Gabrielle & Matthew

Twas a week before christmas, and all through the house, everyone was bouncing, even the mouse. The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, with kiddies asking how Stanta will come down from there.

Gabrielle & Matthew crying out from their beds, and us saying shh..lay down your sweet heads. And Joey in his boxers and me in my cap, trying to figure out how to get the kids down to nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. I flew like a flash and stubbed my toe on a toy and had a small gash.


ok...that's where my creativity ends!

As you can well imagine the kiddies are excited. They are soaking up all the xmas energy around them and just when you get them settled, seem to have more in reserve.

The decorations are up and I'm pleased to report, very few have fallen down and most are still in the same spot. Matthew is behaving himself, more than I would ever have imagined. Now Gabrielle on the other hand has her mits on everything and has lots of questions - why why why why why?????

This is the first year that Santa is known without any fear so it should be exciting Christmas morning. We're headed out to visit Santa's workshop. Let's hope Matthew's squeal at seeing the horses doesn't scare them away.

As for development milestones: Matthew is almost "running" around the house. He doesn't want to play with you, you just sort of have to walk around and be his shadow (speaking of shadows, check out the funny video) His teeth are unbearable and is turning him from this lazy-dazy dude to this old man grump. I don't blame him when he gets them in 4's instead of 2's. He's working on his incisors now and and like his molars before them - all 4 are coming in sync. He's getting bigger and strong and I need to get him to his 16 month check up before the end of this month. It will be interesting to see what four months has brought us.

He hates his boots and socks on in the car and loves this new game of removing them. Kind of cold when it's -15 outside and he has them off before the car warms up. He's loving his one on one care with Ms. Laura and will miss her terribly when he goes to big boy school in January.

Gabrielle is looking forward to having him back with her. Dropping off two kids with boots and snowpants and all the other gear they come with these days has Joey trying to convince me to do drop off and he can do pickup. We'll see about that one. It makes sense, but really don't want to...(can you see me stomping my feet in trantrum mode :-))

She had her first school christmas play. Check out the video. For a little girl who loves to sing as much as she does, watch what happens when a three year old finds a piece of string. :-)

Gabrielle is getting bigger and full of questions. She's keeping us on our toes and honest too. Lots of socializing and friendships galour, her last report card showcases she might need to do a little less of this and a bit more independant work (sound familiar Nanny Curnew?)

Enjoy the pictures. We're sorry we've been behind. We want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas filled with lots of friends, family and love. Merry Christmas everyone, we love you!

hmmm...October and Halloween around the corner. Where to start with an update...

Matthew is walking! Changed livestyle forever now. Lots of holding our breath moments to make sure he makes it around the corner. Who knew baseboards were so sharp. No bad bumps yet, but expecting a few that's for sure. Who doesn't love that wobble and toble as they make their way across the floor.

Still lots of giggles, but a few grumpy days with his eighth tooth refusing to break free (bottom right hand side)

The summer sunshine has given Gabrielle a huge growth spurt. We checked her height against her mark on the window sill in April and she's grown at least another two inches!

School is going well with lots of new friends. She loves the choir and her Math book. It's cute to watch her play teacher with her teddy bears. Really helps show us what is going on in the classroom.

Lots of farm visits, field trips for school and enjoying the nice fall weather.

Here we are in September - our favourite time of year. Lots of festivals, farm fresh fruites and veggies and what great weather! We've been able to take advantage of it all...

What a month and it started with a house full. We had a great time with A. Beth, U. Jamie, Emma, Nana and Gramps. We had lots of birthday celebrations, a trip to the zoo, but most importantly a chance to play and have lots of fun! Thanks to everyone both here and left at home for such a great weekend, lots of memories and pictures to look back on. Enjoy them just as much as we did!

Matthew is growing like a weed. His last doc appt was at 9 months (May 4th) and he was 17.6 lbs and 74 cms. Rolling forward 3 months, Matthew's first year appoint showed that he's now 20.15 lbs and a whopping 78 cms. Lots of legs!

