KIDS

J'ADORE

PEANUT BUTTER BARS

It's Canada Day long weekend and I thought I would kick it off by trying out the allrecipes.com peanut butter bars recipe for husband. He loves peanut butter! A few of the reviews mentioned they were better than Reese's cups! I will let you know.

 I have no idea what our plans are for the holiday weekend, we will probably just play it by ear. Romilly has been keeping us up, all hours this week which is why I haven't been blogging as much. She may be nocturnal. it is definitely slowing us down. I have used up all my reserve sleep. Last night i sent husband to the spare room to get a few Zzz's so he'll be good for Euan. Family naps are on the agenda for sure! 

Happy Friday! xo

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter or margarine, melted
• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter

  Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together the butter or margarine, graham cracker crumbs, confectioners' sugar, and 1 cup peanut butter until well blended. Press evenly into the bottom of an ungreased 9x13 inch pan.
  2. In a metal bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave, melt the chocolate chips with the peanut butter, stirring occasionally until smooth. Spread over the prepared crust. Refrigerate for at least one hour before cutting into squares.
  
  

I SCREAM

PATIENCE

The hardest thing about being impatient is having to be patient. 

QUOTE OF THE DAY

"Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever."

– Margaret Cho

GO ANDY

ON THE HUNT

We are on the hunt for a great park. Ottawa has some beautiful parks. I'm looking forward to visiting a lot this summer and finding 

"the one."

 Friday was Euan's last Wiggles & Giggles class this term. We celebrated our last day at Tim Horton's with a few friends, it was a great day!

 I had a Mom date with Dawn over the weekend. We lunched at Options jazz lounge while the boys ordered pizza and hung out at the park near our house. Dawn and I sipped on wine, checked out the  golf course views and swapped family gossip... a perfect girls afternoon. 

Romilly is 17 days old today. We are still working on a routine. Breastfeeding all hours is taking some getting used to again. Although I feel like a bit like a zombie this morning, I am so much more confident and overall less stressed with baby two. I've bounced back a lot quicker; after two weeks I am feeling almost back to normal. It might be all the sunshine, but I'm pretty sure the stress in my life for my last pregnancy was the reason it took longer to recover- whatever the reason I'm feeling GREAT! (said like Tony the Tiger) Yesterday, Steve took the kids to the park and washed the car; it was so quiet in the house I wasn't sure if I should shower or nap- nap won and it was bliss. No listening for breathing or feeding, just pure silence which allowed me to have some deep sleep. In the evening, the boys went swimming while Romilly and I enjoyed the poolside sun. 

Happy Monday and Happy first day of Wimbledon L! xoxo 

TOUGH MUDDER

My Sister-in-law is doing the Whistler Tough Mudder challenge tomorrow. 

http://toughmudder.com/video/vancouver-2012/

Tough Mudder events are hardcore 10-12 mile obstacle courses designed by British Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. Only 78% of entrants successfully complete each challenge. With the most innovative courses, 700,000 inspiring participants worldwide to date, and more than $5 million raised for the Wounded Warrior Project, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world. But Tough Mudder is more than an event, it’s a way of thinking. By running a Tough Mudder challenge, you’ll unlock a true sense of accomplishment, have a great time, and discover a camaraderie with your fellow participants that’s experienced all too rarely these days. 

Good luck T- I am super proud of you! Xo 

GREAT CANADIAN LEMONADE

I have been seeing kids lemonade stands around the city all week and now I know why. We stopped to feed Romilly today on our way to the zoo and donated to Standemonium. What a great way to get children involved in philanthropy. Grab your extra change this weekend and keep your eyes peeled for a stand. "Fight children's cancer- one glass at a time."

THROWBACK THURSDAY- BABY C

FROM THE GARDEN

I pulled some rocket and basil from the garden and found a few other ingredients in the fridge and put together this fabulous English Ploughman's feast for our supper last night. I am pretty happy with our first harvest. It's only a tiny garden, nothing grand-great for a first timer like me. Thank goodness for all the rain last week while I was in hospital with Romilly; our poor garden might not have survived otherwise.

FESTIVAL WW

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Not that I'm willing winter back or anything but I've booked us all to Victoria over the Christmas break. I'm super excited that it's all sorted. I love having Steve home on parental, we are catching up on all the admin we let fall behind and the honey do list is getting shorter- I might have to add a few things to it!

STEVE AND ROMILLY- WISE WORDS

Daddy & Romilly

50 Rules for Dads of Daughters

1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.

2. Always be there. Quality time doesn't happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.

3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.

4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.

5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.

6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.

7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.

8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.

9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.

10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.

11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”

12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.

13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.

14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.

15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.

16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.

17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.

18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.

19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.

20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.

21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.

22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.

23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.

24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.

25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.

26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.

27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.

28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.

29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.

30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.

31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.

32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.

33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.

34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.

35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.

36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.

37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.

38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.

39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.

40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.

41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.

42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.

43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.

44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.

45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.

