Kevin and Natasha and Evan

"Now you two are three... and everywhere you go you will take joy  and happiness and... The pram... the buggy... the changing mat... the nappy bin...the cuddly toy... the bottle unit... the Moses basket... the clothes... the nappies... " 

~ Greeting Card "The Generation Game" by Dino 

Ack!  It's a bug and I had to touch it!

Kevin (ever the entomologist) was really happy with my find on the gate handle.  I was not happy about the grey, winged thing that was as long as my index finger (which he identified as a stonefly).

But, I was happy he was interested in the lily beetle: "If you find more, would you collect them?"  He could use them for teaching.  Collect bugs and stop them from eating my lilies?  Yes, I'm sure I can. 

Anyway, they've set things up really nicely.  Their charming house with a really good layout surprised me: it's actually smaller than ours!  Only 800 square feet, but more spacious because they have a lot less stuff (Kevin's collections are corralled into a small office).  Oh, and they have a huge backyard, perfect for Huxley (the dog) and Evan to (eventually) run around in.

Or, maybe (in the nearer future) to have an outdoor dance party?  They tell me Evan loves ABBA (Um... James likes Wagner? :) ) 

Also, they have a baby gate that folds into an octagon.  Cage match!  Well, aside from kicking, James is really good at nomming -- that can be his special move.  Though baby fighting is probably best to be discouraged...

I'm so impressed by how they have things all orgranised and ready.  Natasha says it's partially because she can't nap during the day, so when Evan's sleeping or nursing, she's on her phone reading up on baby stuff and online shopping.  Kevin's also been able to switch to part-time since its the summer.  Different family members have been to visit and have helped out too.

I know Kevin is very environmentally conscious, he says he's been trying to use cloth diapers when it's his turn to change Evan.  Wow.  For all my good intentions before hand, disposables seem like the only manageable thing for me now -- so, good job!

The visit wasn't too long -- Evan napped pretty much through it.  I enjoyed the cake they made for me (no dairy, instead it has tomato soup!) and James I think, enjoyed the attention (way more talking and words, even though I try). 

I'm must make the effort to visit regularly.  At 5 blocks away, it really should be easy.  But on some days it can feel too hard.  Reminder: We wouldn't want to miss out on an ABBA dance party now would we? 

Butterfly and Bee

So, after and 3 years (and another hour*.  I now have Asterlea butterfly wing earrings from Sabrina butterfly!  (Thanks, Jackie.)

* Since it always takes me forever to make a decision, and there was a lot of choice. 

It was such a nice outing.  James charmed the sales girl at Sabrina -- buying me more time to flip through the cards of earrings, and text Erica to help me decide (everyday or something with with dramatic impact...?).

And, putting hte stroller in par, I had a chance to check out the front garden. 

It has gone wild: and it's probably better for it.  The chives are in bud (left); my haskap (honeyberry) has berried (right)!  The kale left from last year decided to come back, and its riot of yellow flowers attracted bees (below).  Life and time goes on even though I'm a bit on hold...

My good mood, unfortunately, ended at night: James was unhappy and refused to drink out of the bottle.  Such a relief when he finally stopped crying and fell asleep (through no help of mine). 

My hair is falling out now.  Bleh.  So many strands, every time I run my fingers through it, releasing it from the ponytail... but thankfully, not in clumps.

Mmmm...mmm...mamm...

He said "Mom" right?  (:P Wishful thinking.)

Four: Fruit, Flowers, Fabulous!

Yesterday (right): "Tomorrow's a special day, James.  You excited?"

Today (below): "Ugh, Too much excitement last night.  We need a nap." Or two or three...




I really tried hard to finish Paul's, but was just too tired.

But no matter, when he got back from work, we had our little celebration during one of James's sleeps. 

Turns out we both followed the "fruit and flower" theme.   

For me: A pretty flower card (and something silky --fabulous). 

