Six Months!

Hard to believe it, but Charlie is half of one year.  Oh my goodness, how times flies!  The Brian residence has been particularly chaotic lately, what with Mommy starting a new job, Beau's second brithday party planning, Halloween, and other Fall festivities in general.  So, I'll keep it brief.  At six months, here is what Charlie is up to...

*  Saying his first word - Da Da.  No surprise there.  It was Beau's first word too.  His second was Paw Paw, then Maw Maw.  Somewhere down the road it was eat - still a popular one.  Then a year later - Mommy.  So, let's just say I'm not banking on Charlie calling out for me any time soon.

*  Sitting up unassisted.  Sure, he still topples over when he gets over-ambitious and tries to grab that toy just out of his reach.  But for the most part, he has mastered this skill.

*  Eating.  Lord, this child might like to eat more than his brother.  Thank God this new job pays well.  We're going to need that extra dough when the boys are older. 

*  Blue eyes - I think they're here to stay.  While Beau's eye color was not set until around nine months, it started to change/darken around five months.  If we can use that as any indicator, Charlie is going to have big, bright, blue eyes.  (The butcher actually remembers me, BECAUSE of Charlie's big blue eyes.  He told me just tonight how they are some of the most beautiful eyes he's ever seen.  I agree.) 

*  Playing with Beau.  Or maybe I should say wrestling with Beau.  Charlie might be the baby brother, but he is already starting to hold his own.  Just the other day I was in the kitchen when I heard the boys screaming.  I told Billy to go in and tell Beau to leave his brother alone.  Laughing, he told me I needed to see this.  When I turned the corner, there was Beau, on his knees whimpering, while Charlie had a firm grasp of his hair in each fist.  Atta boy. 

Our Little Guy is Two!

He loved his cake.  He asked for more for breakfast...and dinner...and his after dinner snack...





Say what?!

"Mommy, I want a horsie."

Yes, we're still stuck on that one.

"Mommy, Paw Paw stinks." 

I'm not sure why he insists that Paw Paw stinks.  I'm pretty sure I haven't notice any wretched odors emitting from Paw Paw any time in the recent past. 

"Honey, don't cry." 

Charlie sometimes gets fussy on the way to school in the morning.  Beau likes to try and help calm him down. 

Bath Time!!

Mommy's Project 52:11 Rewarding

You know what is rewarding?  Starting a new job after a long hard search.  It's especially rewarding when you actually like the new job and you feel like you are putting your talents to good use.  Unfortunately, sometimes said new rewarding job does not allow time to properly fufill blogging duties. Hmmm..I'll just have to figure out a way to fit all this in. 

Mommy's Project 52:10 Cleaning

Mommy, you're embarrasing me. 

Billy would laugh if he saw the topic of this week's blogging project.  You see, I am not, nor have I ever claimed to be much of a housekeeper.  I keep things clean enough...clean enough to keep away ants or other undesirables.  In other words, I'm not a dirty person, but I'm not a tidy person, relatively speaking. 

Beau on the other hand loves to clean.  THIS obviously was not a trait acquired from me.  While we affectionately refer to him as Hurricane Beau for his ability to destroy a room in no time flat, he often puts away his toys - without prompting from Billy or me. 

He also likes to organize.  He has on more than one occasion dumped out the contents of Charlie's diaper basket only to make neat stacks of the diapers, identifiable by the character on the front of the diaper.  "Elmo, Mommy."  "Nernie, Mommy."  "Cookie Onster, Mommy.  Nom, nom, nom, nom."  (So he doesn't quite have all the names down pat.) 

And, if you'll recall the last time he took a crayon to the back door, he delighted in having to clean up his mess.  Seriously, how do I punish the kid past a good time out if he is enjoying himself! 

So, although I am likely a foregone cause, there is hope for Beau.  And that makes Billy very, very happy.  (Of course, he's just waiting for Beau to put his skills to use outdoors.  All in good time, Billy.  I don't think he can handle the gas blower just yet...) 

Mommy, I want a horsie...

Beau has been obessed with animals lately.  It's gotten to the point where he mumbles under his breath, "The cow says, 'Mooo.' The sheep says, 'Baaa.'  The rooster says, 'Doodle.'"  And good Lord, if he asks me for a horse one more time...  So last Friday evening we decided to load up the kiddos and meet Maw Maw and Paw Paw at the fair.  We knew Beau would love seeing the animals again and we figured we'd try out some of the rides. 

I'm not sure if it was because he didn't nap well or was just in a sour mood, but Beau was not as big a fan of the animals as last year.  Or, maybe this whole scene was just so passe'?

Charlie wasn't very interested in the animals either.  Luckily, he's pretty easy to entertain. 

After the livestock, we headed for the rides.  I'm not sure what to think about Beau's experience on the carousel.  This was his expression for each go round. 

Spending time with Maw Maw was just as exciting as any old ride for Charlie. 

After the carousel we weren't really sure what to do when he asked to ride the kiddie roller coaster but...he LOVED it.  Seriously, he was the smallest kid on there by far, but he surely had the most fun.  He asked to ride it again and again and again. 

So what if Charlie couldn't really participate.  He enjoyed the beautiful weather. 

