Carter Family Fun

Our growing up boy

2012-01-27T08:06:00.000-08:00

Oh Cameron how we love you buddy!

Cameron is almost 4 years old and we can't believe it! He is so darn smart, too smart for me. He is always thinking about something and randomly he will spout some question about whales, or plants growing, or another random thing. I love hearing what is in his little head.

He is loving pre-school and goes so happily. He also started sunbeams this year (am I old enough to have a kid in Primary?????) his teachers inform me that he is the class clown. He is so good and behaves well (WHEW what a relief) and he gives great answers to their questions. He is so funny in Primary (I am the new Chorister). IF he doesn't get chosen to be a helper in singing time - he gets his little feelers hurt. He sits with his arms folded and super still hoping to get chosen. Every Sunday he doesn't get picked, he asks me why when we get to the car "Mommy, why didn't you pick me today?". I have to remember to choose him every few Sundays so he feels like he is still my very favorite :)

He loves to LAUGH. He makes us laugh too! He thinks anything to do with boogers, poop, pee, bums, stinky, icky, it hilarious. He and Jackson will get going at the dinner table and be laughing so hard they can't chew.

My favorite thing to do with Cameron is first thing in the morning. I get up first and am usually on the computer right outside his door when he wakes up. I hear the door handle wiggle and out comes a very sleepy kiddo with his eyes covered. He heads straight for me and I get the most wonderful hug and snuggles. He always smells the same and I love it. He wakes up so polite and considerate too. He says please, thank you, may I, and he offers to help. I try to get cleaning done then because he is so amiable! It usually wears off after a couple hours and he becomes a normal almost 4 year old.

Cameron now weighs 35 pounds and is wearing 3T clothing! He is getting taller for sure, but still my skinny guy. He is such a great eater, who knows where it all goes?

My Biggest Girl

2012-01-27T07:52:00.000-08:00

I am having so much fun with my little gal! She is the most adorable thing I have EVER seen. She is growing like a weed and so darn smart! She is spouting words daily - and we are in heaven:

MOMMY, DADDY, LIGHT, PICKLE, PUZZLE, ME, UH OH, PLEASE (PEECE), BAMPA, GIGI, BABY LYLA, NIGHT NIGHT, NO, HEY, YAH, WOW, WHY?, EYE, NOSE, BUTTERFLY (BY), GO, and last night she said "NO WAY DADDY" when we asked her if she was ready for bed, we about died!!

She is such a Love. She gives great cuddles and hugs! She reminds me so much of what Katelyn looked like as a baby it is crazy! Katey Jane lets me dress her and do her hair everyday - it makes me so happy and I am trying to enjoy that while it lasts!

She walks EVERYWHERE on her tippy toes. I don't' know why, maybe she will be a ballerina :)

She loves her big brother and copies him and follows him as long as he will let her. She wants to do what the big boys are doing. She LOVES her cousin Lyla - and whenever she comes over KJ sits on the floor ready for her turn.

Katey Jane is a good eater and is so darn cute when she is hungry. She stands at the bottom of her high chair and yells "MOMMY" and points to her mouth while grunting. I know its time to eat! She loves to eat Cottage cheese for breakfast, pretty much anything for lunch and dinner, and she will have treats anytime! If there is Peanut butter involved she licks it all off and leaves the bread or toast. That's my girl - she knows the good stuff!

She is super LOUD - I wonder where she gets that from? Her voice carries and she can really project! I think it is so cute, but it does get bothersome when the volume never lessens.

She sings us songs and does all the actions. we LOVE it!

So many things

2012-01-27T07:36:00.000-08:00

Big News: I am pregnant! Halsy and I decided it was time for a new little Carter kid running around and before we knew it I was pregnant. I knew I was pregnant because I was forgetting everything and was such a spaz! I lost my wedding ring, and many other things in a one week period. I took 7 pregnancy tests and got all NO's. This had to be wrong because I was not myself. Finally 3 days before Christmas I got my YES. We were excited and I was relieved to know that I was not truly going crazy.

I had been feeling well until week 6 and then I got really sick, felt funky, felt pukey, and REALLY tired. It just started to get a little better last week, hopefully it keeps going that way.

I had a bit of a scare this week - last week I was bleeding and when I went in for my doctor appointment my doctor said he wanted to do a blood test to make sure my HCG levels were normal and growing. I took one on Friday and then another on Monday. The numbers should have been high and they should have doubled between them. We got the numbers back and they had not doubled, they went down. My doctor was concerned - it could be one of two things. Either I was farther along than I thought OR I was headed for miscarriage. He was leaning toward miscarriage because of when my last period was and when my IUD came out.....anyway. I was very sad all day. He scheduled an ultrasound for the very next day. I couldn't sleep all night. I kept having dreams that I miscarried in my sleep, or I woke up to go to the bathroom and then miscarried in the toilet. I was WIDE awake from 1:30 to 5:30 am. My mind couldn't rest, it was horrible. I just needed to know.

