October/6 months old/ATM

Holy Cats its almost Halloween! I seriously do not know what I do all day but sometimes I am so busy I hardly remember to breathe! I really want to blog more often but between M and C, life seems to fly by! Recent updates on the minis:

Maggie is growing up way to fast. She is constantly surprising us with her language ability and has begin the exhausting "why" phase. A typical conversation at our house: What are those things in the air? Bats! Why? Because they have wings? Why? Because they have to fly around to get food? Why? Because they eat insects? Why do they eat insects? Because they are delicious! That's silly Daddy! Insects aren't delicious! They are to bats. Why? (it never ends!!). She is fully potty trained during the day and did an excellent job this morning at the Army Ten Miler (more about that later). She is trying my patience as a mother and teaching me to pick my battles now that she likes to choose her own clothes. Yesterdays outfit: clover green shirt, avocado green leggings, purple socks and black party shoes. Awesome. She is so much fun and keeps us cracking up all day long!
Charlie had a week-a serious week!! On Monday at his 6 month check up the Dr told me he is developing and growing well, but he is not gaining weight fast enough. He weighed 14.8 lbs and was 25.5 inches (heavier and longer than M was at 6 months). She advised me to push the solids and the bottle as much as possible. I wondered if she wanted to come over and try her luck, it is obviously not happening when I am around. I stressed about it for a few days and then just decided to chill out, let him lead with the solid food and continue to nurse on demand as usual. He did enjoy a french fry, some bacon, a bite of doughnut and a pretzel stick over the weekend. Maybe he just doesn't like slimy squishy baby food??? He is such a sweet little guy with smiles for everyone. He loves taking his naps and goes down so easily at night as well. We heart him!

The weekend was a great one with a visit from the Ag-nowskis (our great friends Jen and Dave from Germany). Jen and I even managed a trip downtown to meet up with her sister. Well, at least for the the hour before Rob called to tell me the kids would not go to bed and he needed back up. It was great spending time with them and we cant wait to see them again. Maybe in December...right Jen?? :)

Rob ran the Army 10 Miler today and it was awesome!! We all took Metro to the Pentagon (race start/finish) and hung around the Hooah zone while Rob ran the race. We even got to watch him finish, barely, thanks to our neighbor Michelle who spotted him while I was trying to get Charlie a toy. It was a beautiful day and we were proud of our runner. He finished with a better time than the Cherry Blossom 10 Miler in 75 minutes!! Great Job!! Just think what he could do if he actually trained :)
Enjoy some recent pictures from the pumpkin tunnel!

Bottles

So it has been a little over three months now that Charlie won't take a bottle. At first is was somewhat flattering and I couldn't be mad at him b/c he was really so young. Guess what Charlie? It's starting to get old! I thought maybe introducing solids might help him get over this hump but surprise, he could care less about real food too!! I am trying so hard to be patient and understanding and appreciate all of his GREAT facets (there are so many) but I am sooo frustrated as a Mom. Selfishly too, I am coming to terms with the fact that I might not get what I want for my birthday this year, a trip to Texas to celebrate Megan's birthday and see all of our old MSU friends! Just a little rant, I know. And just another lesson in parenting. There are only so many things you can control and patience is required way more than I ever imagined!! Updates: he has two teeth now, is rolling over and over and is working on sitting up! He is a social little guy and is much happier when people are playing with him or looking at him!

In other news, the long weekend was a welcome break for busy busy Rob and I didn't mind the help either! We watched the MSU game (amazing) with the Jamiesons and spent Sunday with Bridget downtown checking out the capital, the botanical gardens and the National Cathedral. I miss my family so much and it is always so great to be able to see them, even just for a few hours. Maggie wore her purple tutu the entire time and was quite the entertainer. Wherever we went people were taking pictures of her. And a visiting couple from China asked to have their picture taken with our family. Note to self, leave the ballet costumes at home next time!!

September

It's fall!! Well at least it is starting to feel like it! Football is on tv, the spartan t-shirts are in full rotation and the temperature has finally fallen below 90 degrees! I can't believe it is almost October!! This month saw the start of swim and dance class for Maggie, a birthday for Rob and the start of solid food and a tooth for Charlie! I have been busy with the FRG and trying to attend our Mom's group as much as possible. I am still working with Charlie to get him on a bottle but we are not seeing much success...sigh. Maggie is such a great big sister and is really starting to help me a lot more with her little brother! She can get him giggling harder than anyone...the cutest thing ever!! Enjoy the recent pictures!

5 Months!

Picture post!

Here you go (Mom)!

Holy Cats!

I have been horrible at keeping up the blog this summer...or to be honost, maybe since Charlie's arrival! I remember when Maggie was his age and I would blog at least a few times a week!! Either way, we have been busy and enjoying the last few weeks of summer. A few happenings since we returned from Michigan:

1. Charlie had his 4 month appointment and weighed in at 13lbs 6oz and 24". Bigger than Maggie was at his age but still on the lower side of average.
2. We had a visit with a wonderful friend from Missouri! Maggie and Charlie were able to meet Cathy, who was so sweet to come see us while in DC.
3. Rob and I went to see Tony Bennett at Wolf Trap with some friends. It was a wonderful evening out and even better b/c Aunt Kate and Maddy were watching the kids! THANK YOU!!!
4. Maggie is almost back to being totally dry all day in underpants-whoo hoo! She is also a certified fish-swimming under water and leaping into the pool. Today she even started fishing toys off the bottom of the pool.

Looking forward to visits from Bridget and Megan in the next few weeks but trying to focus on just enjoying the everyday moments with my children. Beth recommended a wonderful book "The Gift of an Ordinary Day" which has been a reminder to me how precious this days are and how quickly they pass by. I highly urge my Mommy friends to pick up a copy (if you have time:)

Michigan

Michigan was, as usual, WONDERFUL! I spent a total of 2+ weeks there with the kids and Rob joined us for the second week which we spent with his family on the west side of the state. Highlights from the trip include:

Lansing
1. Arriving to the hotel in Toledo during a tornado and sitting in the bathroom with 2 kids and a dog

2. Caddie's 3rd Birthday party (carnival theme-VERY fun) and surprise visit from Bridget and Dad

3. Visit to Brighton to meet Miss Lilly

4. Potter Park Zoo and a pony ride

5. Visit with LJ, a trip to the MSU dairy store and feeding the ducks

6. Riding the horse at Meijers and other shopping excursions

7. Meeting up with an adorably pregnant Sara

8. Visit with Great Grandpa Martin

9. Charlie's party and quilt



Spring Lake
1. Spending time with Aunt Erin, Aunt Emma and "Aunt" Larry (and the rest of the family)



2. Coast Guard Fest! Boat tours, carnival, fire works, Pronto Pups
3. Visiting Brony and Heather and dinner at Pasche's (YUM)

4. Great Lakes Irish Music Fest and Irish Dancers!
5. Date night!!!
6. Maggie's first night camping and s'mores


7. Lake Michigan!



8. Charlie's first swim




We drove through the night to get back to VA and Rob did a great job. It is a million degrees outside and we miss the back yard at Nana and Papa's very much!! Maggie is a swimming machine and was leaping off the diving board (in her duck) before we knew it. Charlie is smiling all the time, giggling, and trying to eat his fingers off these days. Life with 2 kids is so busy but we are having too much fun!