Singing Machine

Charlotte,

You've learned so many songs and love singing them in the car, while you're coloring, and before you go to bed. However, only recently have you been willing to sing for me on camera. I love your sweet little voice and am so thankful you share it with me.
                                                            
                                                            Old MacDonald Had a Farm

                                                                      ABC Song

As I capture more on video, I will post them as well.

Giving Season

Christmas is upon us and I can't help but think of the real reason we celebrate such a joyous holiday. I am forgiven and redeemed by my huge God and am so undeserving of His many blessings. This year I feel a draw to celebrate His birth outside of myself and my own family. Be it a maturing relationship with my Savior or the added pressure of raising girls in a take, take, take world, or the need to share the many blessings we have, but I'm on a mission to deliberately give to others each day.

One example of how we brought joy to someone who often goes unappreciated, happened a couple days ago. As I pulled into the grocery store parking lot with you girls, Charlie saw the Salvation Army bell-ringer and said, "I give money and ring bell?". I told you yes, you could give some money but you would have to ask the man if you could ring the bell. While I parked, you practiced what you would say but of course, got shy as we walked up to the bell-ringer. You dropped your money in and tilted your head down but cut your eyes up as you said, "I ring bell?". I had to tell the man what you said because you wouldn't speak up any louder. He smiled big and handed you the bell to ring a few times. You were so excited but of course, wouldn't let on around a stranger.

As we went into the store, I saw the man duck into the lobby where it was warm...it was in the 30's outside and he was bundled up. That's when it hit me, this man needs something to warm him up and I can help! While in the store, I grabbed a big pack of Hot Hands hand warmers. I gave the man a couple packs as we left the store, knowing he could put them into his pockets to warm his hands while outside ringing that bell. I'm keeping a few packs in my purse from now on to hand out as I see people who need some warming up. This time I capitalized on a golden opportunity to think outside of "me and mine" to serve someone else. I feel like I miss SO many of these chances and am determined to change this. I knew I would need an external reminder because I can be so naturally selfish. I found a bracelet I never wear, in the bottom of my jewelry box and wear it daily as a reminder to myself..."Who have I served or what have I given today?". I aim to bring joy to those I encounter and use each opportunity as a learning experience for Charlie and eventually Olivia. I hope to engrain in you girls, the importance of sharing your blessings and the natural drive to serve others.

Miss Personality

Olivia,

You're getting such a sweet little personality these days. You're going on 6 months old and are figuring out how to make fun sounds with your mouth. You continue to be a happy baby girl and love nothing better than to smile at anyone who will look at you. Thank you for the joy your sweetness brings me.

Here you are blowing raspberries...and spitting...and drooling. You're really good at all of these now and do it when you're happy, tired, hungry...anytime really!



Here is your loud cackle that you do when you're really excited. You're learning to express yourself outside of a grin or giggle. 

Olivia's 5 Months Old!

Olivia,
As of this week, you have gotten quite mobile for a 5 month old! You have figured out how to roll from back to front and back over. You're stringing these rolls together and covering the spread of a blanket to get to toys you want. This tells me that if I haven't already, I must be diligent about keeping a hand on you while on the changing table. You love playing with toys, looking at books, or laughing at your sister while on your belly.

You're also getting so strong that you can lean forward in your bouncy seat. This evening, while sharing dinner conversation with Charlotte and I (daddy was on TDY to Ft. Bragg), you about leaned out of your bouncy seat. This is my signal to keep the seat on the floor only and move you to a highchair while at the table.

Trying to jump out of your bouncy seat.



"What Mom? This is fun!"

We are also officially kicking off your solid food intake. In the last few weeks I tried giving you small pieces of banana or avocado and you just spit them out. I haven't been in a rush to regularly feed you solid food because it is such a mess and you're doing just fine with milk. However, we need to practice...you keeping it in your mouth and me making it a part of our daily routine.

Your daddy was brave and held you while I fed you.

 

You seemed to really enjoy chewing on the spoon.



