Monday, April 11, 2011

monday's favourite things



+ falling asleep beside my little boy +
+ baby kicks... i will miss being pregnant +
+ the smell of fresh laundry +
+ pitter-patter of rain on the windowsill +
+ driving with the windows down on a cool, crisp day +


what are a few of your favourite things?

Saturday, April 9, 2011

precious moments


Boy, n.:  a noise with dirt on it. 
~
Not Your Average Dictionary~

... but times like these, no matter how sticky his lips are or how much glue is stuck between his fingers, makes a being a mom so worth it...


photo taken by the hubby

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

he's a sponge!

at 26 months, my little man can count to ten, sing his ABC's (up to P), recite words and certain phrases of some of his favourite books and sing lines to some of most-loved songs.

i can't believe how fast he's growing up on us!

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Baby Shower



I am thankful to have such a wonderful set of friends
who go out of their way to throw me such a rockin' baby shower.

My little family had an amazing time celebrating the soon-to-be arrival
of our new bundle of joy.


36 weeks and counting!  Almost there....

Friday, March 25, 2011

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 7

boo... i'm a day late on this one again.

DAY 7:  A PHOTOGRAPH OF SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO YOU



i have blogged about the importance of my wedding ring before.  it is the one "thing" that i treasure most as it symbolizes so much of what i hold dearest to me.

a few months back, my little man has misplaced this ring at my parents house and i am so happy to say that just earlier this week, my brother finally found it... in his sock drawer of all things!  i am definitely ecstatic to have my wedding ring back!


Wednesday, March 23, 2011

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 6

DAY 6:  A PHOTO OF YOURSELF TWO YEARS AGO


this photo was taken last March 18, 2009 (the type A personality in me keeps a very detailed and organized picture file on my comp so i can pinpoint exact dates!).  the little man was about 6 weeks at this time and there's me with about five to six hours of sleep on a daily basis.

i guess i will be looking forward to that again in a few weeks!

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 5

i know this is a day late but it couldn't be helped so i am catching up!  forgive my tardiness and i hope this actually doesn't happen again...

DAY 5:  YOUR FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPH OF YOUR BEST FRIEND


yes, you are seeing correctly.  that is a massive hole at the most inappropriate part of the wet suit my bff was wearing!  and she will most likely kill me for pulling out this pic but please, she was wearing a swimsuit underneath so it's not like i'm totally exposing her!!!  this was taken back in the summer of '07 when we went rafting for the day --- we had a ton of fun playing in the frigid waters of squamish and experiencing the thrill of white water rafting.  it was one of those adventures that i would love to repeat!


this is my 2nd most favourite photo of hers (i stole it from her FB).  

meet A, the all-time bestest bff anyone can have.  she was a snob when we first met (YES YOU WERE!!!)... or so i thought, but luckily, we met again years down the road and totally hit it off.  i don't know what i would do without her.

she is one of the most beautiful people i know inside and out... and also one of the strongest women i have ever come across.  i always thank the man upstairs that he has sent her my way :)

Monday, March 21, 2011

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 4

DAY 4:  A PHOTO OF THE ITEM YOU LAST PURCHASED

have you ever been stuck at chapters for hours holding at least 10 books in your hands trying to figure out what to buy?  that was me yesterday... i can never seem to leave that store without purchasing anything.

this time around, i was stuck at the parenting section for what seemed like hours while the hubby and little man browsed around the indigo kids section (browsed for toys and trains, that is!)

as my son is currently in his "totally awesome two's", i thought this might help me freshen up on some tips and tricks to handle certain T's (tears & tantrums!)


found these kumon activity books for toddlers!  i can't wait to delve into them with the little man so i went ahead and got him scissors and glue as well (and not to forget crayons!)

what have you purchased lately?


Sunday, March 20, 2011

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 3

DAY 3:  A BAD HABIT YOU WISH YOU DIDN'T HAVE


can you guess my bad habbit???  

i am horrid when it comes to biting nails!  it disgusts me and i can't seem to help myself sometimes --- luckily i only do it in the privacy of my own home... never in front of others!  if you have any for sure ways to stop nail biting, let me know and i will try it!  i will do anything to stop this habit!

