Saturday, 7 December 2013

Balloons for Ben

It was Ben's birthday too over the past weekend. We of course, always think so much of him on the boys birthday as it was his as well! A lot of people don't know, or assume otherwise, but I did give birth to three babies that day. I very badly wish that I had three two year olds instead of two. And although we feel so lucky for what we DO have, it doesn't change the fact that we are missing someone very important.

As we did last year, we sent some balloons up to Heaven for little Ben. It's a small way to acknowledge him but it makes us happy and is age appropriate and fun for Rylen.  I hope in the coming years that Garrett and Rhys want to participate as well.

We blew up some balloons, wrote some messages and then off they went. It really is a cool sight to see them floating up up and away.



 
We love you Ben!
Miss you everyday. Happy Second Birthday in Heaven.



Two x Two!

The boys turned two! OMG, how did this happen?! Time is whizzing by so fast it's ridiculous.

Can't believe my little boys are so big now. Well, physically they aren't BIG per say, although they have certainly come along way from their three and four pound selves.  Garrett is a whopping 22 lbs (Tiny) and Rhys who we affectionately refer to as Tank or Moose is 27 lbs and although I think he's huge, he's actually only on the 10th percentile for his age on those silly growth charts. (Garrett doesn't even make it on the chart. Never really has, probably never will,  little guy)

Garrett has been earning a new nickname these days...or a new motto/mission statement maybe... "Little Man, BIG attitude" is something I say to him daily. That kid has a temper in him like you wouldn't believe. It's hard to believe someone so jolly can throw a wicked tantrum that goes on for 20, 30 minutes...but it's true! Think back arching, thrashing, legs kicking, blood curdling screaming.  Daycare doesn't believe me cause "he's so happy all the time". Well yeah, he's happy. Unless he's NOT. Then WATCH OUT! After his wild meltdowns he toddles over for a big hug and cuddle. Like he's saying "ahhhh....got THAT out of my system now I can move on with being cute and jolly".

 
Rhys is a little more even keel. But, he's sensitive. His version of a tantrum is somewhat sloth like. He very slowly, melts down (literally) to the floor and whimpers and cries with giant crocodile tears. Anything can set him off, but the worst is when someone ELSE sits on mommy's lap. How rude! According to Rhys, he should have full access to mommy 24/7 and does not want to share.

 
Rhys is funny, cause he can be so sweet, but he definitely thinks he's Alpha Baby. The viciousness in that kid that comes out when he gets territorial is hilarious/frightening. Hair pulling, hitting and pushing and eyeball clutching are all in his repertoire of fight skills and he does it all while making you think HE has been horribly offended by the person in question.

Never did I ever think I'd have to physically break up fights between two little two year olds. Crazy. And over stuff like a school bus toy or who goes down the stairs first. Ha!

But, they do actually love each other despite it all.  In the mornings they great each other with a smile and "good morning" and at night they sometimes hug and kiss but always say "good night". They sometimes have chats/babble to each other and copying each other is a common activity. They also like to chase each other down the hall and around our kitchen island.

They are learning to talk. "NO" is a favorite word around here. We've done sign language with them since babies and Rhys is an ASL whiz!!! He knows far more than I do from watching his Signing Time videos. He's like a machine, you can get him to sign a bazillion words in a row and he can even sign some letters!  They are now starting to say the words with the signs and their little voices are super cute. :-)

School buses and trucks are probably their favorite toys at the moment. But really, anything Rylen plays with is a hit. Trains and planes are big around here. Garrett has been learning from Rylen and can do a pretty good imitation of a train whistle.

Garrett continues to sleep with mommy at night. That little firecracker needs lots of snuggles. He often falls asleep holding hands with me and often right before, he grabs my face in his little chubby hands and brings it close to him. He really is the sweetest little guy.

Today, I caught Rhys singing "The Wheels on the Bus"in his little toddlery high pitched voice. I almost died from the cuteness. :-)

They are growing so fast. I wish time could slow down a bit. But on the other hand, I'm thankful that they are two. There were many moments that we weren't sure we'd ever make it here. We are so grateful and lucky and blessed.





Friday, 6 December 2013

In Memory of Sunshine and +25

Seeing how it's -38 with the wind chill and predicted to get even colder, I figured I'd finally upload my summer pics and share my faves.  Maybe the sheer memory of summer will keep me warm and happy :-)

So here they are, a tribute to warmer days, sand (everywhere!), sunshine, and soggy swim diapers: My fave pics of summer:

The first ladybug of the year...

Cuteness
More cuteness
And MORE cuteness :-)


That moment where you get permission to go crazy in the mud....


Our a Daddy-Son camping trip.
Trampoline hair!!!
Sand monster
Four year old  + Cotton Candy ice cream = true happiness!
+35 cool down!

Beach babe

:-)

I've learned to get over the craziness of the height. Mark does this all the time with the kids. It makes a super awesome photo and the kids LOVE it!
 

The following pictures were taken on our family vacation to a cabin at Victoria Beach in July. Where we learned that we are definitely "cottage people". BEST vacation ever!!! We have such great memories and finally we found a vacation that is fun and relaxing for everyone including Mom and Dad! We spent the mornings at the playground eating fresh bakery goodies, the afternoons and evenings at the beach. Kids slept GREAT and since there was no cleaning, laundry, chores, etc.... Mark and I actually got to watch a few movies (yes, ENTIRE movies, from start to finish!!! Miracle!) and relax together! We are definitely going back next year.
 
 
 
 

This may be my favorite picture of Rylen EVER
 
 
Sorry. It's funny. Sad? Yeah, but funny too. Poor Rhys
 
 

 
And to finish off.... my favorite "me" moments of summer:


The night a miracle occurred: 100% of kids AND hubby asleep at 7:30 while camping. Mommy had some me time! Turned out to be a crappy book, but the fire was great!


Driving home after our many day trips...kids all washed and pajama'd  and sleeping in the back, Mommy and Daddy with a hot coffee and quiet conversation. PEACEFUL. :-)



 
Wow, just posting these makes me want to start crossing off days on the calendar and starting a countdown to spring.