The Wonderful World of Jenn

2011-11-01T11:03:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I wonder if it's painful being this cute.

The sweetest pumpkin ever.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-10T13:28:00.000-05:00

My three besties.

2011-10-08T13:47:00.006-05:00

A Day Apple Picking

Assloads of Cute Kid Pictures in the Optimal Autumn Light and Idyllic Surroundings

Turns out, child labor is very useful.

Although Finn did spend a lot of time eating apples under the trees, these two managed to pick 30 pounds of apples.

The sweetest little apple picker. Ever.

2011-10-05T13:01:00.005-05:00

Octoberfest 2011

A Very Rainy Pretzel

"I like cake!"

"Hmmmm....maybe if we stare blankly at the table, they will take us home."

2011-09-12T13:09:00.006-05:00

The First Day

Finn's heading out the door on his way to catch the mofo bus! to! kindergarten!

Look at him go!

Soaking up our last pre-scholastic moments with a cuddle on the grass.

AH! THE BUS!

Bye-bye, Finn!

2011-09-11T14:41:00.003-05:00

Currently, Finn and Rosie are best pals. The best part of the day is when I let them go on their websites together.

This love-in can't last, I'm sure, but it makes for peaceful days.

In other news, Rosemary doesn't wear clothing. It's an effort keeping the underdiaper (Finnglish for underwear) on her these days.

2011-09-04T14:38:00.006-05:00

The Aviation Musuem

2011-08-28T12:51:00.005-05:00

Our Trip To Mount Splashmore

Most impressively, Finn kept his blue hat on the entire time.

Children sufficiently exhausted, it's time to go home.

2011-08-04T08:39:00.001-05:00

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2011-07-29T07:03:00.002-05:00

Our Little Blue K+itty

2011-06-20T12:50:00.004-05:00

2011-06-19T09:21:00.001-05:00

Happy Father's Day, Dad!

2011-06-12T17:38:00.001-05:00

2011-06-09T12:52:00.006-05:00

Today, sitting on the deck relaxing, Rosemary explained to me, "Mommy name Jennifer."

"That's right, Rosie. Mommy's name is Jennifer."

"Rosie name Rosemary."
"Yup, sure is."

"Finn name Good Boy."
No arguments there, Rosie.

2011-05-22T12:14:00.004-05:00

Warning: this is a whack of pictures, which can be a long, boring slog, I know. You've been warned.

This Victoria Day weekend, we battled our collective colds and headed to an amusement park. Turns out, Finn LOVES bumper cars.

Flying elephants are not especially exciting.

"Hey, guys, look at Mommy and smile!" They both turned to me and made the same face. So creepy.
Generally, though, Finn has a new picture face lately. It's all part of his new improved behaviour model. I like four.
Four is a great age so far.

Happy Victoria Day! Enjoy some ice cream on a swing or perhaps a beer in a comfy chair.

2011-05-22T12:12:00.000-05:00

Thanks Aunt Christy and Uncle Evan for our cool gifts!!

2011-05-10T13:41:00.000-05:00

Make a gif

2011-05-01T12:08:00.003-05:00

Finn upon his birthday party morn.

Happy Birthday, Finn!!

2011-04-25T17:38:00.015-05:00

Finn at Four
A Few I Love About You

1) I love your wacky words. Our dining room? That's the new room to you. The word hails from when the dining room was more a storage area filled with a bunch crap. When we finally set it up as a place people might actually eat a meal in, you coined it the new room, and it stuck.

An underdiaper? That's what you wear under your pants, silly. In fact, that's what all we Leites wear under our pants now. "Don't forget your underdiaper, Mommy," you remind me loudly at the pool.

How about a tribicycle? Rosie rides one, but not you on your fancy bicycle with training wheels.

And a triangon? Well, that's some kind of crazy shape that, according to you, is a little blobular but holds equal billing with all the other shapes.

I love every one of your neologisms, fascinating and all a part of our family vocabulary now.

2) I love it when you crawl into bed with me in the morning, snuggle close, and whisper in my ear, "You're my best friend, Mommy." With kindergarten looming, I'm enjoying my BF status for as long as it lasts.

3) I love how you just instinctively know how to be a big brother. "Hey, should I fart on Rosie, Mommy?" you ask as you climb on top of her and plant a big, loud one on her tummy. Could it be this behaviour is genetically encoded into the male DNA? Hilarious in any case.

4) I love your world: anything possible, no limits, lots of comfy beds. Chatting about the Easter Bunny, you are sure he has a nice Easter Bunny home to live in with a comfy Easter Bunny bed to nap in.

We sit on a bench together, and you notice the clouds sailing by. "Why are they going so fast? Are the clouds going to their cloud houses? I think the clouds have cloud beds." I think they do too.

5) Right now, at four years old, Finn, you are full of trains, trucks, computers, swimming, bike riding, long walks, and even a few friends. While last year was all about what you were learning to do, this one is filled with what you can do.

You still need hugs regularly, though. You always want to hold my hand. We can never cuddle enough. And at night, we could lie snuggled close in your bed reading Curious George stories and eating chips together well into the night.

Thanks, Finn, for being you.

2011-04-24T11:14:00.003-05:00

Sewing Project #1

I made this skirt for Rosemary yesterday.

