Party Guy

July was a busy month for parties and activities. We went to Uncle Mark's pig roast, Kayley Burke's first birthday party, saw Great Grandma Baldwin, and drove to Milwaukee to visit Elsa, Aunt Lee, and Uncle Bob.

First we spent the weekend at Uncle Mark's for his annual pig roast. Carter loved hanging around outside all weekend. He was such a good boy with all the commotion and people around him. He especially loved playing with the other kids and riding around in his new wagon that Dave's Grandma Sue gave him. He got so much attention from relatives and friends the whole weekend, he didn't want to go home!

Uncle Mark and Carter.

Kayley Burke and Carter checking out a new toy.

The new wagon!

Next we went to Kayley Burke's first birthday party. There were tons of kids to play with plus they had a bunch of activities set up in their backyard. He loved the bouncy blow up castle but hated the pool. He also LOVED the watermelon and Kayley's swing. We had a great time and Carter got some great tips on how to smear cake in his hair and ears. Dave and I also learned a valuable lesson - babies with summer birthdays should definitely eat their cake OUTSIDE. The mess Kayley made with her cake was amazing, never underestimate a baby with cake. It's convenient for hosing them off afterwards also.

I think this was his 3rd piece of watermelon!

Hating the pool.

Helping Kayley open presents.

Enjoying the big bouncy castle.

The birthday girl enjoying her cake (this was at the beginning...pre-mess).

We also enjoyed a wonderful visit from Great Grandma Baldwin. Carter shares a special bond with Gigi since they share a birthday.

Last but not least, we drove around to Milwaukee to visit Aunt Lee, Uncle Bob, and Elsa. Dave, Lee, Brandt, and I had a great time going to Jimmy Buffett Saturday night, while the babies played together with Uncle Bob and Bob's parents. It was a great weekend, we loved seeing Elsa and her new crawling!

Elsa's swing was Carter's favorite!

I realize this is Carter's blog...but Buffett was so much fun I had to include a few pictures. Maybe someday Carter and Elsa can go with us!

We had beautiful weather, no getting stuck in the mud this year!

Fins Up!

A DAY AT THE BEACH

Crazy hair in Grand Haven

Hooray for Summer!



So far this summer Carter has been experiencing tons of new outdoor activities. Here are a few of the things we've been up to...


Hanging out on Grandpa and Grandma's boat:







Riding around in our new car:

Splashing around in our new pool:

Going to a friend's cottage:

Meeting a bear at an open house (o.k., so it's really a Newfoundland):

And finally...TAKING A NAP! Yes, after all this activity he's been known to take a nap:

10 Months

STATS: At Carter's last appointment (early June), these were his stats:
Weight - 20 lbs. 4 oz. (50%)
Height - 27 inches (10%)
Head Circ. - 17.75 inches (50%)

So he's dropped back down again in the height department...but we never thought he'd be a giant, I'm sure he'll grow at some point!

Favorites: looking out the front door (and banging his hand against it), playing underneath his exersaucer as opposed to in it, having books read to him (and chewing on the pages), yogurt, throwing things off his tray while he eats (this is also the dogs' favorite thing), and being free to crawl around the upstairs.

Least Favorites: napping, being confined in his gated play area, getting his diaper changed, and when Daddy says "no" in his stern voice (when Mommy says "no," it's totally funny though).

Playing underneath his exersaucer

Reading a book in a very comfy position.

Hamming it up for the camera!

ELSA FEST!

Dave, Carter and I drove to Milwaukee on Memorial Day Weekend for Elsa's baptism and party. Carter and Elsa loved seeing each other again and we loved watching them play together. Lee and Bob turned one of their rooms on the main floor into a play room, so they had a whole room to themselves. It was full of toys and Lee put up a gate at the door so Carter couldn't crawl out. We spent a lot of time in the play room and the babies loved it.

Carter is checking out all the fun new toys in Elsa's play room.

One of his absolute favorites, Elsa's car. We wore out the horn by the end of the weekend.

The host of honor.

Another of Carter's favorites...their front window in the play room.

Carter trying to steal some extra car time...

Saturday evening we went to mass, and Elsa's baptism followed. Both babies were very vocal during the mass, often babbling back and forth in their loudest voices, but overall they were very good. Elsa did great during the baptism, she got a little upset during the pouring of the water, but it only lasted a few seconds. Apparently the water was quite cold. Another little boy being baptized let us all know how cold the water was when Elsa started crying. Dave and I were very honored to be named Elsa's Godparents. We love you Elsa!

After the mass and baptism, we all headed back to Lee and Bob's house for the "after party." Elsa is very popular and many people showed up for her party. Even though the weather wasn't wonderful, we managed to grill out and enjoy some great food and the babies enjoyed playing and showing off for everyone.

Carter, Elsa, and Karina (Elsa's other cousin) sitting nicely in the play room for pictures.

Sunday we enjoyed some beautiful weather by taking a walk and hanging out in the backyard. It was a gorgeous day to just hang out on the patio and relax.

Carter taking off his sunglasses.

Elsa showing off her speedo-style sunglasses. I think Lee is secretly trying to get her into competitive swimming.

Hanging with Daddy.

Carter and Elsa enjoying a toy picnic.

We had an awesome weekend in Milwaukee and want the thank Lee and Bob for such a great time. We also love being Elsa's Godparents and really appreciate that honor.

First Hair Cut

We decided to get Carter's hair cut the day before we left for Milwaukee for Elsa's baptism. Carter wanted to look his best for the occasion and as you can see in the first two pictures below, he was in need of a trim. Dave also needed a hair cut, so it was a family affair.

BEFORE

Notice the sideburns over his ears...

DURING

Here he is, sitting very nicely with his cool smock on. He was not completely sure he liked what we were doing, and except for a few squirms, he did a great job.

We trimmed up on top and the sides.


AFTER

Carter and his stylist, George.