46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.

47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.

49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.

50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink. -Michael  Mitchell

EXTRAODINARY

FATHER'S DAY

My beautiful husband deserved so much more than what I was able to do for him yesterday. I promised him a rain-check... It poured buckets all day. I had planned for a picnic at the Ottawa Arboretum. We ended up having lunch at a local pub and Steve enjoyed a pint of Guinness with his fish & chips. 

I had a friend point out to me yesterday that we are pretty lucky girls- we've both married amazing men- "don't I know it," I said followed up with "it's because we are awesome!" *wink*

Here's a few shots from our Father's Day weekend. xo

I KNOW TODAY IS MONDAY

NECKTIE NAPKINS

I saw this super cool idea on Baby Center Blog for our  Father's Day table setting. We are having a low key & restful weekend here. I am looking forward to getting some spring back in my step-recovery for me is always the hard part.

 Yesterday we all went for a "Sunday drive" just to get out of the house. Whenever I am blue or in need of a pick me up, a long drive around a fabulous neighbourhood cheers me up. I love old homes in established areas with beautiful gardens. In Ottawa there are some really great neighbourhoods and the best part is that they are all new to me! When I lived in Halifax I enjoyed a drive out to Eaglewood in Bedford or all the old houses around Quinpool and Dalhousie. In Victoria it's always Oakbay and Beach Drive. In Bristol we would drive out to Westin Super Mare and I would show Steve the fantastic retirement homes they have along the seaside that we could potentially live out our last days in. 

Have an awesome Father's Day Dads!

THROWBACK THURSDAY- BABY STEVE

SWEET WELLY WEDNESDAY

FOR ROMILLY

Romilly Rose Frances Gillespie,

Thursday June 6, 2013:

I went to my weekly OB appointment without Daddy today because his office was having a golf day Since I love golf I was very supportive of this man day. *wink*  ( he did well but bless him it rained all day. )

I was 3 centimeters dilated and the OB, Dr Thorne said that she expected to see me at the hospital tonight or tomorrow. Lucky for me my doctor was also on call Friday. I spent Thursday night having contractions through the night about 20 minutes apart and kicked your father out of bed - he was enjoying sleep way too much - and I figured one of us should get a good nights rest before dealing with me in labour. In the morning, Daddy made pancakes at 8.  I texted the girls back from playgroup letting them know I would definitely be going today as my contractions were still 15-20 minutes apart. By the end of breakfast the plan had dramatically changed. My contractions were 3 minutes apart; I was scared I wouldn't make it to the hospital and in a lot of pain. We all panicked showered, dressed, dropped Euan off with Marianne and made our supposedly 7 minute journey in rush hour traffic ( of course) to the hospital- It's 12 in rush hour! 

I think I had a pretty standard birth. I was miserable, my usual labour state. I said things like: "don't talk to me," "don't touch me" and "we are never doing this again" - the usual right?  I'm a wimp. I read somewhere that red heads have a low pain tolerance (shhhh, I'm originally strawberry brown :) )  I didn't want to talk or even open my eyes, and silly me rejected the wheel chair on the way in. All I wanted was to go on holiday, aka have an epidural asap! So many questions - just give it to me already. The most amazing nurse (Lorraine) came in to help out my delivery nurse (Cindy) and told me to take shallow small breaths not deep crazy ones- it worked making much it easier to deal with the contractions until I was able to see the anesthesiologist.  Standard me regarding needles - IV wouldn't take! -Cindy had to call another nurse to try. I don't care what anyone says both times I've had an IV it hurt so much I wasn't even bothered by the epidural pain; I was too whiny about my hand and my contractions. 

When I gave birth to your brother in England, they let you dole out your own epidural pain medication with a 'magic' button ( I couldn't feel my legs).  Here they do it for you- better idea! I also found out that the epidural works with gravity so I had to turn over twice to get the full effect.  It took a longer, but in the end I could feel pressure as well as my legs and when to push. 

I was ten centimeters dilated and just waiting for Cindy to finish up lunch and Dr. Thorne to come in. My little girl, you may have taken your sweet time coming but once you decided to come it didn't take long. I asked for the big mirror- I could see your head! I don't know why Daddy thought this was such a big deal if everyone else gets to see including him why couldn't I? It was awesome- the most incredible thing I've ever seen although shocking and a little mortifying to be honest. I know your father didn't want me to have the mirror now. I've asked him about a million questions since- bless him. An hour of pushing, Daddy cut the cord and I had my little baby girl snuggled to my chest. You cried before you were entirely out and Dr.Thorne commented on how lovely your round cheeks were. 

My beauty you are an amazing gift and blessing. We gave you a feminine name, Romilly Rose Frances Gillespie. You were 8.6 lbs and 21 inches heavier and longer than your brother but he came early. Your hair is auburn right now and you have blue eyes. As you will one day know Romilly is a Scottish name and sentimental to us as it is  latin for Mommy's maiden name Walker, Rose is Celtic for flower and Frances is my middle name, my great-grandfather's, grandfather's & fathers name. 

