Giggles McGee

That's Charlotte's new name, 'cause Mommy can make her giggle *almost* on command (and because "McGee" just sounds right with funny first names.... no offense if that's really your last name). There's also some song & dance that Aunt Lindsey did with Charley that works particularly well at uncovering her geeky smile and making her squeak like a mouse. Something about ants.... which would usually be a sore subject around our house (referring to the "great Christmas infestation of 2009"). Stay tuned for that one....

Mommy hasn't posted in a while, and when Daddy heard this going on, he grabbed the camera so you all could enjoy it. So... enjoy!
-Aaron

Calvin the Cow

We were excited to go to the desert with daddy.I knew Charlotte and I might have some issues, because we were battling colds.....SO we loaded up all our stuff(whoa the baggage that comes with traveling with a baby)including our humidifier. I figured I was being a pretty good mommy, bringing the humidifier and all (patting myself on the back). Such a cute little cow humidifier that blows the mist out its ears........and we arrived at our hotel room and turned on the heat and it was so dry that I could feel my lips becoming chapped.....poor little cow, could NOT keep up! (so much for the mommy of the year award) So I went across the street to Target and purchased another humidifier. This time I wasn't messin around and got the heavy duty turbo one. So Calvin the cow(Aaron's name for him) got a new friend to help him get the job done. Charlotte and Mommy sure liked the king sized bed.(maybe we can get one someday)

Here's a pic i took of Charlotte propped up watching monster trucks with daddy.....yikes. should I be worried?

she's perfected her pike position!

And yes, we took all of these in one evening, daddy even snapped a picture of Charlotte and I takin a little snooze. I resorted back to the "sleep when the baby sleeps" method while she was sick. She wasn't sleeping nearly as well as usual........I am glad my little sweetie's on the mend.

betcha can't.....

...not smile while you're watchin this

this was actually her second bout of giggles. Her first was when we were up in the desert last week- she bursted into giggles when I sneezed in the car, and I was SOOO bummed that no one else was with me to experience one of the most fun "firsts" yet!

just beachy

We went to Del Mar, cause it was grassy, so I could wheel the stroller up close and not carry my little pudger in the carseat (yikes, why do I not have fabulous arms by now?) If you look at this first picture, you'll see her in the carseat in her little bear footed pants, just chillaxin enjoyin the view!
still a little sleepy from the car ride.

unfortunately you'll have to be a little sunscreen wearer like your momma, (sorry about the pasty white genetics) those shades are just TOO CUTE! grammy Ribbens saw those at target, and couldn't resist. Daddy filed the edges just a bit because the engineer in him saw they were a little tight. hehe

you and Auntie Kim

we need to get you a swim suit. so exciting! Daddy wants to be a part of picking one out so...we'll be patient. I can't wait.

Such a funny little girl already! those facial expressions are priceless! I love the three of us sportin our shades. so stylish.

And daddy and Charley(notice how all the pics she's looking at him. she thinks he's pretty neat)

and the funny "pike" position she's been practicing lately. She randomly will just stick them straight up in the air. maybe diving is in the future?

ET

these pictures pretty much speak for themselves. Notice the ET shirt. Guess who wore it first way back when? your daddy did. this shirt is pretty much a family heirloom now. Your daddy is pretty proud of this little vintage number.

answered

Prayers. it's always a YES, NO, or WAIT.......these prayers have been answered just as I hoped! God always knows best.... and His plan for us is perfect......my sis is gonna be a mommy too!

my text this morning from linds:
WE SAW THE HEARTBEAT!....baby is younger than we thought, just now 6wks. due OCT. 16.
...................CHARLOTTE IS GONNA HAVE A COUSIN!!!!! still praying for you though baby Leif. we can't wait to meet you and already love you sooooooo soooooooooooo much!


sis is gonna be looking like THIS soon! oooohhh i can't wait to see how cute and funky she's gonna be all preggers! I hope she sports a bikini with her belly hanging out! Lindsey, you are one girl who could pull it off!

.........and then, after the baby comes you will be looking like this. middle of the night feedings, when you wonder when exactly you are supposed to brush your teeth again, because there really is no sense of morning or night, and then you end up just not washing your body and not hair in the shower because it would take to long(and you just did it like 3 days ago...or when? no wait it was 4its all a blur), and what if the baby cries and you still have to condition? oh the crazy beginning is never ending yet goes so fast. I can't wait to experience your story with you sis!

good times. crazy times, but good times. it all goes soooooooooooo fast. every moment of mommyhood.

Grandpa too

Grandpa Ribbens also was here on Valentines Weekend... We love it that he has to come out to Southern CA every three months for his job.
Charlotte even got to wear her valentine dress from Grammy Ribbens to church and out to brunch with Kim, Tom, and Grandpa.

Here you were getting tired, lately you've been putting up a fight right before you fall asleep. I am glad I am getting to know your little quirks well, it helps me to feel a little more confident about taking care of you!

You've also been QUITE the drooler. I'm constantly wiping your sweet little drippy lippys.
and you and Daddy, what a cute combo. pictures like this make your mamma feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

and you with my daddy and your daddy. pretty neat.

Great warm sunny day. family. just hanging out. Full tummys. blessed. so very blessed.