Category Archives: Life

Life

Spring Break Continues – March 27th, 2009

The final day of Spring Break and it was a busy day in the Ishida house. Kei took the day off work to look after our kids and a couple of others – Liam is around the same age as Thomas and Zoe is two weeks older than Samuel. That’s two toddler and two kids. I worked from home so I could help when necessary.

It was a fun, if busy, day. My working at home meant Kei could take some of the kids out while the others were sleeping (bless Samuel for his long naps). It also meant I could practice my photography on someone else’s kids.

I am just so inspired by photography lately and I love the results I am getting with my camera. It helps that I had two adorable kids to practice on. I mean, check out this handsome guy.

And the beautiful eyes on this one.

Samuel was playing a little hard to get. (FYI – I had difficulty coming to terms with the fact that Kei didn’t get Samuel out of his pajamas all day while Zoe was dressed in a cute little outfit).

Oh yeah, and Thomas was there too.

And finally here’s Kei as the Manny (coming soon to a theatre near you).

He gained a lot of credit from the daycare mums for this photo, but he’s been talking about using a nanny to help during the next daycare vacation. I think he has support from some of the other parents as well. It was a busy, but fun week andI didn’t realize looking after other people’s kids could be so much fun, but he may be onto something with the nanny idea.

Food Staple – March 26th, 2009

There was a period last year when, thanks to a spinach e-coli situation, we could not buy Veggie Booty. Yes, the little snacks that boasted spinach and kale in bite sized puffs, and were endorsed by my pediatrician (really), were gone from grocery store shelves. It was a tough few months but we made it through and now Thomas has a healthy addiction to cashews and peanut butter and Jelly sandwiches.

I am incredibly thankful that Veggie booty was returned to the shelves by the time this little guy was old enough for solids. Sometimes it’s the only thing that keeps Samuel happy while I frantically make dinner – and he inhales them like there’s no tomorrow. So, thank you makers of Veggie booty. You have preserved my sanity on more than one occasion.

A little girly goodness – March 25th, 2009

Spring break means juggling children while daycare is closed. This time we decided to do a little house swap with some fellow daycare parents. Wednesday was my turn and I got off easy with just one extra child in tow. We had a fun day with some painting (while Samuel was asleep) aquick trip to the park and a little craft project. The rest of the day was spent with quiet play, a two-hour nap (yes, they all napped at the same time!) and a lot of playing “keep the baby away from the toddlers toys”.

And I had a fabulous opportunity to take some photos of a little girl. Yes, I now have some pink in my portfolio. These are just a few of my favourites

 

  

 


My boys were there too. Just not as pretty.

But still pretty darn cute

 

 

Swedish Organization – March 24th, 2009

Did I mention how much I love Ikea? Oh yes, I love Ikea. Our last visit was “operation playroom”. It’s amazing how much two shelves can totally change your life. Oh, you think I’m kidding? Check this out.

See what I mean? Those little baskets hanging at the bottom were a brilliant idea I saw on some website somewhere (I think it was Ohdeedoh). I think it was two dollars for the rail they are hanging on and another couple for each of the baskets. A place for paint brushes, crayons and all other sorts of bits and pieces for $10.

Oh, yes. I love Ikea. Of course I’m not going to mention all the things we bought that we don’t really need… But it was worth it.

Rolls – March 23rd, 2009

He still has a few rolls left, but photos like this make me realize how fast he’s growing from baby to infant… and soon to toddler. I don’t think I’m ready to let go of baby yet. I don’t think I have much choice.

It’s worth it for the cheap furniture – March 22nd, 2009

We took a trip to Ikea last weekend. I love Ikea. I could spend hours there just browsing and imagine myself in rooms with symmetrical furniture and ample storage. Of course my dreams don’t include assembling everything and they definitely don’t include trying to keep track of two children in a crowded cafeteria.

We left for Ikea straight after Samuel woke up from his nap but alas, time disappears in that giant cavernous building and before we knew it, it was 30 minutes past naptime and then 60 minutes past naptime. As we finally went through the checkout Samuel had found a comfortable spot to sleep on Daddy’s shoulder and Thomas curled up in the bottom of the shopping cart. Hey, it’s better than an overtired meltdown.

Signs of Spring – March 18th, 2009

Buds blooming and sunny days which means playing outside. I feel like we’ve been in hibernation, leaving the house only to go to work and daycare. Our neighbours adopted a little boy from Vietnam 6 months ago and I just the other day saw him up close for the first time. True story. I guess we’re not that close to our neighbors…

The Many Faces of Samuel – March 16th, 2009

This kid is so incredibly happy. I have been spending a lot of time with him this week during spring break while I try and juggle time off from daycare with work. Thomas has been alternating between houses for a series of playdates that we organized with other daycare families. 

I take for granted the fact that I had so much alone time with Thomas. It is so nice to have some time to spend with my baby – not that he’s much of a baby anymore. How did he become 10 months old overnight?

A few things I have come to appreciate about Samuel this week:

  • He is just so happy – one look at him and he starts laughing.
  • He can play by himself for short periods of time
  • He will NOT sit down
  • The kid can eat. I don’t know if it’s a growth spurt or his regular daily schedule, but I should really be sending him to daycare with more food. Today he ate a bowl of pasta, two handfuls (adult size) of frozen vegetables (thawed) and an entire banana. And that was just a snack!
  • He loves to wave. As soon as he hears the words goodbye or goodnight, his arms start moving like he wants to take off.
  • His favourite word is not a word – it’s a very loud grunt.
  • He’s the cutest kid in the world. 🙂

Check out the teeth…

More Sharing – March 13th, 2009

Apparently they also share a love of lying on the couch and drinking milk. This has been a habit for Thomas practically from birth – cuddling up on the couch with a bottle/sippy cup and me/George. And it has to be a certain part of the couch. My oldest child is definitely a creature of habit. I blame the Virgo in him.

It seems Samuel is coming to enjoy this little tradition in his own right. I have to say though that sometimes it gets a little crowded when Thomas is cuddling up on the couch with me and Samuel starts getting a little jealous and wants to join. Don’t get me wrong, I love this snuggle time but in a couple of years it’s not going to be very comfortable anymore (in fact it could be a couple of weeks, given how fast they’re both growing).