Scarlet's first Birthday Party and 1 Year update!

The decorations - Beachy lanterns with coconut cupcakes on top of fishing nets, shells and sand dollars. 

All of her monthly shots from 1 - 11 months.  12 months will be up soon ;)

These cupcakes were to die for.  I added coconut extract to the icing with some sprinkles of real shredded coconut to add a bit of texture.  GLORIOUS!

Ordered these sweet napkins off of Etsy.  They came a day before the party!  Cut it a bit close on that one.

I had starfish, sand dollars, sea urchins and sea shells all over the house.  I thought they were really pretty.

The special cupcake for our princess!  I didn't put too much icing on hers.  If you're interested, read the 12 month update below to see how she reacted when she ate this.

GOODIE BAGS

So, for some strange reason, I INSISTED on having goodie bags at the party.  Maybe it was because I felt that this was the best part about going to a party for me when I was a little one, or maybe it was because I wanted to really spoil all of our little guests, but whatever the reason I took some pride (and major time) with these babies.  I had lot's of fun stuff in them and did both BOY goodies and GIRL goodies without being too stereotypical.  Let's face it - girls like trucks too ok?  The above bags are the Boy ones.  Below are the girl ones...

Notice how FEW there are here?  Scarlet has FIVE GIRLS AND EIGHTEEN BOYS!?!?!?!?!?!  If this is any indication of what is to come, Nate and I are in serious serious deep trouble.

All the loot bags together.

I made these too!

After one of my guests asked where I bought the chocolate seashells from I said that I made them and she didn't believe me.  She looked at me and was like - no seriously just tell me.   I laughed and said I made them!!!  Later in the day she texted me and said that I had too much time on my hands.  HAHA!

They were insane if I do say so myself.

Napkins all wrapped up nice and purdy.

COOKIES!!!  One of my Mom's friends Bev made 50 different beach inspired cookies for the party.  They were too adorable and oh so freakin' delish.  

A few of the guests! 

My Mom holding sweet new baby Nico.  I don't think she let anyone else touch him the entire party - including his parents!!!  HAHA  Somebody is a baby whisperer.

 

Our lovely friends Jessica, Abigail (it's her bday next weekend) and the lovely poppa Brian.  I went to High School with Bri but now I'm friends with Jess ;)

 

My sister-in-law Laura with her sweet son Charlie and my bestie Jenny with her second son Easton.

Uncle Scott (uncle to Scarlet) and his son Colton

Another one of my best girlfriends Allison with her sweet daughters Emie (middle) and Evie (Right).

Scarlet opening one of her gifts from Blake, Sebastian, Brendan, Mandy and Jeff.

We rented a ball pit cause these things were my favourite when I was little.  After all the other kids went home, Nate and I let Scarlet play in there by herself.  It wasn't huge so we didn't want her getting a massive shiner on her bday.  It was a good thing too as some of the kids where just in their glory jumping around and screaming.  It was hilarious and I didn't want to take that away from them by saying 'be careful of the little one'.  

I think she thought it was another cupcake.

Present from my Mom and Dad - an antique rocking horse!!!

 Prezzie from Auntie Laura and Uncle Ted

Needing some help from Dada.

Taking a break so we could open the gift for her.

RUSTY the elephant

Someone is in love

Ok - what else have we got out there?

 It has been the most rewarding and special year of my life.  I can't believe I am a momma to this little angel.  I can only hope that one day she will grow up to be happy and giving and kind to others and I will do my best to lead and guide her along that road.  This is the most important thing.

Scarlet’s 12 month or 

1 Year Update!

Shedding a few happy and sad tears today as my first little baby is not a baby anymore!  I know I keep saying this but it’s absolutely crazy how quickly this year has passed.  I was warned by many mothers that it would whip by but I guess I didn’t realize how quickly.  I still can’t get over the fact that we’re celebrating her first birthday year.  Tears.

