Now We're Movin'

I was hoping that Avery wouldn't start being incredibly mobile until we moved into the condo. I know it was naive of me to think this; he is approaching the 9 month mark after all. Well to say he's become mobile is almost an understatement. This kid can move.
I also didn't realize how quickly he would become interested in getting into everything. When my parents were over earlier this week, I had brought out a plate of cookies for us to noche on. Not two seconds after putting them on the table did Avery pull himself up and grab a fist full! It was nuts.
If he's unhappy about being left in the living room while I go to fix him some food in the kitchen, he just crawls after me. It's nice to know that he's able to get to where he wants to go! He certainly has shown us that he doesn't like sitting still.
Next week, Avery has his 9 month appointment - weigh in time again.



Pat and I really have no idea what to guess with this one. Normally we overestimate, but the way this kid eats, I really have no concerns on how much he's grown.
And on the subject of moving - The O'Brien Clan is starting to get packed up for our relocation to our new condo. It's been such a long time coming that it seems surreal that it is finally happening. Luckily in the condo, it's one giant open space, so I'll always be able to have my eyes on my mischievous fellow!

 

What a Weekend...

I am finally getting to unwind; I poured myself a nice glass of wine, I am in my pajamas and I am watching the Oscar Red Carpet. I think I deserve it after the weekend we've had. Let's just say I started out the weekend sick and it hasn't gotten much better.
Friday was the worst. After a grueling day (Avery wasn't napping very well and I was just exhausted), Pat came home early and I was in heaven! However, after Pat played with Avery and put him to bed, the nightmare began. Avery would not stay asleep; he had unfortunately caught whatever sickness I was carrying around. He woke up almost every couple of hours. Since I needed some rest, we resigned to bringing him into bed with us. That bought us about 4 hours of sleep, but then Avery decided it was time to get up and play. Pat stayed up with him from 4 to 6am, at which point we switched off and it was my turn to entertain the little hellion.
So, needless to say, Saturday was a write off. We were just zombies and had many Starbucks runs. I can't even say what we did today, but it seemed to just fly by. You wouldn't think that the day would seem short if you've been up since 5:30am.
However, you quickly realize that when you are spending time with the ones you love most, you always wish you had more.

Here's some pics of Avery before our crazy weekend, reflecting his normal, happy demenor.

Family Day

We were talking last night, over our family dinner at my sister's house, about how quickly long weekends fly by. On Saturday morning, you feel as though you have an abundance of time to do everything that you had planned, plus extra time for relaxing. You blink, and its Tuesday morning.

I've got to say that Monday went by most quickly out of the entire weekend. We spent Family Day with friends and, of course, family. We started out by going to breakfast with Aunt Ashley and Uncle Chris. We were so surprised that Sunset Grill was virtually empty when we arrived. I should say we were relieved, as you are always on a time limit when dining out with a baby.



Michele and Truman came over soon after we got home from breakfast. We went for a walk through the neighborhood and picked up our afternoon caffeine fix at Starbucks. I've got to say Truman must have realized what suckers Pat and I are - as he manipulated us into carrying him for the greater part of the walk. I didn't mind at all, but it sure did tucker me out. After yesterday afternoon, I appreciate how light Avery is!







When we got home, I made a pound cake (part of my Baking Beauties challenge) to bring to Michele's house for dessert, as my boys took a much needed nap. When they woke up, it was off to the Topolski's for a lovely family dinner. Even though there was a little delay with the roast, everything turned out splendidly. Avery didn't even seem to be bothered by transitioning from sleeping in Truman's crib to coming home - thank goodness!

Mon Amour

Today, we are celebrating Avery's first Valentine's Day. We started out our day with a trip to Ma Maison for some delicious French pastries and coffee. The place was packed, of course; their pastries are honestly the best we have ever had.

