Happy 5th Birthday, Charleston!

Dear Charleston, 

The day is finally here. You're 5! 

It's not 13. Sixteen. Twenty-one.

But 5, it seems so . . . so big! 

A birthday of 5 means the end of preschool days. Swimming on your own (almost). Running free in the back yard or riding your bike on your own. Coloring in the lines of your coloring books. Dancing and twirling through out the house and practicing your cartwheel whenever you can! Five means you're still a child, but yet you're so independent.

You put on your own clothes. You get your own drink from the fridge. You like to help in the kitchen, You feel less like my baby and more like my little girl.

Every year, you grow into who you are destined to be. You become more defined. More yourself. More beautifully you. Soon you’ll be going off to school, and creating a life for yourself that is less dependent on me every day. Your world will expand to include new teachers, new friends, and new experiences that won’t include me.

And that’s wonderful!

I envy the fun you’re going to have, the things you’re going to learn, and the people you’re going to meet. To you the world is fresh and new, and something to be amazed by. Learning something new every day comes naturally to you because your heart and mind are so open to the wonders around you.

When you walk into a room and talk to someone new, you bring a smile to their face. Your joy in life brings joy to others. And it pours out to every person you interact with on a daily basis.

You are compassionate. If someone is hurt, you want them to feel better. If someone is sad, you want them to feel happy. And if you don’t know what is wrong with someone, you want to find out. I love your heart for people. I wish we all had a piece of that. 

I want you to remember, there will be challenges over the next five years. You will find that not everyone is nice like your family. There will be other kids who will be mean to you and Emersyn and try and tell you things which aren’t true. But I will be here for you both. And so will your dad.

We will not be able to keep you girls from the sadness in the world, and you will make mistakes. Lots. And lots of mistakes, but we will help you learn to cope with it and teach you how important you girls sticking up for each other is. I don’t want to shield you from the sadness and difficulty, but you girls won’t have to face it alone.

Because those experiences have value too. You will learn how to handle difficulties, and become an unstoppable woman. You will handle the mean girls, and become a better person for it. You will have your heart broken, and learn that you deserve better. 

We learn more from our mistakes than we do from being right all the time. We become better people when we are faced with those who seek to tear us down. We join a sisterhood of strong, confident, kick-ass woman when we survive our childhoods.

But through all of this, I want you to remember one thing...

You are 5 and you are brave, independent, stubborn, strong-willed, loving, warm, bossy, difficult, easy, cuddly, and tough all in one. You are like me and like your dad, but you are not like me and you are not like your dad. You are perfectly you, and I will love you through it all. 

There is nothing you can do, nothing you can say, to make me think otherwise.

So I will be here to listen when you need an ear to bend. I will be here to hold your hand when you need a boost of courage. I will be here to wipe your tears when someone breaks your heart.

In me you will always have a safe place. A soft place to fall. A place where you can be totally, completely yourself, even if yourself is awkward, nerdy, self-conscious, unsure, know-it-all, sometime inappropriate girl who’s still trying to figure out exactly who she is.

But I know you will make me proud. I know you will shine.

This is life at 5. And I wouldn't stop it for the world, but I sure wouldn't mind pausing it.

I love you.

Happy birthday,

Your proud mother

Letters to Emersyn - 1 Year Old

Dearest Emersyn!

Happy birthday, sweet girl! You might be our second (third), but you have given us so many first. And somehow, you’ve made motherhood feel brand new all over again. 

You will never understand (until maybe your a mom) how badly I wanted you. Before your big sister celebrated her first birthday, we had set our sights on you. My patience got the best of me waiting on you. For every month that passed without news that God was making you was a blessing in disguise. 

The quiet time we shared those nine months was something beautiful and terrifying. You didn’t let me rest much (and you still don’t), you were always on the move. The doctors monitored me closely because blood work was off in the beginning. We got to know you pretty well with all the ultrasounds and doctor visits. You wanted the world to know you were coming and you had big things to do.
Walking at 10 months was defiantly one of them. Now your cruising on your way.
I love that your still a snuggler! You always greet me with the biggest hug you can give, and now your always giving kisses too. You absolutely love to just sit in my lap or whoever's and hang out. Its the cutest.

