{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

A rare moment this one. Momma and all four of her girls. Everyone may not be looking or smiling, but I happen to be in love with this real moment. Thankful for all of my happy healthy baby girls!

A Day at the Pumpkin Patch

We took advantage of a beautiful fall day and had some fun in the pumpkin patch. We even got a hay/tractor ride! We actually only left with one tiny pumpkin in tow. It is still a bit early for pumpkins but we now have an excuse to go back for more!





















After Frution farm we hit a local apple picking spot. There weren't really that many apples to pick from and there were no ladders for the kiddos to climb (we usually go to Picton), so we might have to try again if we have time to fit it in. We do indeed have apples now for that caramel apple decorating kit. Some more fun to look forward to!

It's Offically Fall

... For three days now actually. Let the decorating begin!

The Post Where I Ramble Almost Uncontrolably... About Nothing

Well, firstly my camera card is missing! So be warned there are no pictures to follow in this very boring post where I ramble, with full intentions of adding some interesting {or not} photos to go along with my point form rambling post. Phew!

1. Considering I already said firstly can one come next or should it be two? Hmm

2. We are all still very sick around here and we would not have made it this far without the source of many drugs {children's and adult's} to help us get through this painful time. Also a whole lot of infant saline drops, because a baby that cannot sleep for lack of breathing causes one sick Momma not to sleep and one sick Momma lacking sleep leads to... well you get the picture.

3. We are REALLY hoping to be feeling better for this weekend {which starts tomorrow} because yesterday was officially the first day of Autumn and that is way exciting in my books being Autumn is my FAVOURITE season and we have grand plans of apple picking and pumpkin patches and wagon rides and corn mazes and all those fun things fall! We even purchased {for something different} A Caramel Apple Kit which includes: Everything you need to create 8 caramel apples {except the apples} which we will need to pick or buy. Again, you get the picture except you don't because I don't have my camera card to actually take a picture and post it to the blog for you to see. The box is very enticing and it screamed at us from the self in Costco "Pick me!" and then to go pick some apples because the kits says it includes "everything" but doesn't actually state anywhere that you need your own apples. I haven't opened the box yet but I am pretty certain there are no apples in there. It is just a guess though.

4. Our kitty, our baby boy {since there are no other baby boys in our house} was missing for six plus days. It was hard to keep track of the days exactly but it was pushing a week. I know it. Anyways he was missing. I thought he was a goner but the cat came back he just couldn't stay away. Give me a meow say meow! He actually showed up after many worried nights by me and that horrible thunder storm we had where I prayed he had shelter or that he was in some one's house safe and dry. We are so very glad to have him home and he decided to show up the night we posted posters all over the neighbourhood telling everyone he was missing. Since he has been home he has eaten about four full dishes of cat food and barely stepped foot outdoors. It is quite evident to me that he was clearly lost all that time and that he is now terrified to venture back out there in chance he may lose us again. So sad, but in the mean time his not going outdoors has caused him to poop twice in my home, which is saddening to me since he never EVER uses a litter box and strictly goes outdoors to do his business. One time he pooped in the rough in in the floor of the basement for the non-existent bathroom. I do give him credit for that since it is full of rocks {like a litter box} and it was sort of the bathroom. He is so clever. Poor baby boy couldn't find the litter box since he has never used it here since we moved. The other time he pooped... well I will keep that one a secret. I don't wanna get him in trouble. But do know and I cleaned it up and oh you poor baby boy we love you so! I have in the mean time placed his litter box over the poop hole in hopes he won't be pooping in it again any time soon! Or ever!

5. Abigail said just about the cutest thing the other day while looking out the front window. "Mommy, Mommy look! The tree, it's dancin'!"

6. I really hope my camera card shows up as quickly as it disappeared, because I think this rambling post could be a bit much and I am much better with pictures than I am with words {clearly}. Sorry for that. I will keep looking for it. Now, if only it would have stayed put when I placed it on the island in my kitchen and not got up and walked away on me. At least all pictures and videos have been uploaded to my computer so far, but what ever are you going to do without seeing a picture of all the drugs we have been taking and a picture of a caramel apple decorating kit? Breathe. It will be alright. I can feel it!

7. The big girls had enough energy to clean their room this morning on their own, without prompting and the floor looks amazingly clean. It does only take a few seconds though before you realize they had enough energy to pick up everything off the floor and pile it neatly on the bottom bunk which is going to make it impossible for Abigail to sleep there tonight. I am only sharing in hopes it might get me the energy to jump on in and help them to really clean their room. Which I really do not see happening any time soon. She may just have to sleep on the floor tonight!

