Dear Cole,
You are a magnet… you have us all wrapped around you. The caregivers at daycare just adore you and the other kids seem to migrate to you and follow you around. Zoe's friend Charlotte is besotted with you and smothers you with kisses and hugs when she sees you. Your friend Sophie always asks her mom if she'll see you that day. Will Cole be there?
Is it the white hair?
Is it your joyful personality?
Is it because kids can learn really naughty behaviour from you?
You are going to be that kid that tries to climb higher than he should. Jump off things that you shouldn't. Break things that are meant to last… Rules and boundaries seem to mean nothing to you. You already FLING yourself off the bed and couch. You usually land ok, but one time I was lucky and managed to grab your leg before you did a face plant off the bed. I have reflexes like a superhero.
You love big trucks. You call them "buck". Anytime you see them, you point them out.
You are going through your Uh OH! phase. It's adorable. Of course, you'll throw your cereal on the floor and say UH OH! You'll drop a toy in the car and say UH OH. You'll drink the last of your beer and say UH OH!
Cookie Monster is now a favourite character and you love saying "Cookie!". Also, you like the word "dirty" … you are always pointing out your dirty feet. Or your dirty tray. Or the dirty floor (um, grab a mop, buddy).
You are very affectionate and will give hugs and kisses whenever asked.
You're a sweetheart, an energy, a mover and a shaker.
We love you Cole Bear,
Mommy Bear
.
.
.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
So, the first time I ever cut RJ's hair, he had to have his head shaved. That was over 13 years ago and I think he's still traumatized.
I cut Zoe's fringe all the time. Sometimes it's too short and she looks like a doofus. But most times it's pretty much straight.
A week ago, I cut Cole's hair. And, I mean a full blown haircut. Over his whole head. I was like Edward Scissorhands madly grabing hair and shearing it off. Blonde strands were wafting through the air. It was a stunning success. Cole looked so handsome and frankly, the haircut was brilliant. RJ wouldn't give me the satisfaction by admitting that I had done a good, no wait, a GREAT job.
RJ's hair was looking scruffy around the ears. How harmless! Surely I can just trim around his ears. (Especially since I've just mastered the art of hair shaping! See previous paragraph) Well, after a few well positioned yet unbearably choppy and crooked cuts around one ear, RJ wouldn't let me "even it out" and do the other side. RJ had to make a trip to his barber, Dr. Snippy.
As RJ was sitting in the chair, sipping his beer, Dr. Snippy fixed his coif. The Doctor himself actually commented on Cole's haircut. Said it was amazing. I mean, he didn't go to Doctor school for hair for 6 years to be called Mister. He knows what he's talking about.
RJ still won't admit the masterful job I did on Cole's head. Well, I don't need his approval, since I've been complimented by the Doctor himself. A TRUE professional.
(Think of all the money I've saved cutting my kids' hair. Enough for a girls trip to Malaysia, surely.)
A week ago, I cut Cole's hair. And, I mean a full blown haircut. Over his whole head. I was like Edward Scissorhands madly grabing hair and shearing it off. Blonde strands were wafting through the air. It was a stunning success. Cole looked so handsome and frankly, the haircut was brilliant. RJ wouldn't give me the satisfaction by admitting that I had done a good, no wait, a GREAT job.
RJ's hair was looking scruffy around the ears. How harmless! Surely I can just trim around his ears. (Especially since I've just mastered the art of hair shaping! See previous paragraph) Well, after a few well positioned yet unbearably choppy and crooked cuts around one ear, RJ wouldn't let me "even it out" and do the other side. RJ had to make a trip to his barber, Dr. Snippy.
As RJ was sitting in the chair, sipping his beer, Dr. Snippy fixed his coif. The Doctor himself actually commented on Cole's haircut. Said it was amazing. I mean, he didn't go to Doctor school for hair for 6 years to be called Mister. He knows what he's talking about.
RJ still won't admit the masterful job I did on Cole's head. Well, I don't need his approval, since I've been complimented by the Doctor himself. A TRUE professional.