He's a cutie pie with lots of smiles and laughs. He's getting quite the kick out of G and she's starting to realize he's not this fragile little baby anymore. She's a wee bit rough, but hold on to your hats when Matthew starts catching up with her. It won't be long before he's walking. He can move around with one finger (mind you it's a death grip on it) Just a little bit more confidence and he'll be running around here. Mia watch out! See a the video of our attempts to catch some steps. We are quickly realizing our world will be turned upside down and over again when this happens. Watch out world, Matthew's on his way!

Lots of changes for Matthew this month. He's now home one on one with Ms. Laura (a teacher from G's old school) He's having lots of me time and enjoying the swimming, library and everything else Ms. Laura has him doing these days. We're so pleased he'll have this time to grow a little bit more before heading back to school in January.

He's got 7 beautiful teeth to show off to everyone with a full set on top (no more vampire teeth)and almost a full set of 4 on the bottom. Based on his mood swings the last week, we suspect that the final matching set on the bottom is on it's way (bottom right is still missing)

Gabrielle has a great summer at camp and definitely challenged now that she's back in school. Amazing how kids just flip the switch and they're back into the swing of things.

We've got to sign up for some after school activities and Choir is definitely on the top of the list. There isn't a song in the car's cd collection she's not singing along in the back. Anytime she can get her hands on Daddy's alarm clock, it has to be reset everytime. This one likes her tunes! (check out girls just want to have fun video!)

Soccer season is over for the summer and can't thanks the team enough for all the great times this summer. Not a lot of "soccer" was played, but definitely got some girl power going on Tuesday nights. Maybe next summer a real coach can get them working on their moves and goals.

Missing everyone at home - waiting to hear who's coming up next! Doors are always open... Love you guys xoxoxo

Happy Birthday Baby Boy! A year already and what a year it has been. You've grown so much and explore everything around you. Lots of energy and lots of food! You should see this little guy eat! We think he has a plate up on Gabrielle right now so obviously lots more growing to do.

Doc appoitment next week so we'll see just how much he's grown in the 3 months visit from last time.

He's travelling all over the place and loves to walk with you on flat feet so we suspect he'll be walking in no time.

Daycare is a no go for the fall, but we've been luck to bring on Ms. Laura (one of G's former teachers)for the fall. She has all kinds of things planned for him. His spot in school will open up in January so he won't be the smallest little guy there anymore. Bye Bye to bumps and bruises he's been coming home with.

No more teeth to report other than the 4 (two eye teeth on top and the two middole on the botton) He offers a pretty cute smile right now! Let's hope the next two don't give him as much trouble as this last one did. Our favourite nicknames for the kiddies right now is Snacks for Gabrielle and Chompers for Matthew (you really need to see the episode of Franklin for this to be really funny!)

Gabrielle is having a blast with all of Matthew's birthday parties this week. One with Nana and Gramps on Sunday, our own family night out tonight and the kiddie party on Saturday. Owen and Cooper will have to balance the all girl ratio out a little this Saturday for the kiddie party. Funny how things have flip flopped. Emma, Lily and Cooper make up his little posse of friends and can't wait to see them all together.

Gabrielle still loves to sing - in either english or french (we're still trying to get Oh Canada on video for you all) Her rendition of Girls want to have Fun is pretty cute too.

Now that Matthew is getting a wee bit bigger, Gabrielle seems to be getting a wee bit more rougher. We continue to remind her that he's still small, but she's in for a shock when he can start to hold his own. I sincerely apologize to Uncle Jamie for what he went through (especially the sitting on you part) I see the other side now - xox

We're excited to see Aunt Beth and Cousin Emma at the end of the month. Any chance that we can convince Uncle Jamie, Aunt Chrissy and Cousin Kristen to join them? Everyone help me out to get Uncle Jamie on an airplane!

Lots of love to everyone, xoxox

Oh boy! 11 months and a birthday just around the corner. Where to start on an update?

