Moving and Shaking

We have many creative ways to shake it up with Charlotte.  No one likes to get bored sitting in the same ole place right?

She's getting to be a champ at sitting up (propped of course).  So I attempt to get her to hold onto a toy to keep things more interesting.  Sometimes it finds her mouth and she has some fun times.



Gotta love this one.  Charlotte loves get out of her clothes and stretch and wiggle around.  I always have to take a few with the camera because the first couple times the flash goes off I get this look. 

Continually working on tummy time.  Not a favorite at this point, but we do it none the less.  Her doctor seemed happy with her progress so I guess its worth it. 

She is really long!  23 and a half inches . . . which is a good inch and a half longer then Addy was.  It was funny because she her weight and height are very out of wack right now.  She is just starting to fill in after a big height jump.  Not sure this picture really shows it well, but the girl is long.

This next series is priceless.  Anyone that has had a newborn can appreciate these faces.  Charlotte is doing great holding her head up.  We got out the bumbo seat to try it out.  Here is her first 5 minute session.  All three of us were gathered around the table staring at her and giggling!

Still not really sure how the hand gets to the mouth, but if it does that is cool.

I really don't know what to say about this one.  I just laugh.  A LOT.

 In her defense this was her first time and its hard work.

By the end she seemed to get it and never actually fussed. 

I was attempting to get a great shot of Charlie in her I heart Santa shirt . . . she wouldn't wake up and so I was going to take a sleeping one.  And then I got the one stink eye. 

This is actually from Thanksgiving weekend. Just a cute one that makes me smile.

In honor of Charlotte's recent advances we got out a tummy time mat to make things more interesting hopefully this will help her get into the mood more.

Reflections

As we head into December I am reminded again how wonderful this season is and how good it is to stop during the busy time and reflect on what we have.  A wonderful life . . . truly.  A new baby to celebrate with, our health and family and friends.

Addy is a delight balancing between still being a little one and transitioning to a big girl.  There are moments of soft cuddles, instinctive reflexes for protection from mommy and daddy, and simple joys at a silly face or her sisters smile.  Then there are the expanding vocabulary, the reading development and the attitude of a transitioning child into her own person.  These contradictions are there every day and every night.  It is amazing to watch and it keeps us in wonder all the time.  Sometimes I want to cry tears of joy, sometimes pull my hair out and sometimes I have to just pause and take it all in.  addy is taking swim lessons again and she is coming along so well.  She adores her new swim teacher and her progress has been tremendous in three short weeks.  Addy's writing and reading is growing in leaps and bounds.  She is curious about everything and is very concerned that she might have to have only one job.  Currently she wants to be a doctor, work at the circus and be a fashion designer.  Love it!  Addy has been moody lately and there are moments that my patience is tested, other times we have the most wonderful shared moments.  The last two weeks have been particularly rewarding for me.  During much of the end of my pregnancy and the first weeks of my c-section recovery I felt disconnected from Addy as I couldn't do a lot with her and Scott took on a more one on one role with her.  He is amazing and their bond is so tight.  But I am thankful that I've been able to be more attentive to Addy and we've even had the opportunity to get away for some one on one time.  This weekend I am hoping to go out on a real Addy and Mommy date.  Addy is still uber creative and loves nothing more to stay at home and cut, paste, tape and draw the most creative things.  Her latest creations (all out of construction paper) are a camera complete with pictures that come out, nutcracker cookies she gives out as presents and a rocket booster pack for her back.  We've gotten out all the Christmas movies and this year she remembers them all and is very excited to start the process of rewatching them.  She watched Home Alone for the first time and now counts that as one of her favorites.

Charlotte bear is doing so well.  She just had her two month check up and got a good report.  She is smiling and trying hard to work up to a giggle.  She has just transitioned to larger bottles and is growing every day.  Her little short hairs on top of her head have just grown enough to make for a soft downey covering.  I love to rub my cheek against her head.  She still has her old man longer hair around her head in the back - and it makes me laugh.  She enjoys watching her sister Addy and any time Addy comes around there are bound to be smiles.  She loves to just gaze around and see what is going on.  She is discovering her hands and that she actually has some control over them now.  It is so rewarding to see her making those connections.  Charlotte has been watching each night as Addy and I decorate the house and the tree, offering a few smiles and coos along the way.  This week we started some naps in her crib and she looks absolutely adorable in there.  Sometimes I can't tear myself away from the doorway.  Her nickname Charlie hasn't really stuck yet, we mostly call her Charlotte or stinks. :)  Addy does not approve of stinks and gets mad when she hears me calling her sister that.  And that makes me double smile. :) :)

I am on a mission this weekend to get Charlotte's two month bear pciture and a christmas card picture.  We shall see how both my girls cooperate. :)

More Funny

I can't help it, just gotta share more funny faces.  I was attempting to get a pic of Charlotte in her "Snow Sweet" shirt.  She wouldn't put her arms down so I got this series of shots that don't really have a purpose.  Love this silly face. :)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in pictures 2011!!


