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

Letters to Charleston - 9 Months Old

Dear Charleston,

Time is moving so quickly. Every time I turn around your a month older. Now you are 9 months old and have become this beautiful little person.

You are a curious little one - army crawling anywhere you can. I know that you won't be crawling for too much longer as you are eager to stand and become more independent. You are constantly trying to pull yourself up onto the furniture to explore new undiscovered surfaces or to simply retrieve something that had been taken away - remotes, power cords or an iPhone. You have become such a little pro in your walker. You can spend hours in that just exploring the house or sitting in front of the windows watching the outside world.

This past month has been full of adventures for you. We spent the day in Sumter celebrating Aria's first Birthday! You loved spending the day with Uncle Fred and Aunt Daysha. They def wore you out. Grandma Terri traveled to Orlando with us to celebrate Emily's baby shower. You did so good with everyone. We spent a day at Epcot, which you enjoyed hanging out in your stroller seeing the sites, but when you got hot and tired you passed out!
Your Aunt Mary and cousin Hadley , who live in Vegas even came to visit. You loved playing with Hadley. I don't think you have been around to many babies your age so you really loved playing with her. It was so cute to see you girls together.

We have your 9 month check up tomorrow with Dr. Lewis so im excited to see how much you have grown. Your still wearing 3-6 months clothes for the most part, but have been slowing working your way into 6 months clothes. Depending on the brand, some 9 month clothes fit but are too big for the most part.

Life is filled with distractions and now with you, I have a clear direction and purpose. When I look at you I am filled with a love I have never felt before. Don't get me wrong, I love your daddy, but a mothers love for her baby girl is indescribable and magical. You are teaching me every day to be more patient, live in the moment and embrace the time we have been given to share together before you are all grown up and ready to discover the world on your own. Because as much as I don't want to think about it now, there will be a time when I won't see you every day.
I know you are going to do great things in life. You re already such and incredible little lady and I will support you and help you to grow to be everything you want to become. I will cherish all the moments I get to enjoy with you. I love you beyond measures, and I am honored that I was chosen to be your mother.

You have already taught me so much about what it means to be patient and selfless. But I want you to know more than anything, that you are loved. By so many. No matter how many times I say it, or how many ways i try to write about it, you will never realize how truly loved you are until you have a child of your own to hold in your arms.

With all of my love,
Mommy!

Letters to Charleston - 8 Months Old

Dear Charleston, 

When did you become 8 months! Yes, I said {EIGHT MONTHS}. Time has just flown by! You continue to change before my very eyes and you continue to become more fun each day.

This month you became mobile. You have started army crawling and exploring and going after what you want. You no longer sit idly playing with toys, but instead seek after whatever you can see and reach. These things tend to be on the dangerous side - especially in the ever so messy office; scissors, electrical outlets, power cords and the fake tree you like to pull the leaves off. This wouldn't be so bad, but it has fallen on top of you 3 times. You think you would of figured this one out by now. You have not figured out the concept of crawling yet, as your not sure how to get your stomach of the ground and keep it up. In the last few days you have gotten up on all four, and your ready to crawl, but then just fall to the ground and start to army crawl. We have not started child-proofing yet, but since you continue to keep us on our toes, I think its time. You gave mommy a scare the other day.. During the day sometimes you nap on our bed bc thats where you fall asleep and I don't want to move you to your crib so I just stack pillows around you. Well apparently I did not get to you fast enough after you woke up and you decided to reach for something and fell off the bed. You screamed for about 3 secs, bc it took me about 2 to get too you. Once I had you cuddled in my arms you were ok and ready to move around again. You did get your first booboo, but it does not seem to phase you. 

Your daddy and I argue about your first word! I swear its "hey." We say it so often in our household it's easy for you to pick up. Also when your doing something your not suppose to do, I usually say "HEY!" instead of saying "NO!" You also say the typical dadadadadada.. so of course daddy takes that as you saying "Dada." I guess time will tell when you start to really talk and we can make out your words more. 

While those developments were so exciting and welcome, one thing that I could've done without this month was your nap strike. You didn't give up naps all together, but I'd say that more often than not, your naps were 20 minutes or less. You have had a few bad nights this month, Im not sure if its due to your teeth or what. You cry for a few mins and usually go back to sleep when we pat your back, but its a few times a night now. 

You are becoming so much more aware of yourself and of your surroundings. You notice our food and must have it. You love playing with your hands and feet. You play with your tongue and perpetually scratch your head. If you drop something or I hide a dangerous object, you no longer simply forget it, but instead strain your head to find the missing thing.

