the simple life

Getting out in nature always makes me appreciate the simple things in life and helps me re-focus my perspective. I don't know about you, but I find when I've had a really busy week (this week we were out three out of four nights) - I need time to just decompress and be in the outdoors to re-fuel. These photos were taken at Campbell Valley Park, one of my favourite local spaces. 

One thing I was thinking about today is the question of "enough". Do you feel like at this point in your life that you are satisfied? Do you feel like your cup is full? It's easy to get caught up in always projecting your happiness into the future. What's your weakness? How do you usually finish this phrase: I'll be happy when..........I'm skinnier? I'm richer? I meet someone? I'm a parent? I have a better job? I have a better home? When is enough enough?

My weakness tends to be that I can't wait for a bigger living space. I daydream of having room to entertain, to have an open concept space to cook for our friends and family, to have a more modern home that reflects my love of contemporary architecture.......Our home is 1050 square feet, pretty cozy by today's housing standards, but it is definitely big enough for the two of us and our soon-to-be-bundle. My husband's entire family of four grew up in 850 square feet (one bathroom) and had a wonderfully happy life together. I hate the fact that I get caught up in thinking that more will be somehow "better". Our home right now is entirely within our means and is a happy, bright space  - so why do we catch ourselves getting caught up in the rat race? If there's one thing I've learned from life experience and books is that to live in the present is to be truly happy. This is why the art of meditation is so truly important.

Today we went for a two hour walk through the park and often chatted about how wonderful our friends and family are and what we adore about their unique personalities. When you're away from the storefronts, the advertising, the competitive rat race, it's easy to be reminded in the richness of all that we do have - a beautiful province to live in and a lot of great people in our lives to love. That's why I crave to be in nature - it has such an abundance of beauty and possesses the ability to make me feel full and grateful. Have you heard of the documentary called I am? It was created by Hollywood director Tom Shadyac - a man who had it all - the 10,000 square foot mansion, the private jet, the huge bank account - and gave it all up to live a simplified life. He was gravely injured in a biking accident and reflected on what was truly important in his life. He donated everything away and lives in a modest home. He admits to never being happier. I love how through his research he discovers that contrary to popular thinking, nature's fundamental operating principal is based upon cooperation, not competition. Societies function at a healthier level when operating under feelings of gratitude and compassion versus anxiety, anger and fear. Even Darwin's Descent of Man discusses love 95 times and only mentions the phrase "survival of the fittest" twice. So where'd we get it wrong? Why is our society under the impression that we have to outdo one another in order to measure happiness and success? 

So my task for you this week is to make a gratitude list of all that makes you truly happy at this point in time. Don't look forward and don't compare your life with others. I bet you'll be surprised at how long your list is and how little of it is tied to anything material.

Sorry I waxed on a little long about all of this - but it's a big topic that I think we often need reminding of in today's society. 

29 weeks

A lot has developed during this week's edition of "The very young and extremely restless". I had an ultrasound and found out the baby is lying transversed with their legs stretched out and crossed (as demonstrated in the photo above). I couldn't stop giggling when I saw the image because the tech said she's never seen such a relaxed little baby. It doesn't surprise me that our child is chilled right out given that we're both quite laid back people. However, if the baby doesn't turn to the vertically-aligned, head down position during the next six weeks or so, I will have to have a c section. Even the most talented of women can't deliver a sideways-turned baby. I have found some great yoga positions that help try to naturally turn the baby, so here's hoping that he/she doesn't get too attached to their reclined lifestyle or maybe I'll have to buy a child sized lazyboy chair for their room. I also found out this week that I'm Anemic (from lack of iron), which didn't surprise me too much since I don't eat any red meat. And last night I discovered that spicy foods trigger projectile vomiting: the baby simply has no appreciation for my love of curry. What a wussy! Each week this baby teaches me a lot about our co-habitation. Sorry for all the baby updates, but I have found this whole experience quite fascinating. Have a great night!

so happy together

Redheads need not apply

Tonight on the news, there was an interesting little story on how the world's largest sperm bank, Cyros International, has stopped accepting ginger-haired donors. For more information please read here. A lot of families don't want redheaded sperm donors because they'd rather their child looks like them, and since red hair is so rare, they simply aren't in demand. But why do we have to all look the same? Before getting pregnant, I was very close to adopting a boy from Korea and was so excited to celebrate the fact that our family would be a wonderful mix of cultures. I just thought the news article was pretty funny given that I always have tried to dye my auburn hair as red as I can. I always thought red hair was exotic. Maybe because I am a shy gal, I thought the bolder the red the better to help let others know that if you get to know me, I really do have an edge. Only 1-2% of the population are natural redheads. Why is there a negative connotation about being unique? Why are all redheads portrayed as hot heads or fiery? I always knew there are people who for whatever reason, think it's acceptable to pick on redheads: a clear example of this is kick a ginger day. Will redheads eventually be left at the sidelines, not allowed to dip their toes in the gene pool? Wouldn't you miss seeing beauties like this? 

or what about these comedically gifted men, two of my all-time favourite redheads:

Check out this clip of the two of them together: Conan & Louis

What do you think? Are you more partial to blondes/brunettes? Do you think it's time for me to pack up and be around my people in Ireland?

Sunday's 365 photo - Cat nap

Whenever he is resting anytime/anywhere in the house, she finds him. She adores her papa. 

skinny mini and the three bumps

Even though we're a little spread out these days (both geographically and literally ) - we all had a chance to converge in Vancouver for some much appreciated face time this weekend. I often think of these girls as my lucky angels. I had been trying to get pregnant for years and the fact that it finally worked within 6 weeks of two of these lovely ladies is pretty amazing. It boggles my mind that the next time we meet up there will be three new babies in tow (due dates Oct. 23, Nov 4th and Dec. 11th). We hit the town for some pedicures and delicious Italian food (another round of sparkling waters please so we can continue all of our dorky toasts to one another). Of course, my favourite part is always just lounging in our lulus and catching up on comfy sofas. We're all quite different from one another, but there's something about the mix of us together that feels like such a great little family. I always feel a sense of renewal and gratitude after I get to have time with these amazing ladies. I really have learned so much from each of them. Make a date with your friends and celebrate the fact your paths all came together. xo

28 Weeks

Today I hit the 28 week mark. It's so hard to believe it's been 7 months already. At the 28 week mark, babies are approx. 2.3 pounds and measure 15 inches from head to toe. At this stage they are already blinking their eyes and can see any bright lights shining through your belly. Isn't that wild? There's a tonne of kicking going on and a lot of movement. The baby also reacts to what I eat now. The other day I had Indian food and the baby kicked from 4 - 6 am continuously.  It was fun (at first). But I think I will hold off on the spicy foods for now because I need sleep. At this stage of the game, my biggest craving is lemon. (Lemon slices in ice water, lemon iced tea, lemon bars, lemon juice on salad - you get the idea). My waddle is getting a little quicker, I'm getting more used to these wide strides. Speed waddling might be my new exercise form. I've been blown away at the kindness of strangers (people always offer me up their seat on the bus or Canada line) and they always ask how I am doing/feeling - so sweet. It really is an amazing feeling of gratitude I have for these people. The trickiest part at this stage of the game is sleep (you can only lie on your sides and when I lie on my right side the baby gets pissed off because that is the side of my body they prefer to lie on, and they don't like being squished so they boot me until I turn back onto my left side). Yes, the baby is already getting their way. I'm screwed. I hope you have a fantastic weekend! We are off for a long overdue catch up with some friends tonight. Have a drink for me would you?