A night in the life of....

Archer Wenck.....
It starts off with a little snooze while Mom makes dinner. The snooze takes place on Daddy's knees. Then he wakes up and spends alittle quality time with Daddy. Soon after waking up he decides he is hungry..REALLY hungry. So mom feeds him while feeding herself at the dinner table. This is quite the balancing act. Then it is off to get a bath.

From Sept 2008

Pre bath picture

Baths for Archer aren't a nightly occurance like they are for Christian. Christian runs around a dusty playground several hours a day. Baths for Archer generally occur while Christian is also getting a bath. This is Wenck tag team parenting at it's best.

Archer does great in the bath. He really likes the warm water. I don't remember Christian ever liking his bath until he was 6 months old. Even now it can be a fight.

Sometimes he gets a little too chilly and lets me know about it.

From Sept 2008

Then it is off to his room and changing table. He is so calm when he lays on his changing table. Chris says sometimes he doesn't want to take him off because he seems so happy there.

Then we have a little chat after he is in his PJ's, while on his changing table. He tells me about his day. I don't interupt him even though I know everything he did that day because I was there with him. I just let him ramble on. Sometimes I see hints of a true smile. It is coming...

From Sept 2008

Then sometimes we go in and all sit on Christian's bed and read books. But tonight Christian chose to watch Go, Diego, go until bedtime, so no books.

Tonight Archer spent a little time swinging around in the living room. He takes some of his best naps in his swing. This looks pretty uncomfortable, but he never complains.

From Sept 2008

Then Archer gets a evening snack and usually falls asleep in Mommie's arms. I let him stay there for awhile and sometimes I even take a little cat nap with him. I know there is a short window of time in his life where this will be the norm and I want us both to enjoy it.

Sweet angle boy

How sweet is this little guy?!?!?

From Archer Jonathon

Post baby shower

Chris' office threw Archer a baby shower today. They are a smart bunch because the shower came after the baby and the baby was able to attend the shower. So was his big brother. Christian thought it was someone's birthday, and he was partly right. Archer was napping so Christian helped out by opening all his present. We arrived a little early and Christian was able to sit at Daddy's desk. Notice how quickly Christian took to playing with Chris' 10 key.

Old Friends

From Tallie's Birthday

The Ladies in this pictures have known each other for about 20 to 30 years. I personally have known Tallie since the first grade (30 years ago this month). That is LONG TIME.

Tonight we all got together to celebrate Tallie's birthday. We had a great time talking about old times and fun times to come. Some said they wanted to relive their high school days. Hmm, not sure I would go that far, but I might go back and relive a few of my college years.

Go, Diego, Go!

Christian has started to really take an interest in Go, Diego, Go!

I guess he is getting too big for Mickey Mouse (ha!) No, he still loves Mickey and TiggaPooh (aka My Friends Tigger and Pooh) but this week Diego is the favorite.

But it is so much fun to watch him, watch this show...sounds silly, watching him, watch the show, but it is too cute. They ask lots of question in the show, like what tree it the tallest, and things like that...and Christian has started to respond. I can't say that his answers are always the right ones. However, I have been noticing he is getting more and more right. They also ask the kids to repeat words in spanish and he does very well with that too.

He has been staying home with me and Archer most Friday mornings, until his breakfast date with Gran and Pa. This means he gets to sleep late, watch some of his shows and usually this means eating in front of the TV.

Shoes

Can you tell how long we have had these shoes? To look at them you would think a very long time. Christian received these shoes in the mail from Aunt Sheri on Sunday. YES! Just three days ago these were brand new, never been wore shoes. Now there is a good layers of playground dirt on them. Can you tell this little boy plays hard!?!?

Girls Night

From Leslie girls night

I love a good girls night. One night every once in a while when you can get together with friends and just chat and catch up. I work with 3 of these lovely ladies and the 4th one used to work with all of us. Three of us get to keep up with each other at work, but nights out like this allow us more time to really visit. In the case of this particular group of ladies the 4 of us that are still at the MAC get to visit with young Leslie that has moved on to other adventures. This particular night we were celebrating and sending off Leslie to her new job in BIG D.

From Leslie girls night

We will miss our ladies nights with Leslie. She is a bundle of fun and fashion. She is about the most fashionable girl I know. I put her up there with Tallie and Stacy, two of the other most fashionable people I know. But fashion isn't her only strength. This girl has drive and determination. She is super smart too. She is an amazing girl....the total package, brains, beauty and fun. But then again I think this whole group of ladies are the total package!

Good luck Miss Leslie. We will miss you bunches. I wish you all the best on the new adventures and challenges that await you.

