Full of Energy


Carter never ceases to amaze us with his energy level. He's 18 months old now and he is as active as ever. He's non-stop moving for the majority of the day. He will sit still for a few things, books (near bedtime), eating (only because we strap him in his highchair), and watching certain TV shows (Diego and Sesame Street are favorites right now). But for the most part he's running, climbing, getting into any cupboard, drawer, or door he can open, swinging his hockey sticks and golf clubs, and doing a lot of acrobatic type moves. We're going to start a swim class in a few weeks so I'm hoping that this will help get out some of this energy in a healthy and fun way.

He loves to crawl up on the couch and try to do somersaults and headstands. As much as I love that he loves gymnastics type tricks lately, we're trying to keep him more grounded on the floor with these types of moves. He's flipped off the couch a few times and even though he is as resilient as he is daring, I'd rather not take a chance.

This was a brief stop to read in his favorite book. Right after I took this picture he put his feet up the cushion behind him and did one of his headstands (I couldn't catch it on the camera in time).

Some of his acrobatic moves...

He also loves kicking up his leg and throwing his head backwards (I think this is the result of me helping him do back flips when he was little). He falls to his butt laughing hysterically. He also loves to do the bear walk all over the place (see above).

He also loves to practice his hockey moves (nice backhand!). He's getting better at actually hitting the balls with his sticks and clubs. We've had to set some ground rules about what he can and cannot hit and so far we haven't had any big catastrophes (although the dogs are leery during game time), hopefully this trend keeps up!

Happy Valentine's Day!

XOXOXO,

Carter

17 Months

Carter is 17 months old today! We can't believe how fast he is growing up. He is talking a lot more and as curious as ever about everything. His favorites right now are: his 4-wheeler, kissing the dogs, dancing when he hears music, and taking baths. We moved to a one nap day, which he seems to be doing o.k. with (he actually naps about 2 hours in the afternoon now!) and he still sleeps like a champ at night. Eating is still somewhat of a struggle for us, he only wants fruits or certain vegetables. He doesn't really like any meat (except the occasional chicken nugget) so we're trying to find other protein alternatives. He's not wasting away so I guess we're o.k. for now!

Here are some other recent pictures. This first picture was before his most recent hair cut (it was his fourth hair cut!).

Most days we can't get him off the 4-wheeler.

Christmas, Christmas, and more Christmas

We had many Christmas celebrations this holiday season. The first celebration came the Sunday before Christmas with Grandpa Shaffer, Mark, Deb, Bridget, and Sean. We had a great time seeing everyone and watching the kids open presents. Carter really got into present opening this year, it was a lot of fun to watch him.

Grandpa Shaffer, Uncle Mark, and Carter

Carter, Bridget, and Sean checking out the toys

Opening up his stocking from Grandpa Shaffer

Handing us the little tears of paper off the present (the opening took a long time before he realized he didn't need to give us every piece).

Riding on "Dozer" his cool bulldozer toy from Grandpa Shaffer

The second celebration...

We celebrated with Grandpa and Grandma Jernstadt on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. We did presents on Christmas Eve from Grandpa and Grandma and then had a nice dinner together. In the morning Carter opened Santa's presents and our presents. It was fun having Grandpa and Grandma J. there to share it with us.

Opening up one of his cool new toys from Grandpa and Grandma J. (I think this might be the hilarious porcupine hand puppet that he loves to taunt the dogs with).

Even the dogs got in on the present opening action.

Christmas morning, opening up his stocking (his talking Diego phone, which says "Carter," was a huge hit)

His first set of golf clubs

He couldn't decide which was cooler, the golf clubs or the hockey stick...

More presents!!

Showing off his cool new train station

The Third Celebration...

We headed to Grandma Webb's house late Christmas morning for a delicious breakfast, more present opening, more food, and more food. We had a lot of fun hanging out with Grandma Webb, Uncle Josh, Uncle Mark, Deb, Bridget, Sean, and some of Grandma Webb's friends throughout the day. By the time the day was over though, we were so exhausted and ready for bed!

Opening up his cool new Harley outfit from Uncle Mark, Deb, Bridget, and Sean

Opening some presents with Uncle Josh

He couldn't believe his eyes when he saw this 4-wheeler from Uncle Mark, we couldn't put it together fast enough.

Proudly riding around on the 4-wheeler. It goes about 2 mph and it is hilarious to watch him ride it. No steering or braking, just forward speed and everyone better get out of the way.

Grandma and Uncle Josh

Uncle Josh helping Carter put his feet in the right spot.

Deb and Uncle Mark

"Watch out, here I come!!"

Christmas was very exciting this year with Carter. We really enjoyed ourselves and loved spending time with family and friends. We can't wait for next year!

16 Month Check-up

Carter had his 16 month check-up yesterday and other than a little cold, he is healthy as can be. He weighed in at 22 lbs. 4 oz. which is about the 75th% for boys at 16 months. His height is 29 and 3/4 inches which is about the 8th%, and his head was 18 1/2 inches which is the 25th%. He also had three shots which he did very well with.

The only problem we're having with him lately is the crib climbing, which is sporadic, so we can't complain too much. He can even get out in his sleep sack (which we thought was our saving grace a week ago). As I got out of bed on Sunday to get Carter, he met me in the hall teetering along in his sleep sack. The Dr. gave us some good advice on how to possibly "cure" the climbing...we'll see how that goes. If that doesn't work we are considering a crib tent. Only time will tell!

Christmas with the Burke's

Last weekend Jim, Betsy, Tyler, Drew, and Kayley came over for some early Christmas celebrating. The kids exchanged gifts and had a blast playing with each other. Carter received two really neat gifts - Mr. Potato Head and a toy train set. He has been playing with both every day since Saturday!

Tyler, Kayley, and Drew check out the tree

Drew snuck out of this picture right before we took it!

Dinner was entertaining for everyone!

Finally the gift opening!

We had so much fun, thanks Burke's for coming over and giving Carter such neat gifts!!

A SLEDDING WE WILL GO.......

Last weekend we decided to take Carter outisde for his first experience with snow. We pulled him around the yard in his sled. He seemed to really enjoy it, especially when the dogs raced around the yard barking and playing with him. The only problem was keeping his mittens on his hands. It was pretty much impossible to keep them on longer than a minute at a time.

I think this will be the first of many sledding days ahead.

Carter enjoying being pulled around the yard.

Putting on the mittens...again.

What is this crazy white stuff on my mitten?

Lets see how it tastes...

Getting Ready for Christmas

Last weekend we visited Frederick Meijer Gardens to see their beautiful Christmas decorations and, of course, Santa. Unfortunately Carter freaked out when we put him on Santa's lap and I had to sneak in the picture to keep Carter from totally losing it. We even gave him Dave's cell phone (normally a huge treat) but even that didn't stop the sobbing. We hurried and snapped this picture and then exited the Santa area.

We also saw an enormous toy train running through the greenhouse. Carter loved following it around the track and looking at the pretty village.

The Gardens also had a beautiful display called "Around The World" which consisted of dozens of decorated Christmas trees representing different countries around the world. Dave's work sponsored the "Spain" tree, so we stopped to take a picture by it.

We also found this cool old fashioned sleigh, which Carter loved because Santa was nowhere in sight with this sleigh.

We also put up our Christmas tree which was a lot of fun for Carter. He is actually quite tame around the tree, he likes to look but seldom tries to take decorations off of it. Here he is helping with the decorating.