OK I get it – autumn is beautiful blah blah blah. I am grudgingly enjoying the colours outside my window and the unexpected gift of October sunshine. Just waiting for the bubble to burst and the rain to start. How pathetic is that?

I could spend hours watching Samuel watch other things. It never ceases to amaze me that just a month or two ago he was waving his arms around aimlessly. Now he’s reaching for things and pulling his binky out of his mouth (and sometimes getting it back in). Toys are suddenly very interesting too – especially the kind that are easy to chew on.

This may well be one of my favourite parts of the entire renovation – right up there with the shower screen, walk in closet and outlets every 5 feet. As we were framing out the new addition, it became apparent that Thomas would have a funky little cutout in his bedroom behind the door. Converted attics often have these little nooks and crannies but I wanted to make the most of it. This little space seemed like the perfect oppotunity to add a built in bookcase.

It wasn’t cheap, but in my mind it was worth every penny. Thomas’ books have a place to live and our living room now contains only a few favourite children’s books for impulsive reading. The best part though is that Thomas’ room is now a sanctuary – no toys or noisy distractions, just books. Oh and the fact that we can now see all his books means we are less likely to be exposed to the same ones over and over and over – although I have to admit that I occassionally hide some of his current favourites just to give myself a rest. I don’t think I can read about Toy Story one more time.

I have been giving the boys a bath together most nights to save time and water. It involves a little bit of juggling and quite a lot of balance to hold Samuel correctly in the water while trying to prevent Thomas from splashing him. It also means I could do with a few more arms so you’re unlikely to see a photo of them in the bath together until Samuel can sit up.

So I took this photo of Thomas doing one of his favourite things – taking a bath – and Samuel doing one of his favourite things – watching Thomas.

In case I haven’t mentioned it – WE’VE FINALLY MOVED UPSTAIRS. Well enough to be a little more comfortable anyway. Thomas loves his brand new yellow room and we love that it contains nothing but a bed, books and clothes – no toys to distract him at bedtime.

The downside? A dresser that has suddenly become easier to climb and has fallen over twice while Thomas was climbing it and/or opening all drawers at the same time. We are going to bolt it to the wall and, in the meantime, have had a few conversations with Thomas about balance.

Everybody say ahhhhhh – so cute!

The boys and I were enjoying this extended burst of spring by hanging out at the park. Thomas adores his little brother and it looks like the feeling is mutual. Samuel watches Thomas all the time which has been especially helpful in the car. Thankfully the car-induced screaming sessions have become less frequent. Hallelujah.

I admit it, I was resistant to the carpet. I started our renovation with visions of gleaming hardwood floors throughout the house. But then the bills started coming in and something had to give. So I sacrificed the hardwoods in the bedrooms in favour of a shower screen – a gorgeous single pane of glass that was worth every penny.

I now love the carpet. The stubborn taurean in me hates to admit it, but I like the warm squishy feeling beneath my feet in the morning – something I’m sure I’ll appreciate even more in the dead of winter. I also love that I can put Samuel down on the floor and not have to look around for a blanket.

The only downside is the vacuuming, but at least with carpet you can’t see the little dust bunnies in the corners. I know they’re there but I can’t see them and I truly adhere to the adage “out of sight out of mind”.