Biggest difference this month has been the weaning from nursing.  Scarlet is no longer breastfeeding!!!  WHOO HOO!!!  I’m thrilled that we have had a successful year together nursing but I’m so so so happy to have my breasts back to myself.  Well, kinda to myself.  There are so many positives to nursing, but near the end, the negatives where also starting to appear. I’m happy to report that weaning was much easier than I thought it would be.  Scarlet, unlike most kids, dropped her afternoon feed first, her evening nurse second and her morning nurse last.  I don’t know if that order helped with how smoothly the transition was but it worked so well for us.  She now drinks water and milk (with banana blended in) and receives all needed nutrients from her diet.

Talking about diet - another huge milestone this month was Scarlet’s first ‘junk’ food.  Yup - sorry to everyone who says there is no such thing as good food and bad food… there is a difference.  Plain and simple.  I can attest to it after watching my child eat wholesome organic homemade food all year long and then eat a cupcake at her birthday party.  The changes were stunning.  Don’t get me wrong, she loved the cupcake and I’ll definitely give her more junk for here and there in the future (everything in moderation), but her whole demeanour changed.  She wasn’t hyper, she wasn’t crazy, she was like in a weird trance - almost like she was on something that her system didn’t know what to do with.  After the sugar hit, the poor child seemed zombie like, sort of like the buzz had left her.  She wasn’t smiling as much, (very unlike her and you can see it in the pics) she seemed confused and then she just crashed after playing a bit more with a few other toys.  I didn’t feel bad because I don’t believe that children should be refused sugar, I was just amazed at how it affected my girl.  Won’t be doing that again for a while haha.

Scar still sleeps through the night with the door closed and the monitor on.  We flip back and forth from one nap to two naps a day.  She was doing one for a while but I think all of the birthday excitement and the cruising, crawling, rolling was calling for more sleep.  I don’t mind.  We just see what type of a day it is going to be and take it from there.

Scarlet has six teeth - four on the top and two on the bottom!

She is obsessed, literally freakishly obsessed with dogs.  It’s surprising as both Nate and I are indifferent to them but we’ll be out for a walk and a dog will walk by with it’s owner and Scar will shake with excitement.  It is so funny because she’ll cry if the dog isn’t within eye sight!  Commercials and books too!  If there is a dog on the t.v, same reaction and if it’s on the page in front of her, she’ll bring the book up to her mouth and kiss it.  So hilarious.  Looks like we might be getting a pooch in the future.  great…

Latest ‘trick’ that she has learned is a back flip (with Mommy’s help) as well as how to kiss and hug.  She really only kisses me as Nate’s stubble is a bit prickly and it’s more of an open mouth leaning into your cheek or chin or eyeball.  Her hugs are the best.  Literally best cuddle bug ever.  

Other updates include NO MORE BOUNCING!!!  Totally off of the bouncy ball forever!  I love it love it love it.  I can’t say enough how exciting this is for me.  Scarlet now has her teeth brushed, a few stories, a cuddle or quick rock in the rocking chair and then she goes down on her own.  Hallelujah.  As hard as it was to wean Scarlet off the bouncy ball, it was also a lifesaver throughout the year.  I will definitely use the ball again for the next baby, but perhaps start the weaning sooner - like month six.

I think that’s about it for this little monkey.  We’re so happy to have her in our lives.  She has been my inspiration and teaches me how to be grateful every single day. I know every parent must say this but I seriously believe my child is the most incredible miracle on in my entire life.  I am so honoured to be her mother and to guide her in her years ahead.

  

B.F.F birthday prezzie

Jenny is probably my one remaining girlfriend that I still exchange birthday gifts with every single year.  We have been doing it since we were around 7 years old - so that's like 26 years.  Long time.  So this year, I wanted to make it really fun and different.  So, for one of her gifts, I went on etsy and ordered two of these identical bestie bracelets and got the owner to engrave JS + KW = Besties on the inside.   I really loved the way they turned out and they were very reasonably priced.  They came on time in this great packaging too.  I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. 

Here is the link if you're interested

PhoenixJewelryCo

I also bought her a really pretty scarf and a traditional Body Butter from The Body Shop in one of their delicious fruity scents.  That is one of our 'things', we include one of those lotions with all of the gifts that we ever get one another. 

XOXO

Certified cutie

Just a few pics over the past week...

First ride for baby Weilz in in the Superstore cart!  Loved it.

