The Love story





My hubby's gone for the night on business travel.  I was thinking about how very special he is.  Obviously.  :)  But it made me start thinking about the beginning of "us".  What a fun story that is!  Many of you know it, but I sure like to relive it!  So, I am!   Right now.     Well, I went to college at Texas State, Zach went to University of Florida.  He was the Exchange (an apartment community) manager in Florida and was transferred to the Exchange in San Marcos (YAY!).  I worked for him for quite awhile as a leasing agent.  I remember thinking how poised, mature, eloquent in his speaking he was.  And HOT! :)  But, that's all.  Admiring from afar.  We didn't even hang out except for when the whole office did together.  Until, turn.  Turn is when all the student move out of their apartments and we fully prepare the apartments for the newcomers.  This equates to about 10 16 hour days in a row.  Everyone is required to work it.  Needless to say, it makes us all very close!  Zach and I were put on a "sparkle team" together meaning that we were to clean the apartments as eachother's partners.  YAY!  Let the fun begin.  We actually made cleaning a blast.  We told eachother all kinds of stories of our families, our lives, and even made up silly stories to pass the time away.  Even 2 people who talk nonstop sometimes run out of things to talk about.  Well, at the end of turn, I was getting ready to move to Europe for my study abroad program!  Therefore, that meant we were not even thinking of pursuing anything with eachother.  I had 1 week in between turn and moving in San Marcos.  Zach was supposed to be flying out the day after turn to help another property with their turn.  (Ironically?) he missed his flight.  I think he did this on purpose to have time with me ;).  So, we spent the whole week together just hanging out.  We played at the pool, watched movies, hung out with friends, had a picnic lunch, and I even thought I would impress him by "cooking" for him...that's the way to a man's heart - right?  So, boxed Mac N Cheese it is!  Haha, little did I know he is like a wonderful CHEF!  He still pretended to be impressed though.  What a good man.  Well, the week was fun, but it was time to move.  Like anything could actually develop while I lived in the Netherlands for 5 months....

The Netherlands:  Selia (my best friend in college) and I arrived in London to do some traveling prior to getting settled into school.  She called her boyfriend when we got there, and multiple days after that.  One of those days, I said...well, if you're calling him, I'll just call Zach and see how he's doing.  It was out of the blue- I'm sure he wasn't expecting that at all.  We talked at as much ease as before and had so much fun.  I wouldn't admit yet that I truly liked him, because I kept thinking of the distance and how impossible that was.  Selia knew though.  And she wouldn't let me get away with not admitting it.  It ended up turning into trading daily emails with him.  I would wake up (no matter where we were- in Vlissingen for school, or in another country traveling around) and write him a lengthy email in response to his lengthy email.  We started playing  a get to know you game too where we asked eachother questions in every email...some silly, some deep....just really wanting to understand eachother.  We then began 2 of these per day, and they were long, detailed emails.  This turned into a phone call a day.  And multiple ones.  Selia and I even got a cell phone there to share and that allowed me to talk to him more often.  

So, I left the end of August, we started talking about him coming to visit...halfway just testing the waters with eachother to see what the other would say.  A short 2 weeks later, his trip was booked to come in November and be with me for my birthday!  And here is where everything starts snowballing (in a beautiful way).  He was/is so romantic, he sent me flowers and teddy bears and love notes throughout my stay and we both anticipated our reunion.  Finally it was time.



My friends that came to visit for my birthday in Amsterdam

Amsterdam:  I rode the train very nervously to Amsterdam which was 1 1/2 hours from my flat in Vlissingen.  He got off the plane.  We ran to eachother (I was sooo excited and nervous) and immediately locked in eachother's arms...and stayed that way the rest of the trip.  Sickening to most, I'm sure.  We sure were/are that sappy, must be near, touching holding hands, arms around eachother, sneak in kisses at every opportunity kind of couple.  And we love it.  So many friends met us in Amsterdam to celebrate my birthday.  And he was such a gentleman the whole time.  Conversing with all- he was sure to learn how to say "Cheers" in Georgian (the language from the country, not the state), opening doors, helping at any opportunity.  I was falling for this man...fast.  And everyone could see it.  One of my dear friends, Gencer, who I talked to about everything always asked me before Zach came "Does he make you happy?  Is he good for you?  Tell me about him.."  He wanted to be sure that I wasn't just starry eyed and that we were really good for eachother...because we were moving fast in our feelings and G was always trying to protect.  When he met him, he said "Ohhh wow, Nicki, you are very happy and you are very good for eachother.  He is a good man.  (Gencer (G) is the one kneeled down with the hat on).   After the 3 days in Amsterdam, I had to go back to Vlissingen to take some tests and Zach was going to visit Switzerland, Rome, and Antwerpen, Belgium. We were going to meet in Paris for our special one on one time!

