Cole this and that

Well, you have impressed us with how well you travelled and adjusted to the time change.  Frankly, we were worried.  But, you've been your lovely self and have been sleeping like a champion. 

You still dislike the ocean.  You will happily play in the sand watching all the other kids frolic in the waves.   But we have to console you often and remind you "Cole, don't worry, the water can't touch you here".

You're loving all the attention with the family... you even called Tania mommy once.  Being sisters, I know we look similar, but I'm taller.  MUCH taller.

Aloha baby!

Zoe this and that

So, we were on a hike in Hawaii... it was a gentle walk down to the sea turtle beach and then a gentle climb back.  For the last part of the walk, I was carrying Zoe on my hip.

Andrea:  Zoe, can you please  put your arms around me?  It will be easier to carry you.
Zoe:  I just put one arm around you.  This arm will relax, it's had a long day.


Another time, we were driving up to see Tania and Doug, Tadhg and Fiona (the rest of the family were joining in a couple of hours, like Grandma and Grandpa and Uncle and Auntie & Coral)

Zoe:  Why are we going first?
Andrea:  Because Tania is my sister and I want to go and visit with her.
Zoe:  Grandpa is my sister.

The Zoe Chronicles - Still 30 something

Hey Zoe,


I'm writing this letter early because in just over a day we'll be flying to Hawaii for our Christmas/summer getaway. 


It'll be a quick one too since you're in the bath, and it's almost time for books (don't worry, I don't leave you unnattended, Daddy is there with you guys).


You can write your name.  You are very good at drawing (see the lion below).  Your pictures actually resemble what you are trying to draw and this will never cease to amaze me since you're just three!

Your favourite song is "Mommy mo mo Mommy ma, Mommy mo mo Mommy ma".  I love hearing it and I sing a long too.


You have a new favourite friend.  A baby hippo called Tatia.  You always say "Look at my baaaaby.  Loooooook at her."  In this sweet adoring voice.


You fell out of your bed once and split your lip on the toy box on the way down.  Ooops.  Ouch. 


I'll write more next month, I promise.
Look at you baby, just look at you!


Love,
Mommy Bear
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And Then There Was Cole - 16 months (for real this time)

Dear Cole,

Time is moving quickly, and it's hard to keep up.  You're moving out of the baby stage and making your way into the toddler stage.  You are running now, and it's a cute one because you swing your arm like you just don't care. 

So, the other day you gave me a high five.  I was all "Omigod!!  RJ!  He just gave me a high five!!"  RJ was all "Yup."  (like, hey, lady, he's been doing that for a long time).  Then, the other day you waved a proper hello.  I was all "Omigod!  RJ!  He just waved hello!!".  RJ was all "Yup.  Errr, I mean, errrrrr, OH YEAH, COOL"  (trying to recover from the hey-lady-he's-been-doing-that-for-a-long-time thing).

Your sleeping is finally acceptable.  You sleep from 6.30 at night until 6.30 in the morning.  You have at least a two hour nap each day.  OK.  That took long enough.  Yup, just in time to flip you out and switch it up on our trip to Hawaii.  At least this time I'm taking sleeping pills with me.  FOR BOTH OF US. 

You hate the ocean.  When your toes touch the surf you scream as though you've been dipped in acid.  Then you get the shakes.  OH THE DRAMA. 

You have a happy dance.  It kind of resembles the "running man".  You're so retro, boy.

Love you more than all the drool and snot in the world,
Mommy
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.
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Servant Boy and the Cleaning Lady

So, we wait on Old King Cole hand and foot. We feed him. Chauffeur him around. Sing and dance around like morons for his entertainment value.

We wipe his ass.

But, now, he's making us HOLD HIS DRINK bottle for him when he drinks. I mean, COME ON.  (action: dramatic head roll)



Good thing he's a merry old soul -- I mean, if we're going to be servant boy and the cleaning lady, we want it to be for someone who's jovial.



Don't you turn ugly on us boy, or you could find yourself on the first ship to the Americas……… first class of course.

The Zoe Chronicles - 30something

Dear Zoe,

You love reminding us that you're a big girl. You go to the potty like a big girl. You need a REAL bowl (our ceramic dishes, not those plastic baby ones!) because you're a big girl. Frankly, I'm surprised you haven't asked for your morning coffee and newspaper yet. Everything is big girl.

You wrote your name in sidewalk chalk. This impressed us.

This did not impress me:

Zoe to Andrea:         I have a bum.

Andrea to Zoe:         Yes, you do.

Zoe to Andrea:         You have a big bum.

Andrea to Zoe:         Well, you're short.

Andrea to RJ:           You better say something REALLY NICE to me RIGHT NOW.

You always tell us that when you get bigger, you will work at Fevvyron (trying to say Chevron) with me.  And, apparently, Cole will work at Fevvyron as well.  This is good news, since I maintain that EVERYONE should go into Oil and Gas.  And take a touch typing class.  But, you will only have avocado sandwiches for lunch, not avocado and cheese like Mommy does.

 

One time we were driving home from Fevvyron and you took your shoe off to use it as a phone.  You were talking to Grandma.

 

"Hi Grandma, how was your day?"
"You bought a new house?"

"FIVE BATHROOMS???"

 

We nearly crashed the car because we were laughing so hard.  Oh our poor Zoe, living in the dump that we do, only having the one bathroom.  She was obviously meant for grandeur.

Last month, you dressed up as a princess (Isaac's birthday party), a cat (Xavier's birthday party) and a little Indian girl (our Halloween party)... and of course, you were convincing as all three...

Love you all the time,

Mommy bear

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.

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And Then There Was Cole - still 16 months

Dear Cole,

Since this is the only record I have of you younglings growing up (I don't journal, and I don't have a memory) I thought I should add a couple things to your 16th month...

You blow kisses and say moooooiiiiiiaaaaa
You kiss every single mirror you see (and say mooooiiiiiaaaaa)
After you take a big drink, you'll say ahhhhhhhhhhhh (like it's sooooo refreshing)

You have a few words
Beru (your favourite bear)
blue (hmmmm, I seem to recall this with Zoe)
baby (ok, a theme is starting? b words?)
bye bye
hi
ma
da



Bye bye! Moooooiiiaaaaaa!
Mommy
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.
.

