Yesterday was your 1st birthday. How is that even possible?! Our time with you has flown by way too fast.

You are an absolute JOY. Sweet and easygoing. Funny and ticklish. Cuddly and loving.

Just recently, you've developed a fiery little temper. You're trying so hard to communicate, but you're stuck in that frustrating gap of understanding and wanting to express much more than you can say. You say daddy, mommy, this, duck and quack quack and occasionally dog with a bark. You wave, blow kisses, point, clap and give high-5s. You give sweet, sloppy kisses, and you think Eskimo and butterfly kisses are funny.

You love baby dolls, and you'll pull them in close to hug them and pat their backs. You love rubber ducks and balls. You like books. You'll pretend to talk on a cell phone and will try to brush your hair.

You love baths and swimming.

You have 5 sharp little teeth. You will eat pretty much anything but have a definite sweet tooth.

I can't get enough of you. You snuggle in with your head under my chin, and it melts me. Please be my baby, and please stay little, for always.

Sweet love of mine, we are so thankful for your health and your life. We love you so much that it hurts. Xo

This is the only picture I have of your bilious vomiting. It brings back such a flood of emotions. We are so thankful for your precious life and your health! Love you, sweet Charlotte.

Sweet baby

Burrito baby

You cried for the 1st time when I left for work today.

ps-Happy 10 months, precious girl!

You clapped tonight!

You learned to wave tonight ❤️

I'm a little...ok, a lot....behind.

While we were at the beach (July 4-July 12), I told you to say hi to another baby at the movie theater and you raised your arm and waved plain as day!

You started to crawl at the beach, too. Now, you're a little speed racer and you're already pulling up on EVERYTHING. We've seen you let go and stand for 1 second before sitting down. You'll be walking in no time.

You have 2 teeth! (1st one came right after the beach)

You turned 8 months 4 days ago

You punch your left fist into your right hand over and over. And I love it.

1st word---momma!

Throwback to making your Build a Bear that Leighton and Emma gave you when you were born. They both said, "I love you Charlotte!"

It stayed with you in the hospital after your surgery...

Your first night in the pack in the pack 'n play. You had started trying to climb out of the manger :)

5.5 months and you are tripod sitting. It makes me a little bit happy and a little bit sad. You're getting big too fast!

A new princess was born in Britain a few days ago, and they just announced her name - Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Copycats :)

You ALMOST rolled over last night--made it from your back to your side. Got a picture from the nanny this morning that you rolled from your back to your stomach. I missed it, and that breaks my heart.

I'll eat you up. I love you so.

4 month check up: 15 lbs 4 oz (70%), 35% height, 99% head

we could talk forever

You've been sick, sweet baby, but you're on the mend. Today you had your smile back, and you were giggling. Love you to pieces.

Please stay little for always. I love you so dearly.

You slept all night last night! 7 hours-BIG girl! That's a happy valentines indeed!

Going back to work after maternity leave has been so hard. I sobbed the first day - ok, the first week. And we're only in week 2 {sigh}.

There are days when you will move mountains.
There are days when you will fight just to survive.
And, there are days--like several in your first month--where those things are one and the same.
Happy 1 month, Charlotte!

It's been 3 weeks since your surgery, and you are thriving!