You have 3 teeth now. The 2 on the bottom and 1 on the top that has broke through in the last few days. I swear the only time I know your teething is your slight fever thats associated with it. This top tooth has made your nose a little runny, but still a fairly happy baby! 

You had your first trip to the pool this month. You were a little unsure at first, but after a few mins you loved it. You are def going to be a water baby this summer. 

I love you baby girl. I love picking you up and you wrap your little arms around my neck giving me a reason to better myself, and love life even more. We've got some good times ahead of us. Thank you, sweet girl, for being such a shinning star. 

I love you to the moon and back,
Mommy

Letters to Charleston - 5 Months Old

Dear Charleston,

Yesterday you turned 5 months old. I can’t believe you’re already such a little lady. You’re still full of smiles but you’ve picked up many new skills in the past month. You can sit up (with a little support), reach your toes, hold your own bottle, blow bubbles, roll both ways and jump a ton in your bouncer. You even love to sit in your bumbo seat and watch Kate and Mim Mim. You have become more vocal in the last few weeks and sometimes I think you just like hearing your own voice. But I don't mind.. It's so cute!

We saw the pediatrician for an unscheduled visit this month bc of a little cough you had.. But luckily it went away as fast as it showed up! You weigh 15 pounds and probably somewhere around 25/25.5 inches. Most of your clothes are still 0-3 and 3 months, although you can wear a few 3-6 months depending on brand. Your hair is lightening up just a touch and has started falling out. Your eyes look like they will stay blue like Your daddy's and I.

Dr. Lewis suggested we start solids with you at 4 months, but I’ll admit it: I wasn’t ready. That is just another sign that you’re speeding away from baby status. My plan was to wait until 6 months, but every parent knows that a parenting plan never goes as you’d like. You have already started staring at solid foods and reaching for it. We decided to start you on avocados first. You didn't have much of a reaction to it. You hated the whole spoon feeding thing more then anything. We have also started sweet potatoes, squash and pears. Sweet potatoes you liked for a few days but when you got the spoon feeding figured out, you didn't care for sweet potatoes any more. Squash you kinda liked and pears you didn't like at all. I think we have apples next to try! I've been trying to extend your in between eating time but you want to go back wards. You were eating every 4hrs, your now eating every 3hrs. It averages somewhere between 3-5hrs. Depending on your days. Your such a chunky monkey!

You went on your first road trip this month. We went to Orlando to see Grandpa Hoey and your Great Grandparents Hoey and Carbonaro! You did so well in the car ride. Slept most of the time. Even when you were awake you were quiet as can be! You got to meet so many family members while we were in Orlando & of course you were the topic of all conversation!

You took your first trip to the Magic Kingdom while we were their as well!! You enjoyed seeing all the colors and characters. Cinderella's step sisters wanted to keep you! You can't help it - your just so cute! We did a Disney 3D orchestra show and you loved it. Well until u got sprinkled with water & then you were a little confused. But I think your first Disney trip was a success!

And sweet pea, you don’t know it, but you have a friend who watches over you from heaven. Her name is Payton and she would have been 17 months old tomorrow. She didn’t make it though, and that makes Mommy and daddy very sad. But we are lucky to have such a sweet little guardian angel to take care of you.

Mommy and Daddy are so glad that you found us. I never could’ve imagined that you would be so perfect! I LOVE your head full of brown hair, and you look just like Mommy! Your my mini me! 

You’re still a laid back, smiley girl and you know how to light up a room with your infectious smile. You’re still sleeping well at night, but you fight sleep during the day during nap times. Dad & I love you so much. We can't forget about Hera! She loves to protect you and her favorite thing is to lick all your drool off. You’re growing and changing so much. 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.

All my love,
Mommy

Letters to Charleston - 4 Months Old

Dear Charleston,

Though you're only four months old, I'm amazed by the personality you're already showing; we're learning more about who you are every day.

From the moment my labor begin, I knew you were someone very special. You were the ultimate partner and champion in your epidural-free birth. From the moment you were born, you seemed much older than a newborn. You have made life so easy for me. Instead of the restless, frantic life stage that I expected to be in with a newborn, I have spent the past four months in total bliss. I have felt nothing other than rested, calm, and totally in love.

Each morning, you wake me up with your little baby noises and greet me with a happy little dance. Even though at times it's earlier than I'd like, once you smile at me, I can't help but smile, too.

