Ryan's First Birthday!

Ryan's first birthday was a mix of ups and downs. On the up side, we had an opportunity to have some family over to celebrate Ryan's day. On the down side, Ryan is STILL sick, and was having a particularly rough day (feverish and coughing). We also had some guests who couldn't attend due to illness. I guess it's that time of year. Still, we decorated with balloons and banners, catered in some good food, and had a cupcake cake and gifts for Ryan's birthday.

Ryan relaxing in his swing before the party--and he actually looks happy!

After family started to arrive, the kids went downstairs to play. Kevin was having fun on my old exercise glider.

Andrea was playing with Daddy's mini putting green.

Brigitte was hard at work drawing pictures of Andrea and Kevin as they played.

Andrea wanted to model her new jean skirt and colourful tights from Grama Marty.

Later, when the kids came back upstairs, Kevin and Papa had some fun rolling his favourite truck back and forth.

Papa sent one across with an empty beer bottle. It kind of looked like a missile launcher!

Andrea was playing monkey-in-the-middle with the balloons.

We got pasta, salad, and bruschetta from Koolini's for dinner. It was so good, but we ordered way too much!

Ryan's cupcake cake

When we lit the candle and sang Happy Birthday, Ryan didn't look impressed.

He was more interested in looking to see what Daddy was doing: "Why are you singing?"

Ryan's first cake experience was a disappointment. He was miserable, not feeling well, and totally uninterested in his cupcake. He kept dumping it off the plate, but he barely touched it.

He did, however, appear fascinated with the plate. He kept bending it and scratching it. (?)

What is that? Do I actually spy a SMILE? :)

He put a couple of fingers in to test the texture of Gram's cheesecake, but eventually went for the plate again. When we tried to feed him some, he got mad. :(

Present time didn't go much better. Andrea and Daddy opened most of the gifts, while Ryan cried.

He liked the little car from Grama Marty, but look at this sad/sick expression. :(

We noticed he kept watching the football game that was on TV. I'm sure next year he'll be more interested in presents than TV!

Kevin helped with the presents, too, while Brigitte and Izzy looked on.

Each of the kids got a goodie bag after Ryan opened his presents. Kevin was loving his candy necklace.

Ryan cheered up a bit when we let him have his party blower. He liked the sparkly tinsel on the end of it.

It took Kevin a few tries to get the proper technique, but look at the extension on that party blower!

***

Overall, I would say our guests had a good time, but Ryan had a pretty miserable and sick birthday, poor little baby. I hope his 2nd birthday is a much healthier and happier event!

Mickey's Rockin' Roadshow

Since we got digital cable and the DVR back in May, the kids have fallen in love with the Playhouse Disney channel. All three kids enjoy the cartoon Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Back in July, when they announced a live Mickey show was coming to the WFCU, we had to get tickets. Six months later, and it was finally time to see the show!

Opening Act: The premise is Mickey and his friends are putting on a talent show, and are travelling around to different places to find performers for the show.

on the Mickey Bus

Got a flat tire? Turn your bus into a hot air balloon!

the shoe shop run by Cinderella and her mean stepsisters

visiting Buzz, Woody, and Jessie out West; rope and hula-hoop tricks

Woody and Jessie's hoe-down

Buzz Lightyear with his alien buddies

Buzz doing his juggling tricks

Cinderella singing, with her back-up singers and dancers

Tigger doing his bouncing routine

This was the kids' favourite part. They all got out of their seats and jumped like crazy to the music, with Tigger.

The Grand Finale

(The floor-level audience had inches of ticker tape dropped on them!)

***

Overall, the Andrea and Kevin had a great time. (Unfortunately, Ryan was still not well, so we decided to leave him with Gram and Papa.) There was some drama throughout the evening, thanks to Mommy forgetting her purse at work over the weekend. ALL my credit cards and ID were safely, but inaccessibly, locked in my desk at work. I needed those things to pick up our tickets at will call. The lady at the window almost refused me the tickets, but Andrea was standing right there, and she started crying her poor little heart out: "Why can't we go?" Daddy came up and said to Andrea, very seriously, "I don't know. The lady won't give us the tickets. Why don't you ask her why we can't have the tickets?" The lady was totally mad, but how could she refuse a child in tears? For once, Andrea's melodramatics worked to our advantage! We got into the show just in time. ;)

Snowy January Days

We've been getting a good amount of snow this January. The storms usually produce less than 4 inches at a time, but it's been cold, so the snow tends to stay around longer. On this Saturday, the older kids had their snow gear at home, so Daddy decided to take them out to get some fresh air while he shoveled snow. Andrea and Kevin both decided they wanted to help Daddy.


