About John Christian

I'd like to note that today was a much better day with John Christian & yesterday wasn't so bad either. He went all day without one time out or peeing on anything other than the potty! :) I have made it a point to give him some extra attention by reading extra books during the day & even playing trains. He was a pretty sweet big brother today & helped me out a little with stuff around the house! I am very proud of him. I guess it just goes to show that a little attention goes a long way. I don't think he means to get into trouble (well, most of the time). I just think he needs to have constant supervision, extra special attention, & something to keep his hands busy at all times! That's probably every kid, but as a mom I am going to try and do a little better myself. It's worth it to have a happier kid!!

I hope he sleeps all night tonight in his own bed or at least more than he has! He was asleep by 8:30 tonight & took a nap today. Both were without one ounce of complaint!! His only new thing is that Molly now must sleep in his room b/c he says he doesn't want to get lonely! Plus, since I couldn't convince him that monsters aren't real the second best thing was to explain that monsters are scared of dogs & that Molly eats monsters to protect him because he is her best friend. So far that explanation has satisfied him. Now, I just have to convince Molly to stay in his room b/c she prefers to sleep on Zach's dirty pile of clothes!! :)

Funny Stuff!
I forgot to note that John Christian had a hard time blowing up balloons to decorate for Charlie's birthday party. Instead, he figured out all by himself that he could fill them up with water!!! Lucky for me cousin Faith & Lillian enjoyed running in the kitchen to tell me before there was too big of a mess!

Zach tried to teach John Christian something the other day. We forgot what it was, but John Christian quickly informed him, "Dad, I don't think that's appropriate for me!"

A few weeks back when we were at my grandmother's Charlie reached for an old Mickey Mouse jack in the box toy that had metal springs coming out of the clothe. John Christian immediately got up & took the toy from Charlie. He said, "No, Charles! That toy is dangerous!!"

Finally, when he gets frustrated with Charlie (which is 99% of the time) he refers to him as "Charles" or "Charles William". We almost never call him either of those names & it is really funny to hear John Christian refer to him by using his whole name.

Zach came home from work the other night & said he wanted to get something to drink which isn't surprising in this 90 degree plus heat. Hearing Zach say he was thirsty prompted John Christian to say, "Oh, you need a cold beer! I'll go get us one!"

Happy Birthday To Elliott!

Today is Uncle Elliott's Birthday. He's not really the boy's uncle, but he's married to one of my best friends since childhood Melissa. They are Charlie's Godparents & we are very happy about that!!! :) We hope you have a wonderful day and that "Punkin Livia" feels better & sleeps!!

A Stolen Idea.....

Do you read my blog?
My friend Ashley posted this question on her blog a while back. Some of you do leave comments & I know that you read and often find my little stories amusing! :) So, if you are reading this blog please leave me a quick comment to let me know! You don't need an account. You can do it under anonymous, but write your name in the comment! Thanks, b/c I'm just curious! Plus, I think the boys will enjoy knowing who was reading about them one day!! :)

1 Year Check Up & The Terrible 2's - Almost 3's

Charlie got 2 shots at the pediatrician's office today. He was a pretty good little trooper & only cried less than a minute. He weighed just over 22lbs (50%) which means we can now turn his carseat around!! Hooray!! He is 29 inches tall (25 %), & honestly, I'm not sure the head size. I only know it was also the 50 % and the doctor said he's healthy and growing. He was all over the place at the doctor's office & got really mad at me because I wouldn't let him climb up the little steps to the top of the fire truck table. He is becoming quite the climber and dare devil! I think we are in trouble!

John Christian was jealous of his brother getting attention at the dr's office. He even said he wanted a shot, but before we even got to that point he bit Charlie's fingers b/c the nurse & I were talking about Charlie & not him! John Christian has never been a biter. So, this really surprised me. I realized later it was all about attention b/c when Charlie was crying after his shots & the nurse and I were consoling him, John Christian "tripped" over my leg and began to cry. He wanted me to pick him up and when I didn't because I was unable at that moment he bit me above my chest when I leaned down to hug him while holding Charlie. It was a very rotten thing to do! The nurse had told him earlier he could have a sticker, but as a result of this he wasn't allowed to have one. Later I asked him if he was sorry he bit me or that he didn't get his sticker. He cried & said he was sorry he didn't get a sticker!!

We have been having a bit of a jealous issue with John Christian lately. Because of the move he hasn't gotten all of the attention he is used to. Charlie is in a crib & he is in a big boy bed. Charlie gets to have his diapers changed & he has to use the potty. Charlie just had a birthday. I know this is just a hard time for him b/c we moved, Zach was home to give him attention, now Zach is back at work, John Christian is getting 2 molars on the same side, & his imagination is running wild which makes him scared of shadows, monsters, & "being lonely". I have know idea where he learned that he is "lonely" from!

