Birthday Week part 1

What a lucky little boy our Max is. He is loved by so many wonderful people, many of whom were able to make it to Toronto to celebrate his 1st birthday. His family from Mexico were here for the week leading up to the party, and Max had an amazing time with them. He finally got to meet his Tio Philippe, and the two of them got along famously. Tio Patrick also came to town to spend time with Max.

Max shows off his walking skills

Cuddling with Abuela Marcela before going out for a walk

Making mischief at a restaurant

Sleepy cuddles with Tio Philippe

Enjoying a swing from Tio Patrick

Our little mariachi

Tomorrow, I will post lots of pictures from Max's party. Stay tuned!

Happy 1st Birthday, Baby!

I can't believe how quickly the past year has gone by. Watching my little toddler walk around, point to things, try to speak, insistently call for "mama", enjoy all sorts of new foods, and become more of his own self every day is nothing short of amazing. Watching this boy grow is, quite simply, the greatest joy and privilege of my life.

We have had an incredible week with our wonderful family and a small birthday party on the weekend. I will post pictures later this week when I get a chance. Max has unfortunately come down with a bad cold, and is needing lots of extra attention, so for now I will just post a slideshow I put together for his party- be warned- it's long!

Happy Birthday, my sweet Maxi Bear! And thank you to all of you who have been following my baby's adventures for the past year.

Funny Max

Here's a video of Max, taken earlier this week prior to the eye issue, where you can really get a glimpse of his burgeoning sense of humour. He'll find some sound or expression that makes us laugh, then he'll do it over and over. He knows he's being funny and he loves the reaction he gets. He can be especially hilarious at night when he knows it's almost bedtime and he wants to stay up (hmmmm- I wonder who he inherited the night owl gene from).

An Eye for Art

My poor little boy. On top of dealing with cutting 3 molars, he has a nasty eye infection. He has been prescribed some antibiotic drops and is on the mend, but it has been a rough couple of days for the little boo. It's so difficult to see him suffer. Here's a picture of him smiling through the pain:

On a happier note, before his eye got so bad yesterday, Max and I spent a lovely afternoon together at the AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario). There was a tour hosted by a company called "Art Strollers", and it was a really enjoyable and different way to see the gallery. I liked visiting the gallery so much that Paul and I have decided to get a membership for our little family to the AGO so that Max and I can spend many more afternoons together exploring the various permanent and visiting collections. I think it's a great environment for a developing mind. Max actually really seemed to like some of what he saw yesterday, and took it all in with wide eyes (or at least with one wide eye).

Time Out for Teething

It's been a few days since my last blog entry, and the reason for this is that we have had a fairly rough time as Max cuts his four first molars. He is in pain, cranky, and just isn't his usual happy self, so I haven't been taking lots of videos or pictures. I know I wouldn't appreciate someone constantly having a camera in my face if I wasn't feeling well. While I have refrained from being my normal pararazzi-mama self, I have taken a couple shots here and there which I will share with you. In other news, despite the pain Max has continued to improve his walking skills, and as of this weekend has become a pretty experienced walker.

A happy moment

Followed by a less than happy moment

Wearing his new winter hat and mitts

Dismantling his Daddy's office

Mommy and Max

Max's Mommy's Convocation

This has been a big week for us. I had my convocation ceremony and our wonderful Nanny came for the occasion. As soon as Max saw her, his face lit up (she has that effect on many people). Seeing two of my favourite people bonding and having fun together is nothing short of heartwarming.

At the convocation ceremony, Max behaved amazingly well which is very impressive considering how young he is and how long the event was. I'm so happy that my little boy was present on such an important night for me. I hope that when he's all grown up, he will feel proud of his Mommy for following her dreams and working hard to make a better life for her little family.

My big night

Max sits patiently on Nanny's lap during the very long ceremony

Nanny is back home in Montreal and we are missing her already, but Max and his Mommy are already looking forward to spending some time with her in Florida this winter.

First thing in the morning on the day of Nanny's departure. Max loves cuddling his beautiful Great-Grandmother.

Baby's First Haircut

Max's hair was getting very long and straggly so on Saturday we took him for a trim. He didn't quite know what to make of the experience, but he didn't cry or fuss, despite the fact that there were a few kids completely freaking out in the cars/ planes/ trains next to him (it was indeed one of those children's' salons). We walked out of there with a certificate commemorating his first haircut, a little baggie containing some of his shorn locks, and a tidier and ever so slightly older looking baby Max.

Picking out a distracting toy

"What exactly is going on here?"

Daddy helps distract the little bear

"What is going on back there?"

Done!

More Baby Dates

Here are some photos of taken on during our get togethers last week.

Helping with grocery shopping

Baby buddies

I love how they're sitting in the exact same position

Playing dress up

Max loved the pirate hat

Max is so gentle with babies- even when they're made out of plastic

In the stroller, ready for a nap

Sweater Weather

The weather has been so beautiful here this week, and Max and I have been making the most of it by spending lots of time outside. Here are some pictures I took of my little love at the park, looking cherubic in his grey knit hoody.