The Carothers

Coming Soon......

2011-01-18T09:18:00.001-06:00

We're alive, we're alive!!! Ha ha........I am going to post pics soon I promise. I think 6 months is way too long. So stay tuned pics coming soon.

Lately.....

2010-06-23T15:48:00.006-05:00

Wow, I can't believe it but Kennedy is already 6 weeks old. Time flies when you're having fun and not getting much sleep..Ha! Actually Kennedy has been a really good baby. She is still sleeping a lot. (Worried that that is about to end.) She eats about every 3-4 hours and after each feeding pretty much falls asleep. The last few nights she has been going about 4-5 hours in between feedings. Loving that! Aiden was and is still a great sleeper so hoping she will be too. Aiden is LOVING being a big brother. You can tell my the first picture with his big smile. He is so proud of her. Whenever we go out he always tells people, "This is my baby sister!" Here are a few pictures of what we been up to lately.

Aiden and Kennedy (Kennedy 1 month old)

Kennedy not so happy in this picture. Not sure if it's the headband or me taking a million pictures. You can see it really bothers Aiden...ha ha!

Gotta love when they are trying to get their eyes focused! Thought this picture was too cute not to post.

Aiden and Jonathan about to leave for church on Father's Day. Kennedy and I stayed home so I wasn't picture quality and I think Kennedy was sleeping. We will take her to church as soon as she has her 2 month shots.

A few weekends ago Ben, Kristen, Bella and Brooks came to visit. This is the only picture I got of the kids. We had so much fun that I forgot to take any pictures. Here's Aiden, Bella and Brooks. We're so glad they came to visit and to meet little Kennedy.

Kennedy in the car after running around. She pretty much slept the whole time they were here.

One of her favorite sleeping positions.

Her sweet little swimsuit. She's ready for the pool. And would you believe it she's already gotten to wear it twice. We have taken her to the pool but she sits in the shade in her little travel swing and slept the whole time. She loved it.

And the hat to go with it....

So pretty...

Another day, another dress! We (well I guess I should say I) am having fun dressing her up every day.

It's really hard to get a picture of her sitting up when she's not sitting up yet. I can usually get one and than she starts falling over.

Aiden wanted to give the travel swing a try. He goes a little faster in it than Kennedy does and that's mostly because he's pushing himself! Pretty sure he's over the weight AND height for that swing.

Oh just hanging out in my pack and play in mom and dad's room.

Mom, Please stop dressing me up every day! Pretty sure she's either tired of me dressing her up or does not like the headband. I'm going to go with both.

There that's better. I just love the little headbands and I'm hoping she grows to like them too. Or maybe just starts to tolerate them more.

Aiden is doing a mother's day out for the summer at our church. The other day they had a photographer come and take head shots of all the kids and you could buy them if you liked it. I just thought this was such a cute picture of Aiden so of course I had to get it. Oh and BTW, I didn't realize it was picture day at school so that's why he is just in a t-shirt. But you can't really tell so I didn't think it really mattered.

I got this picture blown up for Jonathan for Father's day. Such a sweet picture of the two of them. This is what Aiden does to Kennedy all day, just gives her kisses. It is so sweet. Well except when she's sleeping and he wakes her up to give her a kiss. I don't get really excited about that.

When I took Kennedy to her 1 month appointment these were her vitals:

weight: 10 pounds-70%

height: 21.75 in.-70%

head: 15 in.-78%

So she is just growing right along and having no problems. She has been a really good baby and we are have just felt so blessed to have two healthy children. It's funny how relaxed you are your second time. Aiden has done really well with the transition and he just is so happy to have a baby sister. Things have been great with two children. I have even ran errands with both of them by myself! And I survived! People keep commenting on how they can't believe how fast I have gotten out to go do things, but I think with your second you just go and don't think about it. I mean we can't just sit at home with a 2 year old all the time. So like I said earlier Kennedy is eating well (as you can tell by her weight). Eating about every 3-4 hours. She has been sleeping in her crib since week 2. Let's see what else is she doing.....oh yeah, letting mom play dress up! So that's about it. Hope everyone is having a good summer so far.

Kennedy Anne Carothers is here!!!

2010-05-24T14:06:00.007-05:00

Kennedy Anne Carothers was born on May 10th at 9:20 am, weighing 7 pounds 7 oz and 19 in. long. She is two weeks old today, wow it's already gone fast. We have had family here the last two weeks so I haven't had much time to put these pictures up. My parents were here the first week and were a huge help with Aiden and then when I got home from the hospital. Jonathan's parents came the second week and were also a huge help with Aiden and Kennedy. We couldn't have done it without the grandparents, just wish one of them lived closer. Here are a few pics from her birthday and the past two weeks.

First picture while the nurses cleaned her up.

This is the last picture of our family of 3! Aiden has on the Big Brother shirt Jonathan wore when his little brother was born. I'm so glad Margie saved it so we could use it!

Our newest addition. Yay!

Jonathan and Aiden kissing Kennedy. So sweet.

I love this picture (of Aiden and Kennedy, not so much me). Aiden is holding on so tight and if you look real close it almost looks like Kennedy is smiling.

This is Aiden and Kennedy's newborn shots. Just wanted to show you how much they look alike. I feel like she looks just like he did as a baby.

Gigi was here to help me take Kennedy to her 1 week appointment. Here she is with Aiden while we wait for the doctor. Aiden has on his Guatemala soccer shirt that he LOVES!

Someone is not too happy about being at the doctor.

Gigi comforting Kennedy.

All better....

Aiden keeping us entertained while we waited for the doctor.

This was precious. Aiden wanted to watch our doctor check Kennedy out. He wanted to make sure she was doing it right. He kept saying, "This is my baby sister!" Oh so sweet.

After the doctor we made our first outing with Kennedy to Target! That was Aiden's first outing so it definitely had to be Kennedy's.

Kennedy came home from the hospital in this dress. It was the dress I came home from the hospital in almost 31 years ago. I think it's so neat that my parents found it and that she was able to wear it too.

She's been doing a lot of this.....which is nice. I'm not complaining.

All dressed and ready to go.

She loves her swing.

Aiden "checking" on Kennedy to make sure she's alright. He's been such a good big brother.

This is Ron and Aiden doing their handshake. It was hilarious.

Ron and Margie with Kennedy and Aiden the morning they left.

We are so thankful to have Kennedy here. She is just precious and such a joy. We feel so blessed that God has given us two healthy and beautiful children. We are also thankful for our parents that helped us the first two weeks while I got to feeling better and helped keep Aiden entertained (which is a full time job!). More pics coming soon!!!

We heart spring!!!!

2010-04-05T14:35:00.008-05:00

We are loving this weather and everything about this time of year. We have been playing outside and going to the zoo mostly. Here is Aiden with his best buddies Sam and Jordan at the zoo. We rented a double stroller but they all fit! This is the only kind of stroller Aiden will stay in and I guess it's because it's easy for him to get in and out. I'm thankful that the zoo has them because right now I can barely carry myself around!

The three amigos checking out the monkeys.

Aiden and Sam

Jordan, Aiden and Sam (something was obviously very funny to Aiden)

Holly, Michelle, Sam, Jordan and Aiden

Checking out the tigers (and Jordan wondering why I'm taking another picture)

Aiden chasing after the baby goat so he can brush it.

This is the most awesome play area. Sometimes it's just worth going to the zoo to play there.

The little toddler area that is completely padded. But very crowded!

One day we went to Jordan's house to play and Aiden got to ride on a 4 wheeler for the first time. He fell in love with it. Guess I know what we'll be getting him for his b-day.

I don't know where he learned to drive....

Sam holding on tight to Aiden.

They have a Boston Terrier also and Aiden loved playing with Jack.

First day to get to wear shorts to Mother's Day Out. I thought he looked so cute.

Preggo pic for my friends that keep asking me for one. This is one night after small group so I don't look that great, but this will have to do. This is me at 32 weeks.

Aiden and his buddy Audra at small group. We love our small group and have been involved with it for over 3 yrs now. We're so blessed because we all just bring our kids and there is a baby sitter there that watches them. Aiden and Audra are the oldest and have so much fun together.

Happy Easter!

We went to Aiden's buddy Sam's house for an easter egg hunt.

Aiden and Sam

Aiden picking up the eggs. His basket was almost full!

Checking out what was inside the eggs.

All the kids playing in the sandbox.

Aiden and Sam hanging out on top.

We are getting close to Kennedy's arrival. 5 weeks from today! (May 10th). Jonathan has been working very hard getting Kennedy and Aiden's rooms ready. I haven't been able to do much so I'm so grateful for all the hard work he has put into making their rooms perfect. When we get them completely done I will definitely post pictures.

January/February '10

2010-03-10T15:37:00.013-06:00

Wow, has it really been 2 months since I posted anything. I guess so! I decided I better put some pics on here before our little girl gets here. Only 2 months from today that she'll arrive. May 10th is the day we have scheduled. It seems like these past two months have flown by. I have to be honest, I haven't been the best about taking pictures. I need to start getting more of Aiden before Kennedy arrives. Oh and we have decided on a name Kennedy Anne. Kennedy is Jonathan's grandmothers maiden name and Anne was my middle name. I want to try and take more pictures of Aiden before she comes and also do more post of him. Hopefully I can keep this up before she gets here.