Anyway, with all of the insanity John Christian has done some really (hysterical), but very BAD things with his potty training. Recently he peed in the bathroom trash can by the toilet, he peed on the couch which he swore was an accident, (now I'm not so sure!!), he's peed in Molly's water bowl (he said I was in his bathroom.... we have 2 bathrooms!), & finally the worst of the worst..... Last night when I was away at an Army function and Zach was at home watching the boys, but getting Charlie ready for bed...... John Christian peed in the hose of our portable vacuum!! Yes, you read that right!! He has never been caught doing any of these things, but when we find them he admits to what he's done. The only positive is he's not lying about it..... yet! I can only guess it's a way for him to get attention. It just goes to show that I cannot leave them alone for 2 seconds b/c I never know what in the world might happen!

My hope is now that we are more settled in the house & preschool starts next week he will get back into his "normal" routine & things will be a little better. I will have a small break from him & Charlie which will hopefully give me the energy and patience to better deal with my nearly 3 year old going on 13 & my daredevil 1 year old!! I love these boys more than anything. I miss them terribly when they are away from me, but sometimes a break is good for everyone!!

Happy Birthday To Jen!

So many birthdays altogether. I get a little confused at times! Happy Birthday Jen! We love you!!!!

The Party

The party was on Charlie's actual birthday Sunday, August 27, 2006 from 3 - 5.
Our guest included:
John Christian's Godparents who drove from Chapel Hill - Sarah & Walker with their little girl Laura Grace (5 months & 1 week)
My good college friend (although she went to Zach's college) Kat, her husband Carmello, & baby girl Sophia (nearly 18 months)They live outside of Chapel Hill.
Miss Jamia our old neighbor brought Macy (3 on the 29)& Ava (18 months).
Cousin Renee drove 6 hours from Virginia with Faith (4) & Lillian (will be 9 in October)
Finally we had the Sturdivant family who also live here in town. Mike, Yvonne, & Grant (1 year last July). Grant's dad was in Iraq with Zach last year & they are working together again.
We appreciate everyone coming! It meant so much to us and I know that one day Charlie will read this and know that he was loved by so many who took the time to come to his 1st Birthday Party!!


We sent everyone home with balloons. They had the choice of Dora the Explorer or Thomas the Tank Engine. This seemed like a better idea than sending home little gifts that the parents would end up tripping over and throwing out later! :)

I think Baskin Robbins did a fabulous job on the cake! In the store they had a photo of a green Lion cake with one coconut tree. I didn't go in there with the intentions of having a cake that matched his outfit. It just kind of happened. I asked if they could turn the Lion into a Monkey. Then, I decided a banana tree would be better than a coconut one. Lastly, I thought the green cake didn't look like & that it should be blue like the sky. They never saw the outfit & I gave them creative freedom. I just figured Charlie is our little monkey. Since he had a monkey outfit - why not a cake also? The people at the Baskin Robbins were thrilled to make something that wasn't in their book! They were pleased with their work & said they took photos to use it as an example. It was just perfect & unique just like Charlie!!

Before all of the guest had fully arrived Charlie spotted his presents. John Christian actually pointed them out to him and decided that he should open them right then and there. I gave in and let John Christian give him one!


This present was a huge it. I'm not sure how they managed to get to the store & pick out a special card since Pop is in the hospital & had a hip & shoulder replacement, but Great Grandma Dot & Pop sent some money for me to pick out a special present for Charlie. It is a big Thomas the Train that has little plastic records with 8 different songs. It also rolls & toots! I'm sure John Christian & Charlie will be fighting over this in the upcoming weeks, but I'm glad it was such a big hit!

Charlie already knows how to push a train and say, "Woo woo!" It is precious!

Miss Laura Grace and her dad Walker!

Zach really enjoyed cousin Lillian's visit. She is very smart & skipped half of her first grade year moving right into 2nd grade. She helped Zach make waffles one morning & he had fun asking her questions about now being in the 3rd grade. I'm not sure that Lil Bug knew what to think of all of his questions, but she was a good sport anyway!


Macy, we are glad you were feeling well enough to join us at the party! Hopefully now that your tonsils are out life will get even easier for you and your mom!

Cousin Faith enjoyed the Chocolate Chip Cookies that Miss Jamia made even though Zach didn't want to put them out on the table at the party! We miss having her right down the street! We were spoiled because she made us homemade cookies on a regular basis!!

The Birthday Boy and his dad!

Miss Ava wearing her Curious George party hat! Yes, once I got started with the monkies, I guess I couldn't quit!!

John Christian blew out Charlie's candles for him before we even finished singing Happy Birthday, but luckily Charlie didn't really mind! He was just happy he'd taken off his hat!

This icecream cake is good, but cold!!

I realized Charlie was no longer wearing his hat. So, I decided to put it on him for some photos.

Ok, Mom, what did you do to me?

Blue icing hands in the hair!!

Seriously, what is this thing on my head?

Oh no! It's falling down! I can't look! It's too scary!!

Ok, maybe I'll take a peak at it to see what it is!

It's just a hat! That's not so scary, but I'm glad it's not on my head anymore!! I just want to eat cake!!

Grant & Mr. Mike

Aunt Sarah & Miss Laura Grace

Sophia, Carmello, & Kat

This is a ride on Clifford that YaYa & Colonel sent to Charlie. Dad did not enjoy putting it together at all!! However, it was the toy that all of the children wanted to play with at the party!! Charlie got to sit on it for a few seconds just long enough for me to snap a photo & then all the kids chased after each other trying to have a turn! Sorry Charlie! One day John Christian will realize that he has to share with you!!



A present from Macy & Ava! John Christian & Macy had something similar & they always fought over it! I'm glad Charlie has his own!!

Sarah, Rebecca, & Kat - Thanks so much for coming girls! It was wonderful to see you!!

Charlie, Mom, Cousin Faith, Dad, & Lillian

Rebecca, Zach, & Renee

Thank you Cousin Renee for always being my special angel and helping me with everything! I really appreciate you helping me make my house feel more like "home"! You are truly the best!!
I love you tons!!


We had a hard time getting John Christian to sit still for any photos. Finally, we captured him!

One big happy family!!!

We love you Renee!!

Happy Birthday to me!! This was a great party!!!

Charlie's Birthday Breakfast

Cousins Faith & Lillian came all the way from Virginia for Charlie's Birthday Party!
They came in Friday night & John Christian was so excited to see them that he could not go to sleep & had a hard time all weekend. By Sunday morning they were pretty exausted and the party hadn't even started!





Zach made Charlie his first steak & cheese omlet for breakfast! Now that he is one he can have eggs! He seemed to enjoy it. He is our little meat eater! John Christian wasn't as interested in meat at this age.





Zach & I think Charlie looks like Zach's Grandma Dot in this first picture on the left!

Happy First Birthday To Charlie

I will write more about the day and post photos later when I have more time! Little birthday parties are a lot of fun & a lot of work! J Charlie had a great time at the party as you will later see! For now, I just want to say a little about Charlie and this past year because I hope that Charlie will read this one day & know how much better my life is with him in it!

It is amazing how much can happen in a year. This year has just flown so quickly. It’s funny how when you are younger you long for time to pass at a rapid rate, but now I would give anything to slow it down just a little.

A year ago Zach was home on leave from Iraq for Charlie’s birth. I had the doctor’s send a Red Cross message to get him home nearly 2 weeks before my September 2 due date because I was having lots of contractions & really did not want Zach to miss the birth of our second little boy. I am so thankful for the nice doctor who let me schedule an induction b/c Zach was able to have 10 days with Charlie before he had to head back. I am even more grateful to the doctor who let me have that epidural when I was barely 3cm!! Dr. Buckley, You are my hero!

Zach returned home when Charlie was nearly 10 weeks old in November of last year. Charlie was just starting to sleep through the night & was growing like a weed. Then, he quit sleeping altogether. We had a rough winter with ear infections, colds, wheezing, & the rotavirus. Poor Charlie will hopefully have a better winter & maybe he has built up his little immune system which will keep him from getting sick one day when he is in school…… We’ll see! (He had a hard time going to bed tonight b/c he is sick with a cold! I pray it will go away quickly!)

Anyway, that 7lb 3 ounce 20.5 inch little boy is now at least 20lbs & 26 inches maybe more. We’ll find out on Wednesday. He is sleeping through the night & taking 2 - 1 & ½ - 2 hour naps a day! As of Monday August 21, 2006 we declared him an official walker. He walks everywhere & can even turn around on one foot. Even though he is my 2^nd little boy every little thing he does fascinates me. It is all new because Charlie is new & he has his own little personality that is
different from his brother.

******************************************************************************
To Charlie: You are such a joy to everyone. I am blessed to have you in my life and everyone one who ever comes in contact with you will be blessed as well. You are a wonderful gift from God & my life would not be the same without you in it. Thank you for an adventurous year & I can’t wait to experience watching you and your brother continue to grow and change. I love you always, Mom!

Charlie just a few minutes old before I even held him.

Charlie on Sunday, August 28 with me.

Charlie a few days old. at home.
____________________________________________________________

Good Morning Sunshine & Happy Birthday To You!

We love you Birthday Boy!!

What a brave big boy!

I'll let these photos speak for themselves! I let John Christian jump to me the first 2 times. I ended with what I thought would be a black eye & that was the end of that. He had the best time jumping off this diving board! Maybe he is an olympic hopeful!