Before his time

My friend Spero came by to check out the new digs.  He also brought over a belated birthday present for little C.

Tongue out.  Total concentration.

Ok, technically he hasn't even started walking yet but BOY, does he love it!

Look ma, no hands!

Thanks to Spero for the very sweet gift!

Pick me a winner...

So as you can tell from the corresponding pic, Chester has developed a new hobby...

He doesn't really go on an - ahem, expedition, mind you.  He just likes to insert his finger into his nose and leave it there.  It's a little disturbing at home, but yesterday when we were out looking at dining room tables, he decided to treat customers to his new talent.  The finger went up and stayed up!  I was mortified!!!  He quite enjoyed the look on my face.  I think that made him want to prolong his little show even more.

First steps?

Chester was extremely cranky tonight.

He HATES the playpen but ever since we put it in the dining room displaying that huge evergreen, he's been happy as a clam.  Until today.  The little guy just wasn't having it and he made it clear to everyone within a 5 mile radius!

But that's not the reason for this post.  (If that was the case, I'd have to post multiple times each day!)  In between crying jags, Chester WALKED from one side of his playpen to the other!  Ok, it was only a couple steps but that's why they call it the "first steps" right?  Plus, he did it without holding on to anything.  In fact, it could have easily been missed since he didn't fall or make a big deal of it AT ALL.  I don't know if it actually counts since he had such a short amount of space and didn't need to muster up any courage to really walk, but we'll count it as a precursor to the real thing for now.  I think we're close.  Prepare for all hell to break loose!

The grass is always greener...

It's taken over a month but we are finally getting used to the city-free sounds of our new home.  Streetcar bells, loud drunks and the loutish intrusion of rude neighbours have now been replaced with chirping birds, the rumble of the garbage truck passing through, as well as the cacophony of lawn mowers humming on a Saturday morning.

Add to that, a sight I never thought I'd see.

Tim tackles the lawn with glee.

He already mowed it the week before!

Apparently it needs to be done every week or it "looks like shit."

Whups!  A little trip and this garden bunny keeps right on going.

Also, words I never thought I'd hear.  Tim:  "I can't wait to cut the lawn this weekend."  If you know Tim, especially anything about his childhood having to cut the family lawn, this is truly a momentous occasion.  I guess life really is full of surprises!

May days

My eight teeth!

Things have been busy around here so not much time to post.  Quite frankly, I'm considering hanging up this blog soon.  (It does take up a great deal of work and there's little in the way of response here as the dearth of followers and comments suggest.)  Not to worry though, I'll still update with pictures every so often at the very least.

First runny nose...kinda cute for a snot nosed kid right?

This week Chester and I have been sick.  We both had a cold that I was able to fight off after a few days.  One of the benefits of breastfeeding still is that C has a much better chance to resist nasty cold bugs.  I've been taking echinacea and Vitamin C right before nursing which helped him immensely.  We seemed to both have the same exact symptoms too.  Runny nose (only on one side of the face), extreme thirst and a dry throat.  We are doing better though and starting to feel more settled in.  Here are a few pics taken last night.  Seems like C is developing a bit of a foot fetish like his Grandma. 

A big foot in a little mouth.  (Same mouth as his dad.)

Sick day...

Chester woke up this morning with bright pink cheeks and a fever.  At first, I thought the fever was from the vaccinations he had on Monday.  The doctor did mention that this could happen.  However, his nose has been running all day.  He was also yawning all morning and just low energy.  I think our little boy is sick.  It's his first time.  I guess not getting sick for a year is something, right?

Why HEY stranger!  Who are you?

How lovely it was to see Tim home a little early from work with a present for him.  A Fisher Price Go Baby Go! Stride-to-Ride Dino!  We've wanted this for such a long time and it was so nice to see Chester's face when he saw a belated, extra bday/sorry-you're-sick-please-feel-better-soon present waiting for him!

Hello!  I think we're going to be best friends.

Totally mesmerized.

 

C was imitating the dino's roar!

In no time he was standing and exploring.

And tasting...

Blurry shot but C's face = pure joy.

I think the smiles and shrieks we got as a result of his new toy took his mind off feeling icky. What a nice surprise!

One Year!

Happy birthday to Chester who turned one today!  Here are some pics of the main event.  What a fun day!

Good morning!  I'm a big boy today!!!

Organic yummy cake I made for the occasion!  Never baked a cake before!

The gluten-free cake had 2 layers filled with raisins, carrots and sunflower seeds.

Sweet potato frosting with maple syrup and cinnamon.

Thanks to Tim's Uncle Ron and Aunt Trish for the amazing blender!

My mom brought the chocolate-y goodness for the big kids!

Not happy about wearing the funny hat.

Uhh...what hat?  GIMME CAKE!!!

Not sure I dig this...maybe if it was shaped like a boob?

Hmm...the frosting is YUM.

Wait?!?  Am I feeding myself???

Ok, i'm seriously DIGGING this.  Time to have some fun!

Do you think I could get any messier?

New toy from Grandma and Uncle Tony.

Enjoying his loot!

Loves Thomas the Tank!

My mom reading him a poem she wrote for C's big day.

Thanks to everyone who made the day so wonderful.  Chester appreciated all the presents and well wishes.  We love you!

New house pics!

Apologies for the delay in posts.  I think this is the longest I've ever gone without posting.  The past few weeks have been Moving Hell.  Thankfully, we are now past that, onto the annoying and all-consuming Unpacking Hell.  Here are some pics in the new house!  These were all taken today in the dining room which overlooks a huge tree.  (It must be at least 40 feet tall.)  For some reason Chester was fascinated with the scenery and didn't kick up any fuss at all when I put him in baby jail.  (A first.)

WTF is that big green furry thing?!?

Why, hello!!!

Whoa, that thing is maybe as tall as Grampy.

 

Quick, let's make a break for it!!!