The Cheeks

Summer update!!

2011-08-19T19:43:00.006+01:00

We are having a wonderful summer! Fun is being had almost everyweek. We have gone to the zoo many times, and we have seen some parades. We have potty trained Charlie which was very stressful but I am so glad we are almost done. Charlie is doing so well with that. He is growing more and more. He is getting to be so smart, we are so proud of him. He still loves anything with wheels, cars and trains are his favorite. Charlie also enjoys cooking, he loves to make cookies and of course cake!!!

Run Charlie run!!

Charlie and Callum listening to some wonderful music on the bandstand. There was a parade down the leas (a walk way by the beach). The boys loved all of the music and the dancing.

Summer time equals lots of wonderful ice cream!

I just love that smile and that wild hair!

The next BIG golfer. He loves all sports. Charlie loves being outside running and kicking a ball . He loves going to the park. At any given time I ask him what do you want to do and he will always say Can we go to the park??

San Diego Chargers is his favorite American Football team! He loves to practice throwing a football. We are starting to get excited about our trip to American in December. Martin and I are going to go to a game with my Dad so that will be fun.

I will try to do better!!

2011-06-28T21:48:00.002+01:00

OK OK OK so again I have not kept up with the blog. I said I would try to do better but of course I have not. Well so if you want it here is a little update about the Cheeks. Lets start with a sad fact our computer broke and we lost the last 2 months worth of pictures so I am going to just have to tell you all about the last few months. My mom came in April which was a great time. We had a wonderful Easter and had a little Easter egg hunt party for Charlie and a few of his friends. The highlight of my mom visit was we went into London for the Royal Wedding. We had a wonderful day. When then in May had a wonderful visit from the Davis Family. We had a great time with them. We took the kids on the mini stream train down the coast. Charlie still talks about it his visit with the Davis family. In June summer has come we have enjoyed some wonderful sunny days. We have taken Charlie to the park many times. We have gone to the beach alot. We have started taking him swimming again, which has just been so much fun!! But mostly sad in June was the sick month. I got tonsillitis so I was out for the count for about a week. Then in the mist of that Charlie got hand foot and mouth disease. It is a horrible rash that you get and I can honestly say it was worst then the chicken pox. Well sadly I can speak from experience I some how got it from Charlie. When I was trying to get better form tonsillitis and take care of charlie I then get spots all over my hands!! Yes it was bad. But hey we got through it all. I have to say it was nice to have my friend Rachel come over one morning and bring over a craft for Charlie and Callum to do. It was also really nice having a wonderful husband around as much as he could be to pick up after us. A little update as well on Charlies ears, he still has glue ear.. They did a pressure test on his ear and it showed that they is some pressure on his ear drum which could be causing some hearing lost. The silver lining in the whole thing is that he does not have any speech problem at all. He is developing in a wonderful way. So the Dr wants to just leave him to be. So many children have the very same thing that charlie does and many of them just grow out of it. We have a wonderful summer to look forward to. In July Charlie is running again with Linford Christie. August is always fun we have Martins birthday. We are just hoping for lots of wonderful sunny days.

Cheek Family update!!!

2011-03-15T15:33:00.006Z

Here is a little update or a big update. I have not updated the blog in months. Things with our family are good and busy. Since I have last posted Charlie turned 2! We had a wonderful family day for his birthday and then had his best friend Callum over for dinner. We had a great Christmas this year. It was a magical Christmas morning. This winter we had a lot of snow which Charlie just loved!! It was fun to see him throw snow balls at Papa. For New Years we went to Charlies girlfriend house Megans they are in the same class together and just happen to be one of our neighbours. I still can't believe it they both stay up until about 12:30. For my birthday we just went to the zoo for a few hours, (thank you to my mom and sister) they renewed our membership for the year. On Valentines Day, Martin had the day off but off I went to work. The boys stayed home and did a lot of baking. They made me a wonderful cake thanks again boys. Just last week we celebrated Martins Grandfathers 90th birthday. It was really nice a lot of the family got together and all went out for Sunday lunch.
Everyday Charlie makes me laugh he is growing and growing everyday. He has really developed a love for any game that has to do with a ball, soccer, football, tennis and of course squash. Martin recently took Charlie to play squash, they had a great time. But since September Charlie has had to go to the drs many times for his ear. We have discovered his has something that is called glue ear. We have one more appointment we are waiting for, he might have to have a minor operation on his ear we will know more in April. Oh and in January he gave his our first real scare, he fell playing in his bedroom and then he was walking with a limp. I thought lets just wait and see how he is in a few days. Well long story short and after 5 hours waiting in the hospital he doesn't have a broken leg! But the drs still did know what was wrong with his leg. But thankful he stopped limping after a few weeks. We think he just pulled a muscle.
We are all looking forward to Spring. We have lots of fun things coming up. Grammie is coming to visit for a few weeks in April. Then in May the Davis family is coming to visit. We would welcome any other visitors.
This is Nanny, Grandad and Charlie reading a book at his birthday lunch.

A close call I had with a giraffe recently on a trip to the zoo.

Charlie looking at the giraffe at the zoo. He still talks about how the man how to push the giraffe out of the way.

On a sunny day at the park.

Making cake with Papa is always fun!!

Skyping with Grammie is always fun! Charlie wanted to take a picture of Grammie.

Santa brought Charlie a easel for Christmas. This is the first of many wonderful pictures.

The one thing that he really wanted for Christmas was a CAKE!!! We asked him for weeks what to do you want for Christmas he always said Cake so he was ever so excited when he opened his cake. He enjoyed every bite of that cake.

Right before Christmas we took Charlie to a Reindeer farm and to see Santa. We all had a wonderful day.

The Cheek Family with the big man.

Charlie playing on one of the many snow days.

Making Christmas cookies is always fun.

