A Quick Hello...

Charlie has been very busy. He spends his days eating formula (yum, yum!), sleeping, pooping and enjoying the good times that accompany being almost 4 weeks old. In the past week, Charlie has gotten more active. We can hardly contain his wiggles and constant movements. He is focusing more and more on objects also. And good news, Charlie's cord finally fell off...he has something that resembles an "innie."

Look at all the fun Charlie has been having...

Charlie has learned that playing with his puppies is a ton of fun.

Napoleon sharing his human...

Even Peanut wants to play...

Charlie is developing great friendship skills. Just look at him petting Napoleon.

We are having a fascinating time getting to know our son. Everyday we learn more and more about Charlie and ourselves. We are all very excited about the journey ahead. As has become customary, here are a few pictures of Charlie being Charlie.

Look at my wonderful blue eyes...just like Mommy.

Baths are not for Boys !!!

No need for words

Use the glove, not your mouth

Touchdown Tony Romo !!!

Talk to everyone soon...Jay, Jennifer, Charlie, Peanut and Napoleon

Bulking Up...

Charlie is doing well. He went on Wednesday the 5th for his 2 week check up. According to the doctor's records, Charlie has grown a full 2 inches. He now stands, or lays if you will, a whopping 20 inches long. He likes to refer to himself as 1ft 8in tall, however. Charlie's weight is now up to 7lbs 6ozs. He has gained a full 14ozs since his birth. We are very excited by this. Charlie also had his hearing tested and received a good report. We feel very blessed. Charlie's reflux still exists, but with his medicine and new formula he continues to power through. Almost everyday, we see changes in Charlie. He looks at objects longer, becomes more curious and grows, grows, grows. It has been so amazing to watch his growth in the little over 2 weeks since he has been home. Charlie has told me he is well on his way to becoming a big boy. We are quite proud of him. His hair has continued to remain blonde, and the majority of it has remained intact. At this juncture, thank God it's an early juncture, he seems to have inherited the hair line of his Stuart and Hadsell brethern. We hope he'll at least keep a full head of hair until his wedding (40 years from now)...or at least until he graduates from high school. Hopefully he'll take a lesson from his Daddy, and attempt to age gracefully...no rogaine, proprecia or just for men for me. Charlie has been quite active this last week, as much as a 2 week old can be active. At the urging of his Mommy, we went out for dinner the other night. (He had the lobster.) Charlie was an angel, until we got home and he kept us up 3/4 of the night. Charlie also made a visit to Mommy's work and Daddy's work. Before anyone gets too worried, Jenn's floor at the hospital is very clean and her patients do not carry communicabale diseases. We realize germs are going to be present everywhere, however. My office had a little baby shower for Jenn, Charlie and I. Charlie scored some super-cool clothes and towels that I am sure will make an appearance on this blog sometime soon. His gift cards will help keep him dry and full. We really appreciate the wonderful gesture by my co-workers. Charlie also followed John Smoltz's effort at a no hitter on Friday night. While we doubt he grapsed the magnitude of what was going on, he was glued to the box, as Napoleon calls it, throughout the whole game. Lastly, Charlie made his first trip to Uncle Ben, Aunt Amanda and Matthew's house last night. Charlie got to enjoy the night swinging and watching his second full weekend of college football. He tells us he is very pleased with Georgia Tech's work thus far this season. Jenn decided Charlie would be a Yellow Jacket and Charlie agreed...we have heard his cheers of "GO JACKETS!!" already. As I hold no college allegience, as AASU will forever be without a football program, I fully support Charlie's decision to be a Yellow Jacket. As long as Charlie supports the Atlanta Braves, the Texas Rangers, the Boston Red Sox, the Dallas (soon to be Arlington) Cowboys, FC Dallas and the US National Team, Daddy will remain happy. Tonight Charlie will get to take in his first Dallas Cowboys regular season game...Mommy is very excited. Charlie already tells me he is very jealous that Daddy and Uncle Ben will be going to Texas Stadium to watch the Cowboys take on the Vikings October 21st. As for Jenn and I, we are doing well. Outside of no long sleeps, Jenn is feeling great. She looks great and is now able to drive and get around well. As for the author of this blog, working about twice as many hours as I am sleeping is getting a bit exhausting...and we have a ways to go before we can hope Charlie will sleep through the night. We are not complaining, however. We have a happy and reportedly, healthy baby boy whom we love to no ends and enjoy getting to spend every second we can with, awake or asleep. We hope everyone is well and will talk to everyone soon. Now for some new pictures....

I'm ready to go guys...

A message for Mommy and Daddy

Explaining what might happen if you're not careful

I've had such a long day

Look how cute I am, Daddy

Mommy and Me

Let's Go BRAVES!!!!!!!!!!

---Until next time.....Jay, Jennifer, Charlie, Peanut and Napoleon---

Our Long Weekend...