Up to no good.

While I was out of the room for a minute this is what I came back to.  HAha.

Still not a big milk fan but trying hard for Mommy.

Trying really really hard.  AWWW!  This face!

Throwback Thursday!

BABY ME!

I'm guessing I'm around 10 or 11 months here - LOOK AT ALL MY HAIR!  I showed this to Scarlet to help inspire her golden locks to grow and she got really excited ;)  I think I really look like her here.  What do you think?

Spring it on!

Yes, it's a rare thing for a mom to have fifteen minutes to herself, and if she does get that, chances are at around minute four or five she's going: 'I should really be thinking about prepping dinner' or 'I should fold those clothes in the laundry room' or 'my toenails really need to be cut'.  But today, Kate is saying; 'screw you long toe nails!  You're going to have to wait another day cause I'm drinking this latte and reading these glossy mags!'  

Sweetest fifteen minutes of alone time in a while.

#Metime 

MAN CRUSH MONDAY

This Monday and every Monday

This Man is everything. I can't believe we've been married coming up on seven years this July and together for ten!  Gonna get sappy here so stop reading if you can't take it.  I'm honestly the luckiest woman on the planet to be married to Nate.  He is committed to everything and anything he sets out to do and his top priority is his family - I feel it and hear it daily.  He blows my mind everyday and challenges me to be a better version of myself in a loving way.  But perhaps the best and most comfortable fact is that he loves me for exactly the woman I am.  That's the difference.  That's the love.  That's why our marriage is solid - because of him.  Done.

#mancrushmonday #omgsohot #babydaddy

Theatre Calgary

I'm a Thespian, or I was at one point.  I went through a stage in university that lasted around five years and from that, I ended up with two degrees ;)  Then I taught theatre in two different high schools, and now, I really like to sit back and just enjoy it without having to 'grade' it or 'judge' it.  My thespian days are over but truly enjoying professional theatre has just begun.  So I guess that makes me a Dilettante.

One of my Christmas presents this year from Nate were seasons tickets to Theatre Calgary.  Our first performance was The Great Gatsby which even without a Leo look-alike was a total success.  The costumes alone made me want to be catapulted back into 1920 just so I could shake my flapper, do my hair in a wavy chignon and wear decadent red lipstick.  Halloween ideas?  Possibly. 

Walking into the theatre

This past weekend we went to the second performance of Theatre Calgary's season.  It was called Major Barbara.  Wow.  I won't get into a play review or anything here, but again, I was transported back into another world with this one.  It was stunning and meaningful.  A very tangible world created by the actors and actresses.  I can't believe how captivating the three hour play was - I'm embarrassed to say that I really only thought of my precious baby girl during intermission.  So unlike me.  

Looking forward to the next two shows: The Mountaintop and the musical Mary Poppins!

Check out the link below if you're interested in the upcoming season.  The deal on five shows is worthwhile as they give you a reduced price if you go with all five and you are given preferred seating.  This is the route that we went and we ended up in the fifth row.  Beautiful theatre, worthy selections, talented performers - what else could you ask for in a night out at the theatre?  Oh - and they LET YOU TAKE YOUR WINE INTO THE THEATRE WITH YOU!  Dare I say anymore?

2014/2015 Theatre Calgary Season

One last point that I'll mention is that my husband also really enjoys Theatre Calgary.  It isn't too fancy (when I drag him to the Ballet) and it is much easier to follow (than say the Opera).  Both of which I would go to in a heartbeat but when you're in a partnership you want to make sure that your companion is getting the most out of his or her date night too.  Hockey games and the movie theatre are on his list so of course we'll also be attending those events as well.  But seriously, Theatre Calgary is fabulous.

#TheatreCalgary 

Heritage Park

Field Trip!

Over the weekend, Nate, Scar and I went to Heritage Park!  It was so beautiful and sunny outside but it was still really windy - so windy in fact that we needed to take a little breather and head indoors for a break.  Inside, we went to Gasoline Alley and enjoyed sitting in and standing by some of the old beautiful cars.  I'm not a huge fan of cars but it was still fun to see all the neat shapes and colours that used to exist back in the day. 

