Nate Celebrates First Christmas - Reviews Mixed

Nate Durkacz had a busy holiday week - travelling up to his country estate in Owen Sound for Christmas and then back down to the bustling Durkacz household for a Boxing Day feast. He absolutely loved opening presents and seemed to have quite a natural talent for it. His favourite gift of all was his Toronto Maple Leafs jersey from his Uncle Sam. While Nate loved being ushered around in his wagon to see the Christmas lights and partying with family and friends, he was not prepared for the blended turkey that his mother served him to mark the holidays. The facial expressions alone were enough to scare off any lingering holiday guests. The festivities clearly tired out the poor lad as he slept for nine hours in a row last night.

Move Over Beckham - Here Comes Nate!

Little Nate Durkacz began his soccer career (football to all his relatives overseas) while still in his mommy's womb. He would kick all day long, especially during conference calls on the speaker phone at work. It seemed as if he never slept - and just when I'd think he'd nodded off - I'd get a hefty jab to the rib. My co-workers would often ask if I was okay - fearing I would go into labor right in front of their cube - but I would reassure them that it was his regular 'womb workout'. Turns out he was just getting started. Our little man kicks his legs so hard now that he has come close to propelling himself out of his vibrating chair on occasion. I’ve tried to replicate his workout but I throw in the towel after about 30 seconds. So sure is his family of his future success on the pitch that it’s brought out the competitive – and sometimes not so friendly - side of Grandpa Jerry (Team Chelsea) and Nonno Andy (Team Juvenus). But mommy wants him close to home so maybe he'll start off slow with Toronto FC! P.S. He definitely gets his talent from his mommy who was the first girl to score a goal in Owen Sound's minor soccer league!

Nate to Become International Supermodel - After He Takes His Nap

Nate just returned from his six-month appointment at Dr. Barman's office where she promptly predicted his future career as a supermodel - he was in the average weight category (17 pounds) and 100th percentile for height (28 inches.) We're not sure if his head size (85th percentile) will work for or against him. Nate took his two shots in the leg like a real man and barely cried afterwards. He passed out in the car ride home and is still snoozing in his bucket seat. This may be one of the last times he'll be doing that though - he has almost outgrown the car seat! Dr. Barman also gave Nate the all-clear for turkey dinner in Owen Sound (in the blender of course). Apparently this guy needs all the iron and protein he can get!
P.S. Doesn't he look like his daddy in this shot?

Nate's Photo Shoot

If a picture says a thousand words, we need to find 999 synonyms for 'adorable' to describe these beauties! Rick Bogacz, photographer extraordinaire, snapped these classics in our solarium just ahead of Nate's big 6-month birthday. We love how he captured Nate's big blue eyes and gorgeous grin!

Christmas Comes Early for Nate!

Nate had his first taste of the holidays on Sunday when he celebrated an early Christmas with his Grandpa Jerr, Marilyn and Eunice. Being only six months of age didn't stop the little man from tearing open his gift - a Baby Gap gift cert - with the same spirit as his uncle Sam showed in the early years. Speaking of Sam, Nate is sporting a hand-me-down from his 6-foot-5 uncle in this photo - don't think he would fit in it now!

Nate to Sport Speedo

Our little man will be starting swimming lessons in January at the St. Lawrence Community Centre down the street. Nate wants to build up his skills in preparation for his summer holidays at his country estate where Grandpa Andy manages the backyard pool. Nate is also rather excited that his girlfriend Sophia will be joining him - he's anxious to see her in a bikini. (Note: Nate hasn't shrunk, photo is an oldie.)

Why We Don't Have a 'Family Bed'

This is about as peaceful as our 'family bed' has ever looked, and notice there is someone missing from the photo? On Saturday night we were reminded once again about why the Burns-Durkacz family doesn't subscribe to the trendy sleeping arangement. We packed up our bags and took a trek up to Oakville for a sleepover at our friends Mel, G and Juliette's new home. Normally Nate has a bedtime of 8 p.m. but it was well past 11 before he finally succumbed to the Pack 'N Play that was set up in the guestroom with us. Shortly after we fell asleep next to him, Nate began shreiking for us to rescue him and the theatrics didn't stop until we finally brought him into bed with us. But once Anthony started to toss and turn Nate began to wail all over again. At about 4 a.m. after daddy was banished to the floor he began to snore like a wild boar. Fearing this would awaken Nate - who has just nicely began to sleep - I started throwing things at him to get him to stop. One by one, articles of clothing piled up on the snoring godzilla but he wouldn't awaken. I even threw Nate's Addidas which landed in his groin but the snoring just got louder. Finally the blaring ripped Nate from his sleep and Anthony was evicted alltogether from the guestroom. The little man continued to feed every couple of hours - a mother's milk so closeby is hard to resist - and we finally got up at 7 a.m. to brave a day on no sleep. The good news is when Nate got home last night he collapsed in his beloved crib without so much as a peep and went soundly to sleep. I guess you don't appreciate a good thing until it's gone!

All Nate Wants For Christmas...

is his two bottom teeth. Poor little man has been pushing them out with all of his might for the past week to no avail. Although he has been trying to keep a stiff upper lip, sometimes the pain just gets to be too damn much and he gives in to the sweet relief of gripe water. On his recent trip to the Eaton Centre he begged Jolly 'ol Saint Nick to send the pearly whites by the 25th so he can enjoy the holiday in peace. For all of his Owen Sound girlfriends, Nate will be up at his country estate from the 22nd to the 26th, so you had best book your dates with him soon!