8. Tessa has this obsession lately with dolls. She needs to have a baby or ten with her 24/7 and we do not seem to be lacking in the baby department in this house real or pretend so she is golden. I have been having to fight her on the way out the door everyday so that she just takes ONE baby out with us and not all twenty. I am also shocked in the morning when I go in to find her in her crib. I am worried she may get lost under them all and not find her way free. It is kind of frightening to me and hopefully just a stage. This is coming from the child who could have nothing in her bed before except one blanket!

9. Speaking of Tessa she also has another strange habit. She throws all of her food on the floor and what doesn't make the floor she smears all through her hair. It is lovely and making for much fun at bath time for a little girl who hates to have her hair washed!

10. I am almost done. Hope all of you have been avoiding the rotten virus that has taken a hold of our household and are able to avoid the wonderful drugs I have been taking which cause me to ramble on about nothing, thinking you might actually sit and read this whole post. Stay well everyone! Stay well!

11. Just think of all the exciting photos you missed because of my missing carmera card. You're over it? I'm so glad!

I Couldn't Resist

I couldn't resist entering in this weeks i heart faces photo challenge. 'Cause "Smirk" is Abigail's classic look!

Gotta love a cute smirk now and again.

Head on over to i heart faces for more smirky faces.

All Us Kids

One, two, three, four. All us kids we sick. Snoty nose and fever kinda sick. And da Momma, da Momma is tired. Gumpy and tired and not gettin' much seep at night. She can't compain though. We is great seepers all them other days.

Suck it up Momma. Your babies, they need you! Your seep... well you will have it again sometime soon. Reawy, we pomise!

Hope everyone else is managing to stay healthy!

Tessa and Nella

My babies. They are so in love with one another it is ridiculous. They are sweet and cute and make google eyes at one another. They smile hugely the second they lay eyes on one another and they see each other all day, every day. It melts my heart really. I love it. But, there is a time or two or twenty that I find myself pulling them apart.
























Like only seconds after I took this shot bellow... Nella is smiling hugely at Tessa who is yes indeed on top of her. She loved it. Then Tessa decided she would ride Nella and started bouncing up and down on Nella's tummy. This was one of those moments I found myself pulling them apart, but not because Nella was harmed in anyway. The complete opposite in fact she was smiling her little head off and giggling too -- but I just couldn't let that happen imagining what could have happened!

Seriously thankful for these sweet little girls every day, even when they love on each other in crazy sort of ways!

Happy Birthday!

Happy 60th to a very special Auntie! Lilly, Abigail, Tessa, Nella, Liam and I, love you so very much! XO

Wow! Day Four!

Am I really blogging about day four at school? Yes, I really am. I am because my heart is breaking for my little girl. And, while I have done so well with being the strong Momma for her so far, this morning we both had a break down. She cried, real tears and I cried with her in front of all the other kids parents. I felt horrible for her. The day started so well again like it has been every other day of school so far. She was excited and I felt such relief when Lilly practically ran ahead of me on her way to school and then ran into the play ground and actually started playing without anyone suggesting it. Then, the bell rang and she ran happily... to me. She had even before had gone and placed her backpack in line and now she wouldn't dare get in line herself. She clung to me again. This time, she clung to me and cried. She wanted Momma to stay with her. She didn't wanna meet any new friends. She needed me and it killed me to see her this way. The last three days we struggled but there were no tears. I did again what I needed to do. I hugged her so tight and kissed her. I smiled and told her she was going to have a great day! And I left. I am still tearing up thinking about it. My baby needed me and I just left her there. I feel horrible. Please tell me it will get easier. Convincing myself doesn't seem to be working! I know again I will pick her up at school and she will be all smiles and say she had a great day, but I cannot help but think of Tuesday again and having to go through this again. Last year she never even wanted me around. I tired to pick her up from school a few times and she told me she wanted to take the bus home with her friends. Far cry from today!

