Mutual Adoration

Our alarm clocks are dusty. We have long been woken from our slumber by: thump, thump, thump (door opening), thump, thump (another door opening), thump, thump - "Daddy?" Sometimes, Tavish will just nestle in or play quietly, but more often it doesn't play out that way. When the sound of rattling toys accompanies "when can we go downstairs?", we know that our day has begun.

Sibling solidarity

MOMENT: Stuffed

When the rattling starts, Tavish perks up with "can I go see Keevs?!" Off he goes, giving Keva notice of his impending presence by knocking on her door and calling out "Keva?!?". On occasion, our children play together through the railing of Keva's crib. We used to check in on them, but after repeatedly being met with blank stares from them (what? why are you here?), we prefer to just tally the toys in the crib when Tavish stops the snooze button with "I'm hungry. I think Keva wants to say good morning"...



MOMENT: Venting

The communication vent

I went into Tavish's room one morning and noticed his music player on the floor in front of the heating vent. I didn't think too much about it until a few nights later when Tavish leaned over and whispered "goodnight, Keevs" toward it. It was on a rare evening that Keva was asleep before Tavish had a chance to give her a hug and say goodnight. Aw. I later asked him if he ever listens to his music anymore. He said, "not so much, but I play it sometimes for Keva". Again, aw.

Sitting Pretty

She's come a long way with her sitting skills. They improved over the holidays and by the middle of January - her skills were solid. Here is the pretty lady sitting proudly...

MOMENT: Like a Rock

No wobbling, no toppling. She's not budging. It's virtually safe to sit her up and walk away, although I have made a few heroic saves... Although not for this photo/video shoot, we usually put the nursing pillow behind her to cushion any unintended toppled. She must be pretty proud because when you don't leave her with a toy, she seems to find ways to entertain herself with whatever she's got on her. Such a welcome baby stage and we've got it. Yay us ... er, um, I mean ... yay Keva!

Welcome to Winter

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...

To Be Continued

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...

Fresh Perspective

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!

Roll Over, Beethoven

Keva decided that it was time to get rolling ...

MOMENT: Rollin', Rollin', Rollin'

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... 

Bike Messengers

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?