Christmas Concert

It was our first Christmas Concert as parents. Yes, we were 'those' parents with the video camera (elbows were needed to secure that sweet recording locale, by the way) and perhaps a welled-up tear or two as we beamed with pride (fine, it was Mommy with the emotion ... and the elbows). We enjoyed every minute of it and then whisked our little performer off to the airport - we were Arizona bound! 

Performer extraordinaire by day.
International traveler by night.

MOMENT: No Need to Hold the Applause

Tavish's long standing appreciation of fine music and generous applause were consistent for his class' performance. No exceptions made. The youngest in his class, he certainly showed no sign of stage fright. Caution: you may find yourself moved to clap, tear or cheer ... or maybe that's just us being 'those' parents again. (blush) 

* Note the "Frosty" shirt to make the 'where's Tavish?' game less difficult in the video.

Christmas in Canada

We celebrated an early Christmas with Grandpa Mike in Ottawa. Rudolph, Frosty and some new skis were all there to share in the spirit.

MOMENT: Musical Moments

Tavish conducted the family musical starring: Tavish and Grandpa Mike. He'd like to wish you a Merry Christmas. Our holiday song of choice would be modified for this moment to say: "Oh what fun it is to play with a one toddler open plaaaaaay!" Merry Christmas. 

Gingerbread Goodness

Happiness is indeed homemade. Sure, the cookies were gluten-free - but fun for all to make, tasty for some to eat and a great memory maker for a family.

MOMENT: "C" is for Cookie, That's Good Enough for Me

Three seasonal bakers hit the kitchen for some festive creating that Tavish would be able to eat. It was so much fun, that we don't have any photos of the finished products to show for it. However, Tavish did serve a "G", "D", "M" and "T" gingerbread cookie to Grandpa, Daddy, Mommy and Tavish respectively for dessert after our Bedford Christmas dinner. Tavish alone has since enjoyed the occasional gingerbread tree cookie from time to time. He sure is pleased with himself when he eats them and his smile stretches across his face ... all with the perk of being wheat-absent. Guess it's true what the bible says "You shall eat the fruit of the labour of your hands: you shall be happy, and it shall be well with you." Psalms 128:2.

Feeling the Spirit of the Season

The seasonal spirit was in full swing at the NAC (National Art Centre)'s free Christmas orchestra concert on December 11th. Tavish began as a mere witness and evolved into a dancing, clapping, violin playing and singing participator. Guess that's the power of Christmas music for you!

MOMENT: Learning and Joining-in

Tavish seemed excited to learn the words to a new song and joined in where he felt he could. May the music infect you with the spirit of the season the way it did with our toddler ...

Urban Tree Farm

'Tis the season for Christmas tree picking. Fortunately for us (mostly for Tom and Tavish), we live just a short walk away from the Market where we could hunt for our very own Christmas tree without breaking our ... er, um ... their ... backs.

MOMENT: If a Tree Hauls in the City, Does Anybody Hear?

Tavish picked out our Christmas tree. His choice was obviously unassisted as it is the kind that is "the most expensive tree" they had, but it was small. Besides, what the heck? It's Christmas ... the tree of choice is not the place to Ba Humbug, right?

Caught by Winter

We had our first snowfall. It's officially unavoidable now, it's time to put the convertible away for the season.

First day at "School"

"One test of the correctness of educational procedure is the happiness of the child"

- Maria Montessori

Tavish with his new lunch bag - ready for the day!

MOMENT: Fearless and Tearless

There has been a great deal of build up and anticipation (read: anxiety for Mommy) for today and it finally came: we took Tavish to a "school" (Montessori ... elaborate daycare). I've had my reservations, mostly selfish but they were quickly put at ease today. What a trooper our son is. He confidently walked up to the school with his lunch bag slung over his shoulder (even though it only contained a snack for today), climbed all the stairs and went right up to "Miss Danielle". I held my breath to see what would unfold only to watch Tavish excitedly show her his lunch bag. We've been emphatically told that the goodbye is to be swift and brief. So, I asked for a hug which was given with an accompanying "bye Mommy". That was it. I turned and left. I didn't make it to the bottom of the stairs without tears welling in my eyes and falling on my ride to work. I watched the clock with anticipation: 'is he okay?', 'does he like it?', 'has he been there too long for his first day?' etc, etc. 


Tom picked up a happy toddler three hours later who came complete with a huge smile and reluctance to go. Oh, so he's fine? The note from his teacher read:


"Tavish had a great first day! Got several lessons (beads, drawing, cylinder block, chopsticks and others) Had a good snack. No tears at all and seems happy! Tomorrow he should be fine until 1:30. Thanks, Miss Danielle"

When we asked Tavish tonight, "would you like to go to school longer tomorrow?" he replied "no". I held my breath then heard the rest of what Tavish said "I want to go now". I hope this is the first of many firsts that are going to be this smooth, fearless and tearless (at least for Tavish!)