New Year's Eve Party

Although we were in bed by 9pm, the little one was dressed and ready for a night on the town! Happy New Year!

Christmas Day

Her sleeper says "Baby's First Christmas"

I got a hippopotamus for Christmas!

Wrong Charlie

Not for you either

Charlie in HER very own sunglasses

PBR mittens and hat

Jeff in Dave's PBR mitten and hat

Momma Jill with her birdhouse

Joy in her new hat and Thatcher in Justin's

On Christmas morning we opened gifts with GGma and GGpa before heading to Oma and Opa's house to celebrate with Dave's side of the family. Charlie's first Christmas was very special. Thank you to everyone for making it so memorable.

Christmas Eve

We celebrated Christmas Eve with Nana, GGma and GGpa. We attended the candlelight service at church, once again Charlie slept through the entire service. I cried nearly the entire service ... there is something very magical about having a baby at Christmas. Every picture of Mary with baby Jesus is emotionally moving. You can see the love on her face and know exactly what she is feeling. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and the magic of the season. I am so fortunate and blessed ...we all are.

After the service we enjoyed dinner and gift exchange.

Christmas at Aunt Joy's

Our first Christmas gathering at Aunt Joy's house. Talk about delicious food! Aunt Joy is a sensational host, cook and Aunt. Thanks to Momma Jill for the cute outfit to wear to the party. We played LRC after dinner, that Halle sure can roll some dice! So good to see all the family. Many thanks to everyone for the generous gifts for Charlie. We love you and appreciate your kindness and support.

A Fitting Gift

Auntie Joy, Uncle Justin and cousin Thatcher have arrived from Florida. Auntie Joy brought a ton of stuff for Charlie, packed an extra suitcase to get it all here :) She is so awesome. She brought the perfect size owl hat, too! It fits Charlie's head right now . So she has one for now (photo 1), one from Creeper and Cheeks for next month or the following month (photo 2) and one from Great Aunt Paula for when she is about 3 (photo 3). They are all adorable! Thanks everyone :)

First Check Up

Daddy carries her into her first check up. She was born at 8lbs. 1 oz, left the hospital at 7lbs 11oz. and at her first check she weighed in at 7lbs. 15 oz. We are off to a good start!

First Week

The first week home with the little one was filled with love ... she's won everyone over already ... even Syri is a huge fan.

Going to Church

Charlie was an angel at church on Sunday, slept through the entire service. She wore an adorable number from her Auntie Joy to the service. She looked adorable, everyone said so :)

We're Home

The doctors and staff at the hospital were so accommodating, knowledgeable and helpful. Dave and I were treated to a celebratory steak dinner complete with a bottle of sparkling grape juice. What a nice touch. We got out of the hospital early... it must have been our good behavior. It is so good to be home!

Our Visitors & Hospital Stay

Telephone visit with Auntie Joy.


Aunt Joy visits (thank goodness for those goodies to hold us over during the many hours of contractions without progress)

Uncle Brad visits

GGpa Elfner - Charlie is named after her great grandpa

G-Pops

G-Momma

Thank you to our friends and family for all the love and support ... you helped make it all possible. Auntie Anne Marie and Auntie Liz along with Liz's mom (a woman who will no doubt be like a grandmother to Charlie) all came by to visit her at the hospital. We missed getting photos with these folks as well as her with her Nana (my mom), but we sure do appreciate everyone coming by ... and everyone who called to check in on us and congratulate us. Thank you all! We love you!