We're back....

We're finally back from vacation.  And when I say "finally", I really mean "finally".  Our trip was a little er, interesting.  And when I say "interesting" , I really mean "awful".

We arrived in Florida last Saturday afternoon.  The weather was a little crappy that day so we just bought some groceries and settled into our condo for the evening.  That night around 3am, everyone was awoken by Nathan vomiting everywhere.  He snuck into our bed with a bucket nearby and literally barfed every hour.  The next day it seemed to be easing up a bit so we were all optimistic that this was just a 24 hour bug.  Um, yeah, not so much.  This so called 24 hour bug left him on Thursday....4 and a half days later.  I've never seen someone so little puke and shit so many times in the run of a day.  It was a nightmare.

Oh, and the best part of all of this was that he ever so kindly passed it on to the rest of us.  This meant we couldn't really venture too far from the condo cause most of us needed to be near a toilet at all times.  Fun times.

Anyways, I managed to snap a few pictures of some of our few "happy times" on our trip.

And here are a few of us at the wedding...which was gorgeous by the way...Most of us were sick here, but we're all still smiling:)

So, now we're just waiting for summer to come here in Ontario.  Which by the look of today seems very, very, very far away!!!

Oh well...here's to happier times!!!

5 on Friday / Already on Vacation

Hey everyone!!!  I hope everyone had a great week!  I'm a little late to the game this week so let's get right to it....

ONE:  First and foremost....we're leaving for Florida tomorrow....no, scratch that, we leave for Florida in 5 hours. Vacation has officially started! Only a few short hours until I feel that warm sun on my face and sand in between my toes.  Ahhhhhh...

Today I spent a lot of time doing this.....

The hubs is forcing us all to pack "light"!  #yeahright.  He somehow expects us to fit all of Bennett's clothes and all of my stuff into this one little suitcase #aintgonnahappen.  I'll let ya know how that one turns out. 

TWO:  This week was my 3rd favorite person in the whole wide world's birthday.  haha.  Just joking sweetie pie:)  The old man turned 33 on Tuesday.  Last weekend we celebrated with some friends and waaayyyy too much wine (this seems to be a recurring theme on this blog).  And Tuesday we kept it simple with just us family and pancakes in bed.

THREE:  I spent all day on Thursday suffering from mastitis.  I'll spare all of you non-nursing moms the gory details, but let's just say I felt awful.  I couldn't even make it into work.  Today I'm feeling much better....thank you universe.

FOUR: My husbands family is Jewish so this week we celebrated Passover with them.  It's one of our favorite Jewish holidays and it was so nice this year because Nathan was actually able to participate a little.  And it's always a good time when there's matzah balls and wine to be consumed #sorrynotsorry

FIVE:  This one actually ties in with #1.  In about 40 hours I'll be seeing the rest of my family...aka sister, brother in law and dad!!!  I don't think I'm going to be able to sleep tonight!! #likeakidatchristmas
And I know everyone is equally pumped to see these little faces again!!

 That's it for now....Im not sure how much updating I'll be doing next week but be prepared for picture overload when I return.

Happy Birthday Love

Happy Birthday to the man who makes me smile every single day.

I love you more than you probably know, and I love spending my life with you.

There is no one else I would rather travel with, make memories with, or fight with.

You have given me a wonderful life with 2 beautiful kids  

And I can't wait to celebrate more birthdays with you.

So, happy 33rd birthday old man!!! xxoo

Five on Friday

I can't believe it's Friday already!!!  This week seemed like it went by especially quickly for some reason.  Maybe it's because the weather has actually been "acting" like it's supposed to this time of year.  Or maybe it's because we leave for our Florida vacation in a week and there's still so much left to do (anyone else a procrastinator like myself??)

So, here are my 5 for the week:

ONE:

Can we talk about sleep regression for a minute??  What is it about babies that at 4 months old they feel like they don't have to sleep anymore??  Bennett's nighttime sleep has seriously gone to shit lately.  And yes, I just said shit. It's that bad people.  What used to be a small, super quick, painless night feed has turned into multiple wake-ups and arguments between the hubs and I.  