Some advice for you and your sister that you won't understand for quite some time, But I write these letters now in hopes that you'll will look back on them later. There is so much about you that is already so unique and special. Don't lose that fire and determination you have in your eye. In life you will come up against many challenges. I wish it was not true but that's how it goes. There will be days and people that will seem determined to get you down. You will fail test, arrive late to important meetings, receive a speeding ticket, or have a falling-out with a friend. The bubble that your daddy and I have tried to build around you both with pop. Life will not always, at least not every day, be as sweet as it is now. But that's okay. I want to give you the tools you will need to get though it all. Most of these tools you already have in your belt. And you have a whole bunch of people in your circle who love you dearly.

One of the biggest things I can teach you and your sister.. is Don't be a bully. Don't give in to the crown that makes you think it's okay to hurt someone or put them down. Every person is special and should be treated with respect. If you see it happening, speak up. The only way to stop them is to confront them.

Finally, my sweet girl, I don't want you to ever stop dancing. I don't care if you don't know the moves (like me most of the time). It isn't important how high your leg goes or if your head is moving to the beat. Music has a profound power over you already, I can see it. I turn on the music and you instantly bust a move. You absolutely love to dance and it makes me smile every time you start moving.

As you navigate through life's joys and challenges, please keep this in mind. You are able to move people, to shift emotions, with just the sway of your hips. Whatever you are up against, whomever breaks your heart. Wherever your big dreams take you and however little you have in your pocket, don't stop. Let the worries wash away as you turn the volume up and get moving. It's a beautiful and crazy life, my sweet girl. Don't back down - just keep dancing through it.

One year down and many more to go. No matter where you go or what you do, may your mother's words remain in your head and your heart. I love you. There's nothing truer.

Always, 

Mommy 

Emersyn’s Cake Smash

Emersyns cake smash session was def an interesting one! I did it by myself with a two year old running around. Remind me next time to make sure I have someone to help me! Lol. 

Emersyn Birthday theme is of course Kate Spade! I’m so excited for her Birthday Party! Her cake smash turned out so cute! Although she was not sure about the cake.. when it fell over she was like what happened.. and then she was done! 

 

Letters to Emersyn - 11 Months Old

Dear Emersyn,

I have been so behind on this post! I’m not ready for you to be 11 months.. that means your almost ONE!! Which also means your that much closer to being a toddler rather than a baby. I am not ready for that by any means.
This past month has gone by so fast! The older you get the faster time goes by. You went from my squishy little baby to the toddler on the go.. In less then a year!

But you are such a goofball and happy baby. You can wave and blow kisses and Daddy taught you how to high five. Your picking up on so much more these days. 

Waking up every morning and see you giggling and playing in your crib waiting for the day to start can brighten any mood you wake up in. When Charleston and I walk in to get you out of bed, you have the biggest smile on your face. I just gobble you up and kiss you all over and you just giggle and giggle. You will never know how much your daddy and I love you and your sister. We our so blessed to call you our girls.

You started walking! Yes I know I'm aware I said walking! We talked about this a little in the last blog, but nothing like you have been this past month. Its crazy to see how fast you can move around these days. Keeping you still is locked up with the key thrown away. You love chasing Charleston around or even Hera. You three are like the 3 musketeers. Ready for trouble.

Every time I look in your mouth you have gained more teeth. Currently you have 8 teeth. Which your right on track with Charleston. She had about the same amount on her first birthday. You love all food.. just like your sister. Everything you have tried you have loved. I'm hoping it stays that way too. You love your food though. I have been unsuccessful from spreading out your bottles / meals. No matter what you eat.. your ready to eat 4 hours later. On the dot! Your favorite snacks include yogurt melts and puffs. Even though you still prefer your bottle, turkey is def your favorite food. You will take that from Charleston's hands in a heart beat.

We don't see the pediatrician again till your one year check up. I have put you on our scale a few times. I believe you were roughly 18lbs the last time I checked. Your still wearing 6 months clothes for the most part, but your starting to wear some 9 month clothes depending on brand. Your still in size 3 diapers. You love the water, but you hate the bath. I haven't figured this one out yet. But were still working on that one.

You did have one of your first butt explosions this month. You have had a few but nothing that came out of the diaper.. this one.. I got you out of your crib bc you were crying and hungry so I changed your diaper and put you in the rock n play and went to kitchen to make your bottle. I was not gone 5 minutes and I come back to my room and I'm thinking to myself.. why does it smell like a poopy diaper in here. I turn the light on you and you are COVERED... I mean covered head to toe! It was coming out every angle possible of your diaper and you were just laughing. It was not funny by the least. I did laugh though. I picked you up and held you at arms length and just put you in the tub. Rinsed you off.. put the rock n play cover in the washer. Put you back in the crib and gave you your bottle. Mommy laid back done. I was done mommy-ing after that one. Lol. I'm sure it wont be the last though.

