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:)

This One's for...

...all you who have begged, demanded, and sobbed for three days. You know who you are (E40).

You want them...

...you got them.

Granna Carter Here for a Visit

Alan's mom is here this weekend to visit her grandson and us (we haven't seen our Dallas family for over a year). Oak is moving into a more fussy stage...so Granna is trying to hold him and soothe him as much as possible. Oak definitely loves to be held by his grandparents as much as possible...they have a special touch, a calming voice...probably because they have been parents for so long. We have been enjoying time as a family, the beautiful weather, and the daily fun changes in little Oak. Here are some pictures of this weekend so far....enjoy...

2 weeks and 2 days old...

Well, this week Oak went for his first walks in the park in the front carrier (see picture above...he was quite hot and tired when we got done), went to the beach, played a lot on his mat (he is starting to respond to music and different patterned objects), and began to eat quite a bit more. At his check-up today he had gained 1 pound and 3 ounces since his last visit 9 days ago. He is up to almost 9 pounds. He has also been quite a bit more alert, and therefore a bit more fussy. Mom and dad are getting adjusted...not yet on a chedule, since Oak will probably not be on one for awhile...but definitely enjoying our little boy, his cute smile, peaceful face when he sleeps and his wonderful cuddles. We do need to get some pictures of dad with Oak, though...he seems to always snap them of me before I can get ahold of the camera:)

We hope all of you are enjoying life wherever you may be...awaiting your first little girl to be born, celebrating 9 months with your little boy, teaching kids of all ages, working hard day and night...but hopefully enjoying each minute of life!