Welcoming Elliott!!

On Wednesday March 17th Tina, Pat and Avery welcomed their newest addition to the O'Brien family, Elliott to the world. The little guy weighed a dainty 6lbs 10oz and is super sweet. He looks a little like his older brother Av, but definitely has his own unique features. Avery is already turning out to be an excellent big brother (no surprise there) and is super interested in Elliott. Little Ellie, we cannot wait to see you grow!

A few weeks ago, I had such a sad day, when I realized how big my dear Truman has become. You see, Oliver will soon be moving out of the bucket, so we were on the market for a new car seat for Truman. When we got to the store, we realized that Truman was now ready (height and weight wise) for a booster seat. I couldn't (or rather didn't) want to believe it. How could my baby be ready for a normal seat belt and sit on that tiny seat. I solicited everyone I knew who had kids and would ask them what they would do. The answers were varied, so I did some research, and everything came up the same....I had to face the inevitable. He is physically ready for a booster. On that same shopping trip, we also realized that Truman was also too big for most of the double strollers on the market, or our time would be limited. What a sad, sad, day!

Jerry took Truman to his first movie in a theatre last weekend. They went to see Planet 51 with Harry and Shane. The boys had a great time at the show, munching on popcorn. I am sure Truman will love the movies as much as his daddy does!

Truman is also fully a teenager....as many of you know I call the three's the threenagers...and here is the perfect example. The other day we were driving home from school and I asked him the same question I ask him every day..."What was your favourite thing about today?" Truman replied "Mom, I don't want to talk to you about this right now". Seriously? So, I asked him again at dinner thinking it may be a better time and got the same response. He had no interest in sharing his day with me. I had a complete glimpse of what the teenage years will be like with him...I was completely shut out.

Our Oliver continues to be as sweet as ever. He is still enjoying food (as long as it is not a vegetable) and seems to enjoy experimenting with tastes and textures. He still prefers to eat himself, so I am continuing to encourage this. He is using the pincher grasp now and LOVES cheerios. He still has little desire to move, which is fine by me. He loves playing with balls and I cannot even explain the excitement he has when he is playing with one.

8 Months and Counting

Last week my dear Oliver turned 8 months, which I have to admit was a little sad for me. Four more months and he will be a year old. I really don't want this stage to end, it truly is the honeymoon period. I know in the next few months more challenges await me. I think I am also mourning the fact that this will most likely be my last baby so I am trying to cherish each and every moment.

So what's new? Oliver has FINALLY taken to solids...yipee! He still prefers to eat himself, but will oblige me and eat some purees. Yesterday he had a grilled cheese sandwich for the first time and today he tried Cheerios...he couldn't get enough of them. He doesn't yet have the pincer grasp, so it can be a bit frustrating for him at times. We are also nicely settling into a routine....eat, play, sleep, repeat two times!

Truman finished his ski lessons and is eager to take them again, although we will have to wait until next year since the snow has disappeared. Truman continues to be very helpful and kind to his little brother, except of course when Oliver is playing with one of his toys. I can see the fights that I will have to mediate in the future. Oliver idolizes Truman and will laugh and smile even if Truman hits him. OK, so maybe Truman isn't so kind all the time :)

We discovered on the weekend that Truman is big enough to move into a booster seat. It was very difficult for me, as I realized that he isn't little anymore and is a big kid. I mean, I have always known he was tall and big for his age and looks like a five year old, but to now know we will be moving him shortly breaks my heart. I am not ready for this, although Jerry is beyond excited for the extra room it will create in the car.

We are now patiently waiting for the next arrival of the O'Brien household....any day now. We are wishing Tina a quick and happy delivery. I am honestly waiting every morning for the anticipated phone call letting us know the little one is here!

7 Months, Baby's First Tooth, and the Sign of a Skier

On Thursday Oliver turned 7 months, no stats to report as we don't have another appointment until April when Oliver is 9 months. Saturday morning we woke up to a rather grumpy Oliver, he was definitely not himself. He kept screaming and was quite unhappy. At about mid-day, I fed Oliver and as he opened his mouth I saw the tops of a tooth on the bottom of his mouth. Our little one got his first tooth! We have been waiting for it to sprout for some time now and finally it is here. Two days later, the second one has popped out! Gone are the days of the toothless grin.

