Random Thoughts From a Mommy

I know 2016 has not been the best of year for most. It took a lot of our beloved entertainers, which really meant it reminded us of our own mortality. Many experienced heartbreaks, losses, and stuggles. For me, it was a whirlwind year. Some crazy moments where I wanted to pull my hair out, but mostly many awesome moments that filled my heart with gratitude. Here are my top 10 for 2016 (in no particular order): 10.) Buying our new house - When Alastair was born, my gut said we'd be in a new house in a year. As time went on, the possibility didn't seem all that plausible. I casually looked here and there, but could never commit. I made tons of excuses like the location of our old house was just too good. It was close to the park, Starbucks, Safeway, bus stop...the list went on. So when a house behind our old house came up for sale, we decided to give it a go. We got outbid by $20,000 (or something like that). Suddenly, we got more serious about looking. One Sunday, during 4 ope

I remember the first time I walked through the house. I had just turned 13 and had moved from Hong Kong to Delta for just about 6 months. I walked into what would be my future room, took one look at it and told my mom, "the walls are an awful color, this can be Kelly's room." Of course, at 13, I didn't realize that a coat of paint would solve the ugly room problem. I painted it greyish blue and problem solved. That room would later become Kelly's, then Mackenzie's, and Mackenzie's and Bryanna's. When you go from living in a tiny little apartment to living in a house, you learn to appreciate space. And this house was huge! I loved the duck wallpaper plastered all over the games room (which still stands today). It would be where we set up the computer where we played a lot of tetris and Doom. It would take a few more years before my mom finally gave in to the world of internet. This house hosted a lot of birthday parties, games nights, and

Dear Alastair, When you're little, there's no time. Time is just right now. So the idea of tomorrow seems foreign and far away. Then as you get older, time goes by a little quicker. Then suddenly you're an adult, with bills, work, friends, family, and all the fun things to balance. And every year on New Year's Eve, you wonder where the year went. But nothing prepares you for when you have children. Time seems to go by quicker than before. You blink and your child is teething, crawling, walking, talking. Then you have 2 kids, and time doubles the speed. Then we had you. And it just went exponentially faster from the day you were born. With your sisters being polar opposites, I honestly did not know what to expect with you. Turned out, you move the most out of the three. And your demeanor seems to fall between your siblings. You are calculated, taking in all that is around you and processing everything slowly before showing a smile. You weaned a couple of

It's the night before going back to work. A part of my heart aches a little bit knowing I will be spending less time with them from here on. Mostly though, my heart is just so full. I'm grateful for what the last year has brought. When I first started this mat leave, I knew for sure at around the 3-4 month mark, I would ask to go back to work. Sure enough, around Christmas time, I talked to one of my previous managers about going back part time. Then I didn't hear anything back. So I left it. And am grateful I did.  This was the mat leave where it would be the last time all 3 kids would be in the house at the same time. This coming September, Mack is going to kindergarten.  This past year, we've gone on camping trips, Great Wolf Lodge, drove to Edmonton, many many beach days/evenings, and just a ton of outings as a family. We have been blessed that Bryan is around during the day. We were spoiled not only because we got to spend the entire year together, but

Dear Mackenzie, Yesterday, I had a 4 year old, a 3 year old, and a 9.5 month old. Then this morning, I woke up, and I now have a 5 year old. 5 years. Something about 5 years that takes my breath away. Awhile ago, I asked you if you could stay 4 just a little bit longer, you said no. You are excited to be 5. And I understand why. 5 means you're just a few more months away from kindergarten. It also means you're a year away from being allowed to have bubble gum. You also asked to have your ears pierced when you turn 5. It sounds like 5 will be a big year. You know what though? 4 was a great year too.  A few months after you turned 4, you patiently waited and waited and waited until Alastair finally arrived. (Believe me, we all waited!) Instantly, you somehow knew that your big sister role suddenly became double the responsibility. Thank you for never complaining when I ask you to grab me a diaper, or keep Alastair entertained, or playing with your sister while I

Dear Bryanna, Another year came and gone. And I never stop asking myself - how? This morning, I came downstairs and wished you a happy birthday. You thanked me. Then I put a dress on you, you thanked me again. You seemed extra polite today. Is this what happens when you're 3? You also said, "my heart is pink". You said it with so much love on your face I had to take a picture. I can barely remember a time before you could speak in full clear sentences. It seemed that you have been talking forever. You always have so much to say and so many stories to tell. Sometimes, your brain works a bit faster than your body and you stutter a bit and it's just the cutest thing to listen to. I know this won't last forever, so for now, I am enjoying those moments when you are super excited about something and can't wait to tell us the entire story. We put off potty training you because your brother was on his way and I simply didn't have the energy while pregna

This holiday season has been extra hectic with us going to Edmonton for New Year's. I haven't had the time to sit down to write down the top 10 for 2015. Better late than never! Here we go! (In no particular order) 10.) My cousin Andrea and I have been preggo together twice. It just happened that way and not on purpose. The first time, it was Mackenzie who came 5 months before Addie. This time around, it was Jackson who came 5 months before Alastair. Jackson was the first boy in the family (Andrea and I both have 2 girls each!) and it was a very big deal! I know Trevor was super excited to have more "men" in the family ;) Although we don't see them often, Jackson has been a joy every time we visit. He brings on tons of smiles to everyone he sees. I love you Jackson! 9.) When one of my best friends moved back to Vancouver from Halifax, it was awesome. Then her husband became an RCMP and got posted to Saskatchewan. Thankfully, distance did not deter us fro