Mom's Camera

We went to the Poinsettia Festival today in Brenham. It is an annual tradition that my mom and I do every year. This year we loaded up both kids and took grandad with us for a few more hands. Ally told Santa what she wanted, but Carter would not go anywhere near him!
Carter sitting on the stairs waiting patiently for us to check out.
The rest of the pictures are from my mom's camera. Carter and I would retreat to her house during the summer so that he could swim in his pool and I could cool off. I don't recommend being pregnant during the Texas summer! Here is a picture of me about 2 days before I had Ally. No wonder I can't seem to loose the "Ally" belly!

Carter loved swimming in his pool at Ga Ga's this summer!
He also decided that it was too hot to wear clothes after he would swim so we let him run around naked for a bit. Great mother, right?
Carter pushing Ally out of the way so he could ride the "tractor" in Ga Ga's garage.
Carter's first experience with fireworks!

Truly Thankful

I am so blessed to have my parents living so close to us, even though that is about to change when my dad moves to Rome in January to start a new job. If you know me, you know that I do NOT like change, and this is a big change!

My parents are true heroes for many, many reasons. My parents have given me so much, but I think one of the things I am most thankful for is the relationship they have with my kids. I enjoy watching them interact with both of my children, and I wouldn't trade the time they have spent with them for anything in the world. I am also thankful for the words of encouragement they give me, especially on those frustrating days when Carter is acting two, when they are sick, or when I just haven't had any rest and I am exhausted. I am thankful that they come over almost every day, especially when Sam is away at work. It is so nice to have someone to see and talk to other than a toddler and infant. I am thankful that they are always willing to babysit when I need them. I am thankful for the parents they are and the grandparents they have become, and I pray that I am as good at both roles as they have been. I couldn't have asked for better role models! I love you so much mom and dad, and I will never be able to say "thank you" enough or repay you for what you have taught me.

Update

It happened...Ally caught Carter's cough/cold. After 4 trips to the doctor in 8 days, they finally told me that there is nothing they can do for her and it will just have to pass on its own. I feel so bad for her because she is miserable and there is nothing I can do but love her. Carter's cold lasted about 10 days so I'm hoping this will pass soon. I just don't understand why they both have to get sick when Sam goes to work!!!

On a lighter note, here is a picture of Carter driving the car cart in HEB on Wednesday (he played hookie from school so we could escape a few of the germs he has been picking up there). I have to admit that I HATE the car cart, and before I had kids, I swore up and down that I would NEVER let them ride in one. Well, obviously I ate my words. Carter LOVES driving the car, and it is actually fun to see something so simple bring so much joy to him. TI just wish it wasn't so hard to drive! he first time he rode in it I laughed the entire time because I had turned into one of "those" mothers.

If you look closely, you can notice that he thought the chicken would make a perfect booster seat!

My baby girl

is 9 weeks old already! I can't believe it! We went to the doctor on Tuesday for her 2 month check-up, and she weighed in at 12.5 lbs and measured 24.5 inches. Needless to say, she is my BIG girl (she is in the 90th% for weight and the 100th% for height). The doctor even told me not to worry...big babies don't necessarily turn into big people (thank goodness!). She is doing great! She has slept for 7-8 hours in a row the last four nights...yippee! I am so thankful for such a beautiful, healthy girl!

Not Again!

MONDAY

This is when I can tell that Carter isn't feeling well...he is actually still for a few minutes! He started coughing this weekend, so after a trip to the doctor first thing Monday morning, we confirmed what we had dreaded: he has croup and an ear infection. I have thought about taking him out of school because he keeps getting sick, but he loves going there one day a week so much that it would break my heart not to let him go. I guess he has to develop an immune system sometime, right?

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

Carter is finally feeling better this morning, although he still has a runny nose and cough. We are praying that Ally doesn't catch this bug!

Pictures from Halloween!