What a Goof!

Here is just one of the many pictures taken from Charlie's one-year photo shoot. I just love this one because it shows who he really is...just a little goofball!

To Us!

For those of you who are regulars to this blog, you may have noticed a change in the music selection. Well, the change is to honor a very special day. Today marks the four year anniversary of the day that Nick and I got married. Our first dance as husband and wife was to "When I fall in Love". I have always loved the lyrics to this song. When it came time to choose a song for our first dance, we knew that we wanted something classic. The words to the song say it all.

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I know that most of you check the blog to hear all about Charlie, but today is all about Nick and me. So, feel free to check your Facebook account or log in to your e-mail instead of reading any further....I will totally understand.

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The Story of Us

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Nick and I started as friends our Freshman year at UGA. Actually, I did not really like him very much. My first encounter with him was not a very pleasant one. He was in a hurry to go out with his friends, and I was slowing him down and talking too much (not a lot has changed :o)). I forgave him for his rude behavior after our first meeting, and we continued to hang out together with all of our friends. At the time, we were both seeing other people, so a relationship was out of the question. During the summer between Freshman and Sophomore year, we both found ourselves single. This meant a lot more time to hang out with our group of friends and a lot more time to get to know each other. At first, we spent our time together complaining about our ex's. But, after a while, our conversations veered away from old boyfriends and girlfriends, and I realized how much I loved talking to him. It was so easy and he was the nicest, most sincere guy I had ever met. At that point, there was something more than just friendship between us. It took a trip to Key West for spring break to change our friend status to dating. After months of flirting and joking about dating, Nick and I finally had a serious talk about starting a relationship. From that day, March 5, 2000, Nick and I have been together.

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Like every couple, we have had our share of highs and lows. I have to say that of all the years of marriage, this one has been the toughest. Nick and I LOVE being parents, but it has taken some adjusting when it comes to our relationship. It has been hard to focus on "us" with Charlie around. For that very reason, I am making an anniversary resolution: I will be a better wife by making more time for us and focusing more on the good things in our life together.

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Happy Anniversary to US!!!

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The following is a photo montage of our relationship. Some of the photos are pre-digital camera, so excuse the poor quality.

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March 2000

September 2000

June 2003

March 2005

May 2007

May 2008

January 2009

Charlie's Stats

Now that we have a big boy on our hands, I decided it was probably time to update Charlie's Stats on the right-hand side of the blog. Check out the changes in our little guy's life when you get a chance.

One Year Check-up

After a not-so-great year with Charlie's pediatrician, I made the decision to look for a new doctor. We have been going to Roswell Pediatrics, and I never felt that it was a good fit for us. It is a very large practice, and they did not support my decision to use an alternative vaccine schedule for Charlie. I was often made to feel like a burden and a selfish parent for choosing to do something that I felt was right for my child. On two separate occasions, I informed my doctor about current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics that she was not aware of. I have to tell you, that DID NOT inspire confidence.

I am happy to report that we found a new pediatrician thanks to our friends, Kelly and Amy. They have been taking their children to Preston Ridge Pediatrics to see Dr. Douglass. I heard so many wonderful things about Dr. Douglass, so I decided to go and meet her and take a tour of the office. I could tell right away that she was the type of doctor we needed. She has three young children of her own, an easy-going personality, and an infectious smile. I called to have our records transferred the very next day.

Yesterday, Charlie got to meet Dr. Douglass for the first time at his one year check-up. I was so impressed with the way she handled Charlie. Our appointment felt more like a visit with a friend. She told me that Charlie is doing great, and that he is hitting all of his developmental milestones. We also found out that Charlie weighs 21 lbs, 14 oz (35th percentile), is 29 inches long (19th percentile), and has a head circumference of 48 cm (90th percentile). It is always such a blessing when Charlie gets a clean bill of health.

