The one where I let it all out

A breather

That's what i'm going to take.

I have been feeling overwhelmed lately.

I know I don't normally get into much of my own personal life on this blog.

It's all about my sweet princess.

But i'm going to give you a glimpse of what's going on in our life and perhaps you can understand why I don't blog as much or visit your blogs as much.

First up...

Sophia doesn't nap anymore. ever.

If she did nap it would be late in the afternoon and the girl would not go to bed until LATE.

So I decided no more naps.

Would I rather have my evenings free or 1.5 hours in the afternoon for quiet?

Evenings please. I have shows to watch.

She is totally fine with no nap. Didn't phase her. Me on the other hand? I'm tired.

I miss nap time.

Ok, so that was the easy one to deal with.

The second is that my husband Chris was laid off of work almost 9 months ago.

Totally sucks. He had a good job.

Finding a new job? Near impossible.

He has been doing side jobs (web design etc.) for the meantime.

We have been lucky and that has kept us a float. But it's been tough.

Penny pinching is my least favorite hobby in the world.

I was working part time (20 hours a week) at home while Sophia napped and weekends. Then I left that job and started my own thing working for a local Realtor. December I didn't work for him, but will be starting up again next week (hopefully). The only problem. Sophia doesn't nap anymore. Weekends working to the max here I come.

Really, really, really praying for something solid to come through for Chris. Did I mention it's been very hard? Financially and relationship wise. We are both working from home. Always together. always. Sounds romantic? It's not ;)

Ok and the big kicker is Chris' health.

Some of you might remember me mentioning that Chris had a brain/pituitary tumour? Well he did/does. It will never fully be gone. He has had two surgeries to remove what they could (a craniotomy and one that involves going through his nasal cavities). Pleasant!

He also had radiation last April for five weeks solid.

We just found out that his pituitary is no longer working. Nada, nothing, zip.

Your pituitary gland is responsible for most all of your hormones.

Chris has to go on complete hormone replacement.

He has to wear a medic alert bracelet.

The really bad news is that we most likely won't be able to have any more children.

Gulp. Brace for tears.

There is hope however. We could try different treatments.

But they would all be very costly.

So praying extra super duper hard that we will soon be graced with good news and something to celebrate in our life. (Besides celebrating Sophia, which I do everyday!)

A job that has medical would be ideal. A miracle in that we could still get pregnant (when Chris' is ready of course ;)

So to my family and friends please put on your prayer hats and keep us in your prayers.

I'm feeling a little sad, homesick, lost, confused.

Really feeling the urge to move back home to Vancouver.

I'm not sure if that's my scared self talking.

I want Sophia to be near my parents.

I want to be near my parents.

I want trees and rain.

I want to not be struggling anymore.

I trust in God and I know He will take care of us.

It's in His hands.

I just hope I am listening.








My two peeps on our way to Church.

She is growing like a weed!

(fyi- her hair is not crispy, I just sprayed it down with water to style it)

oh what fun was had

Hello Jada Mae!



How cute are you??

We had so much fun with you and your mommy!

Sophia still talks about you and lays her babies down and changes them just like Aunt Sandy did with you.

We miss you already and hope you don't grow too much before we see you again!!



Ready to hit the town and go shopping!!



"Hi baby", "Hi Jada" - Sophia would say those words every time she saw her




Sophia was all about holding hands with Jada!

Jada would grab onto her fingers and Sophia would beam with happiness and giggle.

She LOVED Jada so much!!




Sophia taught her younger cousin the joys of peek-a-boo!



Jada got a matching hat just like Sophia's! We tried to get a posed picture of this but somebody was not feeling the vibe to have her picture taken..oh well!!

Quite simply the cutest pic of Jada!!



How much did my heart hurt saying goodbye to Jada and Sandy!

Also, can we just say baby fever happening in me!! I am so ready to have another baby! I was ready to have another baby when Sophia turned one, heck I was ready when Sophia was 6 months...

We just need to work on my husband feeling the same way mmmkay?!

Prayers are always welcome ;)

jada mae is coming!

Auntie Sandy and cousin Jada Mae are coming for a visit tomorrow!!

That means we pulled out all of Sophia's baby items.

We pulled out the bucket car seat





We pulled out the bumbo





We also set up the playpen with the bassinet and the floor play mat.

Pictures were not taken.

As much as Sophia wanted to play in the bassinet I said no.

Otherwise it would be a broken bassinet and we can't have that!

It will be fun to have a baby in the house again!

Then at the end of the month my sister Gina, Sam and baby Lola will visit!

Yay! Good times ahead!

Christmas

I don't even know where to begin?

Really, I am at a loss for words.

Shocking I know!

Let's just do a picture essay shall we?

I only have a bazillion million pictures to share.

I keep this blog so that down the road I can remember all the good times that we share and do with our precious little girl.

Sometimes I feel I don't do it justice.

I want to write down more but when I have a chance I don't feel inspired or feel the inclination. So my posts may be sporadic or they may come in bunches when the mood strikes.

Sophia keeps me busy especially since she decided sleeping really isn't that cool anymore.

She is talking up a storm. I am amazed daily.

Today when she woke from her nap (a small new years miracle) I went into her room and picked her up out of bed and she hugged me tight and said "thanks mom for my new pillow, it's nice".

My heart melted.

But you wanna know the funny part??

Her pillow isn't new...haha it's her same ol' pillow she's had forever!

Funny little munchkin, how I LOVE you!!

So with no further ado here are some photos of our very magical, full of special memories Christmas!!

The perfect Christmas tree at Auntie Sara and Uncle Dave's house!

My parents flew in on the 21st and we spent our Christmas at Sara and Dave's house in Canmore.

We didn't want to leave. ever.



On Christmas Eve we met Martha the reindeer.

There were five other reindeer there. We let them go since we knew they had a busy night ahead of them!





Sophia and daddy posing in front of the gingerbread house I slaved over (i'm using the sarcasm font)





Having fun with Grampa Bob one morning!



Perfect storybook frozen pond ice skating was had (minus any real skates)











Sugar cookies and gingerbread were decorated...



'Christmas present mountain' was climbed and conquered!







Enter Christmas morning...

Boom! Hello new indoor cutest play house ever!



Even Grampa Bob likes it!



Princess Sophia complete with tiara!



Meet Ariel.

Ariel now goes everywhere with her!

She trades between Ariel and her Strawberry Shortcake doll. Ahh it's fun to be a girl!



Christmas evening outfit.

Mommy forgot to fix my hair, oh wait, no I just wouldn't let her...



Let the feasting begin!!



Thank you Auntie Sara for hosting us at Christmas! It was truly awesome!

And a big shout out to my parents who spoiled me with kindness and generosity! I love you all so much!!


More to come soon!

We spent the next few days after Christmas at Chris' parents house in scenic Kimberley BC!

Lots of great times including Sophia's first time tobogganing and friendly deer everywhere you look!

So much fun!!