Jetster

Monkey loves:

Wrestle time with Daddy

His little mini-books

Watching cartoons

Snacking

Walking

And walking...

And walking

Being a ham

*sigh* I love this Baby so much!

Boy in a Box

Jet has always had a thing for sitting in any type of box, even if he doesn't always fit into them:)

Homebirth? In water?

I know, I know! I never thought that I would be the type to even consider doing a homebirth, and a water one at that, but it looks like we're leaning toward that direction. 

So let me start from the beginning: this whole idea began because I don't have health insurance yet (due to my immigration paperwork taking forever to be processed) so one of my midwives (yes, midwife! more about that in a second) asked if we would consider doing a homebirth, to which I immediately replied, "Uhh...I don't think so." I mean, what if something goes terribly wrong and we can't get to the hospital in time? And what about the magical pain reliever called the Epidural? Could I or would I even want to try to have an all-natural birth? This conversation took place a few weeks ago. But a couple days after our appointment I started to really consider it. Midwives here in Ontario are super popular and I would say more the norm for pregnant women than OB/GYNs, where in my experience being from the States, midwives were more for the uh, should I say, "granola-hippie" types. And here's an amazing thing, the government of Ontario funds midwifery care here, so even without insurance, I am receiving their services free of charge (excluding blood work, ultrasounds, and lab fees). Midwives here work with doctors in the hospital and they are also certified to do births at home as well with low-risk, healthy moms/babies at no cost! I am a patient of a midwifery center here where I am being looked after by a team of 3 midwives. 

In addition to prayer, I have also been doing a lot of reading and research on this whole issue and there are definitely passionate believers in both camps. At this point, I love the idea of doing a homebirth: having the freedom to move around however I want, being able to be in a shower and bath, feeling comfortable and relaxed in my own environment, not rushed to give birth quickly with the threat of being unnecessarily induced, giving birth in the most comfortable and efficient position (i.e. not on my back), saving ourselves money, etc., etc.

But then there's this other part of me that thinks, what if in that rare instance, something does go wrong where every second matters and something happens to Baby Girl? Or what if I kick myself in the midst of labor wondering why I cut myself off from access to drugs? So I'm not quite sure what to do!

I share all this because I would love to hear any feedback/insight/birth stories that you think would be helpful for me to hear. After watching "The Business of Being Born" I definitely see much more pros in doing a homebirth if you and your baby are healthy and low-risk for any health issues but that doesn't necessarily mean that I am now anti-hospital or anti-drugs or anti-doctors.

I also share this because we would love it if you could pray for us, asking God to give us wisdom to know what the best thing is for us to do for our family. We want to make an informed and confident decision while also clinging to the fact that God is sovereign and that we can put our trust and faith in Him for everything, including the birth of our little girl.

We are attending a homebirth class in a couple of weeks so hopefully that will give us more insight into the whole thing, will keep you all posted!

Walking!

After a week or so of taking some tentative steps, the Monkey has been consistently getting more and more steady with his walk; here's proof:)

Watch This

Just watched this documentary tonight after a friend referred it to me. If you're expecting (or even if you're not) the information in this film is worth considering as you decide how you want to deliver your baby.

A Must Read

I just finished reading "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand. This book was so well-written that I finished it in about 3 days, I couldn't put it down! About a man named Louie Zamperini, this book tells an unbelievable story of his experiences as an Olympic runner, WWII solider, POW, and eventually, a Christian.

I must warn you, this book has parts that are hard to read, the torture and violence so many American POWs experienced in the war camps are sickening, but what a spotlight it puts on man's utter sin and total depravity and also on the divine power of redemption and forgiveness. I highly recommend it!

Wild Thing!

My absolute fave

Birthday Festivities

We Sylvesters like to draw out birthday celebrations to last for a few days and Matt's birthday this year was no exception. We were able to celebrate his actual birthday with our beloved Small Group on Thursday by eating cupcakes and icecream sundaes, then Matt and I were able to celebrate just the two of us with dinner and a movie on Friday, and on Saturday we topped it all off with a nice family dinner. We love celebrating all the joyous occasions God has given us in this life to enjoy so we are thankful for times like these.

