What's New?

Oliver turned 11 months on June 11th (which also happens to be Avery's birthday...more about his special day in a little bit). Oliver is now doing a few "tricks" and has changed so much over the past few weeks. Firstly, he loves to play peek-a-boo...he will cover his eyes with an object and wait for you to say "Where is Olie" and giggles in delight before he shows his eyes! He also said his first word "dog" to Morrie of course! Although it sounds more like "dah", but I'll take it!

As I mentioned earlier, Avery had his 2nd birthday on June 11th. We celebrated at the O'Brien home and had very full tummies when we left. Tina out did herself once again, and I was grateful to have been able to sample most of the menu. Yum! Truman and Avery had a blast playing outside together. Let me tell you, that both boys were a filthy mess by the end of the afternoon!

Truman was very sad that he wasn't given the first piece of cake. I explained to him that since it was Avery's birthday, he got the first piece. He wasn't happy about it at all. Lately he wants to be the first at everything and treats every meal as a race. I'm so afraid he is going to choke, especially when he shoves a whole bunch of food in his mouth.

On Saturday, Oliver started crawling! A fabulous Father's day gift for Jerry. Oliver loves that he can move (although he was very content before) and explore. Probably like most babies he beelines for the electronics. Let the baby proofing begin. How life is about to change for me. Luckily I have the best helper, Truman who warns me when Oliver is about to approach somewhere he is not suppose to be or touch something that should be left alone. He is an excellent big brother, at least for now.

On Sunday we had the whole family over (Brauns, O'Briens, and Topolskis) to celebrate Father's Day. Avery and Truman once again had so much fun playing together. It is hard to believe that next year, Elliott and Oliver will be joining in on the action. We spent most of the day in the pool enjoying the sunshine and it wouldn't be a celebration without food!

On Wednesday, we went over to Baba's to celebrate her 94th birthday. Happy Birthday Baba! We celebrated with some delicious pizza (which Oliver has come to enjoy), cake and ice cream! What a lovely evening. Oliver also surprised me on Wednesday with his second word "momma" and I am quite delighted! It sounds so sweet when he says it too!

It is Better in the Bahamas!

We recently returned from a four night vacation in the Bahamas....Jerry has always wanted to visit Atlantis, so we decided this would be a great place for us to take a family vacation. Jerry had just finished his four month trial and we wanted to get away and just be.



Atlantis is huge, in fact we didn't even have a chance to explore the entire resort...I guess this means we will have to return again one day! Truman LOVED it! He couldn't get over all of the marine life. From turtles to fish, to sharks and dolphins. In fact, one morning Jerry and Truman took an excursion and swam with the dolphins. Truman fed his dolphin fish and gave him a huge hug and kiss!

We discovered an amazing water area designed just for little ones. Oliver was able to sit and splash in the water. My only complaint was that there was not enough shade....thank goodness for sunscreen. Truman loved the water slides and we had a hard time tearing him away from this area.

Truman loved the not-so-lazy river! I think he went on it several times with Jerry and I. For some reason, every time Truman and I would approach a rapid, we were heading through them backward....lucky us! They also had a very lazy river at our hotel which the whole family was able to enjoy - Oliver included.

The best part about the trip for me was discovering a Starbucks at the marina so that I was able to partake in my daily caffeine fix. Funny enough, it wasn't priced as exuberant as the bottled water ($1o USD for a large bottle)...insane! The food was good and thank goodness we were on the meal plan or we would have shelled out a small fortune to eat.

As quickly as we got into a routine, it was time to go home. We were all a little sad, but happy to know that we will probably return again sometime. Can you believe that we didn't even manage to get to the beach?

10 Months and the Gurgles

How is it possible that Oliver is already 10 months? I am so not ready to leave my little baby and feel that I have not yet had enough time with him. Oliver is such an easy child (I should bite my tongue), and the only difficulty he poses on me is that he just doesn't like to eat. I shouldn't worry about this too much, and remind myself about my dear sister who was a horrible eater as a child and now is a chef! By the way, how many cheerios a day is too much?

Oliver's favourite activity of late is standing. In fact, he hates to sit and wants to be upright on his feet all the time. He even has attempted to cruise along the table. He also will use only one hand to hold on to objects and is desperately trying to figure out how to bend and pick things up off the floor. I figure I don't have too much time before he is on the move. Although, I doubt if he will ever crawl!

