One Month!

Charlottte Ann,

Our sweet Charli-Girl, Cuddle Bug, Little Sunshine. HOW is it possible that you are one month old today?! Surely we were just bringing you home from the hospital, the longest drive home of our lives, and rocking you in your big white nursery chair for the first time to stare at your sweet face and soak in the fact that we are now officially parents...

Coming home from the hospital!

You've come a long way from that very first night home, when I wondered how I would ever sleep again - partly because I wanted to stay awake and listen to your breathing, and partly because you refused to be further away than in my arms, alternating between constant eating and sleeping. You are now sleeping 3-4 hour stretches at night, and while you still love to be held as you sleep, you also don't mind being placed in your swing or Pack -n- Play, both which are just steps away from our bed.
You've spent some very long nights being soothed by your Momma, and you are worth every single sleepless night! In the mornings, you love having "Charli time" with Daddy while your Momma catches up on some rest.  

First night in my arms

"Charli Time" with Daddy

You are a healthy, growing girl! Just like your parents, you enjoy a good meal any time of day.  Your well-baby checkup at your pediatrician revealed that you had far surpassed your birth weight - in only 2 weeks, you soared from 7lb 15oz to 9lb 1 oz! You continue to be in the 97th percentile for height, and little plump cheeks and leg rolls have started to make their appearance.

7 lb 15 oz at birth

Bath time is still not your favorite, but it is growing on you... when Daddy washes and combs your hair, the world suddenly seems alright, and you don't mind being in the water so much.

Daddy giving your first bath in the hospital

Didi giving your first bath at home!

One thing is for sure - you are well-loved by your family! Someday you will realize how lucky you are to live so close to both sets of grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins!

First time meeting Mimi in the hospital! She is excited to keep you when we go back to work.

So thankful to have Aunt Lauren and Uncle Gib right across town!

Meeting your boy cousins! Although they are confused as to why you won't "play with them" right now, they are already in awe of their "baby cousin". 

Celebrating Pappo's 84th birthday with Grandma, Mammo, Daddy, and Pappo!
We are so grateful that you have so much family only a short drive away.

Cousin Jodi Beth came to visit you in the hospital!

Cousin Raven, holding a newborn baby for the first time!

You've already made your first baby friends! We can't wait to see you grow up with these girls, as their families are already great friends of ours.

Charlotte Ann and Hattie Jane

Summer babies!

Avery and Charlotte

August Babies! Almost exactly one year apart.

During this first month, you have started to find your voice, and we just can't get enough of your sweet cooing sounds!  Your once fleeting glances have now developed into longer gazes, and you clearly recognize our voices as soon as we walk into a room.  Every once in a while, a little butterfly smile crosses your lips, mostly after your belly is full and you are completely satisfied.  You are already so strong - At only three weeks old, you rolled over for the first time! You were laying tummy-down on your plush rug and throwing a bit of a fit, when you swung your hips and all of a sudden you were on your back...I'm not sure who was more surprised, you or me!

Charlotte Ann, you've already brought so much joy and laughter into our lives! We cherish every moment with you, as you are truly a gift from God. We can't wait to see your little personality continue to develop!

You are our sunshine,

Momma and Daddy