No Qualm

qualm  (kwäm, kwôm)

n.

1. A sudden feeling of sickness, faintness, or nausea.

2. A sudden disturbing feeling: qualms of homesickness.

3. An uneasy feeling about the propriety or rightness of a course of action.

I woke up on Sunday night with a really sore tummy. I was nauseous for most of Monday and then it finally hit me Tuesday morning. Hyrum was up nice and early so I tried to rest my eyes on the couch for a few minutes before the whole house woke. Camilla joined us very soon and then Mr. Stannix could be heard showering. I felt so awful, and stayed on the couch as much as I could. Mr. Stannix took care of breakfast for everyone (banana muffins) and then visited with me before going off to work. Just before he left he said, "I have no qualm if you want to stay on the couch all day". So I did. Except for when I had to get up to get Hyrum off the kitchen chairs, table, computer chair, piano bench, and TV stand. He's such a little monkey lately. I spent a lot of time in the bathroom with a crying little boy outside the door. It was a sad morning. Disney movies played and replayed and no one got dressed. I whipped up some grill cheese for lunch and we all sat at the table to eat. Camilla sat down, picked up her sandwich and in her best Thumper impersonation she said, "but it sure is awful stuff to eat". Her blue eyes twinkled and she had the cutest little grin on her face. It made me smile. We chatted and giggled while we ate and then went and got dressed.

In the afternoon a dear friend and her sister came by and volunteered to take the kids to the park for a few hours. They brought me the yummiest juice ever. It was so refreshing and energizing. I was able to nap for a bit while the kids enjoyed some fresh air and freedom from the living room. It was so thoughtful and I am so grateful that they came by!

Mr. Stannix came home to a war zone. The children's books were strewn around the living room, blocks were scattered around the carpet and blankets were made into makeshift tents. He smiled and greeted me with a kiss. He took Hyrum upstairs with him while he changed and Camilla and I hung out downstairs. Before he left for Young Men's he told me he was just going to drop off the treats he was bringing and that he would be home soon. When he got home he spent the rest of the night cleaning the kitchen for me and watching the children. It's not easy to give up ice blocking for a kitchen full of dishes. He didn't complain about it once either. That's love.  I was so grateful for his sacrifice and service. He's super man in my books. I got all achy just after supper and could hardy move from the couch. After a popsicle and a warm bath I went up to bed for the night.

We got an awesome middle of the night thunderstorm once again. I came back upstairs from a potty break in the middle of the night just in time to watch Camilla crawl up onto our bed and snuggle into the middle. I curled up beside her, brushed her hair out of her face and gave her a quick back rub. She was back to sleep in no time. She's not a fan of thunder storms at night. Every time we have to share a bed with a third little body I realize how small a double really is. I do enjoy those snuggles with my girl though. They are far and few between. The cool breeze coming in the window was just what our warm old house needed to cool off. As Camilla slept the fan blew her blonde hair around a little. She enjoyed the coolness of our room for the rest of the night.

This morning I am still recuperating. I'm feeling a little better but my stomach has that post-sick achy feeling. I think we'll be taking it easy for one more day. We fly out on vacation on Friday and there's so much still unchecked on my to-do list. Laundry, dishes, packing, mowing the lawn, and making my house sparkly clean. Yesterday we told Camilla there were three sleeps left until we fly on the air plane. She held up her three fingers and said, "Hey! That's how many I am!". Such a smartie that one. Two more sleeps!!

Sense of Humor

Last night before bed, I prayed to have a sense of humor as I went about our busy Sunday. Everyone woke up nice and early and we enjoyed toast covered in my Mum's raspberry jam and a bowl of strawberries. We made it to church early and found a bench to sit. After the opening song I had to have a sense of humor when Hyrum decided to make car noises while playing with his toy car. I should have known not to bring that one. I had to have a sense of humor when he threw his car two benches up and then crawled through everyone's feet to retrieve it, resulting in him getting stuck under a bench and freaking out. I had to have a sense of humor when he chucked a book into the lap of a person sitting behind us. Man that kid has a good arm. I had to have a sense of humor when Camilla threw her body backwards and hit her head on the bench. I'm sure everyone heard the "clunk". I had to have a sense of humor when I went to pick Camilla up from nursery and she hugged her brother with a choke hold from behind. She sure does love him. He patiently waited until she let go and then happily went on his way. It made me laugh. I had to have a sense of humor when I woke up from my Sunday nap with a wet shirt and Hyrum's sweaty body snuggled next to mine on the couch. Being a Mum sure is wonderful. Today I am glad for my sense of humor and the way it allowed me to see things differently and enjoy my children to the fullest. It's definitely better than praying for patience.

After church I got Mr. Stannix to snap a quick picture of me and my growing belly. I am just about six months now! It's going by so fast. Yesterday I started thinking about Halloween costumes and other things that I need to get done before baby comes. I feel like I have to think that far ahead because of how fast this pregnancy is going. My original due date was the end of October but was pushed to mid November after my ultrasound so I just feel like lots is up in the air. Sometimes after a crazy day I wonder how I will ever be able to do it with three! At least I have a few more months to figure it out!

Kicks and Giggles

Yesterday morning we went for a long walk to the library and the mall. When we got home Hyrum was fast asleep in the stroller so we decided to play outside and let him get a good nap in. Camilla and I enjoyed a freezie on the front lawn and lots of giggles and snuggles. She kept making funny faces for the camera which made us both laugh. I love her laugh!