What a lovely model, yes? It's her "Easter Skirt." It's a little wonky, but I would say for my very first sewing project, it's pretty cute.
It's a very easy skirt to sew, and I can't wait to make one for myself. Now, I only need to figure out how to sew super straight lines. For anyone interested, here is the link to the tutorial I followed.

2011-04-24T11:03:00.009-05:00

Happy Easter!

Breaking news! Sleepy-eyed children eat chocolate bunnies for breakfast, and they LIKE it.

They also like hitting the old neighbourhood park for an Easter-egg hunt.

Thank you, Rebecca, for organising the hunt again!

2011-04-09T09:09:00.012-05:00

Happy Birthday, Rosemary!

The sweetest little girl I know wanted an Elmo cake for her birthday, and an Elmo cake is what she got.

"I'm going to eat the whole thing, baby."

These are just some glam shots of the cake I made. It's so crazy.

I love crazy.

We love you, Rosie. Yes, our love will be just as strong even if you decide Finn's "picture smile," as you call it, is your style too.

2011-04-05T13:35:00.002-05:00

The world is puddle-wonderful again, and I am openly declaring spring to be upon us.
I guess mud puddles are why washing machines were invented.

2011-04-04T08:49:00.002-05:00

A Rose by Any Other Name

"Rosie write name!" "Rosie write name!"

I know. It's very impressive, isn't it? She's a few days short of two-years-old, and she's already trying to write her own name. The best part is how Rosie spells it.
"F-I-N-N."

2011-04-03T18:31:00.003-05:00

Happy Kids

2011-03-22T07:05:00.009-05:00

Elmo's Rein of Terror

Despite Elmo's supremacy on Sesame Street, there are still glimmers of the old, wacky Sesame Street.

I don't know if this song really fits in with the vein of retro Sesame Street, but Rosemary, Finn, and I spent A LOT of time dancing to it. It's an earworm, though, so beware. Watch it, and you'll be doing the Elmo Slide in your head all day. Promise.

Our best dances, though, are to the finale of Despicable Me. Rosie and Finn turn out the lights, break out their flash lights, and go CRAZY. Believe you me, a two-year-old and a four-year-old know how to do crazy right.

2011-03-21T12:52:00.002-05:00

Cake Decorating

Here is the fruit of my Sunday afternoons spent at Michael's slaving over icing and cake.
Yes, I think it's pretty bright too. What can I say? I like colour.

I have learned a lot over the last three Sundays, and not least of which is that I am not a fan of icing.

The children, though, they love that shit. Shocking, I know.

2011-03-20T20:38:00.006-05:00

A blog? What blog? I have a blog? (Sorry, blog, I've been a neglectful owner.)

Ugh. Cute pictures make up for everything.

Why, yes, they are eating cupcakes on the floor. I have no idea why. It was the cool thing to do one afternoon.

Really, though, maybe it maximises the release of sugar into their blood streams. Kids are sneaky like that.

Yup, Finn is still making the face.

In all truth, part of the posting lack is due to Finn. No, it's not because he makes funny faces for the camera, and believe me, there is no shortage of material provided by The Mighty Finn. Every time I think of posting about him, though, I hesitate.

I just no longer feel comfortable putting him and his stories here. He has his own life now, albeit a preschool one, but I am reluctant to invade his privacy any longer.

Blogging about a toddler or a baby is one thing; it's a whole nother ballgame to put a kid out there on the Internet. So if it seems like I spend a lot more time chatting here about Rosie, this is why.

I guess this is Finn's graceful exit from Internet stardom. Perhaps when he is older, he'll start up his own blog.

I just really hope it has nothing to do with bombs or how they are assembled.

I will keep posting his funny faces, though.

He will need some ammunition for his adolescent rebellion after all. "I didn't ask to be born!! And I really didn't ask to have my face all over your blog!!!!!"

2011-02-13T08:22:00.016-06:00

"What?? It's 3:45? Mommy!!! We're late, Mommy!!! For Sam's big birthday party! Mommy!"

Out! Out the door, everyone. We have a date for cake with an adorable guy turning two-years old!

Large social gatherings are not Finn's thing, generally, but for Sam, he had a great time. Finn seemed especially proud of the gift he brought. What would Finn get a good buddy on his birthday?
Why, Elmo balloons, of course.

Rosemary's first photo bomb.
When I explained to Rosemary we were going to Sam's birthday party, she seemed to think there would be tea involved. "Yeah, yeah, Ham's party. Rosie go Ham's tea party." There was no tea, but the juice, pizza, and cake more than made up for that.
Dads eating pizza.

"Happy new-new. Happy new-new. Happy new-new, Haaaaaam," sang Rosie. She did tear up too.* She was overcome with happiness, I think, for Sam and his totally awesome soccer-ball cake. Nice work, Rebecca!

*Rosie has a tendency to get swept up emotionally. For example, in Toy Story 2, she always cries when Jesse sings about losing her owner. Ah well, I remember being SO SAD and crying when Frosty the Snowman melted.
"Me? That cake is for me??"
"It is for me. All right!"
"I like cake."
I think Sam ate his name.
"THAT'S MY CAKE!!!!!"
"Good afternoon, I had a most excellent time. The pizza and cake were divine. Thank you, Rebecca, for the invite. It was a pleasure."

