First Words

Carter's first words in order of appearance:

Daddy

Uh, oh!
Doggy!

Thank You

Sister

Kelsie

that(when pointing to anything he wants)

this

jus (anything to drink)

Pretty well describes what is most important to this little guy right now. One problem--he refuses to say "Ma Ma". Just won't say it. He said it once and I got so excited that he started squealing and laughing and now he seems to think "ma ma" is a punch line of a joke. My pediatrician says it's just because babies see themselves as a part of their mom so they don't need to say "ma ma". I'm no psychologist, but I thought that was the silliest thing I'd ever heard. I like the explanation that my baby is trying to torment me. I sure love this goofy little boy.

Flu Shots

I've never been a big believer in flu shots, perhaps because my kids have never had a true case of influenza...until now. Emily and Carter have the official, dreaded flu. They have been running 102 degree fevers on and off for five days and are just wiped out. My little Emily who can usually be found jumping on the couches and building pillow forts in my living room, hasn't moved off of the couch for three days. She is so worn down. My baby is miserable and just wants to be held and falls asleep in my arms (which is the one up side to the whole thing). It's sad to see them so sick and it's been a full week of fevers and sick kids at our house. Maybe the flu shot isn't such a bad idea after all. Maybe next year.

Leprechauns

We've had leprechaun fever around here. About a week ago, Kelsie came home convinced there was a leprechaun in our toy room because some of the dollhouse furniture was overturned. She set up this trap, hoping to catch the little guy. It might not look like much, but I thought the Barbie armoire as leprechaun trap was especially fitting.


Only problem is...she has a one year old brother who has no respect for leprechaun traps and thought the containers looked better as a new hat for him!



Emily caught onto the fever and has been convinced there is a leprechaun out in the garden. She has been outside, with a magnifying glass, searching for one. The girls are still hoping to catch a leprechaun this year. Wish us luck!

Cheating

When I went to help in Kelsie's class today the teacher asked me to give them their practice spelling test. Anyone who gets 100% doesn't have to take the test on Friday. They get to play in the back of the room. I think it's a great idea because it motivates the kids to learn the words earlier in the week. SO as I'm walking around giving the test I notice three kids totally cheating. They had the word list and pulled it out of their desk on every word and copied them down. They were trying to be as discrete as a 6 year old knows how to be, but it was pretty obvious.

It upset me for two reasons. First, I think it's horrible that these little six year olds already know how to cheat and don't see anything wrong with it. Second, I think it's really sad that they feel that pressured by a test. So what do you do? Should I have told the teacher, or is it really none of my business? If I tell the teacher, does my kid become the one with the lame parent who tattles on them? Am I really naive, or does this seem really young to be cheating in school?

Valentine Party

I was realizing that I never post pictures of Emily at preschool events. I don't think about it because I'm always there and most of my pics have all the kids in them. At the valentines party I made sure to get some pictures of just my Emily.
She was so excited about her first Valentines Party. She filled out all the valentines herself (weeks in advance) and was pumped to finally get to wear her red heart dress to school. She loves preschool and just lives for all these little events. It's been so fun!

making a valentine holder

valentine cookies

Passing out the valentines with her friend Lizzie.

All the loot...

Cougar Basketball

Just a glimpse into one of John's very favorite activities...BYU Basketball. He actually enjoys going to basketball games even more than football, and I enjoy the ticket price a lot more. This was on dollar day, so we took the whole family and met up with my sister Kandace and her family for the game.

He's ONE!

I don't know where the year went. Our buddy (aka Carter) is officially one and running all over the place. Here are some pictures from his 1st birthday bash. I have to say that I love 1st birthday parties. It is so fun to see the babies reaction to the presents, the cake, and all that attention. Carter did not dissapoint. He loved all the attention, reacted to his gifts by clapping his hands and throwing his arms up in delight (seriously--he cracks us up), and and was shocked that we really let him have a whole cake and kept waiting for us to snatch it away from him. After a few bites of it, he looked up at us and said "good" (sounded just like it). Grandma Durrant came down to the party, which was the highlight for Carter. He was delighted to have someone new to win over and show off for. He spent the night tossing balloons and playing puzzles with Grandma. It was a good time and we sure love our little buddy boy.

Carter had lots of help opening presents from a very excited sister.

He loved this puzzle from Grandma that makes noises and sings. He goes crazy clapping every time the song starts. He can't get enough of it...even weeks later!



The sports cakes...courtesy of dad