Happiest Baby on the Block

When I was pregnant with Amelia, a co-worker of Jason's let us borrow the Happiest Baby on the Block sample DVD.  We put off watching it until right before we had her.  It was probably one of our best parenting decisions to date.  We have used the 5 "S's" the author advocates so many times with all 3 of our children. 

Here, Charlie is demonstrating 3 of the "S's": Sucking, Swaddling, and Swinging.  Works like a charm every time.  We also use "Shushing" quite a bit and "Side Position" occasionally. 

Darah Wedding

Jason's brother, Dave, got married over the weekend.  It was such a fun wedding and we were all honored to be a part of their day.  Jason was the best man and Amelia and Henry were the flower girl and ring bearer.  I got to read at the ceremony.  It was a beautiful day all around and we had such a blast from the early morning hours until we closed down the reception that night.  We have some serious party-loving kids!

The waiting is the hardest part!

 I loved the idea they come up with to have Henry carry a basketball down the aisle since basketball has always been a big part of Dave's life.  Henry thought it was great too and I was just thrilled that he didn't drop it, throw it, or kick it while walking down!

These two pictures were the only photographic evidence that  Charlie attended the reception!  He stuck it out to the end, although he did put up a bit of a fight...

May Crowning

 

May Crowning is a special day for second graders.  Not only do they get to wear their First Communion outfits again, but they are released from school for the day immediately following all school mass (about 9 am).  This year, most of the second graders met up at a local park shortly after dismissal for an afternoon of playing and picnicking.  It was a lot of fun for Amelia, but unfortunately the only picture I have from the day is the one above sent to me by another mother.  Amelia was walking down the aisle carrying her flowers for Mary during the church service.  I think at this point, we were both pretty much over the big, uncomfortable dress and veil but it was nice to have one more special before hanging it up.

Luckily they had beautiful weather and with the help of other parents, Amelia was able to play until late afternoon despite having her two brothers in tow.  Second grade year has been so very special for a variety of reasons.  I'm a little sad to see it coming to an end!

Mother's Day 2014

Baby Liberty

Nothing to see here--just a baby trying on a Statue of Liberty crown.

Little Swinger

Swinging with my kids has been either hit (Amelia) or miss (Henry). Amelia spent more of her waking hours in a swing her first year of life than anywhere else I think.  Even in that brutal Chicago winter, we found time to swing every week.  Henry, on the other hand, cried every single time I put him in a swing his first year.  I think he was too much of a busybody to be contained in such a silly contraption. Today we were able to figure out which side Charlie is on.

I think he's a fan!  Look at those toes!

Fireman Henry!

Henry finally got the courage to slide down the pole at the park fireman style.  (Fireman Henry also dressed himself, by the way).

Twinsies!

Four Months!

Despite our very hectic schedule we've been running, little man is still very go with the flow.  At four months, he is sleeping all night on most nights and we are just toying around with the idea of starting solid foods after getting the all clear from the doctor.  He has just started moving and scooting on his belly and boy this kid is strong! 

Henry came along for the doctor appointment this month and was sure to hold Charlie's hands during his shots.  He also sang Charlie's song to him to help settle him.  That boy sure loves his brother! 

His 4 month stats:

Height: 25.5" (72nd percentile)
Weight: 14.5 lbs (34th percentile)

Stuck!

The day that I laid Charlie down, went to the bathroom, went to unload a few dishes and came back to find him under the couch was a strange day.  I figured that somehow Henry had scooted or dragged him across the floor and backed him up (?) under the couch to be funny.  He had been in and out of the room while I was doing my chores, but I never heard Charlie object which he most certainly would have.

And then, that evening.  I put him on his play mat.  Stepped out of the room for a few minutes and came back to find him all the way off of his mat and backed into the chair.  Henry (and Amelia for that matter) was already in bed.

And then, it happened again. And again.  And again.  At 4 months (a solid two months before Amelia), he is scooting around on his belly and getting places surprisingly quickly!

Thankfully he is happy about this! I, however, am not.