2011-02-07T07:07:00.001-06:00

Topic For Discussion

Finn: "Was that your butt?"

Rose: "Yeah. Stinky."

2011-02-06T12:49:00.011-06:00

Rosemary, Almost Two.

Almost two-years-old, Rosemary, and as always, you're equal parts silly and sweet.
Sometimes you're more silly than anything.
I am still your best friend. It's me you call for first thing in the morning. From your crib, you cry, "Mommy coming? Mommy coming? Mooooommmmmmy, open doooooor."
It's my arms you want when you're tired, sad, or just plain snugly. I won't lie. I'm enjoying it. Daddy's Day will come too. Probably soon.
That's not to say, though, that he's just "Daddy." He is "DAAAADDDDDDYYYYY!!!!!!" If only exclamation points could accurately convey the decibels your squeals reach.
Your pigtails are adorable.
You've taught yourself to do pretty much everything. You name it, and you can do it--including talk. You talk very well. I must say on family outings, our side, Rosemary, of the car is much more chatty than the silent Finn-and-Daddy side.

I wish I had a freeze ray. Then I could keep you like this forever, but this is the bitter sweetness of parenthood. Finn, I believe, says it best:

"I luv you, Rosie."

2011-01-30T11:46:00.004-06:00

Scenes from a Sunday

Yup, he still makes that face. I wonder how long it will endure. Till kindergarten, which incidentally I have to register Finn for this week? Till adolescence? Maybe I should have poll.

And in other news, today, we bid adieu to January. Smell ya' later, January!

2011-01-29T13:10:00.008-06:00

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The above is what happens when you leave your unfinished posts open. Finn decides to post them for you.

Thanks, Rebecca (check out her new blog), for providing our Toy Story buddies a new home. Emperor Zurg thanks you especially.

Even Evil Emperors need time out from terrorizing the galaxies to take a potty break.

Little known secret about me: I like playing with doll houses.

2011-01-29T12:38:00.003-06:00

I've been a negligent blogger lately. Here are some representative pictures of the last few weeks.

Rosemary loves this snowman. "Kiss snowman!"

2011-01-01T19:40:00.008-06:00

A Santa's Sleigh full of Christmas Pictures.
You've been warned.

Our Xmas eve feast.

The minions hard at work on the gingerbread houses.

We made reindeer food. We also put out cookies and milk, but in all the Xmas-eve excitement, I didn't take a snapshot. Picture, if you will, a plate with cookies on it.

We threw the reindeer food all over the lawn. It was sparkly so that Santa knew where to park his sleigh. And now all the birds in town know where to have a tasty and colourful meal.

In our hood, someone puts up an inflatable Elmo every year. The first year, it was cute. I'm getting a little tired now of going to visit Christmas Elmo.

Santa, as promised, visited Finn and Rosemary, and they had a blast working their way through all the gifts.
Thank you, Aunt Christy and Uncle Evan, for the doll sling, CD, and book! We'll get some pictures soon of the doll sling in action.
Rosemary loves Buzz Lightyear. Move over Elmo, there's a new space ranger in town.

"BUUUUUUUUUUUUUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!"

"Look! CANDY CANES!"
Thanks, Dawn, for the giant kitty!

"More presents!" He's an addict after only three minutes.
Thank you, Dawn and Grandma Pat, for the Elmo Playdough toy. You both probably don't realise it, but it was so thoughtful to send the same gift. No fighting over that present! Whew.

Happy New Year!

2010-12-24T16:20:00.005-06:00

The cookies are decorated. Finn is mighty good at the sprinkle duty.
The stockings are hung.

The elf has made it all the way to the 24th. Thank god.
I'd say we're ready for Santa and his big, red bag of chaos.

"Heehee! We're at Daddy's work!"

"I love Christmas, Finn."
"Rosemary, do you think we'll get back to the rooms with all the computers?

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-18T11:58:00.003-06:00

The Leites lately.
We haven't been blogging, but we're having a lot of fun even if it's not being documented electronically. Leites lately are lazy lately, I guess.

Seriously, tobogganing is a lot of fun.

These two figures are Rosie's best pals these days. Well, best pals second only to me, of course.
She has declared me her BFF, and I get hourly kisses and hugs as proof.

2010-12-12T06:38:00.004-06:00

Grandma Pat's Trip to Ottawa!

Thanks for the fun visit!

2010-11-01T15:50:00.004-05:00

"Mommy, I want to go out now. Mommy, I want to go out now. Mommy, I want to go out now. Mommy, I want to go out now. Mommy, I want to go out now. Mommy, I want to go out now."

Ah, Finn, without anticipation, the candy wouldn't taste as sweet. Trust me.

"Out! Out! Out!"
"It's 6, Mommy! It's 6, Mommy! The mickeywave says 6, Mommy! The mickeywave says 6, Mommy! We can out now."
Out we go, Adorable Giraffe and Elmo, The Sequel.
"Jesus Christ, it's dark out."

(What? Haven't I mentioned the "JC" problem? Yes, well, there you have it. And we have, on occasion, heard, "Jesus Christ, I found another Smartie."

