A longer to post to come later in the week about our great trip to the Cape. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Happy Birthday Gus!
Hard to believe this little guy is one year old today! Gus is such a delight - Matt and I often say that he is pure joy. Hank and Gus are playing together all the time now and it is so cool to watch them grow closer as brothers. Happy birthday to our Goose!
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!
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 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!
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
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| The view from the Manoir Hovey at sunset |
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| Hank and Hayes at rest... |
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| And at play |
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| Proud Canadian boys! |
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| Hank enjoying his multi course breakfast, including a small bowl of pure honey every morning... |
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| These cousins LOVE to play together |
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| Gus, happy as always |
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| Nana and Hank at the pool |
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| 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!
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| 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
Thursday, June 27, 2013
School's out for summah!
Yesterday was Master Hank's last day of school. The year has flown by and Hank has grown up so much it's kind of scary. He is now a pretty well regulated (most of the time) little boy who speaks in full sentences, has an amazing imagination and loves hanging out with his Frog friends (his class at school). It was a bittersweet goodbye to the teachers, with Maman tearing up as we left the school. Hank seems clueless that the year is done and he won't be back with the same teacher, class or school next year. Perhaps that is for the best...
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| First day... |
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| Last day...
We are kicking summer off this Saturday with a week long trip to Monty La Mont (that's Montreal to the rest of you) with the entire Mailloux clan to celebrate my parents' laudable accomplishment of reaching 40 years of marriage.
We'll have lots of pics when we get back. Happy summer everyone!
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Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Summer snapshots...
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| First and second mates out on the Bay... |
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| Wow, time for a hair cut! |
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| Hank and Dylan (our nanny's son and Hank's favorite playmate) getting ready to watch a movie... |
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| Gus's first swing! |
Monday, June 17, 2013
Is there a better way...
To celebrate pride month than to attend your first gay wedding? None, I say, none!
Matt and I have just returned from New York where we attended my dear friend Andy's wedding to his lovely partner Arturo. We had a great time meeting all of their nearest and dearest and were honored to be included in the festivities. Andy is a very special person whom I grew close to almost 10 years ago when we worked together at BBDO. We spent almost a month together in Cape Town, SA, shooting Snickers spots (completely unnecessarily, but we had made the argument to the client that their savings in talent costs would outweigh the cost of the trip). We had a great time while we were there and have been good friends ever since.
We always love a jaunt up to New York and had a lovely weekend doing all the things we love to do there - walking in Central Park, eating Laduree macarons, getting my hair cut by someone who knows how to cut hair (imagine!), strolling through the West Village and SoHo, and eating yummy food! The weather was perfect and it was one of those weekends when you wish living in New York was actually this easy.
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From TheWeek.com |
Matt and I have just returned from New York where we attended my dear friend Andy's wedding to his lovely partner Arturo. We had a great time meeting all of their nearest and dearest and were honored to be included in the festivities. Andy is a very special person whom I grew close to almost 10 years ago when we worked together at BBDO. We spent almost a month together in Cape Town, SA, shooting Snickers spots (completely unnecessarily, but we had made the argument to the client that their savings in talent costs would outweigh the cost of the trip). We had a great time while we were there and have been good friends ever since.
The fact that Andy has found happiness with Arturo is a joyful event in more ways than one - his previous partner, Beau, passed away 5 years ago very suddenly after contracting the flesh eating disease. It was a tragic and shocking loss. Beau's family has essentially adopted Andy, and vice versa, and it was so nice to see them this weekend and witness their support of Andy's new relationship.
The high point of the weekend was the actual ceremony held Saturday night at the Norwood Club. Andy and Arturo had a civil ceremony on Friday afternoon so their Saturday big event was more of a formality. Except that it was anything but formal. One of New York's finest drag queens, Hedda Lettuce, officiated the exchange of vows and put on quite a show in the process. The whole evening was silly, fun and bawdy, just like Andy and Arturo.
