Child Abuse

I'd like to report several instances of child abuse at our house. First, Caroline has been obsessed with party hats since I started telling her that her birthday coming up. I bought some a few weeks ago in preparation for the b-day party and we had to tear into the pack immediately to get one out for her. She asks for it every morning when she wakes up and will wear it around the house sporadically throughout the day. Poor Rutland has also become victim to Caroline's obsession and she keeps trying to make him wear them with her. You can tell from the pictures, he is not a fan of them.

The second instance of child abuse is similar, although the hat is different and the abuser is an adult and should know better. Christopher's dad, Papa, bought Rutland his first (and only) camo hat as soon as he found out we were having a boy. So, Christopher dug it out from his closet (I will learn to hide things better next time) and has begun to put it on him. At first it was cute to take a picture in, but now Christopher uses it as a "mosquito repellent" and insists on putting it on him whenever we are outside. I'm in the market for more subtle, less "red" hat. Just because he looks like you Papa, doesn't mean he has to dress like you! (Of course, I'm just kidding.)

Potty, Potty, All the Time!

Caroline is now obsessed with all things potty. Ever since she started potty training a few months ago, I feel like our world revolves around it now. It's been about 2 1/2 months since we said bye bye to diapers and it's been a sometimes bumpy road. She still has accidents when she doesn't want to stop playing or stop watching a movie/tv to go to the potty, but for the most part, she can go on command and if you keep reminding her throughout the day, she'll let you know when it's time. She has a major love/hate relationship with #2 on the potty. I won't go there for obvious reasons. Anyway, she constantly tells me all about her baby dolls potty habits and she can even tell when they have to poo poo. The other day she said to me while I was feeding Rutland and paying minimal attention to what she was doing, "Mommy, baby Jesus has to poo poo!" Needless to say, that caught my attention since it's not every day you think about Jesus' bodily functions. I looked down and she had this little stuffed manger scene the magic elf gave her for Christmas last year, and had little baby Jesus out inspecting him. She had found some dirt on him and logically come to the conclusion that it was poo. So, being the sweet little girl that she is, she changed his diaper and got him all clean! It was too cute for words. A few days later, I went to her bathroom to get some tissue for Rutland's nose and low and behold, there was a baby doll laid out across the potty. I called her in there and asked her what happened, and of course she informed me that the baby had to tee tee. Duh, mommy. She even pulled the dolly's pants down. I'm holding out as long as possible for the baby doll that does actually go potty. That is just disturbing, although I'm pretty sure I had one as a little girl. Oh my...

New Tricks!

Rutland is sitting up! I know I've already blogged about baby #2 growing up too fast, but it's official now - he's sitting up, down to 2 naps a day, eating baby food by the cup full, sucking his toes, and even starting to crawl. He will be 6 months on Aug. 19th. I remember that being my favorite "baby stage" with Caroline because they could play with so many more toys and entertain themselves for a while. That part is great and thank goodness I don't have to carry that enormous car seat everywhere we go now. Rutland is officially a hip baby, which I love. The only milestone I can't report on yet is a first tooth (although with the amount of drool and Tylenol I've given him it can't be long) or growth of hair. He does have some peach fuzz, but if you look at him, you definitely see a bald baby. Apparently that gene comes from the mother's side of the family. He may be waiting a long time if that's the case. My mom swears I was bald until I was 2. Anyway, here are some recent pictures of my little man and all his tricks!

More bathtime antics!

Our kids definitely love bath time. Even if our day has been a disaster and everyone is hanging by a thread, bath time typically goes well and helps the transition to bedtime go smoothly. So, to kill two birds with one stone, we usually bathe both kids at the same time. Yes, we've had to deal with some anatomy questions here and there, but now that everyone is straight on what's what (tee tee and toot toot are our defining terms), it's not an issue. Caroline has a bath time princess set, complete with crown, magic wand, and of course a mirror to see yourself in. I guess she has grown bored with her toys, so she finds new joy by watching her brother play with them a.k.a. aggravating the stew out of him until he grabs it and starts to chew on it. The other night Caroline thought it would be great to put the princess crown on her brother. Rutland thought it was a great idea and giggled hysterically when he saw himself in the princess mirror. I immediately had visions of Caroline and her friends forcing Rutland to dress up in ballerina costumes, make-up, and high heels. The sad part is that I know he will love it - up until a point and then the gloves will come off and he will put his sister in her place. She will deserve it, I'm sure. Here are some pictures from the royal bath! EVERYONE had to wear the princess crown - even Mommy!

1st, the initial shock and surprise of seeing himself in the crown.

Then, he's so amused by it, he starts to laugh and squeal.

He's starting to really enjoy wearing the crown and putting on a show. Daddy takes it off of him.

Brother is having so much fun, Caroline has to try it back on.Even Mommy must get a turn. Caroline didn't want me to feel left out. Thanks sweetie. I love it - see the enthusiasm in my face.

Bubbles!

Ever since one traumatic night in my parents jacuzzi tub in Montgomery, Caroline has been scared of our new "big girl" tub. My mom had asked Caroline if she wanted to get in GiGi's big bathtub and she was really excited about it. So, we fill it up a little less than half way and she gets in with all of her toys and is having a ball. Well, GiGi decides she needs to amp up the fun a little bit by turning on the jets. However, she failed to make sure the water was above the jets before turning it on. Caroline walked on water that day to get out of the tub. Not to mention water went EVERYWHERE shooting out of the jets all over the bathroom. I have to admit, even I was a little panicked when it happened. So...she is happy to get in Mommy's new tub, but will not let you turn the jets on. Leave it to Daddy to work his magic. The other night she braved up to try the "big girl" tub again (it's been a while and I guess her memory is fading). I don't know what transpired in the bathroom, but Christopher called me in there, and sure enough, there was Caroline playing in the bubbles and begging her Daddy to turn on the jets. She loves it now and cried when we took her out.

