Beantown Bugle

Foto Finish Friday: 2012 Week 6

2012-02-10T22:02:00.003-05:00

Roddie Report: Ready for the Superbowl!

2012-02-05T21:41:00.001-05:00

As you may know, I've been anxious for Roddie to start talking. Until recently, I've been mildly concerned about the rate at which is vocabulary has been growing (that is to say, it wasn't) However, things have really started picking up since Christmas with the addition of such standards as "dog", "bowl", "mine" and "more". We've also heard "Angelina" (Norah's ballerina), and "Barnie Backhoe" (character in a book) once or twice, but not on a regular basis. It sometimes seems like he will repeat a new word a bunch of times in a short time frame, and then that's it - maybe he's just filing it away for later? I dunno

Anyway, Friday, as we were getting ready to head out, he was holding onto his football... he said "Ma, Ma, Ma!" until I looked over and hen said "football!" and tossed it across the kitchen! It was sooo cute! He did it over and over again (no doubt due to my reaction!) Naturally it took all weekend for him to say it again... just in time for the Superbowl!

Foto Finish Friday: 2012 Week 5

2012-02-03T07:04:00.002-05:00

Roddie Report: SuperDuper Little Brother

2012-01-27T06:39:00.001-05:00

Lest you think the relationship between Norah and Roddie is one-sided, I thought I'd share a Roddie story with you also... every night Roddie insists that Norah must get hugs and kisses before bed. in the morning, he can sometimes be a little clingy and not always willing to share his Mommy with his big sister. Our day usually starts with a diaper change for Roddie and swapping pull ups for undies for Norah. Rod tends to get a little put out when it's Norah's turn and sometimes whines or tries to insert himself between Norah and I. Well one day earlier this week, he was whining while I was getting Norah set up. We got her pull up off and Rod suddenly stopped the whining and handed her the undies, she said thanks, and then he immediately began the whining again!

Foto Finish Friday: 2012 Week 4

2012-01-27T06:32:00.000-05:00

Norah News: Big Sister Extrodinaire!

2012-01-22T20:44:00.000-05:00

I wish I had a picture of something that happened this morning, but as soon as my eyes fell upon the wondrous scene, the spell was broken. Instead, I will attempt to paint you a picture with words...

It was a rough week, sleep wise, with everyone still fighting some bug or other and a lot of waking at night, from all of us. Alas, Friday night, everyone (except Matt - and I don't need to tend to him) slept the whole night. I had hit the sack early and had a full 8 hours of shut eye when the 6:45 am wakeup call came.

On Sunday, miracle of miracles, the same thing occurred! This time, I woke up on my own, no alarm or child disturbed me! Amazing! After a few moments I heard Norah stir from her bed, and anticipated the pitter patter of little feet coming my way for a snuggle! I waited, I heard more stirring, but still nothing. Hmmm... maybe she went back to sleep - unlikely, but possible.

It soon became apparent that something was going on in the room next door, but no one was crying, so I tried to roll over. But alas, curiosity and a full nights sleep got the better of me and I tentatively opened the door to their room. That's when I saw it. Or should I say them?

Norah was sitting in her little rocking chair, her feet propped up on Roddie's crib. Roddie was sitting attentively, as Norah read him a story as she held a small light to see the book. *ahhh* my heart swelled with pride and love!

Of course, the minute I saw them the spell was broken and our day began... it was a great day, with a lot of fun, but the beginning was the highlight!

Foto Finish Friday: 2012 Week 3

2012-01-20T09:13:00.000-05:00

Adventure Chronicles: New Years Happiness Continues

2012-01-15T16:13:00.001-05:00

In addition to my new job, we rang in the New Year, or as close as we've come in years, at a neighbourhood party! We were supposed to skate on our neighbour-friend's rink, but the weather didn't co-operate. Instead, the neighbourhood gang, kids included, got together for some low-key fun. Most folks had other plans, but our hosts, Erin and Allie's parents encouraged us to stick around. We ended up putting Roddie to bed in their Pack'n'Play and Norah and the girls watched movies on the big screen until they fell asleep. We played games with Erin and Allie's parents and our other neighbour-friend Megan, having a few drinks and a lot of laughs until about 11:30. We carried both sleeping kids home and straight to bed while Megan followed with our wagon full of left overs. It was so nice to be local and comfortable enough to just let the kids do their thing and not have to pay a babysitter.

New Years Day was cool but clear and sunny, so we took the kids to the playground. It was a real treat, as it was virtually deserted, and it is the first time the four of us have gone there together. Roddie is getting big enough to really play, and Norah is getting bigger and stronger (and braver!), taking on new challenges and becoming more sure-footed.

After my first week of work, the weatherman was calling for unseasonably warm weather, and I was looking forward to having everyone healthy for a change and spending some time outside with the kids. Saturday afternoon we took them to a local conservation area, that has a half mile walking trail around a pond. With temps near 50 degrees, we were surprised to see a group of grown men playing hockey on the pond! It was easy to forget that temps had only been in the 20's during the previous week and the pond got a good freeze on! We walked around the pond - Rod made it all by himself - stopping here and there to look at rocks and twigs and the like. Both kids, and Matt and I, were so happy to be spending time outside, together. It was so warm out that we sat by the side of the trail to have a snack, and ended up beginning construction of a "tent for the squirrels".

We had so much fun, and the kids were so fascinated with the skating, that we went back the next day - to skate, and to finish the tent. We had mixed results with the skating - Rod loved it, Norah tolerated it. IT was Rod's first time on his double blades and Norah's first time on 'real' skates, so that may have had something to do with it. Regardless, we had a great time again, followed by great naps, again!

The last Foto Friday pics were from these days, but here are a few more!

Here's Roddie, on his first "hike" on his own steam!

Roddie, checking out the ice on Saturday

Norah, wondering what this frozen pond is all about...

Roddie's first try at skating - he loves it!

Norah, not so sure, but giving it a go!

Norah and her squirrel tent

New Years News

2012-01-15T15:45:00.000-05:00

The New Year started off with a bang! As happens, the shine has worn off a little already, but things started out really, really well! I wish I had found time to blog that first week, because I was literally smiling from ear to ear! The first big news, which you probably already know if you know me in real life, is that I started a new job! My old job had a lot of nice perks, like the location and the ability to work at home as much as I could stand, decent pay and boatloads of vacation - but it came at a price. The company has been constantly trimming staff for as long as I"ve been there, and I was growing increasingly unsatisfied with the position I held. I looked around internally for a few months and had some coaching and mentoring conversations with several VP's, but I just couldn't see a place I wanted to be at that company.

On a totally unrelated note, I got a second query from a company that I had heard from earlier in the year. The initial call came weeks after I had returned from my extended maternity leave and while tempting, it just wasn't a good time to change jobs! By the time the second call came, I was really starting to feel miserable and somewhat trapped at my old job and jumped at the chance to pursue something else. The interview process took a couple of months, but I landed the job! Mid-way through the process I realized how miserable I really was and how it was affecting me, and by extension, Matt and the kids, and that allowed me to fully embrace the possibility of change. I began job hunting in earnest while the interview process continued, further solidifying my decision.

So, I started a new job, at a company that is hiring, and not firing! As I near 40, I am no longer the youngest person in the room, in fact, I have a fair bit more experience than many of the employees at the new company. I'm working in Product Management for Hardware again, which I think is a good fit for me - bringing together things I"ve done, and liked, throughout my career. The company is growing and changing so fast that there are plenty of opportunities for me.

Foto Finish Friday: 2012 Week 2

2012-01-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Foto Finish Friday: 2012 Week 1

2012-01-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Norah News: Dance Recital

2012-01-02T16:35:00.000-05:00

Apologies about this blog being a little late, but since the day of Norah's dance recital - 2 weeks ago - we've pretty much all been sick! It started with Norah running a fever on the day of the recital (which dampened her enthusiasm only slightly) and made it's way though the house, with Matt quite possibly getting hit a second time.

As you may recall, Norah started taking dance lessons back in September. Since she takes the classes at daycare, I don't get to see what they do from week to week, so the recital was really the first view of the "product" for me and the other moms. I'll have to say that overall I was quite impressed with the show and very pleased with how Norah and her class have been doing. Norah first told me that they were having a "peep show" for the holiday Christmas show... meaning of course that they were doing a number with Little Bo Peep! The theme of the show was Toy Story, and each number reflected a part of the story as told in the movie.

Here is Norah showing us a plie before the rehearsal

A more demure pose before the rehearsal

Norah and her friend Hailey waiting for their turn at rehearsal

The Preschool girls, waiting for their turn... Julia, Lauren, Cassandra, Norah and Hailey

Norah, getting in the right mood before the big show

There is Norah, just to the right of the teacher, doing her ballet thing!

How cute are these girls!

At the end of the show, Norah raved about how fun it was to dance on stage (no stage fright here!!) and even though she wasn't feeling well, she insisted on watching the end of the show. She literally curled up on my lap until the show was over and then instantly fell asleep when we got in the car - until the next morning! Since that time, we've been home most of the time, and it's been all ballet, all the time, around here! She dances from room to room, and if I let her, would wear a dance get-up most every day. I'm actually impressed at how much she has improved, especially over the past month or so - she was much better control over her limbs in addition to the sheer enjoyment she gets from the whole thing!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 53?

2011-12-30T08:00:00.000-05:00

Apparently I messed up the numbering somewhere along the way... Regardless, here's the final Foto Friday for 2011.. all the best for a wonderful 2012, love Shauna, Matt, Norah and Roddie

Foto Finish Friday: Week 52

2011-12-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Foto Finish Friday: Week 51

2011-12-16T08:00:00.000-05:00

Adventure Chronicles: Close to Home

2011-12-12T21:35:00.000-05:00

I had a really great weekend this week. We didn't go anywhere, but that was just the point.

I started off with a shopping day on Friday - I dropped the kids off and headed to the Mall - and I didn't come back until all my Christmas shopping was done, right down to the stocking stuffers! Matt had his office Christmas party that afternoon, so we weren't expecting him for supper, so the kids and I went out for dinner with our neighbour, Megan. When we got home, Norah and Matt enjoyed watching Frosty the Snowman on TV

Saturday morning, we decided to divide and conquer - with Matt taking Norah out for breakfast and bonding and Rod and I going for groceries. Naturally, Matt and Norah had some other errands to do, so Roddie and I had the morning to ourselves... we spent some time outside before heading in to clean the floors inside - Roddie was surprisingly helpful and it was a fun activity. The pictures below are from last weekend, but they capture our outside time just the same.

Saturday afternoon was low-key - Rod and Matt both managed long naps. After an hour or so of quiet time, Norah gave up on her nap, but we spent some time watching ballet videos on YouTube in anticipation of that night's outing - to the Nutcracker. Our neighbour friends Erin and her mom Jen came with us and the girls just had a blast! Check out the anticipation on Norah's face!