So here goes the longest post I have probably ever done. First we'll start out with the beginning of January. My sister Jill and her family live in San Antonio now so Aiden and I took a trip out to see them. Jonathan wasn't able to go because we went during the week and he had to work. Now that Aiden is over 2 he has to have his own seat, which he didn't seem to mind. He loved it.

Having him in the window seat definitely kept him entertained.

Pulling down the window shade also kept him pretty entertained.....well at least for a few minutes.

Candy, snacks and a DVD player did the trick for the majority of the trip.

My sister and her little boy Bryce went with us too. The flight down there we each had our own row, so that was nice.

When we got there Aiden decided he needed a snack and to relax in Yancey's chair.

One morning Aiden and Carter dog piled Yancey. It was pretty funny.

My sweet niece Evan sleeping through the whole thing.

Riding in the car was fun with 3 adults in 4 children. Here's Bryce and Evan enjoying the ride.

Aiden eating a popsicle. I think he and Carter went through about 2 boxes of those mini-popsicles. And yes, he does have on his pj's eating a popsicle. He was probably having one for breakfast....don't judge, we were on vaca!

For some reason Aiden LOVED this helmet of Carter's. He's trying to eat his snack while wearing it.

We celebrated Carter's birthday while we were there.

Jill showing them how to play the game Operation.

Aiden telling Evan how sweet she is.

They have this chair that spins around and Aiden loved having Carter spin him around.

The last day we were there we went down to the Riverwalk and took a boat ride. Jill, me and Kristy.

It was kind of chilly so Evan wore her cute little hat.

Aiden and mommy

Aiden and Carter

The sisters again with Evan.

Before we left for our trip I was really worried about taking Aiden in the airport by myself. Just because I was 5 months pregnant and didn't know if I could keep up with him and our carry ons. So my friend gave me this backpack with a leash to try. I am usually against these, but I was desperate. I wanted to try it before we left to see if he liked it.

Well he loved it! But when he started asking me to put on the dogs leashes I thought that was a little too much so I decided I couldn't do that to him.

He did however play around the house in it!

Haircut before we left for the trip.

Close up (could he look more like his daddy??? I don't think so!)

Just hanging out on the stairs.

Another weekend in January we decided to try the Adventure Science Center here. It's this place kids can just experience all kinds of neat things. It's all hands on so they learn about science and have fun. This is Aiden driving a car and it's showing how the car works.

In the toddler section on the bus.

Playing in the train.

Daddy and Aiden

Throwing balls

They had a pretend ambulance that Aiden had so much fun in pushing all the buttons and acting like he was driving.

Watching the parachutes.

Sliding down the big slide with daddy.

We've also had LOTS of snowy days this winter. This was probably during the first one where we got stuck in the house for four days. We played with play-dough a lot!

Daddy and Aiden out in the snow.

Mommy and Aiden. He didn't really care too much about the snow because it had ice under it so it was not easy to walk in.

Most kids like to come in from the snow and have hot chocolate, not Aiden. He wanted a popsicle!

There are so many other things we have been up to this year so far. But like I said earlier I haven't been good about getting pictures lately. We are busy getting ready for Kennedy to get here. I'm excited because Jonathan is painting her room and Aiden's room this weekend. We are moving Aiden to a bigger room and putting him in a full size bed. Right now he is in his toddler bed, but we need it to turn back into a crib for Kennedy. We have both of their beddings and I will post pictures of their rooms when we are done with them. I can't wait. I'm also excited about the weather getting nicer outside. We have already been to the zoo twice! More pics to come because I promise to get better about taking pictures :)

Christmas 09

2010-01-10T14:54:00.007-06:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year with my family. We headed down to North Little Rock on Christmas Eve. It ended up taking us about 7 hours because of the weather. "The Great Flood of 09" is what they should call it. It was crazy. But thankfully we made it safely and just in time to be with family on Christmas Eve. Here are some pictures leading up to Christmas and then Christmas.

Here's the picture we used for our card this year. It cracks us up how Aiden really cheeses it for the camera so we thought this was the perfect picture.

One of the most exciting things we did the Tuesday before Christmas was find out we're having a Baby GIRL! We are just thrilled. Here she is trying to suck her thumb. We are pretty sure we have a name picked out but I don't want to say just in case we change our minds. It was funny because since we've been talking about having a baby Aiden has said he wants a baby sister.....I guess he got his wish. He's going to be a great big brother and we can't wait for her to get here.

In Aiden's MDO out class they took a picture of all the kids with the manger in the nursery area. Here's Aiden dressed up as a shepherd boy. I had to take a picture of the picture, so it's not the best picture. But underneath the picture is the scripture, "Unto us a child is born". So sweet.

The weekend before Christmas us and my sister, Paul and Bryce all went to see my Aunt Judy and Uncle Bill. Since we all live in Tennessee we can get together easier. It was so fun to hang out with them and get to spend the day with them.

They were so sweet and got Aiden this Car's desk. He was SOOOO excited about it. He loves it and sits in it every day since he's gotten it.

Aiden, Uncle Bill and Bryce

The desk!

And they got him more cars! His favorite thing.

Christmas morning at my parents. He's trying to wake up and figure out which gift to open first.

Checking out one of his many trucks he got.

Opening his gift from Kristy and Paul

After opening up each gift he had to play with it for a while (of course).

Boo got all the clothes thrown on her! She obviously didn't mind because she kept laying there.

He opened a few toys then got to some of the clothes. I think this is when he opened up his new coat and said, "I not want a coat!" Gotta love the honesty! My response was, "But mommy wants you to have a coat."

We saved his best gift for last. His new train set from Mimi and Papa. He was so excited. I have video I need to put on here of him jumping up and down.

A week before Christmas my sister and her family that live in San Antonio decided that they were going to be able to come to Arkansas for Christmas. We were THRILLED to say the least. It was the first time for my other sister Kristy and I to meet the newest addition to our family. Here is Bryce (almost 5 months) and Evan (2 months). Evan is the first granddaughter on our side. And she is just beautiful!

The two oldest grandkids. Aiden (2) and Carter (almost 6).

Aiden and Carter have so much fun together. Carter is going to be the best big brother....and so is Aiden! They really do have so much fun together.

The day after Christmas my grandparents drove up to see everyone from McGehee. They have not met Bryce or Evan. This is the whole gang.

Jill, Yancey, Evan, Carter, my mom & dad, Paul, Kristy, Bryce, Jonathan, Aiden, me and then my grandparents. So fun!

Sweet little Evan.

The four grandkids; Aiden, Bryce, Carter and Evan. Since Carter was holding Evan Aiden wanted to hold Bryce.

The day we were leaving Aiden wanted to hold Evan one more time.

When we got home that night we put his train set and table together. He hasn't stopped playing with it. The table was his Christmas gift from Gigi and Pops and the train set was from Mimi and Papa.

We had such a wonderful Holiday season. It was even more fun because of how much Aiden really enjoyed it. He loved all the Christmas trees, lights and going to see Santa. Now every time we go to the mall he thinks we're going to see Santa Claus! Not only was it fun seeing him really get into the holiday season this year, but it was fun to tell him the real meaning of Christmas. He enjoyed seeing our nativity sets we have in our house and playing with those and then going to church and seeing their big manger and Baby Jesus. (After we found out about the baby we asked Aiden what we should name her and said, "Baby Jesus".) We have so much to be thankful for this past year and so much to look forward to in 2010. I hope everyone had a blessed Christmas.

Where do I start?????

2009-12-04T15:21:00.011-06:00

Wow, I get the "Bad blogger of the Year" award. We've had so much going on the last couple of months I don't even know where to start. I haven't been the best at taking pictures either, but I do have a lot from a trip we just took. Let me start with October......

This was about all I could get Aiden to wear for Halloween this year. He would NOT wear his costume. We went over to some friends house to trick or treat and I thought when he saw all the other kids dressed up that he would want to, but NO he had no interest in it this year.

We were spending a lot of time at the zoo when the weather was nice. Aiden loves making a stop at the petting zoo area.

Petting the goats

This was one morning before school. He LOVES giving me that cheesy smile. It just makes me want to crack up.

The week before Thanksgiving all the Carothers took a family trip to Branson. Jonathan's parents came in from Guatemala and everyone met up there. Ron and Margie got a house for us all to stay in that was so nice. We all had our own bedroom AND bathroom. It was perfect. We stopped in NLR on the way so that my parents could watch the dogs and we met Kristen and Ben there and rode up with them the rest of the way. We put Aiden's carseat in their car so he could ride with his cousins. They had so much fun. Kristen and I got the privilege of driving all three kiddos!

Aiden and Bella are 11 months apart and they had so much fun together. This is them riding one of those cars you put quarters in and it goes back and forth. A.K.A cheap entertainment! We were shopping at the outlets this day so we had to find something to keep them happy.

Little Norah Kate is 8 1/2 months old and was crawling everywhere. Aiden and Bella wanted to crawl around with her.

Sweet Norah Kate

Aiden painting an angel for our project that night.

Jonathan helping Bella paint her angel.

Jonathan came up with this creative idea to have make a nativity scene out of all wood and let us all paint our own. They were so neat. This unfortunately wasn't ours, (I think this was Ben and Kristen's) because I'm not the best at painting and kind of messed ours up. But you get the idea. It was fun fellowship time!

On Tuesday we did Christmas with everyone. This is all the kids opening up their stockings. (If you can't tell by the picture, all us girls wear the same pjs on Christmas day.)

Aiden digging into his stocking.

