Hamlet Cuddles
Posted in Family on October 20, 2009 by rachelmarta
Best Friends! I think Hamlet is a good sport. He lets Charlotte-Amélie hug him. Meanwhile, Ophelia runs in the opposite direction when it’s cuddle time!
15 Months
Posted in Family on October 2, 2009 by rachelmarta
Last month we got to visit the Doc’s Office for Charlotte-Amélie’s 15 month appointment. She spent most of the time running round the examine room… in fact the Doctor was ‘impressed’ with the fact she didn’t actually stop the entire time she was in there 
) She said ’she just doesn’t stop, does she?!!’
When asked whether Charlotte-Amélie could say any words (they look for about 3 at this age)… I explained how she can say a number of words, but the ones she uses consistently include: Mummy, Ginga (Milky-milk), Uh-Oh, and, she can sing Baa-Baa Black Sheep. The Doctor looked a bit surprised when I said she can sing, so I started singing Baa baa Black sheep, and Charlotte-Amélie began singing along. She wasn’t really expecting that yet! Anyway, here’s a few pics to show that Charlotte-Amélie had fun, while mummy got a bit bored waiting so resorted to snapping some random photos! Charlotte-Amélie doesn’t usually get to run around in her nappy (Dr. Seuss cover for Dan), but she was ready to get examined, annnnd get a dose of vaccines!
12th Street Beach
Posted in Family on September 16, 2009 by rachelmarta
Inspired by the nice Chicago weather we’ve had lately, last weekend we dandered over to 12th St. Beach for a picnic & some fun in the sand and water. Charlotte-Amélie Rose had great fun, as you can see!
One Cool Chick…
Posted in Family on September 13, 2009 by rachelmarta
Little Miss Sunshine
So the latest thing is pretending she is mama talking on the phone. She uses either my old cell-phone, her toy phone, or the real phone (If she can get a hold of it). She has my mannerisms all down, from walking around nodding at the phone, to grunting short replies to the imaginary person on the other end! Oh, and when there’s no phone available, she will hold up other objects to her ear and carry on conversations, including chunks of melon, a strawberry, or cup. I think she’s gonna be a real chatterbox!
She also enjoys trying on her hats and sunglasses… and mommie’s shirts too. It seems she already likes playing dress-up!! Just wait until she’s asking for designer clothes!Daddy’s Spa . . .
Posted in Family on September 13, 2009 by rachelmarta
Charlotte-Amélie really enjoys it whenever Daddy gives her the Spa Treatment… just like Ophelia. On the other hand, Hamlet runs behind Mummy whenever he sees Daddy coming with the comb and shampoo! I guess it must be a girl thing.
1st Ponytail . . .
Posted in Family on September 13, 2009 by rachelmarta
She kind of looks like The Flinstones’ baby…
but it was fun attempting a little top ponytail.
It didn’t stay in long though…
so maybe we’ll wait another few months )
but it was fun attempting a little top ponytail.
It didn’t stay in long though…
so maybe we’ll wait another few months
)Picnic in Grant Park
Posted in Family on September 13, 2009 by rachelmarta
We really enjoy picnics this weather!
Our favorite spots we can walk to are Grant Park
and 12th Street Beach.
Our favorite spots we can walk to are Grant Park
and 12th Street Beach.
Charlotte-Amélie really enjoys waving at everyone who goes by. When I started taking the bus on little trips in the city with her, I would whisper “Wave Hi”… and she’d wave at the people who came on the bus, or who were sitting smiling at her. I think the habit caught, and now she just waves at anyone and everyone!She is quite the friendly baby!
August . . .
Posted in Family on August 26, 2009 by rachelmarta
Some of these pics were from our Anniversary weekend, Aug 2nd.
Big City Baby . . .
Posted in Family on August 26, 2009 by rachelmarta
Charlotte-Amélie & mummy went for a walk in the city.
Playing with Big Sister Ophelia. . .
Posted in Family on August 24, 2009 by rachelmarta
This video clip is actually from July… quite a while ago… but Charlotte-Amélie enjoys watching it over & over on the computer – it makes her giggle. She really enjoys playing ball with Ophelia. Hamlet isn’t too interested, but does still enjoy running off with her cuddly toys!
Kentucky . . .
Posted in Family on August 16, 2009 by rachelmarta
Kentucky… PART II
Posted in Family on August 16, 2009 by rachelmarta
Hanging out with Papa . . .
Helping Papa set up for the broadcast.
With Mummy.
More Turtles!
