a go-kart, pool, and some sheep

For Labor Day weekend we went up to Minnesota with our friends Eli and Krista. We went to their state fair for the second year in a row, hung out at their farm, and rode in their go kart. I just love Minnesota. Clean fresh air, trees, lakes, laid back people... it's a nice getaway from Chicago.

Charlotte didn't quite know what to make of riding in the go-kart. When they were driving around she didn't show much of an emotion, but when they'd stop she'd smile from ear to ear and bounce up and down like she was having the time of her life.

Being rather gentle with the sheep... normally she's a grab and pull kind of gal.

Wearing her John Deere ears.

Getting her first tat, matching Dad's.

And here was her last time enjoying the tiny pool. She would not give me the time of day as she played. I called, yelled, sang, clapped my hands... nothing worked to get her to look at the camera. She was too focused on splashing and enjoying the last remnants of summer.

(although the past two days have been in the 80's again so I suppose we could pull out her swimsuit again)

*videos below are of petting the sheep and riding in the go-kart*

somebody...

... took FOUR steps on her own today!

(of course I didn't have my camera ready... so you'll have to enjoy a picture from DisneyWorld)

ten months young

Four days ago was Lotte's ten month birthday. Weird... I keep having to remind myself that it keeps getting better and that I keep falling more and more in love with her otherwise I'd be in some serious mourning. This lucky little girl got to spend her seven month birthday in Disneyland and her ten month in Disneyworld... spoiled already...

We didn't get in to see the doctor for her 9 month appointment until about a week before her 10 month, but here are her stats anyway:

Height: 2'5" (75-80th percentile)

Weight: 19 lbs 4.8 oz (50th percentile)

Head: 17.4" (around 50th percentile)

She's super friendly as always. She reaches for anyone after she studies them for a second. On the monorail at Disneyworld I was sitting next to a ten year old boy that Charlotte insisted on hugging and sitting on his lap. So she did for the last 5 minutes of our ride. She loves kissing herself in the mirror and does her surprised "oh" face when she's happy about anything. She gives really good hugs with her tiny arm around your neck and head on your shoulder. It makes us melt. She has a third tooth on top that's off to the side making her look like a pirate. She dances to any kind of music whether it's The Wizard of Oz or JayZ her booty gets bouncing (video to come).

She's awesome.

Charlotte + babies = holy terror

I'm a little frightened to have Charlotte around any future children that we'll have. We got her this baby doll for Christmas when she was a whopping 4 weeks old. She's just started to take an interest in it which I was so excited about. Then I started taking all of these pictures and what transpired was flippin' hilarious and kind of scary.

"ohhh, my pretty dolly..."

"I wonder what would happen if I bent you backwards in half like this..."

"... and screamed in your face..."

"... and bit your bum..."

"...oh how I love my little dolly..."

Maybe she just has a crazy love for this doll...? or is already showing signs of bullying tendencies...? I'll guess we'll have to wait and see. =)

Chicago's Tall Ships

This was also back in August. We went out onto Navy Pier to view/board ships from around the world and different time periods. It was a perfect windy/hot Chicago day.

below is the same picture as above but zoomed in to see the scrumptiousness of this little girl

little happenings in August...

Charlotte and I have been on the go for the past three months and are finally home for a solid amount of time. There is a lot to post, but I'll start with randomness from August.

Charlotte...

missed her Daddy a lot...

climbed onto many things she wasn't supposed to...

learned how to distinguish the good stuff... gotta love those smurfs!

played with bubbles... =)

stood around like a stud...

walked nakey to the bathroom for her nightly bath...

out of all of those toys, she plays(-ed) with the large rubber ducky and starfish... the rest are ignored...

started watching Disney movies during lunchtime... (she lasts a whopping 15 minutes and is bored)

played lots with her Mama...

I think this was one of those days where I stayed in my pj's and played with Lotte... and loved it... and then felt gross and finally showered

went to the aquarium...

played with Canon, Kristen's baby (my roommate from college who stopped in Chicago for a visit)...

*alright, when I have the umph to work longer on my computer I'll post the many videos and pictures from Washington and Disneyworld for all to enjoy

i'm an auntie again!

Last night my sister gave birth to her fourth baby girl. It was quite the long process with her coming close to having a c-section and then pushing for 3 hours, but she's here! And she's stinkin' adorable!

They haven't quite decided on a name (as far as I know), but I think it will either be Lily or Addison... or both put together...?

Congratulations, Carrie, Dave, Emma, Claire, and Hallie!