But, then I actually wake up and see this little face and I can't help but smile.  Until he wakes me up again that is.

Can we also talk about how creepy my kid looks with his eyes still open while he's sleeping??  WTF??

TWO:

I was so kindly reminded today by sister (on her blog that is) that yesterday was National Siblings Day.  Can I just stop for a second and let everyone know that I seriously have the best sister ever.  I really could not ask for anyone better.  Although we live kinda far apart I still consider her one of my best friends.  Oh, and she's an amazing babysitter too which also helps her awesomeness status!!!

THREE

I think I've finally perfected the perfect cookie.  It has seriously taken me about 24 recipes and 5lbs 2 years to come up with a recipe that we all LOVE.  It's not quite as healthy as I was hoping for (but in all seriousness, what perfect cookie ever is?) but it's chewy, soft, yummy and has all the right ingredients.

I'm hoping to share the recipe next week when I bake another batch.

This one, by the way, is the last one.  Scratch that,  it was the last one.

FOUR:

We finally finished Bennett's nursery this week.  The hubs painted these little book shelfs for his bedroom  this week...thank you pinterest for the idea.  We bought these spice racks at ikea over a year ago and finally put them up.  I'm hoping to do a post this week about his nursery so stay tuned.

FIVE:

I have the afternoon off today so I get to go for another run outside.  The weather is 16 degrees celcius...perfect running weather.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!!!

Weekend Recap / Spring is here!

Spring is finally here (hopefully to stay this time) and this weekend we took full advantage.  The weather reached a whopping 12 degrees Celsius (or just over 50 degrees Farinheight) yesterday...it was by far the nicest day so far this year.  And, it just so happened to be a Sunday, our favorite day of the week!!!  It was so nice that we actually woke up this morning looking a little burnt believe it or not!!!

Weekends lately have been fairly low key...mostly just doing family stuff, dinners in etc.  On Saturday we had friends come over for dinner and wine (waaaayyy too much wine might I add).  And Sunday we just spent the entire day outside.  We walked, we played, I ran, and we played some more.  We took Nathan and Bennett to the cutest little rustic playground, complete with a barn that you can actually play in.  I couldn't help but pull out the camera and snap some cute pics of the boys.

I finished this week off with some Jillian Michaels. haha.  I'm really not the "at home work-out DVD type" but I've heard good things about this one.  It's been pretty hard to find time to go to the gym lately now that I'm working more.  And with this new #1800minutechallenge  I decided I needed to up my game a little bit.  Plus I have to be in a bikini in less than 2 weeks so I'll do just about anything to get this "mom body" back into shape. #wishfulthinking

Anyways, that's about it for the recap.  Hope everyone had a nice weekend.  I'm going to try and pick a day each week to try and recap my "mom body transformation".  So stay tuned.

Favorite Newborn photos....

We're a little behind on this, but I finally received the pictures from Bennett's newborn photoshoot.  And let me tell you, they were worth the wait.

Our photographer was Terri from Terri Creechan Photography  and she did an amazing job.  If you know of anyone needing some photos in the Greater Toronto Area I would definitely recommend her.

Warning!!!  Picture overload...I had trouble choosing just a few, so I didn't:)

Wow!!  Can't believe that was over 3 months ago!!!

On another note, I started Erin's #1800minutechallenge today with a spin class.  If you want to sign up or learn a little more about, just click here for details!!  I'll be joining my sister (hopefully) for a weekly recap of our efforts!!!

5 on Friday

I'm so flippin' happy it's finally Friday....minus the fact that I feel like I'm getting a cold and that I have to work tomorrow.  Wait, why am I so happy it's Friday again....???  That's right, I remember...Fridays are my excuse to have an extra bottle glass of wine.  Ah, Fridays I love you:)

Let's recap the week shall we...

ONE:  Where the heck is spring??  Like seriously...it's getting ridiculous around here.  All of us over here at "Eye Love you" are getting a bad case of cabin fever.  I'm so sick of hats, mitts, boots, winter coats, blankets, snow pants etc etc.  I can't wait to throw on a pair of flip-flops and sunscreen for the kiddos and off we go!!!

