Battle Bruise

Poor Ella-Bella...

She fell off of the stage at church during a family function bruising her forehead and then fell out of her new toddler car the next day extending the same bruise!

She's still a happy camper, though!

A Glimpse of Christmas Morning

Many thanks to all who gave gifts to our family!

• The trampoline from Grandparents Harris was a hit to all!!
• Averi and Mommy can now play Barbies together!
• Taylor's room is overflowing with his new goodies!
• Ella is now a professional at identifying and unwrapping gifts!

A few pics to share (notice the undecorated bottom portion of the tree!):

The kids got new PJs from Omi on Christmas Eve. Taylor's features amplified torso musculature and a cape! The toboggan has already been used!

Ella's new PJs didn't survive her morning pooh, unfortunately... This is her opening her first present... an electric toothbrush! A huge hit!

Taylor trying to help Ella open her toothbrush.

Ella got into her new car before it was even constructed.

Brushing her teeth in her new car! ;)

Still brushing her teeth as her sibs clamber on.

Merry Christmas to all!

Can You Spot...

Can you spot something odd in this picture?

If you noticed a strange hinge, then you might want a little more detail...

The story: Ella CONSTANTLY goes through my bathroom drawers. She's been consistently (at least by myself) trained that she is not allowed in them but, nonetheless, she scattered pantyliners about the upper floor.

Due to placement height, we suspect that the hinge culprit is Taylor. ;)

Crazy Hair

Due to its fine nature, Avi frequently gets what we call "crazy hair." The following is with a little help from static, though...

Sesame Street: Plain White T's Song

I love, love, LOVE this song (Hey There, Delilah) and now it's been made into a kiddy song on Sesame Street! Fabulous! I can't wait to show Taylor!

Quick Avi Update

Avi was able to get her MRI today instead of February! Her next eye appt is in January, so hopefully we'll have the results by then and whether or not further surgery is possible...

Piggy Tail Goodness!

It's always a happy, happy moment in a mother's life when her daughter's hair reaches the length of piggy-tail-ability!

Aren't they sweet!!

Love and Marriage

The other day, Taylor, sitting with daddy, turned his face up and said, "Daddy? I wish I could marry you."

Christmas "Flash Mob"

I've never heard of Christmas Flash Mobbing before but the video below demonstrates it! How fun!! I love how the singers are of every age!

My Helping Dude

After being sent to his room for some infraction or other, I indicated that Taylor was free to leave. He replied that he wanted to stay in his room. I assumed he was playing with his trains.

A short while later, he invited me to look in his room. Expecting a train system of epic proportions, I went slack-jawed when I found an eminently tidy room with 2 made beds! (Averi is a current sleep-resident of Taylor's room due to Ella's bed "training.") I'm still in shock!

He then desired to clean Ella and Averi's room (Avi's clothing still occupies this room), which he proceeded to do!

It didn't stop there!

He asked for some help to clean the playroom.

He then suggested that we clean MY room, which was actually fairly tidy, just needed the bed made. I quickly vetoed the idea as Ella always gets into trouble in our room...

I asked Taylor if Daddy had showed him how to make his bed and he said no, he taught himself. I'm sure, of course, that it was by having seen Daddy do the chore the day before. ;) I asked if he had cleaned his room the day before and he said no, but that he would from now on!!

*sigh* Be still, my heart!

I [heart] Taylor! ;)

Daddy Taylor

This morning I walked into Ella's room to find Taylor tucking her into her toddler bed! How cute and sweet!

Taylor's Dental Visit

Taylor's (and Averi's) first visit to the dentist was 2 weeks ago. They were both super good!!

Today, Taylor went back to get a couple of cavities filled. He was amazing!! He didn't even flinch when they gave him the needles (a topical was applied but you still feel a pinch). The dentist and hygienist were so impressed!

They give you sunglasses against the bright light and any potential spray.

 I think Taylor looks just like Lerina here!

Way to go, Dude!!

Ella Graduates and a Fond Farewell

Ella slept on her new (used) toddler bed last night. Dad called last night and remarked that he still thought of her as a baby and that it was remarkable she was in a bed already. Me, too, Dad!!

As we disassembled the crib, I realized that this was the beginning of the end of our babies... All we need to do is potty-train Ella and whoosh! It's done! I was actually somewhat sad... ;)

History Repeats

I remember a specific instance when Taylor fell asleep in his high chair while eating supper, still wielding a fork. Look-y who's done the same!

She's actually sick today, poor little thing... Puking all day...

Extended Family News

I was reviewing my blog archives and realized that I used to announce Nelson news more often... Guess I should catch up on that...

Lindsay and Kyle are pregnant with their first and due in April!

Norm and Ariel are pregnant with their second and due a week after Lindsay!

