This is what my day has been like today...



this is what makes it all worthwhile...

Things have been super busy but fun lately. Here is a little glimpse of our life the past week and a half (minus the pictures I failed to take of our visit labor day weekend with some of our best friends from Seminary) I'll explain the pictures a little later:

Thank goodness our camera has such a fast shutter speed... I almost missed this shot. I can't believe how well he is holding up his head now!



Here he is before bedtime. He loves when we read Goodnight Moon to him.

I've been trying to sit down at the computer all morning! After a walk around the block... Carter is finally taking his MORNING nap at 12:10pm! We'll get things figured out sooner or later.

We had a pretty busy week last week. I have to admit it's been a pretty hard adjustment for me with Dan going back to work. Dan started at a new school this year in a new district. It is a huge difference from the school he was at last year. First of all, this school is about 3 blocks from our house... so Dan can walk. Last year he had 150 students in his roll book, this year he has 50. He will be teaching Reading instead of English. The superintendent is really great. The first official day of school she asked the faculty and staff to all come dressed as something they are outside of work. Dan went dressed as a rock climber. He got pretty sentimental pulling out all of his climbing gear. It has been really hard living in a state with very little climbing. Dan spent Saturday and Sunday getting his classroom ready. He has a smaller room than most since he is not a core teacher... but it is still a great room. I took a couple pictures of the room and the hallway outside of his room.
So... Carter and I are getting used to being home alone. His ultra sound last Tuesday did not show a hernia... just some extra fluid that should go away on its own. He got his 2 month shots on Wednesday. I thought I was going to cry! He screamed and then fell asleep as soon as I picked him up. Here he is in his carseat after we got home. Check out his legs. :(He did roll over last week. That was exciting... although I think it was on accident. And... of course I have a picture of him after he rolled over because I photograph everything.
Gotta go... he's awake..

It's 8:30am and I've already folded and put away two loads of laundry, washed and dried another, had my cup of coffee, breakfast, and showered. This is why... I just didn't have the heart to move him when he fell asleep.

I keep thinking life is going to slow down... and maybe it finally will this week. I was out of town for part of last weekend and Dan was out of town this weekend. He starts back to school tomorrow (students start back next Monday) so maybe we will start to get in somewhat of a routine now.

Yesterday I ended up in the ER with Carter. The doctor thinks he may have a hernia. I really hope not... but we'll find out for sure either tomorrow or Tuesday when we go back in for an ultra sound. The poor little guy will get his two month shots on Wednesday. Needless to say it was not a fun day since I was not able to get a hold of Dan right away and had to go to the hospital by myself. Fortunately Dan was able to meet us there later.

Here are a couple pictures of our weekend:

Dan at our Church Men's Retreat this weekend. A friend got this shot and e-mailed it after Dan told him that I made him promise 50 times before he left not to do anything dangerous.

I keep trying to get a good smile of Carter... so far no success. Here is the beginning of a smile...

...and the end of the smile.

Exhausted last night after coming home from the hospital. Dan was trying to burp him... but he fell asleep face down.

Crazy hair after his bath tonight.

Rocking to sleep.

Cute Made in Chico robe from his Great Aunt Carey and Uncle Bill.

Waking up from a morning nap.

First pair of shorts from Uncle Scott and Aunt Cari.

7 Weeks Old

Well... we are on our own for the first time in 8 weeks. I'm kind of wondering how we will function now without all the naps we are used to. It's pretty nice to have live in babysitters! Dan's brother Dave and sister in law Laurisa left on Tuesday morning. We had an awesome time! It's been great to have spent so much time with family the last couple of months. It really makes us miss home.

Friday we visited the St. Louis Art museum. I know I have said this before... but it's great all the amazing things you can do for FREE!

Armor display. Saint Louis is on the horse above us.

It is unbelievably HOT here right now... so we hung out at home most of the weekend. On Monday we visited the St. Louis Arch. Dave and Laurisa made the 630 foot trek to the top of the arch while we hung out in the museum below.

Dan and Dave carrying Carter up the steps to the arch.

We can't wait to se everyone again at Christmas.

And of course... here are a couple more pictures of Carter from today...

This is not a great picture of myself or Dan... but I wanted to show Carter holding up his head and pushing up with his feet. He is getting so strong!
I thought I would add this one of his Uncle Dave holding him because he just looks so darn cute!