Have you been watching Olive Us TV?

It's the cutest! Here's a little movie they made of their youngest on how to be 2 years old. (They have 6 children!)

How To Be 2 from Olive Us on Vimeo.



If you want to see more of their movies go to Oliveus.tv. 

You'll get lost for hours! I know Gemma and I did!

Love and Hugs

Gemma is three months old!

Here's our funny little Christmas girl!

Giving me one of those cheeky sideways smiles like her Daddy

Our Gemma-roo-roo is all grown up! I am pround to announce on Sunday night she slept 6.5 hours in her bassinet from 11pm to 5:30am!!! What a rockstar! I don't care if the next night she only slept 2 hours and last night only 4 hours. She's got to be on a roll right? Or am I kidding myself?!

Her smiles are getting bigger and bigger. She now opens her whole mouth wide and wiggles her tongue at me. And then I eat her! No just joking, but yes I do want to eat her.

She's jibber jabbering and it's the sweetest thing. Sometimes I leave her in bed in the morning to go get my coffee and she is talking so loud to herself I can hear her in the kitchen!

I'm starting to feel drained from breastfeeding and have been considering transitioning to formula. Then I read about ear infections and colds and all the natural antibodies I am passing on to her through my milk and I stop thinking that way. Then I see a bottle of wine and my bed and I start thinking the other way again....

We're on our way to France in a week and a half and so excited to introduce Gemma to her Frenchie family. The little ones are so excited and see her on Skype every weekend and keep asking WHEN? when is she coming already!

Merry early Christmas everyone!

Love and Hugs

Me and my brother

So I saw this video this morning and it totally reminded me of growing up with my brother. I guess its on my mind all the time becuase he just had a baby boy a few months ago that looks just like him. When I hold him I feel so much love and I get lost and then think "wait, what! I'm 33 years old holding my infant brother!" Oh okay no it's my nephew Will! Whoa!

Has any other Auntie out there felt that before too?

Anyways here's the awesome funny 4 year old dancing video that makes me miss hanging with my brother dancing to Micheal Jackson on 8 track in the living room. Ryan would wear his pleather red zipper Micheal vest and I had a cool white crinoline Madonna skirt and we would seriously rock out man!

Source: NYC Taught Me

Happy Friday party people!

Love and Hugs!

Be- 36 weeks pregnant

So we have officially entered the stretchy pants portion of the pregnancy. With 4 more weeks to go there are no pants in the house that fit except for this above comfy ugly pair and my "fancy" pair which are tighter and knee length, ooooooh I know!

A few other things that have been happening:
-The baby is growing and moving and causing lots of awesome weird side cramps and shooting pains in my pelvis.
-We had our baby shower and it was a hoot! Friends came from far away and my sister in law rocked the house as the super host. We are truly blessed!
- Hormone mood swings are back in full effect with crying and irrational behavior and cravings for coca cola. Fun times!
-Sleeping is weird, walking is weird, everything is weird! I can't wait till next week when I can start eating hot peppers by the boat load and jumping on trampolines to get this kid out of me!

Love and Hugs

Be- 34 weeks pregnant

Hi my friends! Here's the ole bumpa lump at 34 weeks! It seems to really have popped out in the last week as the baby makes a major growth spurt! Here's a few things that have been happening:

-We had our final ultrasound that confirmed the placenta has moved off my cervix and we can safely birth at home.
- The midwife says the baby is measuring at a perfect pace and she is already facing down locked in my pelvis ready for takeoff! Yikes!
- Milk has been leaking out of my boobies. Wierd and kinda scary. Actually sorta glad it's happening early so I can get used to seeing it a little at a time until the flood gates open.
- I've gained 26 pounds to date and am officially over the recommended weight gain for my BMI during pregnancy by 1 pound. Apparently I am set to gain 1 pound per week in the last little bit of pregnancy so that kinda sucks. Maybe I should have laid off the ice cream?! Too late now! Mauhahahahhahaha!
-Hormonal surges come and go but it's the tiredness that is really taking over right now. So far I have been waking up at 9am and then am back in bed twice during the day for 3 hours naps. This is good right? Cause once the baby is here I will never sleep again? Ever?

I love you guys. I am off to try and finish the nursery so I can take pics and show you soon!

