I swear I'm working on updating some recent videos to post on Charlie's site. It seems like she is doing so many "new" things these days, that by the time I get an evening to start editing movies, I find myself buried in 70 clips that I really want to put up. The big challenge? Taking all those clips, well over an hour worth of great stuff, and clipping it down to that "perfect" 3-minute movie.
Honestly, Charlie has been so active and playful over the past couple of months that by the time she goes down for bed at night, it's difficult to be motivated to do anything but relax for an hour or so before bed myself.
For the men out there who work 70-hour work weeks and come home wondering why your wife doesn't want to go out for dinner or just wants to take a nap... try it for a few days. You'll see. We have a great schedule that allows us to share the duties pretty equally. I just can't imagine either of us having to shoulder the entire responsibility.
Beck and I have a little angel for a daughter. Really. She is so well behaved it is scary. How did we get so lucky? But even with a cooperative little peanut, it's still exhausting by the end of the day. Especially as the weather gets cold and nasty. Nothing is more boring to a baby than sitting in the house all day... and boring = grumpy. Even for Charlie.
If we're fortunate, sooner or later, Charlie is going to have a little brother or sister. I can't even imagine how challenging that will be!! I guess you just figure that out too. I can still remember the incredibly quiet ride home from the hospital with Charlie. Beck and I silently thinking, "what do we do now?" It seems like yesterday.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Dads are funny
So I stopped by my printer this week to pick up my monthly newsletter and the guy who helps me normally says to me, "Hey, I really loved the article on the front page ." His name is Preston, and he was referring to the article about a little girl who blew kisses into a box, and wrapped it up for her Daddy.
I explained to him how the story touched me because of my baby girl and he shared with me that he has a 3-year old daughter. His face immediately lit up. He talked about her growing up and learning things and even kicking a soccer ball around with him in the back yard.
On a couple of occassions during our conversation, I could see that he had very slight tears welling up in his eyes. It was so obvious that he was just head over heels for his daughter.
As we talked further, we discovered that he and I actually went to high school together, AND actually played soccer together as 10th graders. We talked for nearly 40 minutes about "things".
Amazing to think that I been doing business with Preston for about 4 months and a conversation about out daughters led to this discovery!!
I am always encouraged at the number of Dads I see around who are spending time with their young kids at the mall, at sports games, at the park, where ever. It's nice to know that I am not the only one who is so smitten with his daughter (or son).
I explained to him how the story touched me because of my baby girl and he shared with me that he has a 3-year old daughter. His face immediately lit up. He talked about her growing up and learning things and even kicking a soccer ball around with him in the back yard.
On a couple of occassions during our conversation, I could see that he had very slight tears welling up in his eyes. It was so obvious that he was just head over heels for his daughter.
As we talked further, we discovered that he and I actually went to high school together, AND actually played soccer together as 10th graders. We talked for nearly 40 minutes about "things".
Amazing to think that I been doing business with Preston for about 4 months and a conversation about out daughters led to this discovery!!
I am always encouraged at the number of Dads I see around who are spending time with their young kids at the mall, at sports games, at the park, where ever. It's nice to know that I am not the only one who is so smitten with his daughter (or son).
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Again?
Yeah, I know I just wrote yesterday, and my blogging has been less frequent lately, but I really felt the need this morning.
I spent an incredible Friday with Charlie. We played most of the morning and both were exhausted after lunch. Charlie took a 3-hour nap, which is VERY unusual for her.
Her play has become so much more interactive with me. She's pretty rough sometimes. I know that's not so great, but it does please me a little that she is such a tough little girl. She's like her Mom in that way. Just very strong minded and tough.
I have a look that I give Charlie now that makes her scream and giggle all at the same time. I chase her around a little, and she LOVES it. But here's the thing: Instead of crawling or walking AWAY from me... she comes right AT me and buries her head into my chest or side of my head.
I guess for months and months we've done the "I'm gonna get you" game with her and ended it with tons of kisses, maybe she just gets excited for those kisses?? Whatever it is, she certainly isn't scared when I chase her. I just need to get it under control so she doesn't go running around the grocery store in a few months!
Friday, November 16, 2007
We made it... so far.
Has it really been nearly TWO years since we began our journey to parenthood? One year (11/15/07) and 39 weeks ago, we created this unbelievable little character we now laugh and play with. She is just the most precious little person around.
I never realized parenting could be this rewarding. I catch myself all the time starring at her while we're amongst other people. I feel the huge smile I have on my face. I know it must really look as though it is plastered to my face. Frankly, it is. I can't stop it.
I can't say that there has been a day in the past 366 that I've regretted being a Daddy. There have been challenging days, don't get me wrong, but at the end of each of those tough days, all I can think about is the HUGE smile and wave I'm going to get the next morning when I see her.
Beck and I always say that it feels like she's been with us all the time. Meaning, all the memories we share, it always seems like she should be in them too. I guess that's common. I'm not sure. All I know is that when my baby girl smiles at me, she lights up my WHOLE world.
I'm not sure how this feeling matures or changes over the years, but I certainly can't imagine a day when my little peanut won't warm my heart like she does.
People always tease me that Charlie has me wrapped around her finger. But that's okay, isn't it?
I never realized parenting could be this rewarding. I catch myself all the time starring at her while we're amongst other people. I feel the huge smile I have on my face. I know it must really look as though it is plastered to my face. Frankly, it is. I can't stop it.
I can't say that there has been a day in the past 366 that I've regretted being a Daddy. There have been challenging days, don't get me wrong, but at the end of each of those tough days, all I can think about is the HUGE smile and wave I'm going to get the next morning when I see her.
Beck and I always say that it feels like she's been with us all the time. Meaning, all the memories we share, it always seems like she should be in them too. I guess that's common. I'm not sure. All I know is that when my baby girl smiles at me, she lights up my WHOLE world.
I'm not sure how this feeling matures or changes over the years, but I certainly can't imagine a day when my little peanut won't warm my heart like she does.
People always tease me that Charlie has me wrapped around her finger. But that's okay, isn't it?
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
She Knows What She's Doing
The other day, Charlie opened the container in the pantry the holds the cat food. She undid the snapping mechanism that locks the canister, and reached in to grab the little cup that we use to scoop the food. She scooped up some food... and than she dumped it all over the floor!
But how does she know how to scoop at all? She watches EVERYTHING!! It's hilarious how much she knows that we haven't even seen yet.
Last night, I started singing an "ABC" song that plays on an activity table she has. She promptly crawled over to the table and spun the part that makes that song play. There are about 12 different buttons she could have hit, but she chose that one! And then of course she clapped and laughed when the song started to play.
She now is doing a high-5. She just started this on Sunday morning. She doesn't really "smack" your hand, but she does pat it. Still very funny to watch.
It's just so amazing to watch her learn.
But how does she know how to scoop at all? She watches EVERYTHING!! It's hilarious how much she knows that we haven't even seen yet.
Last night, I started singing an "ABC" song that plays on an activity table she has. She promptly crawled over to the table and spun the part that makes that song play. There are about 12 different buttons she could have hit, but she chose that one! And then of course she clapped and laughed when the song started to play.
She now is doing a high-5. She just started this on Sunday morning. She doesn't really "smack" your hand, but she does pat it. Still very funny to watch.
It's just so amazing to watch her learn.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Dinner Out
Funny stuff recently...
You know Charlie is closing in real fast on being a WHOLE year old. Well, ever since she was about 2 or 3 months old, we've been taking her out pretty regularly to eat lunch or dinner.
I used to be completely paranoid about that. I used to have visions of Charlie having complete meltdowns in a restuarant and Mommy and Daddy being asked to leave because of our unruly child!
Thank goodness I have a very sensible wife. She has always been very confident and calm about the whole going out in pubic with the baby thing.
Here's whats so funny to me: EVERY time we go out now, we invariably are seated right next to a couple (or group) that looks absolutely horrified when we're walking toward their table with Charlie. They lean very slowly, and whisper very softly, but we know what they're saying.
The looks we get... it's priceless. They must have the same visions I used to have.
Now though, what winds up happening to us is that the same horrified people always come to our table as they're leaving to tell us how impressed they are with how well behaved Charlie is. What a "good little eater she is."
It's just really funny to me how people feel compelled to come tell us how surprised (probably pleased) they are that Charlie is so good in public.
Luckily her Mommy is smarter (and more forceful) than me! Otherwise, I'd still have Charlie locked up in the house all day for fear that she might cry in public or something!!
You know Charlie is closing in real fast on being a WHOLE year old. Well, ever since she was about 2 or 3 months old, we've been taking her out pretty regularly to eat lunch or dinner.
I used to be completely paranoid about that. I used to have visions of Charlie having complete meltdowns in a restuarant and Mommy and Daddy being asked to leave because of our unruly child!
Thank goodness I have a very sensible wife. She has always been very confident and calm about the whole going out in pubic with the baby thing.
Here's whats so funny to me: EVERY time we go out now, we invariably are seated right next to a couple (or group) that looks absolutely horrified when we're walking toward their table with Charlie. They lean very slowly, and whisper very softly, but we know what they're saying.
The looks we get... it's priceless. They must have the same visions I used to have.
Now though, what winds up happening to us is that the same horrified people always come to our table as they're leaving to tell us how impressed they are with how well behaved Charlie is. What a "good little eater she is."
It's just really funny to me how people feel compelled to come tell us how surprised (probably pleased) they are that Charlie is so good in public.
Luckily her Mommy is smarter (and more forceful) than me! Otherwise, I'd still have Charlie locked up in the house all day for fear that she might cry in public or something!!
Sunday, October 7, 2007
More Baby Fun
Not sure whether I've written about our neighborhood baby boom before on my blog. But here is a quick recap... There are LOTS of babies!!
We had some of our neighbors over last night for a casual, impromptu, get together that was really a few months overdue... it just so happened that everyone was around so we just said, "shoot over for a quick barbeque."
