World Famous Carter

My sister is born.....

2007-06-21T11:22:00.000-04:00

It's official. She's here. Caidence Brooke was born on June 12, 2007 at 3:17 pm. She weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces and was 20 inches long.

She is great. Mommy and Daddy admitted to not knowing how I would handle being a big brother, but they tell me everyday what a great big brother I am to my "Sissy" and I even help take care of her. When Mommy and Sissy are not around, I call our their names looking for them. I just want to know where everyone in my family is. We are all getting along great. We've had lots of friends and family making yummy meals for us every single night so far. Mommy says she'll forget how to cook when this period is over. Who is she kidding? She rarely cooked anyway!

Here are some pictures of my Sissy and I in the hospital. I guess I'll be giving up my website now since it's in my name only. Daddy was prepared for this though and he already made a new website for the entire family. You can see the link over on the side of my site. It is: www.swart-family.blogspot.com. I'll be leaving my posts on there from now on so my whole family can be included.

I really love my Sissy. She has been a great addition to the family for the whole 9 days she's been alive. She's letting Mommy and Daddy sleep and most importantly - ME! She hasn't made me wake up once, which is good because Mommy and Daddy don't want to deal with 2 crying children at the same time. Anyway, she really has been a great addition. Mommy and Daddy are still debating about having a third child join our family someday, but I heard Mommy say that if this was the last child to join the Swart family, the family is perfect.

Family Picture

2007-06-20T22:35:00.000-04:00

Here is our family just before Mommy and Daddy left for the hospital. We are such a happy family!

"Only Child Day"

2007-06-20T22:30:00.000-04:00

June 11th, 2007 was called "Only Child Day" at my house. This was a fun-filled day of Carter-friendly activities, followed by tons of Mommy and Daddy snuggle time. Here are some pictures of me laughing at Daddy as we played peek-a-boo!

Sprinkler

2007-06-20T22:24:00.000-04:00

When I can't get to a splash park, the sprinkler can be just as much fun!

Another Splash Park!

2007-06-08T09:55:00.001-04:00

I told you I love these things! This is the new park that just opened in Noblesville. This one had so many things to do - water spouts that I could drink out of, water sprayers that kids can "shoot" at each other, a very cool playground, football fields and even a concession stand! Mommy says we might go back today....I can't wait!

Splash Park

2007-06-07T11:56:00.000-04:00

These things are the greatest!!!!!!!! I had so much fun at this one with Charlie! Mommy wasn't sure how I would react because I've been a little funny lately, but once I saw that water spraying around, I went straight for it! I was soaked and loved every minute of it! Mommy and Daddy are even taking me back to another park today. I can't wait!!!!!

Play time at Grammy and Grandpa's

2007-06-07T11:49:00.001-04:00

We were over there the other night for dinner. I had so much fun on THEIR screened-in porch too! They were trying to be all prepared and already got me a birthday present (remember, my birthday isn't until the end of November) but we all decided I was ready to try out my new trike now. Grandpa and Uncle Josh put it together for me and then I wasn't sure how to ride it. I'm content pushing it around now, but Daddy sure did have some fun on it.

Grammy had just picked some fresh strawberries earlier that day and boy, are they better than the ones my mommy buys at the store! I went to town eating them straight from the bowl. Noone seemed to mind me putting my grubby little hands in there.

I was also introduced to my shadow. I don't know why I never discovered this guy earlier! I will have to keep an eye on him, he seems to be the sneaky type.....

Welcome Summer!

2007-06-07T11:44:00.000-04:00

Summer is finally here! It has been awhile since I've been swimming in a pool, but that's just what Mommy and I did the first day she was out of school. We went over to Aunt Jay-Jay's mom's house and I hopped right in! I even put my face in and Mommy dunked me in all the way. I had a blast! I thought I was too big for my old "boat" from last year, instead I just played in Mommy's arms and on the stairs to the pool. I can't wait to go back! (Did I mention my Mommy's tummy is bigger than ever? As of the posting of this post, it will only be that big for 4 more days and then she will go to the hospital to have my little sister, Caidey!)

18 months in the Big Chair

2007-06-07T11:42:00.001-04:00

Another month has gone by...... Remember when Bass was much bigger than me?

Beating my drum

2007-06-07T11:40:00.000-04:00

More cute pictures......just playing with my drum from Uncle Josh!

Soooooo big!

2007-06-07T11:38:00.000-04:00

Mommy and Daddy say I'm, "Sooooo big!" in my high chair now. When they first started putting me in this thing my head was still way below the top of the wood and my feet stuck straight out. Now my head is well above the chair and my feet go down and TOUCH!

