shump

"Shump" - pronounced jump by all but Kate - was probably the word of the trip as we spent most of our visit to Toronto this past week in the pool. We had a pretty wonderful visit with Cody's Dad and Janice: the weather was great; the pool grand; the animal safari super fun; loads of hugs and lots of yummy eats. Last night on the plane back home Cody asked Kate, "What was your favorite part about your trip to Grampie's?" Her reply, "Grammie." Sorry Grampie but it was too precious not to share.

A few photo highlights:

Pappa and E taking in the crazy cannonball obsessed kids.

Janice and Lydia.

Aunty smiling and sunning.

 The Elephant walk.

 Train time.

Mamma and E in the splash park moments before a kid pooped and the whole place had to be cleared and cleaned.

 Our fierce tigers and our delicate flower.

The main event - Father's Day with the three Pauls. Happy belated Fathers Day to all the wonderful Dads in my life but most especially to my Dad and my Cody.

Snuggle time for the girls and Grampie. Kate fell asleep in this cozy snuggle spot several times this trip.

All day Kate has been reminding Elliott and me, "I no have a pool at my house." It's a bummer Kate. We'll just have to make sure to head West again very soon.

So from our little foursome - thanks again for the amazing trip full of memories. It's one of my all time new favourite traditions and I have no doubt that it will become one of Kate, Elliott, Carter and Lydia's as well.

All our love,
CAKE
mmmm... speaking of cake I miss having some by this time of the day.

the first day of summer

The first day of summer has always meant a little more in our house as it's also my Mom's birthday. So happy birthday Mom - we all wish we were there to celebrate with you. Better yet I wish we were all back in Toronto to celebrate together as the weather is beautiful!

Here is my Mom opening our gift this evening via speaker phone. Enjoy it. You deserve it and more. I know because if I was anything like Kate you were worked over pretty hard and you were pretty much a kid yourself.

Love you Momma. Aimee

V day

Last week was D day today it's V day and we're not talking Valentine's - at least not for Papa Cody. Instead Cody is on his way to the Sussex hospital for a vasectomy.

Too much information? I hope not. In fact I think we should talk about them a lot more so that guys are a little less afraid/unwilling/embarrassed/lazy about getting one. I know we all know what Moms go through: 9 months; stretch marks; unbelievable pain; tearing; healing; no sleep; no respect (need I continue?). Not to say Papas don't go through some major challenges as well - but for the most part they're not physical.

Anyway I grew up with a Father who also had a vasectomy. And like my Dad did with ALL things in this cruel life he openly talked about it and described his decision to be a proud feminist one. I agree and thank him for his candour.

I also thank my Baby Daddy - Cody: for saving me from the knife; for having the courage to openly discuss and stand by his decision; for actually making the appointments; for the two awesome kiddies we have brought into this life and for knowing that we could not possibly handle another awesome kiddie in this life.

Thank you Cody - I love you - we love you. And as Kate puts it you are a heck of a man boy.

campin'

It was a cool, wet weekend in PEI but the kids didn't seem to mind a bit and the camper was so big it easily accommodated the 9 of us we sought its warmth. We saw waves, osprey, blue heron, blue jays, lobster and the red rocks and sand of the little island.

Our wet walk down to Cabot Park Beach and shoreline:

 Lydia.

 Kate.

 Carter.

 Me.

 Pappa on a walk this morning with E.

He tried but Elliott just couldn't keep his heavy eyes open on our long walk.

Heading home this evening. It's amazing that the law allows anyone with a license (including me) to drive a 34' vehicle.

We arrived home this evening to sunnier skies. Can you spy our little guy?

Tonight Kate thanked us for camping. We'll be thankful when Elliott can keep up with the big 3!
Happy June everyone! AJ

tgif

It's Friday and I'm pooped.  There's a new boss in town and he has been working me to the bone this week. The boss is of course Elliott. If you ask Kate "who's the boss?" she always replies "Tate." But she's wrong - it's the littlest one. He's so set on practicing walking and pretty much always insists that he use my finger to aid him. I was able to catch a moment earlier this week when he chose the little bus instead of me and I thought it would share it with you all. Please excuse Kate and her bad behaviour towards her "son" as she refers to Elliott.

All the best for your weekends. We're doing a camper trial run this weekend to PEI.  We have a very big camper trip planned to Toronto for Father's Day (with Candace's family) and this will be our chance to see how the babies do and to work out the equipment kinks in the new camper.  Wish us luck! Oh did I mention we're going to eat lobster in Cabot Park with Grammie and the cousins?

xoxo - aj

wheels

We've had some great progress today in terms of getting our kids moving. Elliott took his first solo steps behind a baby walker and Kate has got the hang of her new tricycle. Our deck was completed as of this morning and it seemed to be the motivation that they both needed to get busy.

Elliott and his wheels (unfortunately I couldn't video and spot his walking).

Kate and her wheels.

Other firsts - yesterday Kate asked "You love me Mama?" Of course I answered yes. Well it turns out she loves me too. Today several times out of the blue and for the first time ever, she said "I love you Mama." followed by "I love Elliott. I love Papa too. He a big guy."

And a final couple Elliott firsts - Elliott has learned to clap his hands and is as pleased as punch when he does so, he has pulled himself up from sitting and has learned to sip from a sippy cup on his own.

Hooray kids! xoxo Mama

grandpapa

It's Grandpapa George's 58th birthday today. Papa I wish I was there so Kate and I could give you lots of kisses, sit on your lap and eat your cake. Happy Birthday Dad. We love you so much.

No birthday cake to be found here so we have to munch on tooth floss. Yes after putting Elliott down for a nap this week I found Kate sucking the peppermint off of an entire spool of tooth floss.

Our little man laughing while practicing standing.

We've had a lovely weekend here - hope you have too. xoxo AJ