It all happens at once!

Sorry for the lack of posts folks.  I've been busy with our 8 month old little man.  Thomas is pulling himself up to a standing position on any object he can get his hands on - walls, sofa, chairs, the oven drawer (luckily our oven never heats up on the outside and I never let him near it when it's on anyways!), etc! While I was making my coffee this morning he snuck off to the hallway where I caught him standing at the bottom of the stairs trying to get his knee up on the first step.  Seriously!!  He's not quite tall enough to hike it up there yet but I know it's only a matter of time.  It's absolutely insane how quickly he's growing and learning.  I love every minute of it but also find myself looking at his baby pictures (I realize he's still technically a baby but he's just so big!) admiring how tiny and immobile he was.  ;-)

He started eating Cheerios last week.  The pictures below are his first attempts at picking up the cheerio and eating it.  He chews with his mouth open and lets the drool poor out.  It's funny to watch.  Afterwards he's quite proud of himself and constantly wants more.  I don't think he would ever fill up on them.  Right now he favours the cheerios over everything!  I still manage to get the minimum amount of formula (17oz) in his every day but the amount oat/rice cereal is decreasing each day.  No idea how to get him to eat more of it like the doc says to.  Any suggestions?

We have a basket of toys in the living room to keep us organized.  Thomas loves to use it as a standing prop.  One day last week he realized he might be strong enough to pull it over.  It was a great surprise to him when all the toys fell out of it.  Here he is having a lot of fun!  He would pick up each of the toys giving it a bit of a chew and then moving onto the next.  An hour of fun. :)  

A friend of mine introduced me to a walking path just north of us in Kleinburg.  There is a sweet little town centre with shops, ice cream and a new Starbucks.  SIL and I took the kiddies on Tuesday afternoon for a little stroll (it's mostly easy going except for the massive hill that takes only about 4 minutes to walk up but makes your but and legs burn with fire).  Starbucks is a great treat to help us push through and Thomas loves to people watch so it was the perfect spot to relax.  Here he is standing along the bench shuffling his way to the end quite quickly.  I think he'll be walking quickly because he loves to practice standing on his own.  He'll take one hand off the object he's balancing on and then the other.  So far the longest count is three seconds standing on his own.  :) 

I seriously need a little botox help with my forehead.  Every time I see it in photos I cringe.  

I'm off to get a hair cut (my second in 8 months).  I finally bit the bullet.  I've been delaying it for the sake of saving a bit of money. My stylist in Toronto is amazing but also very expensive.  His rates have gone up every year since I started going to the salon 9 years ago.  So, instead of hiking it downtown I'm trying a new salon here in Woodbridge.  Will let you know how it goes.  I'm a little nervous but really shouldn't be because my hair isn't that complicated.  

xo

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Update:

My hair cut turned out really well!!  I love the new salon and will definitely be going back.  :) 

Fall Outfit

Now that the cool weather is here, I'm ready to shop for fall.  To bad my 'mat leave' status and bank accounts say the opposite.  For now, I'll just browse or have fun putting together outfits on Polyvore.

Thank you Baby Einstein

I wouldn't be writing this post if it weren't for the Baby Einstein DVD's.  I try to avoid Thomas watching TV but after an hour and a half of me entertaining him he was bored of me and needed something else.  What else can you do with an eight month old??  We have played with his toys, crawled around the house, explored the garden, changed diapers, ate baby crackers, drank a bottle and opened and closed cupboards.  Any other ideas are welcome.  :)

Not only do I have a crawler on my hands but also an explorer.  Thomas can now open cupboard doors and balance himself along the ottoman.  He hasn't quite mastered pulling himself up to the ottoman but I know this is only days away.  Does it really happen so fast???  It's incredible to watch him learn all of these new abilities.

Here he is standing with the help of the ottoman.  Our little man is growing up to fast.  (Excuse the bad photos.  Our camera isn't very good indoors.)

At his favourite spot in the living room.  He loves to open the doors of our cabinet where we house all the TV components.

 Watching his movie.

Off to make dinner - whatever that will be.  xo

We have a crawler!

Thomas is a busy little man now that he's mobile.  I now understand what parents have been telling me for the last year.  Crawling babies makes for a very busy household!  Gone are the days of watching a show while he plays on his mat.  I might as well get rid of the mat we bought for him to play on as he's rarely on it now.  He's been exploring the first floor from the front door straight to the back door.  Stopping to visit all the floor vents and along the way.  Luckily he hasn't noticed the stairs... Yet!  We still need to purchase gates.  Any recommendations???