Just hanging out.....

2007-06-07T11:34:00.000-04:00

I just love being outside! I'm so glad we have a screened-in porch on our house. It lets me be "outside" while still having a roof over my head and staying cool. I can even come out here by myself and be contained!

Just another spring day......

2007-05-24T21:53:00.001-04:00

Aunt Jay-Jay

2007-05-24T21:37:00.000-04:00

These strange people came over and tried to introduce the word "Yankee" into my vocabulary. Although I won't be becoming a Yankee fan anytime soon, I love spending time with my friends and new neighbors!

Super Carter!

2007-05-24T21:35:00.000-04:00

Baby Belly.....

2007-05-24T21:31:00.000-04:00

Mommy's belly is growing every single day! There isn't room for me on her lap any more, which upsets both of us. We'll get to meet my baby sister on June 12th, if not before. Mommy thinks maybe she'll go earlier than that. Something about this baby rocking her world from the very beginning....

Anyway, even though my baby sister has invaded my Mommy's lap, I still love her and love to snuggle with her. Here I am poking her (though Mommy's belly button) and giving her a big hug. I can't wait to meet her!

Big Shoes to Fill

2007-05-24T21:30:00.001-04:00

These sure are big shoes to fill. I'll try my best!

My big smile

2007-05-24T21:28:00.001-04:00

No, I'm not mischevious at all!

Uncle Josh

2007-05-24T21:26:00.000-04:00

Now that Uncle Josh is home for the summer, he comes over all the time to play with me. I just love playing peek-a-boo!

Big Boy Room

2007-05-24T21:19:00.001-04:00

I am officially moved into my Big Boy Room. Here I am running in and grabbing my Blankie from my new bed for the very first time. Mommy worked really hard last weekend to transfer my baby sister's things into the nursery (which is still blue, by the way!) and take all of my boy stuff out. I started taking naps in my new bed first and before Mommy and Daddy knew it, I was ready to spend all night in my new bed! I did really well and Mommy and Daddy were so proud of me! I've been sleeping in there for almost a week now. All we need now is my sister to take over my old room!

My new car

2007-05-24T21:18:00.000-04:00

Let me do it, Daddy!

The Great Outdoors

2007-05-07T21:48:00.000-04:00

Here are lots of pictures of me playing outdoors. So far May has been full of nice days. Mommy thinks that's just because her birthday is in this month. Anyway, I have had a blast playing outside! I love picking up the rocks over by the hose at my house, running in the yard, going up and down the slide and I just love pushing (or riding in) anything with wheels!

Lazy weekends

2007-05-07T21:47:00.000-04:00

Lazy weekends with Daddy are the BEST!

Logan in so funny!

2007-05-07T21:44:00.000-04:00

Logan and his mommy came over last weekend. They brought me his old crib to sleep in for a little while until Mommy and Daddy think I'm ready for my "big boy" (toddler) bed. I had so much fun playing with him! He is so much older than me, he taught me some fun things like how to play chase all over the downstairs at my house and how to throw a ball. He loved spending time with me too. His mommy is always saying that he needs a little brother or sister. I disagree with her. He can just come over and hang out with me whenever he wants!

17 months old

2007-05-07T21:42:00.000-04:00

Here I am again. Another month, more pictures in the Big Chair!

Forest Park

2007-04-21T21:50:00.000-04:00

I got to go to this very cool place with things just my size today! Mommy, Daddy and I met Chloe and her Mommy and Daddy at the park. I had sooooo much fun! There were slides for me to go down (I've had lots of experience with those, so I was a pro), playhouses to play in, tables to sit in, bridges to cross, swings to swing in, steering wheels to turn, and bubbles to look through. All of that can really tire an almost 17 month old boy out! After we played for a long time, we took a really long walk down a path, over a bridge that crossed the highway and the river and then ate in downtown Noblesville. On the way back, the grownups got some ice cream, but they didn't share with Chloe and I. I am still a little upset about this now that I know how good that cold stuff can be. I was tuckered out when I got home and after a bath, went right to sleep. I just love a nice day with good friends!

Warm weather.......finally!

2007-04-21T21:47:00.000-04:00

"Uncle" Todd bought me this cool new bubble blower yesterday. It has finally been nice enough to get outside and enjoy the weather, so I made a point to put on my Boston hat when I played with this new toy outside on the back patio. "Uncle" Todd was mowing his yard, so I know he got a good look at it. He's a Yankee fan. He and Daddy are still friends though.

