Friday

Last Friday, we got the opportunity to watch Baby Tyler all day.  We all had so much fun with him around!  I was anxious to get my hands on a baby, for a whole day, and Carl and I were excited to see how Carson would respond to another little baby around for a whole day.  I think Carson did so very well!  He kissed him, hugged him, shared his toys, and was very good around him.  He was such a big helper all day.  Almost too much of a helper, but I will not complain about him being so interested.  Diaper changes turned into about a 10 minute ordeal, of me hoping that little Tyler wouldn't pee all over the place, because Carson had to help, and do it all.  He loves to put a diaper on his bear, and he does a very good job of it.  So, he knows just what to do, but it is a little different with an actual baby who, does in fact, move all over the place!  Ha.  Carl and I would laugh, because Tyler would kick his legs, and Carson would say "No No Tyler!"

Tyler is a very happy little guy, and I managed to get a few good shots of him flashing his smile at us.  He is a pretty calm baby, and was very interested in what Carson was busy doing all day.  Carson read him a book, and my heart melted to the ground.  He was so sweet about it, and it was so cute.  It got me even more anxious for our new little guy to arrive, if that is even possible? 

The real test will come in April when Baby Brother arrives, but I think Carson will adjust very well to another little one in the house.  He showed a little jealousy from time to time throughout the day, but nothing that isn't to be expected.  And, he responded very well to us saying..."you have to share."

Friday night we ventured off to the High School gym to watch Jared wrestle in the Little Mat Man's Wrestling Tournament.  Jared did really well, even though he got beat.  He was matched up with some tough kids!  And, I will say that those little kids out there on the mats, ages from about 5-10, in their little singlets, trying to look all tough, and "wrestle" was so cute.  A little one would get pinned (well- pretty much lay on the mat for the other boy to pin him) and get up and smile from ear to ear.  It was so funny.  He didn't care about what just happened, he was having a blast.  I am super bummed I didn't get any pictures of the fun event.  But, Carson was so good for us, once again.  I think he loves to just watch what is going on in the big gym, and that is what keeps his attention.

And to top off our grand day, we enjoyed cinnamon rolls for breakfast.  Carson approves, 100%!

What a great way to kick-off our Wonderful Weekend!

Week 29

Last Friday marked Week 29!  We are into the "30s" this week, and that is a wonderful feeling. 

I went to the doctor on Tuesday, and for documentation purposes only, I will state that I have gained 14 pounds so far.  I think at the end of Carson's pregnancy, I had gained a total of about 30 pounds, so I am hoping I don't go over that with this little one.  And if I do, I am ok with that.  But I more so want to focus on eating healthy, and gaining healthy weight. 

This week we received a gift from my wonderful Mother.  It states that the baby is growing, and so it my body.  I may feel as if there is not enough room inside of me for my organs, but there certainly is.  The best way to deal with the discomforts of the late pregnancy is to maintain proper nutrition, drink plenty of fluids, practice good posture, and rest. 

It also states that the baby can open his eyes, and turn his head towards a source of any light.  His sensory organs are well developed, and his fingernails and toenails are growing.  Baby brother weighs about 2.5 pounds, and is over 15 inches long.  The movements I feel will probably begin to change, as the space becomes cramped. 

So, this week's gift included:  A pack of newborn diapers, body spray and bubble bath, Mountain Dew, Preparation H, and a grooming kit for the little guy.

Thank you so much to my Wonderful Mother and Sister for the amazing and thoughtful gifts! 

Week 28

Last Friday marked 28 weeks for us in this pregnancy!  And, I swear I am growing over night.  Literally.

28 Weeks

I have been feeling pretty good, and don't have much to complain about.  Things could be a lot worse, I do know that much.  So, we are taking things day/week by day/week, and getting through things very well.  

Hauling Carson around is becomming a bit more of a chore for me these days, so I usually try and find a different way for him to get around when it's just him and I.

I can really tell that this little guy is getting to be very strong, and he isn't afraid to prove just that!  His kicks are getting more fierce, and I can usually tell exactly what limb is sticking out where.  A lot of times I will be sitting at my desk, and just look down at my belly, and watch it move all over.  Carl usually gets to witness it during the late(r) evening hours, as that is when he seems to be the most active.  And that usually carries through the over night hours.

