Christmas Lights

We made it to Temple Square this year with whole Moultrie Clan. It was FREEZING! We got all bundled up and lasted around a half an hour I bet:) I was the biggest wuss of them all except for the Californians. The kids loved the lights, and Graham did pretty good. His jealous bone stuck out very far this week with the other cousins around. I wish that we could've spent some more time strolling, but it was soo crowded, and I really was sooo cold. KC and Jess came into town and stayed with us for a week. It was wonderful spending time with them.

My Little Girl

Hi Charlie,

I cannot believe that you have hit your 7 week mark, sweetheart, you have grown so much. From the day you were born, although you made us pretty nervous for a couple days, you have been such a joy. You are a beautiful baby and your two little dimples could not be cuter (your left one shows up a little more, but if we see both we know you have a BIG smile on). You really seem so much bigger than when you were born! You're starting to chunk up a little more everyday. I love to see your little double chin and your chubby cheeks...even your legs are getting a little meat on them. You are tiring, but in the best way. You seem to love to be held; I don't think you care who it is, unless it is me and then you love it even more. You like me to bundle you up with the blanket forming a little hood on the top of your head...and you try to resist me holding your arms close to your body, but that only lasts for a second before you settle in and let me snuggle you up. You're tolerant of Graham being up in your face all the time, but I don't think you would mind if he gave you 10 inches every once in a while. He and I both only smother you though because we love you so much...we can't help ourselves. Your mom is incredible with you. You love her most. She is so sweet and gentle with you and does only the things that make you happy and strong. I know you two will have a bond that is so special, even among all mothers and daughters. You make our house brighter--sometimes literally because we're up in the night with you--but mostly just figuratively. You are special and we hope you know it (or come to that realization quickly) because we know it. We love you and will always try to be our best for you.

Love,

Your dad

Candy Making Day 2011

Well we made it through another year of our annual candy day extravagansa, barely. It was actually two days this year, and we set a new record of using 40 lbs of chocolate! Thank goodness we give most of the candy away, or we would all weigh well over 300 pounds. We have been making candy with my mom and aunt pam and all the girls for as long as I can remember. Grandma Marges house transforms into a regular candy factory. We make several varieties each year. The staples..rums, turtles, coconuts, etc, and then we try a new one every once in a while.

We work, laugh, and catch up on the happenings in each others lives. It is a great tradition, and one I look forward to every year. Charlie got to attend this year, and most of the pics are with family meeting her for the 1st time.

Graham went with papa on a wheeler ride, and had to come down and tell us that he had seen a bald eagle! He was so excited. Notice his cool coat, it was mine when I was around his age. Retro is so in style:) I love hearing how excited he gets telling me about the ducks, cows, buffalos, and the dogs. He loves his rides with Papa. Everyone seems to sneak down to have a few samples of candy of course throughout the day.

How did that happen?

Charlie is seven weeks old Saturday! I have no idea how that happened so fast. These past weeks have truly been a blur. Graham+newborn=exhaustion. We have had our hands full. I feel like we are always busy with something, and always tired. She is the sweetest little petite girl. She has two dipples, but both only come out if she smiles really big. She isnt the best sleeper at night hence the tiredness, but she isn't too fussy either. She has just the right amount of hair, and I swear she laughed last night for the first time. She has the cutest double chin, and is chubbing up all over. She also loves the bath, and doesn't seem to mind her brother loving her up all the time. One thing that is quite different from Graham is the amount she spits up, holy moly..one word...laundry! She is getting more and more alert, and prefers to be around noise. She is so snuggly and if I could I'd hold her all day.

Happy Seven Weeks Charlie! We love you!

Giving Thanks

We had a great Thanksgiving up in Paradise this year. After the week we had had, it sure was nice to take our mind off of things, and to enjoy some family and food. Update: Everyone is all better now, and working on the sleep deprevation. Charlie was a good little girl, and got plenty of love. I think Grandma Vickie held her most of the day. Graham was his usual "ham" self, and entertained all of us. He got to go on a wheeler ride, so he was a happy boy. He is so full of life and makes us all smile.

All of the people in our lives have helped us so much over the last year. I truely do not know how we would have made it through without them. I''m so grateful for their help, support, and love. You never understand service fully, until you fully need service. Thank you so much for making our lives better.

Graham and Charlie

What can I say, its true, I have pretty cute kids:) We are all on the mend here after mine and Jared's surgery. It was a pretty rough week last week. Jared's surgery was so much worse than we were prepared for. Thank goodness for family and friends who saved us! Jared got an infection along with his surgery, making recovery even tougher. With the two adults in the house not being able to lift more than ten pounds, Graham headed up to Grandma Vickie's and Papa's for the weekend. Thanks AGAIN mom and dad. Brett and Nurse Connie slept over the first night, and continued to help with anything and everything. It's so nice having them so close.

This kid is crazy! He is non stop and so sweet! And then there is his evil twin..he comes out once in a while and scares us to death!:)

Graham tending dad and sister..while watching I'm sure Megamind or Little Einsteins very focused. He is doing much better this week. He calls Charlie "Little", and kisses/drools on her head. Besides anything tractor/truck related, he has started to like puzzles lately. He is still not into coloring, but loves his books. At his 2 yr checkup, he was in the 80% in all areas, beast! He keeps us on our toes, and makes up smile while being very tired.

We tried a little photo shoot with Charlie. And by little, I mean we lasted about 3 minutes before Jared got light-headed and we both decided it wasn't really working. We needed Jenny's expertise..we will try again later. BUT I do love this one showing off her dimples. At her two week appt. she has gained almost a lb and an inch! She is very small and petite. She is 15% in her weight, 33% height.

Long, ashy feet..just like her mama's. Long toes too:)

She has the longest, skinniest, little legs. The angle shows them off, future volleyball player folks.

1st bath!

Gotta get all the '"firsts" documented. Although I already am cutting my mom some slack on having a lot less pics of me as a middle child. Its tougher getting all the pictures taken when you've got two kids.

Moultrie Family Love

We didn't spend our Holiday with any of Jared's family, but I would like to give thanks to them as well. KC flew out for a few days for Charlie's arrival, and saved us! With everything that was going on, he made it feel less hectic and took such great care of Graham. They went to Mcdonald's every day, played on the slides, watched shows, and played together. It is great to see Graham build a relationship with KC, favorite unc as he calls him:) KC brought him some new basketball shoes, a D Rose jersey, and spoiled all of us. We hope you know Kace how much it meant having you here, and how grateful we are for everything you do for us, especially that particular week. LOVE YOU!

Papi and Connie have done it all. From tending Graham, to tending us, cooking, cleaning, and just plain old company. We also hope you know how much we appreciate your time, and ALL of your help. We are lucky you are so close, thanks for everything!

Family of Four!

We brought Charlie home Thursday November 3 late afternoon. KC stayed with Graham so we could go and pick her, and took these pictures for us. It was so fun watching Graham meet his sister for the first time. He is so sweet with her. I thought he might be a little rough with her, but he is very soft, and wants to hold her. He calls her his babio, and says, "she's cute".

Graham has had his moments of adjusting, and they have not been fun. He doesn't seem like he has a problem with Charlie at all, just has some lovely two year old moments:)

Charlie's last day in the NICU