My Boys!

I love watching you two play together.

I just love you two to pieces!

They say.....

Everyone says I've had "it" really easy.  And I just look at people when they say that.  But, really, I can't disagree.  This weekend I've talked with several friends, sharing baby stories and developments.  And well, I have it made! 

See, I had this whole plan to WRITE you a journal.  There is just something special about handwritten notes and memories.  But you aren't THAT easy! :) Not really sure how an "e journal" is easier, but it is.  So, in case I failed to record some of your major accomplishments and milestones, let me recap. 

By seven weeks old, you were sleeping through the night. ( And I thought I was golden!) 

You ate babyfood no time!  Really a month or so maybe?  You wanted the good stuff! 

You walked before your first birthday!

And the transition to "red milk" was nothing for you!  You never noticed!  And one night, I just decided to take away the bottle, and no complaints from you!  (That was partly due to Grandma Patsy.  She took the bottle away long before I did.)  Way to go Carter Boy! 

I will say this baby business is no joke!  But all in all, you have been easy peasy! 

Eating Crow

Oh how I have learned the truth behind "never say never."  Of course I've always known better, but I know better than ever now.  (Remember, what you mock today, you're only a day away from tomorrow.) 

Anyway.  Before you, I was the perfect parent.  Of course, right?  I'd see parents and say, "I will never be THAT parent."  Or I'd see unruly children in public, and I'd say, "my child will NEVER act like that."  And I guess that is what I get for saying never.  Now don't get me wrong, when you act like a maniac in public (especially when it's just me and you), I do get a little rattled, but other than that, this is some pretty sweet crow I'm eating! 

I said, "we'll never let our baby sleep in the bed with us."  Really, it was a dangerous thing to do.  But you're the best snuggle buddy ever! 

Which brings me to the next never...."We'll never use a pacifier."  Never - 2, Momma - 0!  Yeah, we've go to get rid of that thing soon.  But in my defense, the hospital nursery started it.  All the poking, sticking, and prodding those first few weeks, you deserved the "pie-pie." 

I used to always say people who "pick their battles" are just weak.  Well, meet the weakest of the weak.  Yours truly.  It really is easier to give into you sometimes.  Giving into you usually means a scavenger hunt and more clean up for me later, but, as Aunt Heather says, "why the hell not?" 

Even if it means this....

Picking up toilet paper.

And what's it going to hurt if you play with the peacock feathers?  It's actually super cute to watch you tickle yourself and laugh! 

And so what if you want to unravel the tassel on the pillow?  It's just a pillow. 

 

The channel and cell phone are two of your favorites.  I've gotten pretty good at finding these.   

 

 

So stay sweet my little man, and I'll keep eating the crow.  I love you!

 



Happy, happy Birthday!

Happy, happy birthday Carter Boy!  My Biscuit is ONE!  (Except you hold up two fingers, but that's ok.)  Oh where has a year gone?  I remember it all as if it happened last week: every moment, every detail, every word spoken!  And now it's been a year later.  Sorry, I can't help but feel a little nostalgic.  You had a rough debut, and less than ideal first few weeks, but thank God, he's brought us very, very far!  So, that calls for lots of celebrating! 

I woke you early enough to dress you before going to Grandma Patsy's.



We got the celebration started early! 

 

Apparently, you had a happy day with Grandma too!  Mandy saw you at the school waiting to pick up the big kids.  Made my heart smile to see you so happy!

 

 



And you wanted the partying to last long into the night.  Daddy can forget trying to rock you night-night yet!  So you're one now and think you can stay up past 10:00pm?  You better go to sleep Carter Boy!  You need to be well rested for your party tomorrow!

 

Aaaah, the party.  Now I know why we have only one birthday a year!  A few hiccups, hitches, glitches, and meltdowns later, it was party time! 

 

  You tried to play shy at first.  But I know better! 

 

We had lots of family and family friends comes to celebrate with you!  Sesame Street style!  We had a big time! Lunch, cake, and lots of fun! 

 

 

I was pumped up and ready for the smash cake.  You had your very own.  

 

 

 

And you even had a crowd of onlookers......

 

 

Everyone was awaiting a huge smash, but you wanted a spoon! 

While I was anticipating a huge smash, you did make me a little proud.  I've tried to teach you some manners. 

 

And the end product wasn't that bad.  (However, for days I was still finding blue icing in random places.) 

 

 

You knew what to do, Buddy!

However, the tissue paper was most entertaining to you!  Go figure. 

This picture here....all for me.  Look at momma's arms! 

Do it Carter! 

Carter, how old are you?  (We're still working on the 1 finger.) 

And a huge shout out to these folks!  Mr. Billy and Mrs. Debbie! 



And Auntie Liz!

 



None of this would have been captured in pictures if Mr. Bill hadn't been here!  How did I ever think I could host a party AND take pictures?  And Mrs. Deborah and Liz took over the kitchen.  Such sweet people! 

 

So, Carter Boy, it was a very happy first birthday!  You have brought so much love and joy into our hearts and lives this past year, and we love you bunches and bunches and more bunches!