"Jesus Christ, I lost my Little Elmo."

"Jesus Christ, it smells like poo in here, Daddy."

He's not using it all the time, just for emphasis, for instance, when his father farts right beside him. Seems like as good a time as any for a "Jesus Christ" to me.)

"Oh my god, what a lot of candy!"
Me? Well, I'm a mother on crutches for Halloween.

Happy Halloween!

2010-10-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Finn, A List
At, 3.5 years old, Finn, you are the Mighty Finn, my Finn Bear, Daddy's Special Little Guy, and, lately, Rosemary's Up.
Daddy took you shoe shopping this month. When you came back, with your new shoes in the box, bursting to show me, I took it from you and wondered what cool, new treads had you picked out. You like Toy Story a lot lately. A pair of Buzz Lightyear shoes would be cool. Red shoes would be a rare find but within the realm of possibility. I just, in all honestly, really hoped they wouldn't be Elmo shoes.

I opened it up excited for your selection. There I found a pair of shoes, shoes exactly. the. same. as. your. old. ones -- well, I guess except for the fact these new shoes were a size larger and a whole lot cleaner. "Wow, Finn. They are exactly the same as the old ones." You nodded happily at me like, "Yes, I couldn't believe it either. What a stroke of luck that was." That's so you, Finn. Why would you want a completely different pair of shoes? Who needs something new and exciting or even slightly different? Pfft. No, thanks, Mommy.
You hate being tickled. There is no perverse pleasure. You don't giggle with delight from the attention. "No" really does mean no, in your case.
You go to preschool. You have an Elmo backpack. I drop you off. I pick you up. That's all I really know about the whole school thing. Apparently, as for what happens during those two hours, Daddy and I are on a need-to-know basis, and at this point in time, we don't need to know.
Fair enough, Finn. The crafts you make are awfully cute in any case. Take, for instance, this little crown. I like the way you, you know, participated. You were given a construction paper crown. You glued one feather and one foamy block to it and then -- I wasn't there. I'm only guessing here, but I can imagine it -- you declared it done. No need to go crazy with markers. Why waste glitter or glue? Stickers? No, thanks. It is lovely in its simplicity, neither loud nor flashy, only sparse and quiet.
I am proud you have your own little life outside of us at school. You seem proud of yourself too.
You went to a movie! It was at a theatre. Your friends were there. You had a little kids snack combo (that cost more than the movie ticket) with popcorn, a drink, and some liquorice. Now, that was pretty exciting. You sat through the whole thing and appeared to enjoy it. Things got a little tense during the big garbage incinerator finale, but you handled it well.
Afterward, there was even ice-cream cones and some rides. That was a lot of fun.

That's what you say, by the way. After pretty much every event, every outing, each trip to the park or mall or playgroup, you announce matter-of-factly, "That was a lot of fun."
Well, I would say, Finn, pretty much everything is a lot of fun with you.

2010-10-24T14:32:00.009-05:00

"Mommy! Mommy! Finn wants Little Elmo."
"Well, get Little Elmo then, Finn."
"Mommy! Mommy! Finn wants Little Elmo."
"Where is he, Finn? He should be in your room. I can't keep track of Little Elmo for you."
"Mommy! Mommy! Finn wants Little Elmo."
"WHERE IS HE, FINN?"
"Mommy! Mommy! Little Elmo is in the big hole."
"What big hole?"

That's when the realisation hit. The hole in Finn's bedroom wall, the hole made by his door, the hole that was there because he had ripped out his door stopper many, many months ago, the hole I really should have looked at and realised where this story would eventually lead, this was "the big hole" in question. Good god, Little Elmo is in the wall.

And then, I pretty much laughed until I cried because, really, what else are you going to do when your son sends his most beloved stuffy down between two sheets of dry wall? At this point, our choices were pretty limited. No wall stands between Finn and his Little Elmo.

You can't make this shit up. You just can't.

Parenthood, people, have your tool belt ready. It really isn't for the faint of heart, and it's not for the particularly fussy either.

Chile has its miners. We have Little Elmo.

"Mommy! Mommy! Little Elmo needs a bath." Sure, Finn. That's what Little Elmo needs.

2010-10-18T13:36:00.003-05:00

Fall is made for long walks.

Or bike rides if that's the way you roll.

2010-10-17T13:22:00.009-05:00

Rosemary, A List:

At 18 months, your height is off the charts and, at this point, doesn't even get a percentile. This means, I suppose, no toddlers are taller than you. Hi Ya! Take that, short babies.

When a kitty is spotted, you run arms outstretched towards it, making smoochy sounds. The kitties, unfortunately, always run in the other direction.

Your hugs are so soft, they just might be criminal.

You have managed in about a week to potty train yourself. You deserve every clap, every "hurrah," and every high-five you get.

You are sweetness personified.

You have a name for Finn now, and it's "Up." Odd, yes, but it works, and good ole Up doesn't seem to mind. When you used to wake up in the morning or after a nap, the first thing out of your mouth would be, "Up?" Okay, maybe it was "Elmo," but once we had the Elmo situation under control, you'd ask, "Up?" meaning, "Is Finn up?" "Up? Up? Up?" "Is life worth living? Will there be oodles of fun in my near future? No? I just have you, parental unit, for entertainment? Oh." Anyway, it's morphed into his name now. I suppose "Finn" is hard to say, and when someone is your whole world, you're going to figure out a way to refer to him as soon as possible.