The Nutcracker was a huge hit, and Norah was in total awe the entire time. She chattered away during the first half, about what she'd done in her own dance class, or what she was going to do when she was big etc. She started to fade after intermission, leaning over to me at one point and saying "Mommy, we didn't bring our jammies!" She was still buzzing about it the next morning, and wore her dance shoes while we trimmed the tree.

I decided that there was no point in saving their Christmas outfits for a single day - since we're staying put this year, there are no family gatherings to go to, and between Norah's wide selection of hand-me-down fancy dresses and the fact that Rod will outgrow his in short order, I figured they may as well wear the stuff during the whole Christmas season! It also gave me the opportunity to take a few pictures for the Christmas card :) So Norah and I trimmed the tree while Roddie napped and Matt puttered around nearby. I have, for a long time, collected random Christmas ornaments, and each one on our tree has a story or a history - handpainted ornaments from my grandmother's tree, 70's era glass ones from my mom's, mementos from various travels, wedding and baby ornaments and so on. I really enjoyed talking to Norah about the story behind each one and look forward to her telling them back to me one day.

Norah went down for a much needed nap after that was done, and Rod and I went out to run a quick errand. Rod was really interested in staying outside when we returned, so we did! He and I kicked around the yard for an hour or so.. picking up sticks and rocks, walking around the block, kicking a ball.. I described it to Matt as good for the body and soul.. so I sent him outside with Roddie for another little while as I prepped some cookie dough. When they got back in, and Norah woke up, we made a big deal of putting the angel on the top of the tree. We also took the opportunity to kick off an annual tradition from my side of the family - Christmas headgear!

The weekend wrapped up with an excellent meal, prepared by Matt, some nice story and cuddle time with both kids, wrapping up a few Christmas items on Amazon.com, and some sofa time with Matt.

Norah News: Big Girl Photo Update

2011-12-12T21:02:00.001-05:00

As I was getting the Christmas card together for this year, I realized I didn't have a lot of really good pictures of Norah from the past few months. I guess I've been so concentrated on ensuring I don't forget to document Roddie's development that I've been a little slack on taking pictures of Norah. In addition, she's taken to making funny faces and sticking out her tongue when I try to take a picture! Anyway, turns out I got a few really nice ones over the past week or two and I thought I should take the opportunity to update the blog about what Norah has been up to!

She is developing into a really interesting young lady. She's very articulate and observant, often noticing things that I don't - commonalities between words, places, people for instance. She still loves her little brother, but they're developing something closer to a peer relationship - a sibling relationship I guess you'd call it - whereby they both love and antagonize each other. She also tends to mother him from time to time, which can be disconcerting as I hear my own voice coming from her!

At school, she's doing well in preschool, and knows and can write all her letters and can count up to 21. She knows all the sounds of her letters as has great fun sounding out words - or at least their leading sounds - at every opportunity. She still loves to read, and we all look forward to her story time each night before bed. She started dance class in September and is LOVING it, and looking forward to her recital this upcoming weekend.

She's making her own friendships now, and clearly prefers the company of some kids over others, though is still inclusive for the most part. It's really interesting to hear her talking with her friends (or herself) for that matter as her intellect evolves.

One of the most interesting things about Norah at this stage is her imagination. She has a way of pretending that any available toy fits into whatever game she wants to play. She draws all kinds of interesting things and makes up stories (and words)

Trying out the Xmas Headgear

Ready to head to Jack's Birthday Party

Ready to head to the Nutcracker

Ready to decorate the Xmas tree

Foto Finish Friday: Week 50

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-05:00

Roddie Report: sniff

2011-12-02T10:32:00.001-05:00

As I posted the other day, Roddie is in with the big-kids now... and we're both ready for that. What I am NOT ready for is the change in my daily greeting from the little man! For the past 6 months or more, ever since he started moving on his own power, he has beelined it to the door to see me the minute he knew I was out there. Yesterday, his first official day in Toddlers, he looked up, showed me the block he was playing with, and then returned his attention to whatever he was building.

I was heartbroken.

Thankfully, as I got down to his level to see what he was doing, he threw himself into my arms for a big hug... and then went back to building again.

Foto Finish Friday: Week 49

2011-12-02T10:29:00.000-05:00

Roddie Report: It's official - he's a big boy

2011-11-30T16:35:00.001-05:00

Well, as of today, I no longer have an infant, at least by the standards set by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. You see, the EEC decides the ratio of kids to teachers in childcare settings and as of 15 months, it changes from 1:3 to 1:4... and our daycare, like most, moves the kids to a Toddler classroom.

Much like his sister, I feel like Roddie is ready for the move - while he still doesn't have many words to share, he's communicating in his own way and he's certainly more than capable physically - he's one of the bigger kids in the class already! However, unlike when Norah went, I haven't shed a single tear over it. I'm not sure why exactly, maybe because I know what to expect, including the routine, the teachers, the slightly reduced tuition... Maybe I know what's to come and that walking and talking kids that sleep all night and feed themselves are a lot of fun, so moving on from the infant room really isn't a bad thing. Maybe, now I realize that it's going to happen, no matter what, and to embrace it.

Alright, I am a little sad, in a way, since we don't plan on having any more babies, but I think I got over that hurdle when I started giving away all our baby gear. As I write this, I'm realizing what's left in all this is that Roddie really is a Toddler now, and he belongs with the big kids. I must admit he looks right at home and seems to be doing very well in his new environment - you go big boy!

Roddie the Red Sox fan

2011-11-29T20:37:00.001-05:00

Foto Finish Friday: Week 48

2011-11-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Happiness is....

2011-11-23T09:37:00.001-05:00

Highlights of the week

2011-11-21T20:10:00.001-05:00

There were a few really cool things that happened this week that I wanted to log here on the blog..

First, a really really cool sibling moment... Norah and Roddie both woke up from an afternoon nap around the same time Saturday. They were both a little groggy and were sitting on either side of me on the sofa. Roddie reached out and took Norah's hand, and she let him. I sat there, in between them, with their clasped hands right in front of me, and just took in the moment.
Then, today, Matt was working late to help me with some logistics on my end and it was just me and the kids tonight. After I read books with both kids on our bed I was getting ready to put Rod to bed and was talking to Norah about it, when Rod slid off the bed and took off down the hall. I wasn't sure where he went, and he didn't come running when I called to him, so I investigated. He had managed to climb up on one of the kitchen chairs - all on his own - and he was trying to reach what was left of his milk from dinner time!
The kids in our hood are getting to be old enough to stay and play without parents, and it's starting to get fun! Norah and Erin have a blast on long weekends, and yesterday Jack's mom got a kid-free trip to the grocery store while Jack joined our fun outside. We had a blast playing pretend camping! I sent the kids off running around the yard "collecting firewood" which resulted not only in a pretend campfire, but also a pile of sticks that were *not* all over Laura's yard! I'd join the fun from time to time, sing a camp song, tell a ghost story, or "roast some s'mores" but their imagination really took over, right down to "Pooch" Jack's imaginary pet dog!

Roddie Report: 15 months!

2011-11-18T11:36:00.001-05:00

Roddie turned 15 months recently, so it's time for an update on how he's doing

I had Roddie in for his 15 month check up and he's doing great! He weighed in at 23.2 pounds (50th percentile) and 33 inches (95th percentile, or the height of an average 20 month old) This explains why I've regularly been asked if he was 18 months old for some time now. He's about the same size that Norah was at 18 months.
He also recently had his evaluation at school - he's doing well there also! He had highest marks in all areas, except his verbal skills - he doesn't have a lot of words beyond Mama that he uses on a regular basis. I'm not overly concernd though, since he babbles up a storm and clearly has no comprehnsion or hearing issues. I expect we may see some changes in the coming weeks as he transitions to the toddler room. I was also told that, like his sister, he's quite clever!
Today, after his appointment, I dropped him off directly in the toddler room, for the first time. I wasn't a pile of tears like I was when I dropped Norah off in toddlers for the first time, but it was mid morning and I've been avoiding it all week! This is his transition month, so he spends time each day in both the infant classroom and the toddler classroom. All reports are that he's doing well there and having fun. When we pick him up "with the big kids" he certainly seems like he belongs there (maybe because he's bigger than some of the other kids!) Overall, I think he, and I, are ready for his big move at the end of the month.
I am amazed at his level of understanding - today, in the waiting room at the doctors office, I was giving him a fruit snack. I took the wrapper off, and despite the fact that he was anxious for the snack, I said to him "there is a trash can over there, near the fishies (aquarium) - put this in it please". He walked over to the aquarium, looked from side to side, spotted the tras can, put the wrapper in and came back
He immediately removes his coat and hands it to Matt or I to hang up when we come in the house. In the infant room, his coat is stored in a bin in the sleeping area. When I pick him up there, I say - let's go get your coat - and off he goes to get it.
Apparently they are going to miss him in the infant room when he moves on.. he's quite the helper from what I hear. I guess he picks up wayward binkies and hand them to the appropriate owner. He's also been known to give a certain baby a bottle - I guess he was sitting in a bouncey seat and the teacher had put the bottle down beside him, and when he started crying, Rod helped out. I wonder if I can get a discount on tuition for that.. ;)
Rod has a partner in crime, named Kendall. She's a cute-as-a-button brunette (who reminds me of my neice Hartleigh) just a few weeks younger than he is, so she's making the move to toddlers with him. She always comes running when we arrive and they have a lot of fun together.
Rod is definitely showing some athletic tendancies - he can already kick a soccer ball (a mini one, mind you) more reliably than Norah can. He also has a decent overhand toss and is not too bad at catching either! His teacher Digna has commented that he reminds her of our neighbor, Jack, in that way - and Jack was easily sinking the equivalent of 3-pointers in his mini-basketball net last summer.
Rod and Norah have an interesting and evolving relationship. Norah at times is getting a little aggressive with him, for no reason. At the same time, Rod likes to insert himself in the middle of whatever is going on - ever try to put tights on a 3 year old with a large 1 year old on your lap?? That being said, he adores her and often just wants ot be in the middle of what she's doing, which she does not always appreciate - sounds like older sisters and little brothers the world over, right? At the end of the day (literally) she is the first person who gets a good night 'tiss and hug from him come bed time.
Rod is off all bottles and no bed time sippy either! I was worried this would be a problem, since he did get a bottle or boob at bed time for a long time, but we've moved on. He now has a story and a song with a snuggle, and most nights goes right down. He still doesn't eat as much fruit and vegetables as I'd like, but I have seen him eat an entire bowl of broccoli on occasion. He has typically male eating habits overall - lots of meat (pork chops, chicken, beef, you name it!) and carbs.
He's still not a snuggler, but his hugs are the BEST! If we are sitting on the floor, he will often back in for a quick visit to my lap (and a hug) and then move on. So opposite from Norah, but so special just the same!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 47

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000-05:00

Foto Finish Friday: Week 46

2011-11-11T08:00:00.000-05:00

The Difference a Year Makes...

