Charlie's Baptism

Charlie was baptized this past week-end at our church in Huntsville, Southwood Pres. He grunted at the appropriate times and enjoyed being held up in the air to greet the congregation, but it was Kate who stole our hearts. We were seated on the front row and during the hymns, she danced and danced for the whole church to see. Her dancing was graceful and was so worshipful, it brought tears to our eyes. The whole family came up for the event. We were happy to visit with Katherine, Tom, and Lola who came all the way down from Nashville. Many thanks to our gracious hosts, Kathryn and Jason Roach who packed most of us in to their home. We had a wonderful time getting to know their little one, Sarah, who is just four weeks older than Charlie.

Sitting Up

Charlie sat up today. He has been trying for a few weeks, but today he made it on his own for at least 5 minutes. I think we have reached a milestone. No real tripoding either - just straight sitting. I think he was proud of himself.

Teething

Charlie is teething. He fusses a lot and chews on everything in site. Nanny tried to calm him down by reading to him the other night. He looked really interested in the book, but really, he was trying to figure out how to get it in his mouth. It worked for about 10 minutes of quiet.

Easter

Happy Easter! Kate and Charlie enjoyed an Easter visit from both of their grandmothers this year. We took a few pictures after the church service. All Kate wanted to do was spin around in her Cinderella dress. She felt beautiful in the dress Aunt Katherine wore 30 years ago. Nanny made it by hand, and it is just as beautiful today. Kate didn't understand much about Easter this year - I tried to explain, but I don't think a whole lot got through. The only thing I know made an impression were the candy-filled eggs in her Easter basket. If anyone has any bright ideas on explaining Easter to a toddler, please feel free to share.

Charlie and Lola

We enjoyed a visit from the Petillos this past week-end. Kate loved having cousin Lola to play with. Here is Charlie and Lola discovering each other. They were fascinated to have someone their size to play with.

Mother Kate

Kate is becoming quite motherly these days. She tucked Charlie into bed with all of his stuffed animals. She got under the blanket with them. When Charlie started to fuss, she put her finger to her lips and said, "SHHHH!" Charlie thinks Kate hung the moon.

I Found My Feet

Charlie has finally found his feet. He loves to try to chew on his toes. Uncle Michael wanted to see some smiles. Here they are. Charlie smiles and belly laughs when I tickle him under his arms and neck. He also loves it when Daddy lets him play with his hair.

Carousel

Kate loves carousels. She especially likes the one at the zoo, but today she settled on the one at the mall. She likes to ride the cheetah, but has to sit on the lion afterwards. The lion doesn't go up and down, but he is magical to Kate somehow. It is too cold to ride the carousel at the zoo right now, so we took a trip to the Galleria and rode the one there. At home, Kate likes to spin around the pole in the basement pretending she is on the carousel. I think we will be spending a lot of time at the zoo this spring - looking at the animals on the carousel.

Big Head

Charlie is 4 months old now. He had his check up yesterday with Dr. Stone. Charlie weighs 14 1/2 pounds and is 25 1/2 inches long. He is in the 50th percentile for weight, 80th for height, and 95th for head circumference. Daddy is especially proud of his big head. Dr. Stone reminded us that it is not size that matters but number of convolutions. There are many mammals with big brains who aren't so smart. Daddy doesn't care - he is still proud.

Tummy Time

The doctor says we need to give Charlie "tummy time." He sleeps on his back and needs to develop his tummy muscles. Charlie does not like his tummy time. He lays there with both arms straight out. After about a minute he starts fussing. I try to let him fuss and struggle a little bit, but it is so hard to watch him so miserable. I guess letting your kids struggle to achieve a goal is part of being a parent. I don't like that part.

Ride 'em Cowgirl

Kate woke up ready to get outside and play cowgirl. We rode our horse around and around the backyard in our pajamas, bedroom slipper and cowgirl gear. Dress-up is by far our favorite game right now. Thanks Uncle Terry for the horse!

Miss Brit, we'll miss you!

It is a sad day at the Owens' household. It is Brittny's last day as our beloved nanny. Her growing belly is making it difficult to run around chasing Kate, and holding Charlie is becoming a challenge. She, Brandon, and Christopher (due in March) will be moving to Huntsville in June for Brandon's 3rd and 4th years of medical school. We will have to come visit often. Our door is always open for a playdate, Brittny!

Christmas nativity

We enjoyed our Christmas with the Crabbe family. Aunt Carol engineered a Christmas nativity scene complete with costumes and a manger for Baby Jesus. Kate loved being a shepherd - busy tending her flock of two stuffed sheep. Libby the wiseman wouldn't give up her sippy cup, Anne Mary Carlton kept poking Jesus in the eye, Joseph Ford kept Mary from hurting Jesus, Jesus Charlie wanted his bottle, and Baby Lola was a perfect angel - complete with wings.

Cookie Baking

Kate decided to help Mommy bake Christmas cookies for the neighbors. She learned how to sift and stir the dry ingredients. The cookies turned out beautifully. Kate went straight to the bath. She had a ball. Yet again, Kate chose her outfit for the day, her Miss Pattycake dress with pajama top. I think I am going to have to invest in the next size up.

Christmas Picture

Taking a Christmas picture of a toddler and a newborn is not easy. I had to prop Charlie up in the rocking chair and hold him there with my foot. Kate wants to be such a helper, but sometimes loves on Charlie just a little TOO much. She loves to hug him and pat him - especially around his face. Fortunately, he is patient with her and doesn't seem to mind being "loved" on.

Charlie's Smile

Charlie is nine weeks old now and is smiling and cooing up a storm. He was 12 # 3 oz at his 2 month visit with Dr. Stone. He is 80% for weight and height - Daddy is proud. Brittny, our amazing nanny, captured this picture of Charlie's smile by accident - her camera delayed just perfectly. Thanks, Brittny!

Decorating the Christmas Tree

The Christmas tree had been up for a week - bare. Once we had the lights on it, Kate could not wait to "help" decorate it. She loved playing with the ornaments while Mommy put them on the tree. Kate dressed herself for the occasion wearing her daily outfit of pajamas covered with her Miss Pattycake dress. She feels beautiful in her green dress. She has a Santa mouse who sings "Santa Claus is Coming to Town." Kate replies (to the mouse), "Santa is NOT coming." I think she is a little nervous about an old man in a red suit coming to see her. She loves carrying around Baby Jesus from the nativity scene. He goes everywhere with her these days. Appropriate I think.