We had Bella (Charlie's 2-year old friend), Andrew (7 months), and Sophia (8 months) over (and of course their parents too).
It was just so fun to watch the kids interact... especially since they're all getting so big and mobile! Here is a picture of the three youngest comparing how tall they are.
We had some of our neighbors over last night for a casual, impromptu, get together that was really a few months overdue... it just so happened that everyone was around so we just said, "shoot over for a quick barbeque."
We had Bella (Charlie's 2-year old friend), Andrew (7 months), and Sophia (8 months) over (and of course their parents too).
It was just so fun to watch the kids interact... especially since they're all getting so big and mobile! Here is a picture of the three youngest comparing how tall they are.
This was the first time Charlie wasn't interested in the camera... she's starring at Andrew. I'm hoping that isn't the start of a pattern!
Anyway... great fun with our friends (who happen to be our neighbors too). We are just really happy that Charlie has so many playmates right in her own neighborhood!
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
We're Nearing A Year
I'm not sure what to say. Oddly enough. I've been watching over the last month as my daughter had been changing. Very dramatically. No... not really her personality. Just the way I see her.
What I mean is that I find myself these days watching my LITTLE GIRL play, and laugh, and snuggle... not my little baby.
The transformation has been astounding.
I find myself laughing WITH her these days. Nope. Not laughing just to get her to giggle, but actually laughing along with her... because she's VERY funny.
She just LOVES to snuggle and tickle and giggle, and she will almost attack me, to get me to tickle her. It is absolutely hillarious.
It really seems like yesterday that she would just lay there and gurgle.
Charlie is just the best little girl.
What I mean is that I find myself these days watching my LITTLE GIRL play, and laugh, and snuggle... not my little baby.
The transformation has been astounding.
I find myself laughing WITH her these days. Nope. Not laughing just to get her to giggle, but actually laughing along with her... because she's VERY funny.
She just LOVES to snuggle and tickle and giggle, and she will almost attack me, to get me to tickle her. It is absolutely hillarious.
It really seems like yesterday that she would just lay there and gurgle.
Charlie is just the best little girl.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Things Are Getting Real FUN Now!!!
Charlie is all over the place. If you've been tracking her website, you've seen her progression from rolling over, to crawling, and now to "cruising".
This has all happened SO FAST. It really is amazing that she has just turned 10-months old. I seriously feel like it was yesterday that I was handing my cell phone to the injured kids on my soccer team and telling them, "if my wife calls while we're practicing, go get her and take her to the hospital and I'll get there as soon as I can!"
Of course... I was kidding!!
Now Charlie is out on the very same field WITH ME, pushing her stroller around the field as she gets ready to walk!
Seriously. She has to be the happiest kid I've ever seen. She NEVER stops smiling, and now she and I have this game with her toes that she just loves! She laughs out of control without me even having to touch her feet. The anticipation alone gets her cracking up! She's crazy!
Welll, happy Fall everyone! We're loving the cool weather again!
This has all happened SO FAST. It really is amazing that she has just turned 10-months old. I seriously feel like it was yesterday that I was handing my cell phone to the injured kids on my soccer team and telling them, "if my wife calls while we're practicing, go get her and take her to the hospital and I'll get there as soon as I can!"
Of course... I was kidding!!
Now Charlie is out on the very same field WITH ME, pushing her stroller around the field as she gets ready to walk!
Seriously. She has to be the happiest kid I've ever seen. She NEVER stops smiling, and now she and I have this game with her toes that she just loves! She laughs out of control without me even having to touch her feet. The anticipation alone gets her cracking up! She's crazy!
Welll, happy Fall everyone! We're loving the cool weather again!
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
So busy...
Without a doubt, I have been busier in the last two months than ever before. My business has been crazier than ever in the last 4-6 months because of the changing nature of the industry. My summers are always packed with soccer and various other outdoor activities.
Add to all this, my beautiful daughter getting more and more mobile every day, and Beck and I haven't had time to take a deep breath.
Charlie is quickly blossoming into this incredibly happy and hillarious little girl. It's hard for us to remember almost 10 months ago now, when she was just a little infant coming home with brand new parents who were scared out of their minds. She is such a little girl now.
She pulls up on everything and stands now literally using as few as 1 or 2 fingers to hold on while standing. She can now work her way across a room using stools, walls, ottomans, and even her high chair to get just enough support to get where she wants to go.
We have gates up all over the house now. It's fun to watch Charlie explore on her own. She will crawl out of the room, but not too far that she forgets where we are in case she gets a little scared. Then she'll come crawling back as fast as she can!
Everyone we see keeps saying she's just weeks away from walking on her own... I think it may be a few more months, but I could be wrong. The other day, I had her on the soccer field with me and she stood up behind her stroller and pushed it ALL THE WAY across the width of the field. That's almost 70 yards. Then I turned the stroller around and she pushed it all the way back!!
I wish I had my video camera that day. It was so exciting to watch her work so hard!! The kids on my team were all amazed at how determined and strong she was. So fun.
Add to all this, my beautiful daughter getting more and more mobile every day, and Beck and I haven't had time to take a deep breath.
Charlie is quickly blossoming into this incredibly happy and hillarious little girl. It's hard for us to remember almost 10 months ago now, when she was just a little infant coming home with brand new parents who were scared out of their minds. She is such a little girl now.
She pulls up on everything and stands now literally using as few as 1 or 2 fingers to hold on while standing. She can now work her way across a room using stools, walls, ottomans, and even her high chair to get just enough support to get where she wants to go.
We have gates up all over the house now. It's fun to watch Charlie explore on her own. She will crawl out of the room, but not too far that she forgets where we are in case she gets a little scared. Then she'll come crawling back as fast as she can!
Everyone we see keeps saying she's just weeks away from walking on her own... I think it may be a few more months, but I could be wrong. The other day, I had her on the soccer field with me and she stood up behind her stroller and pushed it ALL THE WAY across the width of the field. That's almost 70 yards. Then I turned the stroller around and she pushed it all the way back!!
I wish I had my video camera that day. It was so exciting to watch her work so hard!! The kids on my team were all amazed at how determined and strong she was. So fun.
Monday, August 6, 2007
The Mini Van
Now this one has been a long time coming...
Why is it that people have such an aversion to the "Mini Van"? You know, I guess was one of those guys years ago, when my buddies bought a van, but never with venom. There are some people out there who really HATE the Mini Van!
I haven't mentioned it on Charlie's site, but Beck and I recently bought a Nissan Quest. We traded in her '98 Honda Civic, which had become the car for the parent who didn't have the baby for the day.
A van is just so practical for us... especially if our family grows. It's so easy to load and unload, and the Quest has got to be the most comfortable van ever made. We love it.
So I always wonder: Why is it such a lightning rod for critcism? Are people really so afraid to let go of their "youth" and embrace being a parent?
Maybe I'm way off. I probably don't understand the reasoning at all. What I know is that we just came back from a 3-hour drive (that became a 5-hour drive because of traffic), and it was probably the BEST ride I've had. That's not even mentioning how comfortable Beck and Charlie were.
Listen carefully: "M-I-N-I-V-A-N" does not spell the end of your life.
I've taken a lot of ribbing lately for buying a van, and just let it roll off my back. Now it's time to go on the offensive! I believe I will start a new group of "Soccer Dads" who can appreciate how practical it is to have a van in the driveway.
So for everyone else out there... keep craming your kids into your coupes and your sports cars. Think of the Davis' watching Shrek on the DVD player while we venture on road trips with our family in full comfort (with PLENTY of storage space).
Man, does my stance on this topic make me laugh!!!
Why is it that people have such an aversion to the "Mini Van"? You know, I guess was one of those guys years ago, when my buddies bought a van, but never with venom. There are some people out there who really HATE the Mini Van!
I haven't mentioned it on Charlie's site, but Beck and I recently bought a Nissan Quest. We traded in her '98 Honda Civic, which had become the car for the parent who didn't have the baby for the day.
A van is just so practical for us... especially if our family grows. It's so easy to load and unload, and the Quest has got to be the most comfortable van ever made. We love it.
So I always wonder: Why is it such a lightning rod for critcism? Are people really so afraid to let go of their "youth" and embrace being a parent?
Maybe I'm way off. I probably don't understand the reasoning at all. What I know is that we just came back from a 3-hour drive (that became a 5-hour drive because of traffic), and it was probably the BEST ride I've had. That's not even mentioning how comfortable Beck and Charlie were.
Listen carefully: "M-I-N-I-V-A-N" does not spell the end of your life.
I've taken a lot of ribbing lately for buying a van, and just let it roll off my back. Now it's time to go on the offensive! I believe I will start a new group of "Soccer Dads" who can appreciate how practical it is to have a van in the driveway.
So for everyone else out there... keep craming your kids into your coupes and your sports cars. Think of the Davis' watching Shrek on the DVD player while we venture on road trips with our family in full comfort (with PLENTY of storage space).
Man, does my stance on this topic make me laugh!!!
Sunday, July 29, 2007
I Feel Like We're Catching Up A Little
After a month of hyperdrive development, it seems as though we're getting more accustomed to the pace. No, Charlie isn't slowing down at all, it just feels like Beck and I are finally able to keep pace with her... at least for a couple days!!
We're so lucky to have this beautiful little girl. She has been more adorable, more entertaining, and more lovable than we ever imagined. And each day brings more smiles.
I remember back a few years when I watched my niece Maddie crawling all over her Grandparents house (my sister-in-laws parents house). She was the fastest crawler I'd ever seen. I remember my brother Jim and sister-in-law Kathy reminding each other that she's "just a baby," when she was getting into things.
Honestly, I'm not sure if it was the same visit, but I remember those two things pretty distinctly about my niece when she was real young. (They live in Oregon).
I remember thinking, "It must be hard to not be angry or upset with your baby when she does something wrong, but you just have to remember that she doesn't know any better."
