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 ;)

Home Alone...

This particular post is dedicated to my wonderful and incredibly hard working husband. Pat has been extremely busy at work and hasn't been getting home until around 9pm... hence the title of this post. I have been alone, at home, with the boys... and an additional yet adorable dog, Morrie. Needless to say, it's been crazy for all involved. I promised Pat I would update the blog for him to read while at work, so he can remember what his children looked like :) He's in the home stretch now, this will help him through the last two days until his vacation. Enjoy, my love!



So, what's been going on around here? Well, Avery has had a ton of fun at school. Over the last few weeks, they have been doing some interesting things such as a field trip to the grocery store to get stuff to make fruit salad, a train ride through high park and making Popsicles. One day this week was pajama day and it was so much fun seeing all the little kids in their pj's. They also had their faces painted; Avery was a kitten and loved to "meow." Just when you think your child can't be any more adorable...





Elliott has been a giggling monster lately. Usually his giggles are accompanied by hiccups, a bit of spit up and drool, but it's heart warming nonetheless. He enjoys watching Morrie run around on our walks...well, until he falls asleep that is. As you can see from the photo below, E's days are filled with only the most exclusive play dates. Please don't let Avery know his toys are two-timing him. He'll be crushed.



Morrie has been the perfect gentleman while staying here. He's been so good with Avery, who loves chasing him around the house any chance he gets. Avery has been persistently asking us if he can bring Morrie to school. He's going to be quite sad when Morrie heads back to Ajax with my parents tomorrow. No, not sad enough for us to get a dog of our own though. Forget it!

Anyways, Elliott and I are really looking forward to Pat's vacation next week. There will be a trip to the zoo, some eating out and a lot of relaxation! We can't wait.

Doctor, Doctor...

On Friday, I had the pleasure of bringing both Avery and Elliott to the doctor's for their checkups/shots. I had thought Avery was done with shots for now... but I had completely forgotten about him missing one set when he had croup.

I was lucky enough that my dear friend Ashley accompanied me to the appointment; she held Elliott while I chased little Av around the waiting room.

I have to say Elliott, since he's still new to the pediatrician/vaccination game, he cried less than Avery. Oh, if he knew what he was in store for. Avery, having memories of this nice lady stabbing him with needles for the last two years, knew what he was in for as soon as we got him naked. But, ever showing us that he has inherited his father's sweet tooth, Avery's tears stopped as soon as Dr. Vaz gave him his lollipop. Does she know how to handle the kids, or what?



Enough talking already, let's get to the results. Avery weighed in at a whopping 30lbs 6.5oz and 35.5" (almost 3 feet). That puts him at 75% for weight and 75-90% for height. Elliot weighed in at 14lbs 5oz and just shy of 25"; he is 25-50% for both height and weight. What is the craziest to me is that Oliver at this age was 2oz lighter, but 2cm longer than Elliott. I would have bet money on Elliott being longer and lighter than his cousin. I guess that shows how different people can carry their weight!





Speaking of Oliver, he turned ONE yesterday. How quickly time flies. We enjoyed a wonderful brunch over at the Topolski's followed by swimming in the pool. I don't think Oliver really knew what was going on, but he definitely enjoyed himself. Happy Birthday again Oliver!

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!