Charlie's Baptism

Charlie was baptized this morning at our church, and we were so happy to have all of the grandparents and great-grandparents in attendance, along with Charlie's godfather, Michael. Ava felt special, because she got to hold the lighted candle as Pastor Jon spoke. Charlie slept through the service, but did wake briefly as Pastor Jon poured the water on his head. True to his nature, he calmly took it all in, closed his eyes, and went back to sleep.



We gathered at our house afterward for refreshments...yum!


Ava, of course, monopolized the grandmas' time - I can't believe they all fit in her little room!

Charlie

My friend Kelly graciously gifted her photography services and took some photos of Charlie last weekend. Here are a few of my favorites:

Washington County Fair

After debating whether it would be worthwhile to load up both kids and go to the fair this summer, we decided to go for it, and I'm so glad we did. (We had considered just having Joe go with Ava, while I stayed home with Charlie).
The unseasonably cool weather helped - it was 72 degrees at 2:00 in the afternoon - perfect for being outside. We stayed a couple of hours, and got to do a little bit of everything: went on a few rides (Ava LOVED the giant slide, which I had to go on with her - I, being a little uneasy with heights and speed, did not particularly enjoy it, but I did it a second time anyway); ate some fair food, watched the pig races, checked out the animals, and even played a little Bingo! Joe carried Charlie in the Baby Bjorn, and he slept the whole time.

Ava, watching the K-9 demonstration


Charlie, chilling with Dad

Soccer and T-Ball

Ava had her first taste of organized sports with the Parks & Rec Soccer/T-Ball Combo in July. She went with Joe to all of the practices, and I got to be there for the last day, when they had a real "game" - parents versus kids! She really enjoyed herself, and learned some new things, too. She's been practicing her t-ball skills with the neighborhood kids this summer, and she's keeping up pretty well for being the youngest in the group.

Random pictures

The days are still kind of blurred together, so the best I can do for now is post a few random pictures from the last couple of weeks!

Venturing out for our first post-Charlie play date at Little Kids Big City.


"I love raspberries!"


A visit from Emily & Danny


Peek-a-boo!


Uncle Ben and Aunt Katie


Great-Grandma Lois with her two great-grandchildren


4th of July face painting (and manicure)


"I'm smiling now!"

Beach

We had our first outing as a family of four this weekend; we went to Lake Elmo Beach on Friday, and everyone had a good time, although, as you can see, the excitement of the surroundings was pretty much lost on Charlie...here he is sound asleep in the sling:


But Ava had a blast swimming and playing in the sand with Daddy.




The beach is close by, just a 15-minute drive, so this is hopefully just the first of many trips this summer.

The Newest "Woodbury Walker"

Anyone who follows this blog should already have this info, but I'll put it on for posterity's sake...
Charles Joseph Walker was born on Sunday, June 7 at 7:44 P.M. at Woodwinds Hospital. Charlie weighed 9 pounds, 8 ounces and was 21 3/4 inches long.
We came home Tuesday afternoon, and it has been a pretty smooth adjustment. Ava adores him and is handling the change really well, thanks in no small part to all of the extra attention from her grandparents. She thinks he is super-cute and loves to stroke his hair and talk to him.
Charlie is doing great. He is an avid nurser, and in fact actually gained a few ounces in the hospital. So far, he is a content baby and does not cry much; when he does cry, he is easily soothed. I'm hoping this is an indication of his temperament and not just the newborn honeymoon phase!
Here are a few pictures...

Charlie


Daddy


Oma


Big Sister Ava


Eating lunch and watching a movie at the hospital


Grandma


Grandpa


Time to go home


I didn't direct this shot - isn't it sweet?


Opa (finally, a boy in the family!)