ONEderful Adventure

We're in quarantine, but that doesn't mean we can't party!! I'd been brainstorming for awhile what type of party we could have for Carson - Dinosaurs? Space? Wilderness party? Nothing quite clicked. Miles' party was an animal theme since we called him baby bear in the belly. It all made so much sense. For Carson, I wanted to tie up his year in a perfect little bow similar to Miles. Carson's monthly photos were themed to fun adventures with his friend Beau - inspired by Stephen's favorite comic when he was little, Calvin and Hobbes. So after some creative thinking, the theme came alive. Carson and Beau - inspired by Calvin and Hobbes:

"What a ONEderful Adventure"

The mantle brought in trinkets from Carson and Beau's adventures - Fishing from 11 months, sunglasses from 4 months, etc

I started planning before COVID and had to do some adjustments. Because we couldn't have people over, I wanted everyone to somewhat be in attendance. So, I asked for people to send messages to Carson. And, like the comic, I created characters with word bubbles featuring everyone's sweet wishes to him. 

The Gates are in our COVID pod, so they were able to come. These word bubbles were dry erase boards so the Gates could send sweet wishes to Carson too!

 Carson was still napping, so we goofed around until he woke up to join the party.

Alas, the birthday boy is awake! Let the par-tay begin!

But first, Milk

We opened up a ZOOM room so people could pop in and say hello. I have to say, it was really fun! Everyone got to enjoy the happenings of the party even though they weren't physically here.

"Hi Charlie!!" *wave* (...melt)

Everyone on ZOOM stuck around to sing happy birthday and watch Carson "smash" his cake.

Singing happy birthday

Carson hasn't been great at trying new foods. The cake was no different

But Miles was there to "help". One for me, two for me, one for you, three for me, etc etc haha!

Carson eventually realized the cake wasn't THAT bad 

We opened presents and played around before the Gates left to make their dinner.

It was a fun time and we're so happy we were able to celebrate Carson's big day. THANK YOU to everyone who took part in our somewhat unconventional first birthday party :)

ONE YEAR

To watch this guy grow over the past year, check out The Adventures of Carson and Beau! This duo have had such a blast.

And in typical Carson fashion, the selection of the final photo was just as difficult this month as any other. Our runner up!

Stephen and I are amazed by this little one. His flexibility and tolerance are insane and so wonderful. He's sweet, lovable, happy, smiley and loves to chat. He thinks his brother is just the best and couldn't care less about the dog (thankfully). At this point, I'd say Carson's more of a tinker compared to Miles. Miles wanted results fast and worked to get them. Carson likes to examine things. See how they work. What they sound like when dropped here or there and doesn't mind if it takes longer. You can just see his brain working and it's so cool to watch. Our favorite thing at this exact time of our lives? The giggles, babbles, toddler talk, squeals and growls in the background as Miles and Carson play happily together. They're little friendship is growing and it's so awesome.

All about Carson @ ONE!
- He's cruising everywhere and into everything. Not walking yet, but becoming so confident in his movements
- Can bend down and pick something up from the floor while holding on to a table, chair or similar
- Still just the 2 signs:  Milk and All Done. He's consistent with All Done, but Milk comes in a out, sometimes using it for More. It's true what they say about Baby 2. We aren't as diligent as we were with Miles with the signs
- We're trying to transition to a cup and it's been a struggle. We've tried countless cups and Carson just isn't interested.
- Starting to wean off formula
- So quick to smile! Some of the things he finds funny:  sticking your tongue out at him, looking away and then looking back quick and making a surprised face, BOO! and Miles - anything related to Miles
- He HATES being set down and then walked away from. He seems utterly offended and cries this crazy cry to try and get you to pick him up again.
- Loves bath time. His goal:  throwing all the toys overboard and then peering over the tub as if he's looking at his accomplishment
- Him and Miles can bathe together and they do pretty well together!
- Hasn't really gravitated towards any particular toy like Miles did balls, likely because we have a lot of Miles' toys out. But he does like the Little People toys more than Miles did at this age
- 6 teeth!
- "talking" all the time. Loves to be part of the convo
- Before bed/nap, he likes to hug and put his head on your shoulder. I'm loving this right now
- Since we're in quarantine, we've tested Carson's table food abilities to the max in hopes of saving baby food for "rainy days". He's doing great! Unless for yogurt, he's not being spoon fed really at all and his range of food has expanded. Way to go bud!
- I don't know what the deal is, but since the belly, this kid kicks SO MUCH. It's funny how this trait has held so strong since he was tiny.
- When he's excited, he kicks his feet and flaps his arms
- Drooling a lot. Thinking another tooth is on the horizon
- His schedule is holding strong and working so well for him. Rarely gives us a hard time at bed or nap so long as we haven't lost our window
- He has gravitated towards one lovey:  his fox. He doesn't sleep with it or suck on it. But we've found out that when he wakes up, that's the one he wants to talk to. All others are thrown out of the crib.
- He kicks and hits the wall while in his crib. Can be a bit alarming sometimes because it's so loud
- Sucks on the neck of his snuggie. So weird.
- Big moves are in our future: Carson is starting school!! Originally he was set to start in the summer, but covid has put a damper on that plan. So, we're hopeful that come fall, things are back to normal. I'm nervous, but interested to see how he does. Only time will tell!

And again, because of quarantine, he hasn't had his 12-month check up. So, based on my at home scale and estimated measurements, here are Carson's stats:
Weight:  23lbs = 74%
Height:  29.75"H = 41%

The Incident

Miles' afternoon nap has morphed into what we call "rest time". He doesn't always sleep. Sometimes he sits and talks in his bed. So, this day, when I put Miles down for "rest", it seemed no different. He sits, talks and sometimes screams - which calls for Stephen or me to go in and talk with him. "All done yelling. It's time to rest. Lay down and rest your body."

Stephen was out fishing, so when I went for a walk, I took the monitor over to him. Miles was quiet, happy but not sleeping. Usually on these days, if he's happy, we leave him be until rest time in over. When I got back from my walk, I took a peek at the monitor to see if he ended up falling asleep.

Nope. I guess Stephen came to get him, right? Not in his bed. Not in his room. No biggie. So I looked out at the pond, saw Stephen, but no Miles. Getting a little concerned, I called Stephen with no response. Texted, no response. Dang - his phone was dead. Miles' door was still shut, so I quietly walked in. Wasn't expecting to find what I did...

Miles:  "Hi Mama!!"
Me:  "Well, Hello. What's happening here?"
Miles: "lkjdfkljaslkjsf power! alkjsdflkj Car! alkjsdfljk Wash!"
Me: "Ook...I see you found the powder. ALL of the powder."

He emptied an entire 22oz thing of baby powder. All over himself, the dresser, the floor. EVERYWHERE. In his hand? His allergy meds in one. A wipe with a lego car in the other. Butt naked. (Don't worry, he didn't get the meds open)

It. Was. Hilarious.

Stephen's response *dying laughing* "Well at least he won't chafe for a month!"

His snuggie was put on backwards to avoid scenarios like this. So, we had to get more creative. Now, his snuggie is not only backwards, but also inside out hoping to deter the getting naked and climbing out situation.

It's been working okay. Not 100% Miles proof though...