Kevin didn't quite know how to work the shovel, so Daddy gave him some lessons in shovelling technique.

Kevin was so proud of himself when he was able to shovel just like Daddy!

After some shovelling, the kids wandered around the yard, making their own fun in the snow. Kevin went slowly, exploring the altered terrain with caution.

Andrea, on the other hand, was sliding down piles, jumping into drifts, and flopping down to make snow angels!

I was taking these pictures out of the front window, since I was in the house with Ryan. Kevin didn't know I was watching him. He sat down on a pile, scooped up a handful of snow, and with the cutest sneaky smile on his face, decided to taste some snow. Thank goodness it was the WHITE stuff!


Andrea spotted me taking pictures, and waved hello. She was having a great time out there!

Then Kevin saw me and gave me a wave, too.

Ryan, unfortunately, has been sick for almost a week at this point. He has a virus, an ear infection, and a possible throat infection. He is a sad baby. :( Hopefully he will get well soon, when the antibiotics kick in.

Ryan's First Days at Daycare

Mommy is pleased to report that Ryan appears to be absolutely unaffected by his transition to daycare (knock wood).

Daddy and I brought him in on Monday morning, and stayed for ten minutes or so to arrange all his gear and get him introduced to his new teachers and friends. His only reaction was curiosity. Ryan wanted to look around at everything. When his teacher tried to talk to him, he kept looking right past her and leaning over to check out his new surroundings. When I finally handed him over to the teacher, he didn't express any anxiety. He still just wanted to see everything. When Daddy and I said good-bye and left the room, he didn't even notice us leaving. It was reassuring and weird at the same time.

His first three days at daycare have gone extremely well. He still hasn't shown any anxiety, and they said he only cried a bit when he was sleepy (which is normal at home, too). He has been eating and sleeping great at daycare. The teachers even joked that they must be tiring him out because he's been napping so well!

He seems to be his usual self when he gets home, too. I think we are all a bit baffled by Ryan's unruffled demeanor under the new circumstances. I mean, Andrea and Kevin both took at least two weeks to settle into the daycare routine. They both cried for at least the first few days at drop-off (sad to see us leave) and pick-up (emotional reaction to our reappearance). They both also had some trouble napping at daycare when they first started there.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm glad he's had such a seamless transition, but it's just so unexpected. My mommy-instincts are a bit confused by this one!

Christmas 2010/New Year's 2011 . . . in Pictures

Saturday, December 18: Maurices at Our House

This was the second year that we had Mommy's dad, brother, and sister and their families over for a Christmas-time gathering. Mommy makes pasta and salad, and cookies for dessert. The kids get to open presents from Grandpa Vic and the aunts and uncles.

Kevin, Brigitte, Andrea, Caitlin, and Tyler ready to open presents

We love presents!

Grandpa Vic gets fridge-magnet pictures of the kids

Ryan opening his gift from Uncle Chuck and Brigitte. He liked the paper.

The kids had a lot of fun with Kevin's new piano mat from Aunt Donna and family.

Andrea was dancing a jig on the mat!

Uncle Greg, Grandpa Vic, and Uncle Chuck relaxing before supper

Andrea is very happy to finally have a Ken doll, so her Barbies can "get married."

Caitlin helping Andrea set up her new Barbie and convertible

Caitlin playing with Ryan--trying to get him standing

attempting the annual group shot with the grandkids

Caitlin tried to make Kevin smile, with a kiss!

It is what it is. We love them, but the little ones just won't cooperate. :)

Family group photo taken by Uncle Greg

Family group photo taken by Daddy

Cousin Girl Band

Uncle Chuck and Kevin playing with the new cars and trucks

Andrea is trying to put the train back on the rails the way Mommy likes it.

We had fun with our family!

Sunday, December 19: Gram and Papa's House

The next day, we went to our annual get-together at Gram and Papa's for a dinner for our family, and to give the kids their Christmas gifts.

Ryan got his dinner first. Papa likes feeding babies!

Grandma told Andrea to bring her Leapster (she would be getting a new game later). Andrea was showing Gram how to play some games she already had.

Kevin loves Gram's rocking chair. Mommy caught him making a silly face!

Yay! It's present time!

Papa helped Ryan open his presents. He got this cute snowman outfit from Gram and Papa.

Kevin is excited about his new firetruck. He loves firetrucks right now!

Papa is showing Ryan how to play with a new toy.

