December 2016

December as usual was a whirlwind! We celebrated Grampa's birthday with his annual parade. Santa usually shows up too so that is exciting. We went to Christmas parties, Christmas light drives, enjoyed spending the holidays with family and were spoiled with generous gifts. We ate too many treats and enjoyed watching all of our favourite Christmas movies. Sounds like a successful December!

November 2016

November held a surprise 35th birthday party for Jon, stirring in the love for the annual Christmas cake with Gramma, a trip to the butterfly conservatory where Ella discovered that the butterfly's really like her! We put up the Christmas tree and the kids got busy making their Christmas lists! They changed schools 4 weeks after starting and it seems like we found the right fit. They are happy with the smaller school, love their teachers and have all made friends.

Matthew 18 Months

This handsome little fellow is 18 months old! Time certainly speeds up with each additional child. I feel like he was just a tiny baby and suddenly he is turning into a little boy in front of our eyes.

Matthew is such a happy guy. He is quick with a grin and has an infectious laugh. He sleeps well at night and for his afternoon nap and has a hefty appetite like his siblings. His favourites are pasta, bananas, oranges, toast and coconut butter, avocados and he LOVES smoothies. When he sees the blender he starts jumping and squealing in excitement.

Matthew is a cuddly boy and loves a good snuggle. He rests his head on our shoulders and pats our back. It is the sweetest gesture and as a result...he has no shortage of cuddlers.

His siblings adore him. It doesn't matter who is arguing, in a cranky mood or sulking about something...if they see Matthew they light up. He is the first to rush over to a brother or sister if they are upset and hug them or rub their back. Everyone can't help but smile when he is around.

Matthew loves to be outdoors, to go on a walk and animals. He lights up when he hears music and claps off beat adorably.

After screaming whenever he has been left anywhere without family (like at nursery at church) he has finally accepted that it MIGHT be fun to play and finally waves goodbye now without any tears which is a big relief!

We are so blessed by Matthew. He is such a sweet and fun little addition to our family. I love seeing more of his personality shine through!