Summer fun.

And to think, it has only just begun. Love summer.

(first smiles!)

You think someone is looking for attention? Meet my "nuk thief"...it is fun to find all the places she hides them. 

Things are busy, as usual. If you can, follow me on instagram to get your Charlotte fix in between my scarce updates! Instagram name: EKC80

Three.

Today I started to put pictures in a folder for Charlotte's "Year in Review" slide show...but that is as far as I got. I had good intentions, but the time wasn't there. In years past, I had her birthday blog entries done weeks before her actual birthday. However, there is a certain little boy in our house who is making things like these a little bit harder these days.

We are still adjusting to this handsome little man's arrival, and it hasn't been the easiest of transitions. Jack is a bit needy and hard to please at times, but we are hoping that things will start to look up soon. In the meantime I apologize for the slow-moving blog!

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However, on to more important things! The slideshow will come in the days ahead, but for now a few pictures of my girl's birthday weekend. It is hard to believe three years have gone by since she came into this world. So much has transpired in those three years, and in some ways I don't remember my life without Charlotte in it. 

This year had its ups and downs. We went through some scary medical stuff, but it ended up being alright. We witnessed an amazing amount of growth as Charlotte's personality blossomed, and most importantly as she showed us that she really isn't a baby anymore. 

We look forward to this next year; watching Charlotte's role of big sister develop, experiencing school for the first time, and continuing to entertain us with her amazing amount of energy and zest for life!

Saturday we celebrated Charlotte's birthday with our family and friends, and today (her actual birthday) we had a low-key day at home playing with new toys and trying out her new bike. 

(Oh and in case you are wondering, yes, that is indeed a black-eye she has. Charlotte vs. entertainment center ....Charlotte didn't win :( ) 

Life is good. Happy 3rd birthday to my spunky, independent, head-strong, sweet, and affectionate little girl.

How old are you?

I have been working hard trying to teach Charlotte her numbers, and more importantly for her to be able to answer the question, "how old are you?"

She has a birthday coming up in a few days, and while she is pretty good at rote counting, we are still working on what the numbers actually mean. As of this morning, when I ask how old she is going to be soon, she looks at me and says, "two!" to which I respond, "no, three!"....and of course, she answers with "four!"

We will keep working on it, I'll let you know!

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 On a different note, her older sibling's obsession with Wheel of Fortune has seemed to rubbed off on Charlotte. She now stands in front of the TV and shouts out letters as they pop up on the screen, and groans with the older kids when a contestant spins a "bankrupt." Gotta love Pat and Vanna!

Happy Wednesday! Check back this weekend for a birthday post as we celebrate a weekend of threes...my 33rd and Charlotte's 3rd! 

Look alikes.

It is crazy how much Jack looks like Will! At times I find myself calling Jack, "Lil' Will." This poor kiddo is never going to know his real name, he went from "the new boy" to being his big brother's look alike!

WW: Spring....finally?!

Just keep swimming.

Jack is one week old today. We are adjusting to life with four kids. Mike and I were talking last night and decided this has been one of the loooongest weeks. Things are going alright, but man, we are tired. Four kids, with four different sets of needs including a newborn who only wants mom, and is only content when eating or sleeping and an almost 3-year-old who keeps us on our toes!

But, we are grateful. The stress of pregnancy is behind us. Jack is here, and healthy. We know things will get easier. The older two kids have been awesome, and incredibly helpful. Mike is off for another week and we develop more of a routine with each passing day.

A few pictures from our week....

1 week old!

Our youngest two kiddos like to get up when the sun rises. 

We have seen quite a bit of this this week.

Rocking a cute doggie hat he got from our neighbor. 

Katherine comforting Jack while they did a heel prick to check his jaundice level (no worries, all was good!). She is such a little mother to him. 

My boys. 

Thanks for checking on us, more to come soon!

The New Boy.

Meet Jack.



Jackson Xavier was born just after midnight on May 1st. A healthy 7 pounds 5 ounces, 20.5 inches long.



Labor and delivery was quick, and didn't follow the pattern of my other three. My water broke at home, and I had him three hours later. Jack likes to keep us on our toes.

The older kids are in love with their little brother and fight over who gets to hold him.




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We are adjusting to life at home with four kids. Charlotte, "the tornado," seems to be taking advantage of this, as she is using every opportunity to get into trouble while we are busy with the new little man.

However, life is good. We are happy to have the final piece of family our here.



More to come in the crazy days ahead.