I'm not really sure if this is what my brother and his wife meant when they said it, but that's what I got out of it... and I think about it all the time.
Charlie likes to scale "Mt. Daddy" these days, and she is getting quite good at it. In fact, so good that she goes fastest when she uses my ears and nose to hold on to. She also will stand over me and whack me in the head when she's reached the "summit".
I keep telling myself that she doesn't realize that she's whacking me pretty good, and truthfully, I just enjoy being able to play with her.
How fun. Just knowing the amount of learning going on in her head right now... Amazing.
We're so lucky to have this beautiful little girl. She has been more adorable, more entertaining, and more lovable than we ever imagined. And each day brings more smiles.
I remember back a few years when I watched my niece Maddie crawling all over her Grandparents house (my sister-in-laws parents house). She was the fastest crawler I'd ever seen. I remember my brother Jim and sister-in-law Kathy reminding each other that she's "just a baby," when she was getting into things.
Honestly, I'm not sure if it was the same visit, but I remember those two things pretty distinctly about my niece when she was real young. (They live in Oregon).
I remember thinking, "It must be hard to not be angry or upset with your baby when she does something wrong, but you just have to remember that she doesn't know any better."
I'm not really sure if this is what my brother and his wife meant when they said it, but that's what I got out of it... and I think about it all the time.
Charlie likes to scale "Mt. Daddy" these days, and she is getting quite good at it. In fact, so good that she goes fastest when she uses my ears and nose to hold on to. She also will stand over me and whack me in the head when she's reached the "summit".
I keep telling myself that she doesn't realize that she's whacking me pretty good, and truthfully, I just enjoy being able to play with her.
How fun. Just knowing the amount of learning going on in her head right now... Amazing.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Struggling to Keep Up!
I am struggling to find time for the "extra" stuff these days. As most of you know, Beck and I are very fortunate to be able to both spend a couple of days a week with Charlie, on our own... and we're both able to dedicate specific days for our work.
The thing is, when do you do the "extra" stuff?
Charlie has spent the last 5 weeks in over-drive developmentally. She started to crawl at the beginning of June, and it's been a race ever since.
First the crawling was very difficult for her, and she became dedicated to getting it down. Then, Daddy propped her up against a laundry basket so she could learn to kneel and that's all she wanted to do... then it was hanging onto the same basket while she stood.
Now of course... only 5 weeks later she has mastered kneeling (whether she has to pull herself up or not), and she is working herself silly trying to pull herself to a standing position. She is so determined it's funny!
With all this going on, we are finding it very difficult to keep up.
I should be working on a video edit right now, but Charlie is sleeping in her swing, and I need to add music to the project. I have to hear it, so I have to wait until later tonight.
My point here is this: We're really enjoying ourselves. Everyone has constantly said, "enjoy this time, enjoy this time," since Charlie was born. We've taken the advice.
So I'd like to apologize for not being very timely with video and blogging over the last few weeks. Quite frankly, by the time our day is over, Beck and I have been crashing at 9:00 or 10:00pm.
I am on final edits for "Charlie Learns to Crawl - Part 2". I probably should have given away so much here, but for those of you who regularly read my blog, you deserve an "inside scoop"!!
The thing is, when do you do the "extra" stuff?
Charlie has spent the last 5 weeks in over-drive developmentally. She started to crawl at the beginning of June, and it's been a race ever since.
First the crawling was very difficult for her, and she became dedicated to getting it down. Then, Daddy propped her up against a laundry basket so she could learn to kneel and that's all she wanted to do... then it was hanging onto the same basket while she stood.
Now of course... only 5 weeks later she has mastered kneeling (whether she has to pull herself up or not), and she is working herself silly trying to pull herself to a standing position. She is so determined it's funny!
With all this going on, we are finding it very difficult to keep up.
I should be working on a video edit right now, but Charlie is sleeping in her swing, and I need to add music to the project. I have to hear it, so I have to wait until later tonight.
My point here is this: We're really enjoying ourselves. Everyone has constantly said, "enjoy this time, enjoy this time," since Charlie was born. We've taken the advice.
So I'd like to apologize for not being very timely with video and blogging over the last few weeks. Quite frankly, by the time our day is over, Beck and I have been crashing at 9:00 or 10:00pm.
I am on final edits for "Charlie Learns to Crawl - Part 2". I probably should have given away so much here, but for those of you who regularly read my blog, you deserve an "inside scoop"!!
Friday, July 6, 2007
A Change In Perspective
To me, that's one of the most of the important things a person can do for themselves. Change their perspective that is. It's funny how we get so caught up in the day to day issues that fill our lives that we can't see the forest for the trees.
Most of the time, it's just a matter of taking a "fresh" look at something, rather than continuing with an old train of thought.
A friend of mine uses this phrase when he wants to remind people that their problems are small on the big scale of things: "Remember... there are 6 billion people in China who don't even know your name." It's a coaching thing... you may not understand that one, but I think it's hilarious.
All of this has very little to do with why I was compelled to write this blog though. You see, our family has recently had our perspective changed slightly. Less than a year ago, we were nervous and scared, and wondering if we could actually be good parents.
Now, after nearly 8 months, we've had some valuable experience and have a 8 of our friends and family who have just had babies or are expecting this summer.
We've gone from the people asking advice of everyone, to the people being asked!! Kind of scary, because we really don't know what we're doing!! We just follow the books we read.
My overall point to this is about perspective. I've blogged a lot about my buddy telling me that I just "won't understand having a baby until [I] have one." And that's were I'm leading with my meandering thoughts here.
As a parent, there is an unspoken language amongst other parents. The knowing looks, the compassionate smile.
The other night, Beck and I were walking with Charlie up to our grocery store. On the way, we passed a young Dad coming out of Subway. He was pushing his son (probably 6 months). His son was hanging over the side of the stroller looking at the ground, for what reason, nobody knew. The Dad looked up at us as we passed each other, shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes with a smile. No words were spoken, but we all COMPLETELY understood each other.
An entire conversation had just taken place, with NO words uttered. This is my point (finally). We would never have related to this scene 9 months ago, and now we have something in common with a whole world of families out there that we never knew.
Just a little change in perspective.
Most of the time, it's just a matter of taking a "fresh" look at something, rather than continuing with an old train of thought.
A friend of mine uses this phrase when he wants to remind people that their problems are small on the big scale of things: "Remember... there are 6 billion people in China who don't even know your name." It's a coaching thing... you may not understand that one, but I think it's hilarious.
All of this has very little to do with why I was compelled to write this blog though. You see, our family has recently had our perspective changed slightly. Less than a year ago, we were nervous and scared, and wondering if we could actually be good parents.
Now, after nearly 8 months, we've had some valuable experience and have a 8 of our friends and family who have just had babies or are expecting this summer.
We've gone from the people asking advice of everyone, to the people being asked!! Kind of scary, because we really don't know what we're doing!! We just follow the books we read.
My overall point to this is about perspective. I've blogged a lot about my buddy telling me that I just "won't understand having a baby until [I] have one." And that's were I'm leading with my meandering thoughts here.
As a parent, there is an unspoken language amongst other parents. The knowing looks, the compassionate smile.
The other night, Beck and I were walking with Charlie up to our grocery store. On the way, we passed a young Dad coming out of Subway. He was pushing his son (probably 6 months). His son was hanging over the side of the stroller looking at the ground, for what reason, nobody knew. The Dad looked up at us as we passed each other, shrugged his shoulders and rolled his eyes with a smile. No words were spoken, but we all COMPLETELY understood each other.
An entire conversation had just taken place, with NO words uttered. This is my point (finally). We would never have related to this scene 9 months ago, and now we have something in common with a whole world of families out there that we never knew.
Just a little change in perspective.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
"Last post: June 1st"
Is this what happens? You get so busy that you stop taking pictures, videos, and just generally get used to the cute faces and outfits your sweet little daughter wears?
Seems like I've got lots of video and pictures over the last month, but I just haven't made any time to compile them and put them into a montage or video.
Rest assured though. Charlie has been as active as ever. Since I last blogged here, there have been a TON of changes. Crawling, kneeling, and even a tooth!! That is an exclusive by the way. That is the first public mention of Charlie's first tooth... and what a tooth it is!
Since her weekend with Grandma and Grandpa D, her crawling has gone from tireless efforts to make a half inch lung, to her pulling herself across the room to get something she wants 20 feet away... All in about 3 weeks.
I have lots of video, I just have to edit it and make it neatly into a 4-minute movie to post. Such a hard job selecting "the best" video to post. I love it all.
Speaking of video... I showed a buddy of mine some video of my nieces the other day. He came over to help me with my computer problems and mentioned a theater show he really liked. I just HAD to show him some video of my niece Emma in the Pirates of Penzance (she's a natural).
Then I got to thinking about taking videos of Charlie, playing, singing, acting, dancing, doing gymnastics, and whatever else. Seems really fun to think that she can be WHATEVER she wants to be with just some love and encouragement.
I'm so proud of her NOW. I can't imagine how proud I'll be when she says her first word, or ties her shoes, or rides a bike for the first time. Man there's a lot ahead!!
Seems like I've got lots of video and pictures over the last month, but I just haven't made any time to compile them and put them into a montage or video.
Rest assured though. Charlie has been as active as ever. Since I last blogged here, there have been a TON of changes. Crawling, kneeling, and even a tooth!! That is an exclusive by the way. That is the first public mention of Charlie's first tooth... and what a tooth it is!
Since her weekend with Grandma and Grandpa D, her crawling has gone from tireless efforts to make a half inch lung, to her pulling herself across the room to get something she wants 20 feet away... All in about 3 weeks.
I have lots of video, I just have to edit it and make it neatly into a 4-minute movie to post. Such a hard job selecting "the best" video to post. I love it all.
Speaking of video... I showed a buddy of mine some video of my nieces the other day. He came over to help me with my computer problems and mentioned a theater show he really liked. I just HAD to show him some video of my niece Emma in the Pirates of Penzance (she's a natural).
