Keeping up with the Kellys: February 2014

Dear Charlotte,

This time last year I was in full waddle mode, running after a very active 20 month old and wondering how I was going to manage with a newborn and your sister. Eleven months later, I can’t imagine my life, our lives, without you. Your sweet personality, your million dollar smile, those open-mouth kisses and the joy I see through your eyes on a daily basis. It’s been a crazy eleven months, but in the best sort of way.

You went from 0 to 60 this month, adding four teeth (for a total of six), starting to speed crawl (you are FAST!) and you’re starting to pull up on anything and everything. You even look different with your longer hair, those pearly whites, and the devilish grin you have! At daycare you sit tall among the other babies and it’s hard to believe that you’re a short-timer in the infant room, in just a month or so you’ll be walking (or maybe still crawling) among the “big kids.” I’m not sure where my little baby went, and although you’re still more than willing to give me snuggles, it’s not long before you see something that needs investigating or exploring.

You are into everything. And I mean everything. Shoes, the cats’ food and water, a pile of clothing, the diaper station, the trash cans, the laundry room. You name it and you need to be in the thick of it. The world is truly your oyster and you are dead set on exploring every single inch. You can cross a room on all fours faster than I can turn around and are always SO proud of yourself, flashing that big, and now toothy, grin. We’ve also started to see some sibling rivalry rear its ugly head now that you’re more mobile. Anna is no longer safe to play a distance away from you with her coveted toys, and even in a room full of your own toys, whatever she has is bigger and much better. You want to be just like her, and although it’s adorable to us, it’s not always adorable to your big sister. You get lots of Mommy-only time with nursing, so I’ve made an effort to give Anna the same each day, even if it’s just working a puzzle together or reading a few books.

Speaking of nursing; we’re still at it, but we’re getting close to weaning and you love table food. We’ve started to expand your palette outside of purees and are exploring lots of table foods cut into small pieces. You’re a girl after my own heart with your love of carbs – any and all bread. You also love fruit, most veggies, and cheese. Really, there’s nothing we’ve given you that you’ve shunned. You’re not necessarily a graceful eater, more of a “don’t’ want to miss a bite” kind of gal, generally shoving everything you can into that little mouth as fast as you can. You love to grab a handful of food and then turn your little fist into a funnel, popping in a few bites at a time; mimicking how my Papa used to eat peanuts. You don’t like protein purees (at all!), so we’re skipping those and moving on to “real meat” and other sources of protein. It’s such a treat to be in this stage where all food is new and exciting, versus your sister who eats like a bird at some meals and a horse at others with zero consistency. I’m not sure if you’ll turn into an accidental vegetarian too, but for now we’ll just keep loading that high chair tray and watch in amazement.

We’ve had A LOT of snow so far this winter and that means we haven’t been able to get out of the house and do quite as much as we’d like. You have, however, loved touching the snow (and eating it from the sensory table at school) and love watching out the window as Daddy and Anna shovel or build a snowman and can’t wait to be in the middle of the action. You love your Daddy so much and already have your special games and inside jokes. He can get you to laugh like no one else, and when he called during a long work trip last week, your face literally lit up when you heard his voice. It won’t be long before both of you girls are bundled up building a snowman or heading off with a sled.

Your little personality continues to win the hearts of everyone. You’re sweet and gentle and are already showing empathy and compassion to your friends at school. You rarely cry; we mostly hear little fusses here and there to let us know you need more food or want a specific toy. But, man, you’re not afraid to let us know when you’re upset and have this “yay yay yay” “yell” that you’ll belt out. It’s as funny as it is serious and it’s usually when we’ve taken away one of Anna’s toys. You get a red face as you’re yelling at us and start to squirm in an effort to make your point and we usually all end up laughing together. On the flip side, you LOVE to give us kisses and will do so almost on command. Yes, they are open mouthed and slobbery, but any of us would sit there all day every day getting them if we could. And, nothing is sweeter than when you nuzzle that little head on my chest for a rest. Nothing.

I can’t tell you how much fun the last 11 months have been, you’ve brought a whole new light and life to our home and I have loved watching you grow. I look back at your newborn pictures from the first few months, and although you’ve always been a sweetheart, you’ve really come into your own and found your personality. Your Dad and I talk about the plans we have for you and your sister and what we think you’ll do or become later in life, but we also talk about how much fun we have with you every single day. Please don’t ever lose your zeal and zest for life, please keep me on my toes, please keep loving with everything you’ve got … and don’t ever stop giving me hugs and kisses!

Love,

Mom