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.
Out of the sun and into the snowbank. We came home to winter. Fortunately, kids don't seem to mind the snow in fact, they seem to find it comfy and tasty ...
MOMENT: Window Wonderland
It was also a cold snap when we got back making the taxi ride home from the airport feel extra chilly. I warmed up to the idea of winter when I peaked out the window the next day to see Tavish lounging happily in the snow. It's cold and blowy, but it is how home is in January, it seems...
Tavish's love and appreciation for the camera has continued well into the new year. Perhaps discovering that there are also 'games' on the camera (that Santa-girl didn't know about) helps maintain this enthusiasm?
MOMENT: Remain Focused
I'll admit it, there have been a few times that the camera 'game' sounds have been a noise I have appreciated. Tavish can be quite focused when he's 'playing' with the camera. It's an accidental perk, I swear. Mercifully, we haven't had any real difficulties asking him to put it away and he doesn't mind having Keva around while he's using it. But...there could be trouble in paradise as there appears to be another camera fan in the wings. Once mobility is hers, I think the camera will be an even hotter commodity around here...
This post highlights and concludes our wonderful holiday in Arizona through the lens of Tavish's new camera from Santa...
Self Portrait: Photographer in Motion
His cast of characters
MOMENT: Blurry Clarity
Sure, there are A LOT of photos that Tavish took ... he was learning ... and he's three ... and there were a lot that didn't make this video ... but they sure are a fun way to help see what Tavish sees and deems important. All in all, I think he captured the essence of our family time very well ... creative, fun, and unique! Enjoy seeing how the younger one sees!
Although she did her first roll several months before, Keva choses 'chill' as her general state and just hangs out on the floor without moving too much. We understand why ... we leave toys just beyond her reach, only to turn around and see several toys surrounding her. Tavish keeps the toys aplenty for his sister. Over the holidays, Keva decided it was time to get moving in search of some toys. (notice Tavish occupied in the background?) Since then, she has become the roll-master. To the point of it potentially inhibiting her crawling abilities ... we've witnessed her knee come up, only to cause her to roll over and be left looking back (and up) to where she meant to go. She doesn't appear to be too concerned, she seems pretty happy just rolling along for now...
Oh yes, there was mountain biking. Mommy and Daddy got out four times this year and Uncle Kevin was able to join us for two of the rides. Of course, the children are too young to accompany us so we recorded moments to share with them when we got home ...
Out for a ride. Coming back with video messages
MOMENT: Here's How it's Done, Son
Tavish taking Daddy's bike for a spin
Tavish loved seeing what we'd been up to. Perhaps it was motivation for future mountain biking trips with our boy?
This 7 month old is changing before our eyes. It seems as though she wakes up every morning with some new teeth coming in. On her 7 month-iversary, tooth 5 was making it's way out and number 6 was imminent. She has also started sitting for short periods of time and shown an appreciation for solid food.
MOMENT: Over Half Way
This is the month that you really realize that my 'baby' is closer to a one year old than a newborn. Our daughter is aging with sophistication and spunk - check out her style and hairdo for proof...
This year, Christmas brought the gift of solid food to the dinner table for Keva in the form of a carrot...
MOMENT: What's Up, Doc?
Following only a mother-hunch about timing, we decided not to offer Keva solid food until she was sitting up better on her own and until she showed interest in food. This all happened suddenly just 3 days before she turned 7 months old. This also happened to be Christmas day, so Keva joined the whole family with her steamed carrot for our festive meal and followed it up a few days later with some broccoli...
Carrot face
FLASHBACK: Broccoli is Best
We followed the same intuition for Tavish for when to introduce solid foods. Tavish was a week shy of being 7 months old when he enjoyed his first chomp of solid food. For Tavish's first food, he was served broccoli.
Tavish's first food - ready to dive in...
...yum, broccoli.
Like brother like ...sister? Keva's second meal was
inspired by Tavish's successful first...
By far, the most exciting part of Christmas for Tavish was the giving ... and for Keva, it was the wrapping paper. Although they certainly enjoyed the gifts they received and that Santa brought, Tavish's enthusiasm peaked when people were opening the gifts he and his sister were giving...
Santa's gifts for Keva and Tavish in front
Gifts wrapped by Tavish in back...
Thank you Santa for the 'train book' and this cool camera!
Keva's 'chew toy' and new toy from Santa...
MOMENT: True Spirit of Christmas
Tavish was so excited to give Keva his gift of a singing book. He sang "Frosty" on a recordable Frosty the Snowman book for her and loves showing it to her. For Mommy and Daddy, he made two cinnamon scented ornaments at school that will adorn our tree for years to come. For Auntie Colleen, he made a placemat that coordinates with the ones he made last year for Grandma and Grandpa. For Grandma and Grandpa this year, it was handprint art: the north star and the three wise men on camels from him and he was an incredible help getting Keva's hand and footprints for the angel and baby Jesus in the manger art she made. All gifts were created with the genuine excitement that is the true spirit of Christmas. I wish everyone could be so fortunate to share the holidays with children...