We spent the afternoon playing in the apartment. Avery has been enjoying crawling after his soccer ball all over our living room. Pat kept Avery occupied, so I could finish up on our Valentine's dessert (courtesy of a Daring Bakers Challenge). We took a few walks in the afternoon and enjoyed the sunshine.



We gave Av a quick bath and put him to bed, so we could order in a Valentine's feast from Villa. What an amazing idea - we get delicious restaurant food without the hassle of having to find a babysitter. I especially appreciate having the evening off from cooking.

We are all set to enjoy the rest of our long weekend - which will include many coffee runs and going out to breakfast. Hopefully the weather will be somewhat cooperative!

Feeling Guilty

I know any parent who reads this post can certainly relate to what I am about to write.
Avery and I attend swim lessons every Tuesday at noon. It's important for Avery to get in a good nap before his lesson or else he is quite cranky, and I feel bad making him stay in the pool while he is crying and screaming.
Normally we go grocery shopping Tuesday morning as it ensures that Avery falls asleep (he can't resist napping in the stroller!). However, this week, I just couldn't bare struggling once again through the flurries to travel to the No Frills, especially when there wasn't anything that we desperately needed.
Because we stayed in, Avery ended up taking his nap a little later than normal. He fell asleep around 9:30am. Not a big deal, or so I thought. My baby, who normally naps half an hour to an hour max, slept until 11:30am! TWO HOURS!



With our swimming lessons beginning in a half hour far from where we live, it just wasn't possible for me to feed him, get us ready, ride (at least) 20 minutes on the subway and make it to the JCC before the lesson was over.
If I know logically that it wouldn't have been possible, why I am left feeling so guilty for missing a class? Should I have woken up my sleeping child, which would have left Avery cranky, most likely resulting in an unpleasant swim lesson? Of course not. Is it the fact that I feel I am wasting money by not attending each class I paid for? Not especially.
I can't really explain it. But, becoming a parent of a small child, you quickly learn that time sensitive commitments often get broken. This is definitely hard to get used to, especially because I am someone who prides herself on being on time.

Regardless, Avery and I made the most of our *extra* time playing inside, and as you can see from the picture, Avery had fun surfing the web!

A Little Taste of Spring

After two months of solid winter, on Sunday we were given a little taste of what's to come. It was glorious! The sun was shining, the birds were singing and it didn't feel like cruel and unusual punishment to take a walk in the neighborhood. With all of the snow this winter, I have really come to appreciate those people who take the time to shovel their sidewalk.

I must say we did enjoy the winter weather on Saturday during our visit to the Junction Winter Festival. Our only regret was that Avery wasn't old enough to participate in the free skating. Pat took part by standing on the ice for a few minutes - I took part by eating a few too many timbits and hot chocolate!




We enjoyed Sunday's weather to our full extent, taking several walks and keeping our curtains open to let the sun shine in. And since the warm air has spilled over into today, we have also decided to get our fill before the return of the deep freeze.
We attended our stroller fit this morning - boy was that long overdue. I was afraid we might miss it because Avery and I were too busy playing to notice the time. I am surprised I didn't knock over any school kids hightailing it to High Park. Of course the best part of stroller fit comes when the walk is finished, and us mom's take over Starbucks and enjoy our coffee and conversation.



When we got home, our brand new Mei Tai carrier was waiting by the door. I was so excited to test it out. We headed out to the library and before we started our walk back home, the little man was asleep. I guess it meets his seal of approval!

Our Avery has reached a couple of new milestones that are worth noting. He has finally started crawling - well more like shimmying, but at least now its forwards and with purpose. I've got to say it is quite entertaining watching him maneuver around the room looking for anything and everything to get into. The second is he has learned to pull himself up in his crib. I left him in his crib for a moment and when I came back into his room, there he was, standing and proudly smiling at me. I immediately envisioned him trying to climb out and falling to the ground. You better believe I took him out and lowered his mattress right away.

He is growing and changing so fast these days, it's almost hard to keep up! Next week he will reach the 8 month mark!