My Christmas Music Favourites

Let me just start by saying, I love music always, and Christmas time is no exception. Good music does something for me that nothing else can. I am not particularly picky with music. I think almost every genre has something incredible to offer if you look for it. For Christmas music specifically, I enjoy more chill and singer/songwriter type stuff. I will keep today's post short and sweet. I am just going to share my favorite Christmas music albums. Just click on the links under the album art if you want to check them out! I hope you enjoy!

By the way, as an added bonus, the last one is Justin Bieber. No Shame.

Josh Garrels - The Light Came Down 

Honestly, I know there are some people who find this guy's voice too unique
but I can't get enough of it. This album is super chill and relaxing
through some of the tracks but upbeat and cheery for others. The complexity of
his sound is super impressive.

Gungor - O Christmas - EP 

I find this album super irresistible because there is nothing like a good harmony.
Michael Gungor and his wife harmonize together in a very unique and satisfying way.

The Oh Hello's - Family Christmas Album - EP

This album is so fun to listen to! There is so much going on with layers of vocals
and instruments that sometimes it can feel a little overwhelming, but at the
 same time absolutely perfect. It definitely puts me in the Christmas spirit.

Justin Bieber - Under The Mistletoe

Justin Beiber is obviously not for everyone, but this album is just so awesome. When
I want to just listen to something fun and maybe even a little dance-inspiring
 during the Christmas season, this is my go-to. 

I would love to hear what you like to listen to during the Christmas season! Let me know in the comments! 

Walks To The Diner

On Friday, Jordan and I walked to the diner down the street from our home. We recently moved into a new neighborhood and had done a little exploring a few weeks back that led us to this diner. To be honest, it looked a bit like a dive at first glance. But we said since it was a literal 3-minute walk from our new home we would definitely have to check it out. So we did! And we were very very happy that we did. 

The place is called Hathaway's Diner and it has thee best pancakes I have ever eaten in my life. Once we had discovered this it did not take us long to return. On Friday we returned for another taste of the pancakes we could not forget about. 

It was a beautiful day, albeit freezing cold, and the sun was shining causing us to be slightly blinded by the glare off of the snow. Hand in hand we walked down the street as our faces froze solid with huge grins that could not be undone. 

    

Walks with Jordan are one of my favorite things in this world, no matter the temperature. We are a little worried that this diner will take over our lives because it is so close and so adorable and so delicious. We sat there and talked about how one day soon we will be able to walk here with our little baby and have breakfast on a Saturday morning. We can't wait.

I titled this post 'Walks to the Diner' because I am quite sure there will be more to come. If you are in Edmonton, and have never been to Hathaway's, definitely look it up! You won't regret it. (Not a sponsor, haha).

    

Do you have a favorite breakfast spot, coffee shop, or restaurant that you wish everyone would try? We are open to recommendations! Let me know in the comments!

Dear Baby; Week Twenty Two

Dear Baby, 

We are over halfway there! You are getting so big! I am starting to look very pregnant. My clothes don't fit anymore. All of my shirts are too short and my belly sticks out the bottom. It is so strange to see myself like this. I love it so much. Keep growing baby! I am prepared to get huge and it's all worth it! 

It has become so much easier to be pregnant lately. I no longer get sick very often and I have more energy than before. The main struggle right now is my body stretching to accommodate you. It can make it pretty hard to sleep and get comfortable. I was using a Snoogle for a while, which actually became my best friend for about a month. I haven't used it as much lately because I really missed cuddling your daddy and so I have been taking a break from it. I have no doubt that it will be back.

Baby, about a week ago, I felt you move. I honestly don't even know how to express in words what it felt like. A lot of people try to describe it like butterflies, or bubbles, or something else, but I honestly just think it feels like exactly what it is! It feels like a tiny baby inside of me kicking the sides of my uterus! And thats you. You are kicking me. When you get out here that won't be acceptable anymore but right now it is my most favourite thing in the whole world. When I really felt it for the first time I was brought to tears because you just kicked me over and over again and suddenly you were more real to me then you have ever been. Even seeing you on ultrasounds almost wasn't proof enough for me. I could talk about your kicks forever. You just keep moving baby, your mama loves it. (Watch out for my ribs though because I hear that can really hurt).

I am starting to lose my ability to bend over and tie up my boots. It is so weird to be restricted like this. Pretty soon your daddy is going to have to help me put my shoes on. It makes me feel pretty silly but thats okay. This will be good practice for your daddy learning how to put socks and shoes on a human. Pretty soon he will need to learn how to fully dress a baby that, if your current movement is any indication, will be very very squirmy.

The other day your daddy felt you kick for the first time. He still doesn't quite believe it because it feels so little. I am sure it won't be long before your kicks are undeniable. Your daddy is so excited to feel you. 

We are setting up your nursery now. We have a crib and curtains and a rug. That's it so far. But I love that room. We keep the door closed because we don't want Floyd to go in there. You will meet Floyd. He is our cat. He is very fat and weird and I hope he becomes your best buddy. Your daddy peeks into your nursery a lot. I love hearing him open your door just to take a little peak. We can't wait to show you.

One last thing, it is very cold outside. We live in this strange land where the air hurts our faces and makes us sad. I am not quite sure why we live here. Thankfully, you will be born in the spring so you won't have to experience it for a little while. But just a heads up, our mission is to convince daddy that we should move to a land without snow. I haven't been able to convince him by myself so I am hoping your precious face will do the trick! Can't wait to have you on my team.

We love you, Baby.

Love, Mommy