Early Thanksgiving

Last Sunday, my parents hosted an early Thanksgiving dinner since Ben and I won't be able to come up for the real holiday this year. Along with turkey and stuffing and pie, we also got to enjoy time with the family. Charlotte got passed around a lot and loved all of the attention... except for Chris... it took several tries to get a no-tears picture of her with him.

My Aunt Carol  & Aunt Jeannie were there too, but I didn't snap a photo - sorry!! Ken & Becky were there, but recovering from colds, so they kept their distance from Charlotte. I appreciate their thoughtfulness! Hope you guys feel better soon!

Uncle Brandon's first time holding her

With Unci Linda (the girl is part Lakota, after all)

Hanging out with Mr. Ron

Hanging out with Uncle Chris

Just a little reminder - you don't need a big holiday to be thankful for all of the wonderful blessings in your life! We've been blessed beyond measure this year and are so happy we can share our happiness (and our baby) with all of you!

"So... How Are Those Cloth Diapers Treating You?"

"Hi, Everyone!"

Many people raised an eyebrow when I mentioned cloth diapering before Charlotte was born. "Really? Are you for real?" I didn't really get any negative comments, just a lot of weird looks. I think a lot of people view cloth diapers as a reverse step in the evolution of baby rearing. It's kind of the same as washing all of your dishes by hand even though you have a perfectly good dishwasher right there. 

Well, I'm here to tell you that after 2 months, I'm still not exclusively cloth diapering. We used disposables in the beginning because we got SO MANY as gifts (Thank You, diaper gift givers!!) and because EVERYTHING was so new, we thought going the easy route would help us ease into this one small part of parenthood. And then for a while I'd wait until after Charlotte had pooped for the day before putting a cloth diaper on her... that's right, I was scared.

Look at those precious leg rolls!!

She had her first poop-in-cloth-diaper experience last week (or was it earlier this week...???) and WE ALL SURVIVED! In fact, I believe it was two poops in one day - which is super rare for her, and I thought I was in the clear after the first one! The diaper held everything in and the washing machine did its job wonderfully. 

Hoodie with ears?? Cuteness overload!

The problem I'm having with the cloth diaper is that they leak (or maybe soak through??) after just 90 minutes or so. I don't mind changing her frequently when we're just hanging out at home - and anyone who has done it can tell you the girl loves diaper changing time! But when we're out running errands, or she's spending time at the grandparents' houses, or visiting friends, or sleeping at night... she wears disposables. Hey, I figure if I save 3 or 4 disposables each day, the savings will still add up - both money savings & saving the planet. :o) 

Maybe I'm using them wrong, maybe I don't have the highest quality (I can't afford $30+ per diaper!!!), maybe they fit her little tush funny, or maybe she's just a soaker... I don't know. 

What I DO know is that she's adorable! And she loves changing time and diapers - cloth or disposable!

Tummy Time

For those of you who may not know what Tummy Time is, let me explain it to you... it's time that babies spend on their tummies! Sounds simple enough - but not all babies enjoy Tummy Time. In fact, Charlotte started out disliking Tummy Time very much, but as you can see, not only is she gaining head, neck, & trunk control, but she's also starting to enjoy it!

"Oh hey, look at the blanket!"

Such a determined face

"What's over here to the left?"

"What's over here to the right?"

"Oh boy! Polka Dots!!"

Mr. Sandman...

If you're wondering why the blog has been so quiet lately, it's because SOMEBODY has been resisting sleep. There's just so much for her to see and do... she doesn't seem to want to waste a minute of her precious time sleeping! 

Must. Keep. Eyes. Open.

Two Months!?!?

So big!! 

Look who it is!!! She's getting bigger every day!! 

Charlotte had her 2 month checkup on Friday, October 7 and it was confirmed - she's healthy and growing and perfect!

Stats:

Weight - 10 lbs, 11 oz   (3 lbs gained in 6 weeks!)

Height - 23 inches (about 3 inches gained in 6 weeks!)

She did really well getting her vaccinations. She cried just for a minute or two and then was fine! She wanted tons of cuddles and snuggles last night, but was back to her wonderful self today! Watching the baby get shots was so much worse than getting shots myself!! 

Somebody's legs are chunking up!!

Charlotte continues to amaze us every day. She has the cutest smile, most darling mannerisms, and the cuddliest snuggles of any baby... ever. We're beyond blessed to have such a healthy, happy baby girl!

2 Month Likes:
* Milk
* Her mobile
* Swing
* Caterpillar activity mat
* Wristband rattles
* Bath time
* Sucking on her hands

2 Month Dislikes:
* Bedtime
* Tickling her feet
* Long car rides

We're soaking up as much time as we can with family and friends in IL before we (Bri & Charlotte) move back to KY. It's hard to believe we've been here for over 3 months already! Charlotte really enjoys spending time with her grandparents and great-grandparents - and they love spending so much time with her, too! 

She's growing and changing every day! She's super alert, becoming more and more aware of her surroundings, starting to show interest in toys & books, flashing smiles left and right, and sleeping longer stretches at night. Naps during the day are still brief and few & far between, but that's just because she loves to play and hang out more than she enjoys sleeping! 

I got moves!

I went through Charlotte's dresser to clear out clothes that no longer fit (again!? already?!) and tried on this number. I can't believe it's been 5 weeks since the last time she wore it!!!

The girl decided to put on a show! I present to you...

Frog Legs Jazz Hands 

Snooze Fest

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z!!