1 year checkup

Carter passed his one year exam with flying colors. As a matter of fact, doc says he is performing at the level of a 15 month old. We're very impressed with his talents.

Here are his newest accomplishments:

-he is walking very well

-he can say/point out: mama, dada, bird, dog, cat, Molly, chair, truck, light, toes, shoe

-he does the signs for eat, more and all done

-he refuses baby food, will only self feed

-lots of imitating...trying to put shoes on his feet, brush his hair, clean the floor, etc.

He weighed in at 24 lbs 5 oz (70th %ile) and is 31.5 inches tall (90th %ile).

We gave 2 shots at this visit and he thankfully had no reaction except for a few tears.

My mom was in town for Carter's birthday and we had a lovely visit. The day she left he wandered the house saying "nana? ... nana?" in and out of every room. Very cute. While she was in town, like a good greek grandmother, she shoveled all sorts of new foods down carter's little gullet. He loves avocado salad, and he gobbled down broccoli with lemon and feta!

He is still a happy little boy who loves to dance and babbles all day long in his own little language. It is such a fun age!

Now that Carter's older, I'm looking into going back to work full time while I have some time...until the next baby comes along! So this week I've been interviewing daycares and babysitters. I think he would enjoy playing with other little kids but we still may opt to have someone come into our home...to be determined.

My birth day, Carter's birthday

Today Carter turned one. We brought out the videos to reminisce - labor, birth and Carter as a newborn. Some of it makes me want another one...some makes me want to wait! We had a great time at his party yesterday. Pictures are up on our photo site. Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate Carter's big day.

It just makes me realize how time goes by so fast and I wonder when my little smiley baby boy turned into the walking, laughing and dancing machine he is now.



So today I celebrate one year of being a mother - the best year of my life.

A year full of laughter and joy.

A year of discovery and exploration.

A year full of prayer.

A year of research and seeking what is 'best' for my boy.

A year of little baby smiles and sloppy drool faced kisses.

A year learning and surviving the fun that is cloth diapering.

A year of successfully avoiding formula, tylenol, antibiotics and ER visits.

A year of wrinkled clothes and ponytails.

A year of playdates and mommy groups.

A year of watching my husband gain confidence as a father. A great father.

A year filled with love and gratitude for this healthy, beautiful boy that God entrusted to Joe and me.

We are so blessed.


Thank you to all of our friends and family who have given us advice and support in the last year. We are so thankful to have you in our lives.

Before and After

So today was my due date one year ago and little doodlebug was just 'the baby' and he was officially coming late. Hard to believe how time flies, and how I didn't even 'know' him or who he was, and now I can't imagine our lives without him. He is just so sweet.

How is it that the alien waving HI in the picture turned into that little man so fast?

Today also marks Day 2 in my 30 day no-meat experiment. After reading Skinny Bitch, I really want to change how and what I eat. But I am not brave or determined enough to go vegan, so I'm trying vegetarian for 30 days. Well, I can't say for sure I won't eat fish...but so far, so good. Day 2 is looking good. Oatmeal for breakfast, black bean salad for lunch and Tofu pad-thai for dinner. Mmmmmmmmm....