week 28 - racquetball racket

Week 28 and baby Kiwi is about 15 inches long... much like the meshy part of a racquetball racket!

THIRD TRIMESTER! I can't believe I'm already in the third trimester. This pregnancy is going by sooooo fast. Too fast, actually. I greatly anticipate meeting this wee child who is so aggressively active in utero, but I'm also SO enjoying my time with Fraser right now (and not to mention the vast amounts of SLEEP he's allowing me).

La listy-loo:

1. I like to document Fraser's progress and milestones on this here blogeroo so I can look back later and see what was what and when. However, this 15th month of his has been RIDICULOUSLY packed with changes, so instead of boring y'all with details that I find enthralling, I've started my own personal "Fraser Diaries" so I need only share the bare minimum here. Like, that he uses about 50 words- some even in two word phrases ("more please"; "help please"). Also, I'm just tickled that he minds his Ps and Qs. He says "please" ("peez") and "thank you" ("da-do") regularly (at appropriate times) while flashing his charming smile.

(Fraser is donning a toque from Uncle Lando & Auntie Marti. Their sis-in-law, Bettina, made it... so cute.)

2. I feel very blessed that I only work two days a week at a wonderful job with fabulous people. We're also very lucky that Fraser enjoys his day care, they enjoy him, he gets to learn French, eat lots of yummy food, and play with his buddy, Liam. HOWEVER... I miss him. I love hanging out with that kid. The other day as I was tidying the kitchen while he was playing in the living room (aka the room with toys strewn about), things were awfully quiet so I went to check on him. I peeked around the corner to see him on the couch, holding the remote pointed towards the tv and looking back and forth between the remote and the tv- no doubt trying to get it on (which is kind of funny because he only really watched tv while the Olympics were on as we have a general no-screen-time-before-age-2 rule)...

I snapped a photo then subtly hung around the corner and texted it to Lowell. When I peeked again, he had given up with the remote and decided to read a book instead.

Oh my word. He looks, like, SIX!

Then it was bath time. And he pooped. In the tub. (Again). So mama scooped him out to drain and clean the tub, and patiently he waited (oh so apologetically)...

When he went back in, he started using an old shampoo bottle as a phone, saying "hello!" over and over again.

Oh my what an entertaining morning with my little nut!

3. I've been having this recurring dream that kiwi pokes a limb out so far that it actually bursts right through my stomach. In the most recent of these dreams, the foot was actually a hoof. Oh man. I'd be equally thrilled with a girl OR a boy. Not a combination thereof... and not part horse.

4. Carlynne might smack me upside the head when she sees I posted this (as I TECHNICALLY didn't ask permission as I usually do), but here's my fabulous twinnie at 20 weeks- halfway (and an embarrassing amount smaller than me!)...

Oooo fabulesso!!

Until next time...

week 27 - stroller wheel

Week 27 and Kiwi is about 14.5 inches long- the diameter of our stroller's wheel. I can't believe this is the last week of my second trimester! Kiwi and I are still trucking along just fine. Each day I have ups and downs with the ol hip/back and vein discomfort, but on the whole I feel pretty awesome. I just read that "snissing" is a common symptom at this stage- peeing when sneezing (hehe). It makes me so happy that there's a word for that!

1. Last week in my state of diminished brain capacity (remember? Sofia Vergara's classic "I have two brains but I've never been so dumb"?), I completely forgot to include a couple little G grandbaby gems. Ladies & gentlemen: Fraser, Ty & Zeke in all their G grandbaby cuteness...

Love having little cuzzies around, and looking forward to the next time we see them (which won't be until after wee Kiwi is born.... oooooo scary!).

2. Despite being down, out, and sickie for the better part of this past week (thank you day care aka cesspool of germs), Fraser made up for it by having loads of fun at the end of the week. He had play dates with two of his besties: Hope & Nico.

Beautiful Hope...

And handsome Nico...

You had perhaps been wondering what could possibly be cuter than 15-month old Fraser on skis? I think the above picture proves that 15-month old Fraser on skis WITH 14-month old Nico on skis is also pretty dang adorable. Well, at least their proud mamas think so!

He even got some hang out time with Tristan & Kira...

Fraser was particularly enthralled with Tristan & Kira's crazy wild couch-jumping antics...

Nathania (Tristan & Kira's mama) is preggo too (due a few weeks before me), and I FORGOT TO GET A NATHANIA/JULIE BELLY SHOT. (Side note for Nathania: if I look at all put together next time we hang, REMIND ME!)

3. Fraser has been generous with his most adorable kisses. He leans in with a big "MWAH!" which often sounds more like "MA!" and is usually accompanied by a hug. Kumeu & baby Kiwi are the most frequent recipients of this affection. Some day I hope to REALLY capture the sweetness between Fraser and Kiwi, but this is what I've got so far...

(Lowell said it looks like he's on my boob here. He's not.)