Sweet Dreams My Love

I cannot help sneaking into Charlie's room to watch him while he sleeps at night. It literally warms my heart to see his little body curled up in his blanket and his sweet face. This is my favorite time of the day. I took a picture tonight so that everyone can see just how precious my little love really is. Am I a lucky mommy, or what?

Duathlon Daddy

Nick completed his first duathlon last Saturday. The race consisted of a 5 mile trail run with a 14 mile mountain bike ride. Unfortunately, the weather was horrible! It was freezing and very rainy. Nick came home covered in mud from head to toe. Charlie and I were so proud of him for hanging in there and completing the race despite the nasty weather. Go Daddy!

Nick's not-so-happy face after the race

A pile of very muddy clothing in our garage

Holy red clay!!!

Caught on Tape

Here are the first steps that we have been able to catch on tape. He is crying because I won't give him the camera. What a goober!

Cruisin'

Charlie L-O-V-E-S his walker (thank you again, Auntie Dani and Uncle Walker)! It is usually in his playroom, but I brought it upstairs to make space for his birthday party. He discovered it while I was doing laundry the other day. I swear he walked in and out of all of the rooms upstairs for at least 20 minutes. He spotted the walker after his bath and insisted on one last lap around the house before retiring for the night.

PS - Changing Charlie's diaper is now an Olympic event. He twists, squirms, cries, etc. the entire time. That is why his onesie is unsnapped in the video. I know is looks ridiculous, but I pick my battles wisely.

Party Time

We celebrated Charlie's 1st birthday today with our families. We decided to keep the party small so that we could enjoy ourselves, and boy am I glad we did. Charlie was a bit overwhelmed by all of the attention. Luckily, we had plenty of people to try to keep him in good spirits. He is certainly a very loved little man!



Charlie got some fun new toys and LOTS of books to read. Like most kids, he was a bit more interested in the boxes and envelopes than he was in the actual gifts. After gifts, it was time for cake. The poor thing was terrified when everyone starting singing "Happy Birthday" to him. All was forgiven when we cut him a piece of cake. After a few seconds of hesitation, he dove right in and ended up picking the entire piece up and shoving it in his mouth. He LOVED his cake and would have eaten the whole piece if we would have let him. Watching him eat the cake was by far the best part of the party. He was so happy and could not wipe the look of delight off of his face.



Here are some of the pictures from the big day. I had a hard time keeping up with the camera and the birthday boy at the same time. Fortunately, Charlie's aunties are like the paparazzi, so I will have plenty of pictures from them.

Birthday Decorations

Birthday Lunch and Cake

Giddy-Up Grandaddy

It's my birthday, Grandma!

Grandpa and Auntie M make great play pals.

Look at all of Charlie's loot!

This stuff is the best!

Hip, Hip, Hooray for cake!!!

Happy 1st Birthday, Charlie!!!

Charlie turned one on Saturday. I made a big breakfast for my boys, and then we spent the rest of the day as a family and hung out around the house getting ready for the birthday party today. I tried to get pictures of Charlie in his "Birthday Boy" shirt, but he wasn't in a picture taking mood. The shots below are the best I could manage.



This month, like all the rest, has been filled with changes for our little man. He has taken his first steps and can stand without support for up to a minute. Charlie is becoming more and more vocal. We haven't heard the first official word yet, but he baby talks to himself and us non-stop. The other day, he picked up a book and started babbling and turning the pages as if he was reading it out loud. He is also figuring out all of his toys. Nick and I don't have to show him how something works. It is so neat watching him concentrate and problem solve until he figures out how to do something.



As Charlie's birthday approached, I could not help thinking back on this time last year...Nick and I counting the days until my due date...daydreaming about what Charlie would look like...going into labor...seeing my son for the first time. It seems so surreal now. I knew that our lives would change once Charlie was born, but I never imagined just how much. He has brought so much love, purpose, and peace into our lives. Nick and I are forever grateful for our son, and we could not love him more. Happy 1st Birthday, Baby!!!

Birthday Breakfast

The Birthday Boy

I'm 1 today!!!

Look at my cool shirt.

The Shaw Family