This afternoon it was actually pretty nice outside at our house. Stella and I played in the front yard. She helped me rake up some debris (with her new pink rake), we played with her sidewalk chalk and we kicked around her soccer ball. Charlotte cooperated by taking a nap on the front porch. All of us enjoyed being out of the house and getting some fresh air!
Charlotte smiled once for me last week and once for Andy on Thursday...however, this weekend she was all smiles! Here's one I happened to catch on camera.
It was pretty nice here this evening. The four of us went out to dinner, stopped at the park on the way home, and then hung out in the yard afterwards. Lazy evening at the Wade house.
Yes, the hair dryer was on HIGH. She loves the sound. No need to be quiet near this one...the hair dryer, coffee grinder, vent fans, etc. put her at ease and usually to sleep!
To me, Mommy Guilt is worse than Catholic Guilt. You are always second-guessing yourself about the choices you make about your children. And especially when you go AGAINST what all the current books and research state. Charlotte is a stomach sleeper. A GOOD stomach sleeper. As some of you know from reading a previous post, we discovered this for her daytime naps. However, due to Mommy Guilt, I would not put her on her stomach in her crib at night even though that's what our parents did due to the advice at that time and we all turned out just fine. Today, all the research and doctors and nurses and even the burp cloth they send you home with from the hospital say "PUT BABY TO SLEEP ON BACK". Charlotte slept reclined in her papasan chair instead (if you put her flat on her back she SCREAMED and SCREAMED and SCREAMED). But then I discovered the Angel Care Monitor. A friend used it for their baby who had reflux and had to sleep on his stomach. The Angel Care Monitor senses the movement of breathing and an alarm actually goes off if the baby stops breathing. We borrowed our friends and gave it a try. Charlotte is sleeping like a champ in her crib...last night from 9 pm to 3 am. The Guilt is GONE...This is a video...Stella got this puppy toy for Christmas. Since we watch "My Friends Tigger and Pooh", it has recently been named "Buster" since it looks like the dog on the show.
In order to get rid of MY baby weight, I add Charlotte's 10 lbs of baby weight and push Stella's 20+ lbs of baby weight for my evening walks. The hills in my neighborhood are fierce...my heart rate definitely accelerates!! Hopefully my lbs will drop quickly...my "transition" (aka bigger sizes) work pants don't fit yet!
Stella got some new sunglasses...however, she doesn't understand that they are for outside use.
Charlotte was one month old on Sunday! Here are some pictures from the last couple of days. We went to the pediatrician this morning. She weighs 9 lb. 9 oz. and is 21 1/2 inches long. This is only 1 ounce less than Stella weighed at her TWO month appointment! Stella remains in the 5th percentile for weight/height...Charlotte is in the 75th percentile!!!
Just a quick picture of Stella checking in on baby Charlotte. It's cute to see Stella get on her tip-toes and peek into the pack 'n play.
With the warmer weather this week, I've been able to keep the front door open. There is a basketball goal in our cul-de-sac and all of the neighborhood kids have been out and about. Stella is their groupie. Whenever she sees the door open or hears them, she camps out and watches. She gives me the play-by-play..."ball", "outside", "puppy barking", etc. For awhile she was actually sitting on the front door mat, but we didn't get the camera quick enough. She and I did sit on the front porch for quite awhile watching everyone. 
Today was beautiful in Cincinnati, so we decided to pack up this morning and head to the zoo. Stella is still obsessed with all animals...she had a lot of fun!
Our neighbors met us there. Andy got some practice hauling two kids around in the wagon.
Everyone enjoyed the new giraffe exhibit.
Baby Charlotte didn't get much out of the zoo other than a nap and some fresh air.
It was one of those surprising visits when the animals are actually out AND moving around!
This lion even ROARED numerous times for us. Stella said, "Wow!"
The video says it all. I'm afraid Charlotte is trying to be just like her big sister in every way...including colic. Today was a day full of cries. I hope it's not a sign of what's to come over the next few weeks. I tried everything - feeding her, changing her, bathing her, giving her the pacifier, putting her in the swing, rocking her myself, etc. All I got in return were more cries. She eventually wore herself out and is now (FINALLY) taking an afternoon nap after being up all day. I'm hoping my reward will be that she is so exhausted she'll sleep most of the night. You are saying, "Sure, that'll happen", but it did with Stella, so I have hope!!!
Everyone had a great time over the weekend. Stella loved spending time with Mamaw and Pops!Here is another video! Three this week. I am playing "catch up". This video is from Valentine's Day. Stella has been learning how to use a napkin properly. Enjoy!
