December

It's mid December, and I feel like all I've been doing is working!  This month I've been gone for three nights at a time, which is taking it's toll on me. I asked for Christmas off, which I got, but in return I didn't get my short two day work shifts like I've had for the past two months. Working for four days, especially in the high travel and weather delay season, is physically and mentally taxing. Luckily things are great at home with Zoey, Matt and our nanny, so I don't have to worry about that. Also, being gone for four days means Zoey is weaned off breastfeeding, which I feel fine about. I wanted it to be a natural and gradual thing without being "traumatizing" for her, so this was a nice way to have it happen. I got home from my first four day and she nursed for about a minute, then just stopped and hasn't since. So that's that I guess!

When I get home on Wednesday, I'll be home until the 27th, so we can fit in all the holiday dinners and festivities. Zoey really likes Christmas trees and decorations, and I really think she will love opening her presents and stocking. She isn't walking yet, but she's standing on her own and crawling like a crazy woman! She is really starting to understand lots which makes life a little bit easier. She can say quite a few words, like "ya", "eau" (which is water in french), "uh oh", and she can shake her head for "no". She loves dancing and she sometimes sings along to music. I feel so lucky to have such a happy and hilarious daughter!

Hopefully my next post will have lots of pictures, but for now I'll leave you with happy and fun wishes for the holidays!

Etsy holiday gift giving guide

Although it might be pushing it time wise as far as online Christmas gifts go, I thought I'd share some things I've gotten for or as gifts from Etsy that you might like!

1. My grandma is a huge stationary and card writing lover, as most people who are pushing 90 years old are. I got her some personalized stationary this year and I hope she loves it as much as I do. Bonus: because I got her two sets, I got two free cards with MY name on them as a thank you gift from the seller! 

2. For my sister's birthday last year, I got her a running medal display for her wall with a personalized message that says "don't think, just run". I haven't been to her house since so I don't know if she has put it up yet, but I thought it was a pretty cool gift (if I do say so myself).

3. For Mother's Day this year I got a beautiful necklace  in yellow gold with "zoey" stamped on it. I like it because it's a little different than your typical name necklace (aka the "carrie" necklace from sex and the city). I get compliments on it weekly!

4. I got a friend of mine a custom baby onesie, burp cloth and bib when her son Charlie was born. I got to choose the fabric, initial and font. Unfortunately, the shop is closed over Christmas, but you can save it for the next time you need a baby gift!

5. For Matt's groomsmen gifts, he got them each a secret flask in a book. He got to choose the books too! He got one for himself (what is with guys and doing that?!) and he still uses it as a little secret hiding place. I often mistake it for a real book and drop the flask on the floor when I open it to flip through the pages.

I did a lot of my shopping online this year and it has been such a pleasure not to be in malls weekend after weekend. If you're still looking, maybe give Etsy a try!! 

I have also done a fair amount of xmas shopping this year on Zulily, which is a sort of discount steals type website. Right now they have a special section with guaranteed delivery by Christmas, so you could give that a try too!!

Happy Shopping!

Snow way I'm running in that!

The competition is on!

Please head to Calgary Natural High's facebook page and "like" my photo! I'm currently in second place and I'd love to win!

Thanks!