pictures

Here are some pictures from our Holiday gatherings last weekend.

I had to put this one in of Boh and my mom. He is just getting so big.

Is Christmas Here Yet!

Well Christmas hasn't arrived, but this weekend it sure seemed like it. Friday night we had a winter wonderland walk at the Forrest Park Nature Center. The forrest was lit up with candles and they had a fire going, and inside they had people singing. It was very nice. Carson enjoyed it I believe. We bundled her up so much I'm sure she was sweating, except her face got a little red. Then Saturday we had Christmas with my mom's family at my grandma's house. It was nice almost everyone was there, and there was presents to go around. We have 7 kids under the age of 2 1/2 at my grandma's house when it comes to holiday's. Let me tell you it is pure craziness. Carson was good and her outfit (that Jeff's cousin bought for her) was a huge hit. My mom bought a berra for her and it went with the outfit perfectly and everyone loved it. Then Sunday we had Christmas at my moms. In the past we would all go to my sister Mandy's on Christmas morning and open presents we bought for Bella and my mom bought for us. As long as I can remember my sister's and I don't buy for each other. With Tori and I have children now we don't go to Mandy's anymore so we did Christmas with all the cousin early. It was fun my mom had great food and the kids were great.

So even though Christmas isn't here yet we are already enjoying the Christmas Spirit.

I know I haven't said much about Jeff and school lately, but he is doing great. He of course is getting all A's and is still tutoring Accounting at ICC. He has started his minimester and seems to enjoy it. He has 4 classes next semester so that will be a challenge, but I know he will be up for it.

Rolling Over

Our baby is rolling over. She has been rolling from her belle to her back since she was about 3 1/2mos, but just last week she rolled from her back to her belle. It is a big accomplishment, because it is hard getting all that weight over. We all gave her kisses even Yogi and she knew she did something good. Carson is getting so big. I cannot believe how fast she grows. She already wears 6-9mos clothes, and she isn't even 5mos yet. The one thing I'm happy about is that her hair continues to grow. She only has lost a patch in the back, but the rest of her head is covered with hair. We brush it after her bath, but when she wakes up in the morning she has bed head. My sister Tori who watches her always is cracking up at Carson's hair, because it sticks straight up and then does this little loop thing at the top.

Christmas is right around the corner a luckily Jeff and I are done with our Christmas shopping, except for a run to the bank. I am trying to get into the Christmas spirit, but it is hard with all the bad weather.

Well everyone stay safe.

Winter is here

I guess we all have to face it Winter has arrived. Most of you know how much I hate winter and hate the snow, but living in Il you just have to deal with it. Christmas is also approaching, which most you also know is my least favorite holiday of the year. It isn't that I don't like the true meaning of Christmas, but the other stuff that goes along makes it just ridiculous. Plus Christmas is right in the middle of winter. I probably like it a lot better if it was in the summer. Christmas to me is usually about running around from family to family and not spending much time at each house because you have like 4 places to go. Well Jeff and I decided with having Carson that we are not going to do that anymore. Luckily my Grandma Madge has her Christmas early so my mom's family we get to spend all day with a couple weeks before Christmas. Then Jeff and I made the decision that one year Christmas Eve we spend with his family and Christmas with mine, and then we switch the next year. Then who ever gets us on Christmas day doesn't get us on Thanksgiving. So we will spend Thanksgiving every other year with our families. We just decided that is to much running around with having a little one. Christmas morning we will spend at our house just the four of us. It will be so nice this year not having to get up and run to someones house. It will be Carson's first Christmas. She isn't getting much from us just a couple of gifts. She really doesn't even know it is Christmas anyway. In the future she will get more, but only one present comes from Santa the rest is from Jeff and I. That is a rule Jeff and I made. It will teach her that Santa has so many children to give to we shouldn't ask him for to much. We were going to go sit on Santa's lap Saturday in Glasford, but the breakfast times were either to early or to late. So we will just have to find a Santa somewhere else.

Pictures

Carson's 4mos pictures.

