9.26.2008
9.21.2008
Dinner at Lauren's new apartment
"Hey, Violet, come see this cool thing, it's called a Chia pet. His name is Hippopatame."
"I WANT TO SEE THE CHEETAH HEAD!"
"I WANT TO SEE THE CHEETAH HEAD!"
9.14.2008
Firsts
There have been some big firsts around here lately.
First day of pre-school!
When I asked her teacher how she was on her first day at pre-school she said
"Oh, she was fine! She asked a lot of questions."
THAT'S IT?! C'mon, lady, I need details!
When I asked Violet what happened at school she said
"I put stickers on things and played in Tigger water".
Any additional attempts to pump her for more information has been met with the rolling of eyes and "I already telled you!". So, now she has a bit of a life of her own, away from me. She loves school, as we all knew she would. When I pick her up from school she seems very happy, but I notice that her drawings and paintings looks like generic kid scratching. At home she's painting faces with hair, teeth and ears, and family scenes with sun and water. Also, since school started she now has a running commentary explaining things and teaching to her dolls. It's hilarious. She seems so grown up.
aaaand....
Jem's first birthday! My sweet baby boy is one!
We celebrated with a small family dinner (even though he really wanted to go to the casino). He seemed a little unsure of the cake and singing at first. Violet had picked out the candle and had put the sprinkles on.
Warming up to it quickly...
Cake for everyone!
He's got quite a few words already, and can do a barnyard full of animal noises. He still loves to read, spending a lot of time sitting and flipping through a pile of books and laughing. Such a lovely boy!
In other news:
As you may have noticed, a year has passed and I still seem to be at home even though our beloved Oma has returned to look after the kids during the day. I'm giving my own freelance graphic design and photography business a shot, and it seems to be going well...even though most of my business has been family so far. Good thing I have a huge family.
It's a good life.
First day of pre-school!
When I asked her teacher how she was on her first day at pre-school she said"Oh, she was fine! She asked a lot of questions."
THAT'S IT?! C'mon, lady, I need details!
When I asked Violet what happened at school she said
"I put stickers on things and played in Tigger water".
Any additional attempts to pump her for more information has been met with the rolling of eyes and "I already telled you!". So, now she has a bit of a life of her own, away from me. She loves school, as we all knew she would. When I pick her up from school she seems very happy, but I notice that her drawings and paintings looks like generic kid scratching. At home she's painting faces with hair, teeth and ears, and family scenes with sun and water. Also, since school started she now has a running commentary explaining things and teaching to her dolls. It's hilarious. She seems so grown up.
aaaand....
Jem's first birthday! My sweet baby boy is one!
We celebrated with a small family dinner (even though he really wanted to go to the casino). He seemed a little unsure of the cake and singing at first. Violet had picked out the candle and had put the sprinkles on.
Warming up to it quickly...
Cake for everyone!
He's got quite a few words already, and can do a barnyard full of animal noises. He still loves to read, spending a lot of time sitting and flipping through a pile of books and laughing. Such a lovely boy!
In other news:
As you may have noticed, a year has passed and I still seem to be at home even though our beloved Oma has returned to look after the kids during the day. I'm giving my own freelance graphic design and photography business a shot, and it seems to be going well...even though most of my business has been family so far. Good thing I have a huge family.
It's a good life.
8.27.2008
I'll try to stay on her good side
This morning I took Violet with me to the grocery store. As we were walking across the parking lot she looked up at me sweetly and said "I'm not going to kill you because I love you".
Um, thanks.
In other news:
Shameless self-promotion is now featured on this blog.
Hey - a little bit of flair looks good!
Um, thanks.
In other news:
Shameless self-promotion is now featured on this blog.
Hey - a little bit of flair looks good!
8.19.2008
A Good Summer
It might by winding down, but we still have a couple of weeks left. Violet is looking forward to starting a pre-school and gymnastics, and Jem took his first shaky steps a couple of days ago!
Boundless energy.
This is his little scrunchy little Jem-face.
I'll start writing regularly again in a couple of weeks.
