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365 days later...

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I'm sitting here on the couch. Charlotte is upstairs down for a nap and Melissa is downstairs in our bed also taking a nap. 365 days ago both of the girls in my life deserved a long nice nap after what they went through. See these posts if you want to catch up one, two, three & four.

Today we took some time to celebrate Charlotte's first birthday as a family. We packed up the car with some supplies and headed to a local park to enjoy the mid's 70's weather. Here are some of the shots from the day starting off with what will be the last installment of the month onesies. Enjoy...I know we did!

Here's our new wagon that Charlotte got from Unta and Grammy (Melissa's parents) for her birthday all loaded down with our picnic supplies...and Charlotte of course.

Charlotte loves taking rides in this thing. It gives her a chance to look at everything.

The birthday girl seems happy on her picnic blanket.

It was warm outside and Charlotte drained her whole sippy cup by the time we headed home.

Here's some of the picnic spread sponsored by Subway and Diet Pepsi.

Charlotte's plate of chicken and cheese...her favorite.

Daddy even let Charlotte have some of the meatballs from his sub.

Mommy sharing her chocolate chip cookie.

And the aftermath.

Some obligatory pictures on her baby quilt.

She didn't like the feel of the grass and twigs on her knees so she learned how to elephant walk just like that.

A couple of shots with Charlotte in a dress. Yes, we brought wardrobe changes for photo's sake.

A great shot with mommy. Charlotte may be getting a little tired at this point.

And one with daddy.

Sitting big on a park bench.

I love this one a lot.

I think she's gonna give us a run for our money down the road, but she is so much fun right now.

I know its cliche to say that this past year flew by, but it did. Almost a year ago to the hour as I'm writing this Charlotte was getting ready to make her big debut. So today we celebrate surviving as parents, but most of all the beautiful little girl that Charlotte is becoming. Thanks for stopping by and sharing this day with us.

-jay

 

snow is here and quickly melting

Today I really lucked out.  It was nice that the weather decided to cooperate with us this time.  Students were already out today and teachers have a work day...all we needed was just a little snow, timed perfectly!  And it happened.  I quickly took these shots because I could hear that everything was beginning to melt and quickly!  I really love all the sounds of snow, the complete silence as it is falling and the crazy drip drops as it is melting.  I have a feeling that this is the first and last snow of the season.  I know that I have already given up on winter and was about to pull out the flip flops...I think these little lady daffodils were confused as well!

Because the snow and Charlotte were so quickly melting/melting down this morning we did not venture out into the white stuff.  This is all C got to do, gaze out the door with her measuring tape.  Don't all 11 month olds carry around a measuring tape all morning?

Enjoy your day, I have an unexpected day of opportunity to get some projects checked off my list, including a party dress for a soon to be one year old!

-melissa

 

if i was a flower growing wild and free...

If I was a flower growing wild and free All I'd want is you to be my sweet honey bee. And if I was a tree growing tall and green All I'd want is you to shade me and be my leaves.

If you were a river in the mountains tall, The rumble of your water would be my call. If you were the winter, I know I'd be the snow Just as long as you were with me, when the cold winds blow.

If you were a wink, I'd be a nod If you were a seed, well I'd be a pod. If you were the floor, I'd wanna be the rug And if you were a kiss, I know I'd be a hug.

If you were the wood, I'd be the fire. If you were the love, I'd be the desire. If you were a castle, I'd be your moat, And if you were an ocean, I'd learn to float.

Happy Valentines Day from our family to yours!