Fall

Love this day, love this cool weather, love these two kids to bits!!


Our fall has been nice! My new job is going fine and Justin is very busy with his business! Our household was struck with the dreaded stomach bug this past week, and unfortunately my mom is suffering through it today! It's going around!!!

Carter has been taken steps here and there since September 16th. This weekend he especially seems ready to just take off! We'll see, something about walking takes away his babyhood and I'm not sure I'm ready for that!!



Caroline is still loving horseback riding lessons. This week she rode without the instructor holding the reigns, she was so proud!



Carter's big day is in less than two weeks and I'm hosting his party Oct 13th. With all the picture perfect parties all over Pinterest, I'm quite overwhelmed and somewhat annoyed. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to throw an over the top Martha Stewart worthy party, but I just don't have that creative gene. His party will not be the most matchy, cutest, Pinterest posting occasion but it'll be fun for him and filled with love and well wishes! That is what it's all about anyways, right?? Looking forward to celebrating my sweet boy!!



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Horseback Riding, Baby!!!

Thursday nights are now reserved for Caroline's horseback riding lessons. Yep, this little city girl is going to learn how to ride Cowgirl style.  Before I get started, let me explain Carter's enthusiasm in the above pic. Caroline got a new car seat, which means Carter got her old one. He is pretty pumped he's no longer forced to ride in his baby seat in which his legs hang out.  He's so proud of this milestone. Of course, since I took a pic of Carter in his car seat, I had to take one of  Caroline in hers!

As a child Justin rode horses all summer long, and gained a lot of knowledge of ranch life and country living.  About a week ago he came in and told me he signed Caroline up for horseback riding lessons. My first response was, "What?  NO!!!! How much does that cost? It's too dangerous."  But a week later, and here we are, my argument didn't hold much weight!  And as an added bonus, the lessons are rather reasonably priced.

Thursday night, Caroline climbed right on and rode for about an hour. The guide walked right beside her the entire time and taught her all about the horse, equipment, and commands. Caroline has been practicing the new vocabulary and commands all week. She can't wait to return!

 After attending one lesson, I feel it's pretty safe and I'm excited that Caroline is loving it so much. I've always heard horseback riding can be therapeutic and I'm hoping it is for her. Caroline inherited my energetic, never still, a bit hyper that can rear it's ugly self in the form of nervous energy and anxiety type personality. I'm hoping this hour a week can calm some of that in her!  

Carter loved this place too, especially the overly friendly animals that were EVERYWHERE!  I'd prefer this cat just be a cat, but instead she wanted to play and lick. Yuck!!

 So this Thursday we will be returning. Hopefully Caroline enjoys herself again.

11 months

 I say it every month, but it is true, this little guy has grown up in a blink of an eye.  In a month from today we will be blowing out a candle and singing, "Happy Birthday."  I love this age, I love this stage, I wish I could can him up and remember every precious moment of these days. He is just a doll, a mischievous, somewhat naughty little doll, but just an absolute joy. He is in to  everything, we are always on our toes. Between unrolling toilet paper, splashing in the toilet, turning on the bath water, trying to sneak up the stairs when someone's left the gate open, eating rocks out of the fireplace, and so much more we rarely catch a breather for ourselves.  One of his favorite hangouts is the shower. If anyone is in there, he's going to join. We are going to put a baby gate on the shower soon so we can again enjoy an individual shower.

 Carter loves almost anything I give him to eat, and we have to watch him because he will get Caroline's sippy cup and chug.  He is crawling, pulling up, and standing alone. He's taken one step numerous times but I'm not ready to count his first step yet. I feel like it has been more of a fluke than an effort at transporting himself.  He babbles lots, and says a few words although I don't think he knows what they mean. He does know "uh oh" and says it a lot!  That fits his into everything personality perfectly. He babbles mama, dada, nana, and occasionally says hi and bye.

 I think Carter is around 21 or so pounds, his weight has slowed down for sure. He's not my roly poly he once was, although still very healthy.  On Saturdays he sports his football uniform, he's looking forward to the day Coach Tuberville calls his number.

 I tried bean bag pictures, but he wasn't sitting still so I put him in the crib for his official 11 month shot.  Cute boy!!!