The Wounded Soldier

Charlie demonstrates his first version of crawling. Not the most graceful attempt, but I can assure you that he gets wherever he wants to go rather quickly.

Hanging on to these images

 

 

I've decided that I need to keep these pictures handy for when Charlie gets older and is driving us crazy or getting into trouble. So I can remember just how sweet, and innocent and adorable he was. Are you kidding me with this face? It's just too much.

Not many substantial updates. Still working on crawling and getting closer everyday. (So, yes, I won the bet!) We have the playroom partially set up so Charlie has been enjoying the freedom to roll and explore. Naturally he is attracted to the heating vents. I really don't know why we buy them toys. I will try to get some video of the crawling attempts this weekend.

Charlie's day care was closed this past week so he made the rounds staying with Grammy and Aunt Lynn, then backup daycare in the city and then Aunt Tina and the cousins. He did really well - showing off his flexibility. Next week he is back to Randi's to see his friends again.

I posted new pictures to the right for your viewing pleasure!

If you're happy...

Charlie is still having a ball. No crawling yet. He has been up on all fours rocking though and is scooting backwards. My fingers are crossed he holds off until at least Wednesday! We have almost got his playroom operational and he is loving it. Pictures to come. Only update is that we advanced to the next car seat stage. Figuring out all sorts of new systems without an infant carrier. Funny what a dramatic change that is. Charlie took his first ride in a shopping cart and is in his big boy stroller now. He was making friends left and right as he now can really see the world when we are out and about. Every time I turn around he is telling someone else "hi!" He is a man of the people. One down side is that his little hands can reach stuff we go by now so going to have to keep a close eye on the little clepto!

Playing with Bugs

Well our little guy turned 7 months old this past weekend on his Papaw's birthday. We can't believe how quickly time is flying. Charlie is so fun to be around. He stays pretty happy all day and loves to play on the floor, go on the swings, jump in his jumper, go swimming - the list goes on. He is just so active. Unfortunately, he's even being active in the middle of the night. He makes his way around his crib now turning on his aquarium and pulling on his toy giraffe that plays a lullaby. So far he is up for 20-30 minutes playing and then goes back to sleep. Fingers crossed he stays that way or goes back to sleeping solid through the night.

Matt and I also have a bet as to when he will actually start crawling. He is already rolling and wiggling his way around pretty well. If he crawls before 7/22, Matt gets a full day of golf and if he waits until after 7/22, I get to do a spa day. Needless to say, I'm trying to keep him down for now. More importantly, we need to invest in some gates and cabinet latches.

The new video shows some of Charlie's tricks as he plays with his new toy bugs (which he loves!). Sorry it is so long, but I haven't figured out how to edit the video yet. One step at a time!

Hi!

After a week of debate, I have finally admitted that Charlie is saying his first word, "hi". He obviously doesn't know what it means but it is pretty funny because it is hard for him to find a time to say it when it isn't appropriate so it seems intentional. Of course, now that is all we hear all day. Based on the books and emails, this is early for him to be repeating a word so I think we have a talker on our hands. (Shocker).

As you can see in the video, Charlie is also clapping his hands now. Three cheers for fine motor skills! And although you can't see it in the video, tooth number 7 has surfaced on the top. I thought there was one in the back of his mouth but it is still unconfirmed so for now we have 4 on the bottom and 3 on the top. Every now and then he bites into my shoulder and I can feel each and every one of them.

Charlie just celebrated his first Fourth of July. No fireworks for this kid, but he did get to see his cousins at a cookout at our house and wore his fancy new shirt that he made with Randi's help. He also got to celebrate by using his newest toy, his jumper. Who knew that jumping could be so much fun?

I love vacation!!!

Last week was Charlie's first family vacation in the Outerbanks with all of his crazy relatives from Ohio. He had a blast! Turns out he is a fish and loves to swim. As expected, he was totally fawned over the entire week and had a team of people beckoning to his every whim. Not surprisingly, he came home a little spoiled and is adjusting to real life again (which is just oh-so-tough). It was worth it though. He loved visiting with this grandparents, aunts, uncle and cousins and we loved sharing him with them. He is already looking forward to his next trip to Buckeye land in September!

As for other big happenings - he now has 4 teeth on the bottom and 2 on the top and then at least one more that has just broken through on the back left side. He also managed to get from his belly back onto his back. He's only done it once but now we know it can be done and now just need to stay on the lookout for a rolling baby. Charlie is also into EVERYTHING. He has the quickest hands in the East. You can't turn your head for two seconds without him grabbing something else. Looks like it is almost time to rid the house of our personal belongings to make more room for baby stuff...

Charlie is much better since the last post. He is a happy boy! Today is his 6 month birthday!! Hard to believe. He had his check up recently and he measured 29 1/2 inches long. He is off the growth charts. We are starting to wonder where he came from. He's getting so big. He's sitting in his high chair now and he has 3 - almost 4 - teeth. We think he is going to order a steak soon. He is eating cereal, fruits and veggies like a champ. He is very excited because next week we go to the Outerbanks for the Warner family vacation. He is going to get S-P-O-I-L-E-D...