Gigi helping Aiden open some of his gifts.

One of his favorites was definitely this recorder.....also one of the loudest gifts he got.

Bella playing her recorder.

Bella and Aiden going at it playing their recorders.

Someone is worn out from all the playing.

This is his "Mom, seriously stop taking pictures" face. He must have learned that from his dad.

Little Brooks opening up some of his gifts.

Norah Kate surrounded by her stuff. She even has her purple scarf on! So cute.

Playing with his train that Gigi and Pops brought from Guatemala.

Isn't that such a sweet little face?!?! Cute little Brooksie (as Bella likes to call him).

Precious Norah Kate watching everyone at the table.

We even got in a game of golf fish with Bella.

It must have been cold because we're all still wearing our scarves we got that morning from Ron and Margie :)

Kristen and Bella

That night we bundled up and went and looked at Christmas lights.

Another day of shopping means another day of trying to find things to entertain the kids.

Ron and Margie were still here the week of Thanksgiving so we met them at David and Nekayeh's house in Jackson. We had a wonderful time and the food was excellent.

Aiden and Norah Kate

Norah Kate trying to get closer to the camera :)

Aiden waiting on Norah Kate to come back so they can take more pictures together.

Gigi and Aiden

Pops carrying Aiden around while we went shopping Friday night.

Thank you for such a wonderful time in Branson Ron and Margie. It was so fun for us all to be together again. Looking forward to the next time.

I've started putting up our Christmas decorations and Aiden has been obsessed with this little gold tree. I guess because it's just his size. He's also been obsessed with this hat my sister brought to him this summer. Since she's living in Texas now she thought Aiden needed a Texas hat.

Aiden saying "Yeehaw!!!"

And we'll finish off with the famous big grin (that makes me have a big grin)!!!!

This may look.....

2009-10-19T19:00:00.003-05:00

like a cute little boy....

in a normal shirt, but...

the shirt has a big message.....Aiden's going to be a Big Brother!!!

And he is SOOOO excited!

First picture of the baby.

I am due May 20th so that makes me around 9 1/2 weeks now. I have been feeling great, just very tired. (That's my reason for lack of blogging.....at least that's what I'm telling myself). Please keep little baby C in your prayers.

P.S. The shirt Aiden is wearing was Jonathan's shirt he wore when his younger brother was born. Jonathan's mom gave it to me and I knew I wanted to save it for when we were pregnant. This is what Aiden wore when we told everyone we were pregnant. I love the shirt because not only does it have a special message, but Jonathan wore it as well when he was Aiden's age.

Such a big boy!

2009-09-24T11:14:00.003-05:00

Our little man is not so little anymore. I wanted to put this picture up of Aiden that I took this morning before we left for Mother's Day Out. He is wearing one of his shirts that his Aunt Kristen (and Uncle Ben, Isabella and Brooks) got him for his birthday. Isn't it so cute.

(I've been horrible about putting pics on the blog lately. I need to put his two year pics up still that we had taken. I will soon, I promise!)

Happy 2nd Birthday Aiden!!!!

2009-08-31T21:44:00.009-05:00

Our little man turned two on Friday so we had his birthday party this weekend. We just had it at our house this year with family and friends. It was a lot of fun.

Here's the family.

The sign I made.

My monkey cupcakes. We did an animal theme this year since Aiden LOVES animals.

This is his room after the kids got done playing. They pulled out just a few toys.

Some of the guest.....Audra and Aaden

This is what my sweet little nephew Bryce did the whole party! I guess he's not much of a party animal yet.

Getting ready to sing to Aiden.

Some more of the guests.

Aiden had to take a little break before going to open up gifts. Must be a rough life!

Holding up the Mickey 2 card! (Forgot to mention that I did color my hair. This is closer to my natural color, which is a dirty blonde. I just thought I'd do something different for the fall. And this will be easier to maintain.)

Holding Aiden while everyone sang to him. He's about to dive into that cupcake.

Licking the icing off the candles.

Reed showing him how to open gifts.

He was more interested in what was on the outside of the gift.

He got this really neat puzzle. Might be a little advanced for him now, but he loves looking at the picture.

Opening up one of the Razorback shirts my parents got him. Of course the boy has to have Razorback stuff for the football season coming up.

Madelyn and Aiden playing with another block puzzle he got.

Playing with a Cars book. BTW, his favorite movie right now is Cars so we did get him a lot of Cars things.

He got this really neat truck from Kristy and Paul. His buddy Carter is trying to figure it out.

He's loving tractors too so he got some John Deer tractors

His new bike from Mimi and Papa. He was so excited to ride it.

You can kind of see in this picture that Aiden's shirt has an elephant on it. He has been obsessed with elephants for a while now. They are definitely his favorite animal so it only seemed appropriate that he wore an elephant shirt for his birthday.

We had out this beautiful ark we got in Guatemala.

And his giraffe we got in Guatemala. His Gigi and Pops got him this. I'm going to have to do a separate post on all the cool toys we got in Guatemala. They were all so neat.

We had such a wonderful party, but even more it was fun to celebrate Aiden turning 2. It seriously seems like just yesterday we had his one year old party. Aiden has brought SO much joy to our lives. We feel so privileged that God chose us to be his parents. What an honor. I love being with him every day and just getting to see all that he is doing. He is talking like crazy now and is always doing something that makes us laugh. I seriously think just in the past week he has been doing things that make me laugh so hard I cry. I will be putting his 2 year pictures up next and I'll let you know all he's saying. It's so cute. We love you so much little man.

Last but not least, Part 3 of our trip to Guatemala

2009-08-18T22:07:00.012-05:00

The next day was our next to last day there. We woke up and drove down to Antigua, (which is just about an hour away) to go shopping. Antigua is a beautiful town with cobblestone roads and it used to be the capital a long time ago. The day we went was a gorgeous day.

Here we are on the arch street.

Beautiful picture with the colorful buildings and the volcano in the background.

Another picture of the volcano.

Me and Jonathan

Aiden in the market checking out the monkey.

"Can I ride this thing?"

Jonathan and I at lunch. We ate at this place called The Crazy Monkey and they had these nachos that were out of this world, crazy good.

Margie, Aiden and I waiting on our awesome nachos. (Did I mention they were good???)

Jonathan and his dad.

While we were driving through Antigua Aiden got to sit up front with the guys because you're going like zero miles per hour (or at least it felt like that) since the roads are cobblestone. Aiden thought he was such a big boy sitting up there.

The one thing Aiden STILL talks about from our trip is riding the "Tuk Tuk". Him and Ron rode this while we were in Antigua and almost every day Aiden reminds me that he rode the tuk tuk with Pops. "I ride tuk tuk with Pops".......(hey at least he's making full sentences now.)

Aiden and Pops waiting on us while we shop.

Aiden playing the marimba.

How many marimba's can I play?

Picking out a bus.

Pops and Aiden walking through the market. He's carrying his new tracker.

Getting sleepy

Asleep on dadda

My turn to carry him

Mom and Aiden's favorite thing to do....sleep

When we got back home it was time to play with the bubbles.

The bubbles also had a whistle on one end. Multifunctional toys are the best!

The next morning (Friday) was our last day. Aiden didn't want to stop giving Heidi LOTS of hugs...

and more hugs.....

and MORE hugs! I guess he wanted to make sure she knew how much he loved her.

Then he couldn't decide if him and Heidi should color.....

throw the ball.......

"Here you go Heidi".....

laugh really hard.......

or just hug!

That morning we went to another local market to shop some more.

Gigi and Aiden at the fountain.

Aiden playing with his new train.

Snack time.

Then it was time to go home :(

On our trip from Guatemala to Dallas we got really lucky because no one sat in between us so Aiden got his own seat. It was so nice. He just sat there and watched his DVD for most of the trip.

Then he discovered Jonathan's cool head phones. (Jonathan looks thrilled that he got stuck with the cheap head phones.....ha, ha!)

Then we had a pretty long lay over in Dallas so we did a lot to keep Aiden entertained. We rode the air tram for a VERY long time. Can't you see the excitement on Jonathan's face.

Then we were right by this play area so we spent a lot of time there as well.

Did lots of climbing.

And driving.......

And then he fell asleep right when we got on the plane and slept the entire way home from Dallas to Nashville.

What a great trip! Sorry there are so many pictures but I wanted to remember every day of this trip and everything we did and this was the best way for me to do it. I'm so thankful that we got to take this trip. Thank you Ron and Margie for a wonderful time. We love and miss you guys.

Guatemala take 2.......

2009-08-09T21:26:00.009-05:00

Continuing on with our vacation to Guatemala, on Monday we headed to the beach for three days. It was about a 2 hour drive, not too bad. We stayed at this nice resort and even got a bungalow. When we got there they packed our bags in this extended golf cart and drove us to our room. Aiden thought that was so cool and the guy was nice enough to keep driving Margie and Aiden around the resort.

Here's Aiden all smiles

Our room was right by the pool. You can't tell by this picture, but on the right side is the kiddie pool that Aiden could stand up in and walk around and on the other side was the big pool. These blocks separated the two. Aiden had so much fun climbing on these blocks.

The beaches here are totally different than the Florida beaches I'm used to. The sand here is black. Something to do with the volcano ashes.....i think.....

After the pool we wanted to take Aiden down to see the beach.

He didn't really want much to do with it. He has a very tight grip on Pops.

Another picture of the beach.

