Four months old

Well, Caroline went to her 4 month check up this morning. We found out she currently weighs 16 lbs 1 oz and is 26 inches long. She's still around the 95 percentile in both weight and height. I love all her little rolls. Anyway, she's has TWO new teeth (both bottom middle) that have just popping through the gums over the past two weeks. It amazed me when I felt the first one since Jack didn't get his first tooth until he was 6 months. She's sleeping better and is overall a really sweet little baby. 

Life with a 3 year old

While I was working the other day, I noticed that the house was extremely quiet so I thought "hmmmm... why is Jack so quiet?" When I went to go check on him I found him in the bathroom, standing up on his stepstool looking in the mirror and drawing on himself. He was covered in green crayon. While you only see the green crayon on his face, it was actually everywhere - even his stomach and on the back of his neck. I have no idea how he got it back there. Luckily it did wash off but it left his skin with a tinge of green for a few days. Crazy kid.

Our boy is a genius. He did this alone while I was getting ready one morning. I was amazed to come out and see this put together without my help.

Random picture of Caroline. She keeps scratching her poor little face despite my attempts to keep her fingernails short. This picture makes her look kind of serious, but really she is such a cheeseball.

Three Years Old

He's concentrating really hard on blowing his candles out.

Well, Jack is officially 3 years old. His birthday was actually last Sunday but I'm just getting around to posting. It's crazy that he's already three. Seems like just yesterday we were walking around Bangkok waiting for him to make his arrival. We had a 'low key' celebration - as the plan is to eventually go to a 1/2 year birthday party (since that would be in June versus December). Jack received all kinds of goodies. I'm not sure if our gifts to him were among his favorites (a new carseat and a portable potty) but you wouldn't know it gauging from his expressions as he opened each gift. This kid loves presents.

A few of his favorite things to do these days (as a three year old): Read books (always), Tell stories (if you start telling him made up stories he will say 'one more' until you cut him off), Play with his toys making up conversations between them, Puppet shows, Puzzles, Hide and Seek (although he's always a little too scared to come find you by himself), and Swinging outside. A few of the things he dislikes: Wearing a jacket/coat, Bedtime, and letting Henry take a bath (in the washing machine). 

My Beautiful Children

Jack has really been into wanting to hold Caroline lately. I thought these few shots were really precious. 

Thanksgiving Road Trip Part 2

Celebrating the 3 December Birthdays (Mike, Nana, and Jack)

Denise and Caroline

Would it be Thanksgiving without Mexican food?

Nathan, Jack, Denise, and Nick

Mike, Nathan and Jack

Papaw, Caroline, Nathan, Jack and Nana (Papaw did a great job coaxing Caroline to sleep - as you can see)

It was hard to pack up and leave when the week was over. It's so nice to be around family these days. Caroline hasn't been sleeping as well as she did on the trip (think the entertainment wore her out) and Jack keeps asking when we're going to go on another trip. Thanks for the great fun and the gifts!! We really had a wonderful time.

Thanksgiving Road Trip Part 1

Caroline wasn't used to the cold weather.

Jack fought the wearing of this blue parka (he hates coats) but realized quickly that it was necessary once we were inside the display.

Jack actually looking happy in this picture. Not sure how long this smile lasted... maybe 2 minutes??

The cool Aquarium restaurant in the mall. This was a bigger hit than Grinch's Who-ville. This girl and Jack were discussing which fish was which character from Nemo.

And of course mall Carousels are always entertaining.

So, for Thanksgiving we met Nathan's family in Nashville for BirThanksMas (Birthdays/Thanksgiving/Christmas). We had a great time hanging out and seeing a few of the sights. We went to see the Grinch's Who-ville which was made entirely of ice. It was literally 9 degrees inside the building that housed the ice sculptures. They gave us parkas which turned out to be a nightmare since Jack has a huge coat aversion. So, he basically screamed the entire time. He did think it was cool for about 5 minutes and then he became too cold and was grumpy again. A bigger hit for him was the Aquarium restaurant we found in the mall. Lots of salt water fish/creatures and a place where you could pet/feed stingrays. This was more his speed.

Visit from Nana

He was so excited about seeing Nana.

Our little girl (who I think looks a bit like Nathan)

Super Nana!

Nathan's mom came to visit the Friday before Thanksgiving and spent a few days with us before we headed to Tennessee. It was great to have her help with the kids and on the 11 hour road trip. I think both kids enjoyed the attention. And while Jack loves all his relatives, he sure does have a special place in his heart for his grandmothers.

