Trains and reminiscing

Jack, Charlotte, and I went to visit Grandma and Grandpa Nold yesterday. We checked out some of the attractions in Western Springs--the library, which had an awesome children's section and this cool train; and then lunch afterward at a restaurant called Snacker's.

After posting Charlotte's 3-month entry, I took a trip down memory lane and looked at pictures of Jack at Charlotte's age. I had to laugh at remembering what a beast he was. I think his thighs had their own zip code.



Here's one of Charlotte for comparison.

It's hard to believe how much Jack has changed as he's grown from a chubbalicious baby into a sweet, almost 3-year old boy. I'm sure in a couple years Charlotte won't look anything like her baby pictures either.

Merry Christmas Eve!

3 Months Old

Hey there, it's me Charlotte. I'm actually not 3 months old until Friday, but mom says we're going to be busy on the 24th and 25th with this Christmas thing everyone keeps talking about. So I figured I'd better write my 3-month post now.

Whoa, mom! That flash is bright!

I've been very busy this past month learning all sorts of new tricks. I discovered that people's faces are my favorite things to look at, and I like to give big smiles when they smile at me. I've also been testing out my voice lately with some coos and gurgles.

My head and neck muscles are getting really strong. I can lift my head up and look around when I'm lying on my stomach. I've also been able to roll from my back to my side for a couple weeks now. Mom says I enjoy tummy time much more than my big brother did, and she thinks because of that I'm ahead of where he was at this age, ha ha!

Let's see, what else can I tell you about me? I still puke a lot; no change there. I've also become very unpredictable with my daytime napping over this past month. Some days I'll take a good nap or two, and other days I decide I barely want to nap at all. I think Mom's a bit irritated with me about this issue, but at least I've been trying to make up for it at night. I'll occasionally want to get up in the night to eat, but for the most part I sleep for a good 7-8 hour stretch at night these days. Maybe if Mom's lucky I'll decide to keep that up.

Here's me lifting my head up.

And taking a breather. Moving around is tiring work!

Here's me and my big brother Jack. I think he's pretty cool.

Children's museum

I was looking back at recent blog entries and realized I forgot to congratulate our friends Matt and Katie on the birth of their first child! Welcome to Whitney Alexis Cavanaugh, who was born just before Thanksgiving.

Earlier this week, Ashley and I escaped the monotony of being inside and took the kids to the Children's Museum at Navy Pier. We were joined by our friends Courtney and Jill, and their kids Will (8 mos) and Sam (4 mos). This huge Mad Hatter-esque couch made for a great photo backdrop.

Charlotte was fussy and not content in her stroller, so I wore her for the majority of our time at the museum.

Sam, Jack, me, Charlotte, and Ashley

We actually got Sam and Jack to look straight at the camera for one picture!

Here were 2 of Jack's favorite attractions: the huge ceiling fan in the atrium, and the streamers at the entrance of the exhibits.


Over 3 feet tall!!

How fitting that Jack was able to play with a stoplight, since he's recently become fixated on them. During car rides, he says "red means stop" and "green means go" at stoplights. EVERY stoplight.

Mr. Bus driver


Picking up a turkey at the store

Mailing some letters

Jack loved this track for balls along the wall of the big treehouse

Jack and Ashley playing with cars


We had a great visit and enjoyed getting all the kids together. I'll miss being able to do these day trips when I go back to work in just over a week!

Talking up a storm

We took the kids to a Christmas party last weekend, and they got to see Santa. Miracle of all miracles, we actually got a picture without either one of them crying. Jack looks a little freaked out, but at least there are no tears :)

Last week Jack passed his final speech evaluation and is officially no longer delayed! He's made great progress from what was diagnosed as a 52% delay back in June. He's actually progressed the most in just the last couple months, and it's just been wonderful hearing his sweet little voice and seeing how smart he is.

I've been trying to record Jack talking, but he always clams up when I get out the video camera. I managed to coax a few words out of him this morning, but our conversation doesn't do justice in showing his ability. He's regularly speaking in 3-5 word sentences.


Charlotte is taking cues from her big brother on talking (and on being quiet when I get out the camera). I was at least able to capture a few coos and smiles here:

Trip to the Aquarium

On Monday, our new au pair, Ashley, and I took the kids to the aquarium. Charlotte was not impressed and slept most of the time, but Jack really enjoyed it. We looked at fish, whales, dolphins, otters, and penguins; plus we watched a show (see the dolphin jumping above).

I didn't take a picture of Charlotte at the aquarium, so here's a picture of her so she doesn't feel left out of this blog entry. She and Dad were watching TV together the other night.


Jack looking at fish

These are some pictures from the show. Jack got a kick out of the big sea lion.

They also had some holiday additions--a snowman, and Santa flew through the air on a boat into the water.


Despite all the cool animals jumping around doing tricks, this is what Jack found most fascinating about the show--the animated curtains on the screen. He's recently started helping us open and close the hanging blinds over the sliding glass door where we let Louie outside, and he thought these curtains were similar to the blinds. All he kept saying throughout the show was "blinds closed!" and "blinds open!"

A big stingray

A giant sea turtle

Jack loved the penguins. This one little penguin was so cute--he swam up to Jack as soon as we got there and stayed right in front of him the whole time.

Cookies and trains

I finally have a camera again! We went to the lake house this past weekend, and I brought our old camera back with us. Jack decorated Christmas cookies for the first time last night, and we also made a gingerbread train. As you can see, Jack was very proud of his train!

Aunt Lisa came over to help. Here's Lisa and Jack decorating some sugar cookies.


Mommy was able to help a little when she wasn't busy with Charlotte.


Doing some very serious construction on the train.

Almost done!

Silly Daddy, trying to eat the train!

Thanksgiving

Thanks to everyone who took pictures for us! (We lost our camera; we think in the parking garage at the Field Museum.)

We had a great Thanksgiving! Grandma Nold's turkey and main dishes were delicious, as always. Plus everyone else contributed yummy side dishes and desserts. Charlotte was able to meet several relatives for the first time--Uncle Bob and Aunt Carol, and cousins Marty, Lori, and Alexis. We were bummed that our 1-year old cousin Parker was sick, so we missed seeing him and the Frosts.

The first picture is Charlotte with Uncle Bob and Alexis (and Andy and Grandma). Here's Charlotte with her Aunt Lisa. Look at that sweet face!

Jack playing with Grandma (this was actually the day after Thanksgiving).

Grandma and Charlotte, who's wearing the beautiful cap Grandma made for her.

Jack and Uncle Bob. The two of them had a great time playing together!

Aunt Carol and Charlotte


Overall it was a very memorable Thanksgiving. Many people got to meet Charlotte for the first time, and they spent a lot of time with her, since she decided not to sleep all day! She also demonstrated her projectile puking ability all over cousin Marty. This was the first time most of the relatives had seen Jack talking. It's so wonderful to hear his little voice! We also enjoyed seeing and spending time with Alexis, who is such a beautiful and sweet girl. She and Jack boogied together at one point in the evening when Lori got some music going.

We hope everyone else had a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!