4 Months

And then we hit 4 months! Time really is going by quickly! It's cliche to say but it's the truth. We had Avery's 4 month check up last week. She weighs 16lbs 5 oz, one healthy little babe. Her height is off the charts! Weight & head width are in the 85 percentile. Happy, happy girl (most days)! Now if only we could figure out this whole sleep thing.... Not a huge fan of the crib, loves to be rocked still & really just wants to be with us all the time. The changes in her personality are so apparent. Cannot stop chatting, chews on Sophie constantly (finally figured out how to hold her & bring her to her mouth), music is her favorite, enjoys reading too. Bath time has become something she now enjoys. She even discovered how to splash! Her right arm is constantly in motion. Started to giggle when she is kissed on the cheek, way too cute!! So smiley :) Still likes to be carried in the carriers for walks or around the house if it's nap time. 

She brings us a lot of joy! 

Melissa xo 

Tofino Vacay

This is the time of year we love to getaway to Tofino (tourist season is over). We love to visit Tofino during storm season. As pictured below we embraced the storm! 

We figured a 3 day getaway would be the perfect amount of time for our first trip. Hard not to pack the entire house when going away with a baby. The beauty of the resort is they have laundry in the units. I guess I could have left more than half the clothes I took. Between baby toys & accessories, luggage & our big lab we managed to squeeze everyone into the SUV quite comfortably. Only a short roadtrip of 2.5 hours to paradise. Avery slept the entire drive both ways! 

We have our favorite spots to visit in Tofino. It was so fun to introduce Avery to them even though she won't remember. Tofino is so special to us as we started going there when we first started dating, we got engaged on Long Beach, spent our honeymoon there & had many other wonderful trips throughout the years. We always go to Tacofino, it's always our first stop. Then to Tofino Brewing Co. to pick up our favorite beer. We always enjoy going to Shelter restaurant as well. It never disappoints! 

 Lots of walks on the beach & relaxing by the fire. Learned lots of traveling tips with a baby! So memorable showing Avery the beach for the first time, this will be one of many family vacations to Tofino. 

Melissa xo 

October To-Do's

Fall is definitely my favorite season. Something about the crisp air, changing leaves & coziness of it all. Even more excited this year that I have a little bundle to snuggle. We have planned a few exciting family things to-do this October. We are starting off by our first family vacation to Tofino (Cox Bay Beach Resort). Only a short but sweet 3 day stay. It will be just enough time away & a little practice for another trip perhaps in January. Very excited to show Avery our favorite place. We hope she enjoys the beach as much as we do. We also plan to go to the corn maze & pick out pumpkins. It's always something I've wanted to do. We might need to take a few photos in the pumpkin patch too. Last thing on our list is dressing up for Halloween. Can't wait to put Avery in her watermelon costume. I would be lying if I said I haven't been excited about this for months! Looking forward to among some family memories! 

Melissa xo 

Little Changes

I feel like I figure one thing out then next thing you know it's changed. Little A is still learning life on the outside & she's doing a great job. It's so easy to get frustrated & fed up but I often remind myself "she's new here, she's just learning & adjusting just like me". This helps me put things into perspective & I'm able to give her the attention that she needs from me. I think I've got her figured out then all of a sudden she's changed & onto something else. We have recently transitioned to the crib, I'm sure she's grateful for as she actually has room to stretch out her legs & arms. It was hard to make the move. To me it meant my baby was growing up (well she really is & I need to face reality!). Bath time routine before bed is also becoming the norm as well as going to bed. She has become quite the little chatterbox. Talking away & cooing, the expressions are way too adorable! She recently decided everything belongs in her mouth. Holding Sophie & putting her in her mouth has been the victory for the week (I think her gums are starting to get tender... Uh oh!) She may have discovered tv... We don't have it on very often but when we do she is completely mesmerized by it. Funny to see her focus on it. Still needs to be rocked or go for car rides to sleep for those short cat naps. 

You are such a joy! Thank you for making the small things in life so important Little A. 

Melissa xo 

3 Months

Our Little A is 3 months now & I feel like she's almost a teenager already! Well that might be exaggerating a tad but it feels like she is becoming a big girl. So many firsts within the past few weeks... 

She follows our faces smoothly now, watches us (while I put on makeup or eating dinner), loves music, just started grabbing toys, holds her head up, tries to have conversations (in the form of cooing of course), smiles all the time, loves to have books read to her. She really is so lovely! 

As of last week she weighed 14lbs 4 oz. She was a bit late on her first set of immunizations but she also had those last week. She's in the 95th percentile for height. Her newborn & 0-3 clothing had to be packed away last week :( 

Keep growing baby girl, you amaze us every single day! Love you to the moon & back. 

Melissa xo 

1 Year of Marriage

First off, how is it already September? I really don't have a sense of time these days... I swear it's still June! I guess that happens when you are busy being a Momma. One year has gone by since we said our "I do's". One eventful & happy year. This time last year we were off on our honey moon in Tofino... Riding our cruisers down the beach just in time to catch the sunset while enjoying the view with a bottle of wine.

I couldn't be happier with being married to my hubby. He's the most thoughtful, dedicated & loving man. I think we have learned a lot from each other in the past year. Learned to compromise (you always need to meet in the middle), laugh (makeup from those silly quarrels right away, no sense in wasting time being mad), encourage on another (support each other career wise & emotionally) & most of all unconditional love. 

We were very fortunate to find out we were pregnant with our daughter only 3 weeks after our honeymoon. We found out just after Thanksgiving weekend. Exciting & life changing news! Nothing is more special than creating life. I had my moments while pregnant I blame that on the morning sickness. I still feel like I owe my husband a big award for doting on me 24/7. 

Here's to many more years! Love you C!

Melissa xo 

Solly Baby Wrap

As soon as I found out we were expecting I ordered the Solly Baby Wrap. I loved the idea of baby wearing! There are so man benefits to doing so, not only are you hands-free, you are also deepening the parent child bond & according to studies babies who are carried are smarter babies (even more of a reason to do so!) 

I received my Solly wrap & couldn't be more pleased with it. It's soft lightweight material feels like a dream. The %100 lenzing modal is the perfect blend. Small enough to roll up & stow away in your diaper bag. It really is simple to put on. I did watch the tutorials a few times to get the hang of it & practiced with a small bag of sugar! There are two different ways of wearing it (all info is on www.sollybabywrap.com) 

I do have to brag about their customer service. It's phenomenal! From the moment I was interested & inquiring to now sending the owner Elle photos on Instagram (don't forget to follow them, lots of helpful tips) to make sure I'm wearing it correctly. They go above & beyond! So impressed! The new fall colors were just released... I am eyeing up the color "Goldie" how appropriate for the gold lover! 

Happy baby wearing! 

Melissa xo