Skating on Christmas Eve

We went skating on Christmas Eve. We found an outdoor rink not too far from our place. And it was a gorgeous day.

It was Matthew's first time on his skates. He did well. We stayed positive and made it fun for him. And we all had fun. Matthew liked holding our hands and "skating" with his helmet. Caleb liked to be pulled around on the ice in his little purple toboggan. And then of course Matthew had to have a turn in the little toboggan too!

And check this out. I know they are wearing the same snowsuit, but don't they just look alot the same? Not exactly. I can totally tell who is who, but still. The first one is of Matthew in February 2004 and the second one is Caleb on Christmas Eve 2005!

Christmas cookies with Grandma

Matthew (and Caleb) baked Christmas cookies with Grandma this week.















Check out his cute (and very boyish) apron.
Yes, those are boats and airplanes and cars!




















Caleb even helped (sort of) stir the cookie dough.
And he watched the whole process (and took notes for next year, of course!)
















Matthew was so excited and had a great time pouring in the ingredients, cracking the eggs, cutting the shapes and decorating with sprinkles.
















It's beginning to look (and taste) alot like Christmas :D

Update

Just as his brother before him, Caleb has chosen to crawl and get his first tooth at the same time. I use the term "crawl" very loosely as it is more of a caterpillar-type wiggle across the floor. I also use the term "tooth" loosely because it is barely visible but it is definitely there if you are lucky enough to rub your finger along his gums. Congratulations baby Caleb on reaching these milestones this past weekend!

Christmas in "Killartey"

"Mommy I want Christmas in Killartey"

This was Matthew on Saturday morning. I had no idea what he was talking about. So now I was on a mission. A mission to figure out what he was talking about.

"Christmas in Killartey?", I asked.

Yes Mommy. I want it.

Where did you see it?

At the Christmas Party. (we had been to Rick's staff kids' party on Wed)

What is it?

A song, Mommy. Like the puppets. I want it. I want Christmas in Killartey.

***Mystery Solved***

If you haven't guessed already, it was CHRISTMAS IN KILLARNEY by the Irish Rovers, that my little guy wanted to listen to. There had been a puppet show on Wednesday at the Christmas party and I had totally forgotten that the finale song had been Christmas in Killarney. I tell you, Matthew has an amazing memory! I didn't even think he was still listening by the end of the show and it certainly wasn't a highlight of the party. Not like meeting Santa or eating pizza. But here we were 3 days later and he wanted to listen to Christmas in Killarney.

So Rick downloaded it off the internet and we have listened and listened and listened to it.

The holly green, the ivy green
The prettiest picture you've ever seen
Is Christmas in Killarney
With all of the folks at home

I almost feel Irish :D

Oh no!

Here we go again!

Both boys have colds.

Up all night.

Runny noses.

Sneezes.

A case of the coughs.
(that's what Matthew says, it's so cute)
(cute that he says it, not that he coughs all the time)

STOP.

Count your blessings :)

I have two sweet boys.

Matthew is learning how to blow his nose.

More time to bond with Caleb (as he snuggles me in the middle of the night)

Everyone should be healthy by Christmas .

Caleb at 9 months

Not quite crawling.

Not sleeping very well.










Cute as can be.

Adores his big brother.











Pictures taken Saturday, Dec. 3, 2005 (9 months old).

Anticipating the tickle

Caleb reached an important baby milestone last week.

No, he didn't start walking.

No, he didn't start crawling either (although he is SO close)

He anticipated the tickle.

?!?

Let me explain...

We were at Kindermusik last week, doing a different version of this little piggy.
I've always done this little piggy went to market...etc.

Here it is:

This little pig danced a merry, merry jig;
This little pig ate candy.
This little pig wore a blue and yellow wig;
This little pig was a dandy.
But this little pig never grew to be big,
So they called him tiny little Andy.

(then you say tickle, tickle, tickle and you tickle them)

And that's when he did it... He smiled his widest smile. He threw his head back in anticipation. He started to giggle even before the tickle, tickle part. He knew it was coming up.

He anticipated the tickle : D

Now does it make sense?

Incidentally, he is also able to anticipate the washcloth on the face...now we are ready to move on the the next developmental milestone (maybe crawling)!

Yum yum! Recipes for a busy mom!

Supper time is just crazy around here sometimes. Matthew is going through a bit of a fussy stage when it comes to eating. He does not like to try new things.
I read about this.
It's normal.
Pick your battles, mommy.
So, I try.
I offer him what we're having.
Then I usually make peanut butter toast.
Or sausage, he likes sausage.

Caleb, the other hand, likes to eat everything I offer him. But he likes to eat at about 4:30, precisely the time that I am starting to get everyone else's supper organized.
He fusses too.
He needs supper NOW.
I'm trying to juggle too many things.
Boil water.
Feed him some bites.
Add pasta.
Feed him some bites.

Matthew comes: "Mommy I want something"
Supper will be ready soon.
I don't want supper I want a snack.
Caleb fusses, forgot to feed him some bites.
Toddler whining.
Baby fussing.
Supper...put on hold for awhile.


But don't worry, I've found some help. Kraft Canada. It's full of recipes. Easy ones. No fancy schmancy ingredients. Real food. Yummy food too. Some of my favourites are: Bruschetta Chicken Bake and California Chicken. And here's the BEST PART:

If you sign up, they will send you their magazine/cookbook every few months and it is loaded with easy, easy recipes that are so good. It's still crazy around here...and Matthew still eats peanut butter toast more than he probably should, but it's getting better.