Kickin' it Friar Style

Check out Charlie's baby baldness (and quirky birth mark). As a literature lover, it's appropriate that he's balding in the footsteps of Friars John and Lawrence. The second photo tells you how he's feeling about his diminishing locks.

Summer Lovin'

I am in love this summer. Yes, with my husband and son, but also with some new summer finds...feel free to join the love fest.

1) ASSETS by Spanx for Target bathing suits. Yep. Swimwear by SPANX at Target. I got a little swim dress last week for my first post-partum pool outing. I have to tell you it was the first time I have EVER smiled walking out of a dressing room after bathing suit shopping. Love.

2) Catan for iPhone. Thanks to Andrea, I continue my obsession electronically. It has been the perfect during nursing activity. I have to confess that I am playing it as I fall asleep as well. It could be a problem. I keep telling myself that the time spent on the app is good training for game nights. Haha.

3) Summer Beer. I especially enjoy beer in the summer - something about the cold bottle and the oppressive NC heat, I think. This year we've tried a few new summer brews - I'd recommend the Shiner Bock Ruby which has a hint of grape fruit in it. Yum.

4) Dexter. Since we are finding it tricky to get out to the movies these days, we decided to take up watching a TV show on Netflix together. I HATE scary movies, but am loving Dexter. It's intense, but oh so good.

Three Months

Time flies when you are raising a newborn, yes? Hard to remember when he was such a little nugget.

Charlie turned three months old yesterday and was pleasantly smiley for the big photo shoot with mom. (see below) He has quite possibly the cutest gummy smile I've ever seen and continues to be super active and wiggly. The rolling over has subsided for now as he has bulked up to 13 pounds and can't figure out how to move all that weight around yet. Heh.

He has also discovered his hands and is grabbing like a mad man in addition to trying to put his whole fist in his mouth - what is that about? I must admit I find it sort of gross but I hear I should be happy about self-soothing techniques. I'm still debating.

Eating is going well though he's not digging the bottle these days - must work on that in preparation for my return to work in august. He is playing more independently and for longer periods of time (hooray for the activity mat) which is fun to watch and his face continues to be hilariously expressive. The whole sleeping at night bit is still a bit of a bear due to his crazy intense startle reflex when sleeping on his back. I've finally started napping him on his tummy and he sleeps beautifully but don't have the cajones to put him down at night like that. Thus, we are up and down and up and down. This too shall pass, I know. Good thing he is pfc. I continue to stand in awe of how much I love this little person more and more every day I know him. Happy three months, baby Charlie. Love you.

Dallas and LA June 2011

Charlie and I journeyed to Dallas and LA last week to see family. David was in CA for work for two weeks and was able to join us for the weekend...four flights later, we are tired, but feeling filled up with love. Charlie did so well on the plane rides, though nursing during take off and landing while sitting in a middle seat in Coach is a feat I am not eager to repeat.

My favorite part was watching our nieces interact with our boy - so precious. Apparently all of the baby dolls in the house have now been named Charlie. Hehe.
Enjoy the pictures...

Click here to view these pictures larger

Meeting my Great-Grandma

Following Memorial Day, Charlie got to meet his Great Grandma in Hendersonville. Pretty precious to see a two month old meet a 99 year old, beautiful lady. Thanks to Hank and Dorothy for helping us get together and for the Thomas train!

My Girls

Memorial Day is a weekend I look forward to all year because it means I get to be with my Wake girls. For our 10th anniversary trip this year we traveled to Asheville. Thanks to C and C for letting us use the lake house! Charlie and baby Kate were in tow and true to form, our weekend was filled with good food, lots of Train, and great conversation. I could not be more thankful for these beautiful women and the gift they are to me. I always leave with the strangest combination of emptiness and full. I didn't get many photos b/c I was keeping up with Charlie, but enjoy these few. I hope to add some more from the gals once theirs are "live" ...

Outings with a newborn ...

Despite the sleeplessness that is our reality these days, having a newborn who is portable and snuggle-y is fab. God bless the inventor of the lucky baby sling.
Here are a few outings from the last weeks ...


on the plane...


beer with dad at Brixx


car shot


at the dentist while mom is getting her cavity filled


first pedi