Burns-Durkacz Grocery Bills to Skyrocket

Nate Durkacz had his first taste of solids today - and it wasn't pretty. He got down and dirty with his rice cereal and practically licked the bowl clean, begging for more. Despite a few confused and disgusted looks initially - he quickly warmed to the organic offering and spent most of the afternoon talking up a storm. We think he was asking about when he could expect his next meal.

Nate Has a Cousin!

Nate just found out that he has a new little baby cousin, Evan Jacob, courtesy of his aunt Tania and uncle Jesse. Nate is excited but sad at the same time because he can't go to the hospital to meet the new 6 pound 11 ounce addition because of his bad cough. Instead, we've attached a picture of Jesse and Nate taken this weekend when he was practicing being a dad!

Nate Sleeps Anywhere, Anytime

Just like his father, Nate doesn't need his bed to fall asleep! He can catch some zzz's pretty much anywhere, anytime. Take today for instance...he fell asleep in his stroller on the way home from the market and in the Baby Bjorn on the way home from the mall. On our second trip of the day to the mall with Grandma Mary Anne, he fell asleep again in his stroller. And don't forget the vibrating chair - he caught an early morning snooze in that fancy apparatus too. So with all these naps you'd think Nate would have had a rough nice last night - but quite the contrary. He broke his all-time sleep record - going down at 8 p.m. and crusing right through until the civilized hour of 7 a.m. Way to go buddy - keep up the good work! P.S. Now that I've written this entry - he won't sleep at all tomorrow!

Nate Loves Pretty Girls

This afternoon in line at H&M Nate stared for what felt like an hour at the hot woman in line behind me. When I commented on this she replied: "he's starting early"! And his wandering eyes didn't stop there. When we got on the elevator at Sears, Nate locked eyes with a 12-year-old cutie who was shopping with her mother. Stared, stared and stared some more. But he saved the best puppy-dog eyes for last this afternoon when Eunice popped by for a visit. (See photo) He really does have good taste, just like his father! P.S. Don't tell any of this to his girlfriend Sophia, Nate is running wild while she's out of town!

Nate's Morning Workout

Our little guy loves to kick up a storm first thing in the morning in his vibrating chair. Last night he slept from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. - and then again until 9 a.m.! Mommy and daddy were overjoyed because they went out last night to Claire's 30th birthday. The only person who wasn't so happy was Grandad Jerr who came for his first babysitting session and didn't even get to see Nate because he was snoozing the whole time. How rude!

Nate's First Taste of Winter

He doesn't look impressed! Nate went for his first walk in the blistering winter wind this afternoon to meet mommy's friend Claire for lunch at Reuters. He seemed a little confused by the snowflakes but was pretty contained in his cozy bag under the stroller's canopy. Oh, the life!

Nate is 5 months old!

Time has never flown so fast! It seems like just yesterday that I was sitting on the couch, days overdue and fielding calls from friends and family about the state of my impending labor. Now our little guy is celebrating his five month birthday...sigh..before we know it he'll be bringing home his first girlfriend! (Wait, he's already done that). Nate celebrated his big day by taking the subway with his mommy to Yonge and Eglinton Centre to have a playdate with Rochelle and her son Bradey who just turned a year old. The boys tore up the play area at Indigo - Nate was howling with excitement. He really is a very social little guy - I don't know where he gets it from. This photo was taken tonight in his Mega Saucer which he is starting to enjoy - but only in small doses. Tonight Nate may experience his first snow storm - he's very excited!

The face of a criminal?

I'm very glad that we live in such a safe and secure country, but the passport rules for babies have got to go! It took two trips to the photo place and about 97 takes before we got this beauty - complete with a) no smile b) no open mouth and c) no laughing. Next time you get on a plane beside a baby you can rest assured that they've been well screened and will not be taking over the cockpit. P.S. We're going to Florida in January!

Nate's on a roll!

Nate took a giant step today - or should I say roll... He was lying on his back when I turned to go to the kitchen for 30 seconds - when I looked back at him - he was on his front and as proud as could be. I couldn't believe I missed it - all those hours of watching and waiting - video camera ready - and that damn toast took me away during the big moment! But Nate didn't let me stew for too long - he promptly rolled over again a few minutes later. Go Nate!

Nate's Girlfriend Sophia

Nate is already sleeping with his girlfriend, do you think it's too soon? This photo was snapped this morning after music class which clearly tired them both out. It takes a lot of energy to sing "twinkle twinkle little star" over and over!

Nate's Baptism

Little Nate was baptized on Sunday at the Metropolitan United Church in downtown Toronto before family and friends. He was a little angel the entire service and even fell asleep for about half an hour in his mommy's arms. He seemed completely enthralled by the band and the choir. His mommy was also baptized - if ever there was a time to do it - it was with her sweet little man by her side. Thanks to everyone for making the day so special for us:)

Nate's 4 months old!

Our sweet little man turned four months old on Oct. 21. We brought him in for his shots this week and to size him up! He now weighs 15 pounds, 3 oz which is average for his age and measures 26.5 inches - in the 90th percentile. He may be another giant like his uncle Sam.
Nate is still enjoying his weekly music classes at the Royal Conservatory of Music with his girlfriend Sophia, 5 months, and also has a weekly standing date with her on Thursdays at the local Rainbow Cinemas. Nate is trying really hard to roll over - he's come close several times but his darn shoulder keeps getting in the way. He has just returned from an extended trip up to his 'country residence' in Owen Sound and is settling back into the hussle and bussle of city life. This usually includes walks to the local market where he has befriended many of the vendors and lazy afternoons kicking back in his vibrating chair. Stay tuned for more updates...