Still singing our ABCs

Zoe will break out in her ABC song, and when I try to join in she'll say
"Mommy! This isn't next time!"

And Then There Was Cole - 16 months

Dear Cole Bear,

15 months and we used to think you were such an easy going baby. You'd smile at anything and anyone. You'd just take it easy. But, now, we're changing our minds. We now believe you are high maintenance and you have discovered a mini-temper. If you don't get what you want the MILLISECOND you spot it, you'll arch your back and screeeeeeam. We can't feed you fast enough. Can't get you your water fast enough. Can't get you dressed fast enough. Can't peel your grapes and fan you with banana leaves fast enough.

We also think you might be part dog. You love to chew on shoes and furniture.

We've had a month of changes… I weaned you completely last week and boy, it's not going well. I don't know who it's harder on, you, me, or Daddy. You, because you have a meltdown at bedtime and won't replace the feed with milk. Or, me, because you're my last baby and I'll never breastfeed again… and that makes me sad. (and the fact that I'll have to mourn the loss of my pregnancy/breastfeeding boobs, I've enjoyed them for the past 4 years). Or, Daddy, because now in addition to minding you all day long, he is solely responsible for the bedtime routine since if you see me you go berserk. We don't know how long this will go on for… we're starting to get wooooooorried.

Then, you were really sick a couple weeks ago with a nasty cold/fever. You were quite lethargic and this is so unlike you! I think you actually have about 6 sets of molars coming in at once, which is about as fun as filing your nails with a belt sander. Probably a little more painful too.

But, you got to dress up 3 times, 2 birthday parties and our Halloween party. You were a biker (Cole Shovelhead Beargut), a caveman (You Cole, Me Mommy), and a plush giraffe.

.

.

Man, you're adorable. You're cute even when you cry.

Love you baby.
Mommy Bear

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.

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You Married Me

There are many times that I feel sorry for RJ for marrying me.

Like,
I think it's hilarious to put the ice cube tray back in the freezer with one cube left.
I don't crush boxes when I throw them away.
I can listen to the same song over and over and over and over (almost like a 3 year old can).
I sometimes don't replace the last toilet roll.
And, I'm forever waking him up at 3am "What was that?!".
(I should probably stop before I get to the really annoying stuff)

But,
We were driving back from the hills on the weekend... I was singing Eurythmics Must Be Talking To An Angel (google the song and YOU try to sing along, it's impossible) and sounding almost exactly on pitch as how Bride of Chucky would sing it. But, as well, we had Baby Bride of Chucky (aka Zoe) in the back seat singing "Winkle Winkle Wittle Star" at the top of her untrained pipes.

Yup, RJ, you poor soul, you married me.
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A Bug's Life

I swear kids are like ants. They can carry 10 times their body weight.

Zoe just casually picked up her play table to move it around the room. As though it was a stuffed animal.

I'm pretty sure I can't pick up my dining room table.
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The Zoe Chronicles - 38 months old

Dear Zoe,

Another month has passed, and I think you miss me. You freak out when I come home from work and lunge into my arms. It's a gorgeous feeling every day. You tell daddy "I miss mommy" a lot... but it serves RJ right because MAN DID I HEAR "I miss daddy" for the year that I was at home.

You love love love singing. Your singing voice takes after me. That's not a compliment.
A B C D E F G, H I J K, OOOO P, Q R S, T U V, W X Y and Z...
(except I actually know my abc's)

You'll sing the whole song, and when you get to the "next time won't you sing with me?" I always say that next time I WILL sing with you to which you respond "why?".

Now, all of a sudden, it's like we're feeding you goof balls. You're high energy, want to climb the whole house, and jump all over mommy. I'm very fragile ma dear, you must be gentle with me! That's what dads are for. Well, that, and to scare the shit out of any future male suitors.

You still take a daily nap, but you always say "Me not have 'nuff nap" when you wake every single day. Well, then, Zoe, SLEEP longer!

And, the potty training. It has begun. My tactical move was to wait for my return to work to potty train. So, it's no surprise that it's that time! You cottoned on quick. To the wees. OH the pains of trying to get you to poo on a potty. You'll have to ask your dad about it one day, I think he's still a little sore on the subject. We resorted to bribing you with books (aha, we didn't cave and give you the sugary gummy bears or chocolate covered teddy bear cookies! foiled again love! you just may make it to 4 before you get them!) and, nevertheless, you had some successes a few days later, and it's going quite well.

My little girl is growing up.

Love you,
Mommy bear
xo
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.
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I have proof...

I now have video proof of what RJ is dressing my kids in.

Get a load of this:

Zoe was wearing a grey skirt, blue and yellow shirt, green hat, and I'm pretty sure pink shoes. And, they went out of the house like that! I don't get it. RJ's been dressing himself for at least 5 years now.
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And Then There Was Cole - A year and a couple months

Dear Cole,

How old are you? 14 months I think. It's been a busy one -- you started daycare and the earth didn't collapse on itself. I started work (4 days a week) and the sky didn't fall down. Daddy is now at home with you kids and I don't think you even noticed the first couple of days. But, then day 3 was a rough one… you must have realized this is not a joke.

Your climbing skills are pretty impressive and we've caught you dangling over the couch and coffee table a few times. Your walking is really good -- you're very stable and now are even trying to run! It's a funny bow-legged-knees-high-in-the-air run, but a run nonetheless.

Peekaboo is a well loved game, and Beru is your favourite bear. You will tilt your head to one side at meal time… it's a little game you like to play with us (you'll do it around doors too).

You're quite the Momma's boy. If you see me, you have to be cuddled in my arms. Of course, I have that effect on a lot of men (Ok, well, one that I know of). It's tough when I come home from work, because I have to sneak to my bedroom "in the back way'" so that I can change into my drool-on-me clothes.

We're tying a new approach to your whole "I think Mommy and Daddy should wake up at 5am with me" amusement. We're setting an alarm clock for 6, and we don't go to you until then. It's too early to tell whether we'll ditch the whole thing and sell you on ebay instead.

