Play

Miles is beginning to enjoy toys. He'll spend 10 minutes here or there checking out the objects on his play mat. I hung a little green frog in front of his car seat and that frog is quite a topic for conversation. I have also begun reading to him which I can tell is a hit. His eyes become wide and his arms move excitedly. I have forgotten how much fun babies are when they begin to play and become vocal. Piper is a great helper, always offering him another toy, always trying to teach him something. We are all excited to see what Miles will do next.

These are a few of my favorite things

Christmasy things that is...

Christmas time brings back many memories of a happy childhood and many

merry Christmases.

Home SWEET Home

We were invited to a ginger bread house party, where Piper created this masterpiece. I was truly impressed by a job well done. A tired Miles was not allowing me to help her, so she had to take the reins. Piper is really growing up which is beginning to make me a little sad. We recently had a rainy day and as we were waking through the mall on our way to the book store, Piper said "It sure is a nice day to come to the mall." It is simple moments like this that I look at her in amazement. She'll need to start Preschool in a little less then a year. Not to make it sound like she is going off to college, but I know I will miss our days together.

Happy Birthday Husband

Broc is 31 tomorrow. You are loved my dear. Happy Birthday

18 Days to Christmas

We should know. Piper asks to open another door on the advent calendar at least once an hour. I have to remind her that we can only do that once a day until Christmas. In preparation for tomorrow, she knows exactly where to find number 17. Oh the things she will do for chocolate...

We don't have much going on aside for my own personal chaos. I am struggling to find a balance with Piper and Miles, as he is still a very needy little guy. Do I let him cry, so I can make her lunch? Do I let her watch TV so I can feed Miles without her sitting on my feet asking me 32 Why questions? Yes to both. I LOVE these kids and I would not change a thing, but I have to say I am exhausted and our house is very much affected by that. Of course while I am in this state, I've been feeling the need to do projects as well, perhaps sewing and baking are my stress relief. I made this string of Christmas lights for our mantle, along with some presents for my newest niece (more to come on that). I am so pumped to host all of our family for Christmas this year! It's a huge blessing not to have to travel this time around, though I have to say I wouldn't mind some snow right about now. Thank you to those who read this and love our kids. I am so grateful to have wonderful friends and family, even when they are so far away. Sending our love!

Gobble Gobble

Broc rocked a turkey today so we are thankful for leftovers! Happy Thanksgiving

Art!

Yesterday we went to a children's art fair here in Savannah. They had an entire square filled with craft stations for little ones. Piper loves to craft out, so naturally she was skipping from station to station ready to take on the next art project. She even helped to create her own indian get up.

Miles is beginning to smile and coo regularly. He loves to spend time looking at us and we love it too. Piper sings him her favorite songs and welcomes him during book time. She has had a new found love for her baby doll since Miles has been born. She cares for her baby, while I care for Miles. It is very sweet and I am so grateful that she has adjusted this well. We are still sleeping very little and feeding Miles a whole lot, but hopefully these things will sort themselves out in the weeks to come. For now I am fervently praying for more ZZZs...

say cheese

We lucked out having met Sarah Ayer. She is a photography student at Savannah College of Art & Design whose focus is children. She seems to like Piper, because she has used her in a few photo shoots for class projects. This girl is baby crazy, in the best of ways! We asked her to take some pictures of Miles, and she gladly accepted. Thank you Sarah!

Miles is growing and growing. In fact at his 1 month appointment he had gained double the normal amount. They even told us that he was overeating and to try keep him from eating as often. He has officially grown out of Newborn size baby clothes and is moving up in the world.

I'm happy to add Piper is potty trained!! Finally! She is a self sufficient potty machine. We even leave the house in undies. We have yet to master sleeping without a diaper, but we are well on our way.

Thanksgiving is 3 short weeks away and since we are not heading home, I am making dinner for about 8 adults. I have never cooked a thanksgiving feast. Turkey tips anyone?

Got Milk?

We do. As we helped set up for a kids Halloween event on post, Piper could not contain her sillies. She loves to be milk and everyone loves her as such. Apparently it's a pretty original costume because everyone wanted a glass! She can't hardly wait to go trick or treating and I can't hardly wait to raid her bag of goodies. I consider it my right of passage. As my mom used to say, let me just make sure this piece isn't poisonous...

kiddos

Halloween Time

Here we are in the middle of October. It's hard to believe I was still pregnant with Miles 3 short weeks ago. Well, we are gearing up for Halloween time, which is what Piper calls it. We took the kids to Owatta Farms where we picked a pumpkin, played duck race and jumped on this bouncy contraption. Miles is healthy and plumping up little by little. He is not sleeping much during the night, which has made daytime a challenge for all of us. An extreme lack of sleep causes us to do silly things like try to fit baby heads in our mouths. Nope, too big...

one week old

Yesterday Miles had his first checkup since we left the hospital. Our new pediatrician is a sweet and very intelligent older Jewish man. Every time we see him he kisses Miles on the head and says "He's so cute. God bless him." He told us that Miles is doing fine and that he is doing especially well gaining weight. As far as we can tell our new baby is pretty laid back. He is a great sleeper, eater and only complains when he is hungry or cold. He makes funny dragon noises and has the sweetest facial expressions. Broc and I stare at him for long periods of time, soaking up his babyhood while we can.

Welcome Miles

We are so happy to present our son, Miles Oliver Barnes. Miles was born on September 27th at 7:55 am. At birth Miles weighed 7lb 3oz and measured just over 20" long. All 3 of us have quickly fallen for this little man. It's incredible how he just fits right in to our lives as though he was missing all along. Piper is adjusting very well and seems to harbor no jealous feelings toward her little brother (yet). She wants to hold him regularly and kiss him often.

Two healthy kids. One pretty great husband. What more can I say except my cup is overflowing.

Princess Piper

Our lives have been so focused on unpacking and preparing for baby number 2, that Piper and I needed a fun mom-daughter activity. Last week we made some scrumptious red velvet cupcakes, which get me all revved up for autumn.

My patient sister-in-law has been waiting and waiting for some pictures of our new house, so here is a staring point. Piper is playing princess in her new room, which she seems to be very happy in.

Tomorrow is a big day, the birthday of our son. We are so excited to meet him and to introduce him to you all very soon.

ONE MORE WEEK!

If you weren't aware baby Piper had to be removed via cesarean section. While that wasn't ideal, it gave us the option to have scheduled babies. Our little guy will be joining us a week from today at approximately 8am. We are so looking forward to meeting him and surprisingly Broc and I are feeling rather relaxed about the whole thing. I guess we've been given a dose of that peace that passes understanding. We are still unsure about a name and have no solid leads, which leaves us all with an element of surprise. Piper talks about meeting her brother soon and what a good sister she will be.

We are almost completely unpacked and feeling pretty settled in. More to come on that this week.