We are, thankfully, not pregnant. We're actually "done" in the kid department. I was sad at first but am now completely relieved. I'm getting old and tired. ;)

Fresh Baked Cookies

Our weather turned from balmy one day...

to blizzard the next.

We're completely piled with snow!

After picking up Taylor from Kindergarten today, I asked him if we should have some hot chocolate when we got home. He replied in the affirmative (of course) and asked if he could dip a cookie in it.

Mommy: Sorry, we don't have any cookies!
Taylor: But what about those chocolate chip cookies we made?
Mommy: They're all gone! Should we make some more?
Taylor: Yes, chocolate chip cookies!
Mommy: How about something different, like snickerdoodles?
Taylor (confused): Skipper Noodles???

Noodles

Ella's first experience with raman/ichiban noodles. ;)

Boss's Bday

Ever since my boss surprised me with a birthday gathering at our private "meeting," I've been planning revenge!

I should have done before and after pics but instead all you get are the reaction pics. He strode in just as I was putting on the final touch! He loved it!

 He actually had a teleconference he was urgently trying to attend and so he immediately had to rip a hole on the monitor and find his telephone!

This is the cleanest his desk has EVER been! ;)

We organized a potluck lunch for him with the whole area. It was terrific!

For some reason, my flash kept futzing out...

Can you believe he's 35? I actually thought I was older than him for awhile!! ;)

Sweet Kisses

Happy Munchkin:

Peering at a book:

Moving in for the kill...

Sweet Kisses!!

Ella's such a 'nuggly girl! As that falling-apart book can attest...

Taylor's 5th Birthday

I discovered that Taylor's birthday post was still in Draft mode! One of the hazards of blogging, I guess.

So, to get to it...

Here's Taylor's cake. I did a simple one at the last minute, as I believe Omi was sick. ;)

It's supposed to be a racetrack...

Taylor seemed to like it. :)

Present: Aunt D, Julia and twins, Omi, Uncle Mark (and the boys??), Larissa (and Snejana?), Stef and Tara. At least, I'm pretty sure... Shoulda finished this post ages ago...

Halloween

A week before Halloween, Shawn's mother threw all the grandkids a Halloween party. We arrived late but were able to participate in the treasure hunt and general treat-eating and cousin-playing. The kids loved it!

 One of the clues for the treasure hunt involved wearing a wig... Several people took turns.

Including Daddy...

 Another clue involved a pom-pom... Ella LOVED it!

 Couldn't get enough of it!

Averi couldn't resist climbing everything, of course.

Our pumpkin--carving orchestrated by Daddy! Taylor requested a scary face. It was lit by a small LED light (great idea, Daddy!).

The chillin's all dressed up! Of course, getting Ella to stay still for a pic was impossible but we tried! I had both Taylor and Averi try and keep hold of one hand each...

Happy Halloween!

Civic Engagement

I am NOT a political activist. I ignore any and all references to elections, parties and politics... as a general rule. I know we've been encouraged to be involved in civic affairs, but I've never fostered an inclination do so.

My brother-in-law, Aaron, asked if we'd be willing to put up a lawn sign for the mayoral candidate he was supporting. I said I'd have to research his platform first. I put it off (just a little bit ;) ) but finally looked into Naheed Nenshi, as well as the other major candidates. Right about the time Nenshi gained momentum, soon entering a 3-way tie with the other front runners, I decided that I whole-heartedly endorsed his candidacy. Shawn followed suit and we invited Aaron to put a sign on our lawn. :)

If Shawn thought he was surprised at my "passion" for Nenshi, I was doubly surprised at the advocate I had become! I engaged in discussions with family, friends and co-workers about the reasons I was voting for Nenshi. I even participated in a "wave" on the Anderson Station pedestrian bridge over Macleod Trail on Election Day! So fun!

I'm thrilled to say that Nenshi stunned political observers with his come-from-behind WIN against the shoe-in alderman and the popular news anchor!!

Here's me and Calgary's new mayor!!

Hobbies for Toddlers

We had a wonderful family day on Saturday, taking the children to the zoo (we have annual passes) and then to dinner at Denny's. This was a treat from Shawn in honor of his 1st paycheck at his new job (1st year plumbing apprenticeship), since kids eat free on (Tuesdays and) Saturdays. :)

The children were actually quite good but what impressed us the most was what kept Ella occupied for so long... Peeling the wrappers off of the straws!! Bit by teensy bit, the paper pile in front of her grew. When she finished one straw, we'd hand her another. It was so cute!

Now on to the pics!

Several birds aided us in cleaning snack leavens off of Ella's stroller. ;)

 Ella's forehead looks so cute mushed against the window! You can see Shawn taking the pic in my sunglasses...

 This pic is soft but the kids look so cute!

 Looking at ???

 I didn't notice until now that Taylor has his hand over Avi's which is on his lap! Awww!!

 Ella loves to pose nowadays. :)

 Ella and mommy.