2011-11-08T15:55:00.000-05:00

After our belated Halloween outing, I have been thinking about how much things change with the kids in a single year... first and foremost, the kids themselves, get so much bigger and more mature - for Rod, this is obvious as he's grown from an infant to a toddler. With Norah, who is now a mature preschooler, the change is more subtle, but it's there just the same. Look at how grown up she is in this picture from the Halloween parade at school compared to last year!

I was struck by the the following additional, Halloween related comparisons

Last year, Roddie was tucked tightly into his stroller and never came out... this year, he barely sat in the wagon once he realized that people were giving him something if he went to their door! He walked almost as fast and as far as Norah did!
Last year, trick or treating with the neighbours was an impromptu arrangement, this year it seemed all the kids were looking forward to it!
Last year, I put Norah's treats in the cupboard and she pretty much forgot about it, unless we brought it up. This year, she asks about 50 times a day if she can have a treat.
Last year, Roddie knew nothing but boobie milk, this year he's shown an affinity for peanut butter cups, among many other solid foods.
Last year, Norah was blown away that people gave her treats at every house, this year she couldn't wait to collect her goodies, and it was Roddie who was amazed (see above) and he doesn't even really know what candy is!
Last year, Norah and Erin held hands running from house to house...they hadn't really started to be friends yet, like they are now, but were happy to have each other nonetheless. This year, Norah ditched Erin for a boy. Despite the fact that all she talked about was going trick or treating with Erin and Allie, she held fast to Jack's hand and passed on Erin's, even after Jack had gone home. It made me sad, in a way, but I need to let her decide what kind of friend she's going to be, and I'm sure it won't be the last time she chooses a boy over her buddy (even though Jack is a buddy, who happens to be a boy)

and of course, last year, Halloween was on October 31, and not November 6!!

Boo! Halloween, finally!

2011-11-06T20:56:00.001-05:00

Halloween was a bit delayed for us this year due to a snowstorm - yes, that's right, a snow storm! We had a really bad storm last weekend that not only delayed trick-or-treat, but left us without power for 5 full days! We survived the power outage, and trick or treat was postponed until today.

Rod, sporting his dinosaur costume, which turned out to be too small to wear on Halloween night

Norah, the cutest witch ever!

Sibling love!

Yippee! Look at us!

Norah pumpkin carving on November 5...

With her dad...

Ready to roll, with out neighbour friends Erin and Allie

The Neighbourhood gang - Allie (2) the butterfly, Erin (4) the lady bug, Rod (1) a doggie, Norah (3.5) the witch, and Jack (just about 4) the UPS man

Rod, surprisingly totally got the hang of trick or treating and really got into it

By the end, Rod was ready to pass out!

Rod and Matt hitting another house

Foto Finish Friday: Week 45

2011-11-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Roddie Report: He-Man!

2011-11-02T11:40:00.003-04:00

Roddie continues to demonstrate typically male characteristics - he rubs his belly after a big meal, he loves balls and trucks, and he likes to move things. It seems that he is pretty strong for his size, and more importantly than that, he really knows how to use his pint size body to it's utmost - he manages to lean in and leverage his little body to push and move anything in his way - including his sister on occasion - more on that in another post.

We went to Ikea over the weekend to pick up a new storage unit for our ongoing living room refresh. It weighs something like 80 lbs, and it took both Matt and I to load it on to the dolly. Rod had long since given up riding in the stroller, and was having a good time running this way and that way. When we loaded up our goods, he insisted on pushing it HIMSELF... and he did! He occasionally needed a little help keeping it straight, but mostly the little man did it on his own. He's going to be a BIG help in another couple of years (months?)

Foto Finish Friday: Week 44

2011-10-28T11:40:00.000-04:00

Norah News: Fashionista!

2011-10-26T16:24:00.000-04:00

In order to streamline our morning routine a little, I've started working with Norah to pick out her outfit the night before. I didn't think we really had time in our evening routine, but we don't have time for the inevitable hassle in our morning routine either - especially on days when I might have an early meeting! It seems to be working out well so far, and it's actually kind of fun picking out her outfits with her. As you may know, Norah definitely has her own sense of style (part princess, part Cyndi Lauper and no jeans, under any circumstances - only soft pants) and I largely let her run with it. Here is a direct quote from her last night that pretty much sums it up:

"This is a great outfit Mom...flower pants, a purple shiney skirt, a fishey short sleeve shirt and polka dotty long sleeves. Oh, and doggie socks and shiney church shoes"

Love you Norah, don't ever lose sight of who you are!

Norah's Family Picture

2011-10-23T21:49:00.002-04:00

I did a boatload of filing last night, and I found this family picture Norah drew over the summer (I did say a boatload!!) The scan isn't quite as clear as I hoped but it's pretty cool nonetheless.. that's me, with all the curls (?!) on the right, Matt on the left, Roddie floating near my ears and Norah in the middle on the bottom (a little hard to see in the scanned copy)

Sunday Outing

2011-10-23T21:45:00.001-04:00

We went to a "Touch the Truck" event at a local ice-cream-stand-turned-amusement park. Touch the Truck is an opportunity for kids to see fire trucks, dump trucks, school buses, police cars, snow plows and the likes up close and personal. In fact they are even allowed to climb in and over the vehicles and really take a good look at them. I took Norah to one 2 years ago, and she really wasn't into it. She was a lot more interested this time around, though she still doesn't like the sirens and horns.

Roddie, on the other hand, was in heaven. He was beside himself he was so excited when he'd sit in a tractor or truck with Matt and try out the driver's seat. I continue to be amazed at at the number of more typically male pursuits that Rod is really drawn to. He also took his first swings at a baseball (ok, it was a plastic T-ball set...) today and was pretty excited about that as well.

Sadly, I didn't realize I had my phone/camera with me until after we were all trucked out. However, we were in a really nice setting and the kids looked adorable in their church clothes, so I belatedly tried to get a few shots.

School Photo Proofs

2011-10-21T21:17:00.000-04:00

It's that time again - school photo shoot! These are just the proofs, as usual, but I just loved the poses and wanted to share! Norah decided to accessorize her own outfit this morning and I decided to just go with it, as I think it really shows her personality at this point in time. Note, all her "jewels" match both her cast and her dress - that was not *my* doing...

LOL, ok, I don't love this one, but it is kind of funny...

Looking so grown up and mature! Big changes since the April version!

These were taken in early October, so Norah was 3 years 7 mo and Rod was just about 14 mo.

Foto Finish Friday: Week 43

2011-10-21T16:35:00.000-04:00

Adventure Chronicles: Apple Festival

2011-10-20T10:10:00.002-04:00

We were looking for some outdoor family activity to do this past weekend and a friend of Matt's told him about an Apple Festival at a local ski hill. Turns out it was half fall festival, half German Ocktoberfest, totoally kid focused and very busy! They had everything from super slides,bouncey houses, and pony rides for the kids, to ski lift rides, to a beer tent with a buffet of German food and a traditional band. Adding to the excitement was the fact that the weather was all.over.the.map - hot and sunny one minute, really cold and rainy the next, and everything in between! As a result we were constantly putting hats and vests on and off. In the end, we had a good time... we even saw a Bengal Tiger demonstration!

Here's Norah, not quite convinced there is nothing down there..

Norah having a go at the pony rides. Rod wasn't up for the challenge this time around

Norah looking thoughfully down at the beer tent? after the cole and rain blew through and we went back outside

Norah and Roddie cutting a rug while the band plays

Roddie making a grab for Mom's beer - typical!

Big Boy Pictures

2011-10-19T21:20:00.000-04:00

Here are a few pictures of Roddie to go along with my post from the other day...

Vegetables, who needs vegetables?

2011-10-17T15:56:00.001-04:00

The "Fancy Tower" taken with my iphone

I've recently returned from a trip to Paris - ooh la la Fancy Nancy might say, but it really wasn't as exciting as you might think. Note I said *I* just returned, not *we* just returned... it was a business trip. I was gone, to another country, in another timezone from Sunday afternoon until Friday evening, and Matt was on his own with the kids. Oh yeah... did I tell you he had a huge deadline at work while I was gone and we found out Norah broke her arm the day before I left?

Apparently they managed without me, though from all reports, no one ate a single vegetable the whole time I was gone. Oh well, the kids were clean and happy, the house was tidy, and Matt appeared to be in one piece when I got back home on Friday. This was the longest I'd been away from the kids, ever... or Matt either for that matter, and I missed them terribly. With a little help fro our neighbour Megan, and an all nighter on Matt's part, we all survived the week.

Work wise, the trip was a bust, but you gotta admit there is something cool about seeing the Eiffel Tower or the L'arc de Triomphe when you leave a restaurant.

I didn't even suffer too much from jet-lag, either coming or going. Turns out a teething toddler is good training for international travel and the prolonged lack of sleep in the weeks leading up to my trip really paid off. All that being said, I'm not anxious to travel for a full week again any time soon.

The Age of Suprise

2011-10-17T15:30:00.001-04:00

Roddie has kind of surprised us recently… suddenly, he’s no longer a baby, but a little boy! Of course the change has been gradual, and he’s 14 months old after all, but there have been a few days recently where I was acutely aware that my baby boy is no more… well, he’ll always be my baby boy (sorry Rod!) even though he’s not a baby any more. We met a new biker chick recently, baby Emily was just one month old – and I could barely remember Roddie (or Norah for that matter) being that small. I also saw a lady carrying a very small baby at church this weekend and looked down at Roddie who was sitting scribbling on a piece of paper and thought – wow! Anyway, it’s bound to happen and of course I am happy that he is growing and developing like he should, but the extent of it all just kind of took me by surprise! Here are a few examples from the past few days:

Roddie doesn’t like his high chair anymore! He was getting impatient with it, so I tried him in the booster seat yesterday – he happily colored (yes, with crayons and paper) for 20-30 minutes yesterday while I worked on tidying up the kitchen. He didn’t even eat any crayons and hardly got any on the table! Then, this morning, after following Norah and I out to the kitchen on my request, he walked right over to it and tried to climb up (paid no attention to the highchair which is still there) He ate his breakfast (cheerios, in a bowl, with milk) with a spoon as happy as can be. *sniff*
Not only can he run around the yard (and he does, typically away from me!) but he can climb up the ladder and down the slide, all.by.himself!!! He started out yesterday with going face-first, but after a little coaching, he now turns himself around so he’s sitting and flies down the slide! He LOVES it! He can also climb all the way UP the slide (well, almost, I need to help him at the very end, and of course spot him!)
We went to a fall festival thing the other day, where there was a Bengal tiger demonstration. Matt grabbed Norah and put her on his shoulders so she could see. I was standing there with Roddie, who was in the stroller and could see nothing but knees, and realized that when Norah was his age, we would have been all over showing her the tigers! So I picked him up and put him on my shoulders and sure enough, he was enthralled, maybe even moreso than Norah.
We were having a great time playing outside yesterday while Matt worked on refinishing our front door. When snack time rolled around, Norah requested a picnic. So I grabbed a blanket, milks for everyone and a few things to nibble on, including a ziplock bag that had some animal crackers in it. We sat in the warm sun near the back door and enjoyed our snack. Roddie took the ziplock, and I thought he wanted another cookie, so I opened it for him… apparently that wasn’t what he wanted, since he closed it up again. Then, he took off across the yard. I grabbed him and brought him back, but off he went again, towards Matt who was out by the shed, working on the door. I decided that I’d just let him go and see what he was up to, and lo and behold, he headed straight towards Matt, and proceeded to offer him some cookies! Such a sweet boy!

