Carter's First Month

Our precious little Carter is 1 month old today!  He is an amazing baby.  He sleeps well, he eats well, he is so lovable and snugly, he is enjoying more and more awake time and once in a while even gives a little smile (even if it's just gas... we'll take it). 

In his first month of life Carter has already gone to the 4th of July parade, fireworks, the Racine Zoo, birthday parties, and out to dinner by the lake.  This week he will be visiting the fair, smelling lots of animals, and possibly seeing his first tractor pull.  Next week we'll be taking our first vacation as a family of five!  We will be driving up to the Mall of America and visiting some great friends while we are up there. 

Here are some pictures from Carter's first month (youngest to oldest).

Brand New

 Look at those feet!

Brothers

Baby Rock Star

1 week old

Daddy's first time feeding Carter 

Nap Time

Little eyes are open! (one of Ethan's favorite new sayings)

 More love from big brother Ethan

One of the many amazing pictures that Miranda took for us!

 Love this!  They look so much alike!

Relaxing at the rummage sale at 3 weeks old

Getting ready for his first swim in the pool

Swimming with my boys!

Tummy time - he fits on a burp cloth!

One of life's precious moments

Mariah, Ethan and Carter getting ready for dinner by the lake 

Four weeks old

Happy 1st month of life Carter Oliver!

Date Night

Last night Cory and I had our first date night since Carter was born. Cory's mom came up and watched the boys for us. I was nervous about going out and really didn't want to leave the boys, but knew that I had to. Grandma Linda wanted alone time with the boys...and to be honest when I am around I don't share the boys well. Also, I knew it would be good for Cory and I to get out.

We headed downtown to a restaurant on the lake by the marina. We sat outside at the bar and had a drink and nice dinner. Afterwards we walked around and admired all the boats. Then we went for a little drive, grabbed ice cream, and headed home. We managed to stay out for three hours. It was nice to get out, but nicer to get back home. Maybe I'll be more ready for our next date night.

Next weekend - dinner with friends.

The Perfect Summer

I don't know where to start besides with saying that I finally feel 100% complete. I am a family of five. I always wanted a big family and for a long time I wanted five kids, but I'll have to say there is something magical about the three that I have. Something so incredibly fulfilling that I wish I could make this summer stand still, go on forever the way we are right now.

We are already 11 days in to our perfect summer. A summer at home spent with my family. We have done so much in these past 11 days and plan to do so much more over the next 10 weeks, before I return to work.

My perfect summer began on June 25, 2011 when Carter Oliver was born in to this world, in to our lives, and mostly in to our hearts. Cory treasures Mariah, Ethan, and Carter. Mariah adores her brothers, and Ethan can't seem to get enough of his sister and new baby brother. And as for me... I am at peace. I am complete and couldn't ask for anything more besides for life to go on as magically as it us right now.