siblings

About 2 weeks ago, Cooper randomly decided he wanted to lay down (what?!) next to Annabelle on the bed. I immediately grabbed my camera, which was handy from taking the pile o' pink photos just before. Once I was able to look past Cooper's post-nap Conan O'Brian hairdo, these pictures reminded me of a deep longing I have for my children.

Growing up, I always wished I had an older brother. This was probably due to the fact that I had all other sibling options- older sister, younger brothers, and younger sisters- and, as you know, "the grass is always greener...". Regardless, I envied the relationships I saw (including some in my own family) where big brothers would protect their sisters, look out for them, advise them, and lead by example.

I pray that for my children.

Dear God, let these two enjoy living life side by side.

 

 

 Let them trust each other with their secrets...

 ...and make each other laugh often.

Let her look up to her big brother and be his biggest fan.

 

Let him cherish his baby sister, defend her honor, and long for her good.

Thank you, Lord, that you gave them to each other. And to me.

preschool

It was a big day, both for my baby boy and for me... Cooper went to his first day of preschool! Curtis and I have been tossing the idea around for awhile, but have been more and more encouraged to go for it with each passing day. He is so active and so interested in any/all socializing that we knew preschool would be such a gift to him. And, let's be honest, it will be such a gift to me (and Annabelle) as well! Check out our first day of school photo shoot:

 

Possibly the only still shot that I got. 

Because, then there was this...

 

...and this...

I think he really loved his 3 hours there... he was literally singing a new song when I picked him up and there were no reports of screaming tantrums. Phew.

 

Yeah. He was happy. 

As for me, I got to clean both bathrooms and do lots of paperwork. I was happy too.

molly ringwald, look out

It's no secret that I've been beyond excited about having a little girl and all of the pink that goes with it. I had to laugh the other day, though, when I dumped a load of her laundry on the bed... 

 

"Pretty in pink" may be an understatement.

 

She really wanted her paci and- don't worry- it fit right into the color scheme.  

once upon a potty

Have you ever read the book, Once Upon A Potty? Probably not lately. It's a winner, though, in the potty-training world. Cooper had been reading and slightly obsessed with it, so I was sure he was going to be thrilled when I bought him his own little potty. Instead, after giving him his "present", he kept asking for "nother pwesent, mommy?".

The closest he would get to using the potty was to sit on it, fully clothed, in order to get his picture taken and then "see Cooper on cam-ah?".

Needless to say, we weren't too optimistic about progress in potty-training when we couldn't get him to remove his pants. We kept talking about it, though, and made repeated promises of cookies and candy for "pee pee and poopy".

Then, last week, after finally being convinced to put his bare bottom on the potty, Cooper sat on it for a long time in the middle of the living room...

...while Daddy read his favorite potty books...

 

 

...and even demonstrated how to "puuuuuuuush" the poopy out. 

At the end of the day, there was an empty potty. 

BUT, a few days later, they were at it again. And the end result?? Just the smallest little bit of both pee pee and poopy. And, based on our reaction, you would have thought he won an Olympic gold medal.

sweetness

Oh, how I love this little girl...

p.s. We have done a really poor job capturing on camera just how adorable she is, so I borrowed this picture from Curtis' mom. A little glimpse! I am planning a full-on photo shoot for this weekend, so get ready!

precious annabelle

Our baby girl, Annabelle Kate, was born 10 days ago after a fast & furious delivery. She is every bit of wonderful... adorable, sweet, calm, and content. We could not be more blessed. Truly.

Because I know that pictures are way more exciting than my words, and because I am so tired right now that I'm not sure my words would make sense anyway, here is her (short) life in pictures.

 She was born at 8:39am, weighing in at 8lb 1oz, and measuring 20 inches.

 

The new and improved Chesney family, including one of our first visitors- big brother Cooper! 

  

The rest of our first visitors. Lots of Andringas!  :)

  

 Annabelle... still a little unsure of this out-of-the-womb world.

  

Proud grandparents, Marmie and Papa.

  

 Enjoying our new, sleepy girl.

  

The drive home, 24 hours later. 

Thanks, Joy, for making her the adorable blanket!!

  

At home, Cooper is getting acquainted. "Look, Annabelle's nose!"

  

That sweet face!

  

Cuddling with daddy. Cooper was jealous...

 ... so he put his face in front of the camera and said "CHEEEEEEESE!".

  

First bathtime.

  

 Lots of time with Grandpa and Mammy.

  

 And even great-grandmother, Memaw!

 Lots and lots of sleeping. I'm jealous.

  

 Lounging on the couch today.

  

 That face is priceless. She looks like a sullen teenager already!

So, so many more to come...

my valentine

Yesterday, once I finally remembered that it was Valentine's Day, I found myself with this thought:

Do you know what is so much better than a heart-shaped box of chocolate or a dozen red roses?

Wednesday afternoon, Curtis arrived came home from the store with these:

Note that I said Wednesday. It wasn't my birthday or a holiday, it was just a day. In fact, he had completely forgotten that Valentine's Day was a few days away.

It was a beautifully simple gift meant to brighten my day. For me, it was one more reminder of how much I love my husband and how blessed I am to call him my Valentine.