Hmmm, we do a lot of joking about selling you. We don't mean it Cole Bear. I guess I should also mention that we don't feed you vodka, dip you in acid, or strap you to the roof rack. Well, except that one time……………

Sorry this post is tardy -- I barely have enough time to do my nails anymore, so things are starting to slip……

Love you and big fat squishy kisses,
Mommy and Daddy
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My first days at work...

Have been great -- it's certainly different showing up for work and knowing that no one will puke on me or wipe their nose on my pants. Well, because that would be weird.

This is my first week and although I miss my kids dreadfully (have I ever mentioned that Cole gives the BEST cuddles?) it's been a smooth transition. I don't think the younglings have noticed too too much. On my second day of work when I asked Zoe if she missed me, she told me "No, I not miss you. Daddy play with me". Um, lady, I don't know if you remember this, but I played with you too. I have the videos to prove it. Maybe I'll show them to you. Right now.

The thought of starting work didn't stress me out. The knowledge that RJ was watching the kids didn't stress me out. The only worry I have is that my kids will be running around town in uncoordinating outfits. RJ likes to "experiment"... and it takes a lot of energy some days to resist the "Omigod, NO. You kidding me with that combination?" reaction. They should have buttons that you can pin on your kid "I dressed myself!" and "Daddy dressed me today!" and maybe even "Warning: This kid may explode at any time".

On a completely different note, I just realized that Zoe needs to sleep with an army of animals and items. She has Bubba (her blankie). Tuli bear. Wolfie. Cole Polar Bear. And the most recent addition is that now Cole Polar Bear has his own Bubba. Oh good gravy. This list is getting out of control -- the risk of misplacing one is too great!

So, RJ and I have already had a couple "days off". I am working Monday to Thursday with Fridays off and both the kids are in daycare on Fridays, so they are true blue authentic we-can-do-what-we-want days off. Do we do whatever we want? You ask. Run around naked or drink cocktails all day? (because I guess that's what I remember about my life before kids? haha) Nope, so far we've run errands. We've gone on our lunch dates but it's always smack dab in the middle of a lengthy list of to-buys. I imagine our Fridays to be relaxing and tranquil, but they've turned into "just how many things can we get done before we pick up the kids?". This behaviour must be stopped! I'm hoping we've got it all our of our system and we'll now be able to take 'er easy.

Ok, choppy post but that's all for now.

Hope all is well with you! Sleep tight...

The Zoe Chronicles - 3 years and one month

Dear Zoe,

Well, that month went by fast. Really, is it already the 11th of the month?

We have so much to celebrate -- and we successfully made it through the party season (Cole's, yours, and Daddy's birthdays). Daddy is now at home to take care of you younglings, and I will be starting work in a couple of days. We've had 2 weeks together as a family and it's been relaxing (since nothing on our to-do list gone to-done) and fun.

You like rules. If we misbehave or break a rule, you are sure to remind us:
* no eating or drinking in the car (poor Daddy can't have his coffee)
* no sitting on the tables
* that's too loud, use an inside voice Mommy! (ok, I can admit it, I can get excitable)
* no chewing on books (she'll tell Cole)

Your animals have started to talk. In a really high pitched sweet voice. And, they're very polite. Cole Polar Bear once said to you, after you gave him your favourite blankie, "I like Bubba, thank you Zoe".

But, this also means that Cole Polar Bear has been blamed for a couple of "misbehavings" too. Like, one time you told me that Cole Polar Bear hit Cole. I think it was probably you that gave him a nudge, but there you have it... And, one time in the car, you said "Don't push me over Cole Polar Bear, me not like it!". It seems we may have one of those troublesome polar bears. He must have been brought up on the wrong side of the North Pole.

You're a master at getting toys away from Cole. If he's playing with something that you want, you'll find another of his fave toys and distract and coax him into giving it up... with the trade. I guess since it's win-win, and you're very diplomatic about it, he doesn't even know what hit him.

I've said this before, but you are such funny one. You are going to have people in stitches your whole life. Some of them may even vomit from laughing so hard... that's when you really know you're a funny one...

Love you little lady,
Mommy and Daddy
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.
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And Then There Was Cole - 13 months old

Dear Cole,



You're walking... but only part time. You'll only do about 6 steps before you get so excited you fall. Your preferred mode of transport is still the bear crawl (no knees, just hands and feet, bum in the air).



You're a picky eater. You'll eat a healthy breakfast, and then pretty much just a couple bites of this and that for the rest of the day. It was actually starting to stress me out. But, it seems to come and go in waves, and the past few days you've actually been eating quite well.



You started daycare. You've had one day, and I thought you were going to scream the joint down since that's what you do at creches. But, you seemed to have had a lovely day! You go once per week, and let's hope that you enjoy it that much each time!



You give hugs. Great. Big. Baby squeeze hugs. There's not too many things in the world that compare with those Great. Big. Baby squeeze hugs. I love them.



You love giving kisses but they're always with a wide open mouth and lots of slobber. I think I'll stick with the Great. Big. Baby squeeze hugs. And bypass the whole Niagara Falls smooches.



A few nights ago, you were in the empty bathtub just after your bath. I got your daddy to help me with a duvet cover, and as we were fussing with it (just in front of the bathroom) I looked over and shouted to your father "OMIGOD, GET HIM!!". You had climbed up from within the oversized soaker tub and were balancing on all fours on the edge of the tub. Can you say "heart attack"? (ok, I actually know that you can't say "heart attack" I mean, you're only 13 months old)



You have already climbed up the slide backwards. Zoe was two when she did that for the first time. You were 12 months.



Lucky 13 my love, they've been fun!



Love

Mommy and Daddy

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The Zoe Chronicles - 3 years old continued

Dear Zoe,

You're practically a lady. You are always gracious in your movements, and every word and action is purposeful. You're a real sweet girl... and you are becoming more beautiful every day! You like to model, but since you are a shy girl, it is only ever for us. You'll do the "walk walk turn pose" as you strut across the room, do a 180, put your hands on your hips and flash those captivating eyes! It's ironic because you are at that age when you bolt when I try to take a picture of you. So, it's been hard getting family photos...

Your favourite toy is Cole Polar Bear. You lug him everywhere. And, you even drew him once. I was flabbergasted, as it actually looked like something that resembled a polar bear!

