3 months!

Charlie turned 3 months old this week. He's been very busy being a big boy. In addition to the teeth he's working on, he's been:

testing the "Charlie Jump Up." He keeps one toe on the floor at all times.

sitting in the BebePod and showing off his muscles. He likes to watch me in the kitchen.

going to open knit night. He modeled his new ribby wrap and a few others.

losing his hair.

and hanging out at Big Daddy's company picnic. All the kids were a hit at the picnic. Charlie was all smiles before the Z monster got him. Violet was practicing acrobatics, Max discovered the chocolate cookies, and Gatlin made a friend from Mexico.

Here are the blueberries I made before. Don't they look yummy? Shug (that's Kerry) brought over a ton of pears and we made some more food for the babies. The Magic Bullet was awesome. We even made figs that came out a wonderful texture for little ones. The freezer is now stocked with bluberries, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, and figs. Hopefully we can stash some veggies this week before we head north for the weekend. Ranier cherries are in season now, too. I don't know if I can make baby food with them, though, because I would probably eat them all while pitting them.

We got news this week that Uncle Duder is moving back to PA. We're really looking forward to having him in the same time zone. He's already promised to teach Charlie the things that he shouldn't learn from us.

Adventures in Making Things

Again, I don't have the photos uploaded yet, but I do have a minute to update.

I've been working on some new projects and surprisingly have found time to do them. I've made these adorable Warm Heart Woolies wraps using buttons from Mama's collection. Get the pattern for free at www.warmheartwoolies.com. I've been using Cascade 220 Superwash Wool for them.

Then, I decided to branch out in my knitting. So, I'm getting the hang of knitting in the round and have the waistband of the Hybrid Ribby Wrap from www.littleturtleknits.com completed. I'm also branching out with different fibers that are suitable for diaper covers.

I fell in love with Berrocco Comfort yarn. It's hypoallergenic, soft as silk, and machine washable. The nylon is waterproof and the acrylic has the same absorption/nonwicking qualities as wool, though it is one use per wash since it is not antimicrobial. Anyway, because it is such gorgeous yarn, I've started the Super Easy Diagonal Blanket from www.fabulousyarn.com. It calls for a bulky weight, but worsted is coming along just fine. The detail on the edges is just closer to the edge. Also, if you are going to make this blanket, here's my advice... don't bother counting stitches after the YO because you can just measure the edges until it is the size you want. You don't have to keep track of the diagonal length. This is a really easy and quick pattern for anyone wanting to try knitting.

And, the latest venture is in the kitchen. I tested out the new pressure cooker on some gorgeous local blueberries. The whipped up very easily. I couldn't believe how quickly the were done. I did add about an ounce of mommy-milk to thin the puree. Fear not, blueberries are not one of the berries to avoid in the first year. I can already vouch for how delicious this food is and can't wait to try them mixed with some banana.
I'm also looking forward to getting in the kitchen with Shug and her new Magic Bullet blender. We'll be whipping up batches of food for our babies in less time than it takes to drive to WalMart and stock up on the pre-packaged stuff. I found great information on making baby food at www.missvickie.com and www.wholesomebabyfood.com.

Photorama

Sometimes I just am beside myself with how cute this kid is!

Baptism (in a third generation handmade gown) Looks like he's been watching Zoolander. Check out his Blue Steel.

See? He does like bathtime now.
All tuckered out

Quick! While He's Sleeping...

The new medicine is working wonders. Charlie's reflux is now under control. So, he decided to start teething yesterday. He does not care for teething tablets until they kick in- then he loves them.

We had him baptised on Sunday and lots of wonderful people joined in the celebration. We are so blessed to have so many people shower us, especially Little Man, with so much love- family, friends, neighbors, and a congregation of 1500 families!

And speaking of baptism- a special congratulations to our California family is due! Cousin Jennifer was also baptised on Sunday in a small ceremony. The pictures are beautiful. We're so happy the kids have this special day to share.

Ted went to work this week. While we are sad he isn't here with us, we keep him nearby in many ways. I tried talking Charlie into not growing until Daddy returns, but I don't think he was listening. We're already looking forward to a trip to pick him up soon.

Finally, a blast from the past blew through town this week. The world famous Mr. Wagner (my neighbor in college) stopped by for a visit on his way to the beach. He updated me on all our old pals, entertained and enlightened with Chicago Public School stories, and gave Charlie his first lesson about whiskey- only drink the good stuff. It was a nice visit and we hope to see him again soon.

Now I must sleep. I have pictures to upload, however Auntie is doing her fancy tricks to make some of them even better (hopefully to post on her blog), so I need to do some playing.