Our weekend...

This past weekend was very busy. Lots of exciting things to share (which means lots of photos). Although we were busy the whole time, it was the good kind of busy. The kind where you feel equally as productive as you do relaxed. It was the kind of weekend that makes you look forward to next weekend, in hopes they can all be as good as the last one.

Hazel had her first swimming lesson. She loved it! Daddy was a trooper in the water with her. I would have gone in but I don't think they let you in with jeans and a sweater, which is the only way I am going swimming right now. Haven't quite embraced the post-pregnancy body yet. Sooooooo, Daddy it was!!!

We had a great visit with friends...

Laundry was actually fun for once...

...until it wasn't!!!

We went to a local diner for the first time. We had dessert before dinner...milkshakes!!! Hazel was a good girl.

We had a wonderful visit with the family. It was so nice to catch up with everyone. We are so blessed to have such a loving and supportive family. They adore Hazel. The feeling was mutual.

Hazel has a special place in her heart for Uncle Joe. Every time she could see him or hear him she intently stared and listened to all he had to say. I think she is in love. We got a message from Uncle Joe after the weekend that said, "I had a play-date with Hazel on the weekend...she has my heart." Love that!!!!

I LOVE this photo...all the ladies and Hazel. So sweet!!!

We went for a walk...

Morning coffee together on the front porch...TOGETHER

Finally, we got news!!! Our dearest friends are getting married!!! We are so happy for them to start a great life together. Congratulations, Uncle Chris and Auntie Katie!!! In an age where it feels like it is all doom and gloom, we really cherish these precious times of love, laughter and companionship. Here's to wishing you PURE JOY!!!!!

You know fall is here when...

I have mentioned in the past how much I love fall. Here is one of the reasons. Apple Picking.

I usually visit the Orchard as a teacher with an extremely excited group of students. This year we attended as parents. A much more relaxing day spent meandering through the fruit filled aisles, surrounded by the simplest of creations...the tree.

I had an epiphany...how many more experiences like this will we spend together as a family? How many Orchards will we trudge through? How many pumpkin pies will we bake (or buy)? How many games will we watch? How many drives out to a farm? How many more times will we meander...just enjoying the togetherness, appreciating that at the end of all of these days, we have each other.

Hazel is a little young yet to run through the trees and collect her bag full of goods, but she did put her best foot forward and try to do what she could.

Just a side note...I am sooooooo not ok with the fact that Hazel's stroller is on the back of a tractor pulling us to the back of the orchard. It was terrifying....bumpy, erratic....definitely not ideal. Anyway, we survived.

To make the day even more special we went with Hazel's cousins. Thank you Auntie Paula and Uncle Bart for inviting us to spend a great day as a family in such a beautiful setting. Can't wait to spend more days as a family, watching our girls grow and mature together.

Hazel's Baptism

If you are here everyday for the photos, well this is your lucky day. This post has a ton of photos and most were taken by Vita Photography. A special thank you to Nonna B...you made Hazel the most beautiful gown...gorgeous! Hazel's baptism was the perfect day to celebrate and send her off to her surgery with lots of love and support from friends and family. It was a positive, hopeful day that was much needed and appreciated by Hazel's mommy and daddy. We could not have been happier to look around and see all those present with smiles from ear-to-ear, all wanting to be near Hazel and share in the blessed occasion.

When I look back at these photos, I am awe struck by how much our girl has grown since then. It feels like she is a different baby, so chubby and happy and eats like a little piggy. I never thought that she looked small, but looking at her now its like night and day. We are so happy to see the progress she has made and are thankful to share our content little girl with all of you!!

Thank you to everyone who made this day a very memorable occasion that perfectly honoured Hazel. Your positive energy and generosity carried us through to her surgery and beyond. Amazing!!!

Much Love...

Thank you to Auntie Paula for taking pictures of Hazel's special day too!!!

Venice Dinner Anyone?

You get a little bit of family history with this post. A glimpse into a family trip...

4 years ago we were fortunate enough to be able to take a trip to Italy, which began in Venice. During our stay in Venice, we rented an apartment that we called home. A typical day, in Venice (I'm going to keep saying "in Venice" because I was there and it rocked and it just sounds right!), consisted of walking along the canals...

visiting shops, fighting crowds of tourists in St. Mark's square,

battling the 100 degree weather, eating paninis...

and, at all costs, honoring the beer o'clock rule that began at the airport in Detroit before we even left. Beer o'clock happened whenever anyone in the group declared that it was beer o'clock. The only rule with beer o'clock was that once declared, we had to be sitting and drinking within 10 minutes of the declaration. Simple..in Venice.

