Circle of Life

Lots of happy and sad tears since my last blog. Chuck's Grandmother passed away on January 18th.  She was the sweetest grandmother in the whole world. I would describe her as the Ideal Grandmother. She was great at everything she did. Cooking, Gardening, Decorating.Everything. She was a very classy lady and I am very lucky to have known her. She is now in peace and we are all left with the wonderful memories she has left behind for us. I just wish I could have taken a few cooking lessons from Helen before she passed. I will probably spend the rest of my life trying to master her famous mostaccioli.

Obituary: http://www.pitmanfuneralhome.com/view.php?id=1555

On a happier note:

Chuck's Grandfather, Frank, is doing much better! He was released from the nursing home following Helen's funeral. I am sure he misses seeing Helen's smiling face, but we are all happy to see him in much better health and we hope to see him keep it up.  

And with a death, came a birth.... Our friends Sarah and Joe welcomed baby girl Harper into the world!! We are so excited to have a little girl within our circle of friends for Charlotte to grow up with. I can just picture these two going trick or treating together, and doing lots of other fun stuff. Its going to be sooo much fun. :)

Oh, just look at that full head of hair and that precious little face. After holding itty bitty Harper, it was hard for us not to go home and try for another. But then Charlie quickly reminded us that we have our hands full already. lol.

Lets see, what has Charlie been up to these past two weeks??

Last weekend we finally got a chance to go swimming. I prefer the Rec Plex for indoor swimming, but we decided that was too long of a journey for us Downtowners. So instead we decided to try out The Lodge in Des Peres. It wasn't bad. The Tot pool slacked a bit with just a shallow pool and a few fountains. But they did have a pretty awesome indoor wave pool and slide. And just as expected, Charlie LOVED it. She ran in and out of the water. Swam around on her belly. It was challenge to get her to leave. We are planning another swimming trip to the nearby YMCA.  All this swimming makes me VERY excited to go to the lake every weekend this summer!!

A first this week- Charlie actually feel asleep in her highchair with a hamburger still in her mouth. Unfortunately, she dropped her arm during my quick hustle to find my camera. But still makes for a great picture.

Charlie has also become momma's big helper. This week she helped me hang up clothes in the closet. And she is always eager to help with the sweeping and vacuuming:

And of course...we had to pause cleaning for a quick dance break!

I am loving this warm winter weather we have been having...but I am a little disappointed that we haven't been able to use the awesome snow suit with matching coat and boots we got Charlie. We also got a pretty awesome snow man kit and sled for Christmas that we have been dying to try out. I am crossing my fingers for just one good snow this year so that we can make a trip to Art Hill (just please mother nature DO NOT SNOW on Mardi Gras!!). And then it can go right back to 60 degree temperatures!

Sitting in her baby doll stroller.

Let's just say that she only ate the icing off this dounut which meant....no afternoon nap!