Love and Hugs

Be- 31 weeks pregnant

Hi guys! Here's the belly on our 1st wedding anniversary last friday all dressed up for dinner. She cleans up well don't cha think? ;)

What's been happening in the last little bit:

-We just moved into our new place and got internet finally so I am back in the loop my friends! Also means lots of house projects are on the go and needed to get completed before the butterball arrives. And at 7months pregnant that can be friggin exhausting. Good thing I've got a great team of Husband, Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister in law, nephew and doggie to help out.
- Being pregnant during Ontario summer heat waves is making me seriously begging the baby to come early. Not too early but earlier you know what I mean girls? I'm eating 14 popsicles a day at this point. Where's my good ole fashioned Nova Scotian non-summer when I need it!
- Got a proper pregnancy pillow called the Leachco Snoogle. Whatever dumb name, the thing works! However Vince is less than impressed, he said I whacked him in the head with it yesterday in the middle of the night. HA!
-Listening to my birth affirmations on repeat these days. My favs are, "My mind and body are calm" (yeah right!) & "I put all fear aside as I prepare for the birth of my baby" (Geeze I wish!) & "I surrender my birthing to my body and my baby" (What the?!) . We'll see how well those work when I am in over controller/panic stricken lady mode! Hoping for a miricale over here!

Love and Hugs my dearest friends! I miss and love you deeply!

The Man is here.

Check him out! Seriously breaking my heart!

My nephew William Maxwell Dodge-Vernon was born June 07th at 10:31 am and weighed 8 pounds 0 ounces. He's a tall babe at 21 inches long and it's an understatment to say we are all head over heels in love.

Britt and Will didn't mess around and were in labour overnight at home and then 1 hour at the hospital before he arrived!

Holy crap I know. Ok go ahead gush away, we're used to it! 

Love and Hugs

Be- 26 weeks pregnant

Sorry for the late post you guys. I'm not loving this picture and have been trying in vain to get another one done but real life is getting in the way. Anyways it's not that bad if I don't blow it up to big on the screen! ;) (Holy boobies!)

I'm feeling extra preggo over here and it's sorta gross but mostly awesome. I can feel the baby moving quite a lot but that also means I feel her putting pressure on organs in there which is umcomfortable. I have also noticed walking is becoming a problem in the last few days. I feel like my tank is almost empty you know what I mean?

Other than that and a weird burning sesation in my lower uterus everything is great. Saw the midwife yesterday and she listened to the heartbeat with a fetoscope and said the babe has a fast strong heart! My blood pressure is excellent and I am getting closer and closer to having a home birth. Whoohooo!

Now I just need a new bra/underware, my blonde hair back and I will be in tip top shape! 

Love and Hugs

Be- 24 weeks pregnant

We're doing it guys! We made it to 24 weeks already! Did you know this means that the baby is viable? She can now survive outside the womb if delivered prematurely. Of course I seriously hope she stays in there and makes it to full term but after having a miscarriage in the past this comes as really comforting news.

I think I told you that I didn't feel the baby move for a long long time. Then she started moving big time.....and then she stopped, along with my heart. (I was so freaked out!) Thank goodness she started again a few days ago. I think maybe she just swam into the back where I couldn't feel her anymore?

I find my belly shape really changes, some days I feel huge and then somedays I feel scared I am too small. I think it has to do with her movements in there and I am trying to relax about it! Good luck with that!

She is also developing her taste buds this week so I am eating all kids of blue cheese, weird veggies, grains, a few ounces of rosé wine and even some green algae for good measure. Although it seems the only things she likes or jumps for are sweets. On the weekend we had a picnic in Niagara and the baby kicked for the delicious strawberry rhubabrd pie! What are you gonna do? The girl likes what the girls likes. ;)

Bring on the pie!

Love and Hugs

Taste- Tomatoes!!!

Hey kids we are heading out to Niagara on Sunday for Tree and Twigs heirloom tomato seedling sale. Anyone want to join? I know Andrea might be interested....

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Mom and Aunt Jill went last year and said it was a mad rush! Apparently they have a white tomato! What the what! Have you ever seen one of those?

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I am seriously after a yellow/orange one called Big Rainbow. And Vince is requesting tiny sweet cherry ones. What about you? what are your favourites?