Then I got to thinking about taking videos of Charlie, playing, singing, acting, dancing, doing gymnastics, and whatever else. Seems really fun to think that she can be WHATEVER she wants to be with just some love and encouragement.
I'm so proud of her NOW. I can't imagine how proud I'll be when she says her first word, or ties her shoes, or rides a bike for the first time. Man there's a lot ahead!!
Friday, June 1, 2007
Her Brain Just Works and Works
I sit here typing, but I'm watching Charlie in her jumperoo too. She is staring at a stuffed animal that makes music when you squeeze it. She's just figured that out. She keeps squeezing it when the music stops, and she smiles and giggles a little when she gets it to start again.
Even more impressive is how she's figured out how to pull the stuff animal back up to her hands when she's dropped it. It's hooked on to the jumperoo with a ring. She's pulling the ring up close to her with one hand, and using the other hand to grasp the stuff animal and pull it to her mouth.
It's amazing to watch her at the exact moment she figures something out like that. You can see the look in her eye when she "gets it". Just amazing to watch her.
Even more impressive is how she's figured out how to pull the stuff animal back up to her hands when she's dropped it. It's hooked on to the jumperoo with a ring. She's pulling the ring up close to her with one hand, and using the other hand to grasp the stuff animal and pull it to her mouth.
It's amazing to watch her at the exact moment she figures something out like that. You can see the look in her eye when she "gets it". Just amazing to watch her.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
More Milestones
This one is a Daddy milestone rather than a Charlie milestone...
Last night, our friends (and neighbors) Jeff and Lori came down to visit while Charlie watched me wash my truck. They brought their 2 month old Andrew, who is nothing but smiles these days. Can you believe he is catching up to Charlie very quickly in weight and height?
They were going to go to the Italian Market for dinner and asked if we wanted to go. When I told them Rebecca wouldn't be home until about 7:30, I then thought, "well, Charlie and I could go on our own."
I know you're thinking, "you do everything with your baby girl, what's the big deal?" But this was the first time ever that I'd considered taking her out to a restaraunt without her Mommy. Talk about being nervous. Fortunately, Mommy has her broken in pretty well already, so I wasn't too worried.
I had to pack some baby food, milk, toys, burp cloth, a spoon, the Bumbo, a bib... you see how hectic this is getting already?
We got there and found that the chairs at the place weren't real safe to sit a Bumbo on, so Lori brought us over a high chair. I was worried about it. Just a wooden chair, not real comfy or even safe looking. So I had to rig it up with some padding. You see, Charlie sits up really well on her own, but she does like to throw herself around a bit.
I had to position the chair perfectly. Not too close to the brick wall. Not facing the door to the outside patio (she gets distracted easily). Not in the sun. Not too close to the table so she could tip my drink or steal the stack of napkins... you get the scene, right?
No sooner had I set all that up to get ready to feed her dinner, when my dinner came to the table. How does Mommy do this? And then I realized...
I was just going to have to eat my dinner cold, after Charlie was fed and content.
She did great. She ate full containers (3 oz.) of sweet potatoes and pears and only made a minimal mess that Daddy easily cleaned up with her bib.
After we cleaned her up, Charlie hung out at the table with us and played with her teething toy while we finished our dinners. Baby Andrew woke up near the end of the meal to join the fun.
Here's what I learned from my first meal out on my own with my baby girl:
1) Don't order much food for yourself
2) Fettucini Alfredo isn't so good luke warm and half coagulated from cold grease
3) Appetizers aren't so appetizing when you have to eat them after the main course
4) We are very lucky to have a girl so easy going and flexible
Thanks to Jeff and Lori who helped me carry in all the "stuff" I thought I'd need, and also played with Charlie while I went to pick up Mommy's carry-out order.
I get so worked up and anxious when I do new things with her. I'm not sure why I always think things will turn out badly when I take her out. You'd think I'd learned after 6 months that Charlie is as patient with her Daddy as her Mom is with him!!
What a lucky guy I am to have two of the best girls around on my side!
Last night, our friends (and neighbors) Jeff and Lori came down to visit while Charlie watched me wash my truck. They brought their 2 month old Andrew, who is nothing but smiles these days. Can you believe he is catching up to Charlie very quickly in weight and height?
They were going to go to the Italian Market for dinner and asked if we wanted to go. When I told them Rebecca wouldn't be home until about 7:30, I then thought, "well, Charlie and I could go on our own."
I know you're thinking, "you do everything with your baby girl, what's the big deal?" But this was the first time ever that I'd considered taking her out to a restaraunt without her Mommy. Talk about being nervous. Fortunately, Mommy has her broken in pretty well already, so I wasn't too worried.
I had to pack some baby food, milk, toys, burp cloth, a spoon, the Bumbo, a bib... you see how hectic this is getting already?
We got there and found that the chairs at the place weren't real safe to sit a Bumbo on, so Lori brought us over a high chair. I was worried about it. Just a wooden chair, not real comfy or even safe looking. So I had to rig it up with some padding. You see, Charlie sits up really well on her own, but she does like to throw herself around a bit.
I had to position the chair perfectly. Not too close to the brick wall. Not facing the door to the outside patio (she gets distracted easily). Not in the sun. Not too close to the table so she could tip my drink or steal the stack of napkins... you get the scene, right?
No sooner had I set all that up to get ready to feed her dinner, when my dinner came to the table. How does Mommy do this? And then I realized...
I was just going to have to eat my dinner cold, after Charlie was fed and content.
She did great. She ate full containers (3 oz.) of sweet potatoes and pears and only made a minimal mess that Daddy easily cleaned up with her bib.
After we cleaned her up, Charlie hung out at the table with us and played with her teething toy while we finished our dinners. Baby Andrew woke up near the end of the meal to join the fun.
Here's what I learned from my first meal out on my own with my baby girl:
1) Don't order much food for yourself
2) Fettucini Alfredo isn't so good luke warm and half coagulated from cold grease
3) Appetizers aren't so appetizing when you have to eat them after the main course
4) We are very lucky to have a girl so easy going and flexible
Thanks to Jeff and Lori who helped me carry in all the "stuff" I thought I'd need, and also played with Charlie while I went to pick up Mommy's carry-out order.
I get so worked up and anxious when I do new things with her. I'm not sure why I always think things will turn out badly when I take her out. You'd think I'd learned after 6 months that Charlie is as patient with her Daddy as her Mom is with him!!
What a lucky guy I am to have two of the best girls around on my side!
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Little Ms. Giggles
Now all of you that read this blog regularly know that I've had a real eye-opening time becoming a father. I just never even imagined how much it completely changes your life. People try to tell you, but you just don't know until it happens to you.
What I really wasn't prepared for is how Charlie would so quickly develop her little personality. From her most recent giggling spells, to her HUGE smiles when she sees people she knows, it's just amazing to me how she is such a little individual. Such a CUTE little individual.
No one could have ever explained sufficiently to me how my heart melts when I come home, walk into the kitchen and she gives me that big smile. I'm telling you; I stand NO chance down the road resisting her smiles. I am in big trouble!
Now that she is giggling more regularly and more heartily, I find myself even more taken in by her. The smiles were enough for me, but the giggles push me over the edge!
Charlie will be crawling soon and I'll never stop being awed by how quickly she's developing new skills. From her discoveries of daily "noises," to learning to roll over and over and over in a matter of a few days, it's just an amazing time in the Davis household.
We're so proud of our baby girl!
What I really wasn't prepared for is how Charlie would so quickly develop her little personality. From her most recent giggling spells, to her HUGE smiles when she sees people she knows, it's just amazing to me how she is such a little individual. Such a CUTE little individual.
No one could have ever explained sufficiently to me how my heart melts when I come home, walk into the kitchen and she gives me that big smile. I'm telling you; I stand NO chance down the road resisting her smiles. I am in big trouble!
Now that she is giggling more regularly and more heartily, I find myself even more taken in by her. The smiles were enough for me, but the giggles push me over the edge!
Charlie will be crawling soon and I'll never stop being awed by how quickly she's developing new skills. From her discoveries of daily "noises," to learning to roll over and over and over in a matter of a few days, it's just an amazing time in the Davis household.
We're so proud of our baby girl!
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
She Can't Possibly Be a Toddler Already?
Where did the time go? Already Charlie is only a few days away from being 6-months old. Beck and I are now giving her multiple (small) servings of rice cereal, vegetables, and fruits... in addition to her milk. Beck told me this morning, "in another couple months, she'll be eating some of our food."
I almost fell to the floor! "No way," I told her. And then I read the Gerber website and the Baby Center website. What do you know?
A couple weeks ago, she was rolling over every few days. Now, she rolls over every couple of minutes. Front to back, back to front, side to side. You name it.
She is pushing herself backwards very slightly now, when she's on her tummy. I'm sure it'll be just a few weeks before she's crawling full speed. Hoepfully, she not near as quick as her cousin Maddie (from Oregon). Now she was like a little race car when she crawled. I'm sure my old bones won't be able to keep up with Charlie if she's half as fast as Maddie was!
We were looking at pictures last night of one of Charlie's other cousins Kate when she was a baby and a toddler. It was like seeing time-lapse photography! I'm going to scan one of my favorite Kate pics in just so every can see how similar they look.
My sister-in-law's Mom told me when she saw Charlotte for the first time, "She sure is a Davis girl!" When you see the picture, you'll know what she meant.
I'm sure the resemblance has more to do with the fact that my brother and I look almost like twins. Years ago, we were golfing together and a guy in our foursome asked if we were twins, and Jim said, "We are, just had a 5 year justation period for Ed!"
So much fun to see those pictures though... We even saw some resemblance between Charlie and her cousin Micah!
I almost fell to the floor! "No way," I told her. And then I read the Gerber website and the Baby Center website. What do you know?
A couple weeks ago, she was rolling over every few days. Now, she rolls over every couple of minutes. Front to back, back to front, side to side. You name it.
