Spoiled!

Today was AWESOME! My amazingly fantabulous girlfriend Jessy threw me a baby shower. A pile of my favourite ladies and a few sweet little men (under the age of one) + lots of yummy treats including a chocolate peanut butter ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins (this was just the best surprise EVER) + no cheesy games = a perfect shower!!

Thanks, Jess! And thanks ladies for all of the wonderful presents! We were definitely showered with goodies. Sooooo many sweet little outfits and toys and books and... well, just SO many awesome bits!

Two more showers to go... where in the world are we going to put all of this stuff?!

Smidge's Big Buddy

I forgot to post the fabulous news over here at Just a Smidge! Last Wednesday March 3rd Jessy and Colin welcomed their little man into the world!! Isn't he adorable?!

Reid was born at 7:58 am (or was it 7:59?) a day before the planned C section. Mommy and baby are both happy and healthy and of course is Daddy is too. Actually Daddy is being super cute and "happy" doesn't quite describe the feelings that are oozing out of him.

The second time I held Reid I sat on a rocking chair with him passed out on my chest Smidge proceeded to karate kick his new buddy not once but twice. I'm imagining they were meant to be high fives rather than drop kicks, or else, down the road 'referee' might be another title Jess and I.

Mega huge congrats to Jessy & Colin for making such a beautiful baby boy. Mike and I are thrilled to have Reid on the outside to cuddle and kiss and gaze at in wonder. Miracles really do exist and babies are proof!

Welcome to the World!

Two of our best friends brought their son into the world on Wednesday March 3rd: congratulations Jessy & Colin!! Welcome to the world baby Reid!


Mommy, Reid and Daddy are all doing well. The plan was for Reid to arrive via a planned C section on Thursday but he showed everyone who the new boss is and came on Wednesday instead. Jess is recovering well from the C-section and the trio is now snuggled up at home.


As you can see Reid is perfectly perfect, he has the sweetest little nose and a head full of hair! Here's Uncle Mike falling madly in love with our new buddy.

Although Mike hogged Reid when we visited on Thursday I managed to snag him for an extra long cuddle on Friday. Holding this wee man in my arms makes me want the next three months to fly by even faster. It was super cute, while I was holding Reid, Smidge gave a few really good kicks (I'm sure he was trying to introduce himself).

I couldn't be any happier for Colin & Jessy, they have made one beautiful little boy!!

We couldn't

Good News for Good Peeps

photo credit: clever cupcakes

One of my best friends is having a baby!!!!!!! This isn't brand spanking new news but I was holding off until she was far enough along for me to yell CONGRATULATIONS online and well, time flies and sometimes you lose track, she's now 6 months pregnant.

CONGRATULATIONS JESSY & COLIN!!!

There little man is due March 1st and although there was a bit of a concern regarding the placement of her placenta they received extra good news yesterday - no need to worry, the placenta has righted itself and all is well!

I couldn't be happier! Jess and Colin are going to make fabulous parents and I'm really really REALLY looking forward to meeting their son. Yippee!

An Angel Earned His Wings

photo credit: hurleygurley

My heart hurts. I wish there was something I could do to ease the pain my friends are feeling; I learned today that the nine year old son of my friend and colleague passed away peacefully in his sleep early this morning. He was a brave little man who fought long and hard to stay here on earth with his mom and dad, but it was time for him to breathe easy and for the pain to go away. I will miss you so much Hunter... I already do.

For My Ladies...

I haven't been on the ball when it comes to birthday wishes so this is a big belated HAPPY BIRTHDAY with chocolate sauce, brownies and a big ass cherry on top to the following fabulous ladies (named in the order of their birthDAYs not by years or level of love): Rebecca, Joanne, Mom M, Sarah and Jessy!

photo credit: flickr

Happy Birthday Beautiful girls!! The world is a much better place because the five of you are part of it! MUAH!!

photo credit: he marli

Fab Pick of Who Knows When

Sorry this is so late!


I've been meaning to post this but wanted to photograph the fabulous earrings Tanya gave me before updating my Fab Pick. Thanks T!