Holy man Pinterest watch out, major heirloom tomato recipes Pins coming up! ;)

Love and Hugs

Be- 22 Weeks pregnant

So here it is the Bump I am always convinced is not growing! ;) A few things that have been happening in the last 2 weeks:

1:She moved! Finally! Made me wait till 2 days ago that little bugger but yes I am sure she is alive and kicking in there.
2:Aparently she only moves for chocolate and beer (had 3 non-alcohlic beers and she kicked up a storm). Not a good sign.
3:We have officially entered the extremly baffling world of new baby stuff consumers. The choice and price of gadgets out there you just need to have for a newborn is outrageous, and overwhellming.
4: Names are being narrowed down. A few we like are Gemma, Lucia (Lucie), Sawyer, Millicent, Andie, Aura and Axelle, I wonder which one we're gonna pick!

That's it folks. I am off to work and thankful that it will be over at the end of this month so I can get back to concentrating on my favourite people, YOU!

Love and Hugs

Wear- A Baby Boy!

I know this is a little late in the evening for my Wear Wednesday post but I couldn't resist, my brother Ryan and Britt are having a BOY! Yup that's right folks, I'm gonna be an aunt for the very first time to a little buddy!
Now lets get serious.....what am I going to buy him?

Well he will certainly need this groundhog onesie for his first Feb 2nd, no?

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And he can't go on his many camping trips without looking the part, right?

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I was thinking when the weather turns cold he may like to snuggle in his dogsled onesie.....

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And slip on this comfy crocheted loafers, I mean what little guy wouldn't love a pair of these!

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What do you think? Have you seen any other cute baby boy stuff I should know about as a conserning future Auntie?

Are you an Aunt or Uncle? What did you have to have for your little one? How do you feel about spoilling your niece or nephew? Completley warranted or totally not?

Love and Hugs

Freeforall- Family dinner party

We're heading out to Aunt Ann's tonight for eggplant parmesan and I need to bring something easy and delicious. I'm thinking of the good ole standby of rocket salad with gorgonzola, pears and walnuts.

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This one's got raisins in it which I won't be adding. Actually I think I'll just come up with my own recipe on the spot. Lots of cheese, a little green and some fruit. Sounds good, right?

What are you guys up to this weekend? Any fun plans or is it hibernating season where you're at?

Love and Hugs

Do- Immigrate to Canada

Holy fuck you guys. We are trying to keep all the hair on our heads and love in our marriage as we plug through the immigration procedures to have Vince legally in Canada.

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So that's where we'll be if you are looking for us in the next 8-11 months. URGH!

Trying to think, "rainbows and butterflies, rainbows and butterflies".

Love and Hugs

Taste- Winterlicious

2012 is here and along with it comes the tenth year of Toronto's annual food festival Winterlicious. Torontonians love to complain and this is no exception but personally I think it's great! It runs over Mom's b-day (Feb 7th) and you can get a prix-fixe menu for 25 bucks. What can be bad about that?

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This year Mom picked a locavore bistrot in Bloor West Village called Earth. Unfortunately the service has less than stellar reviews and we're hoping that was then and this year all the kinks will have been worked out. Either way the food sounds delicious and that's what it's all about. Check out the menu.

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$25 Dinner plus taxes and gratuity

Butternut Squash Consommé
Kohlrabi, sherry oil, fine herbs (vegetarian/local)
or
Romaine Hearts
Local Pecorino aioli, red fife smoked bacon crumb (vegetarian/local)
or
Ontario Game Country Pâté
Cranberry shallot chutney, baby lettuce, crostini (local)
or
Smoked Haddock Tart
Northern Orchards apple, grated hens egg, cornichon emulsion (local)


Wuxi Braised Wellington County Rib
Chili green bean salad, crispy sweet potato (local)
or
Seared Rainbow Trout
Braised chard, black cardamom carrots, Rosehall Run gastrique (local)
or
Spinach Maflada Pasta
Vidalia onion ragout, ricotta salata smoked cherry tomato oil (vegetarian/local)
or
Chicken Fried Mennonite Chicken
Maple yam purée, collard greens, buttermilk gravy (local)


Chocolate Flourless Torte
Cranberry peppercorn coulis (vegetarian)
or
Niagara Apple Crisp
Allspice infused cream (vegetarian/local)
or
Maple Walnut Tart
Smoked sultanas (vegetarian/local)
 

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I'll tell you I'm all over that vidalia onion/ricotta salata pasta and chocolate flourless torte! I mean Come ON!

