July = water and visitors

As the title says, July involved either water or visitors. Water-wise, we went swimming a lot, went to MarineLand, went to a cottage, and went to the beach with Chris' sister and family (see next sentence). Visitor-wise, a friend from Newfoundland (Ashley) was in Toronto for the JLo concert and paid us a visit, and Chris' younger sister, Amy, and her family were in Toronto for a wedding and so we got together with them twice.

Aurora looooooves swimming. She recently discovered swimming in the bathtub and ever since then she always wants to go swimming. Luckily my sister's townhouse complex has a wading pool and so we've gone over there quite a bit. Both girls enjoy being in the water, and it's a great way to cool off as I'm always in there too (either sitting on the edge with my feet in with Sophie, or walking around within arm's reach of Aurora). Our apartment building has a pool, but it's an actual pool so I dunno how I would tackle it with both kids. I always say I'll take Aurora down on the weekend and Sophie can stay upstairs with Chris, but I never do. Honestly, I'm not sure how she'd feel about a pool in which she can't touch the bottom.

Another water-related activity was our day trip to MarineLand. The girls and I went with Danna and Zachary on August 10. We went last year but Aurora was too small to go on the majority of the rides, and I was pregnant and so couldn't go on the majority of the rides. Guess that worked out well :) This year Aurora was able to go on quite a few rides, and I was more than happy to accompany her and Zachary on them while Danna hung out with Sophie and took photos. For the most part Aurora really enjoyed the rides, and there was even one in particular she wanted to go on over and over and over. However, she is not a fan of rides that spin, and clung to me and kept saying, "no, no, no". Poor thing :( But rides aren't the only thing at MarineLand. Aurora loved seeing the belugas and orca, watching the sea lion and dolphin show, feeding the fish, and petting the deer (which I was thoroughly impressed by seeing as she only likes animals from afar but is scared of them up close). She kept asking for "more aminals" to which we had to keep reminding her that it's not a zoo and that's all they have. When asked what her favourite part of the day was, she answered, "feeding the fishies".

The weekend of July 27-29 we went to my brother-in-law, Rod's, cottage. Aurora had never seen a cottage before, let alone been to one, so we tried explaining to her that it's like the beach with the sand and the water and boats, but also has a house and some animals, but not like at the zoo. I'm sure she was pretty confused but was excited to go as it meant she got to see Zachary and Aunt Danna. She had a blast! And Sophie seemed to really enjoy herself too! And the rest and relaxation and escape from everyday life is always nice for Chris and me. We swam in the lake multiple times a day (even Sophie 'swam' in an inflatable tube/seat thing), played in the sand (Sophie ate it), made s'mores, went for boat rides which Aurora thought were so cool, ate bbq which I love, read trashy magazines (well, I did), napped (3 of the 4 of us napped, the 2 year old excluded), Chris went fishing but didn't catch anything, and we just all round enjoyed the great outdoors.

We enjoyed 2 visits in July, Ashley, a friend from Newfoundland, came to Toronto to see the JLo and Enrique concert and so we spent a morning and early afternoon with her. Ashley was the very first visitor Aurora had after she was born; she visited us in the hospital the day Aurora was born! I couldn't believe it had been 2 years since we had seen eachother, but when we got together you wouldn't have known it. In true Aurora fashion it took her a while to warm up to Ashley, but soon she was sitting on Ashley's lap, holding her hand, and smiling and talking with her. Sophie was completely happy being held by Ashley, and didn't fuss at all. Ashley is just one of those people you love. I was so sad to see her leave, but hopefully it's not another 2 years before we see eachother again.

Our other visit was from the Masuzumis (Chris' younger sister, Amy, her husband, Todd, and their children, Lucy and Cole). They were in Toronto for a wedding, and we made a point of getting together with them. We hadn't seen them in nearly 2 years! We met them for sushi one night and it was just so weird to see our niece and nephew grown up (we've seen photos and videos but it's different in person). Lucy is outgoing, funny, sweet, and smart. Cole is shy with the cutest little voice. I just wanted to squeeze him! It was also the first time they've met Sophie. Actually, it was the first time any of Chris' family has met Sophie. Sophie was very content being held by her Auntie Amy and cousins and only started to fuss when she was hungry which of course coincided with my dinner arriving. The next day we met them at the beach (Kew Beach) and had a really fun day. Aurora,Cole, and Lucy enjoyed both the sand and water while Sophie enjoyed eating the sand (I swear I feed her!).  Afterwards we went to Licks for some ice cream, and then had to say goodbye. Aurora seemed to really bond with Lucy, and Sophie adored her Auntie Amy, so hopefully it's not too long before we see them again.

