Chinese New Year

The Stannix's had another busy weekend! Mr. Stannix didn't have school on Friday, so we took off in the afternoon to go visit with some friends.  We spent time making dinner together, chatting and laughing. It's great to be around friends. Camilla played with one of her little buddies while we all visited. They giggled together and copied each other. It was fun to watch them cruise around and interact! Our friends had a great idea to celebrate the Chinese New Year by eating some specialty food. It was fun to prepare it all together, and then eat it all! It was delicious!

We left Saturday night to brave the roads and visit with some more friends. Half of the drive was fabulous, the other half, not so much.  By the time we reached the east end of the City the wind had picked up big time.  Just as we got on the highway, the snow started blowing across the road. Mr. Stannix said "Honey, we're going in the ditch", and we slid slowly to the edge, but not in thankfully. We took our sweet time the whole way out, hoping the roads would get better.  I said a little prayer that our little family would arrive safely. The roads got worse and worse. The snow kept blowing across the highway, the other lane was full of snow drifts, and more ice was appearing. The last five minutes felt like an hour. We ran into a nice big blizzard and couldn't hardly see anything in front of us.  Finally, we spotted the sign for our turn. Mr. Stannix applied the brakes and we slid forward, and forward and forward.  We tried really hart to spot the signs on the corner of the side road and thought we had them.  Just as we made the left turn, we realized we were heading for the ditch, so we did a super wide left turn (U-turn style) and made it onto the road.  At this point the wind was now blowing towards us and the snow made it impossible to see. We crawled along at like 10 clicks, not knowing entirely where the road was because of all the snow drifts.  We finally made it safe and sound. We had a great visit. Sunday morning we all went in for the baby blessing of our friends new little girl. It was a very special day. I loved snuggling the baby girl back at the house and watching Camilla play with her friends. 

Ammon smothered Camilla in hugs all weekend.

(They're only 8 days apart)

Camilla was up to her usual, playing in Daddy's shoes.

On Sunday afternoon, the kiddos had fun running off while the adults were occupied with the new baby, and visiting with each other.  Camilla was fascinated by this glass door and the kids had fun waving to each other.

While the adults were out in the livingroom, I was noticing it was getting a little quiet. I wish I had my camera on me when I first checked on them, because it was too cute! I peeked around the door jam and the two boys were bouncing on the bed, and Camilla had Ammon's sippy cup of juice.  All three stopped to turn and look at me with guilty little looks. It was hilarious. I loved the fact that they are old enough and independent enough to go off on their own now and play together.

Camilla trying to fit in and play cars with the boys.

The last time we had the three of them together was a few Christmas' ago when they were 4-6 months old, laying on the floor together. I had to snap an updated picture of the three all grow-ed up. They are hilarious! They were all peeking at each other and being silly. I love the personalities that shine through.

(I just wish I hadn't lost Camilla's clip, her bangs are crazy!)

Sorry for the lengthiness of the post, but the Stannix's are all caught up!

A Play Date

Today Camilla and I enjoyed a fabulous play date with the cousins. When we arrived, Camilla gave Amelia a nice hug.  Both girls had their bums stuck out as they leaned in to hug each other, it was cute! It was a lot of fun to get together with my cousins and their kiddos for the day.  Gramma was also there, so we were extra lucky! It was nice being able to get advice from my older and wiser girl cousins, and also my very wise Gramma. We all got to chat and share fun stories and ideas and the girlies had fun playing together, giving hugs, and blowing kisses. Camilla was entertained by the dog, Tula, for quite sometime and enjoyed following her around the house, crawling under the table with her, and petting her gently.  We had a delicious lunch of pizza and enjoyed time together with family. Sadly, I forgot my camera at home.  Luckily my cousin snapped some pictures! These little people are growing fast!

Jacey, Amelia and Camilla posing on the couch

Camilla LOVED Amelia's little chair

Thanks for the fun day ladies!