I got to the appointment and waited holding my breath to see that little peanut. Luckily the ultrasound tech was super adorable and checked heart rate and health of baby first thing - he/she is PERFECT. I am further pregnant that I thought. I am 10 weeks 3 days instead of 8 weeks. Heartbeat is strong, uterus and placenta are perfect, it was moving and kicking, EVERYTHING is as it should be. I was so relieved. I called Halsy and then my family and we all exhaled.

So today I am a little grateful for my sickies because it means there is a happy healthy baby in there. Due Mid August!

Heartbreak

2011-12-05T18:10:00.001-08:00

Please give each member of your family a call/hug/kiss today and tell them how much you love them. This life is a precious gift, often much too short, and if you love the important people in your life, make sure to tell them sincerely and often.

My cousin's husband unexpectedly passed away in his sleep last week. They have one 18 month old daughter and are expecting another to arrive in January of next year. My heart is breaking for their little family.

If you would like to help, please keep them in your prayers. You can also visit this memorial trust site that the family has set-up for the little girls in his memory:

Jared Johansen Legacy

You can also support them with a unique gift to yourself or someone you love. Our friend is making these custom necklaces (you can personalize them with your own names and dates) and 100% of the profits will go to help this family.

See the adorable necklaces here.

We're on our way

2011-11-19T00:22:00.001-08:00

Today I removed my IUD - because we want to start trying for Baby Carter #3!! I am so totally excited and the best part is that Halsy is excited too (especially since it was his idea). Hopefully we will have fun news to share in the next few months!!

Climbing

2011-11-19T00:21:00.000-08:00

Well, its official, Katey Jane is attempting to climb out of her crib. Luckily we saw her trying while we were reading bedtime stories and was able to fix it before we experienced a fall :) That is so crazy that she is at that age already - what a big girl we have on our hands. She is looking so grown up these days, more like a little lady and less like a baby. She says Mama all the time and today was yelling at me from her bed at nap time. It was too cute! I love it when I am in another part of the house and I hear her little voice "MAMA!!" and then she smiles when she finds me. Oh man I Luv this girl!

Daddy Doctor and Mr. Incredible

2011-11-09T10:09:00.000-08:00

We were at the doctor yesterday visiting Dr. Palmer for Cameron's cough. While Dr. Palmer was talking to me about how to help him get better, Cameron came out with this:

"Dr. Palmer, did you know my daddy is going to be a doctor too?"

I was super impressed he even knew that and that he thought to tell another doctor too - he was also very impressed with himself, it was totally cute. Dr. Palmer was very excited for us. He has been both my babies doctor and he was my pediatrician when I was a baby. We just love Dr. Palmer!

Today we stayed in bed late and watched a movie - it was really fun to do. I made the kiddos breakfast in bed and we watched The Incredibles together. I also got some very needed phone calls checked off my list while they were engrossed! While we were watching Cameron said, "Who is Mr. Con-creb-ital married to?" I died.......I have already asked him to say it again like four times! Ahhhhhh.......love this kid.

My Man Sweater

2011-10-27T14:37:00.000-07:00

We went to meet Jerry at the mall to go shoe shopping and out to lunch. When we arrived, Jerry was helping Cam out of his car seat and the following conversation happened:

Jerry: Wow Cam you look so handsome today.

Cameron: Thanks, this is my Man Sweater.

Jerry: *laughed* and said, well I really like it.

I think he got it from me telling him that he looks so grown up in his sweater every time he wears it!! I love his little mind!

Halsy's Pinning Ceremony

2011-10-24T09:52:00.000-07:00

Halsy is no longer a STUDENT, he is an INTERN. Which means he works in the clinic treating other students and faculty members. Soon he will be treating the general public - so come on down!! He need to log a certain amount of visits for graduation and we will need lots of help!

We got to go to his school and watch him get his pin! We were totally late of course and everyone watched as this trail of about 15 people winded to the back to nab the seats that my uncle was saving for us! I was in heaven being there. It made all the work seem like there was a marker of achievement, accomplishment, time. Halsy looks so handsome in his white coat! We all (especially me) couldn't stop smiling. I was starting to feel like this was really going to happen!!

Halsy took us all on a tour of the school and then we went out to dinner to celebrate! It was a really fun day - Halsy was even amazed that the smile never left my face and that I couldn't stop kissing him :)

I am so proud of us and I am getting more and more excited/nervous for what is coming in the next two years!