In kidlets news, July saw Sophie say "Dada" and a few weeks later "Mama" for the first time and Aurora got her top right eye tooth, bringing the count to 13.

I know, I know, I’m behind

I have said to Chris a number of times, “I should update the blog” and then I don’t. I blame it on the fact that I update from the laptop where all the photos are kept and I’m mainly on my iPad. Oh, and that I’m busy watching the girls cuz that’s what I’m supposed to be doing while on mat leave right?

May 2012:

We went to African Lion Safari on May 4. Aurora loved the animals!!! She and Chris were egging the monkeys on, both of them saying “come here monkey, come here” to try and get them onto our car. I was hella nervous they would climb on (the car infront of us had 3 monkeys on it and 1 peed) but luckily we got out of there unscathed. We’re pretty sure that Aurora’s favourite animal is the elephant so it was no surprise that she talked about the elephant show for weeks afterwards. Even still she’ll talk about an elephant painting because that’s what 1 did. I’m pretty sure she thinks all elephants paint. The trip would have been made better by some warmer weather, no tantrums from Aurora, and Sophie’s silence in the car but what can you do?

For Mother’s Day I got a new pair of running shoes which I desperately needed. I got the ones I wanted too, how did Chris know? Of that’s right, I went shopping for them :) We went out to dinner which was a disaster with a baby and toddler and no reservation but in hindsight I appreciated the efforts Chris made.  And spending time with my little family is always nice.
















On May 23 Sophie participated in her first (and second) research study for the University of Toronto, Mississauga campus, in the Infant and Child Studies Centre. Aurora has participated in quite a few of these studies as well. She even got a certificate deeming her a Juniour Scientist as well as a toy.

May 31st marked mine and Aurora’s birthdays. We went out for lunch, ordered dinner in, and Aurora and I both got to open a present. I got an awesome, totally over-the-top, new camera (you’ll see a difference in the quality of my photos from this date forward) along with a carrying case for it from Chris and the girls, and Aurora opened Sophie’s gift which was a Zooble. We left the rest of her gifts for her party, which was on June 2. And this is a perfect segue into June.

June 2012:

June 2 was Aurora’s 2nd birthday party. Our theme this year was Elmo, as she’s absolutely obsessed with him (or was. She seems to have moved onto Toopy and Binoo, or as she calls them “Toopys and Binoo”). We had an Elmo balloon, Elmo banner, Elmo crackers, Elmo plates/napkins/tablecloth, Elmo fruit and veggie bowls, and the best of all, Elmo cupcakes. We played a few Elmo’s World inspired games for the kids, had pizza, ate our cupcakes (Aurora did awesome blowing her candle out!), and Aurora opened her presents. As always she was spoiled; money, doll house, clothes, Leap Pad, Zoobles, and a bike (from Mommy and Daddy). She had a great time, as did her cousins who couldn’t stop talking about the party. Happy 2nd birthday Aurora, you’re such a big girl and loved very, very much!

June 10 was our 6 year wedding anniversary. Keeping with the traditional gifts (candy or iron for 6 years), I made Chris a candy bouquet and he got me a giant personalized cookie. What a sweet anniversary!!! My brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Alex, watched the girls and we went to a movie (Snow White and the Huntsman – very good!) and dinner.  It was nice to spend the time alone as we don’t get to do it often.














On June 11th the girls and I went with my sister, Danna, and nephew, Zachary, to the Toronto Zoo. Aurora absolutely loved it!!! She is very interested in animals lately. Again, her favourite was the “ephelant” but she also talks about the polar bears a lot (maybe because 1 is named Aurora???). She recounted all the animals she saw that night to Chris before bed, and even still asks me what we saw. Sophie did amazing and was probably the best behaved out of all the kids. It was a long day but well worth it to see how excited the kids were. And I was pretty darn excited to see the polar bear cub, the white lions (although I couldn’t differentiate them from the regular ones), and the penguins!