On Saturday morning, Jerry took Truman for his first skiing lesson. Jerry tells me he was a natural and loved every moment of it. I am so very proud of him. Jerry is so excited that he may have someone to ski with in the future. Since, we have taken him to the park near our house to practice his newly learned skill!

Oliver is also sitting for some time on his own now, ah how quickly he is changing (as I mentioned in my last post). He also prefers to feed himself and likes to hold onto a spoon as I feed him. He still is not that keen on eating the mushy stuff but is eating through the mum mums. At least it is something, and I will continue to try in hopes that he turns around. He seems to enjoy the first few spoonfuls and then is bored. Thank goodness his older brother can distract him so I can get in an extra bite!

Today was Ontario's second annual Family Day. We started our lovely day by having breakfast at Tim Horton's with the Smiths and then spent the afternoon with the Sullivans in Oakville. Truman had a great time playing with Ethan and Troy. I truly think that Truman did not want to come home as there were too many fabulous toys to play with! What a lovely long weekend.

The Topolski household has been enjoying watching the Olympics...GO CANADA GO!!!!

Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

The past few weeks I have noticed so many changes in both my children. It is amazing watching them both grow and develop. But, as I have probably mentioned before, I really don't want either of them to grow anymore and they can stay this age forever. Well, maybe not, in some ways I can't wait for the "threenagers" to end.

Truman, continues to become more and more independent every day. He, for the most part, wants to do things for himself. Of course, there are days when he regresses and wants to be carried or for me to put on his shoes (not that I give in to this). Two weeks ago, we took Truman for another hair cut and this was the first time he didn't cry. We bought him new shoes, and he happily picked a new pair out and wasn't upset about it. He also goes happily out with his grandparents for excursions without a tear or a complaint.

In terms of learning, in his new preschool class they have been teaching the children the stepping stones of writing and drawing. Truman was very proud to show me his work book. So I thought I would run with this opportunity that presented itself and we have been practising drawing. Truman loves to write the letter "T".

Oh and yes, that is Truman wearing a dress. One day after school he insisted on wearing a dress. I thought it was to mimic one of the girls from his class. But he set me straight and told me that magicians wear dresses. OK....whatever works! I love seeing his imagination at work. He loves to put on "shows" for us, which started just after grandma took him to Solar Stage.

Now, my dear sweet Oliver....he is almost seven months and things are rapidly changing in his development. He loves to grab and play with his toys. At the gym daycare, he loves to watch the other children play and tries to get in on the action. He is sitting on his own (momentarily), loves to roll onto his tummy any chance he gets, and I have also noticed the beginning stages of crawling. He is getting his bum up for a few seconds and can easily slither backwards on the floor. Hopefully he gives me a little longer before he is crawling, the house is not quite yet baby proofed.

Oliver is sleeping very well at night in his crib (thank goodness), last night he slept from 7:30pm until 5am, fed, and then slept for another 2 hours. I'll take it happily. He even took a morning nap in his crib which is now giving me some free time. What am I going to do with myself?

We are still slowly trying to introduce new foods. He is starting to finally like rice cereal and oatmeal. Fruits and vegetables he'd rather do without. We tried yogurt this morning, and he at least took more than a spoonful. But his favourite food are baby mum mums, he really likes to feed himself. He is probably thinking that he doesn't want any of that mushy stuff he wants the real thing!


Oliver also loves to hug, he will put his arm around my neck and pull me in tight. He also loves to give me wet, smushy kisses....delicious!

Oliver also took his first subway ride on Thursday. We went downtown to meet Misty for lunch. He loved it, and busied himself by flirting and smiling with anyone who would look at him. Oliver, was a dream at lunch and I don't think he even made a peep. He sat in a highchair and looked around for most of the meal. As I keep saying, Oliver truly is my pleasure!
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Oh, and I had to include the picture of Oliver's luscious thighs, they had to be documented. I still can't get over how big they are! Yum!

