some recent cute pics of charli

 Even when there's no snow, this little snow bunny wants to be pulled around in her sled!

 Eee!  Pigtails, finally!

Dressed up for Valentine's Day in Mommy's dress!

happy new year!

Oh my!  I haven't written anything since October!  How embarrassing!  It's not that nothing has been going on.  Perhaps the opposite--too much going on, I've had no time to write!  Christmas was fun with Charli.  We were able to take her to see Santa & other Christmasy things.  She especially loves trains!  She didn't really understand about opening presents, but she does like playing with all her new toys.  If only I could find room to put everything!  I suppose I ought to get rid of some things, that would help.

We got her a baby doll for Christmas this year to help her to "practice" being a big sister.  She's taken to it well!  That's right, along with everything else God is going to bring into our life this new year, He's giving us baby #2 some time in July!  We're very excited about this new addition to our family.  Charli already gives my belly kisses.  I don't think she has any idea what's going on, but it's still sweet.  I think she'll do just fine as a big sister. 

So it seems 2012 is going to bring many changes to our little family.  We wish you all a Happy New Year, too!

pumpkin-patching

We took Charli to Shenot's Farm to get a pumpkin this year.  We asked Nana & Opa to come with us!  We took a hayride out to the pumpkins & enjoyed an apple on the way!  It was a beautiful day for pumpkin-patching!

trick-or-treating

Bert & I took Charli up to Nana & Opa's camp again this year for some pre-Halloween trick-or-treating.  She made out very well!  She was dressed up as a butterfly princess, & did a very good job keeping her tiara on her head.  She was such a cutie, & got many compliments along with her treats.

kitchen

Just a little update on the kitchen project.  I scheduled our countertop to be installed Tuesday, September 20th!  Things are moving right along!

 new pantry shelves

 temporary sink & countertop

cabinet doors are on!

my big girl

Charli is officially a walker!  I was so happy today, I cried!  She has been receiving physical therapy for not even two months yet, and she's walking!  She wasn't moving at all two months ago.  One thing I think God has been teaching me throughout the difficulties I've been experiencing with Charli is just to love her for who she is.  She is her own little person, that He created.  She isn't going to be who I think she should be, so I need to love her as she is.  As a teacher, I knew every child in my classroom was different.  They learned differently, had different gifts and abilities, and even looked different!  As a mom, though, I expected Charli to be just like every other baby.  So many times this year I have been brought to tears because Charli wasn't where I thought she should be physically, but it's a blessing to be able to look back and see God's hand working in every situation to bring me closer to my little girl throughout all we've been through together.  I want to thank everyone who has been praying for us and thinking about us.  God is good!

kitchen update

I wanted to add some pics to this blog to show how our kitchen remodel is going.  It's still a long way from done, but it's coming together piece by piece!

 our kitchen before demo

 cabinets & countertops are out!

 goodbye walls & ceiling!

 hello new walls & ceiling!

microwave installed