And Now There Are Three

One of my old friends from college commented on my Facebook post about Noah's Two Charlies and told me she remembered my Raggedy Ann.

Yes...that's right...I took my Raggedy Ann to college with me. She laid on my bed every day and reassured me that even though I had procrastinated for weeks, I could write that ten page paper on the rise to power of Charlemagne which was due at 8:00 a.m. the next morning. She participated in many an all-nighter with me, helping me study/cram/write my way through school. She truly was a gal's best friend.

Last night, I decided that I should introduce Ann to Noah {as well as Charlie and Charlie Two}.
Ann is quite a bit bigger than Charlie and Noah definitely did a double take when he first saw her. He slowly signed "Charlie" and grabbed her by her hair. He INSISTED on taking her to bed with him last night and even tried to shove her through the slats to get her into his crib.

Today, during Noah's nap, I went in to put a blanket on him and this is how I found him.
I think we've created a monster!

My Two Charlies

Shortly after Noah fell in love with Charlie I might have mentioned to Nana that it would be a good thing if we had a "back-up" just in case something happened to the original.

I might have told her that Noah loves to run his fingers through Charlie's hair and pull out the yarn {we now have Rasta Charlie}.

I might have told Nana that Noah hates Charle's Peter Pan collar because it gets in the way of his face.

Well...Nana is not one to disappoint and a week ago she introduced us to Charlie Two.He is definitely an updated model...hair intact, seams intact, face clean, Peter Pan collar and stench removed.
After the initial introduction, Noah would have nothing to do with Charlie Two. He would sign Charlie, shake his head NO, and then sign Charlie again. After several days, however, Noah came to tolerate the New Charlie. He still knows the difference between his beloved Charlie and the Newbie, but he loves to have both around him. In fact, he now INSISTS on having both Charlies with him at bedtime. Too cute!

When Mama's away...

...the boys get together to play.

As the story goes, Charlie tried to convince both Noah and Daddy-O that they needed to get tattoos...just like his. Daddy-O was unsure of having such a large tat on his chest and Noah thought putting I LOVE NOAH on his chest was a bit strange. Someone commented on how Noah's wrapped up arms remind them of Popeye the Sailor Man and I guess one thing lead to another...
When I got home from Portland, I was picked up at the airport by Charlie,
Daddy-O,
and my little Noah Man.
I am so glad my guys had a fun weekend together but I'm a bit nervous to see what they do the next time I leave them alone.

And...yes, there will be a next time. Not only did I did survive a night without my boys, I actually had a FANTASTIC time with Amy, Brian, Owen, Grace and family. I might have to get away again soon.
Noah's not quite sure about that.

All Wrapped Up

Well...here they are...as promised. Noah is all wrapped up, from the tips of his fingers to just below his elbow. Last night was still pretty rough {or ruf} because every time Noah moved around, he would inevitably hit or roll on top of his hand and wake-up in tears.
The only thing that gives him comfort {aside from sleepy cuddles from the parental units} is his Camo Charlie. Kc and I have been trying for over a year to find a "lovie" for Noah. Early on, Noah was never far from his Wubba {pacifier}, but as quickly as that love affair started, it abruptly ended. We have subsequently introduced Noah to various blankets, stuffed animals, dolls, trucks, cars, whatever we throw at him, without any luck. He never took any interest in anything...until Charlie.

When I was a little girl, my Mom {AKA Nana} made a Raggedy Ann doll for me. She even embroidered I LOVE BECKY on Ann's stomach. She has subsequently made Raggedy dolls for many other family members...accept for her very own third child...sorry Drew. When all three grandsons were together last week, she presented each boy with their very own twenty-first century Raggedy Andy on steroids - Camo Charlie.
Charlie has the fiercest camouflage shirt {with a Peter Pan collar} and wicked black shorts over forest green striped socks. His chest is even tatted with each boys name. Once Noah was introduced, it was love at first sight. They have been INSEPARABLE since then.

Charlie was able to accompany Noah in the operating room on Monday and we knew they were looking out for each other. Once we saw them in the recovery room, we recognized that they were two Bandaged Brothers. The nurses had wrapped Charlie's hands just like Noah and had even given them matching booties. Too cute!
I look forward to seeing the relationship between Noah and Charlie unfold...and to more sleep in the nights to come.