Charlie's Time Home...

This is a huge post but we have been busy over the past couple weeks...Charlie takes off on Tuesday Nov 2nd for Iraq, he should be there by the 10th. I will post his mailing address and other contact information shortly. I know he would love to hear from you if you have a chance!
We also had family pictures done recently that I will post soon too.

Happy Halloween! We passed out candy on Saturday night but did not have our pumpkins carved until tonight.







Our cute lil pea pod! She was not thrilled with the costume.
Stella out visiting the neighbors all dressed up in costume! Some of our friends even had a special trick-o-treating gift for her!



This was a couple weeks ago picking out the perfect pumpkin. We were hoping to take pics of Stella in costume at the pumpkin patch but it was 90 degrees!


Now that I have found the perfect pumpkin, let me eat it!

This was one of the first days Charlie was home, obviously it did not take long for her to warm up to him!

Last Sunday we went over to the Russell Lands on Lake Marten and did some hiking. The Russell Lands were developed by Russell Athletics (based in Weumpka, AL). We had a great time on a perfect fall day. Avery and Moxy loved being able to run free on the trails. I am sure there will be many trips back to this area!









Stella got her shots on Tuesday. A hard day on all of us! Poor thing had these huge bandages on her little legs.

I have been in clinicals for school a couple days a week and Stella has been staying home with Charlie. This is what happened on daddy/daughter day! She looks pretty happy with her new style!

We went to Atlanta for several days this week and had a great time. We stayed at The Ellis Hotel and had great accommodations. We walked down to the Aquarium and Coke Museum, both which we would highly recommend. Stella was again quite the lil traveler! We had a nice time on our last little getaway before Charlie leaves.
Stella and I at the Coke museum in the tasting room. You can taste Coke products from all over the world (over 60 drinks) and drink as much as you would like!
Stella and Charlie watching the fish. She loved to watch them!



Charlie has now taken to calling the hotel bed Stella's castle. So here are a few picks of the princess on her throne.

My Dad's Visit!/Charlie's Home

We had a great visit with my dad. Stella was not to sure about him the first day but warmed up to him quickly. By the end of the week he was getting many smiles! I was spoiled to have good company, help with household tasks and great cooking!
Stella sat in her bumbo chair for the first time. She did AWESOME, but it is obvious it is hard work for such a little lady.
The girls (pups) have been especially playful with their toys, as captured by Avery playing.
The last pic is of Stella in her little jacket supervising her dad put sod down in the backyard on Sunday morning. Yes, we are enjoying some time with just the three of us! SO GREAT to have him home! Charlie is expected to depart on Nov 2nd via Norfolk, Virginia.






Okay, so this was just so cute! She had fallen asleep one afternoon with my dad holding her, and her little legs were just limp!

Trip to see DAD!

Last Thursday Stella flew up to see Charlie for the long weekend. We had quite a trip up there and thankfully the return trip was a breeze! Stella was quite the traveler, she did great the entire trip. She got a "First Certificate of Flight" from the crew (even signed by the Captain) for her baby book. We flew into Philadelphia and rented a car to drive about an hour to McGuire Air Force Base/Fort Dix. Charlie was in class on Friday and Saturday. After class on Saturday we took off for New York City. We met up with Charlie's Uncle Art and Aunt Barbara and had a nice dinner. We stayed in the city and on Sunday we went to Central Park, the Natural History Museum, Times Square and Rockefeller Plaza then drove back to McGuire AFB. Stella and I flew out Monday midday. My dad flew in the same time as us on Monday and is here until Sunday. Then Charlie returns home on Friday!

Gundy the travel bear did not make the trip to New Jersey due to space limitations, so we took some pics before we left for the airport. She was not a happy camper when I was doing this!




Hanging out in the hotel room and playing with Dad.




Getting a bath in the hotel room on base.

Us with Uncle Art and Aunt Barbara.
Me and Stella at Rockefeller Plaza
The 3 of us at Times Square


Charlie with Stella at the Natural History Museum
Stella on her "throne" (as Charlie calls it) aka hotel bed, supervising us getting ready in the morning!

A Stella Update

We had a great week with my mom this past week. We are on our own right now and will leave to see Charlie on Thursday. We arrive back home on Monday and my dad will be here to spend the week with us. Stella is doing great. Her smiles have become much more frequent and she is cooing/grunting even more! A couple of her favorite things are being outside, being read to and bath time!
About the pics:
Tummy time on the boppy!
Spending time with her Gigi (my mom).
In the bathtub.
More time with Gigi.
Story time with mom.
Nap time in the crib.
Hanging out on the bed one morning.
Listening to a recording of Great Grandma Pope tell nursery rhymes.
Can't get enough of her Gigi!