About Us

Victoria, BC, Canada
This blog began as a modern "baby book" for our first child, Finlay, who was born in December of 2010. The recent addition of Seamus, born in January of 2013, has meant continued efforts to put into words and pictures his early years. We also use this forum to catalog our family life: two loving partners, two beautiful kids, car-free, child-centred, attachment-focused, with a love of food and health thrown into the mix!

We're back!

December 8, 2011

We're back!  We took a vacation from rainy Victoria and the blog to go to rainy London and spend time with some family and friends.  But now we are back home and I am back at the blog - but I'm starting slow, so bare with me!

We had a lovely time in Ontario.  Tyler joined Finlay and I for the last eight days of the trip.  For the first few days, Finlay had a raging case of Mommy-itis (separation anxiety).  But after about five days he warmed up a little and got more interested in exploring cupboard and drawers, playing with all of the new toys he encountered, and talking up the family and other visitors.

Finlay and I spent some time with his great-grandparents, his Nans & Gramps, and his Uncle Chris.  He chased after the cat, Amichi, saying his words for cat "da-da-dat," and stopping shocked when the cat actually let him pet her (very different story from Asha at home).

We also stayed with Grandma who had saved some toys from a flood just for him!  He was also very interested in the cats there and he warmed up to Grandma pretty quickly.

Seeing his Grandpa Charlie's dogs was really exciting for Finlay.  He pet them all and laughed when they barked and just couldn't get enough of their kisses.  Grandpa made funny noises and Finlay had some snacks while they were visiting and even shared with each other.

Bonding with Finlay seemed almost impossible at first.  I was pretty worried for the first few days as he was not quite himself and seemed challenged by the smallest distance between us.  He constantly has to check in with me - poor little guy!

At the end of our visit, Finlay celebrated his birthday a little early with a big first birthday bash!  The theme was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and there was a lot of food, a lot of cupcakes, and a lot of special people there to celebrate.

Aunt Megan and Aunt Kalandra came by for a visit.  Megan gave Finlay his first Birthday present - a snazzy blue vest.

Tyler helped Fin unwrap the gift.

He didn't need too much help.

The party got started and Finlay met his 3rd cousin, Nathan, who brought him some toys.  Great Grandma and Grandpa Harvey were there to wish him a very happy birthday.




Finlay had some sushi for appetizers (this is his sushi face - he loves it but makes this face every time).

So many fun toys!

Hanging with the family.

Denise, Nathan's mom, took Fin away to play and did a great job of entertaining/distracting him!

Time for presents - we did not expect there to be presents, as we were heading back to BC in the morning with only two suitcases.  But there were plenty of thoughtful cards and a few gifts and we managed to fit everything in our luggage.

Finlay loves cards.  We set them up at home and he likes to knock them down, touch the pictures and open and close them.

Auntie Car's artistic shot.

Finlay and Elissa - kids just love her!

Yummy flashlight.

From left to right - Great Aunt Marie, Uncle Chris, Joanna, Tyler, Lyndze, Finlay, Liv, Nathan.

Liv and Nathan helped to unwrap presents.



Great Aunt Glenna and some balloons.






Unfortunately, our card was full and we didn't catch the cake on camera.  If anyone out there has shots of the party, please email them to me!

Thanks to all of you who could attend Finlay First Birthday Party.  The support and love was overwhelming.  A special thanks to the party team who cleaned, cooked, baked, cut-out caterpillars, displayed photocopy-machine-genius, picked-up balloons and sushi, and so much more.  Much love to everyone.  This has been one crazy ride.  Can't wait for the next leg of the journey.  

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