December 24, 2010

Merry 1st Christmas to Isaiah :)


Christmas Eve is finally here and I couldn't be happier. Saj and I are looking forward to celebrating our 1st Christmas with Isaiah. We bought the Christmas story for him which we've already read to him two times - we'll do it again tonight. I love that its a pop up one. It keeps his attention :)

Isaiah is 12 weeks old and at times we have no idea where the time has gone. In many ways it feels like he's been with us forever. I don't quite remember life without him. Isaiah is doing so much now. Here's the run down:

-He rolled over at 9 weeks
-He makes a lot of cooing noises now and loves when you get in real close to him to talk.
-He strokes your face sometimes if your up close
-He loves when you sing to him. he just smiles and smiles
-He loves being swaddled now. whenever Saj does it at night - he smiles and laughs.
-He's sleeping a lot better -praise the Lord
-He made his first stage appearance at APC for the Christmas musical - and did an excellent job.
-He loves when you read to him (as long as your super expressive as you do so -haha)
-He loves being out and about and enjoys taking in new environments
-He burps really loud now
-He's officially in size 2 diapers
-He is starting to recognize his name when its called. He turned his head when I called his name - then he did it again when Valerie Barnes called his name at church :)

So many little changes have taken place - and we love them all. Thank you Lord for blessing us with Isaiah this year and for making our Christmas Season even more sweeter. I love that we are a family :)

December 8, 2010

Wonderful time of the year - but also so busy!!!!!


It seems like the month of December is starting to fly on by. I feel like if I'm not careful, this season will come and go and I won't get a chance to take in the true beauty of it all. So far December has been great. We had our first family photo shoot last weekend. Samantha Erin, a very talented photographer based out of Barrie Ontario came by our home and captured the most beautiful pictures. We love them all. I'm so happy that Isaiah did well and really enjoyed himself. I'm also happy to say that I can cross off mailing out Christmas cards. I was able to get practically all of them done on Monday. I got into a good grove and was able to write out so many - which I really enjoy doing :)
This coming weekend its going to be a very busy one for The McKenley's. Were all in the Christmas production at our Church(the very first scene, which should be very cute and fun). Isaiah gets to make his debut on stage at 10 weeks -haha. We've got 2 Christmas parties on Saturday. Were going to one in the early afternoon, then were heading out to the church for the 2nd night of our production, then from church were heading downtown for another gathering. Sunday Saj will be singing at Kingston Rd which is one of our satellite churches. Then I've got an ornament exchange with my lovely friends in the early afternoon, then we've got the final production of the Christmas play. Busy, busy, busy - but were up for it all and asking God for strength as we approach this busy weekend.

December 2, 2010

December is Here!!!!!!!!!!!!

Since Isaiah's birth, life seems to be a blur. I can't believe that we've entered into the month of December and that Christmas will be here in 23 more days -eeks. There's so much to do still, but I'm going to pace myself. My goal was to have all my Christmas cards out and mailed by December 1st - so much for that. My new goal is next week *hopefully* I also need to finish up Christmas shopping. We made the mistake of doing it last minute before and its no fun. The malls get way too busy, and trying to find parking is a hassle. Now that we have Isaiah, the last thing we want to do is shop in the madness. Since I'm off on Mat leave, I'm going to try and get things done during the day when the malls are much quieter. I find that if you can get in as the malls open, its the best time. People seem to be a lot friendlier - maybe its because they get there morning jolt of coffee, haha :)

As we approach the close of 2010 there's so much that I'm thankful for. The first obvious one is the safe and healthy arrival of our handsome son Isaiah Eli. He's 2 months now and growing so much. I'm also thankful for Saj and our 7 years of marriage. In some ways it feels like we just got married the other day. I'm thankful for health, a roof over our head, and the continual provisions God has made in our lives. I know I say this a lot, but we are truly blessed.

