So, 2014 is nearly over. I would be lying if I said that it was a great year. It was a year of learning, of change, and of growth. I have seen dark days and I have met kindness and caring from strangers. 2014 was a year that I have no desire to repeat. I am looking forward to a new year and all that 2015 will have to offer.
Some highlights of 2014: Seeing Asher develop into a spunky 2 year old with an ever-growing vocabulary, Akira competing in her first gymnastics meet, Isaac gaining independence and getting to ride his bike to and from friends houses, and Simon and I getting to have a mini vacation alone thanks to a very, very generous and kind neighbour. I got a girl's weekend in Bangor to do some shopping. And though it came a little late, we all had a great Christmas.
2014 had it's dark moments as well. I don't want to dwell on the darkness, but simply acknowledge that there was many a dark hour over the year. There still are dark days, but I have a support network that is there to hold me up when I can't stand on my own.
2015 is going to be a good year! Tomorrow morning I will be starting a new lifestyle. I will be doing the whole30. I admit that I am a skeptic when it comes to people's claims that this or that has changed their lives. I have been following a woman on Instagram for over a year and the change has been impressive and lasting. I figure I can do anything for 30 days, right?
I have filled my fridge full of fresh fruits and veggies and we have lots of yummy meat in the fridge and freezer. I was most worried about having to give up my cream in my coffee, so I figured I'd try it black this morning to see if I was going to survive. *shock* After the first swallow, I found that I actually don't mind black coffee. I made my first batch of ghee tonight (it's butter that has been boiled to remove the milk proteins). I am actually looking forward to this new adventure.
I am also planning to get back on the wagon when it comes to exercise. I've been really slack over the last month, which does nothing good for my mental health. I have joined the aquatics centre and will begin swimming. My good friend Andrea has put the bug in my ear about trying to do a sprint distance triathlon. I think it will be fun.... now if someone would just buy me a bike!
So, farewell 2014. I will not miss you. Hello 2015, let's make the best of what we have.
Sunday 28 December 2014
Saturday 6 December 2014
Happy Birthday Asher
Yesterday we celebrated the 2nd birthday of Asher. My amazing, crazy, fun loving little man. He, like all my kids arrived in his own time and not when he was "due". He was actually the earliest of my late babies at only five days overdue. I must admit that after carrying three babies past term, I will never say to another mama "You mean you still haven't had that baby yet?".
Asher may have been late, but when he did decide to arrive he came in a hurry. I was only on labour and delivery for about 30 minutes before he made his entrance. We didn't know his gender before he was born, so it was so exciting to find out that he was a he! We also hadn't settled on a name, but had a list of favourites. Once we saw his little face, we knew he was Asher.
I loved him when he was growing inside of me, but the depth of love that comes in that moment that they place that warm, wet infant on your chest is beyond measure. Asher gave us a glimpse into his impish personality while snuggled on my chest... he decided that my belly was an ideal place to have his first poop. At least I was able to get up to the shower and let Simon have some bonding time.
Every parent worries that a new addition to the family will not be well received by the other siblings. Isaac and Akira accepted Asher with open arms and never looked back. They both love playing with him and teaching him new words (potty humour being at the top of their list to teach him). The bond between Akira and Asher is incredibly strong. He loves snuggling up in sissy's bed while she reads to him. I'm sure the day will come that she is too grown up to want to play with her little brother, but I'm going to soak up the memories until that day arrives.
Asher's arrival made for many changes in our lives. We went back to sleepless nights and the need to care for a tiny human who is completely dependent. It was a time of discovery. I found AppleCheeks cloth diapers and met a whole community of amazing moms. I have watched their children grow, shared their joy, felt their sorrow, and realized we are all a little crazy over fluffy bums.
I am so excited to see what this year will bring for my little man. In the past year he has developed a huge vocabulary, gone from an unsteady, wobbly walk to a full on run, he has developed a love of swimming and is fearless in the pool, he has gone from diapers to big boy underwear, and he has discovered how to use the word NO with great enthusiasm.
Asher is likely my last baby and I am so thankful for him. He is full of life and laughter. I want to cherish every precious moment of being his mom. I don't have many years of feeling the warm weight of him sleeping on my chest and I'm going to soak them up! Happy birthday Asher!!
New Born Pictures with Carla
First birthday pictures with Carla
Happy second birthday buddy!
Welcome to the world Asher Paul
Brothers
First cuddles with Sissy
Asher may have been late, but when he did decide to arrive he came in a hurry. I was only on labour and delivery for about 30 minutes before he made his entrance. We didn't know his gender before he was born, so it was so exciting to find out that he was a he! We also hadn't settled on a name, but had a list of favourites. Once we saw his little face, we knew he was Asher.
I loved him when he was growing inside of me, but the depth of love that comes in that moment that they place that warm, wet infant on your chest is beyond measure. Asher gave us a glimpse into his impish personality while snuggled on my chest... he decided that my belly was an ideal place to have his first poop. At least I was able to get up to the shower and let Simon have some bonding time.
Every parent worries that a new addition to the family will not be well received by the other siblings. Isaac and Akira accepted Asher with open arms and never looked back. They both love playing with him and teaching him new words (potty humour being at the top of their list to teach him). The bond between Akira and Asher is incredibly strong. He loves snuggling up in sissy's bed while she reads to him. I'm sure the day will come that she is too grown up to want to play with her little brother, but I'm going to soak up the memories until that day arrives.
Asher's arrival made for many changes in our lives. We went back to sleepless nights and the need to care for a tiny human who is completely dependent. It was a time of discovery. I found AppleCheeks cloth diapers and met a whole community of amazing moms. I have watched their children grow, shared their joy, felt their sorrow, and realized we are all a little crazy over fluffy bums.
I am so excited to see what this year will bring for my little man. In the past year he has developed a huge vocabulary, gone from an unsteady, wobbly walk to a full on run, he has developed a love of swimming and is fearless in the pool, he has gone from diapers to big boy underwear, and he has discovered how to use the word NO with great enthusiasm.
Asher is likely my last baby and I am so thankful for him. He is full of life and laughter. I want to cherish every precious moment of being his mom. I don't have many years of feeling the warm weight of him sleeping on my chest and I'm going to soak them up! Happy birthday Asher!!
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