This guy

I wanted to do a little post all about Charlie! I still like looking back at my post from when Kenley turned 1, and I want to do whatever I can to soak up these baby memories! It's no secret that I always dreamed when I was younger at I would have (at least one) daughter. But, I was not surprised at all when Ray and I found out that we were having a boy. I just "had a feeling" early on, and I was excited at the idea of that being "new," but I really didn't know how it would be having a son. I also felt so blessed to have one of each, even though I would have been happy with 2 girls too. From the minute he was born and I saw his beautiful face and that blonde hair, I knew I was meant to be a "boy" mom too.

Charlie definitely put me through a lot this first year, especially those first 7-8 months. There were many days it was not easy having a (very) fussy baby and a toddler. But, I tried very hard to soak up and enjoy those infant stages. I love the bond that we have formed, and I am so lucky that I've been home with him for his first year of life. Even on days when I thought I would lose my mind, I was always greatful to not be working. (Otherwise, I probably REALLY would have lost my mind!) Charlie finally got used to constantly being in and out of the car, and going out just about every day. he has done a lot in his first year! He's been exposed to a lot of "kid" activities, and it is getting more fun now that he is able to join in a bit.

As the months went on, his hair grew blonder and his eyes bluer, and I really don't think he could get any cuter. We constantly have strangers stopping us to comment about his gorgeous eyes.  He's like a little, tan, surfer boy. I also love the bond him and Kenley have. She definitely looks over him and takes on the "big Sister" roll well. She has been his biggest cheerleader in all of his milestones, whenever he learned something new she would say, "great job, Charlie! Mommy, can you believe he knows how to roll, crawl, stand, etc.?" She gets so excited when he learns something new, and she can't wait until he is walking, I know soon he will be chasing after her!  He thinks Kenley is hilarious, and he is always entertained by her. Every morning, she climbs into his crib with him and they play until I come in to get him ready. Sometimes, I just like to listen to them playing, and Kenley talks to him, and they laugh together. It's really sweet.

I wouldn't describe either one of my kids as snugly, but Charlie is a little bit more snugly with me recently. He is pretty attached to me, and likes me to be within eye site ;) He likes to be carried around and rocked, and sometimes, if I'm lucky, he will snuggle his head on my shoulder. He recently learned to give kisses, and he will spontaneously give me a nice slobbery kiss. I hope he doesn't outgrow this stage too quickly!  He also has the funniest little laugh, and he sounds very devious sometimes. He can say mama, dada, baba, up, bye-bye, and he has repeated a few other words back to us. I can't wait to see what his other "first" words will be.

This year has gone by too fast, and I knew it would.  I love this little guy, and all he has brought to our family.  Although I am sad that a year has gone by, I know how much fun the future holds for us.  My biggest hope is that Charlie and Kenley are friends by choice throughout their lives, and that all 4 of us remain close.  I know I am SO lucky that I have parents and a sister who are my best friends, and that are always there for me.  I can only hope that they have as close of a relationship as they grow older.