Busy, busy

Aren't January and February supposed to be those boring, slow months in the dead of winter where you go stir crazy and look forward to having something to do come spring?  Not so much around here.  Between work, church, friends and Charlie just being Charlie, life is a whirlwind -- and as I look at the next few months is just going to get crazier, but even more fun! 

Charlie seems to love this pace, because he seems to be doing something new almost every day.  He can stand on his own briefly (as long as he doesn't realize he's doing it), and he chatters in his own little language almost non-stop -- throwing in some deafening squeals every now and then.  He's also learned to sign "more" this week. It takes some prompting, and he actually looks more like one of the Temptations than someone doing sign language, but he's learning. It's amazing to think that he is on the road to communication

Right now the pinnacle of humor at our house is to put an upside down cup on Charlie's head or our own head.  It tickles him like nothing else.  And to Otis' profound dismay, Charlie adores petting him.  Who knew that a dog could perfect a look of righteous indignation?

Just in the past week Charlie has had two play dates with little Miss Kate.  He struggled a bit at her house until his bath -- naked equals happy in his book -- but did great when she came to our house.  Charlie had a ball "teaching" Kate to play his piano, though sharing is apparently going to be a bit of a struggle for him.

This week he also went to the nursery at church for the first time.  Jason and I both spent the service straining to hear any howling or screeching from down the hall, but Charlie did great.  And if being able to sit back, listen, learn and not worry about Charlie waking up weren't enough, his speed crawl to Jason when we picked him up would have made the whole thing worthwhile.  We definitely plan to keep it up -- it's almost like an hour long date!

Out of everything, I think the biggest kick of the past week has been Charlie's new obsession with Jason.  Daddy is the coolest thing EVER!  Charlie actually crawled over to the door, turned around and sat there indian style the other day when he knew Jason was leaving for work.  And when Jason comes in the door at night Charlie can be playing, eating, squeeling, anything and he'll shout out "Dada" as soon as the door opens.  It's fabulous -- a bit frustrating if Jason tries to do something like tie his shoes or go to the bathroom, but absolutely adorable to watch!

When you throw in Jason's birthday (and cake!), lunch in North Charleston on Wednesday to meet Jason's new boss, Bible Study Wednesday night, with the standard naps, diaper changes and playtime, it's no wonder Jason and I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning!  It's really just crazy fun and getting better every day.

Our little comedian

"Sharing"

Piano Lessons

Mmmmm... Cake!