Charlie - 15 mths

Charlie Chase is becoming quite the little man. We took him for his 15 mth check up the other day- 25 lbs and 33 inches... he suddenly sprouted up to the 90% for height! My guess is he'll oddly 'shrink' after his next length check, hard to measure a kicking toddler. He has really started exhibiting quite a comedic personality - particularly when big sis is not around. I doubt that surprises anyone. He loves to play hide and seek and throw kisses. Another favorite is the funny face game and he ALWAYS wins. The kid can pull off some very funny stares. He keeps us laughing and claps at his own hilarity - way too cute. Anna, of course, continues to love on her baby brother in ways that only irritate Charlie. She pulls him and hugs him to pieces. He'll learn eventually that she's just exuberant and that's not a bad thing. His words now include: hi, uh oh, mama, dada, Anna, ball, balloon, bubble, up and his most favorite word, DOGGIE. The boy loves animals, particularly doggies and will go absolutely bonkers for any dog that walks by our house.

Soccer girl!

Anna is playing soccer now, Karl couldn't be happier. The moment she turned 3, he said, ok, it's time - I want her in cleats and shinguards, we can't wait any longer to mold a future scholarship. Well maybe it wasn't quite like that but I am happy to report that she's really good! She has the same athletic capabilities as her daddy, thank god - we all know that I am not the most coordinated person - and she really has a good spirit about and loves to play. Share and lose aren't words that come to mind, but at her age, it's really just about learning what it's all about. You should see the soccer dads hovering about their children. Kick it there - don't pick it up - in the goal, johnny! Really funny. And, their first scrimmage was just a sea of 3 year old arms and legs - like a little bee swarm with no rhyme or reason. So cute.

Off and running

Well almost... About one minute after I posted that Charlie was NOT walking, he started walking. Obviously, pics are of him walking with Anna and not by himself, naturally, Anna considers herself the coach and teacher for everything Charlie does! He is still in Frankenstein mode, but it's very exciting. Anna thinks it's the best thing ever now that he's a bit more upright. The other toddlers in his room at daycare are probably thrilled that he's off the floor now too. Maybe now we can stop inspecting every little piece of lint on the floor to see if it's edible. I even surprised myself by not crying at my little man's latest achievement. Even with the current pregnancy, I want to cry at the drop of the hat. Not this time. Sorry, Charlie, mama is very happy to have you moving on your two feet now!