Happy Half Birthday Baby Charlotte!!

Yesterday we had a half birthday party for you, sweet girl.  You are officially 6 months old!

Time has just flown by.  You are now able to hold toys, sit up for very short period with my arms ready to catch you when you inevitably topple over, and can stand with support for a good while- about 45 seconds.  You babble and giggle constantly.  Your voice is low and sweet like honey to my ears.

We celebrated your birthday last night at dinner by spelling out "Happy Half B-day" in breadstick dough (which, may I add is no easy feat) and baking it in the oven.  Then, just before we ate our homemade vegetable soup for dinner, we put you on the kitchen table in your pink bouncy chair and sang "Happy Birthday Baby Charlotte" to you.  Ruby cried while we were singing because she associates birthday songs with candles, which scare her.  She was happy that it was your half birthday though.

This morning, you participated in your first play tea party with Ruby.  Still no teeth although you are putting up a good cry which I assume must be teething when I've met all of your other needs (not sleepy, hungry, wet, diaper, cold, hot, lonely or otherwise in pain).  No word babble yet either, although I will confess that when I take you to bed at night, I whisper "mama, mama" because I hope it will be your first word!  :) (Even though most babies say dada first, I keep hoping you will ask for me.)  Right now, you are sleeping upstairs giving me some time to write to you.

This month in particular I have re-fallen in love with you, even more than I did before.  It's very hard to explain, but it's like this:  I loved you very much before and thought you were cute.  Now, I cherish and adore you to my very core.  I kiss every wrinkle.  I get butterflies when I can make you laugh and giggle your low, throaty laugh.  I tiptoe into your room just to listen to you sleeping sometimes, even though I usually almost wake you up by accident.. I love to listen to you breathing in your sleep, and watch your sweet eyelids flutter and see you wriggle in your precious baby dreams.  It is true that in these last few weeks, you have solidified our bond completely and have got me wrapped completely around your perfect, tiny little fingers.  Hook, line, and sinker. (Even the whole pole).

Thank you for bringing me such joy.  You fill me with love and make me SO happy every day.  Happy 6 month birthday, baby Charlotte!  I can't wait to watch you grow, talk, and take your first baby steps in this big world.  I'll be there (and so will Daddy!) to catch you when you fall.

-Your mama.