Oh lord, my baby is growing up!  Thomas will be eight months on Saturday.   EIGHT MONTHS!!!!  I've loved every minute of our time together - even those late night feedings and sleepless nights.  He is the most amazing person I know.  We are incredibly blessed.

Once I figure out how to get the video uploaded you'll get to see the little man in action.  Until then check out my love bug waiting for his momma after a nap.  Doesn't his little angelic face just melt your heart. Seriously!  He's amazing.  (his eyes look brown here but they are quite blue)

I'll be back again tomorrow.  xo

Dishes

Even though we have a dishwasher (a very good one!) I always find myself washing dishes by hand and then air drying them on the counter with our dish towels underneath.  For the last year, I've been irritated with this process because we always run out of dish towels to dry our hands and they get wet and yucky from sitting on the counter.  Not anymore!  The insanity is over.  I purchased the Simplehuman dish rack from Crate and Barrel and will never look back.

I also decided to treat myself to a new set of dish towels.  Isn't this pattern beautiful!  I love them and since I'm constantly in the kitchen now that we have Thomas I will enjoy them all day long.  :)  Who needs a bouquet of flowers... Kidding!  I will always love flowers.  :)

Springridge Farm

A few days ago Thomas and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon with Aunt Karen and cousins Emma and Sophia at Springridge Farm in Milton.  The farm is full of activities for all ages - strawberry picking, wagon rides, farm tours, animal barn, giant sandbox, shopping for the house, fresh produce and condiments and a lookout point high on the escarpment with a beautiful view all the way to Toronto.  We didn't get up to the lookout point due to the hike up the hill.  One look at it and I said no way!  The stroller wasn't an option and I'm not in good enough shape to hike with Thomas in the baby carrier.  Maybe next time...

Here are a few snap shots of our day.

Karen & Thomas

Miss Sophia

Miss Emma

Karen & her girls

The gang! :)

Thanks girls for such a great afternoon!  I love spending time with you.  xo

High Park Picnic

Yesterday Ryan and I took Thomas down to High Park (our old hood) for a stroll along Bloor West Village and picnic in the park.  It was a great day!  We've tried to do this a few times but have put it off because of the rain or heat.  Yesterday was perfect - a bit of cloud, sun and no rain!

Thomas took his first swing ride and loved it!  He kept looking at the ground smiling, while occasionally looking up at us with a smirk that said 'wow'.  It would be amazing to know what he's thinking.  The video I took isn't the best as I took it vertically.  Apparently it will only play horizontally.  Boo!!!  So you  get photos instead.

After Thomas' swing we sat down at a picnic bench to enjoy the lunch I packed - quinoa salad, hard boiled eggs and our favourite G2 (so healthy and yummy!).  It was the perfect lunch.  Both my guys with me, sitting in our favourite park in our old hood (which I miss VERY much) enjoying the delicious salad and then we are attacked!  Yes, attacked by wasps!  First it was one, two and then their friends were invited.  Let me tell you, we packed up faster than I can type this sentence.  I have never been stung and don't plan on it in this life-time.  Those little buggers are a small pesty fear of mine.  Pathetic... I know.

Here are a few photos of our day at the park.

Penne with Treviso & Goat's Cheese

I've made Giada's road trip penne recipe a few times with great success.  I keep forgetting to take photos but want to share the recipe with you anyways.  It's yuuummmmyyyy!!!!

Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, halved
• 1 pound treviso or radicchio, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 3 packed cups (3 ounces) baby spinach
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt, plus more for seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan
• 1 1/2 cups (11 ounces) goat cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup basil leaves, torn

Directions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water.

In a 12-inch skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlicand cook until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute. Remove the garlic and discard.

Add the treviso, spinach, chicken stock, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the treviso and spinach until wilted, about 6 to 8 minutes.

Add the pasta and Parmesan. Toss well and thin out the sauce with a little pasta water, if needed. Season with salt, to taste.

Transfer the penne to serving bowls. Top each portion with the crumbled goat cheese and garnish with basil before serving.

P90X

Ryan and I have started a program called P90X.  It's a hardcore workout routine that we do at home through a series of DVDs.  It's only day three and my muscles are exhausted!  We both admitted during the first (very intense) workout that we would have quit earlier if we were working out alone.  I'm so excited to be doing this with my hubby.  We'll be able to motivate one another to stay on track and it's active time spent together instead of on the couch eating frozen chocolate chips (they are incredibly yummy!) watching bad TV.