No, I did not make these. Matt's mom ordered these from a local bakery, very festive!

Decorations look familiar? Recycling is fun!

Icecream sundae bar; I love this idea for big group parties. Thanks to our Small Group who brought all the toppings! 

The Birthday Boy

Enjoying the goods

Me and my handsome Hunny

For our family dinner we started out with: Baked Fontina (this was amazingly delicious - make it!) w/toasted baguettes, and Rosemary Bean Soup. Thanks to Ive who brought the yummy caprese salad. I forgot to take pics of the main entree but I made Penne Rustica, paying homage to my Macaroni Grill days. For the pasta, you will definitely want to cut down the butter in the recipe, I found that it was flavorful enough without the extra 6 ounces it calls for.

Barefoot Contessa’s Baked Fontina

Serves 4 – 6

(I baked them in individual ramekins even though this recipe says to do it in one big cast-iron skillet.)

1 1/2 pounds Italian Fontina, rind removed and 1-inch-diced

1/4 cup good olive oil

6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme leaves

1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary leaves

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 crusty French baguette

Preheat the broiler and position the oven rack 5 inches from the heat.

Distribute the cubes of Fontina evenly in a 12-inch cast-iron pan. Drizzle on the olive oil. Combine the garlic, thyme, and rosemary and sprinkle it over the cheese and olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper and place the pan under the broiler for 6 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbling and starts to brown.

Serve the baked Fontina family-style — right out of the oven in the pan with bread for everyone to dip.

My first time making an icecream cake. I used boxed lemon cake ("What?!" you might be asking. Now I am all about trying to make most everything from scratch but I have to admit that I really like the taste of boxed cakes). I then layered it with vanilla icecream, frosted it with whipped cream mixed with fresh lemon curd and lemon zest, and garnished it with lemon curd and fresh strawberries. Quite tasty I must say!

And for those of you who keep asking to see a prego picture - here you go! I am now 26 weeks along and Baby Girl has been movin' and groovin!

Happy Birthday Hunny!

Today is Matt's 29th birthday - that's right, I robbed the cradle:) When I first met Matt, he was just a wee little 25 year old, fresh into seminary, hot off the plane from Canada. Now here we are, married for 2 1/2 years, with a 1 year old son, a baby girl on the way, and living back in Canada; that 25 year old Matt had no idea what was in store for him when we met! I look back at that time and am ever so thankful for God's ways and His timing and how He orchestrated everything to bring us together.

Some of the things that struck me the first time I met Matt was: 1. How cute he is, a blue-eyed, blonde-haired hottie! 2. How friendly and caring he is (he struck up a conversation with a stranger in line at Starbucks and ended up giving him the Gospel) 3. His sense of humor (I hadn't laughed like that in a long time, if ever). And you know what? The more I got to know him, all those qualities were only amplified, and even more amazing character traits came to light that made me love him more and more.

Matt is super modest and self-deprecating when it comes to himself so you wouldn't ever hear him tooting his own horn so that's why I'm going to do it! Matt loves the Lord more than anything or anyone else, made evident by his consistent obedience to God's word.  He loves and reveres the Bible and has allowed it to dwell within him richly as he relies on it for life, wisdom, and hope. He has a massive heart for people and is constantly taking the time to strike up meaningful conversations with strangers, to call people up, to meet them for coffee, to invite them over for dinner, utilizing whatever means possible to reach out and to minister to whoever he can. He isn't quick to take offense and is not a man given to anger, but he overlooks insult easily, remains calm in the face of provocation, and forgives limitlessly. Matt is also so much fun, is silly, rolls around the floor with Jet, makes me laugh with just one look, and loves living life. I could go on and on and on but hopefully this gives you a taste of what an amazing man this is.