If I don't get a chance to say this later on - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

November 18, 2010

51 things I’ve learned since Isaiah birth 51 days ago :)

1.Sleep when the baby sleeps (I’ve missed the window a few times for sleep and trust me,it sucks)
2.You no longer have a normal schedule
3.Life with a newborn is unpredictable
4.Taking a shower during the day is a luxury
5.I was never a big cereal eater, but with a baby it’s the quickest thing to have that requires no major planning or thinking
6.I’ve learned how to type with one hand
7.I can only wash the dishes if Isaiah is in his stroller in the kitchen with me.
8.Making dinner for Saj is a treat and must be done in stages
9.The sound of the kitchen fan is a comfort to Isaiah
10.Vacuuming doesn’t bother him. He likes the sound.
11.Isaiah loves to be held closely –and I love doing so
12.Isaiah loves when you rub his hair
13.Isaiah loves bath time
14.Trying to clean underneath his neck is quite the challenge
15.Isaiah has held up his head strongly since birth (no joke)
16.He’s starting to enjoy tummy time
17.He’s starting to sleep longer stretches during the night (Praise the Lord)
18.Swaddling is the key for a happy long sleep (thanks Saj for tightly swaddling our boy at night)
19.A pacifier really comforts Isaiah. It’s especially helpful when going to sleep.
20.I never get tired of seeing Isaiah smile. It warms my heart
21.I love holding Isaiah when he sleeps
22.Isaiah doesn’t always sleep peacefully. He can be quite active at times
23.If Isaiah isn’t swaddled, his own hands wake him up
24.Isaiah can sleep through loud noises
25.If help is being offered by anyone – take it
26.People notice the baby first, and then greet you later (I totally understand that and I’m guilty of doing the same thing to others :)
27.I really miss Isaiah if I’m away from him for long periods of time
28.Family has your back and is always ready to help out
29.You can never take too many pictures of a baby – my personal opinion!
30.Isaiah has changed so much from birth to now – its fascinating
31.I enjoy feeding Isaiah – even if it’s in those wee hours of the night (after all it’s only for a season).
32.I wish I could read his mind. I wonder what he’s thinking when he stares at you
33.Isaiah really loves his black and white book of objects. If I put that book in front of him, it keeps him distracted for at least 10 minutes
34.In his first month of life, Isaiah went from being 9 pounds 14 ounces & 21 inches long, to 12 pounds 6 ounces & 22inches long
35.I never knew you could go through so many diapers in a day. We have been blessed and haven’t had to buy any diapers for Isaiah yet thanks to friends and family.
36.I love the Wipes Warmer that we received as a gift. Who knew it would come in so handy – plus Isaiah seems to like it
37.The Diaper Genie was really an awesome gift. We can’t smell a thing once those stinky diapers go in
38.I actually really love when people stop me at the mall to admire Isaiah. They often comment on his full lips and full hair
39.Isaiah can sleep at the drop of a hat once he’s in his car seat and were driving somewhere
40.Isaiah loves taking walks. It must be the fresh air
41.I thought that I was going to miss being pregnant once Isaiah was born, but to be honest having him here on the outside is way better.
42.Not finding out the gender of our baby was worth it. I would highly recommend it to everyone – if you could hold off. In fact Arlene Charters (a good friend of ours) told us something that really stuck when I was pregnant. She said “You’re going to have what you’re suppose to have.” Makes complete sense to me!
43.Every day is truly a new adventure with Isaiah
44.My level of respect for single mothers has grown even more
45.Co-sleeping happens some nights. It’s the only way we can both sleep sometimes!
46.I try to anticipate Isaiah needs first before he starts to cry
47.I didn’t know that life would change so much and that you could love so deeply
48.I can’t imagine our home and life without Isaiah
49.My favourite times of the days are when I can pray blessings over Isaiah from this amazing book called “Prayers that avail much – Blessings for Little ones.” A great gift from my friend Leanne
50.I can’t get enough of Isaiah some days. I’m obsessed with the little guy!
51.I love my new role and I’m still embracing my new title as “mom.” We are truly blessed to have Isaiah in our lives and every day we thank God for this amazing gift sent from above!

November 10, 2010

6 weeks already?!?!?!

Today Isaiah is 6 weeks old.
Time is going too quickly.
He's getting bigger by the day it seems.
Saj and I are so blessed to have Isaiah in our lives and we continue to thank God for this amazing gift and pray that God will continue to guide us as we raise this precious life!
Happy 6 weeks Isaiah - we love you!

