8 months.

Charlie is 8 months old today.  She is becoming more of a handful because she is into everything, but I love seeing her personality develop.

Stephen's Lake Park

It was 85 degrees outside in Columbia today so we made the most of it by spending as much time outside as we could.  We played with bubbles in the morning in our yard and then went to Stephens Lake Park in the afternoon.  They have lots of space to set down a blanket and lay in the shade.  Charlie was interested in putting every leaf in her mouth.  

Playing.

Charlie has started to be more mobile.  I am unsure of whether that is a good or bad thing.  I have been trying to babyproof our house because she can get into everything now within seconds of me taking my eyes off of her.  She has been crawling (backward).  She looks like she is so close to getting it but until she does it is pretty funny to watch.  Another new thing this week is Charlie pulling herself up.  She loves to try it in the bathtub and with our coffee table.  It is amazing how strong she is.  

Weekend.

We went to Iowa City/Cedar Rapids last weekend to tailgate for the Iowa game and to hang out with family and friends.  Some of my Luther friends were in town, and they got to see Charlie for the first time or the first time since we have moved.  Friday night we got to Molly and Neil's house late but got to spend a little time playing with their new puppy Guinea (short for Guinness).  Molly put together a belated 30th birthday party with balloons, birthday hats, and dirt cake (for the dirty 30).

Saturday we tailgated and Paul went to the game.  It ended up being awful to watch so I am glad that we went downtown to the bars to hang out.  It is sad that it was our last tailgate this year.  Hopefully next year will be more enjoyable and Paul will have more available weekends to travel.

The B's.

 

Baths, butts, bubbles, and blubber.  I wonder how long she will let me dress her in shirts that say "I love Mommy" on them?

Dirty 30.

I turned 30 on Wednesday.  I like to think that it doesn't bother me at all because I have everything that I have ever wanted and have never been happier.  I do wonder how I am now 11 years out of high school and 7 out of college.  Here is what I have learned in the past 30 years and what I am continuing to work on in the next 30.

Be grateful for what you have.
Everyone has something hard that they are going through.
Be kind to people.
Try new things. (Paul- I promise to try food before saying that I don't like it)
Being a mom is the best and hardest job I will ever have.
You are only as happy as your saddest child.

My mom came to Columbia to help me celebrate.  I showed her some new stores and restaurants and we played with Charlie.  Paul and I went out for dinner while she babysat for us.  We had great sushi, monkey brain, and Japanese beers.   We even went for a drink and dessert at another restaurant afterwards.