My Cheri Amour

Since Valentine's Day is quickly approaching, I thought it was the perfect time to talk about my sweet loves...Avery and Elliott. Of course, Pat as well, but this blog is strictly PG!



Avery started preschool a couple of weeks ago. I've heard from mothers and teachers that this transition is one of the worst for children. The first day was not great. He cried when Pat dropped him off, fell asleep at the lunch table and the only thing he talked about all evening was how he didn't want to go back to school. The next day, I was dreading what was to come. Little did I know that I would be met with a son who ignored me I went to pick him up because he wanted to stay at school. It took help from both teachers just to get him dressed. Even then I was left to carry both Avery and Elliott down the stairs because Av refused to come home. It's still a bit of a battle come home time. But, like I tell his teachers, I'd rather him hate leaving his friends than crying because he disliked school.



Elliott seems to be growing every week - not in terms of weight, but in is comprehension. One day it was clapping, the next he was waving and saying "ba ba" when Pat and Avery left for school. Still not interested in walking, he can crawl fast enough to keep Avery engaged in a game "Chase Big Brother Around the House." I've been trying to introduce more real food for him to eat, as I don't want him having any issues when he's at daycare. It can't be easy having just two teeth! At least he seems interested in whatever it is we're eating; this week he ate a whole bunch of my coconut lentil curry and tonight he enjoyed some homemade chicken fingers. Still, with all of this food, my slender little baby doesn't seem to packing on any pounds. I am telling you, I put tons of butter in and on almost everything he eats. I wish I had his metabolism.



Finally after a week of frigid temperatures and cabin feverish children, we were given a break with a balmy 2C day. We spent our day outside making snowmen and forts. Unfortunately, some hungry critter caught a whiff of Frosty's nose, grabbing the carrot and making a run for it. We'll know better for next time - only non edibles will be used.



While stuck indoors for the week, Avery and I spent much time making crafts - specifically, Valentine's Day crafts. We've made two cards for Daddy and about 5 posters that have a few hearts and a whole lot of glue on them. I've got to say, he's got a creative flare and I always try really hard to not worry about the mess that's going on while the magic happens.

The boys have also found a new favourite game - making a fort out of the couch cushions. Here are my two monkeys hanging out on a Saturday morning.



Well, I'm hoping the good weather continues as I've enjoyed our extended walks and not having our faces freeze off. And, we are heading to Ottawa soon for our friend Joel's wedding - so any extra warmth will be appreciated. This will be our first weekend away without ANY children. Avery will be staying with Troy, Misty and Braylon and Elliott will be spending the night with Nanny and Oopa. Yikes... now this is going to be interesting.

Did You Have a Ball on New Year's Eve?

Another Christmas has come and gone. This year was one of the best too. A house full of rowdy children, full of wonder and excitement upon seeing that Santa had finished the cookies and milk they left out for him the night before. What more could a parent ask for?



Avery and Truman get along so well and, with only a few hiccups, shared their toys like the best of friends. As soon as we got home from my parents house, Avery suggested "I wanna go Truman's house?" So, it's easy to see who Av's favourite person is. He is also an expert at mimicking everything Truman does (as demonstrated in the picture below). It really was a treat to watch them, however, I was hoping that Avery was a bit more of an independent thinker!







We had an extra special holiday this year since Pat was off from the 23rd until January 4th. Although our days have been filled with sickness. I guess you can't have everything. We tried to make the best of it and watched a lot of movies and went for many walks (not always as long as we'd normally attempt).

New Year's Eve was quiet and pleasant. We started off our morning with breakfast at Easy with the Kanas', who, at any given moment, will be the proud parents of one Baby Boy Kanas. We went shopping in the afternoon and picked up Avery a cool new pair of kicks (his choice). I was so embarrassed as his old shoes were sporting huge holes in the front. I can't believe my baby is in a size 9! I realize he's growing, but it's in these instances that I recognize he's not a baby anymore.