Six Months and an Offering to an Elephant

How is it possible that Oliver is already six months? On Wednesday I took Olie to his well baby check-up and he weighs in at 17lbs 3oz (50th percentile) and is 68 cm in length (70th percentile). We now don't have to go back until he is nine months when he will be such a different baby, doing so many different things. I am so curious to learn more about him and watch his personality take shape.

I am positive that Oliver is teething, as he has not been the easiest baby over the past week. He is a little more cranky than usual, which I am not use to. Although, it brought back memories of my dear Truman and how challenging he could be at times.

In the food department, Truman was a champ. He ate well from the first day that we introduced solids and was always willing and eager to try anything that I put in front of him. Oliver, on the other hand is not enjoying the sensation of eating at all. We have tried rice cereal, oatmeal and carrots. Oliver becomes frustrated quickly and often needs to be distracted in order to get a mere spoonful in his mouth. The only time he is more willing to try is when Truman offers him the spoon. I will give it another go tomorrow, and if it still isn't going well, I'll stop and try again in another week.

On a very positive note, Truman gave up his soothers when we returned from Disney. Jerry and I were planning on this and thought it would be a good time for Truman to say good-bye. He was only using them at night and at school he hadn't used them at nap time since he was about 18 months. Jerry and I were anticipating a horrible reaction. Of course, whenever we anticipate things to be difficult, they often are not. So, when we returned from Disney, and Truman asked for his soothers for bed we told them that we left the soothers for the baby elephants at Disney. The first night was a little difficult (no crying however) but he has been amazing ever since. He even asked me if Oliver will give his soothers to the elephants when he is older!

Our Disney Vacation

I want to start off and say that this was one of my most favourite vacations of all time. Although, it may not have started out that way. You see, I was somewhat skeptical about going to Disney. I thought, sure it will be fun for Truman but I would have preferred to sunbathe on a beach somewhere. I was gently pushing Club Med, but my dear husband was too excited about this upcoming trip. Truman too was excited as his teachers at school told me that he talked about Disney almost every day. As we got closer to leaving for our trip I was constantly checking the weather in Orlando. It didn't look too promising. I think I repacked at least half a dozen times, taking out more of the summer stuff and replacing it with warmer items. To make things even better, my little Olie developed an ear infection and then both Olie and Jerry got the stomach flu two days before departure. I was so sad that we could potentially miss our trip. Luckily by Saturday late afternoon everyone was feeling much better.

Early Sunday morning Jerry packed everything into our sport sedan, and we were off to Buffalo. Just a few snow squalls and white out conditions on our way. Nothing, however could prepare us for the chilly weather in Orlando. Florida last week had record lows! There were a few mornings and nights that went below freezing. There was a frenzy over hats and mittens at the park. Myriah and I went to Target one evening to pick up some for her boys. We were out of luck, they had sold out of all of their winter items. Luckily we had worn our winter attire and therefore well equipped for the week!

Disney is a well oiled machine, everything runs exceptionaly efficiently. For example, I was in line getting a tea for Jerry and the patron in front of me spilled his coffee everywhere. Within seconds a person appears out of nowhere to clean up the mess. Amazing. The food was great and we ate very well, even though we left with food remaining on our plan.

It is such a pleasure watching the joy on your child's face. Truman was so happy this entire trip. Although, it was evident quite quickly that he preferred any ride that contained an animal. He wasn't too thrilled with "It's a Small World" nor the Peter Pan ride. I think he found them boring. His favourite ride was the Disney Jungle Cruise which he went on more than ten times, six times in one day in fact. He was even allowed to "steer" the boat.

It was amazing to wake up in the morning and see animals outside the window having their breakfast. We loved staying at the Animal Kingdom lodge. One afternoon on our warmest day, Jerry and I sat on our balcony (in our winter coats, drinking hot liquids) watching a zebra graze on the grass in front of our room. Amazing! Truman loved play finding the animals.

