December 11, 2013

All Four of Us and a Christmas Tree


Now that we have two little ones, there is often a temptation to divide and conquer on the week-ends. James is a big fan of this technique, which basically means that each one of us takes a kid and plans a fun little outing or tackles some chores separately... it's easier to pack more in that way and there is something to be said for one-on-one time with each of our children.

But as I pull my head out of newbabyland (that is a thing, I am certain of it), I am trying to insist that we do more as a family of four. We already get lots of family quality time lounging around the house, but I also think it's important to get out in the world and see and do things all together. So we are working on that.


Selecting a Christmas tree is an activity that demands every one's participation, so although we were all overtired (especially Little Smith), we made a morning of it and had our first taste of holiday spirit- and cold air too, that baby tongue was out the whole time. We found the perfect fraser fir; small enough to maintain some daylight from our corner windows, large enough to delight a three year old.


Naturally I also felt the need to document this outing. It's really challenging to get pictures while toting an infant around, so there's little evidence of my mid-week adventures with the kids. These are the first outdoor pictures where our baby is more than a hat peeping out over a sling, and in looking at them I am struck that a family of four is pretty big!


I know two children is actually fairly conservative, but having grown up in a house where it was often just me and my mother, this is a big crew. It's fun... and a little scary. All these people depend on me?! I'm feeling very grateful this Christmas. Very grateful and very much an adult, I guess it's about time.

9 comments:

  1. I completely agree that a family of four feels HUGE when you're the one in charge. We do a lot of divide and conjur at our house too (Tow with the big kids, me with Arlo), but I think I need to make more of a point to switch up who has which group at the very least. Now that my baby is one, I feel like I should make more time to venture out with my big guys. merriest Christmas to you and your beautiful family.

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    1. Thank you Rachel! Yes, for practical purposes it does seem I am usually with the baby- I am going to try to get more one on one with the boy too, he's become sooo attached to me and I'm hoping that might help (or it might just make it worse ;)

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  2. Sweet pictures. :) The Christmas tree excursion is one of my favourite outings of the year. I agree the whole family must be included. I like to divide and conquer for shopping and chores though. My husband would do everything together, but then we often have to deal with the two kids fighting. It's more peaceful to head out with one!

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    1. See I'm the one who wants to do everything together here. The grocery store is so much more fun (and yes, more complicated too) when we're all along for the adventure!

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  3. i am in awe as the three of us getting a christmas tree was a production!

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    1. Yes, I think the tree has to count as another person given the hassle involved. :)

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  4. I especially love the last two photos! The one of you is gorgeous and the one of your husband and kids is so sweet and reminds me of The Sound of Music where they all peak out from behind one another.
    Also impressed that you have all those buttons on your coat done up! A major accomplishment which I have yet to succeed at since having a baby ; )

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    1. Ha yes! The buttons are a big accomplishment, the cold air helps as a motivator :) Thanks so much Erin.

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  5. I love the little tongue sticking out. With such an outdoors family she will surely adjust to the adventures quickly. You are constantly inspiring me with the family of four thing. I come from a messy family of comers and goers but with me always having at least my two siblings so I don't know what small family life is like but now that I have only one of my own the expanding is making me a bit anxious..the practicalities, but I guess as with everything else...you just do it and it all falls into place or it doesn't and you move forward.

    Also, you look so happy and gorgeous in these photos. It's a lovely thing! :)

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