Aunt Stephanie helped Hannah open her gifts from us. Hannah seemed to like her gift!

Ryan looks really interested in Kevin's presents.

Izzy is modeling her "Best Friends" shirt from us.

We also gave her a Snow White play set.

Andrea got TWO princesses!

Papa is showing Ryan another toy.

Andrea's modeling her new necklace from Gram and Papa.

Kevin got cars and tracks just like the ones he loves at Gram and Papa's house.

There's no such thing as too many princess gifts. :)

I'm not sure who's having more fun with these baby toys!

Gram opening her gift from our family

Gram, Papa, and the Grandkids (Kevin is frowning again!)

Ryan is starting to like toys with wheels, like his older brother does.

Hannah was running around and hiding from my camera, but . . . gotcha, Cutie!

Monday, December 20: Christmas Vacation Begins

It already looks like Christmas morning! After two family gatherings and gift exchanges, the kids have plenty to keep them entertained!

Andrea is playing with her puppet-making set from Aunt Donna and family, preparing for a show later.

These boys are starting to have more in common. They were both playing with Ryan's baby swing!

Andrea was enjoying the leftovers Gram sent home with us from yesterday's dinner. Well, she ate 90% of the container of mashed potatoes we took home. I guess that makes her the "Mashed Potato Princess!"

Friday, December 24: Christmas Eve with the Markets

Daddy's Market family has a gathering at a hall in Essex every Christmas Eve. We visit, have dinner, Santa comes, and the kids receive gifts from Great-Gram.

Hannah, Izzy, and Andrea making crafts

Papa and the boys

Kevin relaxing in Ryan's rocker

Papa brought the cars and tracks to entertain the kids. It was a great idea!

Mmm . . . dinner. Kevin was trying to eat his whole dinner roll with his fork!

Papa fed Ryan his after-dinner bottle.

Great-Gram wanted a picture with the great-grandkids. Unfortunately, four of them were unable to attend, due to chicken pox. In the picture we see Kevin (frowning again!); Andrea holding Ryan; Great-Gram holding Reed and Taylor; Morgan holding Mikenna; Izzy, and Hannah.

Andrea and Izzy love each other so much!

Ryan was fascinated with his running shoes. Taylor is just so cute!

Papa helped Kevin and Morgan keep the cars going.

four of the five great-grandbabies born within the last year or so

When Santa arrived, he said he wanted cookies! Andrea brought him one of the ones we made for the party.

Andrea getting her gift from Santa and Great-Gram

Wow! FOUR more princesses!

Ryan's turn to get his gift from Santa and Great-Gram; he wasn't scared at all :)

We weren't sure how Kevin would react when it was his turn. He was getting tired and grumpy. However, he was one of the last ones called up, and he RAN to Santa!

He then sat down and tore into that gift!

Papa is helping Mikenna and Ryan share a new toy.

No, Kevin is not a peeper! He is just such a Papa's boy. He was waiting and waiting for Papa to come out of the bathroom!

Saturday, December 25: Christmas Morning at Home

Santa came! He even left a letter this year, reassuring the kids that the jelly roll was a delicious substitute for cookies (because they all got eaten at the hall).

presents from Santa

Andrea and Kevin loved their new play tents!

Kevin was excited about his new car play mat, too.

Andrea was thrilled to have a girly, remote control Strawberry Shortcake car from Grama and Grampa in Montana. She was always complaining that Kevin had all the "good" toys.

Kevin (and Daddy) were excited about his new hockey set from Grama Marty and Grampa Rick.

Daddy got a Red Wings Santa Hat!

Ryan enjoyed ripping open the paper on his gifts.

Of course, everyone helped Ryan unwrap his presents.

Ryan liked his gifts from Grama Marty and Grampa Rick, too!

Kevin . . . you are too cute sometimes. :)

Peace and Love on Christmas Morning

(at least, for a few minutes)

Christmas Day: Dinner at Aunt Rosie's

Later that day, we went to Mommy's Aunt Rosie's house for Christmas dinner. The gathering was a bit smaller than usual this year, since Aunt Claire's family was away with the chicken pox. :( We missed them, but still had a great evening.

Daddy is chatting with Aunt Rosie, while she holds her newest grandbaby, Eric.

Ryan was playing with Gwen, Eric's sister, in the downstairs play room. Gwen was so sweet. Every time Ryan fussed, she would pat him gently and try to soothe him with her little words: "S'okay, Baby!"

There's lots going on here. Aunt Rosie is showing her oldest granddaughter, Collette, the Christmas dessert cookbook I gave her. Eric's crawling around the floor, while his mommy Lisa and daddy Byan try to put a marble maze together. Andrea is watching the progress on the maze.