You're still a great eater, but there are two foods you don't like. Eggs. Sweet potato. That's the list. That's it. But, for some strange reason, your daddy keeps trying to get you to eat eggs and I keep trying to get you to swallow sweet potato. Really, we need to move past this and stop trying to force you into it. I mean, out of the 4000 foods that you love and eat happily, why do we care about eggs and sweet potato? Maybe your daddy and I need to delve more deeply into this and seek some help. It's not your fault darling, you're allowed to not like them.

This is the self portrait that you drew today. You're gifted... you take after your dad's artistic abilities, that's for sure. I have no doubt you will be an amazing artist like him.

You love arts and crafts. You help me make every birthday card (and do most of the stamping!!!) and love gluing things, and drawing. LOTS and LOTS of drawing. And you love playing with playdough. You even try to write notes to daddy (Dear Daddy, how's work? Nice day. I love you.) and the scribles actually resemble words. It's the same note each time though. Dear Daddy. How's work? Nice day. I love you.

You love singing the Happy Birthday song. I think it's because I actually told you that if you sing Happy Birthday at Cole's party, you'll get cake. Since then, you sing Happy Birthday to everyone. And every day. Cole. Ruby. Daddy. Mommy. Zoe. Mikayla. Even Pasha. But, we only actually give you cake AT their birthday party. And, at Mikayla's you had an ice cream cake for the first time. It was actually your first taste of ICE CREAM. The moms there thought I should be reported for child abuse. Especially since they saw me gobble up half the ice cream cake slice before it was placed in front of you.

Love you,

Mommy and Daddy

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The Zoe Chronicles - 3 whole years old

Well Zoe, there's only been a handful of times that I've wanted to feed you to wild dogs, sell you on ebay, or strap you to the roof rack and go through a carwash.

For 36 months, I think that's pretty good!

This morning was one of such times, too bad, since it is your actual 3rd birthday. But, man, we had a rough day. ARE. OH. YOU. GEE. AYTSH. You were cranky. CRANKY in all caps ma dear. Which in turn makes me cranky (just lowercase cranky though). You were upset about everything. And even upset about things you didn't know about yet. You kept tripping and bumping and falling and having bingles. It didn't help the situation... I think you woke up with two banana peels for feet.

But, also this morning, you needed 3 spoons with breakfast. The big one. The green one (to match your green bowl). And one of Cole's spoons. Just so he DOESN'T get it I guess. It was nonetheless cute. I mean, 3 spoons? Who needs that much cutlery to eat Rice Bubbles? I'm surprised you didn't grab a knife. You love cutting things.

I'll write a proper letter to you in a bit, I'm typing this in haste, literally as I have two kids tugging at my sleeves.

I guess it's true what they say... It's your party and you'll cry if you want to.

Love you and love to hug you!
Mommy and Daddy
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And Then There Was Cole - One Year Old

Dear Cole,

Well, baby, what can I say about the year that will do it justice? We had a very smiley year. Lots of laughs. You are so delightful and full of curiosity and fun. You are well loved, my boy, well loved by everyone that catches those happy eyes!

So, sleep was our biggest challenge. You were a good sleeper and slept a lot, but they were just in small chunks and you would feed often. Around the clock. 24 x 7. This made getting anything done very difficult and mommy getting sleep longer than 2 or 3 hours didn't really happen. You were "sleeping through the night" at about 5 months, from 6.30 at night until 5.30 in the morning. This is where we still are to this day. It's not so bad though, I just nurse you and put you back in bed until 7.30am. Your two naps are finally longer and regular. From 9am to 11am. And, 1pm to 3pm.

You've been an active guy from the start. Crawling at 8months. Pulling yourself up at 9 months. Walking at... well, soon I'm sure. You're very social and love the hustle and bustle of friends and family. As long as mommy is around. Yes, you are a momma's boy. AND HOW. Your favourite place in the world is in my arms, sucking your two favourite fingers. Luckily I like cuddling you too. But, sometimes, Cole, mommy needs to leave you for a split second. It will be ok. I will come back.

Again we lucked out with a baby that is content with the world and doesn't get upset much. I know that toddlerhood and tantrums are a couple months away, but until then, I'm enjoying having a happy baby.

You're perfect, Cole, what can I say? Daddy and I make gooooood babies! (eh hem, but there will not be any more...)

We heart you,
Mommy and Daddy
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The Zoe Chronicles - Alllllmost 3 years old!

Dear Zoe,

Well, 35 months down, and you're still as perfect as day one. This was a good month, your tantrum phase seemed to only last a couple weeks, so we had a blissful and fun month.

This is the 411:

* You always need to match your spoons with the bowls or plates. And, you prefer green. I think your sky would fall down if you had a pink spoon with a blue bowl.

* You love pretending you are Pasha the dog or Flash the cat (this is our friend Pete & Linda's cat). Except you are a VERY loud cat. I don't think Flash meows that much.

* You always stick your shoes inside of our shoes at the door. It makes me giggle every single time I see it.

* Your favourite books are "Hush Little Ones" and "Can you Cuddle Like a Koala?"

* You are waking early in the mornings for some reason… you are sleeping from 7pm until 6.30am. Then, you always exclaim "me not want nigh nigh" for naptime but then you'll still do about an hour an half nap.

* You can draw. You're 2 years old and you drew a sun and a plum (copied from mine). I am still gobsmacked about it.

Your talking:

So, we've waited longer than ANY PARENT OF A TANTRUMMING TODDLER should EVER HAVE TO WAIT to hear the words "I love you, mommy bear" but it's worth the wait. (I wasn't screaming at you, I was just exclaiming). You can say your name now. You've been able to spell and read it for ages now, but just lately you'll say "Gchz-o-eee" instead of "me". And, now the conversations have started. I can't wait to chat more with you, it's always a delight.

We're backing out of a parking spot.
You: Mommy bear, stop! Me want drive.
Me: Ah, you want to drive? You don't have your drivers license yet.
You: Ohhhhhhhh.

You: Mommy bear! Me see baby two teeth.
Me: Oh, you can see Cole's two teeth on the bottom? You know, he has two teeth on the top too. He has four teeth now!
You: Ohhhhhhhhh, me not see two teeth top baby.
Me: (thinking to myself) omg it's her first 7 word sentence!

Me: (singing a song to Cole) This is the way we wash our hands...