By far the most favoured experience, in Venice, (aside from Beer o'clock) was to walk through the ancient Rialto Fish Market. This market has been in existence since 1097 and is still busting at the seams with vendors today. You could spend hours scanning the goodies...the colours, the smells, the language...it's all too much!!! It was here the dinner with the huge tomato began...in Venice.

We had limited items to use in the kitchen, so for dinner one night we made due with the goodies we collected at the fish market and what was available to us at the apartment. It ended with an amazingly perfect meal of spaghetti with a sauteed garlic, butter and shrimp. The salad was simple and consisted of a huge tomato (which fed 7 people and is shown above) topped with some fresh basil and olive oil (every kitchen in Italy is equipped with olive oil).

So this past Labour Day Monday was our 4th annual Venice Dinner. We enjoyed our spaghetti with shrimp and our huge tomato salad. I have made it a mission of mine to grow the biggest heirloom tomatoes I can to honour the one we had in Venice. I have gotten close over the years but nothing quite as big. Nonna B grew the tomatoes this year. We were a little busy with having a baby and surgeries and whatnot...nevertheless the tomatoes we had were delicious. We also had a few new faces this year....Hazel and Monroe.

All these pics below are taken by my favourite photographer Vita...

We look forward to our dinner every year, where we get to be nostalgic, talk about our trip and spend time with each other. Here's to many more Venice Dinner's with the family!!! Hopefully we will have another one of these dinners in Venice again.

We wish we had a pool while in the bustling heat of Venice.

Game Day

Daddy has been dreaming for a long time about this very special day...Game Day!!! The long awaited Kansas City Chiefs baby jersey finally got some use. It seems the jersey didn't bring any luck to the Chiefs, but Daddy and Hazel had a good time hanging out watching the game together. Everybody wins!!! Cousin Steven and Nikki came over to celebrate too.

Mommy has a special baby jersey too but since Manning got traded it just seems wrong to put it on...Here's to ringing in the new NFL season!!!

After the Chiefs lost, spirits were low, a pep talk was in order...no worries it ended well...

Bring on the Fall

There are a ton of photos from this past weekend so I will leave it at that. Mostly... It was a perfect way to wrap up the summer. We visited so many of our friends and family. I think we were home for a total of an hour all weekend. Some of our dear friends have never met Hazel, so it was great to finally see them get to snuggle with her (even though she wasn't totally happy the whole time...surprised???). Labour Day is a bittersweet holiday to celebrate every year, marking the end of the chaos summer holds and the relief the routine of fall brings.

I don't know what it is about fall but thinking about it warms my belly. I am sad to see that another summer has passed, but it always just feels right to throw the jeans on again, sit outside, smell the beautifully musty scent of leaves and damp ground, listen to the leaves crunching with the swirl of every breeze and curling up under the blanket that has been lonely and folded up on the arm of your couch for three months. I don't drink hot chocolate but, when I think about fall, I imagine I am curled up with a cup. It just feels right!!!

Enjoy the last of the summer photos...kinda crazy...Hazel will never have a first summer again...it's a good thing she enjoyed this one so much!!!

Here are all the dear friends I was talking about...and yes we are at a bar....with our babies....any questions???

Bahahahaaaa!!! Both tongues out...

Pool party with Hazel's friends...the kids were so cute...couldn't wait to get their hands on Hazel...

...ok the adults couldn't wait either!!!

Annual Seguin Family dinner...we added one more to the table this year!!!

Here we all are...perfection!!!

Hazel has never or will never be more loved than this moment right here with her two grandmothers...so beautifully pure...

This face is so unnecessary...

She WOULD NOT look up from the water, even for a second, to snap a pic...she is obsessed!

Happy 7th Birthday Emi!!!

Hazel was having her surgery for Emi's real birthday back in July.  So, we decided to make a special trip to her house with cake and gifts. Emi was a real grown up about how we couldn't be there for her actual birthday and we didn't want her to have to go without any acknowledgment (plus then I got to eat cake). I wish I could say that Hazel was happy to be there, but I am pretty sure she cried 80% of the visit. We did manage to snap a couple of pics to prove we were there and happy at last for a moment.

We love you Emi...can't wait to celebrate many more...Happy Belated Birthday!!!

I told you she wasn't happy...  