I've found it difficult getting back into pre-baby shape again.  Don't get me wrong.  I was never incredibly toned but I did have more muscle than I do now.  This workout is going to kick my butt.  It's exactly what I need to get fit.  We both want to be able to run around with Thomas as he gets older and not have to give the 'mommy and daddy are tired' excuse.  I also want to be in top shape before we have another child.  Family, don't get your hopes up too soon.  That won't be for a couple of years but we do hope for a second at some point.  Or it might just be me hoping.  Ryan isn't quite ready yet.  Ha!

So that's what Ryan and I are up to this week.  Wish us well and give me any tips you have to keep going through this three month process!

Mommy Tip - Diaper Rash

Thomas had a horrible diaper rash last week.  It started last Sunday and was bleeding by Monday morning.  Every time I wiped his bum he cried out in pain.  I felt horrible for our little man and booked a doctor's appointment pronto for Tuesday morning.  Until then, I browsed online (thank goodness for the web!) and found a few tips.

Air time is very important!  Let the babies bum dry naturally while they play.  I know what all of you moms of boys are thinking!  Yes it is a bit of a game against the pee-pee clock but it's worth it for their sake.  Thomas didn't have any pee accidents.  Unfortunately it was a bit dirtier!  He pooed three times in his crib while we were at home and two times on his blanket in Kingston.  I almost lost my s**t but it all worked out in the end thanks to help from Ryan and my mum.

Another tip was to soak the babies bum in a baking soda bath.  It doesn't say how much to use but you can judge for yourself.  Essentially you want to put enough for there to be a bit of a silky coating on your hands when you test the water. I did this twice a day.

The most amazing tip came from my mums colleagues.  Use cornstarch instead of diaper cream or the useless prescription cream (will get back to that in a minute).  After wiping the babies bottom with a warm wet cloth (avoid harsh wipes) put a thin layer of cornstarch powder on the rash zone.  The diaper should be placed under the bottom to catch any of the excess powder.  Close the diaper up as normal.

This last tip is magical and economical!

The doctor visit on Tuesday morning did nothing to help.  They wrote out a prescription and said goodluck.  The prescription was useless (in my opinion).  It did nothing to soothe or protect the skin from further damage.  I wouldn't recommend it but that is my mommy opinion NOT a medical opinion.

Good luck to the moms battling the diaper rash!

Road Trip!

Thomas and I made our way to Kingston this past weekend to spend time with the family.  I love our trips home and I know Thomas does as well.  His favourite part of being in Kingston must be lunch at the pub with Grampa Mike and hanging out in the backyard with Gran.  Not to mention having a few cuddles with his aunts.  Mum and dads is very relaxing.  The time goes by far too quickly.  Mum and I had a chance to get a bite to eat at my favourite restaurant while Dad watched Thomas.  If you're ever in Kingston then I recommend WoodenHeads.  Order the chicken spring rolls and the Nona Mella pizza. You can't go wrong. Then head on over to White Mountain for the best ice-cream in the world!!  They make the waffle cones from scratch.  It smells heavenly.  I'm craving one now!

You can tell from this photo how much my dad (Grampa Mike) loves his grandson!! They are going to be very close.  Thomas already has joined the men in the garage for beers.  He brings his bottle of milk instead. :)

Ah, one of his favourite ways to pass the time is look up at the trees in the backyard.  Thomas is amazed at the light shining through, the rustling sound of the leaves and all the nature he doesn't get in Toronto.  Ha!

Thomas has began to play a little game we like to call drop and pick-up.  I was washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen while he played in his highchair.  I swear I must have picked up those two toys at least 20 times. He would look at me just as he is in this photo, put his hand to the side of the chair and drop the toy.  It was unbelievable.  Not sure if he's doing this on purpose or if he's just learning...

A little glamour shot of mom and Thomas.

Love this photo!  It captures Thomas completely.  I love you little man!

Aunt Kate and Thomas enjoyed a bit of hang time while I repaired Katie's shoes.  Will need to show you my magical skills at shoe design in another post.

Mum and Dad hosted a family dinner on Sunday for the Pentleton side of the family (mums side).  It was fantastic to see everyone and for them to visit with Thomas.  I wish we all lived closer because I really miss them.  

Unfortunately I didn't get any photos of dinner or any with Aunt Meg.  I'm learning to use the camera more but it's a slow process.    

Love you all and miss you all! xo

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever!

