HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Claire and Charlotte's cousins Ella and Austin came over to celebrate Halloween with us. The older kids had a great time trick-or-treating while our little pumpkin hung out at home with Grandma and Grandpa!

Three Months Old

THREE MONTHS OLD TODAY!!

At three months old Charlotte:

• is full of smiles and is cooing like crazy!
• drools A LOT! She is constantly blowing bubbles and the front of her shirt is usually soaked by the end of the day.
• eats 6-7 times each day and still does okay with a bottle.
• goes to bed between 7:30-8:00 and wakes up for the day around 7:30. She sleeps a 6-8 hour stretch and then goes back to sleep for another 3-5 hours.
• is still swaddled and loves her pacifier while sleeping.
• dislikes her car seat (just like her big sister did)...makes for some very relaxing driving!
• usually takes 3 naps a day. The first two are usually in her crib and the last one is almost always in the swing. Her naps are starting to get a little bit longer, which is also nice.
• loves when you sing or read to hear.
• loves looking at herself in the mirror. It brings a smile to her face when she sees her reflection.
• enjoys bathtime. She kicks her legs with delight and gives us lots of smiles as she gets all clean.
• likes playing on the floor and is still doing pretty well with tummy time.
• has discovered her hands and loves to suck on her fingers.
• is still wearing 0-3 month clothing, but I don't think it will be long before we break into the 3-6 month clothes.
• is a very content and happy baby and we love her more every day!

Spin Art

I am always looking for fun and easy crafts and art projects to do with Claire. She usually enjoys them and they keep her entertained for a good 30 minutes if I find a good one. We did this one this morning and she LOVED it. You only need a salad spinner and food coloring for the project and the end result is similar to 'spin art'. You put a piece of paper in a salad spinner, add a few drops of food coloring, and then spin away. Claire thought it was great!

Busy Week

This week is my last week home from work and it has been one busy week so far. I picked Claire up from school on Monday afternoon and found out that they had their first confirmed case of H1N1 in the toddler room and that strep throat was going around. YUCK! In order to try to keep our family healthy before I go back to work, I decided to keep her home for the rest of the week.

Since I already had her home and because her interest in the potty has been high, I also decided to go ahead and try to potty train her. Yesterday she had underwear on for about half the day and didn't have any accidents - YAY! Today she had underwear on the entire day and had two accidents, which wasn't too bad. Hopefully her success continues...one less kid to buy diapers for! :)

It has been fun having both girls home, although I will say that I have been absolutely exhausted by the end of the day. Stay-at-home moms (especially those with more than one child) really don't get enough credit. Despite my exhaustion, it has been a great way to end my maternity leave and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Here are a few pictures from the last few day. It's amazing that I don't have one of Claire on her potty as that is where she has been spending a better part of the last few days!

putting our pumpkin craft on the window

more tummy time

not so sure about her first time in the bumbo

eating lots of blueberry bagels

books, books, and more books

Treasured Moments

It is hard to believe that my time at home with Charlotte is coming to an end. I have the rest of this week and next week off and then it is back to work. I have mixed feelings about going back. On one hand I will enjoy the routine and adult interaction that go along with a job outside of the house...not to mention using my brain for something other than diaper changes and sleep schedules. On the other hand, there are many things that I will miss...the warm cuddles after she eats and the way she gives me a big grin when I go to get her out of her crib after a nap. The way she takes in all of her surroundings and her love for music and story time. She is no longer a blob, but instead a little person with a personality. I remember this all too clear from Claire. Maternity leave is indeed cruel. Just when you have your baby figured out and they start to reward you with longer naps, big grins and little baby giggles, you have to go back to work.
So for now I will enjoy the time I have left at home with my sweet baby girl. I will treasure each of these moments as I know I will be missing them very soon.

Photography Sneak Peek

We had family pictures taken on Saturday afternoon. Both of the girls did great. Claire was a little shy at first, but warmed up in no time and enjoyed having the spotlight on her. Click here to see our sneak peek!

Charlotte's Baptism

Charlotte's baptism was on Sunday morning. Our family members joined us for the ceremony and then headed over afterward for brunch. It was a beautiful day (one of the only true fall days we have had so far) and so nice to get everyone together for her special day. We were happy that Katie and Steve could make it as well, especially since their new baby is due to arrive the beginning of December. Charlotte was a trooper during church, only letting out a little squeal when water was poured over her head. All the activity clearly wore her out as she took a 3 hour nap yesterday afternoon!