Salad in the Bikini Bread

2011-10-24T08:28:00.000-07:00

Translation = Shredded Zucchini in the Zucchini Bread

Little Girl

2011-10-23T23:34:00.000-07:00

We hear little words coming for the cutest lips you've ever seen almost daily now! Miss KJ is talking folks! She says:
Mama, Da, Gigi, Gampa, Hi, Bye, Wow, and K. We flip out every time - we can't help it. Halsy is trying to hard to get a Dada, but we are happy so far with Da. She babbles things all the time and is pointing and getting excited - so we know she will be talking our ears off soon!

She gives high fives and pound it's. She is starting to run to catch her big brother. She is such a cuddle bug and we love it! She is getting quite fiesty at diaper changing and changing of the clothes.....also - she is pulling out her piggy tails now too! Grrrrrrrrr. Hopefully her hair will grow long soon! She is a book devourer - she will sit on your lap and read book after book......she gets so excited at each one!

she loves to eat paper!! Any kind - computer, cardstock, cardboard, books, ANYTHING. I catch her hiding all over the house with paper eating away! It is so funny and totally weird. Stinker. We have at least 3 books with little KJ teeth marks on the corners now.
We love our girl!

Be a good boy

2011-10-18T08:47:00.000-07:00

Halsy: Bye guys! (as he heads out the door for school)

Cameron: Bye Daddy, be a good boy at pre-school!

Boy does Cameron have me figured out....

2011-10-13T16:00:00.000-07:00

Cameron was watching a movie and came to find me with his silly grin that he gets when he is gonna say something he might be nervous about and said:

Cameron: Hey mommy, I have a special mission for ya!

Me: You do?

Cameron: Yeah, I want you to run upstairs as fast as you can, get my blanket and run back down. I'll count for ya!

Me: Are you sure you don't want to go on the special mission? (smiling so big)

Cameron: No way Mom - and he started counting!

I couldn't help it - I took of running and he was so happy to see me come back with his blanky! He has figured out how I "manipulate" him to go get things for me - sending him on a "Special Mission". Little stinker - he is too smart for me!

Katey Jane is 18 months old - What a big Girl!

2011-10-06T20:43:00.000-07:00

Oh my baby girl is getting so big!! I can't take it - my little baby is disappearing.....*tear*. We went to the doctor today for her check up and she passed with flying colors! She did awesome and charmed every one's pants off of course. The nurses were flipping out over her hair!

Her new stats:

Height: 32 inches (50th percentile)

Weight: 22 Lbs 5 oz (25th percentile)

Head: 95th percentile

Katey Jane brings us so much joy! Her laugh makes us laugh, her cuddles melt our hearts, and her kisses are so lovely. She has enough attitude to drive us crazy, but enough sweetness to keep us addicted! We LOVE our Katey Jane Carter.

Happy 18 Month Day Sweet Girl!

Katey Jane said "Mama"!!

2011-10-06T20:32:00.000-07:00

Cameron says....

2011-10-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Cameron: I think my apples have seeds in them...

Daddy: I think you're just being silly, mommy cut them for you....

Cameron: I'm not being silly, I'm being GREAT!

Oh to have that kind of self esteem - love my boy!

Little Boy Paradise

2011-09-22T22:58:00.000-07:00

Today we went on a scavenger hunt on the mule searching for all kids of things! Then Halsy helped Cameron make paper boats to try and sail down the creek in our yard. Many versions later we ended up with a mostly tape submarine prototype and it made it down all three water falls!! The boat was followed all the way down stream by an Oh so excited and jumping up and down Cameron. "Go Boat GO!" "YAY Mommy Look!" "WOW"

I was diggin' every second :)

Long Overdue

2011-09-22T14:11:00.000-07:00

What's up with the Carters?

Halsy: 29

Halsy is on his 2 week break from school. He is enjoying sleep, hanging out, playing with the kids, and hanging out with me of course. I love it because I have a helper around almost 24/7 - kids, cleaning, cooking, etc. You name it and Halsy is there to help me - I love him for that! He just turned 29 on September 10th. He has 1 year and 3 months left until graduation and we couldn't be more excited!! He is excited to start working in the clinic and change his title of student to Intern.

Brooke: 26

I am just about the same - working cleaning houses (although I cut back to only one client and it is so nice to only work one day a week!!), and being a mommy to my kiddos! I am loving my friends and am grateful for their love and support! I am really enjoying my calling - we just started meeting again now that school has started and I just love my little 8 yr old terrors :) (I am the Valiant Day Activity Leader). I am madly in love with my kids and can't seem to stop kissing or pinching them. I am diggin' the fact that fall time TV started!! WOO HOO Modern Family, Survivor, Raising Hope, GLEE, Dancing with the Stars, and so much more!

