Today seemed to be another productive day. I got started fairly early this morning and just started cleaning and rearranging. Casey's friend, Chad, gave us the CUTEST couch ever and so everything was in desperate need of being moved. And surprisingly enough I love how everything looks. So that's a good homemaker feeling....feeling productive and getting visual results. Though I'm sure the greatest rewards from being a mom can't always be seen or done in a few hours. It's probably in the little things as a mom and a wife. Loving without wanting anything back. Working hard with no one noticing. Praying hard. Trusting. Waiting. Definitely things I am not good at.

I really need to do what Beth teaches in Breaking Free and get my scripture notebook set with verses that I need in a moments notice.....things about worry and anger and God's love for children...and loving my husband. She suggests carrying it around with you wherever you go. It's just easy in this world to forget truth and believe the lies and the feelings and then acting them out. I should know better. How long have I been a Christian?? And now I am beating myself up. No really...I should just do it instead of thinking about it and blogging about it.

Carter's so funny. There's little moments when I am watching him and I am in awe. Like today, we were playing at the train table (also given to us by Chad) and watched him being extremely intentional about shoving them all in this little cave area. Why? Who knows. He just wanted to. Of course, I think he is genius but I'm sure every mother does. It's just funny.

I went to the baby doctor yesterday and saw baby #2. I now officially know I'm pregnant and it became so real to me. I saw it's heartbeat and it's little feet.  He or she is about 2 inches long and so precious. Today I had several moments when I would look at Carter and think about the little one growing in me and just stood in awe that he started just like that too and in less than 2 years he is walking around this place beating his bat on the wall and laughing at Kipper (kid cartoon.) It's weird and awesome and POINTS all back to our Heavenly Father who created this whole deal.

Carter's Second Christmas

I really didn't know what to expect with Carter and opening gifts. I mean, he's one. But he enjoyed ripping the paper off gifts and seemed to act interested in the toys. I really think more than anything he just likes being with people. He enjoys the attention from both his mommy and daddy which is true anytime. He likes toys but they really get his attention when someone, particularly me, get down and play with him.  I think he enjoyed the social aspects more than anything. It's cute.

The biggest hit was his McQueen ride on toy.  He loved it. It's fun to see your kids have fun with stuff.

We went to three different family Christmases. (I can't imagine visiting 3 different sets of family with another baby. It was fun...but tiring and just work. So we'll see.) I'm excited for Christmas next year. Carter will be bigger.  I want to plan December out with little activities and really get into the Advent season more. I say this now...without a baby #2. But who knows. I have a lot of fun ideas.

I enjoyed our night at my parent's when we shared what we were thankful for and our prayer requests for the next year. It was authentic and real and honest. No fluff. It was a extremely meaningful way to end Christmas Eve.  My two prayer requests were not to lose the JOY of being a mommy. I regret different points in my life AND I don't want to just pass through motherhood.  ALSO that I would learn to deal with my stronghold of worrying about money. It tends to ruin things.

Today I am currently reorganizing our apartment with all the new toys and stuff. Also taking this opportunity to put the Christmas stuff away. Feels good. Took a load of stuff to the Goodwill. Got containers to organize Carter's toys. Laundry. The usual.

It's a wintery mess outside which leaves us inside. Boo.

Kind of hard to figure out what to do with each other.

Carter was tired today at 11:00 but I didn't know. He usually goes to bed at 1:00.

We went to the library yesterday. He had so much fun. He just laughs and walks around and squeals. It's fun as a mom to see those times. We got some good books. Every Thursday at 10:00 they have story time. I think I am going to go to that. I want to make sure to keep the book thing going. 

I want to remember. In twenty years when my little one is big and grown, I want to be able to remember him just as he is now. SO I need to do something about that. Pictures will help a lot but I need to write stuff down. So I think I will just start blogging it. It doesn't have to be cute or pretty. I just want to get it down.

Carter is a goof. He brings joy and lots of laughter to Casey and I. Last night we got out (it's freezing and snowy outside) and went to the mall. Casey and I just sat and watched him run around the playground. and sat there next to each other just laughing as he  ran all around. The bigger kids don't scare him at all.

He is starting to communicate. When he wants to read a book, he hands it to me and than motions to sit in my lap. He frequently helps himself to any snacks he can get to. He grabs my hand when he wants up.

I realize he likes his toys when we are playing with him. He just wants to be with us.

He likes attention from strangers. He usually claps and smiles at them when they stop to talk to him.

He hates anything we have to do on a daily, consistent basis....changing diapers, brushing teeth, wiping face.

He loves anything long like his play baseball bat. He loves banging it and moving it around. My Grandma got him a fly swatter and that made his day. He carried it everywhere.