Separation Anxiety

I know what you are all thinking. Come on lady and pull yourself together! You have three girls to keep you busy at home and it is Lilly's second year of school already! But in reality I am not posting about me. I am okay with Lilly being at school for the day. It is hard for me to see her resisting and shyly standing back. It is hard for me to see her run out of line on the third day of school to give me one last kiss and then for me to have to take her by the hand back to her line-up because she wants her Momma to take her. Seriously -- it kills me! But someone else is having separation anxiety I think. Her name is Abigail, and every day so far that we have taken Lilly to school, she has cried and whined the whole walk home. Today she cried for Lilly. She wanted Lilly one million five hundred and eighty six times on the way home and there was no convincing her that Lilly had to be in school and just wait until next year you will be in school with Lilly too! Not cutting it. She wanted Lilly, she wanted Lilly, she wanted Lilly! And then we got home, she hopped into the van to open the garage for me and SHE was the big girl. Momma's helper. She was happy again and again Momma can breathe a sigh of relief knowing I don't have to keep hearing I want Lilly all day long... until tomorrow morning of course when Lilly goes back to school for day four -- her first time ever, two consecutive days in a row! When I say consecutive days I don't think I needed to add in a row since that was evident right? I take it back!

Okay... I feel better now.

Or not.

Maybe I am having a small bit of separation anxiety myself.

Just maybe.

Come on! It's hard not to miss that little girl!

This picture is from Tuesday while Abigail and I waited for Lilly to run and greet us after her second day of school!

Abby was missing her big sister!

Sitting Pretty!

LOL I remember with Tessa too I never really let her practice sitting. When I tired sitting her alone she just did it. As is the same thing with Nella! My baby is growing up so fast! Before I know it she will be drinking from a sippy cup. Now if only we can get Tessa not to attack her while she sits on the floor to play. I didn't dare remove the breastfeeding pillow from behind Nella because she got knocked over many times by her brute of a sister! LOL

All these milestones for the last time -- Kinda has me a little choked up! Enjoying every moment like these ones and being truly thankful. Thankful for my four beautiful, happy and healthy little girls!

{Almost} Wordless Wednesday

Just around the corner or in my front yard! Fall is almost here! I can't wait!!

Here She is!

The happy, confident girl I know!
And Momma can breathe again! Phew!!

LOVE her!

The Little Girl I Know

The little girl I know, excitedly woke me up this morning all dressed for school and told me I needed to get out of bed and get her breakfast!

The little girl I know had her shoes and sweater on before I even said it`s time to get ready to go!

The little girl I know skipped all the way to school so care free with no cares in the world except the little craters in the road she needed to hop over.

The little girl I know confidently ran across the school yard.

Then, this little girl turned back looking for comfort. This little girl who I don`t know, but seeing it broke my heart. She wanted her Momma. She wanted that familiar friend from her first day of school that she played with.

When I told her if she forgot some kids names to ask them again she said ``I want Hannah. I only wanna play with Hannah.`` and clung to my side. I kissed her assuring her she would have an awesome day and meet all kinds of friends and to go and have fun. She still clung, she clung until after the bell rang and I walked her over to her class line and the teacher came. I kissed that little girl again and gave her a big hug. Told her with a huge smile on my face ``It`s going to be a great day!`` While inside my heart was aching for her.

I hate that this experience is a hard one for her. Change is hard for everyone, I know. I also know the little girl I know so very well is just hiding behind this insecure beginning and she will shine again before I know it. Problem is I have to wait for her... and I want that little girl I know right now! So does she... I know it!

Baby girl, you are strong and confident and I know day two will be even better than day one which you LOVED. You just need to get there. And you are there now while I wait here at home anxiously awaiting day end so I can walk to pick you up with your THREE little sisters and see that beautiful smile on your face which was only just hiding this morning! I Love you Lilly!

Momma

LOL Thanks Candice for noticing that! Ha! Only three little sisters not four!! No more kids for us! Correction made!

A Date With Kate

Sometimes, two Momma's of four children, wives and homemakers need some time together without any family distractions for a few hours and what better way to do it then hitting up Starbucks for some seasonal lattes?!

Great friends, wonderful conversation, lots of smiles, giggles and delicious drinks! Kate, we need to do this more often! Love you girl!! XO And after seeing these photos I realize that next time... I might have to apply some make-up!

So Pretty!

Who says a little sparkle can't make a girl smile?!
Pretty Girl!

Be Still My Beating Heart

These sweet little faces -- these sweet little girls, are impossible not to love!

It's Official!

She is a senior and SO proud of it too! She said she had so much fun today and regardless of her waking at 5:30am this morning and her being so very tired -- she said she was able to forget about "the tired" because she was just having so much fun! I LOVE that!

I am so proud of this little girl and I love her to bits! I KNEW she would love school as much as she did last year!

