Celebrated Summer

Sumer weather has finally kicked into full gear here in Minnesota!  I feel so fortunate to have a job I love that gives me a schedule I love even more.  I am really looking forward to the time I will spend with Charlotte.  I really want to focus on keeping our days simple and linear.  And I also want to focus on keeping them outdoors.

This next picture is one of the rare times I've been able to get Pancho to sit or lie next to Charlotte.  When she was a newborn he quickly became protective of her.  And around the house he has become more protective of our house, barking a lot more at people and dogs passing by, and guarding the entrance to whatever room we are in.  He still does that, but he chooses not to interact with Charlotte. He is more focused on the attention I give her.  Pancho doesn't seem resentful, just kind of bummed.  

But I have already started working with Charlotte and Pancho to make sure that they are indeed good friends when the time comes.  He will learn that Charlotte is the biggest blessing a dog could ask for on the Throw Me A Ball and Give Me A Treat fronts.  I think the walks and trips to the park we take together this summer will also help a lot.  I mean heck, look how happy he was this morning.

Happiest Baby on the Block

Actually, Charlotte was the only baby on the block until a few weeks ago.  But seriously, she is a very happy baby.  She loves to play, and eat, and talk, and take a bath, and go for walks, and read books.

Superbaby!  

Any self-respecting child born in the aughties needs to know about digital self-portraits.

Me, with my new bifocals.  I am officially old.

Just a Bunch of Cute Baby Pictures

A bunch of busy babies playing at my sister's house.

Charlotte loves to read.

Bailey!

Netta doing some downward dog.

Someone is looking a little tired.

Bubbe's Birthday

Happy birthday mom!

June 13, 1945 - June 11, 2011

Transport

Charlotte is definitely rolling over with intention now.  She rolled to reach a toy and then she rolled back to play with it.

8 Months

Charlotte is 8 months old!  She is living up to her nickname, Superchunk, weighing in at 18 pounds and just under 27 inches.  That's between the 25th and 50th percentiles in case you were wondering.  This girl loves to eat - cereal, sweet potatoes, carrots, avocado, banana, pears, peas, rutabega, blueberries, squash, apples, black beans, spinach, turkey, chicken and combinations of any of the preceding foods.  The only things she has refused so far are greens with brown rice and turnips.  She also eats these crackers called Baby Mum Mums that look like surfboards and taste like rice cakes.

Working on a Mum Mum

Our girl is doing all kinds of grown up things now.  She has been sleeping through the night for a while.   She will usually sleep from about 7 pm to 6 am.  It is so awesome!   We are a well-rested family now!   She can sit for a little while before she wobbles over.  She can roll over, but I can't tell if she is doing it on purpose.  Charlotte is such a laid back, happy baby and she doesn't seem to be in a hurry to get anywhere.  She is happy to lay on a blanket with her Indestructibles books.   She also enjoys playing with scarves by waving them around and lifting them in front of her face.  Then she removes the scarf and gives you a big grin.  Charlotte also enjoys being outside, going for walks, listening to music and babbling.

Lazy Sunday