It took Truman awhile to warm up to the character. We had a character dinner at Chef Mickey's and he wasn't interested in meeting Goofy, Minnie, or Mickey in fact he wasn't interested in meeting any of them. Although, closer to the end of the trip he had a little more interest and gave Rafiki and Daisy a big hug. Ethan, out of all the boys loved all the characters and couldn't wait to meet them all. Maybe on our next trip Truman won't be so hesitant.


Oliver was a complete saint on the trip. He didn't make a peep on the flight down or back. He would sleep during most of our meals and slept for seven to eight hour stretches at night. He was so easy to travel with. He actually really enjoyed the Lion King performance and wanted to stand and watch the entire show. The minute I would sit him on my lap he would protest and want to stand again. Adorable!

We had a fabulous trip, and I cannot wait to return to the magical land. I am converted. I can't wait to see the joy and complete joy and happiness. I will cherish these memories forever.

Happy Merry

Goodbye 2009, hello shiny new decade! Another busy year over and another year to be thankful for so many things. The Topolski Family welcomed the newest arrival to our clan, we travelled to St. Lucia to visit Grandpa Topolski, and spent a lot of quality family time together. Truman was involved in gymnastics, soccer, music class, he learned to ride a bike, and became an amazing swimmer over the summer. Oliver learned to roll, grab onto objects and babble (his newest being "ba"). I am looking forward to another amazing year of watching my two boys grow.




Like every year, we spent the holidays at my parents place. This year, however, at times, was a mad house with Truman and Avery running around. I can only imagine what next year will be like when we throw potentially two more mobile boys in the mix. My father has promised to have the basement finished so that the kids have a nice place to play and sleep.



This year, as a family we decided that we would only give gifts to the children and exchange stockings with the adults. I cannot tell you how long it took us to unwrap gifts for the three little munchkins. I think it took several hours until all the goodies were opened. We did have a break or two for breakfast and naps, but it was an exhausting feat. I think next year we will have to set a limit for the kiddies too!!



Truman has been off since December 24th as his daycare has been closed for the holidays. I was honestly really worried how I was going to handle and entertain both children at home alone (as Jerry did have to work on and off). It was actually easier than I thought, and incredibly fulfilling. We were able to keep ourselves busy by going to the Science Centre and the library, we went for a few walks, and I even took both kids to the mall on my own. I think I will be a little sad when Truman returns to school. Luckily we have one more week together, as the Topolskis are leaving for a week vacation to Disney World on Sunday.




Mother's intuition is an amazing thing. My poor Oliver has been fighting a cold since Monday. What worried me most is that he was not his usual happy self. Instead, he would have screaming bouts where he would be unconsolable. He had difficulty eating for several days. Then, it dawned on me....he had an ear infection. So, first thing this morning, I headed to the pediatric walk-in clinic, and sure enough, our little one is fighting his first ear infection. I am sure this will be fisrt of many, as Truman, if you remember also had several ear infections before he got tubes. I just hope he feels better for our trip. My poor little Olie.

Back from the Big Apple

Oliver recently turned five months and at his appointment he weighed 16lbs 3oz. I had known that he had grown as he was feeding more frequently and looked a lot bigger, plus it is hard to ignore those luscious thighs. His length stayed the same, or he grew only about a centimeter. He is now in the 50th percentile for both height and weight. Although, I do get a lot of comments from people who tell me he looks big for his age. I love every square inch of my precious, delicious son.




Oliver, Jerry and I just returned from a fabulous trip to New York City where we visited our most favourite cousins. We had fun at both Hannukah celebrations and had a great time catching up and introducing Oliver to the family. We also met up with our good friends CK and Alex who flew in from Cincinnati. The five of us took a fabulous tour of Greenwich Village courtesy of CK (thanks again Chris...I really enjoyed the stroll through all the famous TV spots). Oliver was amazing and he could not have been any easier for us. Although next year we will most likely take this trip without kids (sorry Truman and Oliver)

While we were away Truman stayed with both sets of grandparents and had a great time with them. I am sure he was spoiled beyond belief, but I got the biggest hug and kiss from my Tman when I picked him up Monday afternoon.



