2011 Christmas Card

Our first official family Christmas card!

9 Month Check Up

Carson had his 9 month check up today. Here are the stats:

Weight: 22 lbs (75th percentile)
Height: 30" (98th percentile)
Head: 97th percentile

His weight hasn't changed too much from the last check up, but he is getting taller. Next check up--12 months. I hear it's a doosy as far as shots go. I guess I have three months to prepare.

We've got a Crawler!

9 Months/Temple Square

Carson is 9 months old today!! This is kind of a Random Things post so I won't forget all of the cute things about him at this age. He is officially crawling and getting into everything he can get his hands on! He recently discovered the cat's water bowl and dry food while being left alone in a room for 5 seconds! Now that he's mobile, he loves to chase the cat around and "pet" her. I use the word "pet" lightly as he mostly pulls and pokes her. She eventually retreats under the bed for safety. He is quite vocal these days. He is very good at voicing his displeasure at a very high pitch. He says dada and mama and baba alot, but I'm not certain he knows what those words mean. He definitely associates meow and kitty kitty with the cat. He loves to look at books, especially those that have something to touch and feel. I hope he grows up loving to read. He loves to give hugs and get kisses, especially from his daddy. I think his scratchy beard tickles Carson's face. He seems to seek male approval when he does something right or fun. He always looks at Wally to make sure he noticed what neat thing was just done. My mom said he does the same thing with my stepdad. Carson is starting to get a bit of stranger danger when it comes to people he doesn't know. He loves to be around other kids. I can't wait until he is old enough for me to enroll him in a play group. I know he will just love playing with the other kids his age. We got him a walker as an early Christmas present. So far, he can go backwards really well. We're working on going forward! He loves to stand, ALL THE TIME. He is pulling himself up on whatever he can get his hands on. Sometimes it's the couch or his bouncy chair or my lap. Once he is up he is semi-stable, but still a bit wobbly on his feet. He likes to practice walking up and down the hallway. He has such a proud look on his face. He is an eater! He will try anything you put into his mouth and most of the time he likes it. It's fun to give him real people food. He definitely wants a bite of whatever it is that I'm eating. He'll stare you down until he gets a taste! This kid does funny things with his tongue. He can curl it and turn it any which way. He loves any kind of electronics--phones, remotes, computers, keyboards, etc. The very first time he crawled was to get at my phone. He's not too keen on the play phones, either. He likes the real thing! He is still sleeping in our bed at night. Wait, did I just admit that to everyone who reads this blog? We're working on a transition plan to get him into his crib, but its a slow going process. Most of the time I love having him sleeping next to me, but when Wally isn't working nights it gets a bit crowded with the three of us in a queen bed. Then the cat trys to join in and it's not a comfortable situation. He is fixaded on tags. Every night before he falls asleep he plays with the tag on his blanket. Oddly enough, it seems to soothe him and calm him down.

Carson has had a clogged tear duct in his left eye since he was born. It was suppossed to take care of itself with his first year, but it doesn't seem to be doing so. We'll probably end of taking him in this month to have a minor procedure to have it opened up. I hate the thought of having him under anesthesia, but it's something that needs to be done. I've been told it's quick and easy. We'll see the day of the procedure.

Last time I checked (about a week ago) he was 21.9 lbs and 29" long. We have his 9 month appt tomorrow for more shots and updated stats. He has been in the 75th percentile for the past few months now. I think he'll be in that same percentile when he is checked tomorrow.

We went to see the lights at Temple Square last night. So crowded! SO COLD!! He seemed to do ok, but I think I came down with a cold from the outing. A fun tradition we'll try to keep up each year (seeing the lights, not me getting a cold!). Here are some random pics from the past week. Sure do LOVE this little boy!!

TEMPLE SQUARE

Random Pictures - Eight Months

I just can't get enough of this kid!! I think I've taken 1000+ pictures of him since he was born. These are some from the past week or so, mostly taken with my phone so they are a bit grainy. I just LOVE his little face:)

Vegas Trip

We spent a few days last week on a mini vacation to Las Vegas. So much fun!! Carson loved all of the lights and activity happening around him. He was a pretty good little traveler. Of course, I took a bunch of pictures!

Carson was such a good boy on the drive down. Sadly, the musical book he is holding in this picture died on the way home. Too much use on the way there, I guess!

The classic welcome sign

In our hotel room the night we arrived. We were all happy to be out of the car!

Carson loved the light shows they had on Freemont Street. We were there well past his bedtime, but he was so mesmorized by everything that he didn't even fuss.

He loves his binky!

There was a lady selling t-shirts from a cart. These were a couple of my favorites.

Looking up at the light show.

There were showgirls all around charging for pictures to be taken with them. Not sure who the guy is in the middle, but I was amazed at their costumes. It was cold out, too!!

A few of the light shows they had going the night we were there. Probably, one of my favorite parts of the trip.

I thought this was funny. Apparently, you eat free at this restaurant if your weigh over 350 lbs.

Carson loved the big bed in our hotel room. He slept so well, too.

Playing with daddy before heading off to the Strip.

I think this was at the Venetian.

Carson was Mr. Casual with one leg up in his stroller. He is so our child!

Taking his afternoon nap amidst all of the chaos on the Strip.

The ceiling at Caesar's Palace. The picture doesn't do it justice.

His favorite souvenier...fuzzy dice. His favorite part of the dice? The tag!

The aquarium at Caesar's Palace. He was fascinated with the fish (and daddy's drink)!

The lion habitat at MGM Grand. They were asleep on the glass ceiling.

MGM Grand buffet. Wally's favorite part of the trip!

Carson loved this Coca Cola bear so much! He squealed and laughed and smiled like never before. You can't tell much from the pictures, but it was so cute.

Excalibur Hotel

Carson, holding onto his tags. It's like a security thing for him when riding in the stroller.

Family shot at the Luxor. Can you see us? haha

He thought this stained glass window was cool.

On our way out of town, we stopped at a Hotel & Casino that had an aquarium. Well worth the time!! Carson LOVED it!

Listening intently to Wally telling him about the fish.

I love this picture of Carson in the middle of all the kids looking at the mermaid. He looks so grown up.

We stopped in St. George on the way home to visit with Wally's daughter and her two little girls. Carson thought it was pretty fun being pushed around in their pink doll stoller.