Charlotte Update and Easter Fun!

Charlotte is amazing. It amazes me just how much children grow and learn at this age. It's really, really fun to watch!
She understand pretty much everything that is said to her, and she can follow simple 2 step instruction ex. 'Get the ball and bring it to daddy'.

Her talking is not here yet- but her babbling is turning more intonated and appropriate for the environment everyday. She has a few words-

Momma, DaDa, Amma (Grandma), Pop (Poppy), Ball, Baby, Block, Bunny, Book, All Gone, All Done, Shhh (with her finger over her mouth- when her baby is sleeping!),  Bottle, Milk, Yes, Hi, Bye, Up, Dog, BaaBaa (when she sees a sheep).

Not many- and not always easily understood! but they are there!

She loves to dance, and be sang and read too! She can clap her hands and stomp her feet when singing 'If you're happy and you know it..'. Colouring is highly exciting right now,   She LOVES her baby doll- she feeds it a bottle, puts it in a baby bed, covers her with a blanket, kisses and hugs her and pushes her in a little stroller. She even likes to try and get the dog to kiss her.
It's all very cute!

I can't wait until she is able to say more- she is starting to get very frustrated when she babbles at me and I have no clue what she is saying. It must be a very frustrating age- it's probably a good thing we don't remember being that young!

On to Easter-- We are going to visit some extended family on the other side of the Island tomorrow, for the weekend! It will be a long drive, but it should be a good visit!

Here are some of Charlottes easter pictures-- Yes, I know, The Easter bunny at the bottom is very scary looking!

But I don't want to get my picture taken!

 Hello Easter Bunny-- I will Ninja Chop your Eyes!

Dear Charlotte,

Dear Charlotte, 

You may never realize just how much you are loved. 

You may not understand the joy you have brought into the lives of many in our family. 

I love you- you are a joy. Even when you are tired, hungry and all together monster-like- we love and cherish you. We are so happy you are ours!

You are a beautiful little girl- with so, so much life ahead of you. Live it- Cherish it- and always remember. You Are Loved

Love you forever, 

Mummy

Valentines, Daycare and Spring in the Air!

What a month it's been! Ups and Downs- Ins and Outs- and of course- lots of love and cuddles!

First- there was Valentines day!

although we are far away from many of our friends and family- we felt very loved- look at all our valentines!

Then came the daycare drama that I talked about HERE . 

So- Charlotte was home for a week or two while we sorted out a new place for her to go. Luckily, Mum and Dad are still here (until next weekend), so we had the help of them for childcare. (phew!) 

We interviewed a number of home daycare providers- and chose the one we thought would best fit Charlotte. So far- it is going WONDERFULLY! I can not say how happy I am! Charlotte makes a very sad face for when I first hand her to the childcare provider- then, sputters a bit- but then by the time my shoes are on and I am ready to leave the house- she stops! They sing songs and dance, play with playdoh and colour! Charlotte eats well, and sleeps relatively well during the day too! She is settling in well, and I am so proud of her- and do happy that she can have a good experience at daycare! I think the difference is that Charlotte needs (as I imagine many 1year olds do) a lot of hands-on, stimulation and interaction- someone to talk to her and teach her how to play- someone who has musical toys and things she can explore! 

Here are some more photos from the past month!

her stacking rings she uses as bracelets!

trying on grandma's fur coat!!

Spring is around the corner! We can't wait to get out of winter boots, hats and jackets and take out the spring jackets- even if that does mean rain! Bring it on!

First Haircut!

Between Daycare visits yesterday (they went pretty good, we have another one tonight), we had some time, so we decided to check to see if the kids hair cut place had an opening (Sunday afternoon, so we were doubtful!). But, we went, and we got in right away! For some time now, Charlotte's hair has been getting in her eyes .. and she keeps pulling out her clips and hair elastics! It was time- just a little trim (you can actually not really even tell that her hair was cut! haha.

I didn't know this- but it is a whole service- they get to sit in a little car, they get to watch tv (the older ones play video games), their hair (for their first cut) gets saved in a cute little bag, they get a certificate, and a before and after picture! and also.. something I NEVER thought Charlotte would have until she could ask for it.. she got her nails painted! haha.. it's hilarious- she was so cute though, and was so proud of them. They use chemical free little kid polish.. but it does look funny.. I keep thinking her fingers are bleeding when I see them out of the corner of my eye! 

It's altogether cute, and she's happy and healthy! 

Here are a couple pictures (blackberry pictures, so they aren't the most foccused!) from the event!

Charlotte in her Red Ferrari! As you can probably see, they also had a pink barbie jeep, and a yellow hummer! 