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| The Reverend Hedda Lettuce |
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| Hedda and the boys... |
We always love a jaunt up to New York and had a lovely weekend doing all the things we love to do there - walking in Central Park, eating Laduree macarons, getting my hair cut by someone who knows how to cut hair (imagine!), strolling through the West Village and SoHo, and eating yummy food! The weather was perfect and it was one of those weekends when you wish living in New York was actually this easy.
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| Central Park perfection... |
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| Sweet treats from Laduree |
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| Only in New York can you wake up to painted pianos in the Lincoln Center plaza for the public to play |
Lucky for us we get to come back next weekend for a 40th birthday party!!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Potty Power! And other general updates...
Well, we finally sucked it up and decided to dive into potty training this past weekend, kamikaze "3 Day Method" style. This approach requires the child to be naked from the waist down for 3 days straight. You fill them with salty snacks and lots of liquids until they can "recognize the feeling" and learn when to go to the potty. Once the act is completed you shower them with rewards. It is a combination of shame, bodily manipulation and bribery that really seems to work!
It also requires that the entire family essentially remain house bound for 3 days which is a tall order for us Kellys. We are out of town at least one weekend a month and usually more, so when we are here, we tend to be overbooked with errands and social commitments. We have frankly been too lazy/scared to attempt this in the past. This weekend was a rare one where we had no plans at all, and it is the last one that we will be in DC until mid-July so we thought we should take advantage of it or risk starting another school year in diapers.
I'm a very proud to report to young Hank took to the potty like a natural! Sure, we had an accident here and there and we still have some hang ups about doing certain, ahem, things in the potty but overall he did very well. This was all proven out by today's miraculous day at school spent in underwear with no accidents at all!! Matt and I are so proud of our little guy who suddenly seems less like a "big boy" and more like a big kid. I can literally see him growing up right before my eyes.
In other and no less impressive news, Gus has made some major developmental strides himself in the past month. He is crawling like an expert (meaning super fast and aggressively, which scares his parents a bit) and has recently had his two top front teeth come in. Along with these two physical changes has come an attitude change. Our happy go lucky, chill little baby is suddenly feisty. He goes after what he wants and if he doesn't get it, watch out! His relationship with Hank has changed too - they are having a great time together and I often walk in on them giggling to themselves about something that is beyond me. It is most likely that one of them cracked a joke at my expense. I suppose I should get used to that...
It also requires that the entire family essentially remain house bound for 3 days which is a tall order for us Kellys. We are out of town at least one weekend a month and usually more, so when we are here, we tend to be overbooked with errands and social commitments. We have frankly been too lazy/scared to attempt this in the past. This weekend was a rare one where we had no plans at all, and it is the last one that we will be in DC until mid-July so we thought we should take advantage of it or risk starting another school year in diapers.
I'm a very proud to report to young Hank took to the potty like a natural! Sure, we had an accident here and there and we still have some hang ups about doing certain, ahem, things in the potty but overall he did very well. This was all proven out by today's miraculous day at school spent in underwear with no accidents at all!! Matt and I are so proud of our little guy who suddenly seems less like a "big boy" and more like a big kid. I can literally see him growing up right before my eyes.
In other and no less impressive news, Gus has made some major developmental strides himself in the past month. He is crawling like an expert (meaning super fast and aggressively, which scares his parents a bit) and has recently had his two top front teeth come in. Along with these two physical changes has come an attitude change. Our happy go lucky, chill little baby is suddenly feisty. He goes after what he wants and if he doesn't get it, watch out! His relationship with Hank has changed too - they are having a great time together and I often walk in on them giggling to themselves about something that is beyond me. It is most likely that one of them cracked a joke at my expense. I suppose I should get used to that...
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| Hank rockin' his undies! |
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| Oh yeah, we love our tandem stroller. |
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| This child is actually asleep. Standing up. |
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| This picture requires no caption. |
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