The Loss You Haven’t Known
September 24, 2019Harry and Olive, death touched your lives for the first time last week. Great Grandpa Saverio, or “G.G.” died (one of two “G.G.’s” who answer to that name). Though it happened quickly, we knew it was imminent and had the chance for last visits, stories, and slight introduction to loss of this kind. Harry, being two, you don’t have much concept of anyone other than yourself, and so the absence of Saverio is just a fact. You state it so matter-of-factly: “G.G. died and we won’t see him anymore; You are sad”. This last family visit you stopped asking “where…
My General Dislike of Newborns and Two-Year-Olds
I've said up until now that there are very few things we've missed out on since becoming parents, we have simply made compromises. That statement felt a lot more accessible with one child. With two? We will just have to…
Welcome little Olive
You arrived in a hurry, and it’s ironic, since you were at that point a few days late. A sleepy newborn, dark hair, little legs that curl up to your bum just like they did inside me. You are still…
Second Child Imminent
Little one, we are six weeks out (give-or-take a few days or so). We are ready to welcome you in every way but the physical sense, since the clothes remain unwashed in a bin, and most of our newborn items…
Enforcing Rules With a Two-Year-Old
Rules, Harrison. I’d prefer you follow them. There’s not many in your life so far, but the majority of them are centered around keeping you safe. This fact is (apparently) to your frustration, since you seem to try everything in…
Flexibility in times of Modern Air-Travel
Harry, air travel with kids is seldom fun, less so with kids that don’t sit still. In the case of travel in general, I like to joke that the lower my expectations are, the less likely I’ll be disappointed. This…
All the Lost Memories of Childhood
Harry, when you were new, I swore I’d remember every major moment and milestone. I felt so much pride for all those “firsts”…all your accomplishments really felt like my accomplishments. We had fun, and there were endless events and activities…
Three Days of Backcountry Camping with a Toddler
I’ve never done any sort of backcountry camping, let alone backcountry camping with a toddler. Old Glory is a hike I’ve done almost every year since I moved home from university. It’s the highest peak in the Rossland range, with…
DIY Rainbow Rocker Critique: Six Things I’d Do Different
Matt and I classify ourselves as “reasonably handy”, and decided to build our own DIY Rainbow Rocker to gift Harry for his first birthday. It can be used as a rocker, flipped upside down to crawl under, or onto its…
I Don’t Want to Travel
I grew up in a scenic and beautiful area of our country, where as a child, I’d look out my bedroom window and see mountains, river, and sky. Growing up in BC’s Kootenays, I like to think I appreciated this…
“Sports Families” or “Recreation Families”
Physical activities can be classified into two groups: structured sports, and recreational hobbies. Both come with a unique set of skills and lessons. Both take commitment, and it’s challenging to be fully committed to both. Harrison, I want you to…
