Dear Charlotte

It seems that every week brings something new and exciting with you.

Shopping cart seat! All by yourself!

Thank you for finally figuring out how to catch yourself when you topple over. Hearing your head go thud on the hardwood (or tile, ouch) floors repeatedly was stressing me out.

I'd like to reiterate that the following are not meant for you to chew on: Nylabones; dad's flip flop; my flip-flop; my running shoes; the heating register; my dresser handles.

Love,
mama

Crocodile

Tears, that is.

Her first documented, unassisted sit was accompanied by copious crocodile tears.

See?

Monday pick-me-up

Not sure about you, but this is definitely what I'd like to be doing today!

My mom came up for the weekend, and we went for a walk at the Arboretum. Charlotte fell asleep halfway through. Jealous!

Dear Charlotte

You are on fire this week. So chatty, so smiley, so mobile.

Today I put you down in the middle of the living room. You seemed pretty happy hitting the different colors on the rug. I left the room briefly, and found you in the corner (also, check out our new living room paint color).

Boy, am I glad we moved that jumble of electronics up off the floor. Apparently the dog toy was very compelling this morning!

You sat up yesterday, no hands on the ground or anything. I know you had no hands on the ground, because you were busy flailing them around and screaming.

You are more and more fun every week. And we are loving you more and more.

Love,
mama

I'll take a full serving of veg, please.

Our Unjust August healthy living/weightloss competition is going swimmingly. I'm really enjoying the extra push to get 3 servings of veggies in every day, but wow, do I get tired of plain old salad all the time. So, I am branching out into the "vegetable" categories of my cookbooks.

This is the beginning of my new favorite sandwich.

This is my new favorite sandwich. Grilled zucchini, red peppers, green peppers, onions, on a ciabatta roll with fresh pesto and some herbed chevre. I then make Matt grill the sandwiches. Last night we made SIX of them, and we feasted at dinner and again today at lunch.

Seriously, folks. Holy cow that is a fantastic sandwich.

Monday, a day late

I should probably just change these to Tuesday pick-me-ups.

Charlotte now does yoga in her jammies. Here she is modeling a modified pigeon pose.

The benefits: Stretches the thighs, groins, back, and psoas. Opens the chest and shoulders (if you're not dependent upon your arms for balance, that is).

This is one of my personal fave stretches. It feels SO good! If I were running with any regularity, I'd do this every day.

Dear Charlotte

It's official. You're my favorite. Today we bid goodbye to my second favorite, Katie-the-babysitter. That was sad, but your goofy ways sure do help me feel better.

You really seem to prefer sweet potatoes to avocado, but I have 4 little containers of 'cado left, and darn it, you'll eat it and like it end up wearing it if it's the last thing I do.

Today I took the first of many childproofing steps, and promptly removed the computer power cord from your reach. Not before taking a picture, though!

Love,
mama