Singing Christmas Carols

We started a new tradition this year. All of our friends came over to our house and we went to several neighbors singing Christmas carols. The kids rang the doorbell and then started singing. The neighbors were surprised and the kids loved it. We can't wait to do it next year!!!

We had a party for Daddy's birthday. All of the family came. (Even baby Santa) Daddy loved all of his presents but everyone loved the new Carolina Snuggie!!!

Christmas Pictures

We always have our Christmas picture taken under the tree with the kids and the dogs. The more children we have the harder it is to take a good picture. MawMaw works really hard trying to get the perfect shot for our Christmas cards.
This year we let the big kids sit on Santa's lap. They both loved it. Caroline asked Santa for a doll house and Caden asked for little ceramic statues to paint.
Love, love, love Christmas with children!!!!

Carter's 1st Meal

Carter ate his first rice cereal meal at 5 months. He really liked it.

Trimming the tree and More Thanksgiving!

On Thanksgiving Day we decorated our tree. Caden really enjoyed going through all of the ornaments and hearing their stories. He couldn't get enough of the decorations.
Later that night we went to Aunt Kris's house. All of the cousins were there. We played and even tried to take a group photo of all the kids.

Thanksgiving and Suhr reunion

Before Thanksgiving we went to the Suhr family reunion in Roxboro. We were able to see many of daddy's relatives. The kids were able to play with their cousins.
After the reunion we rode to MawMaw Scruggs' house for dinner. We ate and the kids played. The highlight of the evening was decorating MawMaw's tree. The kids loved it. We have so much to be thankful for!!!!

Dedication at Church

We had our baby dedication at Church for Carter. All of our family came and watched Carter be dedicated. He did really well. He did not cry at all. What a great baby!!!

Pirates and Princesses

Ahoy there Mateys!!! Caden wanted to have a pirate drop off party for his fifth birthday. All of the boys dressed as pirates and Caroline and Sydney dressed as princesses. We played a walk the plank game, musical treasure islands and even had a treasure hunt. The kids also had fun taking turns hitting the pinata. We had pirate cupcakes and pizza and opened presents. We had so much fun and Caden got a lot of cool presents!!! Happy Birthday Buddy!!!

A Boat in our LIving Room????

Caden and Daddy bought a boat at Dicks for next summer. Well, Caden really wanted to try it out before next summer so we decided to blow it up and set sail in our living room. Caden and Caroline enjoyed putting animals and pillows in it to make long journeys into the ocean. I believe they sailed to Africa and Hawaii.

A Date with Mommy

Caroline and I had a girl's day (plus Carter) at Build a Bear. We went to the mall and built a bear. This was her first time and she loved it. She like washing and dressing the bear the most. She first wanted to name the bear Lucy and then she decided to name her Charlie. So she now has a bear with a fairy dress named Charlie. We had a very special day at the mall making a bear and eating lunch!!!

Myrtle Beach 2009

We braved taking the kids and our 5 week old little Carter to the beach. MawMaw and PawPaw came for a few days and then Grandma, Grandpa and Bethany came to stay the rest of the week. We had so much fun. There was a water park at the place we stayed with slides, pools and even a lazy river. We would go down there for the morning. Carter would snooze in the shade while the big kids played. After lunch and naps we would head down to the beach. Caden really enjoyed playing in the ocean and finding shells. Caroline just loved sitting in the big holes that daddy dug. I just enjoyed watching my sweet family have so much fun!!! The beach was one of my favorite places to go as a child and now I feel so blessed to watch my children enjoy it too!!!

7/9/09 @7:09

We went to the dr. for my weekly check up. They did an ultrasound to see how big Carter was getting. During the ultrasound they noticed that my amniotic fluid was low. The doctor was concerned about this so he decided that we needed to head over to the hospital. I wanted to go home first and get my bags and take a shower.
After saying good-bye to the kiddos and having a shower we headed over to the hospital. For a long time I felt great just having contractions here and there. I was even able to use the computer and watch a movie. Then they decided to speed things up by breaking my water and giving me more meds. to increase contractions. Wow! They started coming on super strong. I was begging for my epidural. The epidural is a miracle!!! Soon after the epidural is when Carter decided to make his entry. He scooted down so fast that his heart rate dropped and Dr. was nervous to get him out quickly. She and my nurse did a great job. He was born at 7:09 weighing a surprising 7.15. He was healthy and beautiful. I thought he looked a lot like Caden. Carter, we love you so much!!!
We had so many visitors in the hospital including proud big sister and big brother. They were so happy to see their new baby brother. They held him and gave him lots of kisses. The three C's are now complete!!!

You were loved even before you were born!!

I had three showers for Baby Carter. The first one was at my friend Laura's house. So many friends and family came. We opened gifts and played the price is right. It was a lot of fun. The next shower was at Brigs with my high school and college friends. We ate yummy waffles and opened presents. The third and last shower was in Burlington with family. We had lunch and cupcakes with "C's" all over them. Carter, you are truly blessed with many people who love you!