You: Mommy bear! Stop singing, me eating.

Me: humpfff

I love you Zoe bear even if you recoil at my singing voice...

Mommy

xoxo

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And Then There Was Cole - 11 months old

My dearest boy,

You are a charmer. You have us all wrapped around your little pinky -- even your sister! You'll pull her hair and she won't even flinch. Your bright eyes and your contagious smile helps us all enjoy life just that much more.

You are still the blondest kid I've ever seen and you still don't have much hair. You've got long tufts on the top of your head that still stick up. I've had to trim your hair around your ears, and when I compare it to the locks when you were born, it's crazy different! Dark brown versus white.

4 teeth now. You drool a lot.

We're pretty much on a nice routine at the moment. Took me long enough, but we're in the swing of things now. You are in bed before 7, you wake up at 5.30 or 6 to nurse, and then back to sleep until after 7am. You'll have two naps per day (first from 9 to 10.30 and the second from 12.30 until 2) and then a catnap late in the afternoon. You're eating most foods now, but you have a preference for bread and veggies. You're not a big fan of fruit (huh?) and meat (uh, come again?). You have to feed yourself, so now pasta or rice isn't really on the menu because you don't want me spooning it to your mouth.

You're a very active boy. You love crawling and climbing and exploring. You can now stand on your own, but not for very long. Your preference for crawling is the "bear crawl" or crawling with one knee and one straight leg. Wood floors.

You love your mommy. And, how. So, I got my momma's boy. You don't like it when I'm out of your view for a moment or two. I mean, I know that I'm totally rad to hang out with, but dude, sometimes I just want to quickly get the phone or get Zoe some food, or get a glass of water. We'll have to work on that.

You are growing up so fast (yes, every parent says this) and you are the loveliest boy. I find myself trying to "freeze" moments in time into my brain (like when you pull yourself up by my hair and bend over sideways to say hello), but alas, since I'd forget my own head if it wasn't screwed on, it's to no avail. I'll need to step up the video and picture taking since those small moments so easily pass.

You don't like the word "no" ... but baby... too bad. You'll hear more of it, this I'm sure. Zoe even says "no" to you a lot. She knows the rules. No chewing on books. No touching the oven. No licking shoes. You'll learn youngling, you'll learn.

Hugs and kisses my almost-one-year-old,
Mommy bear
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The Zoe Chronicles - 34 months old

Dear Zoe,

I'd like to start off by saying we love you more than all the sand in Perth… but frankly, my dear, you're lucky they don't have return or exchange policies for toddlers. OH THE TANTRUMS. You're almost 3 and I thought we were going to get away with bypassing this stage altogether. But since we've been back from Calgary and you've dropped your daytime nap, we've had about one a day. I'd like to rok up to David Jones, find that little girl that is getting her nappy changed and getting dressed for the day without chucking a major spit tyrant. That little girl? Oh yes please, I'd like to exchange mine for that. That little girl that will get into the car nicely whilst I'm holding a heavy bag and Cole? Oh yes, I'd like to try that one please.

It's always when I have too much to carry that you'll refuse to get into the car. Have you any idea how hard it is to get a liquid toddler into a car seat when holding a baby? Can't let go of the toddler because she'll bolt into traffic. Can't really put the baby down because he'll eat the cigarette butts and crawl under a car. Luckily I have biceps like Schwarzenegger and I can one handedly pick you up and put you in the car (not in the car seat, just the car). Then I secure baby in his capsule and then I have to peel you off the floor or the hatchback partition and try to get you secured. Did I mention you're liquid? It's like trying to get spilled milk back into the sippy cup.

RJ didn't really believe me that you'd have these meltdowns, I mean, you're normally calm and collected and just observe the world in a serene manner. Except that last weekend you didn't want to put your nappy and PJs on for bedtime and we had a 20 minute meltdown, and I think you even scared yourself with how out of control you were. I got very apologetic and appreciative eyes from RJ. Jewelry works too, you know.

So, what else has been going on? Well, your speech is really taking off. You're trying out practically any word and you easily string them along. You've even put two whole sentences together. You still call Pasha "Haha". You still call Cole "Deedee". And food (your favourite word I’m sure) is "boof". Want more boof. You always want more boof.

The most precious and heart warming thing that almost cancels out all the meltdown mayhem… is that you call me mommy bear. I'm no longer mommy. I'm mommy bear. I love it.

And, you LOVE to make Cole laugh. You'll laugh in his face and he'll crack up. He won't crack up for Daddy or me, just you! If he's crying you'll find a favourite toy and give it to him. It's sweet. But you're starting to be possessive of the toys you're playing with. I guess it's because now Cole can follow you and has the ability to take your toys and knock them over. It will only get worse, darling. He'll soon be bigger than you too!

Ok, that's it for now, so let's work towards a happier month,
Big hug,
Mommy bear

Welcome To Calgary... Stay Indoors.

Well, this blog is long overdue. I mean EVERYONE's been waiting for this… and by everyone, I mean the 3 people that read this blog… my brother, my sister, and I think RJ reads it too. Hi Ryan. Hi Tania. Love you RJ.

Ok, so we land in Calgary and the VERY FIRST thing the pilot says when he comes onto the intercom is "WOW. Don't look out your window". That of course means that we landed in a blizzard. Yet again. Honestly, though, couldn't have been more perfect because Zoe took a liking to snow and boy, there was lots of it. She particularly liked eating it. This girl loves eating ice, so you can imagine that this is pretty much a dream come true. Most girls dream of ponies or life sized doll houses or even a car filled with candy, but not Zoe… she dreams of an entire yard filled with ice to EAT. She still talks about snow now that we're back in Perth… specifically she'll have a look of disappointment on her face and point to the ground and sadly say "No snow".

Our first Vegas trip (before Calgary) was pretty special. My brother, his wife, my little neice, and then RJ's mom and brother met us there. It was hectic but such good fun. Really, it didn't seem like 4 days was enough, and this is Vegas we're talking about… where 3 days usually bankrupts you and you start yawning. But, our little man, now aptly named He Who Shall Not Sleep, did not adjust to North American time. This meant that in the first 5 days, I only got 10 hours sleep. This is not a joke. Do not adjust your set. 10 hours dude. I was a non functioning adult by the end of it. I'm very fortunate to have RJ, now to be referred to as He Who Is Strong Like Tree, because he just always took care of it. Walking the hallways with a screaming baby, standing and swaying with a screaming baby, playing in the hotel bathroom with a screaming baby. It's pretty crazy that He Who Shall Not Sleep was still a happy baby the next day. I don't quite get how that works. He did finally adjust after two weeks, just in time to fly home and start again!