Jonathan trying to put Aiden down in the sand.

Aiden not having anything to do with it!

The next morning we just hung around till it was time to go to breakfast.

Margie, Aiden and I went outside the room to wait on Ron and Jonathan to go to breakfast. Aiden was obsessed with all the rocks and was pointing out the "big rocks" to Gigi.

"Yay!!! There's my dadda."

Aiden eating his black beans. He loves black beans and I think he ate those for every meal. Black beans, cereal and yogurt.......isn't that what everyone has for breakfast.

Pops and Aiden walking back to the room after breakfast.

The family

Aiden pointing out the "fishies"

Trying on Pops' reading glasses.

Of course we had to have a popsicle while we were there.

Or as Aiden likes to say, "pop-ta-sicle"

Heading to the pool after breakfast. I love how Aiden is cheesing it in this picture.

Aiden was obsessed with finding bugs in the drains. And if anyone knows me knows that I just LOVE bugs. But Margie told me I have to get used to that with a boy. Not sure if I can ever get excited about seeing a bug.

I let them go "searching" without me.

After Aiden's nap we thought it would be fun to go ride 4 wheelers on the beach.

Pops and Gigi's turn to take Aiden.

Then pack to the pool.

Or as Aiden like to say it, "the Poooool". He liked to drag out the "o".

Hiding under the towel with Pops.

"How do these things work?"

"Oh yeah, I remember!"

Time to go back home. We headed back to the city on Wednesday afternoon. Aiden was just excited to ride in the golf cart again. This is him waiting while they loaded all our stuff.

Aiden loves elephants and sleeps with this one every night. He saw it in the back as they were packing the golf cart and thought it should stay with him up front.

And of course we had to stop for ice cream on the way home.

And that made someone VERY happy.

Stay tuned for "the last but not least" part 3 of our trip.

Interrupting our vacation pictures.....

2009-07-31T20:10:00.004-05:00

to introduce (drum roll please)

Bryce Thomas Williams

Born at 12:57 pm

6 lbs 7 oz

20 in.

My twin sister had her little boy today and we couldn't be more excited. Her water actually broke this morning (which I hardly ever hear of anyones doing these days) at 2 am. She had a great delivery and is doing awesome. Her and the baby are both healthy and we're praising God for that. Bryce is just beautiful (it's okay if you say that about boys right now).

He was a very alert baby.

Look at those feet!

Aiden pointing to Bryce

Bryce and his favorite Aunt (just kidding Jill)

Aiden, Jonathan and Bryce

My dad, me and Bryce

Guatemala July '09 Part 1

2009-07-27T16:55:00.011-05:00

Are you ready to look at a LOT of pictures from our trip to Guatemala??? Well I'm breaking it up into 3 parts. Between Margie and I we took about 400 pictures so I'll try to narrow it down to my favorites, but it'll be hard. We had such a wonderful trip down to Guatemala to see Jonathan's parents. This was Aiden's first time to Guatemala. It was his 3rd time on a plane though, but his first two were last summer so it was a little bit easier then. Although he did do a great time on the plane each trip. We brought his DVD player so that helped and he slept on some of the plane rides. I'll start with day one, which was a Friday.......

Waiting at the airport was a breeze. Aiden loved looking at all the airplanes and trucks out on the runway. That kept him entertained the whole time.

I told Aiden to make sure all our bags got on the plane so he's watching real hard so he didn't miss our bags.

Arriving in Guatemala....

Everyone arrived safely and had no problems. I wish I could say the same about Jonathan's bag. Poor thing busted on this trip. The airlines did give us a new bag at no cost. Wasn't that nice of them since it looked like someone drove over our bag.

Saturday morning we woke up and Aiden was already obsessed with their dog Heidi. He would say "Hi-D" and he kept throwing her ball for her. Heidi loved it just as much.

He also loved opening and shutting the door by himself. He wanted him and Heidi to go out by themselves so he's shutting the door behind him.

That morning was pretty relaxing. Ron had a meeting he had to go to so we went to it to take some refreshments then we went by one of the guys favorite restaurants, Pollo Campero. Here's Aiden taking his kids meal home from Pollo Campero. He's one happy guy after he eats.....kind of like his momma.

When Ron got home him and Aiden planted some seeds.

Today was also Ron's birthday! So that was real neat that we got to be there to celebrate his special day with him. Aiden thought he needed help opening gifts.

Aiden playing with Ron's new phone......and Heidi

For dinner that night we went to this really nice steak house........that had a playground INSIDE! It was awesome. Our table was right by the playground so that was perfect.

Gigi and Aiden having fun.

Dada and Aiden

Family pic

Gigi, Pops, Aiden, Jonathan and me after dinner

After we ate Jonathan was trying to tighten up Aiden's carseat and looked who hopped up front to drive!!! I think you're a little too short there buddy.

On Sunday we went to Ron and Margie's church and got to meet their church family, which was fun. I guess too much fun because not soon after we got there Aiden passed out, gone! There was music playing, people talking loud and everything but he slept through the whole thing, which was about 2 hours. And to think I try to tip toe around my house while he's napping.

It was a good thing Aiden took his nap while at church because it gave us all afternoon to go to the zoo.

Aiden, Jonathan and Pops watching the animals.

They have the most amazing zoo. I was very impressed by it. They had so many animals to look at. A lot more than our zoo does. Aren't these lions beautiful? I wanted to go again while we were there but didn't have enough time.

I think I was most amazed by the hippo! I had never seen one in person and they are HUGE....and stinky!

Aiden LOVES the animals, but he was obsessed with wanting the ride the "Whoo, Whoo"....the trains! So Gigi and Pops took him for a ride.

Waiting for his second ride....

...with mom and dad!

Here we are brining up the rear!

After the zoo we went by and got ice cream.

Someone was loving his ice cream and ice cream cone.

Afterwards we came home and Aiden crashed on dadda....

........and then moved over to Pops.

I will post more pictures of the trip. Stay tuned for the next fews days when we go to the beach.

Busy summer.....

2009-07-07T08:48:00.006-05:00

I'm sorry I've been the worst blogger lately. Partly because we've been so busy, but mainly because I haven't been good about taking pictures. Here's what our summer has looked like so far (sorry to some of my friends that I had to steal these first few pics from. As I said earlier, I have not been good about getting pictures!).

My OBU girlfriends all met up in Hot Springs one night. It was so fun just hanging out and talking. We had the best time catching up.

That weekend we also had a baby shower for Amber and Anna Beth. She got some wonderful things. And it was fun to see everyone again.

Everyone and the kiddos. Except Bowden, Pierce and Maddox weren't there. My mom brought Aiden and he was trying to eat the jelly beans through the wrapper in this picture. Not a very easy thing to do.

Two weeks later we had Jennifer's wedding in Texas. This is Lauren, me, Dayle and Erin.

This is us at the bridesmaid brunch. Very laid back, but also very fun.

The OBU girls: Amber, Laura, Erin, Jenn, me, Dayle, Lauren and Katie.

Before going over to Texas for the wedding we went to Shreveport to see Ben, Kristen, Isabella and Brooks. We went to Chick-fil-a when we go there and Isabella showed Aiden how to climb up to the top of the playground. He had so much fun.

Aiden and Isabella were holding hands while driving down the road. So sweet. Jonathan and Aiden stayed in Shreveport while I went over for the wedding so I didn't get any more pictures of them, but I know Aiden had so much fun playing with "bebba" and "brooks" (that's how Aiden says their names).

He's moved to the big table (this happened several months ago but I thought I would share). He loves us all sitting together when we eat and we have to pray about 5 times during our dinner. We say "Thank Jesus" and Aiden yells out "AMEN".

He's turned into quite the helper around here. I'm grateful, but I think his daddy is even more grateful. Or maybe he's just glad that something is getting done around here...ha, ha!

This was Aiden and Jonathan on Father's Day. We had a really low key day, but it was nice to all be together. We are so thankful to have Jonathan as the spiritual leader in this house. My favorite part of the day is when Jonathan gets home from work and Aiden gets so excited jumping around and then he takes Jonathan by the hand and wants him to go play right away. So sweet.

We've been spending lots of time at the playground this summer. It's so funny how last summer Aiden could barely get up on the playground and this year he's all over the place and I don't even have to get up there with him. It's so nice.

Since he's been learning his letters he loves this part. He'll yell out all the letters to me.

"Hey Mom!"

And of course he loves the slide.

I promise to get better about posting pictures and taking pictures this summer. I can't believe he will be two next month!!!! He is talking so much now and has just been so much fun. Sometimes it takes awhile to understand what he is saying, but eventually we get it!

Carter + Aiden = Best Buds

2009-05-21T15:16:00.006-05:00

We went to North Little Rock over the weekend and the majority of the time this is what Aiden and Carter were doing. Aiden had so much fun playing with his cousin Carter this past weekend. Anything Carter would do, Aiden would want to do. It was so cute. And Carter was so good with him. It was so sweet to see them playing together.

Carter got his work out pushing Aiden around. But they both had a blast.

So sweet. He was just sitting there watching Carter run around the yard.

Oh Carter! You're so funny!

Carter thought they "needed" a snack. So he went inside and got juice boxes and chips.

"Here Aiden try these. I know you will love them."

Aiden loves putting on hats. This is Carter's fireman hat that he kept putting on.

This was Carter and Aiden a year ago! I just had to put this is to show how much they have changed in a year. It's much easier for them to play together now that Aiden is bigger.

