Our Vacation and Charlie's first trip to the beach

We traveled to the beach with my family for the first time since our family has expanded. 

On our way out of town, we dropped off our first child, Wally, with his grandparents.  They were kind enough to babysit with some help from Matt's sister, Courtney.  I think he wore his welcome out and is busy resting today.

You think he's happy for us to be home?

Before getting on the road, we had a family photo.  Wally was probably too busy getting attention from Grandpa.  :-) 

Wally settled right in and made himself right at home.

Charlie was the best traveler and was wonderful in the car.  I traveled in the back seat with Charlie and that helped with giving him his pacifier when needed.  And for those that know me, sitting in the back seat for that long of a car trip was a little bit of a gamble but I'm happy to report that I did not get car sick.  Thank goodness!

This is the life...

We  got a few minutes in at the beach with Charlie.  He's a little too young for sunscreen and it was just too hot for him anyways.  So, we went out early in the mornings a couple of times and only for a few minutes when we were out. 

Wish we had some cool sunglasses for him.  Next year...

He didn't seem to mind the tiny salt water that I sprinkled on him.  Just a yawn...

The ocean just put him to sleep.

The sun just really wears you out.

We all enjoyed ourselves.  I especially did.  I got some good time on the beach thanks to help from the rest of the family, especially my mom.  We all ate some great seafood. 

We rested and relaxed.  And, of course, everyone got good snuggles and smiles from Charlie. 

We are sad to see vacation end.  Matt goes back to work on Monday and I go back to work in a week.  Reality is setting in.

Happy 2 months Charlie from your Mommy

Charlie,

This month has flown by.  Where is time going?  You are changing every day and it seems like every day gets better and better.  Just when I can't imagine that you will get any cuter, you never seem to stop amazing me with your sweet smile. 

I also love your other facial expressions that you are making.  You have perfected the pouty face.

Your looks are changing.  Your Daddy and I were looking at our baby pictures and we see a resemblance. Your Grammie confirmed it with even more pictures which I will have to post later.
Here is your Daddy as a tiny baby:

Your Daddy was about the same in measurements at his 2 month appointment (he weighed 14 pounds and was 25 inches long) and your Mommy didn't weigh that much until at 4 months old!

You continue to eat well and you don't have a problem taking a bottle if needed.  You are now wearing 3-6 month and 6 months clothing.  You have no problems filling out your 6 month clothes.

You are also now in size 2 diapers. 

Your reflux was getting better this month, but we are having a small set back right now where you have thrown up on me 2 mornings in a row.  You smile right after you do it like you are proud of yourself!  You outgrew your dose at the beginning of the month so we had to increase it a little bit.  I hate to see you hurting from stomach pains and feeling like there is little to do to make you feel better.  During the month, I've learned that the easiest way to make you feel better on those rare occasions is to put you on my shoulder and rub your back.  Although, it often puts you to sleep. 

Sometimes you also like to lay on your stomach across my lap.  Your vomiting is much better.  Although you did get me real good a few times this month.  :-)

You now love baths.  In fact, you look the most relaxed in the bath tub.  I love it when you kick those little feet in the bath tub.  We have started doing water play, even on non-bath nights.  It really seems to wear you out and you love it so we find this a win-win. 

We still find that being held, eating, and sleeping are pretty much your days but your level of activity has definitely increased. 

You are starting to enjoy tummy time a little more. 

Your patience is short though and you tire out quickly.

You like to watch objects with shapes and movement such as the fans and lights & your mobile,

 the piece of art over our couch, etc.  You also are enjoying your activity mat. 

We just started introducing rattles which aren't of great interest but we'll keep playing with them.  I have also started reading you books.  We think you enjoy music and have spent time introducing you all kinds of fun silly childrens songs.  Your also enjoy laying with your daddy and listening to his music. 

One of the greatest gifts that you have given your mommy this month has been a 5-6 hour stretch some days in the evening/night.  Of course, I would like for you to do this every night and am hoping you will continue to work on that.  You are liking your crib and your daddy and I like that you are happy sleeping in it.

I could go on and on about you and find myself doing just that.  You are starting to discover that tongue and I find you sticking it out pretty often these days. 

It's pretty cute.  You have started slobbering and blowing spit bubbles too.

You are a pretty happy baby but have had your moments which I am going to tell you all about one of these days.  You are learning how to soothe yourself which is nice.  Your latest 'unhappiness' is around waking up.  You don't particularly like to wake up but are learning how to wake up in a better mood, thankfully. 

You have many friends that are extremely active and I am excited for you to join them one day.  You are going to have a blast!  Until now, I'm learning a lot from them on future baby proofing.  They are going to teach you all kinds of fun things.

Before my next post, I have to go back to work and you will get to have some good time with both of your grandmothers before going to daycare.  I hope they don't spoil you too much during that time.  This past month we visited your daycare and while you still have a month of time at home before starting, I feel certain that you are going to be left in very good capable hands. 

Your Daddy and I love you very much Charlie!  We love our cuddly time with you and can't imagine life being any sweeter.

We can't wait to see what the next month brings and we hope to see many more smiles like this one.

I love you so much my sweet boy and am more excited for the months to come. 

2 Month Appt

Poor Charlie had a rough day getting several shots.  He got a great report and the pediatrician answered all of my many questions. :-)

You can kind of see the band aids on his poor little legs.  He's been a champ today....just a lot sleepier than normal and a little fussier. 

Charlie weighed 14 pounds 8 ounces (95th percentile) and was 24 inches in length (90th percentile).

Our Holiday Weekend

We had such a nice weekend.  My family came to town.  Charlie got to meet his Great Aunt, Great Uncle, and 2nd cousin. 

We visited a lot around the house because the weather didn't cooperate in that it was way too hot and Charlie just couldn't be out in it too much.  I wanted to show them around Richmond while they were here and we did manage to get a little bit in, despite the heat.

We did a little sight seeing:  Hollywood Cementary to see some dead presidents and went to St. John's Episcopal church where Patrick Henry gave his famous speech. I had never been to Hollywood cementary so I actually thought it was pretty cool. 

Here we are in front of James Madisons burial spot:

Charlie wasn't so impressed but he did pose for the photo op.

Saturday night, we went to the horse races and no one walked away with any big wins but we had fun watching. 

I managed to get a picture with Charlie's eyes shut but don't let this picture fool you.  He was awake most of the time at the race and very content.

Charlie showed off his ability to sit in the stroller like a big boy. 

We enjoyed a walk in our neighborhood, playing cornhole, playing the Wii, and lots of visiting.  I had such a nice weekend.  Thanks for coming Brian, Margaret and Drew.

Happy Independence Day!