Can it be?  Just a few weeks left till my precious baby turns 1!  I know everyone says it, but the last year has flown by and I can’t believe Charlotte’s first birthday is upon us.

This last month has been very eventful as Charlotte is officially walking.  She took her first steps right around March 27, and each day she practices more.  She’s now spending half her time walking, and crawling less each day.  Lately, she’s taken her newfound skill to new heights (literally) as she tries to climb on everything she can, including…you guessed it…the stairs!  She’s pretty fast too – and loves it when Mommy or Daddy “chase” her up the stairs.

This last month has been a big one for teeth too!  Charlotte went from four teeth to eight.  Of course this translated into some fussiness – can you imagine? – but all in all, she handled it like a champ.  She looks so different with all these new pearly whites – like a big girl.

All that talk of teeth may make you wonder if I’m still breastfeeding…and the answer is yes!  We’re down to about 2-3 times a day, but Charlotte still seems to enjoy it and I feel good knowing she’s getting the extra nutrition and antibodies it provides.  That’s what I call a win-win!

It’s so cool to see how Charlotte is beginning to understand more and more of what we say too.  She understands no pretty well now, and can follow simple requests like, “give me the toy” or “throw the ball.”  And, she still loves to verbalize.  She’s all about squealing when she’s excited.  Occasionally, she’ll babble “mama” or “dada” when she’s looking at us.  Not sure if it’s purposeful yet, but I love to hear her calling my name.

My parents continue to watch Charlotte three days a week, which has been so wonderful.  We started dropping her off in the mornings at their house and she always gets excited for a big breakfast at Gigi and Pop’s house.  While she’s very attached to them both, Charlotte has an extra-special bond with my dad.  She’ll even go to Pops from my arms – which doesn’t happen for many people.  It melts my heart to see that sweet closeness developing between Charlotte and her Pops.

Enjoy the pics below and stay tuned for an update on Char’s first bday soon!