The good life

Mom, Dad, and Charlotte just returned from 10 days on sunny Marco Island Florida. Ahhhh Sun, yes Sun. Sun that is warm enough to make you sweat. Sun that stays out until 7pm. Sun that makes you think it is summer, not the middle of February. Sun that at noon is directly above your head requiring you to put sunscreen in your thinning hair to prevent your scalp from burning.

The house was a beautiful Floridian style home. Complete with screened courtyard with spa and heated pool. A dock out back to fish and watch the manatees (yes we saw them frolicing in the water). Walking distance to the beach. And a giant screened back porch as long as the house. What do we come home to? 8 feet of snow topped with a 3 inch thick layer of ice on our house. Newly installed gutters that builds up ice causing any melting to reak havoc on our house by freezing back into our celings and walls. Yes we are so excited to be back home where the sun shines all day and doesnt melt the snow, where the sun sets at 3:30, where dads tan immediately faded to pastey white in a matter of hours. But most of you share in our misery so lets talk about Florida again.

Sun. Did I mention the sun? Isn't it beautiful?

You are probably thinking, "Wow, that is some sunset!" Unfortunately it's not the sunset. It is the sunrise. And dad got to see it every single morning because Charlotte wanted to wake up around 5am every day. We tried putting her to bed later, earlier, skipping naps, putting her in our bed in the morning. Nothing worked. Maybe she didnt like sleeping in the pack and play or that she was sleeping in a walk in closet, or that she just wanted to get up early to go to the beach. Who knows. But when is the last time you got to see a sunrise like that? It made it worth it. Ok not really but it was still nice to see.

Charlotte loved the beach. Marco Island doesnt have the typical new england sandy beach, rather a beach made up of shells. Some big shells. Some little shells. Some tiny broken bits of shell. We had fun looking for the perfect shell to bring home. Unfortunately most of the elderly people hit the beach at sunrise and take all the good ones to sell them to the shell shops (at least that is what dad thinks). He was able to find a couple of good ones and smuggled them home in his suitcase.

Charlotte and cousin Liam played very well at the beach. Only a few minor squabbles over the watering bucket or truck, other than that they had a blast chasing each other and just running, digging, and playing.


Charlotte loved the sun as much as mom and dad. Although we made her wear her surfer girl outfit to preven the sand from getting in her cracks and crevasses.

Ahh the pool and spa back at the house. The kids loved it because it was hot and because they could stand up on the seats. Mom being pregnant was forbidden by dad from getting into the HOT tub. So we shut the heater off for a while and she was able to get in when it reached a cozy 90 degrees. Hopefully we didnt cook baby Cornealius.

Mom found the screened in bug free porch that overlooked the water to be very relaxing.

Dad fishing for manatees. Actually he stopped fishing when he saw that there really were manatees in the water. A whole pod of them? Gang of them? Who knows, but there were at least 7 or 8 that paid us a visit. They are very cute.

We really didnt take the above picture, but thats what they look like Nanny in case you are wondering.

All in all the trip was great. We had a blast and Charlotte was very sad to leave Nanny, Beepa, Uncle Ian, Auntie Tiffany, Liam, and last but not least Baby Chase.

The things Dad loves

Coming home after a long day to have you run up to me to give me a big hug and lay your head on my shoulder.

You behaved perfectly the whole car ride. It helped that I stopped at Dunkin Donuts for you. They didn't have any "black munchkins" that you keep asking for, so I bought you six white ones and a black donut. You ate almost all of them and managed to keep the glaze out of your hair. Your face was a different story. But I handed you a wet wipe while driving (yes mom I can do that) and you wiped your face and hands. You are growing up before my eyes.

As we drove into Boston you kept asking to go through the tunnels (under the bridges). Then we really went into a tunnel and you loved it. You kept looking at all the tall buildings and were so excited. We parked, you jumped into your stroller and we headed to the New England Aquarium. Your eyes lit up when you saw the seals outside being fed. You laughed and kept saying "hello seal!" over and over again. You could have spent all day outside, but being the father I am you were poorly dressed for the weather so we headed inside.



First stop was the penguins. They were also being fed. They flipped and flapped in the water and you laughed hysterically. You loved watching them. The rest of the aquarium was a blur. We went from exhibit to exhibit, you watching all the fish, the frogs, the turtles, even a snake. However, you were a little scared at the giant tank with the sharks and divers in it. You were petrified at the divers for some reason.You jumped into my arms and I held you there protecting you from them behind 3 foot thick glass.



You were a little hesitant about reaching you hands into the tidal pool to touch the horseshoe crab and starfish. I did it first to show you they were not going to hurt you. Soon after you slowly dipped your hands in, then started petting the starfish. The next thing I know you had picked the whole starfish out of the water. Then you grabbed the spider crab and did the same. You love learning about creatures and didn't want to leave even though you hands were freezing.



After the Aquarium we had a lunch date at the Hard Rock Cafe. It was your naptime so you didnt eat too much. But you behaved very well and I was so proud to be out with you at lunch.


Sunday morning you woke me up a little too early. 5am to be exact. I stumbled downstairs while you were crying, made you some milk, put you back in your crib and tried to go back to sleep. You slept, I didnt. So at 6am when you woke up again I brought you into bed with me and we hung out and watched television.

We got dressed then dad surprised you with tickets to see Finding Nemo on Ice at the Verizon Center in Manchester. Even though I bought you your own seat, you sat on my lap the whole first half. After intermission you were a little more brazen and sat in your own seat. Then stood for the rest of the show, clapping and dancing in delight of Nemo and all his friends.

Mom had fun with her girlfriends in Boston while we had our own special weekend.



One that I will not forget anytime soon.

The Web

When we last left our super hero "The Web" she had her memory erased by evil dad and had relearned how to sleep all night in a crib. We are proud to say the mind erase technique that dad used on her continues to work. However, he knows her super powers are strong and that some day she will get back her super powers of climbing out of the crib.

Grammy has come to visit the Web from South Carolina. Dad picked her up at the airport, where she was waiting for some special luggage to arrive on the belt. There was no mistaking the bright pink suitcase with Princess Charlotte written on the sides. Dad, completely embarrassed since he had no child with him, picked up the luggage to the stares of everyone waiting for their stuff. Lots of chuckles and a couple of "hey you will never lose that one" remarks. Fortunately we made a quick getaway.

Charlotte took to Grammy very quickly. Especially since she was bribed with a new dolly (his name is Henry, thank you Liam), and of course the bright pink suitcase. When the suitcase opened up it was chuck full of dresses, bracelets, clip on earrings, a mirror and a little light. She loved it. What a great idea! Grammy should make these and sell them! Princess ones for girls, trains for boys.



Friday morning dad received a call asking he if could go to the Mountain View Grand Hotel in the white mountains. At first he thought, no, my mother is in town. But after thinking it over, having a built in babysitter makes traveling that much more fun. So we packed our bags early saturday morning and headed to the resort. Grammy got to sit by the fire knitting, dad got to go sledding with Charlotte, and mom enjoyed some time at the spa. We were a little worried about packing everyone into one room but luckily dad was able to pay for a room for Grammy. Since our room had a huge walk in closet, we set up the pack and play in there so Charlotte sort of had her own room.




Mom and dad got to enjoy dinner together while Grammy ordered room service and babysat Charlotte. We didnt stay out too late and were happy to go to bed around 11pm. Charlotte was sleeping peacefully in the closet. Grammy in her own room. Mom and dad comfortably in the huge king bed.


At 12:30 am Charlotte woke up crying. Crying turned to yelling and dad went in calmed her down. All was quiet. Back to bed he went. Just as he fell back asleep she awoke again. This time more upset from the last. Dad went into the closet and read her some books to quiet her. She wasnt having it. So dad, not wanting to wake his wife up, grabbed his pillow and a blanket, laid down on the hard closet floor next to her pack and play and went to sleep with his now calm daughter. Thus the romantic night away with his wife in a cozy bed turned into what felt like the aftermath of a college keg party. Curled up in a ball on a floor in a closet.

We all enjoyed our getway and look forward to a few more nights with Grammy. Its nice she is cooking today so dad gets to update the blog. Thank you grammy.

Sit on dada's head

Charlotte likes to be a hat. She loves to have dad lift her up and then sit on his head. She laughs and looks down at him while he looks up at her and says, "Dada Hat!". No wonder dad is now seeing a chiropractor.

Good news is we have not needed to build a moat yet. She continues to wake up at 4 or 5 am and cries but is not crawling out of her crib. This morning dad couldnt take it any longer so we went downstairs and made a bottle for her at 4 am. She fell back asleep for a couple more hours. Parents who have bad sleepers are so strange about really talking about their childrens sleep habits, as if they jinx themselves. Of course those parents who have kids that sleep all night until 8am and then take 2 hour naps love to share how wonderful their kids sleep. You know who you are! And yes we are jealous.

You should also be jealous. Charlotte wants to be a nun. As a father I am fine with that. It will keep her out of trouble is she starts practicing now.

Here is Sister Charlotte with her habit on. Or a pair of moms underwear. Same difference. (yes they are clean)

what day is it?

Dad now remembers what it is like to be woken up throughout the night. Unfortunately Charlotte now enjoys waking up at 4am. Yes dad has a small glimpse into his future with baby number 2 on the way. Lets hope the next baby is a solid sleeper.

When Charlotte awoke and opened her door at 4am, she was suprised to find a closed gate welcoming her. Yes we have resorted to turning our daughter into a prisoner in her own room. Dont worry folks, we are following what the "book" says (Healthy Sleep Happy Baby or something like that). Dad without saying a word picked her up and put her back into her open faced crib. 5 minutes later it was more of the same. By the fourth time she was staying in her crib. However she said she had "pooped" and it certainly smelled like she did. So dad went downstairs, got diapers and wipes, then upstairs. Diaper off and No POOP! She tricked him. Dad now fully awake put her back in her crib and went back to bed. For about 20 minutes until the process started back over. This time she was much better. Actually just playing in her room with her stuffed animals. When she would see dad looking in at her she would run and jump into her bed.

So at 6am she called for dad and said Poop again. This time she was serious. Diaper change number two and now dad is awake for the day.

Today the front crib rail goes back up. We have also decided in purchasing a crib tent. Dad figures we can be like the Pentagon. With multiple rings of security. Maybe by the time she makes it through the crib tent, over the rail, through the door, to the gate she will be exhausted and fall asleep. If that doesnt work we are going to have to make a moat.

BIG Week

During nap time Charlotte would be put into her crib then mysteriously appear downstairs a short while later. Mom thought she was going crazy. Again into her crib, then like Doug Henning, POOF, back downstairs she was. Our precious little angel of a daughter has learned the fine ninja art of scaling the side of her crib.

This was later confirmed at bedtime with dad. Into her crib she went. He then said his good nights and it was off to the baby video monitor to watch the show. Grabbing the rail of the crib she would begin swinging one leg back and forth, then up and over the side of the rail. With one leg over the rest was easy. The other leg then it was a slide or a thump down to the carpet below. Our escape artist has been born.

The rail of the crib has been removed to prevent an arm or leg getting caught during the escape. Her three sided crib has been dubbed the Big Girl Bed. Night number one was difficult at first, with Charlotte wanting to just roll out of it. And she did fall out once, however the bean bag that was placed on the edge protected her fall.
Night number two was much better.

Into her open sided crib she goes. Dad tell her to lay down and she listens. Dad sternly tells Charlotte, "Do NOT get out of your crib without asking Dada!" She nods in agreement. He says his goodnight, shuts the door, and off to the baby monitor to watch if it works. He sees her begin to crawl out and runs to her room to catch her in the act. "CHARLOTTE GET IN THAT BED RIGHT NOW!" he bellows. Into the crib she jumps, then lays down and doesn't move an inch again, afraid of her father.

It hit dad like a ton of bricks. He really is a father. His actions and words are absorbed into her brain and is shaping who she is and how she will be. He tells mom, "She is afraid of me". She laughs and says, "Well yeah. You are her father. She had better be". Lets hope it lasts until she is 18.

Charlotte also used the potty a couple of times this week to tinkle. Mostly at night before her bath, but she did it. She is not afraid of it and LOVES seeing mom and dad dance and clap after she uses it (or maybe she just loves the candy we bribe her with after). We will have some pictures up shortly.

We are with you

Shelby's 15 year old cousin, a basketball star and professional snowcross racer, was in a horrible snowmobile accident while racing. She has been in ICU since Sunday and doing her best to recover from emergency surgery. Michaela we are thinking about you and hope you have a quick recovery. We know it wont be easy but if anyone can do it, its you.

We are with you and here to help in any way that we can.

We need your help

Yes this is Charlottes Web and it will continue to be such. However due to the high number of readers we also feel it is important to use this site as a sounding board. This post is one of those posts.

In May of last year my wife was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. The diagnosis is one we are still coming to grips with. For us as a family, it really means we do everything possible to appreciate every single day together. Mom picks Charlotte up and twirls her around as much as she can. Dad tells them both how much he loves them. Together we are a team and together we will try to cope with this horrible, unpredictable disease.

So from time to time we will be asking you all to dig deep into your wallets to help support the MS Society. We will try to only ask once a year, but we will keep asking, year after year. This disease isn't going away anytime soon and research is underfunded. Unfortunately the National Institute of Health barely spends any money on research for this disease. Medication associated with the disease costs almost $2,000 a month. All of this keeps dad up at night, which is why we are asking you to help.

Shelby has started Team Strength and will be doing a 3 mile walk in Nashua NH in April with friends to help raise money for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. This group has been a great resource for us in understanding the disease and we will do what we can to help out. Please sponsor Team Strength with whatever you can. Give up your trip to Starbucks for the week. Skip the movies for a night. Think of us and how much it means to us to try and erase MS. Donate Here

In additional to your monetary donation I urge all of you to become MS Advocates. This is really important to let your voice be heard by those who create laws and pass the laws. Please sign up here. Please make sure you check the box to receive emails on issues and legislation. This is so important because in order to increase funding for research you have to get involved. They don't send you spam, only the occasional email letting you know when there are bills in front of the Senate that need to be passed, etc. It takes 2 minutes to sign up and you can make a difference.

Thank you for reading this blog and for being a part of our lives. You can make a difference.

..whirlwind holiday continued....

Charlotte playing with her vacuum.


She was not happy about the clothes. We loved them since she is outgrowing everything, but Charlotte, not so much, they did nothing but upset her. I understand. It took her a while to rip through the wrapping paper. She wanted a toy. A princess. Something fuzzy and cute. Not a jean skirt and a polo shirt. Life is rough when you are only 2.

Dads most favorite gift that Charlotte got? A bowling set. She will soon be bowling with Roy Munson and Ishmael Boorg from Kingpin. Rent it people. Nothing like a toy that shoots pins everywhere and makes an awful racket. Thanks Santa.



After we tore through the Christmas stash, we had a little breakfast. Ian was busy at work on the omelette's with venison sausage (thank you Craig).

Charlotte was busy having pancakes and syrup. Notice the pancakes are not on the plate. Just the syrup.





The weather got a little warmer so dad and uncle Ian decided to take Charlotte and Liam for a little ride in his new Radio Flyer Wagon. They actually both sat in the wagon for 1 loop around the block. Then decided to crawl out so they could walk. And play on the ice that had formed on the little puddles in the street. Slippery, Charlotte kept repeating.


Somewhere in the commotion we had breakfast at Kelly, Craig, and Michaela's house. Charlotte loved Buddy the cat. Dad loved getting some venison from Craig. :)


Then there are the pictures of Charlotte in her Christmas dress.


Grammy and Pappa also sent Charlotte some special gifts. A hand made princess dress and a giant princess castle to play in (thankfully we have the downstairs finished so it actually fits!) The dress is amazing and she LOVES IT!



So how does it end? Charlotte exhausted in a dog bed again. Look familiar?



Then there was the day after Christmas. Dad and Grampa drove back home while Charlotte and mom rested quietly for the rest of the week while they gutted, built, and tiled a new kitchen for mom. Luckily dad got a QLink necklace for Christmas so he was able to keep up with Michael Sanders. I thought there were labor laws against 20 hour work days. I guess not. The highlight of the remodel? Dad getting grout or tile in his eye causing a visit to the E.R. for a scratched cornea. Luckily it happened the last night of the remodel and he only had to wear the patch for one day. So embarrassing when your daughter calls you "dadda pirate". Lesson learned. Saftey glasses will ALWAYS be worn now. Dad even wore them to take down the Christmas tree.

Here are some pics of the kitchen. There is still a little tiling to be done this upcoming weekend. We love the kitchen and can not thank Mr. Sanders enough for all of his help, direction, and hard work.




Next comes New Years Eve. Dad was still exhausted after doing the kitchen work but we managed to get out of the house and visit with Kelly, Dave, Mason, Brodia, Paul, Jena, and Marin. The kids played. The adults drank. Then got sleepy and went home. And were asleep by 11pm. So sad that we just have to laugh.







THE END