Patio Dining

Yes--They DO Sleep!

Stand Up Act

Most of us of a certain age would welcome settling into life in which you'd be require to simply lie on your back all day and idle about until people to feed you, dress you, sing you songs, and bring you things--with your only obligation to act adorable. But for Carter and Nathaniel, the shelf life on that fantasy expired at approximately the six month mark.

In the past few weeks, the boys have steadily gained strength and awareness to the point where they spend most of their awake time flipping over onto their tummies, trying to sit up, stand up--anything, really, but what they're doing at the immediate moment!

During the visit to Pembroke, Carter took immediately to the freedom afforded by the Graco Easy Glider, and Nathaniel suddenly became adept at--and obsessed with--grabbing my fingers and pulling himself effortlessly up into standing position (again and again and again...). When we got back to Toronto, we immediately invested in a Jolly Jumper, which is a hit with both boys, even if it is mounted at the entrance to the downstairs bathroom--not the classiest location to be sure--but for reasons known only to Brookfield Properties, the only one on the main floor that offers a standard secure door frame.

Improvisation has the name of the game in this scenario so far (and for the foreseeable future), and to date, all of our decisions seem to be the right ones with our doctors, therapists, and most importantly, the boys. Now when they get to the crawling stage (which might be sooner than we think), we may have to throw ourselves at the mercy of the public. I hear that there's a property in the U.S. that used to house eight kids, newly vacant...

Chillaxin'

While the world reels from today's one-two punch of the passings of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson, Lidia and I had to contend with the death of something less iconic but far more immediately essential to our lives: our central air conditioning unit--which gave its life in the line of duty after nearly nine years of reliable service. The timing couldn't be worse--the days have been unseasonably hot of late (don't get me started on the city-wide trash strike) and the boys have been exhibiting some irritation with the mid-afternoon swelter (the heat doesn't bother me, but then again, I don't weigh all of 15 pounds!). Thankfully, we've got a sturdy ceiling fan and a nice steady breeze from Lake Ontario to take some of the heat off--here are a few shots of the boys chillin' out at ground level...

Mushy Carrots: The Reaction

Lidia And The Boys

Happy Birthday, Nanny

I was the first grandchild on my mother's side, but near the last of them to have kids of my own (there a few more who followed me waiting the wings). The wait was well-timed, though--today my grandmother turns an incredible 86 years of age, and she got a pretty good birthday present last week in having finally had the opportunity to spend some extended time with the boys.
Don't know how I can possibly beat this for her 87th...

Happy Father's Day!!

I know it's an old picture, but it's the only one on my hard drive with Robert and Carter and Nathaniel. Besides, it clearly shows the kind of paternal influence he's having on the little guys, given their wardrobe.

I love ya honey, and thanks for all the help and support you've given this harried, stressed out mummy over the past six and a half months!

First Pembroke Visit (Pt. 2)

'Round Town With Grandma And Grandpa

When you weigh only fifteen pounds and your chief modes of transport have been a stroller, car seat, and the odd encounter with Baby Bjorn, you don't have to travel very far to find adventure--a few steps out of the front door and it's like stepping into the Dark Continent.








Whether it was relaxing in the swinging chair, touring of the neighbouring side streets, or checking out the never-ending road renovations from the comfort of a shady park bench (and charming the locals), Carter and Nathaniel each got a major dose of fresh air, vitamin D, and sensory stimulation from every possible vantage point.
Change does a couple of city-slickers good...

Nanny And The Boys

Carter and Nathaniel were able to spend some time with Nanny at her new lodgings at Heritage Manor, which is located right across the highway from her home.

It’s a recently-constructed retirement residence that offers a posh dining hall, communal sitting and gaming rooms, canopied swings, a courtyard, in addition to private rooms of course (needless to say, Nanny's was adorned top-to-bottom with photos of the boys).

The youngsters' mere presence on the scene provided some unique excitement to staff and other residents, and it was very clear that even though she's adjusting to a radical new lifestyle, Nanny is one very lucky great-grandmother and the envy of her new neighbours. And I can speak from experience that the boys are lucky to have her, too, and their meeting was long-overdue, and the first of many...

First Pembroke Visit

Preview pics--more to come!