My favorite thing about this month is you started giving kisses back. Your eskimo kisses are the best. I absolutely love when you walk over and just crawl in my lap. You don't snuggle too often, but when you do its the cutest and I take in every minute of it. You have never been one that needed rocked or snuggled to go to bed. You would prefer me to just put you in the rock n play or even the mamaroo and you just rock yourself to sleep. I have a love hate relationship with that. It makes things easier on some nights, because Charleston is still a snuggler and still wants one of us to cuddle her to sleep.

This next few weeks watching you turn into a toddler is going to be hard for me, so I may steal a lot more kisses from you. Don't worry you probably wont remember then when you get older!

Mommy loves you sweet girl! 

Letters to Emersyn - 9 Months Old

Dear Emersyn,

The year of your birth is coming to a close and we are ready to start the new year with you! There will be a lot of wonderful things in store for our family in 2018 and everything we do, we do for you and your sister. I have said it before, but it is worth repeating…we are smitten by you.  Sometimes, after you go to sleep, I find myself curled up on the couch scrolling through pictures of you, remembering both the moments when you were teeny tiny and the current moments of the day. Our house is full of such happy sounds and I am so blessed to wake up to such a beautiful and HAPPY family every single day. 

Since learning to crawl, you’ve been getting into all sorts of mischief. You will no longer sit still for more than about 0.00002 of a second, as you just want to crawl off somewhere! 

Two days after you learned how to crawl, you learned how to pull yourself up and stand. Since then you’ve learned how to shimmy your way along furniture and other things. You can also walk if someone holds your hands, but the balance isn’t quite there yet. Still, you look so excited!

We have tried some more foods! You love it all. I haven’t found anything you don’t like yet. You get mad though if we don’t feed you our food, and as much as you get excited for baby food it does not come out fast enough for you. You def eat more then Charleston did at this age, but you are so much smaller. 

Speaking of eating, you have 2 teeth on the bottom and 1 tooth on the top that has broke through and the one next too it is is trying to break through. It should be all the way out by the end of the month. 

We have moved your crib down two levels bc you like to stand and play in your crib. You have no problems with your crib and sleep pretty good in it. We have officially stopped using the rock n play. You still wake up about 4am but we started just giving you your bottle in the crib bc you will fall back to sleep afterwards. And you usually sleep to about 8am now. 

We have done some traveling this month. For Thanksgiving we went to Albany GA to meet papas family! So you got to meet great Grandpa and Great Grandma and all the aunts and uncles from that side of the family. It was the first time Charleston met them too! We had a lot of fun and of course you two were the talk of the day! A week after coming back from GA we went to Disney!! Not your first trip but you understood a little more! You got to meet Minnie and Mickey! You loved Mickeys nose! You were kissing all over it. You even got to see Donald and Goofy! They made you giggle too! You loved it! I’m sure they did too! 

I can not wait to see you on your first Christmas morning! Your at the perfect age too! 

Merry Christmas, sweet girl! We love you more than you will ever know.

Letters to Emersyn - 7 Months Old

Dear Emersyn,

You are 7months old. This number blows my mind! When did you get so big? But your still so little! We don’t see the doctor this month.. but from your previous appointment - I’m guessing your roughly 14lbs. Which I believe Charleston was 16lbs at 7months. So your a little smaller. 

Your still in 3-6months clothes & size 3 diapers. 

You have ventured into the world of solid foods. You love Honey Crisp Apples, Pears, Pumkin & Sweet Potatoes. You were not too sure of the mangos. So we will try those again later. You did try some quacamole and you loved it. Of course! It’s so good! You even had your first taste of an Herbalife Shake! Your eyes got so big and you wanted more and more! Once you figure out how to use a straw I’m sure I will have you fighting for my shakes too! Your two bottom front teeth are completely in now - although you would think your ready for reg food. Your always grabbing for it. 

You are now mobile. You army crawl like a pro. I know it will only be days before you get this crawling thing down. You are so determined to do everything Charleston does! You have really figured out how to use those hands and feet. Grabbing and kicking everything. Your just like your big sister at this age. You love for me to carry you so you can hold on to the shopping cart. I think we’re going to have another shopper on our hands. You also started pulling up on things this past month and sitting up a little on your own. I’m going to need you to slow down just a tad. Your growing way to fast. 

