Around the House

Here are a few updated pics of "Baby Boy" or "Baby Brudder" as the girls say...

 He is beginning to smile more and starting to focus a bit. He loves looking at the lights.

 Some contact paper Valentine hearts

 The girls insisted on wearing their sunglasses to block the sun. Audrey kept fussing at the walkers and runners going by that weren't noticing their handiwork.

Decorating baby boy with a bracelet tiara - poor thing!

Birthday

 Grandmother and Granddaddy came to the rescue this week while David was out of town at a conference. As a side note, he was to be warm and relaxed at a Texas beach resort near Corpus Christi. He left on Thursday mid day and was delayed in Houston because the crew didn't show up (who were originating in Houston - no one could find them, though the plane was there.) Then, after waiting for two hours, they took off and were halfway to Corpus when they had to return due to low fuel! By that point, the weather was worsening, so they canceled the flight and rebooked them for the next day. That flight was also later canceled. Luckily, half of the group going to the conference was with him, so they ended up staying in Houston and meeting there for two days. Needless to say, their stay at the Baymont Inn near the interstate wasn't quite the same as the beach resort, but at least, he was able to come home a day early!
While Grandmother and Granddaddy were here, we celebrated Grandmother's birthday. Audrey and Kathryn were so excited to "surprise" her. David made her hide in the hallway while we prepped the kitchen.

 We are ready!

The crew, minus Andrew, who was finally sleeping. Never wake a sleeping baby! Thanks Grandmother and Granddaddy for coming to help.

Reading!

Audrey has been begging me for months to teach her to read. We started and stopped a few times, but she really didn't seem ready. Suddenly, she is all about it! We started with rhyming words and making them with magnetic letters. Then, David found her in our bed with a library book and a pencil. At first, he panicked, thinking she was writing in the book, but then, she lifted her notebook beside her and said, "Look, Dad, I'm just writing down words I need to learn." The BOB books have been good beginning phonics readers for her, and she is thrilled when she can sound a word out. We are proud of our little reader!

Andrew One Month Birthday

 The girls were thrilled to sing Happy Birthday to Andrew today. He was not as thrilled with camera time today, but here are a couple of shots.

This was two seconds later. Happy birthday, Andrew! Glad you came to join us, even when you scream at us.

Four Weeks Old and Dress Up

 Princesses emerged from their bedroom this morning. The girls started sharing a bedroom a few weeks before Andrew's arrival, and although it makes bedtime and naptime more challenging, they do enjoy sharing lots of giggles together. They were very proud of their selections.

 Here is Audrey's latest princess pose.

 Kathryn was extremely proud of her ensemble. Nobody can wear it like she can.

 Here's Andrew at four weeks. In some ways, we can't believe it's already been four weeks but days and nights are still very confused. We are all still adjusting but generally he's up two times a night, around 2 and 5 to feed. The biggest challenge is getting him back to sleep after he eats, but I remember the same challenge with the girls, so I'm sure it will pass. He is becoming more alert during the day, and he is so strong! I have a feeling he will be on the go before long.

Audrey added her notes under mine. She really wanted a heart on the sign and a few letters of her own.

This is the best picture we could get of the three of them. Out of six pictures, this is the best...seriously. Andrew looks terrified. He is probably afraid they are going to dress him up like a princess soon.

January

 We have been hanging around the house most days, catching rest when we can. The girls are enjoying some indoor crafting. Here they are showing off their snowmen.

 Kathryn loves some glue and googly eyes.

 We've had many sweet friends bringing meals over. Audrey snuck in a show with Harriett and Louisa while they were here visiting.

 Some "masterpieces" being created

The whole family, awake at one time!

Andrew's TV debut

Andrew made his television debut this week on the Today Show. I entered his photo in the Johnson's baby contest and he made the final cut! He was one of four babies shown on Friday's show during the Kathie Lee and Hoda hour. We're so proud of our little superstar.

Here's the link to the show (it will probably only stay active for this week):
http://www.today.com/klgandhoda/baby-love-say-hello-todays-babies-week-2D11894082