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.
It's always nice to get away, so we spent two nights camping during Tom's final week of "parental leave". After sleeping in 5 different places in 8 nights with 2 kids, we opted for the camp ground over a canoeing trip this year to minimize the amount of planning required. Plus, this way, we had lots of space to ensure that we ate well and relaxed (as much as is possible with two kids anyway).
Setting up our 'home'
Hanging and hammocking
Beach bums
Mom & son
Daddy & daughter
Happy camper
MOMENT: Portable Home
Car-camping enables all of the amenities of home, just much smaller and ... well, a little dirtier. It was high density living like we're used to - Tavish even played with the 'neighbour' kids. Tavish had his first roasted marshmellow, we spent hours at the beach, and only one night was interrupted by a raccoon. Good times, good times...
How many family members does it take to feed Keva? Sometimes, all of us...
MOMENT: Feeding Siblings
Tavish wanted to help feed Keva, so we encouraged it. I arranged for the bottle to be filled, Keva ensured a healthy appetite, Daddy was trusted to hold Keva properly, and Tavish was invited to join in on the feeding. Keva spoke highly of the experience when she had a full belly too.
Both Keva and Tavish enjoyed the great mobile of elephants from their stroller bassinet. They also both thought that their musical mobile was pretty neat too...
Tavish and the elephants
Keva and the elephants
MOMENT: Black and White
Black and white objects are supposed to stimulate a baby's visual development and it seems to be the case with both of our babes. Tavish began checking this mobile out when he was about one month old. Keva had to wait until 2.5 months before we dug it out (blush, second time parents). Regardless, it seemed to be enjoyable visual and physical stimulation for both babies when presented with it.
It's no secret that Tavish likes sports - any sport. He's even drawn to the equipment. He noticed some of Daddy's gear in the basement and wanted to try it out ...
MOMENT: Equipment Required
We both enjoyed the games that Tavish made up in the yard as they evolved to incorporate little bits of soccer, golf, hockey, and perhaps even some baseball. Certainly though, it was the gloves that made the game memorable...
Our house is tv free for the toddler in our family. It's in the basement and just not a part of our daily lives. Tavish, of course, knows what tv is ... but after this summer, we wonder if he maybe thinks that it's just for the "lymptics" that he's been told won't be on for another four years?
MOMENT: Sport Enthusiast
The Olympic games took place mostly while we were visiting in Fort Frances this summer. Tavish literally happened upon them en route to the bathroom when he noticed a tv that had been left on. Daddy found him entranced and standing about a foot away from the screen. Tom relocated him to a nearby chair, and an Olympic sport fan was born...
My Dad is amazing with babies. My Mom has said that they've been in restaurants together and she doesn't get why he's making goofy faces ... until she realizes there's a baby he's made eye contact with at a nearby table. Aw. I'm so lucky my kids get to enjoy him and his silly faces as often as we do for living as far apart as we do.
MOMENT: Funny Faces
Here he is with Keva ... not too unlike how wonderful he also was when we captured him with Tavish back when he was a baby. Everyone loves those silly faces because they are the look of a playful person who adores children. What's not to love in that?! Thanks Dad for loving my children so much - they certainly love you back, funny faces and all!
I'm going to go with a swim in a sink - tiny tub, big baby.
MOMENT: Clean Keva
She really needed a bath and well ... her brother we going to be upstairs for a sleep, so we were flexible and cleaned her up in the sink. It worked and as a bonus, she liked it!
FLASHBACK: Tavish in the 'Tub'
Looks like this 'tub' can handle even older babies .... Tavish was exactly 4 months old when my Mom and I bathed him in the kitchen sink. There was no other child napping as an excuse for why we didn't use the tub beyond it's entertaining and does do the job...