October 29, 2010

Happy 1 Month Isaiah =)


Isaiah is officially a 1 month old. Where in the world did that month go?!?! In a lot of ways it feels like he's been here for so long. Who knew your life would change so much by such a little person.

This past month has been a wonderful life change. Isaiah went from being 9 pounds 10 ounces & 21 inches long at birth to now weighing in at 12 pounds 6 ounces and 22 inches long. He's our big growing boy and I love it. He's also doing more things. He's been holding up his head since birth (no joke). He's sucks on his hands (I've noticed this more this past week). He smiles (and its not just because he has gas-haha). He also follows you with his eyes which I love. I'm learning more about Isaiah everyday and were still adjusting to eachother. I'm also loving being at home with him. Our days are unpredictable. Some days we stay in and chill, other days we go out and visit with the grandparents which I love because then I can run out and do errands while they oohh and aww over Isaiah -haha.

Isaiah has brought a lot of joy and happiness to our lives and to our families lives as well. They can't seem to get enough of Isaiah which is so neat to see. My mom has been amazing at wanting to wash all of Isaiah's baby clothes, making meals and taking care of him whenever she's around. Were blessed to have so much help around.

I still remember the day when Isaiah made his entrance into this world. What a wonderful moment that was. We look forward to watching this little guy grow - but I don't want to rush this time. I love that he's still so small. Actually as I write this, I'm holding him and typing (I've learned to multi task with an infant). God has been good to us and we are so thankful for this amazing blessing and gift of life. Lord please continue to help us raise this child. We love him so much!

October 13, 2010

2 week old Isaiah


Its hard to believe that 2 weeks ago today Isaiah made an entrance into this world. I still remember that final push when he came out. What a moment that was for both Saj and I - as that marked the day that our lives changed forever.

Since having Isaiah enter into our world things have changed - but its been wonderful changes. Yes, we don't get as much sleep, but I do nap when he naps which has been so helpful. Feedings are going a lot better, and each day I just enjoy looking at him and watching him grow. Both Saj and I feel so blessed that we have him in our lives. I can't even imagine life without Isaiah. Thank you Lord for this amazing gift you have blessed us with.

October 7, 2010

He's Finally Here!


Wednesday September 29th, 2010 at 4:40pm life changed for Saj and I. We officially became parents to our son Isaiah Eli McKenley. What a moment that was when Saj looked at me and said - "ITS A BOY." I was so overjoyed, and in shock as well. We were so happy to finally meet him. We didn't find out the sex and wanted to be surprised. All along we were thinking it was a boy, but towards the tail end of my pregnancy I decided that I should change my thoughts just in case it was a girl. We were going to be happy either way. Its still so hard to believe that he's finally here.

Life has changed, but it has been a wonderful change. Each day Isaiah is getting more and more use to us. He's been feeding much better and resting too thankfully. Saj and I enjoy just looking at him and kissing him. He's so perfect to us and we are truly blessed to have him in our life. He's just made life that much sweeter :)

September 23, 2010

40 weeks + 2 days = No baby yet!

I am officially overdue. My due date was on September 21st and that day has come and gone. I wasn't sure if I would actually go into labour that day, but I really thought by now that this baby would have made an appearance. I guess he or she wants to make a grand entrance later on.

Today I had a doctors appointment and because nothing has started at this point, I've been scheduled in to be induced next week on Tuesday September 28th. Were still hopeful that things will happen on its own - but if not this little one will officially be evicted -haha.

Its pretty crazy to think that by next week this time we'll have a baby in our arms. We so can't wait to meet you little one!

September 10, 2010

The Waiting Game Begins!


I had my weekly doctors appointment yesterday and as it stands right now nothing is happening and I haven't started to dilate. I'm over 38 weeks now and the baby isn't officially due until September 21st (11 more days to go officially). At first I thought I was going to be disappointed that nothing has started yet, but I'm surprisingly okay. Instead of trying to rush these last days, I'm really trying to take it all in and enjoy naps, reading various books, and watching TV. Soon our lives will become very busy, so for now I'll enjoy this time. I now have a feeling that this baby is going to come either just a day before my due date, or after it. It would be cool if it did come on the actual day because I like the way September 21st sounds. God only knows the timing and we just need to wait and be patient. I've gone all these months so far, whats a few more days - really?!?!