Laura and her son Ian are playing a game with Andrea, but I think she just noticed the candy. Bryan is STILL working on the marble maze.

Kevin: "Come down here and play with ME!"

He found a big wheel to play with. Now he's content.

No smiles, even with Daddy . . . surprise, surprise.

Just give him a wheel. Yay!

Uncle Chuck (who took these photos--I forgot my camera) and Aunt Rosie, our lovely hostess

Sunday, December 26: Boxing Day with the Gagnons

Next was the annual Boxing Day gathering for the extended Gagnon family at Aunt Petesy and Scott's house. This is when the "big" Gagnon connection celebrates their Christmas together. We visit, have dinner, and Santa comes for the kids.

Cousin Emily was swinging the little kids high in the air!

Ryan's turn with Santa--he wasn't upset, just concentrating on his gift

Kevin's turn with Santa

Andrea's turn with Santa

Andrea got a Cinderella art set.

Kevin got two Handy Manny toys--"Stretch" and "Dusty"

Ryan got a talking Sesame Street remote control--he LOVES our TV remotes

Andrea working on a masterpiece

I wanted to get a nice picture of the boys in their matching outfits from Grama Marty and Grampa Rick. Ha!

Andrea is attempting to imitate the "Kevin frown," but she's trying not to laugh.

They were getting tired, so we got them into pjs before we left the Gagnons. Andrea is modeling her new angel pjs from Grama Marty.

Izzy wanted a picture of her pjs, too. (Coincidentally, these were bought by Grandma Marty for Andrea last year . . . hand-me-downs!)

Poor Kevin was getting so tired, but he wanted to show off his new Christmas pjs, too.

Monday, December 27: Gagnon Euchre Tournament

The Annual Gagnon Euchre Tournament has taken place on December 27th since Daddy was a little boy. The Gagnons are some serious euchre players. Normally, this is a men-only event, with a few wives going to help with the after-tournament meal. This year, they officially invited the wives and kids to attend the meal after the tournament at Uncle Marc and Aunt Kathy's house. Ryan, Kevin and I went with Gram for the dinner, while Andrea went for a sleep-over with Izzy.

I dressed Ryan in the snowman outfit Gram and Papa gave him for Christmas. My Baby Frosty was so adorable! Everyone thought he was precious.

This is Ryan's first game of Euchre. Daddy let him help hold the hands.

Kevin, as usual, found ways to entertain himself. Papa's brother, Uncle Luc, helped by giving Kevin a "tunnel" to crawl thorugh as Kevin ran laps around the kitchen table.

Saturday, January 1: Hannah's 2nd Birthday Party

New Year's Day is always a celebration now, since it is Hannah's birthday! This year was her second birthday, and we went to Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Tony's house for Hannah's birthday party.

Izzy and Ryan had fun playing with balloons together.

Ryan often makes this face when the camera flash goes.

Great-Gram cuddled Ryan and entertained him with a balloon.

Andrea and Izzy used some home-made masks to put on a show for us.

Papa helped Kevin bulk up with balloons!

"Happy 2nd Birthday, Hannah!"

Hannah opening her gifts from us

Andrea was so happy that Hannah liked the high chair for her babies. I knew Hannah wanted one, but couldn't find it in the store. Andrea offered to let Hannah have hers. My little girl can be a sweetie. :)

Gram used princess wrapping paper to make Andrea a dress!

Kevin was peeking over my shoulder, at the back of the couch, as Hannah opened presents. I love his eyes . . . so beautiful.

Ryan looks like he's showing off his little buddha belly.

Holidays Winding Down . . .

We spent the last day of Christmas vacation retsoring the house to its pre-Christmas state, and spent the evening relaxing with the kids.

Kevin was smiling a little behind his thumb. I wanted to get a picture of them in their matching pjs, side by side, because so many people had said over the holidays how much they look alike. Well, they do and they don't. They are clearly brothers, but Ryan isn't Kevin's "Mini-me" like some people think.

Well, they do look more alike when they share the same expression! ("Seriously, Mom, can we be done with the pictures?")

Andrea's so sweet with Ryan. She's great about comforting him and keeping him happy.

I had wanted to get downstairs and get a picture of Daddy, Andrea and Kevin playing with the new hockey set, but by the time I was done changing and feeding Ryan, the game was over. However, Ryan tolerated a few photos of him checking out the hockey equipment (although he has the camera-flash expression again).

"Oooooo . . . this thing is fun!"