'Tis the Season

to be sick, fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la. I don't know why, but it seems to be that every Christmas season we fall ill. Last year I spent Christmas Eve in the hospital, with iv hooked up to my veins, and this year all my boys are sick. I myself had a dry cough for weeks - and I mean weeks. Just ask my yoga ladies, as relaxation was not as peaceful with me hacking away Wednesday after Wednesday! But somehow I did not fall victim to the sicknesses that have befallen my family. Greg was in to the hospital last week (because booking an appointment with our family doctor is next to impossible) only to be sent home with no answers. However, his symptoms continued, and in fact worsened, so off again he went today. He's thinking it may be pneumonia (which he assures me tequila in Mexico will cure). I'm not sure what this doc decided he has, but I see he's been prescribed some medicine, so apparently they've come up with something this time. I thought for sure he was going to continue drinking Buckleys straight... that can't be good!My mom is certain Braylon has pink eye. I definitely thought he had something plaguing his eye because it was gooping far more than usual. Thankfully he's a relatively good baby, so his being sick doesn't unnerve the rest of us. But now it's a matter of finding time (and a place, as I doubt Greg wants to return to the hospital AGAIN) to take him in between all the family Christmases we have. That, and we're leaving Friday on holiday without him, and as I am already dreading leaving him, I'm going to hate to leave him feeling under the weather. But if we can get him in to see a doctor then hopefully he can get some drops to clear his eye up.

And then there's Isaiah, who has had a cough his entire life, yes, but has been barking left, right and centre the past week or so. Like Braylon, he doesn't seem to be too irritated by it, save for sleeping, but he's definitely not his healthy self. I really hope we all start to feel better around here, myself included (as not even I have beaten this cough)!

We're Still Here!

Okay, I'm realizing I've abadoned my blog at times, it's true. I mean to write, but so many other things come up and, as I'm already a procrastinator at heart, I put aside blogging to tackle other things. Take this morning, for example. I decided to construct Isaiah's workbench, wrap all of the Christmas presents (I am a helper of Santa's elves, just in case Isaiah asks), clean and organize the boys' closets and do a load of laundry. And then it was lunchtime. Some days I don't even manage to go online!

And I suppose I've basically managed mostly to post updates, which very little has changed since last I wrote so that's another reason for not logging on to blog. True, there are subtle changes daily, such as Isaiah's sudden fascination with "Santa pumin' (read coming)" yesterday and Braylon's new feats: balancing upright on his knees and closing bathroom doors. But things have just been hectic lately, so blogging has been pushed to the end of the list.

I'm looking forward to a nice relaxing vacation to Mexico in two weeks. I'm going to miss the boys, but I like to take a break from daily life every now and then. Even if it means possibly contracting a parasite (thanks Aleisha, I still can't get that out of my head!!), I'm willing to take the risk to bask in the sun, cool alcoholic drink in hand, sound of waves lapping on the beach soothing me to sleep. Sounds great to me!

So, I'll try to post before then, but I make no promises!!

And all of a sudden...

a) Isaiah is two and b) Braylon is crawling.

Yep, Isaiah is two. I'm delayed in posting a blog to share pics of the momentous occasion (although my pics are few and far between because SOMEONE I know decided to turn the flash off to take them and the resolution is too dark and blurry, unfortunately), but I thought it worthy of mentioning regardless.

He's two! He's full of words, a vocabulary that grows more sophisticated day by day. He goes potty every time (though soils the diaper between trips to the potty too). His will to be independent is strong. You should've seen him desperately wanting to skate on his own, both at the Toyota Christmas party and on Sunday at the Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. He is very affectionate and incredibly bright. He is learning his colours easily (especially pink, for some reason) and can count to fourteen (that's how many stairs we happen to have). Things he does and says often make Greg and I shake our heads in amazement and smile proudly. Few people believe he is only just two!

However, with two years come new challenges, apparently. He flails into a limp spaghetti position when he does not want to do something and shows severe signs of jealousy now that Braylon can reach his toys. Two-year-old temper tantrums appear to be upon us in full force. He has mastered a high-pitch shriek/scream that I cannot for the life of me silence.

