Christmas Concert

Last night was Bennett's Christmas Concert at our local Children's Treatment Centre. It was a great evening - the result of weeks of hard work and preparation. The gym was packed with people and kids - there was lots of laughter, applause and some tears (joyful of course!). Although I had reminded myself all day to bring kleenex, I forgot it in my coat and had to make do with a small paper napkin provided by my mother.

Bennett's therapists and some of the other staff had been telling me how much he was enjoying the rehearsals. Apparently during a preview performance Bennett got so caught up in the moment and the music that he fell off his bench!! Fortunately, after a couple kisses from his preschool leader he returned to the stage like a pro.

I apologize for the quality of the video and the distance. We got there early but the place was packed and seats were limited.

In this clip you can see that Bennett takes a moment to acknowledge his fans by waving.

I can't say enough about the staff at the treatment centre. They put so much work and enthusiasm into this project. I thanked every one I could but it doesn't seem enough for the gift of such a wonderful memory.

The Sweetest Sound

Doesn't he have a wonderful little voice? Besides "Mama" and "Dada" we have "Ball" and "Boo Boo". We also have a good variety of other sounds like "F", "T", "H", "S", "A", "N", "O", "P", "W". It's not much for a kid who's almost 3 but it's still music to my ears....

My Furry Boys - Bowser and Murphy

One year ago today we had to say good-bye to a treasured member of our family. I still miss Bowser and have certainly cried some tears today. I think anyone who was lucky enough to know Bowser still misses him as well. Jim and I joke that he will always be our first baby. Below is one of my favourite pictures from our first camping trip with Bennett.

Jim and I got Bowser not long after we had lost Robin - another much loved family pet. She had been with me from elementary school right through university. I think Bowser helped us heal at the time. And now we have Murphy and like Bowser, he too has helped fill that special place in our hearts. Murphy is a great dog but as I've said before 75 pounds of love and exuberance can be a bit much at times and unfortunately for him he often gets compared to Bowser - which is totally unfair. Bowser drove us crazy when he was 9 months old too - a fact that we often forget.

Murphy has his own unique quirks and character traits. He hates to get up early and Jim has to drag him out of the bedroom every morning to go for his walk. Murphy doesn't like to lie down gently - he just drops - and we can feel the quaking throughout our small house. Bennett likes to stick Murphy's tail in Murphy's mouth which always results in a crazy "dog chasing his tail" frenzy. This game never fails to amuse Bennett. Speaking of Bennett, Murphy puts up with a lot from the kid. Bennett will pull his tail, lips, ears - and Murphy will just stand there until we rescue him. And unlike Bowser, Murphy LOVES everyone and everything - even the TV. As you can see below, In the Night Garden is his favourite show. Bennett has pretty much outgrown it, but I'll still put it on for Murphy - after all, he is only 9 months old.

Santa Claus Parade

Just a few quick photos from the parade we went to tonight. Bennett wasn't too sure about the beginning of the parade - there were lots of loud sirens. He warmed up eventually and really enjoyed the music and dancing. The highlight of the evening for him were the fireworks. I wasn't sure if he would like it but he loved all the flashing lights and wasn't bothered at all by the loud noises.

Here's a short video of Bennett watching the fireworks.

We've been having a stretch of beautiful fall weather here. We took advantage of it on the weekend and went for a walk in one of our local parks. Bennett had a great time and was pooped by the time we got home. In two of the pictures you can see some woman checking him out -I'm assuming it's because he's so cute in that hat. You can also see a picture of me stealing a smooch. He's pretty good at giving out kisses but sometimes I have to steal one.

Birthday Update

The journey of a thousand miles sometimes ends very, very badly.

A funny thing happened last night. One of my aunts who I don't have an opportunity to see very often came to share in some birthday cake. I have blogged about this aunt before - in this post about my pathetic attempt at crafting. To summarize, after showing her a centrepiece that I had spent hours creating, she asked what grade I was in when I made it - I was in university at the time.

Well, last night she asked me how old I was - 42 or 43!! Once again, the woman crushes me.....

The More Things Change....

The more they stay the same - or some things I guess. We've had a couple changes around here. First of all, after 3 years we have finally removed my ramp. I had some mixed feelings about seeing it go. On the one hand it was a reminder of the car accident but on the other, it also represented my freedom - my freedom to get out of the house and my freedom to actually stay alone with my son. The ramp meant that I had a way to wheel Bennett out in an emergency as I was unable to carry him. But it's gone and now I have my front yard back.

Another big change is the replacement of Bennett's crib with a full sized bed. The idea is to transition him out of our bed and into his own. As you can see, we have mixed results. Bennett likes to sleep in the bed - as long as someone is with him and as long as it's only for a nap. So, Bennett still sleeps with us and to be perfectly honest, that's ok with me. I've got bigger things to worry about.

And finally, this is my last day as a 38 year old. Tomorrow I'll be 39 - I've been trying to forget about it - I never like the birthdays that have a 9 in them. I remember that I didn't enjoy 19 or 29. At least I get all the angst out and by the time I turn 40 it will be no big deal (at least I hope so). I am a child of the 80s - and as a special treat I leave for you the following video:




The 80s weren't that bad were they???

He's Gone Too Far

I know the kid likes ketchup but this is too much. I could handle the toast dipped in ketchup but toast with peanut butter, dipped in ketchup is ridiculous - and disgusting! I could barely stand to take the picture. He ate the whole thing though.