Hazel's First Baby Shower

Zia Heidi is going to be welcoming a new little boy in October. Baby Archer will join his two brothers Cooper and Sawyer. We thought a small baby shower was in order, because, well...there can never be too much celebrating!!! In a world where everything is fine, until it isn't...these are the moments that get us through. Hazel made a short debut at the shower. She laughed, she cried, she napped, she played with her friends, she went home with daddy. We can't wait to meet Baby Archer!!! Congratulations Zia Heidi and family!!!

Hazel's Visit at Nonna's

Hazel is finally feeling up to field trips again. Nonna and Grandpa's house is the place to be. Their huge backyard is so peaceful and serene, it is easy to forget you are in the city and not at a cottage somewhere far, far away. How lucky we are to have it as a little haven all to ourselves!!! Hazel was also excited to meet her Uncle Carey and Aunt Val. They came from British Columbia for a family visit and were delighted to get to spend the evening with Hazel. The feeling was mutual. Hazel didn't get to meet her grandfather, so his brother would be the next best thing. It was great to see them and we can't wait until the next time they come to visit us again!!!

Hazel has no choice but to be a Harley girl. Her Gramps, Nonna and her Pip all have Harleys.

Snuggles for Hazel

It was nice to see some of our family again after returning from Toronto. They couldn't believe how great Hazel looked after her surgery. They were relieved and glad to get to finally wrap their arms around her again.

Even Allie was sneaking in her kisses!!! This is Hazel's first time seeing and feeling grass. That is always such an interesting experience for babies. The touch, the feel, the colour. She loved it!!! She tried to grab it, pull it, eat it, stare at it...it was really cool to watch her reaction to it. She's so into it!!! Happy Birthday Zio Eugene!!! We love you...plus any excuse to eat cake is a great day for us!!

Festivities from the Long Weekend

So here is why I didn't post anything for three days... We had a great long weekend. Nothing really exciting planned but we got to catch up with some great friends and family. We did some pool hoping, since swimming is one of Hazel's favourite things to do. We also did some eating, which is one of Mommy's favourite things to do. It was a nice way to put all the surgery stuff behind us and do some of the summer time things that people do...swimming, barbequing and maybe even have a drink or two!!!

Hazel had a great time swimming and hangin' out with her friends, Isabella, Madison and Brianna. They are great examples for Hazel and we hope she turns out just like them when she is bigger!!!

Hazel and Daddy swimming together is such a joy to watch. She trusts him implicitly and he adores her to no end. Hazel would swing her feet and splash them in the water and when the water would splash her in the face she would get so mad. How could the water betray her like that? So, I guess the whole weekend wasn't a success... Cousin Maddy and Morgan had lots of cuddles to give Hazel. We sat back and watched the kids all playing together at the cottage...I can't believe how many there are now!!! Uncle Bart worked really hard to get Hazel to have this nap...a job that Mommy wasn't really up for...thank you Uncle Bart!!!

Happy Birthday Auntie Paula!!!

Hazel was very excited to celebrate Auntie Paula's birthday this year. We spent the afternoon at a great restaurant, that had great food...the real beauty of it was that no one had to cook or clean. I love other people's birthdays!!! It is special days like this that force us to spend time together. Life can get so busy and we can come up with a million things to do. When what we really need to d0 is to relax and take some time to inhale the love that our families have to offer. It can be revitalizing...just what we all need to get through the busy or difficult days ahead.

It was so nice to see that the day was spent honouring a beautiful person who deserves to be spoiled!!! Love you Auntie Paula!!!!

Look at that face in the background...so happy to see uncle Matt!!! Four girls...it's still hard to believe.  

First Canada Day Fireworks Party

So we decided to try and put Hazel back in the pool again to see what would happen. Again we were met with some resistance, but it was definitely an improvement from the first time. I feel like Hazel is volatile a the best of times...so we will just keep trying. I think her friends Madison and Isabella helped to show Hazel that swimming is fun. Thanks girls!!!

 

After the pool party was over we had a firework show to entertain us.

 

Here is how Hazel enjoyed the fireworks show...maybe next year!!!

Chillin' at Nonna's

Hazel's Nonna and Gramps just got a new house that has the most beautiful and peaceful backyard. It is fully equipped with a pool, a pond, a covered sitting area and lots and lots of grass for Hazel to play with her toys one day. We are so excited for them to start a new chapter of their lives. It is the perfect place to raise their grandchildren (and cook for their children). Congrats!!!

Hazel is having her first of many meals at the new house

We thought it would be a good idea to bring Hazel swimming at Nonna's since she likes the bath so much. Turns out she doesn't like the pool as much as the bath...as you can see!!!

Hazel's pretty sure she made the right choice...