It was so great to see all our family and friends, and especially great to see all my nieces and nephews. It's hard to see just how grown up and cool and fabulous they are, knowing that we can't pack them into our suitcase and bring them home.

Cole hit quite a few milestones on this trip -- he started crawling the day we left, he waved bye-bye, he said "mom", and he really perfected his Craps game. He's still such a happy baby and quite the ladies man. When he sees a pretty lady, he'll stop what he's doing and flash his two pearly whites.

Zoe amazed us at how well she traveled. She slept on the planes. She adjusted to the time zone in a day. She's a better traveler than most adults. She had a blast playing with Tadhg and Fiona and the cardboard cubby house at Grandma and Grandpa's. I made the mistake of going in said cubby house because Zoe and Tadhg wouldn't let me out. I finally had to escape through the window (this was like after an HOUR of being held captive). I felt like a Ritz cracker. Except less salty.

That's all for now… sweet dreams everyone.
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So...

The girl is still sleeping and I am still fasting.

I am blessed with a daughter that wakes up at 7.30 each morning (don't bother swearing under your breath at me, I've been cursed with a boy that takes speed and drinks 3 cappucinos at 5 in the morning).

BUT the day that I am fasting for a blood test, she sleeps until 9. Now, I don't like to eat the second after I wake up, I like to wait a little while and wake up a bit. BUT I DO like to eat before I have to flip the calendar.

I think I may crack and go for some cereal. Do the blood test tomorrow.

Ah! Just jinxed it... I hear the girl a-calling.

So... Overnight...

So, a couple bizarre things happened overnight.

One.
Zoe now has bananas in her ears. All of a sudden, one morning, she stopped listening to me. Zoe, don't push that chair into the painting. Zoe, leave the cheese on the bench. Zoe, can you get your shoes? Well, not once did she listen and do. The chair hit the painting with quite the force (with a devilish smirk on her face). She grabbed and ate the cheese (with devilish smirk). She ran to play with her toys instead of getting her shoes. Like I said. Bananas in her ears. "What? Can't hear you mom, I've got bananas in my ears"

Two.
Cole has found his scream. It's like a skreech. No, a squawk. Hmmm, maybe a squeal. It's a screaming-squawking-skreechy squealer sound. And it's ALL THE TIME. He loves it. Zoe's not too keen on it when she's sleeping. Why doesn't he try mum mum mum mum mum instead? That would be much more pleasant! (note that I did not say dadadadadadada)

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And Then There Was Cole - 8 months now

Dear Cole,

You are now 8 months old and I don't know where the time goes. I still vividly remember the day you were born, our first week in hospital, and I always get weepy thinking about it. Just holding your tiny body, cuddling with you, and staring at you endlessly, it has been magical having you, my baby boy. Second kids are different from the first. Especially since I know you will be my last baby, I'm trying to enjoy you and delight in you as much as I can. I try to burn certain memories into my brain, but I know the small things are all too easily forgotten. Thank god for pictures and videos, because they really do capture the way life is and how it looks. We're much more relaxed with second kids. I let you eat dirt. If a toy falls to the ground, I don't sterilize it for 5 minutes, I just pick off the dog hair and pass it back to you. I let you chew on things that you probably shouldn't be chewing on (like the dog's tail, gardening tools, the vodka bottle) (ok, kidding about the vodka bottle). I haven't done the whole "boiled, cooled water" thing… you've had tap water from day dot. Frankly, I'm surprised I haven't given you a Big Mac yet.

Your internal body clock still loves 5.30. Apparently this is not something you grow out of. We're stuck with it. I'm sure this means that I will hold this over your head for years to come. I won't hold a 36 hour labour over your head like most moms, because well, I didn't have a 36 hour labour, and your birth was a breeze and the pain killers were awesome. But starting each day at 5.30… now that's something to tuck into my back pocket to be brought up again when you're 13. 5.30 dude. You owe me.

You are a mover and a shaker. You are practically crawling -- you are rocking back and forth and have almost made the connection on moving hand, then knee, then hand, then knee. It will be any day now. You're getting around though, mainly by sitting, reaching, sitting back up, reaching, scooting backwards, etc.

You love swimming class.

And, although you are still such a happy, cackly, smiley, pleasant baby boy, you have started the separation anxiety phase. If I leave the room for seconds to grab the phone or OMIGOD grab a glass of water, you'll cry. I'm getting very good at cooking a 5 course meal and cleaning the house with one hand whilst the other holds you on my hip.

You still have no teeth.

Sleep… well, we've talked about the 5.30 start. Otherwise, you are still doing 3-ish naps. A quick one from 7-8am, then two longish ones mid morning and then early avo. We start your bath at 5.30pm and you're in bed by 6. We've tried putting you to bed later, but you still insist on that early wake up call, so we gave up. We'll try again soon.

You love to suck on my hair.

You love to suck on two of your fingers on your right hand. I so wished you had stuck with the soother, but apparently, some things are just plain out of my control.

You are still blonde. Your hair sticks up at the back. It's cute.

Ok, so the solids thing is still not going so well. You're not really eating much, you push most of it out with your tongue, so I’m feeling a smidge like a failure. I can't force feed you, so I'll just have to sit back, relax, and hope it happens soon. We could be in trouble if you're still just primarily nursing when I go back to work. BIG trouble. But I won't think about that now.

You're a lean little baby. No bum. Just like your dad.

This month is when you become a world traveler. You'll be in Japan, the States, and Canada. Your baby passport is adorable. I can't wait for you to meet all the family in Canada. And, I'm sure they're dying to meet you too!!

My friends think you look like my dad. I think you have more hair though. Shhhh, don't tell my dad I said that. But, we'll soon find out, we'll put you and my dad side by side to compare resemblances.

Cole, you're precious. We are smitten.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

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Who's afraid of a little water?