Saturday, March 19, 2011

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 2

DAY 2:  15 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT YOURSELF

it's always tough for me to get some sort of list together that has to describe "me"... but i'll try!

1.) My first name is actually Johanna but I go by my second name Elaine.  My parents did not know if they were having a boy or girl and were going through baby names and when my dad said "Johanna", I kicked quite hard so I technically chose my name.  They would have named me "Jon" if I turned out to be a boy (which is now my younger brother's first name!).  Elaine was derived from my grandfather... he was nicknamed "Elen" and my dad wanted to pay his respects to his father and gave me "Elaine".

2.) I was born with a mole on my right cheek.  If my mom's stories were correct, the mole was a perfect heart shape when I was young.  It grew over time and sorry to say that it is now a very ordinary beauty mark.  I've considered getting it taken out but am too scared of the procedure that I have opted not to anymore.

3.)  I met my husband through Apt107.com in the summer of 2002.  It's the much earlier version of myspace and all those social networking sites and we had a mutual friend acquaintance who introduced us.  I was not a fan of him at first (I really hated the gap between his two front teeth!) and shot him down before we even had a chance to have our 2nd date.  Through a series of serendipitous meetings, we actually became official in September of 2002.  That's 9 years this year!!!

4.)  I met the hubby when I was 18, got engaged at 19 and was married at 21.  The hubby is 2 years older than I am and he was not prepared to get married until he was 27... I told him there is no way I would wait that long and he suddenly popped the question!  We got married 16 months after he made me choose my ring.

5.) I have a beautiful little boy I love to brag about.  Baby #2 is on the way --- we only have a few weeks to go!

6.) I have a penchant for singing.  Throughout high school I was a part of our school choir, girls choir and jazz choir.  I was also a part of a four-person singing group that did small gigs both in and out of school.  Oh!  And of course I can`t miss being part of the church choir every Sunday.  Which leads me to fact 7 about me...

7.) I love Glee!

8.) I have moved houses nine times in the last 5 years.  Yes, I just love to move!  I`m quite the pro at it now (my best friend doesn`t think so, actually).

9.) I very rarely shop around town.  I actually cross the border and hit Ross to do my shopping!  I can go in there with $200 and come out with 6 dresses, 2 cardigans, 3 pairs of shoes and a few handbags.  No kidding.  I`m a bargain shopper!

10.) I lose my cell phone ALL the time.  There really isn`t a point to me having one because it is usually misplaced and I don`t normally find it until three to five days later.

11.) I am a wuss when it comes to needles.  I panic and hyperventilate when I go in for bloodwork.  I usually ask them to make sure to get a vein before poking me and beg the technicians to NEVER EVER fish for my vein or I will faint dead away.  Don`t ask me how I got through with an epidural... I think that came with a lot of tears on my end and a lot of distracting from the anesthesiologist.

12.) I am a caffeine and sushi addict.  Pregnancy has its downfalls and this is one as I can very rarely have both of my favourites!

13.) I cannot dance to save my life!  I think this is the reason that clubbing was never big in my vocabulary.  I can count the number of times I have been to a club since I turned 19.

14.) If you ask me to cross my eyes, I can do it extremely well!

15.) I have never been the self-conscious type.  Sure, I can shed a good 30+ lbs but I have always believed that God has given us our bodies for a reason and it is up to us to love it and respect it.  You will never find me complaining about my weight... I tend to embrace my extra-sexiness :)

Friday, March 18, 2011

30 Day Blog Challenge: Day 1

Just to ease myself back into the art of the blogging world again (because I have been majorly slacking on this end), I have decided to partake in a 30 day blog challenge.  Hopefully this will make you, my reader, get to know me and my world a little better... and hopefully, you leave blurbs of yourself in here as well so that I can get to know you too!

DAY 1:  A PHOTO OF YOURSELF AND A DESCRIPTION OF HOW YOUR DAY WAS



Forgive this crappy, pixelated photo I took from my comp... I didn't have the heart to pull my camera and take a much more decent shot.  Complete with no make-up, hair that has been pulled out of a ponytail, a ratty old t-shirt and i hate to admit this, no shower as of yet for today (as I don't usually get a chance to hop in there until 11:30 at night) this is the usual "me" you will find on a daily basis.

