These orange guys have a date with a knife very, very soon. Bwaaahahahaha!



I'll post some more pictures of Rosemary and Finn's big Halloween night tomorrow! Till then Happy Halloween!

Finn is now two-and-a-half. He's a bright, delightful little boy. Every day is an adventure we're on together.
He tends to be a bit shy, and I'm trying to give him the wee-est, smallest, littlest nudge to get out there. I don't want to push him too hard, but I also want to socialize him despite his natural inclination to hang out in "Finn's home" all day.
I love the child he is becoming. I miss the baby he was, but he is so much fun lately. His sense of humour rocks. He's inventive. He's a caring big brother.


Anyway, I tried an excellent playgroup at a nearby school. It's every day from 9 to 1. It's run by a teacher who provides -- PROVIDES -- a snack, and it's filled with nice kids. Sounds great, doesn't it? Well, it's also really busy and really loud and a little bit crazy. Finn. hated. it. Every time I brought up playgroup, all I heard was, "No! No! Bye-bye! Bye-bye!" So "bye-bye" playgroup went. Maybe we'll try again next year because it really is a great program, and I happen to know a certain, pink someone who REALLY did enjoy it.

Next up, I enrolled Finn in a toddler program at the local library. I thought this might work out since Finn likes the library, and that seemed as good a starting point as any. The first time went well. The librarian running the program has a quiet, peaceful nature and conducts the 30-minute program accordingly. Basically, she reads a few books to them, does a couple of activities, and calls it day. It's quiet, relaxed, and definitely fitting with Finn's style. This seemed to be, in parenting parlance, a good fit.

This week, when we headed off to the library, Finn seemed happy. He knew we were going to toddler time, and dare I say, he was almost excited. When we got to the library, we sat down on the floor in the circle with all the other children. The librarian greeted everyone and sang a little, quiet song. So far, so good.

Then it happened. She pulled out the first book, and it was Finn's favorite. Not only was she about to read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, but it was a new, very special pop-up version of the book. Immediately, Finn stopped squirming in my lap. Rosemary's antics no longer concerned him. The little girl next to us with the Backyardian shoes was of no matter. He became very still, all attention focused on Librarian Jenny. I have to say Finn's mind was blown. It's official. Toddler time is great. He loves that book lady.

And anyone reading this who wants to make Finn the happiest kid ever can keep this book in mind for Christmas: http://www.amazon.ca/Very-Hungry-Caterpillar-Pop-up-Book/dp/0399250395

That is all.

How can anyone be so happy first thing in the morning?

Good morning, Mommy! Don't you just love life?
I know I sure do. Where's that Finn??

Oh! Good, it's Finn. Here we go.

Weeeeeeee!
Giggles. Lots and lots of giggles.
Hey! Where did he go?

Here we are in our Jolly Jumper decidedly not jumping, but Rosemary must be instead daydreaming about....
Her Halloween ladybug costume. This picture is blurry, but I think it captures how adorable she looks. Finn agrees. On a funny side note, suddenly, Finn really likes ladybugs.


Finn as Elmo will be appearing soon. I think it would be hilarious to dress his Elmo doll up as Finn for Halloween, but every time I try to put clothes on Elmo, Finn gets mad. I guess that is totally undignified for his poor little Elmo. Man, it's going to be tough to get him in a costume Halloween night. I hope candy will motivate him.

Are they practicing for adolescence or what?

Speaking of which, we bought Rosemary a car!
"Ooooh, my own set of wheels. Finally."
She loves it. Not only is she playing with Finn's swing set (again, finally!), Finn plays with her. He pushes her in it, and to little Rosemary, that is ultimate, giggle-tastic fun.

(Look at all those leaves! It's like a frigging leaf carpet out there. That, people, is why I am not posting. I am raking leaves. Bags and bags and -- oh look, more stupid leaves dropped in the night -- bags of leaves.

Can I not eat my cookie in peace?
Elmo has become very, very important to Finn. Elmo comes everywhere with us these days. We really, really need to find another one to stash away when the inevitable happens. Gasp! A lost Elmo!

Ohhh, a dolly! I like dollies. Would you like to play with me, dolly?
Here we are in the Byward Market eating our first beavertail. It costs over $4 for the basic model; any grades such as ice cream, whipped cream, fruit, chocolate increase the price by many folds. It is basically fried dough heavily sprinkled with brown sugar. Obama mugged for the cameras while buying some on his visit to Ottawa. Our verdict? Yummy! Bring on the fried dough.

Happy Turkey Day! Except we had chicken, so happy chicken day. In any case, we are thankful.

Sunday, we ventured to Carleton University for their Live Butterfly Exhibit.


Snacks are a very important part of any outing.
Any successful outing, that is.
As are funny family pictures.
"Ack! Why are my parents so weird?"


If it weren't for us, Finn would have jumped right into the river.
"What do you mean I can't jump into the freezing cold, rushing water?"


Good Sunday!