Water Fun

For those of you that don't know, it is HOT in Sacramento in the summers! It is not unusual to see temperatures over 100 degrees. Enter Baba (Dave's mom). Thankfully, last time she was in town, she bought us a water toy of sorts. It's perfect for Carter and Philip since it doesn't hold too much water. And, it's big enough with enough extra pieces and toys that the boys are able to wander around it not get bored -- in theory. For now, the hose water is cold enough, and they are still young enough, that they mostly sit in one place and chew on things. We anticipate that changing very quickly, though (see later posts).

Carter cooling off

Carter & Philip having fun

The boys and their dads

We're Back!

Yes, we know it has been a ridiculous amount of time since we've updated -- and for that, we're sorry. The last few months have been supremely busy! Carter is now 10 1/2 months old, and off the charts in height, weight, and head size. That's our boy...He's keeping us on our toes, too. He's crawling at top speed, getting into everything, and never wastes a minute to test his boundaries (i.e. oh, when you say "no, you cannot go out the doggie door" that applied to today, too?).

For Christmas, Dave and I each got new bicycles with the best of intentions. We foresee long bike rides and picnics in our future. Unfortunately, we haven't been able to use them as frequently as we would like, as it has required finding a babysitter -- they just don't make a seat or trailer for small babies. So, we were thrilled when Carter finally approached the 25lb. mark. He is now big enough for the back bicycle seat, and his head is big enough for the smallest helmet. Bring on the family bike rides!!!

Initially, Carter was NOT a fan of his helmet. Turns out the trick is to make Dave wear his -- if Dad's doing it, it must be ok, right? That motto may get us into trouble later, but for now, it's working like a charm.

Such a Boy

Well, in case you can't tell from all the below pictures, Carter is quite a big kid! He'll be 8 months old tomorrow and he's in the 90th percentile still for height and head size (which he'll thank you not to comment on) and weighs 21 pounds as of yesterday. In the past few months we've actually started to wonder if we'll have toys around for his siblings (no, nothing to announce)...it seems as though he's systematically attempting to destroy everything. His current favorite? The mobile above his crib.

What?!? I wasn't doing anything!

I Love My...Walker!

Two weeks ago, we got Carter a walker. It's quickly become his favorite toy thanks to our hardwood floors and the amazing amount of music it plays. Never mind the fact that so far, he can only go backwards...

Carter Gets His Dem On

Last weekend was the 2009 California Democratic Party Convention here in Sacramento. Both Dave and I had to work at various times, so we spent the entire weekend at and around the Convention Center. So much fun to see all our SoCal friends on our home turf! I got the stomach flu on Thursday/Friday, however, so Dave and Carter had to go it alone the first day. I got tons of mobile pictures e-mailed to me from friends and colleagues as they ran into my boys. Sooo cute to see Carter making the rounds! He was perfect both days we took him, too -- he is one social baby!!! Highlights of the Convention? 1) I missed it, but I'm told that Dave and his friend Kan were quite the caretaking pair! They had several people ask them how long they've "had Carter." In case you didn't pick up on that, people thought they were gay. And 2) Gavin Newsom's event with Wyclef on Saturday night. We had so much fun and Wyclef rocks!!!

Carter with Kan in one of the caucuses. His onesie says "I'm voting Democrat in 2028" (thanks Macaria!), the sticker on the front says "Eric Bauman for CDP VP" and the button says "I support Humane Legislation" (thanks Jennifer - we love the Humane Society!). What a proud mama, I am!

Carter with Dave and Kan (being held by our friend Becca). Believe it or not, that's NOT me in the bottom of the pic.

Carter cruising around with his dad

Easter 2009 - Santa Barbara

This year, we met Dave's family in Santa Barbara to camp at El Capitan State Beach over Easter weekend. We all had a blast! And, we're happy to report that all three of us fared reasonably well for Carter's first camping trip! Once we figured out that his unhappiness was due to cold (took us about 3 hours of whining on his part), the remaining nights went quite well! We realized the trick was to pack him into winter gear (snow suits -- which of course, I did NOT get a picture of) as soon as it got to be about 4pm. He slept in them and everything and loved being outdoors constantly.

Carter gives kisses now -- open-mouthed of course.

Fun times with Dad

I love sand!!!! I think...


First toes in the ocean!

Carter and mom enjoying a day at the beach in sunny SB

Scanner Woes

Several months ago, our home printer died on us. Dave picked up a great new one, but it's taken me a while to sit down and figure out how to scan pictures! Today it's horribly rainy in Sacramento, so we got a bunch of house projects done -- including scanning! Below are some recent pics taken of the little man...

Carter's grandma (Baba) took him to Picture People for his 6 month pictures.

This was the only other Picture People pic without his tongue hanging out of his mouth...

Carter's first school picture at 7 months old!