My day has been spent mostly in bed (as was the last few days).  I am currently 33 weeks pregnant and am having a rough last few weeks of pregnancy.  My body is a lot more tired, sore and achy and it doesn't help that I have a toddler who is in constant need of my attention.  Luckily, I can sit him in bed with me, pull out a few Caillou episodes from netflix and he is happy to watch as long as mommy is beside him.

I tend to get up only when he is hungry or is bored and wants to go to his bedroom and play (where I can again lay down and relax on his bed this time!).  It doesn't sound like much of a life right now... which means that I can't wait for baby #2 to arrive so I can get back to some sort of normalcy around the house.

Saturday, March 12, 2011

oh-so-swoon-worthy

i'm a 27 year old pregnant woman lusting after this gorgeous piece of specimen.




ok.........

now that i got that out of the way, please forgive my teeny-boppiness for this post but i just can't get over a dream i had this morning.

let's just say that i was able to re-live Bella's view of of Breaking Dawn........ all the way up to the honeymoon scene with this mr-oh-so-drool-worthy-i-will-drop-my-panties-just-for-you-edward-cullen.  

seriously, all the downsides of pregnancy just went out the window when the biggest bonus is having a very... let me stress that,  VERY VIVID INTIMATE dream that feels much too real and gets your senses all messed up.  

i am going to have a very happy saturday :)  i hope yours is just as good!


Thursday, March 10, 2011

little big boy... with his own room!

over the last few days, we have been busy purchasing and putting together some new items for my little man's room.  we finally bought him his "big boy bed" and also a few storage units for his toy collections.  on my list of upcoming "things to buy" is a book case, some shelving and maybe a few minimalistic decorations.

i'm so thankful for ikea as we are able to snag some great buys with his bed and storage!  i spent so much less than what i originally planned and cannot wait for the finished results.  i'm hoping we're done prior to baby #2's arrival... this is our special way of easing the little man into his new phase of life as "Kuya" (big brother).  

as it is, he is spending his very first night alone in his own room.  i'm kind of anxious about it as we have always kept him on our bed these last two years.  i'm sure i'll be wandering over to his bedroom sometime tonight and will be slipping in beside him for some shut-eye (this is the reason we bought him a twin bed instead of the originally planned toddler bed!).

on the topic of room decorations, i was browsing etsy yesterday and fell madly in love with some beautiful children's prints by TRAFALGAR SQUARE.  here are a few of my favourites...

  
i am seriously enthralled by all the prints in their shop and am planning on purchasing a few for my boy's room.  wouldn't that just be lovely?  i'm hoping to snag these four to begin with... and build from there.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

it's just like winning the lottery!

back in January, Kary hosted a fabulous first giveaway that i was lucky enough to win!

I NEVER WIN ANYTHING... so imagine my surprise when her gorgeous miguelito pulled my name out of this beautiful red heart-shaped bin and later announced MY name!  i was in serious shock and had to repeat the video again and again just to make sure i was hearing the right thing.

about a week or so ago, the package arrived at my mom's address and i was able to pick it up from her just this weekend.  imagine my excitement at this beautifully wrapped package...


i was trying to be sooooo good and not rip the packaging but just couldn't help myself!  inside the box was first a card that i ripped through... kary, i just have to say I LOVE YOU!!!  :)  your letter was heartfelt and i loved it!


and finally, the goodies!!!


thank you kary, for giving me a chance to feel like a million bucks with my new fuzzy slippers, wallet, earrings and necklace!  i can't wait to have the opportunity to fancy my outfit with any of these items!!!

Saturday, February 26, 2011

strong start

it's been too long dear friends since i've last grazed my blog.  with our recent move it feels like organizing the new place will never end!  to top that off, i have 7 more weeks until i hit my 37th week and baby #2 is bound to arrive anytime after.... i have a million things to take care of prior to said arrival!

but enough of that.  i have previously mentioned that the major perk of moving into our neighbourhood is the school across from our unit.  these last few weeks, i have been taking Dylan to their strong start program --- a program that runs for children below the age of 5 to be able to interact with other children in a school or preschool setting.  the only difference with this school is that parent participation is required.  

it's been a great program so far!  Dylan and i have started a new routine and usually make it to school by 9am and leave at 11:40.  he gets gym time, play time, art time, computer time, circle time... you name it.  and my little boy is thoroughly enjoying it! 

warning:  photos galore here!











