Holiday projects...

It seems that Oak and I have had a lot of projects to get done lately...Christmas shopping, wrapping, packaging up things to be sent to family and friends...today we decided to work on baking some cookies and making his footprint/handprint ornaments. We decided we should wear something festive to put us in the mood. Of course, the inexperienced mommy/artsy person that I am, we tried to bake and do the footprint at the same time...not necessarily a good idea...cookie dough and plaster were on everything. But, in the end we had so much fun...and wore each other out...Oak is sound asleep right now for his afternoon nap! We hope you are enjoying your Christmas season as much as we are!

Changing Every Day

For those of you who are begging to see new pictures of Oak...there hasn't been any exciting, big events in the last two weeks to take pictures of. But for us, as Oak's parents, we get so googoo gaagaa over his daily changes... Within the last few weeks, he has begun to laugh out loud with various mouth noises or funny faces we make, loves to stand up or sit up all of the time (this has been going on forever, but now he won't be awake any other way), grabs and holds on tightly to anything and everything including other babies hands, and gives hugs and slobbery kisses. I wish I could catch all of the changes on video, but it seems the camera is never on hand at the right moment and then the moment is gone...you know what I mean. So, here are two videos of Oak recently (not necessarily his best moments, but still cute:), and although Alan says I sound hilarious in the second one, I really don't mind making a fool of myself with baby talk and noises if it makes my little boy light up. His smile brightens my world every day! Thanks for enjoying Oak's journey...

Winter Wonderland...

Alan and I are like kids in a candy store...We thought that the snow flurries we had over Thanksgiving was all we would see until after Christmas and then...
Thursday night we had the first big snow storm of the season and we awoke Friday morning to a winter wonderland...about 4-5 inches of snow, school cancellations and hot chocolate brewing. Winter hit with a furry...we have had snow, freezing rain, and cancellations every day since then. It has been so long since we have experienced this type of winter...we are loving it! Oak is in wonder, too, as he looks around at the bright white snow with the sun reflecting and feels the cold on his face. Of course, the first thing I wanted to do on Friday was take him sledding, but everyone seemed to think I was crazy and that he is too little still...we'll see...
On Saturday, my parents held their annual Christmas tree party for their clients. So, Alan and my brother trudged around in the snow and 10 degree weather helping people cut down their Christmas trees, while mom, dad, Oak, and I talked with people and stayed warm by the heater. We also cut down our first Christmas tree as a family and spent yesterday decorating for Christmas.
Alan and I love this time of year...It is the season in which we celebrate the greatest gift, God's son. Everything about the Christmas season reminds us of how thankful we are for that gift. We love to start playing our Christmas music, decorate, and snuggle up with hot chocolate by the lights of the Christmas tree. This year seems extra special since we now have Oak as part of our family to celebrate with. He is one gift that we are so thankful for this year. We marvel as we snuggle together with him in his snowman PJ's, in the dark, by the Christmas tree, with snow glistening outside the window and watch his eyes light up with all of the colors, lights, and sounds of Christmas...oh the wonder...
We hope the beginning of your Christmas season brings peace, joy, and wonder to you...

Our little "Turkey" LIVE

Granna Carter playing with Oak

First Snow with Daddy

Thanksgiving Week

My Pa Pa and Granna Carter visited us last week over the Thanksgiving holiday. It was a week filled with lots of fun...and first times...like:

1)Meeting Pa Pa Carter

2)Going swimming

3)Feeling snow on my face and hands

4)Cheering on the Packers while my dad, uncle Tim, Grandpa Anders, and Pa Pa Carter went to the game

4)Celebrating Thanksgiving with my family

My Granna Carter played with me all week, singing in my ear, reading me stories, and teaching me to grab and hold on to my toys. It was such a great week to play with my family...I am so thankful for them...

Hanging with the Fam...