Toodles!
Boundless energy.
This is his little scrunchy little Jem-face.I'll start writing regularly again in a couple of weeks.
Toodles!
7.18.2008
Porch = Awesome
I must tell you about this porch that Jesse and I built. WE BUILT IT GOOD!
It's all, like, level and sturdy and stuff. We had no previous building experience, but we figured it out by copying the existing porch (but made it longer and wider and way more awesome). Honestly, we are fairly surprised by the good result. We even got along the whole time.
I don't have a good 'before' picture, because Jesse rudely tore it down while I was at the park with the children. I was pretty upset about that, having been fantasizing for weeks about dealing some round-house kicks to it's rotten railings. Maybe it's better I didn't get to do that.
In other news:
I called Violet a "sweet pea" this morning. She replied "don't call me sweet pea, Nana calls me sweet pea".
"What should I call you then?"
"Meat pea".
It's all, like, level and sturdy and stuff. We had no previous building experience, but we figured it out by copying the existing porch (but made it longer and wider and way more awesome). Honestly, we are fairly surprised by the good result. We even got along the whole time.
I don't have a good 'before' picture, because Jesse rudely tore it down while I was at the park with the children. I was pretty upset about that, having been fantasizing for weeks about dealing some round-house kicks to it's rotten railings. Maybe it's better I didn't get to do that.
In other news:
I called Violet a "sweet pea" this morning. She replied "don't call me sweet pea, Nana calls me sweet pea".
"What should I call you then?"
"Meat pea".
7.13.2008
Summer Hours
Both Jesse and I are off for the summer. I know I update sporadically at best, but I'm going to take it even easier over the summer. For those of you that need their fix, I will continue to post photos on my Facebook page regularly. Add me as your friend if you haven't yet!
Violet is still talking, talking, talking - always shouting "watch me, mom!" or "look at this!" as she spins around and somersaults. And I better be looking. I know she's ready for some structured dance or gymnastics classes. She's also always asking me questions like "what happens if I don't cut my toenails?", or "what happens if I don't brush my teeth?", or "what will happen to me if you leave me in the car?". I find it hard not the abuse my power.
We went to the beach yesterday and she got a leech on her ankle. I had to fight the urge to scream obscenities, but she was totally cool about it. I managed to walk calmly over to the lifeguard and ask for some salt, and then we all laughed about how it squirmed away (shudder!) when the salt touched it. She's so cool.
Jem, that sweet snuggly boy, is cruising around and climbing up on everything. He says mama and dada, cat and hi! He eats more then Violet. It's so nice to have a kid that eats.
I started to try and wean him, but it's going to be a long road. He is very attached to me (although he's much less shy now), to nursing, and refuses to suck on a bottle.
So, that's were we're at. Looking forward to tackling some home improvement projects that our marriage might not survive, a week at a cottage, more family reunions and enjoying our time together.
xo, and hope to see you this summer!
Nadia
Oh yes -Shout out to my cousin Emma. I hope she's written that thank-you card!
Violet is still talking, talking, talking - always shouting "watch me, mom!" or "look at this!" as she spins around and somersaults. And I better be looking. I know she's ready for some structured dance or gymnastics classes. She's also always asking me questions like "what happens if I don't cut my toenails?", or "what happens if I don't brush my teeth?", or "what will happen to me if you leave me in the car?". I find it hard not the abuse my power.
We went to the beach yesterday and she got a leech on her ankle. I had to fight the urge to scream obscenities, but she was totally cool about it. I managed to walk calmly over to the lifeguard and ask for some salt, and then we all laughed about how it squirmed away (shudder!) when the salt touched it. She's so cool.
Jem, that sweet snuggly boy, is cruising around and climbing up on everything. He says mama and dada, cat and hi! He eats more then Violet. It's so nice to have a kid that eats.
I started to try and wean him, but it's going to be a long road. He is very attached to me (although he's much less shy now), to nursing, and refuses to suck on a bottle.