Touching Everything

Olivia,

Your skill right now is touching everything you see. It is so fascinating to see you focus in on something and become still as you reach out and touch it with your fingers. If I'm holding you and put a drink or food to my mouth, you try to reach out and grab it. I hold you at the dinner table and you pull the table cloth. In the bathtub, you love for me to pour water on your tummy while you try to grab it. You're beginning to play by yourself some when you have toys to reach for. When there are no toys in sight, your feet are always fun to grab. Here are some pictures showcasing your curiosity.

Learning Everywhere

Charlotte,

You're growing up so fast right before our eyes. The conversation you are using is becoming more and more adult-like. Your daddy and I look at eachother after you've said something and wonder where you learned the phrase. It's amazing how observant you are; you pick up so much from those around you. Here are some of your latest phrases.

"Ummm, yeah." or "Ummm, sure." (In response to just about anything. We are really working on "yes ma'am, yes sir" but it's tough when we say this phrase to you all the time.)

"What color you want?" (When we're coloring or when you have several things of different colors. What's funny is that if we don't say the color you want us to have, you give us the pre-determined color anyway.)

"Maybe have a couple yogurt raisins?" (You asked me this in the car on our way home from church.)

"My turn to..." or "I do by me self." (You are very focused on doing things by yourself and get very upset if we try to help or do it for you. To name a few, get on the potty, climb into your booster seat, close the door, turn the top on your cup.)

"What's that called?" (This is probably why you know so much. You ask this when you encounter something you don't know yet.)

I'm amazed at how smart you are, Charlotte. I find myself having to extend my questioning and add to the skills I throw at you. You know all of your letter names, nearly all the letter sounds, square, rectangle, circle, oval, diamond, triangle, octogon, 15 colors, AB patterns, count to 15, recognize numbers to 10.

Olivia Found Her Laugh Box

Silly Olivia is laughing all the time now. It began with grins here and there, turned into smiles at the sight of another face, and has morphed into cackling laughter whenever anyone gives you any attention. You bring so much joy to all of us.

Halloween

We made it through Charlotte's third Halloween and Olivia's first. Charlotte, you were just 2 months old on your first Halloween. We dressed you up as a ladybug and went to a neighborhor's house for a party. You did not enjoy the costume and ended up out of it and back home pretty quickly. But at least we got one picture!

The following year we experienced our first Halloween in Clarksville, TN in our awesome neighborhood, Poplar Hill. Charlotte, you were just over a year old and didn't really get the whole Halloween thing. You helped us hand out candy and went to bed early. Your silly daddy loves to dress up for Halloween and was "Mr. Ladybug" to go along with your butterfly costume.

This year we had to use the "divide and conquer" approach. Your daddy took Charlotte out for trick or treating while I stayed home and passed out candy because Olivia was already asleep for the night. Though we did get some pictures of you two while we waited for daddy to get home.

Once daddy got home, he and Charlotte took off down the block. I stayed home and handed out candy to the droves of children who live in our neighborhood. After awhile, daddy brought you back and let me take you out with our friends, Laura, Brian, and Braden Major. You had a ball trick or treating with your buddy, Braden. You two held hands and talked about the scary houses and how to say "Trick or Treat" when you get to the door. You've grown SO much in the last two years. I am amazed at what a little girl you have become!

 At the end of the night, we let Charlotte pick her favorite candies out of her bag. You chose M&M's and gummy snacks. We put the rest of your candy in our bucket and handed it back out to the kids who were still trick or treating. You were very sweet to hand out your candy to other children. We love you girls and can't wait to experience so many more fun holidays with you.

Daddy Takes Command

We attended your daddy's Change of Command ceremony last week. It is an exciting milestone in his military career and we were there to see it happen. His parents, your Gma and Papa, also came up for the ceremony and visited for a few days. Your daddy took command of 107 soldiers who maintain all pieces of his Kiowa helicopter unit. We were so proud of you girls; we got endless compliments on your behavior, manners, and beauty. Charlotte, you really enjoyed seeing the helicopter, hearing the traditional songs they sing during the ceremony, and eating the yummy food. Olivia, you were so tired and just hung out on my shoulder most of the time.

