Jolly Jumper Jamboree: Boyfights

So....Jude and River have started "playfighting". Usually this occurs on the ground where River is at a serious disadvantage (you know, being pretty much stationary). However, he recently discovered that the jolly jumper gives him a leg up on Jude, literally! Jude lets River pull his hair, poke him in the eye, try to eat him, all with a smile on his face.In return River looooves the attention from Jude and squeals with delight. Don't worry, we stay close by to referee when it ultimately falls apart, usually with the 'hug of death'from Jude.

Brothers

When people find out how close in age my little munchkins are their first response is a sort of horrified look on their face with a comment such as "ooooh, you're busy". What they actually mean to say is "are you insane/did you plan this" (actually, a few people do say this out loud to me). Then they realize that maybe they should follow up with a nice and encouraging comment such as, "They will be so close and best friends". In the midst of the insanity of being with two little ones 24/7 I often cling to this hope. Lately it has even begun to become true.





My boys delight in each others presence. When River wakes up from a nap, Jude wants to rush upstairs to see him. He waits impatiently on the floor, patting a spot next to him, while I change River's diaper for me to place River beside him so they can play. In turn, River's face lights up when he sees Jude upon waking up from his nap and twists his little body all around on the change table so he can see him. I love it!





Now, Jude also loves to take away toys that River is playing with (he is learning to wait until River drops it, then he pounces like a cat on the toy River is 'done' with). Sometimes Jude is too rough, or is jealous of things River has (like his baby cereal, or the fact that he now sits in a high chair too). Sometimes their play turns into tears, which is the reality of siblings.







Below is a picture story of what happens more often than not.


River begins to play on his own with a really cool toy.

Jude comes over to join in the fun, River is ecstatic that Jude is playing with him.

Jude starts to take over the toy and shows him how it is really done. River is mostly okay with this development, even if it means his toy is being taken away.

Jude then lays on River in a loving fashion, gently playing while River tries to put any of Jude's available appendages in his mouth.

What is not pictured is when this moment dissolves into tears as Jude lingers too long on River who no longer loves being smooshed by his 25 lb brother who is completely unaware of his crushing power...I think he is unaware anyways.

Oh Canada

It's been a while but I just got these pictures on the computer to share. We had a great Canada Day weekend, taking in a parade, lots of sunshine, and berry picking. I love that Canada Day and strawberries always go hand in hand.

Jude loved the parade and wore out his waving hands. Much to his delight there were loads of tractors (one of the few words that he can say), trucks, and of course the bagpipes and marching bands always stopped right in front of us. River slept through all of the sirens, drums, and even the church bells that played Oh Canada.

Strawberry picking was also a big hit. Jude was pretty excited to discover that it included a tractor ride! He was very good at picking the berries and putting them in the bucket, until Beps decided to inform him that he could eat them too. Then all berries went straight to his mouth (and down his chin, arms, shirt, legs.....). Nothing tastes better that strawberries right out of the patch, warmed by the sun.

Folksy Fun

We have been busy these past two weekends attending not one but two awesome folk festivals - hooray for outdoor music in the summertime. First we headed to Orillia for Mariposa. Three days of music, sun, swimming, family, friends, campfires, walk walk walking the kids to sleep, spicy jerk pork, copious amounts of samosas, dancing, clapping, hooting and hollering. It was tons of fun, and completely exhausting.


The following weekend found us heading to London for the Home County Folk Festival, and celebrating our 5th anniversary, and....on our own without the kids! Now, I love love my children, but I also love time alone with Kurt, not to mention the first uninterrupted sleep I have had in two years. The music was fantastic as well, Basia Bulat, Sarah Harmer, and the amazing Hawksley Workman. And this time I wasn't falling asleep in the evening like I was in Orillia (sorry Emmy Lou, your voice is beautiful but I finally had both boys asleep and had a hard time keeping my eyes open). It was also pretty awesome being able to score great seats instead of rocking the stroller back and forth on the sidelines. Thanks for the awesome treat due to your babysitting Jack and Audrey!

There were tons of activities for kids. The toddler tent at the musical petting zoo was a big hit with Jude.

The boys enjoyed seeing their grandparents and Uncle Scott there.

Jude really enjoyed the bubble station, another one of the awesome kids activities they had.

The boys, asleep after about 100 laps around Tudhope park. At least I was able to still listen to the music while I walked, and enjoy the waterfront breeze. Jude also enjoyed the fact that we were surrounded by Lake Couchiching, lots of opportunities to throw rocks and sticks in the water, or take a dip (which was great considering the 30 degree weather...).

Taa-Daa

Milestone update - River is sitting up on his own, hooray! Well, he needs something behind him for when he decides to stop sitting in a rather abrupt fashion (just throwing himself backwards), but still, he is doing it! He's been rolling over for a while, but mostly in his bed. I find him in the strangest positions sometimes. It's so fun seeing the joy on River's face as he sits, he loves being a part of the action. Jude is also excited and loves to bring River toys. Jude is already being a bit of a bossy brother though, insisting River play with particular toys chosen by him...and so it begins...