On the Road Again

We had another fun family trip over the weekend. This time we took off to Charlotte to visit Charlie's Uncle Andy (Nick's best friend) and his family. We spent our time catching up, eating great food, and playing at the lake. Charlie was passed around by all of the Peterson women on Saturday and felt very loved. Andy and his girlfriend, Amy, were fabulous hosts! We can't wait to go back.

On our way home, we stopped in SC to get gas and feed Peanut. When we were ready to hit the road again, we realized that the car wasn't. That's right...the car wouldn't start. I have to say that I was very impressed with how well Nick handled the situation. He was on his best behavior in front of the little guy. Within 5 minutes of opening the hood, we had three different offers for help. It is amazing what a cute baby can get you! In all seriousness, it was very reassuring to know that when in need, you really can depend on the kindness of strangers.

Uncle Andy...and his cool hair do

Grandma Linda loved kissing Charlie

Tuckered out from a fun trip

Funny Faces

Okay, so I have to admit, I think my child is just about the funniest, cutest, and most advanced baby on the planet. Over the last few days Charlie has started making a very funny face. He sort of smacks his lips together while moaning. He has realized that every time he does this it makes mommy and daddy smile and laugh. What a quick learner! I have tried to capture this silly expression on video, but I am not fast enough. Have I mentioned that Nick and I LOVE this kid?!?!

Fab Five

Am I a cool cat, or what?

Little Bunny Foo Foo

What's up, Pup?

I love my jumperoo!!!

Peanut is five months old. Everyone told us that the first year would fly by, but we never imagined it would go this fast. He is almost halfway to his first birthday, and it feels like he was just born. Charlie is more of a little person every day. One of the biggest changes this past month has been in his coordination. He has gone from batting at toys to picking them up and being able to truly manipulate them. He is getting so close to being able to put his pacifier back into his mouth (a huge relief for mommy). He will work on it for quite a while before getting frustrated. A few times he has successfully popped it back in.

He loves to watch Samson and will lean forward to touch him. Samson doesn't really seem to notice Charlie, but I am sure that will all change once the little man is scooting around the house. Charlie wants everything that we have. He has started grabbing at the phone, remote, pen, keyboard, or anything else that he sees us touching. He is so curious and wants to explore everything. If he hears something, he will twist and bend to see where the sound is coming from. He loves to play, but his favorite thing is being held. He is a people person, and loves to be close to his daddy and me. His face lights up when he sees either one of us walk into the room. Let me tell you, that is the BEST feeling in the world!

A few months ago, I started worrying about Charlie's fussiness and lack of sleep. I brought it up to his doctor a number of times, but nothing really came of it. We tried medicine for reflux, but that didn't seem to make a difference. Once he cut his first two teeth, I thought that his mood and sleep might get better. When they didn't, I decided to go back to the doctor and plead our case. The doctor gave us a new prescription to help with his stomach last week. I am happy to report that since starting the meds he has been sleeping 10+ hours at night. We went from waking on an hourly basis to sleeping the entire night in one day! Not only that, but he is in much better spirits during the day. Needless to say, we are thrilled!

We have realized that Charlie is ticklish on his sides. Here is a video of the little guy having a good laugh.

Small World

Recently I was reading my new friend's blog. As I glanced at a picture that Stacey had posted of the the girls from her bible study, I saw two familiar faces from my past. Meet Abby and her mom, Rose.
I taught Abby during my second year at Big Creek. She is now getting ready to start 8th grade and has grown into a beautiful young lady. I love all of the students that I have taught, but Abby was one of the special ones. She left Big Creek after 3rd grade but always made an effort to stop by to see me and keep in touch. As a teacher, it is the most rewarding feeling to have a former student come back to see you.

Thanks to Stacey, we all got together for dinner to catch up. It was wonderful introducing Abby and Charlie. The little man wasn't in the best mood, but he did allow us a few pictures before he completely melted down.

The last time I saw Rose, I was being fitted for my wedding dress. She was there as a bridesmaid. We realized tonight that she was at the dress shop with Stacey for her wedding. How crazy is that?

You Are My Sunshine

You are my sunshine

My only sunshine

You make me happy

When skies are grey

You'll never know dear

How much I love you

Please don't take my sunshine away

The other night dear

I lay there sleeping

I dreamed I held you in my arms

But when I woke dear

My arms were empty

So I hung my head down and cried

These are the lyrics that I just sang to Charlie a dozen plus times in order to calm him down before going to bed tonight. I sang this song to him a lot when we first brought him home. Now, I sing it whenever he gets upset, and it usually calms him down quickly. I have tried singing other songs to him, but this one seems to be his favorite.