Matthew is growing like a weed. We think he almost eats as much as Gabrielle some days. Though what started off as a honeymoon period of everything tastes great, bring it on...we're now at the stage where he knows he can refuse certain things and green vegetables are at the top of his list. Let's hope there are lots of vitamins in fruit as somedays we think he's going to turn into a blueberry. Makes diaper changes really interesting! :-)

Daycare started at the first of the month and it hasn't been pretty. After a week, he had his first runny nose (in the middle of summer) and we now can't even put our foot on the sidewalk before he starts crying. It doesn't help that we kept him home for 3 days last week due to a high fever. Matthew's forth tooth (upper eye tooth on his left) finally decided to pop through, but it was a toughie on all of us. After a week of sleepness nights, Joe and I were in heaven on Friday when he finally went down with no interruptions. We're getting too old for all nighters and then be functional for work the next day!

He loves to babble and if you are not paying attention he'll let out a squeal. His first identifiable words are quack quack for his duckie. Instead of the pitter patter of feet, you hear his little hands hitting the floor - he can motor pretty good on all fours. He's into sharing with you and wants you to try all of his food with him. He gets a kick out of lining things up and moving his piles from one side to the other. He concentrates so hard on his tasks!

Now Gabrielle is the best big sister ever! She keeps a close eye on him and keeps him entertained with lots of laughs. They're cute together! She got really excited for him when he moved from his baby car seat (rear facing) to his big boy car seat. They now can touch hands between the seats...sometimes gently, sometimes not - so it begins!

Gabrielle is having fun at summer camp. When she was asked coming home from her first day how her day went, she said "guess what mommy - no work today! I got to play all day..." She was pretty excited! She's had a few class trips already with going to the movies for the first time to see Toy Story 3 (no tears!) and then to the Royal Ontario Museum (can you image 15 3 year olds in downtown Toronto - it was awesome!) They had a great time looking at dinosaur bones, but for about an hour I heard "Mommy I'm hungry" I was expecting one of the dinosaurs to tell me to take her downstairs already. I guess she missed her morning snack being on the bus and all. This week they are headed to the kitchen at Boston Pizza Restaurant to make lunch...should be an interesting supper conversation for sure.

Enjoy the pics and new videos. We miss not going home this summer and seeing everyone. Let's keep our fingers crossed for next year. Hugs and kisses to everyone - we love you!

I'm late sending an update and there is now so much to share! First off some very good news to all - the website company has been purchase! And get this, by Canadians! We're so very happy to continue with the site and share with you all! Yeah!

Matthew is 10 months now and 2 weeks away from being 11. I keep saying it, but the time has gone unbelievably fast, even the second time around. As you can see in the video (sorry for the earlier troubles)he's crawling now. What a sight! He's actually on all 4's (no scootching) and can crawl circles around us all. I've never realized how dirty my floors were until you're down on their level.

After he mastered the crawling he quickly moved to pulling himself up. We've had to rescue him a couple times in his crib as he tries to figure out how to get back down. Sorry Peggy and Scott, but Matthew's first chew marks are on your crib. We won't have many more as Gabrielle is now officially in her big girl bed! So a switcheroo is on the to do list.

You'll have to check out his waving bye bye to Nanny video which I'll post shortly. He loves to mimic everything you do and he's comic relief most days. How can you not melt when you hear a baby's giggle!

We still only see 2 bottom teeth, but lots of pink cheeks and drool so I suspect more are coming. It will be a surprise which ones as I can't really tell where it's going to pop up next.

Nanny and Poppy are here for the month of June as we wait for Matthew's spot at the new daycare to open. 2 weeks in and everyone is having a blast. Matthew is enjoying his two walks a day and has lots of wet kisses for his Nanny! My diaper change ratio is now 6 to 1 and I can't remember the last load of laundry I had to put on. I feel totally spoiled rotten. Plus, the garden has never looked better! Poppy is working hard in our Ontario heat! We can't thank you enough Nanny and Poppy for all your help this month. What an awesome transition back to work and school for us all!

Like I mentioned lots of changes, especially for Gabrielle. We had some health & safety issues at Gabrielle's school and unfortuneatly had to make a tough decision to pull her out. Her gang of friends (can you image a posse of 3 year olds!)are now located at a new school. Transition was a breeze with all her friends there waiting for her. There was space for Gabrielle right away, but no guarantees for space for Matthew other than their summer program "(July and Aug). We've been fortunate that Nanny and Poppy Curnew were free to help us out while we wait for the Summer Program to start. So we need everyone to keep their fingers crossed that space opens up for us in Sept or we might be recruiting more family to TO for a couple more weeks :-) Who wants to take a 4 month vacation out our way hee hee!

