Merry Christmas from the Ts!

Welp. This is our super fancy "Merry Christmas" to you!

Photo cred to Rachel Joyce Photography

We didn't send out a full-on Christmas card/letter this year and I'm kiiind of regretting it... Canada Post is jacking up postage prices, and we may never be able to afford to send out Christmas mail again!

At any rate, season's greetings from our family to yours. I hope your holiday is full of all things you love (which for me would be family (in particular two little giggling boys), friends, lattes, turtles, singing, and gosh I'll just go right ahead and say it... presents (mostly the giving part... for the record)).

Happy Birthday Jesus!

project 365: november edition

 I can't believe that DECEMBER is almost over. You know what that means? I will have successfully taken a picture every day for a year. Man. Time went by fast before we had kids, but now it goes by at super duper sonic warp speed times a million zillion plus one. Also, we currently go to bed shortly after 8pm if we can POSSIBLY swing it. We're having a hard time recalling what in heaven's name we DID with ourselves before these wonderful, time-consuming, delightful, exhausting, you-name-it-we've-felt-it little creatures appeared on the scene. Were we super bored all the time? Did we go out every. single. night? It's but a hazy fog of time passed! In any case- however unglamorous- we're thoroughly enjoying this stage of life... and here's November in pictures!

These two make grocery shopping easy on their mama because the enjoy being in the cart together. And THIS? The arm thing? It happens frequently. For real.

Dog run fun with my little eskimo man.

Fraser loaded the dishwasher... such an efficient use of space (hey, I take whatever help I'm offered)!

I love how these two love to be close. Anywhere. Even in the corner of the kitchen!

Stefan in a booster seat (and eating pretty much anything) has been a delightful development!

Hangin out while mama cleans.

These two are remarkably similar in size. They can even wear the same clothes- a little snug on Fraser and a tad big on Stefan... but STILL!

Looking over yonder- planning his escape perhaps?

Helping Nana & Papa with yard work. Er, rather, "helping".

Helping celebrate Nico's second birthday! Uncle Nicholas built some rad jumps for the two little hooligans to ride around on (and Nico, might I add, is a total pro)!

Bikes 'n bubbles!

I can hardly believe these boys are two!

Mmmm..... snow!

Early birthday dins (for Lowell) with JAJ, Ryan, Elise, Craig, and Shareen! Fraser was (as usual) fascinated with baby Elise and repeated "hi...hi...hi...hi" forever. Ca-UTE!

For Lowell's 32nd birthday, I made him a car mat shirt so he could score some extra massages from Fraser('s cars).

A closer look at the car mat massage shirt. It was an original idea from my very own brain (I swear), but when I did a google search for design ideas, I learned that I was DEFINITELY not the first one to have such a brain wave. And also, I ripped off most of this design from someone else. After the fact, however, I came up with an original brilliant design plan that I shall put into motion once Fraser wears this one out!

Florence!

I wanted some chairs dedicated to the boys' booster seats, so my mom donated my Grandma's old paint chair and my great Uncle Billy's old work chair to my cause. Slop on a little paint, and voila!

 Here they are in their new home complete with booster seats:

Sneaky little Fraser did this kid-chair-atop-a-normal-chair-and-sit-on-it-innocently thing without Lowell noticing (at least initially)!

When I was pregnant with Fraser (yes, FRASER), mama & papa Gw sent this giant bean bag chair from NZ. Being the super diligent folks that we are, we JUST got the foamy bean things to fill it, and it. is. amazing. Fraser loves to launch himself onto it, and we all love to lay on it and chillax. So, huge belated thank you to the Gws... can't imagine our living room without it now!

This zebra suit was worn by Uncle Dave & Auntie Lori's girls, then Fraser, and now Stefan. That's a lot of everyday use out of what's presumed to be a Halloween costume!

Mr. Blue Eyes was pretty upset that it was time to come inside for lunch and naps. And by the way, I did nothing with this picture. Those baby blues are all natural!

Carlynne and Fin came to town and we visited our good pal Yolanda. Her daughter Izzy disappeared, and she had fallen fast asleep in the sun spot on her parents' bed... so cute!

Auntie Shareen and two of her four fave nephews!

