Runs on Coffee and Cream

We are going to Disney! In February 2023 we are heading to Magic Kingdom for 1 day while staying at a Disney resort, and then heading on a Disney cruise!

I am SO excited, like more than the kids. But they don't know exactly what's waiting for them so that's not surprising. Emma, my 4 year old, can't wait to meet Princesses. She'll be in awe and super excited the entire trip. 

Having daughters has made me realize I need to change my relationship with my body. I need to start focusing on improving my strength and energy, and not just looking at food and exercise as a way to lose weight and change how I look. 

Spring is here. But not really. We got dumped on with snow again a couple of days ago. Our world looked like a snow globe all day. I think Emma was the only one thrilled about this turn of events in our household. Oh, and I guess the dog too. 

Going through pregnancy during this pandemic was rough, weird, and very lonely. And if you went through pregnancy or are currently going through it, know that I see you and feel for you. 

Emma is obsessed with books. We started a library for her before she was even born and we've added a ton of books since. Within her collection of books, we've acquired some seasonal books. One of her absolute favourites is a Halloween flip book - Halloween is Here! So I thought it might be great to share some book recommendations in case other parents are looking for some non-candy Halloween gift ideas.

There's no way you're alive in this world without knowing about COVID-19 and what it's doing to our world and communities. It's a scary situation.

My anxiety has been high since this pregnancy started and this pandemic is definitely not helping. Because of this and because I'm very cautious about this pregnancy, I've decided self-isolation is the best thing for me. It keeps me feeling safe and less anxious not being around people. It's definitely the best decision for my mental health.

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Over the last few years we talked about getting a dog. I grew up with two dogs and knew how much work they can be so I was hesitant. But Adam has always wanted a dog and kept pushing the idea on me. We thought we might get one after the embryo transfer so the dog would be trained and comfortable by the time the baby came. Well, after the transfer failed, and we were both sad and depressed, the idea of a dog became even more appealing.

9 weeks old

Yesterday was my birthday. How old? I'll never tell...


It's weird that I hit my birthday slump this year. The last few years my birthdays haven't been anything crazy but I always looked forward to the day and whatever plans I had with Adam. Last year my birthday was extra special because we had just found I was pregnant with Emma. This year, even though we now have Emma, I just didn't care about my birthday.

Maybe next year it'll be different again. Emma will be older and will understand the celebration part a bit more... she'll be able to eat cake and be more active if we have another beach celebration.


I don't think I'm the only one who feels this way about their birthday. I know a few people who'd rather not make a big deal about it. It just feels weird to be apart of that club now.

We ended up having a beach day a day before my birthday due to Adam's work schedule. Well, a beach afternoon anyways. We bought a shade tent on clearance a couple of summers ago and I'm so happy we did. It works well and allows us to hide in shade in between dips in the lake to protect Emma's skin. We dipped her legs in the lake water while we were there and surprisingly she didn't hate it. The water was still quite cold but she just kicked her legs, which is how she typically responds to water.

Because the afternoon went so well and Emma was content splashing in the water and then lounging in the shaded tent, I'm hoping to do a few more beach days this summer. I forgot how much I love being there. The feeling that comes over me swimming in the lake, drying off on the sandy beach and hearing kids play and the food building's oldies music; it brings me back to childhood and a calm washes over me. It's basically an anti-depressant for me. It warms my soul.



And since it is still my birthday weekend and I have errands to run today, I might treat myself to an iced coffee to get me through this hot day.

xo Jen

Last weekend has me excited for other Summer plans we have this year with family and friends. I hope you had a good weekend!
xo Jen

How's your day going? It's cold and rainy here which makes me not want to move off this couch. But I have to be at work for 5 p.m. so eventually I will have to move.

I've been catching up on blogs today and I guess because of my nesting mood I'm loving all the family-related posts from some of my favourite bloggers. Hearing about family outings and holiday plans, and seeing beautiful photos is giving me such a warm, fuzzy feeling inside. I know, my soft, marshmallowy insides are showing through right now. I find these ladies incredibly inspiring. They're talented and creative, they make and share amazing projects and have their own businesses, and they have such strong family values. They definitely provide me with a lot of motivation to where I want to be in a couple of years.

I've been reading Skunkboy Creatures' blog for years and I adore her adorable family. Katie's handmade creatures, hair tutorials, and photos of family outings make her blog one of my favourites. This recent post especially made me excited to have a family one day.