For him: Dates!  Since we haven't really been able to have many [and likely won't for a while]). A flowery heart card (below, below), and that strip of yellow "modern floral" Qiana nylon work-in-progress (almost-fabulous, below).

And so we have it; not really that exciting tonight, but we are still here. 

Happy 4th anniversary, Bou!  Best Year Yet!

Lana and James (at 12 weeks old)

Inspired (prompted) by my complaints of not having mother-and naked-newborn* photos, Paul took on the challenge this past weekend.

Outside is neither cold enough for a sweater or warm enough for just a diaper, but that's the beauty of a photoshoot: it's a fantasy where these things can mix!  (With a big help from an indoor location and central heating.)  And, another fantastic element that came about: The baby did what we wanted it to do!  

Anyway, here are the results.  Paul did a great job.  The only problem is I want more ;)

 

* I was too exhausted, while James would start screaming as soon as we removed a layer of clothing.  I am super impressed with professionals who work with babies.

Roll Over, Peter!

The key to get someone to do something: Make them uncomfortable.

And so, the little one has rolled over!  Paul put him on his tummy and he disliked it enough to flip back onto his back.  He even surprised himself.

For our photoshoot though, he was fairly happy and malleable.  I'm excited for Paul's photos.

My photo concept: Bunny's ears and a light blue jacket -- James as "Peter Rabbit"!  It didn't quite turn out, but at least we tried.

Rain. And Roll?

It's been raining so much and it's all wet.  I rig up my redneck downspout as good as I can and hope for the best.  (Who never remember to anything it when it's nice out?)

Try to also rework the living area for the play pen (thanks, Shauna!)... But things are so messy, I can't actually make it fit... multi-stage it is (again)!

Meanwhile James has been practising...








Come on, don't be shy.  Try again.

Friday Night Lolling

Baby attack!

 Tongues out.











On the mat.

Change in Scape

Those bulbs I planted for James*?  One made it and bloomed**!

The little yellow daffodil is half hidden in the front border, but it's there.  And, James doesn't care, but it brightens my day.

* Well, planted for me in honour of him.
** I'd hoped for all five (a mixed variety) to bloom in his birth month, but, you know, it's hard to time these things.

In other "around the house perimeter" news: The city has planted a new tree.  Darn.  I was happy not having anything there (one fewer tree's roots to worry about growing into the foundation / pipes).  Or if something had to be there, that I could choose a fruit tree (the label is "Burr Oak")  Not much we can do.  Another "benefit" of living in a corner lot.  Paul now needs to mow around it.

James - Awake and stretch

Photo dump of the past two days. 

He's not amused.

Friends in just the right (time and) place

"His eyes are round like yours and also have your shape -- a devastating combination that all the girls will go crazy for."

Lambs on onsie from Cynthia

Stephen knew exactly what to say.  Na is also impressed with James eyes...

So, with the baby well flattered (parents pacified), time to catch up!

Na's been working on visitor's visas for her parents.  Unfortunately, she's also battling some health troubles... We're all getting old... and our parents even older.

Both Stephen and Paul have noticed their dads are noticeably ageing not as well as their moms.  Hm... is it the same with my parents?

Then suddenly Paul jumps up: It's Kevin and Natasha!  We've been trying to arrange a time to meet and then they're just there walking past when we're home!

We invited them in and Na and Stephen got 2 babies for the price of one!



















Oh, baby Evan... Only one month old and already the same length (height) as James -- he could be the one-month-old "fit baby" for the UK clothes Jackie brought.

Through Evan I can see just how much James has changed: I remember when James had wrinkles down his side. 

Natasha is also a C-section positive story.  Healing well, not much in pain, and even more so, smiling and so much more with it than me.

Their visit was short and Na and Stephen left soon after. 

Paul and I were energised and inspired to go outside.  James was probably a bit surprised. 

It felt like a long time since I've been in this part of the neighbourhood. James fell asleep.  I spied a rock lizard pile in someone's yard.