I realized when I was going through my last batch of photos that it has been a while (as in weeks) since I have really taken any pictures of Charlotte. I can't believe she is already 5 1/2 weeks old...it feels like it's been 2 days! I attribute part of that to sleep deprivation though. Every day just rolls into the next and I've been so busy that I haven't stopped to count the days, or do much of anything outside of the daily routine. I have enjoyed keeping Charlotte home, away from the world and in doing so have kept myself largely away from the world as well. I have decided that it's time for my "maternity leave" to end though so starting next week I have vowed that life will get back to normal...or as close to a version of normal as we're capable of around here... :)
Charlotte is growing fast and getting so big. She is also experiencing classic male-patterned baldness. She has gone almost completely bald on top and it's starting down the sides but has TONS of hair left in the back. I have been tempted to cut her hair more than once, but can't quite part with it, no matter how uneven it is. She has also started smiling and interacting a little bit which is always rewarding. I look forward to continue to watch her grow and develop. I love my boys, but I am having so much fun with my little girl!
For the last couple of years we have been proud of the fact that we have remained active through camping and hiking, even with little kids. Well, last year Landon officially broke us of our pride. What we planned to be a great 3-day trip with our then 15 month old and almost 3-year old turned into a nightmare 24hr. camping experience that we couldn't wait to end. Landon was obsessed with the campfire and chasing him away became a full-time job. We found ourselves wishing we had brought along a collar and leash and tied him to the tree (just kidding....or not...) Not to mention the fact the Brayden (then weighing in at almost 40 lbs.) seemed too big to continue carrying comfortably in our wonderful hiking backpacks. So, we packed up early, headed home, and vowed to never camp again with toddlers.
Fast forward to this year - still remembering our vow, yet wanting to continue to enjoy the outdoors, Ryan decided to do some backyard camping with the boys, and I think it was just as fun as any campsite camping we have ever done...probably because I was in the house in my bed! :) We roasted hot dogs over our tiny camping grill and finished off with S'mores...YUM! Ryan and Brayden slept in the tent, while Landon was more than happy to go into the house and sleep in his bed. Overall, we all had a great time with our backyard camping and I'm sure it's something that will continue to be repeated many times throughout the summer.
Summertime has basically arrived and the boys have been enjoying many days playing outside. One of their favorite activities is playing baseball! Ryan has been working with Brayden and Landon on their hitting and catching skills. It's a nightly routine that the boys love!
Here is the most recent picture of Charlotte. Her favorite position to sleep in is with an arm or two above her head. She is still such a good baby and I am enjoying her so much!
This morning Brayden wrote his own name for the first time! We had to tell him how to spell it, but he was able to correctly write each of the letters we told him, except for maybe the "E"...which is my favorite. :) I couldn't help but take a picture of it - the handwriting was so cute!
