Red, itchy bumps--a symptom of cabin fever??

We feel like we have been cooped up in our house for months. With the temperature in the single digits, we really haven't got out much. I guess we all have cabin fever, but this weekend we thought we had scarlet fever as well. Clark is cutting four canine teeth plus a molar, so he's not exactly his usual Mr. Happypants all the time. But Saturday, he was really cranky. And he develped a rash on his back. Of course I turned on the computer and read about childhood rashes. One that popped out at me was scarlet fever. So for about 120 seconds I thought Clark had scarlet fever (which is no more than strep). As it turns out, he didn't have a fever or any other symptoms. So we diagnosed him which eczema. At church, I asked a pediatric nurse who works at the local children's hospital about it, and she suggested it might be a virus that's been going around that just manifests itselfs as a rash. He's doing better today. So I tried to take some pictures of his back, so you could see what it looks like in case it comes your way.

Is reading on the toliet nature or nuture?

We had another gray and dreary weekend. But we made the best of it. We watched cartoons. We went walking in the mall. And we read a lot of books. Here Michael is showing Clark a fish face at our bedtime reading.

Okay to explain my post question...Clark is really good at going pee pee in the potty right before he takes a bath. He's a big boy and does a great job standing and doing his business. So I thought that I would pull out the little toliet for potty training and see what happened. Yes Clark is almost two in February. I didn't expect anything really.

He loved his little toliet and as soon as he saw it, he exclaimed, " I want to go pee pee in the potty." Or something like that. So I sat him down. The toliet sang a little potty song and played some relaxing, in the mood music. After about 15 seconds, Clark said, "I want a book." We laughed and laughed and of course captured the moment on camera. So that is why I ask...

Is reading on the toliet something we have learned to do or is it just in our DNA?

Joel had his one month check up

These two pictures are of Clark and Joel when they both were one month old. Can you tell which is which? Joel in the one on the bottom. I can't help but compare the boys all the time to each other. I know that I'll have to stop one day, or else I'll do permanent damage to their egos. But while they're young, I figure it's okay. Today we learned that Joel went from 9 pounds 6 ounces to now his big whopping 11 pounds 13 ounces (90%), and he is 23 inches long (95%). The doctor said he was doing great.



Here's Clark playing in just his shirt. He loves when I take off his pajamas in the morning. He'll run away from me and try to stay naked. Today I managed to get his shirt on, but I let him leave his pants off all morning. Michael calls him our Polar Bear man. No matter the temperature, Clark loves being naked!!!

I tried to take pictures of the boys today. It was a disaster as always. But when Joel started squirming and I went to pick him up, Clark got upset. Clark really wanted Joel to stay on his lap. He kissed Joel over and over while I was taking pictures. It melted my heart to see Clark love his little brother.

Clark calls Joel "my little brother". I find Clark always covering Joel with his blanket and trying to shove Joel's pacifer in his mouth when Joel starts crying. He's a great big brother.

Another gray dreary day

The weather here in TN has been gray and/or rainy for what seems like months now. Clark and I are very ready for spring, so we can go outside. We are both outdoors people. I love that about him.

We got a new double stroller to go walking as a family. We go to the mall, stores, or the park when we can. Clark has done great riding in it. He gets to be in the front. The only trouble is when he decides to chunk his toys, and then we usually step on them. Right now, he loves to play with my flabby, saggy, after baby stomach. I think it reminds him of jello, but he loves squeezing it and pushing on it. It makes me feel good that at least someone can enjoy this disgusting part of having a baby.


Joel is now one month old and one day. He has a doctor's appointment on Wed for his one month check up. He is doing really well. He's definitely a spit up baby. I could never figure out why people gave me so many bibs when Clark was little. He never spit up. Joel has taught me the importance of a bib! Joel is much more alert now. He is awake for hours at a time.

Just trying this thing out

I am trying to figure out how this works, so bare with me. I had the option to watch videos on how to do this, but I'd rather muddle through all by myself.

My first post

Hello and welcome! After talking about creating a blog for a long while, we decided it was time since all of our family and many of our friends live so far away. So here we are in an attempt to provide a way to include you in our lives. We mainly want to share photos and updates through this blog, but we'll see where it takes us.

Mom and Dad News: It is January 2nd, and the new year has begun. Happy New Year by the way! Michael and I have decided we have to focus on getting healthy this year. I know everyone makes resolutions to lose weight, and yet.... But after having a baby four weeks ago, I am more determined than ever to lose weight and get in shape. We are cutting out soda, white bread, and desserts every day. We are planning to include lots of fruits and veggies. We'll keep you updated on how this is going. Wish us luck!!!

Boys News: We started putting Clark in his big boy bed yesterday for naps and nighttime. It has gone really well. It only took a few minutes for him to get adjusted. We expected a battle. I am very senstive now to every sound in the house thinking it might be Clark getting out of bed.
He is very very into all vechiles right now. He plays with his Hot Wheels all day long. As we drive down the road, he is busy indentifying the cars, big trucks, motorcycles, trains, etc that we pass.

Joel has stopped his crazy spitting up and projectile vomitting. I think he actually is spitting up like a regular kid. It's amazing how just a trip to the hospital can cure you!!! ha ha! We are very glad the problem was taken care of. Thank you, Father! He weighs 11 pounds, 2 ounces at almost 4 weeks old. He fits very tight in all his 0-3 month clothes. I guess being bigger than most babies, he is doing really well at night. He sleeps for four-five hours chunks at a time.