1/3 of a Year Already Under Your Belt

I think I say this every month, but I can't believe you are already four-months-old!  Unfortunately you spent your special day on the road traveling from Michigan back home again.  Before we left, though, your Great Uncle Rog was able to snap this shot of you (the rest of the pictures were taken a couple of days later):

Let's see...stats?  You weigh 15lbs 9oz and are 24.25" long.  You're in the 83rd percentile for weight, and only the 37th percentile in height.  Your daddy and I love it!  Lots of chunk to chew on...just look at those delicious cheeks!

You are such a happy baby.  You laugh, smile and giggle all the time which brightens the day of anyone lucky enough to be within earshot.  You can roll over from belly to back and are getting close to rolling the other direction too. 

I can't believe how amazing you and your sister get along already too.  I love watching the two of you interact.  I am constantly amazed at how you watch her every move...and how you put up with all of her antics!

I can't wait to hear your first real conversation together.  Here's a quick clip of the two of you on your four-month-birthday.  (Those of you who watch, don't judge!  Keeping an infant in a car seat for 15 hours without crying is a feat I have yet to conquer.)

Four Great Grandkids and a Wedding

We finally got a Briggs family picture (unfortunately without Daddy) at the reception after Jordan and David's wedding this weekend.  It was a beautiful wedding filled with friends and family, all of whom loved you!

I think you had fun being passed from arm to arm.  I wish I'd have gotten pictures of everyone you said hello to!  They all had smiles on their faces, because that's what you do, you spread smiles wherever you go, Charlotte.  :o)

You also met your second cousins.  You wanted to run around with them, I could see it in your eyes.  At least next time you see them you won't be the youngest great grandchild (congrats to Lauren and Scott expecting number two!).  With all of the energy and laughter in this group, we'd better watch out...I see lots of mischief in the future!

Briggs Brood Meets at the Cottage

It was a LONG trip in the car, but we finally made it up to Grandma and Grandpa's cottage in Michigan.  You loved all of the attention you got from your aunt, uncles and of course Grandma and Grandpa too.  Mommy hardly got to hold you at all!

You finally met your Uncle Nate, and you looked very happy in his hands.  He promised to Skype more often; I think you were glad to hear that (me too!).

Your godparents loved all of the time they got to spend with you.  Uncle Luke had his hair grown out pretty long, but you didn't have any problem recognizing him once you got into his arms.  Aunt Dayna was a natural too!  She loved taking care of you whenever she got the chance.

You missed out on playing in the sand pile and swimming in the lake this time, but  I know you'll be up for it next year!

Your Name

Your beautiful name, Charlotte Josephine Messmer, was chosen very carefully for you by your daddy and I.  We chose your first name, Charlotte, after your Great Nana (Nonna's Mama): Charlotte Beatrice Piciulo.  Your middle name, Josephine, was chosen after your Great Bomaw (Grandma's Mama): Josephine Blaschke Brezina.

The name Charlotte is French, from the name Charles.  It means "a small, strong woman," which you are already proving  yourself to be!  Josephine is Hebrew, from the name Joseph (your Great Grandpa Messmer's name too!).  It means "God will add," also appropriate for you.  :o)

You've been here for just over three months and have already had lots of people calling you all sorts of names:

• Charlie Jo
• C.J.
• Baby Baluga
• Buddha Baby
• Chunk-a-tunk
• Charlie
• Charly (with a "Sh" sound)
• Charly Belle (with a "Sh" sound)

Your daddy and I have tried them all out on you, but none of them seem quite right yet.  You are our little Charlotte, and for now, you are going to stay that way - no nicknames, just Charlotte.  :o)

Your First Flip!

Daddy was SO excited that he happened to be home early today and witnessed you roll from your tummy to your back for the very first time!  We didn't catch it on camera, but we got your second one.  :o)

After that you wanted to keep practicing, so Daddy would help you back to your tummy and you'd work on rolling over onto your back.  We're so proud of your hard work little Charlotte!

Our Afternoon Chats

Although you've never complained about sharing Mommy time with your big sister Ellie, I can tell you enjoy having me all to yourself when she takes her nap. I love it too, especially now that you're starting to hold up your end of the conversation. :o)

My favorite part is your little giggle!  We were sure that you weren't going to be much of a talker since Ellie takes over most of the conversations, but you're proving us wrong, and we love it!

Tummy Time & Other Fun

Unlike your sister, you seem to really enjoy your tummy time!  Maybe it's because Mommy actually knows what she's doing this time around.

There are lots of colorful toys and music to keep you interested.

And you love looking at that beautiful baby in the mirror.  I think that's your favorite part.  You're getting close to rolling from your tummy to your back by yourself, although you haven't mastered it yet.  I know once those neck muscles are strong enough you'll be going back and forth all the time to try to keep up with your big sister.

You're working hard when you're on your back too.  Just look at you going for those rings!  Of course, you often have to share your toys with Ellie's "baby" too.  Thank goodness you're not too possessive of them.  You're such a good little sister!

Keep working those muscles and coordination skills, little Charlotte, and you'll be running circles around the basement in no time!