Peek-A-Boo!

2007-04-21T21:45:00.000-04:00

Wheeeeeere's Carter?!?!? Here I am!!!!!!

Easter Sunday

2007-04-21T21:40:00.000-04:00

Aren't I adorable in my Easter outfit? Mommy put me in and out of it all day long though. First I had it on for church, then she let me get comfy for my nap, then she put it back on me so I could get my Easter basket from the Easter Bunny, then she took me back out of it so I could eat and not get it messy, and finally she put me back in it to go over to my Grandma and Grandpa's house for dinner. Easter Sunday, April 8th, was also my very cool Uncle Josh's birthday, so we celebrated in style at Grammy and Grandpa's house with Grammy's homemade turkey and noodles and a whole turkey dinner. I really like these holidays and birthdays! Mommy even gave me my first taste of ice cream (they say Uncle Josh is weird and doesn't like cake so for his birthday he got an ice cream cake......). That stuff is great!

Easter Eggs!

2007-04-07T10:04:00.000-04:00

We're getting ready for the Easter Bunny. Mommy says he will come to visit me tomorrow. We had to get our eggs ready for him today though. I had lots of fun, but I don't understand why Mommy and Daddy wouldn't let me drink that bright pink, blue, and yellow stuff in the cup. Then they got the bright idea to decorate ME to look like an Easter egg. What do they think? Do my cheeks look like eggs or something?

Children's Museum on Good Friday = Bad Idea

2007-04-07T09:59:00.000-04:00

We still managed to have fun, but BOY, was it crowded yesterday! Mommy and Daddy thought they were being so good about not going on the Thursday before because that was the day the museum is open to the public, but they had no idea what Good Friday would have in store for us. The line for non-members to buy tickets went half way up the walkway to the parking garage and we had to park 3 parking lots away. That should have given us a clue right then. However, we still braved the elements and headed inside. We finally made it up to PlayScape where I still managed to have a good time. I am getting tall enough to really play with the water and sand, as you can see. We didn't stay long, but I sure had fun!

Snuggle time with Mommy

2007-04-07T09:56:00.000-04:00

Mommy and Daddy took their trip up to Chicago and they couldn't wait to get back home to see me. As soon as they got home, I started getting a little fussy. Mommy sure is quick, it only took her about 2 seconds to realize all of my fussiness was because of my new molar breaking through. It gave me some trouble there for a few days, but it's almost all the way through now. For those of you who are counting, that is my NINTH tooth. Daddy is so excited. I loved taking advantage of all this snuggle time though.

Spring time at the park

2007-04-07T09:53:00.000-04:00

I had so much fun at the park the other day. I'm wondering where that nice weather went. Mommy got me some new sandals and I LOVE to wear them inside, but she says it's been too cold to wear them outside recently. What happened to that nice weather we were just having? I can't wait to get outside and play at the park again and in my backyard!

16 months in the Big Chair

2007-04-07T09:51:00.000-04:00

I know you know the drill by now. Here I am at 16 months in my big chair. I think the chair is shrinking.....

Bubbles! Bubbles, bubbles, bubbles....

2007-04-07T09:49:00.000-04:00

These bubble machines are GREAT! Mommy and Daddy don't even have to keep blowing them for me, I can do it on my own and everyone is happy!

Another Carter? That can't be!

2007-04-07T09:48:00.000-04:00

We went to a Huskey dog show and you guessed it - there was a DOG named Carter! He was pretty cute though. I guess it goes without saying....

Can you see me?

2007-04-07T09:46:00.000-04:00

Playing in the drapes ensures a good time to be had by all!

It's in my blood......

2007-03-18T20:35:00.000-04:00

Music is in my blood. I get my harmonica skills from my Great Grandpa Hunter. In one of these pictures you can also see my new "big boy bed." It's on loan from Chloe, but Mommy and Daddy made it all nice and snuggly yesterday with new sheets and a blanket. I can climb up and down with no problem. Mommy says she's a little worried about this fact when I start sleeping in it! I'm not sleeping in it yet, but Mommy thinks she will have me start trying to take naps in it over Spring Break when she and Daddy are home all week with me. There they go again preparing for this "baby sister." I still don't know what all the fuss is about!

Another cute picture

2007-03-18T20:33:00.000-04:00

I just love cuddling up on my chair with Doggie. Lazy weekends are the best!

Is that a FLASK?

2007-03-18T20:30:00.000-04:00

Mommy was cleaning yesterday and she had to move this fun toy from a shelf to dust. I just thought I would investigate it and eventually stick it in my mouth (because that is where ALL things end up) but Mommy and Daddy thought it was hilarious. They said something about thanking our friend Sam for this wonderful gift from his wedding.....

