SNOW!!!

We don't get snow very often here on the west coast, so when we do it's pretty exciting.  We've been hearing rumours the last few months that this winter is supposed to be particularly cold and snowy and to us snow in November proves those rumours are true! 

This was taken before breakfast.  

Sofia was too excited to wait so she dressed herself and went out in the backyard to play.

Maizies first time playing in the snow while walking.

She experienced snow as a 4 month old but this was an entirely new experience for her.

Beautiful girl.

Daredevil girl.

The slide

and the crash!

Sofia taking Maizie for a walk.

My beautiful girls!

Maizie is an absolute trooper in the snow.  She couldn't get enough of sliding down and got frustrated when she had to wait for her turn on the sled.  A few times she flopped onto her belly and pushed herself down the hill backwards like a seal.  Whenever she fell off the sled she'd just get herself back up and wait for Grant or I to come carry her back up the hill.  She never once whimpered or cried.  When she was cold, done, and wanted to go inside she'd just quietly start walking home.

Sofia loves the snow and couldn't get enough of it!  The snow melted Thursday and she's asked me every day since then (it's Sunday today) if we can go sledding.  I'm so excited for her that our first snow was so early in the season because I'm sure that there will be lots more.

We are so luck to live on a street with a "private" hill at the end of it.  About 4 doors away from our house is an open space with a graduated hill.  The graduated part allows for small kids and pregnant mothers to walk up easily!  Grant bought me a new pair of snow pants at the end of last year that have suspenders.  They already don't do up but because of the suspenders I should be able to wear them all winter and not miss out on any fun with my girls.  Also when I was about 12 my Dad took my brother and I skiing at Blue Mountain in Ontario.  I wasn't wearing a proper jacket and I was frozen so my Dad took me into the pro-shop and spent way too much money on a proper Columbia ski coat for me.  At the age of 32 I still own that coat and have worn it every year!  There is some room in it still and I am hopeful that I will be able to do it up all winter.  I guess I'm still getting his money worth for it!

20 weeks

How far along: 20 weeks

Weight: 166lbs (up 11) 

Sleep: Great.  Maizies' pregnancy taught me how to sleep on my side and I've blissfully been curled up comfortably. 

Energy: Not too shabby for a pregnant mother of two!  I returned to work last week on a casual basis last week and I'll be working evenings and weekends as long as I can.  I'm thinking this is going to zap my energy but in order to combat it I've been trying to eat less sugar, eat more protein, and drink more water.  

Movement: FINALLY!!  I'd say it started about 19w4d.  It is such a relief to finally be able to feel this little person bumping around.  Most times I can feel it I start grinning like a big ol' goof!

Feeling: Excited and nervous.  Excited because we had the ultrasound last week and the baby looks good, is measuring right, has all the correct anatomical features, etc.  Nervous because every once and a while I stop to take a breath and look around and I remember that I am soon to be the mother of 3 kids 4 and under!

What I miss: Sleeping on my back.  Maizie is teething and one thing that seems to comfort her at night is to sleep on my belly.  With me having to sleep on my side she and I are having to learn a new way for her to find comfort.  I know it will happen but it's harder because we're both tired and she's already so upset.

Food cravings: No cravings.  I'm still loving all comfort foods and having been making big pots of soup every week.  

Food aversions: Nothing that we eat is turning me off. I guess that's because I'm the chief cook and I plan the menus!

Story: I worked my first evening shift last night and wore a very big shirt on purpose to try to hide my belly.  EVERYONE noticed, old friends greeted me with a screech and new people that I was introducing myself to questioned me on returning from mat leave pregnant.  When I was 8.5 months pregnant with Maizie and wearing fitted maternity clothes I had people asking me gingerly if I was pregnant! 
I've been told that you "pop" quicker with your second and that was definitely true for me.  18 weeks to 20 weeks what a HUGE change!  

3.5 years old!

Today my oldest is 3.5 years old.  It's so amazing watching her grow and learn.  Today I got her to help me make mini muffins.  She really did a great job.  I have a long way to go in the patiences department but I did really good too.  I seem to have developed a belief from some where that my way is the right way and I have trouble letting things go.  I also have realized that although I could do something 20 times quicker by myself the smile and joy on my daughters face is so worth me biting my tongue!  I'm looking forward to a long winter of having Sofia help me in the kitchen.

Grant and Maizie went to the store this afternoon to buy half a cake for Sofia.  After a very interesting version of "Half-y Birthday to You" sung by Daddy, Sofia serenaded us with "Happy Birthday to me".