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 awoke to a great amount of fresh, white snow on the morning of Saturday, January 19th. It covered the city, so Tavish and I donned our skis and made tracks around the yard, the neighbour's yard (thanks Grandpa Mike!), the neighbourhood, and the local park...
MOMENT: Skiable City
Tavish - such a trooper! He does a face plant, falls, and overcomes some rogue plant life all while on skis for the first time in a year. We were out for over 3 hours and not once did he complain or ask to come in. A great start to a ski-son indeed. Keva was happy to be out after her nap too, all tucked into her sled. Hopefully this indicates many seasons of family skiing in our future!
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.
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!
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...
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...
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!
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...