Decorating our little tree.

Playing out the park is always fun.

Charlie and Callum ready to go out for the day.

Charlie and I made bread one morning, it was fun and really messy.

Charlie enjoying cupcakes at school for his birthday.

Charlie and Callum eating more cupcakes!

Our little birthday boy!

Waking up on his birthday doing the I am so so so happy birthday dance!!

Martin took me a Laker game in London. Yes the Lakers were in London. We had a great time.

Charlie and Callum enjoying a carnival ride.

I do promise to update the blog more often. I will try to update it at least once a month or so. Spring and Summer fun is coming!!

Grammie comes for a visit!!

2010-09-20T14:33:00.006+01:00

My mom came for a wonderful visit! Charlie had the best time with her! We did so much during the week. We went to a fun zoo that has a Thomas ride, we went swimming at this indoor mini water park. We took Grammie to all of our favorite places to play and eat! I love this picture! It is a wonderful picture of our family.

Charlie and Grammie slept so much, the activities of the week made them both so tired!
One day my mom and I left the boys at home and went into London for the day! We did some shopping, had a wonderful lunch, and we went to see Chicago. It was so much fun to spend the day together and have some fun girl time!

We did lots of cooking when Grammie was here, we had lots of chicken taco to you who know how wonderful they are yes they are still just as good. But the best thing we made was Grammies chocolate chip cookies.

Charlies favorite thing to do is to go to the park! We took Grammie to one of our favorite parks. I think Grammie was having more fun then Charlie!

Chilly in the boat at the park.

Charlie loves to play in the sand.

Charlie and his best mate Callum on the train ride at the indoor play park. These boys just love each other.

The best day of the week was when we went to this place called Drusillas Park. It is like a zoo but so much more. They have lots of animals, a wonderful park to play in, but the best part was they have a Thomas the train ride that takes you all around the park. Charlie loved it so much we went on it 3 times. This is Charlie giving Thomas some love.

Grammie, Charlie and I on the Thomas train.

Look real close you can just about see Charlie and I in with the Meercats.

Charlie with Grammie on the train.

It started to rain a bit when we were there but we did not let it spoil our day. We just went inside for a nice lunch and when we came out had stopped.

Charlie and Callum running at the park. One of the days we had a BBQ on the park it was so much fun. My mom brought us Ball park hot dogs you just cant get anything like it over here so it was nice to have a taste of home.

We had a wonderful time with Grammie! We were all sad to see her go. There were lots of tears at the airport. We hope she will come back again. I know she was so tired by the end of the week I think she was glad to be going home.

A Cheek Summer!!!

2010-08-23T15:33:00.006+01:00

What are fun summer! We have had a really nice summer we do not want it to end. The weather here is already starting to change. We were really busy, if we were not going to the zoo we were going to the beach or the park. Charlie has really grown up a lot this summer has really become a little boy! He loves to play with balls of any kind. My sister, his Aunt Tracey sent him a big box of fun stuff at he begin of the summer and his favorite thing was his bat and ball. He uses that bat to hit balls all of the time. So life with the Cheek family is great! This has got to be my favorite picture of all time. I really do just love that boy!

Charlie playing and digging on the beach is one of Charlies favorite things to do.

Charlie doing some drumming at a fair we went to.

Charlie and his best friend Callum were in a race! Charlie come in 5th followed in by Callum who came in 6th. It was a really fun day!

We went Strawberry picking and Charlie loved all of the berries has he calls them. He did not want to eat them he want to keep them forever.

The two boys looking at the gorillas with Mama.

Martin's cousin Tina and her husband Jens and their son Andreas came from Denmark for a visit. It was really nice to see the boys play together and laugh. We went on the mini railway to the beach the boys loved the train!

The boys on the beach!

Charlie on the train he really had the best time!!!

Charlie got his second haircut, he was so good. He sat for so long like a big boy.

Playing at the park!

I guess he wanted to leave the park, but for some reason I loved this picture!

Making cakes with Callum, Papa, and Mama!

Charlie and Callum on the train ride at kids planet like real big boys! That was our summer so far. We have a few more things to look forward to in the next few months but we are most excited about going to see the Lakers!! Yes we are going to see the LA Lakers in London! OK OK mom no really we are most excited to see you! See you in a 9 days mom!!

Cheek Family update!

2010-05-09T13:49:00.010+01:00

What a few months!! I have been very bad with updating the blog. So here is a little update into out lives over the past few months. Charlie is doing wonderful, talking so much and really running and jumping now. He keeps us busy! The biggest change is I have a new job that is so much closer to home. I was working in Ashford, which is a 20 min train journey away. Now I am working at a school that is really just across the street! Charlie can come to work with me, which can be a good thing and a bad thing at times. He doesn't understand that I work there and I can't be with him all of the time. We are still watching Callum on the weekends and Rachel has Charlie 2 days a week. Its nice so he doesn't have to go to school 5 days a week. We are members to the zoo here so we like to go there alot. Charlie really loves the monkeys!! Martin is not playing American football this year, but he is really gotten back into playing squash which he loves! We have a lot of fun things to look forward to this summer. Martin and I are really looking forward to watching the world cup. England and America are playing each other on June 12th. Charlie is all ready for the game with his America shirt ohhh and his England hat.

This is Callum and Charlie playing at the park.

Charlie and Callum during one of our many trips to the zoo. They love looking at the gorillas.

If you look closely you can see Charlie is sitting on his bucket reading one of his favorite books Brown Bear Brown Bear. He really is ever so cute!!

We went to Hastings for the day a few weeks ago and we went out for a nice lunch at a Italian place by the beach. For a treat we let him have his own gelato ice cream. We also went to the aquarium there Charlie loved all the fish.

The boys playing with Charlies new car garage with buckets on their heads. They love to wear the buckets all of the time.

