Carter is 1!

"The days are long but the years are short." I think this phrase at least 5 times a week. I thought about it a lot as we celebrated Carter's first birthday on October 10th. It's hard to believe we don't have a baby anymore but a toddler! He started walking a couple of days after his first birthday and now can toddle across a room no problem!

On Carter's actual birthday we took a trip to the zoo which was fun. It will probably be even more fun in a couple of years when Carter actually cares about animals. The only thing he seemed to notice were the elephants. But then again, how can anyone not notice an elephant!




That day we thought a lot about where we were physically and emotionally exactly one year prior. I was defiantly in a better place this October 10th and am continually amazed and thankful to God for how He made our bodies (especially a women's!) so incredible and resilient! To say we are "wonderfully made" is an understatement. Especially this guy...

Start of a "New Year"

For me, September 1st is like most peoples January 1st. It is when I like to re-evaluate everything going on in my life, re-prioritize and start a fresh (in addition to starting a fresh every morning thanks to Jesus!). I have tried to add more structure to my days and limit when I do studio work (when Cater naps and when Bobby is home before 6pm) and do house work while Carter is awake. No kid ever complained "my mom always did laundry" however kids do complain "my mom was always at work". So basically I end up getting very little work done. ;) One of the other things I am doing more is reading, I am almost finished with Laura Bush's biography, and trying to get out of my comfort zone.

I don't remember Septembers and the kick off of a new dance year every being this chaotic but I have never had a child in the mix either. The studio has been incredibly busy with now 300 students and a lot of staff to manage and I have been adding different programs like ballroom and a couple of others. I really love when 7:30pm comes around and Bobby and I get to put Carter to bed, eat our dinner and watch Mad Men (or Bachelor Pad). It's my favorite part of the day with my favorite person.

We are gearing up for Carter's 1st Birthday in a few weeks and I am very indecisive on most things but am looking forward to the few things that I do have planned. Here are some pictures I took in preparation. Enjoy!

July and Vacation

Just a cute picture after bath to start us off...


We took our first "family vacation" last month to San Antonio. Not our first trip mind you because Carter has already been on at least 10 trips and traveled to 3 different states.

This trip was our first one in a long time that did not have to do something with teenagers or dance! It was much needed and turned out great. Pleasant, well thought out by Bobby and with very minimal arguing! Ha! We spent the first night just eating dinner on the River Walk and the next day at Sea World. Carter is great in the stroller and got to ride the Merry Go Round while Bobby rode a couple of roller coasters. The next day we spent trying to get Carter to nap in a hotel room (always fun) and swimming in the hotel pool then walking the mall and riding the river walk boats which we had both seen a bunch but never done. Probably the highlight of the trip for me was going to the San Marcus outlets on the way to a students wedding in Austin and Bobby actually somewhat enjoying it (don't tell him I said that)! We NEVER shop together and I am a bit of a loner when it comes to shopping anyway most of the time. It was a great trip and I was thankful for that time.




Aunt Kirsten spend her Mondays and Tuesdays with us while she taught at the studio for me. She taught Carter to "high-five" and even let Carter drive her car to the pool!

July we also celebrated with my dear friend Stephanie Lee as she prepared for Baby Judson who actually arrived this morning! Carter is SUPER excited about a new friend in College Station!

Carter Goes the the Beach

I probably should have posted this before the 4th of July post but oh well! I am doing good just to get this done! At the beginning of June we went to Galveston for a few days with Bobby's family.
He was very quiet in the pool. Not a sound. Not a smile. We had to check under the glasses to make sure he was still alive and he was. Just chillin! Since then though he wont' let us put the glasses on him.

Loungin

I LOVE this picture!

Carter and Allen

We are on "vacation" this week so what else is there to do but clean and blog!

4th of July is a big deal with my family because it is my dad's birthday. We always have a great time together and look forward to it a lot.


Carter Man watching the fireworks.



Dad's cake that Kirsten made. How patriotic!

It was a very romantic evening. Apparently.

Carter and my Papa.



Learning how to fist pump.

Carter and Gran

Carter Goes to the Fire Station

Well, I think one of my dads dreams came true. A (Hartman)boy...at his fire station! Mom, Kirsten and I enjoyed watching it too. ;)


He was totally fascinated by the big wheel.




....and the boots and helmet. He wouldn't look up for anything. Too much to play with!

Pics

It's been a while, so here are some pictures....