Macie can smile!!!

It's been 5 weeks since Macie was born. Throughout all that time I have been waiting for her to "come alive" and its finally happened!!!

She can smile!

Mom says Macie may just have gas- I think Mom needs to stop raining on my parade.

The beautiful weather we had been having came to a screeching halt and Summer is a thing of the past- some days it feels more like winter than fall. Mom is sad about the change, but mostly for vain reasons. She misses the way the sun feels (and looks) on her face, she misses my cute diaper tan that took me months in the sand to get, she misses tank tops and flip flops, and she fears that our days of lounging on the deck are over for quite some time. Each day I have to bundle up before I can go out and play. Most of my play toys have been moved indoors for rainy days, but I still like to run around the yard with jax.



On dry days Mom and I rake up the fallen leaves in the yard into piles. I love jumping in them and thrashing around. It's one of the few times Mom allows me freedom to make as much of a mess as possible.

Mom likes that she has discovered a new way to occupy my time while she is holding Macie.

The cold weather and rain has kept us inside often I have started to go stir crazy. Mom took me to the mall the other day to walk around and socialize with other kids, but she refuses to become a "mall walker" and informs me that it will not become a reoccurring activity.

Because I have been stuck in the house I have turned my attention to my new "toy", my sister. I want to help out with EVERYTHING and ALWAYS want to be by her. Mom and Dad are a little concerned because I can play a little rough. We practice being gentle, and I've been doing very well, but am still watched like a hawk and not allowed to be left alone with Macie.

Since I can't help out by myself yet, I practice with Grant and Reed. Here I am burping Grant after he finished his bottle.


After Macie's one month check up last week we discovered that she wasn't gaining much weight. Mom has been trying her best to give Macie as much food as she wants, but she doesn't seem to eat much (Can she really be a Frankwick if she doesn't have a BIG appetite???). On the 25th she weighed only 6 lbs 6 oz (only 5 oz more than her birth weight), so Mom was determined to feed Macie extra milk and fatten her up over the weekend.

On Monday we went to my new pediatrician for my 2 year check up. I got two big thumbs up, and am proud to let everyone know that I have moved into the 25th percentile for height in my age group!!! Though I am still only in the 3rd percentile for weight I have grown immensely. I am just shy of 24 lbs, and am 32 inches long. I had to get some shots at my appt. and acted like a BIG girl, crying only for a brief time. The best part was getting some nuggets afterwards as a reward for being so brave.

While we were at the Dr. Mom made an appt. for Macie the following day so that we could check on her progress. In the morning we were pleasantly surprised to find that Macie's new measurements far exceeded our expectations. The Dr. said she was 21 inches long and weighted 6 lbs 13oz. Way to go Macie!!! Not only was the Dr. proud of her gain in size, but she was pleased with Macie's development. She is tracking people by noise and sight, and is very alert! Mom can't believe how alert she is at 1 month compared to me- it must have been the extra 4 weeks Macie was "baking" (she jokingly says that I was Medium Rare when I was born and Macie was Well Done).

Recently my favorite time of day is dinner- not just because we get to eat,

but because we get to sit down and say grace.

I have many things to be thankful for (aside from Bunnies and Squirrels), and feel very blessed to have such a wonderful new baby sister. She is developing a great personality and I am eager to see what she will do next!

More fun with Grandma Joanie!

Boy was I excited that Grandma Joanie was here for another whole week!

I wasn't the only excited one- check out Macie's excited face (obviously we are still working on it)...

Our days have been primarily spent at home, since Macie is still getting on a schedule. This has allowed me to work on my potty training. I still haven't had to wear diapers during the day, and have had only minor accidents, most of which have been Mom's fault (not getting me to the potty on time when I ask). I have also made a break through in potty training, and am able to go number two! Every time I go Mom and Dad celebrate like they've just won the lottery. Personally, I think its funny that everyone is celebrating such a silly thing.

Most mornings during Grandma Joanie's visit we sat down at the table and ate our FAVORITE breakfast food (well, one of my favorites besides eggs), peanut butter and bananas.

Macie even joined us at the breakfast table, but wasn't very exciting company.

The weather in Ohio has been very pleasant, but Fall is definitely here. There is a chill in the air, and leaves are starting to fall everywhere. Mom hates the mess, and tries to stay on top of raking, but gets frustrated because 10 minutes after shes done it looks as if she never did anything at all. Grandma Joanie must have brought the sun with her because it has been beautiful, and hasn't rained for a while. Thanks to Grandma Joanie I have been able to spend lots of time playing in my backyard. Watching Mom care for Macie has brought out my own maternal instinct.

