The Boys

Life has been busy. Babies, new jobs, recreation etc etc etc... Tobin is still hanging in there as some kind of superstar child that still seems to love his brother. I guess we'll just have to wait for the teenage years for the children to start acting out a scene from some African genocide.

Much to my chagrin, Tobin seems to have an affinity for Nick's head and particularly his fontanel. I can't stand those soft spots. "Don't stick your fingers in your brother's brains Tobin!"

Tobin enjoys climbing into Nick's 'entertainment center' and doing a bit of snuggling with him

There goes the bus!!! AWWWEESOOMMMME!

Bath time

I'm not sure what was being accomplished here, but I think Tobin is missing winter already.

More snuggling on the couch.

Here's a short video from the hospital, we just caught the last bits of Tobin singing 'happy birthday' to Nick.

He who shall not be named has a name

After much deliberation, we've settled on Nicholas Peter Gill.
All the Nick's we know and all the Peter's we know seem like fine young men, with strong attributes, worthy namesakes.

Tobin adjusting well, so far, to the new addition. I was admiring Tobin, yesterday, as he was lying on the couch beside Nick telling him about our walk and all the things we saw. yeah!

Mum and Dad came up for 10 days to help out and boy did they ever. At one point, Mum was making curtains, cutting Tobin's hair and making chutney all at the same time!!! It's no wonder she was able to raise 4 of us!


In between story telling with Tobin and snuggles with Nick, Dad managed to gather the needed materials, dig over our garden, and create a green house for our garden!

So, needless to say, I was feeling a little nervous to see my parents leave...back to only two hands and two children! So far so good.

First Four Days of Four

We're still mulling over names, but we're close to settling on one! 'Rockingham' seems to be a favorite, but I don't think it will stick. Don't worry, you'll be the first to know when we decide.

Here are some pics of the boys. I'm making a conscious effort to take pictures of the baby since, being the second child in my family, the first picture I've ever found of myself is from when I was two. And I had a broken arm. One has to wonder if my parents suddenly realized there was another child in the house: "oh hey there's a kid here with a broken arm! Maybe we should take his picture!"

Rockingham

Tobin and Horatio

A nice pic of little VanderSvelt

Just trying those names on.

A Boy!

More later, but Ann-Marie delivered a boy this morning at 2:21am, 7lbs 8oz. Five and a half hours of labour and he just popped right out! Tobin made the first descent a little faster, but his brother had a slightly easier time of it... Sorry a digression into skiing there.
We're at home again, 12 hours after going to the hospital, and everyone is happy and well. Tobin has been singing happy birthday, kissing and hugging his little brother so we're off to a good start.
Pics to come when I can upload them.

Baby Burrito

Here's the babe...

...and the same picture of Tobin when he was born

Then, once we got home and everyone settled, Tobin and I did some awesome 4x4'ing on the lawnmower

Waiting...

At least Tobin is able to relax.

Countdown

Bellies

Ann-Marie and Anna. Anna is due four days before Ann-Marie