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!

the flying baby

Merry Christmas

... and Happy Channukah, Michelle!

Thank you to everyone for a wonderful Holiday! We wish a fantastic 2009 to each of you!

Christmas celebration

Josh, Adrianne and Ann came over for Christmas Eve Eve dinner. I think a good time was had by all. The kids opened gifts, made a mess and enjoyed themselves. We ate too much, laughed a lot and went to bed happy people.

NEW PICTURES!!!

Chloe and Chelsea made a Gingerbread house this weekend. It turned out really cute. Nice job, girls!

Chloe and I went to see the Nutcracker. I think we will start this annual winter tradition. She really seemed to enjoy it. After the show, the had an opportunity to take pictures with the dancers.

Charlie's new trick is to get completely under the coffee table where we keep his toys and play.

My kids are so cute when they play nice with each other.

New Picture

2008 in review

January brought a big change to our lives. Charlie was born unexpectedly on the 15th. He was supposed to come 2 days later via a scheduled c-section, but he had his own agenda. Great Aunt Ann got to be there when he was born, which was pretty exciting.

In February I celebrated Groundhogs day by turning 25 (again). We got together with our "extended" family for a yummy birthday dinner at a Japanese Hibachi grill that soon after went out of business. Bummer. We then took baby Charlie on his first airplane ride to Texas. Happy Leap year!

In March, Chloe had her 5th birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. Her gift from her pediatrician was an echo cardiogram. Yes, it was fine. Apparently she has an innocent heart murmur. We were also in a car crash in March. Some jerk ran into the back of me and pushed me into the car in front of me. Then DROVE OFF! GRRRR, it still ruffles my feathers to think about it. Luckily everybody was okay and I was on maternity leave at the time so we didn't really miss the car while it was being fixed.

Unfortunately, in April I had to go back to work. Actually, I was ready. I was getting a little bored being home and was really tired of playing Polly Pockets and My Little Ponies. The week before I went back, we decided on a whim to drive to Texas. It took us about 14 hours with a 5 year old and a 3 month old. I usually pride myself on making that trip in less than 10 hours. Then on the way home, Chloe got car sick. I think it will be many years before we take a road trip again. In late April we had a minor earthquake. It was pretty exciting. I don't ever recall feeling one before. There was no local damage and no injuries.

In May Charlie was baptised. Thank you Josh and Adrianne for accepting that responsibility, and being Godparents! Good luck!

In June Chloe started t-ball. We miss you, Dillon. Hope you are enjoying kindergarten! See you next summer. Also in June, Chloe lost her first tooth. The tooth fairy brought her $5.

We Celebrated the 4th of July at Curt and Amy's. We are all very lucky to be alive. Curt is a pyrotechnic maniac! That month Charlie got his first tooth. He currently has 5 1/2. At the end of the month, we visited South Carolina. What a fun trip!

In August, Chloe started dance and then kindergarten. She loves both of them. Recital is in June 09. Be there or be square!

In September Big Charlie turned 35 and little Charlie started cruising. He now gets into everything!

This October, for Halloween Chelsea dressed up as a medieval princess, Chloe was Cinderella and Charlie was a dragon. We went trick-or-treating with friends and got tons of candy. We are still munching on it. I have taken 3 bags to work in an attempt to get rid of it. Sugar anyone?

Chelsea became a teenager in November. She really is a good kid. Very smart, and has many wonderful talents. We are very proud of her. All of Chuck's campaigning for Barack Obama paid off, hopefully he will get us all on the right track in 2009. For Thanksgiving we were all sick. We each took a turn with a GI bug. That was not fun! I can't believe that nobody wanted to come over for my cooking :)

December has just begun. I'm sure we make more memories this month to blog about. Hope everyone has a wonderful 2009!

Charlie's brother from another mother

Decorating for Christmas

Today we visited Santa at Chloe's school. Chloe told him how she was a very good girl this year and is expecting a Barbie doll house under her tree. Charlie looked at him and obviously wanted his beard and all the candy in his basket. Then we came home so Chloe and I could decorate. She has been asking all week to put the tree up. I can't wait for it to get dark so we can see the lights outside. They are going to look so pretty!

Also, Chelsea had her middle school musical this weekend. They did Honk! The Story of the Ugly Duckling. Chelsea played one of the geese and it was very well done. Mel and Sean went to see it with us.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honk!

We had our first snow last weekend. Only about 3 inches, but it was enough to play in!