Sweet Charlie

Passing of the guidon

Your daddy and his troops

Sweet Olivia

So thankful we could all be there to support your daddy

Your daddy showing you his helicopter

Great Grandparents

Girls,

You are so blessed to have spent a week with your great grandparents, Memaw and Papaw. This couple is my mother's parents and they came from North Carolina to visit us. This was their first time meeting Olivia and the last time they saw Charlotte, she was four months old (Olivia's age now). I have such amazing memories with these people and I'm elated that you two got to spend some time with them. Memaw was an integral part of my accepting Jesus as my Lord and Savior when I was a child. I spent a week every summer at their house in Summerville, South Carolina. And Papaw was at every sporting event of mine and Uncle Brad's that he could possibly make. These are special people, who love you very much.



Reading books with Papaw.



Turns out Papaw created the honeycomb material on the heli.



We visited daddy at work.



Tea party with Memaw



Papaw said Olivia liked him best.



They were so sweet and happy to be with you girls.

Fall Changes

We've been enjoying the first few weeks of crisp fall weather. The leaves are falling from out huge oak tree in the backyard and we've got the windows open most days. We have had a great time playing around the house, as Olivia settles into a more predictable nap routine. We usually head to the gym for a 9am class on MWF and then back to the house for Olivia's morning nap, Charlotte's lunch, and afternoon nap. I feel like someone is always needing a nap, sometimes even me!

Olivia, you've dropped a feeding and eats around 7am, 11am, 3pm, and 7pm....give or take some. I noticed your naps were getting longer and I was trying to stuff that 5th bottle in there somewhere. Once I remembered that Charlotte had dropped to 4 feedings around 4 months, I tried it one day. You were much happier that I wasn't trying to make you eat when you weren't hungry. It's a tough balance between what you're told your baby needs and what your baby tells you she needs. In the end, baby wins every time! You continued with your11-12 hour nights (since 10 weeks!!) even with one less bottle. However, your did up your ounces in each bottle from 5 to 6.

Hanging out on the back porch on a beautiful fall day.

Charlotte, you're going full steam ahead with potty training! Seeing your interest and joy in this process has been exciting. All of a suddent you shout, "I need go potty!" and we run for the bathroom...or the potty in the kitchen. That's something I said I'd never do but alas, baby wins everytime. It has saved us from a few accidents here in the early stages of training. Your only issue is holding #2 until I have literally seconds to get you to the potty. Everyone I talk to says that's normal and that #2 training comes later than #1. You get "big marmawow" when you go potty and you insist that you open the pantry door.


So proud, doing it by yourself!



Charlotte the Mechanic

Yesterday, you helped your daddy change the oil in his truck. Just the two of you went to Walmart to get the oil and filter. Of course, he dressed you in your Kiowa helicopter shirt and let you run around the store, whereas I keep you in the cart. You had a ball!

Once you two got home, you wanted to help him but weren't sure about getting under the truck. You handed him tools and rags. I love seeing you two spend quality time together and your daddy was in heaven!

Flipping Olivia

Olivia, you've discovered how to flip from your tummy to your back! You are very strong and do it easily while playing and when you wake up. You've done it a few times in the middle of the night. You get pretty upset because you like to sleep on your tummy. I end up having to come in and flip you back over so you can sleep again. But I don't mind because this is what I get to see.

You're such a nut! You were mid-flip here.

Beach Vacation

Wow, what a vacation! Very much needed after 2 years of no beach time and your daddy being restricted to Clarksville, TN due to his job. Your Gma and Papa have been renting a beach house on Mexico Beach, Florida's coast for 15 years now. It's a quaint town with very few hotels or condos and mostly family-owned beach houses. I will let the photos speak for the trip...

You built (and stomped) many sand castles!

You were watching Charlotte and Gma having all the fun!

You loved wearing your sunglasses!

You weren't fond of the "big water" so your daddy ended up digging out a pool of "little water" for you to play in.

Doing "happy swing" was your favorite! Here's the full body photo 3 months after having Olivia. Proud of you girls and unashamed of the body that carried you.

A morning walk with my sweet girls. Your daddy was fishing with Papa and Uncle Chris.

Playing in the hose after the beach was your other favorite. We had to pull you away to make you go inside for lunch and nap.

Watching the sun go down one evening. Your daddy is so handsome...especially with a cute baby in his arms.

