Two Years Young and Three Months Old

My baby turned two just over a two weeks ago. When I think back to Avery at a year, it's like the two are worlds apart. In the last year he has become himself, if you know what I mean. We always assumed Avery would be mischievous and the last year he has proved us right.
He constantly surprises us with knew knowledge and equally tests our parenting limits. I think he knows on some level that his insane cuteness prevents Pat and I from ever getting too mad.
This year we celebrated Avery's birthday on a smaller scale this year with a barbecue. That doesn't mean I skimped on the food though; a hamburger bar (complete with homemade buns) ending off with a rainbow cake and homemade ice cream sandwiches. It was a feast. Thankfully the weather held out and Truman and Avery were able to play outside for most of the afternoon.



Since my last post our newest baby also passed a milestone; he turned three months. I can't believe how fast time is flying. Elliott is also rapidly changing and it reminds me of how soon this precious stage will be behind us. I am trying to cherish every second of it. He smiles all of the time now and has begun giggling. We try to get Avery to tell Elliott so he will smile and laugh... but Avery just gets right up in Elliott's face and says "Joke." I guess comedy is not his forte.




Both Pat and I were shocked the other day when we peered inside little Elliott's mouth and saw a white dot on him gums. I rubbed my finger across it and sure enough it felt hard. Could it be that our little baby is getting his first tooth? We always thought his gums looked strange - as though the teeth were right below the surface. So maybe we were right!



The last few weekends have been full of playdates, birthday's and holidays and it doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. I guess summer is like that though. Last weekend we went out to Ajax to spend the day with Misty, Troy and Braylon. Avery and Bray had a blast playing in the pool and on the swing set. Misty made the most delicious lunch for us and the O'Brien's had their first taste of "mauby." Of course I thought of another application for the deliciously bitter drink; "how about in a latte?" Anyone? We then went on to visit the Katz family. Avery and Ben had so much fun playing in Ben's bouncy castle even though it was about 37C! Sam and Elliott stayed cool with the mommas in the shade.





We celebrated Father's Day at the Topolski's and took advantage of their gorgeous pool. The weather was beautiful and the water was just gorgeous. Truman is a natural in the pool, a trait Avery doesn't share with his cousin. Even though Pat spent much of the day chasing the little kiddies around, I think he had a wonderful day.

I can't wait until our next doctor's appointment for the kids. It's coming up on July 9th. If I thought I had no idea what Elliott was going to weigh, then I really have no clue about Avery. It's been six months since is last appointment and he feels like he weighs a ton! We see from his daily reports at daycare that he consistently two to three servings of snacks and lunch. Way to get our money's worth Av!

Time Sure Flies...

when you are having fun!

I can't believe I haven't made a new post in almost a month. We've been so busy that I feel like I blinked and now we are well into summer. So, what has been going on at the Merrick Manor? Zoo trips, visitors from South of the border, new baby smiles, new baby rolls and a whole lot of potty action.

This season, we decided to invest in a zoo pass. Avery just loves animals and Pat and I enjoy it as well. Avery's favourite is the hippo... and he talks about it constantly. We are going again this Friday, as it's Av's birthday and Pat has taken the day off of work to come with us. Looks like this is turning into a yearly
tradition.



Pat's parents returned for a visit and brought along Aunt Leighlo and Uncle Luke. Of course they brought about a thousand gifts and spoiled us all once again. Avery was a little intimidated by Luke when he first met him. Not that I blame him; Luke looks like he could play for the NFL! But, after about five minutes, it was love all around. I think Luke's southern charm worked as Avery has been saying Luke's name constantly. We can't wait to see everyone again, but it looks like we'll have to wait until September.



At Elliott's two month check up, I was shocked to learn that Elliott's growth curve had slowed down substantially. His doctor attributed it to overconfidence on my part, since Elliott had been doing so well. She told me to slow things down and be more conscious while we are feeding. Her advice worked because at our appointment his growth curve had returned back to normal. Elliott is now a few ounces shy of 13 pounds and is rock'n a sweet double chin.

All the extra food certainly agrees with Elliott as he has been smiling like crazy lately. He especially likes to bestow his adorable grin onto his big brother. This makes Avery get a little hyper, which in turn makes Elliott smile more. It's a viscous circle. I love seeing this glimpse of personality. I feel myself anxious for his development, yet at the same time wanting him to stay this age forever. Avery is turning two this week and you realize how quickly time passes.



While we are on the subject of Avery, I must note that he has been making great process with potty training. He has been consistently peeing two to three times a day on the potty and pooping every other day. We have decided that quite soon we will take the plunge and make the transition. We'll start on a weekend where there isn't much going on, so Av won't be embarrassed if there are accidents.

