It's Been So Long...

I know…it’s been LONG time since we’ve posted anything. This is partially due to a lovely vacation in the UK and Ireland for two weeks. It’s also due to downright laziness. I’ll spare you the details of Charlie’s NOT being able to go on vacation with us (stupid passport people!) and get on with the cute andwonderful world that has been Charlie since May.

While Neal and I were on vacation, Charlie had two glorious weeks spent with Nana (week 1) and Gammy (week 2). Apparently, he didn’t miss me and Daddy much because every time I called from overseas, the report was that he was doing great and was not fussy. I must admit that while I was happy that Charlie was having such a great time with the grandparents, I was disappointed that he didn’t scream for me every morning. But, the two weeks flew by, and since we’ve been back we’ve been busy documenting his life again – and giving him loads of hugs, kisses, tickles, and more hugs and kisses. We missed him so while we were away!

Some of the newest Charlie-isms that have occurred over the past month are of course, his faster ability to scoot scoot scoot! across the room. He sometime hits lightening speeds, which are problematic when he reaches the rug. Picture this…Charlie works his way across the slick wood floor with a quickness. His bottom and feet practically glide across the floor. When he hits the rug, his momentum is slowed, his feet hit the speed bump of carpet and he does a somersault. He rolls over, lands flat on his back on the rug and looks straight up at me like, “What in the world just happened?” I laugh to let him know that all is well and he gets in his Pilates stance to pull himself back up to sitting and then continues to scoot across the carpet. It is hilarious!

He is not yet walking but he has begun pulling up in his crib, on the coffee table, on the bar chairs, the dog food bins, and of course, the dogs. He is finally using a sippy-cup with greater fervor, and we are this close to weaning him from the bottle.

Charlie also had his first visit with a dentist this week. He has a total of 6 teeth with two more on the way. We scheduled this visit because he had an area of discoloration and odd texture on one of his front teeth. It turns out, that there is no certain known cause for it. The dentist said that oftentimes, such abnormalities actually occur in the womb during the second trimester and is usually the result of an infection or gestational diabetes. So, technically, it’s my fault. Or the fault of the NASTY upper respiratory/sinus infection I seem to recall getting in my second trimester of pregnancy. Sorry Charlie! It should get better with brushing and a fluoride treatment and shouldn’t affect his permanent tooth. Next stop, the ear/nose/throat doctor to see if Charlie has ear/adenoid problems that might be the cause of his long string of ear infections that he HAS NOT HAD SINCE HE LEFT DAYCARE, I might add.

For the summer, Charlie is staying home with his Daddy everyday. Since he left daycare he has not been sick ONCE. He and Daddy are bonding well. In fact, they are bonding SO well, that Charlie often wants his daddy over me. He even says “Daddy” clearly. He also says “uh-oh,” “Maggie,” “Doggie,” and a version of “Roxy.” He does not say “mommy” or any semblance of the word. And I’m jealous. But, at least he is learning to communicate in ways other than points, grunts, and screams. And it really does melt my heart to watch Charlie look at Neal from across the room and say “Daddy.” It’s the sweetest thing ever, actually.