Nothing is ever too much for you, little girl. It's always, "More."

Smoochies for you, Rosie.

2010-10-07T13:14:00.005-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving, people!

2010-10-04T12:44:00.021-05:00

Snatched from their beds Sunday afternoon, Finn and Rosemary went from nap to car trip in two-minutes flat.
Pleased to find themselves still in their pajamas with blankets and little friends, they were headed to Oktoberfest!
A little pizza in the car,
A little drive on the highway,
A rendition or two of The Wheels on the Bus,
And we arrived at the fairgrounds in VanKleek Hill.
Nothing says "Oktoberfest" like an Elmo backpack.

"Our ticket includes a giant pretzel? I LOVE giant pretzels."
We also got styling pins. Rosemary was pretty quick to claim hers.
"Feed us, or we'll steal your children."

Considering what cute children they are, who could blame the livestock?

There was a lot more fun, beer, expensive German-type food, and even more beer, but our camera died. The sunlight memories live on, though, in memory. It was a beautiful day, and the drive home spectacular. I wish I had a picture of the black landscape set against the orange sky. Holy Halloween, Batman!

It was a great day.

2010-09-20T13:33:00.005-05:00

Fall is a gentle season here in Ottawa. It reminds me of July in Edmonton, actually: the cool mornings and evenings, the day warming to beautiful afternoons, the number of rainy days, and the odd hot ones. Then again, maybe it's the lack of humidity. Fall is lovely here, though.In our yard, there is a gigantic Red Maple. It's a tree so big I can't get it all in the picture. That big beauty was the first thing I noticed in our backyard when Dylan first brought me to see our new house, our home. It's probably home to numerous squirrels and birds. This summer, we found a few birds nests in our yard; they had blown out of the tree. It has new life as a toy now that Dylan strung a tire swing from it.

I think it's the tallest in our neighborhood. This summer, we were at a neighbour's house for a summer barbecue. Dylan said he was looking around from this neighbour's yard and saw the gigantic tree and thought, "Wow, who's the jerk that let their tree get so crazy big? Oh wait. That's our yard." Naturally. Possible falling branches and insurance claims aside, it's a nice tree.
And I noticed a few leaves have begun to change to red. It's fall, officially.
Man, that things drops a whole lotta leaves. Finn and Rosemary better their leaf-pile-jumping pants on.

2010-09-19T13:28:00.001-05:00

2010-09-11T13:21:00.007-05:00

Tonight, I packed Finn's snack. I fretted about how many muffins to include. I put his water bottle in the fridge to chill. I have the morning all mentally mapped out. For tomorrow, Finn goes to preschool.

It's only for two hours, but he's going to preschool! I am excited for him, the friends he'll make, the crafty stuff he'll bring home, and the fun he'll have. The places this kid -- he's a kid now. Really. Look at him. -- will go! Oh, the places he'll go!

Oh! The Places You’ll Go!
by the incomparable Dr. Seuss

"Congratulations!

Today is your day.

You're off to Great Places!

You're off and away!

You have brains in your head.

You have feet in your shoes.

You can steer yourself

any direction you choose...

"Out there things can happen

and frequently do

to people as brainy

and footsy as you.

And when things start to happen,

don't worry. Don't stew.

Just go right along.

You'll start happening too."

Don't worry, Rosemary. He'll be back soon to cuddle in bed with you and receive all those warm, squishy kisses you specialize in.

Go Finn!

2010-09-11T13:02:00.005-05:00

No words needed for these picts. Maybe a tune, though.

2010-09-05T13:34:00.030-05:00

Turducken: A Five-Act Comedy of Fun and Deliciousness

Turducken: A Five-Act Tragedy of Roasted Carnage and Bacon Death

Part 1: Party Supplies Please Children.

For our Labor Day Classic, we ordered a turducken from a butcher and a keg from Beau's Brewery. It's a simple formula, really. Birds + Beer = Fun. When the delivery truck showed up to drop off the keg, the kids were ecstatic.
"A truck brought that! A truck brought that red thing! A truck brought that big red thing! It's cold! It's cold! A truck brought that big red cold thing!"
Luckily, that big red cold thing fit in our fridge.
And so too the bird. When Dylan brought home the turkey stuffed with a duck stuffed with a chicken stuffed with Italian sausage, I was worried about the size. For all that fowl, it was sort of small.
It is deboned, though, and, essentially, a big, solid meat ball, and we had more than enough turducken for all. Poor birds. Happy tummies.

Part 2: Families Arrive, Children Run Amok, and A Great Feast is Had.
The jury is in. Rosemary approves of parties. Also on the "Like" list: bubbles, lots of friends, good music, and general twirling in the living room while squealing with joy while two middle-school boys look on, doing their very best to look as cool as possible despite the fact they are hanging out with a very giggly toddler.
Meanwhile, this is Finn in full party mode.
He did at one point retire to his room, but the next day, he announced he wanted "more party." Finn also requested the moon be brought into the house, not that these requests are related. Just saying.