Two other big items for Gabrielle - and imagine all in one month - which might explain the struggles we're having with tantrums, but we're pretty tickled pink for her.

She's now in her big girl bed and poopies go in the potty now! How about that! Toilet trained since 2, but still #2 was tough. She did it though and proud as a peacock so be sure to ask her when you see her/chat with her next.

I've sent out her school picture in the mail so you should be getting them shortly. I'll post online in a little while. You won't believe how much older she looks in her school uniform. What a little lady we've got!

Well father's day is around the corner. A big set of hugs and kisses go out to all the daddies and grand daddies out there! We love you all to bits and hope that you have a sunny spoiled rotten day! We'll be sure to share pics of our special day with both Daddy and Poppy soon.

We love and miss you! xoxo

9 months Matthew and you're still our happy little monkey! So much has happened this month with a second toothie popping up the beginning of May to join his first that showed the first of March. You may be able to see glimpses of them in the pics. He's pretty shy with them so their kind of elusive little guys.

His doctor's appointment went well coming in at 17lbs and 6 oz and a whopping 74cm (21.9 inches for those non-metric folks out there)! I guess the tall genes are pretty predominant in our makeup. He's a bit of a light weight compared to G at this age. At 9 months she came in at 19lbs 8oz and 73cm, but I have no doubt that he'll catch up. The size of his hands and feet are huge and he reminds me of a little puppy ready to grow into them :-)

He's almost ready to crawl(see video) He's comfortable on all 4's but just can't seem to get his arms and legs syncronized together. It wouldn't surprise me that he'll be doing circles around us all at the end of the month!

G's doing ok - callenges upon challenges these days. We hope to see the light at the end of the tunnel of this phase soon. I keep saying I'd do two's all over again compared to this. She's pushing, pulling and tons of eye rolling (Mommy's ultimate favourite!) One minute she's all over you for hugs and cuddles and the next walking away in a huff - oh boy!

She's doing well in school and excited to have Matthew join her in June. She said to Joe the other day that she'd check on him once and a while - Too sweet! Her school proof pics came back and look really pretty so you'll all see them shortly. She's all grown up and not a bit of toddler left in her.

We just wanted to wish all the Grandmommies out there a very special Mother's Day this year! Lots to celebrate, we love you all very much! xoxoxoxo

You may be wondering - why are we updating the site all of a sudden?

We contacted the website company and they are still under negotiations to be purchased. We miss the site too and after several reviews of other service providers, feel confident now that this site will continue on under some other organization.

Over the next few days, we'll be working to update the last 2 months with photos, stories and videos - Be sure to share your comments with us and most of all enjoy!

Matthew - 8 months, how come this year is going so fast! We don't have a doc appointment this month, so no update on the weight and length, but I suspect he's around 17.5 lbs based on his pattern of a pound a month. I don't carry him in that dreaded car seat any longer as it's really getting heavy! Almost 30lbs with baby and chair combined. It's warmer out now so not as many bulky jackets and he's so much more stronger sitting up so I don't have to worry so much on putting him down for a few secs.

April has brought on so many things, including a new tooth! I've been trying to capture a picture of this elusive object, but Matthew refuses to share it with anyone. The second one is on it's way. Just a few sleepless nights for Mommy and Daddy, but nothing too bad to complain about.

I wander though with all these colds that G has brought home whether Matthew's first 3 months in daycare will be as bad? I suspect he'll still be coming home with lots of boogers! Call me the official booger catcher instead of Mommy. Two noses including mine to wipe can be really disgusting at times. (you should hear G say that word - in particular when she's helping me with a dirty diaper!)

Matthew is so strong with sitting up now and he is trying to pull himself around. He grabs the edge of his little bathtub and tries to pull himself up completely. Got to watch him! On the floor he loves to play with his blocks and his favourite toy of all is the pussycat. Squeals of delight when he sees her coming and for such a temperamental cat, she loves him back. Never did I imagine her putting up with it all, but she laps it all up! Strange kitty!

