Two...

**Disclaimer: First, this post will pretty much cure you of any insomnia. Sorry, I could write about The Bop forever... and kinda' did. Second, I didn't realize until AFTER his party (of course) that one of my lighting settings was WAY high on my camera. Just wasn't paying attention. The lighting on some of the pics is fine, but on some it's horrible! Third, you can click on the link if you want to skip the babble and just see some pictures. The first set is from Friday; the second set is from his birthday party. Tried to get everyone, but...

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Happy Birthday, Carter! Well... belated at this point, but... our Lil' Bop turned 2 on 9/25. Not sure where the last couple of years have gone! These pictures don't seem all that long ago.

We had a great weekend celebrating. Friday morning Carter, Laney, and I started the morning with breakfast at Cue's - yum. Daddy was in Dallas, so it was just the three of us. Next up was playgroup at a park in West U with birthday buddy - Cason - and friends. (random weird fact - his mom and I have birthdays one day apart, and our boys have birthdays one day apart, too!) Jeri brought lots of goodies for the kiddos, and all had a good time. Carter almost fell asleep in the swing before we left. They were both asleep in the car on the way home. We had a great surprise from Daddy Dave and Sheryl and put together his birthday present from mommy and daddy when he woke up from his nap.

Saturday morning was his birthday party at the neighborhood park. We had lots of breakfast goodies and cake and had a wonderful time with friends and family. Carter was in a GREAT mood and handing out hugs and high-fives to everyone. I think he got a little anxious though when we all started singing to him. He didn't quite know what to do!

Carter is such a funny, sweet little boy, and he continues to entertain us daily! He has SO much energy that I usually get worn out just from watching him. He loves to play in water. LOVES it. Dog bowl, bathtub, water bottle - doesn't matter. It's so funny to watch the things he imitates us doing. Of course he knows how to use all of our phones - even when they're locked. His tools are some of his favorite toys right now. He pulls tools from all different sets of toys and uses them together. He got a tool puzzle last year and uses the hammer on everything. Our house has no shortage of blocks either, and 'tow-tows' (aka 'towers') are a big hit.

Carter is really doing well in school. His behavior has changed SO much - for the better! We are certainly not out of the rough phase totally (though I don't know that you ever are with a little boy), but he really is doing so much better now. He loves his school art projects and is dancing and singing more and more.

Carter and Laney just give us more joy than we could have imagined. Laney thinks Carter is just too funny. It doesn't take much for him to have her belly-laughing. Joel and I love to watch it! He is so sweet to her and really tries to "help" me with her. He knows when to bring her clothes and shoes, he tries to bring me her car seat, he tries to CARRY her car seat, he tries to carry HER, he brings her blanket, and on and on. They are so entertaining in the bathtub; she doesn't mind him stealing toys, and he doesn't mind her splashing and kicking him. I have to keep a close on Carter (though that goes without saying) since he tries to bathe her and rinse her off, too!

Seems like a lot has happened in two short years. This little boy has grown up quite a bit! Hard to believe he's been in a queen-sized bed for 9 months and has an 8 month old little sister! Carter still thinks his daddy is the best thing ever (well, Laney and I too, but... I digress), but he saves lots of hugs and kisses and snuggle time for mommy.

We are so thankful for the little friends Carter has through Sunday school and our neighborhood group. It's been so fun to watch so many of them growing up together! I am also thankful for their mommies! Playgroups aren't just for the little ones!!

I have probably already lost anyone who is reading this, but... one quick story Joel just reminded me of. Carter loves to give five! To anything and anyone! He carries around his Mr. Potato Head hand and gives himself five throughout the day (though Mr. PH is actually four). Today, he picked up the stuffed pumpkin I just put out and gave him five as well. It's pretty funny to watch.

So love that little boy "bunches like bananas" (to quote my old history teacher, ironically, Coach Carter).

Happy Birthday, sweetheart. And bunches more.