Comparisons

From misc

It is hard not to make comparisons among your children, isn't it? At least at Archer's age. We are often comparing looks and temperment.

But this picture is a fun comparison of size.

So far I think Archer has just a hint more Farrell in him than Christian did at the same age. He has a different complexion and his hair isn't as red as Christian's was. Archer was a little more calm at first, but it now making his needs and wants known more often.

On a side note, Christian must have grown 2 inches in the last few months. He is getting really tall. You can see in the PJ's that they are getting smaller and smaller. And if Santa Claus and his helpers are reading this, he now wears a size 3T and is in need of some Lightin' McQueen PJ's. He currently has 4 pair and he asks to wear them most nights. I hope these 4 can make it until Christmas.

From misc

Homework

From misc

This is the board at school with all the family project posterboards.

From misc

And here is Christian's.

Who is this kid?!?!

This isn't my 1st born baby boy, is it?!? The one...

with the little brother now,

From Archer Jonathon

that has bruises from his ankle to his knees because he can play so hard and can now almost climb the ladder at the big kid playscape

From Sept 2008

that has homework, (i love this little sign, because this is what I think when our living room has toys all over the place)

From working out and school work

that can spell Yellow, that can tell me about his day playing with his best friend Rocky, that tells me "its not, it is a crab" when I point to a lobster in one of his favorite books (in this case, I am right, it really is a lobster), that can practically read "Go Dogs Go" word for word.

I think I am just shocked at how fast time is flying. Now that we have Archer, Christian's just seems that much more "grown-up". He is such a little man now. I need a shirt for him that says 100% boy, because he is. He is all trucks, rocks, dirt in the hair, bruises on the knees, running every where he can, BOY! And we love it.

Yesterday he learned about the No. 1 and Circles in school

From working out and school work

And just after he moved into his new class room at daycare he came home with a homework assign. Homework in daycare?!?!!

It was a collage project about families. He was to put pictures of his family and things he liked on a poster board. It was fun and I had a good time picking out pictures...and let me tell you that took awhile with the shear volume of pictures I had to go thru.

Now here are some fun pictures from the last week.

From working out and school work

Here Archer is watching me work out.

From August 2008

This is what I like to call "Daddy with his hands full"

From Sept 2008

Katy and Archer are making fast friends, unlike Christian and Katy. Christian now chase Katy around the house yelling at her.

Silly picture

I wish I had a little better shot, but this one makes me smile.

One Month

Mister Archer turned one month old last night. We didn't have a big party, but I thought I would mark the occasion here. Oh and I did take a picture.
Here is the one month old picture in the blue and brown outfit. His unofficial weight in this picture is just under 10 lbs.

Here is the 3 day old picture in the same outfit. His unofficial weight in this picture is about 7 lbs.

At One month Archer..
1) His fast growing finger nails. I have to trim them often because he likes to grab at me with them and they hurt.
2) I wonder when I will see his 1st smile, sometimes I see hints that it is coming.
3) He is a great shopper, he usually sleeps right thru my shopping trips.
4) He is developing a schedule. He eats around the time Christian goes down and then stays up for a few hours after that (usually fussing for a while). His normal overnight routine is to wake up around the 1 am hour and then again between 4 am and 5 am. Once, he only woke up at 2:30am and a few times he has gotten up every 2 hours.
5) His big brother loves him...A LOT. Mom and Dad kisses take backseat to Archer kisses, and those kisses always have to be "On da mouff" (on the mouth). I am trying to break this habits, but Christian is pretty bossy around here. Usually the only way I can now get kisses before he leaves for daycare or goes night-night, is to offer up Archer kisses and then he starts feeling generous and gives them to me too.

Ike visits Kingwood

Ike has made his way through Kingwood and Huntsville. We have talked to all our family in that area and everyone is doing well. The power is out and trees are down in Kingwood, but no damage to the house thankfully. The folks in Huntsville house didn't have any damage either. We have heard that other family in Houston are doing well too. We haven't spoken to all our Kingwood and Houston friends, but we hope everyone pulled through the storm as well as our family did.

What goes around comes around

Today has been a very interesting day. First off I was home with both boys. The daycare told Chris yesterday that if there was anyway for the children to stay home they would appreciate it. The Church was housing Ike evacuees and they were also hoping to close down early. Not a problem since I am home right now anyway.

Then our church since out an email saying they were housing 67 evacuees, up from 28 just a day ago. They were completely out of bedding. Since we weren't expecting our own evacuees from Houston or Huntsville, I packed up some blankets, our air mattress, some pillows, and food. This took some effort on my part because Christian was up at 7:30 and Archer was up too. So between keeping them entertained, I was packing some supplies to take to Church.