Zoe, Cole and I were in the car (just on our way back from the post office) when we saw some awesome lightening. The sky was dark and ominous and the light strikes were spectacular. We drove around so that Zoe could watch the storm, and found a nice vantage point a block from our house, just beside a park. I was surprised at how much Zoe liked the storm! I've always been partial to lightening (and hail) storms myself. But, then, I noticed a huge dark mass right above us and starting to swirl. I've actually seen tornadoes in Alberta, so when the wind instantly howled and tree debris started to blow 3 stories up, this is when I thought to myself "Self, you should probably not be storm watching with your two kids in the back seat. Time to go home". Luckily we were a block away because after I pulled into the garage, and ferried the kids into the house, all we could hear was an absolute torrential downpour.

That's when we discovered our kitchen ceiling was made of swiss cheese. We had every pot and bowl strategically placed under the drips.

This was the worst storm that Perth has had in 50 years.

King's Park had a landslide (unfortunately, into someone's apartment), rivers were flowing through streets, golf ball sized hail pummeled Subi (the suburb we lived in when we first moved to Perth!)… it was quite the event. And I was storm watching. With my kids. Ooooops.

You can see some news coverage here.

Our tub is so big...

That Zoe can drive her dump truck around me when we're taking a bath together.

Now that's big.


(or as I like to think of it, that we are both small bottomed)

The Zoe Chronicles - You love your food

So, Zoe has about 100 words. The normal ones, hi, bye-bye, mom, dad, up, down, water, etc etc.

Today, she added cous-cous.

She doesn't say store or shop or grass or kick, but she says cous-cous. You'll go far with that one, little girl. Yup, "cous-cous" comes up in many conversations... "Hey, have you heard the one about the rice farmer and the cous-cous maker?" .... "So a grain of cous-cous walked into a bar".... "Excuse me neighbor, do you happen to have any cous-cous?". You might as well add antidisestablishmentarianism. It's almost as useful.




ps - How adorable is our little girl? I'll tell you. I made the Morroccan tajine today (with said cous-cous) and Zoe took one bite and said "Mmmm. Thank you mom". AND THEN, she made sure that Daddy thanked me too. Tee hee. Love you Zozo. She loves her spicy chick pea curry, thai green curry, mexican enchilladas, indian butter chicken, and now morroccan tajines. And, she loves beetroot which is very Aussie. She's so worldly.

Mobile phone manners matter

So, we were camping on the weekend and I was in the bathroom brushing my teeth.

There was a lady showering. Her mobile phone rang. I thought it odd that she even brought it with her, but that's not the end of the story. SHE ANSWERED THE PHONE. Now, there are quite a number of situations where answering a mobile phone is just plain wrong. Showering is just one of them. I mean, SURELY, every phone call can wait 10 minutes. It's bizarre to me that people don’t seem to know this, so just in case, let me help.

You should NOT answer your phone if you are:
* showering
* in the toilet (that's just gross)
* driving
* swimming
* shaking hands with the Queen
* striking a romantic note, if you know what I mean, nudge nudge, wink wink
* getting operated on
* carrying a piano
* performing CPR on someone
* at the podium about to accept your Olympic Gold Medal
* about to say "I DO" at your wedding
* at the theatre
* already on the phone with someone else

You should NOT engage in a lengthy mobile phone conversation if you are:
* at a job interview
* about to get operated on
* in a face to face conversation with me! (or anyone!)
* on a date
* already one the phone with someone else

The Zoe Chronicles - The Girl is 31 months old

Dear Zoe,

31 months down and this is what you're like:

You like to dress and undress yourself. You're very good at putting your shoes on. You think it's funny when you get them on the wrong feet. You giggle. I giggle. We all giggle. You are very patient with buttons. You're a zen master when it comes to buttons. Cole pulling your hair? Not so calm and zen-like.

You've named one foot Mommy and one foot Daddy. They talk to each other a lot. Nappy changes, car rides, your talking feet are entertaining. To everyone. I'm sure a podiatrist would LOVE to see these talking feet and chronicle them in the next Foot Express Magazine.

Even though you were a "late talker", your speech is coming along nicely. You have lots of words and use them wisely. You've got many verbs in your arsenal of words so that helps with sentence-making. You LOVE saying "Thank you mom" and "Thank you Dad". Unprompted too. It's especially cute when we have your favourite meal for dinner (creamy pasta with bacon).... you'll take one bite, roll your eyes as if we've just served you a slice of heaven, and say "Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, thank you mom".

You are shy. You won't really talk around others, and you still like to hang back and observe. We went camping on the weekend and two notable things happened. (1) You saw all the other big kids mastering the playground and this made you much more adventurous. You climbed up the slide and then progressed to running up. (2) You said "Hi!" to Isaac. That last one is notable because you are a late talker and shy, so we're combining two traits together in one! You love the swing -- you'll hang over it and watch your feet.

You share. Your food. This is substantial because 2 and a half year olds don't share. And, you love your food, so this is a mystery to us. But, there you have it... you lovely girl. Still the only food you dislike are eggs. Of late, your favourites are pickles, beetroot, red pepper, frozen peas and corn, and ice. We've still managed to keep you away from sugar/chocolate/cakes/sweets/juice... it's honestly as easy as steering you towards ice or pickles. So far.

You love hearing the same song over and over and over again. Yellow by Coldplay. Or 1234 by Feist. Or She by Elvis Costello. You get this trait from me. I don't mind playing 1234 a hundred times in a row. In fact, I love it too.

You sleep with Tuli (a bear) and your blankie (called "Bubba"). I'm regretting letting you sleep with a blankie because quite frankly, it's feral. You have two and we rotate it and wash them often, but you suck on these four used-to-be-velvet-tabs-and-now-they're-cardboard ribbons and they're so discolored and stinky. I've actually googled "dangers of stinky blankie" to discover that unfortunately, it's not bad for you. (I was secretly hoping that it would be wrought with knife-wielding-death-trap-bacteria and that we'd have to toss them). It's cute to watch you with your blankie, as you'll rotate sucking on these 4 cardboard tabs and swish the others between your fingers. Unfortunately, you've tried to stick this blankie in my mouth (to SHARE) a couple of times..... Ick. You can keep it darling.

