Obviously Cassie has been
the main author/voice of this blog, although I have contributed as chief editor
and assistant photographer. I have
thought about adding my own posts, but so far I’ve just provided my ideas to
Cassie for her posts. However, since the
frequency of posts has decreased since Carson was born (due to lack of time and
sleep), I thought this was a good time for me to help carry the load and add
some posts of my own. So this is my
first post, and I hope to create others on occasion going forward.
The main focus of this
blog is to capture moments, both specific events and general periods of time,
so we can cherish them as memories inevitably fade and eventually share with
our children when they are older. So I
thought for my first post, I would just share some general reflections on
Brielle and Carson, to try to capture a small sliver of who they are right now
at this stage of their lives.
Brielle, you’re my sweet girl. When you are your happy, bubbly self, there
is nothing in the world that can make me smile more than just spending time
with you. You’re so sweet and funny, and
I love seeing the excitement in your eyes for all the little things in life.
You’re an incredible big-sister. You haven’t once acted jealous of the
attention that Carson often requires.
You like to dote on Carson – tickling him, talking to him, and helping
him try walk. And you’re a great help
with him. You watch him for me when I
need a hand for a moment. You talk to
him or dance/sing for him to keep him occupied if we’re trying to clip his fingernails
or something he doesn’t like. You even
push him in his stroller by yourself when we’re at the store just the 3 of us
so I can push the cart and keep him from trying to reach back and grab
everything. And you happily volunteer to
do these things.
I can’t believe how grown up and independent you’re
getting. Mornings were a bit of a
challenge for a while. Like your Dad,
you’re not really a morning person, and (perhaps like your Mom?) you don’t
always move with a sense of urgency. We
kept trying different things so we could all get ready and out the door on time
with mostly good attitudes, with limited successes. Finally I asked you what you thought would
help, and you suggested listening to music while you get ready. So now every day I wake you up with music on
my phone, with a playlist of your favorite songs you helped me come up with,
which you listen to while you get ready.
You now get ready completely by yourself, including getting dressed,
brushing your teeth, and brushing your hair.
This new system has gone much better, although we still have a little
room for improvement :). But
I’m still amazed at how grown up you are, watching you stand in front of the
mirror brushing your hair, while quietly singing along to “Girls Just Wanna
Have Fun.”
Carson, my little man, you’re a funny combination of
rambunctious and sweet at the same time.
You’re crawling all over and pulling up on everything, and starting to take
a few steps. And what you want more than
anything is…everything that you can’t have.
You quickly get bored with all of your toys, but never get tired of
trying to get into the refrigerator, the pantry, and all the cabinets. You’re a man of action – you always want to
be doing something or seeing something new.
At the same time, you’re incredibly sweet and loving. You’re almost always smiling, and love to
give hugs and “kisses”, which are basically you opening your mouth and licking
our cheeks. You have a hilarious big belly
laugh when you find something funny or we tickle you.
You’re also pretty tough – you had a double-ear infection
and the only reason we knew was that your eye started gunking up, making us
think you might have pinkeye. The Doctor
said you were the happiest kid with an ear infection she’d ever seen. You no longer get scared at loud noises – not
even when the neighbor’s big dog barks loudly at us. In fact, dogs are one of your favorite things
and you love to go look at them. You
even say “dog” when you see them, except it sounds more like “dah”.
I love you both more than anything in the world, and try to
cherish every little moment we have together.
It’s amazing watching you both grow up.
I’ll try to be less sappy going forward. Here are some of my favorite pictures off my
phone from this summer.
Picnic on the driveway!
Brielle's birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese
Sugar high!
Carson, all dressed up for Brielle's pre-school graduation in an outfit from Aunt Theresa
Brielle's pre-school graduation, getting her diploma from Ms. Keri
Brielle decided to sell some of her toys during the neighborhood garage sale
Brielle, getting ready for her big dance recital. Such a cutie!
Brielle got a big-girl bike for her birthday, which has been a big hit. She's gotten really good at it, and we take lots of rides around the neighborhood.
Carson loves swinging on our swingset
Brielle took an 8 week soccer class. She's come a long way since her 2-year-old Dinomites class - getting really good!
Fishing at our neighborhood lake with the help of Grant's friend Crump
Uncle Jay and Aunt Tiffany visited and we finally got to meet Cate!
Carson, looking dapper in his 4th of July tie
Fun with Aunt Jill and Uncle Scott!
Getting ready for Carson's first Royals game
Carson enjoyed his first Royals game, and had plenty of sunscreen
When Daddy needs a few minutes to get Dinner ready, Brielle watches Carson and makes sure he has plenty of toys to keep him occupied.
Carson loved the baby pool
Carson loved all his time with Grandma this summer
Brielle and Carson enjoying a special Daddy Day right before school started
Brielle loved playing mini golf