(Think of all the money I've saved cutting my kids' hair. Enough for a girls trip to Malaysia, surely.)
Friday, February 11, 2011
The Zoe Chronicles - 3 and a half
Dear Zoe,
You started "school" this year, a 3 year old program -- 2 mornings a week and you LOVE it. You do a happy dance every time we mention it's time for school and squeal every time you tell me how your day went. You're really in your element. I haven't told you that you could have about 18 more years of school ahead of you, oh yes!
Dancing is a favourite activity of yours, and since I'm an excellent dancer, we prance around the living room quite often. We've even done some pilates together.
Writing, drawing, painting, and reading are still well loved and you try to read my books (even though I keep telling you that mine don't have any pictures). You always tell me that my book is about a cat. Named Diamond.
You are very patient and sweet on Cole. You are sure to teach him life lessons like "how to share" and "we don't take, we ask for things" and "only drawing on paper". This from the girl that I found colouring in my passport once.
You are lovelier every day. And you're very tall.
Love you Zozo, Zozi, Zee-bear.
Mommy bear
.
.
.
You started "school" this year, a 3 year old program -- 2 mornings a week and you LOVE it. You do a happy dance every time we mention it's time for school and squeal every time you tell me how your day went. You're really in your element. I haven't told you that you could have about 18 more years of school ahead of you, oh yes!
Dancing is a favourite activity of yours, and since I'm an excellent dancer, we prance around the living room quite often. We've even done some pilates together.
Writing, drawing, painting, and reading are still well loved and you try to read my books (even though I keep telling you that mine don't have any pictures). You always tell me that my book is about a cat. Named Diamond.
You are very patient and sweet on Cole. You are sure to teach him life lessons like "how to share" and "we don't take, we ask for things" and "only drawing on paper". This from the girl that I found colouring in my passport once.
You are lovelier every day. And you're very tall.
Love you Zozo, Zozi, Zee-bear.
Mommy bear
.
.
.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Cyclonophobes are party poopers
So went over to Rottnest Island for a weekend of camping with friends… left Friday morning, planning on returning Sunday evening.
The weather was perfect, sunny and 30s, no wind, absolutely not a cloud in the sky. Camping on this island is great -- the campsite is practically on the beach, the whole island is "car free", there's snorkeling all around the island, bike paths everywhere, a pub, playgrounds, and even RJ's favourite coffee shop, The Dome.
But cyclone Bianca decided to ring us up and mention that she *may* be stopping by.
Saturday afternoon the campers were told that we had to pack up and evacuate because the cyclone is going to hit. As we were packing (in the hot cloudless lovely climes) the rangers came around again to exclaim "Pack up and get to the school! A storm's a comin in an hour!". So we went to the coffee shop instead and watched in amazement as the five minute storm passed by…
What a bunch of hullabaloo over nothing. Sunday was a repeat of Saturday - sunny, no wind, and not a cloud in the sky. Damn those cyclonophobes!!
It's quite an effort to go camping on Rotto (especially with two kids in tow) -- the dog was in the kennel for 4 days, we had our ferry rides over with all our gear and bikes, went grocery shopping on the island and had to chuck most of it because we were packing in such haste -- and coordinating the trip with our friends and their kids… (and two other dogs in kennels).
It was a lovely one night trip, just too bad it ended so abruptly. But, there's always next year
The weather was perfect, sunny and 30s, no wind, absolutely not a cloud in the sky. Camping on this island is great -- the campsite is practically on the beach, the whole island is "car free", there's snorkeling all around the island, bike paths everywhere, a pub, playgrounds, and even RJ's favourite coffee shop, The Dome.
But cyclone Bianca decided to ring us up and mention that she *may* be stopping by.
Saturday afternoon the campers were told that we had to pack up and evacuate because the cyclone is going to hit. As we were packing (in the hot cloudless lovely climes) the rangers came around again to exclaim "Pack up and get to the school! A storm's a comin in an hour!". So we went to the coffee shop instead and watched in amazement as the five minute storm passed by…
What a bunch of hullabaloo over nothing. Sunday was a repeat of Saturday - sunny, no wind, and not a cloud in the sky. Damn those cyclonophobes!!