Truman has been as sweet and spicy as ever these past few weeks. He will spontaneously hug his brother and tell him how much he loves him. Or a few weeks ago he told Jerry that he would carry him on his shoulders when he gets older. On the other hand, earlier this week I picked Truman up from school and explained to him that I was going to feed Oliver as soon as we got home and then start making dinner. Truman protested and said "Mommy, this is how it goes". Truman went on to explain to me that I was going to make him dinner first and then when Oliver starts crying I can stop making dinner, feed Oliver, and then finish making dinner. A little bossy? I am told he is quite the leader in school as well. Fits with the personality I suppose....

Four Months and a Road Trip

Last Wednesday the youngest member of the Topolski family turned four months. At Olie's check-up he weighed 14 lbs 2oz and was 65cm in length. Again, he weighs less than his big bro, but is longer than Truman was at this age. I never would have guessed, as you can see in the pics below he looks like a chubby monkey. These days he loves to giggle and smile. Olie has been eating more often than normal and is going through a growth spurt. Olie may also be getting a tooth since he has been nibbling on anything he can put in his mouth and his gums are nice and red.




Last weekend Oliver went on his first road trip to Pennsylvania, USA for some much needed shopping therapy. Oliver had three of his favourite aunts with him: Tina, Misty and Karyn. He was simply an angel and hardly cried at all. It was a pleasure having him with us, although I must say I am looking forward to shopping alone next year.




I don't have any new pictures of Truman, but last night I had a parent-teacher meeting. Aldonna and Karelle only had wonderful things to say about the Tman. They call him the "senior" in the room, that he is a very smart, helpful boy and is simply a pleasure. I was beaming with pride. When Truman first transferred into Preschool 2 (which was just after Oliver was born) he did have some transitional issues that have passed. I am so proud of you Truman!

Happy Hallowe'en and a Little Rollie Pollie

Happy Halowe'en Everyone! I hope that you all enjoyed trick-or-treating! I was hoping that this year Truman would enjoy gathering candy and treats. He lasted a whole fifteen minutes and was eager to come home and get out of his costume. He told his daddy that Hallowe'en was over! I also thought that I would have to pry the candy away, nope he tried a candy or two told us he didn't like it and asked for a yogurt instead! He hasn't even inquired about the rest of the candy since.



I was surprised how quickly Truman wanted out of his costume as over the past few weeks he would put it on as soon as we came home from school and insist that I put Oliver in his costume too! Our boy is constantly keeping us on our toes!




On Monday of last week Oliver rolled for the first time from tummy to back. He was so proud of himself. He has yet to do it since and of course every tummy time I have the flip camera out trying to catch his moves on film.



Today the Topolski family went to get out H1N1 shots, and once again Truman surprised us. We decided to have him go first, I was expecting a fight. On our way, I only told him that we had an appointment and that the entire family was getting medicine. He didn't flinch! When I asked him to hold my hand he told me no and acted like it was no big deal. Little does he know that his mom is a wimp when it comes to needles.

Go Bananas!

Tonight I took Truman to his first concert - The Wiggles Go Bananas! I was brave and we took the subway downtown and then walked to the Roger's Center. Truman was so good and held my hand the entire way. I could not believe Truman's grin when the Wiggles came on stage, I will remember his expression always. He was completely amazed!

Truman sat on my lap for the entire concert, he was not interested in getting up to dance with the other children. Even when Murray came down the aisle near our seats, Truman was not about to leave me to see him. When we got home Truman was able to recite for Jerry what he saw, who came out first, what songs they sang. I have a feeling this will not be our last Wiggles concert! Oh and BTW - I loved every minute of it!

I realized this weekend that I had not yet taken any nude photos of our youngest son! There were only a few I could post for the blog, the others were a little x-rated. Oliver loves to be naked (who doesn't)...luckily he didn't pee! Delish!

