Posts tagged Family

Thomas at Our Playground

Getting ready to launchSince starting my three month paternity leave, I’ve started to learn what it’s like to spend entire days with Thomas; and I’m still to learn what it’s like to do this for weeks on end, and looking forward to it! He’s a really fun age right now, and I feel like I have a new play-buddy, except he doesn’t drink and I have to change his poop a few times a day :) .

Bubba is already able to climb the bars and get up to the top level and shoots himself down the slide. It’s a bit nerve racking, but he’s a champ. It feels like only yesterday he was learning to roll in our Maui condo.

With our next one on the way, I really get it when people say “they grow up so fast.” Alex is ready to go at any moment. We’re in the redzone, but my guess is things start happening March 12th. And I think it’s a girl.

I’m looking forward to some serious quality time with T-Bone. We’ve got Imagination Station every Wednesday, story time at the library, and Little Dippers at the local pool when possible. I feel so grown up.

Christmas Tree…done.

This is a new personal best for our household: The Christmas tree was trimmed by November 29th. Mind you, it’s a fake one; but a damn good fake if I do say so. A few pine cone air freshners doubling as ornaments and it’s just like the real thing.

Thomas was ripping around the living room in his Santa outfit as Nat King Cole rattled off some yuletide cheer in the background via MP3 (of course). Nothing in the key of St. Nick to be found on the digital TV music channels just yet — too damn early I guess.

But that’s not stopping the Chens from getting our jingle bells on, and stockings hung.

Goodbye Grandparents. Hello Cousin.

Today was a busy one.

Since I had the day off, (I’m working the coming Saturday), and Thomas’ fever was over and done with, we decided to see Grandma and Grandpa Cryer as they left town to start their new life in Kelowna, followed by a visit with Uncle Jeremy, Aunty Scarlett and baby Xavier – our inaugural visit was cut short.

We were 1/3 the way to West Van when Grandpa called to say that they were ready to head for the Okanagan to make sure they get in with daylight ahead of them. So we re-routed to Caffè Artigiano in Burnaby for a morning drink. Perfect for us since it’s only a stone’s throw to Jeremy’s place. We spent some time chatting about this and that, and before we knew it they had to get on the road. Thomas had fun hanging with Grandpa, trying to pry his Blackberry from the holster to press them buttons!

We said our “see you soons” and were off to see Xavier. When we arrived, the little guy was sleeping, but that didn’t matter to Thomas. He quickly made himself at home, opening doors and sliding open cupboards like he owned the place. We ended up hanging out for the day. Thomas had a tough time getting down to his nap, but when he finally passed out, he was out for a good while.

Grandma and Grandpa Chen came by (they hadn’t seen their grand kids in 15 hours) with lunch. We left for home shortly after to beat the rush hour traffic. So ended another weekend.

Remembrance Day at the Tot Lot

Thomas at the Tot Lot

Thomas at the Tot Lot

Today was my second day off in a mid-week, weekend — if that makes sense? Of course, that means I’m working the coming Saturday :(

It’s been a rainy past few days as Vancouver’s fall weather has really set in. But, we got a sunny break in the clouds around noon so Alex and I took Thomas out on his trike to the the Tot Lot for some fresh air and a chance for him to burn off some steam before his afternoon nap.

At about 17 months, the little guy is a non-stop fountain of energy! Any outdoor time makes life a little bit easier. Thomas was wet on the knees and covered in wood bits from crawling around — shocker!

We took a short walk after playing for a while, checked out the Sev for Dr. Pepper Slurpees, but they didn’t have the flavour. They’re quite possibly the best beverage out there. Next time.

Shortly after getting home, T-Bone went down for a sold hour and a half nap.

Mission accomplished.