ONE!

 This is my big boy now....this is how BIG and HANDSOME he is in just a year.  Today, October 11th, he is officially a year old.  Does that mean he's no longer a baby, but now a toddler?

 Paige took these pictures Saturday and I just love them! They show his truly sweet personality. As I look at pictures from the past year, it's crazy to see how he's changed and how much he resembles his sister.  He has now gone completely blond, Caroline did the same thing just around a year! They share similar expressions and personality traits.

But of course, Carter is his own person. He is much more cautious and a bit more laid back than his sister.  He is still not walking, but does take 5-6 steps at a time. He has begun to just take one long afternoon nap versus morning and afternoon.  I am still nursing morning and night (probably will wean soon) and he began taking whole milk about a week ago. I ran out of frozen bm, he wouldn't take formula well, so we just went to whole milk. He loves it!!

Carter, a year ago our lives were changed and our family made complete when you made your debut around 3:11 PM.  Labor went well up until delivery time and then you decided to act up.  After a tense half hour, you quietly came into the world. A few minutes later and some poking and prodding, you were screaming and full of life.  We were so thankful to have you here, healthy, and in our arms.

 I spent most of today reliving his birth.  I loved (most) everything about that day. I love that our entire family was there to share in the special day.

Carter is a lucky man, he has so many people that care and invest in his life. Between Grammy, Granny, myself,  and my mom he is absolutely spoiled and loved on all the time.  He prefers to be held and if I'm around with me.  I LOVE that, while Justin thinks our connection is a bit over the top as he worries I'm turning him into a Mama's boy.  I know he will soon be running and rough housing, so I am enjoying every one of these days that he wants to be held, rocked, and loved on!

Now that he interacts and is developing a little personality, he and Caroline are just precious. He adores her and is constantly rolling in her lap and chasing her around. He belly laughs at most everything she does. He also thinks his Dad is a pretty cool dude.  It won't be long until he is pushing the lawn mower and carrying around a hammer just like Dad.

My prayer is that Carter grows into a healthy, loving, strong, Godly man. I pray he always feels loved, loves others,  and uses his life to make this world a brighter place.