Keeping Up with the Cases: Da Boys

I don't really have any new pictures of Charlotte, mainly because she's pretty boring. Really, I mean it! Newborns don't do anything but sleep most of the time, and when they are awake invariably they have gas or poop or something else that tends to take one's attention away from photography. She's doing well, continuing to grow, etc., etc. She is adored by many and loved by all.

No, this entry will mainly be a brief update on the boys, who are decidedly more active and keep us constantly laughing and, simultaneously, on our toes. They are absolutely into everything, and I have to forget about keeping them clean past 10 o'clock in the morning, especially if they make it outside at all. They are getting feistier and more combative every day, asserting their independence and individual personalities more and more. They have kind of a love/hate relationship with one another as well. I should note here that I received my first slap in the face yesterday, from Baylor. He was tired and cranky and took out his frustrations on the nearest person, who just so happened to be his Mama, who just so happens to not put up with that kind of behavior. Needless to say, after a quick punishment, tears, and cuddle time, he and his brother were put down for their nap forthwith. What toots!

They are finally beginning to use some words along with their extensive repertoire of vocalizations. At various times you can catch them saying "baby," "puppy," "mama," "dada," "thank you," and their personal favorite, "ball." "Kitty" is identified with a specific grunt, and they sporadically choose to use the sign for "all done" when they are finished with meals. Or they just lift their trays up and dump the leftover food on the floor when I'm not looking. However the spirit moves them. I hate to lump the boys together constantly, but really they are keeping neck-and-neck with one another as far as communication goes. They watch and observe each other, and while Jack seems to be a bit more of the leader at this particular time, Baylor copies him closely enough that the lead is virtually unnoticeable. Hopefully Jack failed to notice the whole slapping episode.

I am keeping a look-out for good sales on kids' clothes at Kohl's and Target, both of which have specific brands that fit the boys really well and wear out as slowly as possible, as the weather is changing quickly and Baylor and Jack are growing out of their summer stuff equally quickly. Stephen has learned to stop asking when I will start buying boys' clothes second-hand, as he has witnessed firsthand how nearly impossible it is to find used boys' clothes in good, wearable condition. Honestly, I was shocked and amazed when I started looking at girls' clothing in consignment stores and garage sales. It's all beautiful and in perfect condition! Why did I have to have two boys, who need brand-new clothing each step of the way, and only one girl, whom I can outfit gorgeously for next-to-nothing?! (That's not a real question, of course. I love our family arrangement!)

Well, I must close and clean up the floors, as I'd like to have the house clean before the weekend. Here are a few pictures of the boys from the past couple days. Enjoy!