So blessed

This weekend has been one that has made me realize how truly blessed I am. I am the proud mommy of this little girl:



She is happy, healthy, and the greatest gift I have ever received. I blogged a month or so ago about this amazingly strong woman and her three miracle babies. Yesterday afternoon, one of their beautiful little babies passed away. I have not been able to stop thinking about this family and the pain they must be feeling. I cannot imagine losing a child. My heart is just broken for them.

Ever since reading that post yesterday, I have been watching my little family with a little extra care. I have been so blessed. My daughter has brought me so much joy in such a short period of time. And there is so much more waiting for us. I've been hugging her a little more frequently and just a tad tighter so she knows just how much I love her.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Brooke, Joe, Charlie and Lily. Stay strong.

First Donut!

Last weekend we went for a bike ride to our favorite little donut stand and this time, we let Charlotte have her very own donut hole! She was a definite fan. We'll continue our weekend morning tradition!

Ready to go!

They're a hit!

Charlotte Loves Tomatoes

This little girl could eat tomatoes all day long. She got a hold of a few that Matt had picked out of our garden and made short work of them. We have our own little squirrel!

What?

Who needs apples?

The carnage

This may just be a Mommy thing...

...but I could watch Charlotte eat her snacks all day. I just think it is the cutest, most simple thing in the whole world. So I am posting a video of her eating her Puffs and drinking her water. That is all this is. There is no super cute ending, just a little girl eating her Puffs. I think it is adorable, but I am the mommy. :)

Charlotte's First Cookie

I made chocolate chip cookies a week ago and finally let Charlotte try one. She was a fan of Mommy's baking!

I'll share, Daddy!

Mmmmmmm

Yay for cookies!

SUGAR!!!!!!!!!

The Zoo!

We went to the zoo two Sundays in a row, so I'm just going to combine the pictures for one post. The first Sunday was the Sunday after Charlotte's party. We met the Dimmitts, the Hopmanns and my mom at the River's Edge. We didn't get to stay long, but we had fun while there! The next Sunday we went with Grandma Ridley and had a lovely morning at the zoo. Charlotte's favorite part was lunch at the Lakeside Cafe. She ate like a little piggy!

Nap time before leaving- Stop snoring Daddy!

Daddy's shoulders have the best view!

Look over there, Daddy!

Hanging out with cousin Derek

Riding in the jeep at the children's zoo. Derek was in the jeep, but got out as soon as Charlotte got in, he was outta there! Apparently he's not ready to go cruising with his cousin.

Checking out the prairie dogs with Mommy

Daddy gets artistic with the camera (or he's drunk)

See the birds, Mommy?

Don't feed me to the Tiger, Mom!

The Musician

Charlotte took a step!

Two very shaky steps, but steps none the less! My girl is growing up. Now the REAL trouble begins!

Daddy's Little Helper

Somebody's One!

Believe it or not, our baby girl is one! Charlotte had a fairly quiet day with Mommy and Daddy on the 22nd, but made up for the quiet day with a blow-out party! Our tiny house entertained 41 of our closest friends and family. We were so grateful that so many people made time for our dear one's birthday. It was so much fun and while Charlotte may not remember the day, I sure will. I was too busy enjoying myself, however, to take many pictures, so anyone who has more pictures, please please please send them our way!

Birthday presents!

Sharpening her teeth on her new piggy bank from one of our neighbors

What's in here?

Enjoying her birthday dinner



The cupcake

Looking at the cupcake carnage

Followed by a birthday bath!

And the big party...

I still can't believe our house held this many people

Waiting to open presents

Playing in the aftermath

The cake I made her to smash. She only smashed an eyeball. I made cupcakes for the rest of the party, but I didn't take a single picture! Too bad, because they were so cute!

Happy Birthday, Charlotte! We love you!