A Strange Fascination

Lately, Camilla has had a strange fascination with her Daddy's dress shoes.  She loves to put them on and clunk around the house in them.  It looks hilarious seeing as they are like 10 sizes too big! It will entertain her for hours though! She's growing way too fast for me! She learns new words almost daily now.  She also likes to repeat things that we say.  When we play Mario Kart on the Wii, she'll often be right in their with us cheering and yelling.  It's pretty hilarious. I was trying to get her to stay in bed the other night, and I said "That's enough Camilla" and she looked up at me and said in a very serious voice " 'nuf". Today she used the word "mess" a lot.  She brought me into the living room and pointed to the couch saying "mess". I looked and her snack was spilled all over the couch.  We also had another lovely grocery shopping experience.  I love grocery shopping, but it's not as fun with a grumpy kid.  Today was one of those days. A few months ago, she chucked the sour cream from the cart and it splattered on the floor.  Today, she decided mayo would be fun.  I'm glad they put mayo in plastic containers now, although, the lid shattered when it

hit the floor.  Next thing I knew, she was pointing to the ground saying "mess". Shopping is a disaster... We went to find someone to tell them, and the "clean up in aisle 3" announcement was made.  We quickly finished up our shopping with a very rickety old cart. Camilla really doesn't weigh that much, but I was pretty sure by the time I hit the dairy section that my cart was going to break down mid-aisle.  We finally made it through the check out with Camilla neighing like a horse very loud and energetically the whole time. My cart barely made it out the door, and then I looked at the snow packed, bumpy parking lot I had to brave.  I gently pushed the old cart to the car, almost losing the wheels, praying the whole time to make it just to the car! Thankfully, we made it, loaded up, and went home.  Camilla munched out on baby cookies, grapes, strawberries, and cheese for lunch and then went for a nice long nap.  Although the shopping was stressful, it's always worth it. Camilla loves to help and be a part of everything and it's fun to watch her learn and grow. I know it won't be the last time I hear a "clean up in aisle....." but hopefully it won't be for a while....

Twenty-Seven Weeks

27 Weeks

We are getting very excited for Baby #2 to arrive! He/She is growing like a weed! I am definitely bigger than I ever was with Camilla. Camilla is also growing, growing, growing! Each new day brings new words, new actions, new dance moves, and more fun! Time is flying by! I can't believe it is already the end of January!  Next month brings some crazyness to the Stannix Home as we are preparing for a move. I have already started packing boxes.  I'm looking forward to having our own space and being above ground! I'm not looking forward to the crazy, box filled, chaotic house we're going to have over the next little while.

Camilla is adjusting very well to her little bed. She only visits us once in the middle of the night, and sleeps in until 8:00 or 9:00 each morning.  She's doing really well! She likes when Daddy tucks her in and he usually has better luck with her staying in bed. He's amazing!

Mr. Stannix has already started planning for Valentines day. I'm super excited to celebrate with him! 

Satisfying Saturday

It is still early in the A.M on Saturday morning, but so far it has been a great Saturday! Camilla only woke up once last night at around 3:30.  Success! She snuggled into our bed this morning at 8:00 and ended up going back to sleep until just after 9:00. I wasn't about to complain. Mr. Stannix and I stayed up way to late snuggling on the couch, getting into "Lost" and scarfing down some candy and chips.  I love Saturday's where you can sleep in just a little! I also tried cloth diapers on the girly again last night.  She wears them during the day, but usually soaks through them at night.  This morning, there was no soaking, just my happy smiley baby girl. When she woke up she said "Mum" over and over again in her sweet little girly voice and smooshed her cheeks into mine and snuggled me.  As soon as Mr. Stannix turned over and she saw his face she exclaimed "Da-Da!!!" and practically jumped across the bed and onto her Daddy, proceeding to smother him with loves and kisses. What a fabulous way to wake up on a chilly Saturday morning.  The kiddo and I got up, got her dressed and got her medicine. She loves her medicine! She actually asked for it yesterday with a "Pees?". It was cute. She then wanted a quick show (it's Saturday, gotta have cartoons on Saturday).  She then went to her treat cupboard to beg for some goods.  "Do you want.....Apples?" and her response, "ummmmm, no".  She loves her little granola bars, and this morning, I couldn't resist her cute little face and begging manner.