The domestic goddess is alive and well here in O-town.  I actually cooked my own turkey this year.  First time ever.  It turned out pretty good - I was so relieved.  It was juicy and had a good flavor. 

 I was really happy when everything went off without a hitch.  It was my very first fully hosting/cooking Thanksgiving.  We won't mention the coconut that I caught on fire in the oven on Friday - that was not on Thanksgiving - so success.

Scott kept the girls entertained while I prepped the turkey.  And Addy spent some quality time with her sister.

Charlotte didn't miss out on the attention.  Grandma and Grandpa are always ready to enjoy some smiles.

And I enjoyed a fun and busy black Friday shopping trip with my girlfriend Brandy. :)  We had a really fun holiday weekend.  Charlie was all smiles as we bundled up to head out for Starbucks one morning.  What a doll!!

Attention: BIG EVIL BABY

It was reported earlier that there was a BIG EVIL BABY (BEB) spoting in our local area earlier this week.  BEB was said to have kidnapped one "Ya-ya Monkey", while the monkey was out for an evening stroll.

(Evil Laugh) "I have the monkey and you will never see him again."

Ya-Ya's friend Addy came to his rescue using the very effective foggy water weapon in a daring escape.

Drat and double drat, I want that Ya-ya back!!

BEB waited for an opportunity and was able to recapture the cuddley monkey.

After additional reenforcements arrived with a refill of foggy water, Addy was able to rescue Ya-ya a final time.

Alas, BEB was able to escape and was heard to say "But I live to fight another day.  You will never catch me."  I fear this is not the last time we shall see BEB.  Be careful out there!

BEB does not look dangerous, but be warned she is armed, adorable and dangerous.

Waterfalls at 4am

Somebody in our household doesn't mind a little rain, or even a lot of rain like we've been getting lately!  I still marvel at having a big dog that recklessly runs into the rain storms, romping and rolling in the wet grass.  Our doxies will do many naughty things in an attempt to stay dry.  As my floors can atest, Biscuit loves the rain.

I can also tell you that rain storms are not kind to our bedroom - our window has a problem.  A big, wet problem.  In the rainstorms this week we found the window not just dripping but providing us with a waterfall in the middle of the night.  We were attempting to use towels, paper towels, and plastic to deal with it at like 4am.  At one point Scott asked what I thought about something in the middle of the crisis and I think my answer was "I don't know honey I am beyond rational thought . . . "  We do have a 7 week old in the house.  When you awaken not by that 7 week old but rather the waterfall in your room it sucks!!

And here is my Dad's tools, he was out there the next day in the storm sheeting up plastic to help us.  What a hero!!  And of course Biscuit was all to happy to frolic in the rain to "help".  Even Cinammon braved the weather to spend time with her favorite person in the whole world - my Dad.

Gotta love the pacific northwest in November.  Rain pouring, wet soggy leaves tracked into the house and temps cold enough to make the rain a painful thing.  I complain, but secretly I love it.  All the more reason to stay inside, eat and be merry this holiday season.  :)  The waterfall in the bedroom . . . not so much.

Random Pictures

If you are getting tired of baby pictures - sorry - I can't help it!!! 

Getting changed . . .

Charlotte got all dressed up and then I noticed the shiny black glitter from her top all over her for days.

Such a sweet girl!  Look how long she is getting.

Gotta love the chunky thighs - at least at this age.

Trying to keep her propped up more to keep her head from getting flat.  Some of these are so funny!  And a few are just C-U-T-E!!  I really love this first one.

She is doing so well keeping her head up.  Once in a while it falls forward.  Poor silly girl!

Sisters Hanging Out

Addy wrote a Thanksgiving story book and is reading it to Charlotte here:

This is definitely my new favorite picture!!! So cute.  Addy hanging out with Charlotte while Scott and I were getting ready this morning. 

And sometimes Charlotte wonders what the heck is going on??

Addy is even willing to share Ya-Ya will the baby.

Group shot:

Pretty great start to the morning here.  Pj's and hanging out in bed for the girls.

Library Trip

I am embarassed to admit that Saturday was the very first time Addy's been to the library.  We took a special trip to show Addy this very special place.  Addy was thrilled!!  She couldn't decide on books and made a new friend there.  I don't know why I never took her before??  What was I thinking?  We've been reading her library books one after the other.  She asked if we could go back Sunday.

I am guessing we are going to be frequent visitors now.

And here are just a few pics from that last few days.  Charlie is growing a ton, it seems like each day she is getting bigger!

Addy wanted me to put a sleepy girl in her bed. 

 And last night Addy wanted to snuggle with Charlie during bedtime.  So cute!  These two girls make me so happy!

2011 Halloween

Halloween Fun!!  We did some trick or treating with our friends the Peltons:

Addy picked out her own scary witch costume.  She was joined by Gavin's zombie freak and Gracie's 80's rocker chick.

Then we went to Grandma and Grandpas:

And Charlotte got some food and some snuggle time with Grandma and Grandpa.

We had two tired little ghouls.  We had a wonderful holiday!  Hope you all did too.