Month 8

This month's photo was motivated by a gift Keva received from a long time friend of mine... not generally something I'd put her in... it's very girly, but also cute, fun, and was about to be too small. So, bring on tutu time!

MOMENT: Tutu Time

Keva was agreeable to the photos taken on our bed covered with a few white towels. I think the sequins were the tipping point between frustration and enjoyment. Our little ballerina was 8 months old on January 28th, 2013 with 8 teeth, functional rolling skills, solid sitting, and long hair (on top). It looked a little something like this:

Skater Boy

What would winter be without some skating on the canal and the introduction of a hockey stick?

Keva - the keeper of the chair device

Lacing up

He's off! 

MOMENT: Devices

We brought a folding chair to help Tavish with his skating. First, we offered him the back of the chair. He didn't move very far. We gave him the seat, it moved better, but was still unsatisfactory. The stroller seemed more promising, but Tavish eventually just stopped altogether. Hmm... so, we offered the chair again. "No, I think I'll just skate." And, he did. That was the last for the chair and our next time out - he was given a whole new device to skate with: a hockey stick!

Ski-sonal Fun

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!

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...