Picnic at the Legislature

Last Saturday evening we got together with some friends for a picnic at the Legislature. It was beautiful! While the adults ate and chatted, Camilla inched her way to the water. She just couldn't wait to swim! She loves it there. Mr. Stannix was pretty good looking in his white tee and backwards cap, I couldn't resist a picture.

Hyrum enjoyed himself so much! He spent the evening cruising around the pools with confidence and climbing up and down the ledges. 

Camilla's favorite part was jumping from stone to stone. She had fun just being on her own and playing. She would crouch down so just her head was out of the water and swim around the pool. She also made a few friends, and had a couple girls follow her around for a while.

In all the pictures I wanted to take with her she would kiss my cheek. I was definitely feeling the love from this girl tonight!

Hyrum just couldn't get enough exploring done! He was up and down and in and out. He tripped on some underwater ledges a few times and drank some water. He wasn't too happy about that part of it, but recovered pretty quick!

 Soon it was starting to cool off and get late and we decided to call it a night! We took the kiddos back to the picnic blanket and wrapped them in towels and sweaters to warm them up. After a quick change, we headed back to the car and home.

 

 Hyrum must have played really hard because he fell asleep in the car practically before we left the parking lot. I was able to get him in the house and changed into his jammies without even waking him up. I put the bottle in his mouth and he instinctively sucked back the whole thing in his sleep before I tucked him into his crib for the night. What a great end to a Saturday!

Life Lately

Tonight brings me a fresh bathed baby boy on my hip and a 21 week baby bump. He's been cutting a few teeth at once and hasn't been sleeping the greatest (hence why I look so tired). This kid has been such a character lately. Last night he ran around naked while I went up stairs to get his jammies. I came down just in time to see the look on Mike's face when he realized Hyrum had peed on his foot while he was studying his scriptures in the big chair. I laughed pretty hard, I'm not gunna lie.

I cut Mr. Stannix's hair later that night after his Hockey practice. I told him to make sure he rinsed it really good when he went to wet it down for me. His response was, "Don't worry, you won't even be able to tell the difference between sweat and water". That guy sure knows how to make me smile!

My Backyard

Today was an uneventful holiday Monday at the Stannix home, but there are a few events that I don't want to forget about today. Mr. Stannix is prepping for a big exam this Friday (we will both be SO happy when it's finished). He studied away from home all day. The kids missed him a tonne! He came home a little bit before dinner and asked me if he could take the kids out in the "B-A-C-K Y-A-R-D" for a "S-W-I-M". Of course I said yes! I was busy in the kitchen prepping a dessert and the break was much welcomed. I turned on some music while I mixed up the dessert and enjoyed a few songs. Soon I heard my children's giggles through the screen door to the backyard. I stopped what I was doing and immediately turned the music off. I peeked out back to see the three of them enjoying a water fight. Camilla was laughing like mad and Hyrum was even enjoying getting splashed. Their laughter was music to my ears as I finished stirring the dessert and placed it in the freezer. Even while Daddy was at the BBQ cooking dinner, Camilla couldn't help but sneak up on him with a container of water and soak his pants! She giggled and giggled, and Daddy was a good sport about it. I love that girl and her zest for life! And I love my Mr. Stannix and the efforts he makes to spend quality time with the kiddos.

Happy Canada Day

Happy Canada Day from us to you! When I was out at the Acreage last I was making Hyrum ties and came across this cool Canadian fabric. I made Hyrum up a tie and sent a picture to Mr. Stannix. His response was, "Where's mine?". With a lot of help from my Mum we drew up a pattern and sewed it up. I thought they looked pretty handsome! 

Camilla and I also sported white for Canada day. I love that girls hair cut! Such a cute length for her!

We ended up keeping the kids up and taking them to the fireworks again this year. Hyrum was only a few months old last year, and enjoyed himself much more this year. Poor guy got a few good bug bites on his face though. We put them in the double stroller and walked down the road a little ways. Not as good a viewing area as years passed, but it worked out alright. 