Sunday, February 13, 2011

it's about time!

i've been awake since 4:30 am today cooking up a storm for our friends who are helping us move.  that's both breakfast AND lunch!

excited, much?

you bet i am!

see you all in a couple of days!!!!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Cruz!



last saturday, february 5th, my childhood best friend took on a new title and a different last name.

i wish i could have been there to share her special day like she was for mine.  we could've laughed non-stop for about five minutes over silly nothings --- all of it caught on camera.  we could've spent some time catching up as if the years spent apart barely existed.  i wish i was there to be able to help her but we are thousands of miles away from each other with continents separating us.  

nontheless, i wish her nothing but the best that marriage has to offer.  i wish her a lifetime of wedded bliss, children to fulfill their dreams and a blessed marriage.  

CONGRATULATIONS, COJ & TINS!!!




*photos taken from Cleober Sinues & Coj Cruz' facebook page*

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

4 days until the move!

it has been an extremely busy few days in our little household.  with the sorting, packing up, shopping and making necessary calls for the update in our address, i haven't even had a chance to catch up with all you lovelies!

i have almost forgotten how hard moving can be... almost.  

to give you a sense of our small and humble abode, below are a couple of photos from the previous tenants.  

kitchen/dining room

our patio (bottom floor)

i just love how small and cozy the place is!  i am not one to live in a big house because seriously, i would never be able to keep things neat and clean!  but a small two bedroom is perfect enough for me.  i can just imagine us spending much time outside in the patio for bbq's in the summer.  what i love even more is that right across from it is the playground in an elementary school!

once we have moved and settled in, i have a big surprise for my wonderful followers!  i can't wait to get things together for that --- hopefully very soon!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

9 days to pack!


with a new baby on the way, the husband and i figured that we needed to move to a slightly bigger place on a more convenient location.  after i quit my job last year to be a stay-home mom, we moved back to my parent's home for a teeny bit to get our bearings together and figure out where best to move to.  after a couple of months looking around, we found a condo 30 minutes away from our family and instantly fell in love.

we toured four units in this building.  FOUR!!!  the first three landlords wanted us to take over their unit but we turned them down for different reasons.  the worse being that one of the landlords did not know what they were doing it all!  when we were just about to give up on this location, one last unit opened up and we decided to try our luck one more time --- it seems that 4 is our lucky number!

we secured a beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 year old ground level suite with it's own patio.  right across the street is an elementary school with a program for non-school-aged children and a playground to die for.  we are blocks away from a waterpark, grocery, malls and there is a bus stop two minutes away from the house.  transportation is as easy as 1, 2, 3... (as we only have one car) so it will make it easy for me to get anywhere with two kids!

now, i only have 9 days to pack 2 years worth of toys, clothes and paraphernalia.  we closed the deal today and signed the one-year lease.  we also went out to purchase some much-needed items for the home... least to say, my budget is blown out the window but wow... WHAT A GREAT FEELING!!!  at least we were able to purchase the "must-have's" --- a couch, a mattress of the little man, bar stools, pillows and duvets.  next week we go for a kitchen shopping trip!

it's an exciting time for my little family.  we are moving on the 13th and i cannot wait!  best of all, the new place will be fully ready for when baby #2 arrives.  i truly am very excited for this upcoming move!!!


photos via weheartit

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

love o' my life


he's the second man in my life... only surpassed by a teeny tiny bit by his daddy.
and i will NEVER ever be able to get over the fact that i have this beautiful little boy.
full of life... energy... exuberance and LOVE.
i can never be grateful enough to Him for gifting me with someone so precious.
and the best bit of all...
is that i have fallen in love twice.
and it's going to happen again a third time in thirteen very short weeks.

*i just love my life*

[my little dylan on his 2nd bday - 01.30.11]