Reading

2007-03-18T20:29:00.000-04:00

I really don't care WHAT I read...........I just love reading!

It's SPRING! ...........(almost)

2007-03-18T20:16:00.000-04:00

We had a few warm days here last week and I got to go OUTSIDE! I discovered so many new things! Mommy and Daddy tell me that these things aren't really new to me, that I experienced them last year, but I don't remember. I will just let them keep telling me that if it makes them feel better. When I first went outside on that first warm day, I still had to bundle up. Don't I look handsome in my Boston Red Sox had, Uncle Todd? There was still a little snow on the ground, but it quickly went away the next day. As the snow finally melted, that meant I could walk in that green stuff. Mommy and Daddy call it grass. I wasn't too sure about it, but when Mommy ran out into the middle of our backyard, I just had to follow her. Turns out she led me to my playset! Mommy says it isn't much of a playset now because all it really has on it that I can play with is a slide (although they promise me a swing is in my near future), but that is really all I care about. I LOVE that thing! I quickly figured it out. I climb up all the stairs (all by myself) and then back my way down the slide on my tummy. Mommy and Daddy thought I was a really big boy and was being so cautious . That was before I got REALLY daring on that thing and tried to jump off the top of the slide (don't worry, Daddy was there to catch me) and walk down the slide. Turns out it's fun no matter what I do on it. Even later in the week, my friend Chloe came over to play on it with me. We REALLY had fun together!

15 Months Old

2007-03-18T20:09:00.000-04:00

As has beccome tradition, here is my 15 month picture in the "big chair." Just to give you a little perspective, I also found a picture of me "back in the day." I was only 3 months old in that picture. I sure am bigger now! I was having so much fun with Daddy - don't I look like him in this picture?

Tickets on sale soon!

2007-02-24T20:25:00.000-05:00

I will be touring in the spring. I specialize in a unique sound that incorporates banging on the drums, my Daddy on the guitar, and the occasional dance break.

My thumb sure is good......

2007-02-24T20:19:00.000-05:00

I know this teddy bear isn't the cutest thing in the world, but you should feel him. MAN, is he soft!

Paint it this color!

2007-02-24T20:16:00.000-05:00

My parents brought home a bunch of paint samples the other day. Again, there they go talking about this little sister that I'm going to have. I'm not sure what a little sister is, but they have started introducing me to all kinds of colors I've never seen before. Take this for example. They tell me this is called pink.........

I'm Mommy's Boy......

2007-02-24T20:13:00.000-05:00

What's wrong with wanting a clean house? I just like to help fold laundry because it's so nice and warm when it comes out of the dryer!

Blizzard of 2007

2007-02-14T21:48:00.000-05:00

All I have heard about now for two days is the Blizzard of '07. Apparently that means that TONS of that white stuff fell from the sky, but I wouldn't know - I haven't been able to experience it first hand. I have been cooped up in this house for two days straight now because I haven't been feeling well. Mommy seems to think I'm on the mend now though, so she will have to keep you posted. I have been able to see the white stuff from the windows though. Our backyard looks like it has raised up about a foot (whatever that means). The white stuff is almost touching the bottom of the windows in the back of the house and Daddy had to dig out the driveway twice. You can see the piles of white stuff - they're huge! There is even a pile of white stuff as tall as our air conditioner. Ironically this is the first blizzard my mommy and daddy have been through too, so it has been a new experience for all of us.

Playing in the house

2007-02-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

Mommy and Daddy think it's funny how easily amused I am. Give me something as simple as a diaper box or bubbles and I'm content for hours!

Books!

2007-02-14T21:37:00.000-05:00

Books are the best thing! You bring one over to your mommy or daddy and they drop everything to read one to you. It works every time!

Do I have something on my face?

2007-02-14T21:16:00.000-05:00

Spaghetti, that's all I'm going to say.

Big chair

2007-02-04T09:13:00.000-05:00

Here is my 14th month picture in the BIG chair. I was having a fussy moment, so I had to have my pal, Doggie, with me. In other 14 month related news....my 7th tooth finally broke through! Maybe that is what I was fussing about. I have learned so many things and I'm always on the go. Here I am doing my "so big" trick. I love getting Mommy and Daddy to chase me around the house and love playing hide and seek with them. My favorite place to hide is on the side of the refrigerator. Then I peek out at them and they just laugh! I am getting more and more independent. I can't wait to show my little sister all of these cool things you can do when you are older!