After her "YAHHH", "Pees?" and excited little face, she took her first satisfying bite on the couch. 

Yesterday, Mr. Stannix spent majority of the day studying and doing his Tax questions.  I kept myself busy by organizing, tidying and packing a few things up. We are gearing up for our move at the end of February and I've been trying to get some things in order around here.  I condensed the baby girl clothes from three little boxes taking up space in the store room to just one taking up space in CJ's closet. I found four adorable pairs of pants that will fit Camilla right now stashed under my bed in the baby tub. I just love them! I also organized the oodles of gift bags and tissue paper that I've saved and cleaned out mine and the Mr.'s closet.  It was a super productive day! Now, off to make up a late breakfast.  Mr. Stannix might be getting his in bed this morning!

Sweet Teaching Moments

This morning Camilla woke up and came in for a snuggle while Mr. Stannix was showering.

We snuggled until she was fully awake and then she looked at me, and gave me a big kiss on the lips!

When Daddy finished getting ready, she was very happy to see him.

She layed at the foot of our bed and read an Archie comic for a bit.

Then she had a quick bite to eat so she could take her medicine to help her ear infection.

After breakfast she colored for a very long time!

Daddy left for school and she kept on coloring.

Finally, she was ready to get dressed and change her very wet diaper.

We went to her room and she picked out her clothes.

We got dressed.

Then we went and made her bed.

After we make her bed, it's prayer time.

I say "Prayer time" and she comes to the edge of her bed.

Today, she grabbed her baby, teddy, and 'beepy' (piggy) and said "Knees".

She placed each of them on their knees for prayer, and then joined in.

She folded her little arms, closed her little eyes, and bowed her little head.

I started to say our prayer.

I blessed Grampa and Uncle would drive safely today.

Camilla said "Emma.....Gramma...Nana...Da-Da".

We proceeded to bless our whole family as she listed their names.

She finished with an energetic "AMEN!" and popped up from the side of the bed.

She gave me a big squeeze and a gentle kiss on the lips.

She then put her baby, teddy and 'beepy' face up on the pillow where they belong.

This was such a tender little moment for me.  It seriously almost brought tears to my eyes. We've worked really hard at teaching her to be reverent for prayers.  It was great to see that she is learning and loving to pray.  I love how little children are like little sponges, they just suck everything up! I'm very grateful that Mr. Stannix and I get to teach our children to pray and love their Heavenly Father and Jesus. What a special moment. I was reminded of a talk by President Monson where he discussed the most crucial time for teaching in a child's life.

"The most receptive age in human life is that of two or three years."

-Dr. Glenn J. Doman

In another one of his talks he quotes a hymn that says:

“Prayer is the simplest form of speech / That infant lips can try; / Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach / The Majesty on high.” 

Hymn no. 145

I thought about Camilla's little "prayer" this morning and how simple it was (just saying names really) but how she's trying and how her little prayer can "reach the Majesty on high" and he will understand and answer it. I know that he heard her sweet little prayer this morning as the spirit filled her little bedroom. What a fabulous testimony building experience.

Read the rest of these great talks here and here.

Happy Wednesday!

Camilla's Future in Accounting

Camilla strikes again! Mr. Stannix was doing homework this afternoon and left it out on the desk so he could finish it later.  Camilla thought she'd be nice and give him a hand.  When he slipped out of the bedroom to make a few phone calls she was running around the room like a crazy!  I was out sitting on the couch and it took me a few minutes to realize that all was quiet in the bedroom.  Although I love when things are quiet, I also know that it means someone's up to no good! I peeked in our bedroom door to investigate and found Camilla sitting quietly at the desk scribbling all over Daddy's notes.  I chuckled to myself and then ran for the camera. I let her keep doing it until Mr. Stannix finished his phone calls so that he could get a laugh.  When we went back in, we noticed that not only had she scribbled all over his notes, but had also scribbled all over his text book!! It was funny though, and it was only with a pencil (luckily).  She's growing way too fast! She can now climb on chairs all by herself, and reach way higher than she ever could before! It's keeping me on my toes. At dinner, she pulled out Daddy's chair and patted it for him to sit down, and then did the same for me.  She likes to sit beside me when she eats on a 'big' chair. Daddy got her to eat tonight by pretending her spoon was a rocket! Worked like a charm! This kid cracks me up! What will she do next?

