Family Moments

Bonding with Graggy & Papa at the Lake.

We got to see Baby again last week (25 weeks pregnant), to check on a few things...all is well! Below is a picture of Baby blowing bubbles (we think the bubble might be its hand???)

 Pat has never worn a uniform since Julia arrived, this is her first picture with Policeman Daddy...we taught her how to say "Daddy is the PoePoe!"

 Matching outfits for 2 cute girls!

A Day with Thomas the Train - May 12, 2012

The Hamiltons came to Calgary for the Mother's Day Weekend and we all went to see Thomas the Train at Heritage Park! Gage & Julia had so much fun watching Thomas and got to ride on the train too! On Sunday our husbands (and kids) took us out for a delicious brunch and spoiled us Mommies with wonderful gifts! We had such a great weekend hanging out with good, old friends!

(click on any of the pictures to make them bigger)

 Adorable, priceless little faces!

 On the train

They were done with pictures, especially Gage and wanted some ice cream!

 Playing Choo-choo all day is exhausting!

Baby #2s are on their way: Kirst is due June 21st and I'm due September 1st.

Could they be any cuter together!

Jill came for a visit, us girls talked for hours...the boys watched hockey!

Yummiest Pancakes Ever!

We eat these pancakes a lot! Julia loves pancakes, she thinks cupcakes and muffins are pancakes too!

Banana Pancakes

(makes 10 – 12 pancakes)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 tbsp white sugar

2 tsp baking powder

1 pinch nutmeg

2 pinches cinnamon

¼ tsp salt

1 egg, beaten

1 cup milk

2 tbsp vegetable oil

½ tsp vanilla

2 ripe bananas

(I always add blueberries or strawberries too)

1.     Combine flour, white sugar, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon and salt.

2.     In a separate bowl, mix together egg, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla and bananas.

3.     Stir flour mixture into banana mixture (batter will be lumpy).

4.     Pour or scoop about ¼ cup of batter for each pancake into a pan or griddle, cook until golden brown on both sides.

5.     Serve with fresh strawberries or bananas and maple syrup.

A Convertible for Julia's 2nd Birthday!

Graggy & Papa bought Julia this Mini Cooper for her 2nd Birthday...which is in 4 months!!! They wanted her to be able to enjoy her car through the summer! She hasn't quite figured out how to drive it but she'll get the hang of it...if it ever stops raining!

Happy 11th Birthday Sophie!

 Julia's surprised/excited face!

Daddy shaved his goatee...he looks 10 years younger!

The Amazing Sarra!

Julia and I finally went to visit the Eatons in Cardston, this was the first time Julia met all the kids. She was a little overwhelmed by all the love they showed her at first but quickly got over it and enjoyed all the kids she had to play with! The Eaton children were thoroughly entertained by Julia and that she thinks everything is the colour pink, they must have asked her "What colour is this" about 100 times...."pink" was always the answer!

I had such a nice time with my wonderful friend Sarra, we never get to have quality time together. It was amazing to have uninterrupted conversation after the kids went to bed. Here is a list of some of the reasons I think Sarra is so fabulous and inspiring:
1. She is such a good momma and never seems overwhelmed by all her mommy duties.
2. She has instilled a love of learning, reading and music (and math for Jacob) in her kids!
3. Her children are sensitive, sweet and caring
4. She makes delicious homemade treats
5. She is beyond crafty
6. Her blog is so impressive
7. Her hubby Tim is great
8. She loves Julia
9. Her house is somehow incredibly clean, even though she has 5 kids
10. She makes the most AMAZINGLY, DELICIOUS homemade bread, with wheat she grinds...its seriously to die for!!!

One thing about Sarra that doesn't make me happy: she won't bring her whole family to my house because she's scared they'll destroy it. Even though they are the most respectful kids I have ever met!

Baby Stachniak

In January we found out that we are expecting Baby #2 on September 1st (Grandma Cyndi's Birthday!) We were so surprised but are very excited for the arrival of our Little Bean. So far this baby has been very good to me, I haven't been sick, although was a little nauseous in the first trimester. My belly popped a couple weeks ago and I have started to feel the little kicks and wiggles...such a wonderful feeling! We had an ultrasound today, as I'm 19 weeks and Baby is growing beautifully but really didn't want its picture taken, so below are the best pictures we got. We did not find out what Baby is but were VERY tempted!

This picture is from the 12 week ultrasound

18 weeks pregnant

19 weeks - the blurry long thing above Baby is its leg....its very bendy!

 19 weeks

Easter 2012

We went home for Easter to lend our support to great friends and then spend some time with Julia's cousins and little friends. We had a nice weekend and Julia had so much fun with all the kids. I am so grateful for the wonderful people in our life, we are truly blessed.

Playdate with Finn Brenan, Avrie Wojcicki and Sydney & Owen. They are probably so happy because we just gave them chocolate..Avrie was just finishing hers!!!

 Head lock hug from Finn

Thoroughly enjoying time with Great Grandma!

Stachniak Grandbabies

Muir Grandbabies

Owen sneaking a treat during the egg hunt!

Yummy, yummy!

Sleepy egg hunters

"Auntie gave me chocolate for breakfast!"

The Easter Bunny left the kids helmets

Snuggling a bunny on the way back home.