sugar bush

Last Monday, we went on a fun spring winter (I’m not even sure which word to use) to the Sugar Bush to see where maple syrup is made. We went with Evalyn’s preschool class. Let me tell you, there is something about going on a class trip with your kid (even if it is just preschool) that screams I AM A MOM. I have kind of always waited for the day that I’d get to go on all of these fun trips and since a crazy wind storm canceled our Pumpkin Patch trip in the fall, this was our first.

  We were extra lucky because Nana came to visit to go on the trip with us. So fun!

We learned (or at least I learned … not sure Eva caught on to anything except the fact that we ate pancakes) so many interesting facts about making maple syrup, went on a tractor pulled wagon ride, a walk through the bush and enjoyed delicious pancakes smothered in real maple syrup.

I derive from Maple Syrup People so this is definitely my kind of treat. Over a week later, Eva is still talking about it – even though at the time, she spent a good portion of the morning whining about wanting to go back on the wagon ride. I just love these kind of fun adventures that bring her so much joy.

I made it!

A few days ago, I was looking through some archives on my blog and I came across this post that I wrote last January. This was the post where I talked about the nasty case of the blues that snuck up on me during the dreary month of January. It was bad. Probably the worst month of motherhood to date. Maybe it was a little case of postpartum depression? Maybe it was the winter blues? Maybe both. Either way, it was rough. And it took a toll on me.

When I read the post and reflected on how I felt last year at this time and the struggles I was facing, I looked at the calendar and realized we were quickly approaching the end of January. Instead of sitting around like a blob, desperately waiting for the month to end, it was over before I even noticed it was happening. That night, I told Evan I made it! I made it through the month of January without feeling the blues creep in. Without feeling like I was in a funk that I just couldn’t shake. Without feeling blah. I made it!

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that January hasn’t been January. We’ve had unseasonably warm days, virtually no snow, and no days where we’ve been cooped inside because of crappy driving conditions. Maybe it’s because I’m working more this year and Evalyn is in day care two mornings a week so we have some structure to our weeks. Maybe it’s because we go to library program each week and we have friends we spend time with and lots of fun toys to play with. Maybe it’s because of this. Or because of that.

But whatever the case may be, whatever the reason, I made it. And I’m happy about that. So here’s to a great February so we can get ready to welcome spring.

Photo Dumpage

Lately, the majority of photos of Evalyn are taken when she is strapped in the high chair. Why? Well, because that’s the only time she is still for more than 3.2382 seconds. Because of this, and because it’s winter and the majority of our days are spent sitting inside instead of doing fun exciting things outside, I just don’t have many photos from the past month or so. Regardless, I found a couple that seem to capture the essence of life around here as of late.

So, without further adieu, the grand ol’ photo dump.

Taking the baby for a ride in the car, snoozing on her made up bed, being silly, wearing glasses, and eating ice cream.

This is what happens on clothing organization day. You know, where I go through her closet and put away too small clothes, organize the bins of too-big-next-season clothes. This is the day Evalyn finds all sorts of fun things to wear. Here she’s sporting the camo princess look.

Next up, we’ve got the big girl ponytail. AS IF she is big enough for a real deal pony tail. As if. Baking a cake will Mama works in the kitchen. Heading to work. In the car, with her “compu”. Colouring with Daddy. Wearing her cowboy boots, of course. And last up, playing in the “snow” with Mommy. I say “snow” because what we’ve had this year? Hardly counts as snow. My daughter can’t even call herself a true Canadian yet because she hasn’t experienced playing in the snow for real.

There ya have it, January in photos.

First Snowfall

Last week, Eva and I spent a few day’s at my sisters house with her, her kids and my Mom. Eva had a blast watching her bigger cousins play. She was very interested in what was going on at all times.

While we were there, they got the first big snowfall of the season. I bundled Eva up in the moby wrap and headed out to witness her experience her first snowfall. Obvi, she didn’t even notice. She just squinted her eyes in the sun and sucked on her soosie during the whole walk.

But, anyway, here we are – Mommy and Evalyn during the first snowfall.

And please, don’t be jealous … I know I’m a hot mama.

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

Here are a couple pics of the view from my back door this morning. I am way too chicken to try to venture out the front to take pictures of the orchard and the fields. These are just the pictures I could take while remaining in the comfort of my living room.

Part of my fabulous dude's job is to plow snow on the property of the organization he works for. Since it was calling for snow he set his alarm for 4:30 a.m. this morning to check if it had begun snowing yet. It hadn't. He came back to bed and proceeded to get up and check if it had started for every half hour thereafter. It didn't start snowing until nearly 8:00, when he would be leaving for work anyway. Poor guy. It is still coming down and doesn't look like it's going to stop anytime soon. I'm enjoying the day inside getting things ready for a yummy Christmas dinner tomorrow.