Daddy's Girl

Matthew and I have had ideas about parenting from the moment we found out I was pregnant. Coming largely from the work we do, we have been exposed to a lot of really bad parents and are determined not to "be like them". Matthew has been about discipline from day one, telling me all his ideas about how to raise our child.

And then our little girl was born.

It took only a moment before this new daddy was wrapped around Charlotte's tiny little finger. I will never forget the look on his face when they brought our daughter to the warmer. He looked absolutely torn, wondering if he should be next to me or her. I told him to go meet our daughter and that was it. She had him.

Having been a daughter myself (still am, in fact), I know how special the daddy/daughter relationship is and it makes me so happy to know that this little girl will have a daddy that loves her as much as my daddy loves me.

And since pictures speak louder than words, here are a few of my favorite daddy/daughter pictures.





And my favorite...

Already 4 weeks old!

I can't believe our little girl is already four weeks old. She's getting enormous. Linda brought her to school to see my coworkers in her ducky dress; when I was showing off her cloth diapers to some of the nonbelievers it was really hard to get back on. Probably the last time she'll wear it!

Early conditioning

A Name and a Blessing

On August 2nd, Charlotte took a trip to Wildwood to receive her very first blessing. In the LDS church, individuals are not baptized until they are at least eight years old, so instead of being baptized, newborns are given a name and a blessing in front of the congregation. Grandpa Drury gave Charlotte her blessing in front of family and friends. Later, Grandma Drury hosted a delicious brunch for those who were able to share this day with us.

The Freeman Family



Charlotte with her Great Aunt Robbie. Robbie made her bonnet out of material from Linda's wedding dress. It was so beautiful and we were so grateful!



Grandma and Grandpa Drury



Uncle Ted not looking nearly as terrified to hold his niece.



Great Aunt Shirley had this blanket made for Charlotte. It matches her bedding perfectly and it is so soft, Linda's not sure she's going to share it with her daughter.



More presents...



Charlotte's second cousin Derek, who is exactly 364 days older than Charlotte. His first birthday was only 4 hours after Charlotte was born. I see lots of fun family birthdays in their future.

Bath time!

I know she may never forgive us for posting these photos, but she is just so darn cute in her little bathtub that we have to document her first bath. This is her very first sponge bath and I have to say, I am so glad we can now give her a real bath. The poor thing shivered and looked so cold, but she came out smelling baby fresh.

Mommy trying to figure out how to bathe a wet, squiggly newborn.



Someone is NOT happy about bath time.



And everything is better in a ducky towel.

Our beautiful little girl

Did anyone ever mention to you that newborns need a lot of attention? We are definitely learning that as we wake up for feedings, changings, burpings, and sometimes just a little cuddle time. As we've tried to figure out our new role as parents, blogging took a backseat, but we are now ready to show off some of Charlotte's early pictures. Enjoy!

Our little girl in her hospital bed.

Daddy's so proud!



So pensive...

Our little tiger.

Introducing...

Charlotte Jean Freeman!




Our beautiful little daughter made her appearance on July 22, 2008 at 8:11 PM. She was a whopping 9 lbs, 6 ounces and 20.5 inches long. After an extremely long day (and a whole lot of Pitocin), Linda was wheeled down to the OR for a c-section and 10 minutes later we had a precious baby girl. She looked a little bit like a garden gnome thanks to being wedged in Linda's pelvis, but she had her daddy wrapped around her finger from the first moment. Good luck to the first boy who tries to date this angel!



We can't wait for her to meet all her friends and family!