Sometimes I look back

We have several photo albums around the house and of course Charlie's website (www.LittleCharlotte.com). Occassionally, Beck and I find ourselves looking through some of the albums, and of course, we also watch lots of the "old" video on the website. I really am in trouble. I can't watch some of those videos without welling up. That stinkin' videographer really knows how to tug on the old heart strings!

What's got me going these days is Charlie's ever-maturing personality. At 16-months, she is sooo a little girl now. Both Beck and I see a toddler now, albeit a sweet, little toddler. But not the sweet baby we see in our old pictures.

Having a toddler running around the house is so much fun. As well as so much more tiring!

Last night, I asked Charlie, "Where's your ball honey?" She proceeded to walk around the room, looking for anything round and colorful. She checked everywhere, looking in all the corners of the rooms. (I didn't realize the balls were in the basement) She followed me around, right by my side, looking for a ball. When I realized the search was futile, I said, "Charlie, let's find you baby..." She turned away and ran to her play room, picked up her baby and started to hug him.

I know that story is not earth-shattering. But for a first-time Daddy, seeing my daughter develop like this makes me so proud. I still can't believe we're so lucky to have such a beautifully happy, and hysterically funny little peanut. What an amazing little sense of humor she has.

It has all seemed like a dream. So fast. A total blur so far. My friend Gary told me the other day, "it won't be long Ed, and there will be some boy in your living room asking you for permission to marry Charlie." I choked up. Don't want to think about that... anytime soon.

Now, I watch Charlie running all over the house and it seems like it was only two weeks ago that she could barely even crawl.

Two nights ago, I taught her to say "Ahhhh" after she takes a drink of water. Mommy and I laughed pretty hard. She just wants to learn eveything right now. Too fun.