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Hello all! Sorry my postin schedule is off, but we've just been having so much fun lately that there simply has not been enough time to post! Grammy, Opa and Uncle John arrive tomorrow, so I thought I'd get one out since I'll be even busier enjoying their company. It really is such a treat when we have visitors. First, the girls just seem to love all the attention. I often lament that I don't get to hold them as often as I think that they should be held, and when people are here, they get so much of it. It's wonderful for them. Secondly, I get opportunities to accomplish things that I wouldn't ordinarily be able to do (like have a shower!) Let's face it, more hands is just that; more hands!
As I eluded to, we've been having fun. We took a day on the weekend where no work was to take place and dubbed it "River's Day." The intention was to do something that River might enjoy for a change. We had been told that Fort Levis on the South Shore was the only off-leash dog park in city and it's environs, so we packed a picnic and everyone into the old Subaru and took off across the river to explore. Sadly, it turned out that it is really only an unofficial off-leash park and so Riv Dog remained on a long line, which Ivan thoughtfully packed just in case. Turns out he prefers to stick very close to his pack anyway, so we didn't have to give him much slack.
The girls enjoyed the explorations around the old fort very much and spent much of it laughing at River. (In case of potential boredom, add family pet). Ivan carried Mathilde around in the backpack cum child carrier that cousins Charlotte and Nicholas sent along for us to use (thank you, thank you, thank you!), and I toted Alexis around in the Baby Bjorn. (Which reminds me to return the second one that Tanya and Mike loaned to us. Yay, twins!) We completed the visit with a small picnic which everyone enjoyed. It's the only time River is permitted to partake in our meals. I figure, it's not like he can pack his own food, and he's working out too, so....
Well, as I say, we're looking forward to our visitor's arrival tomorrow. Ivan will be heading to Belgium for two weeks in October, so if there's anyone out there with some vacation time and no where to spend it, think of the girls and I! And with that, I'm off to bed.
Before I forget, Mathilde is pleased to announce the arrival of one pearly, white (sharp!) tooth. This arrived without the use of tylanol or even too much fussing. As I write this, the poor child is screaming over the baby monitor. (Papa is on scene). So Alexis has two and Mathilde has one. We are very proud and even sang her the Happy Toothday song, which goes to the tune of, you guessed it, Happy Birthday. She really liked that.
We took the Gullies to the Quebec Aquarium on Saturday as repose from the extreme heat and humidity that we've been experiencing. (Extreme to us, anyway). We were not sure what to expect from the girls, being so young, nor were we sure about how we would feed them and look after their needs while there, but off we went anyway. It was FABULOUS!!! It was the perfect activity to do with 8 month olds. They were able to get right up to the glass and watch as giant fish swam by them just centimeters away. I cannot think of anything more fun and interesting for them. In terms of how well they were set up for infants, the experience was excellent. They had a quiet eating area with a microwave, and I even felt comfortable enough to nurse there. There is a very fun glass elevator, which the girls enjoyed, to get you from level to level and most importantly, there is air conditioning! There are also wonderful tours and shows, but we'll save those for when the girls are older. There are even more activities outside the building, such as exhibits featuring polar bears, walruses and seals. There is also a water park to help the toddler set and above beat the heat, and a tree-to-tree obstacle course for older kids. And if you are so inclined, there are lovely gardens to enjoy. I just know that we could get so much mileage from this place. I'm already ready for our next visit! Thank you Quebec Aquarium!!! Oh, and before I forget, we also got a shot of Ivan with the old Quebec bridge as a backdrop. I'll have to beg Jocelyn for the details, but to the best of my knowledge, their Great Grandfather worked as a draftsman(?) on this project. I'll definatley get the details on that.
So, just a short post today. Everything is going very well despite the heat. We look forward to Fall's cool weather and beautiful show. Surely the time will pass quickly as my impending return to work looms ahead. Oh, and a happy belated birthday shout out to Jeanette (aka Grandma). We hope that you had a lovely day!