Seven Ply recycles well loved skateboards to create their beautiful designs. Belt buckles, necklaces and earrings are just a few of the funky finds you'll see in the etsy shop. The creations are fashionable and eye catching, I should know because Tanya gave me an über sweet pair of earrings from Seven Ply which she found in a kickass store named Plovers in Stratford, ON. Cute, don't you think?

I think I need a bracelet and a necklace and maybe a pair of studs now... the Christmas list just keeps growing.

Until Next Year

I miss my friend. Tanya spent a good chunk of six weeks with Mike and I, but alas her time ran out and she returned to Moscow to finish off the final year of her contract; I miss her. Tanya is the guest that everyone loves to have: she brings fresh peas to fill your belly and and beautiful flowers just because. Food, drink, gifts and fabulous company was supplied by Miss T during her stay. I thoroughly enjoyed every game moment we spent together. Scrabble, non-stop chatting, gelato and laughter is just a taste of what I have to look forward to when Tanya returns next year!

Thanks for a fabulous summer, Tanya!! I miss you like crazy!

Welcome Home Sistah-from-another-Mistah

My girlie girl Tanya from the 'Cow' (add M-o-s to that and you'll get it if you don't already) is home and I'm loving every moment I have with her.


Time is flying of course, she's been here for two weeks already, but we're making the most of the time. Lots of talking, gelato and games of Scrabble: life is good. Looking forward to tomorrow when we head to the Kink to visit Kim and the beautiful new addition Jade.

It's fabulous having you home Miss. T! I've missed you more than you know!

A Beautiful Name for a Beautiful Girl

I wanted to wait until she announced it herself before I opened my (sometimes overly) big mouth here at Gingham Skies...

Welcome to the world Miss. Jade Violet Alisa L! I cannot wait to sniff your sweet baby smell and tickle your soft baby skin. Congratulations to Mommy, Daddy and big dog Niko. I'm looking forward to making my way to Someday Farms in July to meet the new addition and to snap some photos of the new farm babe and family.

Wishing Miss. Jade a life full of nothing but goodness!

Me Me Me!

I haven't updated you on what's up in my world lately so here's a quick look into the land of Jaime. I had a stupendous weekend filled with absolute silliness. It was a May 2-4 to remember thanks to lots of laughs with friends, good wine, fabulous food and a late night fire cracker session (no I did not shoot off any bottle rockets or smoke bombs, I wimped out and watched from the side lines).

I returned to work on Tuesday to finish the year off as an EA/braillist for the vision department at the school board I worked for before I began teacher's college. I have mixed emotions returning to work. It's fantastic to be working with my awesome colleague and friend Lori, it's good to be back in the schools and into a semi-familiar routine (I was an intervenor with children who are deafblind before while I'm working with children with 'just' visual impairments now) but sitting in the back of a classroom makes me itch to be standing at the front instead. I miss teaching and can't wait to get going with my new career come September (whether it be as a supply teacher, a classroom teacher, a spec ed teacher or some other teacher role).

The weather here was crap for the long weekend as it usually is BUT it has been absolutely mind boggling beautiful since Tuesday! I spent Wednesday afternoon at a track meet and earned myself a burnt nose and a ridiculous farmer's tan. Bliss! After being burnt I locked my keys in the car - thank you dad for rescuing me (again).

I'm sure I'm forgetting things but that's the gist of what's new with me. Tonight I chose to sew instead of completing an assignment - did I mention I'm taking an Additional Qualifications course in Special Ed so that I can apply for Spec. Ed positions? I know, I just can't seem to get enough of school. The result of my procrastinating can be found below. I love her! This chiquita is a pink version of Jessy Seeing Stars, of course she has a different lining and I added an additional star to her butt - very cute. Check her out in the shop.

What's new and exciting in your lives?

A Visit from the Ladies

Photo by SophieG

I've been posting random bits here and there but haven't said much about me and my world lately so here's a quick update. More coming soon...