Anyway, that's it for now. This weekend we are celebrating Av's big birthday by hosting a BBQ for our close friends and family. We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather cooperates. Here's hoping!

ABC's and 1,2,3's

Avery has been surprising us constantly these days with his budding knowledge. Most recently, his ability to count to three and say the alphabet to about the "G" mark. Of course, as the proud mama that I am, I ask him to perform in front of our friends, to no avail. I swear to you, I am not lying... he does do it.

I can't believe that in under a year my first son became a little boy. He speaks three and four word sentences, he helps me cook and bake (& even cleans the dishes!) and climbs up anything and everything. In a month Avery will be turning two. It is amazing to see what a bright and sensitive child we have in our midst. Ah... as you can see, someone is becoming a bit nostalgic.



So, this week, Elliott crossed the 8 week mark! Unfortunately, he did it with a nasty cough and cold. It was so nasty that we took him to the Just For Kids clinic. Thankfully the doctor didn't find anything wrong with our little man, which made Pat and myself feel so much better. And, as a bonus, Elliott got weighed while he was there - 11lbs 7oz of baby sweetness. Next week Elliott has his two month check up and his firs set of shots. Ouch!




This weekend we will be getting Avery's hair cut. I am not looking forward to it - there will be tears (from both Avery and myself) and hopefully one happy, cleaned up little boy at the end of it. I know it's just hair and it will grow back... he's just so cute with his wild curls peaking out from under his hat.

Next weekend, Pat's family will be heading into town. We can't wait. Hopefully the weather will be slightly better than it has been this week - wet and cold. Finally, this weekend has brought with it some sunshine and warmth, which means there will be nothing but BBQ's and outdoor fun for the O'Brien's. I think our weekend adventure will also include a trip to the zoo. Avery will go bananas!

Six Week Weigh In

At Elliott's last appointment, the doctor was so impressed with his growth that our next appointment was extended to 6 weeks instead of the typical 4 weeks. So, we were all dying to know what he was going to weigh in at. The range of predictions started at 9 1/2lbs all the way up to 15lbs! I took a last minute guess of 10lbs 5oz. I wasn't too far off. Elliott tipped the scales at 10lbs 13oz, which means he gained 3 1/2 lbs in 4 weeks. Way to go baby! Even more impressive was the fact that he grew 7cm in length. The doctor again was impressed. We have to return in 3 weeks for Elliott's first set of shots. Boy oh boy... it starts again. Hopefully Elliott copes as well as Avery does with needles, or else I may be the one taking medication before his appointments.



Elliott has been changing so much. He has started smiling, especially at his Nanny and brother. He has also started cooing, which is quite adorable. I love seeing a glimpse of his personality! He has also been sleeping in three hour chunks...hallelujah! However, as soon as 5am hits, it's game over. Oh well, any progress is welcomed.



You may be wondering what Avery has been up to lately. Well, he's been loving the warm weather... playing soccer, basketball, or just burning off some toddler strength energy. With all of his time spent out in the sun, we thought it was best that he be fully protected from the sun... so we bought him some sunglasses. Now, he's the coolest kid in Roncy, or at least he thinks so!

Next week is mother's day. I trust the boys have pooled their allowances together to get me something nice. Actually, all I really want is a morning of peace and quiet and maybe a couple extra hours of sleep. Let's see if I get my wish.

One Month, One Milestone and One Prediction

This past week our little Elliott celebrated his one month birthday. He certainly has been using all of his energy to do one thing and one thing only - eat. I constantly hear from friends and family how much bigger he looks every time they see him. I love it! Next week he has his check up. We can't wait to see how much he weighs. I am going to guess somewhere in the 10 to 11 pound range.

This week I brought Elliott in to Westpark so he could see where his mommy works. Of course everyone was impressed with E, especially Debbie, who had the pleasure of being spit up on. Yep, right down her shirt too. She got the full Elliott experience. We also had a visit from Kristina, all the way from Ottawa. We enjoyed the beautiful weather by going for a walk through Roncy. Hopefully it won't be too long before we see her again.



We can't leave our big man out. Avery crossed a huge milestone this weekend; he used the potty for the first time. Pat and I were so pleased, we were hooting and hollering. Avery wanted to impress us more - you could see him straining to push out more pee. So funny. Way to go Av!

Last week we bought Avery a small portable basketball net. Boy, does our big guy have a great arm. In the morning, the first thing he says is "basketball." When I pick him up from school he says "basketball." When Pat gets home from work he says "basketball." At least we're getting good use out of the net. And apparently it's helped Pat with his game too. He was on fire at his game last night.