4mos

Carson turned 4mos today. We had her doctor's apt and she is doing great. The doctor actually said she is perfect. I had a few questions and he answered them all. Jeff was worried she wasn't grow, but she is growing just like normal. Her stats are:

Head: 44cm 95%

Weight: 13.8 pounds 48%

Height: 25.75 inches 95%

So basically she is just like her daddy tall and skinny.

HALLOWEEN!!!

Carson's first Halloween went off without a hitch. She was a lady bug, and a very cute one may I add. We went to Glasford for the parade and to pass out candy at my dad's. Kathy made great soup and salad for everyone since it is also my father's birthday and everyone comes over after trick-or-treating. Tori, Shaun, and the kids were also there to join in on the fun. Reese was a bumble bee and Boh was a lobster. Reese helped pass out candy and it was so adorable. I think this was the first Halloween in a long time we had such great weather. We sat outside and passed the candy out. It was just so beautiful. I was happy Carson's first Halloween wasn't freezing cold so we could enjoy the parade and the night in general.

Also yesterday 11-8-8 Carson rolled over for the first time. She rolled from her belle to her back twice. She did it once at home and once at Rachel and Adams house. So it was nice someone else got to see her do it besides us. She is getting very close to rolling from her back to her belle. She almost gets over, but just cannot quite do it. I think that arm gets stuck and she gives up. We are just happy she rolled over.

Here are some pictures from Halloween. I am going to post a hilarious pictures of Boh. He is teething and loves anything cold on his gums.

Yogi also came with us to the parade, he was a skeleton.

We start them young in our family.

VICTORY FOR CHANGE!!!!!

I have always been proud to be an American, but today I am prouder than I ever been. I feel like we only have good things ahead of us and that our country is going to change for the better. I feel like my daughter has a better future ahead of her and will be happy that she was born into this great country. Last night was scary, exciting, and fun all balled into one event. President Obama doesn't that just sound like music to your ears. I want to give props to my two aunts Debbie and Lori and my cousin Lindsey. They worked so hard campaigning in MO going house to house fighting for change that this country needs. Even though McCain won the state only by a tiny margin showed there efferts where not unheard. Jeff, Carson, and I stayed in Glasford until about 11:30pm which is way past Carson's bed time, but history was made and we were not going to miss a thing. She did fall asleep for about 2 1/2 hours, but was smart enough to wake right before Obama's speach. Let me tell you Carson is one inteliagant girl she just listened to his speach like she really knew what he was saying. She staired at the TV in amazement. I was just so happy that I got to watch a historical moment in this country happen sitting around my loving family. It will be a day, a hour, a minute, a moment I will never forget.

Carson vs Yogi

OK I know this may sound strange but there isn't to much difference in puppies and babies if you think about it. They both don't sleep through the night until there about 2mos old (long for some children). You have to basically potty train both. They both require naps. They both growl, yes that is what I said they both growl. Carson a couple days ago started to growl. Let me tell you it is the cutest and funniest thing ever. She will do it on demand too. Jeff will growl at her and she growls right back. We are guessing she hears my nephew Boh make a similar noise and just does what he does. Jeff and I just crack up when she does it. Also when Yogi was a puppy the vet told me if I wanted him to do something (like wear clothes) start when he is a puppy, because then as an adult he won't know any different. I figured that would be a good rule for Carson also. So the other day I decided she needed to wear sneakers over to Tori's. I just want her to get use to wearing something on her feet so when she gets older it won't be such a battle. Jeff took some pictures to commemorate the experience. The shoes come from my niece Reese. She only wore them once Tori said, or maybe they were Boh's I don't remember. I actually thought they were given to us by Chaille, but that was wrong too. So who knows who's they are.

Carson sitting next to Mommy before she goes to work.

The expression on her face is priceless.

She looks scared to death in this pic.

Yogi mad at Mommy because he's trying to nap.

He is really mad now.

