Easter weekend we took the grandparents to the Arboretum in our easter finest, to get some pictures of Charlie Shay with all of the blooming flowers. She also brought along her bunny ears, in true Easter fashion. Isn't she the cutest?? What fun it was! I decided to get us a season pass so we can go sometimes during the week to see what all they have going on out there. They have some great programs for older kids, and I just found out they are adding 7 acres for a huge Childrens Learning Garden. They will have 15 indoor/outdoor areas and over 150 interactive exhibits for kids. We can't wait until we get bigger. Now, we're just to little!

Charlie has also been enjoying some play dates with many of our little friends. We go to the park, or to the zoo, or just over to friends houses, or they come over to our house. Charlie is quite the social butterfly! She is getting to interact with alot of kids her age and older and she just has a blast being around the other children.

Now that the weather is getting warmer here in Texas, every afternoon I strap Charlie into her little red stroller and we take Rascal on a walk. She LOVES kicking her feet and laughing histerically at Rascal while he trots beside us. She loves her red stroller because she is big enough to sit facing out and she loves to look at the houses and flowers as we go by. I can't wait until it gets really hot and we can go swimming. She is going to love it!!

Kiss Me - I'm Irish!

Happy St. Patty's Day! We were still recovering from our colds and still a little congested and sniffling, but Charlie and I made it out to see Gammie and Gramps for lunch at Purdy's anyway. We made it back home to see Daddy, and to get a St. Paddy's Day kiss.

I am 1/2 Irish (Mc Manus and Baitinger were my Grandmothers) 1/4 German (Kessel) and 1/4 Italian (Mom's side of the family -Galderise). When I ask Jeff about his background he can only tell me that he is American - go figure! So, I guess that makes Charlie 2/5 Irish, 1/5 Italian 1/5 German, and 1/5 good ole American. GOOD GRIEF!!!

I guess we all must have a little Irish in us!!! ;)

Charlie Shay Takes A Bite

Well, we've hit yet another milestone in the life of young Charlie Shay! Watch her go as she snarfs down her first spoonful of rice cereal. Next around the corner will be a big helping of peas and bananas, although that won't be for another couple of weeks.

We decided it was time to let Charlie ingest something other than milk, as she has developed a little habit of staring at us when we are eating our food. So without further ado... May we present... the one and only... Charlie Shay!

The Great Jumparoo

Charlie looooves her Jumparoo. If you don't know what a Jumparoo is, it's basically a contraption with a seat suspended by elastic bands that you can sit your little one in and they can bounce up and down at will. Here is a look into Charlie's first few bounces as she was getting the hang of it. Now, she's a pro and just about jumps through the roof.

The Great Giggle Monster

Well, we finally got our little princess to bust a giggle. Kyri was the lucky one to find a sure fire way to make Charlie belly laugh. Unfortunately the camera was in the other room so we didn't capture the really good one. We did, however, manage to snag a clip of her somewhat amused so I guess that will have to do for now. Actually, I think she was just humoring her daddy. Capturing the great Giggle Monster on film is extremely difficult, a lot like capturing the Loch Ness monster or Saskwatch in their natural habitat.

Christmas 2008

Christmas this year, of course, was wonderful! Charlie, Jeff and I made the rounds to see family and friends. Being at home and having our first Christmas with our beautiful daughter was so much fun and I look forward to the years to come. We got her a jumperoo, and she is already loving it. Of course, we have to put a small box under her feet so she can push off of something - she is still too small for her feet to reach the floor.

We are finally getting settled again, now in the new year. I can't wait to see the months go by and to see how Charlie grows. I love seeing the new things she does every day. We finally got our so-serious baby to laugh, and it was the best feeling in the world to hear her squeal with delight. Although, I have never acted so silly in my life - but it was worth it. Please don't ask me to do this in front of you. Ask Jeff, to make her laugh - he is REALLY funny and makes me belly laugh too! We will try to get a video of it and post it next!!

I hope everyone had a great Holiday and a Wonderful New Year!

Charlie and the Great Bouncy Seat

Charlie loves her bouncy seat. It plays music and even has a monkey and frog that move back and forth beside a waterfall that lights up! After all, who wouldn't love that??

Here's a short clip of her cooing and kicking to the beat of the music. We took this video the day after Thanksgiving, and she had lots of energy. Warning: this video may cause intense joy and has a high "cute" factor.