Then we all loaded up in the car and dropped everything off. After that we went to Teo's to meet Chris for his lunch hour. This gave me some help and Christian was able to see Daddy, he had been asking about him all day.

We thought this would be a great time to get Christian's hair cut. Now Aunt Sassy is officially his hair stylist of choice, but for numerous reason we won't be able to see Sassy for several weeks. So we needed to find another option. There is a cute little place just for kid's haircuts in the same shopping center as Teo's. I walked over and luckily she had an opening. GREAT! It is called the Hair's Lair. Chris needed to get back to work so he walked us over there and then headed off. We had been sitting outside on the patio at Teo's so Christian could run around and it was pretty hot. We walked into the Hair Lair to see my co-worker's wife and little boy getting his haircut. The hairdresser suggested I keep Christian outside because it might set him off if were to see the little boy getting upset about his haircut. Since my co-workers wife was there, I felt comfortable leaving Archer inside with the A/C while I walked around outside with Christian. That was my stroke of good fortune #1.

Here is what happened once Christian was in the chair and she was starting his haircut. I asked, "Do you take credit cards?" "No, but we do take cash and checks" Good, I should have my check book right .....nope, no check book in my wallet, no cash either. No problem, I'll walk over to the bank right here and get some cash...wait, I don't know my pin # for this debit card...great...how am I going to pay? I know I will call Chris. Oh wait. He already told me he forgot his wallet at home today...hmm...how and I going to work around this?? The hairdresser was so sweet. She said Chris didn't need to leave work. She said I could just mail her a check once I got home. How great is that!?!? She doesn't know me. I've never been to her store before. That was stroke of good fortune #2.

Then I had promised Christian several time if he was good for his haircut we would go across the shopping center to Rootin' Ridge and get him a toy. He was so GREAT for his haircut we had to make the promised stop. Rootin' Ridge is about our favorite toyshop in Austin. It is all wooden toys, with many of them made on site by the owners. Well luckily they will take my credit card, so we go in to look around. Christian makes he selection...a choo-choo train, no big surprises there. Then we go to leave. Now, remember Chris helped me bring both the boys over to the hair salon, now it is just me taking them both back to the car....carseat in one hand, large diaper bag over one shoulder, while holding the hand of a 2.5 year old in the other hand....and now I have a paper bag with a choo-choo train in it, with no room in my diaper bag for anything. The wonderful man at the toy store must have noticed this too and very nicely offered to help me out to my car with my things. Mind you he is the only one at his shop. Normally I am the kind that will say "Oh, no, I can get it"...thinking I am super woman or something...Oh NO! not today. I realize my limitations and greatfully accept his help. That was good fortune #3.

I feel like God was rewarding our good deed of taking items to the Church for the evacuees by putting all these wonderful people in my path today. Without their kindness I would have probably had a major mommy meltdown...but no, here I am telling you about it while both boys peaceful sleep.

First Interview

Archer had his first interview at the MAC today. I think he did well. The Executive Director seemed very impressed with him.

From Archer Jonathon

He met many of the staff and all had good things to say about him. Maybe in 16 years he can come in and scan documents during his summer break.

What Ike did

Ike sent our friends, Jim and Carol, that had come to town for the UT vs Arkansas game, packing up and heading home early. But not before we had a nice visit.

From Carol and Jim visit

We don't get to see Jim and Carol much. In fact we were talking last night are we think it has been around 4 years since we did see them last. But with friends like Jim and Carol, it never feels like it has been that long. We chatted and caught up with each other, all while we watched Ike change course from Corpus to Houston.

They were able to Christian and Carol was able to hold Archer for a long time...she got him to sleep like the pro-Cici she is. She is now CiCi (grandma) to 2 precious little girlsm Gracyn (2 years) and Reagan (6 weeks). It was great to see them and we hope it isn't another 4 years before we see them again.

The good life

Ah, this is the good life. Beer in one hand, remote in the other, baby sleeping peacefuly on the knees. Now it would have been perfect if it had lasted for more than 10 mins. But Daddy got a little baby boy time in and Archer got a little Daddy time.
Now this pictures says "Mom get that flash away from me." But you can kind of tell in this picture that he is getting bigger. He weighed 9 lbs at the Dr. office on Monday. That is about 2 lbs more than when he come home from the hospital.