I take Grant and Reed with me EVERYWHERE I go,

especially on the swings.

Good thing they enjoy having fun!

Macie is starting to wake up more and more everyday. She likes to look around at her surroundings, so Mom has been bringing her outside. She really enjoys the great outdoors.

Macie can't handle too much excitement, and after too long is back asleep.

While Grandma Joanie was here we were able to go to the zoo 3 times!!!! I don't know who had more fun. On our final trip to the Zoo I was able to see some of my favorite things including the carousel,

the kangaroo exhibit,

and the manatee tank in the aquarium.

Mom was in a hurry to get home to feed Macie, so I used my best "persuasion" face to squeeze in a couple more minutes. Macie didn't seem to mind- good thing she understands who the alpha in this relationship is...

On the way to the car it started to get a little chilly and since Mom forgot to put my sweatshirt in the wagon she graciously gave me hers. It was a little big, but before too long it served its purpose and I got "warm and snuggly":

Every night before bed the family has bath time fun. Once clean and "jammied" we get to read a story and say our prayers before bed. Lately Mom and Dad have been letting me hold Macie while we read. Grandma was VERY impressed.

I am the best big sister ever!!!

Unfortunately the second week of Grandma Joanie's stay went by WAY TOO FAST. I was sad to see her go, but was grateful for all the time we were able to spend together.

After Grandma left Mom and I were on our own with Macie. Mom was a little nervous, but I knew that we would find a way to make it work.

On the 25th Macie celebrated her 1 month birthday! We spent the morning at the doctors, and despite all Mommies efforts to "fatten her up", discovered that she hadn't put on much weight. She was still 19 3/4in and just over 6lbs. At one month I was also 19 3/4in long, but I was over 7 and a half pounds. Macie is a skinny minnie...

That afternoon we spent time playing with Macie; talking with her and singing her songs.

I can't believe that a whole month has gone by since Macie was born. I LOVE being a BIG sister and LOVE being a big helper. Mom is grateful for all the help she received from all our visitors over the last 6 weeks. We are sad that everyone has gone home and hope they come back to visit us again soon.

Macie is growing (at least mentally) every day and we notice that she is discovering more of her surroundings. I can't wait to see what she will do next...

Grandma Joanie Comes to Town!!!

The day had finally arrived- Grandma Joanie was coming to visit! I couldn't wait to see her, as it had been over 8 months since we last hung out in CA. Dad and I went to the airport to pick her up while Mommy and Macie stayed at home to make dinner. Grandma Joanie was SO excited to see me, and couldn't believe how big I had gotten!

As soon as we got home we introduced her to my new baby sister, Macie. Grandma couldn't believe how little Macie was, especially compared to me. After we ate a family dinner Grandma and Macie and spent lots of time together.

The first couple of days Grandma was here were spent around the house, as it is still kind of difficult for Mommy and Macie to go anywhere. On Tuesday Macie turned 2 weeks old and we went to the doctor to see how big she had gotten. To our surprise Macie had already grown over an inch and measured 19 3/4 inches tall. Mom couldn't believe that she was in the 25% for height (something which I still have not achieved at 2). Macie was almost back up to her birth weight, weighing in at 6lbs even, but that only put her in the 3rd percentile for weight. The doctor gave Macie two thumbs up, saying that she was in good health.

Macie wasn't the only one who received two thumbs up for growth, check this out: I weight 24lbs and am 32 inches tall. Woo Hoo!!! It must be the 3 eggs I eat every morning...


As much as Macie has grown in the past 2 weeks, she is still a small baby. While Mom was unpacking some old clothing from storage Mom found a dress that Grandma Judy had sewn for her cabbage patch doll when she was a little girl. It fits Macie...


My daily routine has been slightly altered, as we have to include Macie in every nap, meal, and bath. At night before bed Macie watches me take a bath in the big girl tub, and when I am done Macie gets a bath in her basin on the sink. She LOVES the warm bath water and gets mad when we take her out. Mom thinks Macie is going to be a water baby- too bad we are a long ways from the ocean...

While Mom finishes up with Macie I dry off with and play around until she is ready to help me dress and brush my teeth.

Macie still sleeps a lot, but Mom says that will change as she gets older. When she is awake she is very peaceful and quite, VERY different from me.


Mom isn't the only one busy taking care of new babies. Grant and Reed (my twin babies) have been a lot of work, and require all sorts of attention. Here I am putting them down for their daily nap.


I am a very good Mommy to my boys and can't wait to help with Macie when she is bigger.

