Mmmm! Chocolate!

Six M&M's and a 22 month old.

Princeses: The Musical

With Caroline as her big sister, Camille better get used to doing lots of this! Camille, Charlotte, and I were Caroline's audience for an impromptu musical on Sunday afternoon. The music of the Disney Princesses was the score and there were several costume changes, lots of dramatic interpretation, and a little audience interruption in the form of crying (from Camille) and attempts to take over the stage (from Charlotte). We were all impressed though and I managed to get a few pictures from when Caroline (as Ariel) took a little break between songs.

Life 7 weeks out

It's been seven weeks now since Camille arrived and it's hard to put into words what life looks like now for our family of five. She has slipped almost seamlessly into our daily routine, putting herself into her own routine without much coaxing from Jeff or me. Her sweet and quiet disposition are an answered prayer! I wasn't sure how a third girl would change the dynamic in our house, but so far she already exhibits a hint of the patience she will surely need growing up with two older sisters. Since my last post, she was diagnosed with reflux and with the help of a little Zantac, she's back on track with sleeping and eating really well.

Caroline is still loving kindergarten, but it leaves her very tired at the end of the day. She is treasuring her weekends and wants to stuff as much into Saturdays and Sundays as humanly possible. Jeff has been taking her out to LSU to see the band and Golden Girls march through campus on game days, and she has loved getting dressed up in her cheerleader uniform to join the festivities. Jeff built the girls a really nice easel recently and we pulled it out this weekend to let Caroline paint outside; she loved it.

Charlotte's vocabulary is expanding exponentially and each day we're amazed at what she's picked up. She is using three word sentences now (and maybe more, but I can only understand about three words strung together). While Caroline was painting on the easel, we set Charlotte up on the driveway with her own paper and paint. She quickly found it a little more fun to paint herself.

All five of us have been enjoying the fall weather that has graced Baton Rouge over the past couple of weeks. We've spent time at the park, outside in the yard, playing on the driveway, and out on walks as much as possible. Although I wish I could have prolonged the inevitable a little longer, I had to start working some this past week. Though I hate being away from Camille, between Jeff and Mom, she is in really good hands when I'm away. I think the two of them have enjoyed getting our little lamb to themselves for a while too.

Baby update

In the life of a newborn who is almost four weeks old, information that is two weeks old is officially outdated! Nevertheless, at Camille's two week appointment, our pediatrician gave her a good report. She was back up over her birth weight, weighing in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. I think her face looks like it has filled out considerably since then, so I'm sure she's still putting on weight at a good pace. By all indications, she's doing great! Camille eats well and sleeps like no baby I've had. She sleeps for at least four hours at a time at night, which for me is like a dream come true, a real answer to prayer. I wasn't quite sure how I would function with two other girls at home if she slept like they did - for two hour stints and the occasional three hour stint thrown in to surprise me every few days.

Camille definitely seems to be becoming more and more alert and aware each day. She looks around the room, trying to take in everything that she can see (and I'm not quite sure how much that is exactly, but she seems like she's looking at her surroundings). Car rides are easy, she loves to be in the stroller for walks, and she enjoys some time in the swing. She definitely prefers to be held, but hey, who wouldn't, right? So, I'm trying to make myself put her down in the swing or rocker when she's awake and happy. Overall, she really has been a joy to take care of and I'm so thankful for her good disposition and good health!

Geaux Tigers!

Caroline and Charlotte are showing their Purple and Gold pride this morning. Caroline is ready to go out to LSU to see "the LSU Go Tigers band and cheerleaders" this afternoon with Jeff and had to put on her cheerleading uniform to prepare. The two younger girls and I will stay home, away from the long walk and heat, but Charlotte is showing her spirit at home. She keeps rasing her hands in the air saying, "Tigahs!"

And this is how Camille is celebrating the first home game of the season!

which is just fine with me.

Geaux Tigers!

Happy Birthday Drew!

Today my brother Drew turns 30. It's hard to believe. He's only two years younger than me, but for some reason I have him frozen at about 22 in my mind. It is such a blessing to have Drew in my life, and even more so, in my family! I have loved watching him be a brother, son, friend, and husband - and now it is has been a true joy to watch him be a father, even though for the most part it has been from afar. I love you Drew and I'm so happy you were born and that God chose to give you to our family!

One week

Camille turned one week old on Monday. The past week and half has flown by in a weird blur of time that includes lots of laughing and smiling, crying and soothing, late nights, naps, and then all that a week with Caroline and Charlotte would normally include. I'm happy that life is going on as close to normal as possible for the two "big girls" while Camille is getting used to life in the world. She is such a gift; I am thankful for her sweet and gentle spirit and her patience with me when there are two others girls in the house who want a little attention from me from time to time. We'll see how she's growing when we see the pediatrician on Tuesday and I'll be sure to give an update then! All seems to be going well though, she's eating and sleeping and even trying to stay awake for a little bit in between.