On our shopping trip, we also dropped by Old Navy to pick up Elliott a new pair of mittens. For some reason we are incapable of returning from any trip outside the house with both mittens. In fact, this was the third or fourth pair we were buying. Now, I know when I tell you the rest of the story you will say to yourself "you should sew them into his jacket with string." I really had meant to, but we went on our walk before I had the chance. Well, in typical fashion, we returned home with only one mitten. We were both so annoyed and we retraced our steps perfectly, intent on finding this lost mitten. No such luck. What a waste. I vowed then that Elliott would just have to wear mismatched mittens for the rest of the season - strictly out of principal.

Well, we have to give Chris big ups because this morning when we were all going out for coffee, he spotted Elliott's mitten against the curb. Sure, it wasn't the newest missing mitten and sure it was frozen and coated in mud. But Pat kicked at that thing until he could pry it from the frozen concrete. You'd better believe first thing after that mitten is washed I am sewing those bitches into Elliott's jacket.



Oh my. I almost forgot to mention that Elliott had his 9 month check up. It was the week of Christmas, so things were very hectic around here. Our little monkey weighed in at 18lbs 13oz and 29.5". Not bad! His doctor was pleased that his growth curve was back to where it should be, but insists that I still add butter to all of his meals. Oh, and to up his red meat intake. Honestly, Elliott lives the high-life. Poor E wasn't able to get his vaccination though, since he was a bit sick. I think I will wait a couple more days just to ensure it's gone before I take him back in. I am in no hurry to have my little one poked with a needle. Ah, the necessary evils of parenthood.

To everyone, we wish you a happy and healthy 2011! And, we hope you had a ball on New Year's Eve.

Tell Me it's a Tooth!

About a week or so ago Elliott and I were strolling along outside. He opened his mouth and just like a scene from a movie, a ray of light beamed into his mouth revealing a little knob emerging from his gum. The moment passed so quickly that I questioned what it was that I saw. Was it really a tooth? Finally after 8 months of waiting and wondering, was Elliott finally getting his first chomper?
Now, the thing with my baby is he is not the most cooperative little fellow. I tried and tried again to view this small section of his mouth to no avail. I pressured family and friends to "get in there" so they could verify what I suspected to be lurking on his gum line. It took a lot of effort, but eventually we were able to determine that without a doubt, our Elliott was getting his first tooth. It couldn't come at a better time too. I am telling you, Elliott wants to eat real food. Don't get me wrong, it's not like he's unhappy with the purees he's getting. It's just that every time we eat, he eyes our food like a lion about to pounce on his prey. It's frightening really!

Speaking of food - we've had a great weekend, filled with lots of eating! On Saturday we went to Aunt Michele and Uncle Jerry's for brunch and a much anticipated playdate for Avery and Truman. It is so cute to see those two playing and how much Oliver wants to be in the mix. Michele made an amazing spread with the most delicious bacon I have ever had. Sunday, we had the Carter clan over for brunch, where I had to make that great maple bacon we had at Michele's the previous day! Avery was so excited for this get together; when he woke up this morning the first thing he said was "Riley?" Of course, in typical fashion, Avery was completely shy when everyone showed up...but he soon warmed up and had fun playing with the boys. We are so sad to say goodbye to Granny KK and Poppy Ray who fly back to South Carolina tomorrow. We hope they have a great flight!



Avery has become quite the photographer lately. I have been so impressed. He saw our small Canon Sureshot (which we no longer use) and asked to play with it. Within about five minutes, he had that thing mastered. I am not joking; he knew how to turn it on/off, change the mode from taking pictures to viewing them and how to zoom. I know some adults who can't even do that! I am actually going to have a couple of pics blown up and framed. The only problem is he now has his eyes set on our Rebel. We will have to make sure we always store it out of arms reach as there is no way we are letting him touch that!



Now that the Santa Claus parade has come and gone, the Christmas season is in full effect. I've already started training Avery, who watched The Grinch about ten times last week. Now all we need is some snow to solidify the feeling. What the hell am I saying?! I will be regretting that comment in about a month... but until then? Bring it on.

