Happy Birthday, Althea

My niece, Althea, was born into this world in the most lovely way. My sister, Rebecca,  hummed her way through early labour in the backyard, asked what her doula bought at Home Depot while chomping on ice chips, and clung on to her fiancee for strength during tough contractions and five hours of pushing. I was honoured she wanted me in the room with her. And it was by far the most amazing experience I’ve ever been a part of (albeit as a spectator giving leg rubs). And then suddenly (although I’m sure it didn’t feel like it to Bec), Althea had arrived! All the love in that room must have made an impact on little Al, because she quite simply was born a gentle-hearted soul.

Althea turns one today. It’s been awesome to watch her grow. Every new skill she’s acquired shocks me. I remember the first time she held a rattle and kept thinking, “How in the heck are you so talented, kid!?” They learn so much in such a short period of time! I’ve loved every moment I’ve spent with my favourite Taurus. From her wild red hair to her old lady laugh, I love every bit of that kid. Happy birthday, beautiful!

IMAGE: LAURA L. BENN

Thank Heaven For Little Girls

My bestest friend in all the world just found out she’s having a baby girl! As a girly girl, I couldn’t be more happy for my bestie. She’s already had the chance to dress her little boy up in old man outfits. But everybody knows dressing a girl is a billion times more fun. Pink. Frills. Bows. Lace. Oh yay!

IMAGE LINK: OBSERVE THE WORLD

Four Foolproof Ways to Make Your Baby Laugh

Having a case of the Mondays, like me? Joanna of Cup of Jo to the rescue! This video is sure to cheer you up!

LINK: CUP OF JO

Ruby’s Room

Joy created the loveliest little haven for her daughter Ruby. It’s such a nice mix of quirky and feminine. I love that it doesn’t scream, “This is a baby’s room!!!” There are no murals. There’s no overwhelming theme. It’s just a lovely space for sweet Ruby and her mama to spend time in. If you haven’t read Joy’s blog, Oh Joy, yet, what in zee heck have you been doing? It’s probably the blog that got me into blogging in the first place. Enjoy

Play!

MJ Matt on Flickr

Day Six of Random Acts of Kindness Week should also be a gift to you too. It’s time to bring out your inner child! Send your sister off on a date with her main squeeze and spend the day playing with your niece or nephew. Play barbies, invent songs, watch a Disney movie. And for god sakes invent characters too! Make a fool out of yourself and love every second of it. If you don’t have a kiddo in your life, play a long game of fetch with your pooch!

An Elephant First Birthday Party

 

A year ago today, my bestfriend gave birth to a beautiful baby boy. That little guy turns one today. There is something so sweet about a first birthday. The cake smashing. The hats. This elephant first birthday made me grin from ear to ear. Happy birthday, Nikko!

{found via Little Lovely}

 

Petit Paris

Can you imagine growing up in Paris? How magical! You’d certainly learn what true beauty is early on. No wonder Parisians get the bad rep of being “stuck up”. Perhaps it’s just because they know good food, architecture and culture from square one! It’d be hard for anything else to measure up. Oh Paris kiddos. I envy you.

{via Frolic}

What a Doll

When I was eight years old, I asked Santa for a pink barbie van for Christmas. On Christmas morning, I raced downstairs to find a pink dollhouse. I was furious. I threw back my head and hollered, “I hate you Santa Claus!!!”. And yes, my parents raised me better than that. I may have not been able to appreciate dollhouses as a child, but with pads like these I’ve learned to show a little respect. Aren’t they grand?

{found via Matchbook Magazine}

Aunthood

Ok ok. Althea is only five days old. But is it so wrong to start planning for the future? I don’t want to just be an aunt. I want to be a kick ass aunt. And that means my house is going to be a fun house. Crafts! Games! Books! Love! I just had to share with you some of the crafts and activities I’ve been bookmarking:

A guessing game of sink or float!

Feed the birds, tuppence a bag!

Bookmarks for a bookworm!

A nature scavenger hunt!

Althea

 

My sister, Rebecca, gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Saturday, May 7th, just an hour before Mother’s Day. Rebecca was amazing and let me and my parents witness the whole thing! Althea is 7 pounds, 5 ounces of sweetness and light. So proud of my sister and so happy to be an aunt! Here I am with my lovely little niece!