growth spurt

Helayna's growing. She's going through a major growth spurt. The last 5 days she's been eating like crazy. She hasn't been sleeping long periods at night any more. Last night was a tough night. She's hungry all the time it seems. I'm exhausted. I was getting used to the longer periods of sleep I was getting at night. Sigh. I suppose it's time though, she's almost 3 months old. She's cuter than ever too. She's talking so much now. It is so stinkin' adorable! She loves to suck on her hands (when she can get them into her mouth) and stare at herself in the mirror. The smiles melt my heart (still).
Jonathan has already won the husband-of-the-year award. He let me sleep until 11am this morning. He also got up at 6:30am and took her so I didn't have to. Every little bit of sleep helps and he's been so generous to me. He is such an awesome dad. I absolutely LOVE watching him play with Helayna.
We are so blessed.
This photo is for Sue. The dress fits her - isn't it cute?!?!?! She wore it to church last night. THANK YOU!

My beautiful friend!

I was fortunate enough to be able to take some maternity photos of my friend, Shelley! She's 28 weeks along and is simply radiant! I had so much fun taking these photos and just wanted to share! TFL!



p.s. Isn't her shirt adorable?! It says, "let it show".

so very strong...

Honestly, I cannot get over how strong Helayna is! Today she was on her tummy and she rolled onto her back because she was pushing so hard with those arms of hers. I was amazed! Gosh, I just love this little girl soooooo much!

Grow

After reading about the 'one little word' challenge by Ali Edwards, I decided to pick a word for myself for 2007. It took me a while to come up with it but my word for the year is 'GROW'. There are so many areas in my life that I want to grow in and it's been on my mind since having Helayna. She's growing like crazy already and I feel like I need to grow too. I want to be a good example for her. I want my words and actions to teach her but that means I have some work to do. So it seemed like an appropriate word - both of us experiencing growth together this year.
I did a layout to remind myself that I want to take this seriously. I've done some journaling on the back of the layout about some of my goals for the year.
I went a little rub-on happy on this layout. Hehehe! I have enough, figured I need to start using them. I'm not sure if I'm really crazy about what I created but it's done and there are too many other layouts to do! I'm seriously re-evaluating my whole style. I spend way too long on layouts and just don't have the time any more - not to mention all the hoards of photos I now have! HA!
The chipboard letters for the word 'grow' are Maya Road, painted green and then I put Basic Grey rub-ons on them. The word 'stronger', "2007" and the flowers are Maya Road rub-ons. The while swirly rub-ons are Fontworks. The 'H' is All My Memories chipboard and the circle is cut from a Sonnets transparency. TFL!!!

Speaking of growing, Helayna is growing like a weed! She's now 11 lbs. 12 oz. She's getting close to doubling her birth weight. I've had to put almost all of her 0-3 months clothes away now. She's moving into her 3-6 months stuff. I can't believe it.

Helayna's First Trip to the Mountains!

Our friend Robyn is visiting us from Boston right now so we took her out to Lake Louise to go snowshoeing today. It was Helayna's first time in the mountains too. It was REALLY cold (-26C) so Daddy and Helayna took a little walk outside and then hung out in the Chateau Lake Louise while Robyn and I snowshoed. It was AWESOME! We had such a good time and Helayna was SO good! I know this will be the first of many trips we take with her to the mountains!

Flying Baby

There's this little game that Jonathan likes to play with Helayna. It totally cracks me up. He flies her around our place making airplane noises. Her eyes get really big and she just stares at everything as she flies by. It is so cute!

I just love that she is becoming more interested in her surroundings and now wants to do things instead of just being held all the time. The smiles and coos are my absolute favorite right now. She is such a wonderful little girl!

Finally scrapping again!

My sister and I scrapbooked on Friday night. It's been a long time for me but it felt good to do it again!
Here's what I created: The letters are her initials - h.l.m. - it's kinda hard to read. One of the first photos we took of our girl! TFL!

Me and My Girl!

I am so in love with this girl. Sometimes it just takes my breath away and I get all teary-eyed when I think about how much I love her. She brings so much joy to my life. I never understood when people talked about the amazing love a mother has for her child but now I do. I can't explain it. Every day it just gets stronger. It's true, the love you have for your own child is so different than any other kind of love. I am so glad she is in our lives - sleepless nights, crying, spit-up, diapers and all.

Guess who's in town?

It's all fun and games when Grandma and Grandpa are in town! :) We're having a great time!

Our Announcements

They were going to be much more elaborate with vellum and ribbon and eyelets. I'm glad I changed my mind on that because we've sent out over 80 so far. GULP! That's just to family and close friends. There are so many more I want to send out but I think I just have to accept the fact that not every single person I know is going to get one and that's okay.
The frame is one of Rhonna Farrer's from 2Peas. The fonts are Autumn Leaves Afternoon Delight and Century Gothic. And yes, I did take that photo myself. It's easy when you have such an adorable subject! :)

Happy New Year!

from our family to yours! May the year ahead be willed with wonderful surprises!