Charlies First Haircut!!

We took the boys to Leeds castle in the Spring it was beautiful day there!! All of the flowers were in full bloom. They have a great toddler play ground there, so we love to go there.

Charlies First day at School!!!

This is Charlie playing at his toddler group. He has been apart of this group since he was 5 weeks old. Most of the children that go we have known since then so it is really nice.
A great day at the beach!!

This past spring we took Charlie to a lambing day which is at a school. This is the school we hope Charlie can go to. They have a huge working farm at the school.

Charlie found the pots and pans!! He loves to play music with them.
Charlie after doing some painting. I think more paint got him the on the paper. But it was so much fun!

Charlie is a Dot Com

2010-01-10T22:42:00.002Z

Hello friends and Family, This Christmas Charlie Cheek was give a great Christmas Present from his Uncle Michael and Auntie Tracey. They brought him his own web page, to view this page go to www.charliecheek.com

Christmas and New Year trip to USA

2010-01-10T11:20:00.010Z

On Wendesday 16th December 2009 we took off from Heathrow airport our destination San Diego, California. We left the house at 5am so it was up early, well for some of us it was out the door on our PJs. Overall the jouney went really really well, Charlie was the best traveller ever, there was no fuss or tantums.

This is Charlie in his little Bed on the Plane, he only slept 2 hours on a 8 hour flight but enjoyed walking the whole length of the plane a number of times.

We sure had fun at the Park, My Auntie Tracey, Grammie and I all enjoyed the swings. (look at us go!)

I love this photo can you tell there sisters, There was not promting them to tilt there heads.

On our little trip to Simi Valley to Visit our good friends Sara, Alex and Lily we went to the Ronald Reagan Museum and took a look around Air Force One. Was really cool.

On our way to the Kids Science Museum we got a peak at the Rose Bowl Parade Floats. The looked cool.

Even though I only have a American Passport, Im still proud to be made in Britain. (I will get my British passport soon), I had so much fun at the Kids Science Museum.

I loved having a bath with my Girlfriend Lily.

Charlie and his buds Caeden and Carson

Great photo all the Girls with there little ones, It has take a few years for this to happen.

2 Points

Our Friends Walker and Caeden

Looks like Sara was having a fun time.

Would you believe me when I say Meagan was not Drunk!!

Hapy New year Sara and Alex.

Happy New Year Martin and Meagan.

Written by Martin Cheek

Charlie is a busy boy!!!

2009-08-24T20:41:00.006+01:00

We have been very busy in the past few months. We took Charlie to his first wedding, Martins cousin Simon got married in Birmingam. We had a wonderful weekend away. I have have official gone back to work. It was a bit out of the blue, it was a really good job opportunity I really could not pass by. I have become the manager of a small nursery school in Ashford about 20 mins away from home. My good friend Rachel is watching Charlie during the day, its the best situation I could have ever ask for. She is wonderful with him and they have some much fun playing together everyday. We have gone to the zoo, Charlie really loved watching the lion. Martin had his birthday and we had his cousins from Denmark over for some pizza and cake. Charlie is really just doing wonderful! He is crawling full force now. I know he will be walking by his first birtday. He can pull himself up on to anything now. So here are some of my favorite pictures from the past few months. I promise to update it more then I have been.

Go San Diego Super Chargers!!!! We this year will be their year!
Charlie and Papa at the zoo.
Happy Charlie on a picnic in the garden.

Charlie loves his giraffe. He sometimes tries to go but he really likes to just keep his feet up.

Charlie and Callum and their friends Luke and Aaron 1st birthday party. Don't worry boys it will be your birthday before you know it!
Happy Charlie in the bath!! He just got some new bath toys, so he had a really good bath that night.
We took Callum to the zoo with us. Charlie was wanting to share his sandwich with Callum. The boys really love each other.

Charlie getting ready for the wedding. He was relaxing on the bed before the wedding. He did so well.

The happy couple Simon and Leanne!!!

The cutest boys in England!!!

The Cheek family!
Charlie really liked his tomato soup!!

Moms visit!

2009-06-01T20:45:00.009+01:00

My mom came to visit!! We had a wonderful time we did lots of fun things. We went to Leeds castle, to a farm, we went swimming and we went to one of Martins football games. We laughed so much just watching Charlie grow and play. He is crawling but he only goes backwards. He has learned how to do so many things, he is really becoming my little boy. This week Charlie was getting 2 new teeth, he a top and another bottom one all the same time. Thankfully he was not too much of a mess.

My mom and Charlie happy happy at Starbucks!!!

Martin played a good game but sadly his team lost. The worst part was one of his teammates broke his leg in 2 places. I think his football career is over.

Martin and the guys waiting for the next play.

Charlie and the pig! He would have sat there all day if we let him. Mom and I, sitting taking a break after walking all around the farm.

Martin, Charlie and mom in the pool swimming. We all had so much fun playing in the pool!!!

We went to Leeds Castle and they were having a jousting tournament. It was really fun to watch. Charlie got a bit scared at times because it was so loud. My mom and I did the maize and we got a bit lost, but we did make it to the middle!! I think there was a point when my mom thought we would never get out.

Charlie enjoying the jousting!!!!

We had a really nice picnic there waiting for the jousting to start. Charlie had his favorite ham and cheese sandwich.

Charlie is just too tired to play!!
Charlie enjoying his breakfast!!

We went to lunch with Martins parents by the marina. It was really fun, we enjoyed some good music and we all had some really good food.

A day at the beach!

2009-04-29T21:16:00.003+01:00

We went the beach today!! It was so much fun,Charlie loved touching and playing in the sand. We went with our friends Rachel and Callum. The boys love to play together and they have so much fun together. Charlie is really sitting up really good but he did tip over once on the sand, and he thought it was funny. Charlie is happy happy happy!!!

