Its a Pony-tail!!!

   Mark and I did not know that we were having a girl when PJ was born. After she made her appearance I remember holding her and picturing the fun I was going to have dressing her up and doing her hair. Well, I have had lots of fun in the past 23 months dressing her up...but it wasn't until TODAY that I was finally able to do her hair! Our little PJ was quite bald right up until the beginning of this year. She was about 15 (+) months before she had even enough hair to put a barrette in! Today I was able to (after bribing her with a bottle of milk) comb her hair into a tiny little pony tail on the top of her head! I think she looks so cute :). She excitedly showed Mark her "pretty" when he got home - so maybe this wasn't a one time thing (I hope not!). Although she liked her "pretty" she wasn't very cooperative when it came to taking some photos of it! 

She's such a ham!

The bribe bottle ;)

Add caption

My Littles!

   One and a half years ago Mark and I made the big financial decision to buy an expensive camera. I "crossed my heart, hoped to die cry, put a needle in my eye" (wow...I don't think that as a child I ever really realized how truly horrible that saying is!) that I would make really good use of this camera. We ordered it and I eagerly awaited its arrival. Once it showed up we got it out and took a couple pictures...and then let it sit. I use it...every once in a while, to take a picture or two, but I have learned that I am not a natural photographer and that maybe I have a little too much camera for my skill level. But, no fear, because all of this is going to change! This Maternity Leave I have vowed (in a much less descriptive manner than the first time) that I will become more proficient at using my camera. After all, I have SUCH CUTE subject matter to take pictures of! I also do have quite a few resources that I can learn from - the internet, my older sisters (they are both so talented! You can check out my oldest sister's pictures at Blessings From Above.), and I have a very talented Aunt that teaches classes (Rita Zietsma Photography) so that is always an option as well (budget willing!). Anyways, this past week I sat down and read a couple of blog posts on how to take better pictures of children. I tried out some of the tips and here are the results:). I am happy with them - they are definitely better than what I have been getting in the past!

My baby boy - I think he is so handsome!

I am always so amazed at how small babies are - such precious tiny hands :) 

Peyton Joy - having a rare serious moment

I love my little girl so much! :) 

This is a more common "PJ face"!

This is PJ watching our elderly gentleman neighbour! He is 96 and a half years old! We hope to go visit him later this week! 

He is starting to coo and just yesterday was his first smile! Can't wait to capture that on camera!

   These last two are definitely not anything spectacular but they are pictures of my two littles together! PJ absolutely adores her little brother and he seems to be taking more and more of an interest in her! She is always showering him with kisses and wants to "coogle" (cuddle) him all the time! I love them so much! 

We've Been Blessed...Again!

On June 17th we were blessed once again! This time with a beautiful baby boy! He was born after only nine hours of labour at 7:18am. He was little compared to his sister and weighed in at only 8.3lbs. He was the same length at 21 inches. We named him Chase Peter. Peter is after my dad - a man that both Mark and I respect and love a lot. I am so blessed to have my dad in my life; he has been there for me during some of the most difficult and trying times in my life. He has also been there for me during the exciting and happy times! More recently my dad (and my mom) has been a huge inspiration, encouragement, and comfort to Mark and I during a very tough time. He is such a great dad and man of faith! For these reasons and so many more we felt that naming Chase after my dad made so much sense. We hope that he can grow up to be a man like his Grampa! Anyways, without anymore ado here he is!!!!

All dressed up to come home from the hospital! 

Meeting his two "boy" cousins from my side of the family - hoping for lots of fun "guy" times between these three!

There is nothing quite like the softness and smell of fresh baby. 

So little in his bassinet! 

Chase and PJ sitting on Daddy's lap for story time before bed.

Already 1 month old! Can't believe how quickly time flies!

Chase slept for the majority of his first month - when he did wake up PJ and I would get so excited and carry him around to show him the house, toys, etc. PJ has taken a shining to her little brother but is more than okay with him being "put away" every once in a while so that she can have her parent's full attention. She is a big helper and is always bringing me Chase's soothers, blankets and diapers. She loves to "meep, meep" his nose and give him kisses and hugs. Although she is not a huge fan of "holding" Chase she will every so often for a grand total of 1 second until she is "aw done". I am loving having these two as company every day. They make my life busy - but so full of blessings. 

Lord, I Need You

This song by Matt Maher has been my constant prayer lately! There is no getting through this life without our God by our side - a truth that I have been reminded of again and again in the past couple of months! He is our One Defense, Our Righteousness throughout all of life! What a blessing to have a God who cares and who takes care of us. I have loved listening to this song at full blast as I have been unpacking and cleaning around our new house! Take a listen: Lord, I Need You .