First road trip with both kids

The kids and I went to Grandma Julia and Grandpa Charles' for a few days. I wasn't sure how we would do on the journey down - it's about a 4-hour trip. So I planned when we would leave around Julia's feeding schedule and how I thought traffic would be (we left on Memorial Day). Claxton did very well and was completely occupied with looking out the window and reading books as long as I kept playing the Veggie Tales cd. I tried sneaking a few other things in from time to time that I would enjoy, but before I could change to another cd, he was already yelling from the back "more Veggie Tales, more, more, more Veggie Tales please". I gave in to maintain the peace and more importantly to not wake Julia. I had hoped that Claxton would sleep some on the journey as well, but no, not even for one second. We did have to stop once for me to feed Julia. I had hoped she would make it the whole trip, but I also knew I was pushing it to expect that as well. We made it in 5 hours. No complaints here.

Two of Claxton's favorite people

Not only are they his cousins, but they also happen to be his babysitters when we go out for a few hours sometimes. He loves them. Every time they come over, we hear their names repeated over and over and over for the next few days.
Sallie (on the right and that's Betsy on the left) wanted to come over and visit before she left for Peru. I thought she wanted to come see Brian and me, but if the truth were known she really just wanted to see the kids! If Sallie is around, you might as well forget having a turn at holding Julia. But no complaining here, we could not ask for better babysitters and are thankful we live close enough to them so that they can help out sometimes. Go here if you want to know more about what Sallie's doing this summer.

She's got the 'Claxton tongue'

Some of you reading this will know exactly what I'm referring to in this photo. I really haven't noticed it that much, but Brian keeps saying he can't believe how she's got that Claxton tongue thing going on. For those who know what we mean by the Claxton tongue you will get a good little chuckle.

Big smiles...

...from a happy little girl.

Bumbo Baby Sitter

We borrowed a Bumbo Baby Sitter from some friends of ours. It's great for allowing Julia to sit up on the play mat and gives her a whole new perspective when playing on it. Now, Claxton can sit down on the play mat with her and they are almost at the same level. He's been teaching her about the different animals.

Things always go better when you have your fireman's hat on.

Brian keeps asking me why Claxton's pjs are half way unzipped in this picture. I simply have no answer.

Big boy haircut

It's amazing what a hair cut will do...He's not my little baby anymore, I did everything I could not to shed a tear.

Shoe fetish

It's probably his age and stage, but if I didn't know better I would think he has a shoe fetish. Almost since he's been walking if he ever sees a shoe on the floor he must try it out. Or he will try other objects to see how well they work as shoes too or maybe he's just preparing for a career in downhill skiing.

Last day of swim class

Claxton has been taking swim lessons since January. There has been much improvement since Dad took over! Here he's taking the plunge off Harry the Hippo.







The key to success is that Daddy gets wet too!

Being a big brother

I always wondered how he would do with a sibling coming into the picture. You always here horror stories of kids who suddenly have a sibling and can't cope as not the only child anymore. But any concerns are gone (at least for now) because Julia is Claxton's "Sweet Girl".

Julia and the three bears

When she's not napping or being held by Mommy or Daddy, this is her favorite thing to do...swing and stare at the three bears.

Overheard while shopping today

We were in Target picking up a few household essentials today. Of course, you can't just go in Target and get the items you went in for and leave. Why that would be un-American. I was one aisle over from Brian and Claxton and this is what I heard:

Brian: "Wow, Claxton, the toys today are really cool. You and Daddy are going to have a lot of fun playing together with these toys."

Claxton (with a slightly raised voice): "Ooookay...(pause). Okie Dokie, DADDY!!"

I am scared.

BIG S--T--R--E--T--C--H

My Little Angels on Mother's Day

It was a low key, very relaxing day for Mommy inclusive of a 2-hour nap for me. At every opportunity Claxton was telling me "Happy Mother's Day, Mommy" over and over again from the time his little feet hit the floor early Sunday morning until we put him to bed at the end of the day. I stopped counting after about 25 times.

"Three Blind Mice"

How could it be that this would be the first nursery rhyme that my son LOVES? All those who know me well know that mice (and snakes too) are NOT my friends. He insists we read it almost every day and at nap time it is one of the songs on one of the CD's we play for him. Over the past week or so at any given moment and at any given place, he will burst into singing "Three Blind Mice". Just this morning as we were walking past the murals on the way to his class at church, he was naming all of the animals he saw and he spotted a couple of mice playing next to an elephant. As soon as he saw them, the singing began instantly. This is all very cute now. But rest assured I truly hope the likes of this old nursery rhyme is not a prelude to the affections of the real thing in years to come...this would include gerbils or any close resemblance there of...

Eleven and counting...

Our sweet little girl has slept all night for 11 straight nights. Sleep is awesome. Needless to say, we are very pleased that our little angel is sleeping very well at seven weeks old. Life is good!

All Smiles

Claxton has taken to being a big brother very well. He has decided he wants to teach Julia how to smile. Here he is at one of his lessons:




Results after a few practices: