You've Got to Come See the Baby!

For all those who have requested to see more pictures of our little Lana, here are a few I took today. 5 days old.

As soon as I sort through all the other pictures of the past week, including those from our hospital stay and Christmas festivities, I'll get some of those up too. Pardon me if it takes a few days--I'm still figuring out life with 2 kids!

Chris Time!

Clark is very excited about what he's learned about Christmas (or Chris Time) so far. We watched a nativity video for Family Home Evening a few weeks ago and for days afterward he'd ask Daddy to "watch Baby Jesus again".  

He also loves Chris trees, Chris lights, Chris shows, Chris cards, listening to Chris songs (he even sings Away in a Manger), Santa, 'nowmen, 'noflakes, rein-eer, wishing people a "Merry Chris-Muss" or "Happy Christmas", and is looking forward to "open it. presents. Chris day."

I couldn't bring myself to put our tree on a timer this year. Clark seemed so enamored with turning on the lights himself that I made it his special job that he looks forward to each day. As much as he still probably doesn't understand I can see that he knows there's something extra special about Christmastime!

Big Brother Training Program

As my belly has been growing Clark has been undergoing big brother training in a program he created by himself for himself. Since the summer Clark has been nurturing his toys in a manner that surprises me since he's never watched me care for an infant. He's given all his toys many gentle baths in the baby tub, diapered them, and has wrapped them up and cradled them while saying "baby". He's even safety-tested the baby's bassinet and given the toys a turn in there as well. 

I recently potty-trained him using a doll that wets--Baby Doll--that he takes everywhere now (along with his cars and trucks) and treats like his baby. He also likes to feel the baby move in my tummy. From what I've seen over the past several months I think Clark is going to make an excellent big brother!

p.s. As the months have progressed he's also gotten increasingly clingy to me. It's endearing, yet when my pregnant body is exhausted it would be nice if he'd be content letting his daddy take care of him a bit more. 

Only Child Status: the Final Countdown

It's just a matter of days--maybe hours--before Clark's "only child" status will roll over to "big brother." It's a tiny bit bittersweet for me as a mother. 99% sweet, but 1% sad to think that I'll have to split my attention as a mother and won't get to savor every tiny thing that Clark or his baby sister does. 

In other news, Clark felt so accomplished today at lunch when he held his applesauce bowl while eating out of it that he asked me to take a picture of him. Of course I obliged! Just like his dad, he gave me a candid look to convey a very natural feel in the photo. ha ha. I love this boy! 

Tricks for Mama

Last night after dinner Steve and Clark put on quite a show for me. It reminded me of getting a new toy in a box,

and trying out all its tricks.

It brought a smile to my face to see them having so much fun. This show was better than any circus--I give it two thumbs up!