around here and lately

felix's first food

I'm quite sure that these milestones are only exciting and meaningful to the parents but that won't stop me from giving you a pictorial play by play of the actual event! We held off on Felix starting with cereal until now as he wasn't even close to sitting up on his own at six months. But as soon as we had returned from our trip, within three days, he had it mastered. I couldn't remember the other two being that quick! Sam was in charge of feeding this first time again while I manned the camera(s) as I know Sam always cherishes these first feeds with the boys. And so we are at the beginning of another long learning curve again, back to mashing up bananas, passing out Cheerios, Mum Mums baby snacks constantly in my bag, mastering the spoon, wearing a full cover-up bib to save on clothes, spaghetti on the floor, spaghetti in the hair, and all those big and little victories and frustrations in between. Sometimes I feel oh-so-exhausted thinking about what lies ahead but I know that today, today, was a pretty fun first step.

seven months old

sam, happy father's day from your three beautiful boys

there are two sorts of beach days

Windy, stormy days and hot, sunny days. We had both here in Kelowna during our visit - and both were pretty awesome for Henry and Walter! We wondered if we'd leave typically sunny Kelowna without a little bit of colour on our cheeks as it was rain, rain, rain since we arrived. And then today down at Gyro Beach we were finally rewarded with some serious heat. Thank goodness. Time soon to head back to the Island ... a few days earlier than planned as I think Henry's had his limit of time away from his Daddy. But it's been a welcome break here at my parents. Nice to just be, and not to have to be busy holidaying though I think we've had pretty fun days for the boys. And I had quite a few mornings away for some coffee and shopping which was spectacular. Felix has been going to sleep much easier this week so my evenings are more relaxing and not something to dread. I think I've discovered that we may have a child needing a comfort blanket 'cause I snuggle that little striped blankie Liz sent for baby Henry beside Felix's cheek and he instantly goes to sleep. Amazing. I can't boast that I've gone away for 3 weeks alone with 3 littles all by myself, as I've had help all along the way, but I am tired and really looking forward to sharing this family and this responsibility with Sam again. We've all missed him. (And heck, I just want to sleep past 6am one morning, please!)

a day with thomas

This Thomas certainly needs no introduction, does he? Well, we did indeed have our day with that Really Useful Engine. The Morgan Five, the Macdonald Four, and the Grandparents. Totally touristy, totally marketed up, totally toddler-focused but also totally awesome. You know it's been a good time when your kids leave crying. From exhaustion and too much fun. And you know it's pretty special when you, as the Mum, actually burst into tears yourself when first seeing that huge on-the-tracks Thomas. The anticipation was almost like Christmas morning for me and I was so, so happy for Henry and Walter to experience this. It was a crazy, unexpected, slightly embarrassing moment but I have no qualms admitting it! (Silly me.) We rode the big steam train, in and out of the trainyard, posted our letters to Thomas in the mail car, found Cranky and Emily and Salty in the miniature set, stood in line to see Sir Topham Hatt, and we all especially loved the small ride-on train at the end the best. I'm realizing there's no photo of my boys actually smiling and apparently enjoying themselves here but you can just imagine they are bursting with awe and excitement in those solemn, quiet faces. And I loved just watching them taking it all in.

may days away

We are at my parents house in Kelowna now but I didn't want to forget to post a few more photos from our time at Auntie Bethany's and Uncle Glen's in Port Moody. Somehow I ended up with all inside photos as I seemed to forget my camera whenever we left the house and so I relied on my iPhone camera then instead. I kept Sam well supplied at work with ongoing random and mundane texted photos of the boys throughout the days and so I'll print off those in a 12x12 collage one day for a more complete picture of our 10 days visit. It was a good visit with the cousins and a good break from routine for me. We were in a small space for 5 kids but they had a great time together and none of the parents lost their minds in the chaos. Though Felix and I did have a rough week at times, with his naps out of whack or simply from becoming way too overtired. I was reminded again and again how very certain I am that three children is my limit ... or at least knowing that I am ready, ready, ready to be done with the baby stage! He really is a spectacular baby, and don't I know it, but I guess having 3 in 3.5 years can make you feel a little anxious to move on. Felix's two bottom teeth finally popped through last week too and so he looks cuter than ever - those big cheesy grins. Every night just before bed we would Facetime with Sam and he would read the boys one of their favorite bedtime books. It was something they looked forward to every day and helped with this long, unusual separation from their Daddy. And oh, the big squeezy hugs Henry and Walter gave Sam when we finally met up together in Vancouver for the middle weekend of our holidays, they were so happy to see him. For we had a special surprise planned for the kids ... A Day with Thomas!