Dear Charlotte...

You're 6 months old today! I can hardly believe it.

This morning, when we were snuggled up together in our PJ's, I tried to remember what it was like when you were half this size... and I barely can.



Your feet are still chubby and squishy, but they're not as squishy as they were - I know they're developing and firming up so that you'll be able to stand strong.


Your nose is still round and turns up just the slightest bit at the end, and when you sleep - your chin and lips still kind of pucker, because there are no teeth to hold them out.

When you were born, you had the slightest little wisps of eyelashes... barely any to be seen, but now they've grown, too.

Your hair is getting thicker (a little, at least), your grip is stronger and more deliberate.



Your personality is contagious and your temper can be daunting.

When you smile, your eyes literally sparkle. You snort when you laugh, and you laugh when you sneeze.



You talk to us through-out the day in a language that only you and pterodactyls understand, but you still seem to be patient with us as we learn.

When we change your diaper, you grab your feet and inspect them very closely. You suck on your toes more than you suck on your thumb. You wiggle and squirm and while it makes for diapering difficulties, it also exposes the chunkiest parts of your thighs that are so ticklish.


You like to try and pick my nose when you are nursing, and you give us all "kisses" by sucking our cheeks. We allow it, because we love you and find it enchanting, but it takes a mop to clean up the pool you leave behind.

You've had avacados, bananas and yesterday you enjoyed cereal for the first time. You're so eager to try new things, though, that when Mommy or Daddy eat in front of you - you become hypnotized and then start trying to steal our goodies.


I believe your first teeth will be breaking through any day now... you are drooling massive amounts, desperately gnawing on everything and anything, and at times you cry with desperation and frustration. You also have a very runny nose and lots of congestion, which they say is a sign. On one hand, your Daddy and I can't wait for you to have some relief - but on the other hand, we wish so hard that we could just freeze you in this magical age. Your gummy smile is so lovely that it makes my heart ache.

9 out of 10 days, you sleep soundly through the night, from around 8:30pm until 7am. The 10th of the 10 you will be up every hour. Those nights, we've just resolved to bring you into our bed. It calms you so that you can rest, and allows us the special joy of waking up to you smiling and grabbing our noses. You'll reach out and touch me, then roll to the other side and touch your daddy, then back to me, then back to him.... mornings are always the yummiest part of the day with you.



You are precious and perfect, my sweet girl. You smell like lavender and vanilla lotion, you feel like you're full of mashed potatoes, the sound of your breath - when you sleep - quiets my mind, and you still make every day the best day ever.

Thank you for letting us be your parents...

- Mommy