My first snow

2007-02-04T09:09:00.000-05:00

Actually, Mommy and Daddy tell me that there were a few times last year when this white stuff appeared, but I wasn't old enough to get out and enjoy it then. Therefore; this is my first official snow! I had a lot of fun once I got used to it. Mommy and Daddy laughed at me when they were getting me ready because I had on so many layers and boots that were too big that I couldn't even walk! I learned quickly though. Then when they took me outside, my eyes got HUGE and I had to squint them at all the white stuff. Daddy took me sledding down the driveway though, and I LOVED that! I even made my first snow angel. I really want that white stuff to come back!

My new 'do

2007-02-04T09:06:00.000-05:00

That's right, I now have enough hair to get creative! Mommy and Daddy thought this hair do was pretty style'n. I just LOVE bath time!

Carter Bracken, 14 months

2007-01-20T21:14:00.000-05:00

"Doggie" - the next best thing

2007-01-15T21:55:00.000-05:00

Since I'm only allowed to have my blankie when I'm sleeping up in my bed, I've out-smarted Mommy and Daddy. Little did they know that this doggie is the next best thing. You should really try this sometime - hold on to its ears, drag it around and suck your thumb. There's nothing better!

Let me be in charge of the remote!

2007-01-15T21:53:00.000-05:00

There is nothing better than snuggling up with Daddy for a Colt's Playoff game. Now if only I could convince him to let me be the master of the remote ALL the time.......

Have you seen the size of this cat?

2007-01-15T21:50:00.000-05:00

He may be big, but he's lovable!

Rock'n out

2007-01-15T21:49:00.000-05:00

I'm such a rock star!

Help!

2007-01-15T21:46:00.000-05:00

I'm stuck in this house daily. They never let me go anywhere when Grammy is over to watch me. Something about her not having a carseat in her car or something. I don't think that should be any excuse. I tried to talk Grammy into taking me out the other day by grabbing my coat and waving bye-bye. She still didn't get the picture. I will have to try another tactic.

My engagement picture

2007-01-15T21:43:00.000-05:00

Chloe was over the other day. Everyone says this looks like it could be our engagement picture. I don't know - what do you think? The truth is she was just playing with something that I wanted to take a closer look at, so I put my hands on her shoulders to give me a little boost! I'm way too young to be thinking about engagement and all that stuff, there's alot out there for me to still see! Chloe, don't be disappointed, I'm still happy to call you my girlfriend, if you'll still have me.

Children's Museum, Take II

2007-01-15T21:38:00.000-05:00

Boy, I sure am glad we have a membership to the Children's Museum! We went back a few weeks ago and I found so many more things to get into that we missed the first time! Uncle Josh even joined us on this excursion....

Charlie and I

2007-01-15T20:46:00.000-05:00

Mommy and Daddy took me over to Charlie's house tonight. We had so much fun together! Since he's about 5 months older than I am, I had some catching up to do, but now I am walking and "talking" with the best of them. We had fun playing with all of his trains and making music together. I even rode around on his big Thomas train and convinced him to do all the work and push me around the house! Check out these pictures of us, I am getting smart and know a flash is coming, so I squint my eyes ahead of time.......

Is December over already?

2007-01-02T21:21:00.000-05:00

Wow! The month of December really DOES go by quickly! I have been so busy with Christmas, New Year's, and getting my new room set up that I haven't had a chance to post pictures in a whole month! Well, if you have been waiting for pictures, you're in luck. I found LOTS of pictures to post! This is just a collection of many pictures taken throughout the month of December.

I am such a big boy now and getting into everything. As you can see I have many teeth (6 for those of you that are counting) and crawling is really a thing of the past. I only do that when I am just way too tired to walk. I love walking all over the house though. Mommy and Daddy even had to expand my "baby jail" to give me more room to roam. The cats now have their very own "doggie" door (yes, doggie door - Daddy says Bass is too fat to fit through a kitty door so he had to install a doggie door) blocking me off from the laundry room and I get free reign of the family room and the kitchen. I love taking my "choo choos" and playing with them on the kitchen floor.

I am now officially 13 months old, but I will give you my stats from my 1 year check-up. I weighed in at 23 pounds and 3 ounces and measured 30 inches tall.

Reading is my very favorite thing to do right now. I have learned such a variety of words and really expanded my vocabulary through books. All I have to do is grab a book and crawl up in Mommy's, Daddy's, (or anyone else who is willing) lap and hand them a book. I snuggle in their lap and turn all the pages for them. All they have to do is read me the words! I'm starting to know some of the books by heart now though, before long I'll be reading to Mommy and Daddy!

