I've been meaning to capture the moments that make motherhood so special and although there are many videos and photos which will account for the first 15 months of Tavish's life there are no journals or scrapbooks. So, this blog will document the tid-bits and tales of the moments that make a mother proud, happy and generally enthused about this ride that is motherhood. This has been created for me but I invite you to read, share and enjoy this collection of moments too.
We shared the exciting news with Tavish about the arrival of a new member of our family. We thought it was a great idea to set the camera up on the dresser at the end of our bed. We now realize that it looks like we're being interviewed for t.v (albeit with bedhead and bad posture). It's worth an explanation: there is a mirror above the dresser, that's why we're all looking ahead (as though into a camera), we're actually all looking at each other ... we're really not trying to avoid eye contact with one another!
Finding out 'it' is a 'she': January 27, 2012.
MOMENT: Belly Pat and Kiss
The photo above is the 22 week view of Baby Girl Bedford and is the photo Tavish found inside the envelope that's in the video. She's a real mover and shaker so far and has certainly grown (read: Mommy has grown) since the 14 week ultrasound photos below! We're very excited to be growing our family and that Tavish gets to be a big brother - she'll be a lucky girl for sure. Now we just have to help Tavish understand that there is no need for him to poke a hole in my tummy (or his) to feed or get the baby out!
February 22: The "hockey? what's hockey?" innocence is removed from Tavish. Until we took him to this Ottawa 67s game, he hadn't had exposure to hockey beyond identifying that there are 'hockey players' on a set of his pjs. Add that to learning how to skate the day before, and a hockey fan was born.
MOMENT: It Must Be Genetic
Daddy watching the score.
Tavish watching the action.
Mommy watching Tavish?
Grandpa Mike and I were discussing how instinctive it was for Tavish to throw his arms up in victory when a goal was scored. He clearly enjoyed the game and all that it entailed. He literally wanted to stand the entire time for the best vantage point. We concluded that it must be in the genes ... not my genes, not Mike's genes, but Tom's gene's via Grandma Jean. I envision hockey statistics and player trade talk around the table in my future...
"Skate with your heart and let the ice fill your soul!"
February 21st, 2012 - Tavish hit the canal for the first time on his own two skates! He had new-to-him skates (yay for hand-me-downs), a noggin protector (safety first), a devoted filmographer to capture the experience, and a body holder/coach (all wrapped up in one great Daddy) - he was ready for some skating.
MOMENT: The Hardest Part of Skating is the Ice.
Tavish enjoys 'falling' and laying on the ice as much as he does 'skating' on it. What a blast! The weather was great, his spirits were high and the ice hard - yet welcoming.
Our return from the warm desert was met with cool snow - perfect conditions to try out Tavish's new skis. So, on January 7th (the morning after our return), we hit the front yard ... and the snow a few times too!
Front yard frolicking!
MOMENT: Fearless and Funny
Our theory: laugh at everything, especially falling. Seems to have worked - Tavish had a great time. Grandpa made it out to watch in the company of some of his friends. Seems Tavish's skills were being highly praised - ready for the bunny hill already?!? (gulp) Don't rush his Mommy ... I mean, him ... just yet! What a great winter-welcome-home it was!
Tom and I went out for NYE to the Cirque du Soleil's "Immortal" show in Phoenix where we were upgraded to 4th row centre in front of the stage. Wow! Then we welcomed 2012 at a neat resto-bar we stumbled on after losing our way to the place we'd planned to be at. (Who knew Phoenix has a 7th Ave and a 7th Street within close proximity to one another? Grr.)
Last family photo of 2011.
On January 1st, we enjoyed quite a spread for brunch at the fancy Talking Stick Casino after which, I was serenaded by most of the family. On our way home, we enjoyed a family hike in Usery Park before a swim in the pool and finished the day off by enjoying dinner out with my hubby to celebrate being 36?! (gulp)
From our family to yours, happy new year. We look forward to even more family-filled adventures in 2012 with an additional reason to celebrate motherhood that is 'due' to arrive in early June!
We're not allowed to bring cameras to our neighbourhood pool, but there are no such rules at the grand-parental 'compound' in Arizona. We were finally able to capture our water'baby' on film. Put on your waterwings, you're in for a real splash of observer fun!
Just some good ol' fashion family chlorine-filled fun!
MOMENT: Instant Swimmer, Just Add Water
Jumps, kicks, splashes and giggles - oh my! This kid is happiest in the water. What a treat to get into an outdoor pool in the warmth of the Arizona winter. Ahhh.
A glimpse into a Christmas-day in the life of a certain Tavish-toddler. There was excitement, present opening, some running around and a truly great book.
MOMENT: Ah-ha Moments
"There's just something missing, this Christmas...
that's when I looked, that's when I knew
the thing that was missing from Christmas was you.
And so then, my darling, wherever you roam
may you always be safe, may you always come home.
...
The best part of Christmas will always be
you beneath my Christmas tree."
- Nancy Tillman
This was one of the books that Tavish received from Grandma and Grandpa. It was lovely to read at the end of a wonderful day full of excitement, discoveries, and lots of 'kicks' and giggles.
We decided to read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on Christmas Eve to Tavish for the first time. I'd only read it once or twice, so it was an enjoyable read for me too. That Dr. Seuss, he sure is wise:
"It came without ribbons, it came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
Christmas can't be bought in a store...
Maybe Christmas means a little bit more."
MOMENT: "Mikey" planning snacks for Santa and Rudolph
'Twas the Eve of Excitement...
Tavish gets creative (and healthy) with menu planning for our guests. That's our "Mikey", he'll eat anything ... and thinks everyone else will too. Rest assured, there were cookies left out for us, er ... um, I mean Santa. He also uses some creativity to describe what he thinks will happen when Santa comes. Christmas really is extra exciting and enjoyable with a toddler around!
It was our first Christmas Concert as parents. Yes, we were 'those' parents with the video camera (elbows were needed to secure that sweet recording locale, by the way) and perhaps a welled-up tear or two as we beamed with pride (fine, it was Mommy with the emotion ... and the elbows). We enjoyed every minute of it and then whisked our little performer off to the airport - we were Arizona bound!
Performer extraordinaire by day. International traveler by night.
MOMENT: No Need to Hold the Applause
Tavish's long standing appreciation of fine music and generous applause were consistent for his class' performance. No exceptions made. The youngest in his class, he certainly showed no sign of stage fright. Caution: you may find yourself moved to clap, tear or cheer ... or maybe that's just us being 'those' parents again. (blush)
* Note the "Frosty" shirt to make the 'where's Tavish?' game less difficult in the video.
We celebrated an early Christmas with Grandpa Mike in Ottawa. Rudolph, Frosty and some new skis were all there to share in the spirit.
MOMENT: Musical Moments
Tavish conducted the family musical starring: Tavish and Grandpa Mike. He'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas. Our holiday song of choice would be modified for this moment to say: "Oh what fun it is to play with a one toddler open plaaaaaay!" Merry Christmas.
