Children's Museum

Today was the first day I kept Melanie home from daycare to spend a weekday with Joey & me (and no Daddy).  I decided to test myself by heading to the Childrens Museum (the weather didn't warrant a trip to the zoo).  I realize my limits, though, so I tagged along with my cousin Suzi, Wyatt, and their neighbors Shelley & Morgan.  I think my first big outing (driving the kids, navigating the double stroller, trips with both to the family restrooms to change diapers, etc) - went pretty well!  Thank goodness I had extra hands, but I feel like I passed my self-imposed test pretty well!

We saw several exhibits that we hadn't been to before - like the Bob the Builder, dinosaurs, trains, Dale Chihuly's glass, etc.  Mel loved them all - and enjoyed another trip to the Playscape.  She was asleep before we were out of the parking garage!  She did an incredible job of staying with me, not running off, and listening. 

Happy Birthday Aya!

Of the four girls that are in Mel's neighborhood playgroup, we've celebrated everyone's second birthday in the last two months (starting with Melanie's).  Last night was the conclusion of this group of celebrations - for Aya's birthday!  The girls have been so fun to watch grow into their friendships; instead of "parallel play," they're really interacting and having a good time.  They're fighting a little, too - but they resolve it well.  Melanie last night tried to make Ellie feel better about something she was upset about by giving her a Minnie Mouse; they really did great together.  Little did I know, when I showed up, that the girls were doubling the party as a baby shower for me!  They had planned to do something before Joey's arrival, but then he got here earlier than expected!  How sweet!

I'm a Great Catch

Well-rested after sleeping in until 9:45am!

More introductions!

People to add to Joey's list of visitors include Rick & Lori from Lauth, Suzi & Wyatt, and Scott & Lori Hufford.  Mel was in rare form with Scotty & Lori over last night.  She was VERY social, and had Lori read her every book in the living room.  I'm sure Lori was thankful that I had just, hours before, cleared out more than a dozen books from the living room! 

Mel & I made cookies last night before Scotty & Lori came over.  She was upstairs playing by herself while Jeff checked email.  To get her attention to start the process, I yelled upstairs for her, and she answered "Yes?" - I wasn't sure if she was responding to me, or maybe Jeff (or one of her babies), so I called her name again, and she said "Yes?" - much more polite than her Mommy yelling across the house!  I thought that was funny.  Yesterday was her first day in the "2s" room at daycare; it sounds like it went well, and I'm thankful that they provide a better daily report of her activities.  Luckily her friends Jakey & Ellie moved with her, so I'm sure that makes the transition smoother.  Plus, she's back with her friend Courtney, who moved several months ago (due to her age).

Joey had a rough night of sleeping last night.  Or, should I say, Jeff & I had a rough night of sleeping last night!  He was up from about 2:30 until about 5am; just fussy and couldn't settle down.  Luckily he & I could go back to sleep after Jeff & Mel left for work/school; we slept until about 9:45am.  Daddy wasn't so lucky!

I called the doctor yesterday to make sure Joey isn't eating too much - he's up to about 24 ounces a day.  I wanted to see if we could add cereal to his bottle to get him feeling fuller.  While he's at the high end for formula intake, they didn't see any cause for concern, encouraged me to wake him up every three hours during the day for feedings, and to give him gas drops before every feeding.  Calling the doctor because my child is eating TOO much is definitely a deviation from the calls to the doc I was making when Mel was this age!!  Everything is going great!

Lovin' on Joey

Melanie often takes solace in her baby brother's company.  I came in the room the other day to find her lying on his pillow (top picture), just hanging out taking a rest.  The second picture looks a little weird now that it's posted - his mouth is open!!  However, it's an illustration of her favorite activity - loving on Baby Joey.

My future's so bright....

Melanie

Melanie giving Daddy a pedicure

I gave Mel a snack the other day after school, and came out to find that she had rearranged the porch furniture to best optimize eating her snack.  She LOVES to hang out on the porch - front or back.