Sweet Serenade

There are a few songs that are a regular request before nap and bedtime for Tavish. One is Wheels on the Bus, the other is Frere Jacques. However, there are a few other select songs that he enjoys singing along to. This comes in handy from time to time ... say, for example, when a certain newborn is unhappy.

MOMENT: Twinkling Little Star

Sometimes, this singing thing just works. We're not too sure if the crying is scared out of her, or if she genuinely enjoys our off-key tunes. We like to believe it's the latter. Oh, and that we sound incredible - we like to believe that too...

One month

They really do grow up so fast ...

One month old Keva
June 28, 2012

MOMENT: Words can be Wonderful

I've heard quite a few sweet things about Keva come from Tavish's mouth in the first month of her life.  He's always worrying about her happiness. One cry and he's quickly asking one of us to hold her. Or he inquires if she's awake so he can 'play' with her. This conversation has to be a topper though ...

Mommy: "Tavish, do you know who I love?"
Tavish: "Yes."
Mommy: "Who?"
Tavish: "Daddy. And Tavish. And Keva."
Mommy: "You're right. I do!"
Tavish: "Mommy, I love Keva. She has a nice smile."

Brother Nose Best

Tavish is both observant and persistent. Keva is not discerning. Turns out, this combination in siblings can lead to strange situations when a brother is both so helpful and loving with his new sister.

Hugs

Cuddles

Comfort

MOMENT: Too Close for Comfort?

Keva enjoyed her share of people's baby fingers to suck on in the first several weeks of her life (Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa Mel, Auntie Colleen...) Tavish, of course, saw this. It was made very clear to him that he was not to put his fingers into Keva's mouth. That just wouldn't be right, right? He's a crafty one though who is keen to 'help' with his sister. He's also very affectionate and often by invading her space by being a bit too close. Although we monitored this, but were cautious not to interfere too much with constantly saying 'no' when he was gently trying to get to know his sister. Then we realized that although he was listening to the 'no fingers' rule - he'd found an alternative. (sigh) I think we've curbed it now (at least lessened it), but not before Tavish shared his cold with his sister. (sigh again). We did, however, catch it on video to forever be remembered. I think it's cute. Some think it's gross. You decide what you think, but remember - he was always trying to help. (final sigh)

Double Diaper Duty

It took seeing several diaper changes to help Chomper to be pulled out from the bottom of the toy box...

MOMENT: Diapering 101

Chomper has been neglected for months, but Tavish is compensating for lost time by ensuring that Chomper's bottom is well taken care of now. He's pretty good at it ... if he keeps this up, I'll be shirking my diaper duties in no time.

Last day of School

Tavish really enjoyed going to 'school'. He made friends, enjoyed his teachers, learned a lot, and seems to have grown up so much!

First day of school
Nov. 7, 2011

Last day of school
June 22, 2012

Leaving for school.

Coming home from school.

MOMENT: Teaching Team

Tavish had a wonderful teacher and two lovely assistants in his classroom who influenced him tremendously. Thank you for a wonderful year!

Tavish's teacher, Miss Danielle

Miss Anna and Miss Rebecca

Sister According to Brother

This is an artist's rendition of Keva at a mere 3 1/2 weeks old. Aw.

A swaddled Keva as perceived by Tavish.
Temporarily preserved on magnetic board...

Splish Splash

We put Keva in the bath when she was 12 days old. Apparently, we didn't want to rush into the first bath experience for some reason...

Keva getting cleaned up.

MOMENT: Bathing Beauty

Both Keva and Tavish got to enjoy their first several baths with Mommy in the tub with them followed by a 'massage' when they get out with some oil. Makes for happy (read: sleepy) babies after ... well, most of the time. Keva had a little work out holding up her head when she was done! Just a non-warning: this film of  Keva in her 'birthday suit' respected her privacy - there's nothing unseeable to be seen after some careful editing.

FLASHBACK: Tavish in the Tub

First official bath on day 2.

First real tub time for Tavish (day 10).

Tuckered out from tub time.

Turns out, Tavish was washed up a few days earlier in his life than Keva, but the reactions were similar. The video below is technically of his second bath, but first 'real' one. The footage we have is somewhat, er ... um ... less 'private' but you still won't get to view anything you shouldn't. It's a short but sweet clip.