Part 3: The Turducken
Very kindly, Everett volunteered to carve the bird-in-a-bird-in-a-bird.
With military precision, I might add.
It was good. Any meatlover could not argue with this package of bird all wrapped in bacon. What? Didn't I mention there was also bacon involved? The duck and the chicken were wrapped in bacon. Do not attempt a calorie count. I repeat. Don't go there.

Part 4: Parents Return!

The bird has been eaten, deemed delicious. All the wee party-goers have been tucked into bed, and neighborhood babysitters are hard at work. The party continues!

The only snag is the keg is discovered to be leaky; much is discussed about the suckiness of this fact, and a great debate erupts about getting more beer.
Conversational short version: there is a lot of foam, a bit of lost beer, and some anger expressed toward Beau's.

Figure A: Foam.

Figure B: Lost beer.
Figure C: The Debate

Figure D: Screw You, Beau's!

Part 5: Don't Worry. Be Happy.

We still managed somehow to enjoy ourselves.

Alls well that ends well. Happy Labor Day, People.

2010-09-05T13:13:00.007-05:00

Sadly, summer has come to an end, and with it, Dylan's vacation is over this weekend. A hot summer, it's been fun, and the last week was a wonderful bookend to all the beach days, splash pads, and general summer goodness. Here are some pictures from our last day trip to the beach.

Here at Lac Phillipe, Dylan and his trusty assistant are BBQ'ing the hot dogs.

He's a good daddy.

The lunch bunch enjoyed these last hot dogs in the waning dog days of summer.
With temperatures reaching 40+ with the humidex, this week was made for the beach. We splashed in the water.
Finn enjoyed some cheese with Princess Flower Bunny in the shade.
Rosemary chilled in a lawn chair.

We soaked in the summer.

As we were packing up to leave, Finn took some pictures of his friend, Maia, owner of Princess Flower Bunny who you may remember from the cheese-eating picture, as though he wanted to capture the memories too on his little broken camera. Aw!

Happy day!

2010-08-22T18:47:00.004-05:00

I Celebrate Your Life

Mom, your birthday means so much to me;
To have you in my life another year,
The time I spent enfolded in your love,
Each day, each moment with you is so dear.

I cherish the very special bond we have.
You lift my spirit in so many ways.
I celebrate your life; I honor you,
And send to you my love and care and praise.

By Joanna FuchsHappy birthday, Mom! I love you and miss you lots. Finn says, "Hi Grandma," too.

2010-08-21T12:04:00.008-05:00

The newly vamped Museum of Nature was our Saturday destination. For any Ottawan readers, honestly, it's much the same as it was, but now with more glass! Okay, so Dylan says it's a lot different. Whatever. Glass, fancy stair case, yadda yadda. Oh, and Saturday mornings are no longer free. That's different.

"Ooooohhh, creepy," says the three-year-old.
No, that is not a big Elmo doing crafts with Rosemary and me; it's Finn.
"

If this picture had sound, you would hear the chanting for, "Poutine! Poutine! Poutine! Now!" Post-museum munchies, I guess. Nature will do that to you.
Post-museum face: also a known consequence of educational fun.

2010-08-17T13:03:00.005-05:00

What? Doesn't your bedtime routine involve a story and some hair brushing by your favorite Daddy?

If it doesn't, it really should.

2010-08-09T13:30:00.020-05:00

NavCanada Summer Picnic 2010

Notes to Self/Things to Remember for Next Year

by Rosemary Leite

1) If you see a clown on a bicycle, she'll want to take your picture.

Even your brother's attempts at ignoring said clown will not make her go away. Work on stony-eyed glare for next year.

2) If there is free lemonade, drink lots of it.

3) If you are Rosemary, ride a pony.

Contemplate enjoyment of ride at a later time. This is not the time for thinking. Conserve all energy for consumption of normally contraband items.

3) If you are Finn, do not leave the stroller under any circumstances.

4) Even though Daddy is generally trustworthy, do not accept balls of fluffy stuff from him at this event. Repeat. Do not touch the cotton candy. It will feel really gross.

5) Mom and Dad will let you eat as many cookies as possible on this single day of the year.
Eat fast.

6) If you see a small black pig accompanied by a little rabbit, they are probably friends.

7) Accept this fact as part of picnic "reality."

8) Don't let Mommy eat all of your hamburger. She will try, and you'll have to be fast. Practice speed eating for next year. Consider Finn as possible mentor.

2010-08-08T12:16:00.002-05:00

2010-08-01T11:49:00.009-05:00

Every morning, I have this conversation:

As Daddy drives away, honking his horn for the two little blonde heads in the window, Finn says, "Daddy stay home."

"Finn, Daddy has to go to work."

Sad face.

"Daddy has to work so he can make the bacon. Then he brings home the bacon, and Mommy cooks the bacon. Then we eat the bacon. You like bacon, right, Finn?"

"Uh-huh." Pauses thinking about bacon.

"Finn go work with Daddy."

"You want to go to work with Daddy?"

"Uh-huh."

"Finn need bag. And nametag. And lunch. Finn go work."

"What would you do at work? What do you think Daddy does at work?"

"Daddy go on Elmo website on laptop at work."

"I see."

