There was a newborn baby in the office at the same time as us today. I couldn't help but take a peek at the tiny thing. It really put into perspective how much Curtis has grown already. He now weighs 13 lbs. 2 oz. (75th percentile) and is 25 in. (95th percentile). Not a newborn anymore.
We enrolled Bella in preschool last fall. Initially, preschool wasn't something that was even on my radar. I never went. Plus, I'm a stay-at-home-mom. In my mind, preschool was for kids whose parents both worked. 
On that October day last fall when we went to look at the preschool and meet the teacher, Bella was very quiet and had tears in her eyes. Later I learned that she thought I'd be leaving her there that day. In the months that followed, we talked up preschool as much as possible. Some days she felt brave and excited. Other days she cried and told me that she didn't want to go.
During these past few months, however, I've noticed a big change in Bella. She's really started to come out of her shell. She's more talkative with others and more willing (and even wanting) to have a babysitter. Ever since July, she's been ready for school to start. It helped that we found out a church friend would be in her class. 
I left a happy little girl at preschool. One who was ready to venture out into this world (or at least a small part of it) on her own. First Day of Preschool from Karen Kilps on Vimeo.
Can it really be one month already? It feels fast and yet it feels like he has been a part of our family forever. 
Curtis is a pretty happy baby and if he were my only child, I don't think he'd ever cry. He loves to be held and will lay content in my arms. I talk to him and sing to him and he just looks up at me. He smiled at me two days ago. I think there were a few half smiles in the days leading up to it, but this one was deliberate and directed at me. It lit up his whole face. And mine too.
But there are times when he does cry. Times when he just wants to be in Mommy (or anyone's) arms but can't because I have to change Graydon's diaper or put him down for a nap, or just give him some attetion. That is hard. I feel so torn and don't want any of my kids to feel slighted.
But when Curtis gets upset, he's pretty easy to calm down. It usually involves just picking him up and holding him. . .
No, I do not like this new skill. Not one bit.
Our time together was a good blend of getting out-and-about and laying low. After Bella's dance class one Friday morning, we ventured out to Main Street for some Philly pretzels and pizza. 
The (five) of us
Uncle Tom with Graydon - so sweet. 
Grady-Boy found a dog to love on. 
From there, we headed for the park. 
Random photos from the week:
Lunch on the porch 
Trips for water ice. Grandma & Grandpa took the kids out twice! This was definitely a highlight for Bella (and I assume Graydon as well).
Graydon had a doctor check-up and had to get three shots. This was the first time that he received them in his arms. Poor baby. He was quite the trooper though. I believe he stopped crying before we even walked out of the exam room. His new stats are:
One large portion of our visit that I failed to get any photo proof of were the competitive games of Wii sports that were going on here. Bowling was by far the most played game. And I must say, the skill level of Andy's parents greatly increased over their week here. 
He is very much my baby when we snuggle together and rock before sleep times. I treasure when he uses my shoulder for a pillow and drifts off to sleep. I could put him down, but I don’t. Not for a while anyway. These are moments that I will absolutely miss.
We know he's finished when he starts throwing food again or he fanatically waves his arms around, signing "all done". His signing and verbal vocabulary are both growing. In addition to 'all done', he signs 'milk', 'thank you', 'baby', and 'please'. I've got to say that the 'please' one is hard to resist. As soon as his chubby fingers start circling over his chest, I pretty much give in to whatever he requests.
Does that always stop him? Not a chance.
But he's gotten so good at entertaining himself. I really think our lives all changed around here when Graydon became mobile. He was suddenly much more content. He revels is his increased independence and this whole world (or at least, house) all around him that is waiting to be discovered.
When crawling turned to walking and walking turned to running, my ability to photograph this kid took an all-time low. Which is why this is the only photo I have of him smiling and looking at the camera.
If you could see below where the photo cuts off, you'd see that I have him pinned down while my foot tickles him.
Graydon is 15 months old now. In three months, we'll call him an official Big Brother.
What a treat for her!
And look! Magazines to read (or, in their case - look at). Just like the mommies do it.
Graydon displayed oodles of enthusiasm that morning.
Was I surprised that Bella picked out two shades of pink?
Not at all. I have a girly girl on my hands.
Graydon is clearly impressed.
This experience was shared with friends, Ava and Katelyn.
And the three little siblings who were more than patient. 
Sometimes I get a little sentimental about Bella growing up.
But sometimes it's fun to look ahead to all of the fun mother/daughter activities in our future.