Can't wait for you birthday Mom!

Do you guys have any foodie events in your town? Anything that gets you through the long dark weeks of Winter?


Love and Hugs

A very raclette New Years

Holy macaroni it's been 10 days since I updated my blog! Yikes you must be super pissed. I'm so sorry but things around here have been nuts! Every morning we get up I'm either heading to my new job or we are going to appointments at the bank and getting SIN cards and health cards and the like. I'm hoping after the New Year things will settle a bit and I can get back here every day.

But for now we are on our way out the door to buy all the fixings for a proper Raclette dinner to ring in the New Year.

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Mom and Dad bought Vince his very own raclette set for Christmas and he can't wait to get at it. Do you think we will be able to find Raclette cheese in Toronto? Hmmmm.

Happy New Years Eve my friends! I miss you guys so much and wish we could all be together tonight. But I hope wherever you are it's full of happiness and love and fun for goodness sakes! 

Love and Hugs

Taste- A festive brownie

I love strawberries, my brother loves brownies, we just moved in together and it's Christmas! What does this call for?

Santa Hat Brownies of course!

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Aren't they the sweetest things you've ever seen? Aunt Ann's Christmas party is on Friday and this recipe is at the top of my list of things to bring. Now all I have to do is figure out how not to eat them all.

 Is there anything extra special you plan on making this season?

Thanks to Daisy for the awesome idea!

Love and Hugs

Freeforall- The Trews!!!

Guess who I'm going to see tonight? That's right kids be jealous cause I will be rocking out to The Trews tonight with my Aunts!
Listen to this and tell me you don't want to be there. I dare you!

 

Or this one will surely have you swooning with music freddom love baby.



And I can't wait to hear this one live.



Oh man this one makes me miss Nova Scotia music so bad! I love you my dear home, your sound makes me cry.




So that's my Friday night, what about you?


Love and Hugs

Do- Christmas party fever!

Do you guys have it? This year is a little over the top with invites and especially this weekend. Holy moly it's nuts! Last Sunday we were invited to a Christmas open house at Alison Ann and Jack's house and it was just lovely!

Alison is my Mom's coworker's sister. Both her and her sister are fond of octopuses and so am I! She is also an artist so needless to say there were a lot of funny felted and knited Octopi squiggling through their Christmas tree which made me feel right at home!

They are also vegetarians so no worries on the food front for me. They had glazed nuts, blue cheese and sage filo pastries, mini quiches, cheese and crackers and home made meringues and marshmellows!

There were a few special hosts of the kitty kind named Opti and Parka. Opti is normally a very shy fellow and surprised us all but coming out from under the bed for a visit. Everyone agreed it was a Christmas miracle.

The sisters were enjoying East Dell pinot grigio which was fitting because....

They hail from Windsor Ontario! Well not Niagara and not even close but you know!

Thanks so much Allison and her lovely other half, we had such a great time at your gathering and felt so blessed to be invited!

Now tell me girls what great Holiday shindigs are you invited to this season? And if you need a little inspiration for what to wear I've got you covered right here!

Have fun sillies!

Love and Hugs

Freeforall- Holiday Hangover

Whoa I'm hungover. My cousin and parents came over for dinner last night and we had a great time! Maybe too great of a time acutally because this morning I woke up shaky, tired and nauseous. It got me thinking about all the open houses and Christmas drinks coming up and how to handle it all.

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Joanna from A Cup of Jo reccomends eating a piece of burt toast and a big glass of water before you to go to bed to soak up the toxins. She also says massaging the reflexology point on your foot related to the liver helps too. Have you ever tried that before?

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Alicia from The Kind Life has a hangover tea she swears solves all your over-partying problems. It's got kukicha, an umeboshi plum and soya sauce in it. 

And then there's Gwyneth who advises a cold shower then sauna and bucket loads of green tea. I don't know about that I mean do I really have to build a sauna room to cope with my drinking? Geesh!

So please share my dear friends, what do you do to wake up feeling chipper and fresh after a long night of Holiday revelry?

Love and Hugs