Your still sleeping like pro at night. Usually asleep before 8 and your up at 6:30 to eat, but sometimes fall back asleep after you eat. You always wake up happy and ready to start the days. You have started fighting naptime some, but sleep usually wins. Your naps can last anywhere from an hour to 3hours. Now if I could get yours and Charleston nap to overlap some so I can get some work done. A mom can only hope right?!?! Lol. 

Oh sweet girl! I know I can not stop or slow time down! All I ask is you stay a baby as long as you can! I love watching you grow and see your little personality shine through! I absolutely love watching you and your sister become best friends! I am blessed to be your mommy! 

Love you always! 

Letters to Emersyn - 5 Months Old

Dear Emersyn! 

You’ve started to laugh and it lights up the whole room when you do! Your generous smile (you always have one for Mommy!) is what keeps me going, even when you wake me in the middle of night, which is a rare occasion. And it's usually only bc you lost your pacifier. 

Your a happy baby. You smile all the time, and giggle too. This month I've seen you fall so in love with your sister. She's your favorite person. She does a little dance, and you crack up. You watch her every move all over the house. 

You get so excited about life sometimes that you squeal at the top of your little lungs! You’ve also just started to blow raspberries and spit bubbles. You’re fascinated by the world around you and you like to learn about thing by putting them in your mouth to feel what there all about. Your drooling puddles but I haven't seen any teeth break through. 

You love being on your changing table, and your tiny toes always seem to make their way to your mouth when you’re on it. I think they taste best at a higher altitude.

You don’t like tummy time so much, but who needs it anyway! You can hold up your sweet little auburn head just fine. Your rolling around like crazy! Your even scooting around some, which I'm not quite ready for that one! Your never in the same spot I leave you at.

You haven’t started solids yet, but you will in a month or so…no rush, right sweet girl? We have tried a little bit of oatmeal in your milk, but I'm not seeing it keep you any more fuller. Your still eating 6 oz. about every 4 hours. Sometimes longer sometimes shorter. 

You really like to be held. People say that I’m going to spoil you, but they don’t know that you just need a little extra comfort sometimes. This world may be exciting, but it can be big and scary for little babies too. Mommy knows. Big sister knows too, bc she's always trying to comfort you when you cry. Even if you don't want your pacifier she is sure to make sure you have it. 

We saw the pediatrician this month. You were 12lbs 7oz. Don't get me started on your height. You are 25inches long. That's the 67th percentile. Where are you getting your height? Defiantly not for me! I'm forever short! You just might be taller then your sister. 

You’re growing and changing, Emersyn. It’s what you’re supposed to do, but Mommy just wants to bottle your 5 month-old sweetness for now. Please don’t grow up too fast!

I am forever yours, sweet girl.

Love, Mommy

Letters to Emersyn - 2 Months Old

Dear Emersyn,

Time is flying by and I am so conflicted by emotion. Im overwhelmed with joy and excitement but at the same time my heart hurts everyday as you seem to grow another inch... further and further away from the tiny newborn we brought home from the hospital.

You've complete our family. We're now a party of four (five including Hera) and we feel whole. (Although I miss your sister Payton everyday and wish she was here. One day you will know all about her too). I can't wait to include you in the Mommy and Daughter things me and Charleston do. You have already adapted to being our shopping buddy and partner in crime.

I didn’t get around to writing to you on your actual 2 month birth day. Its been crazy with two babies around. This month you went from an itty, bitty, tiny newborn to a baby. I need time to freeze for a little while.
Our day started with a check-up at the doctors’s office where you weighed in at 9 pounds and 11 ounces and measured almost 22 inches long. You met all your milestones. Cooing….Check. Smiling…check. Turning to sounds….check. Following objects with your eyes…check. Although all these accomplishments are to be celebrated, Its never easy when the tray of shots enter the room. (and I have no issue when shots, needles or blood - your daddy on the other hand can not even be in the same room)

I've always thought that the second child would be easier, and whereas there are some things that are smoother, there is also knowledge. Knowledge of what happens when your baby is about to get a shot. The ensuing tears and screams. The long day of discomfort. I think the phrase "ignorance is bliss" applies to parenting your first child. Now that I know what is going to happen, there seems to be a stronger anxiety that grips my heart.

In your 2nd month in this big ole world, you have said goodbye to spring and hello to summer. The summer brings with it many traditions in our family ranging from trips to Orlando and frequent visits to the water park and even the beach. I can't wait to see how you react your first time at the beach, or even DISNEY!

