Some pictures of Charlotte

It's been a very long time since I blogged. I had a bunch of entries started but never got around to adding the photos and posting. I'm sure you've noticed I recently finished (okay 3 blogs in one day!)--Anyhow, here is my first post for September. Have I mentioned lately that I hate that being back at work? Sure... when I'm there I make the best of it but I just hate feeling like I'm drowning. I'm constantly going over and over the numerous things I need to pack for the next day, finish, pick up, clean, make, fold, read, buy, call, meet, order ..well you get the idea. It's been a very hard few weeks. I'm swamped at work, extremely tired when I get home, missing her so much it hurts, and just all around down. I know that it has to get better. It better get better! Never the less-I press on. Here are some recent photos of CJ. She always puts a smile on my face.


Thank God she loves her car seat!

I love these pictures of her looking away.

Date with Dominic

Sorry Emma, but Charlotte and Dominc had a little date last week. Lori and Dom came over to visit on Friday and we had so much fun. We went to lunch at Chipotle and then for a nice treat of Golden Spoon. The gals behind the counter were in love with the kids. They kept staring at them and talking about how cute they were. It was very nice to hear that. The kids were very well behaved. Next time, we'll have to make sure Emma can come. She was definitely missed.

Charlotte makes the first attempt at getting Dominic's attention. He's obviously not interested.

She backs away---but now he's definintely got a smirk going.The moms do the pushing--but they are not having it.Oh wait...what is this? Dominic kisses her hand...or she punches him---not quite sure.Charlotte gives his finger a squeeze.

We had so much fun taking their pictures. We were cracking up at how cute they both are. Lori, they will absolutely hate these photos.

Beach Day

Last Saturday the Vlad side of the family met at Doheny State Beach. It was so much fun. The beach was really crowded due to some kayak races or something---so we had to park like a mile away and walk but all in all it was a lot of fun. We mostly hung out in the grassy picnic area because of the babies but we did get a chance to take Charlotte to put her feet in the sand. She was so cute looking very serious and wiggling her toes trying to figure out what the heck was going on but she liked it. When we dipped her little feet in the ocean water...well...you'll see her reaction below.
Wow...that's an awful angle of mommy---ah well...it isn't the first and it certainly won't be the last.

Of course you and daddy look great!

Daddy showing you the huge ocean that lies ahead.

Seems you didn't like Daddy dipping your feet in that cold ocean. Geez Louise...were you angry!

Here are also a few more photos of the all the kids (thank you Ligi for the great photos you took with your new and improved camera!)
Here's Ezra, Addisen, Charlotte and Amanda

The boys being silly.

A sweet photo of Addisen and Amanda

And Addisen inspecting Spencer's head...Good news Spence--Dr. Addi says all is good!
But just in case she missed something---she checks one more time.

It was a wonderful day at the beach!

Mama Hens meet again!

Lori, Gina and I met up last week again with our little bundles of joy. Here are a few photos. I love that our little babies will grow up to be good friends.

Boy oh boy am I excited to see my friends!

Just the girls...(they are so cute!)

I'm sure Dominic is thinking---get in line ladies..get in line.

Boo hoo... our weekly visits will be gone when school starts. We'll have to commit to once a month at least.

Our trip to Sears

Hi all---last week Raresh, Charlotte and I took a trip to Sears and this was the result...

Her first set of portraits! She was kind of squirmy but we were able to get a few that we liked. Here are some of my favorites.

She looks so cute in her jeans.

She's all about her silly faces and smirks.

I love this one---She is so sweet in that dress.
This one is so cute...even if it does show nipple. ha ha
Oh look at that double chin. I could just eat it!

Charlotte's first time in the pool

What a little cutie in her very modest 2 piece bathing suit.

Charlotte is growing up so fast. She's 3 and 1/2 months and already a huge fan of our pool. We took Charlotte in the pool for the first time last Friday and she absolutely loved it. I suspected she would since she loves bath time. It is so fun to give her a bath. She kicks, plays, and squeals with delight when you put her in the water. So we finally decided that it was time to put her in the big pool and see how she does. I thought she might cry because it's so big compared to her little bath tub and it's not quite as warm as her bath water but much to our surprise she didn't fuss at all. She loved it. She's not quite smiling in the photos because she's still trying to figure out what is going on...but trust me...if she didn't love the experience she would have let us all know. Next up...jumping off the grotto! After all, cousins Kyle, Ryan, and Ezra did it (crazy courageous kids!)

Mommy and Charlotte getting ready for the pool.Charlotte is definitely thinking --hmmmm what is this giant bath tub I see before me.She's almost racked out. The water relaxes her.---Uh oh tummy shot---don't let daddy see.She's definitely still trying to figure out what is going on here.
She's getting the hang of it now. Daddy is such a good teacher.All done and drying off with mommy. She looks like she's sad we're done for the day.

Your daddy the hero!

This past Saturday your daddy was asked to dress up in his military uniform and share some cool things about the military with the kids from Kyle and Ryan's church. Their church was putting on a series of activities and sharing for families called "Summer Nights". It looked like huge success. "Summer Nights" went on for a couple weeks and for the final night where they were studying putting on the "Armor of Christ" they needed your daddy to come and share some information about the military with the kids. The kids got to try on the very heavy back pack, look through night vision goggles, inspect different guns and weapons, and even taste the food the soldiers get out in the field. Each kid got to take an MRE (meal ready to eat) home. They all loved it and your daddy was quite the hit. (Shhh---don't tell--- but doesn't daddy look so cute in his uniform?) Anyway---you dressed up, too. You had on the perfect little camouflage outfit for the occasion. Your daddy is pretty darn special to do all this for your cousins and his friends. Don't you ever forget it!