Transition - Phase I

Tavish loves his crib, often referring to to his nap time as "playing in my crib". Although it might seem wrong to take that happiness away from him (fine, it's our happiness too - the confinement has been handy), it's time for the crib to go. Phase(out) I involves removing the bars and putting the mattress on the floor.

The "before" photo: A Baby's Bedroom

MOMENT: Twisting with Tavish

Tavish was integral to the phase-out construction. He twists and likes to help with little assistance.

So far, the absence of bars have led to three smooth nights of sleep with few 'thuds' and lots of excitement. It is worth noting though, that there has been no 'napping' at all since the rails came down. Surely the novelty of bedroom freedom will fade at some point, right? Let's just hope that excitement isn't replaced with the joy of escaping because (knock in wood) there have yet to be bedroom break-out attempts.

Stay tuned for Phase II - single bed assembly. Coming soon ...

Skipping Rocks

Tom must be the best rock-skipper I've ever met. I've witnessed him skip rocks into many different bodies of water over the years; he loves it.  It appears that the love of rock throwing may be contagious or at the very least, hereditary.

MOMENT: Tavish See. Tavish Do.

The love of rock throwing, he gets from his Daddy. The love of using sound effects might well come from Mommy. (blush)

PS - please pardon the plumber pose ... (heehee)

Mommy's lil' rock thrower.

Happy guy.

Adventures of the Green Potty

It's true, Tavish is potty-trained. Happened pretty easily with the help of his portable green potty. It was the absence of a toilet on our main floor that prompted us to purchase the green potty. It's gone everywhere with us. Yes, only the best vistas for out-and-about business will do.

MOMENT: Oh the Places Your Potty Will Go!

It's been to the park. It's been on the side of the road.  It's been in a boat ... and many other creative (and practical) places. Always ready in a timely manner too. Thank you, green potty - you've served us all well.

Standard canoe trip gear.

A pause on our portage is not a problem!

Needing to piddle on a lake paddle.

Bike ride beach break with a bonus.

A new Footprint Lake landing landmark?

No interruptions to beach time in Cape Cod.

Urban Portage

The whole family loves a good paddle. We also all love that we can do these things we enjoy in the heart of our city. All it takes is a little family team work to get our gear loaded and "Sweetride"off to the canal ...

Unloaded under the Congress Centre.

Crossing at the lights to get to the canal.

MOMENT: Pack up to Portage

We had all of the elements for a good portage: equipment loaded, canoe on head, patience for the green light and hands to hold for safety. Oh, then a beautiful evening to enjoy our family paddle. Bliss. Oh, except extra batteries for the camera, oops.

Carp Fair

Fall fairs are fun. Certainly through the eyes of a toddler. How can it not be?! Tavish acquired a red friend (albeit temporarily), explored heavy machinery, watched trains, pet animals and rode his first horse. Yup, we've got him loving the country life already!

MOMENT: Good times and a Goodbye to a good friend

Tavish's first cold of the season happens to have coincided with his first trip to a fall fair. Rest assured that any nose wiping or sniffling was due to the cold, not to sadness or loss.

Bike Parade

The neighbourhood bike parade provided the perfect opportunity for Tavish to 'ride' his bike beyond the confinement of our backyard to explore the wonders of the open road. He loved it and may well have been the youngest participant propelling himself along the route. We've got next year's parade already marked in the calendar!

MOMENT: Proud Parader

An extra kudos to Daddy who pushed two bikes for the parade, one of which was towing the chariot while Mommy supervised (read: blocked traffic and documented the moment). Another shout out to Sofie for sharing her bike with her buddy - perhaps the best loan ever! Also to our friend Jess who was watching the parade and captured the photo of our whole family parading along.

World's Biggest Splash Pad

"Water is the driving force of all nature"

- Leonardo da Vinci

MOMENT: The Wonders of Water

For instant entertainment, just add water. Watch our fully clothed toddler explore the world's biggest splash pad (well, biggest in Tavish's world thus far) with growing excitement and shrinking inhibitions.