Both boys are growing up so quickly! Braylon, after months of slithering backwards and spinning in circles, finally decided to crawl out of nowhere. There was no up-on-the-knees-and-rocking for days, and very little reaching forward for toys. He just up and went. And can he motor!! Gone are his frustrations over getting stuck, though now that he's climbing as well his patience wears thin because he hasn't quite mastered that.

So yes, he's turned into an incredibly active child. He's actually standing and beginning to cruise from one end of the coffee table to the other. He's desperate to climb up to standing, but often gets caught on his knees. He'll figure that out too, in due time. I'm finding few "walking" toys successful in helping him advance, however, because they move to quickly, rolling out of reach.

He loves watching his brother play (though doesn't quite appreciate when Isaiah spreads himself out on top of him) and wants to do everything Isaiah is doing. As of late, his favourite thing is to climb into Isaiah's ball tent, throw the balls out, and chase the rolling balls around Isaiah's room. And he loves to be outdoors (even though he can't skate either).

Now it's going to be about sharing in this household, because soon enough Braylon will be big enough to hold his own against Isaiah. And when Braylon wants to play with toys that used to belong solely to Isaiah, as is beginning to happen, Isaiah is quick to use the word "mine." Fortunately for Braylon, Isaiah has been spoiled for years, so of the 5 ride-on "vehicles" he has, Braylon managed to climb up on Lightening McQueen for a quick ride around the living room.

Oh, I don't want maternity leave to come to an end... I can't imagine not being home to share in their daily lives. T minus 8 weeks.

What's the rush?

I know, November is grey and ugly. But why do we have to rush from one holiday into the next? Please, someone tell me. My neighbours are all in a hurry to string the Christmas lights (understandable in order to beat the weather) and LIGHT THEM AT NIGHT ALREADY (apparently they've got the money for the increase in their hydro bills?!)! They've thrown away the pumpkins, stored the gourds and decorations and exchanged leaf wreaths for holy and pine. Why can't we just take a little break from holiday overload?! I am. I'm on decorating strike, save for Isaiah's birthday party this weekend. No, I'm not a Scrooge. In time, folks!

Rebelo cousins

So every month, Janice, Stacey and I try to get together with our children and take a photo. They were all born within 3.5 months of one another, so they'll likely grow up to be very close. And it's been nice to keep up with a monthly playdate as I think socializing children is incredibly important. If we stay where we are, as in Strathroy, Jasmine (in orange) and Braylon will go to school together, and likely play soccer together as well. So although they won't be into roughhousing like Greg and Darryl were, let's hope, they're sure to know one another fairly well by the time they go to school.

Anyhow, usually we can easily encourage Braylon, Mateo and Jasmine to comply, and sometimes even Isaiah manages to sit still for a picture or two. I think it's neat to mark the monthly progression between them, and observe the family genes inherent in all of them. I think right now they're too much a blend of both parents to note distinct similarities between them, but hopefully they'll cooperate long enough for us to continue our monthly photos!

Lately, though, I've noticed that, despite all claims to a "Rebelo nose," my boys have got my nose. It's the very same shape on both of them. The eyes are different, yes; Isaiah's are crystal clear blue and Braylon's have changed to what I suppose is hazel. Most people remark how alike they look, and though I agree they look like brothers, I find them to be very different. I wonder if, years later, I'll look back and question which child is which when I pull out the photo albums!

One thing is for sure, neither Rebelo boy looks much like their cousin Mateo! He is taking after Isaiah in body size - the Faria side's height, most notably - but both my boys are fair skinned, for one and he's definitely got the olive-toned skin. It's funny because Greg and Stacey look so much alike, but when you add in my background and Ermal's as well, it changes everything! I wonder what the new "Rebelo" baby will look like - and no, not ours! Hopefully Stacey has a little girl next, though, since so far our family has only grandsons!

Anyhow, we're expecting Janice and Jasmine for a walk, so I'd best get my boys ready to go!