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.
"A sibling is a friend given by Nature." - Jean Baptiste Legouve
Tavish has a gentle soul and a huge heart that was ready to embrace his sister. Welcome to the family, Keva. We are so happy you're here.
First Photo of our Family of Four
Tavish holding Keva for the first time.
My children.
MOMENT: Sibling Love
Few things in life can warm a parent's heart like seeing their children enjoy one another. We were very excited for Tavish to come home and meet Keva ... but probably not as excited as he was ...
"A baby is something you carry inside you for 9 months, in your arms for 5 years, and in your heart until the day you die."
- Mary Mason
Proud Parents
The weigh-in: 8 pounds 1.6 ounces
Working Women: Our amazing midwives
Keva's Welcomers: Khadija, Mommy, Daddy & Tess
Snuggle Time with Daddy
Welcome, Keva.
Dressed and Ready
Keva Jean
A Moment with Mommy
Terrific Tess
Let's Hit the Road!
Home Snuggles at 4 Hours Old
We welcomed our daughter, Keva Jean on Monday, May 28, 2012 at 7:29am weighing 8 pounds, 1.6 ounces and was 51 cm long.
"Active" labour started about 2:45am. Our midwife, Tess, was paged at 3:15am. When she arrived about an hour later, I was already dilated to 7cm and eager to get to the hospital. We were off to the hospital when Grandpa Mike arrived to hold down the house and get Tavish off to school in the morning. I was on the bed in the hospital by 4:55am and emphatically requesting the epidural. Once I had the epidural and was willing to push, Keva arrived less than 20 pushes later in the company of Tom, Tess and Khadija. Tom, Keva and I were at home napping together by noon. What an early, speedy and wonderful birth it was ... even though I'm now teased that she probably could have been here before 5:30 had I not been such an unwilling participant in the event without medical assistance! ha.
MOMENT: Early Arrival
Keva arrived 10 days before her 'due' late and early in the morning. She was born strong and healthy. We are so excited that you're here to join our family, little one.
Tavish made a 'welcome' present for his baby sister that was a labour of loveand an authentic masterpiece that will, no doubt, be cherished by his sister. Eleven days before she was 'due', I had an inexplicable urge to get the gift wrapped before Tavish went to bed. Never underestimate a mother's instinct - she was born 13 hours after this video was taken! So, this footage captures some of Tavish's final awake moments as an only child and my final day sporting a baby belly...
Tavish - excited to soon be a big brother
MOMENT: Welcome Wrapping
On Sunday, May 27th, our family of three watched the participants of the Ottawa Marathon up the street, did some 'nesting', wrapped the welcome gift for Tavish's new sister, and I enjoyed dinner out with some of my closest girlfriends as a 'shower' to welcome our second child. This day was accompanied by some mild contractions and the baby's present was wrapped 13 hours before her arrival. This timing was probably a good thing, I'm not sure Tavish could have contained his excitement for much longer anyway!
Yes, there is a soccer 'league' in the neighbourhood for 3 year olds - who knew? Tavish signed up with some of his buddies and week one was a real kick of a good time!
MOMENT: Run. Kick. (Repeat)
At a nearby neighbourhood park, we picnicked with friends for dinner before hitting the field for some fun and entertainment (especially for the parents). Turns out, Tavish loves running after a ball and kicking it. Also turns out - he takes his 'red light, green light' pretty seriously but thanks to the FC Barcelona hand-me-down from his cousins, he looked the part of a serious player, so it all worked out.
This year's May long weekend weather couldn't have been better and we were certainly able to make the best of it together.
MOMENT: A Golfer is Born, Paddling Pleasure, Biking Buddies & Good Food with Friends
Hole in One?
A Family Paddle
Biking Buddies
Picnic Pleasure
We made the most of the time the extra weekend had to offer by enjoying every minute as a family of three. Adventures were had indeed. We spent some quality time in the yard, of course, but ventured away from the house to take in a round of 'golf', enjoyed a BBQ with the Poiriers after an evening paddle, and had more good food at our picnic with the Richardsons before the boys took on their bikes. Wonderful company, good food and lots of adventure - wouldn't it be wonderful if every weekend was a long weekend?
One morning, Tavish came into our room and noticed a container of Shea Butter cream on the bedside table. "What's that?", he asked. "It's cream for Mommy's belly", Daddy told him. (pause) "Mommy, would you like me to put cream on your belly?" Thus began a most-morning routine of Tavish rubbing cream "on the baby" with the help of Daddy ...