Paris:   Ultimate Romance.  

Did you know I have the most romantic man in the world?  Well, I do.  :)  He had some dates planned for us in Paris.  We coincidentally stumbled upon eachother on the train to Paris.  His flight to Prague had randomly gotten cancelled and so he and his 2 friends re routed to Antwerpen, from there, he got on a different train from the one we planned to meet eachother from and it happened to be the same one I was on!  What a good thing, because we didn't know how we'd meet up otherwise.  His friends went their seperate way when we got to Paris and Zach and I found our hotel.  OOOO what a quaint little place it was.  It had a Juliet balcony and looked onto the narrow Parisian streets. 

We went walking around and shopping because that night was our first date night. We were going to take a dinner boat cruise down the Seine River passing Paris' most beautiful sights including the Eiffel Tower.  The evening was nothing less than magical.  We had a little table next to the window with wine and a 5 course dinner.  The live music serenaded us and the others the whole time and created a surreal atmosphere.  We finally decided to get up and dance (our very first dance)...and at that moment, the band stopped and Michael Jackson's Billy Jean came on.  Haha, not quite as romantic but very comical.  We had a blast.                                                       

Hotel before our first date





Dinner Boat cruise





Magical Moments

It was a perfect date! 

We spent the day touring Paris the next day, seeing the Louvre, Notre Dame, grabbing a baquet and cheese and eating in one of the parks, listening to the people speaking in their beautiful French language, disbelieving that we were sitting in the most romantic place in the world with eachother.  We were fully wrapped up in it.  And then then 2nd date night came:  We got all dressed up again and went to have dinner-in the Eiffel Tower, overlooking this majestic city.  Again we were swept off of our feet with our surroundings.  We were up in the Eiffel Tower!!!  Truly.  No words can describe it.  We had such wonderful conversation together and couldn't do much besides (CHEESY ALERT) search each other's eyes, intertwine our fingers together, and continuously share our hopes for the future.  That early on, we both knew what we wanted out of this and it sure did pay off in the end! :)  After dinner, we went to the Moulin Rouge where I was pleasantly surprised that it was very classy.  The costuming was so elaborate with crystals dangling from the outfits and feathers protruding out the sides.  It was breathtaking.  It was one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen!  Yes, being in Paris is romantic and breathtaking, but the true beauty in it was that I was finally with Zach, my man, my future husband.  I had been waiting for this time for months! 

The Louvre

Moulin Rouge in all its glory.  The elaborate costumes

The rest of the time in Paris was as magical!  We loved every moment together. 

 My mom was heading to come visit me and she was going to get to meet Zach on the tail end of his trip...perfect!  So, mom met Zach and I in Amsterdam and we spent 2 days together.  She said immediately she knew I was going to marry him- I acted different and talked different about him then I had ever done before.  She was so confident, she called my Dad and said "this is it".  It was wonderful to get to have them interact so early on too.  What a big step.  Mom flew all the way to Europe to meet my hubby to be.  And technically, he flew all that way to meet his future Momma In Law.  :)

Zach left and I was sad but knew that I would be with him again soon.  It was sooner than I expected....he called when he got back to the States and asked me if I would come home for his company Christmas party...this would be just a few weeks before I was coming back for good.  I wanted to so badly.  I missed him.  I ended up flying home for the weekend to go with him, and turning right around (with big tears in my eyes) to go finish my amazing time in Europe.  I was thrilled for my upcoming travel adventures but knew a BIG piece of my heart was at home with Zach.  I didn't want to leave Europe...I thought I could stay there forever....Zach came at the perfect time because that sure made me excited and ready to get home to him.  If my surreal life in Vlissingen had to be wrapped up, at least I was going home to true love, to start down this new road with Zach. 

I love him more than anything and know that God really put us together to love eachother completely.  I never could fathom a love like this existed, but it does.  It's real.  It's beautiful.  It blossomed in a fairy tale romance but has grown and bloomed in the real world and gotten stronger with every trial, every joy, every experience we've shared.  It's everything I could ask for.  My heart is full. 

