The Story of Charlotte (WASHINGTON)

We made it!! Home Sweet Home. And I mean that in all caps. I don't think Dana and I have ever been so happy to see our little abode. It helped that Mom and Dad were at our house for a few days so it was spotless and they left us the most tremendous welcome back gifts. Some of the clothes were honestly lifesavers. Kristina also made the cutest blankets.

And then we settled in. Ha ha! Okay not really. Everyone told us two was vastly different and man were they right. We are finding out that Clark and Charlotte are really different babies. Clark was a sleeper; Charlotte is more alert.  Clark loved being wrapped, she wants her arms out. Clark didn't want to be held and - you guessed it- little miss never wants to be put down:) Both excellent babies, however. 

Okay random picture time:

Oh that hair. It was a straight up faux hawk for the first week. We couldn't get it to stay down no matter what. This purple outfit is my favorite. It's a little golf buddy onesie with a ruffle butt. Her first time on the mat on her tummy she just laid there and fell fast asleep. So funny. 

The first really good photo of her eyes being open. And then fast asleep again.

1st bath. Like Clark, she loves baths and adores being wrapped up. Honestly, they look so similar here that it just takes me right back. My babies are beautiful. And sleeping on Dad is always a hit.

So we got home and then arrived a cadre of women (and some men) pounding down our doors to see Charlotte. We had so many meals which was totally unexpected and so needed. Seriously, never say no to free meals from women who know how to cook. We are so grateful for our ward.

The Thursday after we got home, Trish and Lisa threw the most amazing baby shower. Yes, they are incredible! It was a hot summer day so we had the party outside in Trish's backyard and we had ice cream sundae's because why not? Unfortunately, it got really cold around 7ish and I of course didn't bring any blankets so we casually ripped open a present early and wrapped Charlotte up in a cute fuzzy pink parka from Kim Ireton.

Kristina was able to come down with Natalie and when we got there Lisa had Annie (born June 30th), Nicole had Damon (born June 29th), and Heather had Ruth (born July 1st). We were only missing baby girl Bodine (born July 2nd) and we would have had all 5 babies born in the Moxee ward within 5 days of each other. Are we baby central or what?!

So all the presents were so cute. Lizzie made you sweet hair bows and you got so many onesies. Trish got you a "Worth It" onesie and a tutu. We got diapers and gift cards and blankets and ruffle bottoms. This girl stuff is great! But maybe the cutest gift was the little pink ballerina bag from the Crane's that was holding a gift card. I can't wait to see Charlotte turn that into a little purse someday.


We had her two week appointment with Dr. Simms at their new office. She didn't make a peep but she also refused to open her eyes when he tried to check them out. Not. Gonna. Happen. She checked out perfectly. I did have to hold her for that horrible heel prick test and she screamed during that but settled down pretty quickly. She's a full 19 inches long and now weighs 7 lbs 14 oz. Growing strong...and a little faster than Clark at that age. She might be taller than him:)

Some other funny things. She has guns just like Clark (must be a Marshallese thing). She enjoys bibs and because she is a much more spit uppy baby (that's a word I'm sure) she gets to wear them all the time.

Friday after the baby shower we went to a goodbye party for Rachel at Sheila's house. It was a cry fest but Charlotte and Annie made it a little more chipper. As usual, she was perfect and slept the whole time...in Sheila's arms...no, no, just in Sheila's arms cause she wouldn't put her down:)

Then on the following Tuesday I had a APYW meeting and decided to give Dad a night off so I brought little lady along. Just thought her outfit was cute so I took a photo. Yes that's a bow in her hair. I'm trying but she's not a super fan of the bows yet. Ben Barfus spent the whole time holding her. I'm sensing a theme of her being one coveted baby.


And that was the first two weeks. She slept great. Going down around 11. Getting up at 2AM and then 6:30. I went back to work part time and missed her every second. Dana adjusted to having to juggle two little people who can poop and cry simultaneously. We're getting through it...and loving every minute.