Camping Trip

We went camping last weekend at Backbone State Park, about three hours northeast of Des Moines with Grant's Cub Scout pack. It was a beautiful fall weekend, with the leaves in full color and the weather mild during the day and cold at night. 

After dropping off Charlie at Grandma and Grandpa's house on Friday evening, we arrived at camp around 9 in time for an owl hike. The boys were so tired that they pretty much collapsed in our tent that night. The temps dipped into the 30s, but they didn't seem to mind, sleeping soundly throughout the night while Kent and I tossed and turned. 

Our SUV trunk was filled to the max even for just a two-night trip. 

Saturday morning we had pancakes followed by a visit from a naturalist and fishing. Grant was thrilled to catch a small fish in the pond after waiting patiently for the better part of an hour. Miles didn't have as much patience—he found a steep hill and rolled down it over and over.

That afternoon we hiked a pretty trail, spent a lot of time at the playground and capped off the day with a campfire and s'mores. 

All in all, it was a fun, adventure-packed weekend, and the boys wondered when we could go back again. 

Charlie at 1 Year

Happy birthday to Baby Charlie! His first year has been full of fun, chaos and sweet moments. He showed a determined spirit from Day 1, overcoming a scary entrance into the world and thriving. He came home and fit right in with his goofy, high-energy, loving brothers.

So far Charlie is independent and determined, often silly but also quite serious. He loves books, baths, Ted the Hero, books about dogs, eating, music, swings, stroller rides and of course his big brothers. He's a little shy, especially around new people. He typically studies people with a furrowed brow before volunteering a smile. He doesn't sit still or tolerate snuggling, but catch him in the right moment and he'll happily give kisses and hugs, before pushing you away and beelining to climb the stairs.

New this month, Charlie:

• Says "ma-ma," "da-da" and "dog"
• Blows kisses.
• Seems to understand more words, like diaper, feet, cat and brothers.
• Stands up on his own.
• Pretty much decided he's done with nursing. He had seemed less and less interested ever since our Italy trip, but I was still holding on to a few feedings a day. This month he's gradually dropped all of them. 
• Also refuses to let us feed him, demanding only table food that he can feed himself.
• Has finally grown enough hair to develop little blond curls above his ears.

Previous monthly photos

Miles' monthly baby photos

Charlie at 11 Months

With the leaves starting to turn colors, I keep thinking back to a year ago when I was hugely pregnant, waiting for baby to arrive. It's crazy to think that Charlie is almost a year old. At 11 months, he's at a fun yet exhausting age, full of personality but getting into everything. 

New this month, Charlie:

• Waves "bye-bye."
• Says "dog" and "da-da," which sound the same. 
• Can go from squatting to standing unassisted. He's like a kid learning to ride a bike; as soon as he realizes that he's standing on his own, he panics and sits down.
• Pushes a baby walker around the house.
• Loves oranges and salmon, has decided that's he "over" Cheerios and bananas, and still loves cheese more than anything.
• Adores books but isn't crazy about sitting still to be read to. Instead he likes to hold them and turn the pages himself. Favorite books are "Doggies" by Sandra Boynton and "Dear Zoo."
• Throws mini-temper tantrums when he doesn't get his way, often holding his breath until he turns blue.
• Can climb up the stairs. 
• Every morning as I'm getting ready for work, methodically empties every drawer in my bathroom. First he shakes out every last hair tie, then he removes Kent's shaving supplies, and then he moves on to the bottles of hairspray and hairbrushes under the sink. He's a mini tornado, a path of destruction following him everywhere he goes. 
• Loves Kent more than anyone. If Kent is in the room, he whines until he picks him up. If I'm holding him, he'll often push me away and reach for Kent. It's a very sweet bond that they have, and I try not to be offended.