Kentucky… PART III
Posted in Family on August 16, 2009 by rachelmarta
Charlotte-Amélie’s head got pretty close to his teeth!
Charlotte-Amélie inside Noah’s Ark
Charlotte-Amélie in the Garden of Eden . . .
Animals . . .
Posted in Family on August 7, 2009 by rachelmarta
Pointing at the Giraffes!
Feeding Time at the Zoo…
These pics are actually from last month, when we took an impromptu trip to the zoo! Charlotte-Amélie had a lot of fun. It was the Monday after July 4th, and the weather was great!
Feeding Time at the Zoo…
These pics are actually from last month, when we took an impromptu trip to the zoo! Charlotte-Amélie had a lot of fun. It was the Monday after July 4th, and the weather was great!
Penguins!
Charlotte-Amélie and Papa enjoyed seeing the jeep – just like the ones they had in Africa!
Happy Anniversary . . .
Posted in Family on August 2, 2009 by rachelmarta
Sleeping Beauty
Posted in Family on July 21, 2009 by rachelmarta
We walked to the store the other day….
and this little sleeping beauty fell asleep on the way home! So we stopped in the little park by our home for a rest ) Charlotte-Amélie doesn’t fall asleep in her buggy very often…
and this little sleeping beauty fell asleep on the way home! So we stopped in the little park by our home for a rest
) Charlotte-Amélie doesn’t fall asleep in her buggy very often…
so it was a nice chance to visit the park too!
Balloon!
Posted in Family on July 20, 2009 by rachelmarta
Charlotte-Amélie really likes Balloons! Especially Helium ones!
When she sees one she points and says “Bawwwoom.“
We found one for a dollar at the dollar store the other day,
so she’s been enjoying it all weekend! She traipses all around the place with it )
Monday Stroll…
Posted in Family on July 19, 2009 by rachelmarta
Charlotte-Amélie & Mummy went on a little walk to Millenium Park, and checked out The Bean & Fountains. We enjoy living downtown and having so much to see & do!
Here we are waving at ourselves in the Bean )
The Lelands
Posted in Family on July 19, 2009 by rachelmarta
Mummy & Charlotte-Amélie enjoyed a walk to the beach
this week with The Leland family.
Hamlet & Pheelia Beelia were excited they were able to come too.
this week with The Leland family.
Hamlet & Pheelia Beelia were excited they were able to come too.
walking
Posted in Family on July 17, 2009 by rachelmarta
A few weeks ago we tried to capture Charlotte-Amélie’s
first steps on Dan’s phone, but the sound didn’t work!
So the next time we used my camera!
(We were waiting on her GI Doc at the time, so had time to spare!)
Another Wee Mite…
Posted in Family on July 16, 2009 by rachelmarta
And we thought little Hammie was the cutest dog in the world!….
Check out this cute wee mite
Check out this cute wee mite
[above: Hamlet pictured in June 05, first night at home in Oak Park]
Taste of Chicago . . .
Posted in Family on July 14, 2009 by rachelmarta
I am finally getting around to putting up some pictures from our past two weeks. On July 3rd, we ventured up the Road with the Bugaboo, sans Mites, to Grant Park and Taste of Chicago. It was a bit crowded, but I think Charlotte-Amélie enjoyed seeing everyone, and, having her supper at the Buckingham Fountain! We made it back home just in time for bedtime! Daniel had a great bbq pulled pork sandwich, and mummy enjoyed a big Polish hot dog. We topped off with some wonderful Chicagoan Cheesecake. yum.
There were lots of pigeons flying round the fountain. Probably getting their own taste of Chicago )
I mentioned she likes pointing… This is her answer to:
“Where’s the bird?”
Dan thinks this double-finger pointing pose makes her look like a rapper. She uses both fingers when she is particularly excited.
Ikea…
Posted in Family on July 14, 2009 by rachelmarta
One of our fav. places to go for a drive on a rainy day is to Ikea… we feel quite at home there… maybe it’s because it’s one of the few stores they have here and also in the UK.
We also like that it is kid-friendly… but unfortunately Charlotte-Amélie is not quite tall enough to drop off in the child playzone. Daniel wanted to, but I think she is a bit young, even if she was taller! We tried to take Hammie to Ikea once, but they wouldn’t let him in. Too bad they’re not mite-friendly too. 
Chalotte-Amélie had a good time. Her favourite things right now are pointing, and clapping her hands when I sing “If you’re happy and you know it…” It’s pretty cute!