She is pushing herself backwards very slightly now, when she's on her tummy. I'm sure it'll be just a few weeks before she's crawling full speed. Hoepfully, she not near as quick as her cousin Maddie (from Oregon). Now she was like a little race car when she crawled. I'm sure my old bones won't be able to keep up with Charlie if she's half as fast as Maddie was!
We were looking at pictures last night of one of Charlie's other cousins Kate when she was a baby and a toddler. It was like seeing time-lapse photography! I'm going to scan one of my favorite Kate pics in just so every can see how similar they look.
My sister-in-law's Mom told me when she saw Charlotte for the first time, "She sure is a Davis girl!" When you see the picture, you'll know what she meant.
I'm sure the resemblance has more to do with the fact that my brother and I look almost like twins. Years ago, we were golfing together and a guy in our foursome asked if we were twins, and Jim said, "We are, just had a 5 year justation period for Ed!"
So much fun to see those pictures though... We even saw some resemblance between Charlie and her cousin Micah!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
She Keeps Me Guessing
Just when I thought my baby girl was growing up too fast, she surprised me yesterday.
I commented on her site the other day about how she will no longer nap on my shoulder or chest because she is just too big now. I was wrong. Yesterday, she was having a little cranky spell on me and it was obvious she was very tired and needed a nap.
I tried the swing (our norm) and tried putting her down in her pack 'n play. Both spots were not exactly what she wanted I suppose. After about an hour of trying to help her relax and get comfortable, I just decided to hold her on my shoulder and softly sing her some Tony Bennett. He favorite is "Rags to Riches."
Wouldn't you know, within 3 or 4 minutes, Charlie was knocked out on my shoulder. I didn't dare take the chance to lay her down and disturb her rest, so I just eased into a chair and let her snooze away on my chest, her head nuzzled up against my neck.
I think that nap may have been more refreshing for me than her. I still had my baby girl. She's not yet too old to snuggle for a nap with her Daddy.
I commented on her site the other day about how she will no longer nap on my shoulder or chest because she is just too big now. I was wrong. Yesterday, she was having a little cranky spell on me and it was obvious she was very tired and needed a nap.
I tried the swing (our norm) and tried putting her down in her pack 'n play. Both spots were not exactly what she wanted I suppose. After about an hour of trying to help her relax and get comfortable, I just decided to hold her on my shoulder and softly sing her some Tony Bennett. He favorite is "Rags to Riches."
Wouldn't you know, within 3 or 4 minutes, Charlie was knocked out on my shoulder. I didn't dare take the chance to lay her down and disturb her rest, so I just eased into a chair and let her snooze away on my chest, her head nuzzled up against my neck.
I think that nap may have been more refreshing for me than her. I still had my baby girl. She's not yet too old to snuggle for a nap with her Daddy.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
More Gymboree Laughs!
Today during "Cradle Chat" at Gymboree, I decided to try and contribute to the group discussion. I figured my previous tact of just not saying much because I'm the only guy in the group was not really exciting enough for me. I usually stayed quiet because my previous comments on sleep and feeding habits were generally unpopular with the other "girls".
Today's "discussion" could have been a skit on Saturday Night Live. The women treated me like I wasn't there. I told two stories about successes we've had with Charlotte, and both were met with polite versions of "yeah... well". I just laughed to myself and thought, okay, then keep on struggling with your baby not sleeping or not being able to feed your daughter with anything but a breast. Sounds funny to me just typing that!!!
Women just don't want to hear from a man about baby stuff. Of course, we know NOTHING. :-)
I'm not bashing ladies, I'm just find it amusing that a man can't engage in a discussion with women about raising his baby without getting rolling eyes and cold shoulders... ???
Anyway... I know Charlie appreciates her Dad's involvement.
Today's "discussion" could have been a skit on Saturday Night Live. The women treated me like I wasn't there. I told two stories about successes we've had with Charlotte, and both were met with polite versions of "yeah... well". I just laughed to myself and thought, okay, then keep on struggling with your baby not sleeping or not being able to feed your daughter with anything but a breast. Sounds funny to me just typing that!!!
Women just don't want to hear from a man about baby stuff. Of course, we know NOTHING. :-)
I'm not bashing ladies, I'm just find it amusing that a man can't engage in a discussion with women about raising his baby without getting rolling eyes and cold shoulders... ???
Anyway... I know Charlie appreciates her Dad's involvement.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
I Couldn't Resist
I absolutely HAD to post this picture here. Why? Well, I read a really nice comment on Charlotte's website the other day from Lida. She is a friend, and the Mother of one of my all-time favorite kids that I've ever coached.
She commented on how nice it was to see this "side" of me. Her words really touched me, because I really hope this "side" of me has been more evident over the years to the kids I coach. Maybe more so than their parents.
In other words... I hope the kids really know that I care about ALL of them. I may be a "crazed coach," but as tough as I may come off on the kids, the fact is, I coach because I enjoy seeing kids make great strides as young men. I laughed when I read that line Lida... because a lot of people who know me could never imagine that "crazed" side of me! :-)
Some kids don't care to develop a great relationship with their coaches, but others have affected my life more than they would know.
I posted this picture here not only because I think my daughter is super cute... but because I think the levels of vulnerability you can see in both sets of our eyes is amazing.
Charlotte snuggles me because she loves me, trusts me, and needs me for protection. I can't help but snuggle her back, because she's so precious. But in her own way, she's teaching me so much about love and relationships... and how to be the father I've been practicing to be for all these years.
Lida's comment this week made me laugh because for years, her son was like my own in lots of ways... and really still is to some degree in my mind! I hope some day to be just as proud of my daughter as I have been for so many years of Lida's son Ryan... not to mention so many others I've coached.
Too bad he'll be WAY TOO OLD to see Charlotte when I finally let her date at age 35!
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sping Is Almost Here
There will be several days this week in the 70's and we're very excited to be able to take some long walks around our neighborhood. Charlie loves activities. She loves Gymboree, she loves to help vacuum, do laundry, cook dinner... and LOVES being outside.
We can't wait to take her on a stroll though the nature preserve so she can see the birds and trees. I can only imagine the faces she'll make and the little squeals and shrieks she'll make.
Beyond even what you've seen on the videos on the site so far, Charlotte is talking with such a personality now. No words of course, but between the pauses she takes and her intonation, she really IS trying to have conversation now! So much fun!
We can't wait to take her on a stroll though the nature preserve so she can see the birds and trees. I can only imagine the faces she'll make and the little squeals and shrieks she'll make.
Beyond even what you've seen on the videos on the site so far, Charlotte is talking with such a personality now. No words of course, but between the pauses she takes and her intonation, she really IS trying to have conversation now! So much fun!
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Babies and Their Power
I remember years ago (around 1993) when a buddy of mine made a comment to me that I heard but didn't really hear...
I lived in Maine at the time, and my buddy (who was also my boss) and his wife had just had a baby boy. Steve and I were driving back to his place from the video store one night and he said, "This is the closest Julie and I have been to the movies in almost a year... we don't do anything now that doesn't involve Justin in some way." He continued, "There's nothing we do that isn't about him now."
Let me explain that this conversation was mostly one-sided... Me listening and Steve absolutely brimming with pride and love about his 4 month old boy. He and Julie had made this incredible transformation into parents (and adulthood) and while I was impressed, I really didn't get it.
I think back to that conversation a lot. I think back to watching my buddy and his wife totally become different people upon the arrival of their son. It was a great "transformation."
The funny thing to me now, is that I'm realizing it's not really a transformation at all. I feel everyday like I was born to be a Dad. Like this has always been inside of me. I'm not going to go off on a tangent here about fate and destiny or anything, but I really believe this is the perfect "gig" for me... and Beck too. We have so much fun being Charlie's parents.
Honestly... I have ZERO desire to do anything these days without thinking of my daughter first. Funny. As I write this blog, Charlie is just now waking from a nap, yawning across the room from me... I've never smiled like this in my life.
Charlie now likes to go cheek to cheek with me when I hold her. She presses her face against mine and will just stay there for 10 minutes! All that chubby cheek power combined. The world better watch out!
By the way... remind me to tell the story sometime of how I agreed to actually FILM the birth of Steve and Julie's baby boy Justin! What an experience!
I lived in Maine at the time, and my buddy (who was also my boss) and his wife had just had a baby boy. Steve and I were driving back to his place from the video store one night and he said, "This is the closest Julie and I have been to the movies in almost a year... we don't do anything now that doesn't involve Justin in some way." He continued, "There's nothing we do that isn't about him now."
Let me explain that this conversation was mostly one-sided... Me listening and Steve absolutely brimming with pride and love about his 4 month old boy. He and Julie had made this incredible transformation into parents (and adulthood) and while I was impressed, I really didn't get it.
I think back to that conversation a lot. I think back to watching my buddy and his wife totally become different people upon the arrival of their son. It was a great "transformation."
The funny thing to me now, is that I'm realizing it's not really a transformation at all. I feel everyday like I was born to be a Dad. Like this has always been inside of me. I'm not going to go off on a tangent here about fate and destiny or anything, but I really believe this is the perfect "gig" for me... and Beck too. We have so much fun being Charlie's parents.
Honestly... I have ZERO desire to do anything these days without thinking of my daughter first. Funny. As I write this blog, Charlie is just now waking from a nap, yawning across the room from me... I've never smiled like this in my life.
Charlie now likes to go cheek to cheek with me when I hold her. She presses her face against mine and will just stay there for 10 minutes! All that chubby cheek power combined. The world better watch out!
By the way... remind me to tell the story sometime of how I agreed to actually FILM the birth of Steve and Julie's baby boy Justin! What an experience!
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Reminiscing
Charlie is now 4 months old. What a big girl she's grown in to... literally. She's now 14 lbs. and 12 ozs. Surely now she is my "Chunky Monkey." She has developed into this beautiful, smiling, talkative little princess... and it seems just like yesterday we brought her home.