Tanya the great - who has decide to abandon her friends for another whole year and remain in Moscow teaching - came home for a quick visit a few weeks ago. Her lovely sis Kim is very pregnant and since T can't be here for the actual delivery she decided to slip home and see Kim's beautiful belly prior to baby's arrival. Lucky for me there was a random snowstorm on the day Kim had planned to snag Tanya so I managed to keep her to myself for an extra day.

It was soooo good to see you Tanya! I miss you like crazy and am counting down the days to our next visit - July can't come soon enough.

Tanya left to spend the week in the Kink with her sis and Rebecca arrived from Vancouver! Two of my best far away girls visiting in the same week; that never happens. Yay for me! Of course Reebs also had a zillion people to visit while she was here but we did manage to get in a few good hours of 'us' time.

Oh how I wish flights were mega-cheap or that someone would just go ahead and invent a reliable teleporter already.

Lucky Me!

What a fab surprise I had last week!


Stargazers are one of my absolute favourite flowers and this beautiful bouquet was delivered a few days after my birthday...

Thanks Tanya for the gorgeous birthday flowers!

A Whirlwind Weekend

What a crazy yet wonderful weekend! In true Jen fashion, my best friend announced two weeks ago that she was getting married... in two weeks time... in Miami. I knew if anyone could pull together a fabulous wedding in just two weeks it would be Jenny.

I'm still in awe of her efforts - it was Valentine's Day and yet she still managed to find a killer location, three photographers, beautiful flowers, a make up artist, the perfect dress and an officiant who was absolutely lovely. The sunset wedding was jaw dropping beautiful - it took place at Cabana One, a rooftop location with a stunning view. I was truly honored to stand next to Jen while she said her tear filled vows!

It was a black and white theme, approximately 40 guests all went with it and what a classy looking crew we were. The reception took place at Cabana One as well and it was a blast! We drank far too much champagne and laughed hard all night long. At one point in the evening Rebecca came rolling through the bar on a luggage cart waving to the crowd in a very queen-like way, friggen hilarious. The party moved down to the room Rebecca and I were sharing and continued to the early morning - who in their right mind thinks it's a good idea to put pianos in hotel rooms?! The room service delivery guy came in shaking his head saying "this is not good" but he was oh so wrong, it certainly WAS good and nobody complained... or maybe they did but we were just too loud to hear them. Good times had by all.

In my rush to get out of town Friday morning, I forgot my camera so I don't have any pictures to share but will be sure to post some as soon as I get my paws on them.

Oh and simply because it's just SO Mike & Jen, I feel I should share their proposal story. Last week the two of them went to sign the papers for the lease on their new condo downtown Miami. Michael asked Jen to wait in the lobby while he ran to do something or other (get the Super maybe?); he came back a short while later and together they headed up to the condo. They walked into the condo and there spelled out in 650 - no that's not a typo 650 - candles was WILL YOU MARRY ME, JEN? How freaking cute is that?! Totally Jen and Michael.

Congratulations once again Jenny & Michael!! You are one fabulous Mr & Mrs!

Rocking In 2009!

Hard to believe another year has bit the dust. I just read this post which made me laugh, my new years resolution for 2008 was to talk less and listen more. I think I managed to listen more but the talking less bit... well that's just a silly resolution for someone who rarely closes her mouth.

We brought in the new year with some of our closest friends, I have no clue what they were doing in the picture above but it was snapped just after hugs and cheers. Unfortunately a few of our regulars were unable to join us: Moscow, Germany, Vancouver, cruise ships and work commitments kept them from us. Not here in body but certainly here in spirit. We missed you ladies!

That's a post-spaghetti and pre-gin glow you see on our faces here. We filled our bellies with lots of carbs to ensure there was a good base for alcohol absorption - no hangover here thank you very much.

A good deal of our dinner conversation revolved around profanity and the many marvelous ways nasty words can be used in our day to day lives: enlightening.

Of course I brought in the new year with the love of my life at my side.