So, that's were we're at. Looking forward to tackling some home improvement projects that our marriage might not survive, a week at a cottage, more family reunions and enjoying our time together.
xo, and hope to see you this summer!
Nadia
Oh yes -Shout out to my cousin Emma. I hope she's written that thank-you card!
6.24.2008
Three
Three years ago today, at 3:33 pm (isn't that neat?) Violet was born. I started hyperventilating with joy when I heard "it's a girl!". The doctors and nurses had to tell me to calm down because my blood pressure had shot up alarmingly.
I don't think I have the right words to describe what she has brought into my life, but I feel enormously grateful to have this amazing person as my daughter. She is awesome.
I tried to capture the many faces of Violet -
My darling daughter, Happy Birthday!
I don't think I have the right words to describe what she has brought into my life, but I feel enormously grateful to have this amazing person as my daughter. She is awesome.
I tried to capture the many faces of Violet -
My darling daughter, Happy Birthday!
6.20.2008
All About the Dresses
A magical fairy arrived from Qatar yesterday bearing the most amazingly over the top dresses for Violet!
Tomorrow we celebrate her third birthday!
Tomorrow we celebrate her third birthday!
6.13.2008
Update interrupted by tragically short naps.
Violet reading to Jem. Books are his favourite thing. He has an amazing attention span when being read to, and really loves the books where he can flip things on the pages. 
Jem started saying "Mama" (usually as a whining crawl towards me). I'm pretty sure he can say "cat " too. He adores himself in the mirror, smooshing his face against the glass. He's 9 months old today!
Jem started saying "Mama" (usually as a whining crawl towards me). I'm pretty sure he can say "cat " too. He adores himself in the mirror, smooshing his face against the glass. He's 9 months old today!
6.01.2008
This One's for the Ladies
Jem loves a bath. I usually get into the tub with him (he will no longer stay put in the baby tub), and it's all I can do to shampoo and soap up a slippery wriggling eel that won't stop splashing.
He's pulling himself up on everything (including Violet), waving hi! and bye! (especially at himself in the mirror) and will say "da-da" if you ask him to say "ma-ma". TYPICAL.
In other news:
Violet explaining to me it's time to return the movie:
"We have to uhh...go to the movie store and....you know...unrent the movie".
5.27.2008
Deep Thoughts
Violet had a bad day yesterday, full of bad behaviour and it's consequences. In the afternoon, she and I were snuggling on the couch and I asked her if she felt sad that I had been so angry with her.
"No, I'm happy. I'm just quiet because I'm thinking about something".
"What are you thinking about?"
"Things I would like to eat".
"No, I'm happy. I'm just quiet because I'm thinking about something".
"What are you thinking about?"
"Things I would like to eat".
5.21.2008
5.08.2008
Violetisms
This morning she crawled into bed with us, leaned over Jesse's face and said "Hey little fella, your eyes are still closed, eh?"
This evening, Violet was being so sweet that I had to tell her I loved her.
She thought for a moment, then said "I love everybody. Grandpa, Oma, Jem...and Elsa".
No mention of her parents.
In other news:
In rare instances, when the stars a aligned, I will allow a picture of me to be taken.
This evening, Violet was being so sweet that I had to tell her I loved her.
She thought for a moment, then said "I love everybody. Grandpa, Oma, Jem...and Elsa".
No mention of her parents.
In other news:
In rare instances, when the stars a aligned, I will allow a picture of me to be taken.
5.07.2008
Teeth
Violet has 20 teeth!
It was her first visit to the dentist, and she did very well.
Checking out the hygienist.
Outfitted with a bib and sunglasses (to protect her eyes from the glare of the light).
Trying not to squirm.
Voila! Clean teeth and beaming parents.
After her cleaning she was offered a prize bucket full of goodies and chose a temporary tattoo.
Jem is in full crawling mode now. He's been trying to pull himself up to standing, despite not being able to stand yet - hence the bruised face. At 7 months, he's already got into more things then Violet ever did.
7 teeth on my smiling boy!
It was her first visit to the dentist, and she did very well.
