Simple...Happy...Life: Dad's Ramblings

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.