I think after seeing these photos you will all agree that Hazel is one lucky little girl to have such amazing godparents. You can see the mutual love and admiration that is shared  between Uncle Bart, Zia Heidi and Hazel. When Hazel is upset and needs comfort she is just as content with them as she is with her mom and dad. She just seems to know that she is safe with them. As a parent, it is reassuring to know that she can seek comfort in the arms of her godparents and that she trusts them implicitly. We are so happy that Hazel has such wonderful people in her life and are confident that they will aid her in reaching her full potential as she matures and grows.

Happy Father's Day!

First off...Happy Father's Day to anyone who has ever guided, taught, led, played catch with, read a story, watched a recital, game or spelling bee for any child in their lives. I am sure all of those children idolize you in some way and that to me means that you play a father role for someone (even your dog)!! Nothing gives me more joy than to be able to finally wish my husband a Happy Father's Day! I always anticipated that Matt would be a wonderful father. That was one of the hardest parts about it taking so long to have Hazel. Imagining the kind of father Matt would be, and not being able to see it happen. The thing is, I could NEVER have imagined how perfect a father Matt is to Hazel. He is always there for her, ready to feed her, change her, comfort her, love her, support her, teach her...the list is endless. It is not only that he will do all of these things, but it's the way he does them. It is so natural to see them interact. It's like Hazel and Matt have been together forever, they have this bond that is so strong...she just adores him.

Being married to Matt has been such an amazing experience, in which I have learned to love and respect him more and more everyday. He is the kindest, funniest, most optimistic person I know. What I didn't know was possible was that I would love him, respect him and admire him even more for the type of father he is to Hazel. Being in London for 8 weeks with a daughter that required so much medical intervention, was the hardest thing that I have ever had to face. Matt was there with me every step of the way. He did not leave my side. And at night when I was clutching the blanket that Hazel had used the day before in the NICU, just to feel that she was close, just to have her sent near me, he was there to put a comforting hand on my back just so that I could fall asleep that night. There was never a moment when I was alone, there was never a time that he wasn't there for Hazel. He is the strongest person I know and we are the luckiest girls on earth to have him all to ourselves.

 

Nana & Pip have a birthday!!!

Happy Birthday Nana and Pip!!! We all spent a lovely day relaxing at Pip's to celebrate their birthday's. Hazel's first birthday celebration with her Nana and Pip...also, her first pig roast...yum!!! On special occasions like birthdays we like to take stock of what is important in our lives, and be grateful for yet another year of memories made. We are thankful for everyday that we are given and do our best to enjoy each other. As long as Hazel is fed, and has had a nap and is doing basically everything that she wants, she is a pleasure to be around and enjoys the party.

We love you Nana and Pip and are looking forward to spending many more birthdays with you both!!!

 

Happy Birthday Zio!!!

Zio Brent turned 30!!! Hazel was honoured to spend the afternoon celebrating her Zio's birthday. Unfortunately for Hazel, she wasn't awake when the cake and candles were brought out. Her big cousin Owen had to stand in for her. He did an amazing job!!! After the party ended of course Hazel woke up. Good thing, Zio Brent and Aunt Jesse stayed longer than everyone else. Once Hazel was up, the next hour was spent with her sitting in her swing being given 100% love and attention. The three of them sat there and talked and played. Nothing else existed at that moment...only Hazel. As a silent observer, I could not help but notice the look in Brent's eyes. So much love, protection, admiration and infatuation with his little niece.

For me seeing my brother, who looks so much like my father, expressing this genuine and pure emotion, it struck me that this is how Hazel's grandfather would be looking at her if he were here with us today. I can only imagine and dream about the special bond between him and Hazel, I am sure he is never far from her. He is protecting her everyday. Part of me believes that is why it took so long for Hazel to come to us...she was spending time cradled in the arms of her grandfather.

 

Pip's new ride...

Pip came over to show us his new car. Hazel can't wait until she is old enough to go for a ride in it. Congrats Pip!!!

Meet my Godparents...

Hazel is very excited to introduce her God-parents to everyone...Uncle Bart and Zia Heidi. She knows that their influence will guide her through anything she may face in the future. Hazel loves both of them very much. She always has smiles to share with them when they are close. When they are with Hazel, they both look at her like nothing else exists. She is a lucky girl to have them be such a huge part of her life. We are thrilled that Uncle Bart and Zia Heidi have accepted this role for Hazel and trust that they are the most perfect people for the job. We love you guys!!!

Zia Heidi lives out of town so Hazel asked her via Skype...