Stealing some sweet kisses out on the beach.

You loved feeding the seagulls. You squeeled and said "in mouf" every time the gulls would eat the crackers you threw.

You were "helping" Papa fix your fishing pole that you had tangled. We were cracking up while you made the problem worse and worse.

What a beautiful family!

Took a lot to pull off family photos during sunset when both of you girls were tired and cranky for your beds.

Family Road Trip

We embarked on our first family road trip on September 23, 2011. We drove 6 hours from Clarksville, TN to Gma and Papa's house in Columbus, GA. We stayed there one night and continued our trip the next day with a 4 hour drive to Mexico Beach, FL. Neither of you girls slept very well during the road trip. Charlie begged to get out every hour and a half to two hours. Olivia yelled until you finally fell asleep...for about 20 minutes and then it started all over.

Here is Charlotte trying hard to go to sleep with "nah nah and frawg".

We even tried letting you get out of the carseat and lie down on the floor of the van on a blanket. SO against the law these days but your daddy and I remembered stories of our parents putting us in the back of a station wagon with blankets. We figured if we survived, you would too.

Olivia was a spoiled little 3 month old and got held by me so she would go to sleep. Then I would put you back in the 5 point harness carseat and hope you kept sleeping. It worked....sometimes. Somehow you always seem to have a smile when you woke up. Here's a pic on the way home with Olivia sleeping sweetly and Charlotte's foot hanging out of her carseat. Your daddy was a trooper and drove the whole way while I hung out with you girls in the back, unless you were asleep. Then I snuck up and talked with your daddy.



You girls were amazing on our first family road trip. It was stressful at times but we had fun along the way. One sweet memory... We stopped at a Chick-Fil-A on the way home and your dad and I each had a girl in our arms. We laughed at how we used to look at parents overtaken with children and laugh. We are those parents now and LOVE it!

In the Moment

Having a new infant--no longer a newborn, *sigh*--reminds me to stop, soak in, and celebrate the small things I encounter everyday. I can think of something fantastical that happens each and every day. It's a perspective I choose instead of one that comes natural.

This evening, Olivia did not want to eat during what "should" have been a normal feeding time. Instead she smiled at me through the bottle. I was overjoyed at her smiles, gurgles, and coos. I am so thankful for the seemingly small moments that I get to savor with these girls everyday.

Olivia, thank you for reminding me that schedules don't rule and to enjoy the moments before they pass me by.

My Workout Buddy

I joined a Crossfit gym about 7 weeks after Olivia was born. There is no childcare, which was a difficult change for me to make. However, I was doing crossfit workouts at the YMCA and just not seeing results. I needed more intensity and a change in my routine to continue the post-baby weightloss and body redemption. I didn't just want to get back to pre-pregnancy weight, I wanted to SEE huge results. Anyway, Charlotte loves the "new gym" because she actually gets to see me exercise and sometimes even do some of the workouts with me. Olivia just hangs out with the other babies in the "baby bucket corner". Charlotte loves to swing on the rings and is working on her abs by holding her legs out. This is a poor quality picture since it was taken with my phone.



Next, I had to do 40 sit-ups and Charlotte came over and sat on my feet. When I came up, she would bend over and crunch her abs too. Everyone at the gym was cracking up but didn't have a camera to take a picture. Luckily, she didn't get enough at the gym and asked to do some more sit-ups when we got home. I managed to get a shot using the timer on the camera.

I am loving having my girls more involved with exercising. Before, I dropped them off at the Y daycare and they played with other kids. While that was fun, I am hopeful to impact the girls' appreciation for health by seeing me exercise.

Peaceful Olivia

Olivia,

Thank you for giving me such a peaceful ending to my beautifully busy days. I sneak in your room for your last feeding and this is the satisfied face I get to look down upon.

What a way to end the day! I literally have to remind myself to not squeeze you too hard because you are so snuggly. Those cheeks are so kissably soft and I must give you a dozen before I force myself to lay you down.

I mean, seriously kid....it's a crime to be this cute! You found your fingers one night and now you comfort yourself back to sleep when you wake up. You began sleeping 12 hours straight at just 10 weeks! You are super baby!

I love you,

Mommy