Well, as you know I will be becoming a big brother this summer when my little baby brother or sister arrives (by the way, Mommy wanted me to let everyone know that the countdown is on - they should know if it's a brother or sister for me in about 4 weeks!). Anyway, because of that Mommy and expecially Daddy and Uncle Josh were busy this past weekend moving lots of furniture around. Uncle Josh was nice enough to let me borrow his old bunk beds and the rest of his furniture for a little while. Mommy (and again - expecially Daddy) did a great job on my new room. They painted it and now I can just use it as a playroom until it officially becomes my bedroom. Mommy still isn't sure when she wants that to happen though. Something about me being too little for such a big bed. I'm sure she will figure something out when the time comes though.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy these pictures of me. Some of them are random from the month of December and others are from Christmas, both from Christmas with my Grammy, Grandpa and Uncle Josh and again with my Christmas at Mamaw and Papaw's house. There is even a picture of my new room in there too! Mommy wanted me to tell everyone that there could be some more Christmas pictures posted in the near future though, she just let Grandpa take most of the pictures on Christmas Eve when we were over there and she doesn't have those pictures on her camera yet.

Happy New Year! I know it will be a great year for me!

Love,
Carter Bracken

Children's Museum

2006-12-08T12:58:00.000-05:00

We celebrated my birthday in style! Mommy and Daddy took the day off and we headed down to the Children's Museum. This was my first trip there and I had so much fun! I met Santa, slid down the slides, played in the water, played in some forts, watched lots of science experiments, climbed up in a tree with Daddy, went in a maze of mirrors and even went on a carousel ride! I sure was tuckered out at the end of our day, but I had a wonderful birthday. I can't wait to go back!

I'm one year old!

2006-12-08T12:52:00.000-05:00

That's right, folks! I've officially been alive for 365 days (plus a few since Mommy is slacking with my blog). Here is my one year old picture in the "big, comfy chair".

More First Birthday Pictures

2006-11-26T16:46:00.000-05:00

All tuckered out at the end of the night.....

Four generations of Swarts.........

First Birthday Party!

2006-11-26T14:39:00.000-05:00

Yes, my birthday party finally happened! Mommy had been talking about it for weeks! It was so much fun! I had so many people come over to wish me a happy birthday - lots of friends AND family! I sure am a lucky boy. Everyone crowded around me and sang the "Happy Birthday" song. I thought it was fun being the center of attention like that. When they were done, everyone clapped for me. Then Mommy put me in my highchair and there was this white, squishy thing! I wasn't sure what this thing on my highchair tray was, but I finally stuck a finger in the back of it. The white icing stuck to my fingers and I wasn't a fan of that, but under the icing I found cake. Because this was my first time having something sweet, I wasn't too sure about it. I tried a little piece, but I didn't devour it. There is still lots of my "smash" cake left over, so I even got to try a piece of it again today for lunch. I am still not a fan, but I'm sure it will grow on me. After cake I went in and played on the floor with my cousin Ethan and my girlfriend Chloe. Mommy and Daddy kept ripping the pretty paper off of big boxes. I'm sure whoever put that paper on the boxes will not appreciate that. I only helped tear the paper off of one box. Inside the boxes was tons of stuff for ME though! Everyone was so nice, they bought me gifts for this special day! Soon it was my bedtime, so Mommy and Daddy took me up to bed but when I got up in the morning, I had a whole room full of new toys! Thank you to everyone who came to my birthday party, it was so much fun!

My first haircut

2006-11-26T14:34:00.000-05:00

I sure am lucky that I have a Mamaw who can cut hair! She gave me my first haircut a few weeks ago. I needed it, my hair kept tickeling my ears!

I'm the big brother........

2006-11-12T13:54:00.000-05:00

Yes, you read the title to this post correctly - I am going to be a big brother! Mommy and Daddy said the cat is out of the bag and that it's alright for me to share this wonderful news with everyone! I like to think that I am already a big brother, but I guess this won't officially take place until sometime in June. Mommy has told me that there is a baby in her tummy and I even go up and lift up her shirt now to see. I can't see the baby yet though, so that confuses me. Anyway, Mommy says that her due date is June 21st and that is the same day that she and Daddy got married. We are all so excited and can't wait to meet my little brother or sister!

