Austin versus Andrew

Based on the results of Andrew's 4 month checkup yesterday, I began wondering about Austin's stats when he was 4 months old.

Austin
15 pounds, 8 1/2 ounces
27 1/2 inches long

Andrew
17 pounds, 1 ounce
28 inches long

Andrew's not too much longer than Austin was at his age. But, every 1/2 inch counts in the "I'm taller than you!" race.

Open mouth, insert foot

FINALLY! Andrew has managed to put his foot in his mouth. Not that I'm all excited about his sweaty little toes and feet being shoved into his mouth. But, this is a very important milestone is his young life. I captured the essence of his pleasure with making the discovery that, yes, these weird looking things reach my mouth.

Check out the look on his face. I can't tell if he's upset that I caught him or if he's just so ravenous for the feet.

Strike 2

The second offense has occurred against our "No potty words" rule. And Austin was just distraught by the thought of soap in his mouth. So, I gave him one more chance before the bar of soap would be inserted into his mouth for what will be the longest second of his life. I know it's coming and I really don't want to do that to him. I know he probably didn't mean to say the words. They probably just slipped out and when he realized what he'd said, got really upset because I had already warned him about the soap.

It reminds me of the scene in the movie A Christmas Story where Ralphie is blinded because his mouth was washed out with soap after he said a word much worse than what Austin has said. I'm sure I'll scar him for life with this if it comes down to the soap in the mouth which, I'm afraid to say, it probably will.

Something, something, poop and pee

Austin started Sunday school on Sunday. He's in a new room with new teachers and new friends. We drop him off and everything was fine. I pick him up and, of course, he's had issues. The teachers said he was using the words poop and pee in regular conversation. Not in reference to "I need to go poo poo" or "I need to go pee pee." Just hanging out talking.

"No David No" is a set of books that Austin reads at Nonna and Papa's house. It's about all the things that the author's mother told him "No" about. One such thing was using potty words. The illustration shows David sitting with a bar of soap in his mouth. We read this book on Saturday and Austin made the comment about how David had used potty words and had to wash his mouth out with soap.

After Sunday's incident, I informed him that if he did it again he'd be like "No David No" and have his mouth washed out with soap and that soap doesn't taste good. Monday and today I was greeted with "I didn't use potty words, Mommy" when I picked him up from school. I know the threat of soap will only last for so long. Eventually, I'll have to follow through and pull out a brand new bar of soap especially for Austin.

He's a whopper

Andrew had his 4 month checkup today. We all knew that he was big, but WOW! He weighed in at a whopping 17 pounds, 1 ounce (between the 90th and 95th percentile). But, the biggest shocker was his length. Andrew is 28 inches long! The pediatrician showed us where Andrew fell on the "curve." He's well above the curve, staring down at all the other little boys his age. He's well over the 100th percentile in height, probably more like 110 or 115.

Dr. Hamm said that it's poetic justice when the little brother turns out to be the younger brother. Watch out Austin.

The sweet sound of laughter

Andrew is such a happy baby (NOW that is). He loves to laugh...at anything and everything. A couple of weeks ago Austin was outside running and jumping into his little kiddie pool and Andrew thought he was so funny.

On the way home this afternoon, I heard all sorts of laughter in the backseat. Austin was making Andrew laugh and it went on like that for a few minutes. Austin laughing and Andrew laughing. It was perhaps the sweetest thing in the world.

Stage 1 carrots

Andrew tried stage 1 carrots tonight. I think he was confused both by the color and the texture of them. After a few attempts at getting them into his mouth and not on his hands, arms, legs, belly, chin, and any other place where there is skin, we put the bowl and spoon down. Can't you tell his totally thrilled?

A moon race

What is a moon race?

It's where you bring your best moon to race.

Per Austin

The strangest phrase

I never thought I would say this:

Austin, don't wipe that banana on your face.

Sneaking out

The other night, Austin was opposed to going to bed (what else is new). This particular night he said that he wanted to go outside in the dark. It was time for bed and Gene said no. He then told Gene that he was going to sneak outside in the dark.

If the boy wants to sneak out at 4 years old, what will life be like when he's a teenager? Lord help us!

Wrestling match

My cousin, Rachel, was nice enough to bring gifts from TX for the boys and for Gene and me. Included in the gifts were two Nacho Libre wresting masks, one for Gene and one for Austin. Today, it was like WWE in the house. Gene "lost" the match.

Finding feet

Andrew has found his feet. He is fascinated by them and just stares at them. He hasn't figured out that he can actually put his toes in his mouth yet. Plus, I think his thighs are just a little too big for that.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Goodnight, Coco Man

So, every child has some random language that they speak. For us, it's the language of the 4 year old boy who is influenced by other 4 year old boys with whom he is friends.

Recently, Austin's favorite is Coco Man. Everyone is Coco Man. Gene and I have even started saying it ourselves. In fact, the other night while putting dishes away, Gene hit something (his foot, his hand, whatever) and said, "Ah, Coco Man" to which Austin laughed hysterically.

Tonight, Gene was saying goodnight to Austin and sweet dreams. Gene said, "Goodnight, Austin." Austin replied, "Goodnight, Coco Man."

Ready for some sun

Or at least to sit under an umbrella for about 15 minutes until the baby is so hot that we have to go inside for the rest of the day. At least we made an appearance in a hat given by Ellen, the accessory queen.

Portrait of Mommy

by Austin Fambrough

How proud am I of my little artist? Even though my head is huge, my hair is flat, and it seems I have two noses one of which is massive.

The ice cream man

Every kid is just obsessed with the ice cream man, right? Austin is no different. Our ice cream man is inconsistent at best. He comes to our street when he feels like it and flies down the street in a big hurry. We have finally gotten smart and have Austin's wallet by the front door with a few dollars inside. We are prepared for when we hear the music.

Austin's favorite ice cream from the ice cream man? The blue raspberry Two Ball Screw Ball. It has two gum balls in the bottom.

I have no idea...

what happened here. All that I know is Austin's shirt was on his legs and shorts were on his head and apparently a sock ended up on one arm.

Long, long weekend

My cousin from TX, Rachel, came to town on Friday. And the Fambrough family has been at my dad's house pretty much for 4 days swimming, eating, and visiting.

Rachel has been christened with spit up, forced to swim with Austin, give bottles, change diapers, etc. Forced is probably too strong of a word. She and Austin (and Andrew too) have become fast friends with Rachel laying down with Austin in the vein attempt at a nap.

Tomorrow, the return to work and school. Tragic...

Austin's work

A day in the life of Austin's "work."

He works in Helelena which is 30 minutes away. He's been working there all the day, for 20 days. He has a microwave at his work. There are toys at his work to play with. He works at a destruction site. Papa is there and all of his friends. Papa is on the backhoe. And Dede and Nea and Nonna are all on a bulldozer. And DeDe is on a front-end loader. All of his friends watch the destruction mans work.