Don't get me wrong, I love the reassurance of that little guy inside me moving around.  But, I am going to be honest when I say I am ready for him to get to the point where he is too big to move around so much.  A little kick, or movement here or there to reassure me is perfect. :)  But then again, this little guy better be a tough one to stand up to his big brother that is waiting for his arrival!

This week in the pregnancy:
The eyelashes and eyebrows are completely developed, the hair is starting to grow, and he can hear our voices.  So, for this week's gift we received a book, because it is never too early to start reading to him since he can recognize our voice, and a hair brust because his hair is growing! 

Happy Birthday, Blog

Today marks this little blog's one year birthday!  This is so crazy for me to think that I have been blogging for a whole year.  It truly seems like a few months ago I started this little space.  This post also marks number 118.

Wow....118 posts, and a year later, and here we are!

I truly am loving looking back on all of the posts that I have written over the year.  There have been ups and downs, trials and triumphs, and good and bad.  We have been through a lot, but at the end of each day, we still try our very best to Admire the Small Things.  Because we are so truly blessed, and have so much to be thankful for. 

Writing hasn't ever been my "go-to" for much of anything.  But as I get older, I find it to be very relaxing, and rather therapeutic.  I can pour my feelings out as I type, and it's amazing how the words just seem to flow together.

I am looking forward to the second year of this little space, and all that comes with it.  There will be a lot to write about in the next year, I do know that much!

Happy Birthday, little blog.

Daycare Project

Everyday when I pick Carson up from daycare, I am always so excited to hear how his day went.  I usually ask the basics.....you know--- how long did he nap, was he good, did he share and use his manners, how did he eat, etc...?

Some days Carson gets sent home with a "project" that he completed that day.  And I am going to be brutally honest with you.....I sometimes usually throw them away, because they are just scribbles on a paper.  Unless Jen helped him out, and actually made something, then I will keep it.  But the pieces of paper with scribbles on them usually get tossed, because as proud as I am of it, I can't keep everything.  (Carl may say differently, because he thinks I struggle with that area, and I am a hoarder.  Ha, what does he know)

Anyway......on Tuesday when I picked Carson up from daycare, I got the whole run-down of his day, and that was followed with..."You have to see what your son did today, all by himself!"  Goodness, what did he do?  Jen said she wrote a big "C" on a piece of paper, lined it with glue, and gave him some buttons to put on the glue all by himself.  She said she didn't help him at all, and he did an amazing job!  He followed the line so well, and the finished product is definitely something I am going to keep.  I was so proud of our little guy.  We immediately showed Daddy when we got home, and it was so cute to see Carson's face when he showed Carl the piece of paper.  It was like he was giving him the proud look of..."See Dad, I totally rocked this C, and I am pretty sure you should let me have donuts for supper because I did such a good job!"  Ha.

Here is a picture of the finished product.  You keep rockin' that "C", Carson.......you did an outstanding job, and we are very proud of you!

A Beautiful Saturday Morning

Last Saturday morning couldn't have started any better, even if I wanted it to.  Carson is a busy little body, and enjoys reading books, but doesn't actually sit down, and let me read them.  He is more interested in turning the pages, and going from one book to the next in about 3 seconds.

But last Saturday morning was a different story.  He has a new favorite book, called "Grandma and Me" and he loves it.  It is a flap book, and I think that is what gets him interested.  And probably the fact that there are only about 6 pages to this book, so he can usually sit still long enough for that.  He now will usually walk around, or go and search for his "Mama book."  

He crawled up on my lap, and sat there for the longest time while we read this book over and over again.  He now knows what is behind each flap, and will tell me with so much excitement in his voice, and he is so happy to belt out the fact that he knows what each item is.  "Grandma" (mama) is behind the door, "Cookies" are in the oven, "A red nightgown" (dress) is under the pillow, "Flowers" are in the garden, and "A big wet kiss and hug" is what Grandma delivers before they go "nigh-nigh."

I was on Cloud 9 as he sat on my lap for the longest time, and we read together.  Carson has always been a snuggler, and I love characteristic about him.  But this time, he nuzzled right in, and we had a little bonding moment that I will never forget.  I would ask "What is under the flap?" and he would look up at me with a smile, and respond with a little smirk on his face, that was clearly delivering the message of...."Duh Mom, I know this book by heart!"  Ha.