For a Slice of Cheese

What would you do for a slice of cheese?

While Mr. Stannix was out shoveling today, I was busy getting some lunch ready. Our favorite, grill cheese sandwiches and tomato soup.  I had it all ready to go on the counter.  Apparently Camilla has grown because I turned around to do something and when I turned back around, my ready-to-grill sandwiches were in pieces all over the floor.  She had managed to reach the cutting board and pull it down, bread knife and all. I am just grateful the knife didn't hit her. All she wanted was another slice of cheese. A part of me wanted to be really frustrated, but I decided instead to take a picture.  She only looks a little guilty, she was just happy to get another slice of cheese. So we had mis-matched grill cheese sandwiches and some tomato soup for lunch.

"Baf" Time

"Common Mum, what are we waiting for?!?"

Camilla absolutely LOVES bath time. Tonight she was so excited for it that she almost made it into the tub fully clothed.  I almost let her, just because it would have made a funny picture.

Usually I start the bath and Camilla goes over and opens the cupboard door to pick out some bath toys.  Lately, instead of bringing over the whole bucket, she just picks and chooses a few.  The other night, it was one of everything. A ducky, a squirt toy, a number, and a floating puzzle piece.  Tonight, it was just some numbers.

After her bath, I got out the bottle of lotion and rubbed it all over her dry little legs, arms and cheeks.  We then got a diaper on, and her jammies and she was ready for bed.  

Daddy joined us for scriptures and prayer.  We've started having prayer on the edge of her little bed. She toddles over to the edge, kneels down beside the bed, folds her little arms in that special way that she does it, and rests her head down on her arms.  She has recently learned to close her eyes for prayer and likes to tip her head a little sideways so she can squint her one eye out and peek. It's pretty cute. After prayers, she gives us hugs and kisses and then gets a little snuggle.

After we snuggled for a while on the chair, she hopped off and went to her big girl bed and climbed in.  I kissed her little lips, pushed the hair away from her eyes, told her I loved her, and stood at the door waiting for her to go to sleep. We've moved from laying with her, to sitting beside her bed, to standing at the door.  A big part of me wishes I could lay with her every night and snuggle her to sleep, but I know that this will be better in the long run. After an hour, she finally fell asleep.

We will likely find her in our bed a few times tonight. But that's okay with me. She's only this little for so long!

For the Love of Snow

This is our backyard.  The snow banks are just barely taller than Camilla and the snow on the BBQ and picnic table is piled high! I know this looks like a lot, but you should see the snow banks on the street out front! Mr. Stannix can barely see over them! When I look out the window from our basement, I can't even see the bus stop on the street anymore. Welcome to winter in Alberta!

Camilla loves to sit in the snow bank like it's a chair and lean back.  She also likes to pick up snow with her mittens on and throw it up in the air. We are very glad the warm weather has returned! Camilla and I went to an indoor play place yesterday and she went crazy! She was giggling like a mad woman and running circles around the place! I haven't seen her that excited and full of energy for a while. She loved the afternoon out! When we finished we walked through the rec center and she spotted the pool.  She stood at the window and peered in at the people swimming and said "tick tick tick" (kick kick kick) and "Spa Spa!" (splash splash). She was very sad when we made it to the front doors and didn't keep walking into the change rooms. She pointed at them as I carried her by saying "tick tick, spa spa". She wanted to swim SO bad. She's such a water baby. We're excited to get out and about more often these next few weeks.