Cameron: 3 1/2

Cameron started preschool and he loves it!! He is so excited to go and ask days in advance if it is time to go yet. He is a great big brother and takes really good care of her. He loves to help her go places, find things, bring her what she wants, etc. He helps me all the time! He is one smart little guy and his brain is always working on something. He says very thoughtful things out of the blue - we love it. He is completely potty trained except for at naps or bedtime - YAY. He can get himself dressed from head to toe. He loves to do artwork! He loves to draw, paint, cut, glue, etc. He really enjoys reading and even reads to Katey Jane sometimes. He has energy like no one I know - that kids just goes and goes and goes.......it makes me tired watching him. When we take the Mule (fast golf cart) to Megan's house, he runs along side me the entire way!! He loves to run and be active - and he has excellent balance. He runs like a pro, he can throw, catch, kick, and roll. Its really fun to watch him. I just love my little man - he treats me so well and takes good care of me.

Favorite Movie: Toy Story
Favorite Color: Yellow
Favorite Breakfast: John's Favorite Cereal (cinnamon toast crunch)
Favorite Game: Frog Game (on daddy's ipad)
Favorite Toy: Buzz Lightyear
Where would you go on vacation: The Beach
What does Daddy do: Hugs Me
What does Mommy do: just give me kisses
What does Katey Jane do: play with me

Katey Jane: 18 months

Oh Miss KJ - she is growing up so fast! She looks like a big girl - so tall and pretty - her chubby baby body is fading away. She is so sweet and gives the best cuddles and kisses. She makes very distinct noises - screeches more like - when she wants something or upset and she will never give up! She is extremely persistent and stubborn....hrm, wonder if that is genetic? She loves to laugh - and has a very manly belly laugh. She has awesome top front teeth - just like spongebob. I love to get her dressed and the best part is that she lets me! She is pulling off her headbands now - which is so sad, so we have to switch to a little pony tail on top of her head. She hates it when I do it, but leaves it in! She LOVES to read - I think she would read all day if she could. She gets so excited when she sees a book that she shakes! She is a good eater and is trying to feed herself - which of course means a huge mess for me to clean. She loves to be outside and she loves to ride the Mule. She still has her binky and loves her blanket. Great sleeper - except the last couple nights :( She can say Ball and Hi. She signs: I LOVE YOU, NIGHT NIGHT, FOOD, DRINK, PLEASE, & MORE. She is obsessed with coats - she brings me her big winter coat multiple times a day to put it on and wear it around the house. I have to take it off her when she starts getting sweaty - and she still resists taking it off. She says hi and by to everything. Word are popping out of her little mouth daily - she said John's name the other day and she is now babbling a ton!! I love it because that means that talking is not far behind. Did I mention that she is the cutest baby I have ever seen? Just in case I forgot to mention....she is.

We are all happy, healthy, and smiling!

Catching up!!

2011-09-12T16:19:00.000-07:00

Summer is over!! Boo hoo - now only if this heat would go with it!! YIKERS it has been so hot this week. I was reading my blog and realized I haven't posted anything for over a month and so much has happened!!

Washington County Fair: We had a ball!! We ate way too much, but what else do you go to the fair for?

Family Vacation in Sunriver: we stayed a week and had a really good time. The weather was perfect and we spent a lot of our time in the pool or on bike rides! Our house was awesome and fit our entire family like a glove!!

We went on hikes too and Cameron absolutely loved it!

Beach Day: My mom couildn't stand it any longer! We were 2 months into summer and hadn't been to the beach yet. Off we went and boy did we pick an awesome day!! 75 degrees with a slight breeze - perfection!

Katey Jane didn't like the sand at first, but when mom showed her the buckets and shovels she was soon covered from head to toe.

All the kiddos loved playing in the waves too. My kids and I came home reddish pink - I felt pretty bad, but we survived!

Being Silly

Crawfish Crawl

Blackberry Picking and eating....yumm

State Fair

Cameron Quote of the Day

2011-09-12T15:10:00.001-07:00

Cameron: GG can we watch a movie in the car today?

GG: Oh man Cameron, my dvd player is broken and I don't know how to fix it. Do you know where I can get it fixed?

(moments of silence)

Cameron: GG! I know....you can take it to the hop-is-tal.

GG: What a great idea!

Cameron: But not the hop-is-tal for people, the one for cars.

Dinosaurs came back to the Zoo!!

2011-08-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

We had a blast of a day and we had great weather!

Picnic lunch in the sunshine!!

We got to spend the day with Jerry's parents - they are so much fun!

GG and her Grandkids.