Famous First Words...

November 27th, 2011...Miss G's first words: "Ma Ma".  Today, it was a progression to "Mum.  Mum.  Mum.  Mum.  Mum."

I must admit, I am a little floored.  With the way that babe worships her Daddy, I was pretty sure it was going to be him!  She can say my name first, but she still lights up a room any time her Daddy walks near her...

baby carrying...

I'm holding on as long as I can...

I've had an emotional attachment with the Bjorn baby carrier since Rowan was born.  I.  LOVE.  IT.  Perhaps its the fact that I can inhale "baby smell" for the entire duration that I carry them infront of me, or perhaps it is the closeness they are to me...I'm not sure exactly, but it is the best damn baby invention ever.  Hands-down. 

I love that all their limbs are free, and both Rowan and Georgia are well known for kicking their feet and flailing their arms like crazy whenever they see something that stimulates them.  And I love that they can actually see- from the vantage point of an adult, they can take in the world around them much better than always sitting/laying in a stroller or car seat.  I'm a big proponent of "wearing" them in the grocery store, or mall (sometimes a little inconvenient if I want to try something on)- its easy, its safe, and they are the best darn accessory I've ever owned. 

I held out with the Bjorn until Rowan was 10 months (and about 19 lbs).  With Baby G at a healthy 20lbs at 6 1/2 months, I'm afraid my spine has requested I retire the use of it long before the 10-month mark.  We've already started the transition to the MEC backpack- still convenient, still a great option for forest walks, neighbourhood strolls, and to keep my hands free to help Rowan on his bike- but not quite the view that the Bjorn affords.  And I'm afraid I'd get a couple funny looks if I decided to sport the backpack in the grocery store.   I'll keep sneaking her into the Bjorn for the next little while at least...or at least until I can still fasten up the carrier with her winter clothes on!

Dear Rowan's Nap,

Where have you gone?

Day 5, and still no sign of you?  I'm not ready to give you up.  There are bathrooms to paint, an entire kitchen to remodel, and fall clean-up to be done in the yard...all during those coveted 2 hours I can steal in the afternoon. 

Please come home- I need you.

Halloween

I think I've decided I love this holiday (finally). 

We've never really been big "Hallowe'eners"...but this year, we planned out the kids costumes before Miss G was even here.  And so came Thing 1 and Thing 2...finally...and because we could.  We had some lofty sights of doing an entire family theme, however, lofty sights, a few busy weeks, and the typical crazy life of 2 young kids, did not equal completed (or started?) adult costumes!  Nonetheless, Glen found some makings for the Cat in the Hat, and off they went along the street: The Cat, and his two side kicks: Thing 1 and Thing 2!

That's some serious cuteness kicking...all 3 of them! 
There was a full family effort put toward our 2 pumpkins...

Miss G trying to EAT the pumpkin (c'mon- you don't get cheeks like that without trying!)

Rowan scoping Daddy's pumpkin for 'guts'

 (and if I only knew how to rotate these pics the right way on this program...)

Thomas the Tank Engine (Mommy's creation) and Lightning McQueen (Daddy's artistic pumpkin work) were born!

Finished products out on the porch in time for the Trick or Treaters... 

Rowan managed to Trick or Treat the entire court- a pretty darn good feat for a 2-year old!  Miss G was along for the ride in the Bjorn, but exhausted when they returned home at 7pm and hit the hay while her big brother stayed up until 9pm doleing out candy to all the trick or treaters. 

Rowan woke up this morning asking if it was "Trick or Treat Time".  Um, nope Rowan...not for awhile.