Kate's First Bites

Kate officially started eating solids this week.  We were a little more relaxed this time around and have been letting her suck on random pieces of fruit for the last few weeks.  I chose to start with pears mainly because I had a jar left over from Ben.  Usually I make my own baby food but between our trip to Vancouver and the cold, snowy weather, I took the easy route.  Kate's been showing interest in food for at least six weeks, if not more, so I was a little surprised that she only seems mildly interested once the food reaches her mouth.  Kate is most receptive when Ben is on the other end of the spoon (except when it ends up a little too far down her throat).  I shouldn't be surprised, she's smitten by him.  In her eyes, he's the best thing ever (let's hope it stays that way)!

Kate On the Streets of Vancouver

He Said (On Squeaky Windshield Wipers)...

As we were driving home earlier this morning it was half raining, half snowing at a very inconsistent rate.  The rear windshield wipers were on and at one point they started to squeak.  When Ben heard the noise of the wipers he asked... 

 

Ben: "Mommy, did our car have a fart?"

Vancouver

Vancouver was amazing.  Being home is amazing (especially when your house smells like these cinnamon buns, freshly baked upon arrival).  My weekend was filled with great food and great company.  A little rain and a little sunshine.  Beautiful fall colors everywhere.  More pictures to follow once I get caught up on laundry...

Looking Back - March 2011

In the spring of 2011 (when Edmonton was still covered in five feet of snow) my mom, Ben and I traveled to Vancouver.  Jenny (now married for almost a year) tried on wedding dresses.  Kate was nothing but a hope and a prayer and I became an aunt for the first time.  It's hard to believe how much time has passed since then, how much life has changed.  Ben, then a few days shy of 15 months, is now almost three.  I look back at these pictures of him at the beach and this video of him splashing around in a mud puddle with such fondness but also with a little sadness that my toddler has grown into such a little man (look how cute and squishy he was back then).  

In a few days my mom, Kate and I will be Vancouver bound for four days.  I can't wait to see Jenny and Darren, to walk along the streets of Vancouver surrounded by fall colors, to spend some time alone with Kate but leaving Ben behind is definitely bittersweet.  It'll be the first time since his birth that I will be away from him for longer than a sleepover at grandma and grandpa's.  I hope he enjoys his extended weekend with the guys, I know I'll enjoy every moment of my "girl time" in Vancouver.  

He Said (On Laughter)...

Ben: "Daddy, you make me funny!"

Being Two

Siblings - October 2012

When this is your first shot of the day...

It's probably best to just put the camera away.  I had such high hopes for Ben and Kate's October pictures after their first photo shoot together.  But sometimes the best you can get is both kids looking in the same general direction.

Little Miss Kate

It's hard to believe our baby girl is five months old already!  We went out into the backyard this morning to take a few pictures.  It was chilly and windy but Kate was a trouper.  I just can't get enough of her chubby cheeks and sweet little face...

We're Going on a Leaf Hunt

We're going on a leaf hunt.

We're going to pick a big one.

What a chilly morning!

But we're prepared.

In the Dark

I can’t sleep so I lay here, waiting for you.  When you cry out, I walk down the hall, pick you up and cradle you in my arms.  Instant silence.  I kiss your cheek, drape you over my shoulder and carry you to the couch.  This is where I sit each night, cross-legged in the dark with you.  As I feed you, I often fall asleep with you in my arms.  Tonight however, I think about how much my life has changed, how much you and your brother have changed me.  I think about how much you need me, how much you depend on me and that feels good.  Here we are, mother and daughter at the beginning of our relationship.  We are just getting to know each other and we have a lifetime ahead of us.  I want this moment to last forever.  I want you to stay this small forever.  Let’s not grow older just yet.  Let’s sit in the dark and just be.  There are no words to describe the depth of my love for you.  I can only hope that one day, you will hold your own child in your arms in the middle of the night and understand how amazing it feels to love the way I love you.