Ellie's photo session

On Sunday, we went to a nature preserve to get some pictures of the kiddos, but Charlie needed to eat as soon as we got there and by the time I was done feeding him, we had discovered that the place was infested with mosquitoes (and exposing a newborn to west nile virus just didn't seem like a good idea), so we packed it up before getting any pictures of him. At least we got these pictures of Ellie...

Ellie and the yogurt bath

Tonight, Ellie discovered that yogurt makes a great moisturizer...

Here are the latest pictures...

Lesley brought us dinner and I had to take a picture to prove that she held Charlie...I think she's still probably sore from tensing every muscle in her body!

Miss Ellie has been so amazing! We could not have hoped for her to handle this big change so well. Of course, it helps that Gaga is here and can give her all of the attention that she's not getting from us right now. Ellie has also become a little mom to her puppy and her baby doll -- she carries both of them around in the little sling that I made for her.

Pointing out her new shoes:

Having an animated conversation with her owl:

And her new blocks that she got from JackieBobo:

Ellie is still really into books and had fun reading to Charlie with Gaga:

But her favorite activity right now is kissing Charlie:

We definitely don't get out of arm's reach since she still gets a little too excited when she's around him:

Anyone know how to get red wine stains out of a toddler's clothes?

So earlier today, I was dusting (and feeling quite proud of myself for having it so "together" at this point) and I heard a thud. I walked around the corner, and found that Ellie had pulled a box of wine (classy? yes.) onto the floor in the butler pantry. I figured there was no harm in her playing with it and taking it off of her certainly wasn't a battle I was up to, so I went back to my dusting. A few minutes later, I heard "slurp, slurp" and returned to the butler pantry to find Ellie standing on top of the box, which was now in a puddle of red wine, putting her hands in the wine and then licking it off. So much for having it together, huh?! Now I need to get the red wine stains out of her shirt...strange that the "Totally Toddler" stain spray I use doesn't list red wine as one of the things it gets out.

Happy birthday, JackieBobo!

Thank you for spending part of your big day with us (and for sharing the muffins you made -- you're such a big boy!). We love you and your parents so much and can't believe it was two years ago that we ooh'ed and awh'ed over you in the nursery while you charmed all of the nurses!

More pictures

We're back from the hospital (were discharged yesterday) and we're getting settled in. Ellie LOVES Charlie -- she is so sweet with him and just loves touching him. Tonight, she gave him the sweetest little kisses on his head before she went to bed.

When we first got back from the hospital:

Charlie is a fan of the sling:

And we just can't get over how cute he is when he sleeps!

Natalie brought us some great pot pies and macaroni & cheese last night. Ellie is a big fan of both!

Our little Buddhist monk:

Hillary and JackieBobo came over this afternoon to see Ellie and Charlie. It was so nice for Ellie to have a playdate and to get some extra attention!

Ellie and JackieBobo had a blast dancing on the coffee table and then jumping from the coffee table to the couch.

Our little man competing for the title of most alert baby in the world!

More of our little guy

Charlie has already had a number of visitors -- Celena, Hillary, Jay and Jackson visited yesterday. We didn't get a picture of Celena or Jay (that just means that you both will have to come visit us again soon), but here are a few of the Adams family:

Charlie already loves Ellie:

And Ellie pointing out the cars to Gaga:

Ellie and Jackson have become little partners in crime! Hillary said that during dinner, Ellie started spitting out her peas, which Jackson found hilarious. Hillary told Ellie to stop and Jackson immediately started spitting out his peas, which Ellie found hilarious. They multiplied their getting-into-trouble power! While visiting Charlie, they decided to divide and conquer, trying to get out of the room or at least pull the doorstop out of the ground:

Natalie visited Charlie today and he slept soundly in her arms for a few hours:

Charlie has really woken up today! He's exercising all of his little facial muscles and opening his beautiful eyes more:

And although he's still a very happy boy, he's letting us know when he's not so happy:

He had his hearing test today (which he passed with flying colors) and the technician pulled his hat over his eyes so he wouldn't look around (he needed to stay very still during the test and the tech said he was too alert):

Apparently, the following is a well known "spokes model" for a brand of bacon in the UK and Damian was quite struck by the resemblance:
Charlie loves being swaddled!

His little perch:

And just to prove that I am here:

Gaga having some special time with Charlie: