Charlie's Top 8 of 08

After a serious conversation, over apple juice and Fruit Loops, Charlie mentioned several highlights from 2008 that he wanted everyone to take a moment and relive with him! Enjoy taking a trip down memory lane with Charlie to remember these milestones!

Number 8! Here comes the Helmet!

Charlie spent several weeks in a helmet to reshape is poor little head. He owes a great deal of thanks to his baby sister who stood on his head (ever so gently- we are sure) during their time as "wombmates". A trooper he was though on this very sad day! We are glad to report, Charlie's head is as good as new- and very tough too!

Minutes after the helmet!

A few days after living with the helmet!

Number 7! Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow!

Charlie entered this world a fan of medical technology. Shortly after birth, he began to have "bradys". All this did was earn him some extra attention in the NICU and result in a lovely heart monitor that our family got to enjoy for 6 weeks. While we were thankful to have this alerting contraption, the day the phone call came telling us to pack up Herbie Heart Monitor was a delight. Here is Charlie saying his final thoughts before the separation!

"Mom, can you give us a few moments alone?"

Number 6! Don't forget the Hernia!

As mentioned, Charlie loves a medical condition! After reanalyzing the grunting that Charlie was doing throughout the day, we were quickly made to realize, the grunting was not his "language" but rather a way of saying to us he was very uncomfortable. Charlie was able to spend his 8 week birthday at Presbyterian Hospital having his hernia repaired! We are happy to report, the grunting stopped and now when we hear that faint grunting sound, it means something much more smelly and dirty!


Ahhh... this not sharing a bed business is pretty good!

Number 5! Praise the Lord for Johnny Jump Up!

Since the age of 4 months, Charlie has spent many hours in one of his favorite places- in the Johnny Jump Up. At first this contraption was not used for its intended purpose but it quickly became one of Charlie's favorite Target purchases. Now, months later, we still enjoy a trip to the Johnny Jump Up just to liven up our day!

Charlie's first use for the Johnny Jump Up...

And today...

Number 4! Hanging out with the Boys!

Bless his heart, Charlie learned quickly that hanging out around all girls leads to dressing up and watching silly movies. Good thing his daddy has made sure to surround him with good role models who aim to teach Charlie how to survive around girls and teach him other important lifelong lessons. These are just a few of the recent highlights from good time with the boys!

Up to no good in a kitchen (after a day of Clemson/Carolina football)

Practicing for the upcoming concert of The Charlies

Getting the secret recipe for cooking porkchops from a cooking lesson with Uncle Lew

Getting kisses from Uncle Kenny after his discussion with Charlie on Budweiser and babes!

Number 3! Snuggling with Sissy!

Charlie is a child of patience. Already at the early age of 11 months, Charlie has learned how to appropriately deal with his sissy. Snuggling close together was how it all began and this close bond has continued to develop. Although these days, it is clear to see who is the little stinker in the relationship and who is peacemaker.

Sweet Dream Sissy!

You see her right?!
Holding hands and laughing all the way!


It's all fun and games until "someone" pulls my hair!

Number 2! Cords and Cabinets!

Charlie is obsessed with his latest discovery of cords and cabinets! It does not matter how well hidden the cord is, what furniture it is behind or what it is connected to, he can find it and will get the cord in his little hands. Cabinets are no exception. His personal favorite is my bathroom vanity cabinet which has since been transformed into his upstairs bathroom toys.

He, He, He.... guess what I just found Mom!

She thought these were well hidden! HA!

But Mom, I was only trying to help you get your pretty things out. Don't fuss...!

Number 1 ! My Dada!

Charlie is so lucky to have such a loving dad! He is a dad who plays a great game of pee-pie, a dad who talks in silly voices just to get through a diaper change, a dad who jumps from behind walls just to hear a deep belly laugh, and a dad who takes any opprotunity there is to get in a good nap or snuggle. To the best dad a little man could have!

A dad great for an afternoon nap...

or two!!!

A dad who lets me eat naked, not wear a bib and keep my baseball hat on!

A good lookin' daddy! He knows how to swoon the ladies... guess he will teach me all he knows!

A daddy that lets you make fingerprints on the glass door and teaches you to blow zerberts on windows!

A daddy who loves to laugh with you!

All in all, 2008 turned out to be pretty good for Ol' Charlie Rut! Hope you enjoyed seeing a few of Charlie's favorites from 08 as much as we have loved watching him in action! We are so blessed by the love, smiles, and tender moments that Charlie brings us each day! Thanks to all those who have contributed to all the memories in 08- we know there are more in store!