It's quite an effort to go camping on Rotto (especially with two kids in tow) -- the dog was in the kennel for 4 days, we had our ferry rides over with all our gear and bikes, went grocery shopping on the island and had to chuck most of it because we were packing in such haste -- and coordinating the trip with our friends and their kids… (and two other dogs in kennels).
It was a lovely one night trip, just too bad it ended so abruptly. But, there's always next year
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Our Annual Update...
Well, I realize I've fallen off the wagon with blogging. What's my excuse?
I'm a mom.
I work.
Reading chews up a lot of time.
So does watching "How I Met Your Mother".
Facebook sucks all blogging time.
Facebook is just plain time suckage.
And then I suppose I should be cleaning my house whenever I have some spare time.
In fact, I think I hear a toilet calling my name.
How glamorous.
Anyhoo, I will actually do a real post soon, but until then, here's our annual Christmas letter that I didn't put up.....
------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy belated Christmas wishes, and Happy New Year!
2010 was a great year, but a year of lots of activity in the Jacobsen household. At the beginning of the year, I was on maternity leave, and enjoying my time with Zoe and baby Cole. Those months are a little bit of a blur though, in fact, I don't even really remember the summer months at all. Must have been because Cole liked to nurse every 2 hours around the clock. He sure did sleep a lot as a baby, but just not for long stretches! Our days were filled with mother's group, swimming lessons, going to Rhyme Time, that kind of thing.
In April, we took our first family trip of 4 overseas, and Cole (8 months at the time) was not a great world traveler. He and I were pretty much awake and crying for the first 5 nights. We went to Las Vegas (and were met by my brother, sister-in-law, and niece, and RJ's mom and RJ's brother!!) then to Calgary to introduce all the rellies to Cole, and then back to Las Vegas. There's always so much to do in Vegas, it really is an easy family vacation!! And, I got to play poker with my brother in Vegas. Cross that off the bucket list (playing with Gus Hansen on the WPT is still on the list though, he he he).
In August, I was made redundant from BHP (volunteered redundancy) and then landed safely at Chevron, where I've been ever since. RJ and I did the stay-at-home-swap and now I’m the paycheque and RJ's at home with the kids. Their days revolve around playgroup, parks and the beach, and your general this-and-that. The kids are in daycare on Fridays, so RJ and I have a "date day" (I'm only working Mon - Thurs). However, most of the time it turns out to be a to-do day.
Zoe (now 3.5) insists on reminding us daily that she's a big girl. She's talking our ears off, and despite her horrible singing voice, she sings our ears off too. My favourite conversation with her this year was:
Zoe: I have a bum.
Mommy: Yes, you do.
Zoe: You have a big bum.
Mommy: Oh. Well, you're short.
Mommy to Daddy: RJ, you better say something really really nice to me RIGHT NOW.
Cole (now 1.5) is my little action man. He likes to climb. He likes to get into trouble. He doesn't listen. He laughs laughs laughs all the time. He likes cars. And chewing on shoes. And chewing on furniture. We think he may be part dog.
Both my kids are great sleepers (still napping once per day and sleeping 12 hours at night) and for this we will always consider ourselves lucky.
RJ (now 43.5) is enjoying being the stay at home dad. He is a natural -- very calm and patient, and always comes up with fun outings for the kids. The only downside is that he'll sometimes stick my kids in ghastly outfits. Blue, green, pink, and grey do NOT go together at once.
In December, the 4 of us went to the big island Hawaii for Christmas. This was a most fun and memorable vacation. My family from Calgary (brother and family, sister and family, and my parents) all met us there and had a great time. The snorkeling was fabulous, the beaches were beautiful, the erupting volcano was a sight, the botanical gardens were grand, I swam with dolphins, and seeing the cousins together was… well… the highlight.