I guess we shouldn't have been surprised, being "experienced" parents and all, but the 2nd kid is a lot more difficult to keep track of in the same level of detail as the first, and he just caught us by surprise!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 42

2011-10-14T06:51:00.000-04:00

Foto Finish Friday: Week 41

2011-10-07T08:00:00.001-04:00

Norah News: Broken Arm

2011-10-06T14:00:00.000-04:00

This post is a little delayed, since I was in Paris last week... more on that, and how Matt and the kids fared later. This post is about what happened BEFORE I left...

The Wednesday before I was to leave, Norah and Roddie were playing in the living room. He was sitting on the sofa and she was hugging him/smothering him and trying to join him. She fell off the sofa, as she has many times before and hurt her wrist, cried, and asked for ice - a near daily occurrence for some appendage or other, so we didn't think much of it. Her arm didn't swell and she really didn't complainn about it much, though we did notice her favoring the other arm, and occasionally she'd say "Actually Mom, I can't do that because my arm is sore" Matt has been dealing with some back issues over the past few months and we kind of assumed she was copying him. All reports from school were that she seemed fine. Still we were a little uncertain.

Friday evening, she went to pick up a puzzle piece on the floor and put some weight on the hand and screamed out in pain. It swelled, even with ice on it and we knew we'd better have it looked at, stat, before Matt was on his own with the kids for the week. Here's what we came home with:

The X-ray revealed a "green tree break" meaning more of a bend than a clean break - apparently quite common in young kids, whose bones are still developing. Norah got a temporary cast (purple, seen above) and a sling to wear until she could see the specialist the next week. She didn't like the sling, which in fairness really didn't fit her right, so we rigged up a little something to match her outfit, which took the sting out, for a few days at least. Matt took her to the specialist on Tuesday and she's now sporting a hot pink cast (pink is her new favorite color, alongside purple now, and her outfits must match the cast)

Here she is telling Nanny all about it, at least for pretend. She was decidedly not chatty on the real phone!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 40

2011-09-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Roddie Walker

2011-09-23T10:12:00.000-04:00

Who me? Walk?

Well, at long last, Roddie has joined the ranks of the walking! It happened innocently enough, Wednesday night, he just up and walked across the kitchen. Thursday, when I was picking the kids up from school, he just got up and walked into a classroom or two. There was no wobbly, tentative steps - he just stood up and walked to where he wanted to go

We've known for some time that he was able, it was just a matter of deciding that he wanted to. He has been able to walk pretty impressive distances and a good pace since early July, but just hasn't really been interested. I'm sure if he were an only child, he would have gotten around to it earlier, but the fact is, as a second child, we have other things to pay attention to, and little time to run the practice drills we did with Norah (not really, but I think you know what I mean).

I think peer pressure played into it a little as well. His best buddy at school, Kendall, started taking a few steps over the past couple of weeks, and I gotta think she's really starting to move now. Then, teeny tiny Charlotte also started taking a few steps and the little man just didn't want to be left behind!

Regardless, I am thrilled that he didn't wait until next week, when I am out of town on business, to get around to it. Thanks Rod, and keep on walking, little buddy!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 39

2011-09-23T08:00:00.001-04:00

Roddie Report: Teeth

2011-09-21T09:39:00.000-04:00

It's been a rough week, sleep wise. I'd have to say it's pretty comparable to the first few months, when the kids were up feeding all the time. While Norah's been having some nightmares again and the fluctuating temperatures are wreaking havoc, the real reason is Roddie and his teeth.

He doesn't cut just one or two teeth, oh no, this little man cuts 3 or 4 or more at once! He got all his front teeth at one time and now he seemed to be getting all his molars at once also. At least 4 teeth have made their way through in the past week or so, and I'm not convinced that's it. A quick Internet search reveals that the "one year molars" are often painful - think about it, those big back teeth pushing their way through! It's tough on us all, since if he's up, we're all up, and of course it's heartbreaking to have your child be so upset and in pain and not be able to do anything for him. (Ibuprofen, unfortunately, takes a few minutes to kick in!)

Anyway, last night was a bit better, and after a week, we may be on the back side of this thing! (I hope so, as Matt will be flying solo with the kids next week). In other teeth related news, Rod has really embraced brushing his teeth! He went from fighting us to get his teeth brush to opening wide and now he wants to do it himself! I'm not sure what, if anything, this could have to do with the teething situation, but it sure made for some cute pictures!

Look at me, I can brush all by myself!

... And I love to pose for the camera!

With help from his big sister

Norah News: Not so Tiny Dancer

2011-09-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

As you may recall, we decided to sign Norah up for dance lessons. We didn't talk about it too much while we were on vacation and it kind of crept up on us when we got back. But, after a last minute shopping trip the night after our first day back to work, Norah was outfitted and ready to go. Needless to say, she was pretty excited and was chomping at the bit to try on her new dancing outfit.

Out little girl looks so grown up!

Norah is well aware that only "big kids" are able to go to dance lessons and it really showed in her behavior that day. She was downright angelic, she was so mature that evening after the first lesson! The photos that follow are a bit of a samping of Norah warming up the night before her first class. I think we made the right call.

Trying out her stuff

Matt actually taught her this one :)

Dance Norah, dance!!

Adventure Chronicles: E&E's Big Day

2011-09-16T10:47:00.000-04:00

I thought about doing a play by play of our trip, but as my sister Erin pointed out in her blog posting about their wedding day - that can be a bit boring! So, like Erin, I'll give you a few of my favorite things about their wedding.

First of all, my favorite thing about Erin and Eric's wedding is getting a great new Brother-in-law, Eric. Like my other BIL, JM, Eric suits my sister to a "T" (that's Big T, T for toasty, for those of you in the know) Ever since Eric came on the scene a few years ago as "date boy" we've seen he and Erin grow and blossom together. The first time I met Eric, shortly after Norah was born, I was impressed with how easily he not only fit in, but really added to our family in his understated way.

I like this picture of them because it shows them leaning on one another, key to a long and happy marriage!

I LOVE this fun picture of them and think it captures them beautifully!

My next favorite thing about their big day was the cookie buffet! If you know me, you know I have a sweet tooth, and also that purple is my favorite color - thus the high ranking for the cookie buffet. I didn't actually indulge all that much, and I missed the very popular macaroons, but I love this idea! This picture shows Erin's bridesmaids Kim and Gloria, grabbing a sweet snack

Bridesmaids steal a sweet snack!

My next favorite image of the night is of Erin, in her full wedding regalia, playing the Family Jam Band! I prefer an image with her face showing, as I was really struck by how beautiful and happy she was up on stage, and how cool she looked! If you haven't been to a MacNeil function in the past few years, you may not know about the FJB. The FJB is anchored by Erin, my cousin Terry and my uncle Hugh. While they've been jamming for some time, I think their first real appearance was at my cousin Janis's wedding in 2005, followed by my own wedding in 2006, the family reunion and Erin's wedding this year (forgive me if I've missed some!) The FJB is often supplemented with other event guests, including Terry's partner Patti and my friend Rob.

Erin in her element!

My next favorite image involves Norah. At the farm, where the wedding was held, we were all transported a mile or two back into the woods, where the wedding was held, on horse drawn wagons - think hayrides, but cleaner. The bride and her ladies in waiting, including my mom, and as it turns out, Norah, were to be transported in a more "fancy" buggy, which Norah quickly dubbed the Princess Buggy. Needless to say, between the fancy dresses and the buggy, Norah truly thought she was in the presence of royalty! She was in awe, and perfectly behaved while on the buggy and for some time after.

The girls in the "Princess Buggy"

Norah with some of the royal family in the Princess Buggy

My next favorite image is Roddie in his little tiny suit. It's the first time I had occasion to really spiff him up for something and I couldn't be happier with how cute he looked! Little girls are pretty easy to get ready for an event like a wedding, and Norah actually had several options of what to wear. I'm sure Roddie will never wear this suit again, as he'll probably outgrow it in another week or so, but hallloooo... how cute. A few people said he looked like a mini stock broker - e-trade commerical anyone??

You wanna make a deal??

The next one was my Dad, walking Erin up the aisle. As the youngest of three girls, and the last to get married, I wonder what was going through my Dad's mind - "last one, married off??", "boo hoo, no more weddings"? "Yippee more grandkids?". Since we we all established professionals on our own, it's not like he was paying a dowry and getting us out of the house, but I gotta wonder if there was a little of that nostalgia nonetheless? This picture was taken by their photographer, Layton Reid. Check out his blog for more pics.

Last One!

Last, but not least, here's a picture of my parents. Don't they look great? They've become old pros at weddings and are have moved gracefully into grandparenthood. More on that when I blog about the rest of the trip!

My Parents, Greg and Sharon

Foto Finish Friday: Week 38

2011-09-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

Adventure Chronicles: Vacation 2011 Summary

2011-09-12T14:31:00.001-04:00

We're Back!

From where you may ask? Well, I didn't post about our vacation, because, well, this is the Internet after all! But we're home now and it was a great trip! The driving reason behind the trip was my sister Erin's wedding to Eric, but we packed a LOT of good fun into the 10 day adventure, so much so that I"ll need a few posts to record it all!

In 10 days we covered nearly 1900 miles (that's about 3000 kilometers for you Canadians out there) We slept in 7 different places (including home), and spent more than 2 hours of driving time on 6 of the 10 days!

Vacation 2011 - 10 days, 1900 miles, truckloads of fun!

In addition to seeing Erin and Eric tie the knot, which included catching up with extended family, meeting Eric's family, and E&E's friends from the west and a visit to a working farm (!), I also got to share some of the highlights of Halifax, a city I lived in for 4 years, with Matt and the kids, introduce Roddie to my Grandmother, Nanny Dot, and spend time at one of my all time favorite places, Inverness Beach Village! Overlaying all of it and making the trip very memorable for Norah in particular was the fact that her Nanny and Papa (my parents) were around the whole time... popping in for a visit here, stopping by to babysit there.

As you might expect, I've got a lot of work to catch up on, but I'll document our trip in the coming days

Foto Finish Friday: Week 37

2011-09-09T15:54:00.001-04:00

Foto Finish Friday: Week 36

2011-09-02T13:29:00.002-04:00

Adventure Chronicles: Canobie Lake - Yeah Rod was there too!

2011-08-30T14:02:00.000-04:00

You may have wondered from my previous post if Rod was with us at all... well of COURSE he was! You may also wonder if he spent the whole time sweating it out in the stroller - well OF COUR... actually, no he didn't! He was able to try out a fair number of rides, most of them solo! Yup, that's our little man, riding with the big kids! He also managed to have a good hard snooze in his stoller in the middle of the afternoon...