3mos

Ms. Carson is 3mos today. She's growing like a weed, and getting her own little personality. She is not feeling to good the last couple of days. She is getting a bit of a cold, but it is just that time of year. She is still sleeping through the night and we hope it continues that way. It is funny how babies schedules change. Once you get use to their schedule they decided to do something different. Carson use to get up about every three hours when we first brought her home. Which I'm not complaining, because I know some babies get up every hour when you first bring them home. Then we went to just twice a night, and then to once a night, and then to sleeping through the night. It is also strange how the times they decided to go to bed move up also. We use to put Carson down about 10pm for bed, then it went up to 9pm, but now I cannot keep her up past 8:30pm. I think she just gets so tired from the day that she needs her sleep. She wakes anytime between 5:30am-6:30am so that is good for me and Jeff. It is crazy how she started sleeping through the night as soon as I went back to work. I guess we are just lucky. The one thing I am very proud of is that Carson has always slept in her own bed. When she was about two weeks old there were a few night I let her sleep on my chest on the couch in the middle of the night, because she refused to go back to sleep (and let me tell you at that point you will do anything to get a little sleep). Jeff was worried we were starting a bad habit, but we had no problem breaking it. On the weekends I will get her up in the morning to lay with us in bed, but that has more to do with me then her. I just like snuggling with her, and at 5:30am she is up for snuggling.

People always ask me when we think we'll have another one. Actually that will probably be never. I guess I just have never been someone that wanted multiple children. Jeff said he really isn't set on having another one. Considering when we first got married we didn't want any children so it isn't really a big deal for Jeff and I to only want one.

The weather is getting cold and I hate it. I wish it was summer all year around.

Misc Information

I think it must be a month for busy weekends. This weekend we had a football game, my friend's 30th b-day party, and a trip to glasford. The football games was way to hot, but we had fun. The 30th b-day party was great. We got to see a lot of people we haven't for years, and there was about as many kids as adults there. We had a blast in glasford, except the Bears losing. We did get to go to the local firehouse for an open house. My youngest cousin is a volunteer fireman and we went to support the department. It was a lot of fun. I got to see my cousins on both sides of the family and everyone got to see Carson. It got a little hot so Jeff, Carson, and I headed for home. Other than that nothing much has been happening.

I do have to say my adorable nephew Boh won a cutest baby contest and his picture was in the National Enquirer. I know that may sound weird, but his grandma sent in his picture because they were having a cutest baby contest and he won. So is picture was in the magazine and they won some money for it. Kathy said I should send in the picture of Carson with the mo hawk. She is sure it would win. Halloween is coming which is also my father birthday so we will be heading to g-town. Basically that is what all Halloween's will consist of. It is the one holiday that will always be dedicated to one family and that is my dad's. I remember Halloween's from when I was a kid and we would go trick or treating and come back and have cake and ice cream for his birthday. It is funny how times change know we still spend Halloween with him, but help pass the candy out. Carson is going to be a lady bug.

Carson got the cutest book for her baptism from Jeff's cousin and his wife. It is a book of 100 Bible stories. So about two or three times a week I read her about two or three stories a night. We just listens to me and looks at the pictures. She doesn't know what she is looking at or understands what I'm saying, but I think it will be good in the future. Maybe she will really like reading when she gets older. Well I will post some random pictures for everyone to see.

My adorable nephew that won the cutest baby contest.

Daddy sleeping during story time.

Carson has this patch of hair on the top of her head that we call her toupee. The toupee is getting long and know can be brushed forward, but normally it is going every which way on her head.

Mommy snuggling with her two babies. When Carson is on my lap sleeping or just snuggling Yogi will come lay with us, but has to have his head laying somewhere on Carson's body. He uses her as a pillow.

pictures

Here are the pictures I promised to post.

My nieces (Reese and Bella) eating some popcorn.

Don't they look beautiful

Bella loves her MiMi

Look at all those kids, and there is even one missing

What a cute family

This is an even cuter family.

The most beautiful baby in the world

Bella loving on her cousin Boh

Busy Weekend

This weekend was very busy. We had several things going on. First Friday night we went to a party at Peoria Day Surgery and had some hot dogs and drinks. It was the first time Carson got to wear her purple snow suit, because the party was outside. She had a good time I think. All my mom's kids and grand kids where there so my mom was in heaven. Mandy took some cute pictures so I'll have to get them from her and post them soon.