Labor Day weekend has come and gone so fast here in the Stuart house. Outside of the non-stop trips to the grocery store (I have been 6 times since Charlie was born), a trip to Petsmart for Napoleon's nails to be cut and a trip to Michael's to pick up Charlie's newly framed Hank Aaron picture, we have tried to keep a low profile. Charlie had quite the weekend. Here are the pictures that capture his busy times... A nap in Mommy and Daddy's room...

A much needed nap in the swing...

More napping...

Being guarded by Napoleon...while napping.

Practicing cheering on the Braves!

Hanging out with Daddy...his eyes are turning his Mother's blue.

Taking a bath...

Practing for his first fishing trip with Papa. The one that got away was "this big..."

Explaining that it is now time to change his diaper!!!

Eating dinner...with a helping hand from his big cousin.

Showing his true allegience.

And what weekend would be complete without a little baby smile ???

A Week of Firsts...

Charlie had so many firsts in the past week. Of course, almost everything he does is a first. He's had his first breaths, first car ride, first kiss from his puppies, first doctor's visit, first sleepless night (mainly for his Dad) and a whole host of other firsts. Jenn and I took Charlie for his first check up on Monday the 27th. The doctor told us that Charlie looks good. He still has a bit of facial jaundice, but nothing to worry about. His cord residue, weight and movement are all good. This is all we can hope for and we feel very blessed. After losing 4oz initially at the hospital and sufferring from his reflux, Charlie is now taking his medicine and eating like a champ. He's put back on 2.4oz (alot of weight when you consider that he only weights 6lbs and 6.64 ozs currently). Charlie will go back to the doctor next Wednesday. He will also have a hearing test at the hospital and some additional shots. It makes me so sad to see the little band-aid on his foot/heel. We continue to hope and pray for continued happiness and healthiness for Charlie. As for Jenn and I, we are well. Jenn is feeling better everyday. Jenn's strength and energy are coming back further each day. I returned to work today. I would like to tell you that it broke Charlie's heart this morning when Daddy left for work...but, he didn't even wake up. However, Peanut and Napoleon were very upset. Here are some more pictures of Charlie. The quieter things are, the better. Talk to everyone soon. Thanks for everyone's continued love and support.

Coming home...

Charlie came home this afternoon, Friday August 24, 2007. He and Jenn were delayed by one day as Charlie was having some issues with reflux...meaning he couldn't keep his food down. This caused him to be a little jaundice (though not requiring the special light) and a little constipated. However, he pulled through and was elated to here the news that he was going home.

Charlie quickly got dressed and into his car seat for the trip home. We were a little disappointed that his "going home" outfit didn't fit. The pants fell right off...I guess that is a result of him arriving 3 weeks early.

Charlie met his puppies for the very first time...they were very excited to see him. His big cousin in Texas was also very happy, and curious, the see how Charlie liked being home.

Mommy and Charlie both appear to be doing well. I have my eyes on them, making sure things stay that way. Jenn is still in a bit of pain and a bit groggy also. We had to do a lot of the last minute prep work for Charlie's arrival today...but we're so happy to have him home that it was a very exciting time. Jenn has begun her maternity leave. I am planning on going back to work Monday or Tuesday pending how things are going for Jenn and Charlie.

Outside of this update, very little is going on. We perfer it that way. The less eventful the better. A happy healthy baby is all we can hope for...I now leave everyone with more pictures of Charlie. After all, he is the whole reason for this blog... who doesn't want to see more of Charlie ??? (It's rhetorical.)

Here he is...