PS...I think my favorite part is Zach said the very first time he saw me, he told his friend Mike, "I'm going to marry Nicki Pohl.  Just watch."  Mike backs it up.  I love that. 

Yet another First

I know this stage of C's life is going to be filled with firsts.  That sure does make the time fly by.  This weekend we got to take him to experience the park for the first time.  It was a perfect 70 degree day here in Texas, which is a rare occassion.  We drove to the Park in Highland Park and automatically found ourselves in extreme bliss.  The aged, mature trees were gently swaying in the calm breeze, the swings were loaded with squealing kiddos, the open field was filled with daddy's playing soccer with their boys and practicing baseball.   Moms and dads with kids of all ages from newborns to young teens were at the park.  We felt like we were right where we wanted to be!!!  Now, introducing Carter to all the fun that he will be finding himself remembering many, many times to come.  We started with the big swings with Carter on our laps.  He seemed to be in a blissful daze during that time.

Then, while waiting for the baby swings, we took him to play on the grass with his ball.  I really think he's going to be some kind of sports-y kid.  He loves to kick and roll the balls.  I know, that's what babies do.... :)  BUT I still think (maybe wishfully) that this kid with all the energy he has will have to be in sports to help calm him down.

But, truthfully, he loved his toes just as much!   Toes and tongues are what captures his attention currently.   And both are quite clear here.  Easy entertainment at least! :)  No child can go to the park without feelig the thrill of rocketing down the slide...ok, maybe it was more a snail pace controlled by mommy, but hey...it was still fun!

Maybe it was more exhilirating then we realized though, because he felt the need to hold onto the slide as he went down it.  I just get this flash forward image of him just a tad older running around like crazy, playing and yelling and probably driving me bananas (in the best way) trying to keep up with him!!  :)  So, for now, I'll completely enjoy this time of needing Daddy and Mommy to help with all the fun!  He's getting too big too fast.

The baby swings are obviously very popular as we waited for about 25 minutes for one.  In that time though, I was approached by another mom who asked how old Carter was, she has a son a few days younger, and she told me how he seemed so developed in his strength and attention.  :)  That makes any momma beam!   I sure think he is.  BUT the best was that she "was admiring his leg rolls (she noticed when I changed his diaper) and his natural mohawk!"  Haha.  Too cute.  That's my boy!  Anyways, we finally got the baby swings!

And he LOVED it!!  He felt like such a big boy!  I wish this picture could capture the whole moment though because his legs were kicking and fists were pumping (as normal for him).  He was in heaven!! 
Perfect day!  I sure love this little guy.

Beautiful Japan

I started this blog to keep up with what's going on in my son (and family's life) since it all goes by so quickly.  Along with that though, I feel that I have experienced some things that I do not ever want to forget.  So what better way to remember than to write them in a diary (or for modern day, blog).  I plan to go back through some of my favorite life moments, which includes a whole lot of traveling.  Hopefully, if any of them are places you want to go, this can help in your travel plans. 
Well, where to start? 
Waking up this morning, I, along with all of you, was bombarded with the tragic stories of the earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan.  It breaks my heart that people are going through this.  Immediately, I was in a whirlwind of memories from my travels to Japan.  I decided that was a good place to begin.  I'm sure that the Japan I visited nearly 4 years ago will not be the Japan that is visited in the future after all of the devastation it created. 
How I experienced it:

Zach and I went there as one of our destinations on our honeymoon.  We flew into Narita Airport, in Tokyo, which is now closed indefinitely.  From the start, we loved the cleanliness of Tokyo, the respect the people showed, and the difference from our culture.   Not to mention, the FOOD! 

Zach is not all that adventurous in his sushi eating, but here, he decided to go for it.  We ate plate after plate that came down the conveyor belt not knowing what it was, but diving right in.  Luckily, even though some looked quite interesting, we loved it all.  Now, just don't tell us what everything was! :)

We also liked the soba noodles and the style to which is acceptable to eat.  Bowls are picked up and slurped.  Here I am participating in that!

Japan was just all around beautiful.  It is so clean, in fact there are no trash cans outside because the government doesn't allow it.  It contradicts what you would expect to see outside then:  people just throwing trash all around.  Instead, it instills a pride among them and they really keep it spotless, allowing the beauty of the city to shine through.

