Julian, it turns out to no one's surprise, is a wonderful big brother. He loves to lay down next to Lolo, kiss his head and point out his tiny hands and toes. He also likes to help tell Lolo about the little piggies. It's all very sweet. I think they are going to be great pals. They sure are off to a good start.
We took advantage of the spring weather this week to go for an afternoon stroll and to show daddy our local park for 2-5 year olds. It was mostly dry so Julian got to climb up and to drive the pretend bus, walk across the fish and go down the big slide. He had a lot of fun and we did too! It's fun doing big kid things with him now. Last time I took him to this park, he was asleep in the stroller by the time we got there! And it was really nice to get out for some fresh air. Extra bonus: we were all good and tired when we got back home!
And then it occurred to me: Holy Easter Batman! I had intended to knit a holiday sweater for Julian. And for Lolo. And make little stuffies. And figure out how to make a felted easter basket. And plan an egg hunt. And Easter is when again? Wha-te?
Naturally, I raided the stash and cast on for this. I've got one sleeve down already and think I just might be able to pull a rabbit out of a hat with a little over one week to go. I'm going to try anyway. At least for the two sweaters. What? I have been known to exhibit symptoms of delusion before ;0)
Plus this time, I have dada in my corner full-time!
*The province of Quebec launched it's own parental leave program last January to try to curb the declining birth rate in this province. The plan is available to everyone (even those who are self-employed) and provides for 70% of your salary for 50 weeks + 70% of dady's salary for 5 weeks. That's how I got lucky enough to have daddy at home for so long. Actually, he feels pretty lucky too. Seriously, how cool is that? This new program is proving to be quite convincing too: the birth rate went up 8% last year in the first year of the program! Go government!
All too cute. Glad you are all getting settled again.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you can pack so much into a day. I only have a dog, and I still don't have the knitting output you seem to be able to accomplish!
That is a fantastic government program. A whole year off! Don't think you can find anything better.
Take care! Can't wait to see the sweaters.
A post overloaded with cute and many awwwwwwwws! Love it! Really on the government in QB? Interesting! I'm in ON and had no idea!
ReplyDeleteSeeing your older child teach your younger child new things is so amazing! You are ambitious to knit two sweaters in a week! And with cables no less. Good luck. You picked an gorgeous pattern.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great program! Wonderful that you have been able to take advantage.
ReplyDeleteWow. You are ambitious! Good luck with that! Heh! I'm glad the siblings are adjusting well to each other! They look so cute!
ReplyDeleteI'm completely jealous of both your adorable children and your wonderful government program. Ahhhhh, universal healthcare.....we down here in the states can only dream.
ReplyDeleteI made a felted easter basket last year, and it turned out pretty well - good luck!
Oh I wish the States would get on the ball with this sort of thing. Go Quebec!! Lol It is so nice to have hubby home for so long to help you ger Lolo and Julian into a routine and to get a good, solid start to breastfeeding. Those first 10 days are more beneficial than most people realize.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea how you have time to knit! You are my idol! Takes me 2 days to knit a dishcloth let alone a sweater. Tee hee.
love the sweater, tell us a little more about it!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you got so much (beautiful!) knitting done! When my son was born I don't think I picked up needles for months.
ReplyDeleteI just finished my two year old's easter basket -- I used Cat Bordhi's moebius basket but doubled everything. It turned out even better than I was hoping for!
Good luck with everything :)
What wonderful pictures. And the knitting! How do you find the time? Awesome about the paid time off--it makes things so much easier. The States needs to get on that bandwagon!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! The picture of the hands together is just precious.
ReplyDeleteAnd going down the Big Slide is a big accomplishmen! :-)
I am amazed at the parental leave! What a terrific benefit for you and your family.
I knew Julian would be a great big brother. I wonder if he will be the same when the baby is big enough to raid his toy box. I love the hoodie too, gorgeous. I hope you finish them both in time.
ReplyDeleteI won't be surprised if you not only finish a sweater for each of your munchikins but also a bunnie for both as well.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are very lucky to have not only the help of your DH but also such a beautiful family. Hugs.
I never got to send you a congrats on your little one. He is so precious. I'm also here in montreal, so I am very thankful for that program. I'm just hoping one of these days we'll be able to start our family. Soon...
ReplyDeleteNew commenter here, but I just had to commment on you beautiful pictures. I remember when I had my second baby and the closeness and sweetness we all felt.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have to say Canada ROCKS! What a great plan...
and cute sweater pattern, too. I love those continuous cables...
It's a beautiful sweater. Would you mind sharing the source?
ReplyDeleteOh how I wish the U.S. would catch on to the idea that paid maternity/paternity leave is good for everyone. Congratulations on the new baby & good luck with the sweaters.
ReplyDeleteReally, your knitting output floors me...and it's all so beautifully done, too. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm totally drooling over that program! Dang, why are we so behind the times in the States?