We have been trying to take walks after dinner before Avery's bedtime. It's been wonderful to get out into High Park and to see the beautiful cherry blossoms. They only last for about a week, so we have to see them as much as possible while they are here.





We've been closely watching Elliott's appearance change over the last few weeks. What colour eyes will he have? What colour will his hair be? Who will he look like? I have decided that I am confident in predicting that Elliott will in fact be a ginger. Yes folks, like a good Irish boy, Elliott is going to have red hair. And what better accompaniment to this than blue eyes. This is what I foresee for my little baby.

The Allnighter

Dear Sleep,

I miss you so much. I know I probably didn't appreciate you enough while you were around. I never let you know how much I enjoyed your company and what a big part of my life you were. Please, please, please come back to me. If you return, I promise to always let you know how much you mean to me.

Your truly,
Tina

So, for the last few nights, Pat and I have been treated to hourly wakings from Elliott. The first night wasn't too bad at all; 'Elliott must be going through a growth spurt' I thought. The second night was completely tolerable, even when he began fussing while trying to go back to sleep. Last night left us completely drained; not only did Elliott wake every hour, he was also incredibly miserable trying to fall back asleep. Needless to say, today has been a multiple coffee day for Pat and I. It hasn't helped that Avery has begun waking at night again. Poor Pat has taken to sleeping part time on the floor in Av's room. Not the most comfortable sleeping arrangement. It helps me to keep in mind that this stage of sleepless nights is short lived. It also helps when we can quite obviously see that Elliott is getting bigger from so many feedings. He honestly looks almost twice as big as when he was born. He even seems to have a double chin emerging.



This past week, Granny KK and Poppy Ray rolled into town. They've been a tremendous help looking after Elliott so I could run errands and pick up Avery from daycare. Avery has really enjoyed them being around as well. In fact, the one day they weren't here, Avery kept asking for them when he saw they weren't home. He's going to miss playing hide and seek the most I think; KK always finds the best hiding spots.



Saturday, the whole family got together in Ajax for an afternoon BBQ. Talk about a full house. Truman and Avery were up to no good again, running around the house and getting into mischief. Oliver stared at the kids, just wishing he was able to join in the fun. It won't be long either; Oliver showed us how he could hold himself up by grabbing on to the coffee table. Oliver also showed a lot of interest in little Elliott; he constantly tried to reach out to E and touch him. It was so adorable. Well that settles it; there must be a third Topolski child. Maybe even a girl?!







Today, Uncle John, cousins Riley and Will, joined by KK, came for a visit. Avery, as usual played shy at first, but didn't take long to warm up to the Carter boys. He was particularly infatuated with Uncle John and constantly tried to get his attention during our delicious lunch at Lit. Elliott was a bit rude and slept through most of the visit. However, he cooperated and not one tear was shed while Uncle John held him for a good half hour.

Tomorrow is the last day of the Outlaws visit before they head back to the South. We will miss them very much. But at least we know they will be returning in May, so we don't have to be too sad. I can only imagine how different Elliott will be when they return. And I hope there is at least a little 'new baby' smell left for Leighlo.

Easter Brings a Taste of Summer!

What a beautiful weekend! It started on Thursday with 20C weather and just continued that way all weekend. Needless to say we tried to spend as much time outside as we could.







Friday we were joined by Michele, Truman and Oliver and spent the afternoon in High Park. The majority of this time was spent by poor Pat chasing the two little trouble makers around the High Park castle playground. I can only imagine how tuckered out Pat was by the end of it. Luckily we brought along some delicious snacks to refuel. But our lunch at the picnic table was cut short due to an uninvited guest, the biggest wasp I have ever seen! And during this fiasco I learned there is one person more afraid of these pesky insects than myself - Truman. The poor guy could not relax until we moved (but I sure wasn't complaining about the relocation).



This morning, we headed to Ajax for a delicious brunch. We were joined by all of the Topolski's, as well as Misty. The boys (ie. Truman and Avery) had a wonderful Easter egg hunt in the backyard thanks to Michele. Once again, the boys hijacked Pat for a long, confusing game of hide & seek. I think we all had a bit too much chocolate, especially Avery who turned into a maniac by the end of the day from the crash of his sugar rush.







We finished off the day with some yard work. Avery was especially excited to use his shovel and was a great assistant! We still have so much work to do, but we got a good head start.

This week, the Out-Laws are coming to town and we can't wait. They are leaving this morning and we should see them on Wednesday. I know Granny KK and Poppy Ray can not wait to hold little Elliot in the flesh. Leigh-low will be jealous that they get to smell the "new baby" scent. Leigh, I promise to try to keep Elliott smelling "new" until you get here in May!