Oh, I forgot to tell you... she has also graduated from Lilly to Lilly P. Who would have thought that there would be two Lillys in the same class and that they were sporting the exact same outfit today! As if!

And She's Off!

To Senior Kindergarten that is! So excited she was to go to school -- and just a little hesitant when she had to line up with her classmates that she hadn't yet met. It kinda broke my heart because I think her confidence is what has kept me going! I do know she will do great though! And -- I cannot wait to update you on her day after she has officially become a senior for the day!

Nella's Battle Wound and One Peeved Momma!

Lets start by saying I must be completely crazy thinking we could have a successful doctors visit with me toting around four children by myself all under the age of six! It all started out okay. Nella content in her car seat and Tessa staying close if not in my lap while I read to her. Then a half hour or so passes, Nella needs feeding and Tessa is starting to feel comfortable in her surroundings and thinks she would like to explore a little more, maybe take her shoes off, climb on some stools, check out some people in their rooms and get lots of "Ohhhhh she is so cute!" comments from everyone in the waiting room! After waiting what seemed like forever and me trying not to have to punish my children in front of all these smiling strangers, we are finally taken to our room where our wonderful Nurse shakes her head at me and says "Natalie, I don't know how you do it!" Nella gets all checked out and she is a whopper at 17 lbs 10 oz and 26 inches long! 90% in her weight and 75% in her length. Well out she goes saying she will be back after our Doc comes in to check her out!

So, she is perfect yet again! Just what I love to hear! No worries about Nella from her perspective so lets get those nurses in to give her her needles! When they are so little they always have two nurses in at once administering the needles so there is less pain for the child getting both at the same time instead of one right after the other. Well our wonderful Nurse comes in with another Nurse I have not seen before and they give Nella her needles. Immediately Nella starts screaming and throwing her legs as a reaction to the pain. If I hadn't had her held tightly she would have been throwing her arms too. Well the "new" Nurse pulls the needle out of Nella's leg without hanging on to her and scrapes my poor baby, blood everywhere! She then tells me perhaps I should give her Tylenol when we get home because the needle scraped her while it was coming out because she kicked her leg! Not so brilliant is my thought since any child receiving a needle is likely going to throw their arms and legs as reaction and PERHAPS she should hold the leg of the child she is sticking a needle into! One peeved and venting Momma here! I do KNOW it was an accident but I am finding it hard not to bring myself to tears that someone hurt my little baby! My little baby who is still bleeding hours later and is now sporting one of our very own Winnie the Pooh bandages because the one from the office was drenched in blood!

And this eventful Doctor's visit could not pass by without photographic evidence including that battle wound and a little photoshopping to make me feel better.

*Sorry for bashing said Nurse above, but I really needed to get this off of my chest! Thanks.*

Labour Day Weekend

Although Labour Day weekend is not technically the last weekend of summer it always really feels that way. Kids are always back to school after Labour Day and September screams fall to me! And I can tell you, nothing really excites me more than leaves changing color and pumpkin patches, or pumpkin spice candles and pumpkin spice lattes! Fall decor and fall mums and everything fall excites me!

We did indeed make the most of our Labour Day weekend with visits from in-laws, Auntie and Uncle and Gramma and Grampa and Nanny and Poppa to the littles. Lilly idolizes her Auntie and can not keep away from her for a minute when she is around. I love watching her so happily following K around! Our VERY busy weekend also included us heading out to Charleston Lake for a wonderful dinner with Liam's Aunt and Uncle and then today (Monday) ended our weekend with each other and a road trip to our favourite country store to take in the beautiful Harvest decor and smell those fall candles. Okay you totally got me! I am a sucker for yummy candles and I cannot leave Belleville without one!

Hope everyone else had a wonderful long weekend! Lilly gets to head back to her new school tomorrow with Mom for an Open house where she will meet some of her classmates and see where everything is in her classroom. She is SO very excited and I know she will LOVE being a "Senior" since it is all she has talked about for about a week now! We met her teacher last week and Mrs. Q couldn't be more perfect! Lilly got some one on one time with her and I am so thrilled she got that chance before school starts. Her first full day will be Thursday!

Here comes Fall! Bring it on -- I am SO VERY ready!

Wordless {Almost} Wednesday

You are never too little to play pretend AND enjoy it!
Loving every minute with my girls and adoring these special moments shared between them.

{also, so you know... those are play-doh scissors and Lilly never touched them to Nella even once!}