Snow Day

Michelle's GNO! Great party... can't wait for the next one!

Winter Warm Up

Mel hobnobbing with Bob Gibson


World Series Ring... my finger has never been worth so much!

Josh and Adrianne

Tony LaRussa

I walk everywhere now!

Charlie'sfirst birthday

Sorry, they are in reverse order (start at the bottom)

Time to play with the new toys!

AARGH! Assembly required!

maybe it's not so bad

Darn it, I'm cold and I don't recognize this "food"

I like opening presents

Wait a minute, where did Charlie go?

Yea, a Cowboys outfit!

Charlie had lots of help opening gifts

The Wilson girls

Amy modeling the most beautiful jellies (thank you Ann!)

Hey, Jacob is hogging the pantry

Don't eat my ears, grandma!

Baby Einstein cake

Crazy boys

Hello, Ladies!

The Godmother

Chelsea

Charlie's first year quiz

(answers at the bottom)

1. What was Charlie's weight at birth?
2. Who stayed with Chloe while Charlie was being born?
3. Who are Charlie's Godparents?
4. Who made Charlie's birth announcements?
5. Where was Charlie when he took his first steps?
6. How many times has Charlie been (round trip) on an airplane?
7. Who was Charlie's first babysitter?
8. You get a bunch of hand-me-downs from whom?
9. What is the name of the lady that watches Charlie?
10. What was Charlie for Halloween?
*BONUS* Where did Charlie ring in the New Year?



1. 7 pounds, 7 oz
2. Ann Gulley
3. Josh and Adrianne
4. Amy Schwartz
5. the Bass' house
6. twice (once to Texas, once to South Carolina)
7. Amy Schwartz (3-19-08)
8. Jacob Bass
9. Marilyn Jones
10. dragon
*BONUS* This is a trick question. After celebrating at Mel and Sean's annual party, we were home by 12 (11 central) and Charlie rang in the new year fast asleep in his own bed.

reflection of the last year

As Charlie's first birthday approaches, I find myself reflecting on the last year and how different my children are. I don't know if it is the difference between 2 personalities, the first born vs the second born or the differences in the sexes. Charlie has certainly been more of a challenge than Chloe was. He is a ton of fun, but keeps us very busy. He has to be watched at all times. I remember putting a Baby Einstein movie on for Chloe and letting her sit for a 1/2 hour while I did housework. Charlie would be into every cabinet in the living room. He loves to push random buttons on the remote control and call people on the phone. He will come running when he hears the dishwasher open. That is his new favorite place to play. He also is mesmerized by the automatic trash can. I can honestly say that Chloe never played in the garbage or the TOILET! Charlie has a big bruise on his forehead here he dropped the toilet lid on his head. Chloe did her fair share of crying as an infant, which Charlie never did. However, Charlie just screams to get your attention when there is something he wants. Let me tell you, he is loud!

Both of my kids had a knack for putting their mouths all over the shopping carts. That really grosses me out. For Charlie I bought the cart cover to keep him from doing that. He just moves the cart cover off, and then goes to to town. The cold metal must feel good on their gums, but I am tired of the GI bug running through my family.

Chloe was much more verbal than Charlie, also. We are trying some sign language with Charlie because he still doesn't have any words. Charlie, on the other hand, is much more physical. He is taking steps months before Chloe did and has started climbing (and diving) off the furniture.

My kids have provided so much entertainment this last year, it is hard to put it all down in words. They try my patience, teach me about innocence and show me absolute unconditional love. I love you guys!

Happy New Year!

We had a fantastic time at the Carson's... as always. I'm just sorry that we couldn't have stayed longer. Apparently we missed some serious Rock Band. So ladies, what is the dress code for next year?

Unfortunately, Charlie was up 3 or 4 times last night puking. I just love changing sheets at 2 in the morning. Good times. Hopefully the rest of us can avoid the bug this time!