May 2-4 Camping and Weekend

We had such a good May 2-4 weekend. It makes it so much more enjoyable when the weather is nice! We had been planning our annual camping trip over the long weekend with Al and Steph for a while. This year, we only did 1 night where as usually we go for 2 nights of the weekend. We thought 1 night is actually very adventurous with 8 month Logan plus the other 3 and 1 year old kiddos in the same trailer! New parents living on the edge... Our plans were made for the Saturday night so I spent Friday night hitting up food and drink stores after my gym classes and we headed up Saturday morning after Logan's morning nap!

We actually have the cutest camper in the world. Logan was so excited to be in the go pod when we first got there and played for a bit/stared at Colton and Chase play or a bit when we first arrived. It was a lot to take in for an 8 month old. He loves being outside and he loves watching toddlers/older kids playing. So this was jackpot for Logan. He was instantly entertained.

We camped at the Pittock conservation area in Woodstock this year. I was surprised how nice it was. Our campsite was right along the water and lined with trees just before the water!

We finally got the baby seat for the bike all ready to go for Aleksys bike and brought it camping with us. There is 1 baby helmet available at good ol Canadian tire and both Logan and his buddy Chase have the same one. How cute are these 2? All ready for a bike ride almost immediately after we arrived. Colton was dying to ride his bike. He has a 2 wheeler with no peddles and just scoots around faster than anything you would imagine with his legs! He's the bravest kid ever too... no fear on that bike!

This was Logan's first time on the back of the bike in his seat. With Logan, we never really know what hes going to like or hate. Its a total gamble. He hated the baby sled like it was torturous. But we were hopeful that this would be successful because we did drop some money on his car seat, the mounting device and helmet. And thank goodness he loved it! So much that we forgot that his bottle was long overdue during the bike ride.

I could buy all the toys out of toys r us and wal mart and Logan would still choose a bowl and spoon or this... his new thing... a shovel. You can see the awesomeness behind our campsite in this picture.

Our friends Chels, Warren and their kids joined us after lunch. We went out for a group walk. As you can see our families have grown significantly over the past 3 years... This is what a ridiculous amount of space we take up! Actually between all our kids (we are cheap contributors) there are the same number of children as adults: 6!

After our walk where Logan was able to get some nap time in, we started up the camp fire and supper. Chicken, hot dogs, and potato and garden salads (my potato salad took a full day to make...). Look at our cute mini campers!

And Colton only fell in the firepit (when there was NO fire!) once!

This was right behind out campsite.. a little trail along the water where we checked out the water with Mr. Logan. It was so easy to entertain Logan during this camping trip... he was happier just being outside and there were new things to see everywhere. Plus his friends love hanging out with him too!

He ended up crashing for the night around 8:30-9pm. He was a little unsettled during the first hour while his buddies also went down and again when we went to bed at 12:30am but he settled himself and for this one night, I also gave him his soother (we stopped giving it at night in April because he would cry for it every half hour). He slept beside me in the pull out bed, while his friend slept in the playpen and his other friend with Steph in bed. The Dads were in the tent with the dog. I still feel like we got the short end of the stick somehow...

Mr. Logan was the first up for the day at 6:45am, but very soon after his friends were also up. All playing together in bed in the morning.. I love this! This is the bed where Logan and I slept! He had the safe corner beside the wall...

After an awesome sausage and egg breakfast, we headed home just when it was nap time for Logan. Even though it was just a 45 minute drive, we didn't want him to be cranky being constarined to his carseat so we planned the drive home with nap time.

And when we got home, we prepared for our Burlington visitors who stayed the night on Sunday: Nikki and Jon Jon. Before they arrived, we were able to sneak some cleaning in, and a neighbourhood bike ride with Logan! The holiday Monday was a gorgeous sunny day. When Nikki and Jon Jon arrived, we went for a walk (where we saw a random block party and also the baby ducks in our neighbourhood pond!) and sat outside while we bbqed supper. Mr. Logan went to bed at his regular 8pm time and we stayed up looking at our old Dominican pictures, reminiscing about our awesome vacation together 4 years ago!

And Monday was Steph's birthday so we went over to see her new place and have birthday pina colodas on her new patio!

May Weekending

This past week has been anywhere from 5 degrees and freezing to 25 degrees and sunny. I try to take advantage when I can. On Friday, my Mom group friends had a girls night planned so my usual Friday night routine of going to my Power Barbell and step classes was a no go. Well... I actually could have made them but I got my hair cut earlier in the day and I didn't want to ruin my hair before going out!

