There's a First Time for Everything!

In the past 19 months we've experienced lots of firsts.  And I'm sure many more firsts are to come!

I remember the first time you visisted me at work!  January 4, 2013.  I didn't want to "hit a lick" that Friday, and when I saw Grandma's van pull up, first I panicked, then grinned from ear to ear!   All my co-workers were so happy to meet you! 

January 4, 2013 was a big day for you!  You tee-teed in the potty for the first time!  I think we scared you more than encouraged you with our cheers and claps! 

 

I love to make you "wink" at me.  Except it looks like a severe, uncontrollable twitch! 

 

And you're such a smart boy!  During our nightly routine we watch The Goodnight Show.  Each night Nina tells Hush the Fish goodnight....in sign language.  It took me a minute to figure out what you were doing ,but you were "signing!"  My smart boy!

 

And then a not so good first....our first trip to the ER.  Carter, Carter, Carter! 

 

Ok, so now that I look at this picture...wound all cleaned up....it doesn't look so bad.  But with blood gushing and dripping, and all in your hair, I panicked! 

 

Hours and hours and one MAD boy later, you're all stitched up! 

 

Silly Boy!  Your first battle wound is healing pretty nicely! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D is for Daddy

What's better than a day with Daddy?

M&Ms.  "Tannie" as you say.  The breakfast of champions!

Daddy can't wait until you take a real interest in the game.

But for now, you're only interested in throwing the golf balls...or golf clubs.

But at Dick's Sporting Goods, you knew exactly what to do here! 

I shot Daddy down on a "real" motorcycle.  (What is he thinking?!)  Daddy is such a handyman! 

This is just your speed! 

The Small Things

Some days....some days it is all I can do to get home and get dinner on the table without collapsing from exhaustion.  I'm really too young to feel this old.  And some nights I want to throw away all the uneaten food and paper plates - no dishes to wash, and just crawl in the bed.  Some nights I try to get out of giving you a bath.  Gross, I know.  I try to justify "no bath night" by saying, "it was cold today, you didn't play outside, you didn't sweat.  You don't have to have a bath tonight."  Oh, but you love bathtime so much.

And I wearily prep you for bathtime and get you in the bath.  Even when I am really tired or just want a break....

 I remember these smiles and giggles.  And I remember why I always say "yes" to bath time.

I love how you play so intently. 

And I love how you think if you hide behind the curtain that I can't see you and you won't have to get out.

 I love you Carter Boy!

Sunday Funday!

I wouldn't usually encourage "laying out" of church for no reason.  But sometimes, we just need a little down time.  After such a busy holiday season, I thought we needed a day of rest.  So we stayed home and enjoyed an unseasonably warm January Sunday. 

And my first flower from you! 

It's Christmas Vacation!

It's that time, Christmas time is here
Everybody knows there's not a better time of year
Hear that sleigh, Santa's on his way
Hip, Hip Hooray, for Christamas  vacation!

Jing-a-ling-a-ling!

 

 

Ok, so I am way behind!  But I promise to try to do better this year (2013).  However, I DID finish your photo album, and I am thrilled with how it turned out.  Let's see how many years I can keep that up. 

  

So, since I'm so behind, I'll give you the short version of our holiday adventures.  From Thanksgiving until Christmas, it really IS the most wonderful time of the year! 

You are the cutest turkey I know!

And with all the good food we had at Thanksgiving dinner, you wanted to eat acorns!

After Thanksgiving dinner, in true Griswold fashion, we loaded up the car and took off for a family vacation!  Nana and Papa in tow.  I had this great idea of taking pictures all along the way.  But wouldn't you know, the camera was packed in the back...somewhere...under suitcases and bags galore.

And just when I thought I hadn't forgotten a single thing.....Carter gets carsick!  I may have forgotten Dramamine, but I DID have Lysol, Febreeze, and a roll of paper towels.  A quick pitstop at the Flyin' J, an overpriced pack of Dramamine, a makeshift carseat upholstry cleaning, and we're on the road again!  No more sickness.  

A relaxing week in the Smoky Mountains is just what we needed - a table full of delicious eats at every meal, lots of shopping, and a little entertainment!  One of my favorite activites was the arcade.  I was afraid you were a little young...too small....but not at all!

You ran around the place like you'd been there hundreds of times.

And Daddy taught you how to duck hunt!

And play Skee Ball. 

 

You didn't like when the game was over.  You MEANT you wanted more balls!

You weren't quite tall enough to reach the pedals, but you Daddy made a great duo!

 

Thank the Lord for a week of fun, family, and relaxation!  But like all good things, vacation must come to an end. 

And it is officially the Christmas Season!  Much to Daddy's chagrin, I had the Christmas tree up well before Thanksgiving.  And now that Thanksgiving is over, we can turn on the lights!

I'm sorry!  It was pure torture for you. 



You didn't understand the ornaments weren't "bawls" you could play with.  And regardless of what the manufacturer promises, these ornaments aren't shatterproof.

 

 

 

And you're so stinking cute in your Christmas jammies!

You were so excited Christmas morning, you were physically shaking!  You wanted so badly to touch and play with your new toys, but you didn't know which toy to grab first!  Santa was really good to you! 

The Elefun was a huge hit.

And you couldn't wait to ride your "dawgee." (Where did you get that Southern drawl?)

 

Merry Christmas My Biscuit!  I love you!

 

 

 



My three cents

This really doesn't fit into any Dear Carter category, but one day I will want you to know these things....

On the 2012 Presidential Election (and possibly any election thereafter)

Many people say that America is at a crossroads.  Key issues are at the forefront of political platforms and debates.  I've heard that the next four years could set America on a permanent course.  The sanctity of marriage, the security of our economy, and the safety of our nation are all said to be at stake.

But who really determines the santity of marriage?  Is is a guy in a fancy suit sitting in the Oval Office?  No.  God alone has the authority to bless the institution of marriage, since I'm pretty sure he created marriage anyway.

Financial security?  Since when are we to find security in money?  It is all God's to give and take away.  As Christians we are to find security in Christ, not a dollar. 

Safety of our nation?  Who is the Great Protector?  The President?  The U.S. Military?  Men and women in uniform protect my shores and my rights, but ultimately, they do not protect life.  My life is not my own.  I am free in Christ, but my life no longer belongs to me.  (That being said, I am extremely thankful and grateful for our armed forces.)  No matter the outcome of the election, God is and always will be on his throne.  No candidate can boast the power to die for my sins and come back to life three days later. 


And in response to the tragedy of December 14, 2012 in Newton, Connecticut....

My  heart is broken and angry for the families and community for the horror they are facing.  However, I am sick of hearing about gun patrol and politics in regard to the tragedy.  This shouldn't be an opportunity or platform for such.  However, it is an opportunity to fall on our faces before the Great God of the universe and from the depths of our hearts begin to claim peace and protection over the hearts, minds, and bodies of our children.  Crazy pepole aren't the problem.  Guns aren't the problem.  The only problem is sin.  The only answer is Jesus.

That is all.

Sweet Dreams

Perhaps this is why I haven't been sleeping so well lately....

 

Between Carter and Lee, where am I supposed to sleep?  Boys, it doesn't get any bigger than a king size bed!  

If you look closely you'll see my head somewhere under Carter! 

Carter's favorite place to sleep is in the middle of the bed, or on my head. 

 

 

No, really, these are the things sweet dreams are made of!