She even felt it was safe enough for her baby doll to get in!

Growing Pains

It is amazing how quickly you forget everything that goes along with having a baby in the house again. And it's not like we didn't just have a 5 month old, oh just 18 short months ago. We should still be in practice...but we're not! Rutland is growing up so much faster than Caroline did, and it's killing me. He has the sweetest disposition and just smiles at everyone who looks at him. I don't know if hormones play a part (i.e. being a female), but Caroline was a little less generous in the "cheer" department. She was a happy baby of course, but it seemed like we had to turn a few more tricks to keep her that way. Anyway, Rutland has started eating baby food, sitting in a high chair, starting to sit up by himself, and even getting up on all 4's to "creep", and he's only been 5 months old for 1 day! I went to get him up from his nap the other day and he was all but sitting up in his crib, propped up on one hand. I thought baby #2 was supposed to be "delayed" because you don't spend as much time with them as you did with baby #1. And I'm starting to feel panic set in at what is going to happen when baby #2 gets mobile. The blog may suffer considerable set backs when that happens. Those of you with boys, I never believed you about how much more active they are than girls. Now I do...changing a boys diaper on a changing table is a total joke! Someone should have told me that it was a huge waste of money buying another changing pad, because it's much safer to change Rutland's diaper on the floor. I have never seen a baby's body contort into so many different and painful looking positions. I'm already gun shy that I might get tee teed on, now I also have to worry about whether or not the child is going to fall off the table - nightmare! Baby #2 is supposed to be exactly like baby #1, right?? It's not fair that they throw you curve balls. We are in a great place right now and actually feel somewhat normal again. Our friends Robb and Libby's second child, Miller, just celebrated his first birthday this weekend. It was a major milestone for them, and they really upped the ante for birthdays by getting a blow-up jumper. Caroline was so shocked and excited by the jumper, that she immediately got in it, jumped, and tee teed in the jumper. One of the other kids said, "Mommy, there are bubbles in the jumper!" Christopher went in to investigate and yes, it was our precious child who went in the jumper. She immediately called for Aunt Libby, because she knew Libby would not get on to her. After we sanitized the jumper, everyone had a great time, and no more accidents. Here are some pictures from the weekend...

Rutland's first time in the swing. He loves it, but is not as big a daredevil as his sister yet.

He loves to stand up in the chair in our living room and look out the window.

Could these two children look any different??

Rutland and Caroline love to ride in the stroller. It is my favorite "baby" purchase we have made!

Caroline loves to peek-a-boo at me through the slats on our front porch.

She is so big cutting the grass like her daddy...notice she is choosing to cut the concrete instead of the grass near the "real" lawnmower.

Here are Caroline, Harris, and his cousin Lizzie taking a quick rest from bouncing.

This was a great birthday idea and actually entertained the kids from Friday night through Sunday night. It might be worth renting on a weekly basis!

Here is our sweet pug Bella. She puts up with so much, I actually took the time to take her picture this weekend and thought she deserved a photo on the blog. She was my first baby! She is 4 years old now.

Happy 4th!

We decided to go to Montgomery for the 4th this year and celebrate with our families. Now that we come with some additional "baggage" (Caroline, Rutland, and Bella), traveling long distances is no picnic. We thought a nice, relaxing weekend by the pool would be great. I should have known that a weekend at my parents house (a.k.a. the family who has to "close it down") would mean lots and lots of fun, but little rest! Ever since I can remember, no matter what the holiday or vacation, my family will find a way to stay out as late as possible until every store, theme park, or mall closes. They are always up for "one more stop". My dad managed to find a "putt putt" in Prattville to go to Friday night. By the time we finished eating dinner at Mellow Mushroom it was 8:30pm and past Rutland's bedtime. Just when we thought he was going to call it a night in the carseat, we showed up at Emeral Mtn. putt putt/go carts park, and his eyes have never been so big. We were a little disappointed in the facilities though. The large, overgrown brush, wet, slippery paths, and dark course made it a little difficult to actually play putt putt. (And I'm sure that is the excuse my dad has for "letting" Christopher and my sister beat him.) But, we had a great time together and decided to call it a night at 9:30. Rutland did finally fall asleep on the way back to Montgomery, but was up bright and early the next morning at 7. Christopher and my dad went fishing, and I swam with Caroline all day until her nap. That night we had pity on Rutland and let him stay home with my Me-maw, and we all headed to the Biscuits game. Caroline is obsessed with their mascot, Big Mo. She had to give him five about 20 times and we got her picture with him. After the game, we watched the fireworks, which she loved and made it home around 11. We were all so tired on Sunday, but had such a great time. My mom and dad's theory is that we need to "break them in early" and get the kids used to "closing it down", so when it's time to go to Disney, they will be ready. Yes, they are already counting down the days until we let them take Caroline to Disneyworld. (I'm also counting the days!) Anyway, here are some pictures from the weekend. Please note how many times you see Christopher asleep (many!) and how many times I'm asleep (ZERO)!

This is the first year Caroline has been able to use her floaties.

She has it down pat now and even jumps off the diving board - FEARLESS!

Enjoying a popsicle in the pool! Please note who is waiting in the wings to get a lick!Swimming with Daddy.

Rutland enjoyed some time in the shade with Me-maw.He has Aunt Ashley wrapped around his finger.Do you see any similarities here??

Pops slaved over the grill all morning - three little savages were waiting for a scrap to fall!

Nap #1...

Nap #2!! Christopher clearly is not used to "closing it down".

We got to see Ella & Gray over at Christopher's parents house on Sunday. We love our cousins!