Reflections on my birthday

 I'm still having trouble finding time to blog so this will have to do. This is my FB post from my birthday last weekend:

"I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I have ended up where I needed to be." 

As my 32nd birthday comes to a close, I can't help but reflect on the ups and downs. We found out this week that our first IUI didn't work and it felt heartbreaking...a feeling I've gotten to know well this year. However, I also felt so much joy and happiness. My sweet Carter is the most kind hearted boy and I can never feel down for long with him by my side. He's a miracle and I never forget that. And my amazing husband, Russ, is my rock. Like the song says babe, "If we only die once, I wanna die with you." This upcoming year is full of possibility and with these guys by my side I'm ready for the ride!

Grandma's 99th Birthday!

Today is my grandma's 99th birthday! I can hardly believe it, even though I guess it shouldn't be a surprise. She's the most resilient person I know and for over 20 years doctors have been telling her she'd make it to 100, no doubt. And she's almost there! Next year she'll be a centenarian! 

These past few days I've thought back over all of the memories we've shared together...all of the little things she has taught me...

 If you're making cinnamon rolls and don't have raisins, chopped up prunes taste even better! Add a box of jello to your cake mix if you want it extra moist. If you don't have time for a full face of makeup a little rouge will always do the trick. It may be scary for other little kids, but "Little Orphan Annie" by James Whitcomb Riley is one of the best poems (especially if she's reciting it). You are never too full for her to make you something to eat (because even if you are, she's making something anyways). Even if you're on a tight budget you should never skimp on going to the doctor or the dentist. When you play bridge always "breast your cards." Start every morning with a bowl of oatmeal. If someone trips you say, "Down went McGinty, up jumped McClusky (this was based on an incident with some of her friends and I guess the saying stuck)! Roll your clothes when you pack because you can fit more in your luggage and it doesn't wrinkle. And so many more!

She's also taught me big things...

She has been one of my greatest loves...and I know I was one of hers. I remember being three years old and thinking she was the most magical person in my life. She could make everything better just with her presence. The food she made tasted better, she smelled better, even her hugs were better. When she'd leave our house after staying for a visit I'd smell her pillow and miss her with all of my being. When I'd spend the night at her house we'd lay in her bed listening to the radio and then she'd give me a kiss and say, "I love you, my girl." Her girl. That's what I was and in my heart that's what I'll always be. She's helped me realize the amount of unconditional love I am capable of because no matter what cruel tricks time and age play with her mind, I will never turn my back on her. The place she has in my heart will never change.

On Saturday we celebrated the big occasion:

We've never figured it out, but when my brother Cameron was around Carter's age he started calling her Dobie (dough-be) and Carter is carrying that on. I think it's very sweet :)

I guess I'd taken enough pictures for Carters liking 'cause he's giving me the stink eye! Ha ha!

Happy Birthday, Grandma! I love you!

3.5 ALREADY!

I'm a little over a week late, but my sweetie celebrated his half birthday on 5/22! He's now closer to four years old than three! How is that even possible??!! Since Carter was born I feel like time has stared going warp speed!

A little bit about my boy: he's still as sweet as ever! He is very attuned to the feelings of others and will quickly ask you if you are okay if he thinks you've hurt yourself or aren't feeling well. He's got a great sense of humor and one that I totally get. Laughing with him is one of the best feelings ever! He brings his "turtle bag" with him everywhere...filled with planes and cars, of course.

He can count to 30...and beyond (although he misses more than a few before he gets to 100, but he's very proud of himself). He can spell Carter, car, plane, zoo, zebra, fish and netflix. He can write all of his letters. And these are things that he's basically started doing all on his own. We read a lot and he tries to memorize all of the time. I don't force him to write or read, but it's great that these are things he likes to do. Another big one is drawing and coloring! He's my little lefty artist! 

He also likes to sing! "Slippery Fish," "1,2,3,4,5 Once I Caught a Fish Alive," and "3 Little Fishes" are some of his favorites. He also can't get enough of Ellie Goulding's "Anything Can Happen." He calls it the E-E song (because that's what is sounds like she's singing). He knows almost all of the words and it melts my heart when he belts out, "I know it's gonna be! I know it's gonna be! I know it's gonna be!"

I treasure every minute of every day with him! He's amazing!

Weekly Roundup 3/17-3/30

With going out of town this week I fell behind on my "Weekly Roundups" so this is a two-weeker.

We had lunch at Pat and Oscars and visited the ducks 

(this is becoming a weekly/biweekly outing and we all really enjoy ourselves)

We snapped a pic of this same pose last year (pic below)

We celebrated my brother Cameron's 20th birthday! I can't believe how fast the years have gone by!

We also celebrated my father-in-law's birthday

And Madison's birthday (March is a busy month for us as it also includes my parents' wedding anniversary. This year was their 34th!)

 And today we enjoyed the beautiful weather with a little park play!

You might have also noticed that somewhere in there Carter got his hair cut. I actually did it myself since he's been having such a difficult time with having it done. I would have liked to keep it longer on top and just trim it up, but the situation calls for something quick and safe. Thus, a little buzz cut it is! He was actually very thrilled with it afterwards and I think it's pretty adorable!

The other big news is that Carter is going on almost 3 weeks bottle free!! I'll try to write a post about that within the next week. 

Hope that everyone had a great weekend!

My little sis is 17!!

Happy 17th Birthday to the most amazing sister anyone could ask for! From the moment you were born you have brought so much sunshine into my life! You are a strong, smart and beautiful young woman and I'm excited to see where the future takes you! And no matter where you go I will always be here for you! I love you seestar!!!

3rd Birthday Party - - Choo Choo!!

Carter's 3rd birthday party was so much fun!! Before we left the house, he was already so excited!

After unpredictable weather the past two years, we opted for an indoor party at Child's Play this year. Best. Decision. Ever. You bring your decorations a few days early and they set everything up for you, serve the food and lead the party activities. It was really nice to be able to visit and spend time with Carter instead of running around like a chicken with it's head cut off!

Then it was time for a visit from "Coco." Carter wasn't a fan, but a lot of the other kids loved giving him hugs :)

Can you spot Carter? He was not pleased (I have to chuckled a little though).

While the other kids played with Coco, he ran over to the alphabet and number mat for some counting. I love that he makes up his own mind and does his own thing.

Thomas cake!! Carter has talked about this non-stop. "I had Thomas on my cake!" Yes, yes you did :)

Once Thomas was off the cake that was all he needed...

Grand finale - - bubble wrap and bubbles!

Then we came home and opened presents...

And after nap time we bundled up and went to the tree lighting at a local shopping center.

A full day, but an awesome one! It was great being able to celebrate Carter's birthday with our friends and family! And now my baby is 3!! I can barely wrap my head around it!