Hot Child in the City

With T.O. breaking heat records this week, it has me wondering, what am I going to do to help keep my kids cool. Not only does our house not have air conditioning, but this weekend, our car's air-con stopped working as well. Really? Did this need to happen now?
Avery is easy enough to cool off: popsicles and the sprinkler. I might have to keep Elliott casual in just a diaper for the next few days. Plus, we'll stick close to the stationary fan all day.
It's hard not to be lazy and sleepy with the heat. As you can see Elliott doesn't try to fight it. He'll fall asleep wherever and whenever the feeling strikes.

So, this past weekend, my darling nephew Truman turned four. I can't believe it. I still remember the day he was born. I have to admit moments of his early infancy are beginning to escape me (heck, I have a hard enough time remembering Avery when he was Elliott's age). But, it is unbelievable that he will be attending kindergarten in just over a week.

Truman had a fabulous cooking party at Loblaws, where the kids got to make their own pizzas and decorate their own cupcakes (which they got to take home). Aunt Michele generously put together loot bags for the kids to take home, which for Av included Spiderman stickers. Avery was incredibly excited and decided that he wanted to see what his arm would look like with a tattoo sleeve. Insert panicked mother here.



Elliott has been growing like a weed, or so it seems. He can't get enough of his rice cereal, eating two to three bowls at a time without dropping any feeds. His 3-6 month clothing, although loose in the waist, seems short in length. I don't have the heart to tell him that capris are out this season.



Elliott has really started to enjoy the exosaucer, which has given me a bit more freedom in cleaning and cooking. It's a bit of a battle when Avery is around though as both brothers want to push the buttons to make the music start. I wonder if this is foreshadowing of their sharing abilities when Elliott becomes interested in toys.

This weekend is Labour Day. The end of summer already. How quickly time passes these days. I think the O'Brien's will take it rather easy and go out to our favourite breakfast spot one day. Hopefully the humidity will break by then and we can enjoy the outdoors. As crazy as it seems, before we know it, winter will be here.

Who Likes Cereal?

Well, I didn't think Elliott did, but I was wrong! After a failed attempt at having him eat cereal last week, we had success today. Pat is the expert at making the cereal the right consistency (my downfall). I was so surprised at how quickly he gobbled it up. Two bowls this morning and one bowl this afternoon. That's without cutting out any breastfeeding time either. I guess this kid was HUNGRY!

Today Pat had the day off, which was wonderful. We brought Elliott to our favourite cafe, Ma Maison, which he rudely slept through. But, we certainly didn't mind, since it allowed us to enjoy our pastries and coffee in peace. We enjoyed the hot weather by taking a walk by the lake. There always manages to be a somewhat refreshing breeze down there.



Avery has been a bit of a monkey lately (well, when isn't he, really). The other day, while he was playing off in the corner, Pat and I decided to sneak in a couple of pieces of chocolate. Pat had finished his and I was hiding my piece in my hand when Avery came over to us with a look on his face that said "what are you two up to." He walked over to Pat and said "I want some too." Pat said that he didn't have anything, but Avery, being ever so persistent asked again for some. This bantering went on for another couple rounds until Avery reached up to Pat's face, opened Pat's mouth and said "chocolate, I want chocolate." That little kid has a nose like a bloodhound!

Avery has been really great with helping out around the house. Specifically, he helps us water the plants. He does such a good job and makes sure to get each flower or plant effectively. However, I don't quite approve of his trying to suck out the leftover water once the hose is turned off. Baby steps, I guess.

Oh, I almost forgot to note that Avery got his hair cut a few weekends ago. Pat says this is his David Beckham look. I think this makes him look like such a big boy. It's hard for me to remember he's only two years old!



Next week, Elliott is joining me and the girls for our annual PA shopping trip. Not that I mind, but Michele and I often dream of the day that we will be able to take the trip without children. Honestly though, at this age Elliott is no trouble. He will spend most of the time sleeping, I am sure. And, I have many extra hands to hold him should I want to try something on. So sorry Pat, having Elliott will definitely not slow down my shopping spree ;)