Our little superhero

     Yesterday Carson realized he can stand up on his own without crawling to something to pull up on.  He doesn't always remember he can do it on his own, but it's fun to watch him get more and more stable on his feet every day. 
     My moms club visited a retirement home today and took the kids in costume.  Everyone loved Carson as Batman.  I pulled out his costume a couple days ago and it comes with the 'suit', a cape, and a mask.  I tried putting the mask on him, but he didn't want anything to do with it.  So I tried on the mask and saw a face on Carson that I have never seen before.  He was so scared and started crying.  Thankfully he still came to me after I took the mask off.  We will not be using the mask this Halloween :)

Books, Cards and Invitations!

      As much as I love how scrapbooks look, I don’t have it in me to cut the pictures, boarders and put it all together.  So I’ve turned to Shutterfly (www.shutterfly.com) to put these memories together.  I started using Shutterfly books in 2009 after Jason and I went to Italy.  I put together a quick little book of all our highlights and was so happy when it arrived in the mail.  Since then I’ve created books about Jason's baseball career and a book for Carson with pictures of our family. 

      I’m now getting ready to venture into Shutterfly’s holiday cards! (http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards)  They come in folded, stationary (cardstock), and photo cards.  There are so many designs to choose from.  I kept scrolling through all the options finding a favorite one on each new page.  Not only do they look great, but several of the designs donate 10% of their proceeds to the American Lung Association or LiveStrong.

      Some of my favorites were Every Good Gift, Mod Love, Family Frame and the Christmas Letter Christmas Card that allows you to put your Christmas Letter on the photo card.  You can have 1 – 12 photos on a card depending on the design.  Somehow I will have to choose just a few pictures of Carson from the thousands we have taken this year!

      Having a special party in for the holidays?  Shutterfly also has invitations http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations.

     Keep your eyes peeled for your mail in December to see which card I chose!

*I am receiving 50 free cards from Shutterfly in exchange for this post*

FETCH

Carson has two new favorite things; playing fetch and YELLING. 
    Everyone loves fetch.  Carson throws a ball (Lego, spoon, toy), goes after it, picks it up and throws it again.  He'll throw the ball on the floor or against the wall, dishwasher, cupboard, fridge, whatever is in the line of fire.  It's fun to watch him chase it and nice that Jason and I don't have to be involved to play!
     Carson has found his yelling voice; he's not crying or whining, just yelling.  He gets quite a kick out of himself too.  He'll yell at the top of his lungs, then smile and laugh.  Needless to say our house is getting louder and more dangerous.

Pumpkin Patch

     We took Carson to a pumpkin patch today and got some great pictures.  He liked watching the dog run around and touching the pumpkins.  He also found out it's a little hard to walk in the hay, but fun to play with once you're sitting on it. 
     Carson has been walking really well for a couple weeks, but hasn't figured out how to stand up from sitting; he has to crawl over to something to get up to his feet.  Today he was walking in the living room, stopped, picked up a toy off the ground and stood back up again.  We were so proud of him, usually in that situation he would go to pick it up and then sit down.  
     Tonight Carson confirmed that he is signing dog.  We went to a friend house and several times while watching their dog he would pat his leg :) 

When all else fails...pizza

     Jason and I did some redecorating in Carson's room last weekend.  We moved the queen bed up against the walls around the crib so he can have some floor space to play.  I'm also hoping the mattress and box spring can provide a little insulation to keep the room warmer in the winter. 
     I think Carson may have started signing the other day.  We were outside and heard dogs barking and he patted his leg (the sign for dog).  He also did the sign for milk while sitting in his chair eating - that or he was telling his milk  bye bye - but I'm calling it a sign.
     Carson is napping much better.  Whenever he gets his morning snack and lunch on time he sleeps really well.  If either of those are off it seems his nap is shortened.  But I enjoyed two hours and 20 minutes today of Carrie Time :)
     Carson has decided to be a little finicky in his eating lately.  Tonight he didn't want jar food, cereal puffs or yogurt (a usual favorite)...only his milk.  I was about ready to give up until I saw how big his eyes got when I pulled a pizza for Jason and I out of the oven.  I cut him up a few pieces and he proceeded to eat an entire piece of pizza!
     Jason and I are really enjoying being parents.  We typically spend our evenings on the floor and laughing with Carson....I can't think of any other place I'd rather be.

TP Trouble and 5 years

     Carson has never really got into the toilet paper before because I'm always in the bathroom with him.  However he was very sneaky this week.  While I was taking a shower, his ever growing arms were able to reach the toilet paper, and I caught him red handed.  
     Today Jason and I celebrate five wonderful years of marriage! 

Back home...again

     Jason and I had a great time in California.  The weekend was nicely topped off with wine tasting for the girls and an Eagles win on Sunday!  We had a looooooong drive home on Monday, 13 and a half hours.  It was made bearable with a stop at In N Out in CA and Giseppi's Pizza in Ashland. 
    We were both so excited to see Carson this morning.  I survived the weekend away :)  He is working on a top tooth.  I fought a finger into his mouth today and felt the ridge.  This has become a little more dangerous now that there is a tooth in there!