Zach and I ventured through the Himarkyu Gardens.  We really enjoyed this part, because not only is it a hidden escape in busy Tokyo, but we also found ourselves in a unique situation.  We stumbled upon a teahouse so we took our shoes off and went in to have some of their green tea.  We were escorted outside to the deck and then approached by a camera crew asking if we would mind being on Tokyo's news drinking the tea.  We said of course (Hey, it's our 15 minutes of fame right!!! )  And now, we are professional Japanese tea drinkers.  Quite an honor!! :)

We went to Asakusa, which is a more traditional part of Japan.  It was a very short boat ride from Tokyo.  We spent the day there looking at the temples and shrines.  Also very beautiful.  Buddha statues were situated around and we were fascinated by it.

Japan is also were I grew a love hate relationship.  Not with the country.  Not with my (new) husband.  But with Mt. Fuji.  I say Mt. Fuji now and vividly remember how much I despise it.....and adore it.  Why?  Well...we decided since we are very active people we would take on the challenge of climbing Mt. Fuji...at night...  This begins at 10:30 pm and the goal (which not all make) is to make it to the summit by 4:30 in the morning to watch the sunrise...if you are lucky.  It is not always visible through the thick clouds but when it is, it is described as breathtaking.  We set off with our thin jackets (because it IS Japan and HOT afterall) and short sleeve shirts underneath.  We got to the base of the mountain and met a Romanian personal trainer who wanted to join us.  Though we thought the trek wouldn't be too tough, we welcomed a trainer who could push us.  So we began.  Initially, in the dark night, it was exhilirating.  It felt like this would be a true accomplishment and we were excited.  As we were rapidly passing other hikers, we were feeling very confident in our abilities and the fact that we would easily beat our 4:30 AM goal to be at the top.  Well, that feeling didn't last too much longer.  Even though it was a tough climb and was getting our body temperature up, we started realizing how cold we were, and our toes (in too small of shoes-good choice Nicki) were bleeding, and our knees (which always give Zach problems) were beginning to throb.  This didn't look like quite the bright idea anymore.  BUT we had the trainer....so he pushed us "No problem guys, we can do this, come on, come on..."  It helped.  Then it stopped.  And we realized HE was the one dragging behind us and WE were the ones encouraging him to push through. 

Here we all are.

We continued through the pain and cold and challenge that any mountain would present.   And then, as we were watching one smart group of people after another stop at huts to spend the rest of the night in, that they clearly reserved, and we were achingly jealous that we weren't smart enough to do the same thing, we realized...we were almost there.  The top was looming very close to us...we could almost reach for it.  HA!  It seemed.  But it was ammo to keep us moving.  We eventually did make it.  And guess what.  We got there at 2:30 AM.  A whole 2 hours before the goal.  OH we were excited.  Then the harsh reality, there was not a place to go in.  The little huts didn't open until 4:30, ha, guess that's why they encouraged people to arrive then.

 So, after being scolded by a Japanese guard of a hut to "get out, you do not have reservations", the three of us huddled as close, literally as CLOSE as 3 adult humans could possibly get and shivered off the bitter cold for 2 hours.  But it sure felt like many more.  Finally, one hut opened but would only let you in if you bought something...we welcomed that and bought many bowls of HOT soup! 

After huddling in there over the fire for a bit, the sun began coming up , and it looked like a day that we were going to be able to marvel at the beauty of the Japanese mountain sunrise.  Here it is:

Suddenly, with this view above the clouds, it all seemed worth it.  We DID IT!!!

And then the journey down began.....honestly, much more brutal then going up.  Every ache and cut is throbbing at this point and realizing that you still HAVE to do it in order to get down is daunting.  But we did.  And we got back to the base around 11:00 AM.  So we hadn't slept since 2 nights ago.  We hiked from 10:30PM to 11:00 AM, guess what....when we got back to the hotel, we slept the entire day and woke up the next day and treated ourselves to massages and pampering.  It was a great feat and a horrible idea all in one!  I don't know that I'd do it again, but it was worth the memory and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

We decided to try a restaurant, Yabu Soba, that was recommended to us by some of the Japanese guys that Zach works with.  It was a fun experience because on the way there, we couldn't find it at all, so we stopped to ask for directions.  Their culture is so respectful and helpful that they want to feel as though they are helping, so they told us "Oh yes, go left and then turn right at _____ Street, you'll see it."  We did that, no sign.  So we asked again and got told a complete different direction.  This happened about 5 times until we realized they were just too kind to tell us they didn't know.  We found it and it was delicious!