Then on Saturday we had Bella because Mandy had to go to a wedding four hours away. So Bella got to spend the night with us, and let me tell you I don't think she had much fun. This may be the last time she stays until Carson gets a little bit older. Carson didn't take her morning nap so she was hell on wheels the whole day. Nothing made her happy she fussed all most the whole day, except when Jeff was around. It was almost like she was mad at me and only wanted Jeff. Bella and I did take her shopping all day and she only slept for about 30min to an hour, but I had to return her Halloween outfit that she already out grew. So after Jeff got home I took Bella to Apple Blossom and then I got home and Jeff took her to get pizza. I didn't want Bella to have to deal with a screaming child. I think all in all Bella was happy when MiMi came and picked her up the next day.

Sunday was a long day. Jeff, Carson, and I got ready to head up to Peru to see Jeff's parents. Luckily Carson was great and slept on the way up there. Once we got there she slept for about another hour, and then was ready for her bottle. She did throw a fit after that, but Jeff got her to calm down and she was good the rest of the time at the house. We all went to dinner with Jeff's family (mom, dad, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc) the whole troop. Carson was great at dinner and actually let me eat without having to hold her. On the way home she really only cried for about 10min and the rest of the time was fine. By the time we got home she was ready for bed. Let me tell you I have been one luckily lady having a child sleep through the night. Lets just hope it stays that way.

One more things GO BEARS!!! I think Sunday was the best I have ever seen them play.

YOGI

I know I haven't written much about Yogi lately, but he is still around. He really hasn't been up to much. I think he really misses Carson and I being home all day, but he is starting to get use to the new schedule. He is actually not home alone that much with Jeff being off on Friday's and getting home early on Tues and Wednesdays. The biggest change for him is learning that not everything is his to play with. He wants to chew on all her things, and we have to tell him no a lot. He also is really into licking her, and we do have to monitor that because I believe he would lick her face off if we let him. I am posting some random pictures.

Yogi trying not to get into trouble.
Carson sporting her new Bears outfit. GO BEARS!!!

Carson kicking it in her Purdue outfit.

Jeff gave Carson a mohawk at bath time. (now that she has enough hair)

Shots/Back to Work

Monday was Carson's first set of shots. She received three, one in left thigh, and two in right thigh. I don't really understand why they just don't give them all in one leg, but I'm sure there is a reason. She did great for having pain inflected on her. It was like she didn't even know it was coming that's because she didn't. She screamed for about 2 minutes after the shots and then was fine. We went home and gave her Tylenol every four hours and she was her happy little self.

I also went back to work Tuesday (the day after the shots). I was so worried Carson was going to be fussy for Tori since she had just gotten the shots the day before, but no she was great. I think Carson likes going over there, because there is other kids for her to look at. Notice I didn't say play with, because that she doesn't know how to do yet. Boh and Reese just adore her and either want to hold her or play with her. Tori says Boh and Carson just look at each other and laugh. I love the thought of her growing up with her cousins and being close with them, mostly because it will be more then likely Carson will be an only child. Tori told me that Carson will have to be a tomboy because boy needs someone to play with (he is always surrounded by women, just call him Ed). I told her that will most likely happen because I am not very girly, and Boh is the closest to Carson's age so that is who she will be closes too.

I just hope everything keeps going the way it is going, and Carson stays a good little girl for her aunt tor tor. She did sleep through the night last night, but I'm not counting on that happening every night.

Work is going good. It is like riding a bike you never forget how to do your job.

Shake, Rattle, and Roll

Okay I have a lot to blog this time around. Today (Sept 21) not only is it Carson's 2mos birthday, but it was the Shake Rattle, and Roll. This is a fundraiser to bring awareness to Parkinson's disease. It was a long day, but a fun one. Jeff was in charge of the bag toss tournament, which went very well. As most of you know from earlier blogs that my family does a lot to raise money for Parkinson's research, since it is a genetic disease and runs in my family.

