Breaking up is hard to do. . .

Well it has been just about one month since Carter broke up with "the girls" It was a long steady relationship that had it's good times and bad. Carter managed to suck all the life out of them. Since the break up the girls just haven't been the same, they are life less and are always hanging low. I am pretty sure they will never ever be the way the used to be. But the joys of motherhood out weigh a nice rack I guess! But for goodness sake, I never knew they would downsize to this degree, holy smokes! I have never experienced the wonders of trying on any shirt I please without having to worry about the girls all over the place. I have to say, I really do like the smaller version. Not sure that my loving husband would agree, but oh well!

Any how I stopped breastfeeding right after Carter's first birthday. (Which by the way was by far the worst pain ever! I got a serious infection and the doctor kept saying your fine, it just takes time. Then finally after two weeks realized I wasn't, saw me and said "oh my!" Yeah thanks, but after a shot and some medicine I was much better! ) Poor boy, first birthday comes along and now no boobies or bottles (although I still give him a bottle at night). I am sure he is saying to himself, this one year old thing is not all it is cracked up to be! My little one year old man had his check up and his stats are:
Length: 28 3/4 -25% (65% DS scale)
Weight: 18.5 pounds- 25% (75% DS scale)
Carter also had his thyroid checked and the results came back as normal. It is something we will have to monitor over the years because of the DS. In January Carter has his first eye exam, another thing we will monitor because of the DS. I am not really sure how the eye doctor will be able to test his eyes, seeing how Carter isn't able to verbalize responses just yet. But I am sure with all the technology out there they have some amazing tool to help them check.

Carter can wave now. I have been home for two weeks on Christmas vacation so I had been working on it daily. And now my little man can wave, it is the cutest thing ever. I will have to record it and post it.

We had a pretty low key New Year's Eve. We went to our friends house down the street from here, had some food and a little wine. We actually decided to drive home, about ten minutes before midnight so they wouldn't be anyone on the road. We thought it would be safer that way, there wasn't one car on the road.

So here's to 2010, another year to many more memories. I love my family and my life. I can't imagine things any different. Maybe a future brother or sister will join us this year. Who knows!?! Cheers!

Haircut, ya think?

Someone needs a haircut! Look at his crazy hair, this is what he looks like in the morning when he wakes up. I laugh every time I get him out of bed. I am forbidden to cut his hair so Eric is responsible or we need to take him somewhere! Crazy kiddo!

Christmas morning. . .

What a wonderful day! We woke up in our own house. Eric didn't have to work and we spent the morning together just our little family. Perfect. We did a few presents for each other and a couple for Carter since the child has received presents the entire month of December, bonus of a December baby but we may need a bigger house now with all of the new clothes and toys he has. Carter was much more interested in the paper then the gifts, he loves the sound of the paper crinkling. He did manage to rip a couple corners of his presents though.

Later that morning we went over to Grandma Carol and Grandpa Nick's for breakfast and another relaxing day spent in our jammies! We brought new clothes to change into for dinner but voted to stay in our pj's instead. Carter again made out like a bandit, my mom and dad went crazy. We also got some great gifts, I can't wait to enjoy. We stayed up late (10:30, I know that's late, for me!) drank wine, ate food and enjoyed each others company.

Eric had to work the next day so he left early. Carter and I hung around and took my dad to the airport with my mom. My dad was headed off to St. Louis for my Grandpa Becker's funeral, he passed away on December 23. We wanted to all be there, but airfare is out of control. It was like $950 for a round trip ticket. My dad left Sunday at 9 am, and called today to say he had just gotten there. It took him two days to get there because of the weather. I can't imagine being stuck at an airport with Carter for two days. But my dad is representing the family. My Grandpa Becker lived a long wonderful life, he was 95. The past couple years though, he hasn't really been himself. The Grandpa I remember sadly left us many years ago. It was time for his suffering to end and I am glad he is in a better place now.

Christmas Eve

We went to my Aunt Molly's for Christmas Eve with my family. She throws a fablous party packed with all the yummy foods and drinks you can imagine. And Eric is a big fan of the prime rib sandwichs she makes every year. My poor deprived husband who doesn't get any meat at home, who then trys to make up for it by stuffing his face, until he is sick. Carter was spoiled by everyone at the party. He got some of the cutest little outfits I have ever seen! I love dressing him up, but Eric better get a second job if we ever have a girl because I can't even imagine all the girl clothes!

Playdate

4 mommies and 7 seven children! Fun day! I need to catch up with everyone, I need two babies!

Pictures with Santa

Our second attempt to get pictures with Santa was a success. We went down to Seattle two weeks ago to get Carter's pictures with Santa however my loving husband raised in the woods is not such a city boy. Going to Seattle is to much of an overwhelming adventure for him. The line to Santa was an hour and half long, outside in 25 degree weather, even this city girl couldn't hang. So we ended up taking him to Nordstrom at Southcenter which was wonderful because it was inside and hardly a line. They turned out so cute. These pictures were taken with my camera, I can't wait to pick up the other ones. Carter was totally fine, he looked at him for a minute and then nuzzled right into his beard. Too cute!

Tharaldson Christmas

This year we did Christmas one week early with Eric's side of the family. It was so nice to not be stressed out about getting to eighteen places within two days. We got to enjoy the family and relax. Grandma Georgia and Grandpa Robin spoiled Carter and us with tons of gifts. We stayed the weekend over there and so did Ben, Erin, and Piper. (Eric's sister, husband and daughter) We also found out the family will be expanding soon. Erin and Ben are expecting their second baby in July. We are very excited for them. Erin's cute little belly is already starting to poke out! Hopefully we can have a little cousin to join them soon also!

The joys of wrapping presents with a 1 year old

Oh what a day! Carter's 1st b-day party!!!

So much work in for one amazing day. I hope he remembers it! Ha! We had quite the event yesterday. Carter bug is a pretty popular little man, he had quite the turnout, despite a few sick friends who couldn't make it. He was awake and happy for the entire thing (not that he is ever grumpy or fussy any other time). I was a little bit nervous that he may have been overwhelmed by all of the people but he was a trooper. We are so blessed to have such generous loving people in our lives, I was so happy to spend the day with family and friends.

We are off to go get Santa pictures today, so enjoy the pics and we will give more details about the party later. Thanks again for everyones help, love and gifts. Love you all!

December 2- Happy Birthday Carter Nicholas!

Happy Birthday to my sweet baby boy! I don't remember what life was like before you. You an amazing little man, who has taught me so much about life in such a short amount of time. I love you with all of my heart!