If you find yourself in Tokyo, just turn right, then left, then follow the curve, turn left again and at the truck, go right and you'll get there.  :)  No, but seriously...it would be worth attempting to find.  Here are a few more pics from the trip.

Pagoda

Imperial Palace

In writing all of this, and reliving the beautiful adventure we had here, I pray that the people and cities that were affected by the earthquake and tsunami be healed quickly and can recover as easily as possible.  I pray that families who have lost find peace and are able to rebuild.  I pray that many reach out to help in any way possible.  I am sad for them and hope that life can go back to normal for them soon. 

Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to bed we go

Bed time is one of my favorite times of the day.  No, definitely not because it's time for Carter to go to bed.  The reason I love it so much is because of how special the routine has become.  There are so many "little moments" captured during this time.  Carter knows exactly what's going on as we prepare for bed and he loves it.  There are nights that he has reached his limit for the day and starts to get over tired, but as soon as we start heading up the stairs, he lights up.  BATH TIME IS HERE! :)  He watches and listens to the water running with a sweet smile on his face.  Sure that part is darling, but the best is when we lay him on the towel to get him ready for the bath.  It's like an unexplainable overwhelming joy comes over him.  He gets bright, big eyes, and a heart warming ear to ear smile....and then....lets it all out....the crazy arms begin flailing, the wild legs get moving.  He is rocking and rolling in anticipation for this oh so joyous occasion.  You would think he just got his first taste of Starbucks Coffee the way he is thrilled (and wired).  Usually we enjoy watching this part so much that we let him "go go go" (as we say to him) for a few minutes.  The build up and anticipation is just so fun!  Then we put him in the bath.  Splish Splash I was taking a bath....all along a (fill in the day).  This is Carter's bath time theme song and seems to be just the encouragement he needs to rejuvenate for round two of kicking and flailing.  The bath time dance....

This is a good one-often though it's accompanied with the lit up eyes, the deep gasps of air as he tries to catch his breath from all the excitement while still letting out squeals of enjoyment.  And this is only part one. 
We wind down after this with dim lights and soft music as he eats.  Off to stories we go.  This is the part that spurred this post.  For bed time stories, Zach and I lie on either side of Carter on the floor with him all bundled up  in his pj's and blanket and relaxed with his paci.  Then we read him "Goodnight Moon" and "Guess How Much I Love You."  Carter is very all about feeling things and so he thrusts his arms out to both of our faces and makes sure that he is rubbing either faces or hands throughout the whole story time.  I love it every time.  It's so tender.  But last night, I not only loved it, but stopped to just be in that moment exactly.  Carter began rubbing the side of my cheek with his sweet hand and craning his head with big, searching eyes, to meet mine and look into them. Yes, it pierces my heart- in such a beautiful way.   At that point, my heart melts and I gaze back at him thinking of how beautiful this baby boy is and how he has changed my world.  He fills a part of my heart I didn't know I had.  It's like my heart grew a whole new chamber that is there to just love this little man. And I will.  Every single day of my life.   I know I'm all mushy, and gushy.  But have you ever felt the unconditional love of a child?   His touch is so charged with adoration. It's such a simple touch, a simple joy.   It's as if nothing else exists or matters in his life except the feel of his mommy's cheek.  He continues to rub my cheek and adds in squeezing my thumb at the same time.  A "don't let go, I just want to be near" kind of squeeze.  It's the purest, most beautiful moment.  That moment is one that is forever imprinted on my heart.  I know Zach has these moments too because as I'm reading, there are times that Carter is all curled up near Daddy and I see this tender look in Zach's eyes.  He experienced this same pure love.  Wow!
It's the perfect wrap up to a crazy, beautiful day.