Scarlet's 11 month update

This just feels weird writing this post.  11 months old?!  So totally wild and crazy

I'M THIS OLD!

Probably the biggest and most notable difference this month has been a clear and blatant display of Scarlet's adorable personality.  I say adorable because I have always seen a little 'sweet', 'intriguing', 'curious', 'smart' and 'beautiful' girl in her.  However, this month both Nate and I have seen huge leaps in the character zone.  We now need to add 'inquisitive' 'considerate' 'hilarious' 'clever' 'unstoppable' and 'determined'.  

Our daughter has a full on personality and she ain't afraid to show it.  I LOVE IT!  We kill ourselves laughing some nights just the three of us (and Milo).  I was told that it would get better and better as she gets older, but I had no idea.  She is my favourite little person on this planet!

Scarlet is still nursing three times a day.  We're working on weaning her off of the mid-day drink but it's been difficult.  What can I say?  The child loves her milk.  I myself am ready to stop nursing.  I'm over it.  Not that there haven't been many loving moments and times of serious bonding that I don't believe we would have been able to have from anything else, but after 11 months of being the 'go-to' for nourishment, it's time to get back to some normalcy.  I have enjoyed it, but I'm ready to wean and to stop.   

Speaking of milk - she will not drink anything other than MY milk.  I've tried everything.  Formula, Soy, Whole, Skim, 1%, Lactaid.  I've tried different bottles, sippy cups, straws.  I've tried adding blended strawberries (worked for about a day), I've tried warming it up, I've tried serving it to her cold, lukewarm, everything.  I feel like I've tried it all, but the girl will not budge.  Don't know what is going to happen when I have her completely off nursing because plain water will not cut it - I'm going to have to do some homework and research.  If anyone has any other suggestions, I would STRONGLY appreciate them and will try anything at this point.

Thankfully, she's still a fabulous eater even though she's only in the 15% for weight right now.  I'm not too concerned because she eats A LOT, but when we have little playdates I notice she is quite petit compared to her other girlfriends.  It makes me a little nervous but not too much since Nate and I are both fairly...long...and I don't know...sinewy?  Haha - it's a good thing.

Scar is still displaying a need for two naps during the day.  I really want to get her down to one big long one now because two 'crappy' short ones just sort of take up a lot of time and energy on my part.  It's exhausting bouncing her on the ball for 20 minutes only to have her actually go down for 30 and then repeat it two and a half hours later.  I find I can get more accomplished in the day when she takes one long two hour nap mid-morning.  It's much better this way.

We're officially cruising!  Scar is into absolutely everything and it keeps me so busy.  I have given up a few of my workout days because I feel like I've squatted more than 100 times and it isn't even 9:00 am yet!  It's definitely equivalent to a mild hour or two at the gym so I don't feel too guilty about letting a few days go by without a sweat in my sneakers.

  I think we can officially say she has said her first word. It was CAT!   Ironic since he bit her about three weeks ago (that's a whole different story).  She is so in love with Milo and still freaks out with glee whenever she sees him.  Nate and I have both been working on it with her and finally she has responded back by saying it!!!  We were both so shocked and surprised.  We looked at one another and started laughing and immediately went straight back to her to try it again.  Very exciting.  Scar also says the words 'Mama', 'Dada', and 'Way', but I'm not really counting those as firsts. 

She now has four teeth total!  Two top and two bottom.  

The cutest thing she has learned lately is how to give a high five.  Nate and I both constantly do it to her and then cheer afterwards.  So adorable.

Still working on the party planning!

Nespresso goodies

Yes - I now see by these photos that I may have gone a little crazy with the latest order, but in my house we call coffee 'Life Juice'.  Moms know what I'm talking about, unless you're Mormon, in which case I give it up to you, seriously I do.  #IloveMormons  

I watched three dudes on youtube explain the 'simple' art of latte foam art and honestly, it looked easy.  Then I tried it.  Fail.  I don't know why I can't get it but it actually makes me laugh out loud when Scarlet's upstairs napping and I'm all by myself in my kitchen trying to do it.  I need to give those baristas a bit more credit when they do it for me.

Wow.  That's a lot.