Speaking of which, our neighbors, Jeff and Lori, had their son Andrew on Saturday morning; a whopping 8 lbs, 1 oz. He is the cutest little guy, and although he's a big boy, he makes Charlotte feel like she is a 50 lb. sack of potatoes!
We're so happy for their new family. Over the last few weeks, we felt like WE were having a baby too, since we kept calling to see if it was "go time," as Jeff called it.
It was amazing to see them in the hospital, with their baby boy, completely exhausted, but totally in love.
Jeff and I had lots of talks over the last few months, and I kept telling him, "Jeff, I can't explain it, but you'll know exactly what I mean when you hold Andrew for the first time."
It's just an incredible feeling that first few hours, knowing you are now a DAD, and your little one is completely dependent on you (and Mom) for EVERYTHING.
I'm so happy to see Jeff finally feel that. We shared that "look" when he opened the hospital room door. The look that carries all the emotion and experience that only a Dad could feel.
They come home on Tuesday. I'm excited to hear THEIR story about the ride home from the hospital! When it starts to really sink in...
Speaking of which, our neighbors, Jeff and Lori, had their son Andrew on Saturday morning; a whopping 8 lbs, 1 oz. He is the cutest little guy, and although he's a big boy, he makes Charlotte feel like she is a 50 lb. sack of potatoes!
We're so happy for their new family. Over the last few weeks, we felt like WE were having a baby too, since we kept calling to see if it was "go time," as Jeff called it.
It was amazing to see them in the hospital, with their baby boy, completely exhausted, but totally in love.
Jeff and I had lots of talks over the last few months, and I kept telling him, "Jeff, I can't explain it, but you'll know exactly what I mean when you hold Andrew for the first time."
It's just an incredible feeling that first few hours, knowing you are now a DAD, and your little one is completely dependent on you (and Mom) for EVERYTHING.
I'm so happy to see Jeff finally feel that. We shared that "look" when he opened the hospital room door. The look that carries all the emotion and experience that only a Dad could feel.
They come home on Tuesday. I'm excited to hear THEIR story about the ride home from the hospital! When it starts to really sink in...
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Thanks Grandma and Grandpa D
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Charlotte had a great weekend with Grandma and Grandpa Davis (3/4 and 3/5). It has been a little over 2 months since they had seen her last, and her development was even surprising to Grandma D, who has always believed Charlie to be advanced. :-)Charlie has been a little hesitant lately to be held by anyone other than Mom or Dad. It usually takes a few minutes for her to warm up... but she was quite quick to do so for Grandma D. Of course, she didn't really have much choice, since she had 2 months worth of snuggling to make up for!
Grandma thinks Charlie waited until her visit to reveal to us that she knows how to grasp her toys with BOTH hands and pull them to her mouth. Mommy and Daddy had never seen that before this weekend, and Charlie also grabbed several rattles that she never had interest in.
Grandpa D had to bide his time, but he got to join Charlie in one of her favorite activities: reading her books. Grandpa read "Brown Bear" and "Barnyard Dance" to Charlie, both several times, and his sweet little girl was just mesmerized. Of course Grandma helped them turn the pages.
It was a great weekend, and never long enough, nor often enough.
We're very fortunate to have Beck's parents right up the street so Charlie gets to see Pop and G Rose pretty frequently, and she always loves it.
Beck and I are very thankful that Grandma and Grandpa D have visited Little Charlotte so many times in her short life. That 9-hour drive can be a bear, especially in winter, and we really appreciate how much effort they make to get up to see her. After all, Charlotte is their FIFTH grand-daughter (sixth overall grandkid).
Daddy keeps taking pictures and videos so they can keep up with her on the internet. One of these days though, he'll get just the right combination of pictures and music to tug their hearts strings enough to get them to sell their house and move closer to Maryland!
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Mr. Mom
Today at Gymboree I had two women call me "Mr. Mom." They were being very complimentary of course.
The first was a Mom in our class who said, "I told my husband that there was a Dad and Daughter in class and he said 'how about I quit my job and be Mr. Mom, and you go to work.'"
The second instance was a woman coming in for the next class who opened the door for me as I left and said, "awe, look at Mr. Mom... I think that's awesome!"
As I drove home, I thought to myself, "why Mr. Mom?" Why is a Dad who takes an active role in parenting called "Mom"???
I know the movie was popular and everything, but that was the 1980's. Times have changed, haven't they? I absolutely LOVE the time I get to spend with Charlotte. I can't imagine NOT having a few days a week just for her and I... and I know she feels the same.
Beck and I are very fortunate to have the opportunity to share the responsibility of raising our baby girl. It may or may not stay that way for long, but while it lasts all I know, is that I don't feel like a "substitute" for Mom... I feel like a Dad who is head over heels for his daughter.
For the record: No one could ever replace or sub-in for the way my wife cares for and loves our sweet little girl. She is a GREAT Mommy. As for me... I prefer to just be called "Daddy".
The first was a Mom in our class who said, "I told my husband that there was a Dad and Daughter in class and he said 'how about I quit my job and be Mr. Mom, and you go to work.'"
The second instance was a woman coming in for the next class who opened the door for me as I left and said, "awe, look at Mr. Mom... I think that's awesome!"
As I drove home, I thought to myself, "why Mr. Mom?" Why is a Dad who takes an active role in parenting called "Mom"???
I know the movie was popular and everything, but that was the 1980's. Times have changed, haven't they? I absolutely LOVE the time I get to spend with Charlotte. I can't imagine NOT having a few days a week just for her and I... and I know she feels the same.
Beck and I are very fortunate to have the opportunity to share the responsibility of raising our baby girl. It may or may not stay that way for long, but while it lasts all I know, is that I don't feel like a "substitute" for Mom... I feel like a Dad who is head over heels for his daughter.
For the record: No one could ever replace or sub-in for the way my wife cares for and loves our sweet little girl. She is a GREAT Mommy. As for me... I prefer to just be called "Daddy".
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Too fast
Is it possible your 3-month old could be getting too old too fast? It sure seems that way. Not that I want my baby to stay this way forever, but sometimes I miss that little girl who could curl up on my chest and fall alseep for 2 or 3 hours.
But I suppose I'll trade that in for all the great smiles, funny faces, and sweet little giggles she makes now. It's just amazing how much a baby changes from day to day, week to week.
Sometimes I look at her and see a little girl now, not a baby. Sad and wonderful all at the same time!
But I suppose I'll trade that in for all the great smiles, funny faces, and sweet little giggles she makes now. It's just amazing how much a baby changes from day to day, week to week.
Sometimes I look at her and see a little girl now, not a baby. Sad and wonderful all at the same time!
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
My Valentine
I told Mommy a few weeks ago that I have a new Valentine now. Truth is, now I finally have my chocolates to go with the beautiful rose I've had for years. The crazy thing to me is that Beck and I have celebrated Valentine's Day for however many years its' been, but I've never been more in love with her.
I know, I know... here's that sappy guy again. Sorry everyone, but there's just something about watching my wife care for our beautiful daughter that makes my heart skip a beat everytime.
I never realized how much having Charlotte in our home would enhance our relationship. We have always had a great partnership, and worked together well. But caring for our daughter has made us really focus on our teamwork, and our marriage seems to be flourishing because of it.
You hear all the stories about what fatherhood does to guys... it seems so ironic that most of us are so afraid to become Dads, when becoming one holds the key that unlocks so many of our restraints.
I know, I know... here's that sappy guy again. Sorry everyone, but there's just something about watching my wife care for our beautiful daughter that makes my heart skip a beat everytime.
I never realized how much having Charlotte in our home would enhance our relationship. We have always had a great partnership, and worked together well. But caring for our daughter has made us really focus on our teamwork, and our marriage seems to be flourishing because of it.
You hear all the stories about what fatherhood does to guys... it seems so ironic that most of us are so afraid to become Dads, when becoming one holds the key that unlocks so many of our restraints.
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Reflecting
You know, the other day I was telling a friend who is expecting his first child in March a few stories about our experience. Among them was the story of our ride home from the hospital with Charlotte. I sat up front and Beck sat in the back with the baby.
I had the radio on, but very low, and I swear it was the quietest ride I've ever had. Beck and I were both so nervous. You could almost hear the thoughts in both of our heads over the "Dan Patrick Show" on the radio.
We were both overwhelmed with the gravity of the moment. Here we were, driving home with our first child, with NO IDEA what we were doing. That was the scariest moment of my life, and I'm sure Beck felt the same way.
We walked in the house, set our stuff down, and were both thinking, "okay, what do we do with her now?"
Reflecting on that day now, it seems like a lifetime ago. Charlotte has carved out her place in our home, and it seems like she has always been here.
One of the most amazing parts about becoming a parent I think is how, if you put in some effort, it comes naturally to you. Don't misunderstand. I am not by any stretch of the imagination saying Beck and I are experts. However, I'm sure if we could have seen some video of us now, back BEFORE we left the hospital with Charlotte, we would have had a much livier ride home that day. I needed a diaper change when we got home too!
I wish there was a way to pass that feeling along to new parents so they don't have so much anxiety about coming home; Just to let them know it will be okay. What a gift that would be to a brand new parent. It just goes back to an earlier post here about being able to pass along those feelings and experiences to someone with just a touch of the hand (like the Nissan Maxima commercial).
It's amazing now how when my daughter smiles at me, those feelings of inadequacy that new parent feels seem so distant. I'm sure they'll return again, but my baby girl's smile sure does melt all of that away!
I had the radio on, but very low, and I swear it was the quietest ride I've ever had. Beck and I were both so nervous. You could almost hear the thoughts in both of our heads over the "Dan Patrick Show" on the radio.
We were both overwhelmed with the gravity of the moment. Here we were, driving home with our first child, with NO IDEA what we were doing. That was the scariest moment of my life, and I'm sure Beck felt the same way.
