Spring 2009

A lot has happened in the past few months....Charlotte finally moved into her new room - much to the delight of her parents, she has taken her second trip around the world (unfortunately this trip was not as easy as the first, but she was very good nonetheless), and she is sitting up with a little assistance (thanks to the boppy pillow - I'm happy it is getting more than 2 weeks of use!). Oh, and she visited France for the first time.

We were excited to visit both the US and Switzerland so soon after our Christmas visit. Charlotte was happily entertained in Colfax while her parents had some adult time in Las Vegas (Tricia with her girlfriends, Urs with the blackjack tables). She also attended Aunt Kristi's wedding shower, which we were lucky enough to be around for. Then it was off to Switzerland, where we visited the other happy grandparents and family. It was terrific weather the entire week, and then we set off for the weekend to Divonne, France (near Geneva) to celebrate grandfather Alder's 75th birthday. After a 3-hour drive to the airport, a 12-hour flight, a 4-hour layover, an 8.5 hour flight, and a 20 minute taxi ride, we were home. Baby jet lag has almost subsided, and we are geared up to do it again in 3 short weeks!

Charlotte's new digs....unfortunately, I have not been super-creative with the decor...I think I will wait until her "big girl" room and go all out. I decided I'm over the whole nursery theme obsessiveness. But at least its better than what she was sleeping in before....

.....yes, a tent.....while we waited for the furniture to arrive. 7 weeks was a VERY long time. The pack and play was kaput!

Fun times on Easter weekend...she really loves to stand up!

No matter how hard we tried, she wouldn't smile for us! She must have been overwhelmed with all of her Easter gifts.

I can't remember why Charlotte was crying, but Jean-Pierre is all smiles all the time!

Urs 39th birthday....as on most weekends, we went to the beach.

Charlotte's favorite chew toy...like a baby lion cub attacking....look at the eyes....ferocious!

March 2009 Update

Its been 6 weeks since my last post, an eternity in baby time! Charlotte is now 4-months old, although the pictures at the beginning of this blog are in January, month 3 :-) We have had a nice summer in the southern hemisphere, ending with a visit from my aunt the last week of February. I think it was a nice change for her, escaping from the freezing winter weather endured by most of you in the northern hemisphere! It was nice for Charlotte to get some 1-on-1 time with her great aunt (hard to believe - look at her!) and nice for Urs and I to add another adult into the feeding-bathing rotation! We spent a weekend going to the big beaches in the Sydney area (as well as stopping at the local German brauhaus!) and the second weekend in Barossa Valley near Adelaide in the southern part of Australia. It is known for its red wines (Penfold's anyone?) and we had a great time sampling several. Now it is a new week, a new month, and Aunt Pam is on her way home....she left over 24 hours ago, and after a flight delay in San Francisco, still must endure a 2-hour ride home from Chicago, as of this writing. Best wishes for a long and well-deserved rest at home!

Three Months Old!!!

The adorable hat finally fits!

At the German brauhaus - its been a long time since we have enjoyed jaegerschnitzel and a cold Weissbier!

At Bondi on a windy and cloudy Sunday....

....but it doesn't stop Urs from enjoying his weekend swim!

Another windy day on the cliffs above Bondi Beach

Charlotte unhappy with our choice for lunch - sushi.....or maybe its just too hot out....or maybe she's angry she drained her bottle and still wants more!

After enjoying a fabulous tapas lunch at the Murdoch Winery in Barossa Valley

Christmas 2008

We had a wonderful trip to Illinois and Switzerland this season. Charlotte was absolutely wonderful on all of our flights - estimated at about 45 hours of flight time - so it made our traveling much easier. She endured incredibly cold weather for the first time (a huge difference from 85 F/30C weather she is used to in Sydney!), saw lots of snow, went for her first hike in the hills in Switzerland, and met Santa Clause - the highlight of her trip as you will see! We were very sad to leave everyone so soon after arriving...it is very difficult to leave our family and friends behind, especially after bringing Charlotte into all of our lives. It is difficult for us not to have the support of our families around us every day, and even more difficult for us to take such a precious little thing away from all of you. But our distance will not be forever, and one of these days we will be closer to everyone!

Countdown to Christmas!

A little over a week until Christmas, and we are ready to come home! It is getting very warm in Sydney and doesn't feel like Christmas at all. We are excited to introduce Charlotte to our families and friends, especially now that she is more awake and alert every day (sometimes too awake!). I look forward to taking lots of pictures while we are traveling; there are only so many pictures of her sleeping or sitting posed for me that I can take right now! But here are a few cute ones with silly little expressions....I await to capture the elusive smile, which just appeared yesterday!

She fights her way out of any wrap we attempt to put her in!

4 Weeks Old!

Little Charlotte turned 4 weeks old on Thursday, and the adults celebrating by going out to dinner! Charlotte was very good on her second big outing, sleeping at the restaurant the entire time. She has longer periods of wakefulness now (sometimes at night unfortunately!) but is changing all the time. Charlotte is beginning to lose her hair upfront (reminiscent of her Grandpa Meiner!) and has gained a lot of weight - she now weighs 9 1/2 pounds (4.3 kilos). We lose our helpers today, Grandma and Grandpa Meiner fly home to the increasingly cold Illinois weather. They have been a HUGE help with Charlotte, especially at 5 am when they take over the feeding and mom goes back to bed for 3-4 hours! Back to reality now....

Like father, like daughter! We're happy Urs is getting use out of the feeding pillow...

At Manly Beach....

...on a very windy day!

At Bondi Beach....Charlotte's first trip

Nestled in the sling....thank goodness she loves it!

In front of the Opera House

Two Weeks Old!

Little Charlotte has been growing like mad! She has changed so much already we can hardly believe it. She has had one set of grandparents helping to take care of her, and the other ones are not far behind!

Charlotte Comes Home!

Monday was Charlotte's first day at home. No matter how prepared we thought we were, every moment is a new learning experience! Charlotte is a terrific sleeper - she has to be awakened to feed - and hardly ever cries. We hope this isn't temporary!!! Urs and I enjoy every moment with her; she is very sweet and provides us endless entertainment with her countless facial expressions!

With Dad on the terrace after arriving home

With Mom

Imagining she's still in the womb!

"Milk Drunk"

Dressed up and ready to go home!