Monday, July 15, 2013

Beetle Bop and Rolling Rocks

There was a rock revival in our dining room over dinner one night. It started when Tavish was irrationally disappointed (he's 4) about not being the one to pick up Keva's waterbottle that she tossed on the floor (she's almost 1). When I said: "Hey Tavish, there's this neat song ... want to hear it?". He did, so I sang it (poorly) but played the real thing later for him to rock out to...

MOMENT: You Can't Always Get What You Want

We'd recently enjoyed brunch where the Beatles and Rolling Stones portraits and songs were pointed out to Tavish. After my performance, we asked him who the bands were that we talked about in the restaurant, he remembered "Beetle Bop" and "Rolling Rocks". Ha. Needless to say, he was pretty excited to jam with the Stones and his folks were excited that the song's repetitive message might be getting through to him...



MOMENT: Lasting Impressions

Fast-forward a few weeks and we had confirmation that the message was delivered, but perhaps not received. It was while up north visiting my family and it was e-a-r-l-y. Mommy doesn't do early. Tavish was sent back to his room for 'quiet' time. This is what I got ... and it wasn't what I wanted. But, I did get what I needed, a good chuckle...in hindsight, anyway!

Note: might need more volume for this one...

School Send Off

It was tough to leave such a wonderful school, a great teacher, and the plan we thought we had for next year. Our Montessori experience was an excellent one, so although it was a little sad to leave, we bid a fond farewell to Tavish's first school, his friends and his teacher, Ms. Danielle.

Ms Danielle and Tavish, last day of school

MOMENT: Growing

Tavish has learned so much and met a lot of lovely people at 'school'. His teacher for the past two years, Ms. Danielle, is a very dedicated teacher who believes wholeheartedly in the Montessori philosophy so the emphasis of his learning was on gaining independence and learning at his level of readiness. He left being able to sound out small words to read and write; he is very comfortable with peers of varying ages; and excels in the area of numeracy as well. It's hard to move on, but that's the thing with time, it just ... goes on. So, thank you for a great start to a long future of schooling for Tavish, Ms. Danielle...

Tavish's first day of school, September 2012

Tavish's last day of school, May 2013

MOMENT: Theory into Practice

Also on the last day of school, we did what we often do after school on Fridays - we went for a family swim. About once a month (fine, sometimes more often), swimming is followed by dinner out for sushi - a family favourite. This time, Tavish offered to fill in the order form and we let him. It was impressive - we actually got everything we meant to order. It was also a little bitter sweet with him unintentionally showing all he's learned, but us knowing that he's moving on from such a great learning environment.

Biker Baby

Keva enjoyed her first Chariot ride behind wheels. There was a lot of smiling. Mostly from her folks, but there was no shortage of pearly whites from Keva either. Everyone likes having the wind through their hair...

Our smiley biker baby...

MOMENT: Her Chariot Awaits

Since our Chariot is only a single, it's a bit tough to go for a full-family bike ride - even though Tavish is quick on both his Strider and his Animator (pedal bike). So, with Tavish visiting his nearby friend Sofie, the three of us biked to collect him with his Strider on board. Yes, we took the scenic route. She liked it. We liked it. This was a moment of biking bliss, really.

The scenic route with the baby (and Tavish's Strider) in tow...

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Adventures in Baby Moving

There's progress in the mobility department - Keva has found her knees and is working on navigating her way up, over and around things just days before turning one!

MOMENT: Can't Go Over It...

Keva has made some new moves that utilize her knees for getting around. Sure, there was some extra motivation provided by cushions creatively covering her path and well-placed lures. If she can't go over it or  can't go around it ... she's sure to find something else to be distracted by! Brotherly entertainment provides deserved rests and helps time go by quickly. Literally...

Mother's Day is Every Day

Mother's Day is becoming a highlight of mornings to wake up to. What's not to love? There are the thoughtful gestures, flowers, the sweet faces of my "babies", and a digger ride of course ...?

Mother's Day now has TWO reasons to be grateful I'm a Mom...

MOMENT: High Five

What a lovely gift Tavish made at school for me again this year - a reminder of his wee-hand that I get to hold. Keva joined in the party full of giggles and positive energy. Tavish thoughtfully arranged a beautiful bouquet of flowers that decorated the table that was filled with a hearty brunch made by Tom. I'm surrounded by love every day - such a fortunate woman. This Mother's Day marked my first as a Mother of two great kids and the beginning of our family move to Toronto...

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Soccer Start Up

The season opener for soccer began in Ottawa. Tavish wouldn't make it through the whole season there with the move pending, but he got in some kicks and giggles before leaving...

Making his move...
Kick!

MOMENT: Getting a Kick Out of It

His soccer gives me a kick - it's entertaining to watch the chaos somehow work itself out. Before his first game, he concentrated to so hard on 'tying' his hand-me-down cleats. They were basically woven (ish). I was impressed with his efforts but did manage to convince him they needed to be tighter. He ran and down he fell. Whoops - I didn't tie them tight enough. I knew from watching him limp that he'd hurt his knee, but he wouldn't admit it. His acting un-injured was good, but he needs to work on embellishing non-pain if he has a future in professional soccer! (ha) Week two he was back in the game but cleat-less. Enjoy the kicks (his) and giggles (yours).

It's Back

* very delayed entries due to moving mayhem ... choronological order is a must so back in time we go....

The winter was tranquil but spring sprung with heavy equipment, lots of workers, and plenty of extra noise outside our window that lured not only one, but two curious onlookers...

Captive audience
Closer inspection

MOMENT: The Learning Glass

Watching Tavish watch construction is entertainment and education all at the same time. Seeing Keva grow more interested in the things around her and being with her brother isexciting. Both of these things almost makes all of the disruptions associated to the ongoing construction worth it. Almost.