2 candles

It is hard to believe but our first-born is now 2 years old. Kaya posed for a birthday photo shoot and was hamming it up for the camera, blowing kisses and saying, "Kaya picture. Smile."


Kaya loved the polka dot bathing suit, the flip flops, and the sun shades from Uncle Ryan and Aunt Billie. She had all of us in stitches with her dramatic expressions and antics.


By the end of the gift opening she was simultaneously wearing all of her presents.

Kona, a sweetheart as usual, looked on at the festivities.

Kaya enjoyed her chocolate ice cream cake enormously -- but she was unable to blow out the candles despite her best efforts.



Adlai developed a bit of an eye infection; it took all day to get him in to see a Doctor and unfortunately I missed part of Kaya's birthday dinner but was there for the gifts and the cake.

Easter

The day started with Kaya following a trail of eggs down to the kitchen table. She quickly mastered opening each egg and gobbling up the chocolate inside. We were having a hard time convincing her to eat her cheerios when the Easter Bunny appeared. For the rest of the day Kaya told the following story: "Easter Bunny came. Easter Bunny petted Kaya. Mitten hands. Easter Bunny back house. Gone. Yeah."


The girls (and the adults) were happy with Grandma and all the goodies she brought.


Adlai had a rough morning and lost his cookies before passing out in Mommy's arms.

Spring

Kaya basks in the morning sun.

A rare event - Adlai sleeps for a few minutes on his own.

Kaya is now proficient at stirring muffin batter, eating muffin batter, and arranging muffin cups in the baking pan.

Kaya gives baby "Atlay" gentle kisses.

6 weeks and counting

The "sound therapy relaxation noise maker" has been helpful in the evenings and when Adlai is upset. The rushing of waterfalls pervade the home.

Kaya loves to play Uncle B's piano.

Adlai smiled at Kaya for the first time at 6 weeks old. He weighed 11 pounds at his six week checkup and was very long -- 23 and 3/4 inches. He is now full of grins.

Occasionally Adlai does not hate his baths and instead tolerates them stoically.

Kaya delights in playgrounds.


Adlai is attached to either Mommy or Daddy most of the day.

My Valentine

Kaya received a real kiss and some chocolate kisses from Grandma Maihaa.


Adlai gets his first bottle from Dad.


Kaya helped grind some coffee and decided to sample the grounds.

Adlai and Mom share a hug.

The early days

Adlai is a great little eater. At his two week checkup, he had gained an amazing 1lb 7 oz to weigh in at 8lbs 10oz.

Kaya is adjusting to life with a little brother and has started to give Adlai kisses before she goes to bed. She generally wants to make sure he is well cared for by providing a running commentary of what he is doing ('baby cry', 'baby burp', 'baby nap', 'baby bum', 'baby puke' ... you get the picture).

Welcome to the world, Adlai!

On Wednesday, January 23 at 1:20pm, we welcomed our son, Adlai (pronounced Ad-lay) Charles Alexander Crampton into the world. We laboured at home and narrowly avoided delivering our son in the car during the mad dash to the hospital. Adlai weighed in at 7lbs 3 oz and was 20 inches long shortly after emerging from the tub where he was born.

Sharing in our joy (and helping immensely) were Melynda and our midwives, Theresa and Luba. The birth was a very powerful and moving experience for all of us.