Your sister has really warmed up to you. She now runs into the bedroom in the morning peeking her little eyes above the bed to see you. She cares where you are and wants to be near you all the time. She loves giving you kisses. Her hugs are more like headlocks, but this too shall pass. I hope that you share the same affection for one another as the years roll on. I desire for you girls to be the best of friends. Just like your Aunt Brandy and I.

I love watching your eyes move to the rhythm of the world, seeing you explore the room around you and learning who you are. It’s fun to witness all
your “firsts.” The next month will bring more excitement and more memories. I am beyond
blessed that I get to be your mommy.

I love you always,
Mommy

Made it through the SECOND TRIMESTER!

Im not going to lie, my second trimester was not any easier then my first. The nausea finally stopped! Which is a huge relief... how does anyone function with all that! whew! Hunger seems to come and go. Some days im hungry and some days Im not. Most days I have no appetite for anything.. but whats new from previous pregnancies. These girls don't like food! Like the other 2, shes likes her sugar and chocolate. I have eaten more sugar this time around. Since having an anterior placenta I don't feel her that often, so I eat a handful of sour gummy bears - and shes all over the place! I've decided if thats how im going to get my kick counts in this pregnancy then i'm not going to complain. I mean we all know my candy addiction is REAL anyways!

I did have a scare the beginning of the trimester, because some of my blood came back abnormal. I was not going to worry about it, bc it always comes back with abnormalities.. but this was with one of the genetic testing. The spina bifida one - the levels came back high. I went and saw a maternal specialist. Something I had to do by myself, and after Payton - this is never an appointment you should do by yourself. Thankfully everything came back out. My levels were one point over the failing point. But the doctors still want to treat me as if im high risk and keeping an eye on everything. So for the remaining of the pregnancy I will see the doctor ever 2 weeks. Every 4 weeks will be a normal check up and every 2 weeks I will have an ultra sound to make sure she is growing on schedule.

I feel like Emersyn looks so much like Payton too. She's is roughly about 2lbs, so a little smaller then the girls at this point. We will see how much she grows... and me... in the next few weeks.

Baby Carbonaro #3 is a.....

We normally do a gender reveal get together when we find out.. but this year we are getting into the holiday season, so we opted out on it. We have known for a few days, but could not come up with a cute way to announce it. I mean you know I cant just say hey were having a ..... I have to do something cute and creative! 

Well we had an extra pumpkin at my mother n laws and we wanted to carve it with Charleston anyways - so I took advantage of it and used it to announce our gender! 

Now if you think I had a hard time trying to decide how to do the gender reveal you should of seen us trying to pick a name! Of course every name I liked, Richard did not. He likes the generic boring names (sorry not sorry), but I like something unique and personality. I mean my name is Bjana. lol. Finally we narrowed down a name.. 

Family Photos

We were seriously due for some updated family photos, so we enlisted in our favorite photographer Kaity with VIDP. We decided to do these in Columbia at the state house so she did not have to travel. I had a hard time finding something to wear, bc I really loved the Vera Bradley dress Charleston has on and my shirt matched perfect. I really did not want Richard in orange, but the green in the dress instead. But of course I could not find it in his size...so to him we are in Clemson colors, but I don't think that way. lol. (least im trying not too).

Since Charleston had just turned ONE as well, we also took advantage and got some first birthday photos as well :)

Well... we also had another reason to do family photos..... 

Our family is growing by ANOTHER 2 feet!!!!! 

Letters to Charleston - 1 Year Old

To my beautiful daughter on her very first birthday!

I'll never forget the day your daddy went back to work after you were born, and I thought to myself, "Alright, Miss Charleston, you and I are in this together." I had no idea what I was doing and I had no idea what being a mother truly meant.
In a way, we both grew together over the past year. You learned, and I learned, but in many ways you taught me more then I taught you.

For the past year you've been my biggest worry and my biggest happiness. I stayed up at night researching things so I could always provide the best for you. We spent every day together - laughing, dancing, singing, and exploring this world. But with each new chapter we've opened together, I've somehow learned to love you more, and differently. I feel confident that as you continue to grow and learn, our bond will only strengthen as time and challenges try to tear it apart.

You were born in the era of social media, selfies, and hashtags. For me, my #CharlestonBjana was the best excuse to capture every moment since your birth and share it with so many who love you across the world. Your favorite thing in the whole world is face time. You love to face time Grandma Terri. You would sit there forever if she sang you Old McDonald. lol. And you also love face timing your cousins, Jonathan & Hunter.

You have grown so much this past month. Your pulling yourself up all by your self. You went from walking across furniture to walking on your own. Your still working on the whole balance thing, but your getting better each day.

