Marching Band Begins

...and that means new t-shirts. Every student in the band has a matching t-shirt they must wear under their band jacket in order to be able to not wear said jacket after half-time. This is new to me since I was not in band, and I married into it. I must say though it is a lot of fun and very neat to see everyone look uniformed. I also like getting a new t-shirt to support my band kiddos and my husband. I hope they have a wonderful year and have lots of fun! This year's show is a Journey show. Even Charles is supporting the band with his shirt "I'm with the band." Charles, Grandma, and I just went to see the half-time show and then left. Since the weather might not allow us to see any more performances I was very happy to get to go see the band, and it was fun to show off Charles too.

We Have A

Belly Button!!!!!Last night (August 25th) around 8-9 pm we checked Charles' and noticed he now has a belly button! No more cord! Let the real baths begin. I can't wait to see him splashing in the water.

First Stroll, Just A Swinging, and a New Bank

Thanks Rob and Jill. Charles loves to listen to music and bounce. They need to make these is grown up sizes.

Charles went on his first stroll a few days ago. He enjoys riding around and it usually makes him go to sleep.

He really enjoys my niece's and nephew's swing. It calms him when other things will not.

His new bank.

So this is what love is

Charles has been blessed with excellent Grandparents. They have been so helpful since his arrival. Plus I never knew that I could love someone so much, and my love for Patrick and family has grown even more. I thought I was protective when I was carrying him, but now that instinct has grown by leaps and bounds.

Mama C helping Patrick change his first diaper ever. He did a great job even though he had three people trying to tell him what to do. Believe me Charles didn't make this first job easy for him. I must say he is becoming a pro at changing diapers. Mama C is a great teacher. Mama C is a natural with babies.

Pop with his cuddle time. He could make any baby sleep by just holding them. I told him numerous times that he should not hold him before feeding time because he wouldn't eat as well. Pop has the magic touch though at nap/bed time.

Grandpa and Grandma arrived and are already in love with Charles. They are now helping out with baths, and things around the house. We are blessed to have roughly 2 weeks with grandparents. I don't know what we would have done without each and everyone of them.

I couldn't resist adding this sweet picture of Charles. He is already a deep thinker can't you tell?

More Baby Pictures

Here are some pictures of Charles.

Charles with Dr. Lo

Here's Charles waving hello to everybody.

Welcome Charles Owen Box

It's 3:30 am, and it's been a long day, but it has been worth it. Brooke and I have been at the hospital since 6:45 yesterday morning. After a long day of progressing through the stages of labor, our doctor determined that Brooke was not going to be able to deliver Charles naturally and she had a c-section. This turned out to be a great decision, as Charles weighed 9 lbs, 11 ounces! Our doctor had originally estimated 8 1/2 lbs. Charles Owen Box was born on August 10, 2011 at 2:22 am. He is 21 inches long, has a significant amount of black hair, and gigantic paws for hands. I am so proud of Brooke; she worked so hard all day and really held out against significant pain. I like to think he's pretty much the most beautiful baby ever, but I'll let you judge for yourselves.

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Letter to Baby

Dear Sweet Baby Charles,

We went to the doctor today. He told us we would be holding you very soon. You have no idea how excited and blessed we feel. We want you to know that you are a precious gift from God, and we hope you see his love in our lives. Our biggest prayer for you is that you have a friendship with the Heavenly Father starting at an early age. Know now that He will never mess up like we are bound to do. You have been bathed in prayer before we even knew about you. We cannot wait to watch you grow and learn.

Many are awaiting your arrival anxiously besides your Mommy and Daddy. Your grandparents, aunt, uncles, and numerous friends. You are already loved by many.

Lots of Love,

Daddy and Mommy

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever

Recipe from the Oxley's
2/3 cup oleo
2/3 cup Crisco (butter flavor)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
Cream the above ingredients together then add in the following ingredients in order and mix.
2 tsp. vanilla
3/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp. baking powder
2 eggs
3 cups flour
12 oz chocolate chips
Make and put cookies on cookie sheet.
Bake 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes
ENJOY!!!!

Gifts of Love

We are extremely blessed beyond measure with wonderful family and friends. Charles is going to be spoiled rotten and I am okay with that because I know he is loved and cared for by many. We are so thankful for your gifts of love.

These precious burp cloths and wash cloths were handmade with love by Audrey. I absolutely love them. They are too cute. (I have a dream of one day being able to sew). I would just like to point out the one with the airplane a special add on that will match his room. I know the detail was not easy-so thanks!

Mrs. Pam sent us some really cute little outfits, a sleeper that says "I love mommy," and a cute little burp cloth.

Stanley and Judy sent these cute sleepers and onesies. Thanks so much.

I believe we are going to have to step up our outfits to be presentable with our cute little boy:) LOL. Thanks again and I hope everyone is receiving the thank you cards we are sending.