Carter has always been so sweet with his cousin.

Now this is the real reason we went to NLR. Kristy had her baby shower. This is me and my pregnant sisters. Jill is due the very beginning of November and Kristy is due the very beginning of August.

My mom, Kristy and Sandra (Paul's mom) at the shower.

I didn't get any pictures of her opening up gifts because I was trying to keep up with Aiden. Sweet Sydney came to the shower with her mom and her and Aiden had fun running around together.

Isn't this a cute pic of Sydney. I couldn't get Aiden to look up, but you can see where he just spilled a drink down his shirt. He wanted to drink out of a cup like the grown-ups were doing.

We had so much fun seeing everyone. I went out with a few of the OBU girls to US Pizza on Sunday night, but of course I didn't get a picture. It's always fun being back in Arkansas. Sure do miss it and everyone there.

Happy Mother's Day and a few favorites

2009-05-11T08:39:00.006-05:00

You just never know how much you can love one person until you have children. I LOVE being Aiden's mom. Even more I love being able to spend every minute of every day with him. It's not until you have children that you realize nothing else matters but them! I couldn't read that somewhere, someone showed me that. And that someone was my mom. Thank you mom for being so selfless and putting us always before yourself. Happy Mother's Day to my mom (Mimi) and Jonathan's mom (Grammy). I feel so blessed to have two GREAT examples of mothers in my life. You both mean so much to us.

Aiden and Jonathan gave me this for Mother's Day. It means so much to me because when my grandmother passed away 15 years ago all the granddaughters got diamond necklaces. Well the setting was in gold and I just haven't worn it in a long time. Jonathan took the diamond and put it in this platinum setting. I love it and now I can always think of her when I wear it.

Aiden sporting his "Mom's #1 Fan" shirt. He asked to wear it. I had nothing to do with it.

Sunday after lunch we ran a few errands and somehow Aiden always finds the toy section wherever we go. This is him checking out some riding toy that I'm pretty sure he's not big enough for.

Here are a few of Aiden's favorite things lately:

Wearing hats. Sometimes it's his hats, but a lot of times it's one of ours, so of course it's too big.

He has been obsessed with wearing his shoes and socks at ALL times. He'll wake up and say "Shoes", "Socks" and want them on immediately. It's so funny. So this is him sporting his socks over his pj's, wearing his hat and eating strawberries (his new favorite food).

Cheesing it for mom

He has been cracking us up with these funny faces. I'm not too sure where they are coming from.

He loves Mother's Day Out. This is one of his teachers. I'm sad because Mother's Day Out is ending this week. He has LOVED going and we are going to miss it this summer.

He has loved this leap frog letter toy we got. You put these cards in and spell out the words. Aiden is getting so good at picking out the letters.

Hercules thought he saw some food on Aiden's chin so he was licking Aiden. Of course Aiden didn't mind.

Aiden LOVES going to the zoo. A few weeks ago we went with Madelyn and her mom. (Or as Aiden likes to call her, "Mad Mad").

Checking out the monkeys

Trying to steal a sip of mom's drink

"Who me? Does this face look like I could do anything wrong???"

Country Music Marathon '09

2009-04-25T15:43:00.005-05:00

I have wanted to do a marathon for a while now. It's something I talk about forever, but kept making up excuses why I couldn't do it. Well this was my year finally. I decided that since I was turning 30 this year it would be a good year to do it. I have been training since January for the Country Music Half Marathon. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday I have been running with a group of friends. I have never been a runner so starting out was hard, but after I did it for a while it became easier and I loved it. Today I got to put all my training into play and I finished at 2 hrs and 19 minutes. And I didn't walk at all (there were times I was dragging my feet, but they were jogging). I didn't really care about my time, my goal was to not walk and I'm so glad I kept on going. This was just the most amazing experience ever. The Country Music Marathon is here in Nashville of course and they have bands set up all through out the course (mostly country music), but there was the one band playing outside of a church and they were singing "Our God is Mighty to Save" and it was just awesome hearing Christian music. It gave me chills and tears were in my eyes because I just kept thinking without Him I wouldn't be doing this. God was definitely there through it all and without Him I wouldn't have "Pressed towards the Goal". So here are just a few pics from the day. Jonathan and Aiden came out to support but I never saw them until the end. There were 35,000 RUNNERS! And I can't even imagine how many spectators......let me just say a TON! There were people lined on the streets for most of the 13 miles. It was awesome just hearing people cheer you on the whole way.

My biggest supports.....Jonathan and Aiden

Aiden, Me, Lyndsay, Jeannie, and Jordan. Some of my running group.

The girls at the Pasta party the night before: Lyndsay, Jeannie, Jordan and Me.

My metal! I told Jonathan I want to wear it all week where ever I go!

***Update....my friend Brent was there watching the race and got a picture of me. He sent this picture after I had done this post, so of course I had to add it. Here I am smiling as I ran by him. I think this was around mile 7 or 8 so that's why I'm still smiling. Glad he didn't take my picture around mile 12 because no telling what I would have looked like!

Happy Easter!!!

2009-04-13T08:42:00.003-05:00

We hope everyone had a Blessed Easter. We had a very low key one, but it still nice. We went to church and then out to eat with some friends. Here is Aiden ready for church. Of course he couldn't let go of his soccer ball.

This was Easter last year. Wow, he has changed so much!

Still won't let go of his soccer ball.

Poor Aiden has a scratch under his eye because his momma didn't clip his nails.

The family Easter 09. I don't love this picture but it was the only we got that day. If you can't tell the sun was definitely in our eyes. I think Aiden and I look more a like in this picture than we ever have. Maybe it's because we're both squinting. But we were thankful for the sun that day!

"For by grace we are saved through faith....it is the gift of God." Eph. 2:8

We're back.......

2009-04-11T15:11:00.009-05:00

Hello blog world! Sorry we've been abandoning you lately. I have NOT been good at taking pictures of all that we have been doing. It has been a busy last few weeks. Last Friday (the 3rd) Jonathan and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary! It has gone by so fast. We had a great time, we went out to Ruth's Chris and actually got to enjoy a nice dinner alone. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have such a wonderful husband. He not only is a wonderful husband but an awesome daddy! Aiden and I are so blessed to have him in our lives.

Lately all Aiden wants to do is go outside to play. He thinks whenever we are leaving that we MUST be going to play. It gets really challenging when he figures out that we are just going to run errands and not doing what he wants. This is what usually happens when I tell him we're about to leave. He grabs as many balls as he can he goes for the garage door.....

Aiden just got his first pair of boat shoes. I love them.

Today we took Aiden to his first Easter Egg Hunt. The zoo was putting one on and I think all of middle Tennessee were there. It was CRAZY! But I think Aiden had a good time. This is me telling Aiden where to put the eggs. (We practiced at home yesterday so he'd know what he was doing. And so he'd have a head start on all the other kids!! Just kidding)

Of course he had to investigate all the eggs before putting them in his basket.

"There's some more eggs Aiden!"

He got it!

"Excuse me, but I knew what I was doing all along!"

Aiden and momma

Of course we couldn't go to the zoo and not go see the animals. Aiden LOVES the elephants.

We went with some of our friends and here is Aiden, Jonathan, Caleb and Jerry.

After the egg hunt they got some prizes and one was a lollipop. I guess I got Aiden in mid-lick. He was really loving that lollipop.

Oh, and yesterday Jonathan and I took Aiden to get his passport! We are planning on taking a trip this summer to Guatemala to go see Grammy and Daddy Ron. They went back to Guatemala 2 weeks ago because their furlough was up. We sure do miss them, but are so thankful that we can talk to them on the camera on our computer. I hope everyone is having a good weekend. I promise I won't wait this long again to post.

Bargain shopping...

2009-03-11T09:31:00.007-05:00

We had some consignment sales around here last week and I was so happy about all my bargins that I had to share. I got everything below (shorts, t-shirts, polos, 2 jackets, pants, shoes, car, bag, and a booster seat) all for a little over $100!!!! I was so excited. I love a good deal.

Here are all the shorts I got. I LOVE plaid shorts on little boys. So I got a few of those.

Here are all the tops I got. I think I counted 21!

The shoes I got are from Stride Rite, Children's Place, LL Bean and Gap and all were like $3 or $4.

I love these cute little seersucker pants.

And this seersucker jacket will be so cute for church.

I can't pass up a funny t-shirt either, especially when it was only $1.

And I couldn't pass up this bag because it was Aiden's colors in his room and everyone knows a girl could use just one more bag.

This car was only $10!!! We will use it outside but on this day it was cold so I just brought it inside.

This doesn't have anything to do with my bargin shopping, but I love this picture. Aiden has been putting on Jonathan's hats and he loves wearing them. I just thought it was so cute.

It's a little too big for him right now.

This what Aiden has been doing lately to let us know he is ready to eat. He will push his high chair into the kitchen. It's hilarious. This boy is not afraid to let you know what he wants.

Introducing Norah Kate....

2009-03-09T15:41:00.009-05:00

We went to Memphis over the weekend to meet the newest addition to the Carothers family. Jonathan's younger brother David and his wife Nekayeh had their first born, Norah Kate Carothers. She was born on March 6, weighing 7 lbs 14 oz and 20 in. long. And she is absolutely adorable. We're so happy she is finally here. Nekayeh went 5 days over her due date and still had to be induced, but she had a wonderful delivery and everyone is doing great.

