Happy 1st Birthday Carson

12 months old!!!

Height: __________

Weight: 21lbs 5oz

New albums added into the Carson's photo album on the right

Has it really been a year? Has the time gone by this fast? WOW! This past year was so much fun! WE SURVIVED! CARSON SURVIVED! As Diego would say.. We did it, we did it, yeah yeah yeah, we did it!! That should say how our lives have changed. 1 year ago I would never have known who Diego is, but now, we watch because Carson likes the songs.

Carson started to walk on September 24, 2010 and then stopped. He went across the room a couple of times, across the living room and then that was it. He got a BAD ear infection and we weren't sure if that had anything to do with it. He is taking off now a little bit more, but hasn't really since that one day. The one thing he has done since his ear infection has cleared up, he has perfected standing on his own.

He'll just bend his knees and stand up on his own and just stand there.

He has also started eating with a spoon. Not an expert yet, but we are definitely getting there.

He now has 5 teeth and from the way he has been acting, alot more are coming.

He has added "Juice" to his vocab. Still no MaMa. Along with saying No, Carson has added the head shake.. "No".. Just has he thinks No is comedic, shaking his head No is just as funny, to him.

For the day of Carson's Birthday, we took him to Metro Zoo for the day. He really notices the animals now, so needless to say, we had a blast. The weather was GORGEOUS!

That evening we had dinner at my parents house and had the grandparents, great-grandmas and Uncles over for dinner to celebrate. It was a very nice evening and was very special as Bubba and Grandma Max (Carson's Great Grandmas) got their own very special time with their first great grandson on his first birthday.

We celebrated BIG on Sunday, 10.10.10 at Tree Tops Park. We had our closet family and friends join us in celebrating Carson's First Birthday. We had 80 balloons, all for Carson. He LOVES Balloons and by his reaction, I knew I did good. We had a monster truck bounce house for the older kiddies, thanks to Uncle Joey. Tons of food cooked by amazing family that LOVE Carson. Thank you to Nannie, Miss Cathy, Nicole B., Dada, Jay, Uncle Bradley, Auntie Eva and Auntie Nicole. Thank you to all my wonderful helpers, Mo, Eva, Sam, Jeanie, Elaina, Nicole..Couldn't have done it without you.

We had help from everyone from decorating to food, to cleaning up. We had family from all over and a big thank you to the Leonard's and Aunt Carol and Uncle Charles and Uncle Ronnie and Brigitte who traveled from out of town to celebrate with us. We love you so much and were soo happy and honored that you came all that way for Carson.

As for the most talked about gift. The Boat!! Wow!! How they kept this a secret, I have no idea. Miss Cathy has been Carson's babysitter now for 3 days a week since he was 3 months old. Mike is Cathy's husband and has such an AMAZING talent. They are both such wonderful people and we are beyond blessed to have them in our lives. Mike or as Carson calls him, Mr. Mike, made this boat especially for the Birthday Boy. It is unbelievable and so beautiful. The detail, everything. The back of the boat has a little wood propeller and also says, "Carson Craft" on the back. It is so beautiful. We love love love it!

Thank you to everyone who added a new toy to Carson's toy box, money into his savings for his real boat (ha) and thank you for coming and sharing this milestone with us. We were so happy to have everyone there.

This may be my longest post yet, but as it draws to an end, may also be my most emotional. I had to take a break and walk away because Carson woke up and is now in my arms. It seems like yesterday I was holding this tiny baby in my arms with tears streaming down my face, astonished that this little baby was all mine. Now I have this little boy who watches my every move, listens to every word I say, kisses my cheek and wraps his arms around my neck. He follows his Daddy, wants to figure things out with his daddy and loves going anywhere with his daddy. When he hears Geoff come in from work, he barrells towards the front door to get to him.

Friday nights aren't always what they used to be. Taking time out to see friends isn't what it used to be either. Our world has evolved around Carson and neither Geoffrey or I would change it for a second. As more and more friends have children or who are around children more, they begin to see and understand how it changes. Carson can make you smile on a bad day, he brings tears to your eyes with his innocent smile and laugh. I don't know that I could ever find the words to say how much I love Carson and how much I love Geoff for being such a wonderful father to my most precious Angel.

Carson Michael Ellison, thank you a million, gazillion times for choosing me as your Mommy. I will be eternally grateful. Love you forever my Angel.

Thank you all for being there this year. I hope you enjoyed watching Carson grow from the peanut in my belly to the boy in my arms. Stay for the ride into year 2, I can only imagine it is going to get better!!!!

Carson's First Hair Cut

On September 19, 2010 we took Carson for his very first hair cut. This was a moment that I was putting aside for quite some time now. I did not want to accept the fact that my little angel was turning into a little boy. We took him to Contour Day Spa where Donna Oz works. This was a very sentimental moment for us. Donna Oz gave Geoffrey his first hair cut 29 years ago and also was Michelle's (Geoffrey's mom) stylist for over 30 years.

