Friday, July 19, 2013

Snapshot: Almost 3.5 and almost 1 year old

Every now and then I like to do a post about what the kids are doing at this moment in terms of sayings, habits and activities.  I hope that one day I can read back on these and remember the little things that get lost in the mix of our hectic lives.

Gus continues to be a happy go lucky little dude.  Now that he is mobile (possibly the world's fastest crawler - you know, there should be a baby crawling race, don't you think?  They could have numbers on their bums like jockeys), he wants to keep up with the big boys.  Hank and Dylan, our nanny's son, run circles around the house all day and Gus chases them around as best he can.  He has become quite determined and let's you know that you are on his list if he doesn't get what he wants.

Often what he wants is to stand up with your assistance and jump up down, also with your assistance.  This is great fun for little Gus, but can be taxing on the arms.  My biceps are actually looking pretty good these days thanks to my 20lb baby weight.

Another favorite activity involves throwing items on the ground to...see what happens when you throw items on the ground.  See exhibit A:




Gus has a few non-stupid human tricks, like waving, blowing kisses and clapping. What astounds me is that he will perform these tricks if you simply ask him.  No demonstration needed, just say the words and he understands you.  This is amazing to me considering he is not talking, but I guess this is how we learn language.

I guess it's not entirely true that he's not talking.  He and Hank will have long conversations that consist of babbling back and forth.  Hank is an excellent impersonator (takes after his Dad) and will immediately parrot back to you what you have just said.  This allows him and Gus to have long discussions about who knows what.

Hank at almost 3 and a half years old has turned into a very articulate and curious young man.  He has a thirst for knowledge that seems unquenchable.  Luckily, he has a father who loves sharing knowledge just as much as Hank likes gaining it.  And I welcome a new audience member for Matt's knowledge dropping sessions. A win win win! We are frequently (I mean really frequently) asked questions about everything.  When Hank learns an answer to something he isn't afraid to remind you of it over and over again.  It becomes etched in his memory and yours, whether you like it or not.

"Remember Mommy, we don't walk on the road because we don't want to scare a car"
When looking at a sky light in the house, "Mommy, is that called a sun roof?"  "Um, yeah, sure" "No Mommy, that's actually a sky light.  A sun roof is in a car."
"Mom, batteries have electricity in them"

And that's another thing.  I am now Mom.  Not Mama.  Not Mommy.  Mom.  He sounds like an 18 year old sometimes.  When I say "Hank" he most often responds with a "Yeah Mom."  Add that to the occasional "God damned (fill in the blank)" and he could sound like an agitated 35 year old.  We really have to watch ourselves these days around our little pitcher with big ears.

Hank has recently developed an interest in coloring which is a dream come true to me.  I have been trying to get this child to sit quietly at a table and color since he was 6 months old.  I didn't realize that boys aren't generally into that kind of thing.  When Hank does humor us with some coloring time, his color of choice is black.  Is this a sign of something deeper going on, something dark?  Probably but what the hell do I know.  Our mantle this Spring consisted of handmade cards for my birthday and Mother's Day all in black.  I thought they were actually pretty cool, in a New York kind of way.  Move over Pollock.

And finally, the other day I was sporting a maxi dress (that's a full length sun dress for those of you out of the fashion loop) and Hank simply asked me, "Mom, are you wearing your princess dress today?"  To which I replied, naturally dahling!

We are escaping the intolerable heat of this godforsaken swamp on Saturday and heading north to Cape Cod.  Temps are looking to be in the high 70's which will be a welcome relief after a week of 100 degree days.  Walking outside this week has felt like stepping into a sweat lodge in the Amazon.  Better start running lobsters - we're coming to getcha!


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

La Belle Province

How did it get to be mid-July?!  We've been so busy of late I haven't had a chance to post about our trip to Montreal.  We spent a week in La Belle Province as it is known among the Frenchies. Or at least that's the name a fast food chain where they buy their poutine.  At any rate, it was a great trip that involved staying at a charming inn in the Eastern Provinces with a Relais and Chateaux restaurant (oink oink) followed by a few days in Old Montreal.  The kids had a ton of fun hanging out with their grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles and we all enjoyed having a chance to catch up with my cousins, aunts and uncles at a family reunion BBQ.

The view from the Manoir Hovey at sunset


Hank and Hayes at rest...

And at play

Proud Canadian boys! 

Hank enjoying his multi course breakfast, including a small bowl of pure honey every morning...

These cousins LOVE to play together

Gus, happy as always

Nana and Hank at the pool 

Gus takes in Old Montreal




The week came to an end with a great day spent surprising my mother with a vow renewal ceremony at the church where she and my Dad got married 40 years ago.  It was a complicated ruse involving everyone in the family and we actually managed to pull it off! Mom was surprised and we all enjoyed watching my parents renew their vows.  Top it off with a crepe lunch at our favorite spot in St Sauveur and it was an awesome day.  That evening the extended family and some old friends got together for a lovely anniversary party.  It was the perfect way to celebrate a major marital milestone!  Happy Anniversary Mom & Dad!



The vows getting renewed...

For all of our photos from the trip, please check out our share site on Shutterfly

You can also see more pics on Chanel's blog: A lady and her loves