Me and Norah Kate. It's so crazy to think Aiden was that size 18 months ago.

Jonathan and Norah Kate

Me holding Norah Kate again (doesn't she look precious in her little hat). I couldn't get enough of her. It kind of makes you want another one, but then I remember those sleepless nights and I don't think I'm ready for that yet.

Grammy, Aiden and Daddy Ron. This is Margie and Ron's first time to ever be there for the birth of one of the grandbaby's so they were pretty excited that it happened while they were on furlough.

With the wonderful weather over the weekend Aiden couldn't get enough of playing outside. He has on one of Daddy Ron's hats because we're afraid he still has an ear infection. Aiden is playing with a stick that is half his size.

Still having fun with the stick....and of course he won't let go of his snack cup.

On our way back to Nashville we stopped at my Aunt and Uncles house. They live between Memphis and Nashville. Aiden still hadn't taken a nap and it was around 3 when we stopped. So while we were there visiting he fell asleep, but we didn't have his pack-n-play because Ron and Margie have a crib, so we had to just let him sleep on a regular bed with pillows all around him. He was so out of it that he didn't mind.

18 Months!!!

2009-03-01T14:48:00.006-06:00

I took Aiden to his 18 month check up on Thursday. Wow, I can't believe he will be 2 in 6 months! That is so hard to believe. He had a great check up. The doctor said she is happy with everything he is doing. The only thing is that he keeps having ear infections. This is his third round of antibiotics in a month. She said if it doesn't clear up this time we will go see an ENT and talk about doing tubes. You really wouldn't even be able to tell that Aiden had ear infections because most of the time he is doing this........

Just running around everywhere! He is constantly on the go. He doesn't walk places now, he runs! Or he is doing this......

Climbing on everything and anything he can. He even tries to climb up his crib! He definitely does this all the time.....

Plays with any ball he can find. When we're in Wal-mart and we go by the section that has all the balls roped off he just starts saying, "Ball, ball, ball, ball" until we put him down to play with them. Sometimes I try to avoid that section if I'm in a hurry.

Every day Aiden is doing something new and I need to get better about taking pictures. It's amazing how much they pick up by just watching you. These are some things about Aiden and what he's doing these days:

Weight was 27 pounds (putting him in the 74%)
Height 32.5 in. (putting him in the 69%)
And his poor little head was in the 99%!!!! It just means he's going to be smart. I was wondering why I have to stretch out the necks on all his shirts when I pull them over his head.
He loves to play with any ball (as noted in the picture above) and can even kick the ball around the house. Maybe he'll be a soccer player.....who knows.
Loves to feed himself, especially when he is eating yogurt. He wants no help with anything these days.
Which brings me to he his trying to be more independent. When we go to the grocery store or Target or the Mall he wants to run around and not be put in the buggy. The only problem is that he has one speed and that is to run....fast! He doesn't know the meaning of "Hold Mommies hand and Stay right HERE!" So needless to say shopping trips are hard when you are by yourself.
Knows exactly what he wants. He has started pulling us where he wants us. If he wants to play in his room and wants us to play with him, then he will pull us in there. I guess he's a man with a plan!
Loves to sit in my lap and have me read to him.
Loves puzzles, especially those Melissa and Doug ones. He's getting really good at them, too.
Loves when it's bath time and he can run around naked! When we take his clothes off he jets off as fast as he can to the chair and climbs up in it! This makes me a little nervous because I don't want him to have an accident up there!!!
Loves being outside. I can't wait for the spring to get here so we can go to the park and zoo all the time.
He only takes one nap now, but it is anywhere from 2-4 hours! Those days when he takes four hour naps are nice!
He loves animals, especially elephants, alligators and lions! If you ask him what an elephant does he'll lift his arm up like an elephants trunk, then if you ask him what an alligator does he'll clip his hands and say "chomp, chomp", then if you ask him what a lion does he'll open his mouth real wide like he's saying "ROAR". It's pretty funny.
Words that he is saying: bye, bye, Dada, Momma, Boo (he can't say Hercules yet. I know SHOCK), ta ta (thank you), blanket (something that sounds like it), ball, and he'll try and repeat anything that we say.
Favorite foods: vegetables: lima beans, green beans and broccoli. Fruits: grapes, oranges, banana's. Just started drinking out of a straw and he thinks that is pretty funny.
He does the sign for please and more and I would like to teach him more signing so I don't always hear the whining!

We are constantly laughing at what Aiden is doing. He is so much fun and we feel so blessed to have such a wonderful healthy little boy.

Yesterday was a cold and rainy day so we got out this tent that my sister had gotten Aiden for Christmas. I don't know why we haven't gotten it out yet because we've had plenty of cold and rainy days since Christmas. Who knows! It's a fire engine tent. Isn't it so cute. Aiden was having a blast with it.

Crawling in the tent.

"Hey Mom look at me!"

He INSISTED that the dogs be in there with him.

And this made him VERY happy.

My Valentine's.....

2009-02-17T12:29:00.008-06:00

I hope everyone had a nice Valentine's day. I know I did because I got to spend it with my two guys. We went to the park that afternoon and had lots of fun. Aiden just loves being outside so we try to take any opportunity we can to take him out and play.

Aiden and Jonathan about to go down the slide. (And Jonathan asking me why I'm taking a picture of their every move!!!)

There he goes....

That was fun! Crazy hair and all!!!

Jonathan and Aiden kicking the soccer ball around. Aiden loves kicking the ball around. Maybe he will be a soccer player like his daddy.

Hercules and Boo even got to come. We had to tie them up while we were on the playground, though, because there were other kids around. (And one of our dogs doesn't know the meaning of "stay". I'm not mentioning any names, but his tail does curl up.)

That morning we went to McCade's birthday party. It was a giraffe theme and his mom even dressed him as a giraffe! It was so cute/funny.

Little McCade....I'm saving this picture for his high school yearbook!

This is just some random time before we were about to leave the house and Aiden was posing for the camera. Not sure what he was doing, but I thought it was cute.

He loves to "help" when it's time for the dogs to eat. The poor dogs don't ever get to eat in peace. They are usually trying to chase Aiden down because he's carrying their food around.

Aiden thought Hercules would like to eat his food off the floor instead of from his bowl so he's pouring it out for him!!!

The other day I was outside of Aiden's room and I thought he was in there playing. Well then I noticed his lights going on and off and ran in there and this is what I found....

Aiden had climbed up no his changing table!

Lately....

2009-02-05T13:42:00.007-06:00

We finally got a new camera!!! Yeah! Aiden has learned what the word "CHEESE" means when we turn on the camera. He just smiles so big.

Jonathan's mom came and stayed with us a few days last week because she was flying at of here to go meet Ron. This is her and Aiden after his bath.

Aiden has started to love his stuffed animals. This is Clifford and it was actually Jonathan's when he was little. It's so cute to see Aiden with it now.

We went to Little Rock last weekend for a very quick trip. We went for my nephew Carter's 5th birthday party, but of course we had to go to the mall while we were there. This is Aiden and Carter at Gymboree while we shopped.
Then we had Carter's party on Saturday morning at the Jump Zone. This is us before all the kids got there and it got too crazy.

Carter and Aiden eating cake.

Notice Aiden's the only one still at the table. He really liked that cake!!!

Carter playing on one of the bouncy things (not sure what you call those).

Aiden telling everyone he's a "ton of fun".

Aiden was too small to go down these by himself so momma got to go along. I didn't mind. I was always a big fan of playgrounds growing up.

Aiden is learning a little bit of sign language and this is him telling me "PLEASE take me again!"

Aiden was a little nervous about going in these things at first, but towards the end he was so excited to go in one. I thought this was funny because he looks like he's ready to play football.

Like I said earlier, he has really been in to his stuffed animals, but his favorite is his elephant. He's even been sleeping with it (that and his blanket of course).

He wants NO help feeding him these days. He wants to do everything on his own. He's getting real good at using a fork and spoon so that's good.

He's really been in to puzzles lately.

And trying to keep away from the dogs! He climbs up into his chair in his room so they can't get his snack! Smart boy.

This is before we left for Mother's Day Out this morning. He clearly did not want his vest on!

I've been tagged

2009-02-02T10:44:00.003-06:00

A couple of my friends have tagged me...and i thought this would be fun. so, here's what you do:

1. go to your 4th folder where you store your photos.

2. select the 4th photo (no exceptions).

3. post the picture with an explanation and link it back to your tagger.

4. tag 4 people do do the same.

Well, this is Hercules and Boo on Halloween a couple of years ago. (I think 2005) I used to LOVE dressing them up for Halloween (and they loved it too, can't you tell!). That year Hercules was Frankenstein and Boo was a Princess. I'm so glad this picture came up because they hardly ever make the blog anymore!

Baby it's cold outside....

2009-01-15T11:48:00.004-06:00

so it's time for my puffy jacket! Brrrr is all I have to say. I mean, can it get any colder? And the answer is YES. Tonight it's suppose to be in the single digits. It's so cold Aiden has to wear his jacket inside the house! Just kidding, we were about to leave for Mother's Day Out.

"Why does she always put this hood on me?"

"There, that's better!"

Don't you love how Aiden has on his heavy jacket and no shoes or socks! When I put them on before we get to the car he just pulls them right off. It doesn't seem to phase him that the temp outside is in the teens. So I usually just put them on when we get to where we're going. Oh, and thanks Mimi and Papa John for my new coat. I love it!

