Cool tricks! Cool tricks!

Let me show you some of my cool tricks.

The somersault is Henry's go-to cool trick.

Only occasionally does someone get injured when he's doing this.

Frances is kickin' it in tummy time.

Look at this cool barn! We need one of those!

Sometimes I mix it up by sitting in my Bumbo chair.

Look at how good I'm getting at this! I could make this into a career.

Henry will kiss you, and you will like it!

When I dip, you dip, we dip.

We tried to bring out Henry's "old pool," but it only lasted through one day.

Possibly because the monkey pool over-wintered on the back porch, it didn't survive very well. The upper section wouldn't stay inflated, the canopy was filthy, and it basically collapsed after about half an hour of use.

Obviously Henry didn't mind; he went ahead and had a great time anyway.

Here is Henry in his "new pool."

Grandmom sent this pool, which holds 2000 gallons, as a prize for Henry becoming very-close-to-almost-entirely potty-trained. We invited Henry's friend Lucy (and her mommy, my good friend, Anne) for the first swim yesterday. It was a success! Daddy was smart enough to buy a cover for the pool, so tonight when Henry got in, it was lovely, clean, and warm(er).

That's how I roll.

Yup, I'm going back to belly now. Don't act like you're not impressed.

Kitchens and apples and bikes, oh my.

Cousin Zoey recently turned 3. So, of course, Dennis (and Henry and I, but mostly Dennis) built her a little play kitchen. It's similar to Henry's blue kitchen that we made for his 3rd birthday.

Here the cousins are, checking out the finished product.

A handful of the few apples gleaned from the old apple tree in our backyard.

We don't know what type of tree it is, but the apples were sweet and a little tart. Unfortunately, rehabilitating an old apple tree can be much more difficult that starting from the beginning. The tree definitely needs some TLC if it's going to be healthy again. Since it's only a couple of hundred yards (at most) away from the new trees, we'll have to take care of it as well to prevent any diseases or pests from spreading.

The beginnings of our apple orchard.

Dennis planted 12 one-year-old trees this year in our front pasture. They are six different varieties: Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Cortland, Sweet 16, and two others that I cannot remember. (Any help, Dennis?) We also planted two pecan trees that seem to be doing well; the jury is still out on whether the eight blueberry bushes will survive.

Henry's first ride on his new McQueen bike.

Don't worry, Mere and Doodah went directly to Walmart to buy him a matching helmet just after his inaugural ride. Note the McQueen sippy in the McQueen handlebar basket. Stylin'!

Frances's Baptism

Baby girl was baptized Saturday afternoon. We were able to include cousins Zoey and Melody, too. So it was a hectic few days, with both families camping out in the house. It was a great experience, and who knows when we'll all be able to get together again?

Here is Frances being baptized. If you look at the center of the photo, you can see Henry watching really closely.

Mere and Doodah catching some snuggles.

Frances's godmother, aka Nanny 'Rie.

From L to R: Kathy holding Zoey, Tim holding Melody, Fr. Tom, Melissa (Zoey's godmother), Dennis (godfather to both girls), Bobbie (Melody's godmother)

Our little family.

I promise Frances didn't cry all day. Just for most of the pictures.

(The swing was my birthday present.)

The Perrys

Front row: Mere holding Frances, Henry, Doodah holding Andrew

Back row: Michael, Marie, Jacob, Rebecca, Dennis

We missed you, Kelly!

The Chatham kids.

Front: Zoey, Melissa holding Frances and Melody, Henry

Back: Tim (Frances's godfather), Rebecca, Dennis

Can't forget the Gipper, the original grandchild.

The Twisted Sifter created the cake. It was "Pink Velvet," which is flavored with pomegranate juice. Yummy! They also sell awesome cupcakes.

Henry and Parrain Jacob got to spend some quality time together.

Henry was so excited to hang out with his favorite cousin Zoey.

Frances has figured out the whole smile thing!

Where ya been for the past month?

We've been busy growing, and eating, and playing, and napping...

"What up?"

Naps with Mere are the best!

Super Henry to the rescue!

Henry does love to hold his baby sister.

Henry has some cool new shoes!

Sweet baby toes.

"What's my big brother doing to me?"

"What's my daddy doing to me?"

Henry just can't get enough Frances!

But he's not alone--we can't either.

1 week down

17 + years to go! Well, and then some!

Grandmom has demanded more pictures, so I must oblige:

This past Saturday we brought the kids to Lex to meet cousin Andrew. He and Frances took turns sleeping through the visit.

Frances spent most of Doodah's visit sleeping, too.

Earlier today Frances enjoyed hanging out with Daddy.

Henry's always up for a photo op.

"Cheese!"

Baby sister is here!

Frances Marie was born April 13, 2010 at 12:39 p.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 20 inches long. She was OP, aka "sunny side up", so instead of a conehead, she has a squishy face--but that's improving. She's a champion nurser already, loves to sleep, and Daddy says he hardly ever hears her cry. Let's hope this lasts!

"I so excited, Mommy! You brought Baby Sister home!"

Dr. Anne, my good friend and obstetrician. She's the best!

Henry loves to hold her. He'll just pet her over and over and call her "cute" and "little" and "pretty." "Baby need to grow up."