Two Monkeys: Nicholas & Joshua Read

Over the past few weeks, we've been able to join other moms for playdates. We've also visited the Early Year Centre locations - Industrial Road and Don Reid. All meetups have been great sources of information sharing. I've also learned some more songs to sing to Nicholas - I found myself singing songs half way and then realizing that I don't know the words at all. It's amazing how having children can bring people together for endless conversations on feeding, bottles, daycare and much more. Here are some pics from our visits these past few weeks.   Playdate at Francine's on Feb. 5th - babies in pic include Naomi 8 months (Scott and Eva's), Liam 5 1/2 months (Mary and Adam's), Corbyn 4 months (Mel and Mike's) and Nicholas at 2 months. Playdate with Shannon and Xavier (13 months) on Feb. 9. Xavier loves the camera - a natural poser!  Playdate on Feb. 11 at Natalie Matula's. We hadn't seen each other in over 10 years ...

Nicholas is becoming more and more interactive. He's now discovering his hand. I found him staring at it in his bouncy chair, studying it like it was a piece of art. It's quite funny to watch because it amuses him for such a long time. He's also taken to slurping on his hand - I don't mind as it keeps him busy for at least 10 min! He's also becoming more aware of who I am.  I've noticed that when anyone else holds him, he fixes his gaze back on me. He just stares at the moment and doesn't cry. I'm sure that will come later. His neck is getting stronger and stronger. I put him into Tania's jumperoo and it was so fun watching him stare at the parrot. His feet were dangling, but he was able to hold his head up. Nicholas in the Jumperoo.   Nicholas chewing the exersaucer.   Discovering his hands.

Nicholas and I visited Ziad and Liz's little girl, Ella. She was born on Dec. 5th as well, and was also delivered via the vacume. They were born 12 hours apart. We met up with Ella this week and introduced the little ones. Here are some funny pics of the meetup. They look like an old married couple already. Nicholas and Ella share some moments together on the couch. Cutie pies side by side. Nicholas falling asleep already on his new friend.

This week marks Nicholas' two month milestone, which meant that he was due for his 2 month check-up with Dr. McConville. Robert (Cam's dad) came with me for moral support and boy, did I need it. Nicholas weighs almost 12 pounds now - 11 lb. 14. ounces - to be exact and is 60 cm/23 3/4 inches (he was 21 inches at birth). He's above average for his age in weight and length and he is in good health. His fractured clavicle is healing well and there should be no concerns. When it came time for his two shots, which are given in the thigh of each leg, I felt for the little guy. Robert held him up vertically and his blanket covered what was going on below. The first needle sent him with a screech and the second one brought me to tears. I think it was the tone of the cry and the way he looked at me that made me tear up. I needed a few minutes to compose myself because it was so emotional for me. The little man cried for a few minutes, and then he was feeling much better. I fed him...