FAQ #4 and Back to work...

I returned to work today after spending 2 weeks at home with Charlotte. How does that make me feel? I believe the video below sums up my thoughts on how it feels [don't try this at home]:

It was nice to be able to spend that time with her. Other than dropping the television remote on her head once, I think she came out none the worse for wear. It only really grazed her, but I felt pretty bad. She's sleeping through the night now [knock on wood]. She's even managing to do it in her crib...as opposed to in her car seat, which was the case for the first couple months.

Kaye's last day at Associated Bank was yesterday. She'll be starting her new job at Marine Credit Union on Monday. We're still waiting on day care. In the mean time, our friend Sandy has agreed to watch her.

FAQ #4: Boy, I'll bet your life has changed, hasn't it?
Well Duh!! However, not as much as people seem to think. Granted, she's been pretty low maintenance as far as babies go [knock on wood, again] and I know things will get more hectic as she becomes more mobile. We weren't exactly living the "rock and roll" life style before she was born. Now it's just about logistics and equipment. Any outing is planned around naps and feedings...and any trip, no matter how small, involves lengthy discussions and negotiations on what equipment will be transported and utilized. When I really think about it, we were already planning around my naps and feedings, so that's nothing new. So, in the end, it's really only about the equipment.

Charlotte was ready for today's game...

...unfortunately, the Badgers weren't.

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We had some pictures taken today. In addition to those in the link above, you should be able to view more here at the Sears album.

My turn to watch Judge Judy

First things first...I finally cut some video from our trip to Rockford last weekend to see Charlotte's great grandmother. You can check it out below. You'll notice that Charlotte's getting a little...um...festively plump. At this rate, Kaye and I may end up on Maury Povich.

On Tuesday, I had my first day of family leave. I'll be hanging with Charlotte until March 27th. So far it's been great. However, I've learned that there are people who had very little confidence in me to make it through one day, let alone 2 weeks. I've become fairly accustomed to low expectations. So, this is nothing new.

Kaye starts a new job with Marine Credit Union on April 2nd. More on that at a later date.

First Trip to Rockford

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Charlotte made her first trip down to Grandma Erickson's this weekend. We had a little brunch [ok, I had a lot] and showed Charlotte off to everyone. We also spent a little time with Charlotte's great great aunt Helga.

I took some video. Depending on how it turned out, I may post it later.

Charlotte's Baptism

Charlotte was baptized this weekend at the church Kaye and I will be joining in the next couple weeks.. No screaming. No fussing. Just pretty much sat there and took the whole thing in. After she's baptized, the minister walks her down down the aisle and introduces her to the congregation. At the end of the service, she takes the baby out with her and greets everyone as they leave church. As you can see from the video, I'm confused...as usual.



Kaye's brother Mark, my sister Chris, and brother-in-law Dale, were her sponsors. Grandma Michael was also here for the weekend. Kaye's family and my family all got together for brunch after the service on Sunday. All in all, good weekend. Charlotte was exhausted on Sunday. She slept from about 4:00 PM on Sunday until 6:30 AM Monday morning [except for a few feedings and a burst of energy for about an hour Sunday before bed]. Check out the pics from this weekend below.

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