This weekend, Dylan had to go into work to pick up some items for an impending business trip, so guess who finally got to go to work with his Daddy?

We made him a name tag. An Elmo name tag, as requested.

He put on his work clothes, which, apparently, included his Elmo hat. Good stuff.

We packed his Afro Ken bag with a snack and trusty Green Tool.

And finally, Finn went to work with Daddy. He even ate his breakfast bagel on the road. Just like Daddy.

The only hitch in this great day was the little pink person left behind. Let's just say Rosemary does not like being left out.

2010-07-26T13:53:00.009-05:00

Finn's wonderful brain, exhibit #1:

"Boobies go to the moon."

Finn told Rosemary this in response to my telling her, "Boobies go night-night." It's my way of telling her the breastaurant is closed. Boy, does that make her mad. I like how Finn is helping her, though, move on (Please Rosemary, Move. On.) by extrapolating this idea of no-more boobies to space travel.

My breasts can go to another galaxy at warp speed at this point for all I care. I'd just like her to leave them alone now.

Finn's wonderful brain, exhibit #2:

"Kitty needs some new red Elmo pants. And new Elmo red shirt. And new red tool." "Kitty needs all that?" "Yep."

I don't know who this kitty is or where he came from, but he sure seems to need a lot of stuff.

Finn's wonderful brain, exhibit #3:

"Finn turn Rose's bum on."

He even had a little imaginary key. What can I say? He's awesome.

2010-07-25T11:51:00.004-05:00

Sunday

2010-07-22T09:40:00.011-05:00

A friend like you

Roger Pare

One-two-three

Come and dance with me.

A flower here, a flower there

A yellow flower for your hair.

Let me sing a little song

A tune to last the whole

night long.

Rocking with you, talking

with you

A warm summer's day with you.

In the woods the sun

shines through

As I walk along with you.

Purple, yellow, red and blue

You draw me and I'll draw you.

Apple cheeks, apple pie

You're the apple of my eye.

Bedtime, sleepy time

I love story time.

Birds and rabbits say hello

As we glide along the snow.

I'm glad I have a friend like you

To cuddle up the whole

night through.

Happy Four Years, Dylan. I love you.

2010-07-20T18:06:00.005-05:00

"Resistance is Futile. We are Rosemary."

"You will love me."

I think he's being cuddled into submission.

Lately, Rosemary needs to kiss Finn goodnight. She runs into his room, climbs into his bed, jumps on him, and covers him with kisses. Tough life, I can imagine, but Finn's handling all the love well.

2010-07-18T07:47:00.005-05:00

Sisters and brothers

"This place is SO boring. Now what, Finn? I said, now what?"

"I know. I'll squish this into your face. That'll liven things up."

"I am so brilliant."

"Not to mention cute and fun."

"Wait a minute."

"Hey!"

"MOM! Finn stole my bracelet."

2010-07-17T11:09:00.005-05:00

The posting has been a little light on the ground, I know. These two are a lot fun these days, and we are busy! busy! busy! We do, on occasion, take a break from playdates, splash parks, pools, and BBQs, to have the odd tea party.

"Okay. Raggedy Ann is here, and so is Kitty. Let the tea party begin."

Elmo only had one cup of tea. That's just the kind of guy he is, apparently.

2010-07-04T12:42:00.004-05:00

It is summertime and extremely hot, like 40+-with-the-humidity hot.
We're finding some cool ways to beat the heat.
Popsicle eating.
And swimming in our new wading pool all rate high on everyone's list lately.

Happy lazy summer days!

2010-07-02T07:37:00.005-05:00

Canada Day -- the part where we swim and eat cake.

And have a blast.

Enough said.

2010-07-01T13:40:00.010-05:00

Canada Day 2010

This was before the bike ride to Petrie Island for the Canada Day festivities. You can tell it's the "before" because I am neither hot, sweaty, thirsty, nor tired.

Parents + bike trailers filled with toddlers + gravel bike path = Fun actually.

"Jennifer, are you taking my picture?" Why, yes, Treena, I am indeed.

"Why does Finn get to do all the fun stuff?"

I don't know if Finn would call this fun, Rosemary, but he came down the bouncy slide in style nonetheless.

2010-06-30T14:09:00.010-05:00

Finn at work.
I love this age. Only at three can I imagine him with his toy drill at his workshop, and yet still, his Little Elmo is laying nearby.
By the way, this is the Step Two Real Projects Workshop, and it is quite a good toy. Thanks Grandma and Grandpa! Not only does it seem to satisfy Finn's genetically predetermined need to fiddle with tools and screws, it also has more than just hammering and screwing going for it. That reminds me of a joke about my twenties, but I digress. It came with all these foamy bits to make the projects, which are so helpfully illustrated on the workshop. Finn loves pouring over these "instructions."
It's essentially 3-D puzzles, and Finn can make everything from the fairly simple cube right up to the backhoe. There are enough pieces as well to lend some creative and open-ended play.

That's my product review. Thank you and goodnight.

2010-06-28T12:57:00.004-05:00

Despite her all-day proclaimed love, she's a little less Elmo
And a little more

Cookie Monster!

