Monday, April 30, 2012

Malapropism

Tavish has a great vocabulary and clarity of speech for his age. So, when there are the odd words that are misplaced or poorly pronounced, we remember that these things tend to correct themselves quickly and choose to enjoy them rather than addressing them. These moments create sweet internal joy for his parents, so who are were to interfere with these little reminders that he's a toddler learning and making sense of the world around him?

MOMENT: Anyfing, Anybody

You know that eerie moment when you realize that your toddler is out of your sight and that it's been too quiet for too long? Yeah, those moments offer an excellent example of Tavish's malapropism (the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended by wrong in the context) that goes something like this:

Us: "Tavish, what are you doing?"
Tavish: "Anyfing" 

This is not a comforting answer, by the way - it's usually untrue that he is doing 'nothing'! It's also entertaining when you inquire about something he did with other people. It usually goes something like this:

Us: "Who did you have your nap beside today?"
Tavish: "Anybody"

One last word development that we have enjoyed but has already corrected itself is "computer". It used to be that we would help him through it by syllable. Tavish would start repeating clearly but provide an entertaining finale:

Us: "com", "com-pu", "com-pu-ter"
Tavish: "com", "com-pu", "com-pu-ter"
Us: "computer"
Tavish: "computeter"

Lately "com-pu-te-ter" has been replaced with "pa-new-ter": "Mommy, let's talk on the pa-new-ter when you're in Toronto." Love it. 

But, alas - all these endearing vocabulary foibles eventually pass. He said to me the other night: "Mommy, I like talking with you on the computer when you're in Toronto." Sigh. The sentiment of the sentence is still sweet, but the word clarity serves as a reminder that everything is a phase that inevitably passes. 

One thing is for sure though, there is "anyfing" (nothing) and "anybody" (nobody) who can say that moments like these aren't worth preserving on the "panewter"! 

Saturday, April 14, 2012

The Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny came to our house this year and left a few treats and a game for Tavish!

MOMENT: Rhyming Riddles

Tavish was a pro at figuring out the Easter Bunny's clues, eating his treats and baking his present. We like it when the Easter Bunny visits ...



Montreal Adventure

It was a family meeting in Montreal to kick off the Easter weekend. Grandpa Mike drove in, Tom & Tavish took the train together from Ottawa, and Mommy took the train from Toronto to enjoy an adventure together.

At the Bio Dome.

MOMENT: Trains, Subways, Animals, Fun Running & Food

Taking the bus to the train, then riding the subway have certainly become exciting talking points around our house since this adventure! The Bio Dome didn't disappoint, especially once Tavish spotted the otter and the penguins. Before that, pushing the stroller held quite the appeal! There's always fun in running around with Daddy and the market visit on the way out of town finished off our visit on a tasty note. Loving that we live close enough to do it all together again soon!



The never ending father-son fun.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Birthday Party Bliss

Tavish's 'birthday party day' was another day of fun and celebration. Tavish tested out his gift 'loot bags' (really,  they were boxes) and his green thumb; enjoyed the excitement that "Maple Sugar Fest" offered to him and his guests; caught a quick cat nap; and voyaged out on his bike with a stop by window visit with Grandpa.

MOMENT: Turning Three with Friends

Tavish's friends and parents showed up to enjoy some time in the sugar bush, eat some birthday cake (vegan, gluten-free and sweetened with maple syrup ... it was better than it sounds!), and play together. Here's a list of his friends he partied with: Sofie, Essa, Siddhu, Ella, Foster, Freddy, Nathan & Owen, Sam & Lucy, Darcy & Colin, Celia & Finn. What a party it was!

Interview with a 3 Year Old

Someone suggested an idea that we thought was neat - asking your child the same few questions on their birthday every year to see how the answers change. Sure, why not give it a shot?

MOMENT: Age 3 Insight

Here's what Tavish had to say March 24, 2012 about where he'd like to fly to, who his friends are, his favourite meal and what he'd like to be when he grows up ...