Gabrielle's month has been challenging. Joe and I both agree that the terrible two's has nothing on what we're experiencing at 3. Lots of tempers, bouts of tears. She has seemed to have lost all of her manners and lots of butting heads (a bit of stubborn streak in her, wander where that came from?), but she's coming around. Thank goodness we've got great friends who we've watched go through the same thing. It seems to be a phase and we can't wait until the finish line (until the next one that is)

Easter was a lot of fun. G asked if the Easter bunny could ring at the door and Daddy take the treats as she didn't want him to come into the house. Daddy agreed that he'd do that. Her next question was how the Easter bunny got here. Daddy answered by car - he'll have some explaining to do later on that one! She had lots of chocolate before breakfast and even helped Matthew with his, "because he's too little right Mommy!"

We spent the weekend at the farm, decorating baskets, planting marigolds and a tractor ride out to the field to meet the easter bunny. A great time had by all!

Wishing everyone back home a happy Spring!

Matthew - you're 7 months already and what a head of hair on you! The Doc appointment went great with you gaining almost another pound at 16 lbs and 7 oz. Not as much gained on the length side with an even 70 cms (but I question the measurement as you really wouldn't sit still long enough for Alice to get it!)There is no appointment in April, so we'll have to wait until May to find out just how much more you've grown.

You've been practicing your rolling around and boys of boys can you ever scoot in that crib of yours! You never know what you'll see when I go in to check up on you.

From the pictures, you can see the pink cheeks and that first toothie is trying to poke out. I suspect by the end of the month it will be up fully. Food wise, you've been enjoying a little bit of everything. Including the stuff your sister gives you without me seeing too! Glad she's so into sharing, but may need to keep a closer eye on you two. You've been eating food from the mesh bag (best invention ever!) and I think your favourite to date is strawberries! Thank goodness this is one of the stains that comes out relatively clean after washing.

Gabrielle has really changed her looks. There is absolutely no toddler left in her and she's all girl now. School has been going much better. The first parent teacher meeting within the Casa group told us she's become more comfortable since our return from vacation. I think it took a good 6 weeks for her to transition into the class, especially with all the older kids now sharing the space. She still has her crew with her (Owen, Noah, Sophia E,Sophia L, Billy, Evie, and Evi)Nobody tops Owen though - she'll tell you - Owen's her best friend - still thick as theives those two are!

We're having a great time and just now having to consider what to do about returning to work. Joe's not looking forward to dropping off two kiddies and I have't figured out who and how supper is going to get made! Don't laugh too hard! Our love to all - xoxox

What a wonderful holiday - if anyone is looking for an old fashion beach vacation - this was the place to be. We went to Cocoa Beach Florida and stayed at the Resort on Cocoa Beach from Feb 17 to the 24th.

-Day one we spent exploring the property, got some groceries and checked out the town. Pretty much exhausted by 6pm after having everyone up at 4 to catch a 6:30am flight You'll see some fabulous pics of us tired bunch waiting to get into our room. Spirit remained high though, G&M must have felt all the excitment, but never crashed.

-Day two we swam in the pool and enjoyed the sun - not all that warm, but the pool was heated and that's all Joey and Gabrielle needed! Check out the photos of kite flying - what a beautiful day. Next time we'll be sure to unwind the kite's tail, then we might get some more air under it!

-Day three we enjoyed the local Brevard Zoo and Gabrielle got to feed the giraffes (check out video)! Matthew mostly slept through the experience.

-Day four we spent the day at the pool and went for a drive around town. A mix of young families and retirees. Didn't come upon the happening spot, must have been due to us crashing each night at 8 pm. Had an amazing pizza for supper that night - and holy canolies they were good too!

-Day five we spent the morning at the market and walking downtown and had an afternoon at the beach. We heard the sonic boom of a rocket coming back home that evening.

-Day six we went to Kennedy Space station - what an amazing experience considering what we heard and watched on TV the night before. Joey was the little kid at this place. He walked around and shared all the stories with Gabrielle. They were really cute together. Again, Matthew mostly slept through this too - until the rocket film and that woke everyone up!

