Due Date

Today is George's actual due date. I am very thankful he has been out for two weeks. He has mostly stayed at home eating, sleeping and away from germs. Here are the highlights of his first two weeks:

Day 1: born
Day 2: met sisters
Day 3: first car ride
Day 4: first walk to the park in pram
Day 6: first coffee run on the high street (he was asleep but I could tell he really liked it)
Day 7: christened Mommy
Day 9: first stop at MagOne to pick up the latest issue of People
Day 10: first time to shop at Gap
Day 12: first black cab ride
Day 13: cord came off AND first outing in wrap (was big day)
Day 14: first nappy blowout
Day 15: first visit to playground
Day 16: surpassed birth weight

Bundle of Joy

Even through bleary-eyed sleep deprivation Georgie is a bundle of joy. He was giving us a trouble being too "good" and sleeping too much. Which translates to not eating enough and then to losing weight. We are now on a strict pump and feed schedule. This is a two parent job and Brent is the primary bottle giver. Brent goes back to work tomorrow {tear}. But Georgie is eating more faster so hopefully I can handle it on my own tonight.

George is showing signs of being a smiley baby. The best part of the night is George's sleeping smiles and almost laughs. A lady once told my mom babies dream of chasing bunny rabbits and that is why they smile in their sleep. He must be chasing lots of bunny rabbits in his dreams.

He's Here!

George Brent McDaniel arrived on 6 July at 5:03 pm. He weighed 7lbs 2 ozs. They did not measure him at the hospital but our measurement is 20.5 inches. We are home and doing well. I turned the corner today and will start blogging away. As expected he is already spoiled {grin}.

Twas the Night Before...

37+weeks. A distance memory!

Cornwall Part II

Padstow - fishing village.

Fish and chips.

Mary Kate's Shell Shop.

Turtle.

Taking a picture taking a picture.

The drive back to London was delayed due to an accident on the motorway. We came to a complete stop for close to an hour. The odd thing was as soon as we stopped the other drivers immediately exited their cars. A few went into the woods - which I understand. But the rest were talking, stretching their neck or walking to see what happened, children were running around. We've never seen anything like it.

It's the End of the World...

as we know it...and I feel fine.

But first I have to catch up on the blog, organize the closets, freeze casseroles, tie up loose ends for work, fit in a hair appointment, hot glue trim on anything sitting still, do the mending I have ignored for months, mentally prepare myself to give birth, be nice to Brent...all the while remaining calm and enjoying the easy days of having "only" two children.

I'd like to put up strawberry jam and catch up on photo books but THAT would be too much.

Cornwall Part I

During the May half term break we explored England and spent a week in Newquay (pronounced New-key) on the southwest coast. We had a nice week of doing nothing. We played a week long Uno tournament - Brent walked away the big winner. The weather was a mix of sun and rain but always strong winds.

The cottage gave us access to an indoor pool which was a daily hit with the girls. I asked Caroline to show us what she has learned in swim lessons. She said nothing and she did not know how to swim. She proceeded to swim across the pool. Funny girl.

View from the patio.

Headland.

Picking flowers over looking the ocean.

Fistral Beach.

View from the Headland.

World of Blue

After seven years in a delightful world of pink and girly, we are entering the world of blue and boyish. Who would have thought?!?

Equal But Different

Mary Kate's Side.

Caroline's Side.

Wordless Wednesday

Two Girls

Caroline scootering with London in the background.


Two girls.

Mary Kate likes to come up with new poses.

Baby Bootie

Baby boys are very frugal. Frankly the clothes are not as cute as girls clothes and there are fewer choices - less colors and patterns and no dresses, skirts, tights, bloomers or bows. Despite the obstacles I managed to find a few things for my boy.

His coming home gown:

We found his cowboy blanket in Bath from Vintage Kit:



ABC bedding from the UK Pottery Barn - The White Company:



He will be born with a silver teether in his mouth:

Thanks Jennifer for my first Tiffany's box! It was magical!

I adore slogan tees. Here is a glimpse of his stash:

Finally a little Cake for myself:

Don't let this fool you. We still need a car seat, pushchair (stroller) and a variety of other small items. Everything needs to be washed and a some things given Oxyclean treatment. We need to put the crib together. I need to pack the hospital bag. Worst case scenario we can carry him and walk the two miles home. The most basic of supplies are good to go: nappies (diapers), vests (onesies) and blankets (same name) and his milk is ready made. The other gear is just extra right?

Sparkle World

How did this happen? My baby lounging on her bed reading Sparkle World magazine. On the 15th of each month we must go to the newsagent to pick up the latest issue. This is a big day in our house.

The Cotswolds

Brent and I took a weekend mini-break to the Cotswolds for our babymoon. The countryside was like a picture book. The area is similar to the Wine Country in California and Tuscany in Italy but without vineyards. We enjoyed getting out of the city in a car. The region is best explored by foot but walking was not an option for me and my magnitude. We stayed in Painswick, which come to find out is claimed to be the best village in the region. It was a town of great charm. As compared to the towns the travel guide said had no or little charm.

After a downpour:

We came across a rainbow:

and could see the pot of gold at the end.

Bath was a lovely small European city. Parking was a breeze, which always helps to get a day started on a positive note. Surprisingly we threw the dart and ate very good pizza for lunch. We strolled along the Avon River. Here is the Pulteney Bridge:

The Roman Baths museum was very interesting. Brent especially enjoyed the history.

I like this picture because it has a bit of everything...


Finally, just the three of us...

We are waiting for you.....

Caroline please come home! Duckie, Gracie and Elephantie are waiting for you...