Charlie Doesn't Care for Pears

We've tried various fruits and vegetables, and the only one to get a really negative response is pears. Funny, because I thought he would like the sweet taste.

Charlie TV

We have so much video, but I have been a slacker at editing and posting. Charlie is doing so many neat things at almost 6 months: rolling, trying to crawl, trying new foods, laughing alot, reaching for electronic gadgets, playing with a ball, babbling (ma ma, ba ba, etc.), sleeping through the night (sometimes), trying to sit up. It seems that 4 months is the time where he started doing lots of new things and he does something new almost every day, whether it is a face, a movement, or a sound.

We have not been to the doctor since 5 months, but at that time he weighed 18+ pounds. Who knows what size he will be for his 6 month appointment!

Now I will try to post some video so you can see just what he is up to!

Charlie Giggles

The title says it all.  For your viewing pleasure!

Graduation!

After almost three years, I am graduating with my Master of Library Science and School Library Media Certification! I already participated in an academic honors convocation at IUPUI where I was awarded as one of IUPUI's Chancellor's Scholars. A certificate + scholarship! That was fun, and Charlie was in attendance to support me, along with grandparents and daddy.

Commencement is Mother's Day, May 10. We will probably opt out of the big ceremony, but go to the library science reception to celebrate with classmates and professors. I am so happy to have my degree in library science and look forward to working in that capacity for many years. But right now I am focusing on my new job of being mommy! Of course, having a mommy librarian can't hurt at all, can it??

Baby News

I have neglected to post in awhile, opting for quickie status updates and picture posts on Facebook. I hope that doesn't mean the end of my blogging, but it is quite convenient from the Ipod touch, which is where I do most of my computering.

Charlie was 4 months on Saturday, and went for a checkup today. He weighs in at 17 lbs. 4 oz. and 26.5 inches long. That puts him weigh up near the 90 percentiles. Healthy and happy! He is currently working on rolling over both ways, bearing weight on his legs (in the exersaucer), giggling, playing around with his hands, drooling, chewing on things (possibly teething?), babbling, pulling up to sitting position, and holding his head up on his own. He is a delightful boy who always has smiles and gurgles for mommy and daddy, grandparents, and nearly anyone he meets!!!

Sleeping is not copious or perfect, but it's good enough for us. We do 4-5 hour stretches at night with one or two feedings, still. And Charlie is a 45 minute napper, getting about 4 -5 naps a day. All the books say he should be doing longer naps and sleeping through the night, but our doctor said, "The funny thing about babies is that they don't read the textbooks!" I like her thoughts, makes me feel better about not having a "textbook" baby.

Yesterday, Charlie giggled (unprompted) for the first time when he saw Mollie dog. He cracked the whole room up!

Here are the latest, cutest pics of him, if you haven't caught them on Facebook:

Playing in the activity center

Easter goodies!

Tummy time!

Snoozing on Daddy's birthday

Cuddling on Mommy's birthday

Big smile playing with Grandma Mulder

With his big sun hat on!

Who stole my cheese?

Ever since the economy has been bad, I have heard and witnessed how food companies are skimping on us. By making the packaging/amount smaller, and charging the same price. Or giving smaller portions at restaurants (well, we needed that anyway) and charging the same price. Or by charging a way higher price without changing a thing.

A few months ago, I observed this phenomenon in my Swiss cheese. Come on!!! You think we don't notice that there is more air than cheese!!! And those weren't even the worst slices in the pack.


Where have you noticed the food crunch?

Hey good lookin', whatcha got cookin'?

When I get enough rest, and Charlie takes a good nap, I like to try new recipes. Especially since we don't go out to eat much anymore. Sometimes I even make copy cat recipes from my favorite restaurants, like Olive Garden's Fettucini Al Fredo.

This month I was really on a pie kick. I made a Cherry Berry Pie (with blueberris and dark cherries) which was really yummy. I didn't make my own crust (no time for that now), but I have discovered that Pillsubry Refrigerated Rolled Pie Crust is very tasty. I also made Baked Spaghetti Pie, as well as Chicken Pot Pie (pictured below). The Chicken Pot Pie was amazing! I usually don't like my own cooking that much, but it was great! A compilation of many different recipes I looked at - made with half & half, chickenbroth, fresh chopped vegetables, lots of butter, and chicken of course.


For dessert, I made up some sugar cookies. If you've ever been to Paradise Bakery, you know that they are melt-in-your-mouth good. I found a similar recipe online, and they tasted pretty close to the original. Yum!