Charlie and I sitting in the sand. It was a beautiful day!

The best of friends! The cutest boys ever relaxing in the sand.

Charlie at the Garden

2009-04-28T11:05:00.002+01:00

Charlie and I went to this beautiful garden by our house. All of the flowers are in bloom and are beautiful. Charlie is sitting up really good and his little personality is really coming out more and more everyday. We have so much fun everyday!! I am so glad the weather is getting better and it really feels like spring. I just can't wait until summer comes!!!

Charlie is the cutest boy around!!

2009-04-07T21:43:00.006+01:00

I have not really update the blog in a bit. Here are a few fun pictures of our Charlie. We stay really busy and have lots of fun!! Charlie is really loving food now. I think his favorite is an apple and pear mix I make for him. Ohh well he really likes banannas as well. In this first picture if you look really close at the bottom of Charlies mouth you can see his first tooth!!! Charlie is eating sweet potato in the first 2 pictures and he decided he wanted to put it all over him! Charlie loves his fingers and his food!!

Martin and Charlie having a cuddle in the Sensory room at the Village. This is where we go for all our classes and moms groups. This past Saturday there was a party there, we had a wonderful time playing in the Sensory room. This room is full of fun lights, different sounds and lots of fun things to touch.Charlie and Callum playing under a fire blanket with lots of lights. I just love the look at Charlies face.Do you see lights or Charlie??

Charlie is happy happy happy!!

On night before bed, I just think he is the cutest boy ever!!

Charlie is a bit unsure about Cauliflower. Charlie is aware that he is half American!!!!

Charlie showing off his cute smile!

Sweet Potatoe!!

2009-03-23T21:34:00.003Z

We had started Charlie on solids a bit. Yesterday I gave him pear and he loved it!! Tonight I gave him sweet potatoes. He loves his food! Charlie is a bit of a messy eater though.

Leeds Castle

2009-03-22T11:22:00.007Z

We went to Leeds Castle with Frank, April, IzzyB, Rachel and Callum. We had a wonderful day we could not have asked for better weather. We packed lunch and had cupcakes for Izzy birthday. We really enjoyed feeding all of the ducks, at the gift shop you can buy cups of duck food. Right as we got there Charlie decided to do the BIGGEST POO ever!! So in the middle of the duck area I changed Charlie. Martin thought we needed to document it. Charlie thought it was really fun getting changed on the grass. This is when I realized it was bad!!! I will spare you from the other wonderful pictures Martin took of the event. We all just had so much fun feeding the ducks. I think we could have stayed at that spot all day. After that big poo Charlie slept for the next hour or so. Izzy with more ducks, geese and swans. I really enjoyed spending time with her. At Leeds Castle there is a HUGE Maize, and let me tell you its really hard. We had a bit of help from someone who worked there. This is us at the top of the maize, Martin waited outside with Charlie. Martin, Charlie and I at the gate to the castle.
The Cheek family in front of the castle.All around the grounds there are tons of beautiful birds all around. Rachel and I after a long day at the Castle. Its a long walk back to the car and we were all so tired. We all had a great day though.

A day out in London

2009-03-20T20:31:00.006Z

We had some friends come to visit from San Diego, April, Frank and their very cute daughter IzzyB. We met them up in London for the day. They wanted to do what most tourist do, go see the changing of the guard. It was so exciting for Charlie he fell asleep. We got there a bit late so we did not get a wonderful view but we did get some good pictures. We went shopping and had a great day in London. One of the best parts of the day was we had lunch at Harrods and we had ice cream at the food hall.

Don't you love the BIG hats?? If you want one I will ask the Queen if she can spare one.

Izzy and I kissing Hello Kitty. We went to Hamleys in London, which is a really big toy store. We had so much fun playing with all of the toys.Is Charlie small or is this chair really BIG?? Ok maybe a bit of both. After all of the shopping we had to stop at Hyde Park so we all could play. Charlie is really not too sure about this swing.Frank and IzzyB having a great time playing!!!

We went to the British museum for a bit. We didn't stay long we had to start to make our way back home. We left Frank and April somewhere in the museum with the mummys, hope they made it out ok.

Fun day with our friends Rachel and Callum

2009-02-20T20:36:00.007Z

My friend Rachel and I took the boys to this beautiful park not to far outside of Folkestone called Brockhill Park. There were lots of ducks there to feed and wonderful trees for the boys to look at. We were talking how wonderful this place will be for the boys in just a years time. I know Charlie will be all boy and he will want to climb trees and get as dirty as he can.
This is a close up picture of Charlie relaxing on the swing. Charlie got a bit lonely so, Callum decide he want to join him on the swing!! The 2 cutest boys around!!
Charlie is a bit unsure about going down the slide.
The boys taking a break after a long day at the park. What fun they have together and will have together in years to come.

Charlie can eat!!

2009-02-19T14:26:00.006Z

This week I started Charlie on baby cereal. He did a wonderful job he ate from the spoon for the first time like he had done it a thousand times before. I think he liked!! Here is a video of Charlie eating his cereal.

Charlie is really found his voice. He loves to lay on his activity gym and scream!!! So be prepared you might want to turn your volume down.

Charlie and Callum!!

2009-02-06T20:14:00.011Z

Charlie has made a really good friend named Callum. Callum is 2 weeks younger then Charlie. They like to go to swimming together, out to coffee, and to indoor playground together. Here are a few pictures of Charlie and Callum playing together!

The boys are relaxing at the coffee shop.

Charlie is playing at Kids Planet. Its a indoor playground for kids and relaxing place for moms.

Charlie loves to smile at Callum, they really are becoming good friends.

A long rest needed rest after all that play time. I just love this picture of the boys. They are so cute together!!!

Charlie went swimming again today. This is a picture of him under the water. He really is begining to love the water.