While you could care less about rolling over, you have hit the belly laugh milestone. There's not a sweeter sound in our lives right now. When we get you in a laughing fit, everything in the house stops and everyone comes over to see you. You never fail to put on a good show. I often wonder if I have a future performer on my hands. You already have the ability to light up the room and make people smile. You LOVE attention. (Just like mommy) ;)

The love your older cousins have for you is just amazing to me! Little Jonathan who is only a year and a half has so much love for you it melts my heart. When he see's you he lights up and just wants to play with you. I love watching him interact with you. I can already see it, you two will be the best of friends. Both boys are such a big help when we come to visit, and they love holding you!

For weeks now you have loved to stand up. You've loved working at this and getting better at it. Today you can stand up for a long time. Your leg muscles have gotten so strong. Your daddy even had you stand up and balance by your self, and you balanced pretty well for a good 30sec. We were amazed. When your legs get tired and  you go down, you always want to get right back up. I want you to remember this at every stage in your life: always get back up. Falling is part of life; falling is how we learn; falling means that we're stretching ourselves, pushing ourselves, growing and striving to be better. Falling is living life - getting back up is living life to its fullest.

You love watching TV, at first I think it was just for the colors. But we can across this show called Kate & Mim Mim and every time we put it on you get the biggest smile you can make. You could watch that show for hours. Thank goodness for Netflix, we can put it on anytime.

You know, you may be little, but you've already had a profound effect on my life. When I wake up now, the first thing I do is look at you. Some days your already wide awake; others I see your closed eyes and your little lips pouting as your body moves with the rhythm of your breathing, and I can't help but smile, and reminded that all is well.

I grow more in love with you every day. Just when I think there's no way I could love you any more, somehow, there's even more room in my heart and more love to give. I can't even remember what life was like without you. In just a few weeks we will be celebrating your first Christmas and we are so blessed beyond words to have you in our family.

We love you,
Mommy, Daddy & your puppy Hera!

Letters to Charleston - 3 months old

Dear Charleston,

How are you already 3 months old?  What happened to my tiny 6 pound baby?  You're doing exactly what you're supposed to do, sweet girl... growing, learning, and thriving.

This past month was full of new little milestones, changes, and lots of smiles. But I must confess,  I have yet to start your baby book. Between sleepless nights for mommy, snoring noises by daddy, and everything else in between - I hope these letters help freeze time just a little bit by giving you a snap shot of what you were like at only 90 days old. We feel like you've been with our family forever while at the same time it feels like you were just born yesterday. 

Your smiles make my heart beat fast and my insides melt. You have been using those sweet smiles to communicate with us. I love making eye contact with you and seeing you smile at me. It's during these moments that I realize you have fulfilled something deep within me, you make me so happy to be a mom.

Your learning to take naps in your crib during the day, but your still sleeping in your pack n play at night. You still preferred to be held and snuggled, but we love to snuggle with you! You are still sleeping through the night, and I love waking up to your giggles in the morning. 

You love holding on to shirts when your eating or snuggling. Its so freaking cute. You have tiny feet, your newborn sized shoes still don't fit. You can still fit into some of your newborn clothes but your wearing 0-3 months for the most part. Some are still a little big. You are in size 1 diapers, but not sure if you will be in them much longer. 

We have not weighed you since your 2 month appointment, but I'm guessing your roughly 11 pounds now. Growing girl! You're also getting very strong, getting close to being able to hold your head completely on your own (even with those cheeks), and we are always shocked by your strong little legs.

You are often a little fussy in the evening, but nothing that can't be fixed by mommy snuggles. I always tell daddy - mommy snuggles are better because I can pick you up and with in minutes your fast asleep. Daddy try's so hard, but you just prefer mommy snuggles! You like to talk and coo. Your not much of a screamer, but we're not going to complain about that. You like driving in the car, but have had your moments where you want to be out of your seat. We recently took a road trip to Charlotte and you did so well. You go everywhere with me and do very well being out and about.

You LOVE to sit up and see whats happening around you. I'm not sure how far you can see and how clear it is but you like watching the tv with us. I think you just like the moving bright colors. 

You are so much more alert, smiley, happy, and occasionally a little "demanding".  You have acquired some new nicknames from us:  Sweet Pea, Chunky Monkey, and of course, my baby girl. 

You bring endless happiness to our life, even in the moments you are sad or grumpy. There is so much excitement, even in the little things, and it really puts life into perspective. We still spend a lot of time just staring at you. You are so special and I am reminding myself to cherish every day with you, because these days with my little Charli are numbered. You are growing so fast! 

Mommy loves you so much!

Letters to Charleston - 2 months old

Dear Charleston!

In some ways it feels like we just met you yesterday, while at the same time it feels like you’ve been with us forever. How are you not a little newborn anymore? 