11 months old

2006-11-12T13:51:00.000-05:00

This picture is a little late. I'm almost one year old now! I still have about 2 1/2 weeks to go though. Mommy went shopping for my birthday party today - she is so silly! All I know is that she has promised me balloons and I LOVE balloons! Anyway, here I am in the big chair for my 11 month picture. Since I'm on the go all the time now, it was hard for Mommy and Daddy to get me to sit down for the picture, so this will have to do!

Yoda came to visit

2006-11-02T19:33:00.000-05:00

I finally understand Halloween (though I'm not too sure what all the hype was from Mommy and Daddy). It is a time to get all dressed up in funny looking outfits (with LOTS of layers of clothes underneath) and then go out and beg for candy. Mommy and Daddy made me do all the work of getting the treats, then they wouldn't even let me have any of them! I think they just wanted to have me so I could do their dirty work for them. Anyway, I guess Halloween was pretty cool. Everyone we ran into seemed to like my Yoda costume. I had alot of fun being out of my house when it was almost dark - that was a new thing for me! I couldn't quite grasp the idea of picking a treat out of people's bowls though, I was too busy just checking out my surroundings at every house. We visited some houses with pretty cool decorations.

Letting Mommy do all the work....

2006-11-02T19:30:00.000-05:00

Mommy and Daddy wanted to carve a pumpkin as a family. Once I saw how much work it was, I was off to the swing set!

More leaf pictures.......

2006-10-31T20:11:00.000-05:00

I told you my mommy was crazy!

Playing in the leaves.......

2006-10-31T20:07:00.000-05:00

I went over to Grammy and Grandpa's the other day to play in the leaves. Mommy couldn't pick just one picture to post on my blog, so the following is all her doing........

My new wagon

2006-10-26T21:20:00.000-04:00

Mommy and Daddy got me this great new wagon for my first birthday! Now I know my birthday actually isn't for another month. Tell my parents that! Daddy really wanted me to have my wagon for Halloween. There they go with the whole "Halloween" thing again. What IS this special day that they speak of? Anyway, I just love my wagon! It is so much fun to sit up like a big boy and see the world. My winter coat, on the other hand, I was not so sure of. I couldn't move in that thing!

Man on the move

2006-10-26T21:15:00.000-04:00

Look at me go!

Stand'n tall ......and wet!

2006-10-26T21:14:00.000-04:00

I have been standing on my own for a little while now, but Mommy and Daddy never seemed to have the camera ready at the right moment. Here they finally caught me in action. Yeah, I might be a little wet in the bib area, but I'm blaming that on my first top tooth which FINALLY broke through today!

Uncle Josh was in town

2006-10-25T21:12:00.000-04:00

That's right, he couldn't stay away from me for too long. Uncle Josh was here this past weekend and I got in a whole afternoon of play time with him. I THOUGHT he was behind this whole "fingers underneath the cabinet door" thing. This picture proves it!

Soooooo tall!

2006-10-25T21:06:00.000-04:00

I love playing on Mommy and Daddy's shoulders! I am so tall! Mommy has this weird, long, brown stuff coming out of her head. I'm not too sure what it is, but it sure is fun to play with and pull. Sometimes it gets wrapped around my fingers and Mommy makes a funny sound. It gets my attention when she yelps, so I think I'll keep grabbing it!

Baby playland

2006-10-25T20:59:00.000-04:00

I went down and visited another baby a few weeks ago - Emma. She is only a couple weeks older than me and I guess my Mommy has been checking out her website through Aunt Corinne's site. They are friends. That is too confusing for me to think about though. Anyway, Mommy, Daddy, and I went down to Emma's Family Festival and they had a baby playland. I had never seen anything like it. It was all the fun stuff I'm used to playing with inside, but it was OUTSIDE! I had a blast playing with all of her toys, it was nice of Emma to share.

Check out this mohawk!

2006-10-25T20:57:00.000-04:00

Am I style'n or what? I am just excited to have enough hair that it shows up in the picture. What? I have something on my chin. Hold on. Did I get it?

Hide and Seek

2006-10-25T20:53:00.000-04:00

Can you find me?

Another pumpkin patch?

2006-10-07T20:37:00.000-04:00

Seriously, how many pumpkins do Mommy and Daddy think I need? We went to Stony Creek Farm today. It was really cool because Uncle Josh came with us. I liked smacking him in the face with my hat. He was carrying me and I would turn really fast to see something else and I'd smack him in the face with the bill of my hat! He laughed about it though. We had fun listening to the drummers, seeing the ducks in the pond, seeing all the farm animals (I personally liked the bunnies though), swinging on the swings, and of course the hay ride back to the pumpkins.

