Technically

Mentally, numerous photo layouts have been edited and post have been written.  Blogable moments abound at the Flynn house these days.  However, technical difficulties have been preventing me from following through on execution.  (Sorry Erin!  I know you've been anxiously awaiting updates!!)  Importing photos from the camera to iPhoto is a long, drawn-out ordeal, one that requires me to delete old photos to make room for the new.  

Not to worry.  A Mall of America adventure is on tap this week.  An appointment at the Genius Bar is on the list of 'must do's' along with a ride on the Backyardigans' Swing-a-Long and a stop at Soma for new PJs.   

We've had some quiet moments and some not so quiet moments.  

Tummy time has settled softly into its space in our every day routine.   Bright hued watercolors and quilts filling our world with happy colors.

Channing continues to be the ever present, ever attentive and ever helpful big brother.  Bath time is HIS time.  HE is the one to wash stinky baby toes and gently wipe away the day's grim.  Fortunately, he does understand it's best to have mommy or daddy lend a hand.  

This need to help exists away from home too.  Maxwell had his first doctor's appointment a week or so ago.  At first, Channing was more interested in running up and down the hallway outside the exam rooms.  It didn't take long though for Angie to coax Dr. Channing into Maxwell's room.  She showed Channing how to check Maxwell's eyes and to listen to his heart.  

These two, well you can see for yourself, are in cahoots.  Thankfully, their goal is to keep the littlest Flynn happy & healthy.  

You Asked

You asked.  Yes, quite a number of you asked.  For what?  Pictures, of course.  

This guy had to give his baby brother a bottle.  HAD to.  With the bottle nearly gone, he looked up at me and declared that he was done.  He handed off both the bottle and Maxwell advising, 'I took care of the first part, Mom.  You don't need to worry about that.'

 Maxwell wasn't too happy about getting dressed to go home.  He was quick to let us know of his displeasure, but survived the ordeal nonetheless.  The outfit is the same one Channing wore home from the hospital nearly four years ago.  

There you have it.  Our hospital stay in a nut shell.  My shutter finger is growing weary at home as well.  Picture after picture is being taken to capture these first and fleeting days.  I'll try my best to share them sooner rather than later.

Happy Birth Day

 I walked out of Clinic Sofia yesterday feeling slightly stunned.  Dr. Block had moved up our delivery date from Friday to Tuesday.  Know what day it is?  Yep, Tuesday.

Our day started while it was still dark and soon we found ourselves at the hospital looking a little like this:

and very excited!!

Four hours later, the scene had changed to this:

 Channing would like to introduce you to:

Maxwell Douglas Flynn

born 11:58 AM

8lbs 2 oz, 21.5 inches

 More photos and details to come.  Right now we're too busy lovin' this guy up to write any more.

First

First words out of Channing's mouth this morning:  'Mom!  It's my first day of school today!!'  The excitement was evident in both the tone of his voice and in the expression on his face. He was BEYOND excited to go to school.

He requested his favorite breakfast, oatmeal with mini chocolate chips, and then left it more untouched than not in the bowl.  He was 'too excited' to eat.

He picked out his most favorite new shirt to wear for the occasion.  The shirt had to be new.  A favorite shirt just would not do.  His new favorite shirt of choice:  the yellow one that smiles.  Doesn't this shirt beg the question, 'Hey!  Wanna be my friend?'

Channing and his shirt were both all smiles as we dropped him at school and still all smiles when I picked him up a couple of hours later.  We hit Davanni's for pizza on our way home and he gave me the scoop.  No, no one cried, but one boy missed his mom.  [exasperated sigh]  Ms. Caren did NOT let them go outside today (something he'd been looking forward to since he found out at orientation his school day should start with outdoor play time).  BUT, on the bright side, they played with the parachute in the Motor Room which in Channing's book more than made up for the missed playground time.  

Best part?  He's more than looking forward to going back on Wednesday.  He simply cannot wait.  

Best of luck to you, little man.  Happy First Day of School!!

Times Two

Happenstance was kind to us this year, my sister Sarah & I.  First came my announcement. I'm pregnant.  Then, came her announcement.  I am too.  Our due dates?  Just one week apart.  Me:  September 16.  Sarah:  September 23  Yep.  Exactly one week.

At her recent baby shower, Sarah's friend, Laura, was kind enough to take a few sister belly pics for us.  Sister bumps.  

Does life get any sweeter? Ask me or my sister.  I think not.