Charlotte's New Doll

I initially thought of calling this post "Welcome to our Family, Baby Stella."  But it's late and I sadly could not come up with anything funny or witty much past that.  So I figured "Charlotte's New Doll" was much easier to work with. 

For no particular reason, I woke up one morning a few weeks ago determined to find Charlotte a baby doll.  I'm still not quite sure how we made it this long without one.  But I felt like it was time.  So, one day after work, I dropped by the Navy Exchange toy section to see what I could find.   As I'm standing there looking at the wall of baby dolls (which apparently all cry and poop), I think to myself, "um...where are the yellow babies?" 

I went to Wal-Mart, Target, Toys R Us...and nothing seemed to fit the bill.  Toys R Us did have Asian-looking dolls but they just scared me.  I wanted something simple, plush, and that didn't talk when you walked by it.  After a bit of searching online, I ordered Baby Stella (with black hair) by Manhattan Toys. 

I must admit, I'm happily surprised and how well Charlotte and baby Stella are getting along.  Fingers crossed that they have a long and beautiful friendship.  :)

Here are some photos of Charlotte reading baby Stella The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

And I think this is my favorite.  I said to Charlotte, "SMILE!"  This is the face I got.  I think she looks slightly Klingon. :)

Words for Wednesday

The Play Date.

I realized that after Charlotte decided to join our family, it became a bit harder to "hang out" with our friends.  More often than not, most of our friends were still staying up late, going out to nice dinners, dancing at the clubs.  (And in all honesty, these are things that I miss very much.)  But with a little baby in tow, these activities quickly disappeared from our calendar.

Enter mommy and daddy friends.  It just seemed easier to hang out with them.  I mean, they had little poopy, spitty and crying babies too.  I didn't feel bad when their kids threw food across the room.  So maybe they wouldn't judge me when Charlotte peed on the floor.  However, what I realized this past weekend is that even my non-mommy friends have an important role in playing and hanging out with Charlotte.  They provide Charlotte their undivided attention and love.  They work a little bit harder than most to make her smile.  They made unbelievable tuna salad.  And they are the most dear and fantastic friends. 

Here are some photos of our play date this weekend with Anne, Kelly and Jenn, my wonderful San Diego friends/ co-workers.  They spoil her to no end and make her giggle endlessly.  I love these girls.  I love them for loving Charlotte.