Hard habit to break...

Oh what a night, Charlotte arrives at dawn's early light with a smile on her face as she triumphantly clings to the object of her love and hate- the swaddle.

In happier times, Charlotte would sleep peacefully through the night, as long as she was lovingly wrapped in her swaddle.

But the time had come to begin to break from this wrapping device, as nights in the swaddle were causing this morning reaction for mom and dad.

Until last night a challenge was set forth- you Charlotte shall sleep tonight without that swaddle, come hell or high water. We aren't sure which came first, but we think we passed through hell first before drowning in the high water. Let's just say that the hours between 10:30 and 1:30 were not pleasant but we believe Dr. Ferber would be proud. Round One goes to the good guys!

What- you mean we have to do it again tonight? You have got to be kiddin me!

Another hard habit to break- get it- like a nun? Sorry, a little loopy this morning. Wish us luck tonight!

It just may be a lunatic you're lookin for..

Grandma Rose's funny faces make Charlotte laugh...

The baby in that mirror is just so beautiful..I'd like to meet her!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy Birthday Mom, you turn 31 tomorrow! Here's lookin at you!

6 months oldish'

Enjoying a rib- those were the days.

Just this much..

Fast forward to your 31st year... you show me how to read..

And teach me to love animals..

You are always watching me..

You hold me when I want..

You showed me how to pick out a Christmas tree..

You fill up our bowls and cuddle with us on the couch...

You show me how to Rock!

And dress me in silly costumes for your amusement..

And teach me how to carve pumpkins....

And tell me all about Dixie....

And you show me the fall colors...

You give me just a few kisses..here and there..every once in a while...

And you've shown me how to eat....

And rocked me to sleep...

And comforted me after storms...

Introduced me to great friends...

And brought me here to be with you!

It is your birthday Mom, but it seems like we're the ones who got the present!

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Charlie, Gracie, and Wyatt

A winter's day...

Charlie laughs at Dad on a very cold January Morning. This cold weekend marks her first snow day home with mom and dad and her first negative degree wind chill- you never forget for you first negative degree wind chill :)


Charlotte plays with one of her favorite toys- her purse. This purse, like many of her other toys sings a very catchy tune about going out.

Hello everybody!

Hello my name is Charlotte Smirnoff - I am from Soviet Union..I arrive in America and I see a giant sign- America Loves Smirnoff- What a country!

One of Charlotte's diverse array of smiles.

Here Charlotte sits in her swing and patiently awaits her parents to pop in the Baby Einstein First Words video...one of her favorites.

Last weekend Charlotte attended her first birthday party! We celebrated good friend Elyse's 1st birthday... Happy Birthday Elyse!!

Elyse thoroughly enjoyed her cake.. and we enjoyed watching her eat it. Elyse got some really cool presents and provided pizza for everyone at her party. Charlotte's buddy Dylan was at the party as well.

So fresh and so clean...

Charlotte enjoys here favorite night time ritual- the bath.

Charlotte loves splashing and playing with her bath toys.

This is the first and only time we've ever seen this look.

A new favorite picture of Dad's.

What? The buckeyes lost again? A loss in three straight BCS games? So sad. We are so distraught we can hardly take it.

Charlie enjoys her new Michigan hoodie from Great Grandma.

Charlotte cheers on the Men's Basketball team in their win over the Illini this past Sunday.

Why so serious?

Here is why- Grandpa's coffee breath!!

Charlotte enjoys her Nutcracker toy from Aunt Gwen and Uncle Tony- thanks guys!

Charlie hangs out with her pal Dylan and helps him search for Lightning McQueen.

Charlie and Dylan entertain their mothers on New Years Day.


BTW- Charlie is officially 7 months old today!!