And then there is Truman...my dear son! I had a true Mother's Day finale on Sunday night when I found my little boy in a pool of puke....he continued to throw up a number of times before all was said and done. He told me that his tummy had the gurgles and that he never wanted to gurgle again. Don't blame him! However, I told him that he will probably gurgle a lot when he goes to university. The worst part about it, he was so worried about the mess. Ah, he is his father's son!

Truman is full of imagination and story telling these days. For example, Truman has decided that our family needs another baby and that we should name that baby Jake. It doesn't matter what Jake's gender is, the name is decided on as Jake is his best friend at school. Today as we drove to school, Truman declared that we would need a bigger car as there would not be enough room for Jake. Needless to say, I will be breaking my son's heart.

9 Months and Tennis Anyone?

On Monday, our dear Oliver turned 9 months. We had not been to the doctor for three months, so Jerry and I were eager to find out Oliver's weight. To our surprise, Oliver weighed in at (only) 19.5lbs which places him in the 34th percentile. I was sure he would have been over 20 lbs. However, he is a compact little fella and is only 72cm, which is the 54th percentile for length. We also learned that Oliver has a double ear infection...which explains his crankiness over the past few weeks. We opted for no antibiotics at this time, as we are not sure if the infection is just starting or on the way out. We have a follow up appointment on Monday, so fingers crossed the infection is gone.

Oliver is turning out to be a babbler, just like his older brother. He probably feels the need to get a word...it can be difficult when Truman is around. Truman told me today that he really likes to talk! Really? I would never have known! Now, we just have to work on his volume, especially first thing in the morning.

Truman, not only can spell his name, he can also write his name (with some assistance). Last week when I picked him up from school he had a few pictures where he had written his name on them. I am incredibly proud of him. I have also taught him how to spell MOM. I won't however, tell you how I bribed him to learn it!

Truman had his very first tennis lesson this afternoon with his friend Harry. Since, we have tennis courts practically across the street we had to sign him up for lessons. Jerry and I were a little hesitant at first, not only because of his age, but his ability to pay attention. Harry and Truman were adorable with their raquets and both boys seemed to have a good time.

Happy Easter

Wow! What a jammed packed long weekend! Who knew we could have had such beautiful warm weather in April? On Friday, after a few minor setbacks Truman, Oliver and I headed down to Aunt Tina and Uncle Pat's house while Jerry attended his annual "man walk" event. Pat spent the day chasing after Avery and Truman, while Tina and I cared for the two little ones. Both boys had a blast playing in the castles of High Park and then a quick stroll through the High Park Zoo. The day would not have been complete without a yummy picnic in the park. We ended the afternoon with a little game of soccer once we got back to the OBrien's home.

The boys and I then headed to Oakville to have dinner with the Sullivan's and Thornton's. Oliver enjoyed being pushed in the swing, and Truman had an incident involving a ladybug and light saber. Myriah prepared a delicious dinner for us and it was so great watching all the kids play together.

Saturday morning the Topolski Family took a walk to Tim Horton's where Oliver enjoyed his first TH bagel. After breakfast we headed to the second annual Easter Egg Hunt in our neighbourhood. This year there were almost forty kids in attendance. Truman had fun and took his time finding he right eggs and to make sure they were clean (yes, he really takes after his father in this regard). Saturday evening we met the Starkman's for dinner at the Sit Down Dirty Bird and then off to DQ for some ice cream.

Sunday morning we headed to Nanny and Oopa's for a massive Easter brunch. After we stuffed ourselves, Avery and Truman went outside for yet another Easter Egg Hunt. Both boys worked well together, although Avery was a little more interested in playing with his truck than hunting for eggs. Next year, Oliver and Elliott will be able to join in the festivities.

Oliver has learned a new trick, when sitting he likes to use his arms to shimmy around on the floor. Truman can now spell his name and is continuing to learn to write letters, he mastered the letter "T". He often gets frustrated these days when drawing and feels as though he is unable to draw things correctly. We are continuously encouraging him to practice. However, his true love continues to be puzzels and it is amazing how quickly he can complete them. We also bathed both boys together for the first time this weekend and Truman loved every minute of it!

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.