The boys in their matching swim suits.

Charlie and I in the pool.

Snow Day!!!

2009-02-02T15:10:00.006Z

It has been snowing here in England for the past few days. We have about 2 or 3 inches it just the right about to play in. I took Charlie out in the snow for a few minutes so we can get some good pictures and videos.

2009-01-30T19:58:00.002Z

Charlie has found his fingers. He loves to suck on them any chance he gets. Big eyes!!!

My sweet sleeping baby boy!

Charlie is really playing with his toys now. He doesn't just look at them anymore. He loves to shake them and he even tries to put them in his mouth.

Charlie swimming!!!

2009-01-30T19:43:00.003Z

I took Charlie swimming for the first time last week. It was really fun!! I want Charlie to learn to swim early. He really liked floating around the pool on this. I am going to try to take him once a week. My boy in the pool!

Charlie and I in the pool! I am not sure if he looks happy or if he looks scared. But he never cried the whole time in the pool.

Charlie can read!!

2009-01-25T11:11:00.003Z

Charlie and I love to sit and read books together. I want him to develop a love of reading, so I am starting early. He is reading Good Night Moon which has a lot of family history. My mom used to read it to my sister and I, and we used to read it to our Jake and now I get to read it to my Charlie. I love the look on his face! He just gets so excited.

He is looking so intently at this book.

A beautiful day out!!

2009-01-25T10:42:00.004Z

We went for a wonderful walk as a family. It was a beautiful day!! We went for a walk at the place called Samphire Hoe, a weird name I know. But the best part is that its only about 15 mins from our house. It was cold but we all bundled up. It fun cause its right by the beach but as you will see there are cows and sheep that you walk right by.
The cutest boy in the world!! I just love his little nose.

My favorite boys!!! They really are the best of friends. Martin can get him to smile and laugh more then anyone.

Our wonderful walk we walked along that path. It was nice because we could push the stroller the whole time.

Charlie and I taking a break on a bridge, ok so maybe it was not the best place to rest.

Charlie at 3 months!

2009-01-13T16:54:00.008Z

Charlie grows and changes everyday! He is really reaching for his toys now. He has a few favorite toys, we think his puppy is one of his favorites. But he did get a bear from his two favorite girls. Thanks Emily and Riley!! He will love it forever. We just don't know what to name him. Any ideas girls?? Here are a few pictures of Charlie playing and having fun!
Charlie and his favorite bear!
Charlie wearing his new hat.

Swinging and smiling!!!!

Gotta love this face!!!!!!!

Charlie and his puppy!

What a great year so far!!!

2009-01-11T20:07:00.006Z

We have many things thankful for so far this year. We started off this year with a wonderful visit from my friend Sara, her husband Alex and their daughter Lily. For New Years Day we took the babies to the zoo for the first time. It was so cold so we bundled them up real good. Charlie is growing so much every day, he is really starting to play and reach for his toys. We can't believe how time is going by so fast Charlie will be 3 months old in a few days. We are just so happy and life has never been better.

I just love this picture of my boys, they are the best of friends!!

Charlie and I in the lemur walk. There are lemurs that walk all around, Charlie loved looking at them.

Lily and Charlie really became the best of friends. They have one thing in common, American moms and English dads.

Charlies First Christmas!!

2008-12-30T19:15:00.008Z

Christmas started for Charlie a few weeks ago when we took him to see Father Christmas!! Thank goodness he made the nice list this year!!

Christmas morning we opened presents and had a nice breakfast as a family. Charlie got a ton of presents even though we said we were not really going to get him much. Yeah right!! Just so you know not all of those present are for Charlie, Father Christmas did bring Martin and I some things.

Father Christmas gave Charlie a bouncing Tigger. Its really cute he just stares at for now. Please excuse the way I look remember its Christmas morning and who looks good on Christmas morning. Well not me!!

Martin and Charlie on Christmas morning after we opened all of the presents!!! I think they are so handsome!!

For Christmas dinner we went to Martins Uncle Tony and Aunt Shirley house. We had a very nice dinner Tony made some very good food. I am still not very sure on what the English call Christmas Pudding, its a big round fruit cake that they set on fire. I had a nice piece of chocolate cake thank you.

Charlie and I after our big Christmas dinner. Charlie is still unsure about it all. Don't you just love our crowns!!! Charlie and his Great Grandfather!!!

Charlies Photo Shoot

2008-12-02T16:00:00.003Z

We thought it was time to take some family pictures and some pictures of just Charlie. Of course we could not get Charlie to really smile for the camera but hey I think they all turned out really cute. Here are some of my favorites hope you like them.

Grammie and Charlie playing

2008-11-30T15:33:00.003Z

Charlie and his Grammie had a great time playing and singing together all week. This is cute video of the two of them playing together.

Grammies visit

2008-11-30T14:47:00.007Z

We had a great time with my mom for a week. We had a English American Thanksgiving which was very fun!! Martins Dad actually did all of the cooking accept I made a chocolate pumpkin pies and let me tell you it was so good!!! We took my mom out for Tea in Canterbury which she just loved. We a lot of just playing with Charlie. It was very nice to have my mom here for a week and I had forgotten what a wonderful cook she is. She made me some of my favorite foods. Thanks again mom! Here are some of my favorite pictures from her visit.

My Mom, Charlie and I relaxing at the couch after a wonderful dinner one night.

We took Charlie for his 6 week check up this week. In the waiting area was this ball pit and as you can see Charlie well did not like it very much. But a good thing is, he is doing very well. He is weighing in at 10pds 1oz now. He is feeding and sleeping well. Thank goodness for that.

This week Charlie really starting smiling. My mom always got him smiling really good.

My mom and Charlie on our Thanksgiving day.

Charlie with his 2 Grandmothers. It was a week of lots of cuddles for Charlie with both of his grandmothers around.

