Tight Squeeze

I totally forgot to blog our playdate with my good friend Tiffany and her kids Braden and Addie (a few weeks back). As the kids were playing, we got lost in conversation then looked around the couch to see this:



So adorable! Addie was showing Charlotte some love. Charlotte's face kills me! Thanks for a fun afternoon, Tif, and for coming all the way from Annapolis.

Aloha

Saturday we attended an event I helped plan for a mom's group I am part of. It was a night out for the moms and their spouses. Tropical themed and such a great time! (Note my tired eyes, I was just hanging on at the end of this wild week)

Saying Goodbye

The funeral was absolutely beautiful and such a tribute to the life and love of Grandma. The viewing and service was attended by over 200 people and was filled with sweet memories, music and a powerful message of love and hope.

Charlotte did her best to brighten the room:



The following morning of the burial ceremony was equally as moving. What a clear, sunny day to say goodbye to such a bright and lovely soul. Pop Pop was comforted by Charlotte & Hunter.



Grandma was laid to rest next to Pop at the most lovely spot of the cemetary. We miss you but we know we shall see you once again!

What a Week!

We have been so busy this week between the funeral services (I sang and made a slide show), a church tea where I also sang with friend Mark, and an event I helped plan (tonight) for my MOPS mom's group...I am exhausted. It has been a wild ride!

I vow to update the blog as soon as I have a chance to breathe. Charlotte is well and as spunky as ever. She sure has been the calm needed in the storm of this past week. She brought balance and happiness to everyone around her!

In Loving Memory

In the quiet, early hours of Sunday morning, Grandma Merson peacefully left this world to be with her husband in Heaven. Such a pillar she had been for this family since the passing of Pop Merson eight years ago, nearly to the day.

We will miss your presence here on earth but we know you are where your heart has always been, resting in the arms of your life's greatest true love.

"Beeeg Brrr"

Once upon a time I shopped at Safeway bi-monthly for our household grocery needs. Now, with a growing little one, we shop once (sometimes twice) a week. Every time I wheel the cart through the automatic doors with Charlotte in tow, I hear the following, usually multiple times with shrieks of joy, pointed fingers and loads of leg kicking: "Beee Brrr, BEEEG BRRR!"

Dear Safeway Checkout Aisle Manager,

Please, I repeat, please never take down the following balloon...it would break my child's heart, and quite frankly, I actually look forward to our weekly visits to chat with Big Bird and the Sesame Street gang as they float overhead.



Seriously, you should come grocery shopping with us sometime - she finds wonder in every little thing!

One Fish, Two Fish

Tuesday we spent the day with friends Courtney and Benjamin at the Baltimore Aquarium. Such a fantastic time. Thanks for letting us tag along on your membership for the day, Courtney!

No Place Like Home

Four years ago today we closed on our home! It is hard to believe we have been here for four years already. We moved in the spring after we married.

I am excited to get back to some house projects. Those that know me knew a very decor obsessed girl before I got pregnant. House stuff obviously got put on hold, but we are anxious to get going again. Chris and I plan to work on some things this spring.

Feeling nostalgic, I rounded up pictures of our homes through the years - I was lucky to marry a savvy man who bought his first house when he was 21 - ten years ago!

Chris' 1st house that he owned when we met:

Our townhome:

And our current home (taken in spring 2006):

Cozy and comfy, we have enjoyed making this house our home over the past four years - with the best addition, of course, being Charlotte!

Happy Anniversary, Home Sweet Home!

Party Time!

We attended two first birthday parties on Saturday. One for cutie Colin...




And one for adorable Addie - Happy Birthday, little friends!!!

Cool Grass

Spring is officially here when you can kick off your shoes and run your toes through the cool, green grass! Ah...finally!

Charlotte enjoyed the warm afternoon breezes today (so did her hair!).

Small Strides

Charlotte is 13 months today and has been making progress toward walking in the last few days. She is enjoying standing much more now than ever and she has gained so much confidence. We are so proud of you, CoCo!



Here are some more pics after a Sunday night dinner with Mimi and Grampa:

Small Strides

Benna & Black Beans

We enjoyed a playdate last week with friend Benjamin (or Benna as he adorably calls himself). I love the second picture, he looks curious as to why Charlotte is playing with his Melissa & Doug puzzles. Too cute - what a fun afternoon, thanks Courtney!





And then later in the week enjoying black beans - because all kids like black beans, right???

Showering Libby

I was tickled to be included at a baby shower for Libby, my sister in law Michelle's best friend. She is such a cute pregnant mama and what an adorable baby shower! Here is the gift basket I made (with stuff I couldn't live without as a new mom). Best wishes on your upcoming delivery, Libby!

Mall with Mimi

Charlotte and Ryder with Mimi (and plastic spoons) at the mall - good times!

Swing and a Smile

A few of my favorites from the park a few weeks ago...