Ruby Rubes and Charlotte Too!: September 2011

Now before I get started on my last regular blog post of Charlie's first year, let me say this, "*SIGH*." OK, I'm ready. I've been putting off this post a little bit because of how unexpectedly emotional I've been about my baby turning one. Don't get me wrong, I love the little person she's turned out the be and you can be dang sure that I don't miss the all-nighters from the newborn stage but this is my last baby, turning one, this is major stuff! :)

Man, do I love this kid. For the first 6 months or so, Doug and I thought she was going to be our laid back baby, the easy going one, the breather after the *ahem* challenging but oh-so-delightful and smart one. Well, then Charlie decided she wanted to have a personality of her own. And we couldn't imagine anything better. She is feisty, she knows what she wants, she's smart, she's determined, she's loving and she's a little bit loco (in the best kind of way)! Charlie is pretty possessive of my arms and lap and if Ruby is sitting on me, she'll come over and try to push her off/claw her eyes out/bite her in no particular order. But then a few minutes later they'll be kissing and playing babies. I guess that's "sisterly love". Ruby is soooo great with her and often calls her "sweetie". They are starting to play together more and more and it's my all time favorite thing to watch. Charlie just soaks in everything Ruby does and then imitates her. Watching them both push their strollers with babies in them around the living room is so cute.

Charlie is a pretty coordinated and athletic baby, she runs around now at full speed and actually jumps in the air and lands back down on her feet. Her favorite new hobby is twirling around in circles until she gets dizzy and falls down, we're hoping that phase goes by quickly! Charlie loves bath time, wagon rides, doggies, ice cream, her big sister and of course, buddy. Buddy makes everything right in the world. Note to self: get a back-up buddy! Charlie's all-time favorite thing to do is read books. First thing she does every morning when we take her downstairs is go right to the book basket and pulls out a book and brings it to us to read. She looks at books all throughout the day, I love it!

This past year seems like it went by both really fast and really slow at the same time. I feel so blessed that I now have 2 beautiful, smart, funny, happy daughters and one really amazing husband. Life is good.

For Charlie from Mommy:
This year has been wonderful, this year has been fun;
It seemed like I turned around and then you were one;
I know you'll grow up and I'll lose my charms;
But please don't get too big to fit in my arms.

Your heart is tender and your will is strong;
Don't let anyone change you or tell you it's wrong;
I love you, you're perfect, just as you are;
I just know in the future, you'll reach for a star.

So good-bye to weeks 1 through 52;
It's hard to believe you were once so new;
I promise to love you the best that I can;
I've promised you this since your tiny life began.