And when you know you don't have to work out, it's sunny out, the baby goes down for a nap at 3pm, and there's a cold beer in the fridge... you crack it and enjoy the sun while you can!

Friday night we went to Forrats in Byron for wine and chocolate fondue. It was weird without the kiddos but so nice to be able to pay attention to full conversations without our little interrupting people! Plus the fondue was so good. I also didn't leave empty handed since they had chocolate covered licorice (I never say no to those), chocolate covered dried mangoes and coconut clusters. All gone by Saturday.

On Saturday, we headed to Kitchener for Maiko's Mario 4th birthday party! There was Mario everywhere... the walkway, the entrance, the living room, dining room... So awesomely decorated And that cake...

Thank goodness Logan was a happy little man the whole time he was there. Although we was a little afraid of the 4 year olds running about at first. After the best food (always at Tabi and Dons), multiple pieces of cake and donuts, we left earlier than we ever have at 8pm. This is a huge life change... usually we are there until midnight or sleeping over and having drinks!

Even 8pm was way late for us.. Logan's usually down by 8-8:30pm. But he went straight to bed when we got home around 9:15pm and woke once in the night. Probably because we changed up his routine and he didn't have his usual, oatmeal, bath, story, bed. He's been really good at sleeping through the night the past month. He sleeps through the night about half the time now!

On Monday morning, we had some visitors at our place. Aleksy's cousin and her little girl Daniella came over and we we took a stroll over to the park... because all 3 year olds love our awesome park!

Logan had some swinging time. This little dude is getting so big that the baby swing is not so big for him anymore!

After spending a good amount of time at the park, we headed home for some lunch (sharing my smoothie love!!) then bubbles outside in the backyard.. oh and some glamour shots!

Amanda brought her amazing camera and took this picture.. my favourite of me and Logan.

And this sweetness... the cousins checking each other out! Between bubbles... the bubbles were more exciting then posing for photos apparently..

And yesterday our not so little goober monster turned 8 months. This is going too fast..

At 8 months this guy has developed such a personality (I didn't know it started so early!). He is a cuddly guy who now gives big wet open mouthed kisses... loves to cuddle/bite my shoulder when he hugs me... and can be quite aggressive... kicking his legs and biting while showing affection (because its such intense love!!).

Logan can sit up on his own since 6 months and now eats bits of muffin, peanut butter and toast, shredded cheese and all pureed veggies and fruits (this guy has been introduced to so many... even papaya!). His favourite in banana, yogurt and applesauce. He says "Heya", "Mamama", "Dadada", and "Bababa"... among other babbles that we pretend are words (or are they?).

His smile is the brightest smile in the world and he's a happier baby with every day that passes (unless his teeth are coming through... then watch out!).

Our favourite is that his exciting face is the face that looks like he's going to eat you... or destroy you. One of the two. We love this little person to pieces!!

Mother's Day as a Mom!

My first Mother's Day was pretty awesome... and busy!

On Friday, I started the weekend off with awesome weather and a downtown walk with a couple friends and their babies. I had to go downtown anyways because I needed to pick up my running shirt and number for my Mother's Day run!

We took a few pictures in the park downtown and I have to share my Logan loving the sunshine in his little sunhat and shorts! Logan isn't phased by the grass at all... bring it on!

We decided that because the Spring blossoms don't last forever that we would have a mini photo session in the park! Got a lot of awesome pictures of us and our cuties.

My Logan and me. After walking the trail toward the Children's Museum (Logan had some cranky in his pants and required the baby carrier for some of the walk. This is what happens when I forget his soother. For the second time!!), we headed back downtown and had some frappucinos outside. Plus they were half price. Score!


As always, my Friday evening consisted of my power barbell class, step class and some wine!

Saturday, we had a baby free evening and Aleksy and I went to supper at the Crossings pub while Auntie Steph watched the goober. Seriously delicious food there... and we had a groupon t make it a deal. It's all about the deals.

We also did A LOT of shopping this weekend!

On Sunday morning, we headed to Springbank park for my 5k run for Ovarian cancer. It started at 10am and we arrived just shortly before. I ran with Aleksy's cousin's wife.. my cousin in law? We did a run together the week before that was over 7 km so we were prepared and smashed the 5k out in half hour (ok... 32 minutes)! A great start to my Mother's Day! I also got a pretty pearl bracelet from my boys.

Aleksy and the goober man were both there to cheer us on and waited at the finish line for us! This is after the race. He was so happy and mesmerized by all the runners.

