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.

Carter is 11 months old!

Carter turned 11 months old on August 19th!  I measured and weighed Carter at home since he doesn't have to go to the pediatrician until next month.  Carter weighed in at 23 pounds and measured 29 inches long.  I looked at Carter this week and realized he is no longer a baby, but on the verge of becoming a toddler.  I cannot believe how much Carter has changed in his looks.

Carter stands and pushes things now to get from point A to point B.  No more crawling unless he needs to get somewhere ASAP. Carter will even take 2-3 steps on his own!  Carter enjoys rough housing with Nolan and Daddy, but he is still a mama's boy and loves a good snuggle at night.

Carter is very attentive when a book is being read to him, and loves turning the pages.  Carter is also babbling a lot and saying more words, "mama", "dada", "papa", "nana", "baba", but it still working on Nolan.  ACTIVE is a great adjective to describe Carter, he is on the move 24-7.  You better not leave the gate open on the steps because he will be up the stairs in the blink of an eye.

I love my silly beautiful baby boy! Happy 11 months Carter Lynn.