Glasses.

Charlie loves glasses (eye, sun, wine, beer, etc).  I guess that makes her a true Boeke.  Like father (and grandfather), like daughter.

Sorry Charlie.

I think I never got over the fact that Charlie was going to be a girl.  I have a green stroller/car seat, she wears a lot of blue and green, few bows, and she has a guy's name.  Today at the gas station a lady asked how old "he" was.  I have gotten tired of correcting people so I said 6 months.  She asked "his" name and conveniently enough the name Charlie didn't get any questions from her.  I hope she doesn't have identity problems when she is older.  This is the outfit she was wearing.

Lil' Norwegian

Charlie got this outfit from her Great Great Aunt Audrey.  She is only a quarter Norwegian, but I think she is allowed to claim her Norwegian heritage (love of all things made with butter).

2 1/2 birthday weekend.

We had such a good weekend that it might take us the whole week to recover.  Our family of four took off for Cedar Falls after Paul got off work on Friday.  We made it into town late but got in some good happy hour food and drinks and some Boeke family time.  Saturday morning Charlie had her 6 month pictures taken by At Play Photo.  Darcy is an awesome photographer, and I can't wait to see what she comes up with this time.  Aferwards, Paul, Charlie and I met Great Aunt Barb at Panera for some smoothies.  It was nice to catch up.

The rest of the day was spent hanging out and getting ready for Paul and Scott's 30th birthday party.  Despite the rain we had a good turnout. It is so nice to be able to see everyone in one weekend.  We had some of the Broadlawns crew, CF friends, family, and family friends.

On Sunday we got to have lunch at the Dowd's house with Grandma and Grandpa Dowd, Aunt MoMo and Neil. They just completely redecorated the kitchen, dining room, and bathroom and it looks amazing!   It is hard to leave Cedar Falls knowing we are on our own again.  It is nice to have help!  Charlie is getting harder to entertain for the 5 hour card ride in her car seat. Luckily she was off her schedule enough to sleep most of the way home.  By the time we got back to Columbia we were all completely worn out and Charlie had a brand new wardrobe for fall.

30.

Happy 30th Birthday Paul and Scott!

Paul- You are the best husband and father.  Charlie and I are so lucky to have you.  I hope we get to spend the next 30 years together raising our babies, traveling, watching Iowa football, and enjoying life together.  I love you.

Scott- If I have to share my husband with someone I am glad it is you.

Weekend.

Paul has been on call this weekend but has managed to hang out with us in between calls into work.  The sound of his pager is something that we all dread!  We went to the Columbia Farmer's Market on Saturday and then got a visit from Great Uncle Dennis and Great Aunt Donna in the afternoon.  

It has gotten nice outside and we have been able to open up our windows at night and take Charlie outside more.  There is a park in our neighborhood that we have been going to daily.   We have started to swing more and go down the slides together.  Charlie isn't quite sure if she enjoys it but doesn't complain either.  

Clean plate club.

I think that Charlie is getting the hang of eating.  She is still on a strict diet of rice cereal but I think we might try something crazy like sweet potatoes or green beans this week.

Boeke weekend.

Julie and Steve came to visit last weekend.  We checked out some new restaurants, the farmer's market and took Charlie to a park.  Before they left they offered to watch Charlie for awhile so Paul and I could hang out for our anniversary.  It took us quite awhile to figure out what we should do.  We ended up walking around downtown Columbia, trying out the local ice cream shop, and actually have conversations about things other than Charlie.  It is nice to have a little time to our selves every now and then.

2 years. (8 years)

2 new cities.  A medical school graduation.  Broadlawns.  New jobs.  Charlie.  New House.  We have made it through so many changes and new situations and for everyone that knows us well, that is huge! Because of my husband these are the people that I have in my life.  I am a lucky girl.

Sucking up...

Charlie is learning that the way to her father's heart is through the Hawkeyes so she has been sporting a lot Hawkeye gear lately.  Less than one month!