Getting a little bang cut.. I didn't want her to have bangs, but the hair in the eyes thing was driving both of us nuts- so now she has a teeny tiny fringe in the front... so help her see! 

The painting of the nails! :) hahaha

It was fun! we'll probably go again at some point! it's a cute little outing with a cute little girl!

More updates on daycare findings later!

Daycare Drama...

I got a big shocking email yesterday.
Charlotte's caregiver emailed in the middle of the day to say that we have to talk about a possible end date for Charlotte being in her care.

It came as a shock..  I knew she was crying, more often then probably most do at the beginning of daycare, I know she is very needy for attention, especially adult attention at this stage in her life... but... it had been 8 full days, that's it.... and for the last few days when I had picked her up... she had been playing, not crying- playing on her own.  She was only there from 8:30 or 9 until 3:30 or 4, she slept a full 3 hrs, or more most days, and she ate lunch and snack just fine.... the provider said each day that she played a certain amount....so... that doesn't leave too much time left for crying... and if she was playing sometimes... then she obviously could be calmed down, and could be happy there. Charlotte never ran to us for dear life when we came to get her, she just looked up and smiled, and put her arms up- then, usually went back to play with her ltitle puppy toy she brought from home.  I think there might be more going on then I know- maybe she is looking for an excuse to give Charlotte up, maybe a little baby, with no transition issues would be easier for the money? I don't know... I feel like there must be something I don't know.. after only 8 full days.

I understand from the email that Charlotte's crying was affecting the other children (2 of her own, and one little boy the same age as Charlotte).  They didn't like her crying (obviously).
I guess Charlotte being there, and taking her time to get used to it changed the dynamic of the daycare, and wasn't a good fit.

Anyway- in the  email (EMAIL), she said she could try it for another two weeks and if she doesn't settle in completly, then she would have to go... but... maybe it's just too 'mother hen' of me... but Charlotte is not being there, without me for another second on her own. I don't feel like any harm would come to her... but I also don't want Charlotte somewhere where she isn't 100% wanted.  I don't feel comfortable with that.

I understand that Charlotte craves attention... and needs adult attention often... but don't all 1 year olds?

Anyway.. I'm confused, and a little upset at myself for letting her transition somewhere that wasn't going to work- and now she has to do it all again (if we ever find another daycare). For now, I had to say no to working today... so I could be home with her. Something I wish I could do anyway, but unfortunatly, it isn't in the cards.

Here is a picture of her, that the daycare provider send me from her 2nd full day at daycare... I guess this was one of her 'happy moments'... doesn't looks  like she's in distress, or has been crying all morning!                                    

So now, we are on the hunt for another daycare- home daycares are pretty much the only option, as organized daycares here don't start until the child is 2 years old.
Any ideas for looking?
any things to look for when interviewing someone/looking around the place?
any ideas for helping Charlotte's independence?  at home? at daycare?

ideas? tips? hints?
much appreciated!

UMM, I love chili!

Charlotte's eating has gone from good to GREAT this week! She is eating everything and loving it! She also has discovered how much fun it is to feed herself with a spoon or fork! She is so independent- which leads to messiness- but that's ok! Actually for the most part she's very good at keeping the food contained to herself and her tray- although the dogs back has had to be wiped a few times because of yogurt splatters!
Here is Charlotte the other night- with her chili!

As you can see.. she loved it :) 

Playing, Artwork, Snow Day and a PhotoShoot

I just love my shape sorter- but I still haven't figured out exactly how it works- my favourite thing to do is through the shapes, or fill the bucket up with other toys!

Daddy wanted me to nap with him... silly daddy- I can't sit still!!!

she's a walking machine now!

Snow day! daddy is taking a break from shoveling to play with me!

My first artwork!

me- being cute!

Charlotte has begun daycare and is doing alright. She is sad usually for 20 minutes or so at the beginning- and gets a little whiny when the daycare provider pays attention to the two other children... humm... Charlotte sounds spoiled... nah.. couldn't be.. hahaha.  It's a great little home daycare, and there is a little boy just 1 month older than her! I know it will take her a while to fully get used to any daycare- I think it's harder on my than her really! 

Soon she'll be going for full days! maybe even monday! That could be another adjustment!

Charlotte is beginning to make lots of different 'talking' sounds, and is communicating quite well. She also understands pretty much anything we say. She follows instructions (when she wants to ofcourse!). She's a happy little girl!

We got her photos done at Sears (well, her daddy did!!!) They turned out really cute- here are a couple

Isn't she just a doll! Sometimes, it's hard to believe that she is ours. All ours!