Cold Hands

Having fun with Daddy... So excited, she choked!

12 Weeks today!

Her eyes are getting bluer everyday, especially if she's staring up at the blue sky (like this). The weather here is perfect today, 75 and sunny.

My favorite place to play these days - on my pink quilt from Meme.

We took a family mini-vacation to Austin last weekend. Carlyle traveled very well!

Tummy time!

Count your blessings. . .

In smiles
Carlyle is about 2 1/2 months old now. She had her 2 month appointment recently and weighed in at 10lbs 12.5 oz measuring 22.5 inches long. Doctor said she's perfect, another amazing blessing we are very thankful for. She had her immunizations (3 shots in the thigh), and while it wasn't a pleasant experience, she let out a big red-faced cry for a minute then put her big girl face on. She's exploring all her facial expressions and noises these days, concentrating on our faces and smiling at us more and more each day. I think that she has discovered that her hands belong to her, and she is fascinated by them! Her neck and legs are very strong, and she successfully holds her head up during tummy time and when being held. A few times she has "tumped" over, but we're not sure if it qualifies as "rolling over".
Time flies, but we are soaking up ever precious moment with her. She is truly a light in our lives, and we need all the positive energy and joy she has to give.

Need to laugh?

Uncle Chad has been having some fun in Photoshop. . . Can you believe what Carlyle has been up to?

Our little monkey!

Such a talented dancer already!

Playdates and Parties in Natchez

We got a lot of practice dressing up and accessorizing while we were home. And as any local Natchezian would know, there are a lot of social occasions and excuses to dress up and celebrate in Natchez. She and I hadn't left the house much during her first 8 weeks, so we were loving our holiday social calendar. Might as well get Carlyle used to it now!

An informal Sip & See gathering at our house

The girls

Proud Zuzu

ZuZu had many pretty things waiting for Carlyle, including this Christmas bonnet with her embroidered initials
__________________________________________________________

Off to meet Isabel Rose Jenkins!

Sweet Isabel wasn't sure what to think about her Mom holding Carlyle at first. . .

But she found her own baby to love on!
__________________________________________________________

Can you count all the cousins?! So much fun... Children really do make Christmas!
(Annual Smith Family Christmas Party)
___________________________________________________________

Me and Carlyle, Anna Catsby and Sara Gray, Lee and Jane
The impossible: three new Mamas trying to pose for a picture
(NOTE: Carlyle's sweet outfit didn't last five minutes. She is wearing a nightgown because she decided to get hungry, poop, and spitup all over herself at her first playdate with the girls! Just showing off all her skills I guess!)

Of course the grandmothers have better luck at getting the girls to face the camera!
(Look how sweet Jane is... Trying to hold Carlyle's hand!)

Home for the Holidays

We were fortunate enough to have a nice long week in Natchez over Christmas. Carlyle met more people in a week than she has her whole 9 week life! She loved every minute of it . . . showing of her smiles and coos as well as her ability to sleep through anything.

Time spent with family!

The Barnes Family

Uncle Alex stealing some sugar

Cuddling with my Papa Chee

Loves her Uncle Chad, and he loves her!

With MeMe and MoMo and my new cousin, Claire

Aunt April, Susanna Grace, Uncle Brandon, and Jay

Meeting her Great-Grandfather. . .

and her Great-Grandmother.