Picnic
Posted in Family on July 14, 2009 by rachelmarta
We went to Geneva, and had a little picnic in front of the courthouse. We usually bring the mites… but they stayed at home this time. Poor mites – they don’t get to go as many places as they used to!
The Stakes…
Posted in Family on July 13, 2009 by rachelmarta
Charlotte-Amélie with Auntie Paula . . .
We were able to catch up with our good friends The Stakes this past weekend, as they are on HMA in Indiana. They invited us to Ty’s grad party… it was hard to believe he is already graduating, as I remember babysitting for him and his brother when we all lived in Ecuador (I think I babysat for their hamster, Houdini, once too!) It was fun to see all the Scrapbooks & pictures, which included pictures of their work with HCJB in Ecuador, Australia & Singapore. I recognised quite a few faces ;o) 
It was great to be able to catch up with old friends, and find out more about their new life in Singapore. Culvers . . .
Posted in Family on July 13, 2009 by rachelmarta
On the 4th of July weekend… we enjoyed a little fair out in the suburbs… but of course had to stop for some Culvers on the way! Charlotte-Amélie enjoyed her milky-milk… even if it wasn’t a butterscotch raspberry shake like Momma’s ;o)
“Please Sir… Can I have some More?”
Happy Fourth of July!
Posted in Family on July 4, 2009 by rachelmarta
Banana . . .
Posted in Family on June 28, 2009 by rachelmarta
I used to try and cut up banana for Charlotte-Amélie…but I guess she wants to eat it just like Mummy!
Ducky. . .
Posted in Family on June 28, 2009 by rachelmarta
Here she is with her favourite ducky…and her little Ecuadorian Sundress!
(Oh, and she’s now graduated to the big girl car seat!)
Charlotte-Amélie in June . . .
Posted in Family on June 24, 2009 by rachelmarta
We recently had a visit from Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Ken from Northern Ireland… who took a few pics of Charlotte-Amélie. It was just a few days before her 1st Birthday.
Hidey Hole
Posted in Family on June 15, 2009 by rachelmarta
Look where I found
Charlotte-Amélie
the other day!
Charlotte-Amélie
the other day!
I guess it has become her new favourite spot.
It keeps her occupied for a good few minutes ;o)
I think she was trying to get through to the other side!
Maybe it leads to Narnia… 
Hamlet wants to go too.
Birthday Presents
Posted in Family on June 12, 2009 by rachelmarta
Charlotte-Amélie,
my little Sunflower
is enjoying her new birthday presents!
Charlotte-Amélie in June . . .
Posted in Family on June 11, 2009 by rachelmarta
We recently had a visit from Auntie Dorothy and Uncle Ken from Northern Ireland… who took a few pics of Charlotte-Amélie. It was just a few days before her 1st Birthday.
Charlotte-Amélie is ONE YEAR OLD
Posted in Family on June 7, 2009 by rachelmartaIn honour of Charlotte-Amélie’s first birthday
we compiled a little picture montage of her life thus far…
we compiled a little picture montage of her life thus far…
It is hard to believe this little darling girl is already a year old!
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY Charlotte-Amélie !
Posted in Family on June 7, 2009 by rachelmarta
We are so proud of
our little girl!
our little girl!
We love you
Charlotte-Amélie Rose Royle
Charlotte-Amélie Rose Royle
HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY Charlotte-Amélie !
Posted in Family on June 7, 2009 by rachelmarta
We are so proud of
our little girl!
our little girl!
We love you
Charlotte-Amélie Rose Royle
Charlotte-Amélie Rose Royle
The Mites & The Lelands . . .
Posted in Family on June 7, 2009 by rachelmartaHamlet & Ophelia 
of course invited their favorite babysitters to the “Pups in Paris” party they hosted for Charlotte-Amélie.
The Mites & The Lelands . . .
Posted in Family on June 7, 2009 by rachelmartaHamlet & Ophelia 
of course invited their favorite babysitters to the “Pups in Paris” party they hosted for Charlotte-Amélie.
Uncle Arthur and Auntie Tara . . .
Posted in Family on June 7, 2009 by rachelmarta
Uncle Arthur and Auntie Tara came to the party too. Hamlet was very excited as when Auntie Tara wasn’t looking he managed to steal the ham off her croissant… and then later we caught him drinking her coffee! No wonder the mites like auntie Tara so much!!
Meanwhile Uncle Arthur enjoyed the sweets that Ophelia made for the party. 
Ophelia also got to nibble the rest of Auntie Tara’s cake.