We caught Kumeu kisses ON VIDEO which was just plain classic. The vid is about a minute long, and you REALLY only need watch a snippet (ANY snippet), but I simply couldn't bring myself to edit any of it out because it was just too priceless.

Kisses for Kumeu from Lowell & Julie on Vimeo.
Oh, and his giant teddy (courtesy of Auntie Erin) also receives plenty of love...

Lovin all the love!

4. Hair cut #2! This one was done sans Nana, and admittedly not QUITE as successful... but totally tolerable.

Before (CRAZY!)...

During...

(Yes, that is a garbage bag draped over Fraser, and regular kitchen scissors in my hand. You can see where perhaps I went wrong here).

Daddy entertaining Fraser so he would look down(ish) allowing me to cut the back (sort of)...

Annnnnnd AFTER!

5. Fraser is almost 16 months old and I JUST started trying cloth diapers. JUST as in, like, 20 minutes ago. My lovely sis-in-law, Lori, lent me her set and for the past 15 months I've had the best of intentions. Honest. But there's no time like the present right? I'm having a hard time getting used to the ginormous butt that accompanies such a trend, and I really have no idea what I'm doing or how I'm going to be cleaning this all-in-oner when I take it off.... so I accept (i.e., am actively seeking) advice (and PS I'm going to contact our knowledgable sis Lori in like 3 seconds)...

Our little bubble butt.

6. It thrills me to my very core that Fraser's daycare staff regularly report how delightful, fun, happy, and easy going Fraser is. Absolutely. thrills. me.

Did you notice the black/white/sepia quality of this post? Apparently it's a phase. Let it not in any way indicate a lack of colour in my life, however, as Fraser alone- who has personality UP THE WAZOO- contributes PLENTY of colour!

week 26 - shin pad

Week 26 and baby Kiwi is about 14 inches long... just like my shin pad!

I have only two little gems to share this week:

1. "I have two brains in my body but I've never been so dumb." The wise words of Modern Family's Gloria (aka Sofia Vergara aka my kindred spirit)...  Amen my Columbian sister friend. A quote I will be citing repeatedly in the coming months no doubt.

2. Fraser is cute. And so is Nico.

Our little 15-month old on skis- looking so confident and competent...

The above picture is perhaps a tad deceiving, as he's not an overly capable skier... yet. This was his first attempt, and he was stable while standing, but hadn't the first clue how to effectively move. That's where Dada came in...

In any case... adorable. And about to become even MORE adorable as Nico has the same skis and they will be hitting the slopes (or, you know, any tiny decline to be discovered in the vicinity of our homes) together soon!

Over and out until week 27!

week 25 - skate blade

Week 25 and this child is supposedly as long as a skate blade. I should be more specific- LOWELL'S skate blade (around 13 inches long)... not the skate blade belonging to a tiny child. And how appropriate given that the NHL lockout just ended... profoundly fortuitous!

I bravely dusted off the ol measuring tape to check belly size progress. It's currently 38 inches around, which is a mere 4 inches smaller than I was at WEEK 40 (42 inches) with Fraser. 15 weeks to go, and I'm moderately terrified about how many inches I have left to grow. I was sort of hoping this picture/comparison would show my dramatic size... but it doesn't (boo hoo). I really don't look that big in my current week 25 state (I blame/credit the outfit choice)...

1. Christmas part 2- Christmas with the Ts!

Our time at the farm started out with Grandma Jennie's funeral. This was both a sad event-- as Grandma Jennie died rather suddenly/unexpectedly and will be missed-- and a celebration of the life that she led, and the knowledge that she's in heaven.

(When Great Grandma & Grandpa met baby Fraser in October 2011.)

The funeral really was special and unique. For starters, several of the family brought the blankets and paintings that Grandma had made, and they were added to her "in progress" quilt collection to make a bright and lovely display at the front of the hall.

There were various tributes starting with the great grandchildren who sang 'You are my Sunshine'...

By the way, there are currently 27 great grandchildren, and 3 on the way (from left to right due in April, May & June)!

Julie Anne & cousin Erin continued the tributes by reading a compilation of memories from all 22 grandkids, and two of Lowell's aunties read memories from their generation. The eulogy was written by Lowell's Dad, and if you know him BUT AT ALL, you know that the eulogy would then be unconventional to say the least. He wrote it as a dialogue between two people after watching a hypothetical movie entitled "The Life of Jennie". It was beautifully done and totally respectful... but also full of humour (again, no surprise if you know Lowell's Dad).

Another highlight of the funeral was a video that Lowell had prepared. 6 years ago, Lowell was editing/converting a video interview that my Dad did with my Grandma G. As he was watching, he thought, 'Why haven't I done this?! I still have all 4 grandparents!' So he did. He interviewed all of his grandparents on video. He edited an 11-minute clip of Grandma Jennie talking about her upbringing, how she met Grandpa, a tid bit about each of her kids, and an emotional message for her grandkids. It sounds like it could be potentially creepy to have the one being eulogized give a message at her own funeral, but it wasn't... it was really special, and the source of tears AND laughter.

