Bows

Could not resist. How cute is that bow in Miss Frances' hair?!

First Day Of School

Jacob and I went back and forth on whether or not to put Charles in "school." We found a happy medium and put him in one day a week. Great time for Charles to burn off some energy, have time without sister and gives mommy time to run errands and have time with just one babe. He loves it - I told him that we had school that morning, and he ran and got his backpack. I loved this picture with his foot propped up - too cute! The school is great - church right by our house with sweet teachers and kids.

First Smiles and Life...

Oh, the first smiles of a newborn. After five weeks of not much feedback besides crying, we were able to see Frances' first signs of happiness. She is also cooing, one of my favorite sounds - I forgot how much fun all these "firsts" are. It has made me realize that soon she will be walking and talking just like Charles. It has made me excited to think of a little girl, not just a baby - ballet, tea parties, our sweet girl time. She has grown so much over the past few weeks. At her three week checkup which was almost a month ago, she was 10 pounds and the 95th percentile! Needless to say, she is a healthy chubby little baby. She is still quite the sleeper. Staying awake an hour at a time to feed and look around and then snoozing the rest of the time with a mix of crying and smiling in between. She seems to take notice of her big brother - hard not to when he is always in her face kissing and talking about the "baby." She had her pediatric cardiologist appointment to check on her PAC's/PVC's last week. After an EKG, echo, and having to wear a monitor for 24 hours, it appears they have self-corrected.

Days for me are good. Learning how to juggle two - we have gone to the aquarium just the three of us, I was quite proud of myself. I started a mother's bible study at our church - I'm really excited to be studying Ruth and Esther this year and to make new friends. Our little family went to the beach this past weekend. A tad bit more involved with two, but Charles had a great time dancing on the sand, and Frances took in all the new sights and sounds.

Charles is talking more and more each day - everything from "goose" to "Go Dawgs!" He started a MDO program one day a week yesterday - I'll post pictures soon. They said he was an angel, which always makes a mom feel good. He favorites are still reading and playing outside. He and Jacob have this special bond which has really come out since Frances has been born. He is definitely becoming more independent. He has to do everything on his own including feeding himself and climbing in the car seat.

Jacob's job is great. Call is about every week or so, and he is still in the echo lab. He is really enjoying his coworkers/fellows and learning a ton. He keeps talking about wanting to buy a boat - we'll see how that works out! He was even able to go to the UGA game last weekend to see them beat the Gamecocks and spend time with his brother.

Well, that is our life in a nutshell...

Potty Post

He has tinkled three times in the potty - Go Charles! This picture is a look of "not another pic, mom."

Tinkle Tinkle Little Star

It seems like I'm not a true mommy blogger until I "potty post," so I wanted to put in a quick blurb about Charles' first potty experience. Last week I was taking a shower (unfortunately not alone as I have this cute little shadow), and while I was there I decided that we would take advantage of the time. So I stripped him down sans diaper and started talking about the potty, tinkling, pooping, etc. Charles got this look in his eye and this stance like "I'm about to tinkle," so I told him to sit on the potty...sure enough he tinkled! I know we are far from being officially "potty trained," but it was such an exciting moment in our day. He was so proud of himself and I was too. If anyone has any success methods, please fill me in. I'm ready to get this show on the road!

Our Days

Jacob studying for Boards and holding Baby Frances.

A day in the life of Charles (playing outside with sidewalk chalk and his Cozy Coupe).

I stole this idea from a friend. I'm taking a picture of Frances next to the lamb every month to show how much she is growing her first year. So this is her after one month in the real world. Charles of course had to be in the picture!

Charles getting ready for church with his backpack.