Mmmmm....nom, nom, nom

Fresh delicious pears

About a month or so ago, we started introducing Charlie to solid foods.  I don't know why, but I have been looking forward to this so much!  So, when we got the greenlight from his pediatrician at his four month well check, I got busy. 

From the market, to the pot...

To the freezer...

I just had so much fun making Beau's baby food - introducing him to new flavors and making sure I knew exactly what was going into that adorable little belly. 

"Seriously, THIS is what I've been waiting for?"

First up was rice cereal.  All I have to say about rice cereal is, "Boooo!"  So boring. Yes, I realize it is necessary and yes, I realize that it is an excellent source of iron.  But seriously, have you tasted this stuff?  It tastes like, well, nothing.  But off we went. 

"Maybe it's not THAT bad."

After a week or so of success in the rice cereal department we moved on to bigger and better things...namely, sweet potatoes.  Apparently the Brian boys, Billy included, really have a thing for sweet potatoes because they are an instant hit in this house. 





"What is this?  This doesn't look like white mush."



"Oh My God!  You've been holding out on me!"

"More, more, more, more..."

Since the introduction of sweet potatoes we've tried several items, most of which he has liked.  In fact, there are only two items he did not like - butternut squash and avocado - the latter actually induced dry-heaving.  Sheesh.  His favorites have been sweet potatoes, sweet potatoes mixed with bananas, peas (yes, peas), carrots, and as of last night, apples and blueberries mixed. 

And, I thought I'd take on another small project in this department.  I collect glass jars - no, not the pretty antique types - the types they sell pickles and pesto in.  It's a problem.  Apparently though, I'm not alone. 

I had about a dozen small jars from marinated artichoke hearts from our favorite salad.  Taking a cue from a friend's blog I cleaned the jars, removed any labels from the jars and lids and then spray painted the lids with chalkboard paint.   

Three layers of paint and 24 hours later - voila!  Adorable reusable baby food jars.  The only *problem* with these is they store a little too much food.  I've had to instruct day care NOT to feed Charlie the entire content of the jars (like they accidentally tried to do the first time...)   But they are just the cutest and so practical!  I love them! 

* ps - the title of this post is actually my impression of Beau's impression of Cookie Monster.  I'll have to get video on that soon. 

Say what?!

Beau:  "Mommy, I want a puppy." (As he points to a muffin.)

Mommy:  "You mean you want a muffin?"

Beau:  "Yes, Mommy, a puppy."

Mommy:  "No, Beau.  A muffin."

Beau:  "Puppy."

Mommy:  "Beau, say, 'mu.'"

Beau:  "Mu."

Mommy:  "Say, 'fin.""

Beau:  "Fin."

Mommy:  "Muffin."

Beau:  "Puppy."

Mommy:  "Here, enjoy your puppy."

Something got lost in translation there. 

Ahhhhh...caffiene...

I'm already on my second cup!

If you're interested HERE are a few ways to celebrate.

Mommy's Project 52:9 Caring

There is an awful lot of caring going on at the Brian residence these days...especially between Beau and Charlie.  Charlie is teething something bad and Beau has stepped in to help.  Sure, Mommy and Daddy have to give Charlie his medicine; but that doesn't mean Beau can't try too.  (Yep, the other day Beau opened a bottle of Tylenol - not by screwing off the top...by yanking it off completely.)  And, when Charlie needs something to gnaw on, Beau is right there to stick his hand in Charlie's mouth.  Yum. 

Oh and then there's the whole "trying to crawl" thing that Charlie's been up to.  Yes, Beau is right there to lend a hand again.  When Charlie got up on all fours and I asked Beau to give him a hand, he grabbed Charlie's left hand, pulled and, well, Charlie did move forward...just not as planned. 

Yes, an awful lot of caring going on at the Brian residence these days. 

Say what?!

"Beau, get your foot out your cereal bowl."

Yes, he was sitting at the table...

And another, because it's been that kind of weekend.

"Kelly, you do realize Charlie has a sweet potato unibrow, right?"

Charlie is, well, not a very neat eater.

Mommy's Project 52:8 Happiness

Oh the things that make a child happy.  Billy and I laugh everyday at the joy that simple things bring to the boys. 

What makes Beau happy...

Outside * Elmo ("la la la la, la la la la, Elmo's world...") * Bananas * Toy Story (specifically Buzz Lightyear) * Spinning round and round * Grapes * School * Toy Story * Coloring and painting * Muffins * Kissing and hugging Charlie * Toy Story * Drawing circles (he's SOOOOO proud of himself) * Pumpkin Bread * Baths * Toy Story (are you seeing a theme here?) * Bubbles * Balloons * Maw Maw and Paw Paw * The Fan

What makes Charlie happy...

Baths * Grunting * Getting kisses from Beau * Raspberries* Solid food, particularly bananas and sweet potatoes * Grunting * Outside * Stroller rides * Swinging * Rolling over and over and over and over (his only mode of transportation right now) * Grunting * Trying to crawl * His toes

What makes Mommy happy...

