Ode to Charlotte

I really wish I could download a video I got of Charlotte today, because she is just so stinkin' cute these days. Well, of course I have always thought she is so stinkin' cute. It's just that she is four months old and getting to that stage where she seems like a real person, you know? She smiles, laughs, communicates with you, grabs things, and can even pacify herself to sleep.

She's my dream baby.

And there is only one of her.

So I thought I'd compile a little list of things about Charlotte Anne that make her oh so very irresistible to me. Things that daily make me want to melt into a puddle. Things that make me say, "Oh, isn't she just wonderful?" and "I just love her!" to whomever may be in listening range about 745 times a day. I'm sorry I don't have any updated photos to accompany this list. Rest assured, she is the most beautiful little baby girl that has ever graced this planet. Truly.

• Her cheeks are starting to fill out and oh-my-goodness I could kiss her face off. I about do. I noticed that they looked a little chapped today and had to consciously keep myself away from her for awhile.

• She has the chunkiest little thighs and most adorably chubby tummy. We had to laugh at dinner last night because, as my mom held Charlotte into a standing position, her shirt hiked up, revealing her little chubby gut pooching over her pants. (This is Charlotte we're talking about, not my stick-skinny mother.) It's not cute on me, but boy, has she got it going on with her 4-month old self.

• She loves to grab at anything in her line of sight, including fingers, toys, and her Dad's nose.

• She always has a ready smile. Rarely is she upset, and then it's for a good reason. Like maybe Jack has put her burp rag over her face.

• When she's sleepy, she squints up her face and rubs her eyes.

• She is her mama's little girl. Wherever I am, her eyes follow me. When someone else holds her, she twists and turns and contorts herself just so she can keep me in her sight. It makes me feel wanted, which is a welcome change from the two hoodlum toddlers who have very independent minds of their own and who are currently obsessed with their daddy.

• And finally (and I'm only stopping because I just realized that Charlotte's diaper has leaked all over my lap--the little dear!) I love snuggling with her in bed in the middle of the night, when she nestles up next to me to eat. We both hunker down under the covers and just cuddle, and I get to smell her baby soft head and trace her soft, wispy hair with my fingers without anything else holding my attention.

I really love her, folks. I am so glad she is here to bless our lives.