The picture above captures Charlotte's big, beaming smile perfectly. Sometimes people don't get to see her smile; when Charlotte meets people, she tends to gaze at them solemnly, unblinking. I think it freaks some people out. They get nervous. They want her to smile.

I kind of like the fact that Charlotte waits to dole out her big happy grins. It shows an element of gravity that' s rather becoming in a baby, don't you think? Once she's checked you out, looked at your face long and hard, listened to your voice a bit, then she'll share a smile with you. And let me tell you, it's totally worth it.

We just spent a weekend with Jeff's parents. Coincidentally, Charlotte also had a couple bad nights of sleep, the likes of which we haven't experienced in weeks. I think the fact that she's getting over a nasty cold might have something to do with it. Also, we may have kept her up a little too late to pack in more fun with grandpa and grandma. But last night she slept well, and was up cooing and smiling again this morning.

After Jeff's parents left last night, Jeff said, "I can't imagine how hard it is for them to leave! I don't EVER want to leave her."

I know what he means. But I think I can imagine, a little, how hard it is for all the grandparents to leave after a visit. That's one of the big reasons we're hoping to end up a little closer to both families after our next move. I really want Charlotte's grandparents to be a part of her life.