What a month!!!

2008-11-15T12:15:00.009Z

Charlie is one month old now!! Its has been the best month of our lives. Martin and I are enjoying parenthood very much. There have been a few times when we are just not sure why he is crying or even how to stop it. But we have been very blessed by how good he is. He sleeps well at night, I change him feed him then wrap him back up and put him back to bed. Some nights he wakes up every 3 hours but sometimes he will sleep for 5 hours straight. Every night is different, we never know what we are going to get. Everyday Charlie gets more alert and playful. He really likes to lay on his activity gym and look all around. We love to sit and read to him. Charlies aunt Tracey (my sister) or Peppermint Patty we like to call her, gave Charlie a bunch of books so we have been enjoying looking at them with him.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the past month.

Charlies First Halloween

2008-11-04T16:16:00.002Z

Charlie had his first Halloween!! We had a great Halloween weekend! Our nieces came down for the weekend. It was nice to have all of the grandchildren together. This is a picture of Lauryn, Amelia and Charlie. Sadly Lillian had already gone to bed.

Do you think my eyes look good in this??

Charlie in his pumpkin costume. His little hat says Mummys Little Pumpkin. Charlie slept through most of the Halloween party that we had for the kids.

Here is all of the kids dressed ready to go Trick or Treating. We had a little pumpkin, a cute cat, a scary witch, and Cheeky Devil.

WOW!! Im 2 Weeks Old

2008-10-28T17:29:00.011Z

Well today is my 2 week birthday, yes can you believe it. Its been 2 weeks since I arrived and I have enjoyed every minute, Mum and dad are so great to me they look after me and give me lots of hugs and kisses. I love to be the centre of attention especially when my mum or dad has the camera. So here is some more pictures and a video of me posing.

Dont I look Cute!!!

Me on my tummy time surf mat!

Look at my nice cloths!

Me relaxing before the Chargers game at Wembley

This what happens when the San Diego Chargers lose 32 - 37 to New Orleans Saints at Wembley

Look how cute I look!!

2008-10-23T12:12:00.004+01:00

I am now 9 days old, what a wonderful start to life I have had. Mom and dad have been so good to me, they look after me so well. Mum like to dress me in cute cloths and dad like to play with me and he lets me sleep on him. Here are few photos on how cute I look and what I have been up too.

Look, me dressed cute in my Cheeky Monkey T-Shirt.

Oh look me again in this Cheeky Monkey T-shirt

When Mum got out of bed I jumped in to take her place.

This is me after a heavy night on the Milk!

Weighing in at !!!

2008-10-21T18:27:00.004+01:00

Today I was weighed for the first time since I got home, I weighed in at 7lbs 12oz. The Midwife thought that was excellent. Also today mom took me out to meet some of her friends from work, everyone seemed very nice giving me lots of hugs and kisses. Some of the Children in moms class also paid me alot of attention with Mackenzie kissing my feet alot.

This is me at my weigh in! I was only crying because someone stole my cloths!!!

BIG HELLO!

2008-10-21T09:46:00.002+01:00

I would like to say a BIG hello to my new two best friends, I am sure you know who you are. YES its you EMILY AND RILEY CAMP. I know you look every day to see how I am doing and I cant wait till we the day we meet, Love CHARLIE JOSEPH

First Bath

2008-10-20T21:31:00.003+01:00

Today I had my first bath, at first I was enjoying it then my mum put my bum into the water. Guess what I let everyone know I didnt like that. Watch the movie and make sure you have your sound up loud!

Charlie

Charlies Arrival!!!

2008-10-16T20:55:00.006+01:00

Well that time had to come and it came at 8:56pm on the 14th October 2008 at William Harvey Hospital, Little Charlie Joseph Cheek came into the world. The ride was not easy but it all ended with the joy and happiness in which all newborns bring to their families. Charlie weighed in at 8pds 1oz and measuring 19 and half inches long. It all started at 3:45am Meagan waking to contractions shallow at first and nothing to worry about, by 5.30am we were off to the hospital for the first of the 2 visits, after being checked over and being told this could go on for days, we headed back home. After a hour at home we were off again as Meagan's contractions were getting closer and closer. In the hospital we were looked after by a great student midwife called "Hayley", "Thank you Hayley". At first everything was going great the contractions were strong and regular and a few hours in, the checks revealed that Meagan was 8cm dilated, all this and not one drop of pain relief in sight. (what a trooper!!). After a few hours of hard pushing and not much movement, they got a second opinion from the doctor, who brought in a scanning machine and saw that Charlie was looking at the stars (basically Charlies back was against Meagan's back). In that moment the decision was to take Meagan to theatre and try to turn Charlie, Meagan was given a spinal block numming her from chest to toes. when all was ready the doctors turned Charlie using forceps and the helped Meagan deliver Charlie. We would like to thank everyone at William Harvey Hospital for there help in bringing Charlie Joseph Cheek in to the world.

Moments after Charlie was born the new Cheek Family

A happy Mother with her newborn

Charlie in the weighing room looking at the world for the first time.

This outfit was given to me from Peppermint Patty (Auntie Tracey) I love it but got it dirty after only a few minutes.

This is me with my Dad

This world is so tiring I need a nap

A big yawn from a little guy.

4 WEEKS TO GO!!

2008-09-18T15:53:00.003+01:00

We can't believe that there are only four weeks to go! We are getting very excited. I think the best part is that I am done with work and now I can relax a bit before Charlie comes. Well I don't think I will be doing much relaxing we are moving in 3 weeks!! Martin found us a wonderful place for us to live. It is a great two bedroom flat close to the beach here. It will be nice to take Charlie on walks there next Spring. But today Martin took me took this park we love to go to have a picnic it was a beautiful day here today.

Baby Shower!!

