Special Visitors and a Family Hike

We had some special visitors last week. Charlie's Great-uncle Keith came from Virginia to meet him for the first time. Nick's mom's side of the family came over for lunch on Saturday, and we all had a chance to catch up. The next day we met at Great-uncle Chris' house for a barbecue. It was great sharing Charlie with all of his family.

Last year, Nick started hiking with friends. He really enjoyed this new hobby, and was excited to share it with Charlie on Memorial Day weekend. The whole family took a trip Vickery Creek Nature Preserve to take a two mile hike. It was perfect for Charlie because most of the hike was shaded. He really enjoyed riding in his carrier with Daddy. It was a beautiful day and a fun family outing.

Uncle Chris and Peanut sitting in the shade.

I LOVE Auntie Vicki!!!

Look at those baby blues.

The Boys

Samson decided to cool off by the waterfall.

Busy, Busy Boy

Charlie has been one busy kiddo this past week. We have been movin' and shakin' all over town. Here are some pictures of Charlie's latest adventures. Check out the May photo album to see even more pics!

Charlie had a play date with his buddy, Collin, last Thursday. The boys are too cute together, and it is a great time for the mommies to chat about our growing boys! Charlie and Collin are going to meet some other babies at a new playgroup today. Hopefully they will make some new friends.

I celebrated my very first Mother's Day on Sunday. It couldn't have been a more perfect day. Nick and Charlie treated me to a manicure and pedicure, and we had a delicious brunch at my parents' house. To say that I feel blessed is an understatement. My life feels so complete now that I am Charlie's mommy.

On Tuesday we went to Zoo Atlanta with our friends, the McCormicks. Charlie and Cooper slept through a lot of the excitement, but Marlee really enjoyed seeing all of the animals. Here is a picture of the little diva rocking a pair of shades!

We had some very special visitors after our zoo trip. The Norris girls stopped by to meet Charlie for the first time. Sue is a good friend from Big Creek, and Kelly is one of the sweetest students I have ever taught. Charlie loved staring at Kelly...I think he has found a new girlfriend!

The Cullinan Crew stopped by to visit with us on Wednesday. Staci, Owen, Gavin, and Kara loved on Charlie for a long time. Gavin and Owen were such big boys as they each held Charlie, and Kara gave him dozens of hugs...ADORABLE! It is so crazy to think that I held the boys and Kara when they were Charlie's size, and now look at how big they are! It makes you realize how fast time goes by and that you need to enjoy every moment.

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As you can see, we are keeping very busy! I am in love with being a mom, and I feel so fortunate that I am able to stay at home with our little man and enjoy these special moments with friends and family. The past two months have just flown by, and Charlie is getting so big so fast. In fact, he had his 2 month check up last week as well. He is 11 lbs, 3 oz and 23 inches long. He is healthy, happy, and very loved!!!!!

Two WHOLE Months

Today is Charlie's 2 month birthday! The time has flown by since we brought him home, and he has grown and changed so much. His personality is really starting to come through, and he has become very playful and attentive. He loves to smile and talk. His babbling has picked up, and it is so funny watching him talk to his toys or his reflection in the mirror. He has discovered his hands recently and is starting to bat at his toys and our faces when we talk to him. He loves to suck on his right fist and has learned to self-sooth quite well. Charlie's neck has gotten so strong. He will be holding his head up on his own any day now. His hair is falling out more and more each day. Bald spots cover his head, and he now shares a receding hairline with his daddy. Nick and I are so fortunate that Charlie is such a good sleeper. He is awake a lot during the day, taking a few cat naps here and there. But at night, he sleeps like a champ. He averages 6-7 hours during the night, which is wonderful for everyone!

Charlie and I are slowly getting into a routine during the day. He eats every three hours on the dot, which makes it a lot easier to go out and get things done. Charlie isn't a big fan of his car seat, so we are still keeping our outings brief. We have joined a Mom and Me group that meets on Fridays as well as another playgroup for mommies and kiddos in our area. We have been taking advantage of the beautiful spring weather and are heading to the park for walks as much as we can. It is interesting walking Samson and the baby at the same time. As you can see, we keep pretty busy during the week. In a few weeks, I hope to start a music class with Charlie as well.

Here are some recent pictures of the little guy. Check out our April 2008 Album to see what Charlie did last month.

I am 2 months old!

Suck, suck, suck...

This bug is a riot!

Look at me holding my head up like a big boy.

Just hanging out in my bouncy seat

A Picnic in the Park

Charlie had his first picnic today with his friend, Asher. We went to Wills Park and found a nice spot in the shade where the boys could lounge together. We met Asher and his mom, Lisa, at our Mom-and-Me Connection group on Fridays. Asher is a week and a half older than Charlie. He is already holding his head up and just got done rolling over in this picture. Charlie was taking lessons from his new buddy!

Asher, you are sooo funny!

Chillin' in the shade