On June 16th Aurora and I had a Mommy-Daughter date and went to the Flower City Parade (aka Brampton Parade). Aurora thoroughly enjoyed all the flowers on the floats, as well as all the bands. She waved at everyone that passed. At the end she asked for more music. We finished the date with some ice cream – yum!

For Father’s Day I made a DAD photo collage for Chris, and took a photo of Aurora holding a “D”, Sophie holding a “D” and both of them holding an “A” and then assembled it in a frame. It’s now proudly on display on his desk at work. The girls also got him a Toronto Blue Jays hat. We ordered dinner in that night.

Sophie continues on solids and has only turned her nose up at mashed potatoes. How is it that both my kids don’t care for potatoes??? She gets upset if we’re eating at the table and she’s not, so I’m back to eating my food cold once I’m doing feeding her (really enjoy that Aurora can feed herself now).  She’s in the 90th percentile for height and 50th percentile for weight, as of her 6 month check on June 4. She can move backwards and in a circle and can get up on her hands and knees, but hasn’t figured out forward motion yet. She can get from her tummy to sitting and uses that as a mode of transportation.

Aurora’s vocabulary astonishes us on a daily basis (just the other day I said to Chris “I didn’t know she knew that word” – it was ticklish). The terrible 2s started even before she turned 2 and I deal with tantrums pretty much on a regular basis. They’re worse if she doesn’t nap, and she’s never been a good napper, so some days are pretty tough, but then she does something cute or sweet and I forget about it. She’s between the 90th and 95th percentile for her height and 75th percentile for her weight as of her 2 year check up on June 4. Yup, we have some tall girls on our hands!

Just a quick video

Here's a video of Sophie's first time trying rice cereal.

April update

Look at me, updating a month later! I said I would try. And as I type Sophie is napping and Aurora is supposed to be napping but is whining instead. Sigh. So I’m taking this moment to get my second wind before I go and get her. Or for her to fall asleep, whichever comes first.

At the beginning of April we celebrated Easter. Our first Easter activity was seeing The Easter Bunny and getting photos with EB at the mall. Aurora was excited to go but once there didn’t want to get close to EB. So we had Sophie sit with The Bunny and tried to get Aurora to get in the photo that way but no luck. We bought Sophie’s photo and thought that was all we were getting this year. But then Aurora got more and more brave, and kept watching other kids, and finally got close to EB. She didn’t want to sit on The Bunny’s lap, but once I sat beside EB she sat there and then I made a smooth escape. She was fine sitting there by herself, even gave EB a high-five, and we got a great photo! 

Our next Easter activity was an Easter Eggstravaganza playdate on Good Friday, complete with a potluck brunch and an egg hunt for the kiddos. We hadn't seen a lot of the kids in our playgroup lately since the majority are over 1 year old and therefore their moms are back at work. They're all so grown up! And it's always nice to get together with the moms and have adult conversation (and 15 other moms to watch your kids for you!)

Our last Easter activity was Easter Sunday at my brother and sister-in-law's, Randy and Alex. We had a BBQ lunch, the kids had an egg hunt, watched the movie Hop, and had dinner. I love getting together with my family, watching the kids play, and just enjoying family time.

We didn't do anything until the MS Walk on April 22. Aurora, Sophie, and I, aka The Sherwinators, walked 4km (well Sophie sat in the stroller and Aurora sat in the stroller for most of the walk but did walk a few times, including crossing the finish line where Daddy was waiting for her) in honour of my mother-in-law and Chris. It was a cold day, there were even some snowflakes, but we perservered and completed the walk in just under an hour. We raised $1100 (give or take a few bucks). I was very proud of us, and appreciated the support of everyone that donated to our team.

