I was putting Mac down to sleep tonight and we did our usual bedtime book read. We came across a picture of the Itsy-bitsy spider story book and he asked me to sing it. We sang it together a couple of times with Mac happily doing the motions. I had no idea that he could do them all. I am glad I'm taking time to notice them now.

This place is big. We rented a monster 5000 square foot cottage with a 2500 square foot wrap around deck, outdoor swimming pool and outside covered hot tub. Let's just say that it is a little cold in PEI on April 26th. One would not want to take a dip in the pool, even if it was open and ready to go.

The family survived the drive down. We came in around 7 pm last night. The car is a little worse for wear - the exhaust system seems to be acting up and no longer dampening the sound of the engine. We'll see if some local connections can hook us up with a cash deal at some garage.

It is fantastic being down here with the whole family of kids. They work out so well together. Earlier today, Jaden and Mackenzie were coming down stairs from the TV room holding hands and hanging out. Jaden was actually upset that Mac wasn't with him at one point. You can see all the kids working with each other and figuring out their own knocking order. Liam is being fantastic with Jaden and Mac - Mason too.

I had a nice Nap with Mac while Mom went out with Pat to get some groceries. The girls slept beautifully and didn't require much attention while I was down for the count. Mike made sure I was up in time to give Ella her bottle when she got up.

We're pulling together as a team. It works out well.

Ever wonder how many bottles we go through? Since yesterday at noon, I had to clean and sterilize 9 x 10oz bottles, 14 x 5oz bottles and 6x2oz bottles. All this in a small hotel room sink. I ended up using the bathtub and the cooler to get it all done. Then waking down batches of them in side the microwave sterilizer to the front desk in order for them to get processed.

Last night was interesting. Lets just say that it was not one of our high point in child rearing. Mac didn’t nap during the day, because I had to stop to take a pee 5 minutes after he fell asleep – bad timing. We got everyone to bed around 10 ish, but the girls were quite active and up most of the evening. I think we clocked 3 ½ hrs of sleep at most, since they were up again at 4:30 and Mac was wanting to get up at 4:45 or 5:00 AM. Rather rough and a long day

We’re starting to pack up and try to get out the door. We might stay around for a little longer but we're probably going to be heading out as soon as possible just to get the drive over with.

We have arrived at Rivierre du Loup. We left Ottawa around 12:30, after the girls had gone to sleep and Mackenzie was off playing with some friends. Our plan was to leave earlier, but we were not able to do ANYTHING in regards to packing or planning Last Night, because each of the kids tag teamed us without warning. I am glad we made the call that we were not going to leave with Mike and his bunch in the van – it would have been a VERY long night getting ready for a 8 am departure.

How was the travel? The girls were great in the car, so long as it was moving. We stopped once outside of Ottawa at a VERY large 24 hr gas station and restaurant just on this side of the Quebec border. We all went in and found a microwave to heat up the bottles and give the girls some food. Mac had a great time playing with all the die cast cars and transport trucks that were on display. A little later, we had a family moment in the extra large family bathroom changing everyone (except mom and dad) and getting ready to get back at the drive. All in all, a 30 to 45 minute stop.

Then came Montreal. Traffic was BAD and lots of stop and go on the 40 and 25. Almost had a close call with the rear end of a neon. Kelli was a superstar with the kids, constantly keeping on top of soothers and snacks. A couple of oz of prepared bottles at select times and things were great. It was a little loud and stressful, but we’re past that now.

We pull in with less then fumes in the gas tank, park and jump into the restaurant at the hotel. We caught Mike and the gang eating which made Mac very happy to see his cousins. We were like superstars when we were walking around with the twins. Everyone in the hotel was asking about them, talking about “oh – C’est les Jumelles!”. Its weird having celebrity status. We’ll bask in it for a while, but I am sure it won’t last forever.

Yup, you read this right.

I have decided to take paternity leave. I worked out financial stuff with the bank and got things in order to take time off. I booked off from now until LabourDay weekend as being on leave. Sure - we'll take a big hit - but it's worth it. I got all my outstanding work done for the customer I was with and have nothing that will hold me back from getting this started.

Two weeks ago, things were going a little rough. I decided to look into the possibilities of taking leave as well as making the personal decision to be off and with the family. Let me tell you - it was the best decision I have made in my life. Once I decided I wanted to look into it, I decided to go in full bore and get it worked out.

Kelli is very happy. Mac and the girls are very happy. Daddy is very happy!

The girls are focusing their eyes and paying attention to you now. They have grown quite a bit and are going though growth spurt after growth spurt. I should get some more recent pictures up soon, just need some more time (how many hours in a day again?). On top of them focusing on you and watching your every move, they are starting to give up a small smile once in a while. Yeah - it's probably gas, but one of them has to be a smile, even if it is involuntary!

Mackenzie asked me about my beard tonight as I was putting him to bed. Since we were at the cottage, the sleeping arrangements are a little different then at home. I find it easier to lie next to him as I put him down and read a book to him. This time, he kept on stroking his face and talking about a beard. It appears that all the men in his life that he's had a connection with have some sort of a beard, and he doesn't. Grampy Mike has the fullest beard, I've got scruff and 5 o'clock shadow - Papa has some scratchiness based on when you catch him.

I must say, it was really cute. I explained to him that when he grows up from a Big Brother to a Man (or a DaDa, PaPa or Grampy as he understands it) he'll have a beard. It was very cute explaining it to him - "Ohhhh... I see" he said. Then he asked me to read him Curious George again.

Tough life, being a dad.

Here we go... Trying to get the girls awake, us packed and them fed before heading up to the cottage for the first time. We sent Mac up early with Grampy Mike yesterday to spend some time with his cousins. We're going to have the girls in our room and Mac in Mrs. C's / Laurie's room. Should be fun. Weather is not looking all that great, but it will be the first test of being mobile with Ella and Grace and in a foreign environment overnight. We had better practice, since we are planning a trip down east to PEI and New Brunswick next month.

If only I can stretch the Volvo out to become a large Toyota Sienna mini van... that would solve the packing and space problems.

Update on the Twins sleeping at night - we've started adding Formula to the breast milk (1 oz to 3 oz) and things are looking good. They are sleeping a little longer and a little more soundly. This morning is the second time in a row that they have been out for 4 1/2 hrs at a time. Not a bad thing for Mom and Dad on their sleep deprivation schedules.

This might not sound like a big thing - but Mac went to sleep for Kelli this afternoon without incident. It's nice that you can reason with him when it is bed time. She explained to him that she had to go help Grand Ma and Papa with his sisters and that she needed him to stay in bed and go to sleep. "Deal" he said. He got up once to make sure everyone was still there, Kelli helped him out back into bed and that was that.

She's still in shock.