Mommy does a lot of traveling, especially back and forth to Columbia. So it's a good thing you like your car seat - and you have since day one. As soon as we put you in it, your fast asleep! Hopefully you stay that way during our longer trips to Florida and Ohio.

You are currently still in newborn clothes, although some of your 0-3 month clothes are starting to fit you. You started wearing size one diapers at 7 weeks old. Your 2 month doctors appointment was today and you weigh 10lbs 11oz. and your 22in long! Ugghh your getting so big!

You’re a perfect baby who loves to sleep, eats well and doesn’t complain about anything, besides a dirty diaper. Some of your favorite things are riding in the car, taking baths, swinging in your swing and giggling. My love for you grows everyday as I watch you change and become more alert. Seeing you look around at your surroundings is amazing. I cherish these moments with you. You've changed so much since we brought you home from the hospital. I can’t believe how much you have changed just this month! You went from a completely floppy newborn to a baby who can hold her head pretty still, work her arms and legs, and coo and smile. Your beautiful blue eyes are open so much longer during the day, you are learning to "talk", smile, and respond to us. I stare at you often because it's still hard for me to believe that you are a part of me, that those arms and legs developed and grew inside me. I feel a special connection to you, and it warms my heart to think that you are my daughter. I am still getting used to the idea that I have a daughter and I am a mom. It's absolutely the most surreal thing.

I can tell already your going to be a people person, because you love getting attention. Good thing for you there are plenty of people in your life who want to give you love and attention. In fact you are rarely left alone. The excitement of you being here still has not set in to most.... Your still greeted with the same excitement as if it was the first day meeting you.

Last year was hard when we lost your big sister, but welcoming you into our little family has made us feel whole again.  I can’t wait to do Mom and Daughter things with you. I already feel like you’re my shopping buddy and partner in crime.

I love to dress you in all of your adorable outfits which have been given to us by so many sweet friends and family members. Daddy tells me you have to many clothes, but gets so excited when you wear an outfit that says something about "daddy." Shh don't tell him, but I think you already have him wrapped around your fingers..

I am so thankful for you, Charli.  I love you.
Love, Mommy

Second Pregnancy - Third Trimester Reflections

As we get down to the "business" end of this pregnancy,
I figured I would take a step back and reflect
on the third trimester.

(p.s. this was written over a few weeks time)

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We knew from day 1 we would be inducing this pregnancy for health reasons. Dr. Fisher wanted to schedule the induction before we got to the 37 weeks and 6 day mark, which Richard and I agreed with 100%.  So that put us in the week of August 8th-15th. July has been a waiting game to get the hospital schedule of when we could narrow a date down, and on July 14th - we got that date! August 10th at 7 am. Now that we have a count down clock to watch, things have gotten more real, including my emotions.

We.. OK.. maybe me.. wanted kids back to back. I mean im not getting any younger. So even with everything that happened with Payton, we still wanted to jump on the bandwagon again. After our 6 week appointment we started trying again. It took me about 2 cycles - which felt like a life time. But when I finally saw those two lines, I felt immense relief. But that was soon replaced with the realization that I would spend the next nine months holding my breath. One of the greatest comforts to me over the last months was learning how many other women felt the same fear that I do and yet survived subsequent pregnancies. 

As the date gets closer to August 10th, it also means Paytons first birthday is approaching. My emotions are all over the place.We are about to bring our second daughter into the world and I don't know how to be excited. Friends and family keep asking me, are you excited, are you ready... I am, don't get me wrong I'm ecstatic, but I can't help feeling devastated and sad at the same time. I still remember looking at the glowing screen trying to make sense of the sonogram... there was no movement or heartbeat. I couldn't cry... I just sat in silence. As much I try not to think back on that day, its hard not too.

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In some ways, this pregnancy has flown by. In other ways - I feel as if we have been on this pregnancy roller coaster for way too long. If I'm to be honest, this pregnancy was not as easy as the first one. Physically, it was harder, which meant mentally it felt worse. My first trimester was the long waiting in between doctors appointments, then patiently waiting to hear her heart beat.  The second trimester was getting through the dizzy/nauseated spells. But this third trimester the stress has built up and made it self known through more complications and less sleep.

At 27 weeks and 6 days we went into the doctors office because her movements had slowed down tremendously. Normally I don't feel her in the mornings till about 10-11ish because she's so active through the night, but she was not the night before. When we got in the doctors office they put me on the NST monitors.