No surprise, Rod loved the firetruck ride!

Taking another turn on the carosel, solo this time, while the girls try out the "Big girl rides"

Adventure Chronicles: Canobie Lake Park!

2011-08-30T13:58:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago we went with our neighbors, Dan and Jen, to Canobie Lake Park. Apparently it's a bit of a New England tradition, though neither Matt nor I had been. I'll be honest, I wasn't totally excited about going - I was picturing standing in long lines in the heat with cranky kids for a few kiddie rides. What we encountered was exactly the opposite! It WAS hot, but the kids were, by and large, not cranky. The lines for the kiddie rides were short and there were plenty of rides suitable for the kids! Dan and Jen have two daughters, Erin and Allie, who are just older and just younger than Norah. (yes, Rod will be a lucky guy one day...) They live around the corner from us, but our backyards connect thru the trees and we can all envision good times for the kids playing back there in the years to come. Norah and Erin seem to really get along well in general and this day was no exception!

Riding the dune buggy! Wait, who is that in the back???

There's Allie and Dan :)

Norah in her purple chariot! Any time we needed to distract Norah, the mere mention of a purple ride was a guarateed winner!

Who's turn to drive? A glimpse of the future? Maybe.

Evidentally, Norah thought it was her turn

Love this picture of Norah and Erin.. and there's Allie doing her own thing!

Dino Riding

Erin, Norah and Allie ready for a swing!

Norah News: Soccer or Dance?

2011-08-26T14:21:00.005-04:00

Real picture from her school

One of the things I love about our daycare is that they offer "Enrichment Programs" - some optional, some are included. Included are things like Jazzercise, Music and Spanish. Optional (and at an extra fee!) are things like Swimming, Dance, Soccer and Karate.

Until recently, Norah has been too young for many of these "extras" so I didn't really think about it too much. She was old enough to start with the last session of Dance in the spring, but just barely, and I thought I'd leave it and see if she showed an interest or not. Of course, she did! Due in part to the fact that one of her best buddies at school, Cassandra, was participating, I am sure, but she's always shown an interest in music and movement. As regular readers of the Bugle also know, she's big into all things girly, as many girls her age are. I was all set to sign her up for the upcoming fall session, when I got an email about Soccer as a new addition to the Enrichment lineup. It's possible for her to do both, but at three and a half I think that's too much for her, and my pocketbook.

Now, I should note that I think soccer is a great sport for little kids, and out here in the 'burbs, it's a big scene! We drive by the local field where a pile of little kids are running around in uniforms too big several times a week during the season. Norah always says something about playing when she's bigger, but doesn't show much interest (or aptitude, poor girl takes after her mother) with the soccer ball in the yard.

So here is my dilemma - do I sign her up for dance and fuel her own interests, or do I sign her up for soccer and see if she likes it? On the one hand, there is a lot to be learned (especially for us un co-ordinated types) from Dance. In fact, I credit several years of dance lessons with my being as co-ordinated as I am (If you knew me when I was younger, you know that I regularly walked into things...) We've long thought that Norah was a born performer, and even though she's into being a girly-girl, she also likes other things, and I don't think either Dance or Soccer will have an effect.

On the other hand, maybe if she tried soccer, she'd really like it... I didn't play a lot of sports as a kid (mainly swimming) and didn't really become regularly physically active until I was well into my 20's but I wonder if I had been exposed to other options, maybe I would have found one that was a fit for me. Things like track & field, cross country running and cycling teams just weren't available to a girl in Sydney in the 70's!

At the moment, I'm leaning towards Dance for a couple of reasons. First, she's only three and a half, there's lots of time to try new things. Second, we asked her and that's what she picked. The third reason has to do with a conversation I had with my mom more than 10 years ago. I asked why I never got to take piano, art or gymnastics lessons like my sisters (Erin for the art and music, Susan for the gymnastics) Her answer was that I didn't show any interest in those things. I liked to read, and swim (still do). What I remember is that I went to the library every Friday (before Dance class, ironically) for years, and I spent a lot of time in the pool. I don't remember wishing I was at piano lessons or wanting to join Susan on the balance beam. Over the years I've tried soccer, volleyball, basketball, badminton, tennis, squash, golf, and frisbee but never really had a sustained interest in any of them. For me, physical activity is best served by moving under my own power, ideally with the wind in my hair. Swimming, hiking, running, walking and biking all fit this bill, and with the exception of running, have all been a part of my life consistently for a long time.

Looks like Nanny Sharon was on to something, and that Norah will be taking Dance.

Foto Finish Friday: Week 35

2011-08-26T08:00:00.004-04:00

Roddie Report: Happy Man

2011-08-22T15:43:00.000-04:00

I'm generally pretty pleased with the daycare the kids go to. Every once in a while, we have a bad morning, a bad drop off, and I ask myself what the heck we're doing, sending them off on their own. While most days it's fine, it's still nice to get a little glimpse into their day, and know that they are happy. Like this:

Is this kid happy or what??

One of the teachers, Miss Stephanie, has been great about sharing pictures of the kids with me here and there over the past couple of years. She and her daughter are regular readers here at the Bugle and I want her to know how much I appreciate these unexpected little vignettes. Thanks Stephanie!!

Foto Finish Friday - The Back Story

2011-08-20T10:07:00.001-04:00

I know I said I wasn't going to post any text to go with our Foto Fridays but I thought this week's deserved a little follow up. Thursday night, we took the kids out for a walk after dinner, as we often do. We don't walk far and Norah is big enough to walk on her own (sometimes insisting on taking her baby stroller with her) and Rod gets a ride in his hot-rod car. Last night, we took a different, slightly longer route than usual. Here's how things were looking at the half-way point.

Yeah, that's Matt carrying Roddie and the baby carriage, and I was pushing Norah in the hot-rod. Thankfully it wasn't the end of our pleasant walk - after a little break and some master distraction by Matt, Norah was good to go walking again and ultimately, we made it home without incident.

Foto Finish Friday: Week 34

2011-08-19T08:00:00.003-04:00

Roddie Report: 1 Year Old!

2011-08-17T11:18:00.001-04:00

Well, it's official! Roddie is a year old! We were camping with some old friends of Matt's on his actual birthday, so it had a bit of a camping theme - something I'm sure my sister Susan (who's birthday is a couple of days before) can relate to! I took him in for his 1 year check-up yesterday and all is well. He's gained about 2 pounds and 2 inches since his 9 month check-up to clock in at 21lb 14oz and 32" tall. He's about average for a boy of his age for weight (50th percentile), and at the top of the curve for height (96th) - still tall and skinny, just like Norah. All his developmental milestones appear to be on track, and no real concerns.

So, on the occasion of his first birthday, here are a few photos of our little man in action over the past week.

Rod likes to play ball! He happily rolls the ball back and forth, and also will roll it, chase it - repeat!

Rod and I spent a little 1-on-1 time on his birthday, since he was napping while the rest of the gang went out boating

Hooray! Here is LittleMan with his birthday cupcake!! We were camping on the actual day, so he's at a picnic table

Happy Bathtime! Standing up to get dry now

Concentrating hard on his new toys (or scheming how to get a turn?)

Looking like a real Little Man in his mini-Matt shirt

Standing on his own to play with his new race track!

Norah News: Look at ME!

2011-08-16T19:58:00.000-04:00

Foto Finish Friday: Week 33

2011-08-12T08:00:00.001-04:00

In an Instant

2011-08-11T14:51:00.002-04:00

That's how quickly life can change.

This past week there was a story in the local news about a mother, who inadvertently caused the death of her 10 year old daughter earlier this week. Apparently she did not see the girl, who was playing in the driveway, and ran her over. It is a tragic story, and some may wonder how it could happen, but as someone who drives a large SUV with many blind spots, I worry about it any time I roll into the driveway when the kids are not in the car with me.

I was shocked and even further saddened last night to realize that we knew the girl and her mother. In fact, it's cast a cloud over my entire being today. Bridgette was an alter server at the early mass at our church - one that's attended by a lot of older folks and only a few families with young children. Over the past 5 years, these folks, including Bridgette and her mom, have become part of our church community. From what we knew of Bridgette, she was a sweet and kind girl, respectful and pleasant. She always tended to her duties with a maturity beyond her age, and always had a special smile for Norah. In fact Norah had even talked about being a server, like Bridgette, when she "got big... like 7 or 8". We also saw how kind she was to the older folks at mass, while still being at ease, not uncomfortable, like some kids can be.

We've also met her mom, Barbara, on many occasions, and she's no different from me, or any other mother. She and Bridgette often attended mass together, with her older daughter sometimes joining them. The seemed to be close and I can only imagine how devastated she must be. Apparently the accident happened at their summer lake house in a neighbouring town, as she was arriving home from work. I can only imagine that she was anxious to get home and spend some quality time with the family on a mid-summer evening - again, no different from anyone.

I cannot imagine losing one of my children, and my heart bleeds for Barbara especially, as she must carry an extra burden due to the circumstances of Bridgette's death - I do not wish that on anyone. While I am sure that God has a special place for Bridgette, her family, and especially her mother, can use our love and prayers. I only wish, as many do that any amount of praying could help this family to be whole again.

So hug your kids extra tight tonight, and please, please be careful out there, you never know when life could change.

Roddie Report: Pictures from School

2011-08-11T14:26:00.001-04:00

Two things struck me about the pictures of Roddie - first, how many of them he was in, and second, how happy and smiley he was in ALL of them!

Here he is with his partner in crime, Kendall... can you imagine what they are saying? "wha? Who us? no, we weren't going to touch that CD player!"

Look at me! I'm walking!

Hiiiiii! are you taking my picture??

I like to play!

Oh halllooo!

Strike a pose? You got it!

Norah News: Pictures from School

2011-08-11T14:21:00.000-04:00

The kids daycare has a web site where they periodically post pictures of the kids at play. They don't update it all that often, but this past week we got a note in our inbox to check it out. This and the next post are a few of the highlights

This one is from back in the spring, Norah playing outside

Here she is at water play!

and now in a bubble at the Bubbleman show!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 31

2011-08-05T08:00:00.002-04:00

Roddie Report: Coming up on a Year!

2011-08-04T11:12:00.000-04:00

I’m often caught by surprise by the fact that Roddie is no longer a baby, but a toddler. I mean sure, I can see that he’s getting ready to start walking and all, but I forget that he’s also starting to “talk” in his own way, and is really starting understand more and more. When Norah was this age, and we had only her, I was very in tuned with every new thing she did, watching and tracking against all the books and on-line lists. With Roddie, two things are at play – first, we’ve been there done that. Not to say we’re not excited or paying attention to what he’s doing, but we’ve seen it all before, and we know he’ll reach each milestone in his own time – no matter what we do! Second, we still have Norah! 2 kids are better than one, to be sure! However, it means you can rarely, if ever, focus 100% of your attention on one.