TWO:  This week I finally decided to pamper myself and get a mani / pedi.  Truthfully, I needed an hour away from the kiddos to just relax and enjoy a hot latte in peace and quiet.   Seriously folks, pure heaven.  I'm thinking of making this some sort of tradition...anyone with me??

THREE:   Spring cleaning has officially begun (even though there's no real spring yet).  We've already completed the kitchen and laundry room.  Now, we just need some warmer weather to open all the windows and let that fresh spring smell inside.

FOUR: I signed up for Erin's 1800 minute challenge today...so, for 2 months I'm fully committing to working out for 1800 minutes total.  #forreal #IhopeIdon'tfail.  But in all seriousness, this is exactly what I needed to step up my fitness level and get this post-baby body back into shape before bikini season.  I'm determined to look like I did pre-baby!!  #ain'tgonnahappenmama  

FIVE: These two little guys.  Can we just talk about how cute they are for a minute??  Okay, now that we're done talking about that, let's talk about how sick they are right now, shall we??  It sucks.  Blows. And I can't wait for them to be better.  Oh, and for spring to come too!!!! 

That's it for now folks:) 

5 'must have' products every new mom should own...

Now that Bennett has passed the 3 month mark (otherwise known as the 4th trimester), I've quickly learned how to adapt on very little sleep.  Although Bennett is an excellent little sleeper, there are nights that I am still up multiple times to either tend to the toddler or feed the babe.

I remember when I first brought Nathan home from the hospital, exhausted, overwhelmed, and hormonal you wonder if you are ever going to feel like your old self again.  And then you get a little glimpse of yourself in the mirror one day and you convince yourself that you will never look like your old self again either.

For me, it took a good 3-4 weeks the first time around to feel somewhat normal again and I think a little part of this had to do with making me look like my old self again.

So here are some necessities I've used to make me look and feel like my former childless self (well, at least a remanent of).

1. Dry Shampoo.  This one really is essential.  A lot of days after I first brought Nathan home I hardly had time to shower, let alone wash and blow-dry my thick, curly, hair.  Now, I always try and shower every day to make myself feel normal, but I only get to wash my hair twice per week.  Less if the baby is extra fussy.  I've tried a few different brands but I keep going back to this one by Dove.

2. A moisturizer, primer, foundation all-in-one product.  My favorite is Smashbox's BB cream.  You will be amazed at how well this product can help with those sleepless nights.  Your skin is likely dehydrated (hello, breastfeeding every 2 hours) and pale and this product will just give it that extra little bit of help it needs (all in one easy step...bonus!!).  Plus there's an added sunscreen as well....quadruple bonus!!

3. A good concealer.  This one relates to #2.  You will be shocked at how puffy and dark your under eye area will look after a few weeks with little to no sleep.  I'm really liking this concealer by Dior.  It's hydrating with just the right amount of coverage.  If I also need a little brightening I turn to touche eclat.  Pricy, but it works.

4. A good blush.  I chose this one because it can also act as a lip gloss as well as a blush.  It's creamy and dewy and just perfect.  My favorite is Orgasm (isn't everyone's??).  Throw this in the diaper bag and you're good to go.

5. A good undereye cream.  More help in the eye area (trust me on this one).  I don't typically use an eye cream on a daily basis, but this one is just perfect.  It helps with puffiness, it's anti-aging (not that I need anti-aging or anything.... #yeahright), and this particular one is brightening.  This takes 2 seconds to slap it on in the mornings and it works.

I hope these help someone else navigate through the those first few months of parenthood!!!!

3 Month update - Bennett

Here we are again, and I'm only a few days late with this one...I think I'm getting a little better about this whole blogging thing (it's only taken 2 years)!!!

It's crazy to think that 2 1/2 years ago I was writing a 3 month update about Nathan...crazy!!!

So, where to begin....

This month has been just as easy as the others...maybe even more so.  You are still a complete joy to be around.  Everyone you meet completely gushes over you and how good you are (well, except your baba but what does she know anyways...kidding).

Stats
No stats since your 2 month visit.  I'm guessing you weigh 16lbs or more by now.  You're a chunky guy, just like your brother.
Still in size 2 diapers.
Wearing 3-6 month clothes although you're starting to wear some 6-9 month stuff lately.