Since Macie eats a lot and monopolizes Mommies time, I am often left to fend for myself. Good thing Grandma Joanie has been here because we are able to play in the front yard. Together we ran around on the sidewalks and hung out in the driveway.

Check out how great I am at riding my tricycle now that I can finally reach the pedals.

Because the weather has been so beautiful Grandma brought Macie outside to play with us.

Later on in the week I persuaded Mom to take Grandma Joanie and I to the zoo. It was lots of fun showing Grandma all of my favorite animals.

Surprise, surprise, Macie slept the whole time...

When the weekend came around Mom and Dad went on a road trip to Cleveland for a Brown's game and I got to stay home and play with Grandma. We had lots of fun playing in the back yard; we went on the swing, had a couple picnics, read a bunch of books, and practiced using the potty. We had a great time together!

I guess Mom and Dad had a nice drive to Cleveland, and it only took 3 hours. Mom says that, yes, Macie slept the whole time. I am starting to sound like a broken record aren't I? The weather in Cleveland was nice and warm, about 70 degrees, and perfect for Macie. She got to tailgate with Mom and Dad in the parking lot like we used to in California. Both Mom and Dad were excited to see Brett Favre's return from retirement, so they quickly made their way into the stadium.

I guess they ran into some trouble going in...

After making it through security to the ticket booth they handed the attendant their tickets when they were stopped and asked to show Macie's ticket. Mom thought they were joking at first and laughed, but when they repeated their question again Mom realized they were serious. Dad told the lady she was only 2 weeks old, but the woman told him that every person entering the stadium, regardless of age, had to have their own ticket. This upset and worried Mom and Dad. They had driven all this way, had spent lots of money on the two tickets, and weren't happy about the prospect of missing the game. Luckily a woman at guest services felt bad for them, and managed to sell them a specail ticket for Macie.

Finally, after all the hastle, they made it into the stadium.

Macie had the best seat in the house and thanks to Dad was able to use his hat for shade.

Although they say that she slept for most of the game, she was awake long enough to glance at Brett Favre. Now both of us can say that we got to see him play in an NFL game live.

When Mom, Dad, and Macie came home they were impressed to find that I hadn't worn a diaper all day and made it to my potty every time I had to go- Everyone was SO proud of me! Thanks to lots of help from Granmda Joanie I haven't had to wear diapers for about a week(except when I sleep) and get to wear big girl panties!!!!

Mom was worried that having a new baby around may cause me to revert back to old behaviors (bottles, diapers, etc.) So far I haven't had any problems, but I can be rather dramatic when I want to.

I have had the best couple of weeks with my new sister and family and am so excited that I have one more whole week with Grandma Joanie. I can't wait for her to spoil me some more!!!

We are very grateful for our healthy and happy new addition to our family, and will return soon with more fun stories of Riley and Macie Frankwick.

The First Week Home

Life at home is getting back to normal. After working out some minor kinks, we are all settling in nicely.

Macie still isn't doing much, although she isn't crying much either, and Mom tells me I should be grateful. Aunt Hayley has sure been a big help. She sits with Macie while Mom is tending to me, and she plays in the yard with me when Macie is requiring Mom's attention (which, I might add, is quite often). Grandma Judy says that her personality reminds her a lot of Aunt Hayley, she eats well, sleeps well, and is silent and content when awake.

I guess I was more like Mom when she was a baby; loud, needy, and impatient. Some things will never change...

My impatience has forced me to feed myself more often because I DO NOT want to wait for Mom to feed me. I am doing quite well, and don't make too much of a mess!

Little Macie isn't impatient at all, in fact, the only time Macie really cries is when Mom changes her diaper and gives her a bath.

Here is a picture of Macie's first bath time experience.

I must say that I do understand her dislike for water, it took me months to enjoy the bath. Macie cried subtle sobs while Mom was bathing her, but as soon as she was out and dressed she calmed down and became silent and content once again.

Mom is having me practice helping out around the house. I have learned to feed, change, and rock my dolls with the utmost care. My favorite task was learning how to strap my buddies into the car seat so that they can go for a ride.

The weather in Ohio has been pleasant since Mom and Macie arrived home from the hospital and we have been enjoying the back yard. Some days Macie stays inside in her swing, but every now and then Mom lets Macie watch me play on the deck. I love to cook for her in my kitchen, but most of all I love to show off for her.

Apparently I am boring because she can't seem to stay awake, though I must say, I can't understand how she doesn't find me absolutely fascinating...

My first few days with Macie at home was lots of fun, but I was looking forward to Pa coming to visit so that we could get out of the house. He arrived late on Friday evening, and was the first thing I asked for the following morning! We were both SO excited to see each other, and I had tons of fun showing him all around my house and yard. We spent the afternoon with Dad, Hayley, and Pa touring downtown Ohio and getting to know the area Hayley will hopefully be going to school in the winter.