My new years resolutions for this year:
1) healthy living: be more active and eat more fruits & veggies (I didn't bother with this resolution last year because I knew I would FAIL but I'm serious about it this year so I'm putting it in writing)
2) curse less
3) call/email/skype my out of province girlfriends more often

I'm now part of a girl band with the uber classy name the Magina Vonologues. Don't ask.
Guitar Hero rocks.

How was YOUR New Years Eve? Happy recovering.

Christmas with the Crazies

Our annual Christmas with the Crazies took place last night and now it really feels like Christmas is just around the corner. We skipped the typical turkey and trimmings and hosted a pot luck instead this year, it was perfect! Less mess and less stress! EC took care of the tunes.

Jess made the best apple pie I have ever tasted and I intend to replicate it for our family shin digs, a frozen cheesecake or two will be waiting in the wings just in case. I'll share the recipe with you if all goes well.

I spent this morning clearing the wreckage from the pah-tay and the proceeded to procrastinate... eventually I managed to get my butt in gear and a few things were wiped off my TO DO list.

I finally got to Rosie's Christmas gift and I am stoked with the results. How cute is this tiny sundress?



A big thanks goes out to Habitual where I found this super sweet pattern.

I know it's December but I figure she can wear it over a long sleeve shirt and tights or leg warmers. Once Rosie's too big to wear this as a dress it can be work as a little tunic top. Super cute! This pattern is definitely a keeper.

I also whipped up this little crayon roll for my dad; he is stuffing Neve's stocking and was looking for a little something extra to add to it.



Remember to enter the draw for the ZipIt by leaving a comment on this post.

A Sticky Star

I was poking around WhipUp and ended up at A Foothill Home Companion where the tutorial for this fab stick star can be found. As soon as I spotted this decoration I thought of my friend Cara. Cara is one of the most artistic women I know and she comes by her talents honestly, her mom is an amazing potter who creates stunning pieces. Many, many years ago Cara and I were chatting in the car outside of her parents house (just moments before curfew was up I'm sure) when I glanced out the window and spotted a star just like the one shown above hanging from her parent's tree. It looked so pretty dangling from the branches, there was snow sparkling all around lit by the moonlight. I immediately assumed that Cara's mom had created this little piece of heaven but it wasn't Rose at all, it was Cara's dad Ron who had created the stars and hung them up to surprise his lovely wife. So sweet!

I think I might take my little friend Grace out for a walk tomorrow to gather some sticks.

Slap a Stamp On It

The Christmas cards are in the post. Finally. Yep, I left it late so our family across the ocean will be receiving Christmas wishes after the holidays I'm sure, but at least they'll know we were thinking of them. Better late than never.

I love opening the mailbox and finding mail (not bills) addressed to me so Christmas cards are just one more reason I can't get enough of this season. Our little Christmas card display is slowly filling.

Mom this little link is for you in particular. I stumbled upon this blog and she has posted a pile of links for giveaways for scrapbooking and card making supplies.

Mike & I received one super special card yesterday from a fabulous friend who we won't be seeing this Christmas *insert sad face here* A card from the Stephen Lewis Foundation arrived and to be honest with you I figured it was a 'please donate moolah' request. I was thrilled when I opened it and saw that it was a thank you note from the foundation, money has been donated in our names! What a very cool gift from a very cool and thoughtful friend. Thank you Tanya!!

Happy Birthday Tanya!

I'm on a roll of forgetfulness. One of the most fabulous women in my life is living in Russia and it was her 29th birthday on Tuesday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TANYA! This hottie decided to tattoo your beautiful face on his beautiful body. I tried to wrap him up and ship him to Russia for you but he refused to fold himself into a packing box. How rude.

I hope you had a stupendous birthday Tanya, you deserve only the best darlin!

Theme Thursday: Eyes

Being in BC means spending loads of time with two of my long distance loves who I think about every day and miss like crazy: Cara and Rosie.

This first shot was taken at the Feist concert earlier this week. It's a wee bit under-exposed but I still love it - Cara's eyes were the first thing I was drawn to when I viewed this pic after snapping it.

Of course Miss. Rosie, the happiest baby on earth, takes after her mommy in the 'perfect model department'. Check out those peepers: too cute!