A little bragging....

When Kevin and I decided that I would go "part/part" time at my job and stay home with Charlotte, one of my main fears involved the kitchen and cooking. Before now, Kevin has always done the majority of the cooking and I was more the cleaner;) I am proud to say I am improving and have cooked some pretty tasty things. I think I am most proud of the baby food I have been making for Charlotte. So far I have made: carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, peaches and the most yummy roasted bananas and blueberries! It's a great way to use all this amazing produce summer brings us. Next on the menu is roasted summer squash!

Milestone update
Pulling up to stand on all surfaces she can reach
Making raspberries with her lips
Crawling everywhere
 Enjoying turning the pages of her books
Starting to get a little sassy when told "no" or something she wants is taken away ;)

Loath of the week
I attempted to take Charlotte to story time at the library and when we get there I discovered that summer session was over and fall sessions do not start till September:( Major annoyance!

Love of the week
Earlier this week I lost my phone...it was gone for 5 days but yesterday I FOUND IT!!! I had put it in my coupon sleeve and had not thought to check that. I was running errands, looking for a coupon and found my phone instead! Love of the month!!!

Shame

Well I officially am not good at keeping up with this blog! I always have every intention and then I do something else!
To catch up on Charlotte milestones...
- Not one but TWO bottom teeth have arrived :)
-CRAWLING!!!
-can push herself into the sitting position
-Trying more and more foods....she is keeping the trend of disliking all things green!  Peas/Green Beans and Avocado all make her pretty much gag and make the funniest faces!
-The month of July was packed with "firsts" for Charlotte!

• Trip to Ohio State Fair--loved the petting zoo and was fearless! I was much more apprehensive of the animals then she was!
• Loving swimming at the pool
• Trip to Chicago with us for a long weekend....we had a great time and saved some things to do the next time we visit!
• Trip to Madisonville Ky to visit the Robinson fam! It was a great visit with lots of quality time with GiGi, Great Granddaddy and Great Aunt Linda!  
• Visit from Grandma Linda and Uncle Joe! Lots of fun and giggles!
• Went to her 3rd wedding! This is one busy baby!
• Participated in her first 5K! My whole family ran/walked in a 5K to raise money to cure cystic fibrosis for a little girl my parents know. A fun time for a great cause!

As I am writing and reflecting on all the things we did this month I am seeing just how busy life can get! I would do it all over again but at times I think it is so very important to slow down and remember and celebrate the little things.


Along that line, I have been working hard to get our house organized and to simplify our lives...I am making definite progress but not quite there yet!


Loath of the Week
I have been walking with Charlotte and my mom/Kevin and have started to experience soreness in my ankles which is so very annoying! I have iced them and done some stretching so lets hope this week goes better!


Love of the Week
Kevin and I decided that since almost all major holidays in our family occur in December (my bday, our anniversary, Christmas and now Charlotte's bday) we are going to celebrate my bday in August!  I am so very very excited because this Friday we will be going out to dinner followed by sitting FRONT ROW CENTER at JOSH GROBAN!!!! I have loved his music forever and cannot wait to spend this special night with my amazing husband! My parents are gracious enough to keep Charlotte for us overnight so we can go! 

Photos of backyard landscaping as promised!

 Kevin's confirmation present from me! St. Francis of Assisi.....love him in the ferns

These are pic of our visitors we found on our back porch...needless to say we no longer keep the bird seed back there!