September 4, 2010

Today - September 4th!


Today was actually suppose to be my C-Section day and thankfully things have turned around and I no longer have to have one. The baby is fine and healthy, but my placenta was covering over a bit of the cervix. I've had to have a few ultrasounds and at my last one on August 30th things have cleared - Praise the Lord! If things didn't clear I was scheduled in for a tentative C-Section which was suppose to take place today at 8:00am. Its crazy to think that we could be officially parents right now if things didn't change. I am so happy that the baby can come on its own. I know that anything can happen once you do go into labour and that an emergency c-section often takes place -but I'm not going to focus on that. Were trusting and praying that things will go smoothly, but of course were open to whatever needs to be done if needed.

Yesterday I attempted to go to the mall, but boy was that a mistake. I found myself resting on benches more than anything. In my mind I feel like I can do so much, but than my body reminds me that I have to take it easy and I just can't zip around the mall like before especially with this extra cargo. Now if I go to the mall I've gotta be specific and hit where I need to go and try not to visit every store along the way.

So now its the waiting game. So far I'm enjoying my time off. I've been doing a lot of resting and keeping my feet up. I'm really curious as to when this baby will make an appearance, but I'm not going to rush this time. We really are looking forward to meeting this little baby in the coming weeks - or days!

September 1, 2010

Maternity Leave Begins!

Today is the first day of my maternity leave, and it couldn't have come at a better time. I've been really tired and pretty much useless at work for the past couple of weeks as I've been slowing down so much. My energy level is low and I would prefer to spend my days napping on our couch or watching TV, or reading a book. I am happy to be finished now so that we can focus on getting the last minute touches done for the baby. My mom washed all the baby clothes, sheets and blankets over the weekend which we are both so thankful for. Its so time consuming to do those things, but she was so happy to do it for us. My moms so great at helping out and I know she can't wait for this baby to come so that she can do even more. We were also blessed this weekend and got a glider for the nursery from someone. Its practically brand new and hardly used. We really wanted a glider but the cost can be so HIGH - so when we were blessed with this gift we were so happy and it does add a nice touch to the nursery.
Today I had a doctors appointment and had a great checkup. The baby's heartbeat was good and strong still. The baby is measuring in at about 8 pounds at this point. We can't even believe it. The doctor thinks it could be 9 pounds(but hopefully not that big -haha). Its so hard to believe that were at the 37 week point in this pregnancy. We got our wish which was to have this baby in the month of September and today is officially the beginning of September so were good to go at anytime now really. My official due date is September 21st - but the baby could come after that date (which I personally can't see). I guess time will tell for sure. We are so excited to meet this little person. I am really happy we didn't find out the gender of the baby. Its old fashion I know, but I love the surprise factor at the end of it all. We are so happy either way. We are truly so happy and blessed to have this opportunity to bring a baby into this world and begin a new chapter in our lives called "Parenting."

August 17, 2010

So Thankful and Blessed!

We have truly been blessed by so many people over the past couple of months. On August 8th we had a wonderful family shower for the baby. This baby was blessed with so many great gifts and clothing and necessities. We had such a wonderful time celebrating with our families and my brother Ricky did all the cooking for this occasion and let me just say that it was amazing. The games we played were fun (even the guys got into it :) My mom also did so much planning and put so much details into this lovely shower with the help of my other bro Danny.

Over this past weekend two of my friends - Heidi and Heather, threw me a dinner for the baby with some of the ladies from C4 (Carruthers Creek). It was a lovely dinner prepared by Heidi and the amazing cake was made by Heather. We had good laughs, lots of jokes and just a fun relaxing time. We were blessed once again with some more lovely gifts for the baby.

Today at work my lovely coworkers threw a luncheon shower in the courtyard. It was so nice celebrating this time with these lovely ladies who blessed our baby with even more lovely gifts. The food spread was amazing and the strawberry tarts and cake were excellent. We are truly blessed!