So all in all, a true celebration of the T family matriarch.

Here are Lowell and Fraser with Grandpa George...

After a lovely luncheon and naps, we switched gears to our Christmas celebration.

For starters, the grandkids slipped into their comfy cozy PJs courtesy of Dave & Lori...

This year, we did a couples white-elephant-type game exchange AND a kiddie game exchange. The kids got to start and were ready to tear into the gifts...

Then Fraser hung out with Auntie Erin and watched while the adults did THEIR exchange.

There were some fun ones in the mix... Ticket 2 Ride, Things, Domino Trains, Scategories, and Apples to Apples. The idea behind the game exchange is that we then not only add to our personal game collections, but we have fun new games to play while we're together as a family. My personal favourite was "Things". Some really hilarious stuff comes out in that game!

The next morning after breakfast, the kids got to whack the pinjata that Marti made for them. Since Fraser was the youngest, he got to start (with Auntie Erin's help)...

I don't have pictures of the girls hitting it, but some of those wee gals had some seriously impressive power behind their hits... especially considering they were both blindfolded AND spun around before their turns.

I loved watching Fraser interact with his girlie cousins. He was truly captivated by them..

I thought it was especially cute witnessing the antics of Carmen (the eldest cousin) and Fraser (the youngest cuzzie) together...

And also Katelyn giving Fraser some piano lessons!

Of course, we mustn't forget some reading time snuggles with Grandma!

Obviously there were also plenty of giggles with Grandpa, but somehow none of THOSE precious moments were captured (at least not on OUR camera).

One of MY personal highlights was receiving one of Janelle's famous massages. Oh my... heavenly. I totally lost track of the time as I was transported into lala land... beauty! Thanks Janelley! I also love braiding the little girlies' hair, so as per the norm... that was also a highlight.

A special thank you to Lowell's Mom who made us all feel so welcome AND prepared an extensive/delicious Christmas dinner despite having an extremely emotionally draining and busy week with the loss of Grandma. In fact, the T family celebration was a stretch for everyone, and I'm so grateful for all the hard work that everyone contributed (in particular our ma and sisters) to not only make it happen, but make it memorable. To sum up... it was a short but sweet time with the T family whom we love dearly!

2. We rang in the New Year with our good friends Zab, Ruth, Bret & Sheena. Zabu is like Lowell's Indian brother (you may recall his wedding in May), and he and Ruthie came down from Edmonton for the occasion. We chatted, laughed, ate, played games, LAUGHED more, and before we knew it, it was 2013! We then spent most of the next day with the same fabulous crew (which included a home-cooked Indian meal by Zab & Ruth...mmmmmmm)!

Oh, and Fraser has a(nother) girlfriend! Hailey, Bret & Sheena's youngest, is 3 months older than him, but they definitely stole each other's hearts. We were in the kitchen when we heard giggling and peeked around the corner to see these two sitting at the kiddie table, laughing with glee as they took turns taking sips of milk and passing the cup back and forth. So adorable!

January 1, 2013 marked exactly one full year that Lowell consumed NO candy, desserts, chips, pop, or any sort of unhealthy snack. He decided to embark on that little adventure as a personal challenge (to see if he could do it), and also because he does better with all or none (as opposed to moderation). I ate most of what he declined, however, so this large belly of mine is certainly not all baby! So proud of Lowell, though... what a feat!

3. Let's just take a quick sec to talk about Fraser as I know I'm going to look back on this post when baby #2 is 15 months old, and wonder what the heck Fraser was up to. He has popped 5 molars (that makes 14 teeth total), likes to half-feed himself with a spoon (MESSY!), continues to produce/imitate new words/sounds daily, and has a very clear use of the word "no". He's a content, easy going child in general, but when he doesn't want something... HE'LL LET YOU KNOW! With a firm "NO!" He's so serious and adamant about it, but it is very hard for his mama to contain her giggles! He's definitely not short of giggles himself, either. He'll often just start laughing for no reason (well, no reason that we can tell), and we can't help but laugh along which creates a delightful cycle of laughter. Oh what a kid!

He has this turtle toy thing that has been his personal little music player (as he walks by and presses buttons to re-activate the music/talking as soon as it stops), but recently he has been able to climb it and "ride" it himself. He calls it "YELLOW" (well, more accurately "yeyow") as the yellow button is always the first one he presses and the toy says "Yellow!" loud and clear. So, if he randomly calls out "YEYOW", then he wants his bouncy turtle toy. Obviously...

And last but certainly not least... we started the new year off right with never ending fun with Auntie Chels and Nico...

Fraser looks a little more somber in his close-up (although I swear he was having an awesome time!)...

Nico had fun showing off his Christmas gifts to Fraser...

Happy New Year y'all!