The last few nights you have wanted me to rock you to sleep. Which Im ok with, bc Im sure those will be far in between here soon. You never really have been just a "snuggler," but Im happy to take them when you are. Your still sleeping through the night and waking up at 7am. Some mornings daddy or I will be up before you, which amazes me.

This past month we started the sink and swim lessons as well. Your so fascinated by water and your always ready to jump in.. I wanted to get you into the class that teaches you how to float if something should happen. Especially when so many family members have pools. You cry the whole time, but your doing so well. I think its mainly bc Im not in the pool with you or holding you. It makes me feel better that your not the only crier. About 90% of the kids are crying as soon as they get in the pool. But everyone progresses so fast and so well. Only being a year old, Im so proud how well your doing.

I still can't believe your a year old already. I look back at all your monthly pictures and see how much you have changed since day one. You have chunked out and slimmed out all at the same time. Your hair has lightened up and started to curl in the back. You def get all that from your daddy. Your personality is shinning through and your are such a giggle box! I love watching you grow and progress every day!

I love you to the moon and back!
Mommy

P.S. I finally finished your book from your birth! I have it displayed with Payton's Birth book as well! I wish you knew what it was like to have an older sister! Your one special girl to have a big sister watching over you while you grow.

Click here to view this photo book larger

Letters to Charleston - 11 Months Old

Dear Charleston,

I can't believe this is the last monthly letter to you before your birthday. I have so much to say to you, but I think I'll save the sappy stuff for your one year letter.
So, lets talk about this month. I have to say, and I know I have said it before, but this is my FAVORITE age! You are a ball of energy and I can't get enough of you. I am so blessed to be your mommy. To wake up to your smiling face and bed head each morning. To be able to rock you and snuggle you before each nap during the day. And to steal as many baby kisses as I want. I could never have enough words to express how much I love you and how special you make me feel day in and out.
I feel like this month you're starting to change from my baby to a toddler. You're standing, and walking along furniture. I know you will be walking in no time. And as much as I love seeing you learn new things, I don't know if I'm ready for it. You are a pro at feeding yourself, and you have gotten so much better with sippy cups. You play with your toys on your own. You love climbing things. You're climbing out of your high chair, you're climbing out of the shopping carts, you're standing on top of your baby chair trying to climb into our bed, you're climbing the arm of the couch, pushing on me to get on the table. You're pushing boxes and toys around the house as if they were a walker. You're getting into everything you can possibly touch.
You have such a vibrant personality. You smile at EVERYONE and ANYONE who will look your way. It's easy to go places with you, especially out to dinner. You love watching everyone around you. You're definitely a busy body, You can go from 0-60 in no time. If we take a toy away that you wanted or most of the time it's something you found to play with that you shouldn't have, you can throw a fit. You usually get over it pretty quick. But I know this is just the beginning of your sass.

One of my favorite things about this month that you have just started is your ability to show us your love. You give the cutest slobbery kiss ever. When daddy or I walk into a room you have the BIGGEST smile on your face. It melts my heart... Every. Single. Day.

I noticed the other day, you have 2 more teeth on the bottom. That is a total of 8 teeth. 4 on the top and 4 on the bottom. You have gotten so good with table food. You love eating with your fingers. Spinach ravioli seems to be your favorite. You still love all your fruits and veggies. You're not so sure about meats yet.. you usually push it to the side. Your favorite part about this month was your cake smash session. You were so excited you got to eat cake and mommy did not stop you.

Over the next few weeks I will be soaking up every moment of the end of your first year. I can not wait to throw you a fabulous first birthday party and celebrate you will all of our friends and family.

We love you to the moon and back, sweet girl.

Love,
Mommy

Charleston's CAKE SMASH Session!

Since I started preparing for Charleston's FIRST Birthday party, I've been so excited to do her cake smash session. It took me forever to choose her set up. I finally came up with the perfect set up the day before. I just wanted something simple that would not take away from her, but something that also showed off the Pink and Gold theme. We had Ester from Tiers of Joy bake her cake. She did our wedding cake and she will also be doing her birthday cake. (BEST CAKES EVER)

Before the session I hadn't really let her eat finger foods or even sweets. The day before her session I let her eat finger foods for lunch to see how she would do. She did AWESOME...so I knew she would do great for her session.

Here are a few photos from her session.

This one is a snapshot from the video my mother n law shot! I love it! It really shows how much she loved the cake!

She dug right into her cake and LOVED it. At first she was a little confused bc I was not stopping her.