Some days I still can't believe that this is all happening and that we are literally going to be parents in the coming weeks. We have no idea what to expect and what's going to happen. We are trusting in God and believing for great things. Saj and I have truly been blessed by so many family and friends and for this we are truly thankful. God continues to teach us and show us that He does supply all of our needs so there is no need for worry, fear or doubt.

We thank the Lord for the wonderful blessings He has given to us. God is so good!

August 2, 2010

August Already!


I can't believe that we've entered into the month of August. I can't believe that I'm at that point where I can say "I'm due next month." Time is going by so quickly. Before we know it our baby will be here and life as we know it will be changed forever (but in a good way I keep hearing). There's still little things that we need to do to prepare for our baby. We still need to get our nursery painted and set up. That shouldn't take too long, but our goal is to have it done before the end of the month. My friend Christina is coming over tomorrow to help me out with some ideas. I just want to do a neutral colour on the walls. We still also need to get our baby furniture. We have an idea of what were getting so I'm not too worried. Now that we have our pack and play which came with a bassinet the baby can sleep in there, plus some friends had offered their cradle too which we'll probably take as well. I still need to wash the baby clothes and set up a few items. The time is drawing near as each week passes by. This Wednesday we have our Hospital tour. I think it will become even more real to me once we have that tour.

I'm excited for the next few weeks. I will be finishing up work at the end of August, and we'll be spending some time at a friends cottage this weekend, plus we've got two other baby gatherings coming up. God is good and we are so blessed!

July 31, 2010

I'm so behind in blogging!


I know, I know, its literally been months since my last blog. I was going to try to stay on top of it this year, but as you can see I haven't been. The last time I blogged I shared our baby news. So much time has passed since then. I'm in my final trimester of pregnancy and I'm over 32 weeks along. Just a few more weeks to go which is still so hard to believe sometimes. Saj and I haven't found out the gender of our baby. We want to be old fashion and not find out until the baby is born. I've been feeling for months like its a boy, but than again who knows what a girl feels like. I'm starting to think girl now for some reason but time will tell.

I've really been enjoying this journey of pregnancy. I've been feeling pretty good for the most part, but there are those days when I'm just plain tired and exhausted which is normal - not to mention the growing pains that come along with being pregnant. What I've been enjoying the most is feeling the baby move around and my growing belly. Who knew one could grow so much -haha. I'm feeling so blessed to be carrying this little one. Saj and I love watching the baby move around. We can see movements by just looking at my belly as it shifts into different positions. We have quite the active baby.



Just 2 weeks ago we had a Surprise Jack and Jill Baby Shower hosted by our lovely friends Olga and Jerry (and baby Rachel :) I was truly surprised to see so many friends gathered around to celebrate this little ones life. We were blessed with such wonderful and useful gifts for baby. We can't wait to use these items in the coming weeks.

Hopefully I will be able to keep up with the blogging (yes I know I say this all the time, but I'm really going to try :)

Happy long weekend friends!

March 18, 2010

Spring is in the Air!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know that my last blog was back in January and yet again I've slacked off. This time I do have a good reason (at least I think its a good reason). I've been secretly hiding my pregnancy. That's right - Saj and I are officially expecting our first baby this September 2010!

I've wanted to share and write about it, but it was too soon of course. So far I've been feeling pretty good. I haven't experienced morning sickness. I've been tired and have been hungry a lot. In fact, its almost ridiculous how much I can eat these days. I'm still trying to be somewhat healthy, but I have given into the cravings.

On March 6th we had an early ultrasound that my friend hooked us up with. It was so amazing to see the baby for the first time and to hear the heartbeat. That's when it became even more real, when you can actually see that someone is really living inside of you. Saj and I loved every moment of it.

Another thing that we've really enjoyed is sharing the news with family and friends. Everyone's been so great and supportive and really, really happy for us which is always great to hear. Were feeling really blessed by the support all around and still can't believe sometimes that this is all happening. God is so good and we are thrilled to meet our baby in the coming months!

January 4, 2010

Happy New Year - Welcome to 2010

2010 is already on the go. Its already the 4th day of this new year. I'm claiming 2010 to be the year of stepping out of the box. Lots of things are on the go, but I'm giving them all to God so that His perfect plan can take place. I'm excited to see how the rest of this year unfolds.