2008-08-09T16:35:00.008+01:00

On August 9th, Meagan had a baby shower thrown for her by her work friends at Kersney Abby near Dover. On the morning Meagan woke up to see what the weather was like and started to do her stay away rain song (Crazy). The weather held off to start with and the girls had a great time with games, food and drink. The games included Baby Bingo and Make Charlie a bib. The food was made by the girls and Meagan (Meagan wanted to have Broccoli salad).

Here are some of the girls doing there Bibs for Charlie!!

This Photo is of Amy, Jenny and Meagan playing Baby Bingo.

One of many gifts Meagan recieved (Essential Baby Care Kit with all sorts of useful things)

This was the gift from Martins Mum, a basket full of load of lovely goodies.

Martins Dad brought a little Aston Villa Soccer out fit for Charlie Joseph (CJ) and had his printed on the back.

Villa v OB

2008-07-29T13:54:00.004+01:00

This weekend (26 July 08) Meagan and I went up to Birmingham to visit family and to watch Aston Villa play a Danish team called OB in the Intertoto Comp. The Photo below was taken whilst half time during the game. In the end Villa won 1 - 0.

Meagan Showing

2008-07-25T08:09:00.005+01:00

Meagan is now 28 weeks pregnant (12 Weeks to go) and has started to show, the other week we had to buy special Pants (trousers) for her, Everyday she suffers from Charlie kicking just under the ribs, its not painful just a shock to the system and Meagan laughs. I know Meagan will be a great Mum (Mom), she has a wonderful temperament with children. Here is a little pic to show you all how Meagan is growing.

My Football Star!!!!!

2008-07-15T18:45:00.007+01:00

Martin has joined an American Football Team called Maidstone Pumas!!! www.pumasafc.co.uk Last Sunday was his first game, he played very well. They have put him the offensive line, he is a wonderful line men. The game was a great but I have to sadly report the team lost. The score was 33 to 41 better luck next time. Martin and his team mates waiting for their next play.
Martin just wants to get back out there and push everyone out of his way. This clip of video is one of Martins favorites. Watch Martin just push this HUGE guy to the ground, then Martin in his nice guy ways said sorry for that mate bad luck.

I thought I should do the first interview of the future San Diego Chargers football star. I just laugh every time I watch it. The very end is my favorite, when you watch it you will understand why.

Its a BOY!!!!!!!!

2008-06-13T19:27:00.002+01:00

Last Monday Martin and I had our 21 week scan and we found out we are having a boy!! Thankful everything with Charlie is nice and healthy. The technician was able to look all around him and check everything out, and let me tell you it is for sure its a boy!! If you look close in the picture you can see for yourself. haha Martin and I are very happy that we are having a boy, he will be the first grandson on Martins side of the family. A few of the girls at my school are planning to throw me a shower in August so I am very much looking forward to that. I am very still very thankful that I am feeling very good. I am starting to show a bit, and the children in my class are asking lots of questions it has been very funny.

Highlight of the trip!!!!

2008-05-21T20:49:00.004+01:00

Martin and I made the HUGE trek up this mountain to a wonderful beach. When we got to the top we think it is all worth it when we see the beatuiful beach we are headed to. When we got the beach we rented a paddle boat and paddled out to sea. As you can see it was very fun and very beautiful. I honestly think the video says it all. Hope you enjoy it!

Greece was wonderful!!!!!!

2008-05-16T19:50:00.003+01:00

Martin and I went to Greece (the country Carissa) a few weeks ago. We had a wonderful time!! It was 7 days of pure bliss, we stayed and great apartment about a 5 min walk to a beautiful beach and great little town. We went to Parga, Greece the town is small and just wonderful. Martin and I ate some great food and met some really nice people. One day we took a boat trip to 7 of the Greece islands. That was a really fun day we had to get up early, and it was really cold on the boat in the morning. The water was just wonderful though. During the week we laid on the beach alot, took lots of walks, ate good food, and just had a wonderful time together.

Martin and I on the boardwalk in the town. The little island you see behind us has a cute little church on it. When we rented the paddle boat we went over to it. The little church was very old and a bit creepy.
I just love this picture of Martin. I think he looks so cute.
One day Martin and I took this little train up this mountain. It was like a train you would find at Disneyland or someplace like that. I honestly did not think the train would make it up the mountain. It did make it close to the top but we had to make our way up the rest of the way. There was a very old castle at the top. As you can, see at times I was had a hard time trying to make my way up the rest of the way. But when we got the the top it was beautiful!!! The views from up there were great.
Martin and I at the top of the castle.
My favorite part of the whole trip the paddle boat ride!!!

Charlie or Charlee

2008-04-18T19:42:00.003+01:00

I am now really pregnant!! Most days I feel great, I get tired easy. Last Thursday I had a ultra sound. It was great we are so happy!! The baby looks great, they said it looked nice and healthy. My due date is now the 18th of October. I know it will go by fast at least I hope. Martin and I are very happy, excited and very nervous about becoming parents! I am also getting very excited because in 2 weeks Martin is taking me on holiday to Greece!! We are going to main land Greece to Parga its right on the beach. I am so excited I have never been to Greece before. Martin and I wanted to go on one last holiday before the baby comes and I get to pregnant I just look like a beach whale on the beach. Well I hope all is well with everyone.

Good news!!!!

2008-02-20T20:37:00.002Z

A few weeks ago we got the most wonderful news!! We are going to have a baby!! My due date is October 16th. We are very excited but we know we have a long way to go. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers for the next few months. Things with Martin and I are wonderful!! My job is going well I have been very busy but things are going well. Martin is still the worlds greatest house husband. He is hoping to go back to work some time this fall.

Hollywood and New Years!

