Charlotte Takes on KC

The week before Matthew went back to school, we decided to test Charlotte's ability to travel and made our first trip to Kansas City. She had a lot of people to meet!

Getting ready for the big trip!

Our first stop was to visit John and Terri and their two kids, Olivia and Ethan. John was out of town, but it was nice to visit with Terri and her little ones. She gave us a bunch of her baby stuff. Olivia was not happy to see some of her old things go, but she decided she could share with Baby Charlotte. I don't know how we lived without the swing! We are eternally grateful to you, Olivia. Thank you for sharing!

We thank Terri every day for this swing.

Next stop, Grandma and Grandpa Ridley. It was a short visit, but it was nice to show Charlotte the grounds at Bedside Manor. We had to practically rip Charlotte out of her Grandma's arms when it was time to go!

Charlotte's new bouncer. Thank you, Olivia!

Charlotte next met Dave and Carla. They gave her her first Tigger (of course!) and a super cute Tigger sleeper. We knew we could count on Carla to bring a little Tigger into her life. Carla also sent Mommy and Daddy home with pies, which is almost as good as a stuffed Tigger.

Charming Carla and Dave

She got to meet Twit, who, of course, went straight for her feet.
Twit has been trying since puppyhood to swallow Matt's foot,
so it was only fitting he try and swallow Charlotte's.

Charlotte met her Great Aunt Cindy and Great Uncle Kevin that night at Grandma and Grandpa Freeman's. She also met her Uncle Nash and put in some more quality time with her Uncle Andrew. He even fed her dinner (I can't believe I missed this photo opportunity. Grrr.).

Snoozing with Grandpa Freeman

After nearly two years, I was finally able to stop at my friend Meredith's house to see her and her boys. I can't believe how much those boys have grown! Jackson is a little man, Wyatt is a toddler and I finally met Logan. Blogs are wonderful for sharing life's little events, but Meredith's blog almost made me forget how long it had been since I had actually seen them in person. It was so nice to see them and I don't think we'll wait two years to see them again.

Our final stop was Uncle Andrew's place. It was nice end to a wonderful, but busy, trip. We'll be back soon, KC!

A Perfectly Healthy Baby

Charlotte had her one-month check-up yesterday and the pediatrician said she was in perfect health. Our little chunkster weighed in at 11 pounds even (4.99 kilograms) and was 21.5 inches long. Her head also gained another inch, making me think she really is going to be like her Uncle Ted (Smart, I mean. I am in no way referring to the size of his head. I would never do such a thing.).

She was so good at her appointment, I just have to brag about the most wonderful baby girl in the world. Her appointment was at 10:00, so I had to feed her a little early, but she ate with zero complaints. She hardly made a peep at the doctor's office, except to let me know she needed her diaper changed and when the mean old nurse shoved a needle in her leg. I had never heard a shriek like that come from her before, but all she needed was a little cuddle from mommy and all was right in the world again. She also got a Sesame Street band-aid out of the deal.

After the doctor's appointment, we went to the Bread Company for lunch. Charlotte slept the whole time and actually let me eat a meal at a leisurely pace while sitting at a table. Such a luxury, I tell you.

Next stop, the DMV. I think some of the adults there could have learned a thing or two about patience from my little girl. Charlotte was awake for most of our wait, but just watched all the people. She was an angel- not a cry came from her lips.

We didn't get home until 1:30 so I was worried she'd be a hungry mess when we walked through the door, but she waited for me to unpack things, change her diaper, then she ate all her lunch. Right after she went down for a nap.

While none of these things may seem like that big of a deal, I cannot tell you what a blessing it is to have such a mellow baby. To know that I can leave the house to run errands without worrying about a fussy child is an amazing feeling. Charlotte is wonderful in restaurants, quiet in stores, and even sleeps at night. What more can we ask for?

Now to end this mommy brag on her amazingly wonderful daughter, I bring some more super cute pictures of my little bean.

Hi, everybody!



She may be a daddy's girl, but she loves her mommy, too.



Sometimes, everyone needs a little cuddle time.



The incredible sleeping angel. She makes my heart melt!

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.