(The Fetal Non-Stress test is a simple, non-invasive test performed in pregnancies over 28 weeks gestation. The test is names "non-stress" because no stress is placed on the fetus during the test. The non-stress test is a simple, noninvasive way of checking on your baby's health. The test records your baby's movement, heartbeat, and contractions. It notes changes in heart rhythm when your baby goes from resting to moving, or during contractions if you're in labor.)

I sat on the monitors for about 30 minuets while they checked over all the recordings. She stayed pretty active during the test and everything was reading on track. Which was a relief!

With in 4 days we were in the hospital because I was having a sharp pain on my left side. Dr. Dillon - the high risk doctor was on call so she helped us out and took good care of me. We got checked into the hospital about 6:30 pm and she put us on the NST monitors. She stated the sharp pain is very common in pregnancies and gets worse with each one. Its called a round ligament pain. Not something thats very comfortable I might add. But she knew everything that happened with Payton and wanted to keep me on the monitors for a little while. During this time she discovered I was having contractions. I was like really? I just thought it was pressure and the difference in the way I was carrying her compared to Payton. Or maybe braxton hicks. But that wasn't the case. With in an hour she decided we were gonna stay over night - because the contractions were not stopping and were pretty steady. She ran a bunch of test and even gave me some medicine to relax me to see if that would stop the contractions. About 2am she could not determine what was causing the contractions, but was able to determine I was not in preterm labor. Since there was nothing else she could do, she sent us home about 3am and told me to take things easy and look out for labor symptoms.

At 30 weeks we spent a week in Florida - we took my 1 year old and my 6 year old nephews to Disney World! Everyone had fun which was great, but the heat was ridiculous. I know Richard got his exercise for the week... he pushed me in a wheel chair through out the parks. I got up and walked around some, but it made the contractions more frequent. I made it back to Charleston - with no signs of early labor! woohoo!! lol.

Contractions never stopped. Around 33 weeks they got longer and more intense. At times, I was not sure she's was going stay put till we induced. She is def a wiggler and a shaker. I got more nauseated as well. Sometimes it was hard to determine which was making the other one worse - being nauseated or the contractions.

I don't believe I was blessed with the pregnancy glow this time around.. its more like a "I'm so tired and hungry" shimmer....

Similar to my last pregnancy - things in the "bump" department seem to have slowed down in the third trimester. Charleston is still growing beautifully, however we are predicting her to be similar size to Payton. She is a little bigger, but not by much. My weight gain was more this pregnancy, but shes had a bigger appetite then Payton did. Payton liked fruit, veggies and sugar! Charleston likes her hamburgers and sugar. I am sad she does not like seafood. Its the one thing I craved with Payton, and it still seems to be the one thing I crave with Charleston, I just cant handle the taste! 

As my third trimester is ending - contractions have gotten stronger. Some days they are close enough to track them, but not enough to rush to the hospital. My driving days ended about 34 weeks - I couldn't count on not having an intense contractions, so I decided I probably shouldn't be driving....

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At 33 weeks and 6 days we did our Maternity photos with the Fabulous Kaity! Since we did maternity photos at the beach for Payton - we want to do a park or something this time around. Since we decided on the name Charleston, we decided on downtown Charleston! :) Here are a few of my favorites......

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At my 36 week appointment I was 1 cm dilated and 60% effaced! Baby Charleston can come at anytime! Dr. Fisher said look out for my water breaking or contractions being 5 mins apart for an hour or so. The days following my appointment, my contractions def got closer and stronger really fast! During our ultra sound Miss Charleston was super active, but we got a few good pictures of her! I mean look at those CHEEKS!!! I'm pretty sure she gets those from me! They estimated her to be about 6 lbs and 1 oz. So she's def bigger then Payton! Lets hope she doesn't get much bigger then that by next week! lol. 

--------------------------------------------

So today is my last day of being pregnant! I'm not sure what my emotions are because I'm to exhausted to even think about them! Surprisingly im not really nervous or scared about tomorrow. I know my feelings about the delivery day have been a little different through out my pregnancy - but now that its here, I think im ok! I mean i'm nervous - but who wouldn't be pushing a baby out! lol. 

Richard and I have decided to keep things as simple as possible tomorrow! We have to be at the hospital at 6:45 am. We have told family not to be at the hospital no earlier then 9 am. We have also told all our family and friends that we only want intermediate family at the hospital tomorrow, but everyone else is welcome to come see us on Tuesday. We just want tomorrow to be as simple as we can make it, and no stress for anyone. We will see how that goes! I at least will have my sister their to put anyone in their place if need be! lol. She gets me like that! :) 

So ready to meet this bundle of joy we have been so patiently waiting for!