The 3 stooges. Stefan and his two baby girlie cousins: Finola & Elise. I was preeeetty aggravated when the camera card decided to be full the very moment that all three of them gave a charming smile. I PROMISE IT ACTUALLY HAPPENED. Ah well, they're all pretty adorable even sans smiles.

The adult 3 stooges. This is Carlynne and I with our very close friend from Uni: LISA! WE LOVE LISA!! And yes, it bears noting that ONCE AGAIN I was squatting in this picture. I have GOT to stop squatting in pictures... Carlynne is really beginning to believe that she's ACTUALLY taller than me!

Nana & Papa with their name sakes. Nana Bette Rose with Finola Rose, and Papa Peter with Stefan Peter. :)

A close up of the Christmas clad twin cuzzies!

I'm more of an October-Christmas-decorating-gal myself, but this year it was November 25 that I put the tree up. Stefan was instantly attracted to the glistening beauty, and rolled his way over to grab at some lights... such holiday spirit!

This little guy is Auntie Carlynne's doppelganger. I need to dig up some of Carlynne's baby shots and give you a side-by-side because it's uncanny. Sometimes it's like I'm nursing a tiny little Carlynne... which is both amusing and disconcerting.

Mmmmm... ginormous carrot...

Fraser did aaaaalllll the stairs at the dog run on his own. Which is an exceptional feat considering there are, like, a million of them.

Oh the wintery cuteness!

Crazy Lowell participated in a local race with veeeeerrrrry little training but of course, still rocked it.

Well, November... that's a wrap!

grown-up giggle fits

I have been known for my giggle fits. It is not uncommon for something to tickle my funny bone, and while I oft contain my merriment in the moment, I melt into gales of giggles once tucked in for the night. This uncontrollable tear-filled laughter lasts like 30 minutes. For real. Poor Lowell catches the giggles briefly then kind of half laughs for a while, then is all "ooookay. It's kiiiind of time for sleeping now."

But I come by it honestly, folks. My Mom gets the giggles, and it's. the. BEST. One such notable occasion was when Dan had his first meal at my parents' place. You have to understand that Dan is a very funny dude. If you watch Modern Family and are familiar with Phil Dunphy.... 'nuff said. That's Dan. Anyhoo. During devotions, Dan was subtly (or so he thought) attempting to balance a spoon on his nose. When he was successful, he was- again, not so subtly- nudging Carlynne to proudly show off his accomplishment. My Mom found this little display absolutely hilarious (which it truly was), and she began shaking with laughter.  Her tear-covered face ended up buried in her apron for several minutes. When Mom gets the giggles, everyone gets the giggles... so it was a good ab workout all around.

My Dad recently caught one of Mom's giggle fits on camera. They were heading off to a Christmas party, and took their traditional mirror selfie to send us kids. I don't know if it was the toilet in the background or what, but something struck mom as particularly comedic.

Aww a nice selfie for the kids...

Uh oh. Something funny just happened...

 Going...

Going...

 Gone.

Haha. I also love my Dad in these shots... not having a clue what set Mom off, but finding it hilarious anyway.

Ahh... ain't nothin like a good hard genuiune belly laugh! Thanks for the genes, Mom. They're fun. :)

project 365: october edition

It's FAAaaaalllll!

One of Stefan's many extraordinarily adorable expressions.

Well THIS is embarrassing. But for the record, this DISASTROUS CRAP PILE is a picture of PROGRESS. Formerly Kumeu's room/Lowell's work out room/the office/random storage room is being overhauled and transformed into simply Stefan's room/the office. I'm ALLLLMOST finished, then I will most certainly post some before AND after pictures so you're not traumatized forever after witnessing THIS disaster.

A visit to mommy's old work stomping grounds, and fun with the always entertaining Michelle!

His hands were necessary stabilizers, and it was short-lived at best... but Stefan started sitting up on his own!

Cool. Dude.

Dins with Uncle Ryan, Auntie Julie & baby Elise!

That 70s kid.

The beginnings of Fraser's Man with the Yellow Hat costume. Such a fancy pattern sketched on newspaper, wouldn't you say?

It was time that Fraser be acquainted with the Man with the Yellow Hat!

Fraser simply couldn't resist snuggles while we were attempting to get a photo of Stefan in his fancy little suit from Auntie Marti & Uncle Lando.