After a quick change, we then headed to brunch downtown at the Morrisey House with Aleksys family (and it was clearly my day because they were serving breakfast at noon) and right following that we had a turkey dinner back at our house for my Mom. The beauty of having temporary family roommates is that my sister cooked up the turkey and stuffing while we were out all day!

Food & Fitness March & April

These past 2 months have been healthier months for Aleksy and I. The biggest healthful change that happened was we cut out our daily evening ice cream (well it was frozen yogurt... but usually had chocolates in it!) and switched it up for greek yogurt. That was pretty much the only unhealthy thing we ate (during the week... weekends are for treating yourself!), so our diet is now mostly clean! With cutting out these cheating treats, I was able to lose 5 lbs in the last 2 months, which makes it only 6 lbs until my pre-baby weight!

Since we have had so many nice days, we have been able to get out for a couple walks in Springbank park on the weekends. This is one of my favourite things to do as a family. We also bought a bike seat for Logan so we can go on a family bike rides but we are waiting for the attachment part to come in, so Logan will have his first bike ride soon!

I also go to a walking program Tuesday mornings for Moms and babies and this past week we also went to Springbank, which we are making a weekly thing!

Aleksy and I are always consistent gym goers, and our system now is we alternate days and each of us goes 3 times a week! Sometimes on an off day, we'll run because its not quite as time consuming as going to the gym. I have a 5k coming up on Mother's day so the running practice is good!

I have a fitbit. And I love it! This is my weekly stats from last week... I think this was my personal best! 14 thousand average steps per day :)

I haven't got my stats from this week yet but I wonder if they may be even better!

Lots of walks, gym going and runs. Killin it.

My new favourite go-to breakfast or snack is green smoothies! I'm addicted... My fav is mixed fruit (pineapple, strawberries, mangoes and peaches), avocado, kale, spinach, chia seeds and water. Every Day.

It's not all salads (although we eat a lot of salads...). As a weekend treat, I made us chicken fried rice this weekend! So good and mostly clean (we just wouldn't typically eat the brown rice during the week). So delicious and easy.

We also had some cheats this month like cake (multiple times), chocolate, and some meals out (I got sick after the shawarma and wont be eating it again for a long time!)... this is why we look forward to weekends! Also for drinks...

Our Saturday treat! Healthy but still fun with the Guinness cheese and wine!

Some Little Peoples Birthdays

On March 22nd, we welcomed the Webster twins to the world!

2 times the chaos! Mason and Lincoln were actually close to Logan's birth weight at 5lb 3oz and 6 lbs 2 oz. Chelsea makes big, healthy babies! Only 6 months apart from Logan, these guys are going to be best buddies with Logan... they actually don't have a choice because their parents hang out all the time!

I don't know just when my baby got so huge but next to these newborn babies, he's mammoth!

Chelsea and Warren are handling 2 newborns plus a 2 year olds like champs... seriously. Chelsea even takes these guys to Books for Babies as of 3 weeks old. I know some very inspiring people!

And just this weekend, we celebrated Colton's 3rd birthday! This was his homemade Paw Patrol cake... vanilla cake with vanilla pudding in it too... Colton would say "banilla"... not to be confused with banana/vanilla though. Logan partied with his friend but couldn't participate in the cake eating this year. He can next year (although we did give him a taste of ice cream for the first time this weekend.. lime and mango sherbet... just a little).

Colton blowing out his candles.. with his Mom, Dad and brother Chase (only 2 months until another brother or sister! I think sister...).

My Big 3-0 Birthday Weekend

We love Groupon. In my regular Groupon searches, I was looking at the hotel deals back in Feb/March and found that Groupon had some really crazy Niagara deals and so I made a friendly birthday suggestion that the 3 of us spend my birthday weekend in Niagara. Aleksy booked the hotel well in advance so I had lots of time to look forward to my birthday weekend away!

We booked the hotel for Friday night since the deal was way cheaper for a Friday. We got to the hotel about 7pm after stopping at the Zehrs to buy some things for supper and the next day for breakfast (we didn't know breakfast was included!).

Logan was super excited to be in a new hotel environment! This was just after we arrived... Logan with all his toys in the comfy bed. He was so happy in the hotel room!

After we ate our sushi and salad and cracked into the wine/beer, Aleksy brought out my surprise cupcakes! So delish from Hey Cupcake. Red velvet (always my fav) and smores. We had these with champagne for dessert.

