Happy First Birthday Carter Lynn!!

On September 19th at 10:48am, Carter turned ONE year old!  My baby boy has grown so much and is a walking toddler now.  Carter is a bundle of happiness and energy!  Looking back on these pictures, I cannot believe how much Carter has changed in his looks.  He has a little bit more hair now and his eyes are a more vibrant blue.

Carter Lynn

Born 9-19-2012

7lbs 10oz and 20in 

10lbs 14.5oz and 22in

Carter rolled from his belly to his back during tummy time.  For his 1st Halloween, Carter went dressed as Dronkey to go alongside big brother, Shrek.

12lbs 10oz and 23in

Carter started to coo and smile!

15lbs and 24.5in

Carter started to hold his head up and sit in the Bumbo, as well as let out his first laugh!  Carter met Santa and celebrated his first Christmas!

 

16lbs 14oz and 25 3/4 in

Carter had his two bottom teeth come in.

16 and a 1/2lbs and 26.5in

Carter began to blow raspberries and he started to sleep in his big boy crib.  Happy First Valentine's Day!

18lbs 11oz and 27in

Carter started to sit up by himself and tasted some baby food.  Happy First St. Patty's Day!

19lbs 6oz and 27in

Carter had FOUR top teeth erupt and he began to do push ups.  Happy 1st Easter!

20lbs and 27.5in

Carter said his first word, "ba ba" and was given his first haircut by Nana! We took a trip to the Magic House too.

21lbs 4 oz and 28in

Carter began standing while holding onto something and started eating finger foods.  He also started to "frogger" and took swimming lessons.

21lbs and 29in

Carter began officially crawling, even up the stairs, and walked like a pro in his walker.

23lbs and 29in

Carter took some steps on his own and says at least 5 words!

22lbs 11.5oz and 29.5in

Carter walks everywhere and is very expressive with his noises and gestures.  Carter loves to have books read to him and enjoys playing with his big brother.

Carter Lynn, 

What an amazing adventure this first year has been.  You've been a mama's boy through and through and I absolutely cherish this.  I hope in the years to come you continue being my baby boy.  The excitement and love you contain is contagious and you have a way of making the entire family smile with one little grin.  I know you are going to be a great person and I will continue loving and adoring you for the rest of my life.

I love you,

Mommy

Carter's 1st Birthday Party!

On Sunday, our family and good friends helped Carter celebrate his first birthday!  Wow! Carter's first birthday party could not have gone any better.  The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and Carter was in a fantastic mood (as usual).

I was inspired by Etsy and Pinterest with the bright colors because Carter has such a bright personality.  It's a good thing primary colors are easy to get ahold of because I had no problem finding decorations for Carter's party.  I found a local baker and had her make Carter's cake and smash cake.  Man did she deliver!!  The cake was absolutely FANTASTIC!  Everyone at the party was amazed at how delicious the cake was.  Carter wasn't as impressed with his smash cake though.  I don't think Carter liked the feeling of the icing on his hands.

A huge thanks to Michelle and Uncle Joe for helping get the house ready to be party central!

We had a bounce house for the younger kids to play on while Bill grilled out and Nana made her famous taco salad as well as baked beans and texas potatoes!  Nana and Bill took care of all of the food, so I could mingle with people and take care of Carter.  Another huge thanks to Nana and Carol for helping with the food.  As well as Grandma Donna for bringing all the drinks.  Carter truly is a loved little boy.

After everyone was full of yummy food, we all sang "Happy Birthday" to Carter.  I tried to make Carter wear his adorable hat I had made for him, but of course he wanted nothing to do with it.  He would give me a huge grin because he knew I was trying to put his hat on him, but of course he wouldn't allow it.  Oh well, I will save it in his keepsake book.  Carter is such a little ham.  

Carter wasn't too impressed with the singing or the cake, but at least he didn't cry.  He kind of slapped the cake and was done.  I haven't really allowed Carter to have any sweets, so I think the flavor of the icing may have been a little overwhelming for him.

Finally it was time to open presents!!  Carter enjoyed watching the presents being opened and liked playing with the interactive toys.  The present he plays with the most is a little car that sings and makes noise.  Carter is into bobbing up and down to the music and thinks it is super cool!

I was able to have Carter's picture taken with most of the guests who came, but a couple slipped out before I was able to take a picture of them with Carter.  

Great Uncle Clay, Chelsea, and Dylan

James, Carol, and Aunt KK

Michelle and Uncle Joe

Aunt KK, James, Uncle Jaron, Ciara, Papa, Nana, and Nolan

Grandma Donna

Scott, Emmett, and Liz

Brittany, Becky, Ethan, and Dean

Boppy, Bekah, and Memaw

Great Uncle Joe and Aunt Lori

Gigi and Grandpa Tub

 Family picture

Carter ended the day with a huge birthday boy cuddle in mommy's arms!  What an amazing first year it has been with Carter.  He is the perfect addition to our family.  We love you so much Carter Lynn!

A huge thanks to everyone who attended Carter's party and showered him with love and happiness!!

Standing and Taking Steps

Carter started standing on his own at the beginning of August and taking a few steps around the middle of August.  On September 5th, Carter pulled himself up on our trash can and walked 5 steps all by himself!!  Then on September 9th, Carter went from the sitting position to the standing position all by himself without holding onto anything!  My little man is going to be running too soon!

Last weekend, Bill and Nolan worked with Carter on his walking skills.  Nolan got a kick out of watching and helping Carter walk.  Nolan loves being a big brother and showing Carter how things work.  The boys played really hard and needed a Cheerio break at the end of our training session! :)

Here's a video of Carter in action:

Fun with Cousins

On Saturday the Purcell family ventured back home for Aunt Natalie's birthday party!  The weather was absolutely beautiful and everyone had a great time visiting.  A few family members met Carter for the first time.  Nolan had a blast playing with all the kids his age and Carter enjoyed the freedom to roam.

The kiddos came up with a fun game to jump from the steps onto the blanket.  I think I may have a long jumper following in my footsteps!  Nolan sure does have good form. 

Carter took a nice leisurely walk with Bill along the golf path.

Pictures of the cousins.  The Young genes sure are strong, with the blue eyes blonde hair.  Nolan and Owen stuck out like sore thumbs with their brown eyes and brown hair.

A picture of some of the family, but not everyone could make it.