Baby Boot Camp, The Sequel

Baby Boot Camp 1 commenced in the spring of 2007. The first "roomie child" had been born to Sally, so Rebecca and I journeyed to Florence to be christened as aunties. Little did we know that it would be a baptism by fire. We were quickly indoctrinated in the ways of a newborn baby, which included sleepless nights, rocking, slippery baths, breast pumps and more. My friends did not know that I was pregnant yet and proceeded to scare me thoroughly before I admitted that detail. However, we did enjoy lots of wonderful cuddle time with sweet little William!

Fast forward to current time. Once again Sally has given us a roomie nephew and we were able to go visit Baby Andrew at 3 1/2 weeks old for Baby Boot Camp 2. This time Laura was also able to participate. And, once again, I was already pregnant for the experience.

Shockingly the newborn baby stuff appeared to be a breeze the second time around. Baby Andrew provided us with fantastic entertainment in the form of sweet glances and snuggles and appears to have his Daddy's laid back personality. The biggest challenge was managing the baby stuff in addition to an active three year old! And there were four of us present for duty! Despite the juggling act, I think William and Andrew's Mommy will be up to the task.

I can only hope that my family transitions as successfully! However, after being exposed to the...ahem...willfulness of two different 3 year olds at two different houses in the same weekend might scare Rebecca and Laura away from parenthood forever!

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Baby

For the past three years we have sailed through life enjoying our angelic child who rarely misbehaved. Was it due to his incredible gene pool? Or perhaps our perfect parenting techniques? Obviously not.

Max hit three years old and BOOM! a transformation occurred overnight. Gone was our sweet boy full of hugs and kisses. Gone was the child who followed directions. Gone was the little one who could always be cajoled into smiling no matter the situation. In his place was "The Other Max". The Max who has tantrums and throws toys. The Max who says "No!" and refuses to do what we ask. The Max who drives his Mommy and Daddy to the brink of insanity.

What happened? Where did our parenting experiment go so horribly wrong? There are still occasional glimpses of The Old Max. Sometimes he will even reappear for days. Perhaps at some point The Old Max will be able to overtake The Other Max and life will be good once more. Until then.....pray for us.

Family of Three

Enjoying our last few times of being a

Family of Three!

3-3-30

Dear Max,

Three seems to be your lucky number! At 3 years and 3 months, you have finally hit 30 pounds! All of those cupcakes and "flapjacks" must be packing on the weight finally. Unfortunately, the reason we know your weight is due to several doctor's visits. After a trip to the ER in the fall for respiratory problems, the pediatrician has been watching you closely. You have not had any problems again until recently and it appears you may have a mild case of asthma. It only seems to flare up when you hare having another type of issue (bronchitis this time), but they prescribed a rescue inhaler and a preventative inhaler. You take your "puffer" like a champ and even double check to make sure Mommy and Daddy are using the correct one.

You are becoming much better at playing and working independently although we still hear "Can you heeeeelp me?" fairly often. We are trying to allow you more freedoms in many areas. You are completely out of diapers, both day and night, and have made it clear that you do not need constant supervision in the bathroom or playing. A creative genius is emerging and has been expressed through a number of art mediums including: painting, stickers, play doh, and stamps! Mommy is trying hard not to be too uptight about messes!

(Yes, that is underwear on his head)

Max, you continue to assert that you want to be a Bobcat operator and shovel snow, but your latest hobby is spelunking. Papa Mike taught you how to build caves and we have rarely seen you playing outside of them since that time. And note that it is a CAVE, not a tent. There is a distinct difference - mostly the threat of a cave-in!

Much to Daddy's dismay you already have a true Southern accent. You draw out each word and have us laughing hysterically with your pronunciations. Singing has been a favorite pastime and we jam to Five Little Monkeys and Old McDonald as we cruise down the road. I hear you singing in the bed, in the bathroom, and humming outside while you do other activities.

Max, we know you have a lot of changes in your life ahead during the next few months. Despite your sweet comments about your baby sister, I can tell you are already aware that our attention is not as undivided as it used to be. I believe some of your difficult behaviors are in reaction to that fact. Mommy and Daddy are also unsure of exactly what will happen when Sarah joins us, but we will never stop loving The Max. And we are trying to treasure each moment and each day of it being the three of us.

Much love,

Mommy

Julie Valentine

For the past several years I have taken Max's picture at the Julie Valentine Memorial at the park near our home to commemorate Valentine's Day.

2009

2010

Max adores the playground nearby, but the memorial has always been special to me because it was sponsored by my agency in honor of a baby girl who was found abandoned and deceased in a field on the day before Valentine's Day. The police officer in charge of the investigation named the baby "Julie Valentine" and the memorial was created as a reminder of the effects of child abuse in our community, as well as providing a link to what we do to help prevent it and assist in healing.

2011

Today launches a new direction for our agency as we change our name to the "Julie Valentine Center" and open our doors with a new look. The landscaping and design outside our building was sponsored by Leadership Greenville and truly creates a more welcoming atmosphere. A special luncheon is being held with Ed Smart (the father of Elizabeth Smart) as a speaker. Max is also excited about the new logo! When he saw the invitation to the luncheon he proclaimed, "That's my heart! The one I take my picture on! At my park!" One child sharing his heart with another.

The Julie Valentine Center: Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Recovery.

Happy Valentine's Day to all children and those we hold close in our hearts!

Welcome Wagon

Welcome Andrew John

February 1, 2011

Florence, SC

Congratulations to Sally, Wayne, and big brother William!

We cannot wait to meet your new little love bunny!