 





















In terms of development, Sophie started rice cereal on April 27, just after she turned 1 year old. She's ok with the first spoonful or 2, but then she's not too sure about it. I'm not sure if it's the texture or the fact that it doesn't stay warm like breast milk, or that it's on a spoon that's throwing her off, but I'm continuing to give it to her once a day at lunch. She also has been trying to crawl; she will get her knees up and push and has inchwormed forward. Aurora didn't start crawling until 7-8 months so this is new. She also moves in a circle pretty quickly.  I've figured out a trick to extending her 45 minute naps; I go in around the 35-40 minute mark and pat her bum and shush her and she gets passed her sleep cycle and doesn't wake and sleeps for about 2 hours. Now if she could figure out how to get passed that sleep transition on her own.  As for Aurora, she got another tooth at the end of March, another at the end of April, and another 2 days ago, bringing the count to a whooping 11 teeth. That means she still has 9 more teeth to go. Sigh. Teething sucks! It causes a diaper rash, a tantrumy toddler, a decrease in appetite, and messes with her sleep. I hate teeth and wish babies were born with them.

Stay tuned for next month's exciting update; Mother's Day and Aurora turning 2! (and me turning 32)

Family update

I really suck at keeping this blog updated. I had planned to update it once a month and yet my last update was at the end of December. Tsk tsk. I really will try from now on. I think it’s possible since now Sophie, at least for naps and the first part of the night, sleeps in her bassinet! *happy dance* At this age Aurora would only sleep in our arms or in bed with us. For those keeping score, that’s Sophie: 1, Aurora: 0.

So here are our January, February, and March updates. You’ll see that we’re a pretty boring bunch.

January update:

Chris turned 31. As a family we went out for Indian Buffet for lunch. I got Aurora the non-Indian foods (pizza, pasta, chow mein) as I wasn’t sure if she’d eat the spicier food and she kept wanting what was on our plate. She ended up not eating the pizza, which is 1 of her favourite foods, and loved the butter chicken! Who knew! Sophie slept through the whole meal. Afterwards we dropped the girls off at my sister Danna’s and went to see Mission Impossible 3. It was a pretty good movie. And the baby/kid break was nice. The next day we went out for Dim Sum lunch with our friends. Aurora loved the noodles and again, Sophie slept through the whole meal.

We finally took our Christmas tree down in late January and put up the ball pit/fort that we got Aurora for Christmas. She loves it!!! She calls it her house, and loves to hide in it. We need more balls though as 20 is nowhere near enough.

Aurora played in the snow for the first time. She was a bit apprehensive and didn’t want to touch it or sit in it. She did end up clearing some snow so she could go up the stairs to the slide at the park but still wouldn’t play in it. However she loves looking at snow out the window and has played in it a few times more (we haven’t gotten much snow here this winter) and just the other day said, “snow, I love it!”.

February update:

Aurora went on a trampoline for the first time. At first she was apprehensive, but once she started running around, she loved it. We’ve gone back to the indoor playground where it is and she always go to the trampoline first. And since going on the trampoline she can now consistently jump with both feet, and gets some pretty good air. Sophie likes going to the indoor playground as well; I think she likes watching all the kids.

Sophie sat in the Bumbo for the first time and didn’t hate it. She’s getting better spending more time in it which is a nice break for my arms. Did I mention she does not like being put down. And if you put her down and walk away that’s 10X worse? I go to the washroom to the sound of crying.

We continued to do tummy time which Sophie tolerates and she is now a rolling machine! She can consistently roll from her tummy to her back, but hates when she does.

Aurora got another tooth, making that her 7^th. 7 teeth at 21 months, what a slow teether. Tooth #7 is her top right first molar.

March update:

In the middle of the month we experienced some really nice weather so decided to go to a farm in Toronto. Aurora is really into animals lately and loved it! She wanted to feed a goat and ended up touching it's ear, and didn't want to leave the "piggies".

We also went to 2 birthday parties this month where Aurora experienced a bouncy castle for the first time (loved it!) and was petrified of a life sized Elmo (even though she loves watching Elmo's World and has 2 Elmos at home).

Aurora also got her 8th tooth, her right lower first molar.

Sophie giggled for the first time this month on March 4! It is the sweetest sound. Recently she has been having difficulty sleeping which I'm chaulking up to a 4 month sleep regression. Her naps have shortened and she wakes many times during the night. We're hoping that if we just keep doing what we've been doing that it'll correct itself.