First Giggle

Charlotte had her first real giggle/belly laugh today.  I tried to get a portion of it on video.  Kind of quiet, but if you turn it up you should be able to hear her, especially at the beginning.

Its a Sister Thing

Everyone always asks me "how is Addy with the baby?".  Fair question - she might be annoyed with an infant, jealous of time spent with Charlotte that used to be hers, or acting out to get more attention.

In reality none of those things have happened - at least not yet.  I am so proud to say that Addy is a wonderful big sister.  She is very aware of Charlotte and looks out for her in every situation.  She will always take a moment out from play time or playing with friends to say hi to her sister.  She is always willing to play with Charlotte or help me do something for the baby.  It is pretty much the most amazing thing to watch.  I am so proud of her!

I've been making an effort to catch their interactions more, for my own keepsakes but also because some are just plain hysterical.  See below:

Addy and Charlotte playing together.  Meanwhile I am making my stupid voices and faces to get Charlotte to look at me and smile.  Addy decides to help me out with the smile part.

It doesn't really happen and Addy is disappointed.

Charlotte . . . well I am not sure she knows what the heck is going on.

Here is one morning that we all hung out in our pajamas and watched Alvin and the Chipmunks.

And then sometimes the girls get to have some friends over.  Taryn and Issac watching some Curious George with the girls.

These two are pretty sweet together.

Thanks Addy for being such an amazing big sister.  I love you to pieces.

Baby Bling

Charlotte got some cutie patootie hair accessories in her stocking.  We tried one on today, this is the first baby bling she's ever worn.  This was the too funny results.

Aren't they classic?  If you only could see all the work that goes into these shots.  I am practically beside myself making silly noises and faces in order to get a smile.  Instead, I get these faces.  I am not even sure I am using the bling correctly?  Is it in the right position?  These are things that elude me. 

But, look how big Charlotte is getting.  Here is an old shot . . .

She's really filling out!  What a funny girl!

Christmas in Photos

We were blessed with another wonderful Christmas celebration this year.  So thankful to get to spend the holidays with my family!!  Here's our picture story . . .

Charlotte was so cute and ready to celebrate in her santa outfit.  Even with a cold she was great.  She scored big including a pair of adorble sushi footies.  I'll get a picture of these cuties soon.

We grabbed a cheap stocking for Charlotte's first christmas.  She'll have to pick her own out in the years to come.

As you can see Charlotte has a tough go . . . just kidding.  She did some nice napping in her bouncy chair and swing.

Awwww . . . the traditional lottery tree.  Sadly, Scott's reign of terror will continue this year as the winner two years in a row.

 Putting together a christmas puzzle.

Enjoying some delicious pumpkin chocolate chip pie.

The crew watching (or eating) the football game.

You can see that life was pretty good - Christmas Eve football.

Meanwhile, Charlotte was snoozing away . . .

 Grandpa got a text message from the Elves that they had a special delivery for us on Christmas Eve.  Its the stockings!!!  They were waiting for us on the front porch.

This year we went to the Washington Center to see my dear friend Trisha's Christmas Eve show. Addy in her Christmas best before the show.

We came back to my parent's after the show to lay out cookies and milk for Santa.

We weren't disappointed.  He added a little magic to the holiday!

In our jammies on Christmas morning.

Opening gifts . . .

Addy and Grandma got an adorable real china tea set from Grandpa for their tea parties.

Grandma and her little Charlotte.

This is a shot of the action - mass chaos as we dig into 6 different sets of gifts.

This year more then ever I feel so much joy in my heart for the blessings we have and the joy of family and friends.  Its been on my mind and I hope to translate that into an inspired new years resolution.  More to come.

I hope all of you had a magical holiday full of joy and love.  You are always in our thoughts and we wish you a joyful new year!!

Faces

The more I attempt photos of Charlotte the more funny they get.  Here are some cute and some not so cute ones.

I love the wrinkled forehead she always has during tummy time.  Totally cute!!

I found this santa hat this morning and tried to get some shots.  I didn't have the best of luck.



This one is so funny!!! This is real life . . . 

New Ornament

Grandma got this very sweet ornament for Addy. 

Homemade Pretzel Turtles

My friend Brandy told me about this super simple and really fun recipe!  These turtles are awesome and so easy - very kid friendly.

Don't they look good?

Just lay out some mini-pretzels on a cookie sheet, unwrap Rolo's candies and add one Rolo to the top of each pretzel.  Put them under the broiler for about one and a half minutes until just about ready to start collapsing and then remove from oven.  Add the topping of your choice, per Brandy we used M&M's and pecan halves.  Push the topping down so that it collapses the melty Rolo.  They are great right out of the oven or cooled and stored.

Addy had a great time making them with me.  ENJOY!!