2010-06-28T11:45:00.006-05:00

In these past three years, I've seen a lot of really cute things: first smiles, first hugs, first steps, first really big giggles. All are filed away in my brain for quick access during some of the less cute moments.

I have to say, though, this moment, this pushing of Elmo in the doll stroller, is right up at the top.

She's not just pushing him either. She's stopping every few steps to check on Elmo. If he's fallen over, she puts him back up very carefully. She pats his head. Sometimes she stops to stick her head in the stroller and whisper to Elmo, and then she gives him a quick kiss before toddling along again.

2010-06-07T20:22:00.006-05:00

Here are a whole lot of pictures from our trip to Edmonton!

I am pretty sure I could leave Rosemary with these two, and they'd all live happily ever after.

2010-05-27T20:26:00.003-05:00

Hello blog-o-sphere,

Once again, Jenn and the kids have made their, what seems to be an annual event, migration to Edmonton. As a result, I have been once again tasked with updating the blog. I don't know if it's more for your enjoyment more than it is for Jenn to keep adding things to my list of things I need to do while she is away. Maybe it's just another way to keep me busy and out of trouble (ie. having fun without her).

The last two days have been typical of being by myself; yesterday I had chips, cheesecake and beer for dinner.

Today, being "Gourmet Thursday," I boiled Kirkland Signature ravioli. It's the new pierogi. The "gourmet" is that I drizzled some tomato sauce and sprinkled "Spaghetti spice" over the ravioli. The spice is the gourmet. Yum.

As a side story, for those who know me, I used to live alone before Jenn entered (invaded) my life. Those were the days when Jenn and I worked at the Faculty Club and I lived in a small basement suite off of Whyte Ave. The apartment building was called "The Branding Place." It was a cute brick building on 85th Ave. Anyways, since I worked at the Faculty Club and supplied lunch and dinner most days of the week, I did not need to buy much groceries simply because I didn't need to buy much food, and also because I spent most of my money after rent and bills on beer and cigarettes.

For those days that I had to eat at home, since I was not at the Faculty Club, I had to fend for myself. Eating out was not much of an option since a dinner out was the equivalent of two or three pitchers of beer at the bar back then. One of my cheap solutions was PIEROGI's. I had a 20kg bag in the freezer. I think there was only room enough in the freezer for a loaf of bread beside the pierogi. Those nights I was not at the Club or was hungry after the bar I made a large plate of pierogis and toast. Usually, if there was extra money, I made my pierogis with butter and ground pepper. If I came into some money, like at Christmas or from my income tax, I might have onion, bacon and/or sour cream; however, there was no guarantee that my pierogi had anything other than butter and toast. For a while people laughed at it, but I didn't mind. I loved few things more than I loved pierogis.

So now, I am alone again, and the new pierogi is the ravioli. I didn't check Costco yesterday when I was there, but I need to go back for coffee and cream. Maybe I will buy a big bag of pierogis.

I still love pierogis, but in the last 4 years I've learned to love three people more than anything I have ever loved before;

(PS. I miss my little family)

2010-05-17T18:35:00.008-05:00

Three, thus far, is a marvel. Three is all scabby-kneed, bug-watching, tool-loving boy. Three is peeing in the potty. Three is a little bit more rational, a little bit more thoughtful, and odds-defyingly, more cuddly.

Three is "reading" books in bed by himself and coloring with deliberation and panache. Three is playing ball with other kids at the park, and at home, it's a little less Elmo and a little more Blues Clues.

Three is also, as I have come to find out these past two weeks, napless. We have dropped the nap, and, well, it's been a problem.

It's a hard nap to drop, this last one. It's a long stretch from bright-and-early to well-past-dinner-and-very-very-well-past-Finn's best hour. The past two days, though, we've turned a corner, or, if you will, crossed a bridge.

Finn no longer needs his afternoon nap, and it seems, to wimpy me, we're walking away from babyhood and toddlerdom and passing over into the world of child. Sniff.

Oh, Baby Finn, you'll live on forever in my heart.

2010-05-16T11:26:00.011-05:00

Tulip Festival is as advertised: heaps, boatloads, beds, and beds of tulips.
Some of us enjoyed the tulips more than others.

"Oooooh, pretty colors."

"Stupid flowers." (I think Finn misses the camping tent we set-up together in the back yard.)

Is it just me, or does it seem every Leite outing is merely an excuse to eat fried sugar-laden dough? (It's just an excuse to eat. As you can see, I am wearing my weekend uniform; a plain white shirt and sunglasses.)
"Thank god for the sugar dough." (The first "Beaver Tail" had sugar and lemon juice on it. The second one had Nutella and icing sugar. It's so amazing. Oh, and for those who don't know, a Beaver Tail is like a flattened doughnut, with more sugar.)
"Whee! Sugar!" (Rose just likes going outside.)

This little lady is ever so slowly learning to walk.
"Ever so cutely, I think I'll tip-toe over here towards the edge."

I don't know if it comes across in the pictures or not, but Finn loves Dadda.
Really, really loves him. "Best Dadda in the whole wide world" kind of love.
And I think the feeling is mutual.
"I think I have grown tired of flowers now, Mama. Home please." (The sugar rush may be over, but I think Rose is upset we did not make it to the breakfast buffet downtown this weekend. I know I am disappointed about it.)