Baby, I am your biggest fan, the more I know you, the more I love and admire you. You are the greatest example of Christ to me and I can't believe that you have chosen me to be your bride and that I get to spend the rest of my life with you. You are the jackpot I feel like I won every morning when I wake up and look at you. I constantly gaze at you, marvelling at God's goodness by allowing me to marry the most handsome and admirable man I know.  You are the best husband; you strive to love me as Christ loves the Church and you are the best Dad; you model true godliness for Jet (and our soon-to-be-born baby girl) to look up to and follow.

I love you more than I can ever say but may my actions succeed where my words may fail.

Happy, happy birthday my love. I love you, I love you, I love you.

"California Dreamin'..."

"... on such a winter's day." The Mamas and the Papas know what I'm talking about, more snow fell earlier today and I can't even remember what it was like to live in sunny Southern California. I had the joy of having some girls and their babies from church come over for lunch today and it wasn't until I was done making everything that I realized just how "summery" the menu was. I think I was sub-consciously missing warm, sunshiney days and was trying to bring some of it here, if not by weather, then by food!

Props to Ina Garten for her recipes; we had a wonderful time eating, talking, and spending time together; thanks for coming over girls, can't wait to hang out again!

The backyard. The winter hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be since snow is still somewhat of a novelty to me.

Cheddar Corn Chowder w/Bacon and Potatoes. Click here for recipe.

Panzanella. First time I made it - soooo good! Will definitely make again. Recipe here.

Strawberry angel food cake parfait

A nice light and delicious lunch! 

The gang

Happy Birthday Monkey!

I can't believe that it was 1 year ago today that Jet was born. To our surprise, he arrived 4 weeks early yet still weighed in at a healthy 6lbs. 7.9ozs - he was ready to take on the world! Each day since then has been such a gift with our son and we cannot thank the Lord enough for this precious life that He has entrusted to us.

Jet Matthew Sylvester, we love the way you close your eyes when you yell, how you could eat practically a whole loaf of bread in one sitting, how independent and adventurous you are, how you love buckles and buttons, how your face lights up when we get you in the morning, we love how juicy your thighs are, we love how you kiss, we love your two teeth smile, we love your pudgy hands, we love how you squat to look for your toys underneath the couch, we love your joyful and fun-loving spirit; we could go on and on, there are too many things to enumerate but know that we delight in you and all your little ways and we feel so privileged to be your Mommy and Daddy.

Sweet Baby Boy, we love you beyond words and our desire for you is that you will grow up to know and embrace Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, may we as your parents be faithful teachers and  examples of Christ to you, living in such a way that will make you want to know and love Him above all else in this life.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby!

Just born

I can't even believe that he was ever that small!

2nd Bday Party

Having two families on opposite coasts is working out quite well for the Monkey; having already celebrated his upcoming 1 year birthday with the Phan family in Washington, we celebrated again today with Team Canada. The place was teeming with adults and kids alike and we had a great time eating, talking, and laughing as we celebrated the joyous occasion of Monkey turning 1!

Pre-party breakfast, excited to par-tay!

We had a chili and baked potato bar; I highly recommend this menu for large group parties, this is when crockpots are truly your friend.

The spread

 Yellow cupcakes with buttercream frosting & sprinkles

I got this great idea for veggie dip cups from my Crafty Spice friend, Carly Brannon

 Decided to put the fruit into cups too; I really liked serving individual portions, makes it easy for people to help themselves, plus, they look so pretty this way!

Popcorn bar

 Gettin' the party started with Sarah & Karis Hales and Grandma Sylvester

 What better way to celebrate a 1st birthday than to eat a 1st cupcake?

 Jet was unsure about the cupcake at first, thinking it was something more to play with than eat. But then Matt stuck a piece of it into his mouth and it was over.

 I think he liked it:)

 Grandma love

 Present time!

 At one point during the opening of presents, I looked down amidst all the gifts and little kids and didn't see Jet. This Munchkin is so quick and stealthy, he had crawled underneath the table without anyone seeing him, I call him my "Houdini Baby."

I later found photographic evidence of his escape in progress 

(I have no idea what Matt and I are distracted by)

 Jet got lots of books - yay! - we love books.

 With Uncle Adam & Auntie Ive

We are so thankful for our little Monkey

 It's been a hard day's play. Party: success!