Spoons are overrated

Screw the spoon, I'll drink my oatmeal!

Very proud of her new, quicker way
of eating

Don't want to leave any in the bowl!

Spoons are more fun for flinging food!

{this moment} Buckethead

A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Have you met our Border Collie?

Have you met our Border Collie, Quinn?

For those who know me well, you may have heard me compare babies to dogs. They are so similar. If you have a baby and a dog, you agree with me, don't you?!

The other night I was reading about Border Collies. I found myself shaking my head "yes", while laughing as I read it.

Here are the similarities that I found:

"This working farm dog is famous for his intimidating "eye" -- a fixed, hypnotic stare..."

Quinn has an intense stare that will intimidate even the toughest of people. I'd bet on her in any staring contest. 

"His superior intellect, combined with his intensity..."

Ok so I might be biased but this kid is smart. She is also unbelievably intense. I have NO clue where she gets it ;)

"...has been bred for endless miles of sprinting and stop-and-go action."

She never stops moving. From the second she wakes in the morning, she's on the move. Not only is she constantly moving, she is also constantly talking. She's a daredevil who likes to move fast and be thrown in the air or over a shoulder. 

"...you must substitute several LONG (45 minute) walks per day, plus off-leash romps in a safe area, fetching balls or frisbee, and weekly or twice-a-week advanced obedience classes or agility classes."

Thank God we have a park next to our house because I think I'm going to institute laps around the field for her soon. She does love a good game of fetch. I wish there were toddler obedience classes. 

"Without physical and mental stimulation, Border Collies become hyperactive and will drive you up the wall with obsessive and destructive behaviors as they seek creative outlets for their physical and mental energy."

She absolutely drives me up the wall. While I wouldn't call her (too) destructive, she has been known to find unique ways of challenging herself and me. She is constantly trying to figure things out, whether it is how to open a drawer or cabinet or how to get around a gate that I've set up. Unlike Teagan, she cannot amuse herself for hours. She looks to me, or someone else, to entertain and stimulate her. She thrives on challenges, including pointing out objects on a book or fetching specific items for us. 

"High intelligence does mean they learn very quickly - but that includes learning how to do anything they set their minds to..."

She is determined. If she wants something, she will find a way to get it. She is unbelievably persistent. I will show her how to do something once or twice (like stacking blocks) and she will do it. She loves to please, although she also loves to test limits. She will get me diapers or wipes when asked. 

"Trying to train a Border Collie, in fact, can be frustrating, because they are constantly thinking, analyzing, and reacting to every tiny movement you make."

If Quinn is around and I need to get something from a cabinet, for example, I need to do it when her back is turned. If she sees me open the cabinet, and even worse, sees what is inside, I'm screwed. She will have watched me open it and will replicate it quickly. 

"You must stay one step ahead of this challenging breed, and most households are simply not up to the task."

I will often joke that it's me against Quinn. Just when you think the house is baby-proofed, Quinn finds something she shouldn't. Then it is back to the drawing board. Quinn is definitely a challenging breed but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Beer For Sale!

A few days ago, Quinn found a new toy...a cooler. Seriously, why do kids need toys?! This kid is happy as can be workin' the deck to earn her allowance.

{this moment} Team Wheaten

As in, Wheaten Terrier.

A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Birthday Ribs

Today is my birthday. Birthdays are a funny thing when you have very young children. They don't have a clue that it's a special day. This morning, Teagan decided that she couldn't wait to say happy birthday to me so she woke at 5am! Fortunately (for me!), we are at the cottage and I'm surrounded by family who do know that it's my birthday so I've had plenty of time for myself today! Thanks to Jenn (and my parents and uncle), I got to go back to bed for 2 hours and also enjoyed some kid-free time at the spa for a pedicure!

My Dad made some fabulous BBQ'd ribs that are quite labour-intensive because they require hours of preparation and flipping on the BBQ. The result was a dinner filled with delicious food, fine wine and fabulous company. He saved some of the ribs for the girls who ate their dinner a few hours before us. The pictures were too good to not share!

The little carnivores gnaw on some bones.

Last weekend, my brother nicknamed Teagan, "Teagan the Vegan", because of her love of tofu. Rob, your nickname definitely didn't apply tonight!!

 

It was bound to happen

Finn put in many hours in the last eight months under those high chairs. His patience is now paying off. No more food off the floor for him!

Here Finn, have my pear.

This is hilarious, she thinks, I'm going to
do it again!

Cottage Life

It's a long weekend in Canada (Civic Holiday). We are currently up in Muskoka at the cottage. I blogged about the cottage last summer when we were up with our two little peanuts. Being up here with 14-month olds versus 8-week olds is a completely different ballgame. I thought I was going to lose my mind on the first morning. Quinn led the way in showing us what needed to be baby-proofed. After installing cabinet stoppers, gates on the deck and moving some furniture around, we were in good shape. 

The girls and I are fortunate enough to be spending the next three weeks up here. So far, they've adjusted well and are loving their new surroundings, especially the huge deck. Teagan continues to find her walking legs and is becoming more adventurous. They've been sleeping amazingly well (12 hour nights and 2 loooong naps!). I hope I'm not jinxing myself in saying that. 

They had their first swim in the lake the other day. They were a bit unsure but it was a great first attempt.

There will be many more stories and pictures to come!

Lounging in their Muskoka chairs with a cold beverage

Saying something very important!

Walking the deck with Grandpa (Teagan visits the
duck at the far end)

Mommy swims with Quinn and Finn

Mommy swims with Teagan

{this moment} Devotion

Teagan passed out on the ride home yesterday. I lay her on a pillow while I was preparing their lunch. Quinn, the kid who never stops moving, would not leave her side. She lay next to her until she woke up.

A single photo capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.