He did very well during the entire haircutting experience. No tears, no whining, no fussing. He contently sat there and let Donna trim away the ends of his baby hair. His facial expressions were priceless as he watched her grab different scissors and the blow dryer. She never used the clippers which was nice. I was sure that would have sent him into a crying frenzy.

He sat in Daddy's lap and Donna just trimmed away. 29 years ago Geoffrey sat in that chair and now his son is sitting in his lap. It's not very often that you get your first hair cut by the same person that cut your parent's hair. I couldn't pass up the opportunity.

Without further ado, I present to you the little boy who is just about 2 weeks shy of his first birthday. I was sad to see his crazy wings go and the wild man hair, but he looks so incredibly handsome and grown up. It's amazing what a little trimming will do.

More photos in Carson's photo albums on the right side

11 Months Old

11 Months Old

(New photos added in Labor Day, Carson 10 Months and Carson 11 Months albums)

Can't believe it. 4 more weeks and my Angel will be 1 year old. Well actually now 3 more weeks, it has taken me an entire week to get on the computer just to write his blog. There just isn't enough time in the day.

We didn't have a check up this month, so I do not know Carson's height or weight. However, Carson did battle a week long cold and a 102 fever which brought us to the doctor. He is all better now and trucking along.

We didn't do too much this month. Seemed like this was the first month since Carson was born that we stayed home the entire month.

Now adays, Carson is babbling away, talking up a storm. His words that are now a constant:

Dada, Fish, Dies (Diesel), baawl (ball), Duck, Pach (Apache, Cathy's cat), baaaa (at the balloons) and No. Still no Mama.

Yes folks, the child has learned the word NO. I was sitting in his room and Diesel was getting in the way and I said "No Diesel" while pointing my finger. Clear as day.... I look at him and he pointed to Diesel and said NO! I in turned screamed in shock at this and couldn't believe my ears. What also shocks me is when I tell him NO when he is doing something he shouldn't be, he laughs and does it again.

Ball is probably his favorite word. He loves throwing the tennis ball for Diesel, he think it is such a riot. He likes to sit on the floor with you and pass the ball back and forth.

Carson is eating more and more people/finger food. Mommy is cooking alot more these days, thanks to my cousin Caroline. :) She is helping me alot and I am so thankful and so is Geoff. ha!!

Carson is still pulling up on everything. He takes more and more steps alone everyday. He pushes his truck all over the house. The other day, I took his truck outside and let him push it around. I should have titled the video, "Darn shoes", after watching the video, you will see. Below is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv1eZTexfNA

Labor Day we went to my cousin Debbie's house for dinner. My dad's entire family was there and we had a nice visit with cousins, Shelly and Nick who came in from Pittsburgh.

Now our biggest thing is tying together the loose ends for Carson's big birthday bash. I have been planning his birthday probably since he was born. If you think I'm kidding, I'm not. I saved links here and there, wrote down ideas. I have been waiting for this day and it is unbelievable to me that it is just a few weeks away. How did this happen, how did it go by so incredibly fast. It seems like just yesterday he was just this little guy who curled up on my shoulder with his legs tucked in. I love my little Angel, so hard to believe he is not going to be a baby anymore but a little boy.

By my next blog post, Baby Sophia South will be here. We are sooooo excited to meet her. Good luck to the Mommy and Daddy to be, April and Billy, who are very close friends of ours who we love dearly. Your in our prayers for a safe, quick and painless labor. ha!! painless.. haha.. Just kidding April, your going to do great. I have so much faith in you!! xoxo

And as the dr said when we left.. See you at the 12 months!!!! <==Augh!!!

Time FLIES when your having fun

Cleared for takeoff! On August 19, 2010, Carson officially flew on his first airplane. Although we were worried about how he may react, he did wonderfully. We flew on Southwest and it was great. Southwest truly is an excellent airline to fly. Trying to keep a 10month old confined for more than an hour was tough and thankfully he slept the entire flight, well at least for 3 of the flights. The last flight home, from Baltimore to Ft. Lauderdale, he was awake the ENTIRE time. Wiggling and squirming to get down. We let him play with the tray and the magazines and that kept him happy. Luckily we happened to be surrounded by Grandmas and they just ate him up to pieces.

The best part of the flight is when Carson was allowed to sit up front with the Pilot once we landed. I wish I would have gotten his name because he was sooo nice. Talked to Carson and Carson just loved it. The pilot even pulled the steering controls down for Carson to play with. This is my favorite photo. The pilot had him giggling. It was just the neatest thing. Imagine if my little man becomes a Pilot one day. Momma's going to Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean. ha!!

Our journey led us to Averill Park, NY. My favorite place to be. Where as children, my brothers and I spent the majority of our summers with Nana, Poppi, Aunt Marion, Uncle Bobby, Carin and David (My mom's family). Averill Park, NY is where my mom grew up.

