my favourite photo

I was looking through some photos recently and found this one, I'm not sure why I never noticed it before but I love it. Poppy had just been born and I went to the beach with Beckett, Zoë, Poppy and Stanley (Dave was on tour).  It was chaos, my first outing with all three kids and the dog! My friend Katyann followed us to take photos for TV Week Magazine. I love my boy's wind blown hair and sweet smile.

painter's lodge

Last weekend Zoë and I went to Painter's Lodge in Campbell River.  Over thirty artists spend the weekend creating art in one of the most beautiful places on earth.  My father-in-law Robert Genn is one of those artists and has been going to Painter's Lodge every May for seventeen years.  This year Zoë and I joined my mom, Robert and my mother-in-law Carol....we had fun.

Zoë painted with her Poppa one morning. She insisted on wearing the sunglasses. Her easel is attached to a $20 Ikea highchair. Poppa made it.  Genius.

Zoë was excited about painting, she was also excited about going for a boat ride. She completed two paintings and then announced that it was "time for boat ride now".

I love this photo, little legs dangling from her highchair, totally oblivious to the crowd gathering. Happy sitting beside her Poppa.

Every now and then Poppa would lean over and advise Zoë on her next move...she had no problem leaning back to let Poppa know that she knew exactly what she's doing!

 The finished masterpiece! Zoë's favourite colours are green, purple, pink and orange.

Our first weekend away together was fantastic (and exhausting)...I can't wait for our next adventure together.

7 months

This is what 7 months looks like in my house.  The hilarious thing is that Poppy is now 9 months old. Life is so busy it's taken me this long to post this happy "poppy grid".  The photos were taken in March by my talented, sweet friend Katyann and then my other talented, sweet friend Mauricio put them into a grid for me.  I have always wanted to do this. I just ordered a bunch of 8x10's for family and they are ready for pick-up. I wanted Poppy photographed in this hat because it's the hat she wears to bed every night....although it's getting a bit too small now!  I love it. xx

go canucks go

world down syndrome day

Today is the 6th anniversary of World Down Syndrome Day....each year this day gets a little bigger.  It's an important day for those of us with a connection to Down syndrome as we strive to create a single global voice for advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down syndrome.

I must admit that before I had Beckett I really didn't know anyone with Down syndrome...I sure do now!  I have met some amazing parents, we meet online, through social media, in the mall, on the phone - it's wonderful. We have an instant connection.  I have laughed and cried with people I have just met.  We have shared our deepest fears.  We have grown together. We are connected.

Beckett came into our lives and changed it for the better.  Everyone who meets B falls in love, they can't help it.  Each day our little boy teaches us something new....we are lucky to have him hold our hearts. 

So, if you know someone with Down syndrome - lucky you.  If you don't,  I'd love it if you would take a small moment today to think of the 5.8 million people in the world with Down syndrome (35,000 in Canada)....and how they make our world a better place.

On a side note, the 2011 Canadian Down Syndrome Conference is May 20 - May 22 in Richmond, British Columbia. 

Miss Poppy

Poppy is 6 months old!  Oh where does the time go?  I took Poppy for her check-up and shots today, not a peep out of her.....I think it's because her thighs are nice and chubby - she didn't even feel the needle!  The girls is now 19 pounds 2 ounces and 28 inches long...you go girl!

Zoë is loving her little sister, it's quite cute to watch, I'm still waiting for Poppy's eyes to change - they're blue....huh?

Beckett is a lucky guy, he has two little sisters that love him...and he adores them.  As you can see, we like the laying down on the couch in the morning shots.

Beckett and Zoë were both great babies but Poppy takes it to a whole new level.  She's such a sweet soul, always happy....6 months....I'm savouring every minute.

5 years

                                       Happy Anniversary Dave......it's been 5 great years.

                                                                Best part of all?

                                                                          xx