First I want to say how bummed I was that my step mom, Kathy, was sicker than a dog and couldn't make it to the event. I felt so sorry for her she was soooooooooo sick and not only did she miss the fundraiser, but Saturday was her birthday (and she had been sick since Friday). It just sucks, because all 7 of her grand kids were there and I would have loved to get a picture of her and my dad with all the kids. I think she is feeling better day by day. Plus she didn't get to see Carson sport her Obama onesie that she bought her. Carson and I were the best dressed there I do have to say myself. We had our Obama gear on.

Second I want to say how awesome my aunts are. My Aunt Debbie helped a lot and when I say a lot I mean a lot to get this Shake, Rattle, and Roll up and running this year. My Aunt Lori and Uncle Chuck came from MO to help also, which was great because we don't get to see them that much. Aunt Debbie was one of the director's this year for the event and put a lot of heart into it. She is a wonderful lady and has the kindest heart. Carson would be Debbie's great niece and my aunt treats her like her own grandchild. Aunt Debbie and Uncle Terry have three boys, we all grew up together and it was more like they were my brother's then my cousins. We are still very close. Her oldest, Brent, has the cutest little girl Josie that I just love . It was just nice that we could all get together for the Parkinson's walk and do something for a good cause.

I would also like to thank my mom for coming to help out with all the kids. Here are some pictures of us at The Parkinson's walk.

Here is Carson in her kick butt Obama onesie.

Aunt Lori and Aunt Debbie after a hard day at work.

Everyone gathered around a 13in t.v watching the Bears game and eating ice cream.

Carson and me looking awesome in our Obama shirts.

My two favorite men in all the world Jeff and Dad.

Kim, Sarah, Bella, and Mandy selling tickets.

8 week check-up

Tuesday was Carson's doctor's appt. Our little ones head is 40cm. and in the 85% for her head. Her weight is 10pds 10oz and is in the 57% for that, and height is 23.4ins and is in the 82% for that. So she is what we already knew tall and skinny. She did great and didn't even cry. She loves our doctor and when he talks to just listen to him. Her shots are Monday and I'm not looking forward to it. Luckily Jeff and I will be doing it together as a team. Wish us luck!!!

Baptism

Sunday was Carson's Baptism. Her and my nephew Boh got Baptized together, and after words everyone came to Jeff and I's house for a party. It was a lot of fun, and I think everyone had a good time. The Baptism went great both Boh and Carson were angels during it. Jeff and I have the honor to be Boh's Godparents and Tori is Carson's Godmother. Jason (Jeff brother) is the Godfather, but with him living out of the country my Uncle stepped in and helped out. It was a great day and it was just a blessing to see all our family there supporting our two little ones.

Cousins

The time is nearing for me to go back to work. I know most moms dread it, but I'm okay with getting back into somewhat of a normal routine. Staying home is like living in a dream land or another universe. You get to sleep in, do your house work during the day, and watch your t.v shows. That is not normal life for me or Jeff. It is time to get Carson started on a different schedule of going to the baby sitter early in the morning, and hanging out with her cousins. I am lucky enough to have my little sister be the one to watch our daughter. Most women have to send there children to a daycare where you don't really know the person watching your child and don't know how they are being taken care of. I know that Tori is a wonderful mother and a great aunt. Carson has been over there many times and knows the surroundings pretty well. Tori actually watched her for me the other day when I went to the doctor and she did great. Reese (tori's oldest) basically wanted to take care of her the whole time. We do let Reese hold Carson on the couch so ever time I go over there Reese says "Me hold Aunt Sissy, me hold". So we always say sit on the corner of the couch and put your arm out and she does. Carson just sits their in her lap while Reese usually watches t.v. If Carson starts kicking her legs Reese just gives her a little pat on the leg and goes back to watching t.v. We always tell Reese "give Carson kisses", and she does. It is so cute.

I had my last play date with Jeff's cousin's wives before one has her baby and the other moves back home before moving to Texas. Kim (the one moving to Texas) has a little girl Addison, and she also got to hold Carson during the visit. I just love watching little kids hold baby. It makes them look like little adults.

Here are some pictures of Reese, Carson, and Boh.