Happy Hallowe'en!

I know, I know. I haven't posted in the longest time. I am sincerely sorry - we've just been incredibly busy. So much has been happening - most recently with Halloween.
This year was the first that Avery really understood what it was all about (thanks to dear old mom). I've been pumping Halloween for the last month! I just love it.
We had a ton of fun for the last couple of weeks making Halloween crafts, eating chocolates and carving pumpkins.
Avery thoroughly enjoyed trick or treating last night, hitting up about 5 houses. After which I carried him around the block to see the other houses and kids. I am sure everyone was happy that the weather seemed to have warmed up a little from the freezing temperatures of the afternoon. It was so cold that we had our first snowfall (if only for a few minutes) around noon.



Thanksgiving was a special treat for us this year. All of the Carter clan came to Waterloo to spend the holiday together. Aunt B, Uncle Jim, Cousin Rob, Granny KK, Poppy Ray, Leighlo and Luke traveled great lengths to join us at Uncle John's for a fabulous food-filled weekend. It was just amazing being all together and hopefully it is something we can do again in the future. Thanks again for everything guys! Thankfully, we don't have to wait too long to see Granny KK and Poppy Ray again. They are coming back up to Canada in about a week. We are getting so spoiled this year with visits from them. And KK, you'll be happy to know that Swiss Chalet's festive special just started!

The weekend after, it was time for the Braun-Topolski annual Thanksgiving dinner. I must admit that the day was quite a blur for me. The kids had been waking up extremely early all week, so I was quite sleep deprived. Somehow Michele managed to create a delicious meal for all of us on her own (normally we tag-team the duties). Next year, I promise I will be more help.

So many things can change a month! Since my last post Elliott has started sitting on his own. It was amazing - one day he wasn't able to, the next he was a pro! It's made my life a bit easier. I'm finally able to sit him on a mat to play by himself so I can tidy up a bit.



He's also had his taste of pretty much all the food he's able to eat at this age. And, believe me, he enjoys his food. Every time my sister sees him eating she is amazed with his gusto. Unfortunately, he still enjoys spitting up. I guess my good clothes will have to stay in the closet for a little longer.

Anyway, that's it for now. And, since Halloween is over, I'll be kicking off the holiday season right away. In fact, I feel Home Alone calling my name!

Senior Citizen

Last week, my little Avery started in the senior toddler room at daycare. He is growing up before my very eyes. He wasn't even phased by the transition. I couldn't believe it. Actually, now that I think about it, all of his "boyz" are still around to play with, so of course he wouldn't mind. His new teachers have already told me that they are impressed with his ferocious appetite and how well he can kick a soccer ball. I am telling you, AC Milan better save a space for him at their training camp.

This morning I went on a tour of the school Avery and Elliott will be attending from junior kindergarten until sixth grade. I've got to say I got a little emotional seeing all the kids running through the halls and realizing in two short years, one of those kids would be Avery. The school is amazing and I am so happy that this is the one they will be attending.

Elliott had his six month appointment at his doctors on Friday. I was quite surprised to find out he weighs only 7kg. I thought for sure he would be heavier than Avery was. His doctor was not concerned. She could see within the couple of minutes of examination that Elliott moves around so much that he is just burning off energy quicker than he can take it in. Enter operation Chunkify Elliott. Our doctor gave us a feeding guide to help assist our little man in gaining some weight. Lucky. I wish someone would prescribe this diet to me: lots of eating all the time. He needs it. He came in at 5-10th% for weight and 50-75th% for height - just like mom! Ha.





So once again, our weekend flew by. Packed with birthday parties and festivals, we barley had a moment's rest. It included a trip to the fabulous Chudleighs farm (can't wait to go back) and a visit to Misty & Troy's for an afternoon of fun activities and delicious food. Once again, Happy Birthday Ben and Braylon. Hope you each got everything you wished for.

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 ;)