Tuesday, August 21st 2007, began like any normal day here in the Stuart house. Jennifer woke up to go to work around 4:30am as Jay, Peanut and Napoleon continued to slumber until the usual 6:30 - 7:00am. I must say it was one of the best nights of sleep I have had in a few months. Around 5:30 this morning we (meaning Jay, Peanut and Napoleon) were awaken to the sounds of "I think my water just broke..." Of course, I had to ask the question..."How do you know?" Once the answer came out as "I have had water running down my legs and thru my pants for the last 1/2 hour," we knew the time had come for Charlie's arrival. We quickly threw clothes in a bag, made the initial phone calls and coaxed the puppies into their crate. By 5:50 we were out the door and one the way to the metropolis that is Denton, TX. After confirmation that the labor and delivery process had begun, we began the prep steps for Jenn's planned c-section. After a visit from Dr. Wilson, hugs and consulation with Aunt Amanda, and a few last minute prayers, Jenn was carted off to the OR. A short time after that...the longest 10 minutes of my life...I was wisked away in full "painters gear" (we're talking blue jumpsuit apparatus, feet covers, mask and hat - I'm guessing they didn't want my grey-bald jean to pass to Charlie so soon) to the OR. After briskly walking around the "cutting" area I took my seat next to Jenn and the Smart-ass Anathesiologist (I do apolgize for the language and spelling error)...more to come on our him later. Within 10 minutes, I saw Charlie lifted from Jenn's belly and briskly taken to the area where he was to be cleaned and checked out. It was the most beautiful and breath-taking event/scene I have ever witnessed...oceans, mountains, monuments and Hooters' girls just don't look so good anymore. A little background before I move on with the story. As our friend the anathesiologist came to introduce himself to us, check Jenn's medical history and go over the procedure this morning, he casualy asked me if I intended to get squeemism, pass out, throw up and/or all of the above. We advised him that getting squeeism was a very real possiblity. He laughed and showed me the "smelling salt." As I waited patiently to photograph Charlie, I caught my 2nd and 3rd glimpse of Jenn's procedure. These looks and the general anxiety, exhaustion and anticipation of our life with Charlie finally hit home. After several minutes of coaxing (i.e. yelling) by the nurses present, a sweat resembling a marathon runner, and eyes rolling back in my head like a drunkard, I decided to lay on the floor as calls of "We've got a Daddy down in here" rang out to the nurse's station. Before anyone else could arrive, our friend the anathesiolgist, brought me the smelling salt and I was back on my feet (with his hand in, not on but in, my back) taking the first pictures of the most precious child you have ever seen in your life. A short time later I was given a cup of juice, threw it back like a shot of tequilla, stripped my painter apparatus and was in the nursery taking more pictures and examing the little man. It sounds so cliche, but I found myself counting his fingers and toes (10 of each), examing his feet, hair, nostrils, hands and just about anything else you could imagine. I was a little sad not to see a sixth digit on his left hand to aid Charlie in the art of perfecting the most deadly left handed change-up since Tom Glavine. As I write now, Charlie and Mom are doing well. I have come home for the evening to stay with Peanut and Napoleon. It gives them a chance to smell me and my clothes and hopefully start getting used to Charlie's smell. Napoleon was so cute when I got home. After his usual search for the female human, I told the dogs that Charlie came today. Napoleon ran in Charlie's room and immediately began curiously looking for the new human. Jennifer is in a little bit of pain still...who can blame her after having her abdomen cut open today. Charlie it doing well also. The pedetrician and his nurses say things are going great. He is having a little trouble spitting up, which of couse scares Daddy to no end. Here are his stats...Charlie weighed in at 6 lbs, 8 oz, 18 inches long, with what appears to be very dark brown eyes and blond, curly hair. While his hair and eyes are of course subject to change...it looks like he got some family jean that by-passed Jenn and I in the hair department. After Jenn got her first "good" look at Charlie and I described his hair, I told her that he was going to have Carlos Valderamma hair (google him for a visual). Charlie looks like a baby...it's far to early to say he favors anyone at this time. However, he does have my ears. Brace yourselfs...here is the first appearance of Charles Brian Stuart II. So, there you have it. Charlie decided it was time to make his grand entrance today. He was 3 weeks early. He decided he could wait no longer. As we watched his first baseball game tonight...the Texas Rangers at the Baltimore Orioles...he informed me that it was pennant race time and he couldn't miss any of it. The Braves are chasing the hated NY Mets in the NL East and the San Diego Padres for the Wild Card, thus it was time for Charlie to come out and root on Chipper, Tex, Mac, Frenchy, Smoltzy, the big fat closer-guy (Heart-Attack Wickman) and the rest of America's team as they attempt to win a World Championship in Charlie's birth year. Tomorrow he will get his intoduction to soccer and spanish as the US Men's National team takes on Sweden, exclusively on Galavision (a Spanish language network). He will get to root on Landon, Run DMB, Duece, Timmay!!!, Boca, Gooch and the rest of the boys as they attempt to take there first win since defeating Mexico in the finals of the 2007 Copa Oro (Gold Cup) in June. We would like to thank everyone for their continued love, support, thoughts and prayers. They mean the world to us anywhere, expecially here in Texas -- 1000 miles way from most of our family and friends. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers and I will continue to send hugs, kisses and love to Jennifer, Charlie, Peanut and Napoleon. I leave you tonight, to retire to the living room floor to watch the DVR of tonight's Braves game with the dogs, with two final notes. (1) I am sorry for the spelling and grammer errors. It's never been my strong suit, and if heredity from Great Grandfather C.E. Stuart (Paw-Paw), to Grandfather Stuart (Papa) to Father Stuart (Daddy) has any say in it, it won't be Charlie's either; and (2) Big cousin Matthew could not be more excited. He introduced himself to Charlie and told Charlie a big "Hi, Charlie!!!!!!!!!!!!!" several times. In fact, Matthew wanted to buy Charlie a present...he wanted to get him a Guido (see Disney's Cars or "the CAR movie"). We consider it any honor, after all Guido is the only one that has the skills and quickness to change all the race car's tires. Unfortunately, Charlie had to settle for a package that included Lighting McQueen, Mater, and the tractor dubbed "Pinky." In parting, here is just how excited Matthew is...almost excited as the proud Daddy...