Sweet Serenade

There are a few songs that are a regular request before nap and bedtime for Tavish. One is Wheels on the Bus, the other is Frere Jacques. However, there are a few other select songs that he enjoys singing along to. This comes in handy from time to time ... say, for example, when a certain newborn is unhappy.

MOMENT: Twinkling Little Star

Sometimes, this singing thing just works. We're not too sure if the crying is scared out of her, or if she genuinely enjoys our off-key tunes. We like to believe it's the latter. Oh, and that we sound incredible - we like to believe that too...

One month

They really do grow up so fast ...

One month old Keva
June 28, 2012

MOMENT: Words can be Wonderful

I've heard quite a few sweet things about Keva come from Tavish's mouth in the first month of her life.  He's always worrying about her happiness. One cry and he's quickly asking one of us to hold her. Or he inquires if she's awake so he can 'play' with her. This conversation has to be a topper though ...

Mommy: "Tavish, do you know who I love?"
Tavish: "Yes."
Mommy: "Who?"
Tavish: "Daddy. And Tavish. And Keva."
Mommy: "You're right. I do!"
Tavish: "Mommy, I love Keva. She has a nice smile."

Brother Nose Best

Tavish is both observant and persistent. Keva is not discerning. Turns out, this combination in siblings can lead to strange situations when a brother is both so helpful and loving with his new sister.

Hugs

Cuddles

Comfort

MOMENT: Too Close for Comfort?

Keva enjoyed her share of people's baby fingers to suck on in the first several weeks of her life (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa Mel, Auntie Colleen...) Tavish, of course, saw this. It was made very clear to him that he was not to put his fingers into Keva's mouth. That just wouldn't be right, right? He's a crafty one though who is keen to 'help' with his sister. He's also very affectionate and often by invading her space by being a bit too close. Although we monitored this, but were cautious not to interfere too much with constantly saying 'no' when he was gently trying to get to know his sister. Then we realized that although he was listening to the 'no fingers' rule - he'd found an alternative. (sigh) I think we've curbed it now (at least lessened it), but not before Tavish shared his cold with his sister. (sigh again). We did, however, catch it on video to forever be remembered. I think it's cute. Some think it's gross. You decide what you think, but remember - he was always trying to help. (final sigh)

Double Diaper Duty

It took seeing several diaper changes to help Chomper to be pulled out from the bottom of the toy box...

MOMENT: Diapering 101

Chomper has been neglected for months, but Tavish is compensating for lost time by ensuring that Chomper's bottom is well taken care of now. He's pretty good at it ... if he keeps this up, I'll be shirking my diaper duties in no time.

Last day of School

Tavish really enjoyed going to 'school'. He made friends, enjoyed his teachers, learned a lot, and seems to have grown up so much!

First day of school
Nov. 7, 2011

Last day of school
June 22, 2012

Leaving for school.

Coming home from school.

MOMENT: Teaching Team

Tavish had a wonderful teacher and two lovely assistants in his classroom who influenced him tremendously. Thank you for a wonderful year!

Tavish's teacher, Miss Danielle

Miss Anna and Miss Rebecca

Sister According to Brother

This is an artist's rendition of Keva at a mere 3 1/2 weeks old. Aw.

A swaddled Keva as perceived by Tavish.
Temporarily preserved on magnetic board...

Splish Splash

We put Keva in the bath when she was 12 days old. Apparently, we didn't want to rush into the first bath experience for some reason...

Keva getting cleaned up.

MOMENT: Bathing Beauty

Both Keva and Tavish got to enjoy their first several baths with Mommy in the tub with them followed by a 'massage' when they get out with some oil. Makes for happy (read: sleepy) babies after ... well, most of the time. Keva had a little work out holding up her head when she was done! Just a non-warning: this film of  Keva in her 'birthday suit' respected her privacy - there's nothing unseeable to be seen after some careful editing.

FLASHBACK: Tavish in the Tub

First official bath on day 2.

First real tub time for Tavish (day 10).

Tuckered out from tub time.

Turns out, Tavish was washed up a few days earlier in his life than Keva, but the reactions were similar. The video below is technically of his second bath, but first 'real' one. The footage we have is somewhat, er ... um ... less 'private' but you still won't get to view anything you shouldn't. It's a short but sweet clip. 

Grand-parents

Tavish and Keva are fortunate to have such wonderful Grandparents in their life. Grandpa Mike lives next door and gets to partake in their lives on a regular basis. Grandpa Mel and Grandma live further, but immerse themselves fully whenever we are together. Grandparents are good stuff...

MOMENT: Grounded

My Mom made a blanket for Keva to stretch out on. It worked. Not only for Keva, but for her adoring fans as well. Their visit was short (Mom was here for 16 days, Dad for 4, and as a bonus, Auntie Colleen came for 8 days) but sweet, welcomed, and now missed. Both kids were drawn to them with lots of snuggles, cuddles, giggles, and good times. Keva enjoyed sucking on their pinky fingers (enabling Mommy and Daddy to get out for a bit) and Tavish loved all of the play time. Grandparents do keep families grounded - thank you all.

FLASHBACK: Grandparent Beginnings

When Tavish was born, Grandpa Mike was spending time in Toronto, so saw a fair bit of him in the early days. Grandpa Mel and Grandma came for his 'due' date and stayed for 2 full weeks. Unfortunately, Tavish was born 16 days after his due date ... so they came back 3 1/2 weeks later to meet him. All Grandparents have been influential in his life since then. Here's a look back at the beginning of those relationships...

Grandpa Mike and Tavish

Grandma and Tavish

Grandpa Mel and Tavish

Excited first meeting

Father's Day

Every day should be father's day ... but, since it's not - we honoured Daddy on two separate days. The first celebration was motivated by the creation of perishables that were in need of consumption. The second was celebrated on "Father's Day" with a creation that now decorates Daddy's cubicle at work. We also enjoyed a picnic with Grandma and Auntie Colleen after some soccer fun on Parliament Hill.

Daddy and his adoring fans.

Father's Day fun on Parliament Hill.

Family of Four.

MOMENT: Daddy Rocks

My children are being influenced by a man who is an excellent role model - fair, loving, supportive, involved, and wonderful all around. They call him "Daddy".

 

Week One-derful

Our first week at home with Keva had mostly ups with one notable down. She was a great sleeper, Tavish was a great helper, and Mommy was recovering quickly - these are the ups. The down is that we seem to have a pattern for day 4, 5, and 6 with a newborn in this family - medical craziness! When Tavish was a newborn - Mommy got a tooth infection and needed a root canal. With Keva - Tavish had a high fever with some unpleasant side effects. Enter: Doctor Daddy. In spite of it all, we had a good time getting to know Keva.

MOMENTS:

Getting to Know You ...

Getting to know a new baby is so much fun. We all took to her quickly. She has found a fan in each member of this family already. Here's a glimpse in the life of Keva - week one style!

First Photo Shoot

Our good friend, Brooke, captured some great newborn shots of Keva when she was 6 days old. Here are some highlights...