Dear Charlotte,

I can't believe how much has changed in the past six months.  You've grown from a tiny newborn (okay, a big newborn, but tiny to me nonetheless) to an alert, happy, and funny six month old.

Charlotte, less than five days old

Charlotte at the Chicago airport, six months old

You know, a lot has changed with your daddy and me since you were born.  We weren't exactly what you would call party animals, but we did enjoy going over to our friends' homes and drinking wine until the wee hours.  That's not exactly possible anymore.  You are accustomed to your routine, and even though we've tried to have you sleep over at our friends' homes while we eat and play games, you have other things in mind and let us have it that night.  But it's okay.  We can have friends over at our house because you sleep great in your crib.  Plus, your daddy and I are content to spend most of our free time just staring at you in amazement at all the wonderful things you do. You're just so cute and sweet. I truly believe we hit the baby jackpot when we got you!

I could write a lot more about how much I love you and what you mean to me, but there are so many things I don't want to forget, so I'm going to just list them out.

New and Fun Things You Do

• You love food.  In the past couple weeks or so, you've gone from having general disinterest in solids to really getting excited.  You open up your mouth wide in anticipation of your next bite, and you get so excited that Mommy has a hard time getting the spoon in your mouth.  Carrots are a big hit!
• Since we've arrived in Chicago and Grandma and Grandpa Berry's house, you've started sitting up on your own.  You're also so close to crawling. You get one leg up, but your balance still isn't the greatest.  We know you'll be crawling around in no time (and then our lives will be over!)
• You continue to smile and laugh even though you have have a horrible cold and cough since we arrived.
• You're a big flirt.  You'll smile at anybody, but you particularly love men, young and old. This is bad news for Daddy, who says "no boys until you're 30!"
• You're making a lot of noise these days.  You have your vowel sounds down, as you say "EEEEEEEEEE" and kick your legs furiously (see below video).
• We keep thinking you're getting those bottom two teeth, but they have yet to make their appearance.
• Sleeping is still up and down, but we *think* you're finally swaddle-free!  You can get that pacifier in by yourself now, so having your hands free is very helpful!  And although we're still somewhat sleep deprived, it's really no big deal (except for those nights when we have you up too late and you're just so overstimulated you can't calm yourself down enough to sleep well -- those aren't very much fun).

So Charlotte, you are such a great joy to your daddy and me. We can't wait to see what's in store for you next!

Love,
Mommy