Way behind....

2009-01-09T12:40:00.003-06:00

Hey everyone! Sorry I am so behind on putting up pictures from Christmas. There are two reasons, 1. I've been busy (isn't that everyone's excuse) and 2. My small digital camera decided to stop working around Christmas....perfect timing! So I don't have but a few pictures from Christmas because we only had our big camera there and I don't like using that one as much. I will try to get more pictures of Aiden soon because he's been doing some funny things lately. We did have a really nice Christmas and New Year's. We were with the Carothers in Memphis for Christmas and then for New Year's Jonathan's parents came up here to stay with us. Jonathan was off for about a week and a half, so that was nice. Here are some pictures I did get from Christmas. Maybe Margie will send me some more from her camera (hint, hint)...

Smiling BIG on Christmas morning.

Aiden was definitely most interested in the food that was in his stockings. Here he is digging into the raisins. And Hercules and Boo are right there beside him just in case he drops one.

We did a reenactment of the Christmas story. Aiden was Joseph. Doesn't he make a cute little Joseph? Isabella was Mary and she was precious. Brooks was suppose to be baby Jesus, but he was napping! The dogs (that is Macy with Aiden) were the shepherds and all the guys were the Wise Men. Ron was the narrator. It was so much fun.

Isabella opening up her stocking.

Well that's all I have. I know it's not much, but we're looking into what camera to buy now and if you know Jonathan he does lots of research before buying ANYTHING so it might be another week before we get another small digital camera. Until then I'll try and get some pictures of Aiden with the other camera we have. Like I said earlier, he is doing some really funny things now and we're just having so much fun with him.

Merry Christmas from The Carothers

2008-12-24T09:13:00.003-06:00

From our family to yours have a very blessed Christmas!

Christmas Card Pics

2008-12-22T12:52:00.005-06:00

We got pictures made by our favorite photographer for our cards this year. We haven't had family pictures done before so we thought this was a perfect opportunity since we wanted pictures on our Christmas cards of the whole family. Joe did a wonderful job again (he's the same one that did Aiden's fall pictures) and he has the best assistant (his wife Rhonda). They are so sweet because I wanted the pictures outside (this was the first weekend in December), but I didn't realize it was going to be SOOOOO cold. They were troopers and didn't complain once about how cold it was. Poor Aiden was shivering! That was when I decided it was probably time to go. You know when Jonathan (the most hot-natured person I know) complains about it being cold that it's time to go inside somewhere warm!!! So here are our pictures......(here's Joe's blog for any of those in Nashville)

Visiting Santa...

2008-12-22T12:17:00.007-06:00

Last Friday Aiden and I went to see Santa for his first time. We stood in line for almost an hour, but it didn't seem to phase Aiden. He ran around checking everything and everyone out. He had his blanket and some snacks, so he was happy.

Still checking everyone out. Everyone else's kids waited patiently in their strollers or right by their parents side, but not Aiden. I didn't even bother bringing in his stroller because I knew it would just be another thing I had to keep up with. He would never just sit in his stroller if we weren't moving. Oh well, he had fun!
And finally, the picture with Santa. ( I had to take a picture of the picture because we don't have a scanner.) Well he really didn't get the full Santa experience, which I'm kind of sad about now. He was actually sitting in my lap, but it looks like he is sitting on Santa's and they just cropped me out.

Last week at the Carothers...

2008-12-14T14:55:00.004-06:00

So we've been pretty busy lately (just like everyone else) so I haven't been blogging much. But here's what we were up to last week. (We went to Arkansas for Thanksgiving and I managed to get no pictures...oops! But we had a great time seeing family and friends.)

All Aiden wants for Christmas is my cooking utensils! He has been obsessed with them. He doesn't just want a few, he wants to play with them all. He has the biggest smile in this picture because he's so excited that he can't contain himself. (I think this picture is funny because Erin used to always make fun of me smiling and showing my tongue and Aiden is doing the same thing I used to do when I smiled. So Erin, this picture is for you!!)

Aiden is finally fitting into these cute puma's I got him a couple of months ago. I got them at a church consignment sale for $3!!! Gotta love a bargain!
This is him trying to make a get away while I'm making his lunch in the kitchen. That little guy is fast. We call him our little wild man......very appropriate these days!
While Aiden was at Mother's day out on Tuesday I stood in line all morning for Rachael Ray's book signing. This is me and my friend Julie with Rachael's newest book "Big Orange Book" or as Rachael likes to refer to it as "Bob". I love her and it was so fun to actually get to see her in person.
You couldn't get a picture with her while she was signing your book, though. You could only stand behind this robed off part to take a picture. She signs like 1,000 books in 3 hours....crazy! So I guess I understand why she can't stop to pose for 1,000 pictures as well!
Then on Thursday we got our first snow! Totally unexpected. It started coming down around 4:30 and didn't stop till about 7. It was so pretty. I was bummed because we missed Jonathan's work party because the streets were too dangerous to get out on. But I guess we always have next year!

2nd hair cut....

2008-11-25T10:34:00.006-06:00

I finally took Aiden over the weekend to get his second hair cut. If you look at the post below or look at Erin's blog you will see how bad he needed a hair cut. He did great. He just sat in my lap the whole time, but I made sure he had thinks to play with.

Not to sure if I've ever mentioned Aiden's blanket on here. He is not a paci baby, never was. But around 6-7 months we started giving him this little lovey. Well he LOVES it! He always has it when he goes to sleep and he carries it with him every where. As you can tell by the pictures that it is pretty nasty. Lauren's mom gave it to him at one of my showers and who would have known that is his favorite. Well of course it has been so hard to find another one exactly like it. Then Lauren gave me the idea to check ebay and there one was. So Aiden is getting a new one for Christmas.
The weird part about it is that it shoves it in his mouth and sucks on it?!?! I don't think anything about it now. Whatever makes him happy, right???
Aiden looking at me like he's annoyed that I keep following him around with a camera!
So then he decides to get up close and personal! Hey Aiden!

We're heading to NLR tomorrow for Thanksgiving! We're so excited. Well not really about the drive, but about seeing family and friends......and of course eating my mom's food. She's the best cook! Hope everyone has a safe and happy Thanksgiving!

Catching up......

2008-11-12T12:45:00.015-06:00

So I feel like I put that as my title a LOT! Oh well, as long as I get around to posting everything eventually, right? Don't you just love this fall weather. Of course along with the weather comes all the sickness. We have been dealing with that a lot. At first it was a double ear infection and then right when we got over those Aiden got Croup, which he is still trying to get over. Poor little guy sounds awful. And of course there is nothing they can do for it. The only way I'm getting to post things now is because he's been taking a 3 hour nap right now because last night he was up all night coughing! So if you think about it please say a little prayer for Aiden. Last weekend we did get to go to the zoo though. We got a year long family pass to the zoo and we're so excited.

Aiden looking at the meerkats. Those things are hilarious.

Me and Aiden checking out the giraffes.

We thought this elephant was so funny. It kept throwing branches on his back. Hey, whatever keeps you entertained!!

Me and Aiden checking out the tigers. Doesn't he look so interested!!!

The beautiful white tiger

Aiden feeding the camels some leaves....

Aiden definitely was not scared to go up to these goats....

Petting the baby goat

Wait for momma...

They have the coolest jungle gym, but of course Aiden is too small for it so we took him to the toddler area. They have the mats out for the kids to jump on and Aiden looks like he's saying, "Now what????"

Stylin' in his "Most Eligible Bachlor" shirt

And of course we can't forget Halloween. My little Incredible Hulk. We had a great Halloween night this year. We went over to some friends house that have a bunch of kids on their street and Aiden had so much fun chasing all the "big kids" around.

I was amazed that he would keep this thing on his head!

Dadda with his little hulk

The Family

And of course we can't forget Halloween '07. I was a little disappointed with myself for not dressing the dogs up this year, but we can still get a good laugh from last year, right? I can't believe Aiden was so small this time last year.

Aiden Fall '08

2008-10-22T12:47:00.011-05:00

One of our friends is starting to get back into photography and wanted to take some pictures of Aiden. I was so excited how they turned out. I had a hard time narrowing down which ones I wanted to put on here. I know there are a lot, but I just wanted to share. I thought he did a GREAT job capturing Aiden's personality.

If you are local I would HIGHLY recommend using Photo Joe Productions www.joehendricks.com. He did a wonderful job and was great with Aiden. Thank you Joe for capturing such special memories.

Pumpkin Patch and more.....

2008-10-20T10:33:00.005-05:00

We had a wonderful weekend. It's so nice to actually have fall weather and be able to enjoy being outside. We went with some friends to the pumpkin patch on Sunday. It was so much fun. They had so much for families to do with the hay rides, corn maze and tons more activities. We got there kind of late so we weren't able to do too much, but here are some pictures of what we did get to do.

Please look at Aiden's face. He was so excited on the way up there. He kept turning around and smiling at us. It was hilarious.

Still smiling....

We let him out to see the goat. Every time he sees a four legged furry animal he thinks it's Boo. So he's standing here saying "Boo Boo" and wondering why it won't come up to him!

His first John Deere ride

"What do I have to push to get this thing to go?"

Caleb, Cade and Aiden on their John Deere's.

Aiden enjoying the ride

The guys and their boys: Jerry and Caleb, Jonathan and Aiden and Craig and Cade.

The girls and their boys: Julie and Caleb, me and Aiden and Jordan and Cade.

