Charlie is "sooooo big"!

Everyday this child is doing something new to amaze us. We just look at him and wonder where our little baby went and who this little boy is! At his 12 month well appointment, he weighed 21 pounds and 29 3/4 inches long. This means that Charlie is ok to ride front facing in the car. We were waiting as long as we possibly could b/c of the horror stories we heard in our baby classes. The doc said now that he is a year old and over 20 pounds he can switch carseats and face the road. We have had his new carseat since Christmas (papa & nana gift) but he wasn't ready until now.


Some of the other things that Charlie is doing are: share whatever he is eating, throw the bone for his puppy, point at things he wants, bring a book to us when he wants to read, comb his own hair, "brush" his 6 teeth, feed himself w/ a spoon, use a sippy cup (which he refused to do), mimic Mom and Dad, and the BIG one - WALKING!

In his new carseat ON the phone :)

Combing his thick hair

Trying to brush his teeth like Mom & Dad (w/ comb in the other hand)

Charlie w/ his friend Luxie feeding each other Cheerios

the one who taught him how to share Thanks Luxie

We finally found a cup he would use AND on his b-day! (no more bottles)

Charlie feeding himself

He did a great job - repeatedly putting the spoon in the bowl and then in his mouth

Charlie on the Go!

Sand & Water

For Charlie's birthday his Aunt Tina bought him a sand and water table b/c he loved the water so much at the Children's Museum. He was so excited the first time we got it out that he got ON the water table!! (these pics are before he got sick)

He was trying to get a turtle stamp in the sand

Enjoying the backyard

Charlie testing the water

Dad had just given Charlie a lesson on water hydralics

Roller Coaster of Events

We are still recovering from our crazy busy weekend. Nobody can say that Charlie doesn't get out enough!! It all started on Friday night when Charlie's Aunt Heather graduated from college and ended with a trip to the emergency room Sunday night.

Aunt Heather graduated with her culinary degree from St. Paul Community College on Friday night and Charlie did awesome. The ceremony didn't start until 7pm but he was a champ til the end. We are very proud of Heather for her accomplishments and hard work.Saturday morning we got in the car and headed to Sioux Falls for Charlie's Great-Grandpa Ed's 85th birthday party. Charlie met a lot of my family who haven't gotten the chance to see him before. Tim was blown away when he found out how many cousins I have since he has 4. There are 9 cousins on my mom's side and 12 on my dad's. The Haggars love to reproduce!!On Sunday we were able to take Charlie to the Great Plains Zoo in Sioux Falls before we left for home. Great Grandpa Ed, Papa, and Nana all joined Charlie for his first trip to a zoo. I think the turtle was his favorite :) My camera battery died the night before so we didn't get digital pictures of the day - BUMMER!The whole weekend Charlie was acting tired and very mellow. We thought it was from being in the car a lot or not having the space to crawl, walk, play etc. He woke up Sunday at midnight with a temp of 106! You can imagine the panic I was in..... We raced to the ER and they basically tortured our baby to find out he has a double ear infection and pneumonia. He had no classic signs of an ear infection, but did have a cough??.. However, I did find out that night how strong my husband is. I was crumbling after watching Charlie bleed, scream, and being restrained. Tim was my rock once again - talking to and soothing Charlie while he hugged me. Charlie and I are very lucky to have him.

OK, I will attach about a million pictures now after my "story". Love you all!

HEATHER'S GRADUATION

Heather with her proud Mama

Charlie with his Great Aunt Becky

They've watch her hit every milestone...

eat solid foods, dress herself, learn to drive, and graduate college

Great Grandma Millie entertaining Charlie during the ceremony

"Hickory dickory dock, the mouse ran up the clock.."

We are proud of you Sister!!!

HAJJARS

GRANDPA ED'S 85TH BIRTHDAY

THE TRIBE OF LEBANON

Tony, Papa, Terry, Ted, Tom, Mart, Great Papa, and Teresa

Four Generations

The Gamboian Princesses

My cousin Amie with her daughters, Victoria and Julianna

Charlie and his Papa reading

Nana and Charlie at Granite City

OUR VERY SICK BABY BOY

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

I hope all of you moms had a wonderful day with her children/grandchildren. My day started with a delicious breakfast with my boys, with church to follow, and lots of playing in the grass. Charlie and his Dad gave me a new camera and beautiful flowers for Mother's Day. I was more than pleased with this generous gift. You all know how much I depend on my camera!

On Friday, we were outside while Dad was mowing the grass. Charlie and I were kicking a ball around together when I started to see STARS. We were on our way into the house and the ball rolled under my right foot (Charlie was in my left arm). I flew forward but knew I had to keep Charlie's head from hitting the concrete... AND I did! Hooray for MOMS. Needless to say, I have been icing my back all weekend and have a broken knee :( The things you do for your kids.

"Good Morning Sunshine"

Off to church

Charlie wrestling Mom in the backyard

It's a good day to be a MOM!

Mommy War Wounds

Mother & Son

Reading Charlie's bedtime stories

playing with the new camera (love it!)

still playing with the different features

Charlie's New Playhouse/Swing Set

Charlie's Daddy put his new swing set/playhouse together Saturday morning. Charlie was taking his am nap when we put it together so he was more than excited when he woke up to see a HUGE toy in the backyard. I have to say that his favorite part is the door on the playhouse! It is just like the kitchen cabinets, we can open - close - open - close (endless fun). Charlie's new swing set is attacting lots of attention in the neighborhood so he is learning how to share very
quickly. And of course Charlie's Dad had to try out the playhouse as well (every new toy Dad has to try)! Enjoy.

"I can't believe my eyes! Is it really mine?!"

(just woke up :)

" My leg, my leg! Dad HELP"

"Don't let go of me just yet"

Peek-a-boo

"This is the best thing since sliced bread!"

Charlie couldn't stop smiling while he was swinging

Our little turtle fell in the playhouse and just waited for someone to rescue him

"Dad, the door is over here."

The boys club - No moms allowed

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!!!

I started my birthday out with showing Momma that I CAN use a sippy cup. I had my breakfast with my friend Luxie. We ate cantaloupe, cheerios, and birthday muffins that Luxie's Mommy made.

After we ate we created sidewalk art with chalk that doesn't taste very good (I know cuz I tried every color).

Then we met Dad for lunch @ Applebee's....

where I ate my first hot fudge sundae and boy did it taste good!

When I came home, there was a present for me from Papa and Nana - a George balloon w/ a puppy.

When Dad came home from work, we went to the park b/c Mom had to work with her students

"Dad, I think I'm ready for my birthday to be over. I'm very tired b/c I refused to take a nap today. Oh well, tomorrow's another day."

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISABELLE!

As most of you know, Izzy was born 24 hours before Charlie so today was her big day. Aunt Mary and Grandma took Izzy for ice cream and french fries. Then Grandma let her pick out a new toy at the store. Looks like she had lots of fun.

Izzy's having a very COLD treat

"This is the one I want Grandma!"

Charlie's New Friend

Charlie has a new friend, Luxie, who he met in Music class during the winter. She has been coming over to play with Charlie so her mom can get some work done. They play well together and Luxie loves to feed Charlie Cheerios, goldfish, and cheese. Yesterday they enjoyed a picnic and a nice stroll in the wagon. I told Luxie's mom that they looked like an old married couple enjoying the scenery on the walk.

Charlie and Luxie ready for their walk

Charlie eating rocks @ the park ???

Miss Luxie @ the park

Luxie and Charlie enjoying crackers & cheese