So, as he approaches his 1st birthday in a week or so, I thought it was time for an update of his latest accomplishments

Walking: He’s making steady progress, to the point it could be any day now – but we’ve been saying that for weeks. Due to his 2nd child status, we haven’t been working him hard like we did Norah, and with no Papa on hand to walk him around the house, he’s doing it in his own time. He can stand on his own, though he gets so excited about it that he falls over! He can also walk by holding on to only one hand. This morning, it looked like he was going to forget he wasn’t holding my hands and take a step. He’s that close.
Teeth: Over the past couple of weeks his lopsided grin has straightened out with the arrival of teeth #7 and #8. He was stuck on 3 top and 3 bottom for a while (with the 3rd on opposite sides) so now he’s got an even 4x4 grin – though if the amount of drool is any indication, more teeth are not far behind!
Eating: I’ve been mildly concerned, on and off, about Roddies eating habits, but I think we’ve settled into a good place. He’s still not interested in feeding himself any fruits and a rare few veggies (seems he doesn’t care for the texture) but he has been feeding himself a wide variety of proteins and carbs – anything crispy, this kid loves. I’ve been able to keep his diet balanced with fruit and veg purees for now, but we keep trying! He’s also taking an interest in feeding himself. Yesterday at school I peeked in on him after I dropped Norah off. He was eating a bowl of cereal. With milk. And a spoon! I was excited for him and he was looking pretty pleased with himself as well! By my estimate he’s packed on a couple of lbs since we were last in for a sick visit 6 weeks or so ago.
Bottles: We’re down to 2 bottles a day – one in the afternoon at school and one at bedtime. The rest of the day he gets milk in his sippy cup. He’s long mastered the sippy, but he seemed to still want the comfort of the bottle at times. We’re going to have a tough time at some point taking away the bed time bottle, but we won’t be the first, nor the last, to rely on this fool-proof bedtime tool! The good thing is he actually is awake most times when I put him down after his bottle, so hopefully simply adjusting the routine will do it.
Sleeping: More often than not, he’s sleeping all night, until at least 5:30. He gets a bum change and maybe a bottle and will usually go back down. Today both kids slept until 6:30 or so, and we went straight to breakfast.
Talking: We’re starting to hear things pretty consistently that sound like Norah, and uh-oh as well as Mamamamama and Dada which he has mastered for some time. I’ve started trying to pay a little more attention to his verbal development, just to see where he’s at. I am sure with the constant activity all around him he’s picking up plenty of words for future use.
Playing: This kid loves vehicles! Anything with wheels! He likes to push them around, crawling alongside. I’ve also noticed recently that he seems to like playing ball games. I sat with him on the deck last weekend and rolled a soccer ball back and forth with him and he seemed to understand what was happening – chasing the ball and hitting it to send it back to me. The same thing happened today with a tennis ball. On a related note, we’ve started playing this game where he hands me something. I take it, then hand it back to him. For whatever reason he gets a charge out of this routine. Norah says that I am teaching him sharing.
Climbing: Oh my, he loves to climb! Up on to Norah’s bed, EVERY morning! Up on her stool to see what’s on the sink (sometimes when she is also standing on it, not always a good move!) He’s using the smaller, plastic climber in the back yard.
Pushing: This kid is looking like a power lifter or something! He can push Norah in the stroller or wagon! And he loves to push ANYTHING – chairs, any kind of large toy, you name it! He also seems to know intuitively how to leverage his body for maximum push – clearly not something we’ve taught him!
Sensitive Soul: Roddie is definitely the more sensitive of the two kids. Sometimes, when I issue a sharp “No!” Rod will stop what he’s doing, the lower lip will come out into a pout and he may even cry. This is a sharp contrast to Norah, who would give me an evil grim and continues on her way.
Annoying his big sister: Clearly this was bound to happen sooner or later. Norah is very good at sitting and playing at something quietly, and Rod is at a stage where he is very curious and also enamoured with his big sister – so he almost immediately toddles over to see what she’s up to. Norah has some patience with him as she starts off with a “No THANK you ROD!” though obviously she does get frustrated at times. I’m trying to let them work it out among themselves for the most part, though, as an oldest myself I also try to set Norah up for some Rod-free time once in a while as well.

So, all in all, our little man is doing just what he’s supposed to be and continuing to bring joy to us all! Here’s a few pics to bring a few smiles to you too!

My two men folk, in their plaid shirts heading to church

Like his big sister, Rod takes an early interest in cleaning

No, he's not naked, and we barely use the exersaucer any more but this pic was too funny!

Norah News: Swimming Lessons

2011-08-03T20:31:00.001-04:00

Norah has been taking swimming lessons for the past month or so - it's been great! A school bus picks them up at school, takes them to a local place with an outdoor pool. They have a swim lesson, a snack and get to play on some of the many indoor and outdoor climbers. All reports have been good so far, and Norah is almost as excited about riding the bus as she is about swimming lessons. We've seen an increase in her confidence and independence in the water that I am sure is at least in part due to the lessons.

Last week was the half-way point, and I thought I'd stop by and take a look at how things were going, take a few pictures of the blog and so on. Needless to say, it wasn't my greatest idea ever. Here is the sum total of the pictures I took:

... and it wasn't because I got wet or otherwise overly involved in the lesson. Norah refused to participate, and barely got in the water for the whole class. In fairness, it was the first time that it was overcast and cool, but still. I was really disappointed that I didn't get to see her doing her thing, but I know the display was for my benefit - and the teachers confirmed that usually she is a willing participant.

Overall I guess it's best that I don't go to watch. It feels a little strange, that Norah goes somewhere without one of us,every week, but I guess it's just one of the many steps to Independence.

Foto Finish Friday: Week 30

2011-07-29T09:20:00.001-04:00

Norah News: Tattoos

2011-07-23T21:43:00.002-04:00

Norah got all "tatted' up for the pool party we went to last night.

Seriously, when I picked her up from school her arms were literally COVERED with tattoos! I was NOT impressed. Even less so when they did not come off after several hours in the pool and less so again when we had to fight with her to scrub them off before bed, overtired and overstimulated from the pool party.

Still made for a good picture, no?

Foto Finish Friday: Week 29

2011-07-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

Norah News: The Duplicity of a Preschooler

2011-07-19T11:55:00.001-04:00

This past weekend we went camping with a couple of other families. We don’t know either one very well (in fact, one not at all) but between us, there were 3 little girls Norah’s age, and one who was approaching the wise old age of 6, plus Roddie and yet another little girl who was only a little older than him. We had 3 adjacent tent sites that bordered on a small open area, so it didn’t take long before the little girls were actively exploring their world and getting to know each other.

The girls were moving freely between all the sites and it wasn’t long before there wasn’t much differentiation between us parents – at least as far as snacks, potty, safety and fun go. It was really the first time we’ve let Norah have the freedom to hang with her peers without a pretty close eye on her. This was in part due to the circumstances, and in part due to her just getting a little older. It was hard at first, not to be aware of exactly where she was at every second, but as we grew more comfortable with the set up, I was able to sit back and be proud of my girl! Until the inevitable over-tired-overload coupled with the “sad-to-leave” syndrome, she literally had a blast!

I also learned that pre-schoolers can be a lot like teenagers - Apparently the whole girls going to the bathroom thing starts at an early age, as three preschoolers accompanied me to the bathroom. They also insisted on getting together with their jammies on to brush their teeth – and compare and share toothpaste (Dora was a hit, Sponge Bob a close second)

So while I was at first nervous and then happy for her with the camping arrangements, the duplicity was really apparent to me at the beach. Norah has long been comfortable in the water, but this time, she walked right out, up to her chin – ON HER OWN, with me watching from the shore with Roddie. The first time, I wasn’t sure how far she’d go and was shocked she went so far. I was petrified, but also so very proud of her! Of course we followed up with a conversation around the ground rules at the beach, but I’ve never felt such competing emotions before – so scared and so proud at the same time. I’m guessing there will be a lot more conflicts like these for me before the kids are grown!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 28

2011-07-15T08:00:00.002-04:00

Photo Update

2011-07-13T21:45:00.000-04:00

I don't really have anything to say about these pictures.. they're from the past week or so and I just thought they were kind of funny... the third one is Rod "Crab Crawling" which is preferred mode of locomotion outside - I guess he doesn't like getting his knees dirty?? I guess his partner in crime at school (a little cutie named Kendall) does the same thing.

Adventure Chronicles: Sesame Place

2011-07-13T21:38:00.001-04:00

I figure I'd better document our last adventure before the next one begins! As a part of our month of chaos, we visisted Sesame Place, outside of Philadelphia. We didn't tell the kids (well, Norah) beforehand, so when we asked if we should visit Elmo's house, she was at first a bit confused.... Rod, on the other hand was very exicted when he saw the life sized (?) cut out of Elmo in the hotel lobby!

Part of the them park is a replica of Sesame Street itself, here we are on the steps of the iconic 123 Sesame Street!

Riding the Carousel was a big hit for both kids (and me!) especially when Norah managed to snag a purple horsie!

Ultimately, we didn't really take that many pictures, but just focused on enjoying our day! Both kids did really well, despite the heat and humidity. Norah absolutely loved the rides and ran frantically from one to the next - she was not intimidated by any of them! Rod, on the other hand, having puked several times the day before spent a fair bit of time watching the fun (That, and he was too small for some rides) He went on a handful of rides and seemed to enjoy them, but as you can see he was happy to take it all in. I think the highlight for Roddie was the Elmo show... they have several small theatres, and the show we made it to featured a 5 or 6 foot dancing Elmo. Roddie nearly went out of his mind, screaming "MoMo" and laughing and clapping.

We were blessed with a thunder storm at just about the perfect time - we could see both kids were spent, and it was time to go, but anticipated extraction would be tricky. The rain slowed in time for us to change into dry clothes before we hit the car and both kids had a hard snooze on the way to Oma and Opa's place.

Nanny and Papas Visit

2011-07-13T21:21:00.001-04:00

Just getting caught up with some updates, because, you know with a camping trip coming in 2 days, I have nothing else to do :) The blog must go on!!

In actual fact, I've been meaning to do this update for a while and really want to make sure it gets done. We had an especially nice visit from my mom and dad this year and I think they enjoyed it as well. They stayed with us in the basement grandparent den for two weekends and got to enjoy some one on one time with the kids in the week in between (and one day of rest LOL!!) As usual, we benefited from parenting coaching that can only come from ones own parents! We also put them to work, having Mom take Norah for her haircut and babysitting while we went out on a long overdue anniversary (Accessory Day!) dinner.

Nanny and Norah enjoyed some "fancy time" together. As I've written before, Norah is big into Fancy Nancy, and Nanny didn't disappoint when she arrived with two new books for her. I'm not sure, but Nanny may have regretted her purchase after the 15th or 20th time she read them.

In any case, I think she enjoyed some girly time with Norah, having her hair done and trying on jewelery.

I think both Norah and Nanny were sad to see their time together come to an end. In fact, the day after they left, Norah quietly leaned in to me and said "I miss Nanny and Papa". While the sentiment on it's own made me tear up a little (and want to move home, stat!) I was also impressed with her ability to express herself.

