Snow Days!

Matthew and Charlotte have been home the past three days and lucky me, I got to join them yesterday. Our office phone tree was activated and we were notified the courthouse was closed. I learned today, however, that there was a miscommunication somewhere in the chain of command and the courthouse was not actually closed. At least I got a day off out of the deal (even though I have to make up the hours). We played in the snow for a little while. Charlotte's not sure about that white stuff, but we did get a few cute pictures and smiles!

I can't put my arms down!

I'm just too cute.

Snow Angel

Just chillin', yo

I know these pictures are dark, but I just love how cute they are!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Daddy turned 27 today! He's such an old man.

I helped Daddy unwrap his apron and pancake warmer. He's the "Pancake Man" in our family.

I also helped Daddy unwrap the present from Mommy. Some movie they tell me I can't watch.

It's okay; I'll just eat the wrapping paper. Who needs to watch Die Hard, anyway?

Happy Birthday, Daddy! Thank you for the yummy paper!

There are no words.

This is what happens when Daddy and Charlotte have the day off. Sorry, kid. Your daddy is weird.

How long does it take to clear a tray of toys?

Charlotte's new favorite game is "Mommy-and-Daddy-pick-up-the-toys-I-throw". She has us very well trained.

Adventures in Feeding

The question we get asked the most these days is about "solid" food. While I am not convinced that rice cereal or pureed vegetables are "solid" food, they are more solid than formula. The doctor told us there was no reason to rush; she would let us know when she was ready and that any time between four and six months is normal, but there is really no reason to push the issue until after six months.

Charlotte has exhibited all the signs of being ready- interested in our food, mimicking us at dinnertime, eating more. We have not, however, had a lot of success with the rice cereal. She'll put in in her mouth, but swallowing is not high on her priority list. Spitting and crying is much more fun, as the follow video suggests:



We tried again, but this time let her feed herself since she likes spoons so much. She started playing with spoons at the dinner table on Thanksgiving, which is what prompted us to think she might be ready. She enjoyed this experience more than the previous one, but still did not actually swallow the food.




For now, we have decided to hold off on the rice cereal. The holidays really messed with her schedule, so we wanted to wait until she had a more consistent and regular schedule again before throwing in the "solid" food again. My mother has suggested using oatmeal instead of rice cereal since it could be a taste thing. Any other suggestions for a more successful "real food" experience?

A Parent's Best Friend

The best thing about having a cousin with a baby almost exactly a year older than ours is that we can tap them for advice, opinions (Stephanie sold us on the cloth diapers), and best of all, hand-me-downs. We were so lucky to have Matt and Stephanie (and Derek) loan us quite a few baby items, but right now the item we use the most is the Bumbo.

Not only does Charlotte love this thing, Mommy adores it. I can set her right up on the kitchen counter with me while I cook, so I am able to get so much more done in the kitchen now. I used to put her in a variety of mechanical baby-sitters, but they all had to be on the floor. Now she watches me cook, one of her new favorite past times.

It also has helped her develop the ability to sit up on her own. She can now sit unassisted for at least 15 seconds. She's so talented! Plus, she looks super cute in it.

A very sleepy Mommy's helper

Just chillin', yo.