So let me catch you up on what's been going on. Life without Bruiser is still very hard. Sam and I still talk about him all the time, and cry about him just as often. It doesn't take much - seeing a dog that looks like him, getting a card in the mail, or just thinking about how he loved this time of year brings a tear to my eye (well not really because I can't produce tears but my face gets all ugly and screwed up and I hurt inside). We are moving on, but still have big holes in our hearts.
In my despair, I decided a good therapy was to chop my hair off. I don't hate it over two month later, and luckily it's growing out quickly. I don't love it either though. It's just OK. I want my long hair back!
my before and after! long or short, which do you prefer?
CharCat
Charlotte is a joy at this age. Don't get me wrong - there are moments of pure insanity, where I wonder why no one tells you once the baby can walk and then the baby can run all hell breaks loose! I often spend my evenings chasing her down the street, trying to explain to a 20-month old why she can't wander down people's driveways, or why she can't eat a stick. Clearly she wants to have fun, and sometimes mom is the antithesis of fun! She is so smart and clever, she literally repeats every word you say. "Sub, peas, corn, sky, duck, horse, neigh, book..."
So here's what I need to update you on....
Girl's Trip 2015
In late February, my mom, sister, Charlotte and I traveled to the beautiful island of St. Thomas. We had an awesome time, as we always do when it's girls only! This was Charlotte's second girls trip and she truly enjoyed the island, the fresh air, and just being outdoors. She had to get a breathing treatment right before we left, and the doctor said the humidity would do her good, and boy, did it! We stayed at the Ritz Carlton and after a few wrong turns with S-cookie driving on the left hand side (side note: St. Thomas does not believe in street signs or any sort of signage on the island), we finally arrived after a long travel day! (side note #2: direct flights are in my future).
The grounds were beautiful, with a protected marsh in the center featuring iguanas, birds, and lizards. We had mostly great meals, and two not so great meals. The most fun, however, was just being together and being silly - our usual M.O.
Easter 2015
For Easter this year we headed to Washington, DC to spend the weekend at my sister's place. We went to the National Zoo and got to see Bao Bao, had a lovely dinner out with everyone including my sister's boyfriend, Klaus, my best friend, Mal, and of course, my peanut pants. She was the talk of the dinner table, and she ate a few bites of her pizza and ice cream for dinner.
Easter Sunday we went to mass and Charlotte was a very good girl. I only had to get up and leave once for a few minutes during the service. The choir sounded great and the setting was beautiful. It was so nice to be together with the whole family for Easter mass and brunch. Charlotte looked absolutely adorable and got lots of compliments on her dress, courtesy of Grandbirdy!
Charlotte loved exploring around S-cookie's condo, and seeing her MalGal again. It was a wonderful visit and we were all sad to head back.
Spring time
Now that it's spring and the weather is cooperating, we are getting outside more and more. Charlotte loves looking for "airbos" and for "tweet tweets." I would estimate that she can say over 50 words at this point - she is one smart cookie!
I was in New York for work recently, and had to spend three nights away from my girl. It was the longest I've ever been away from her and even though we Skyped each night, I missed my little girl so much. Luckily she was in good hands with daddy.
We got to see Birdy, Haugs, Josh, and the dogs this past weekend when I took her home for a visit. We saw horses, ponies, hens and cats! Haugs even babysat so I could go to a bridal shower Friday night and he had a great time with peanut. We went to Birdy's open house on Sunday, and Charlotte loved running around the huge house!
at Birdy's open house on Sunday
Because I'm Happy
Even when I am sad, Charlotte makes me laugh. She is my light, my joy. Everything pales in comparison to the happiness I feel when I put Charlotte to bed, she looks up at me, waves, and says "night night mama." This is what she did tonight. I just melt. These are the moments that I live for. And these are the moments I hope I remember for the rest of my life.
Until next time...
