Backyard Explorer

Charlie loves to walk around the backyard, checking everything out. He stands at the back door and says "Go" when he wants to go outside. He is our little explorer. I get nervous because our yard is full of poison ivy and is known to have a few copperheads (although it has been a few years since we have seen one). I know I have to learn to let go and not be so overprotective. He's a boy and I'm going to have to get used to the cuts and bruises. Here are some cute photos of our little explorer.

Eliza the Diva

Before Eliza was born, I purchased this beautiful ivory tutu and hat. Of course, they are too big for her but I couldn't wait to play dress up with her. She really was a good sport even though the hat kept falling over her eyes. Here are some cute pics. She looks like a little opera singer in the one shot. We loved these so much that they became her birth announcement photos.

Charlie and Eliza's First Boating Experience

Finally!! On October 9, 2010, we were ABLE to take the kids on their first boat trip. Our boat mechanic was waiting for a part all summer long and we weren't able to use the boat at all until now.

We suited the kids up in their life jackets. Eliza's had a built in pillow to support her neck so she was pretty comfortable as long as I held her. Charlie wasn't sure what to make of it. The highlights for Charlie were steering the boat, "talking" on the seaphone (CB) and eating a candy bar. John said "I don't think he knows that this is fun yet". I was amused by that statement. As if something that weren't intrinsically fun to one could become fun by understanding that it is supposed to be fun. :)

Anyway, I think they will enjoy it when they are a bit older. For now, I think we'll have to have my mom or aunt Erin babysit when we want to enjoy the boat.

Our First Month

We have almost wrapped up our first month as a family of four. Charlie is adjusting quite well. He had his Mimi and Grandpa here for a little over a week. They showered him with tons of attention and that really went a long way toward making him feel better about making room for his little sister. After that week, Daddy had to go to West Palm on business so Gramma came to help me with the kids. She was a very big help and Charlie loved having her here.

Charlie responds to Eliza's every wimper and coo. He goes running to her and touches her head or tries to give her a paci (before he steals it for himself). However, he still has an image to uphold so he doesn't like it when we notice his sweetness. He acts very indifferent to her when he knows we are watching (what an actor).

Eliza is growing like a weed. She is about 2 pounds bigger than she was when we brought her home (she was 5 lbs and 15 oz on her arrival at the house). She has terrible reflux and we feel so bad that she is uncomfortable a lot of the time. I'm taking her back to the pediatrician today to see if we can get her fixed up. Say some prayers that we can get it figured out so she can feel good.

Here are some pics from the last week.