Charlie at 15 Months

Charlie's little personality continues to come out more every month. He's independent and fiercely opinionated, loving and silly.

New this past month, Charlie:

• Has become a more confident walker, though he still teeters around like a drunk sailor.
• Naps less consistently. He often chatters in his room instead of sleeping. I think he's already getting closer to dropping his morning nap.
• Says "Miles" and "hi." Also "bye-bye" and "night-night."
• Fell out of his crib! I heard him screaming one morning and found him sitting on the floor next to his crib. Apparently he was trying to climb out.
• Speaking of climbing, he learned that he can climb into baskets and thinks this is hilarious.
• Loves to sit and watch Ted, sometimes bringing him his favorite stuffed animal. (Yes, our cat has a stuffed animal.)
• Eats with a spoon and fork out of a bowl. 
• Blows on his food when it's hot.
• Loves to throw balls to us and especially loves making baskets in the hoop in Grant's room.

Previous monthly photos
Miles' monthly photos

Christmas 2016

It was such a fun and fast Christmas season. While we had a break from a lot of the chaos of daily life, we still packed a lot into the month of December. We adopted a family this year, which gave the boys a chance to play Santa and put their own wants into perspective. 

We picked out a tree at a farm north of Des Moines, the perfect fat and soft tree. I loved it so much it was hard to take down after Christmas. 

Grant was still a Santa believer, for another season at least. We're holding onto the magic as long as we can. On Christmas Eve, they set out milk and cookies for Santa, and carrots for the reindeer. Grant wrote a letter to Santa, too. 

Christmas morning was fun and sweet. Charlie loved helping open presents.

The boys in their matching Christmas jammies, because there's a narrow window that they'll let me dress them like this...

 

Charlie at 13 and 14 months

Since turning 1, Charlie has turned into a little firecracker, full of energy and sass. 

New in the last couple of months:

• He's walking! He officially became a toddler in early December. 
• He shakes his head no and nods his head yes.
• He says "bye-bye" and what sounds like "Grant."
• He makes animal sounds including "moo" and "grrr."
• He still loves reading and has strong opinions on books. He shakes his head fiercely and whines if he disagrees with the selection.
• He dances when he hears music.
• He loves green beans, apples...and cookies. He's developing a sweet tooth, no thanks to Christmas cookies in constant rotation.
• He sleeps solidly at night (12 hours straight) and pretty well during the day (1 and 2 hour naps are the norm).

Previous monthly photos

Miles' monthly baby photos

All I Want for Christmas...

Grant lost his top two teeth between November and December, and we're loving his jack o'lantern smile and cute lisp...

Fall 2016

It seemed like the moment school started this fall, life became exponentially busier. Homework, soccer, swim lessons, Cub Scouts, three trips to Chicago, a camping trip, a half-marathon and work kept us constantly on the move. Here are a few pictures left on my camera and phone...

Darth Vader and Kylo Ren made appearances at Halloween.

Miles' class went to a pumpkin patch for their fall field trip.

Grant and I also visited the pumpkin patch on a rare day off for him. 

The boys found any chance they could to play in leaf piles.

Charlie wore a giant bow tie for Uncle Alex and Aunt Stephanie's wedding.

Miles and Grant performed their duties as ring bearers.

The first documented photo of everyone looking at the camera -- at the same time!

More leaf piles.

Boys in cute hats.

Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's house in Chicago.

At the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago.

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