We have a WALKER!

After at least two months of pulling up and cruising around holding onto furniture we finally have a walker!  Charlotte has been taking a few steps here and there for the better part of a 2 weeks, but I really wasn't calling her a walker.  On Saturday night Grandpa Maher came over and put his arms out trying to get Charlotte to walk to him.  Almost without hesitation she took about 10 steps and went to him!  All day Sunday she was practicing although she is still quite wobbly.  I think it's safe to say that she will be running around in no time. 

I guess we picked great timing for buying Charlotte her first pair of shoes.  Saturday afternoon Dave and I took her to Stride Rite to have her fitted for "big girl walking" shoes.  She sat still next to her Daddy on the bench in the store and let the sales attendant measure her foot and then put the shoes on.  I should note that every time I attempt to put shoes on her little fat feet she curls her toes up and wiggles away, which is probably why I gave up making her wear them a long time ago.  She doesn't seem to mind the new pair and we need to get her used to wearing them if she is going to be trotting all over the place.

Here are a few pictures of Charlotte since her first birthday.  We got a new Canon Power Shot and I love it!  A few were taken at the house and some of the others are from her visit to the Children's Museum.

First Birthday Party

Charlotte's first birthday party was a huge success.  The party began at 2 while she was napping. At about 2:20 I heard her making some noise so Alyssa and I immediately went into her room and put her birthday tutu on her.  We marched her out in front of all the guests and boy did she make a sour face.  I think she was wondering what all the people were doing in her house!

She quickly warmed up to the crowd and began socializing.  After a bit of play time she opened her presents.  She received some great gifts and hasn't stop playing with them since.  Grandma and Grandpa Cooley got her yellow rubber ducks and she likes to carry one around in each hand.  She also received lots of fun water activities including a baby pool, slip-n-slide, and a baby water play area that hooks up to the hose.  Not to mention a new array of bathing suits and towels.  I guess everyone got the notice that she loves the water. 

After presents we sang Happy Birthday and let her devour a mini cake.  Of course she loved it, the child never turns down food.  After an afternoon playing in her baby pool and hanging out with the family Charlotte was completely tuckered out.  At 8pm she went to bed and for once I didn't even hear here playing in the crib...out like a light.

Thanks to everyone who could come celebrate with us - we had a great time!