Now my cousin, Carin has her 2 girls, Emma and Claire. Love those girls! We stayed in Jiminy Peak in Massachusetts. It was beautiful and up in the mountains. The weather was AMAZING! Even had the girls up for sleepovers at JP. We had so much fun.

On Friday, we spent the day at Aunt Marion and Uncle Bobbie's and had a delicious lunch. Carson is definitely not use to all this fresh, clean air. After awhile of playing outside, he had enough. He was out like a light!

We spent Saturday at Eastfield Village in NY for my mom's reunion and then we headed to Glass Lake. Glass Lake was one of the lakes that we swam at as children and also where my cousin Lori grew up, who also traveled with us. I really wanted Carson to see NY. I know he won't remember it now, but this won't be our last trip there. I want him to see that there is so much more than South Florida. Everything is so peaceful and beautiful in NY. I just love it there. While we were there, my cousin Lori and I went for a quick, COLD, swim in the lake. Take it to the Edge!

(At Glass Lake)

We also spent some time with Poppi, Carson's Great Poppi.

On Saturday, Carson also met for the first time, his Uncle Rich and Aunt Candie. They live in a couple hours north in NY, but happened to be in the area over the weekend. So they stopped by and showered Carson with love and cute gifts!

On Sunday, my mom, Lori, Geoffrey, Joey and I did the Aerial Adventure at Jiminy Peak. Whew!! Now that was nerve wracking, but we did it!!!

And for the big news, which we all said was going to happen....Carson took his first official steps on his own. There he was holding on to the couch, when within a blink of an eye, he let go and walked to my mom. Thank goodness she was paying attention. Of course I couldn't get my camera out at that moment, but we tried our hardest to see if he would do it again. In this photo, although I was egging him on to "come here" he let go and came to momma.

We had such a wonderful vacation. It was over so fast, as my title says.. Time FLIES when your having fun. Such nice visits with Carin, Emma, Claire, Aunt Marion, Uncle Bobbie, David..Then Geoff's, Uncle Rich and Aunt Candie. And wonderful traveling partners, Mommy, Lori and Joey. Wonderful Memories.. Can't wait to do it again.

You can enjoy many more photos in my New York 2010 album on the right side of the blog. Enjoy!

10 Months Old

Carson 10 Months Old

Height: 30.5 inch 93rd%
Weight: 21lbs 2 oz I think it was 47%

His dr appt this month was a big one. I had a ton of questions and a very patient dr to answer them all. I've been very concerned with the fact that I soon will not have a baby on my hands, but the making of a toddler. That being said, a toddler eats different than a baby.

We've tried to put the formula in a sippy cup, 1 feeding a day or even just a little. Not sure how he takes it during the week, but he will drink 2 oz at home. Speaking of which, the kid is extremely picky about his sippy cups. We've have made quite a few purchases in the sippy cup department, only to find that he prefers the straw over anything else.

We've also let Carson have just a little bit of milk every now and then. He really likes it and I love the way he smacks his lips afterwords.

We've started giving him table foods. Anything that is easy for him to get down. He is starting to like ravioli's and just loves pasta. Little by little we are getting there.

This past month, we spent alot of time with our cousins in Fort Myers. We had 2 wonderful weekends. We celebrated Alesia's 13 birthday and had so much fun. My cousin Caroline also gave us ONE of the best tips ever. As simple as it is, Carson is thanking her in his own language. KIX! We traded out Gerber Puffs for Kix. He loves them. LOVES LOVES LOVES them! He also got to push around the chair that has been through 6 children and Carson was the 7th! Even after being away for 2 weeks, as soon as we were back, he went straight for the chair.

We also started sleep training Carson. If I could do it all over, I would have had Carson going to sleep in the crib earlier. Don't get me wrong, I loved every second of his snuggling, especially being away from him all day. But I learned, it is much better for him and for everyone else for him to sleep on his own. The first couple of days, he screamed himself to sleep. Thank goodness for the support of Geoffrey, my mom and Caroline. I thought I was going to throw up, I had to walk out of the house. It got better and we learned what works for one baby, may not work for all. Carson was passing out, not falling asleep. He would wake up every house screaming. So we changed it up a bit. After snuggle time, we lay him in the crib and sit in the room with him. After a couple nights, he was falling asleep, without screaming, in about 15 minutes. Not only this, but he was sleeping through the night and waking up well rested. We are working on putting him in, and him falling asleep without us there. We are getting closer every day.
The pediatrician explained to us that as long as he is laying by himself and falling asleep by himself, everything else will fall into place. He may just take a little bit longer, but he is grasping the concept and does not need us to rock him to sleep anymore.

Nap time.. Well that's another ball game. ;)

Carson is also the proud owner of his fourth tooth, second top tooth.

Life is getting much busier with an extremely active 10 month old. Hopefully next month I can blog on time!!