We walked in the house, set our stuff down, and were both thinking, "okay, what do we do with her now?"
Reflecting on that day now, it seems like a lifetime ago. Charlotte has carved out her place in our home, and it seems like she has always been here.
One of the most amazing parts about becoming a parent I think is how, if you put in some effort, it comes naturally to you. Don't misunderstand. I am not by any stretch of the imagination saying Beck and I are experts. However, I'm sure if we could have seen some video of us now, back BEFORE we left the hospital with Charlotte, we would have had a much livier ride home that day. I needed a diaper change when we got home too!
I wish there was a way to pass that feeling along to new parents so they don't have so much anxiety about coming home; Just to let them know it will be okay. What a gift that would be to a brand new parent. It just goes back to an earlier post here about being able to pass along those feelings and experiences to someone with just a touch of the hand (like the Nissan Maxima commercial).
It's amazing now how when my daughter smiles at me, those feelings of inadequacy that new parent feels seem so distant. I'm sure they'll return again, but my baby girl's smile sure does melt all of that away!
Saturday, February 3, 2007
February begins... almost 3 months old
We finished our second week today; Charlotte and I. What's funny is that on one hand it seems like it's been so long, and on the other, it seems like just a couple days. Let me explain.
I realize two weeks is not a very long time, but Charlotte has changed so much in the last two weeks. She changes so quickly, it seems like she ages in double time.
Two nights ago, she woke up at 4:30am and wanted some food. Midway through her feeding, I took her to her room to change her diaper. She was so attentive and happy while I changed her diaper. She smiled SO much and laughed and cooed the whole time.
When I brought her back to our bed to finish feeding, she laid in her Mommy's lap, leaning back to look at me while I lay next to her. She starred at me, and begin talking. Not just single sounds... but sentences (in baby talk of course). We talked for what seemed like 10 minutes. We giggled and had a conversation about something... and all I know was that I had never seen my daughter so animated and excited about talking as she was that night. She was so excited, she raised her voice to a very loud level, laughing the whole time.
I'm sure many of you know exactly how much my heart warmed while we carried on our talk. I couldn't sleep the rest of the night, and of course Charlotte took a little longer to wind down after this feeding than normal.
She LOVES to talk. She absolutely loves it. She paces her "words" and I swear she has even started to use some similar intonation that she hears from her Mommy and me.
And that smile. Man. I can't handle that smile. It just melts me. I'm telling you. I don't stand a chance when this girl gets older. I am toast!
My favorite part of this week happened tonight, when Beck came home. I just finished feeding Charlotte and was burping her over my shoulder. Beck came into the kitchen and Charlotte lifted her head off my shoulder and started to talk to her Mom. She stared into Beck's eyes, smiled, and told her the story of her day (in her language of course). She spent a good 5 minutes, holding her head up, taking turns with Mom, telling her about everything she did during her day. And when she was done, she put her head down on my shoulder and let out a big sigh. Unbelievable.
No one can ever prepare a new parent for the amount of love they will have for their baby... My girl has me so wrapped around her little finger, and I love it.
I realize two weeks is not a very long time, but Charlotte has changed so much in the last two weeks. She changes so quickly, it seems like she ages in double time.
Two nights ago, she woke up at 4:30am and wanted some food. Midway through her feeding, I took her to her room to change her diaper. She was so attentive and happy while I changed her diaper. She smiled SO much and laughed and cooed the whole time.
When I brought her back to our bed to finish feeding, she laid in her Mommy's lap, leaning back to look at me while I lay next to her. She starred at me, and begin talking. Not just single sounds... but sentences (in baby talk of course). We talked for what seemed like 10 minutes. We giggled and had a conversation about something... and all I know was that I had never seen my daughter so animated and excited about talking as she was that night. She was so excited, she raised her voice to a very loud level, laughing the whole time.
I'm sure many of you know exactly how much my heart warmed while we carried on our talk. I couldn't sleep the rest of the night, and of course Charlotte took a little longer to wind down after this feeding than normal.
She LOVES to talk. She absolutely loves it. She paces her "words" and I swear she has even started to use some similar intonation that she hears from her Mommy and me.
And that smile. Man. I can't handle that smile. It just melts me. I'm telling you. I don't stand a chance when this girl gets older. I am toast!
My favorite part of this week happened tonight, when Beck came home. I just finished feeding Charlotte and was burping her over my shoulder. Beck came into the kitchen and Charlotte lifted her head off my shoulder and started to talk to her Mom. She stared into Beck's eyes, smiled, and told her the story of her day (in her language of course). She spent a good 5 minutes, holding her head up, taking turns with Mom, telling her about everything she did during her day. And when she was done, she put her head down on my shoulder and let out a big sigh. Unbelievable.
No one can ever prepare a new parent for the amount of love they will have for their baby... My girl has me so wrapped around her little finger, and I love it.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Father & Daughter Days
Well, the first week is almost over. Mommy went back to work this week, and Charlotte and Daddy have had a great week! It's certainly a difference from a few weeks ago when my baby girl cried and cried whenever I would hold her. Now she is my little snuggler again. There is just no better feeling than having your baby girl nuzzle into your neck and fall asleep in your arms.It is so amazing how you can just "feel" that your baby trusts you. How she just knows that you'll do anything to help her through her discomfort or just hold her so she can calm down for a nap.
Charlotte has gotten back to really snuggling into my arms and relaxing herself to sleep. The way she stares at me when I hold her... man. It gets to me. I can just hear her saying, "I love you Daddy" in that stare. At least until she's 7 or 8 and starts hating me for making her clean her room. :)
I am so thankful that I get to spend this time with her. I can already see her growing up too fast. She is such a good little girl. I couldn't be more proud of her.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Charlie's World
There's no use denying it: My daughter is now the ruler of our house. Everything we do is for her or about her... as it should be. It's funny how people try to tell you this while you're pregnant and you just say, "yeah, I know, I know", but you can never really be prepared for how consuming having an infant in your house can be.
I have a buddy that always told me in the months leading up to Charlotte's birth, "your life is over." I'd always laugh and joke along with him, saying I would not let it happen, but you know what? It really isn't a bad thing. It's just an adjustment in priorities.
I'm a Dad now, and that is a great thing; not a burden. Have I mentioned how much I love being a Dad? We went to Beck's salon the other day, and all the girls were holding Charlotte, fawning over Charlotte, and just overall starring in amazement. Our friend Cheryl said, "now that's the picture we need. Daddy sitting there watching his daughter with that big smile on his face." She caught me. Being the proud Dad of my beautiful baby girl. I well up a little when I think about it.
I always have been that way to a degree. When I would watch videos of my nieces and nephew, it got to me a little. It's always been strange to me that I am so proud of kids that aren't mine... I use to bore people when they came over showing the latest concert my niece Kate was in, or the play Emma was in, or how well Maddie could ride her bike. And one of my favorites was Hope and Micah singing Grandma D "Happy Birthday", and then telling jokes. Those videos mean a lot to me because my brothers live so far away. Sometimes, it's the only time I see my nieces and nephew for a year or two (or three).
It's a whole new level when it's your own kid though. I lose it everytime I see the first video montage I put on this site (click HERE). Something about that song and the pictures we took when we first brought her home. That Kenny Loggins song used to be my nieces favorite way back when. Now she's almost 16... I can't believe that.
Did you ever notice that Martha Stewart says, "fentastic" instead of "fantastic"? And that EVERYTHING is just fentastic? Does that bother anyone as much as it bothers me?
I have a buddy that always told me in the months leading up to Charlotte's birth, "your life is over." I'd always laugh and joke along with him, saying I would not let it happen, but you know what? It really isn't a bad thing. It's just an adjustment in priorities.
I'm a Dad now, and that is a great thing; not a burden. Have I mentioned how much I love being a Dad? We went to Beck's salon the other day, and all the girls were holding Charlotte, fawning over Charlotte, and just overall starring in amazement. Our friend Cheryl said, "now that's the picture we need. Daddy sitting there watching his daughter with that big smile on his face." She caught me. Being the proud Dad of my beautiful baby girl. I well up a little when I think about it.
I always have been that way to a degree. When I would watch videos of my nieces and nephew, it got to me a little. It's always been strange to me that I am so proud of kids that aren't mine... I use to bore people when they came over showing the latest concert my niece Kate was in, or the play Emma was in, or how well Maddie could ride her bike. And one of my favorites was Hope and Micah singing Grandma D "Happy Birthday", and then telling jokes. Those videos mean a lot to me because my brothers live so far away. Sometimes, it's the only time I see my nieces and nephew for a year or two (or three).
It's a whole new level when it's your own kid though. I lose it everytime I see the first video montage I put on this site (click HERE). Something about that song and the pictures we took when we first brought her home. That Kenny Loggins song used to be my nieces favorite way back when. Now she's almost 16... I can't believe that.
Did you ever notice that Martha Stewart says, "fentastic" instead of "fantastic"? And that EVERYTHING is just fentastic? Does that bother anyone as much as it bothers me?
Saturday, January 20, 2007
2 Months Already
Well our two month doctors appointment went very well. We asked all our questions, and got the exact answers we expected. The internet is the best. In addition to the answers to our everyday questions, we also knew EVERY question the doctor would ask us, and what types of physical tests she would do. Seriously... word for word.
Anyway, I suppose it's just more comforting to hear it from a real doctor.
Charlotte is now 11 pounds, 9 ounces and she feels every bit that heavy. I'm sure all you parents out there don't pay much attention to this stuff anymore, but Beck and I are just amazed at how much she grows (and matures) from week to week. When people tell you things like "cherish this time, it will be over before you know it" and "take all the pictures you can", etc. etc., it doesn't really sink in until a few months down the road. Not to say that I haven't taken pictures!
Beck and I feel like we've had our baby girl forever. Like she has always been a part of our lives. When I talk to some of my buddies who have older kids, they always tell me, "she be there before you know it," and I believe it. Two months have flown by; no, rocketed by.