Playing in Dad's hair...I've got a strong grip!Hanging with Grandma Nonna...got my blue eyes from her:)
Showing off my bare bottom during naked time before my bath...Dad says I have a "no-butt" bottom...But, mom says its cute!
It doesn't show here, but I have begun to do a lot of new things, like suck my thumb, grab rattles and rings (actually I will grab and hold on to anything:), smile at everyone that passes by, giggle repeatedly, but only if you are funny enough, and make lots of loud noises. I just wish everyone understood what I am trying to tell them!!
P.S. Thanks cousin Noah for lending me this shirt...it fits great!!

Cold Days Have Arrived...

We think our first snow may be coming soon, since the temps have dropped into the 30's. Alan, Oak and I are eagerly awaiting the snow...it will be so much fun to play in, and it has been a long time since Alan and I have been in a snowy climate. In the mean time, while it is gusting winds outside and a little too cold to play outside (we are still trying to bundle up and get out for a little walk each day, above:), we are enjoying playtime inside (as much playing as a 2 1/2 month old can do... at least I like to think he enjoys all the toys and wrestling I do with him:). Oak has finally figured out how to control his hands and suck his thumb...and he is sleeping long periods at night...about 8-9 hours at a time. Such a big boy, now!

Trick or Treat, We Brought Something Good To Eat

It was a rainy, cold day this year for Halloween. So, instead of playing outside I helped mom bake pumpkin bread and then I delivered it to our family around town with mom and dad. I was so exhausted after my trip, that I fell asleep at 5:30 pm and didn't get up to give candy out to the trick-or-treaters. Hopefully next year I can enjoy some of the candy myself:)

Daily Life....

Getting ready for bed in my BIG BOY pajamas
Going for a walk with mommy-do you like my Froggy Hat?
Playing with daddy after work...I like to stand up on his lap and show what a big boy I am
Hanging with dad after a nice beach hike on a cool, fall Sunday

Dyer Family Came for a Visit

Our good friends from Dallas, the Dyers, came for a visit last weekend. We had a great time getting to meet their little girl Bella, for the first time, and play with her and Oak. It is amazing the difference in a 9-month old and a 2-month old. Oak just kind of sits around, with an occasional smile and drool (although he looks very serious in his picture above:)...Bella loves to crawl around, play with all the toys, play hide and seek....she is lots of fun. She is a precious little girl, who loves to smile and be friendly with everyone. We also enjoyed catching up with Todd and Cat...it had been too long since we had seen them! We laughed at the changes in our lives since the Dallas days...now that we both have kids! Thanks for visiting, Todd, Cat, and Bella...we love you!

Mommy's Birthday Week

(Pictures are out of order, sorry:)

I didn't know that when I was born into this family that we celebrate birthday WEEKS...I guess it is a bit of a tradition that my mommy and daddy started years ago and we give little gifts each day for the week surrounding the person's birthday. I can't wait for my FIRST BIRTHDAY WEEK next year!

So, last week was mommy's 29th Birthday Week. One morning I woke up with this cute, smiling face and gave her this card...pretty cute, huh?

Then, we went to a log cabin lodge on a lake for the weekend. We hiked in the fall leaves, played horseshoes, had a hot-tub bath together, went to a pumpkin patch/petting zoo, drove down the lakeshore, and then came home to a yummy, home-cooked birthday dinner with the rest of the family. It was such a fun weekend with my mommy and daddy. Happy 29th Birthday, Mommy!

A variety...

Don't I look just like my dad in this picture??
Ready to go out for a Friday night date, but with a boy?? Hanging out with my buddy, Asa...he isn't too interested in chatting:)
Morning lounge time in my PJ's
All bundled up to go for a walk with mom on a cold Monday morning
Some dailies from the past few weeks...

Oak is Alive and Moving-#1

I finally figured out how to upload video to the blog (thanks, Erin:) I hope you enjoy these three little clips of Oak over the past few weeks...if you haven't seen him in person, maybe this will make him seem closer to you and more real.