Sleep
This month we implemented an actual bedtime instead of just keeping you with us until we go to bed.  Most nights you are asleep by 8:00.  Since evenings are still your fussy time and also the the time when you least like sleeping, I've been developing a bad habit of nursing you to sleep.  This will probably come back to bite me in the ass but as of right now it's the easiest (and fastest) way to knock you out.

We still swaddle you and turn on your sleep sheep every night.  You still sleep in your pack and play next to us.  Mama likes it this way at 4:00am.

Usually once you're asleep you wake between 3:00 and 5:00am for a quick feed and then you go right back down.  I'm literally only awake for 15-20 minutes max and I honestly don't even mind the wake-up one little bit.  Then you sleep again until around 7:00 when you're up for the day.

Usually you take one long nap per day (3ish hours).  There are usually at least 2-3 others in there that typically last for about 45  minutes.  Still no set schedule yet, which is fine by me.

Eating
We're still nursing and it's going great.  You're starting to go longer in between feeds.  Most times now you feed every 3 hours; sometimes sooner if you're fussy and you won't settle.  For those new moms out there...boob in mouth always works. trust me.

I hate pumping so I'm only doing it when absolutely necessary.  I started working a day and a half this month so unfortunately we've had to give you some bottles (And apparently you've made it very clear that you like your milk straight from the tap. thank.you.very.much).

Likes and Dislikes
Still loving your swing.  You still have a love / hate relationship with being swaddled...understandably so.

This month you discovered that you love eating your hands.  Any chance you get those pudgy little fingers go directly in your mouth. #nomnom

Most of our "photo shoot" actually looked like this...

Bath time is now a big hit...especially when it's when your brother.  Speaking of, you LOVE your big brother.  We catch you staring at him just smiling away.  And I know he feels the same way about you too.  You already have a special relationship that will just continue to get stronger with time.

You still dislike evenings.  You are not a fan of bottles, although you will take them reluctantly.

You dislike loud noises.  Your eyes widen about 2 full inches when your brother runs around the house screaming.  

You also dislike tummy time but after looking back on pictures of Nathan at this age we realized that you're a little behind...so we're forcing you to like it.

Others
For some reason you've been giving your baba (grandmother) a hard time and have been acting like a little cranky pants for her.  I think you just really miss your mommy when she's at work though (just a hunch).

We heard your first almost-giggle this month.  Sounds more like a "huh-huh" rather than a laugh but it is absolutely adorable.

Bennett, we all absolutely adore you and it seems hard to picture a time when you weren't around.  You've already made such an impact in your short little life and I can't wait to watch you grow (but not too fast please).
XO

A green recipe...in honor of St. Paddy's day

Since I'm quite old now and not indulging in green beer today, I still wanted to be a little festive and whip up a different kind of green drink.  This drink is perfectly healthy and won't leave you with a hangover the next morning (don't be fooled though, it's is not nearly as fun as green beer).

Most of you by now have either tried or seen a green smoothie but I thought I'd share my own take on how I make it.  Unfortunately a lot of the recipes I see around the net while healthy, are actually packed with extra calories and act more like a meal replacement rather than an afternoon beverage.  So here's one you can enjoy guilt free without giving up your dinner.

Here's all you will need.....

First I add 3/4 - 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk.  This particular one by silk is flavored with vanilla but still only has 35 calories for 1 cup.  

Next I add 2 huge handfuls of spinach and / or kale, whatever I usually have in the fridge at the time.  The blender is usually 3/4 full at this time.  Then I blend the mixture until the spinach / kale is nice and smooth.  

Next I'll throw in a 1/2 a banana (either fresh or frozen) and blend.  Then I'll throw in about a 1/2 cup of frozen fruit.  Again, whatever I have in the freezer at that time.  Today I used mango pieces.  The frozen fruit helps make the smoothie extra cold and a little creamier. 

Lastly I throw in about a scoop of protein powder and either flax or chia seeds for extra fiber and omega 3's.

Depending on the fruit you use, this smoothie probably has less than 200 calories total.  It's 100% healthy and very delicious!!!

Enjoy!!!