If you could see me now...(aka Mommyhood rant)

It would be a pretty scary sight. Mommyhood isn't always such a breeze ; ) Here I sit still in my PJ's, nibbling on leftover brisket from Colin's BBQ party, that I didn't attend. I'm not really feeling sorry for myself, just sayin' it how it is right now. Archer is going thru a growth spurt and nursing ALOT more the last 2 days. That takes some getting used to, nursing every hour or less for about 6 hours straight. Chris describes it like a marathon and that is a good description. I know it will pass and a more routine schedule will resume, but when, I'm not sure. Archer is sleeping now, so I guess this is a water break in the marathon that is my life with baby Archer right now. So when you talk to me or email me. I will probably say I feel pretty good, because physically I do and I'm healing well...but I have my weaker moments....my sitting in pajama's, blogging, emailing friends, munching on BBQ, haven't showered yet, moments...my sink is full of dishes and there is wash that needs to be done...but not today. Mommie it taking a day off. I think I will change the sheets today though...Archer has left his mark on them in more ways that one last night.

On a side note...My Pedi said my mission was to go on a date with my husband...any one want to babysit?

Weekend fun with friends

The Goerlitz family came to Austin for a visit this weekend. We had lots of fun. We all headed to Zilker Park for a train ride, playing on slides, snowcones and feeding birds. Then we all went out for Gelato. In between was some good eats from Chuy's and some good times with friends. After Raphael and Christian went down for bedtime, Dads Chris and Mark went out for BBQ at Colin's. Fortunately they brought home some of Colin's BBQ.



Christian and Raphael were fast friends (much like their Dad's were in junior high I imagine). They shared the Lightin' McQueen couch and watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. And as future blackmail by their parent, they shared a bath after a busy day of play and sticky gelato.

Blue Steel

This post is for a few blog readers (mainly Amy, Krystal and Stacy). The rest of you may or maynot get this. If you have seen the movie Zoolander with Ben Stiller, hopefully you will find this at least a little bit funny.

The definition of Blue Steel: Originally from the movie "Zoolander". This was the signature pose of "Really, Really, Good Looking" Male Model Derrick Zoolander.



Here is Archer's version of Blue Steel.

From Archer Jonathon

Here is Christian's version of Blue Steel.

From Archer Jonathon

Helpers

Mommie has had quite a few helpers in the last few weeks. This week's helper was Aunt Sheri. She has helped with Christian (lots of time at the park), with cleaning the house, running errands and helping me get organized. She has also had lots of time with Archer.

From Archer Jonathon

Archer had some nice photo time with me this afternoon. There are some really cute shots.

From Archer Jonathon

I like to call this Blue Steel #2. I will try and post a picture of Blue Steel #1 soon.

From Archer Jonathon

Cowboys, Pirates, family outtings and potential girlfriend???

Christian has started to really like playing dress-up...but a manly dress-up if you will ; ) He likes to wear what he calls his "Yeeeehaw hat" and vest. This vest was made by Gran for his 1st birthday...yes, his 1st birthday and it still fits.

From Archer Jonathon

The Choates gave him a train conductors outfit and hat too and he has recently started to play with. Then tonight at dinner Gran tried to make him Pirate hat out of his menu. Well, we all tried to fold him a neat pirate hat, but none of us had any luck. This was the best effort.

From Archer Jonathon

We also had a few family outings this week and weekend. Tonight we all went out to dinner. We were joined by Gran, Aunt Sheri, Grama Nita and Bailey. Bailey and Gran had a special night of back to school shopping to do. Gran and Bailey had Christian on one end of the table and Chris and I had Archer on the other end of the table. Christian was very entertaining in his Pirate hat and he loved his calm strips (that's my boy!!!) and Archer did what he does best...yes, he slept (again! that's my boy!!!). The boys didn't give Mommy and Daddy one bit of trouble.

On Sunday we all headed out to run a few errands. I was feeling very couped up at the house so we ran to Babies R Us and Petsmart. We even broke out the double stroller. We also made stops at Petco and Barnes & Noble.

From Archer Jonathon

And on the topic of potential girlfriend. Chris sent me this in an email today.
"Apparently, Ava and Christian were holding hands the other day. And, Ava's om told me she consistently talks about Christian. "
Girls talking about his consistently at this age...what am I in for later?!?! Will I have one of these on my hands?!?!



Now for more Archer news. He had his 1st Dr. appt today and was a real trooper. No shots, just a heel prick and boy did that hurt. He has gained 13 oz since he left the hospital, which is great.

2 weeks

About 30 mins ago, Archer Jonathon turned 2 weeks old. He is growing well and sleeping well. He is a super sweet little guy. He likes to watch his big brother and doesn't mind when Christian gives him kisses or tries to shake his hand when he is sleeping.

Archer had some visitors this weekend too. Jeff and Kathryn stopped by for a visit and to meet Archer. Jeff and Archer made fast friends as you can see.

Aunt Sheri is also here to meet Mr. Archer. She is staying with us this week to help Mommy and Archer during the day and to play with Christian in the evenings.