MOMENT: Baby-Belly and Brother Bonding
During my pregnancy with Tavish, Tom and I were very diligent about putting cream on my belly. The second pregnancy, it was often put lower on the priority ... until Tavish learned about it and eagerly participated. It brought a whole new excitement for connecting with the baby and I just love that the second video was taken just days before the baby arrived!
My last Mother's Day as a mother of one and what a day it was! It started sweetly and excitedly with a special delivery in bed, led to a picnic lunch together and later a lovely meal on our deck made by Daddy. I'm blessed to be a mother of such a wonderful son.
MOMENT: Good morning, Sunshine!
Tavish has been eagerly waiting to show me his presents. I knew what they were and where they were being stored (turns out, 3 year olds aren't great at keeping secrets), but managed to convince him to show them to me the morning of Mother's Day. The wait was worth it - the delivery brightened my day!
MOMENT: The Picnic Adventure
We decided to go on a short 3km+ local adventure to continue the Mother's Day celebration accompanied by Tavish's bike, a soccer ball, and a great spread for lunch. No, seriously, our 3 year old biked and/or kicked a soccer ball that entire way and we all managed to come home feeling positive and excited. Turns out, Tavish's positive energy is contagious!
FLASHBACK: My First Mother's Day, 2009
We were still living in Toronto and we had a lovely day out in the city. Here are two photos taken on our deck that day. My how our baby has grown up - this time next year, I'll have TWO 'babies' to celebrate with! Such a lucky Mommy.
The weekend weather was wonderful and our deck was plant-less. So, the family embarked on a plant purchasing mission to the Market to rectify that, but needed to make a few stops along the way. Fortunately, we had access to Grandpa Mike's little red wagon and a little helper eager to get our garden growing.
MOMENT: Wagoner and Waterer
"Gardening requires lots of water - most of it in the form of perspiration." - Lou Erickson
This quote is very true - our little gardener was eager to do physical work for our garden and make use of the watering cans. He wanted no assistance in pulling the wagon the entire way to the Market (with a few added detours), for filling it up, nor for pulling the plant-filled wagon home. Indeed, he worked hard for this garden to happen. He also assisted with the planting of our garden, which involved a great deal of watering and some seed planting. We now have many healthy, albeit very wet plants, to show for it! We figure that Ralph Waldo Emerson had it right when he said "the Earth laughs in flowers" because we did have a great time together building our garden.
Enjoy yet another move in bedroom furniture. This time, Tavish's big bed gets an upgrade to a bigger room and different furniture, and his old 'baby' room is recreated for his little sister - crib and all.
MOMENT: Big Brother, Big Helper
Tavish used his handy-boy skills to help assemble the crib, move his bed into the former 'office', and ensure the crib meets his comfort standards for his little sister. Please pardon any signs of 'plumber' that Tavish may show you - he was too focused and working too hard to be concerned about a little crack show!
Being pregnant is just a twice-in-a-lifetime experience for this Mother. I felt compelled to capture its beauty in photography and wanted to share some highlights of the photos we've taken of Baby Girl Bedford before her debut.
Golfer-in-Utero?
May 19 (37 weeks)
Born Ready to Paddle?
May 20 (37 weeks)
MOMENT: A Belly of Beauty
The three of us had a great time playing around and capturing some great moments together on May 6th when I was 35 weeks pregnant. The dandelions were out, the sun was shining and there was a soccer ball, sticks, rocks and chasing games to keep us entertained while the camera shutter captured a precious moment in time. The whole family was celebrating the anticipation of the girl who will join our family.
My belly admirer
Me and my boy
My boy and my baby-in-belly.
"Weeds are flowers no one wants"
Loving the dandelions...
Such a great kid
The Mom-to-be (again)
Checking out the growing belly
Our family
Always time for some play ...
even if it involves Mommy running!
Gotcha!
Ottawa River Family Photo Op
Me and my belly
Our Expanding Family
Where it all began.
I love this man.
Belly hugs ...
... Belly loves ...
... and Belly touches.
I am so excited to meet you, Baby Girl!
FLASHBACK: Watch Tavish Grow in Utero
When I was pregnant with Tavish, Tom took a photo of me almost weekly in the same location and same outfit, to chronicle the growth of Baby Boy Bedford. We put all of the photos together into a video so we could 'watch' Mommy and Tavish 'grow' together. Enjoy this look back at our boy-in-the-belly!
