16 months

This has been a monumental month for Carter! We have been busy trying to keep track of all the new things little buddy did this month...it has been so much fun...but hard because he is doing new things all the time! And I am absolutely loving this age :) A few days after he turned 15 months old he took his first few steps!! I was so surpirsed at my reaction to it, I guess I have been waiting so when he did it, it totally threw me off, and yes I got a little teary-eyed. We were playing with friends and he took two steps towards his little friend and the toy he was playing with. Later that night he took about five steps so we could get it on video...but then of course wasn't interested in walking for a few more weeks. At Christmas he was still only taking a step here or there, by New Years he was going from point A to point B and about a week ago he began walking all over the house...and its been that way since.

The same week he took his first steps he said "Mama" for the first time and for real...as in he knew it was mama he was talking to and wanted :) It made my heart melt and still does everytime I walk into his room and he takes his paci out of his mouth just to say Mama. He has also learned to say Pop Pop, but it sounds like Pa Pa. He learned the "b" sound and was saying everything with a b for a few days. Over New Years he learned the word "football" bc he got a football for Christmas, and now his favorite thing to say is "ball"....with a country draw, imagine that. Other words he knows are socks (and he loves to try to put his socks and shoes on) and cracker. He is "talking" all the time, and making all sorts of noises...but of course we have no idea what he is saying :)

It is crazy to me how much they understand at this age and although may not be able to communicate with words, they can communicate. I love it. Carters favorite things this past month are his new play cell phone, balls, cars and trucks and dancing. He also loves to wrestling with daddy and snuggling with mommy watching cartoons.

New Years Resolution

Im going to keep this one simple. I've been wanting to write this for a week or so now, but just getting around to it. After thinking, praying and asking the Lord what this year has in store..He has spoken to me and confirmed to me my "New Year's Resolution".

Make People a Priority

Sound simple? Yes. But in the days of busyness, distractions, material things, agendas and responsibilies sometimes people get shifted to the side. My family and my friends will be a priority. I will not let "life" get in the way of the relationships I have. With God's help I am getting my life whole and in balance so then I can do the same with my relationships. I am learning to slow down and minimize distractions. It won't be easy but it is my desire, and I believe it is God's desire for me. I am excited to see what God will do when I take this time to invest.

"Make people a priority in life, not functions, responsibilities or practical things. The only thing that last forever is people. Take time to invest and communicate. Love Him by laying down distractions and communicating with people." (taken from a message I listening to online last week)

15 months

15 month check up stats

21 lbs 8 oz

31 in

my little one is turning into such a big boy! this past month it has amazed me how quickly carter has learned things and picked up on things and how much he understands. carter got his other top front tooth at the beginning of the month and since then he has had many firsts. he has started biting (ah!), he has had his first ear infection, but he has also had his first real thanksgiving dinner and his first trip to Disney World! we had a blast taking him to Disney and he loved all the things to look at, the music, the lights...and he did so good! he loves to dance and clap, when he hears music he turns his little waist and sways his head. he says uh oh all the time, especially when he drops his paci or loses a shoe. he is also doing great communicating with sign language and can sign besides "more", he can now do "please" and "all done". but his biggest accomplishment was right before thanksgiving when he started standing by himself! he will stand, balance himself and then clap for himself and sit down. such a little ham. we're looking forward to even more fun in the coming months.

I Surrender All

About two weeks ago, friends of ours at church lost their 21 month old son. He fell down the stairs and had a brain injury. The Drs tried to perform surgery, but he would not stop bleeding and they tried everything. Through a weekend of emotions, tears, and prayers his parents and family dealt with the fact that they were going to lose their little boy. They said their goodbyes, and two days after his fall he went to be with Jesus.

I won't write all the feelings, emotions, thoughts, questions I have had this last couple of weeks. All the things this family went through. But I will say that I am amazed at the strength the Lord gave this mother and father. The strength God knew they needed to make it through the first week without the love of their life. A week ago we celebrated the brief but bold and beautiful life of this sweet boy. He had the prettiest eyes and the biggest smile.

As I was dealing with the emotions in my own heart through this tragic accident the Lord spoke something very loud to my heart. The wednesday after his passing, as I was at church we sang the old hymn, I Surrender All. As I sang these words the Lord convicted my spirit...Do I really surrender all? Surrender every single part of my life to him? Or do I keep my own little handful of things Im not quite ready to give up. Do I surrender my son? Would I give up my one child for Him? Would I make it if the Lord wanted my son back?

I was reminded of Abraham and Sarah, who for so long wanted a child...and finally God blessed them with this gift. Imagine the joy! But then, years later God asked for this gift back. After they shared life together, celebrated milestones...God asked for this gift back. Abraham...sacrifice your son. Surrender your son.

How? How do I have the faith, trust and obedience to the Lord like Abraham did? To lay his very own son, flesh of his flesh on an alter.

This is the kind of faith, trust and obedience God wants from us everyday of our lives. Surrendering every part of our lives, big and small, easy and difficult. I know that our children our not our own. They are the Lords...but sometimes I'm pretty selfish.

God, teach me to be so obedient to you that I would do anything you ask of me, no matter how hard or how much it hurts. Teach me that no matter if I feel like it or like it that you are worthy of our sacrifice. Teach me to truly surrender ALL.

14 months

well the fourteenth month has been a fun one! but aren't they all. it is amazing me how much our little guy is learning. this month carter can identify Noah in his Noah's Ark. he also make s a motor sound when he plays with his cars and trucks. he loves to have the remote and point it to the tv like he is changing the channels. he recognizes our pictures, and family pictures. he saw Pop Pop's picture in the magazine and held it up to his face to kiss it. he is also giving "sugar" now....and its the sweetest thing when he leans in to kiss your face! he has had many firsts this month which include his first trip to the fair, his first taste of cotton candy, his first trip to gatlinburg, tn, and his first trip apple picking...whew, its been a busy month. it's also been a busy month for teeth! carter got his 2nd tooth and then 2 weeks late got his 3rd tooth and 4 days after that got his 4th tooth. so, we have been battling the teething monster, but are happy he's finally getting some teeth. there are a couple more coming in but haven't broken through yet. one of his favorite things this month include reading books...he loves to pick out his books and sit on your lap and read. and his newest word is "uh oh"! can't wait to see what the next months hold.