Some Randomness

Here are some photos that didn't seem to fit anywhere else, but I still wanted to share.

Adam's version of Play-Doh. He loves to break it up into tiny pieces. The other day Phil was playing with him and I heard him say, "Do you want to annoy Mama? Let's mix the colors together." Oh, how well he knows me. (PS, they wouldn't dare.)

Some little feet I caught poking out from Clara's blanket.

My favorite flower is the tulip, so Phil planted a bunch all around the house. When they started blooming it was a stunning sight. We got so many compliments from the neighbors and it was fun to see our house stand out as soon as we came around the corner.
The front view.

Some more on the side.

Me trying to be a photographer.

Take THAT, Elmo!

Elmo has met his match! Adam recently discovered Thomas the Tank Engine and I don't think he's mentioned his former Main Monster, Elmo, for about two weeks. I can't say that I'm terribly upset - we were ready to move on.

I went to a consignment sale on Friday and was so pleased to find a starter set with two engines and a small track for a bargain. I snatched it right up (I was actually surprised no one had grabbed it yet).

Adam has gone through a lot of change lately, so I figured he deserved a little treat, so we gave him the trains yesterday and let me tell you, I now sort of understand how parents get addicted to giving their kids gifts. I wish I would have video taped it because I've never seen Adam get so excited about a gift. As soon as he saw the trains he lit up and started laughing. He then proceeded to play with them for over an hour! That's a lot of mileage out of just two engines and a caboose!

His little voice is so cute when he says "choo choo!"

Figuring out how to couple the cars together.

That little book on the floor off to the left is a little catalog of sorts that came with the set (how convenient, huh?) Adam has been "reading" it over and over looking at all the trains and accessories.

So excited!
(Yes, I taught him how to "say cheese.")

I also found this Thomas for $5.00, so I picked that up, too. It moves by itself when you push on the conductor's head.

We didn't want Clara to feel left out, so in honor of her two month birthday we presented her with her Sophie. Our family-friend Vergie sent Clara a brand new Sophie to call her own (Vergie also gave Adam his Sophie). She didn't totally get it yet, but she did smile when I squeaked the squeaker.

I wonder if she will love her Sophie like Adam did. Adam's Sophie logged a ton of miles locally as well as in the air and on the road traveling to at least four different states that I can think of. Hopefully she will be a little more careful and her Sophie will avoid being run over by a car. Only time will tell.

Two Months Under Her Belt

Clara turned two months old on April 7! She's doing great and we are getting glimpses of the fun little girl she will become.

She smiles! She makes us work for it a lot harder than Adam did at this age, but it's so fun when it happens. Her newborn acne is almost cleared up thank goodness. We told her it would return when she's thirteen and won't be nearly as cute.

A big smile - although her eyes are closed.

She weighed 11 lbs 3 oz at the doctor on Thursday - growing very nicely. She still loves eating. I think she gets that from her daddy.

Showing off some spit bubbles.

Some of her favorite things are her pacifier, eating, baths, daddy's singing, and watching her brother laugh and sit in front of her chair.

She hasn't been sleeping great, although she's still kicking Adam's butt in that category. However, she did sleep for four hours last night, so maybe we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I probably just jinxed it, though. Shooters.
Happy two months, Baby Girl!

Meeting Some More of Her VIPs

My parents and Grace came out to visit for part of Grace's spring break. It made my heart so happy to see them - we had a lot of fun and they were also so helpful as we continue to adjust to life with two.
Clara had not met her Grandpa Rob or Aunt Grace until this visit, so that was priority number one. Clara definitely approved...

Grace is so glad to have her niece. She's a pro at being an aunt by now.

Getting reacquainted with Grandma Ann. We were so thankful for all her help while she was here.

The weather was pretty yucky while they were here so not much park time, but Adam still got some great playtime with everyone.
I love this photo - so cute.

He loved it!

Doing his letters.

I love watching Adam and Grace together. He absolutely loves her and I think they have a special bond that I hope will continue.

Seriously - he loves her.

I didn't take any photos, but we did get to go into DC on Thursday and have a tour of the Capitol and visit the Museum of Natural History. We brought Clara with us and she was so good for the whole day. Our tour guide at the Capitol was pretty lame (this history teacher was NOT impressed), but we still had a great time.

New

Adam got a new counting book from Grandpa and Grandma. Adam loves to count and can go up to 20 (most of the teens sound the same, though). His language in general has really exploded in the last couple of weeks. He says his ABCs and has learned several animal and vehicle sounds as well.

Adam and Daddy made up this new game. It's a great workout for Daddy and lots of fun for Adam. Adam continues to love basketball and knows the difference between "shooting" and "dunking." He's actually pretty good.

Here is our newest member with her daddy. This is hilarious to me. She LOVES the sound of her daddy's deep voice. In this photo, Phil is singing the song that the Wicked Witch of the West's guards sing as they march into the castle. Oh wee oh - wee OhhhhOh. Hopefully I typed that right! Clara is absolutely captivated.

Getting to Know Each Other

Adam is still mostly indifferent to his sister, honestly. However, there have been some moments of tenderness in between Adam's attempts to sit on her lap or his accidental eye gauges as he excitedly identifies her eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. He loves to lay with her on her playmat. While this inevitably leads to him laying on top of her and a swift Mama intervention, I was able to capture these sweet moments before it got too crazy. I know they will be great friends - just give them time.

Brother and Sister...

Clara has a little smile for her brother.

Adam: "I will give you a hug."
Clara: "I will eat your head."

One Month with Clara

Our newest member is already one month old! What a month it has been. Our family has grown so much since this girl joined us. Thank you, Clara, for how you have already blessed us.

We're doing pretty well - all the family has gone now, so we are adjusting to being on our own. I have been learning how to manage with the 2 to 1 ratio while Phil is at work. It hasn't been pretty some days, but we've survived and I know each week will get easier. My parents and sister are coming to visit over Grace's spring break, which will be Clara's first time meeting her Grandpa L. and Aunt Grace, so we're all pretty excited for that. Clara loves eating (as evidenced by her developing double chin!), having baths, and riding in the car.

I can be silly...

or serious.

I think there's something in my diaper.

Everything amazes me.

One thing that Phil pointed out today: Clara is the youngest possible one-month-old. Born in February - the shortest month - AND at the very last minute of the day - 11:59 PM. You may say "who gives a rip?" but, for a competitive family like ours, this is pretty excellent.