You are doing well other than a little jaundice which takes us back to the hospital daily. You've caught on to breast feeding like a pro and sleeps endless hours. I've only seen you open those beautiful blue eyes a handful of times. Your brother loves you- he's only tried to beat you over the head a few times. *smile* I'm not sure he understands yet but he waved goodnight to you last night on his way to bed. It was the sweetest thing I've ever seen. 

We are doing well getting into the swing of things. Dad is taking 9 months of parental and is already started on his honey do list that I've given him. Most of it is projects for your nursery. Your father seems much more relaxed this time around with his new position of stay at home Dad. 

Outside the standard painful healing process I'm feeling lighter, experienced & blissful. In just shy of a month our  family of 2 will become 3 when your big brother C joins us for the summer- It's going to be awesome!

Romilly Rose you are loved as I always was -until you stop counting.... Mommy

I NEED SOME

 JT in my life...

SPLIT SCREEN

GIVE IT A TRY

I'M IN LOVE

I'm in love with my beautiful little life. We aren't perfect and we have had some bumps along the way but I feel lucky for the blessings we've been given.

I haven't had time to write Romilly's birth story yet. Having a second child is obviously a lot more work. This morning we went back to the birthing unit to get Romilly another blood test for jaundice. (we have to do this every day until her test results improve.)  I'm breast feeding Romilly as much as possible right now to help improve the jaundice. After feeding it's super important to us to spend time with Euan and after that if possible I squeeze in a nap- it's nap time. Yesterday during nap time I filled out Romilly's baby book.. I'll forget the little details if I don't do it now.

We have also been trying to keep up with everyone excited about her arrival. Whoo, exciting times and I'm loving every moment she is a dream. I can't believe it's Monday and I had her Friday afternoon It's already been four days; this makes me very emotional. When you don't get a lot of sleep the days just roll on without you noticing. I'm going to try to soak up every minute with my little bugs.

-Loving life being Christy xx

WHEN

ROMILLY ROSE

BE

GM CHRISTY

I received a good morning reunion text from my Halifax girls this morning. Vanessa visiting NS this week. If I wasn't pregnant I could have joined in the fun. Miss you girls-have a great visit!

WELLY WEDNESDAY- MUST HAVE

A puddle-jumpingly funny book!

Snug slippers, terrific trainers or the perfect pair of party shoes? 

NO! It's wellies that Molly loves. And she loves them so much that she never takes them off. Ever. On the beach, in the bath and even in bed, Molly and her wellies are inseparable and NOTHING'S going to change that . . . or is it?

FRENCH STYLE

One of the movies I watched last weekend during the thunder storm was Bel Ami. My favourite thing about the movie was these gorgeous rooms. I'm attracted to french style rooms right now.

 Robert Patterson plays a social climbing, bloomer-dropping hero at the center of Guy de Maugpassant's 1895 novel-movieline. 

I think I would have liked this movie a lot more if I wasn't with child. I'll say it was bad timing because I can't think of anything bad to say about the acting, there was just a lot of indiscretion.

HUSBAND

This song reminds me of husband.

39

I am 39 weeks and thankful for the beautiful breezy weather we had this week. Having experienced some really hot weather earlier this month I feel sorry for the Ontario Moms due later this summer. 

I know her late entrance will be on me. My husband is super early for everything and with much effort gets me there too. Euan is exactly like him; he came early at 37 weeks. I have a feeling my little lady bug might be more like her Momma when it comes to timing-she will come when she is good and ready or have a little help getting there.  I asked Steve to have a chat with her last night but he is much more communicative with the babies once they are out. I think he feels silly talking to my belly. 

I need to stop being scared about my water breaking and have a date night this week. 

FOR L

"You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm."

– Colette

LET'S HAVE

SMILE

So many of my smiles begin with you.

LOVE THE PEOPLE WHO LOVE YOU

WEEKEND PICTURES

The nursery is looking awesome. Steve painted, hung up crown moulding and put together the crib. It is lovely! I can't wait to buy curtains & accessories for it. We will have plenty of time to finish decorating before she is ready for her own room.

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

LAVENDER LOVE

My mother Valerie used to make little bottles of lavender perfume and sell them in front of her house- LOVE

WELCOME JUNE

Looks like I'm going to have a June baby!

My back is killing me after a long walk in Westboro Village this afternoon.  It's actually been hurting most days since 26 weeks but today it's extra sensitive.  I'm sitting in bed crunching ice chips and smothered in A535 which takes the edge off just a little bit.

After a beautiful day the thunder showers joined us after dinner. I got a chance to plant my lavender in the front garden. My neighbor's Mom Maria came over to help me plant the onions that playgroup Steve gave us. She doesn't think I should be gardening, riding my bike or carrying Euan around at this point and is always shaking her head at me. She often comes over to help me-she is awesome!

Welcome June, I can't wait to see what you have in store for us. xoxo