Hello, Charlie! And caprese salad bites.


Last week, a baby boy was born.


In March, we strung decorations across the mantel, and propped children's books around the living room, and oohed and aaahhed over baby outfits and toys.


Last week, he wore his first hat, his first sleeper complete with padded feet, his first diaper.





Over the winter, we played board games while he kicked around in my sister's belly.

This past weekend, we played board games while he slept peacefully just a few feet away.


Last month, we ran around town gathering ingredients for baby shower appetizers -- cheesy bread, fruit plates, guacamole, spinach dip, caprese salad bites, bacon-wrapped tater tots.

Last week, we ate pulled pork sandwiches in a hospital room while the baby was passed around.


Eight months ago, gathered around a fire in a beach house in California, my sister and brother-in-law announced to the family that they were having a baby.

Today, he is one week old.


Hello, Charlie! We've waited patiently for you. Welcome to the world.


Caprese Salad Bites
This recipe is adapted from Taste of Home. I ended up buying mozzarella balls from Costco. They were already marinated in olive oil and herbs, so I skipped the olive oil and balsamic vinegar in this recipe, but I left those ingredients in here just in case you have plain mozzarella. 


These are summer in a single bite, and the perfect party appetizer.

24 grape or cherry tomatoes
24 cherry-size fresh mozzarella cheese balls (if you have bigger ones, just cut them into bite-size pieces)
24 fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

Skewer one tomato, one mozzarella ball and one folded basil leaf onto a toothpick or appetizer skewer. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Place on a serving platter and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, if using.

Makes 24 appetizers.

Comments

  1. !! the most beautiful little Charlie I've ever seen. Love seeing your shots of him and love knowing he's here. Tell Jenny BIG congrats from Tennessee!

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    1. thank you, Shanna! he's the best Charlie I know.

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  2. Oh happy post! He is the sweetest thing and all that hopeful anticipation you conveyed did not disappoint. The pictures are lovely! Love the light on the caprese bites. Must save this post for Charlie to see when he's older. Thanks Jax! And thanks Shannalee for the congrats!

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    1. I love taking photos of that Charlie Boy. I see many more photo shoots in his future. :)

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  3. Wow, that is an adorable baby!

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  4. oh, welcome to the world, little charlie! we are a better place for your being here.

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    Replies
    1. thanks for your sweet words, Molly! And yes, we are.

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  5. A belated welcome to you, Charlie! You have great feet.

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