Pumpkin Patch

2006-10-01T17:21:00.000-04:00

Pumpkin Patch

2006-10-01T17:16:00.000-04:00

We went to the Pumpkin Patch at Russel Farms today with Charlie and his parents. I had a blast! Here are some pictures from it. I met all kinds of animals, took a hay ride, picked out a pumpkin, and went through a corn maze! This will be my first Halloween. Mommy and Daddy have been talking about it for months now. They love this "Halloween." Personally I have no idea what they are talking about. They have decided I will be "Yoda." What does that mean, are they changing my name from Carter Bracken to Yoda? It just doesn't have the same ring to it!!!!

Enjoying the weather

2006-10-01T16:49:00.000-04:00

Here I am in the grass just before a walk. It was such a beautiful evening. At least that's what Mommy kept saying. Doesn't that sound like something a girl would say?

Charlie and Chloe were right!

2006-10-01T16:46:00.000-04:00

This thing is so much more fun to be under than in! I love climbing under my exersaucer and making a fort. Throwing things in and watching them roll around on the bottom of it is fun too!

I'm 10 months old!

2006-10-01T16:39:00.000-04:00

Yes, I have left the single digit months for good. I was 10 months old on Saturday, September 30th. What all have I done this month? I have perfected my crawling. I'm a real speed demon now and can chase Mommy and Daddy around the house and crawl just as fast as they do. I can also climb over things with ease. I love to climb up things - look out cats! You are no longer safe on the couch! I have been letting go more and more often when I'm standing and holding onto something. Last week I stood in the middle of the room all by myself and I even took 2 steps. Those haven't happened again since that one time, we will have to see if it is a fluke or if I'm getting ready to actually stand and walk. I'll keep you posted!

Here, Daddy

2006-10-01T16:37:00.000-04:00

Daddy, would you like to try one of my Cheerios? Mommy always gives me these weird things after I'm done eating. I've already learned a valuable lesson in life - it's best to share!

Another Mommy Pic

2006-10-01T16:34:00.000-04:00

Mommy captured me again!

Ready for work!

2006-10-01T16:30:00.000-04:00

Look out everyone, I'm ready to join the working world!

Atlanta Earth Festival

2006-10-01T16:26:00.000-04:00

I saw my first train last weekend when Mommy and Daddy took me to the Atlanta Earth Festival. Boy, are there some crazy people up there! There were lots of people pushing around carts. Can you believe it - people actually needing carts to shop at a festival! Here is a question for all of you - what are diabetic socks? That's right, there was more than one booth selling those. Mommy and Daddy were even puzzled and I thought they were the smartest people in the world! I won't even get into the kissing booth with the two girls smearing lipstick all over their face.....

Retro Rocket Take II

2006-10-01T16:21:00.000-04:00

I am now RIDING my Retro Rocket - what fun!

Nadden-Nadden

2006-10-01T16:17:00.000-04:00

This toy was my Daddy's when he was little. You might wonder about the title to this post.....you will have to ask Daddy about that one!

Mommy and Me

2006-09-20T21:41:00.000-04:00

Mommy and I were outside the other day, but there is just SO much to look at out there! I didn't look right at the camera, which I think frustrated Daddy, but he'll get over it.

Just hanging out

2006-09-20T21:37:00.000-04:00

Mommy and Daddy call me "little man" all the time. These speak for themselves.......

Aunt Corinne and Chloe

2006-09-20T21:31:00.000-04:00

Here I am last week hanging out with the C's (Aunt Corinne and Chloe). I had so much fun with them! They came over to my house to play, which is unusual because most of Mommy and Daddy's friends can't come over here because of my 3 furry brothers. I loved having Chloe over here to share my toys. We had a good time and I think Aunt Corinne is funny. She kept making faces at me and silly sounds!

You are my Everest!

2006-09-20T21:24:00.000-04:00

This Boppy is so much fun to climb on! Look at this determination though...... I could climb around on this thing all day! I have since graduated to bigger and better things though. One of my favorites is climbing over Mommy or Daddy when they're playing on the floor with me. Even better is when I climb on top of them and stay there and plant myself on their backs. It is then that I have successfully tackled "Mt. Mommy" or "Mt. Daddy."

Mommy thinks I look like my cousin, Hunter, in the top picture.......

Bee Bo?

2006-09-20T21:19:00.000-04:00

Mommy and Daddy have this silly book that they read to me: The Belly Button Book. These silly hippos call their belly buttons "Bee bos" and when Mommy and Daddy read it to me they use this silly, low voice to say the words "bee bo." My tummy is so chunky that I was having trouble finding my "bee bo" on this particular day......