Merry Christmas!

The first Christmas snow in GA in more than 100 years,

as far as we can tell. We scooped Charles out of bed

so he could experience his first snow!

More Paul

Paul has found his fingers!

And it's the same fingers his brother (still) sucks.

We see him like this a lot, mouth open, ready to chomp

anything that comes near. It's usually his clasped hands, as here:

What a joy you are, baby!

Mommy and P

Matching jackets!

Paul, 3 months

Hanging out

Paul will happily watch Mommy in the kitchen from this

new spot in his jumper...until she has really messy hands.

Then he starts complaining to be held.

Daddy's boys.

And, finally, we're catching some smiles on camera!

This is one smiley kid, though you wouldn't

know it from most of the pictures.

Chef Charles

Complete with flour-adorned face, Charles was chef-for-a-night

and acquired a mixing bowl full of candy

(and lots of compliments on the costume).

Two Months Old

"Is it just me, or is there a HUGE duck beside me?"

Growing boy

Chubby Chin!

Sweet feet.

Fuzzy little head.

A Visit from Gran and Pop

Charles and Pop show off their rock house (by Charles' feet).

Gran and Paul.

Paul with Pop!

Big Boys

Paul at one month.

I squeezed him into his going-home outfit one last time

because it's so cute (hence the high-waters).

Charles loves to dance and sing with his guitar. And recently he insists on

putting his knee up while he plays—like Daddy!

Our first day of beautiful weather called for a picnic in the park.

Charles and Daddy played ball...

...while Paul napped and showed off his double chin.

A few of Paul's favorite things

His cousin Ellee who came to visit last week.

His new Boppy pillow.

Watching Daddy...

...and giving those sweet newborn smiles.

Paul William Raith is here!

First, doting grandparents arrive, hoping to meet Baby Brother.

Charles eats up the attention.

At long last, Paul William makes his appearance!

August 25 at 1:30 a.m. after less than 2 hours of labor...

8 lbs, 1 oz., 20.5 in.

Proud Big Brother Charles visits that morning.

And after settling in at home for a few days,

Paul meets his first stuffed animal:

Here he is at 4 days old.

Already in the first week his tiny squeals have changed to grunts,

he's gained almost a pound, and he's learning to appreciate (ignore?)

the many kisses of his adoring brother. Welcome to the family, sweet baby!

Charles is 3!

Happy Birthday, Charles!

Singing and blowing out a candle were a

little too much attention, I think.

But he warmed up to the presents-part right away!

Here's mommy's favorite gift he received...

And here's the coolest one of them all!

New Home

A few shots since we arrived in our new home:

I can't remember what he was eating, but he was pretty serious about it.

Charles loves to help in the yard. (The back yard is mostly paved...)

Here's a view of the side yard, dubbed "Paris Garden" by some former tenant (there's a stepping stone with the name). Let's not get carried away! It's a bit scraggly, but very peaceful. The crepe myrtle is now in full, fuschia glory. This was an afternoon romp in the sprinkler.

Charles' first night in his big-boy bed. Thanks for the bed, Uncle Will!

Easter

A beautiful Easter morning!

And a drive through the Everglades that evening.

Big week

This week Charles tried his decorating skills on our fresh King Cake. Beautiful!

Charles leaving for his first morning at Montessori school!

Favorite Christmas Shots

Making cookies at Mimi & Grandpa's.

Just three of his many favorite Christmas presents:

This face doesn't exactly say "favorite!" but soon

after this was taken Charles threw up

(for the first time ever). Merry Christmas!