2008-01-11T20:57:00.000Z

We went up to LA for New Years to see some of my friends. We stayed with Jenn and Walker, we went to Hollywood for lunch and we ran into Shrek. If you look really close you can see the Hollywood sign in the background.
Jenn, Robbin and I having dinner on New Years. It was so great to see you girls!!!
After dinner we all went back to Jenn and Walkers to ring in the New Year. Jenn made us a fountain of chocolate. I really like the strawberries the most well the brownies were good as well. Thanks again Jenn for a great time. Robbin it was so great to meet your new husband Jason.
Happy New Years to everyone!!!!!!!

Christmas with Dad and Sea World

2008-01-11T20:40:00.000Z

On Boxing Day we woke up early and drove back to San Diego. We then have Christmas with my father. By the way dad careful with the knife. Tracey and Michael with their dog Barney. Don't you love the Christmas crowns?? My Dad, Flossie, Tracey, Michael, Martin and I all went to Sea World together. We had a great time, just don't tell anyone we spent a bit of time in the beer tent.

Christmas in the desert

2008-01-11T20:13:00.000Z

For Christmas we went to Tucson to see my Mom. We drove from San Diego to Tucson ohh thanks Michael for your truck. A BIG tradition in my family is we make Christmas cookies and decorate them. Martin and I had a great time with my mom making cookies. We got into a few fights about whose cookie is better. I will let you decide. Martins cookie is good but you know whose is better!
We went to the zoo in Tucson, the best part of the day was we got to feed some giraffes. Martin got really close with some of them.
When we were in Tucson we went to a desert museum. It was a really beautiful place. There is one part of the museum where you walk through some caves. Mom and I got a bit lost well not really.

Disneyland!!!

2008-01-09T21:20:00.000Z

During our wonderful hoilday we went to Disneyland!! It was a great day, we went with my sister Tracey. In the afternoon some friends Frank and April and their cute daughter met up with us. Don't you love the ears???

We watched a 4-D show and we got to wear these wonderful glasess. You know you want some.
Don't we look good!!!
Everyone has to love Its a Small World!!!! Don't be afraid to sing the song right now.

Charger game and the Zoo

2008-01-09T20:51:00.000Z

Happy New Year to everyone!! We hope you all had a wonderful Hoilday season!! Martin and I had a great Hoilday season. We flew to America on the 14th of December we got back to England on the 4th of Jan. The day after we got to San Diego Martin was able to go to a San Diego Charger game. He had a great time!! As you can see part he like the best!! Well honestly the best part was that the San Diego Chargers won!!

Martin and I were able to go to the World Famous San Diego Zoo one day. We had a great time and we saw some great animals.

I am not sure which one is cuter Martin or the goat. Oh Martin is the cuter one!
My sister Tracey and I took Martin to our favorite beach in San Diego. My sister and I used to take walks on the beach all of the time when we were growing up.

My sister

2007-09-19T21:42:00.000+01:00

I was talking to my sister and she was a bit bitter that there was not a picture of her on our blog. Yes our blog not hers but hey thats ok. I guess she is my sister. So I hope you enjoy the pictures of my sister.

Harrison the first and Harrison the second!!

2007-09-19T20:11:00.000+01:00

So we have some bad news!! Back in January Martin got my a fish tank for my birthday and I wanted a beta fish. So we got one and we named him Harrison Cheek (that is really what Martin wants to name our first born son sorry Martin I am not going to have a son named Harry Cheek .) We had Harrison until a few weeks ago then one morning we woke up and he had gone to fish Heaven. Then a few days later we got Harrison the second. He is a beta fish as well. We think he is happy and we hope he will be with us for many years to come. Then a week later Martin wanted to get some friends for Harrison. We got him 7 little neon fish I have to sadly say we only have one of the neons left. We are calling him William. Here are a few pics from Harrison the first memorial as well as pictures of Harrison the second.

Martin's Birthday Weekend

2007-08-22T19:17:00.000+01:00

On Saturday 18th August, Meagan gave me a surprise and whisked me away to London for my birthday. We stopped at a nice hotel in the Kings Cross area of London (for all thoese Harry Potter fans out there, Yes we stopped to look at Platform 9 3/4). When we got there we went to pick up our tickets to see the "LION KING". The show was fantastic, I would recommend it to anyone. Afterwards we spent a little time walking around Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, the atmosphere was electric. After a good nights sleep, we got up early to have a great breakfast and then it was off to the Science Museum, here we watched a IMAX movie on Dinosaurs. Meagan then wanted to go and see the Egyptian mummies, so we set off to the British Museum. Trying to find our way around the museum was a challenge in its self, but we managaed to find what we were looking for. After two wonderful days in London we headed home all nakered from all the walking.

Donkey Derby

2007-08-14T07:15:00.000+01:00

So every year in Folkestone there is a event called Donkey Derby. It is a donkey race with young girls racing about 100 yards, but let me tell you the donkeys dont go very fast. It was all just a bit of fun. You can even bet on the donkeys to win my donkey didnt win maybe next year. Martins mum Denise her donkey won she won £2.50. Just so you all know that is really just about $5. But hey its all a bit of fun. Martin and I are really just big kids we had a fun time on the ride I had not laughed so much in a few years!! I felt bad because I was just being pushed into Martin during the whole ride.

Carissa came for a visit

2007-08-09T21:47:00.000+01:00

I am so happy that Carissa came to visit me!! I miss her so much!! She come over for almost 2 weeks. We had a blast!! If you see these pictures and think they have a fun time over there, well then come for a visit we would love to have you.

2007-08-09T21:28:00.000+01:00

Martin and I love to go to different places in and around England. We go up to london lots and just go places in and around England.

The Wedding

2007-08-09T21:11:00.000+01:00

The Wedding!! Sometimes I still can't believe I got married!!! I still feel so lucky after 8 months of being married. I am married to the greatest husband!!