From Newborn to Toddler in One Year!

We are absolutely amazed at the development that happens in the first year of life.  When Charlie was born, he was so tiny we were nervous to hold him.  Fast forward a year, and we can barely hold on to him (per his hefty weight and squirmy movements).   He had blossomed in size, personality, humor, inquisitiveness, communication, intelligence, and overall awesomeness.  We've watched him grow everyday, and are still amazed that he is the big boy he has become.  Those tiny baby days pass through our fingers so quickly, but they leave their imprint on our hearts forever.
Here are some snapshots to demonstrate this growth that has left us in awe.
Month 1

Month 2

Month 3

Month 4

Month 5

Month 6

Month 7

Month 8

Month 9

Month 10

Month 11

One Year

Our baby is not such a baby anymore....except in our hearts. 
Here's to watching the next year of growth and development.

Charlie's Birthday with the Grunze's

Earlier in September we traveled to Wisconsin for Kristy and Jason's wedding.  So while we were there, we took the opportunity to have another birthday celebration.  I'm not sure if having 3 parties for Charlie's first birthday is setting him up for future years of disappointment, but we are rolling with it.
The day started with fun cousin time.  Here they are sharing an impromptu train ride.

Here they are sharing a friendly struggle over Harvey.

But all is forgiven when the cake makes it's appearance.

This is the first time Charlie had a sugary cake with sugary frosting. (And no, it's unfortunately not a Grandma Hoerth cake.)  He knew exactly what to do.

And he LOVED it!!!

We even were generous and gave him a second piece.  I think he is saying "You the woman, Nonna!"

What a piggy!

He washed it all down with some water.

Then he spent the rest of the afternoon and evening working off all that sugar.  He was a hyper guy.

 I think these are his crazy sugar eyes.

That night he woke up every two hours.  He may not get cake again until his next birthday, but what fun we all had!!!!

Charlie's Birthday with the Franz's

As you saw from an earlier post, Charlie's actual birthday was celebrated with a special treat from Gelato Fiasco.  But that was only the beginning of his celebrations.  A week later, we traveled down to Massachusetts to have a little party with Grandad and NunaMia.  NunaMia made Charlie a super yummy apple bundt cake.

Charlie LOVED the cake, but didn't really appreciate the party hat.

But hats can't ruin this party.  Not when there are toys and Grandparents to be played with!!!

Charlie loves his new toys and puzzles.  But can you guess the one thing he got that gets the most play??? 
A card from Matt and Becca that plays "I"m so Excited!"

What a great party!!!

Cousin Jake meets Charlie

Last month NunaMia and Grandad brought Jake up to Maine to meet Charlie and hang out for the day.  This was a very exciting meeting and there was SOOOO much playing to get to.  And they got busy with very important water table play.

Then they took a little break while Jake showed Uncle Mike how to use the iPad.

Then the rain clouds moved in, so we moved to the indoor play area.  First stop...the train set.

Next, the ball pit!!!! (A big "kid" joined in the fun here!)

Jake's super cool action move!!!

Charlie opted for something a little more tame.

Jake still had more energy to expend!  And every time he slid down he did the same "I'm so excited" fist shaking.  So cute!

The boys had a great time together and we LOVED spending the day with Jake!

Come back and play with us again soon, Jake.   Cousins are the best!