1) Early morning play time with music, he likes to box with his arms (I can't get this one to load....sorry:)
2) Staring at his "starry", a smiling, lighted star, and moving his legs and arms as much as possible
3) Trying to sit up in his "bumbo" chair...his neck is still a bit wobbly, but he is geting stronger every day

#2

#3

One of THOSE moms...

I was always afraid of becoming one of THOSE moms who takes thousands of pictures of their child in every pose and position and thinks that their child is the cutest thing on the planet. But, I guess I have started doing that...as Oak changes on a daily basis, I can't help but laugh at him, smile, and just purely enjoy all of his quirks and antics. I marvel at God's creation of a little human being and how precious he is to Alan and I. SO, I guess if becoming one of THOSE moms means you really love your child, then I am proud to be one of them!

HI Everyone...

I have become so much more social in the last 2 weeks. I love to smile and giggle when anyone smiles or makes a funny face at me...I love to kick my legs and swing my arms to music and lights...and I am trying very hard to hold my head up when I sit upright. My family sure seems to love me a lot, too...they are constantly laughing at me, kissing me, singing to me, and playing with me. As a family, we are really enjoying the change of seasons in Michigan. The trees have begun to change color, and the cool fall temperatures have set in. In my pictures above, I am sitting with Nonna (see how strong my neck is?), entranced by Pops (he has the best voice that I love to listen to), crying and cranky waking up from my nap (just like my dad), and enjoying some after-bath before bedtime snuggles with dad (I like his furry chest). Also, there is one picture of the changing colors along one of the walking paths that I take with mommy.

I hope you are enjoying your October wherever you may be!

Hugs and Kisses,

Oak

One month old and ALL SMILES...

Yesterday, Oak turned one month old. What a great time we are having so far with our son-his daily changes are such a joy to us. Last night we were snuggling with him before bed and caught these pictures. In the past week, he has started to smile and giggle a lot more often...some say it is gas...we never know...but it really doesn't matter, because he is so cute when he smiles. He loves to smile when he recognizes someone's voice or we sing a silly song. So, I thought I would share some new smiley pictures of Oak-he is our precious one:)

Over the small hill...and still lookin' great...

Alan's 30th birthday...what a day! While most of you know, it has been a major time of change and transition in our lives over the past few months...I think this is one of the best birthdays Alan has had in awhile. He seemed so at peace and joyful all day. We spent most of the day together as a family...outdoors in the morning, walking the land of a potential camp, afternoon was daddy and son time together, playing, reading, talking...and evening, we went to dinner together while Nonna and Pops watched Oak (he cried most of the time, oops:) and then came home to a surprise cake and ice cream party with friends and family.

Life has its changes...it challenges...its up and downs...but, God is good...He has blessed us so richly and abundantly. We are so thankful for all that He has given in family, friends, food, shelter, clothing...and in the miracles of each day. I am so thankful for the life of my husband...30 years of being an amazing man, friend, and spouse...he has truly lived a life controlled by the Father and made every effort to serve him with his every breath. I love him so much! Happy Birthday, honey...you are the best!

Day in and Day out...

So, I didn't know Alan had posted pictures 2 days ago...and it seems he picks the ones that I don't think are the cutest, where Oak's nose is face up, front and center in the picture...he definitely has the Carter/Anders snoz:) But, then again, poor Alan gets blamed for doing everything wrong these days. So, I thought I would put on some other, in my opinion, cuter, pictures of our day to day happenings lately.

1)) Waking up with mom and eating-great hair mom; 2) Watching football with dad-I am so excited that Michigan is winning, that I can't keep my eyes open; 3) Belly time on my play mat-I'm really starting to like my musical, light-up star; 4) Bath time before bed-clean and ready to go to sleep

Grandma Nonna has some really great pictures, too...we just need to get them from her camera...so, more cute Oak candids are to come...Thanks to all the supporters, encouragers, prayers...we are loving parenthood:)