I was glad that Mr. Stannix pushed for us to go. He knows how much I love me a good firework show. I would definitely drive to the States just for Fourth of July fireworks. I got to cozy up with my little man while Daddy snuggled his girl. Camilla loved them and was cheering and chatting the whole time. Hyrum was mesmerized by them. Mr. Stannix said it was worth the whole evening just to see his face.

We loaded the kids and blanket back into the stroller after the show had ended and walked back up the long hill to our street. I think my favorite part of the whole evening was when we were walking home together in the dark. The two kiddies were snuggled close to each other in the double quietly looking at the scenery. The orange streetlights lit up the street and sidewalk with a romantic glow. There was no one else walking on our street, just us. Everything was quiet and the noise of the traffic was finally behind us. It was so peaceful. Mr. Stannix took one hand off the stroller and grabbed mine. We walked side by side, quietly laughing and talking. It was the best.

First Haircut

Hyrum had his first hair cut today! I was super hesitant about getting it done because I kind of love his hair, but it needed a little trim. The hairdresser didn't take much off, mostly just cleaned it up. He was kind of wiggly, so she did the best she could. I ended up doing a few snips of my own after we got home because there was some that got missed being that it was too wet and stuck to his head. I already miss his little wisps and parting his hair to the side. He's growing up.

 Before

After

Camilla got a trim too! Her hair was half way down her back and was starting to look frizzy at the bottom. It needed a trim, so we evened it out and took off all the dead ends. I wish I had grabbed a picture of the length before we got it chopped. That was almost two full years of growing! Now she has an adorable, flippy-outty bob going on. She is so darling and so so grown up!

Before

After

The Perfect Pillow

This morning started out unlike our other mornings this week. When I woke up with Hyrum I wasn't feeling very good so I tried to catch a few more minutes of sleep on the couch while Mr. Stannix got ready for work. After Daddy left for the bus, Hyrum and I enjoyed a bowl of porridge. Camilla still hadn't come downstairs yet. A part of me was worried that she was sleeping so long!  Finally, just before 8:30 am she greeted me with her "good morning" at the bottom of the stairs. We all took our time getting dressed and I cleaned the upstairs bed rooms. We spent the rest of our morning watching a Disney movie and snacking on apples and cinnamon. It must be Friday. 

I had to giggle when Hyrum came over and used my baby bump for a pillow. I love that little boy and his snuggles. Lately in the afternoons he will curl up on the couch with me and just cuddle until we both fall asleep. Those moments are so special to me. He's going to be such a great big brother. I am already 20 weeks, which is the halfway mark. A part of me is glad time is going by so fast, because I can't wait to meet this new little one!

Making Motherhood a Joy

I am crazy in love with my blue eyed little girl. She brings so much joy to this family! It's so hard to believe that she is going to be three next month. I still remember bringing her home from the hospital and being so excited that she was mine. She's been a pretty easy girl to mother. I feel so blessed to call her mine. I love the things she says. I love how she says, "thanks Mamma, that was delicious!" after almost every meal. I love when she puckers up her cute pink lips for a smooch. I love the games we play before bed. I love when she crawls up on my lap in a quiet moment and rests her blonde little head on my shoulder for a snuggle. I love her every little grin, and her cute button nose. I love her gentle hands and petite little body. I love her excitement for life and her desire to try everything. I love when she reminds me to read my scriptures so that I can be "a good Mamma". She is like a little adult trapped in a two year old body, so wise and mature at times. Just typing this post brought tears to my eyes. It's so hard to describe the overwhelming love one can have for a child. I read a talk the other day that suggested four things to do for our children which were to love them, teach them, respect them, pray with them and for them. It just simplified everything about motherhood. As I've remembered these four things our days have been so bright and full of joy. I am grateful for the power of sincere prayer, and the help Heavenly Father sends each day when we ask for it, even if it's silly things relating to Motherhood. He's always there. I love Camilla and the way she makes Motherhood such a joy each day.

