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.

What were we thinking?

Or what were we not thinking is a better way to put it. Jacob and I decided it was a good idea to get back in the saddle and head to church just three weeks after sweet Frances is born. We are pros at this newborn thing, right? And life goes on after baby especially when there is a big brother running around stir crazy in the house. We've gotten Charles and the baby out - been walking, out to dinner, the grocery store. But we didn't think things through when we went to our new church this past Sunday. Frances was protected against the germs of the world in my little sprout pouch, but Charles in the nursery was not. We were there all of 30 minutes - we didn't want to push it so we skipped out after the sermon. Three days later, Charles has a lovely runny nose. Yes, I tried to protect Frances against the big brother who loves on her and kisses her constantly, but easier said than done. So the next day Frances and I both come down with the same cold and Jacob follows a day after that. Thankfully, Frances is doing much better today so she's nursing much better. And we are doing better this weekend. Guess we've learned our lesson - settle back into the real world slowly and with caution.

Saturday Outing

Three generations of the male Townsends

Yummy lemonade

Trying on Aunt Miriam's shades

We went on our first family outing with Miss Frances and Charles this past Saturday to the Charleston Farmers Market. It is supposedly the fifth best farmers markets in the nation. We didn't stay long, but got to view what they have to offer so we can go back soon. Frances stayed asleep in her "sprout pouch" the entire time and Charles enjoyed people and dog watching. It was also fun to watch Charles share the backseat with his new baby sister. He would just stare at her and say "baby, baby."

Savor every moment

Currently I am holding sweet, sleeping Frances in my arms until the next feeding. I remember waiting for each new phase to begin with Charles - when will he crawl, when will he walk? But looking back at how fast he grows, I want to savor every moment with Frances - I just love this newborn phase. Holding her and guessing what her personality will be like. So far, she is still in that sleepy phase. She has been a great sleeper at night thus far and also a great nurser - she loves her milk! And I don't have time to get tired with Mr. Charles around so any quiet time with her is great.

Charles is still doing great with the "baby." Last week he was at his grandparents' house in Augusta. I missed him so much - it was too quiet around here, but he had a blast on his mini-vacation. He continues to kiss and love on her. He has learned to keep himself content while I nurse and has really started talking up a storm. So for the moment, we are just enjoying every day.

Doughnut Day

Jacob has started taking Charles to Krispy Kreme on Saturday mornings for a little Father-Son bonding time. He is definitely a fan of the doughnuts and of his Daddy!

Close-Ups

Here are a few close-up shots of Frances' first few days. The first one is of Charles loving on her and the second is how she spends of a majority of her day right now. It is so sweet how much Charles is fascinated with this new little baby. He wakes up saying, "Baby!" He gives her multiple kisses throughout the day and he loves to give her a pacifier. I am so proud/amazed with him and seeing him in his big brother role. Let's hope this lasts a while!