We have two new teeth! Well, Alexis has them, really, but we are all going through it with her! She cut her first on on July 30th (the day my dad and Mary arrived for their visit) and the second one was in place this morning. We could tell it was on its way too because poor sweet Lexi has not been sleeping very well. Mathilde has two bottom teeth on their way, but she seems to be taking it all in stride.
We had a visit to the pediatrician last week. Alexis weighs 16lbs 2oz and Mathilde weighs 16lbs 10oz. (I may not have that exactly right, but that's close anyway). The important bit is that they are both in the 25th percentile for their height and Lexi is in the 25th for weight, while Mathilde is in the 30th. I always balk when I see 25 and percent in the same sentence, but these aren't math scores we're talking about. They're simply taking after me (for now) in the stature department, and their weights are just perfect for their heights. They are lovely, developing normally and doing very well. Dr Tremblay also gave us the green light on all foods. I thought this was strange, since there are many foods that normally aren't given until after the first year (egg whites, berries etc,) but he said that the American Pediatric Society has changed their opinion on allergic foods and it believes that earlier is better. I don't think Health Canada is on board with this yet (I just checked a couple of weeks ago), but since the girls seem to be doing so well with all the foods that we have given them so far, we'll enjoy the summer's bounty to its fullest without worrying too much about following guidelines. We'll follow gullies instead!
For those of you who don't know, we found child care for November when I return to work. One of our neighbours had a baby 4 days after Tilly and Lexi were born and we'd kept up with her here and there since we met her in the hospital. A while back she mentioned that she didn't want to return to work and thought she might open a daycare in her home. After a while, and much discussion on the subject, Ivan and I decided that we would prefer this type of arrangement over the daycare centre setting (which costs only $7.00/day in Quebec if you can get a spot). We approached her about it and she decided to do it; a decision that we were very excited and happy about. Today, she had us over to discuss the contract and general operation of her daycare and we got to see the work that she and her husband did to their home to prepare for it. It exceeded all of our expectations. It is as professional as any business can be, as warm and inviting as any home could be, and as fun, exciting and educational as any school could be. She will have our girls, her own girl (same age as ours) and her son (age 3). Once the three girls reach 18 months, she will take another 3 year old. There is a sweet little "classroom" where they will spend their indoor time with tables, mats and toys. There is a sepparate area gated off from the main area for the toddler-set where the only toys they will have access to are age appropriate and free of choking hazzards. Everywhere you look are pictures of the alphabet, objects with their names, how to properly wash your hands etc. I have no experience with day cares, so I imagine her ideas are not novel, but to us they indicated that we had made the right decision. She begins classes in September on First Aid, early childhood education etc and she is so enthusiastic about our girls. And they live across the street! Her husband works with mentally challenged youth in homes and hosptals and is darling. Well, they both are fantastic people and we have begun a friendship with them aside from our business relationship. I hate to call it that, but money will change hands, so I suppose that's appropriate. My biggiest fear now, aside from leaving them, is that they won't want to come home at the end of the day. I think that's the best fear we could have. I have to say, we certainly have been fortunate in life. We have so many blessings to be thankful for.
On that note, we are so very thankful that Dad and Mary (aka Grampy and Mimi) could make it for a visit. We all enjoyed their company, and after a very short warm-up period, the girls adopted them as part of their every day life. Family visits are so important to us and we cherish each second that we get to spend with you. So never ever feel like you are imposing on us; we'd rather you be here than be away. Just don't come all at once, please!
On that note, I'm off to sleep. It could very well be short lived, so getting to it sooner than later is imparative!
But before I forget, because this blog will probably end up ultimately being for Mathilde and Alexis, I must mention that the girls look to be on the verge of crawling. They're not actually crawling, but all of the gears are turning and the light has very obviously turned on for them. I will keep you posted! Have a great week everyone!
