Bowman: 16 Weeks!

Happy 4 months little buddy! I cannot believe that time has passed...don't I say that every month??? Bowman is getting to be such a big boy, and seems to be finally developing his own personality. He's definitely more mild-mannered than his older brother, and his smiles are endless. He always seems ready to have a little conversation; I could listen to his "coos" all day! I'm holding on to these little noises as much as I can; before I know it, he'll be making words and these simple syllables will be far behind him.Play has become more a part of his every day life. He seems to particularly enjoy his play mats and splashing in his baby tub. Bowman will stare intently at whatever object he desires, and will use whatever it takes to grab a hold of it. More play time also means more awake time. Bowman is finally working himself into 2 day time naps. He usually goes down around 9:30a and then again around 1pm. Nap time has become our saving grace, as both boys sleep for about 2 hours every afternoon!

Though nap time has become more regulated, we're still working on our nights. We're struggling with at least 1 wake time in the evenings...Thankfully, Craig and I have decided to rotate evenings. So, at least every other night one of us gets a good night's sleep. I have to admit I could probably push Bowman a little more. I guess part of me knows this will be my last little guy, so I'm soaking up as much as I can...and I figure he'll sleep through the night soon enough!

We're working on sitting up, and Bowman does really well with just a little support. I'm sure total independent sitting is still a month or 2 off, but it's still fun to see. Being in his exersaucer every day has helped, but he still needs some back support.

It's fun seeing how much Bowman has changed. He's no longer the little infant I brought home from the hospital...he's betting to be such a big boy!!

Goodnight My Angel (PLEASE!!!)

Craig and I have always counted ourselves lucky when it came to Porter's sleep. He slept through the night at 14 weeks (8p - 6:30 am---YAY!) Since then, he's rarely swayed from that, moving into 12 hour nights and never complaining when it was bedtime, happily going to sleep. About a month ago, all that changed. Though he still doesn't resist the actual idea of bedtime, Craig and I struggle for about an hour each night to actually get him to stay in his bed/room. We've tried door knob covers...he mastered those in about a week, taking his bed mates...doesn't seem to quite make an impact, harsh words...sadly, he finds this amusing, laying down with him in his bed...occasionally works, and simply returning him to his bed over and over. Tonight, we've already returned Porter to his bed 3 times...and now he's crying in his bed, calling out for "Mama" and "Daddy." I'm so ready for this 2-year-old phase to pass...oh great...he's out again!

AARRGHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Weekend with Friends

This past weekend, Craig, the boys, and I joined my college girlfriends and their families for a Valentine's weekend. Beth Bailey's family have a house on the intercoastal waterway between Charleston and Georgetown; she, along with her husband Jimmy, invited all 14 of us for a long weekend. We headed down there Friday, and were greeted with sun...and a lot of cool wind! Luckily, this didn't limit all the outside fun. And, trust me, with 7 kids aged 4 and under, outside time is PIVOTAL! Andrea Easler, Sarah Barksdale, ME!, Beth Bailey & Shannon Campbell...best buds for almost 14 years!!!!!!

Porter was very excited to catch up with Ross and Joe Campbell. The boys definitely outnumber the girls in this group, and with the news that the Baileys were expecting Baby #2, we're interested to see if the ratio shifts!

Saturday morning was overcast and rainy, but we were optimistic that the weather would change. Luckily, the house at Shellmore has a wonderful screened-in back porch, and we were able to send the kids out there while we waited for the rain to end.

Being on the intercoastal waterway, we saw a lot of boat traffic...everything from speedboats to ferries to barges. At one point I glanced out the window and saw one of the sweetest images...Craig and Porter watching the boats with Jason, Ross, and Joe Campbell. Too cute!!

This weekend also provided an opportunity for Sarah and I to show of our new little men: Bowman and William. Both little ones did well; in fact, Bowman had his best night sleep yet while at Shellmore...7p - 6:45a with only 1 nightime feed! I'm keeping my fingers crossed the trend continues!!

Bowman "chats" with himself!

Saturday was, of course, Valentine's Day; looks like I have 2 of the cutest Valentine's ever!

Thankfully, the rain stopped, so we were able to take the kids out on the dock. (Porter fashioned his own rain hat in case the drizzle started again!) Beth's parents have definitely babyproofed their dock, so it was nice to have another place for them to run around.

Joe, Amanda Barksdale, and Porter

Once the rain seemed to be gone for good, Jimmy decided it was time to take everyone for a boat ride. So, we bundled up the kids, added a few lifejackets and everyone climbed on board. Well, almost everyone...Sarah, Beth, the babies, and myself stayed behind. Porter had a wonderful time, especially when Jimmy let him "drive" the boat!

That night, we made a special dinner for the kids...heart-shaped cheese pizzas! They were Sarah's idea, and turned out to the be quite a hit with the kids.

After dinner, the kids got their REAL treat...sugar cookies, icing, candy crystals, and sprinkles. We gave them all the tools to decorate (and eat!) their own valentines. Who knew we had such artists on our hands???

Joe Campbell

Ross Campbell

Porter digs in to his creation!

Bowman looks on...probably a little jealous that we weren't adding any icing to his nighttime bottle.

I think Porter wore as much icing as he actually ate!

Betsy Bailey

After cookies, we cleaned up the kids and sent them all to bed. It was our turn for food, and Beth and Jimmy cooked up an amazing beef tenderloin dinner. We ate, drank, laughed, and had one of the best times we're had in a long. No matter how big the group gets, we always have an amazing time and know we will still be the best of friends 14 years from now. Sunday morning came to early, and we all had to head in opposite directions. To quote Ross Campbell, I did not want to go home! I'm anxiously waiting for our next reunion!!

Welcome Baby Adah!

Congrats to my cousin Mike and his wife Cindy on the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Adah Joy! She arrived this morning weighing 6 lbs, 5 ozs and is 19 1/2 inches long. We can't wait to meet this little sweetheart!!

A New Toy!

This weekend we got the Exersaucer down from the attic...and it was a huge success! Bowman loves his "new" toy, and will spend a good 20-30 minutes in it. He seems fascinated by all the little extras on it, and particularly loves the spinning monkeys. It's so hard to believe he's already big enough to hang out in the 'saucer, but I'm glad he seems to really enjoy it!


Porter (of course!) had to demonstrate how to use a few of the toys :)