Blessed by your Beauty

Charlotte, after weeks of eating, sleeping, crying and pooping, you have added something to your repertoire.  You graced us with your beautiful smile yesterday for the first time!  You haven't done it too often, but I was able to capture a few of them so far.  I can't wait to see more where this came from!

Happy 1 Month Birthday!

Wow.  I can't believe you're one-month birthday is here so soon!  Although you're growing so fast, you might be mistaken for being older - you already weigh 10.6 lbs!  I think the fact that you eat almost non-stop may have something to do with your growth rate.  Look how big you are!  (Those are 3 month clothes you are wearing, by the way.)

Ellie has been a great big sister so far, and you've been a wonderfully tolerant little sister too.  You don't get too upset when she "boops" you on the nose, or points out your cheeks, ears, tongue or eyes unless the pointing gets a little too rough.  She wants to be close to you all of the time.  She even carries her dolls around saying, "It's okay, Charlotte."  I think you two are going to be best friends and great playmates.

While you were here turning one-month-old, another very special occasion was taking place.  Daddy went to West Virginia for Uncle Mark's graduation from medical school.  He didn't forget about you though.  He even got Uncle Mark, Aunt Melinda and Aunt Megan to wish you a happy birthday too!

We tried to tell Uncle Mark congratulations by making a sign and taking a picture of the three of us. After several attempts we gave up on getting everyone to smile and settled on the best we could get.

Lots to celebrate today!

The Tradition Continues

Both the Messmer family and the Briggs family have special traditions where almost all of the babies born for a few generations have slept in the same bassinet.  Your mom and dad slept in them way back when they were babies.  Your sister, Ellie slept in them when she was first born, and now it's your turn.

The Messmer bassinet goes back pretty far.  Your Great Papa Piciulo started out in it when he was born.  So did your Nonna, your daddy, Aunt Melinda, Aunt Megan and Uncle Mark!  (And your sister, of course.)  All your daddy's aunts, uncle, and cousins on the Piciulo side of the family started their lives in it too.

The Briggs bassinet doesn't date back quite as far, but your mommy, Uncle Luke and Uncle Nate laid their heads there.  The name of every baby that has slept in it is written on the bassinet.  Can you find Mommy's name on the bottom?  Your and Ellie's names have been written on the inside, underneath the padding.  Who knows, maybe one day you'll be writing your kids' names on it too!  In the mean time, sleep well, as the generations before you did.  :o)

Announcing You To The World!

Stationery Card

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Bath Time - Torture to Tranquil

Well, your first bath wasn't exactly your favorite activity.  You screamed through the whole thing.  Daddy had to do it quickly so that you could be bundled and warm in your towel.  You didn't calm down again, though until you were fully dressed and eating.

Your second bath was much more relaxing for you.  We were able to put the little frog cloth over you now that your umbilical cord has fallen off, and that seemed to change everything.  You were even yawning in there!  I'm so glad, too, it's one of my favorite times of the day!

Mother's Day 2013

 Mother's Day means so much more now that I have you and Ellie.  An obvious statement, I know, but it's incredible how you and your sister have changed my life.  You make me feel so much more blessed and loved.

Your Daddy is pretty great at making me feel good too.  He gave me beautiful purple roses since you're our little Lilac baby.  A new diaper bag was my other big gift so my two girls and I can fit all of our stuff into one bag.  Great idea Daddy!

It was a perfect day.  How can I not feel special with these three gorgeous faces smiling back at me?

Meeting Grandma and Grandpa

Your Grandma and Grandpa got here today!  (Or as your sister calls them: Agra and Papa.)  They could not WAIT to meet you little Charlotte!  In fact, they were sitting in the local grocery store parking lot this morning, just waiting for a call from us to tell them we were awake.  We had no idea they were already that close!  They were obviously excited to meet their newest granddaughter, and I don't blame them...you're pretty fantastic!

 Looks like you and Agra were having a heart-to-heart while she held you for the very first time.

Grandpa loved holding you too.  He sang a very special song just for you, Charlotte. 

 I think it's safe to say that they've fallen in love with you just like they have with your sister Ellie.  I imagine there's a lot more spoiling to come.  :o)

Week One

 As soon as we got home from the hospital we took our first family photo (where Mommy is not in a hospital gown).

You spent most of your first week of life attached to Mommy eating, but when you weren't eating, everyone was fighting over who got to hold you.  Luckily we all got plenty of chances.

Even Ellie wanted to spend time with you.  She loves giving her little sister lots of kisses.  I think Rockne was wondering who this new little person in our house is.  Or maybe he's known you were coming for months now and is happy to finally meet you in person.

It was a pretty uneventful first week of life: you ate, slept and then ate again.  You have an amazing way of giving us nice bright smiles while you're sleeping, and your beautiful face and adorable little hands and feet have captured all of our hearts.

Speaking of little, it'll only be a matter of time until that word doesn't apply to you anymore - you're growing so fast!  It looks like you're proud of that in this picture, giving a little cheer for yourself.   Keep it up little Charlotte!