All Things Patriotic!

Well, I am sure I will go a bit overboard this year for Carson and Alden's First Birthday party - seeing as how they WERE born on the Fourth of July - I decided to go ahead and just make this year's theme - Patriotic of course! Along with many other things I have ordered and am working on, check out the CUTEST JonJons that I had custom made for them.

This was custom made for me (along with one that is blue seersucker with a red firecracker) from a wonderful seller on Etsy - Buds 'n' Branches - make sure to check out her work - it is fabulous!!!

Updates

Several things I forgot to mention in the last post (thanks to a few reminders from some devoted blog-readers :) ) These are items I have mentioned in past posts that need updates.



1) Alden and Carson are now on the same napping schedule again - YAY!!!! They are now both taking 2 naps a day - what a difference!



2) The boys had their 10 month weight check last week and Alden weighed 16.7 pounds and Carson weighed 15.4 pounds. Pretty good we thought! However, Dr. K says they are still not on the chart and so we have an appt with a Pediatric Endocrinologist to ensure there is no issue with their thyroids. Dr. K thinks they are just small (let's face it - there are no giants in our families) but wants to rule out any other issues so this is just precautionary. I can appreciate that. However, I was hoping to go into our last appointment, and she would say that we could omit a nursing a day - not so much. We are continuing on the 3 solids a day PLUS 5 nurses - You can just call me Bessy.

3) Teeth. Alden has his two bottom teeth and is currently cutting his top two - we have been HEAVILY relying on teething tablets these last few nights - and even some Tylenol too - poor thing.

Carson has his two bottom teeth and has already cut his two top teeth as well!

Sorry - didn't have any new pics from today :(

We've been up to.......???

Who knows where the days and time go - we seem super busy - though I can't tell you how! Last weekend we went to our friends party - Hadley, Carson and Reese - it was their first birthday! That was an adventure in itself since David had to work - I walked the boys down to the party myself! What a beautiful day it was - hopefully pics to come soon on Terri Smith's blog :)

Alden posing for the camera one afternoon :)

Only turned my back for a few seconds and Carson was off of the quilt and trying to climb the high chair - this boy keeps me BUSY!!!

What a lovely First Mother's Day we had. David cooked brunch for us (including my parents, his parents and my grandparents too!). Here is Alden so proud that he is standing by the ottoman (with just a little support from Mimi)

Granddaddy was talking like Donald Duck and Carson was in hysterics!!!

My first Mother's Day with the sweetest boys!!!

Tupperware - who knew it would be so entertaining! (Carson is wearing his I LOVE NY onesie courtesy of Aunt CLC!)

Thank goodness we started them in the pack n play so early. They love to spend time in there and play. This is what I walked into after folding some laundry :)

Mimi got the boys this great little baby pool. It actually is inflated totally with water (no air) and there are all of these little spouts with water spraying out - it has so far been a source of endless enjoyment! Alden is trying to catch the water :)

Carson was trying to drink and grab the water as well!

On Monday, Elsie Anne and MacK came over for some playtime too. They all had a BALL in the Lil' Squirt Baby Pool again :)

Can't wait for more time with EA and MacK while they're here!! Hopefully down at the beach next!

The River

Today, Mom and I loaded up the boys and we headed to the coast! We got to visit with Grandmommy and Granddaddy - my grandparents and Carson and Alden's great grandparents! We are so blessed that we have them here so close to us and I look forward to spending lots of time with my little ones and Gmom and Gdad! I got to know my great grandfather (Big Daddy) and am so happy that they will know theirs! Also, their great Grandma Edith (David's gma) will be coming to meet and visit them this summer -all the way from Ohio! Aren't these boys oh so blessed!

It also brings with it a remembrance of their other loved great-grandparents that would have so loved to meet them. My Mimi and Papa and David's Nana, Papa, Grandpa Bill, Grandma Helen and Grandpa John.

At The River, Gmom and Gdad created a little beach area and the boys got to experience their first time in the sand and water.

First off, Carson was very inquisitive about the vent in the floor - he was enjoying sitting on it and sticking his fingers in the grates :)

After a lunch of delicious chicken salad that Grandmommy made, we put on their swimsuits and headed downstairs. First - a little porch swinging with Gmom and Gdad.

Then we hit the surf - they had so much fun!

After some time in the sun, the boys were pooped but had time for one last snuggle before we went home. Can't wait to visit again soon!

10 Months and a Dedication

On Sunday, Alden and Carson were dedicated at our Church. It was a beautiful service and my friend, Caroline, was kind enough to take photos of the occasion. Caroline is a beautiful photographer - make sure to check out her website.

Alden wore a Tharpe family gown that was made in 1910 for my great aunt Josephine so that was really special since it is 100 years old this year. Carson is starting the second generation of baptisms/dedications/christenings with a new gown that can be worn for the next 100 years.

Yesterday the boys turned 10 months!

Happy 10 Month bday Boys! (One Day late)