Dear Charlotte,
When Daddy and I were thinking about what we might call you, I hesitated when we added “Charlotte” to the list — partly because a royal princess had just been given the name, but also because I grew up there. Would it be too weird to have a daughter named after the place I lived for 18 years? Obviously in the end I decided it would not be too weird, and thus you are Charlotte and at this point, it seems unlikely that your name could have ever been anything else.
And so, in your 8th month, we finally took you to my hometown, and the city that shares your name. Aunt Katie, Uncle Joel and cousin Elizabeth (only 5 weeks older than you!) made the trek from Seattle too and it was so, so, SO much fun to have everyone together. I foresee many years of antics for you and Elizabeth as little partners in crime each time we get together.
You got lots of love from Gima and Grandfather as well, and generally reveled in attention from all sides. You even made progress in a couple other department while we were there — both of your bottom teeth finally popped through your gums, and you got a lot of practice sitting up.
As you would expect, being able to sit pretty solidly has opened the doors to a whole new world. Yesterday we went grocery shopping as a family of four for the first time ever and you sat in the cart with Emma. I’m not exaggerating when I say Emma had been looking forward to this day since before you were born — even while I was still pregnant with you, your sister talked about how “maybe when my baby is here, she can sit next to me!” She was pretty thrilled about the situation and I think you were too. (And you were a total champ putting up with Emma’s constant hugs and kisses without complaint.)
Next up, I suppose, is crawling and I’m feeling both impatient for you to start moving and anxious about the prospect of a baby who no longer stays where I put her. Elizabeth could already army crawl like a champ when we saw her, and we all joked that perhaps she could teach you her moves. Shortly after we got back home, I put you on the floor on your tummy and positioned a toy just out of reach to see what you’d do. To my surprise, you scooted forward far enough to get it. You haven’t repeated this since — it was just a one-time accidental thrust with your leg — but I know it’s just a matter of time before you’ll be all over the house.
I mentioned last month that you’d come down with your first cold and unfortunately, you kind of still have it. You got another round of antibiotics for re-infected (or just still infected?) ears before we went to North Carolina, and your nose has basically been running with various degrees of intensity since mid-March. Both Dad and I — and you, I imagine — are getting really tired of your never-ending cough and congestion and are ready to see you shake it off for good. Fortunately, the runny nose doesn’t seem to keep you down much and you continue to be your happy, giggly self.
Every time I change your diaper, I find myself looking at several family photos that are hanging above your dresser/changing table. Two of them were taken in your first month of life and oh my goodness, Charlotte — were you ever really that tiny? I can hardly believe it!
I remember last September so well and yet it also seems so far in the past. It’s a little mind-blowing that you’ve already been with us for two-thirds of a year, but also a little difficult to remember what life was like before you came along.
I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Love,
Mama
Jennifer says
I am continually amazed at how long bri”s nose will run for. The colds kind of run together.
Kathleen says
Love that picture of the two of them in the shopping car–and the over-the-shoulder shot at the end. So sweet!