This morning while Hyrum was up snoozing in his crib my girl and I had some time together again. A few days ago she got to feel the baby kick for the first time and now she will ask me all the time to feel the baby. We spent a few minutes quietly sitting on the couch while the baby kicked and turned. Camilla would get so excited at each little movement. She guessed it would be a boy, but then decided she would like a baby sister instead. She then told me that she was really excited for the baby to come but that the baby can't come to the park because it will be too little. Then we snuggled next to each other on the couch and she continued to talk a mile a minute to me about the baby and how it will soon come and how she wants to visit it at the hospital. It was such a sweet moment.

Look Who's Three

 Camilla is loving life as a three year old! She told me she wanted an orange cake this year, so orange icing it was! Gramma and Grampa Hudkins surprised us by coming to visit for the afternoon. We all went to the spray park to cool off for a bit. Grampa helped Camilla ride her tricycle all the way to the park and enjoyed pushing them in the swings. Sadly, I forgot my camera.

 That evening, we had a low key birthday celebration for her. It was nice to have a quiet little party and enjoy our girl. After dinner we lit the candles and did cake and presents. She got so excited when the sparkler was lit and thoroughly enjoyed us singing "Happy Birthday" to her. Grins from ear to ear all night! The cake got a bit of spit on it in the blowing out process, so funny.

 After candles I got my Dad to snap a quick shot of us and our girly. We sure do love her and feel so blessed as parents to have her in our family!

Camilla had fun opening her presents. We got her a little backpack of her own for our trip next week. Every time she sees them in the store she loves them and says we should get one, so we finally did. She enjoys putting her animals and snacks in it when we go out places. Gramma and Grampa got her a homemade little barbie tent with a fairy tail prince and princess to go camping. She adores it. It was a fun night!

Three Years Ago

Three years ago today we welcomed a brand new baby girl into our family.

She made me a mother, and I am so glad.

It's been a fabulous three years with our miss Camilla.

She is such a joy to be around with her contagious belly laugh,

and zest for life.

She enjoys wearing dresses, but still has a hint of "tom-boy" in her.

We adore her smiles, hugs, kisses and never ending love.

Every time I look at her today I can't help thinking how much she has grown up,

and I get a little teary eyed.

She is such a special girl and a joy to have in our family.

(1 Week Old)

Happy 3rd Birthday Camilla!

Tricycle for Two

 Since our house was a bazillion degrees today, we decided to spend the whole evening outside. Camilla begged Daddy to take her out on her tricycle and the little man and I hung out on the deck blowing bubbles. As soon as he spotted the wheels and his sister riding, he wasn't content to stay put any longer. He toddled after the trike trying to climb on and then Daddy came up with a genius idea.

 "Are you ready, buddy?"

It didn't take Camilla long to figure out how to do it all by herself. After only a few minutes she was peddling forwards and backwards. Hyrum really enjoyed hanging out on the back while she peddled her little heart out. I can't count the number of times she went back and forth in front of our little old house. It was fun to hear them giggle together. Daddy was always close by to help turn them around and make sure no one got hurt.

 They rode and rode until the sun started to set behind the rooftops. As they motored by, Hyrum could be heard making car noises with his lips. It was pretty awesome. Mr. Stannix and I laughed a lot as we watched them go up and down the sidewalk over and over again. I also giggled at the number of people who stared as they drove down our street. We'll just pretend they were wearing shoes and helmets.

Hyrum was so full of it and by the end he started hamming it up for the camera. Love that kid. Finally, Camilla's legs got tired and she couldn't go any longer. She even asked Daddy to carry her to the house after.  While she snuggled into the arms of her strong Daddy, I wheeled the trike back to the garage with Hyrum happily steering. I couldn't get over their bare feet and smiling faces. I loved the golden glow of the evening sun on their sweet skin. It was the perfect way to spend a Summer's eve together. The camera definitely got a work out, and we got some cute videos.

Summer Sun

 Today we woke up bright an early to sunshine and blue sky. My dishes sat in the kitchen and the laundry went undone. We spent all of our morning and early afternoon enjoying the outdoors. Hyrum chilled in the Nicaragua swing for a while eating fruit and crackers while I mowed the lawn. He's such a sweetheart.

When Camilla wasn't taking a dip in the pool she was relaxing on the deck with her feet in a bucket of water. It was adorable! I love the things she comes up with. 

When I finished mowing the lawn we all had a popsicle to help cool us off. I love that I get to spend the day with these two crazies! They are so full of love!

It made me giggle when Camilla finished her popsicle and then asked Hyrum if she could share with him. Like any good little brother would be, he was willing. Those two are so cute together. And when Camilla ate most of it and the last little bit fell on the deck, he was quite content to just suck on the stick.

 I am in love with Mr. Hyrum's baby blues. They are so so blue! Paired with his long dark eyelashes, he's a hard guy to resist.

Soon he found Camilla's rubber boots. I laughed out loud when I saw that he had just one on. It's seriously his trademark move, stealing just one shoe. He walked around all afternoon with just one boot on, until it was time to go inside for naps. Him and his chubby little toes totally melt my heart!

In other news, just a few more weeks until we fly out to Halifax! 

It's all Camilla can talk about. 

"After my brithday, THEN we fly to Halifax!"

We are counting down the sleeps.

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.