I wasn't sure what would happen to the blog now that we live close to family. This whole thing started as a way to keep family up to date with what was going on with us. However I think it has become more than that. It is also a way for me to document different stages in Carter's life. I love going back and reading things from when he was younger and seeing the pictures and videos. And Carter loves to go on the blog and watch videos of himself! So my little family sharing blog has turned into an online journal of our lives so it will keep going.
Carter has changed so much in the last monthish. He vocabulary is taking off and he is learning a new word or two every day. He is also starting to put words together. The first time was at the doctors office. He went up to the fish tank, waved and said "hi fish". His most recent saying is "very hot!" Anything that is even remotely warm is "hot" to Carter. Once Papa or Nana, can't remember who, said something was very hot Carter took that and now says it all the time. So cute!
Carter is also really into giving kisses lately. Obviously we LOVE this! I've been trying to teach him to give kisses for a while now and now he does it! He puckers his little lips up and even makes the smacking sound. Joe told me the other day "my favorite thing you've taught Carter is how to give kisses".
My other favorites are how he says "please" and "help". If he gets frustrated by something he'll look to us and say "help" and wait for us to come help him. We're raising a polite little boy who says "please" so cute!
Carter is really starting to use his words when he wants something. Instead of whining for what he wants he will say "help", "please" or tell us what he wants. Like milk or a snack, etc. The other day he brought me over to the fridge, asked that I help him open it, then pointed to an apple and said apple. Then after I got it I told him to go sit in his chair, so he walks over to the table, climbs in his chair and ate the apple. So amazing!
We are starting to be able to have these interactive dialogs between us now and it is amazing to see how much he understands and how much he can tell us. He's turning into such a little boy!
He is a huge snuggler still. I love love love that about him. I hoped he'd be a snuggler and he didn't disappoint.
In other news he is officially 3 feet tall/36 inches. We were at Nan & Papa's the other week and Nan says "I swear he's gotten bigger. He wasn't able to reach all that before." At this point it had only been 2 weeks since she'd seen him last, but I had to agree that he did seem taller. So we pulled out the measuring tape, laid Carter on the floor and measured him. Carter wasn't impressed with the break in playing and looked at us and signed and said "all done!". So stinking cute!
He is a huge snuggler still. I love love love that about him. I hoped he'd be a snuggler and he didn't disappoint.
In other news he is officially 3 feet tall/36 inches. We were at Nan & Papa's the other week and Nan says "I swear he's gotten bigger. He wasn't able to reach all that before." At this point it had only been 2 weeks since she'd seen him last, but I had to agree that he did seem taller. So we pulled out the measuring tape, laid Carter on the floor and measured him. Carter wasn't impressed with the break in playing and looked at us and signed and said "all done!". So stinking cute!
Nan & Papa got Carter this awesome slide. I was worried it would be a little too old for him and he'd have trouble climbing the ladder and getting onto the slide. Carter proved me wrong! I helped him up 3 times and after that he was a pro. He loves this slide and says "weee" as he goes down, then he'll get up, sign more, then run back to the ladder and climb up and do it all over again! So much fun for him and such a great way to get some energy out on the chilly days. Now if we could just convince Nan & Papa to let us take it home with us!
While Carter and I were staying with Nan & Papa we did a lot of yard work outside! Carter thinks Papa's garage is like one huge toy store! Little brooms, big brooms, leaf blowers, rakes, shopvac, pumpkins, etc. Carter stands in the garage and looks at the tool wall like it's Christmas!
Carter is still a very active little boy but he is also getting into things like playdough and coloring. We made some playdough the other day and it has been a big hit. When I was making it I wasn't sure if he'd even be interested, but it is a great thing for sorting and squishing cars into!
Cars and trucks are on the top of Carter's list. He LOVES his cars and trucks! They are the only toys he plays with lately. Papa made Carter a little garage for his cars. Instead of using it as a garage Carter flipped it over, climbed in, then shut the door. Pretty cute!
In other news we are SOOO happy to report that Joe will be working on the U of M project. We are never guaranteed where Joe will be working or that it will be in the same city or even state as where the office is/where we live. We've been battling that for the past 5 years. That is one of the main reasons we moved back to MN. At least if Joe had to work out of town we'd have the support of family and friends here in MN. With 2 kids that was such a huge thing for us. We knew moving back that there was no guarantee Joe would work in Minneapolis. In fact, during one of his first meetings with his boss in MN it was brought him that they needed people in North Dakota. Joe came home and told me this and I thought "here we go again". Although I know by now not to take anything that Joe's company says as a fact until it actually happens. (Joe's boss actually told him not to say anything to his pregnant wife about it because it wasn't a for sure... Joe didn't listen to his boss, although he should have!) Things change so much with that company. So when we moved back and found out Joe would be working at the U of M we were ECSTATIC! That means Joe will be home each night, I wouldn't be a single mom during the week, etc etc etc. The positives of this are endless and we are sooo very happy with this news! It is a big weight off our shoulders for many reasons and we get to be a family that is together every night.
Last but not least, I only have 7 more weeks until baby girl is due. Time is flying by so fast. With the move and the holidays it is all happening so quickly! I am still nervous about adding a second baby - mostly for the logistics of it all - but I'm also getting more excited as well. It's all starting to feel more real now that we're getting her room ready and making bedding and stuff. She's going to be here before we know it!
Last but not least, I only have 7 more weeks until baby girl is due. Time is flying by so fast. With the move and the holidays it is all happening so quickly! I am still nervous about adding a second baby - mostly for the logistics of it all - but I'm also getting more excited as well. It's all starting to feel more real now that we're getting her room ready and making bedding and stuff. She's going to be here before we know it!
All in all things are really going great for us. We're so very happy to be back in MN. While it is very cold we are LOVING being able to see friends and family. Carter already has Nan & Papa wrapped around his little finger. Speaking of Nan & Papa I have to give a huge huge thank you to Nan & Papa for helping us out so very much the past month+. From taking off of work so Joe and I could go find a place to live, watching Carter, their open door for us to stay there, getting my car, helping us move in, painting, etc. etc. etc. we cannot thank you enough. I do not know how we would have done this move without your help and support. Your selflessness, caring, and giving are beyond words and Joe, Carter, and I are all so thankful to have you in our lives. Thank you so much for everything you've done for us! Your support means the world us. And I love that we've only been back for a few weeks and Carter already loves you both so much and gets excited to see you. Makes me happy! Thank you for being amazing!