I am really enjoying and treasuring these moments with Carson as our only little Wee Lad around.  I will always make time for him, no doubt.....but I am trying extra hard to enjoy him to the absolute fullest.  I am taking in each little moment, because pretty soon he won't be our only focus.

2 Years + 3 Months

Carson is another month older, and it is still hard to believe that we have a 2 year old.  I don't really know why, but it's crazy.  Time flies, which I am sure you all know, and agree with.

This month, Carson has a lot of favorites.  His new favorite moobie (movie) is by far Toy Story 3.  We have it recorded on our DVR, and it is the first thing he requests in the mornings (at 6:00 am!) the first thing he requests when we get in the door at nights, and he usually likes to watch it before bed time.  No, we do not let him watch it all the time.  But, it usually buys me some time in the mornings to get ready before Dad gets home from work, and we usually watch about 15 minutes of it before he goes to bed, to "wind" down a bit.  He knows all of the characters, and his favorites are Buzz and Woody. (Voody)  He gets so excited about each new character that comes on the screen, and will usually say what is to come, before it happens.  Because, well, we have seen this movie about a million times....and he has it memorized!

I am really enjoying looking back a few short months ago, and how things have changed so much.  When Carson turned 2, I mentioned in that post that I felt like things were rather tough with him.  But now?  Now I feel like things are so grand!  Carl and I are enjoying our little Carson so much at this age/stage.  I mean, we have always enjoyed him, and always will, but I think if everyone is honest, they would have to admit to a time they have struggled with their child(ren).  And right now, that is not us.  Things really seem to flow smoothly right now, and I love it!  Caron is a pure joy to be around, and I hate dropping him off every morning, and can't wait to get him every night.  He still has his whiney moments, and has even started to raise his voice back at us.  But, the times are getting few, and far between.

He is such a sweet boy, and has also shown some great leaps of maturing.  Take church nursery for example.  He has now made it through multiple church services, and this past Sunday was by far the best "drop-off" we have experienced yet to date.  He has yet to get down and play on his own, but he didn't cry when I dropped him off!  He actually wasn't even opposed to going to the lady that was helping in the nursery.  Now that is a huge step for us, and our little guy!  Makes me so happy, and proud.  And as a result, Carl and I both weren't worried during the whole service like we had been in the past, and were able to really focus our minds on the service. 

Carson also makes me so proud when it comes to using his manners.  He almost always says "please" and "thank you" (cank you") before/after receiving something.  It makes me so happy, and smile.  Our little guy really is listening, and soaking up the things we are trying to teach him.  He may not know all of his colors, or letters yet, but he knows when and how to say please and thank you! 

Carson's Stats:
      Weight: About 26 Pounds
      Height: We think about 33 inches tall
      Clothing Size:  12-18 Months.  Mostly 18 month stuff.  24 Month stuff is still too big, unless it is a "smaller" 24 month sweatshirt.  
      Favorite food:  Spaghetti-Os, Hot Dogs, Pasta, Bananas, Macaroni & Cheese, and Cheese

Last night, Carson had Carl and I holding back our laughter as we listened to him jabber.  Each night before we go to bed, we say our prayers.  Carson always folds his hands, and usually just listens as we pray, and then will say "Amen" at the end.  Last night he did all that, and then started say his own prayer.  It was so cute, and made me smile so big.  I finally asked him..."Carson, what are you thankful for?" and he answered with a lot of gibberish talk.  We could make out a few words, which included "Mommy, Daddy, Woody, Buzz, Dinosaur, and Puppy" and Carl and I were exchanging looks of being so proud, and yet we had to hold back from laughing.  It was so cute to listen to Carson pray on his own!
Carson is a constant reminder for us to remember to enjoy the small things.  I love that about his little soul, and I am beaming with pride from what he has learned in his short life.

We are excited to see what the next month has to bring for our little Wee Lad.  Each month brings something new, and I love that.  Each day is a new day, a new beginning, and a challenge to drive forward.  Challenge ourselves to take a leap of Faith, and trust.  I am challenging myself, personally, to try a few new things that I have either always wanted to do, or thought would be fun.  Stay tuned.

What are you going to challenge yourself with?  Take the next step forward, and go for it!   
Happy February!