Charlie

Charlie has the sweetest and most genuine smile I have ever seen.

And that's because he is the sweetest, most genuine person I have ever met.   

When he finds something funny, he has the ability to make the whole family laugh.  If he is asked to do something, the answer is either 'of course' or 'no thank you mummy', each said in the same positive tone.

If Hugo is the scientist, then Charlie must be the artist.  He loves drawing, painting and sculpting (well, Play-Doh), and could do this all day long.  And that is because it is about the process.  He just loves seeing the effects of colour on paper, or the cumulation of holes in a cardboard box, and isn't particularly bothered about the end result.

He loves wheels too.  Always has done.  Cars, tractors, motorbikes, wheelbarrows, lawnmowers, sit on toys, any toys with wheels.  The other day he watched me get on the bus.  I waved to him and instead of waving back to me, he waved to the wheels on the bus.  If ever we can't find Charlie, we know he has sneaked outside to (pretend) drive the car.

Charlie could also be described as introverted.  When he plays with toys, he prefers to do so in the company of others, but not necessary including them.  This also makes him a little stubborn.  If Charlie doesn't want to do something, then he will often not do it, and that's that.

The thing that you will first notice when you meet Charlie is his warmth.  Not least, towards his baby brother.  If Charlie and Rupert are together, you can always guarantee Charlie has a huge grin on his face.  And this is true, unconditional love.  If Rupert ever pulls Charlie's hair or scratches his face (as babies do), Charlie's response is always 'He's only a baby'.  I think we could all benefit from that sort of attitude sometimes!

 I can always rely on Charlie to brighten up my day, and I always look forward to seeing that smile!