Pa wasn't feeling well on Sunday so we spent the remainder of the weekend at home. That evening Aunt Hayley's boyfriend Jon drove down from Canada to see me. Can you believe he traveled from a whole other country to spend time with me??? On Monday morning the whole crew went to the zoo. It was Macie's first trip, but she didn't seem interested as she slept the WHOLE time. I spent most of the trip being silly for everyone.

I have recently discovered how COOL pockets are, and love to put my hands in them. Check out the four cool dudes at the Zoo.

One of my favorite exhibits this visit were the Kangaroos. They were wide awake and friendly, and I go to get really close to them.

I had to take my routine ride on the carousel and wanted everyone to join me, but Pa, Mom, Macie, and Jon all claimed that they get"motion sickness" and bowed out. Good thing Aunt Hayley stepped up cause it was sure fun!

Before Pa went home to California Macie and I got to sit on his lap and spend some time with him. Now poor Pa has 4 screaming girls to deal with...

Aunt Hayley and Jon spent the next day touring more of Ohio and Mom and I spent the day at home with Macie. I had fun, but wanted to go back to the Zoo. Jon and Hayley couldn't say no to my powers of persuasion, and the next morning took me on a special Zoo trip. After Mom got me dressed, she asked me to go downstairs and put on my shoes. She couldn't figure out why it was taking me so long, and upon inspection found that I had put hers on instead. I am working on the "loop, swoop, and pull", but as of yet have been unsuccessful.

Good thing I am cute and can get away with flashing my smile and batting my eyelashes...

Macie decided to stay home with Mom and rest while Hayley, Jon, Holly and I all went to the Zoo. Mom took some picture of me before my FIRST trip out and about without her (I think she was sad and nervous), but my excited smile made her feel a little better...

I think she is finally coming to terms with the fact that I am growing up. Don't I look like such a BIG GIRL?!?!?!

I had an incredible time at the Zoo with Hayley and Jon. Mom had a rough morning, and missed me a lot, but she "manned up" and only called Aunt Hayley 3 times. When we got home we found Macie doing the same thing she had been when we left; sleeping. Talk about a party pooper...

Jon left that next morning and Aunt Hayley's friend Will came in that afternoon. We had had a house full of visitors for over a month and I love it!!! Will and I had lots of fun playing together, but we nicknamed him the baby whisperer because Macie enjoyed him so much!


Between Will and Mom Macie was well taken care of, and I got Aunt Hayley all to myself! I am glad that we share a similar sense of humor, because we sure had fun acting like kids together.


Macie's first week home was full of laughing, playing, staring, and sleeping. I have decided that having a new sister is really cool and can't wait until she is big enough for me to hold, feed, change, and play with. Until then I plan on being a good role model and showing her how things are done in the Frankwick household (since Mom runs the joint like a captain on a pirate ship).

As the end of Hayley's visit, and Will's too, came to an end I was sad. I had become accustom to having buddies on call for me to play with.


Before bed that night we all spent some time together saying our goodbyes, and I told Aunt Hayley how excited I was that she would soon be living with us (keep your fingers crossed)!

The next morning I woke up to an empty house (Dad was away on business for 3 days). I looked everywhere, hoping to find someone to come play with me, but found only Jackson whom I find is tolerable for only a short time. This was Mom's first experience being alone with Macie and I for more than a few hours. While she was on the couch feeding Macie her breakfast I took advantage of my freedom to explore the house. When Macie was finished eating Mom got up to find me and laughed as I had managed to climb on the bike all by myself.

She was a little angry (sense the bike is a "no no"), but she couldn't resist laughing at my silly smile.

Mom is quickly learning that she needs to keep an extra close eye on me while she is feeding Macie because I am quite sly and precocious. Good thing for her that Grandma Joanie is coming to visit and lend her a helping hand. I am looking forward to seeing Grandma Joanie, as it has been 9 months since I saw her in California. Mom says she is looking forward to seeing how much I have grown, and eager to meet my new baby sister.

Macie is growing a little bit everyday, with subtle features continually changing. Mom thinks she looks a lot like Daddy, and a little bit like me when I was a baby. I will continue to keep you posted on all the fun we have with Grandma Joanie, and will put up some new pictures and video of Macie when she decides to stay awake for more than a feeding...

Our family is grateful to all of our friends and family whom have been there to support us at home, on the phone, and through letters and emails. We are sure blessed to such amazing people in our lives, THANKS EVERYONE!!