Baby On the Move

Life is getting a little more mobile for you, Olivia. You're just 6 months old and so interested in things you see out of your arms reach that you're doing your best to get moving. You can sit up by yourself for only a little while before falling over but when you're on your tummy, you push up on your hands and knees and rock back and forth. Then all of a sudden, you lunge forward toward the item you're trying to reach. You seem to be in much more of a hurry to get places than your sister was. I believe we're all in trouble as you are eager to get into things!

Charlotte, you were a funny crawler! You were able to sit up on your own without falling over about 6 months but didn't attempt to crawl until 8 months. You started from the sitting position, leaned over and paddled with one foot while draging the other one behind you. You weren't in a hurry to get anywhere and still do things in a very thought-filled manner.

Dinner At Our House

At 6 months and nearly 2.5 years, you girls are getting to be so much fun together and you're interacting with one another more and more. Dinner is becoming quite entertaining with you two! The videos speak for themselves...

Relaxing Family Christmas

Well girls, we've had one amazing Christmas together this year. We were fortunate enough to be able to spend the entire holiday here at home. Which, made me extra happy and stress-free since you do so much better when you're in your own beds. First, Gma, Papa, Uncle Chris, Uncle Jeff, and Aunt T filled our house with joy and laughter for a week. Then, Poppie, Chrissy, and Uncle Brad came for a few more days with more love for you girls. It was truly wonderful to get to see most of our family and you two were so sweet to everyone. Charlotte, you had a warm welcome for those who you remembered and warmed right up to the people you hadn't seen in awhile. You seemed to truly appreciate every present you received, asking to unpackage and play with each one before opening another. Olivia napped several times each day and got passed around for play time, bath time, and diaper changes. Here are some pictures to show just how wonderful this Christmas was...


Olivia taking in all the presents with Gma.



Charlotte would say, "Santa, santa, ho-ho-ho!"

 

Aunt T getting in her baby bath time!

Olivia playing with Chrissy and Lucy.

Hanging out with Poppie!

In motion with your "skis" (part of a box from Christmas gifts).

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.