Yes, We Have a New Baby

I'm sure some of you are wondering if Steven and I have fallen off the face of the earth. Not yet! We are still trying to figure out Andrew's schedule, all while parenting a very active (and sometimes stubborn) toddler. The few free moments I have I spend either showering or sleeping, not necessarily in that order.

Needless to say, we have had a very busy October. Lots of visitors, adventures and family time. Samantha is a WONDERFUL doting big sister, and Andrew is, well, Andrew. He is a generally chilled out little guy, unless he is hungry. We're still working on a good sleeping schedule (one that does not involve me being up with him 2 hours in the middle of the night), but he just kind of goes with the flow. Not that he has much of a choice. Steve and I laugh at how delicate we were with Samantha and how he seems to get manhandled!! I guess that's part of being the second child ... we know they don't break easily!

Enjoy some pictures of Andrew's first month in the world. Big sister has had plenty of fun, too!

Hanging out on his playmat in a family heirloom ... a gown (Steve prefers that I call them "pajamas" for Andrew's sake) previously worn by cousins Will and Caroline and big sister Samantha.

This is one of my favorite pictures of Andrew, taken on a quilt made for him by my great Aunt Jean.

First adventure out of the house ... visiting Daddy at his office.

Checking out baby chicks incubating at Down on the Farm, a new pumpkin patch/corn maze in Knoxville. Isn't the tutu perfect farm attire?

Getting ready to head through the corn maze at the farm with Big Guy and Grammy.

Riding a horse with a little assistance from Big Guy. I was shocked that she did it!

Relaxing with some Froot Loops on the way home from the farm.

Another favorite of mine - big sister and little brother.

Caroline came to spend the night with us during her Fall Break. Samantha adores her, so I was very thankful to have her here! They made brownies while she was here.

Now for the fun part - decorating!!

Putting the finishing touches on a culinary masterpiece. I'm sure you can't tell it was decorated by a 2 year old.

Andrew loves to lay on Samantha's bed. I think he likes to look at all of the bright colors in her room. He goes with me most days to get her up from her nap.

Tummy time! Andrew is very strong. He started trying to hold his head up when we were still in the hospital. He can do quite a few head turns during tummy time on his playmat.

Photograph by Samantha.

Samantha has been fascinated by the reappearance of all of her old toys. She likes to help Andrew out and play with him.

Perusing the Sunday paper while she waits on Mommy and Daddy to finish her breakfast.

We surprised WaWa at school last week for her birthday. Samantha and Andrew were a hit with her second graders!

A very proud WaWa! Poor Andrew didn't open his eyes the whole time we were there, which might have been just as well. I'm not sure he knew we ever left the house. He fell asleep in his carseat while we were still home, and he didn't wake up til we were back home.

Samantha showing off her baby brother.

Wrapped up after a bath. After I saw this picture, I briefly thought of dressing Andrew as Mother Theresa for halloween instead of a pumpkin!

Showing off their "treats" from Gran and Grandaddy.