On the down side... you've been waking up early. 6.30am is when your internal alarm is going off. Since this is an hour earlier than normal, you are waking up grouchy. Many mornings this week, you've had to "rest" with Bubba in your cot. Sometimes you sleep for an hour or two (and still have your long midday nap) and sometimes you rest for half an hour. I can always tell what kind of day we're going to have by the way you wake up. Funny that it's kind of the same with adults.

Let's not end on that... so... let's see. You love chasing games. We'll hide behind a door or wall and grab you... and this will send you into a fit of giggles. Then you want us to chase you. Or you'll chase us. As long as there is running up and down the hallways, you're happy.

Hugs, and smooches, and raspberries, and eskimo kisses,
Mommy and Daddy
xoxo
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And Then There Was Cole - 7 months down

Hey Cole,

You're 7 months old and a delightful little chap. We couldn't have ordered a better baby than you -- even from a North American online site. Let's see... you're sitting on your own very well and quite the little climber. You'll grab anything you can to launch yourself over or out. For instance, in your baby bath, you'll be all "Ok, let's climb out. Nah, I'll grab myself. No, should try to climb out. Hmmm, grab myself. Ooooh, I'll get outta here. But, grab myself". It's quite entertaining. I'm sure in 30 years your future wife will think this is hilarious. To your dismay.

We've tried solids again, and it's going better. I think you actually swallow some. With some dramatic gagging of course.

You laugh and giggle all the time and all it takes is for someone to look at you. You also cackle. The carseat and the baby swing outside make you cackle "cack, cack, cack" -- it's a really cute laugh.

We're still enjoying the amount of sleep you give us. You'll have 4 naps some days (a couple 50 minute ones, a 2 hour one, and then a late catnap) but then some days you'll give us two long naps of 2 hours each. You're still in bed by 6.30pm since we just can't seem to keep you up. This means that you wake up at 6.10 in the morning, with the occasional 5.40 start (we don't go get you, you have to wait it out). I'm waiting for the days when we can stretch you to 7pm. Hopefully then we'll see the end of the 5ams.

Still no teeth.

You love to suck on my hair. Man, you can get my locks curled around your chubby hands faster than you can say "pony tail". Maybe it's the yummy "fruits of the forest" hair products I use... you'd think it would taste soapy though.

We dote on you little man, you're gorgeous.
Love
Mommy and Daddy
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The Zoe Chronicles - I'm Entertaining Elephants

So, when Zoe walks down the hallway (in front of Cole's room) she sounds like an elephant! How can something smaller than my left leg make such a raucous? Has someone been feeding her lead filled sandwiches? Putting sand bags in her nappies? Is she carrying a world on her shoulder?

I have now taught her to tip toe when she passes his door...

Hee hee.

Sleep baby sleep.
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The Zoe Chronicles - 2 and a half

Dear Zoe,

You are two and a half. And soooo much more mature than 2. You're a little girl and with this new maturity comes some pretty strong opinions and some pretty awesome meltdowns. Terrible twos? I don't think I'd call it that. Bad hair days? Maybe. Especially since I just cut your fringe and it's way too short. You look WAY younger than you are. You look about 18. 18 months that is. I'm surprised you weren't ID'd at kindy. But, at least this unsightly haircut coincided with my camera being in the shop. So, there won't be toooo much evidence of said unsightly haircut.

We've had a few rough mornings where you'll burst into tears when it's time for you to get dressed. And no amount of consoling seems to help. I even offer to let you run around half naked and that seems to spin you out even more. Which is surprising since running around the house slapping your belly has previously lead to hours of fun. But, there you have it. Unexplicable meltdowns. You are very lucky to have a mom like me. A patient mom. An understanding mom. Super mom. I'm pretty sure any other mom would be strapping you to the roof rack and going through a car wash. But, not me. Nope. Good thing Tolerant is my middle name.

Your eyes are changing color -- they're no longer blue blue, they are more a dark-blue-grey. I've heard that eyes can change color upto 4 years old, so hey, you could end up with red. Or purple! I'll keep you updated.

You will make a very good mom yourself. You are always putting your babies to sleep and when they cry (you will make the crying sound for them) you'll swiftly pick them up and pat their backs. Luckily, all your babies want to do is sleep (Lola and Dora). This is the key to parenting and sanity. Sleep. So, you must think this "mothering" thing is easy.

And, I must say, it's pretty easy to be your mommy,

Smooch,
Mommy and Daddy
xo
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What SAHMs Do...

So, I was sitting at a cafe and bakeshop, basking in the sun and enjoying my apple & raspberry muffin with Cole in the pram beside me (YES. This is what stay at home moms do all day everyday).

This lady parked her car in the intersection, hopped out and frantically starting asking where the pharmacy was between 7th and 8th Avenue in Maylands. Now, imagine Amy Winehouse with short hair, in about 40 years, after losing 20 kg, and with an Aussie accent. "I need to get there right away! Excuse me, where's the pharmacy between 7th and 8th avenue? It's urgent. Where's the pharmacy? I need to get there right away". I told her that there was a pharmacy on 8th Avenue, or that she should try Guildford Road -- there may be one between 7th and 8th Avenue. To which she retorted "I've tried Guildford Road. I need to get there right away. It's urgent. Maybe these ladies will know?". She asked a couple of ladies, she asked a male passer-by, she was stopping anyone and everyone. Did I mention that she parked her car IN THE intersection? Ok, so I said again, "I just live over the road and I know this area pretty well, I'm sure you'll want to try on Guildford just left there and right at the lights". She asked the boy on the bike. And, oddly enough, giving her the same info that I did, she believed him and sped off. Now, what was that? I tried to think why she would need a pharmacy, this pharmacy, so urgently. Was there a clearance sale of ritalin? Did they tell her that there was only one electric orange hair dye left and they were expecting a geriatric tour bus any minute? Were the trashy romance novels buy one get one free?? Did Michael Jackson's pharmacist move to Maylands and take on new red-haired-drag-makeup-oxycontin-addicted clients? I will never know.

Please please. If I ever look like a 60 year old Amy Winehouse, do something about it. You don't even have to be discreet about it. Just tell me that I'm looking very Amy-Winehouse-in-40-years-ish-with-Priscilla-Queen-facepaint and I think I'll get the point.
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