Birthday Week - Day 1

Day one of celebrations was nothing too exciting. We were all re-cooperating from having the stomach flu, but never the less. There was a little sunshine this afternoon, so bundled up and went out to enjoy it. Since Charlotte considers herself a master walker now she loves to get outside and play. Charlotte collected many treasures along the way. A pine cone, pine needles and some leaves.





We were finally able to get her push walker and give it a try outside. It does not seem to be too much fun inside, especially when you run into a piece of furniture of the wall every few seconds.







We all had a great time outside, and I foresee a lot of outside playtime as spring is on its way.

Vertigo

Remember back this spring when I talked about millie being sick? Click here if you need a refresher.

I came across this video I recorded. It shows just how bad she was.

"Thank you for being a friend"

Many of you know I love the show The Golden Girls. I could watch it all day, everyday and not grow tired of it. Well it seems I am not the only fan. Charlotte loves the theme song. If we are in the TV room and the show comes on, she will stop playing with her toys, go over the the armoire and watch and smile. Sometimes even dance. Of course once the theme song is over and the show starts she goes back to her toys.

Charlottes 1yr Pictures

How about a major dose of cuteness.

After a terrible and unsuccessful attempt the day before, I am so pleased with the way they turned out. Charlotte did such a great job. Although towards the end of the session she started to get a little restless she pulled though and got some fantastic pictures.




I will not go anywhere else to get her pictures taken. This was our 4th time getting her pictures taken at JCPenny at the Valley Fair Mall and they are the best. They are so patient with Charlotte and willing to work with you to achieve the best picture they can. They really captured her personality.

Adventures in eating

Meal time here is just not easy anymore. The days of opening up and heating a jar of pureed fruit and vegetables are long gone. Now days it seems it takes me just as long to get Charlottes meals prepared as it does ours. Charlotte has really taken a liking to "big people" food. The last few times we have been out we ordered kid meals for her. Some of her favorite foods are Macaroni, mandarin oranges, chicken nuggets, green beans, cornbread, blueberry muffins, fresh bananas, mini ritz, and baby goldfish.

If you think she is messy, you should have seen the floor.

Valentines

Tornado

This is why my house always looks a mess.

Tug -of - War

This was so funny to watch this morning. Charlotte just kept of following millie around insisting that she play with her.

Kitty Condo

While Steve was out of town, he came across this toy and immediately thought of Charlotte. She absolutely loves it, and carries it all over the house with her.

Shop till you drop

Now that Charlotte can walk she loves to browse to lower racks for clothes she may want.

Adventure

Tonight was a big night for Charlotte in the culinary world. Tonight's dinner was her first that did not consist of soft bread, rice cereal, or any pureed fruits of vegetables. She had diced Apples and Chicken Nuggets. She loved it. I felt she was getting bored with the same ol' soft foods, so I am so glad she is finally able to start venturing into other foods.

Howdy

THD Associate of the Year

Steve was recently invited to attend a sales meeting in Phoenix, Arizona for sales persons who reached over 1 million in sales for the year 2009. Being that Steve was just under the mark her was invited by the Corporate office. For 2 weeks leading up to this meeting, Steve constantly was asking his boss who invited him and why. Questioning why was he really going to this meeting.

His first night in Phoenix was the Banquet dinner where it was announced that Steve had been awarded The Home Dept Associate of the Year. Steve was selected out of the entire company whose main sales account is Home Depot. He was completely shocked about winning this. In fact this was the only reason he was invited to Phoenix. He did not even have to attend the sales meetings. During that Banquet Dinner, the owner of the company,and many of its Executives congratulated him and let him know that he has done a great job, and that they were thankful to him.

May of you know that just after Charlotte was born, Steve had to work almost every Saturday doing different sales events at Home Depots across the state. This went on for 5-6 months. He missed a lot of time, with me and with Charlotte to attend and put on these shows. I am happy to see that he is now working for a company that really appreciates Steve's time and effort he puts into his job. He really deserves this award, and we are so proud of him.

Charlotte - 11 Months

Charlotte has really thrived this last month. She is no longer a furniture walker, and is walking all on her own. She even tries to run but does not make it too far before falling. She has started eating new foods. Some of her favorites are yogurt, gold fish cracker, Macaroni,and mini Ritz with cheese. She is drinking from a sippy cup most days, and really loves to feed herself.

Every morning she greets me with a smile, and continues to be such a happy baby. Even when she is sick she continues to smile and laugh. She now has 4 teeth on the bottom, and one tooth up top that has been coming in slowly, so you can not really see it.

Her dangerous streak is wearing off and she is becoming a little more cautious

She is starting to say "MAMA". although it is when she is crying, and she says "DADA" when she is happy and being playful. Go figure.