Papa got a workout pushing both kids (at the same time, no less!) around the yard. I'm so happy my parents are young and healthy enough to enjoy our kids - heaven knows it took my sisters and I long enough to have them!

Roddie didn't want anything to do with Nanny for the first half of their visit. I don't know if Nanny was so absorbed with Norah that Rod figured he's get more attention elsewhere or what, but he was all about his Papa! Actually, I will have to admit that my dad and Roddie have really clicked since day 1 - Dad could calm Roddie down as a newborn better than anyone! Who do you think is happier in this picture? Hard to tell isn't it?

It wasn't really an uncommon occurrence to see the two Rods together, both with broad smiles!

All in all, I'd have to say it was one of the better visits we've had with my parents. They are easy to have around any time, but I particularly enjoyed this visit.

Foto Finish Friday: Week 27

2011-07-08T08:00:00.002-04:00

Norah News: Where's Mine?

2011-07-06T11:21:00.001-04:00

Last night, Norah was looking at a book with Matt that showed a shadow along one of the character’s spine. Norah saw it and asked Matt about it, and he gave her an appropriate explanation, which included getting her to feel her spine at the top of her neck.

Later, when I was tucking her in, she asked me if I had a bump on my back too, and we both reached around and felt our spines. Then, she pointed at my chest and said “what’s that?” I wasn’t sure what she was pointing at, but as near as I can tell, it was my cleavage (what little there is!) So I told her it was called cleavage and hoped to leave it at that. She pulled out her own shirt and took at look at her chest and said “I don’t have one of those, maybe when I am bigger?”

Oh boy, I really thought I had quite a few more years before this started!

Just in Case

2011-07-05T16:10:00.001-04:00

Just in case you were wondering why I haven't been doing many blog updates the past few weeks, I thought I'd give you a brief update of what we've been up to the past 25 days or so...

Day 1: Nanny and Papa arrive for a visit and take up residence in the basement. They had some good time with both of the kids. Norah and Nanny and then Papa and Roddie especially seemed to enjoy a special bond.

Day 10: Nanny and Papa depart for Toronto to see Hartleigh, and I leave for Texas… get to my hotel room around 3am EST

Day 11-12: Training all Day, fun work dinner at night, 3am thunderstorms prevent the illusive full night's sleep

Day 13: Training all Day, travel back from Texas - around 1am

Day 14: Work at home all day, do a little laundry and unpack/repack. Leave for PA around 6pm. Oh yeah, Roddie Power Puked 3 times that afternoon. Arrive in Philli around midnight.

Day 15: Had a great day at Sesame Place! The day wrapped up with a perfectly timed thunderstorm, naps in the car and we arrived at Oma and Opa’s around 5.

Day 16: Puke-o’rama continues. First Rod, then Matt feels like he was hit with a truck. We bail on that evenings plans and head home. Norah joins the fun about an hour into the ride. Good times.

Day 17: Laying low, Matt and Rod still off, Norah and I are OK. Roddie starts to spike a fever.

Day 18: Fever continues, off to the doc. I stay home.

Day 19: More fever. Matt stays home.

Day 20: Fever breaks, Rod heads to school. I feel like crap and join the pukefest, after which I feel better. No one mentions the rash covering Roddie’s trunk to me.

Day 21: Rod ‘s rash is worse than yesterday!! I join a conference call in the car while he naps on the way back from dropping Norah off then take him to the doc, (yes, second time this week) where he is cleared to return to school (apparently he had Roseola) Aunt ‘Zie, JM and Hartleigh arrive!!

Day 22: Lay low and visit with Hartleigh. Spinners game at night.

Day 23: Lay low, unsuccessful attempt to walk to the lake. Not sure if we were all burned out and road weary or what, but we couldn’t seem to get naps and mealtimes co-ordinated. Although, I must admit I did manage to get both of MY kids napping at the same time this day and the previous day – no small feat!! Lots of laughs with the Ladies of OWR at night

Day 24: Beach Day! We managed to get everyone out the door by 10 or so and off to the beach. It was probably the worst beach day of the long weekend, as it wasn’t really sunny, but it was really nice nonetheless – and perhaps it was better as we managed to last three whole hours!!

Day 25: Sox Game Day – this seemed like a lousy idea to me at first, but turned out pretty well. We had standing room tickets for Fenway, and ended up getting 4 real seats at literally the last minute! The only problem was that it was blisteringly hot and sunny, and we had two small kids plus one bigger kid with us. Plus we had walked about 2.5 miles to the park from the subway stop so as to see some of Boston on the way (Yes, Norah walked all this herself!!) Susan and I ended up taking the kids into a pub and letting Matt and JM stay for a few innings. We managed to get home without event, and surprisingly less wiped out than the day before!

Day 26: A sad day… Everyone left this morning, I had to wake Norah up because she has swimming lessons. But I had time to update the blog.

What will tomorrow bring???

Foto Finish Friday: Week 26

2011-07-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

My Boy Roddie

2011-06-28T10:35:00.000-04:00

Roddie is growing by leaps and bounds! He's mastered "Maw, Maw, Maw" for me, and of course the usual "Da Da" and we swear we've even heard him say Norah, though not with any discernible regularity yet. He's moving and grooving all over the place and is definitely anxious to walk! He continues to be a laid back happy fellow, unless he's not feeling well, in which case he can rival his sister for drama!

My parents were here to visit with us for a week or so, and had a great visit with both us and the kids. They were able to spend some one on one time with both Norah and Roddie. Interestingly, Roddie shows a really strong preference for my Dad! Maybe it's the name, or maybe it's just a guy thing, but he really didn't want much to do with my mom at first, and she really had to work to get in his good books! I don't remember Norah being like this at all, but then again, as an only child, heck, only grandchild, she was pretty much the center of attention regardless!! In any case, all was well by the end of the visit and Roddie and Nannywere tight!

The week after my parents left, we headed to PA for various reasons I"ll talk about later. While we were at Matt's parent's house, Roddie discovered stairs, in a BIG way! He has not, to my knowledge had any opportunity to practice on stairs, since we live in a ranch style house. Oma and Opa live in a 2 story townhouse, so it didn't take Rod long to spot the stairs! The surprising thing was that he mastered them, on the first try! I saw him going for them and quickly moved next to him as he ventured up the first step. Then he tried another, and another, and then Norah went to the top to cheer him on and before we knew it, we were all at the top of the stairs! Needless to say, I spent the rest of the visit running interference between him and the stairs!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 25

2011-06-24T09:20:00.002-04:00

Foto Finish Friday: Week 24

2011-06-17T19:56:00.000-04:00

Foto Finish Friday: Week 23

2011-06-10T09:06:00.000-04:00

Norah News: Her Garden Keeps on Growing!

2011-06-07T09:50:00.001-04:00

Norah's interest in gardening has continued - this girl loves anything outside! Since the days are long now, and her bed-time is nearly an hour after Rod's most nights, she's been helping Matt with the watering after dinner. Last night I looked out and she just looked so adorable in her little skirt and garden gloves, I had to snap a few pics!

I have no idea how I got the effects on this shot, but I really like the picture!

Adventure Chronicles Photo Overload

2011-06-06T22:36:00.000-04:00

As promised, here's the pictures from the camping trip! It's a bit of picture overload, but I just couldn't narrow it down! You'll notice quite a few of Norah making silly faces, which is her latest way to pose for pictures. Sometimes I get in on the fun too :) Enjoy

Here's Rod, just hanging out, waiting for the fun to start!

A little later, waiting again, this time for food!

Rod ready for fun in the tent!

Crawling around the campsite!

Norah was an exceptional camp helper. She really liked washing the dishes!

Norah has always had a flair for the dramatic, and a camping trip was no exception!

Matt has always been big on taking self portraits, first of himself, and then of us. We have a whole photo album of them! I managed to take this self snapshot and get us all in, on the first try!

Rod, still loving camping!

This kid is so happy! He loves it!

Norah and Rod, hanging out on the rock on the top of Artists Bluff

Mom and the kids at Artist Bluff

Hanging by the chilly campfire!

Norah's baby also accompanied us on the camping trip... here we are, feeding our babies!

Norah and I walking at the campsite

Morning time in the tent

Quiet time for Mom and Rod, while Dad and Norah are napping

Here goes our hiker girl! Go Norah!

Norah and the Happy Accessory Day balloons

Norah in motion!

Rod in the truck just before departure... sad to leave!

Watching the bear show

Silly pose on the Bluff

Fooling around in the tent!

Silly breakfast poses

Family pic on Artists Bluff

Adventure Chronicles: First Camping Trip of 2011

2011-06-06T14:10:00.004-04:00

5 years ago Friday, Matt and I were married. The invitation said “The Adventure Continues! Please join us…for our wedding” Well continue it did! 5 years, 1 home, 2 kids, and many renovations later, we headed out to the White Mountains of New Hampshire with the kids for the first camping trip of the season. Last year was somewhat of a bust, camping-wise, since we were waiting for Roddie to arrive in August, so we were anxious to get out there this year! In addition, temperatures in the 90’s over Memorial Day were on our minds when we made the call on Tuesday – we were going camping - Roddies first time!

Despite a forecast for highs in the low 60’s and lots in the 40’s, we started out on Friday afternoon, picking the kids up early from school. Norah was actually napping, and Matt had the fun of whispering in her sleepy ear “Norah, we’re going on our Adventure!” She woke with a smile, we scooped up Rod from his classroom, and we were on our way! We had booked a spot at Lafayette Place campground in Franconia Notch State Park, so we were assured a site. It’s only about a 2 hour ride, so we were there and setting up camp in no time! Just as we were putting the final touches on our set-up, a lady walks up to me and hands me a balloon bouquet! What the…? Happy Anniversary to us! (Or, as Norah has become fond of saying “Happy Accessory Day”) My hubs is ALL RIGHT! After dinner at one of our old fav’ brew pubs, we settled in for a cool night in the low 40’s, likely lower….brrr! Both kids did great! Rod had a lot of layers on, including a Cape Breton Tartan fleece bunting that I am certain my mom never imagined would be put to this use when she bought it for Norah. He was snug as a bug in his pack’n’play tent, with a sheet keeping his own body heat in there with him. Norah, after a few Houdini like tricks getting out of princess sleeping bag, in her princess fleece jammies, did just fine too, with an additional blanket.

Morning dawned (not TOO early either) cool and crisp, but warned up quickly as Matt prepared us pancakes and sausages (and coffee, of course, coffee!) We went on a short but incredibly rewarding hike to Artists Bluff, with Norah leading the way up the half mile or so path – and I do mean up, like straight up! Norah is definitely at home on a hiking trail, with her long limbs carrying her gazelle-like over trees and logs. The Bluff offers amazing views of Franconia Notch and we spent a good 40 minutes taking in the view, the sun, and the repeated trips of a helicopter to the high cabins. Roddie was a champ throughout it all and is definitely itching to get moving with his sister! He rode in high style in a backpack, but got out to stretch his legs as well. After a quick summit snack, we headed down and Norah cooled her toes while Roddie had a bottle at Echo-Lake beach.

