At least the lawn gets watered.

This is the first in a series. Carter knows the word 'bubbles' (or ba-ba-bules as he would say).

Plus, one of my new favorite pictures:

This is why we're going to have to have baths in the bathtub from now on.

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Mat and Kara and the kids came out for ACU's homecoming. Good time had by all.

Dear Carter,

Happy 9 months old my precious little boy. You are growing so very fast and developing the most delightful little personality. Your daddy and I talk about what a good boy you are. You are so happy all of the time and are the happiest when you are at home playing with mommy and daddy. You also love going to church and playing with Ms. Martha. Your favorite book is Hop on Pop and you love reading this before nap and bedtimes. We have done alot of swimming this summer and you have decided that you do like to swim. But when we are home, your favorite thing to do is watch Elmo on Sesame Street. You don't particularly care for the dark, loud noises, or broccoli. We will have to work on the broccoli thing since it's your daddy's favorite vegetable.

You now have your two bottom teeth and the two top ones coming in. This is not a fun time because I can tell that you don't feel good sometimes. But I know that once they come in you will have an even more precious smile.

Carter, my love grows for you more and more each minute I spend with you. As I lay you in your crib each night and pray over you, one of my requests to God is that He will teach the kind of love that I feel for you. Out of all the many things you will learn, I believe that learning to love others and most of all God, will prepare your heart and shape you into the special person that God intends for you to be.

Love always,

Mommy and Daddy

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Sometimes when Carter misses a nap and gets tired he gets cranky and fussy. Other times he gets kind of delirious and laughs at everything (then he gets cranky). Last night we caught the latter. For some reason, Carter found Harley hilarious.

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Dear Carter,

Happy Birthday my sweet boy. I can't believe you are 6 months old today. I remember thinking back when you were around 2 months old that the 6 month mark would be so far away. It really has crept up on us and I am daily amazed at how fast you've grown into a perfect little boy.

You get cuter and cuter everyday. You are also more and more fun as you learn new things. You stare at your hand like you are on a far off trip. You have recently discovered your feet and often gnaw on your toes as to let us know that you are hungry. You do this fun little move* when I hide behind a toy or blanket. You inquisitivly whisk your head around the obstacle to peek at mommy hiding from you. This really is so cute it makes me cry with laughter. You have accepted the idea of playing on your tummy for extended periods of time and now are scooching backwards. You are never in the same place as where we put you. You are not far from crawling (Yea!...I guess!?) You love for mommy to pick you up from your crib in the mornings, you love to watch "Maisy" as you sit in your chair with your favorite blanket "snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug", but what you love most right now is falling asleep on daddy's chest while mommy makes dinner.

I am so blessed to watch you grow up before my very eyes. I painfully regret when each day ends for I know that tomarrow you will be another day older. I truly cherish each moment I get to hold you, each smile I receive, each hug I feel, and the precious times we have together as a family. I love you for how happy you make me and the fulfillment I get from being your mommy.

* 

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Cilla and I had our baby blessing for Carter at church on January 28th. We think this is something special our church does for every family that has a baby and wants a blessing. The woman on the right is Suzetta Nutt, the children's minister at Highland. Mike Cope says the prayer.

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I've always really liked the line

...we ask that you bless his lips for we anxiously await the day when they will confess the name of Jesus...

I'll add that to my prayer that Carter 'grow in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men'.