Reconnecting with our good Uni friend, Elaine, and her littlest cutie! Too bad Ashley and badminton courts weren't also present because I think Elaine & Carlynne could use a little reminder of who rules the court. Hmmm girls?

Stefan's half birthday!

Twin cousins Stefan & Finola. 6 months and 4 months (and I'm preeeetty sure Fin is the same size as (if not bigger than) Stefan hehehe)!

Oct 13! Carlynne and my birthday! And here is Carlynne with her beautiful little family.

On our birthday, I woke up to a flower/Starbucks card arrangement... 100% from the brain of Lowell. If this is what 31 looks like, then I like 31!

Little side note. Carlynne and I were together for the first birthday in six years. Woot! And not only that, but THE WHOLE STINKIN FAMILY WAS HOME! And Rachel of Rachel Joyce Photography took some splendid pictures...

Cool. Now back to the pictures that I took...

I happen to think this is an adorable picture of Stefan and auntie extraordinaire!

Uncle Craig and his two biggest nephews... precious!

Just plum cute. And LOOK. You can see HAIR!!!

It was, like, reeeeally cold in the bathroom (oooor, Stefan was just modeling Fraser's old hat that he grew into). And FYI. With the exception of one rather accidental poo (by Fraser), that potty in the background remains unused (don't judge)!

The G grandboys in the adorbzies vests that Uncle Dan & Auntie Carlynne scored from a cute little French shop in Quebec.

After lamenting about losing the carrier I was borrowing from Chels (cuz she had the AUDACITY to have another baby! haha... I forgive you), Carianne surprised me with an Ergo carrier which I quite do love. I wear it more than I wear clothes. No wait, that was a lie. But I do wear it a lot. And Kumeu also loves it because it means I can handle both kids on my own at the not-stroller-friendly dog run!

Trip to the dump... sick sick sick. If seeing THAT load of crap doesn't encourage increased recycling, then I don't know what would. GROSS. And also stinky. And LOUD. Sick.

Fraser frequently requests that Stefan join him in his crib ("Stefan inna crib!") and they proceed to kiss, zerbert, giggle, and have a merry ol time!

How convenient that I have this very willing little helper!

Eek! Cuteness alert! Can't get enough of those baby blues (or in this case, baby blue. singular).

Fraser often announces "belly time!" and insists that he and Stefan have some good old fashioned tummy down bonding time. Then he usually shoves Stefan's side as to force a roll over situation, and proudly declares, "Stefan roll over! Mommy! Look at that! Stefan roll over!" Also, funny that Fraser ALWAYS says "belly time" when we only ever say "tummy time". Little Enstein here seemingly made that connection himself!

On the days that mama should PROBABLY pull herself together (or at the very least, wear PANTS), this is how it gets done.

Auntie Shareen joined us for a park date! 8:30am on a sunny (albeit nippy) morning, and we were the only homosapiens roaming the earth... or at least the playground. I can't be the only one surprised by this.

Some very important learning is happening here. Although truth be told, I'd rather he learn the gardening stuff, because I'm a pro at (and enjoy) the lawn stuff, but the gardening stuff? Not so much.

Look how on the ball we were- getting pictures BEFORE Halloween (i.e., before the snow). The Man with the Yellow Hat and one of his two Curious Georges!

For Carianne's birthday, we took pictures of her with her handsome little man, Liam. I'm just going to go right on ahead and toss up a few more photos from this shoot as this pair is just too perfect.

My world has become much larger now that these two can BOTH ride in a cart! AND they both enjoy it... let's hope this good fortune lasts.

Fall, meet winter. Winter? Fall.

I spontaneously went a little crazy with the hair scissors. Initially, I stopped myself after a few ill-placed chops, but once I noticed the raging mullet that I had unintentionally formed, I fully committed to the short do. Anyone else think he looks ready to head off to school now?

Snow! Note the wet chin... a healthy combination of drool and snow. So far, Fraser has barely actually PLAYED in the snow- he rotates around the yard scouting out new snow piles to EAT. Luckily for him, I had just cleaned up 25 mounds of poo (for real- I counted) the day before the snow came... phewf.

Nico & Fraser aka Curious George and the Man with the Yellow Hat!

The whole crew. The Man with the Yellow Hat, two Curious Georges, and the cutest banana there ever was.

The end!