Melting in the Sun

Yesterday was a beautiful summer day. I gave Camilla the choice of going to the spray park, or walking to the corner store for a popsicle and she picked the popsicle. Hyrum heard the words "let's go" and excitedly ran and got his shoes. He LOVES to be outside and is constantly bringing me his shoes to put on. 

I basically opened the wrappers and handed them over to the kiddos. I could share with Hyrum as long as it stayed in his hand. I smiled as I watched them slowly follow me home, savoring their cold, juicy popsicles. Hyrum would stop every few steps to examine random bugs or touch the grass and flowers as he passed by. Camilla took on the role of protector and walked beside her little brother the whole way home, making sure he held her hand as we all crossed the street together.

I was glad he could walk on his own, because the sun quickly melted his popsicle and he was pretty sticky. He thought it was the best thing in the world. I loved seeing him slowly make his way down the sidewalk with his ball cap and big blue eyes. He is all boy, and I love it!

 

When we got home we hung out on the front step until all popsicles were finished. I ended up eating most of Hyrum's because his little hand was so cold from holding it. The closer Camilla gets to three the more and more grown up she is getting. She is so independent and helpful and tries really hard to be a good example and friend for her little brother. I was filled with joy as I watched them hang out on the front step together. They are such great little friends. What a blessing it is to have siblings to share these things with! It's so fun to build memories on these warm summer days!

Four Years and Counting

Four years ago today I married my best friend. We've accomplished so much together already. Two kids (and one on the way), a University degree, a career on the go and a home filled with love and laughter (to name a few). He surprised me today with beautiful flowers delivered to our doorstep while he was at work. Am I lucky or what?! I can't believe another year has already gone by! Time flies when you're having fun!

Happy anniversary Mr. Stannix.

Baby to Be

I have been looking forward to this day since I booked baby's ultrasound appointment last month. Lucky for me June has gone by super quick! I filled my morning up with lots of things to make it go by quick. In the afternoon I dropped the kids off at a good friend's place and picked up Mike on my way to the ultrasound. We got there just on time. The cool part was that Mike got to come in for the entire time and watch the tech take all the pictures. After that was all done she showed us the baby. It was fun to watch it's hand brush against it's cute little round face and to see the heart beating. She showed us the arms, legs and hands. Even in a third pregnancy it's just as exciting as the first. 

We then went to pick up the kids and enjoy dinner with our friends. Camilla and Hyrum hung out in the rain. I loved seeing their wet footprints on the back mat before they came in. Camilla soaked her hair in a puddle that had formed on one of the chairs outside and told me she washed her hair and that it smelled like rain. I get a kick outta that kid! Then it was time to come home for baths and bed. After I had gotten the kids in the bath I couldn't wait any longer to see the ultrasound pictures. When I looked at the one picture that we got, it didn't at all resemble the cute, round faced baby that we saw dancing around on the screen earlier. We'll call it a bad angle. I was a little disappointed and may have cried. It's hard when you anticipate something for so long and then find the outcome wasn't quite what you were expecting. Mike gave me lots of hugs and reminded me that we have a healthy baby and the picture doesn't matter. Anyways, here's the one shot we got of sweet baby number three with it's hand by it's face.

As I snuggled Hyrum in the big green chair and mulled over how I was feeling the song "Count Your Many Blessings" popped into my head and I got all weepy again. I thought about how blessed I've been to have a strong body and three healthy pregnancies. Then baby started kicking and I was reminded of how much I already love this little one and can't wait to meet him or her! I love feeling every kick and turn as baby grows. This is definitely one of my favorite stages of pregnancy. As I peeked in the upstairs room at my two little monkey's sleeping I just felt so grateful for everything I've been given. Two healthy children who are growing and changing daily and another on the way. I couldn't ask for anything more!

As I type baby is kicking and turning. It's so exciting to feel those movements. Now I think I'm going to take the night off and crochet another baby hat! Having a November baby is so exciting!