teamluguy

It was a multi-phase Christmas for us again this year - on Christmas eve we opened all the packages that came in the mail (a big thanks to Janette & Dave, Sol & Philippe, Paul & Lynn, Great-Gran & Brian, and the Bridge family for making it to the post office on time) That evening Guy and Lucy swapped goodies as quiet adults by the fireside (without the fire...) The next morning, Alice opened all of the gifts that Santa brought for her and Estelle (what a great big sister) We then made the trip to Gran and Grandad's to celebrate with Auntie Katherine, Uncle Ben, Unky G and Lindsay. The girls were of course spoiled by everyone, and Guy and Lucy took advantage of all those playmates and rocking hands to get some rest. We hope you had a very merry Christmas, and that our Christmas cards make it to you before Valentine's day (a special apology to the Bredbury Potters for an extra late card... we've been busy!) Assessing the goods Opening with lightning speed The ...

Alice has been making great strides at "swimming" in the bathtub, even going so far as to blow bubbles (without drinking too much ) Think that she's a bit behind in her water skills? Should she be doing the dog-paddle with her peers in swimming lessons? Well just don't forget who her landlubbin ' parents are...

It was our children's Christmas party for work last night. There was lots of action for the little ones and Alice had a blast. There was a jumpy jump which is a sure thing with Alice. She was literally charged up (static electricity) all day. Who could that be making an entrance? The big man in red? Santa had a big gift for Alice and Estelle. There was alot of running around after the monster (one of the older girls). Alice the flash! Estelle had was a little too young to take part in the festivities; maybe next year.

Our family has been busy preparing for the upcoming holiday. Today is Alice's last day at daycare, and then we get to spend a full two weeks together before she goes back to Silvana's and Guy goes back to work. So to all of our family and friends, you can expect to hear from us for holiday fun (we're still too small for hockey, but how about sledding?) Decorating the cake we took to daycare to share with " les amis " Putting up the star takes teamwork! Discussing what Santa will bring us... Four stockings this year! Estelle promises to help out with the decorating a bit more next year .

Guy received some pretty awesome gifts for his birthday this year, most notably a Playstation 3 and a big smile from his 4-week old daughter. Nothing makes a dad happier... We haven't caught one on film yet, but we're trying

Lucy's friend Sarah knitted this lovely little sweater (and cap - not shown) just for Estelle. It was on rush delivery so that our small one didn't outgrow it before receiving the package. Now what am I to do if Sarah and John have babies? How can I compete with something so awesome? A hook rug perhaps? Thank-you very much, I am cosy in my new sweater!

Alice has noticed that newborns are pretty limited in their playtime skills... But we showed her one game that her little sister is getting good at - knocking a small toy off her chest! Seeing how much fun Estelle was having, Alice gave it a go and was an instant pro. It's incredible how quickly Estelle is developing. Already she can kick and squirm for fun, and is making eye contact with her baby (dark) blues. Another big-girl game - stuffing balls up their shirts!

Estelle has been lounging in the baby hammock that her mononcles Sol and Philippe bought for big sister Alice. Unfortunately, baby Alice was quite big by the time she received the hammock, and didn't make much use of it. Now Estelle on the other hand... can spend hours snuggled up in her cosy nest, while staying close to her dad as he watches TV and gives her the occasional nudge. When are you guys taking me on my first cruise? "It's so not fair - Alice got to go to the Caribbean"

We've been hit hard with an early round of the winter yucks. Alice was the first to bring home a fever and general malaise (or is that two-year old syndrome?), that quickly spread to Guy (who was the hardest hit - due to his Y chromosome...) and to Lucy. Meanwhile, poor little Estelle developed her first snotty nose. Listening to her snort and grunt all night long is quite worrying. In order to help us through this rough patch, the girls all spent the day with Gran and Grandad on Saturday. Thanks for the company, the yummy food and the playtime. Snowpants are a must for the mountains of snow in the country. Gentle Gran rocking.

Here is the advent calendar we made for "the big one" this year. Filled with all the best goodies small enough to fit into a toilet paper roll!

(it's an LLCool J album title - don't take it literally!)

Baby sisters may be pretty cute... but they are not that useful in the eyes of a two-year old. Luckily we can find some interesting things for Alice to do while she waits for Estelle to get bigger. Fort building. "Making coffee" at the park. Another fort. Play dough . And all the while... Estelle sleeps peacefully.

Our happy little family is busy going about our business - enjoying being together and getting as much sleep as we can! Guy and Lucy are marveling at how big Alice seems next to her little sister. Apparently this is a common phenomenon amongst second-time parents! Alice continues to be a superb big sister - helping bring supplies for Estelle's bath time and cooing over her when she gets home from daycare. It will always be this easy, right? Luckily Guy is still able to watch just a little bit of tv. Estelle is not so into it yet... The girls having a tea (and milk) party Estelle, snug and cosy in her new sling. The amazing gourmet diaper cake made by Pascale. Janette and Dave: thanks for the plant - this is what it looks like!