at two and a half

carter brian,

you've had quite a big last three months!  during that short period of time, you've gone through a pretty big transition; you are a BIG BROTHER now!  

the place for you in mommy's heart is even bigger than she thought it was!  you are such a sweet boy and a joy to all who know you.  we are so so SO lucky to call you our son.

at two and a half, you...

....pretend everything is a guitar.  you have a "shovel guitar", a "rake guitar", a "fishing pole guitar", a "broom guitar"...and now, thanks to Ms. Sylvia (our housecleaner, who you ABSOLUTELY adore) a "real guitar"!

...watch Jason Mraz (and Thailand's Got Talent) on youtube

...(mostly) know your colors (sometimes you get green, blue and purple mixed up) and shapes

...sing your ABCs while playing any guitar you can find

...were a bit unsure of Natalie at first, but you kissed your little sister for the first time on her 6week birthday

...shower with mommy, daddy and a pretend guitar every night and sing Farmer in the Dell, Old McDonald and 5 Little Monkeys

...prefer juice and water at dinner time, just like mommy

...have a stuffed bear that you put in Natalie's swing or bouncer (with the vibrations on)

..."read" books to Natalie when she's awake

...like to have picnic lunches at your picnic table

...are really into the Curious George books these days

...have some new favorite toys courtesy of your baby sister, including "The City" (mega bloks), bristle blocks, an excavator and bulldozer, and construction play doh set.

...are doing better feeding yourself using utensils, IF it's a preferred food

...have been known to steal cookies from the pantry

...ditched your stride rites for Toms

...say, "carter's a man" thanks to your big man on campus pajamas

...have hazel eyes

...are thrilled it's scarecrow season again

...have rest time in your crib midday more often than naptime

...wear a "night gown" as you call it (thanks to the "my n book") for nap and night, since you've been known to take your sleep underwear off!

...speak clearer all time!  you tell us stories and have an incredible memory!

...are a bit scared of going poop in the potty, but have mastered going pee in the potty!  you've gone weeks without an accident.

...tell mommy to "walk away" when she goes in the bathroom with you

 ...got your second year book a few days after we were home from the hospital.  you LOVED us "reading" it to you!

 

________________________

more favorites!

{at daddy's 20 year high school reunion}

____________________

how we celebrated your big 2.5 birthday

you had a gift when you woke up.

it was a new "city".  your gift was supposed to be a real guitar, but when Sylvia came on Wednesday and said she had a surprise for you (her daughter's first guitar), we couldn't tell her no! Even though the guitar we bought you had arrived a day earlier and mommy was so excited about it.

 later you and mommy made cupcakes, but you weren't able to have one at lunch because you threw your milk on the floor on purpose.

you DID earn a cupcake at dinner, finally!  why no candles, you wonder.  because daddy said that we need not confuse you with birthdays and half birthdays.