Celebration

What a wonderful weekend we had!  Zach came home early and we enjoyed the nice weather by taking our little guy on a city stroll for about 45 mins.  He loves to listen to the hectic traffic, the birds tweeting, and the wind blowing.  I only wish the weather could stay like this all the time because I sure do love being outdoors!  It's a nice scene change for the day.  But, reality check:  We live in Texas.  Oh well, soak it up for now!  After getting Big C to bed, we were ready for adult Friday night.  Zach and I love to still have "date nights".  Even if that means Carter is sleeping in the other room.  Lucky for us, he is done with his bed time routine and in bed by about 7:30 so that leaves plenty of time for us.  Friday was a perfect date night.  We turned on some music, opened a bottle of wine, and sat for a few hours talking over our Shrimp Scampi dinner and homemade Italian Pizza.  A little indulgent indeed.  :)  It was everything I could want for a Friday night.
Saturday is always fun.  We have a full play day with Daddy!  Carter loves his time with Daddy.  This week, he got a little more because Daddy let Mommy go back to sleep for a bit.  So rejuvenating!

Saturday was special too because it was Carter's 5 month birthday!  We decided it would be the perfect time to let Carter have his first taste of something other than milk.  Infant rice it was! 

Carter is anticipating his special birthday treat!

 

 

I had so much fun feeding him and can't believe he is old enough for this already!

What IS this stuff?  :)

Initailly, Carter made a face like what are you thinking, what isss this?  But he ended up eating everything I gave him.  We started with the 1 Tbsp of rice.  Now, we're going to add this into his daily routine. 

Here's a video of his first Bite:

 

I'm working on changing his schedule right now too because he has been fighting naps, and he is usually a great sleeper and goes down by himself easily.  So, we are changing from 3 naps a day to 2.  And adding in infant rice.  It's exciting to see the changes in him and realize he is ready for a more "big boy" kind of day.  Through the excitement, I also get sad.  Iam excited for his growth but don't want my baby to bot be a baby.   It goes by so fast. 

So Saturday night lead to another great evening.  Zach is a wonderful cook and I just have to share what he made!  He got Chilean Sea Bass fillets and made them with a green salsa and chopped up mangos and green peppers to put on top.  He first seared them on the stove top and then broiled them for a couple minutes.  This was served over Jasmine rice.  Can I just say YUMMM!!!  Then he made  simple seared scallops for us.  These were just seared in olive oil.  Then topped with fresh lemon juice and fresh chopped parsley.  Steamed asparagus and a margarita on the side!  Wow!  I told him I am a spoiled woman to get toeat this great of food and not be the one who is making it!  Here it is.  :)  I've been telling him he needs to start his own restaurant because he doesn't use recipes, he just comes up with this stuff.  I think he is truly talented.

Sunday is our usual family dinner at mom and dad's house.  This week we got to celebrate my brother in law, Danny's, birhday.  With a king's cake.  First time to have one---not a huge fan.  Family dinner is getting more and more fun as the 3 kids keep getting older.  It is something I look forward to every single week!!! 
Off to start another!

Carter's 21 week Birthday Celebration Day

Today my sweet lil guy turned 21 weeks old!  WHERE is the time going?  We had a very fun day celebrating today!  Carter got to play some of his favorite games and have some new experiences too!  I have loved every minute of this angel baby's life!  And today was just as good as any!  I love walking into his room in the morning and being greeted with a huge smile!  A true, genuine, I'm so excited for the day kind of smile!  What a great way to start the day!  It takes me straight from my sleepy state of mind to energetic, I can't wait to play state of mind! 

We started the day off playing in our bumpo- one of our new fun places to play.

Then he practiced being a rockstar on his drum.  This is finally starting to be entertaining to him! 

 Whew!  Exhausted after that!  Luckily, the drum comes in handy for a foot rest too....and mommy's feet come in handy for a head rest.  Carter did this on his own!  He had a great idea for his version of a reclining chair. 

 We decided that with such beautiful weather, we really needed to be outside.  Luckily, Gigi (my mom) was watching Kenadi and Landon (Carter's cousins) so we went to my sister Christi's house and had some outdoor fun.  Carter loved the swing!  This was his first time in it and he seemed completely relaxed!

Gigi is so wonderful!  Carter (and all the grandkids for that matter) love special time with her!  What a great group of people to celebrate 21 weeks of living with!  Carter's cousin, Landon is just 3 weeks younger than him, so happy 18 weeks Landon!

Awwww, relaxed! :)  This is truly the life.

I love these two boys so much!  They are already best friends.  Kenadi is their other best friend and she will be the one running the show! :)  Thanks Kenadi for sharing your swing with your cousin!

Carter also got to feel new textures!  He's never played in the grass before.  He really loved being outside in it and feeling the breeze, and hearing the birds!

We had a wonderful day today and are so excited to see what the rest of the day brings.  After a nap of

course! :)