Kiddo Updates

Raleigh is now 6 weeks old! That sure went by fast. Some of her accomplishments include sleeping for 5 hours in a row and holding her head up by herself. Yay, Raleigh!

Here are a couple more funny things that Rowan has said that I forgot to post last time.

Rowan purposely fell off his riding dump truck and asked my dad for help. My dad asked him if he should call someone and Rowan said, "Yeah. Four, five, six!"

The other night, Rowan was playing with his tool set. He stretched out the tape measure along the edge of the coffee table and proclaimed, "It's 8 o'clock!"

Rowan's 27-month Mirthday

Rowan turned 27-months-old yesterday. He still tells people that he is 3, though. Here are a few quotes and stories from the past month.

My dad was singing I'm a Little Teapot to Rowan when Rowan stopped him and said, "G-Daddy's a big ol' teapot."

Rowan was walking around my parents' yard with my aunt Carlotta. She told him that they needed head back to the house. Like the great negotiator he is, Rowan tilted his head to the side, held up four fingers and asked "Just 4 more minutes?"

Likes: construction vehicles - especially if they are doing work; showing off his baby Raleigh; playing with Legos and trucks; being outside; trains

Dislikes: The usuals: bedtime, being told "no", rinsing shampoo out of his hair

Another month of fun, laughs, and challenges has passed. They just get better and better!

Update: New photos are up for Rowan and Raleigh.

New pics

I uploaded a few new photos to Raleigh and Rowan's photos albums. Check 'em out.

We haven't really been up to too much. My aunt, Carlotta, was in town last week. As always, it was good to see her.

I am feeling a lot better - maybe 95% back to normal physically. I've been trying to get into some kind of routine in anticipation of going back to work in July. So far, the routine is that there is no routine. Ha! Actually, it's getting easier every day. You know what they say, practice makes perfect.

Raleigh is doing well. She sleeps for 3-4 hour stretches at a time and sometimes even at night. She's a great eater and she's not too fussy. She will get cranky if she needs something, but she is easily soothed.

Rowan is being a wonderful big brother. He likes to help feed Raleigh with the bottle and give her kisses on her head. He'll tell people, like my dad, not to touch her eyes or mouth. It's good to know he's listening - such a smart boy. He got his first haircut at a salon last week. Jeremy was going to take photos but had to use all of his faculties to keep Rowan occupied. Rowan didn't cry but he didn't make it easy on the stylist. Jeremy had to do a little touch-up work when they got home. Today, he finished the job with the clippers. I'll try to take a photo tomorrow. I can't believe how much he looks like a little boy and not a baby.

That's about it for now. Enjoy the new photos.

Raleigh's 1-month Birthday

I'm a day late in posting Raleigh's one-month birthday update. Poor Raleigh. Is this how it is being the second child?

So, here's the scoop for the last 4 weeks.

• Stats: I don't have any recent stats. Our next doctor visit is at two months and I'll get more info. I know she weighs a little more than 9 pounds. Also, the hospital was off in her length measurements. The pediatrician said she was only 21.25", not the 21.75" the hospital claimed.
• Skills: She's getting really strong. When you hold her to your shoulder she can raise her head. She seems to like tummy time pretty well. Another thing she likes a lot is napping, particularly during the day.
• Communication: Raleigh makes all kinds of noises, mostly grunts and coos. Sometimes she makes an especially funny noise and we have to laugh because she sounds like Karl from Sling Blade. When she cries for food, it kind of sounds like she is saying "hungee" (hungry). Smart girl.
• Miscellaneous: She loved her first bath. She didn't fret at all - just relaxed and enjoyed the warm water. I think she might have a little cold. Her nose has been stuffed up and there a little crud in her eyes. I've no idea where she could have picked up the cootie. Blast! Sleeping is going okay. She's been cluster feeding in the early morning (1:00 - 6:00 am) which is very tiring. I'm trying to get her to do her feed-sleep-feed-sleep business earlier in the day. Hopefully that will get better soon.

Overall, she's a really good baby. Minding an infant seems a lot easier this time around and I don't know for sure if it's her or if it's me. Does it matter either way? I say "nah".

Celebrity's done enough!

Jeremy was watching Sesame Street with Rowan the other morning and saw a surprisingly hilarious skit featuring Elmo and Ricky Gervais. He found the video on YouTube and shared it with me. I, too, thought it was hilarious. Poor Elmo. I've never seen him lose his cool like that. It's good to know that everyone can have an off day. If you have a minute or three, take a look -- especially if you're feeling off today.

Thank you, Elmo, Mr. Ricky, and the letter N for the laughs.