8 months & crawling

Hard to believe that my baby is already crawling! She'd been rocking on her knees for a couple of weeks now and once she realized that she didn't want to be in that position she would push herself back into a sitting position. I really hoped that Charlotte would start crawling while Gene's parents were here, but the day after they left on Sunday she crawled for the first time. Not only did she wait until they left, she waited until Gene left for training (out of town) for a few days. : ( Then to top it off, three days after crawling for the first time, she pulls herself up for the first time, too. Watching her do these things gives me a great deal of satisfaction and sadness at the same time. I'm so proud of her accomplishments, but it's all happening tooo fast. I still can't remember what it was like when she was a newborn and I even stayed home with her for 3 months! People weren't kidding when they said the first year just flies by.

Mother's Day

This was a very nice Mother's Day season for sure. . . My first Mother's Day and I got to spend it with all 3 of my mothers. The weekend before Mother's Day my brothers came over to get together with my mom since she was going to be out of town. Chris' girls just adore Charlotte and she loves being with them so it was super sweet to watch them play with each other. The Friday before, Gene took me to Indianapolis for my first overnight trip without Charlotte to see Pearl Jam, one of my favorite bands. I missed Charlotte terribly and felt guilty for leaving her overnight, but I knew she was in good hands with my Dad and step-mom. Plus, I was able to spend some much needed time with Gene and got to see Pearl Jam for the first time. On Mother's Day we spent some time with my step-mom and the girls and they were all so cute together. Charlotte is really getting much more interactive with everyone, it's like she's lived in the same house with all of them. She just goes freely to everyone without getting fussy or wanting her Mommy & Daddy. I guess there's still time, but in the meantime she's really enjoying being passed around. Later in the evening on Mother's Day Gene's Mum and Dad showed up. They drove all the way from Massachusetts to see their newest grand baby. Charlotte was already in bed for the night, but the next day she didn't miss a beat and went freely to her Nanny without blinking. I have been really blessed with 3 mothers to celebrate this special day with: my mom, my step-mom and my Mum-n-law. Charlotte's one lucky girl to have so many wonderful women in her life that love her so very much.

Charlotte with her Granny

My brother's girls: Layna and Kyla with Granny

Charlotte with her Nana Lori and cousins Kyla and Layna

7 months & growing

This picture is bitter sweet for me. On one hand I'm so proud that she's growing so strong that she can hold onto her own bottle now, but on the other hand I really enjoy feeding her and find that this step of independence is one small example of things to come. With the limited time that I have with her during the day, I enjoy holding her and giving her her bottle while I talk to her, sing to her, ask her questions about her dreams, or her day and all the while, I hold her hand, stroke her hair and stare in her beautiful green eyes. I'm just not ready for her to grow up!

She loves grabbing her feet!



Charlotte and her Daddy

Such a sweet picture. Gene's such a good father and Charlotte's one lucky little girl!!

A Message from Charlotte

Gene had to go out of town for work, so we weren't able to spend his birthday with him. But Charlotte and I want him to know we are thinking about him and can't wait for him to come home. Happy Birthday, Daddy. We love you!!

A great shot & a second tooth.

Charlotte was super sweet and extremely vocal today, so I was able to get a really good shot of her first tooth. As I'm viewing the picture thu the display I see a second tooth! Thinking that my eyes have deceived me, I managed to get inside & feel around and sure enough Charlotte's got another tooth cutting through the gums. It's crazy that less than 4 days ago she got her first one and now she's on to the second. It's all happening sooo fast!

Her First Tooth!

I sooooo wish I could say that this is a picture of Charlotte. She won't even let me get in her mouth long enough to take a picture of her tooth. Yes, I said tooth. She has already cut her first tooth and I couldn't be more excited about it! I first noticed it Tuesday evening when I picked her up from daycare as I was putting her pacifier in her mouth. Once I saw the white sliver, I tried to get a better look and she sealed her mouth up tight. Eventually, I was able to get in there to feel around and sure enough it has cut through the gums. I can't wait for it to come in and get a picture of that gummy smile with her very first tooth! My baby is sure growing up fast!!

Charlotte's First Easter

This year has flown by so fast for us. I can't believe Charlotte's already 6 1/2 months old and Easters come and gone. After mass in the morning we went up to the Knobs to get together at my step-mom's brother & wife's house, Uncle Tim & Aunt Shelley. The weather could not have been more perfect and Charlotte looked adorable in her Easter dress. She was soo happy and content as she was passed around amongst all the family and didn't fuss once. At one point I went to check in on her while she was napping (since I didn't have the monitor with me) and she was just sitting in her carrier looking around at Mandy's room holding onto her feet. I swear, I can't say it enough - we are sooo blessed to have this child!! Happy Easter, sweetheart!!