This is my monster the next morning. In the bed. Did we plan for Logan to sleep in the bed? No! We had his playpen all set up and put him down a little behind schedule, about 9:30pm (he's usually down by 8:30) and he had a rough time falling asleep and staying asleep. He was up every half hour or so through the night then at 5:30am he was wide eyed awake! So overstimulated by hotel life! So I caved and put him in the bed with pillows around him and slept beside him from 6 to about 7:30am. Anythin for some extra sleep. Thank goodness for 2 beds! Guess he didn't get the memo that it was my birthday!

My monster eating my birthday present!! New running shoes!! After I opened up my present, we headed down for the free continental breakfast (where we were met by about 10 children who also wanted breakfast at the same time), then we got Logan and ourselves ready for a morning swim in the pool! I was really excited for the morning swim... we went to great extremes of packing all the swim gear for us and Logan but then it was sooooo cold. I felt so bad for Logan's shivering that he was only in for about 5 minutes.

After the brief swim, Logan was ready for his morning nap (in his playpen!) so I thought... what better time for a morning birthday beer?

All rested and ready to explore the falls. Due to extended nap times (he had a good nap... exhausted from a bad nights sleep!), we checked out after the 11am time... ooops!

And then we headed to Clifton Hill... Logan was very alert with all the music on the streets and flashy signs!

And Logan's first time at the falls! It was kind of a cloudy day, but luckily the rain/snow waited until we were heading home! It was a bit cold walking around but not as bad as last year when we were in Niagara in February!

Our last stop before heading home was to the Hersheys store. Because it was my birthday and calories don't count on your birthday, I got a delicious milkshake (serious chocolatey goodness) and chocolate AND peanut butter covered pretzels. This makes 30 feel better!

So does all the nice things everyone did for me for the birthday... birthday wine, flowers, lunch, brunch, homemade cake & supper, and today I did some shopping with my birthday money!There was definitely some prolonged celebrating!

Toronto Visits

We have made road trips up to Toronto a few times in the past month!

The first trip we made up was February 20th weekend. Logan, Aleksy and I went to Toronto to visit his sister Alyssa and her partner, Jon. As Logan likes to call them.. Auntie Alyssa an Uncle Jon. We were very clearly guests of honour because Alyssa made us this delicious pie AND an apple crisp! We went for a walk around High Park, got some take out Thai for supper and after Logan went to sleep we stayed up late (that's 1am for us) and played some cards against humanity! We even had blueberry pancakes made for us for breakfast. Logan did great... slept the night with waking just once for his bottle then slept in!

Logan had his very first parent-free overnight with his Nana and Dziadek on a random Tuesday night after Aleksy scored free Leafs tickets at work. Spontaneous even with a baby! We went to Toronto Tuesday March 15th with Aleksys brother and his girlfriend Nicole. We got 4 tickets so they joined us for supper (at a random pub we googled because we didn't want to go to the Loose Moose for the 100th time) and for the game afterward!

The last time we got free tickets to the leafs game, we got the sweetest seats in the 100s. These were nosebleeds in the 300s.. so far away! And the ticket value was still at 100 at piece... so crazy!

I like hockey so I enjoyed the game but I don't love hockey so I would never spend the 100 per ticket plus transportation! And the beer is good but way overpriced (as it always is).

We visited the CN tower for the 100th time too! Such tourists that live 2 hours away!

After the game, a delicious street meat sausage, and the drive home, we didn't get home until close to 1am so we left Logan overnight at his Nana and Dziadeks. When I woke up the next morning, I couldn't wait to go pic him up first thing. He did so well on his overnight too!

I thought I'd show you what I mean by nosebleeds:

We are very lucky... like the Irish to have family to help and Logan had another overnight just a few nights later when we went to Burlington for Nikki and Jon Jon's annual St. Patty's party! This was pre-planned way in advance. We asked for Logan's overnight in February so we could party without having to drink responsibly for Mr. Logan. Although Logan didn't attend the party, he was dressed for it with his green ninja turtles shirt and St. Pat's gear!

It's always a good idea to take the pictures so well into the night... this is probably 5 hours in! My drink of choice was so tasty that night: coconut water and rum with a splash of pineapple.... yum! Like pina colodas without the crazy calories.

Our staying up skills were not quite as good as the other attendees but we did pretty good for us staying up until about 2am! And even though I could of slept in, I woke up at 8am and couldn't get back to sleep :( I was way too excited to get back to London for my baby! (he did well that night too, only waking for his bottle and sleeping in late!)