Checking out the hygienist.
Outfitted with a bib and sunglasses (to protect her eyes from the glare of the light).
Trying not to squirm.
Voila! Clean teeth and beaming parents.
After her cleaning she was offered a prize bucket full of goodies and chose a temporary tattoo.Jem is in full crawling mode now. He's been trying to pull himself up to standing, despite not being able to stand yet - hence the bruised face. At 7 months, he's already got into more things then Violet ever did.
7 teeth on my smiling boy!
5.06.2008
Some Oatsa
Violet kept asking "can I have some oatsa?" over and over again a few days ago. I finally clued in that she was asking for a samosa.
4.29.2008
Big News
We've had some significant happenings in the last couple of weeks.
The Girl
Violet is pretty much toilet trained. I remember an optimistic post I wrote almost a year ago about how she was almost toilet trained...but then she realized that toilets are for suckers.
In typical Violet fashion, she's gone from using a diaper 99% of the time to using the toilet 99% of the time from one day to the next. I don't know what the change was, she wasn't motivated by any of the incentives we kept offering (gymnastics class! taking trains with Nana!). She's very proud of herself, as she should be. Now I don't have to worry as much when she 's running around as a naked fairy.
The Boy
Jem crawled yesterday! He's also working on tooth number seven (but that's not as exciting for me- he's been biting me). He's also reached the age where I can plop him down with some Cheerios and he will happily feed himself, somehow picking up the little Os between his first and second fingers (who needs opposable thumbs anyway?). His lips pucker when he's concentrating.
Still is a strapping boy. Here he is showing off his 'come hither thighs'.
The Student
Lauren has gone back to Kingston for the summer to be with her favourite man - HER FATHER, and also that guy she likes..what's his name?...oh yeah, Alex. We're going to miss her a lot.
The Girl
Violet is pretty much toilet trained. I remember an optimistic post I wrote almost a year ago about how she was almost toilet trained...but then she realized that toilets are for suckers.
In typical Violet fashion, she's gone from using a diaper 99% of the time to using the toilet 99% of the time from one day to the next. I don't know what the change was, she wasn't motivated by any of the incentives we kept offering (gymnastics class! taking trains with Nana!). She's very proud of herself, as she should be. Now I don't have to worry as much when she 's running around as a naked fairy.
The Boy
Jem crawled yesterday! He's also working on tooth number seven (but that's not as exciting for me- he's been biting me). He's also reached the age where I can plop him down with some Cheerios and he will happily feed himself, somehow picking up the little Os between his first and second fingers (who needs opposable thumbs anyway?). His lips pucker when he's concentrating.
Still is a strapping boy. Here he is showing off his 'come hither thighs'.
The Student
Lauren has gone back to Kingston for the summer to be with her favourite man - HER FATHER, and also that guy she likes..what's his name?...oh yeah, Alex. We're going to miss her a lot.
4.20.2008
Spring Day
It feels like such a relief to have the snow close to gone and the backyard accessible again. It was a long winter, and I was getting pretty sick of it. A couple of days ago Violet saw someone walking by wearing shorts and a tank top. She cried out "SHE'S NAKED!" at the top of her voice.
Today was so nice that we spent the afternoon cleaning up the garden and setting up the patio furniture. Violet took a few trips on her tricycle up and down the driveway and Jesse wore Jem on his back while we worked. Grandpa came over and we all had dinner together OUTSIDE. Glorious. Jem was very happy to sit in the grass, pulling up fistfuls and trying to eat them.
Violet put grass on her head and in her shoes, then tried to cram her feet back in to them.
Happy Spring!
Today was so nice that we spent the afternoon cleaning up the garden and setting up the patio furniture. Violet took a few trips on her tricycle up and down the driveway and Jesse wore Jem on his back while we worked. Grandpa came over and we all had dinner together OUTSIDE. Glorious. Jem was very happy to sit in the grass, pulling up fistfuls and trying to eat them.
Violet put grass on her head and in her shoes, then tried to cram her feet back in to them.
Happy Spring!
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