-Day seven we spent another day at the pool and Mommy and Matthew even went in this time! Gabrielle and Daddy spent the night before in the games room trying to get a teddy out of the arcade, but with no luck. Another girl came up to Gabrielle and gave the teddy to her that they tried so hard to get the night before. The other girl got it after they had left. How nice was that!

-Day eight we checked out of the hotel and spent the day at several local parks between Cocoa Beach and Orlanda International Airport. Next time would have planned an outing to make up the time versus waiting around for the flight.

Overall, had an amazing time for our first family vacation outside of Canada. Will book for 10 days next time though - right Joe? Maybe others will want to join us - all are always welcomed! Our love to everyone!

Last entry before a copy of the site is taken:

Matthew is 6 months and he's the most content little guy. He loves to watch the action go by (well really might not have much choice with princess running the show, but he seems to be ok with it)

He's starting to sit up on his own with just an occational topple over. He's had a bad bout of colds thanks to G's daycare and Daddy's go train rides, but he handles them well.

He knows faces now and has yet to make strange, but suspect that might be right around the corner. Everything is in his mouth these days and Sophia the giraffe reigns #1 in our house still. A favourite for sure!

Gabrielle turned 3 this month - what a party! Check out the pics, she had a blast at her PJ party! She has a big surprise for everyone - she's stopped sucking her thumb and pretty proud of it. Daddy's still working on his tiny habit. The "special" nail polish really worked well for her and she tried really hard not to mess it up. We're so proud of her.

Doc appt with them both was so cute - G watched Matthew get all checked out with a weight of 15.5 lbs and a whopping lenght of 69 cms. Gabrielle came in at 33 lbs and 39 inches tall - this city air is doing them good all!

Our first family vaction (we're not counting out trip to NB this past Aug with Matthew sick and all) Florida here we come so better watch out...if you thought I could pack with 3 check out what I can do for 4! Hee hee...

As you are aware this is the very last update for the curnew site on this network. www.curnewkids.com will be launching soon, so please stay tuned for a new site hopefully by the end of next month. Key cards to all Grands will go out at the end of the month too so teveryone can have a keepsake treasure of the site with comments, love and wishes.

We love you guys!
xoxox

Notice: Website going down - We've heard disappointing news this week - the website company that hosts this site for us is going under and they've given us notice that all accounts will be deactivated by June.

No worries though - we'll find another provider and the www.curnewkids.com will continue to go on. You'll see some changes (ie ads etc start to come up on the page shortly) but know we'll be in transition for a little bit while we get the new site up and running.

Thanks to everyone for such wonderful messages and we hope you've enjoyed this site. We look forward to seeing everyone on the new site. We'll be sure to send updated emails as we make progress through the transitions.

We love you guys! xoox

5 months today Matthew! I look over at your craddle and can't believe how big you are! A few more cm's and you won't be able to sleep in there any longer!

We head out to the doc's tomorrow to find out just how much more you are from last month's 13.7lbs and 66.5cm long. Should be an interesting visit with another needle on the way. You were a trooper last month with two in the leg so we'll see how you do again this month.

So many things have happened this holiday season with you discovering your hands - and reaching your toes which has to be one of mommy's favourite milestone's. Your almost ready to roll over with just a little bit more of a push and you'll be found on that tummy of your's - screaming I sure as it's definitely not your favourite position. Tummy time - what's that? Sitting up is almost on it's way too. Your favourite activity right now is your play mat and getting ahold of fingers (your's and anyone who's holding you) to check out them out further.

The holidays brought us lots of excitement with Santa's impending visit. Not only did Santa find our house - but Nana and Gramps did too! What a great surprise that both kiddies thoroughly enjoyed...mommy and daddy too!

G's request for treats came with abundance - thanks Santa, now we all have to detox off the sugar! Matthew's first christmas was a treasure and I think we've got one more year until G really gets into the swing of things. She wasn't all that excited about a strange man coming into the house without anyone hearing him. Upon kissing goodnight on xmas eve, she asked Daddy - "Is Santa nice?"

Wishing everyone a wonderful New Year filled with new and old adventures! We've got a few things coming up - a visit from Granny and Grampy D, Gabrielle's 3rd birthday (can you believe it!) and hopefully a trip to sunny Florida in Feb! Sounds like lots of fun....Our love to everyone! xoxox