There is nothing in the world that makes me feel happier than my baby girl smiling and giggling at me. What a heart melter.
Anyway, I suppose it's just more comforting to hear it from a real doctor.
Charlotte is now 11 pounds, 9 ounces and she feels every bit that heavy. I'm sure all you parents out there don't pay much attention to this stuff anymore, but Beck and I are just amazed at how much she grows (and matures) from week to week. When people tell you things like "cherish this time, it will be over before you know it" and "take all the pictures you can", etc. etc., it doesn't really sink in until a few months down the road. Not to say that I haven't taken pictures!
Beck and I feel like we've had our baby girl forever. Like she has always been a part of our lives. When I talk to some of my buddies who have older kids, they always tell me, "she be there before you know it," and I believe it. Two months have flown by; no, rocketed by.
There is nothing in the world that makes me feel happier than my baby girl smiling and giggling at me. What a heart melter.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Shhhhh... she may be coming back to me
I don't want to jump the gun, but after yesterday afternoon and all day today, it seems like my baby girl may be coming around.
We had a very good day today. Although she did cry for a while after she woke up, I was able to sooth her and keep her happy for most of the day. We did two feedings without any real issues, other than some burps that were bothering her early on during the first feeding. But really, I was very happy with my day with Charlie.
Anyway... having a happy baby is much more pleasant! I missed my little girl and today really served as a great tonic.
We had a very good day today. Although she did cry for a while after she woke up, I was able to sooth her and keep her happy for most of the day. We did two feedings without any real issues, other than some burps that were bothering her early on during the first feeding. But really, I was very happy with my day with Charlie.
Anyway... having a happy baby is much more pleasant! I missed my little girl and today really served as a great tonic.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Hold-Me-Itis
Our little princess is spoiled I think. Now, a lot of people have different feelings about child rearing, but I really think my little girl is spoiled. Here's the deal: If she's not sleeping, she wants to be held (most of the time).
We can no longer put her in her bouncy chair or the swing without her crying within 2 minutes. We can't lay her in her pack-and-play to sleep for more than 3 minutes without her waking and crying. The only place she seems to enjoy is her new Jumperoo, which she is still a tad bit too young for, but she still seems to enjoy it... for now.
The part about this that is most concerning is that she prefers to be held by Mommy still. She could be sound asleep over Mommy's shoulder, and the second Daddy takes her, she wakes and begins to cry.
Additionally, she is now rebelling against her bottle. She only has a few days left before Mommy goes back to work a few days a week, so... it appears as if Daddy will be stuck next week teaching her how to "cry it out". Oh joy. Just what Daddy loves. Listening to his beautiful baby girl screaming at the top of her lungs when she just refuses to be soothed by anything.
They keep telling me it's a phase... her preferring Mommy, that is. I sure hope that's true and the it ends in the next few days. Otherwise I'm going to have a difficult week next week.
We can no longer put her in her bouncy chair or the swing without her crying within 2 minutes. We can't lay her in her pack-and-play to sleep for more than 3 minutes without her waking and crying. The only place she seems to enjoy is her new Jumperoo, which she is still a tad bit too young for, but she still seems to enjoy it... for now.
The part about this that is most concerning is that she prefers to be held by Mommy still. She could be sound asleep over Mommy's shoulder, and the second Daddy takes her, she wakes and begins to cry.
Additionally, she is now rebelling against her bottle. She only has a few days left before Mommy goes back to work a few days a week, so... it appears as if Daddy will be stuck next week teaching her how to "cry it out". Oh joy. Just what Daddy loves. Listening to his beautiful baby girl screaming at the top of her lungs when she just refuses to be soothed by anything.
They keep telling me it's a phase... her preferring Mommy, that is. I sure hope that's true and the it ends in the next few days. Otherwise I'm going to have a difficult week next week.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
Adjusting Every Day
I haven't posted for a few days now, and I'm not really sure exactly why. I suppose I've been hesitant because I'd rather not post anything less than positive about my experiences raising my daughter, but I have been struggling lately.
I'm sure this time of a man's life can be one of his biggest challenges. That has been the case for me in the last week or so.
There have been several days recently that I've felt completely out of touch. I just feel like I'm struggling in everything now, and I'm frustrated. I find myself losing my patience more easily these days.
I sometimes feel completely out of control when it comes to my daughter. She rarely stays calm (or calms down) when she's with me right now. It really hurts me, and it's difficult for me to stay calm when she's wailing at the top of her lungs for 15-20 minutes.
The worst part of it is how easily I could sooth her just a few weeks ago. I was like a magician back then. Now I feel like I have an entirely new daughter, who only wants to be with her Mom.
I'm certain this will all pass, but it really is difficult for me right now. The only thing that keeps me going is the reality of the big picture: I realize how lucky I am.
I realize that this healthy, beautiful, sweet little princess is a tremendous blessing. I realize that my little issues are so very trivial when compared to the difficulties so many families have trying to conceive and/or raise happy, healthy babies. I have no right to be upset or complain. I understand this. It's just a matter of occassionally adjusting my perspective to continue to see the entire picture.
Every day is an adjustment right now... but what a great reason to be flexible.
I'm sure this time of a man's life can be one of his biggest challenges. That has been the case for me in the last week or so.
There have been several days recently that I've felt completely out of touch. I just feel like I'm struggling in everything now, and I'm frustrated. I find myself losing my patience more easily these days.
I sometimes feel completely out of control when it comes to my daughter. She rarely stays calm (or calms down) when she's with me right now. It really hurts me, and it's difficult for me to stay calm when she's wailing at the top of her lungs for 15-20 minutes.
The worst part of it is how easily I could sooth her just a few weeks ago. I was like a magician back then. Now I feel like I have an entirely new daughter, who only wants to be with her Mom.
I'm certain this will all pass, but it really is difficult for me right now. The only thing that keeps me going is the reality of the big picture: I realize how lucky I am.
I realize that this healthy, beautiful, sweet little princess is a tremendous blessing. I realize that my little issues are so very trivial when compared to the difficulties so many families have trying to conceive and/or raise happy, healthy babies. I have no right to be upset or complain. I understand this. It's just a matter of occassionally adjusting my perspective to continue to see the entire picture.
Every day is an adjustment right now... but what a great reason to be flexible.
Monday, January 1, 2007
What A Weekend / Happy New Year
Charlie had a great holiday weekend. She got to meet Daddy's entire family for the first time. Her cousins Kate, Emma, and Maddie (Uncle Jim and Aunt Kathy's girls) and her cousins Hope and Micah (Uncle Ray and Auny Robin's kids). She also got to see her Grandma and Grandpa D again.
The Oregon Davis' flew all the way across the country, the Cincinnati Davis' drove 10 hours through the night, and the North Carolina Davis' (Grandma and Grandpa) drove 8 hours.
Little Charlotte sure has some really nice family to go through all that trouble just to come meet her.
Charlotte is the 5th grand daughter on the Davis side, and she sure got a lot of attention from her girl cousins and her aunts. And even though Micah was a little shy, I could even tell that he really liked Charlotte too! Of course, everyone had to wait in line behind Grandma D.
We were able to all get together for a couple days of food and frolic and even got an updated family portrait taken.
It's so strange for me to see my oldest nieces who are 16 (almost) and 14 (today), and remember them when they were Charlotte's age. They've grown up so fast and are so mature. I'm not sure if I'm ready to see my baby girl grow up that fast... but I see it happening already.
She is now holding her head up so much and becoming so aware of everything around her that she no longer resembles that little "baby" we brought home almost 7 weeks ago. She is such a little person now. A perfect, sweet, little person.
There is no way I could sufficiently explain to my family how much we appreciate everyone making the journey back "home" to Baltimore. We know it's not an easy endeavor with everyone's busy schedules, and it really means the world to our little family that we could make it happen. Thank you all so much, and hopefully it won't be another 4 years before we get together again.
For anyone reading this that has family right "up the street" or just "around the corner," don't take it for granted. With everyday that goes by as Beck and I start our own little family, I realize more and more how much I miss my parents, brothers and their families. It wasn't that long ago when I could just drive over to my parent's on a Sunday and watch football with my Dad, or stop in at Sunnydale Estates on a Tuesday night for dinner. It's the little things that mean so much...
Happy New Year everybody.
The Oregon Davis' flew all the way across the country, the Cincinnati Davis' drove 10 hours through the night, and the North Carolina Davis' (Grandma and Grandpa) drove 8 hours.
Little Charlotte sure has some really nice family to go through all that trouble just to come meet her.
Charlotte is the 5th grand daughter on the Davis side, and she sure got a lot of attention from her girl cousins and her aunts. And even though Micah was a little shy, I could even tell that he really liked Charlotte too! Of course, everyone had to wait in line behind Grandma D.
We were able to all get together for a couple days of food and frolic and even got an updated family portrait taken.
It's so strange for me to see my oldest nieces who are 16 (almost) and 14 (today), and remember them when they were Charlotte's age. They've grown up so fast and are so mature. I'm not sure if I'm ready to see my baby girl grow up that fast... but I see it happening already.
She is now holding her head up so much and becoming so aware of everything around her that she no longer resembles that little "baby" we brought home almost 7 weeks ago. She is such a little person now. A perfect, sweet, little person.
There is no way I could sufficiently explain to my family how much we appreciate everyone making the journey back "home" to Baltimore. We know it's not an easy endeavor with everyone's busy schedules, and it really means the world to our little family that we could make it happen. Thank you all so much, and hopefully it won't be another 4 years before we get together again.
For anyone reading this that has family right "up the street" or just "around the corner," don't take it for granted. With everyday that goes by as Beck and I start our own little family, I realize more and more how much I miss my parents, brothers and their families. It wasn't that long ago when I could just drive over to my parent's on a Sunday and watch football with my Dad, or stop in at Sunnydale Estates on a Tuesday night for dinner. It's the little things that mean so much...
Happy New Year everybody.
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