The Inmates of the Zoo

I guess an introduction to the cast of characters would make the most sense.

First there's Devlin, more commonly known as the Royal Highness. He's 5, loves the superheroes (be it Justice League or Marvel Comics), idolizes his father, will eat the broccoli stalks but not the florets and is teaching me more about life everyday. He loves to sing songs, has an amazing memory, and is playing soccer this summer. He's referred to as our little Drama King. Sometimes, we think he'll have a career as a thespian, or a professional soccer player. If you ask him who the boss of the house is, he'll say it's him. And he's right.

Then comes Ceilidh, the Princess. She's turning 3 in a matter of weeks, loves all things girly, and insists on wearing a dress everyday. She loves to be cuddled except when she is watching her movies on tv, is very nurturing to her baby sister and will dance for chips. She just finished her first year of dance lessons and charmed her family with her performance at her very first dance recital. She can be very easy going, compared to her older brother except when it comes to taking medicine, or eating vegetables.

Aisling is the baby. She arrived 5 weeks early, but has reached all of the major milestones weeks/months earlier than her older siblings. First two teeth at 4 months, walking at 11 months, climbing everywhere, and now chasing her older siblings. She's 13.5 months now, with a toothy grin and she loves to clap her hands when she hears "If you're happy and you know it..." She is Daddy's angel, and our water baby. Even though she was blue and shivering, you couldn't coax her away from the lake at her grandparents' cottage.

My husband, Wayne, who is excellent in the role of daddy. He loves anything sports related, is passionate about ultimate frisbee, a legend in his own mind about his athletic prowess, and is a sucker for chick flicks. His motto about our rug-rats is "three's a thrill".

There's me - the zoo keeper. I love to read when I get the chance, which is rare nowadays. Also enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes, but am currently limited to mac and cheese and disguising veggies with the audience at home. I play ultimate frisbee with my husband as that counts as quality time in our books that doubles as exercise, plus it gets the kids out in the fresh air too.

Novelyn is our super-nanny. She's been with our family for two years, and the kids adore her. Everyday is a new adventure with her, as there's a always a "field trip" to the park or library or splash pad.

Other visiting members at the zoo:

Auntie Grace - my youngest sister is a teacher and much loved by her nieces and nephew. She was also present for the birth of Devlin and Ceilidh (I'm sure that scared her off of having kids). She is Devlin's soccer idol.

Uncle Billy - my younger brother who is still studying at university and adored by the 3 hooligans. Uncle Billy plays with Devlin, sings with Ceilidh, rocks Aisling to sleep and has been declared by Devlin as his "best friend".

Auntie Shunaha - my younger sister who recently married Uncle Nowell. While she's busy with her demanding career as a medical resident, she always finds times to do crafts with the kids, and take them for walks on the beach. Devlin remembers Auntie Shunaha being there for Aisling's early arrival, and Ceilidh loved Auntie's pretty wedding dress.

Then there's the grandparents. If Grandma (Halmuhnee) doesn't have a cooler full of goodies when she arrives for a visit, there's lots of disappointment. Grandpa (Habudgee) is a great cheerleader and avid audience for whatever antics the kids perform.