Author Archives: Nicole

P365 Day 263 – September 20th 2008

This is my very favourite children’s book right now – The Way Back Home by Oliver Jeffers. It’s so adorable and has a great message about friendship. This is my favourite page and it previews the rest of the book as the two characters work out what they are going to do.

The best part is that I bought this book on our trip to Australia so it uses Australian words like Petrol, instead of gas and torch, instead of flashlight. I took a look at the American version at a local bookstore and was so grateful for having bought the Aussie (or British) version. Sure, my kid is going to be confused as hell, but at least he’ll be Aussiefied.

You can find out more about this book and others on the author’s website. The website is a treat on its own.

P365 Day 262 – September 19th 2008

Thomas insisted I take this photo of the two of them together before their bath. In fact I think he also asked me to take the previous photo. He just loves his little brother. All my fears about him being resentful of the new addition to our family were for nothing. But then Samuel isn’t able to get into Thomas’ toys yet…

P365 Day 259 – September 16th 2008

This photo is a little sentimental. It marks the last day that Samuel and I had together before he started daycare. I am so grateful for the four months while I was off work and Thomas was in daycare – when we were able enjoy each other’s company and really bond. I am going to miss spending so much time with this little guy. I will just have to make the most of the time we do have together.

Life is good

Everything’s falling into place. I don;t want to jinx things but I do want to say how grateful I am that it seems like the family is finally getting back to normal after our trip to Australia. Don’t get me wrong, we had a great time, but it takes a few weeks for little bodies to get back on schedule.

This one is close to being potty trained. After a few false starts he finally seems to be getting it. Tonight we were just about to start eating dinner when he said “Excuse me. I need to go to the loo.” I don’t know if I was more excited about that fact that he used the potty or that he used the word “Loo”. 🙂 He also used the real toilet instead of his potty chair which means I didn’t even have to clean up after him. Nice!

After two weeks this one is finally settling into a routine at daycare. It was a rocky start. He wanted to be held all the time, cried most of the day and wouldn’t nap. Thankfully eating was never a problem but I was worried that Michelle would decide that looking after a baby in addition to a bunch of toddlers is just too difficult and that we would have to look for alternative childcare. I am excited to report though that he has been great all week. He is now on a fairly regular napping schedule and happily sits and watches the kids or will lie outside on the grass and coo for a good hour without needing to be held. And he is eating more than ever (5 bottles today!).

Oh, and he can now officially roll over. He rolled from his back to his front while going after a toy and I’m pretty sure he can roll the other way as well. I left him on the floor lying on his stomach and when I came back he was staring at the ceiling. I knew he was close to rolling but it doesn’t make it any less exciting when it actually happens.

And one more positive – I seem to have found some of my scrapping mojo. Here are a few of my recent pages.

Life is good. At least until I go back to work full time next week. I’ll be sure to provide an update…

P365 Day 257 – September 14th 2008

Thomas and his friend Ava “helping” Riley open his birthday presents. Riley is the kid you can barely see peeking out from behind Thomas. I don’t think he minded too much. Thomas and Ava were very sweet about the whole thing when they weren’t ripping open the paper like their lives depended on it. And at least Riley took home the booty.

I’m not sure how Thomas is going to make it to his next birthday. He asks about it every day. Good thing we have Christmas before then and I envision lots of “helping” Samuel in May at his first birthday.

P365 Day 256 – September 13th 2008

Now that Samuel is older, and able to move his head, he spends a lot of time watching Thomas. I have heard that this happens when younger siblings begin to worship their older siblings. I just didn’t think it would happen this soon. Good thing the feeling is mutual. When I asked Thomas the other day who his best friend is he said “Samuel”. When I asked why he said “because he does funny tricks”. Must be his ability to wake every two hours without any apparent repercussions.

US Citizens: You NEED to Vote

I can’t vote. Well I can in Australia (and voting is compulsory there), but I am not yet a US citizen. So here’s a little PSA for my American friends. It is important that you vote. I need you to use your voice because I can’t. I’m not going to tell you who to vote for, just ask that you are thoughtful with your choice and do what you think is best for the country. I would feel much more comfortable with whatever the final decision turns out to be if I knew that the voice of the majority was truly heard.

Here’s a little message from one of the most inspiring artists I have ever met. Sekou (the guy who speaks first) did some projects for us at work and is the nicest person you will ever meet. On top of that he has the ability to give me goosebumps every time I hear him perform one of his poems. The way he is able to convey feeling through spoken word is something I aspire to.

And here’s the Hollywood version if you’re killing time. It’s a little long but it gets funny near the end.