even perm my hair for the part.)

Harry:I've been doing a lot of thinking, and the thing is, I love you.
Sally: What?
Harry: I love you.
Sally: How do you expect me to respond to this?
Harry: How about, 'You love me too'?
Sally: How about, 'I'm leaving.'
Harry: Doesn't what I've said mean anything to you?
Sally: I'm sorry Harry, I know it's New Year's Eve, I know you're feeling lonely, but you can't just show up here, tell me you love me and expect everything to be all right. It doesn't work that way.
Harry: Well how does it work?
Sally: I don't know, but not this way.
Harry: Well how about this way. I love that you get cold when it's 71 degrees out, I love that it takes you an hour and a half to order a sandwich, I love when you get a little crinkle above your nose when you're looking at me like I'm nuts, I love that after I've spent the day with you, I can still smell your perfume on my clothes. And I love that you are the last person I want to talk to before I go to sleep at night. And it's not because I'm lonely, and it's not because it's New Year's Eve. I came here tonight because when you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to begin as soon as possible.
Sally: That's just like you,Harry, you make it impossible for me to hate you; and I really hate you, I really hate you.

Harry, you are such a winner.