The Purchase I Never Thought I'd Make

So, there's nothing attractive about a minivan. I fought the purchase of one for some time now. In fact, we purchased a bigger crossover (Mazda CX-9) this summer when we knew we would need more space with two carseats. But, what I learned in the process was family-friendly features trump style anyday. The crossover was awkward and the 3rd row seat was practically inaccessible with the two car seats on the front row. It was hard to crawl in the back if the kids were going crazy. It was next to impossible to get the kids in and out of carseats in a cramped parking lot because the doors were so large. And the double stroller wouldn't even fit in the back without folding one half of the third row down. So, we decided to cut our losses and downsize (buy a older/less expensive minivan) for both the convenience and the hope that I can eventually work part-time. We found a great deal on a Toyota Sienna. And now I'm in LOVE! I don't care how I look driving down the road. I am comfortable. The power sliding doors allow me to get my kids in and out easily (even with a bag of groceries in my other hand....I just have to push a button for them to open on their own). The van sits lower to the ground so Jack can crawl into the vehicle on his own. There are about 50 cupholders in case us and all our friends and neighbors get the urge to go to Sonic during happy hour. There's a little mommy-watch-my-kids rearview mirror (like you find on a school bus) so I can tell if Jack's causing trouble in the back. There's is all kinds of storage space/cubbies for Jack to hid his hippo, Henry. The back has ample room for our double stroller plus luggage. There's a DVD player with wireless headphones so Jack can watch the movie 'Cars' for the 100th time (but we don't have to). And to top it all off, it gets better gas mileage than the crossover. It's a good fit for us and one I would highly recommend to anyone with more than one child, especially if they are little. Little kids just have lots of stuff and that stuff takes up space. I've definately got all the space I could need with our new wheels and I'm okay looking a little less hip driving down the road.

Three Months Old

We're still working on head control so she can't tolerate the Bumbo for long...but I think eventually it will be a hit.

Goofy Grin

Caroline is three months old! I can't believe it. Seems like these last three months have been a blur. It's hard being a mom of two and working full time but with the help of my WONDERFUL husband, family, and friends, we have survived 3 months!!

Caroline has been busy these past three months. She's growing like a weed, despite her reflux. It's odd to think she's almost outgrown all her 3-6 month clothes (mainly in length).  She loves to chatter, smile, chew on her hands, take a bath, stare at her brother, and look in the mirror. She does not like sleeping, being left alone in a room, or being undressed. She's spitting up everywhere these days which is pretty disgusting (Jack was not a spitter) but I'm learning how to deal with the permanent smell of formula on my clothes and am thankful for Oxi Clean.

Jack is handling his big brother duties well. I think he's finally adjusted to the idea of sharing mom (it was hard at first). He never lets me leave the house without Caroline's essentials (or what he thinks are the essential house-leaving items). She must have a blanket, bottle, pacifier, and stuffed animal before we can go anywhere (these are his rules, not mine). And because he's a bit OCD he double-checks prior to leaving to make sure all items are present and accounted for. He's a pretty good little helper. 

Chatterbox

Caroline loves to chatter. She's been doing it for a while now but one of her favorite things to talk to is this little stuffed lion. She'll talk his head off. She also loves company and does not like being alone in a room. We have a future socialite on our hands.

Blog Makeover

It's been a long time coming but finally the blog has been redesigned and I love it. Thanks to Playful Pickles Designs for the new look!

Redemption Video

The last video we posted of Caroline was pretty unbecoming of her - so this is a redemption post. 

Fun with Grandma and Grandpa

My folks were in town for the weekend and it was WONDERFUL! Nathan and I needed their support. They even watched the kids one night so we could go out. It was so nice. Anyway, Caroline loved some new people to entertain and Jack always enjoys time with them so it was just a great weekend. I thought about driving past the airport when it was time for them to leave so they missed their flight...but figured that probably wasn't a very nice idea.

Halloween Boycott

One of her super powers is seeing cross-eyed.

So, Halloween was a bust this year...again. Not sure if ya'll remember but last year Jack was sick on Halloween. We stuffed him in his elephant costume long enough to take 2 pictures and then took it off. Well, this year was a repeat. He had a horrible viral infection (and is actually still recovering) with fever blisters all over his tongue, gums, and lips. It was miserable. So, needless to say he did not feel like dressing like Batman - even for a picture. My hope is that one day I can put them back in their costumes for a group photo even though Halloween is over. I thought the whole 'Justice League' theme was good - but Wonder Woman was flying solo with the costumage. Jack did go trick-o-treating in his shorts and t-shirt with some friends. He actually liked it for the first 30 minutes until he realized that his mouth hurt. I'm optimistic about next Halloween...

Arrested Development: The Party

Big Franklin (Shane) and little Franklin (Caroline)

George Michael, Ann Veal and Franklin

We have lots of friends who are big fans of Arrested Development. Some of our friends (Shane and Sylvia) thought it would be a good idea to have a A.D. themed Halloween party. Everyone was in the spirit, dressing like characters - except my super serious son. Frozen bananas were even served..

Just a Swingin'

Caroline doesn't like her swing much but she is somewhat entertained by the moving stars.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

I love Baby Legs (legwarmers) but Nathan thinks they are way too 1980s. 

Jack's Pumpkin

Mr. Pumpkinhead. Stickers by Jack.

Two Month Checkup

Just an update on Caroline's growth. She's currently 23 3/4 inches long (95th percentile) and weighs 12lbs 12 oz (95th percentile). I think all the weight is in her cheeks!  Looks like she's on pace with where her brother was when he was an infant. 

Sweet Caroline

So, calmer days have arrived at the Garvin house. I don't know if it's her reflux medicine that's finally working at its prime or if it's her age. She still has rocky moments but overall there seems to be more peace. And these two pictures were just too cute to pass up posting. 

Showing our Smiles

It's not the greatest picture. But here is one of Caroline's first smiles.

Actually caught Jack (with a horrible haircut might I add) smiling. 

Aunt Lainee was getting into the smiling action, too. Or was this her scary face?

Fashion Show

These are some of Caroline's new 3-6 month outfits. It's so crazy that she's already that big! But the girl does love to eat. Anyway, I think the bubble skirt (bottom picture) from Nana is so cute.