I haven't baked in a long time because I will eat all of what I bake.  However, yesterday I didn't care.  I had a need for chocolate (not unusual)!!  Thanks to Allrecipes.com for the best chocolate chip cookies ever my cravings were fulfilled.  Seriously people, they are the best!  I made 12 very large cookies and froze the rest of the batter for another time - another craving.  


Look at how delicious they look!  Trust me when I say it's pure cookie heaven. :) 

Ingredients

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons hot water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup chopped walnuts

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. Dissolve baking soda in hot water. Add to batter along with salt. Stir in flour, chocolate chips, and nuts. Drop by large spoonfuls onto ungreased pans.
3. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned.

Happy baking! 

A night out with Thomas

Before Thomas was born I was determined to set a routine and get him sleeping through the night as early as possible!  I told everyone I knew about a book (recommended by my friend Jane of triplets - let's be honest, if it worked for her it will work for anyone!) called Twelve Hours of Sleep by Twelve Weeks by Suzy Giordano.  It was a quick 1 hour read and got me on the road to pure sleep bliss!  Thomas began a bedtime routine around 11 weeks and was sleeping through the night (7pm-7am) by 15 weeks.

The entire point to that story is that for the last 3 1/2 months we have had a strict bedtime routine.  Refusing to break it as we love our free time at night and LOVE sleeping through the night.  However, this does prevent us from going anywhere together past 6pm.  Saturday night was the first time we attempted to put Thomas to sleep at a friends house (they hosted a BBQ) and move him to his own bed later in the evening.  It went perfectly!  Thomas was asleep in the playpen by 7pm - as usual.  He started to toss and turn around 10:30pm so we decided it was the perfect opportunity to move him into his carseat and head home. He loved this sleep intermission.  Wide awake and smiling the entire way home!  I was nervous he wouldn't fall asleep again BUT he did! :)

Thanks mom for giving me the push I needed to do this.  We won't make it a habbit but it's good to know he can fall asleep somewhere other than his crib.  Yeah!!

On another note, here is a video of Thomas.  He spends about 20 mintues in this a day and loves every minute of it!!  I try to limit it so he works on his crawling.  The exersaucer is a treat. :)  Sorry about the quality of video.

 
Here is Thomas with his cousin Stella today.  They adore one another.  As soon as we sat them down Thomas reached out to touch Stella.  It was adorable!

That's all for tonight folks.  My internet and computer are very slow so I'll update more tomorrow.  xo

Pinterest

I have discovered Pinterest thanks to my SIL Aaren.  I'm now hooked.  It's a great way to quickly get inspired, find gift ideas and just waste time.  :)  I was quickly browsing on my iphone (the most essential tool in my life) and found a quote that made me laugh really hard!  I can't seem to find it now that I'm on the computer but essential it went like this...

~ At weddings, I'm always poked by older aunts and grandparents saying "you're next".  So I started saying the same to them at funerals. 

It reminded me of one of my sistsers who has a very dry sense of humour that not everyone gets.  Luckily I do and love it.  Don't get me wrong, she would never actually say something so crass!  She would certainly laugh at this though. Love you sis!!   

Can I eat that?

Thomas is all over anything he can get into his mouth - including my toes (a failed attempt).  Here he is taking a bite out of the V8 can.  At least he doesn't mind the veggies!

We swapped the can for a frozen teether.  Just as good in Thomas' eyes.  

Starting solids has been a fun experiment.  Thomas gives everything a chance.  He doesn't immediately spit it out.  He waits until about the 10th spoonful.  At that point he just lets the food fall out of his mouth dripping off his chin and then looks at me with a disgusted 'mom, what was that???!!!' face.  Yesterday we tried chicken, carrots and parsnips.  This is the reaction...

So we switched it up and gave him apples and cereal.  Much better!

Now that he's done eating food he's back eating his fingers and hands.  

'oh Mama I love you!!'

It's up!

I'm back in the blogging world but this time it's about raising my son and life as a family.  Some of you will know me from my original blog White Blossom.  To my new readers, welcome.  I'm Sarah, my husband is Ryan and our baby boy is Thomas.  He is six and a half months old and the cutest little love bug alive!  Love Bug is one of his many nicknames that I know will be short lived because I can't picture Thomas loving them all once he's in school.  But I can have my fun until then. :) 


Follow me along as I write about life as a mom (best job in the world!), what interests me and what Thomas and the family gets up to.  I hope you'll enjoy it.  I know I'll enjoy recording our precious moments of life with Thomas.