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 took Tavish to the dentist again, this time he actually got his teeth cleaned. Sandy, our favourite hygienist, dished out a lot of compliments on how agreeable he was and on what nice teeth he has. He certainly was cooperative and I found myself wondering if 'nice teeth' meant that he has dodged our dental genetics. Here's to hoping so ... my genes offer cavities and Daddy's require orthodontic work!
MOMENT: No Cavities & Lots of Space
Let's be honest, everyone hears what they want to hear. From our visit, I heard "no cavities" and Daddy probably heard "lots of space". Either way, it was a good trip to the dentist and Tavish left elated with not one, but two parachuters from the treasure box. One for him and one for Keva. He was so excited about this, he opted to take them to school for his birthday show and tell!
Chomper is the childhood gift that keeps on giving. Tom's Cabbage Patch kid is named "Chomper" (he insists that's his name, even when I ask him to see the birth certificate they all come with ... his brow furrows and he repeats "his name is Chomper"). Chomper has been a long time playmate for Tavish now too. The intensity of their relationship ebbs and flows. There are times that Chomper is nowhere to be seen for long stretches of time, and then times that he's been entirely present in many aspects of our life. Recently, Chomper has been discovered by a new playmate and enjoyed by the old one too...
Keva discovers Chomper
Tavish takes Chomper along for a ride
MOMENT: Everyone Loves Chomper
There Chomper lay on floor in a heap when he was discovered by a rolling baby. It was instantaneous, the two wee-ones were building their own friendship. Around the same time, Tavish noticed one of Daddy's ties and was trying to tie it around him. Chomper waited patiently on the nearby chair. A few knots and two babies later, Chomper was on the move with the rest of our kids.
Keva is a roll master and decided to use that to take her in a whole new direction...
MOMENT: The Roll and Reach
Right at around 9 months, Keva took rolling to a whole new level by using it to propel herself forward. This is where mobile babies really get started. Guess we best brace ourselves, we're being forced to start moving forward...
Who knew that there was winter fun to be found in the joint front yard on our noisy street?
A tunnel,
...a couch,
...and a shovel is all you need
MOMENT: Winter Paradise
Turns out, a great deal of time was spent outside in front of our house and Grandpa's this winter. There was all of the shoveling that Tavish insisted on doing (no really, insisted - pretty much every day and certainly after any snowfall big or small), the well-traveled path between our house and Grandpa's house, and all the creations that were made along the way. It was our own traffic-filled winter paradise...
We finally got our family over to Gatineau for a ski. We were relieved that Tavish maintained his positive association to the Chariot - he was elated to get to ride in it. The plan was for him to ski a little, then get a ride in the Chariot behind Tom, while I wore Keva in the backpack. First time out, the plan was an epic fail. We had some equipment malfunction with the Chariot but were creative, and still squeezed in a wee-ski without the Chariot. There was a couple who saw us in the parking lot loading up and dubbed us "the fun family" and you'll hear them in the video say it when then see Tom skiing with Tavish. The second time (and last for the year), the original plan played out perfectly and we'd like to think we're still a pretty fun family...
This was the original plan the first time out, but...
...since Tavish still fit the weight limit for the backpack...
...and Keva's not picky on which carrier she's in...
...there were two skiers with kids in a backpack!
We had a picnic in the car after our creative ski adventure...
...because we like to be close, apparently...
MOMENT: Groomed Goodness
There is something to be said for skiing on well-groomed trails.... even when there is an essential Chariot component missing, resulting in Daddy skiing with about 50 pounds on his back! We were all bummed about the equipment malfunction that first time, but made the best of it. The snow was slow and sticky, so we skied safely and had a great adventure. The second time we went, all was in working order so Tavish finally got his ride in the Chariot. Both times, Keva nestled into the carrier and drifted off to sleep. Everyone was happy.
Keva clearly thinks her brother is hilarious and Tavish loves the encouragement to be more physical with her. (sigh) We find ourselves saying "Tavish, stay off your sister" right as Keva giggles. Oh. No wonder they both stare at us blankly when he does stop to asks "why!?".
MOMENT: Giggle Girl
Keva is so much more verbally responsive these days and we're all enjoying being rewarded for our efforts with her laughter. I know that I, for one, was beginning to question how hilarious I was. Then I remembered, me? not hilarious? Now, that's hilarious - clearly, I've still got it. According to Keva, Tavish is pretty funny too... (note: Keva had a cold at the time of filming, she's not always this phlegmy!)
For the second year in a row, Tavish and his neighbourhood friends took to the local bowling lanes to make all kinds of noise (literally, dropped bowling balls and squeals of delight in surround sound). Good times.
MOMENT: Gutter Ball
This video does not do Tavish's bowling skills justice. Sure, no spares or strikes, but the kid can bowl. There was plenty of high fiving for the times he knocked down three pins at once. However, our footage does highlight an accurate representation of a three year old's bowling skills, specifically their lack of follow-up. Tavish 'bowled' and never looked back, so the high fives only happened when they were pointed out to him. Bottom line though, it didn't matter how many gutter balls he had or how many pins were knocked over, this boy loves to go bowling...
FLASHBACK: Two Times the Patience
It would appear that bowling at the age of two involves having more patience than bowling at three. Who knew? Looking back to last year, it's obvious that the bowling ball 'drop' remains, but the accuracy and desire for follow up was a bit more refined...
