A "Sand"sational TIme!

Joe found us a last minute beach trip to Virginia Beach for Saturday, June 6th through Saturday, June 13th. This was our 1st visit to Virginia Beach. The Taylors (Courtney's sister) went with us on the trip, too! Carter did well considering he is only 3 1/2 months old. We only had to stop 2 times during the 8 hour car ride.

Welcome to Virginia Beach!

All ready for the beach (with his pacifier and silky blanket)!
We got up Sunday morning and headed down to the sand. Our hotel was right on the beach so all we had to do was get on the elevator and walk outside. It was very nice to be this close with a baby (and all the stuff that he needs!).

Our family beach picture!

Carter's 1st time in the ocean!

The water was cold so he wasn't a fan of the ocean but we had to have a picture anyway.

Carter napped in the breeze!

Our little Buddha baby!
He loved sitting in his Bumbo and watching everything! We left him in his diaper because he would get so hot in his swim outfit.

It was very hot the last 2 days at the beach so we decided to let Carter try a popsicle. He loved it! Courtney would drink all the juice out and let him suck on the ice.

Pool time with Cousin Owen and Cousin Reed!

The hotel had an indoor pool as well as an outdoor pool. The boys liked going to the indoor pool because it was warmer and they had a "baby pool" that Owen and Carter could play in.

Splashing around in the pool!

Putt-Putt time!

Carter with his 1st golf club!

We went to the Naval Museum and toured the Wisconsin.

Us with the "big guns"!

On the last night of our vacation, we rented a surry to ride along the 3 mile boardwalk. We all had a great time! It was a good workout and a great way to see the main area of Virginia Beach.

Our picture with King Neptune on the boardwalk! We had a nice trip and it was a great way to start our summer vacation!

Happy Memorial Day!

Our friends, the Blairs, had our church small group over for a cookout and pool party on Memorial Day (Monday, May 25th). The morning was very overcast and it didn't look like a good day for a swim but by that afternoon the sun was up and shining bright! Courtney was so excited to get Carter in his bathing suit and let him get in the pool.

Hanging out by the pool!

Carter in his bathing suit gear!

Courtney put him in up to his waist and he really liked it! He was "talking" the entire time!

He started to get over it and let us know!

All the girls with the babies!

When our small group first got together, Jordan was the only child- now look at us!!

A Bouncing Good Time

We took Carter to his 1st party at Bounce U.S.A. on Sunday, May 24th. Our friend's little boy, Keltin, was turning 2 years old so they invited Carter. He couldn't really do too much but he loved watching everyone and seeing all the big inflatables.

Here we are in the Bounce House letting Carter watch all his little friends jump around.

We sat Carter in the ball pit and he loved looking at all the bright colors!

"I've fallen and I can't get up!"

We think it was a little overstimulating for him because within 45 minutes, he was wiped out!

Happy Mother's Day

Mother's Day was a very emotional day for me. Knowing that I had to go back to work and leave my little man the next day was heartbreaking. Joe was super sweet that day and just let me cry whenever I needed to without saying anything about it. I only had 2 weeks of school until summer vacation so I just kept counting down the days until I would be home with Carter again. I never knew it would be so hard to leave him and go back to work. Needless to say, my 1st Mother's Day was bittersweet. I am just so thankful that God has given me the most precious gift ever- my baby boy!

Our family picture taken after church that morning

Carter and Mommy- the best of buddies!

2 Months Old!

On Thursday, April 30th, we took Carter for his 2 month check-up. Dr. Roberts and Nurse Lou couldn't believe how much he had grown! He had to have 3 shots and a drinkable vaccine. He did better than we expected with the shots. He loved the drinkable vaccine! It's obvious Carter never misses a meal! We can't wait to start giving him cereal in a few months- he'll love it!

Our little chunky monkey!

He weighed 15 pounds 4 ounces with an ounce taken off for the weight of the diaper (95%)! We decided not to buy any more size 2 diapers since he is getting so big! He already is growing out of his 3-6 months clothes too!

He still has a little head- 39.7cm (31%).

Here's a picture with his little boo-boo bandaid!

Happy Easter!

Our 1st Easter with Carter was very busy! We took Carter to church for the 1st time this Sunday. Courtney and Carter stayed in the "cry room" during the service so that Carter wouldn't disturb others (and vice versa). After church, we went out to eat at O'Charley's for lunch- yummy! When we got home, it was naptime. After a long nap, it was time for family dinner at Courtney's parent's house. Carter did GREAT with his busy day and had a wonderful 1st Easter!

Our family picture

Carter and his Daddy

All dressed up for church

Our precious little boy!

Carter's 1st Easter basket from the Easter bunny! He got a swimsuit and swimshirt, sunglasses, pacifiers, gas drops, and some bunny ears!

Carter and his basket

Trying on his ears

Carter with his Easter basket from Grammy and Guggy

Mommy and her little bunny!

Guggy, Bunny Carter, and Grammy

Carter with his Great Papaw and Mimi (Courtney's grandparents)

Aunt Jeni and Aunt Mandi with their newest nephew

Aunt Susie- The Great!

Courtney's Aunt Susie came in town to visit family over Easter weekend and came by to see Carter. Carter wore his little chick onesie on Good Friday to celebrate. It was almost too small already!

Carter with his Great Aunt Susie

Carter's Cousins (and Uncle Joe too!)

Each Sunday we go to Courtney's parent's house for "family dinner". Everyone enjoys spending time together and eating some yummy home cooking by Grammy (Courtney's mom). Carter already enjoys watching his cousins run around and making tons of noise. I'm sure he'll be ready to join in all the fun soon!! Here are a few pictures of Carter and his cousins.

Ellie, Noah, Owen (in the back), Reed, Carter, Ainsley, and Zoe

This is Courtney's favorite picture of all the cousins!

After church each Sunday, Owen and Reed come over while Mandi and Aaron go to their small group study. This is a picture of their first Sunday at our house after Carter was born. They couldn't get enough of him!

Carter and his Uncle Joe