Our little Olie is no longer sleeping at night as well as he was a few weeks ago. I am not sure if he is going through another growth spurt, but he is now waking every three hours to eat where he was previously sleeping for up to six hours plus. As well, he generally prefers to sleep in my arms Miracle wrapped or not! I need to break him of this habit, but as Jerry keeps reminding me in a few years he won't want to sleep with me at all.

Three Months, Apple Picking and a Belated Thanksgiving Dinner

Little Olie recently turned three months! At his three month appointment he weighed in at 12lbs 8oz (44th percentile) and was 60 cm long (78th percentile). Jerry and I expected him to weigh more than Truman at this age, so we were surprised that Truman actually was heavier, although longer at three months. Oliver did very well with his round of shots, thank goodness. Only four more consecutive months to go!

Olie seems to be following in his brother's footsteps and spends a good portion of his waking hours talking. He has also found his hands and is enjoying chewing on them. Here comes the drool! OMG, I almost forgot how wet babies can be!

Last weekend we went apple picking with the Starkman's. Jake and Truman had a fabulous time riding on the flatbed and eating apples. I am sure a few of the apples Truman was eating came from the ground, yum! The weather was extremely cold, but that did not stop us from going again this past weekend. This time we went with Tina, Pat, Avery, Nanny and Oopa. Truman just adores his Oopa and was so excited to see him. Avery enjoyed watching the farm animals and was brave enough to go inside the pen and pet them. Truman preferred watching them from a safe distance. For a boy who loves animals, he sure does prefer admiring them from afar!

Truman has been saying some interesting things these days, one of his favourite lines is "Can we talk?". There are a few sayings that I prefer not to repeat....and Jerry and I are figuring out how to deal with it...he's not swearing, but he is saying a phrase which we know he doesn't understand the meaning, but that is not appropriate to say. Ahhh life with a preschooler.

While we were apple picking we picked up a pumpkin for Truman to decorate. This was the first time that Truman was able to draw two eyes, a nose, mouth and ears in the right place and correct shape. I was amazed. He was also drawing with his left hand, although he seems to interchange with both hands for different activities, so I am not certain he is a lefty.

This past weekend we had our annual family Thanksgiving dinner, although belated. Tina and I were amazed how stress-free we were this year, usually we are scrambling at the last moment and sending Jerry out for some last minute items. Truman loved the extra attention he was getting and somehow convinced Troy, Misty and Tina to draw with him. At one point Tina was looking up the requested animal on the Internet. I realized how bossy my little boy can be! Thanks again everyone for celebrating with us! Next year we may celebrate Thanksgiving in Pat and Tina's new home!

Giggles

Oliver in general is a serious and calm little fellow. He does enjoy to smile and especially giggle in delight. He seems to have just discovered his voice and loves to modulate it. I also believe he recognizes me, as he has difficulty taking his eyes off me at times. I don't mind! However, when I try to capture his smile he becomes so captivated by the camera the smile is replaced by a look of deep thinking.

The days and weeks seem to be flying by. We keep ourselves quite busy with Salsa Babies, Mommy Movies, meeting up with friends, and going for walks. Our social calendar is quite booked up lately. I am enjoying every minute of being with my youngest son.

Oliver is still a pretty good sleeper but of course when my dear husband goes away he decides to have some difficulty. I am hoping to hit the sack a little early tonight. Why do children seem to know when their parents are not home? Fingers crossed that tonight will be a better night and I can get some much needed sleep.

The biggest hurdle that Oliver and I are trying to overcome is breastfeeding, if you can believe we are still having problems almost 12 weeks in. I have resorted to pumping on one side to alleviate the pain and promote healing. Tomorrow we will attempt to latch again hopefully with some success. Regardless, we have an appointment with Dr. Newman in a few weeks. In the meantime, hopefully my repetitive strain injury subsides! All for my little boy!

I am trying to remember when "routine" sets in with the little ones. I can't quite remember when Truman had a nap/bedtime schedule. Oliver scheduled himself for bedtime and goes to sleep anytime between 7pm and 9pm. He usually only wakes up once at night for a quick feed and sleeps again until about 6am and is then up until we take Truman to school. I am sure we will start developing a schedule soon and I am not in any hurry.