Carter's 3rd and Final 1st Birthday Party

I'm making this post short and sweet.

Carter's last birthday party was this past Saturday the 27th.

All went well.

He loves his gifts.

We had a houseful of people.

Everyone loved my chicken dip (I'll include recipe at bottom of post).

The house looked great decorated in St. Patty's day greens.

So everything went off without a hitch, but I'm soooooo glad it's all over with...until his 2nd birthday! :)

Swim! Swim! Swim!

March 20th was the first day of a 6 week course for swim class for Carter. Sadly, we missed the first class because we were in Ohio for birthday parties. So, this past Saturday Scott and I suited Carter up for his first class.

He cried for maybe the first 10 minutes, but then he was fine. The instructor had us do an activity with the purpose being to have baby grab out for a water toy while on his belly. Once Carter learned that he got to hold onto a rubber ducky, he was set and quickly became all smiles. By the end of the class, he was splashing his hands and everything on him was wet.

We can't wait for the next 3 classes!

12 Month Stats

Carter had his 12 month check up on March 18th. He's doing great and growing up fast. He weighed in at 24lbs 14.5oz (80%), measured 31.5 inches (90%), and head circumference was 19.3 (90%). He got 3 shots and 2 toe pricks. He did great and cried for only a couple minutes, then was back to all smiles.

* He's added the "th" sound to his vocabulary.

* He's doing some serious crawling. No walking yet which I'm just fine with!

* He's started being a bit more clingy to me.

* Still only has his two front bottom teeth, but I think the 2 front top teeth on top will make an appearance anytime now.

* He's still happy pretty much all the time, with the exception of his birthday parties (just makes me look like a liar!)

* Is pulling himself up at the sofa, in his crib, etc. and is able to sit down from standing and stand from sitting.

* He can turn pages in a book when we read

There's a First Time for Everything

Yesterday, Carter fell on the kitchen floor and his bottom teeth busted his upper lip. He cried and cried and bled and bled! I scooped him up, gave him lots of lovin' and an ice cold "Boo Boo Elmo" from the freezer to suck on to keep any swelling down, and he was good to go. He was all smiles after some crackers, dinner, and juice. He's one tough cookie (and so am I because I didn't cry). :)

Party Time in Ohio

The weekend of March 20th was a crazy weekend filled with parties, family, friends, and drinking! Haha! Carter's first party was at Scott's parents house on Saturday, March 20th. We had about 30 people at this party. Quick and to the point, here are some pictures from that party.

I made Carter's birthday banner. Just something that we'll be able to use for many years to come.

I also made the monthday collage hanging above the fireplace. It's a neat way for people who don't see Carter often, to see his progress in growth over the last year.

Carter with Grandma and Grandpa Smith, Scott's parents

Scott's brother, Chad, and Carter

He was so, so tired! I couldn't resist such a cute picture!

Scott's grandma with all of her great grandchildren

Me and my niece, Ava

The Westfall 4 generations

The Smith 4 generations

Sunday, the 21st, we had a party for family and friends on my side. We had it at my parents house and we had 25 people there. Carter was rather fussy most of the time. Maybe it was the shots he had the Thursday prior or being passed around person to person or the lack of nap time. Who knows! Overall, it was a great party and it was so nice to see all my family and close friends together!!

When I was little like Carter, my parents put me in the grass and I did the same thing that Carter is doing. This is the exact reason I kept shooting pictures...I thought it was great! I wish I had a copy of the picture of me sitting in a cute purple and white gingham dress in the grass crying with my hands held up high. Priceless!

Carter with my parents, MayMay and Grandpa Jim Jim (Can you tell we haven't decided what to have Carter call my parents?)

All Carter's loot!

Thanks to everyone who came and helped us celebrate Carter's first wonderful year of life. He's been the best baby EVER and it's all because of our fantastic family and friends. I can't wait for Carter's second year of life. I hope it's as fun and filled with adventure as his first!!

I love you Carter!