After naps and a fire-cooked supper, we stoked up the campfire, put Roddie to bed, and enjoyed some S’mores and our favorite local brew, Pigs Ear. The night was a little more eventful (Roddie puked on me at one point – my fault, shouldn’t feed him laying flat on his back, and peed on me at another), and we think a little warmer. After our second camp breakfast, I took the kids exploring the campground, while Matt packed up the site. Rod enjoyed the ride in the buggy, as well as his big sister’s company. Norah had a great time talking all about her adventure, and taking pictures all around the campground. We wrapped up this week’s adventure with the bear show and train ride at Clark’s Trading Post, somewhere I’d never been in all my trips to NH!

When asked about her favorite things about the weekend, Norah said “The Mountains”, and “S’mores!” and added “I want to go back to that place”. Matt and I had a great weekend too, and really love sharing the outdoors with the kids. There are some adjustments we had to make, of course, but I think the results are a much richer, more satisfying trip than any “killer backpack” I’ve ever done. Sure, it’s a LOT more work camping with little kids (How many rocks did Roddie eat anyway?), but with the right attitude, it is a LOT of fun! Matt and I both camped as kids and are totally on the same page, which goes a long way. As we’ve said before, and especially on our anniversary weekend, we’re so lucky to have found each other!

Yes, there are a few pictures J I will post them later.

Foto Finish Friday: Week 22

2011-06-03T08:00:00.000-04:00

Roddie Report: 9 and a half Month Update!

2011-06-02T12:14:00.001-04:00

I know I posted an update about Rod just 2 weeks ago, but he's changing so fast, another one is warranted already! Here's a quick look at his latest tricks!

Walking: well, not on his own, but he will pull himself up on this shopping-cart walker thing we have and walk himself across the room!
Swimming: well, again, not on his own, but we've had occasion to swim at our local lake beach and also at the ocean over the past week, and Rod loved it! I sat him at the water's edge and left the rest to him! He had a hoot splashing and digging in the sand, and was not the least bit intimidated by the waves (maybe he doesn't know better??) Even when they would wash up over his legs and chest, he was happy - and we're talking 55 deg F ocean water here people! he actually took it upon himself to crawl along the edge of the surf! It's gonna be a fun summer!
MMMMAAaaa: Well, he's not screaming my name like his cousin Hartleigh is, but if I am sitting on the floor, or on the ground, he'll literally come over, crawl up into my lap saying MMMMAAAAA... I'll take it!
Teeth: We're now up to 6
Picking Up Chicks: At the aforementioned trip to the beach, a cute girl in a polka dotted bathing suit caught his eye - and he hers! McKenna was 13 months and adorable. She and Rod were making google eyes and giggle noises at each other, and when I held his hands to have him walk in the sand, he headed straight for her and reached out to hold her hand! She obliged and smiled back at him. It was pretty cute but makes me wonder what we're in for in the years to come...
Eating Food - this one he IS doing on his own. He has really lost interest in any of the mush-type meals that I need to feed him with a spoon, and prefers instead pretty much anything he can feed himself - as long as it's not slimey (so a lot of fruits go un-touched) I'm surprised to see this happening so early, but after he was eating way too many Cheerios, and not much of what I was offering, I figured it was time to mix it up!

Norah News: First Trip to the Dentist

2011-06-02T11:51:00.003-04:00

Norah had her first visit to the dentist today. I didn't give her a lot of notice as I only made the appointment two days ago, but she seemed excited by the idea and not at ll anxious (no belly buttons here today!) Until we got to the office...

But, even then she wasn't too bad, she was a little more introverted than usual for the first little while, but Amy, the hygienist, did a great job of coaxing her out of her shell, and by the time we left, she was her chatty self. The stickers, new tooth brushes and getting to pick 2 prizes didn't hurt either :) We ended up going to a pediatric dentist, which I think was the right call as they were clearly equipped to deal with kids, right down to the mini exam chairs!

The good news is that all looks well in her mouth! her front teeth are a little more forward than they'd like to see and the dentist asked about prolonged pacifier use (which is funny since she never used one at all really). But, she said its much too early to worry about anything, there are a lot of variables as the adult teeth come in and her face continues to grow. Overall a positive experience!

What did we do before camera phones???

Memorial Day 2011 Adventure!

2011-06-01T22:02:00.000-04:00

As you may have heard, I rely on a few minutes of TV to get out the door in the morning... specifically PBS kids. One show that we (Norah) like is the Cat in the Hat. The Cat has a song that is played each episode about going on an adventure... this has become our theme song, in a way, especially as our red truck bears a striking resemblance to the Thingamajigger. We refer to our roadtrips with the kids - be they for the day or an overnight or two - as adventures! It somehow adds to the excitement and gives us all something to look forward to! This past weekend we went to Halibut Point State Park, where we had a nice walk around the quarry and near the ocean, followed by a picnic!

Here's Norah, ready to roll... she knows what's in store!

Rod looks pretty excited too, maybe he knows also!

Here's Norah and Matt walking in front of Roddie and I, heading towards the ocean.... reminds me a little of a picture of my sister Susan and my Dad on the beach many years ago, on one of the many adventures my parents took us on every summer

Here's Miss N, hamming it up for the camera...

I wonder where she gets that from.... ;)

Rod thinking about taking a few steps

Lastly, where we all are, overlooking the ocean on our big adventure day!

Foto Finish Friday: Week 21

2011-05-27T08:00:00.001-04:00

Roddie Report: Mama's Boy

2011-05-26T10:12:00.001-04:00

Rod has become a Mama's boy like I've never seen! Well, maybe I have, but Norah never went thru a phase where she so strongly wanted me and no one else. I'm assuming it's a phase at least, and loving every second, knowing it could end at any time!

I first really noticed his clingy-ness when I took Norah to the potty at church a few weeks ago, and Rod was fussy and crying the whole time we were gone. The minute Rod saw us heading back towards them he started reaching out to me, nearly diving out of poor Matt's arms as I got closer. I felt a bit bad for Matt, but the reality is that going to Church these days is somewhat about surviving, so I just took him and the mass went on.

There have been plenty of other instances, but the one that really got us both was one night last week. It was Matt's turn to get up with the kids overnight, but he called out to me for an assist. Apparently he was changing Rod's diaper on the couch in the living room, and Rod decided to pee, on him, as little boys do. The problem was that it was not once, not twice, but three times, soaking Matt, the changing pad, the soft and indeed Rod himself! I got some dry jammies, helped clean up and then went back to bed as Matt sat down to give Rod his bottle. It wasn't long before I realized it wasn't going well, so I got up to see if I could help.

Again, Rod reached out for me. I took him and he immediately settled down. We sat down together and he drained his bottle and fell back to sleep. I guess sometimes only your Mommy will do.

The Pros and Cons of having a Big Sister

2011-05-26T10:01:00.001-04:00

Norah is really growing into her role as Big Sister. She helps to feed Rod, she even mixes up his food. She loves to give him Cheerios, and often jumps to pick up his sippy cup when he drops it. They both love it when she pushes him in the swing, even if she does get knocked over once in a while. I also hear my own words reflected back to me almost daily as Norah "mothers" Rod. I was very pleased when I realized that a) he was strong enough to sit up in the wagon without falling over (strapped in of course) and b) even better, Norah was happy to pull him around the yard! Hooray! All in all, I think Rod really enjoys having a big sister.

I guess time will tell how much he likes getting his hair styled...

Norah News: Growing Up

2011-05-20T16:16:00.001-04:00

The other morning I was watching Norah. We were on our way to school and work, but I just couldn't resist taking a moment to watch her as she poked around outside on the way to the truck. I don't recall what she was wearing, other than her raincoat (feels like that's all we've worn for months!) but she looked so old, so grown up. She's still not 4 feet tall, but I guess it was where she was standing with no solid point of reference, but she just looked like a real, grown up person. Then I noticed Roadie, her small stuffed dog, who has accompanied us everywhere for nearly 2 years, and I remembered that she's only 3... and I smiled to myself, no need to grow up too fast little girl.

I wanted to take a picture, but obviously that would have ruined the moment, for me and for her. Turns out last night I inadvertently snapped one that pretty much brought the same feelings to mind. My sister Erin, who's getting married this fall, ordered some shoes for her wedding here in the US, and had them shipped to us. Totally blanking on what could be in the package addressed to me, I opened it up to find some really cool sparkly shoes. It was love at first sight for my little-big girl, who insisted she try them on. Pictures were snapped and sent off to Auntie E, and it was only afterwards that I noticed Roadie in the background again, looking out for my girl.

We packed the shoes away amongst chatter about the sparkly shoes Norah must have to wear to Auntie Erin and Uncle Eric's wedding. As we did so, I prayed to myself that the years to her own wedding don't pass too quickly, but at the same time knowing in some ways they will, life's like that.

Foto Finish Friday: Week 20

2011-05-20T08:00:00.001-04:00

We're No Different than Anyone Else!

2011-05-18T15:38:00.000-04:00

I haven't blogged much because I've been feeling a little dark this past week or two. The weather has largely been crappy - cold, dark and rainy when we're more than ready for spring - but it's been more than that. It's a combination of things really.. but sleep deprivation and overall uncertainty certainly play the largest role. As I mentioned in my previous post, Rod has been sick again, with diareah, for a prolonged period with no identifiable source. I am not terribly worried that there is something really big wrong with him - if you saw him, you'd never even know he was sick - but the daily wondering if he's going to get sent home from school and who will need to miss work is getting exhausting - not to mention the regular old Mommy guilt that I can't be with him when he is sick. On top of that, both Matt and I are facing new things at work - him a new project and me yet another new organization, that has us both a little on edge, as neither one of us is particularly good at going with the flow.

So, as we approach our 5th anniversary, our relationship is feeling the strain. We know we need to get out on date nights and nurture our marriage, and we're committed to it, but that hard part is trying to find the time, and to find it at the same time you have the energy! We've done a lot of talking over the past couple of weeks on this topic, and that has definitely helped. We've taken the time to see the other person's perspective and also to appreciate each other. Sometimes we barely got to sleep before the first of the night time interruptions happened, but I think it was worth it. But I keep wondering to myself, how do other families manage?

Well, the realization I've come to is that they struggle at times, just like we do. Sick kids, multitasking, laptops after bed-time and lowering your expectations are all a part of the reality for families with two working parents (I can't speak to other arrangements) We attended a birthday party last weekend where I didn't know the vast majority of the parents in attendance, but I ended up chatting with several and realizing they were telling me about the same struggles I was dealing with myself. With this new insight, I looked around, and I heard variations on the same story from co-workers, neighbours, and even my dear friends who I don't get to see nearly enough - had I thought to consider why I don't see them more, perhaps I would have come to this realization earlier!

Sometimes all you need for the sun to come out is to know that you're not struggling alone. The weather still stinks here in New England, but my outlook has vastly improved.