Bum Genius and Strollers

After getting confirmation at the doctor's that Jack was over 10 lbs, which was the mental weight limit I'd set for myself, we decided to try out the cloth diapers on him this weekend. It has gone really well so far, knock on wood, but no leaks or blowouts to speak of. I knew they'd be bulky on him but was worried they'd be so big that his 3 month clothes wouldn't fit anymore. That definitely does not seem to be the case. I'm v. excited to not have to shell out anymore $ on Pampers.

Also we finally got our double stroller this weekend. We took it out for a spin on today, and it worked really well. I was worried about Jack being comfortable, but as you can see, he seemed to like things just fine.

One Month for Jackie Boy!

I can't believe that Jackie Boy has been with us for a whole month. Though parts of it have seemed really long (i.e. Clara's temper tantrums), mostly it has really flown by. At the pediatrician's today he was 10 lbs, 12 oz and 22 in long! That's two pounds in a little over 2 weeks. Dr. Pickens seemed to think that everything looked great. I think he may be losing his hair on top. The very cute outfit was a gift from Pat Z!

Here are shots of Clara and Jack both on the day before they turned one month old. Can you tell who's who?

A Busy Week

We've had a busy week around here with lots of visitors. Sunday afternoon Nay-nay and Pop-pop drove down to spend Memorial day with the grandkids and to give us some invaluable help in the yard. Neither grandparent was exciting enough for Jack to wake-up, but Clara had enough enthusiasm for the both of them.







As I mentioned above Pop-pop came with his planting clothes and really helped make our yard look great. Clara was really "helpful" planting the impatiens. Pop-pop observed how dexterous Clara was as she pulled the individual plants out of the plastic containers and handed them to him to place in the ground... until he realized she was going behind him pulling up plants that he had just planted. Here is Clara watering the newly planted flowers.





Then on Tuesday we had some other special visitors, Su-sue came down and brought Clara's great-grandmother Gigi! We had a nice visit going to the Rose Garden and even out to dinner downtown at "The Pit". Here is a shot of Gigi with her two great-grandchildren.



We also survived our first ear infection. Thank goodness for antibiotics!

Grilling Out

Tonight we took advantage of the excellent weather and lack of bugs by grilling steaks and eating outside on the deck. When I say "steaks" I should specify that these were Brec's dream cuts. He special ordered NY Strips at Whole Foods to be about 2" thick. He was like a little boy on Christmas morning while they were grilling. My only regret is not taking a picture. As it is we have a few pics of the kids enjoying the experience. Clara really had a blast sitting at her picnic table and kept saying that steak was her favorite. Jack enjoyed an early evening nap while we ate dinner, continuing to live up to his namesake "Laid-back Jack"!

Passed out from too much meat!


While Jack was in his bouncy seat, Clara didn't want him to have all the fun...

Three Weeks for Jackie Boy

As I was up nursing last night at 1:40 am I couldn't help but think that a mere three weeks before I was still lying in stirrups getting stitched up with a minutes old baby on my chest. Crazy how time flies! Jack continues to do much of the same... eat, sleep, & poop, but he has mixed in a bit of awake time as well. Clara continues to adjust but seems to be doing better. She now refers to herself as "My big sister" and tells anyone who asks that her little brother is named Jackie Boy.

Awake and alert in the bouncy seat


Clara holding her Jackie Boy


Posing before stepping out into the rain


Snuggling on Mommy & Daddy's bed


Showing off her sweet, new shades from Ann!


Sleeping away

Gramby & Su-sue Come to Town

This weekend we had a visit from the Carsons better known to Clara as Gramby & Su-sue. They enjoyed spending some time getting to know Jack and bestowing some much-needed attention on Clara.





Our ill-fated attempt to get a family picture. :)


Clara joined Jack for a little tummy time

Jack's First Bath

With Jack's umbilical cord finally having fallen off and his circumcision looking good, Tuesday we gave him his first bath. Clara was very excited to see Jack in the baby tub. I was pleasantly surprised that he really seemed to enjoy it. I was expecting the opposite since Clara screamed through her first experience. I should have known that he'd be different.

Chillin' in the tub. Note the peeing again!

Almost 2 week checkup

Today Jack and I traveled to the pediatrician's for a wellness visit. Dr. Pickens said that Jack looks great and seems to be thriving. He now weighs 8 lbs, 12 oz and was 21 1/4 in long; that's a pound heavier than a week and a half ago and about a half an inch longer than when he was born.

I also know why everyone thought Clara was such a huge baby. At her 2 week check up she was already over 10 lbs! What a beefcake. :)

Jack sucking his thumb.

Surviving the squall

After Clara awoke from her nap on Saturday, we opted for a family outing to the park. We had a nice time letting Clara play, and Jack seemed to be content taking a nap in the Ergo. Around 6:15 pm we realized how late it was and began the 3/4 mile walk back home. Not until we got out onto the road home did we notice how dark the sky had gotten. We made it about 2/3 of the way home before the wind began to howl and the sky opened up. I took cover under someone's carport and Brec ran home with Sydney to get the car. Upon arriving home he was greeted by two surprises: no electricity and our umbrella from the back deck in the front yard. He picked us up and we made it home unscathed. Luckily our power was restored in about an hour. It wasn't until Sunday that we noticed the backyard. Several huge tree branches from a tree behind our property fell into our yard. Somehow in each case the branch managed to miss our external fence. V. lucky indeed!

Facing the back of the lot, branch that fell clean into the yard


Facing the back of our yard, this limb is held up by some of the wisteria vine!


Back corner facing Wade Ave; the limb seems to resting on trees on the opposite side of our wooden fence

Weekend fun

This Saturday we ventured out to lunch for the first time as a family of four at Rubs BBQ aka Smokey's Smokehouse, one of our favorite spots. We met Clara's good friend Kierstin along with Alison and Craig there for some tasty eats. It was a beautiful spring day and the kids had a blast running around the picnic area in the back of the restaurant. Clara had so much fun playing with the ball that she barely ate her favorite dish, mac n' cheese.

Time for a quick hug.


Running!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's day to all the mom's out there.

Hanging in there!

We've survived two days on our own as a family after Nay-nay flew the coop on Wednesday. I'm feeling very lucky because Brec's company offers two weeks paid paternity leave that must be taken in the first two months; so Brec will home all next week with me. Here are several pictures from the last several days. Jack continues to eat, sleep, and poop.

Wednesday

Getting one last snuggle before Nay-nay departs


Thursday

Napping in his crib


Friday

Early morning photo-op


Relaxing post-bath


All stretched out

One Week Old Already!

Wow, time flies. Jack is already one week old. We've been at home almost that long and are slowly getting back into a routine. Tomorrow we're losing Nay-nay :( and I'm not sure how we'll survive! She's been a blessing to have around for our ever-so-slightly rambunctious two year old and of course for snuggling with Jackie Boy.

Here are some pictures from the last several days.

Saturday

Clara was so proud to hold her baby brother Jack.


Jack seems to like the bouncy seat


Awake and alert


Being silly


Sunday

Clara and Mommy snuggling


Jack and Clara at 5 days old




Monday


Back asleep


Tuesday

Getting warm after his spit bath


Jack was actually awake for a good while this afternoon. Here are several shots of him chillin'.