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.
We're not allowed to bring cameras to our neighbourhood pool, but there are no such rules at the grand-parental 'compound' in Arizona. We were finally able to capture our water'baby' on film. Put on your waterwings, you're in for a real splash of observer fun!
Just some good ol' fashion family chlorine-filled fun!
MOMENT: Instant Swimmer, Just Add Water
Jumps, kicks, splashes and giggles - oh my! This kid is happiest in the water. What a treat to get into an outdoor pool in the warmth of the Arizona winter. Ahhh.
A glimpse into a Christmas-day in the life of a certain Tavish-toddler. There was excitement, present opening, some running around and a truly great book.
MOMENT: Ah-ha Moments
"There's just something missing, this Christmas...
that's when I looked, that's when I knew
the thing that was missing from Christmas was you.
And so then, my darling, wherever you roam
may you always be safe, may you always come home.
...
The best part of Christmas will always be
you beneath my Christmas tree."
- Nancy Tillman
This was one of the books that Tavish received from Grandma and Grandpa. It was lovely to read at the end of a wonderful day full of excitement, discoveries, and lots of 'kicks' and giggles.
We decided to read "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" on Christmas Eve to Tavish for the first time. I'd only read it once or twice, so it was an enjoyable read for me too. That Dr. Seuss, he sure is wise:
"It came without ribbons, it came without tags.
It came without packages, boxes or bags.
Christmas can't be bought in a store...
Maybe Christmas means a little bit more."
MOMENT: "Mikey" planning snacks for Santa and Rudolph
'Twas the Eve of Excitement...
Tavish gets creative (and healthy) with menu planning for our guests. That's our "Mikey", he'll eat anything ... and thinks everyone else will too. Rest assured, there were cookies left out for us, er ... um, I mean Santa. He also uses some creativity to describe what he thinks will happen when Santa comes. Christmas really is extra exciting and enjoyable with a toddler around!
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.
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.
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.
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 ...