What will 2011 bring? Not much excitement planned at all. Zoe will start a 3 year old program at school -- 2 mornings a week. Cole and RJ will dive into some swimming lessons. I'm hoping the Chevron gig is still intact (Zoe calls it Fevvyron), and we don't have any trips on the calendar. Yet.
We sincerely hope your 2011 sees you in great spirits, health, and prosperity. All the best from us to you….
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I'm a mom.
I work.
Reading chews up a lot of time.
So does watching "How I Met Your Mother".
Facebook sucks all blogging time.
Facebook is just plain time suckage.
And then I suppose I should be cleaning my house whenever I have some spare time.
In fact, I think I hear a toilet calling my name.
How glamorous.
Anyhoo, I will actually do a real post soon, but until then, here's our annual Christmas letter that I didn't put up.....
------------------------------------------------------------------
Happy belated Christmas wishes, and Happy New Year!
2010 was a great year, but a year of lots of activity in the Jacobsen household. At the beginning of the year, I was on maternity leave, and enjoying my time with Zoe and baby Cole. Those months are a little bit of a blur though, in fact, I don't even really remember the summer months at all. Must have been because Cole liked to nurse every 2 hours around the clock. He sure did sleep a lot as a baby, but just not for long stretches! Our days were filled with mother's group, swimming lessons, going to Rhyme Time, that kind of thing.
In April, we took our first family trip of 4 overseas, and Cole (8 months at the time) was not a great world traveler. He and I were pretty much awake and crying for the first 5 nights. We went to Las Vegas (and were met by my brother, sister-in-law, and niece, and RJ's mom and RJ's brother!!) then to Calgary to introduce all the rellies to Cole, and then back to Las Vegas. There's always so much to do in Vegas, it really is an easy family vacation!! And, I got to play poker with my brother in Vegas. Cross that off the bucket list (playing with Gus Hansen on the WPT is still on the list though, he he he).
In August, I was made redundant from BHP (volunteered redundancy) and then landed safely at Chevron, where I've been ever since. RJ and I did the stay-at-home-swap and now I’m the paycheque and RJ's at home with the kids. Their days revolve around playgroup, parks and the beach, and your general this-and-that. The kids are in daycare on Fridays, so RJ and I have a "date day" (I'm only working Mon - Thurs). However, most of the time it turns out to be a to-do day.
Zoe (now 3.5) insists on reminding us daily that she's a big girl. She's talking our ears off, and despite her horrible singing voice, she sings our ears off too. My favourite conversation with her this year was:
Zoe: I have a bum.
Mommy: Yes, you do.
Zoe: You have a big bum.
Mommy: Oh. Well, you're short.
Mommy to Daddy: RJ, you better say something really really nice to me RIGHT NOW.
Cole (now 1.5) is my little action man. He likes to climb. He likes to get into trouble. He doesn't listen. He laughs laughs laughs all the time. He likes cars. And chewing on shoes. And chewing on furniture. We think he may be part dog.
Both my kids are great sleepers (still napping once per day and sleeping 12 hours at night) and for this we will always consider ourselves lucky.
RJ (now 43.5) is enjoying being the stay at home dad. He is a natural -- very calm and patient, and always comes up with fun outings for the kids. The only downside is that he'll sometimes stick my kids in ghastly outfits. Blue, green, pink, and grey do NOT go together at once.
In December, the 4 of us went to the big island Hawaii for Christmas. This was a most fun and memorable vacation. My family from Calgary (brother and family, sister and family, and my parents) all met us there and had a great time. The snorkeling was fabulous, the beaches were beautiful, the erupting volcano was a sight, the botanical gardens were grand, I swam with dolphins, and seeing the cousins together was… well… the highlight.
What will 2011 bring? Not much excitement planned at all. Zoe will start a 3 year old program at school -- 2 mornings a week. Cole and RJ will dive into some swimming lessons. I'm hoping the Chevron gig is still intact (Zoe calls it Fevvyron), and we don't have any trips on the calendar. Yet.
We sincerely hope your 2011 sees you in great spirits, health, and prosperity. All the best from us to you….
-----------------------------------------------------------------
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