Coffee * Seeing Beau and Charlie play nice together * Sitting on the couch with Billy doing absolutely nothing after the kids are asleep * Coffee * "Sleeping in" (aka, sleeping until after 6 am) * Fitting in my pre-pregnancy pants, well, almost * LSU Football * Coffee



Odds and Ends

Everyday at school, Beau's class goes over flash cards for that week's curriculum. When I picked him up Thursday evening his teacher greeted me with a funny story.   She said that every time she held up one particular card Beau yelled out, "Mommy!!"  The picture on the card?  A clown!  Does this mean I wear too much rouge?  (Does anyone under 50 still use the term rouge?)  And it's worse.  There is another card that when he sees it he yells out, "Charlie!!"  Yea, that one is an orangutan. 

Beau can now WALK up and down the stairs completely unassisted!  Notice I said "walk" not "crawl."  He just holds on to the banister and takes off.  Right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot.  I might have not known this for quite some time if I had not caught him last Sunday afternoon...halfway up the staircase!

Charlie's atttempts at crawling are progressing.  On Thursday he would lift up his rearend and tuck his knees under him.  However, he would face plant which basically caused him to spin around 360 degrees, his forehead the centre of this little circle.  By Saturday he was lifting up up his chest and pushing off.  Of course now he is going backwards, but it's a step in the right direction - not forward direction...but right direction. 

Finally, I know I've been talking a big game about potty training, but I'm thinking maybe I should first concentrate on manners.  These are from a recent lasagna dinner.  

And Baby Makes...Five?

Don't freak out get excited. The Brian clan is not adding another kiddo to our brood. No, our dear friends, Chasity and Kirk are expecting...expecting triplets...expecting triplet girls, that is! We could not be more anxious happier for them.

Last weekend I had the honor of helping host a shower for the mommy-to-be. Everything turned out lovely and Chasity and Kirk received so many wonderful items...in triplicate, of course.

I thought I'd share a few shots from the shower, because afterall I spent two naptimes editing these photos and I wanted SOMEONE besides the guest of honor to see them.

Ridiculously adorable cupcakes made by one of the hostesses...
ok, made by her husband!

I finally realized I am the only person who actually eats these things. 
I had at least six. 

Party favors - mini hand santizers...how appropriate?! 
I thought of this one. 

A "Wishing Tree" to share words of advice and encouragement with the mommy-to-be.  Can't take credit for this one...it was all Emma!



Seriously, how cute is this wreath?  Sarah W. why have you not thought of this before?  Slacker. 

The bottom half of three complimentary outfits from the future grandmother.  So. Stinkin. Cute.

The Mommy-to-be and the beaming future grandmothers.  Beautiful! 

I must admit, I had to fight back pangs of jealously as Chasity unwrapped each frilly, lacey, pink item.  Oh to have a little girl.  But, then I came back home...to my boys.  Beau yelled, "Mommy!" as he ran up and gave me a hug and kiss.  I forgot about all that girly stuff just like that. 

Mommy's Project 52:7 Selfless

 Shortly before Charlie's arrival, Beau began demonstrating all the characteristics of the "Terrible Twos."  All.of.them.  I guess he didn't want us to feel left out if he, say, decided not to let out a blood-curdling scream enthuastic yell when he wanted something; throw himself on the ground pounding his fists in rage; use the word, "no" more frequently than "eat" - truly unheard of at the time. 

So I began to get a little anxious about how Beau who had been not only an only child, but an only grandchild at that point would handle the new addition.  I prepped him as best I could. I told him how much fun it was to be the big brother.  We sang songs to the new baby, in utero, of course.  He kissed my belly good-night.  We got him a new "Big Brother" t-shirt.  We did all we knew how. 

When Charlie arrived to say we were pleasantly surprised was an understatement.  Beau loved him...immediately, unconditionally, selflessly.  From the moment Charlie arrived all he wanted to do was hug him, kiss him, love him. 

He began offering Charlie bites or "tastes" of his food.  And if you know Beau (or his daddy, for that matter), sharing of his food is right at the top of selfless acts.  Despite the fact this has kept me on my toes (I mean, how many times have I narrowly avoided Beau feeding Charlie a Cheerio or a raisin!) it warms my heart each time because I know how much it means to Beau. 

Then there were the toys.  At first Beau was not so sure that having Charlie play in his old toys was such a good thing.  But then he realized that he needed to "teach" Charlie how to properly play with them.  Toy Story took a back seat if Charlie needed Beau's help to reach something, push a button, or pull a string. 

Next up Beau started to vocalize how much he loved Charlie. When Beau first came to visit us at the hospital we said, "Meet Charlie."  His reply, "Charlie."  Keep in mind this is five months ago - months before he would even say my name...but that's a whole different post.  Also, it was Charlie who was the subject of his first multi-word sentence - "Mommy, check on Charlie!" 

But my favorite way in which Beau shows his selfless love of his baby brother is how he loves to hug and kiss him.  He tells him, "Love you, Charlie" and lays a big wet one on him. 

We knew becoming parents that there is a level of selflessness that just transpires.  You don't think, you just do.  But we never knew that another child, a small, young boy, would be able to remind us how to truly love selflessly.  Thanks, Beau for being such a wonderful big brother.