The kiddos

Riding through the corn maze

Where are the pumpkins???? Well we ran out of time to go see all the pumpkins....maybe next time!

Happy Birthday Isabella

2008-10-18T20:38:00.010-05:00

Our sweet little niece turned 2.......3 weeks ago! We went to Memphis to celebrate and I'm just now getting pictures up on the blog. I know, I know you're probably thinking "why even bother?", but we do have some loyal viewers that like to see what's going on even if it is 3 weeks late (thanks Mom, thanks Margie). I do promise to get better at posting things right after they happened. Here are some pictures from the party.

The birthday girl about to blow out her candles. The party was so cute. It was a cupcake themed part.

Grammy helping her open her gifts

Aiden LOVED this slide and swing set. He couldn't get enough of it.

"Can somebody please just help me up?"

"Wow Isabella, how'd ya do that?"

Laughing at his cousin some more

Isabella giving Aiden a kiss......so sweet

Kristen made these adorable aprons for all the kids with cupcakes on the front and all the kids decorated their own cupcakes. Aiden was more interested in the sprinkles though than the cupcake.

"HEY MOM!"

Ben sitting at the kiddie table eating a cupcake....

sweet cousins sharing some food

Isabella got this neat tricycle and she was telling all the other kids to wait their turn...

Of course Aiden had to try it out, too. I think he has some growing to do before we get him one!

Florida 2008

2008-10-10T09:00:00.004-05:00

Here are the pictures from Florida. Sorry it has taken so long to get them on here. Jonathan's parents are home on furlough until March and decided to take the whole family to Florida in September. We rented a beach house in Destin and it was amazing. I'm still missing it and it's almost been a month since we went.

My baby is one......and then some!

2008-09-23T15:53:00.009-05:00

So as we all know I am a little late with this post. Aiden turned one over 3 weeks ago! It's still hard to believe, though. If someone would have told me this time last year how fast it would go by I wouldn't have believed it. Aiden has been such a blessing to our family and I just can't imagine life without that little guy. Here are some things he is doing at 1 year.....

At his one year appointment weighed in at 24 pounds, 31.5 inches tall. He's in the 66% for weight and 88% for height! He grew 4 inches since his 9 month appointment!
Walking/running every where. He started walking around 10 1/2 months so now he has mastered running!
Drinks whole milk now out of sippy cup. No more formula, no more bottles!
Loves to throw a ball. He's pretty much obsessed with any ball.
Which brings me to he says ball, dada, momma (sometimes, not often) thank you and jipper jappers a lot.
Eating mostly table foods (when he's not sick) Yogurt, lima beans, and black beans are some of his favorites. And we just found out that he also loves cheese quesadillas.
Trying to drop his morning naps (which is fun for mom). Mostly just takes 1 really good nap in the middle of the day. Maybe once a week he will still take a morning nap.
Has 7 teeth and it looks like the eye teeth on the top are coming in any day now
Loves to climb up on the couch and chairs. He is definitely all boy!
He started Mother's Day out at our church 2 days a week. Even though I miss him so much while he's there it has been a nice time for me to get things done.

Here are some pictures of him climbing up on the chase lounge........

Sometimes he uses Boo to help him up!
He gets so excited when he's finally up there!!! Boo gets excited too...
Then he decides the chair isn't good enough, he wants on the couch now.....
So over he goes.....

He's obsessed with my phone and the remotes. I'm sure when he realizes that my phone is pink he won't have anything to do with it.....

He loves his chair he got for his birthday...

He even likes standing in it!!!

He loves reading books......well maybe not so much. But I do try reading to him, he's just more interested in eating the book then listening to me read to him.

He loves little Boo. He loves Hercules, too, but Herc won't let him love on him like Boo will. Herc just runs away!

He's still loves cheesing it for the camera!

Here's his backpack and lunch box for Mother's day out. His backpack he has had for a while, but he received his cute lunchbox for his birthday from some of our friends.

They (the teachers) made this for the kids at MDO. Isn't it too cute! I wish you could see some pictures of Jonathan as a kid because this picture looks JUST LIKE HIM! I mean we always knew that Aiden looked just like Jonathan, but this picture looks exactly like Jonathan as a kid. I love how Aiden looks like he is taking a mug shot. Too funny!

The big P-A-R-T-Y....

2008-09-21T21:20:00.010-05:00

We had Aiden's birthday party at our house and just had some close friends and family over. Jonathan grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and we all had a wonderful time.

The birthday cake, which was a cupcake cake. It matched the invites. I thought it turned out so cute.

Aiden making his rounds saying hi to everyone (with Papa John's help).

The family!

My Uncle Bill and Aunt Judy

My cousins Mark and Andy

Reed

Of course Aiden's girlfriend Madelyn was there

Granddaddy Ron with Aiden

Mimi, Grammy, and Papa John

Some of our friends from small group at church

My sister-Kristy, My sister-in-law-Nekayeh, and Margie

Nekayeh, Margie, and me

Me and Kristy

Now it's cake time! He didn't dig into it like I thought he would. I was trying to show him what to do...

He kept wondering why everyone was looking at him while he was trying to eat!

Present time....

Of course he was more interested in the box that the gift came in rather then the actual gift!

This book was so cute!

Aiden received so many wonderful gifts, books, clothes and toys. We are truly so blessed to have such wonderful friends and family.

But I do think one of his favorites was this piano...

"Is this thing on???"

"I'd like to give a shout out to everyone that came today!"

Mimi and Grammy with Aiden

Granddaddy Ron and Papa John with Aiden

Stay tuned for "OMG my baby is 1" and "The Carothers take over Destin 2008"......I'm too tired to post anymore tonight. It's way past my bed time.

Get ready......

2008-09-21T20:40:00.008-05:00

because I have a LOT of catching up to do. I'm sure you've all been wondering where we've been these last fews weeks and why we weren't blogging! Let me catch you up on what we've been doing and then I'll show you pictures (I know the pictures are way more exciting). Well since I last posted Aiden got the stomach bug and was throwing up for about 4-5 days (it was so sad), then we went to the beach with Jonathan's family (lots of pics from that), then we got back from the beach last weekend and this week Aiden got sick again! This time with a virus that caused him to have a really high temperature and sores in his mouth and tongue that looked like cold sores. So he wasn't eating again because of that. Why does Aiden keep getting sick you ask....well I started him at Mother's Day Out at our church 2 days a week. I guess it's just going to take some time for him to get used to being around a lot of kids again. Hopefully (I'm praying) that this is just building up his immune system!!! So I'm picking up from where I left off the last time I blogged. I'll take you back to the last week of August......(just play along with me so I don't feel so bad about being 3 weeks behind on blogging)....

That week we celebrated my birthday by going out to eat at Chili's. Jonathan's parents were in town for Aiden's big b-day party that weekend. Ron was taking the picture so that's why he wasn't in it.

The next day was AIDEN'S big day. Since his birthday fell on a Thursday this year we just did something small on his actual birthday and saved the big party for the weekend. He looks a little confused in this picture.

We gave him a cupcake for his birthday since we were saving the big cake for the party

Birthday guy!!!

Tearing into the cupcake

This is good....

So I decided it was time for a much needed haircut for Aiden and his first b-day was the perfect time to do it.

It had gotten so long

So off to get his haircut when went. He was so excited when we got there....

And then the fun begun......."You're doing what????"

"I don't think so!!!!"

Everything is always better in daddy's lap or with a comb in your mouth!

Such a big boy getting his first hair cut

The result......so handsome! And made me realize he's not a little boy anymore!

Dad's 60th Birthday Party

2008-09-04T13:43:00.005-05:00

About three weeks ago Aiden and I headed down to NLR for a very quick trip to celebrate my dad's 6oth birthday. Jonathan wasn't able to go because we left around noon on Friday and he couldn't get off work. We went to dinner at Shorty Smalls in NLR. Lots of family and friends were there to celebrate dad's birthday. We had a great evening. Mom had reserved one of the rooms there so it was nice because Aiden and Carter could run around and not get in the way.

Mom and Dad out at dinner

Me, Jill, Aiden, Kristy and Carter

Aiden cruising around the tables

My sister Jill and Aiden

My sister Kristy and Aiden

The Birthday Boy!!!

Papa John and his two grandsons...notice Carter trying to dig into the icing!

Uncle Paul entertaining Aiden with the balloons

Still more to come.......

Playing catch up....

2008-09-04T12:43:00.004-05:00

So, I know it's been too long since I last posted. We have been VERY busy these days. I'm going to try and do several post today in between taking care of a sick baby. He's sleeping a lot so I thought now would be a good time. Poor guy, if you think about it please say a prayer for little Aiden. He's been throwing up and just not eating much. Hopefully it'll pass soon because we leave for Florida tomorrow. 8 hours in a car and a sick child just doesn't sound like fun to me.

Here's what we've been up to (Just pretend I posted this three weeks ago!!!).....

I was so excited when Aiden's car seat came in! This is what Grammy and Granddaddy got him for his birthday.

I was so excited I didn't even take it out of the box before I tried to put Aiden in it!!!!

"This is how it goes Mom!" Thank goodness I had Aiden there to tell me I'm suppose to take it out of the box before I put him in.

Aiden was loving life after he started facing forward...

Hey, you'd fall asleep too if you were riding down the street in your lazy boy!

Guess who's....

2008-08-14T07:41:00.005-05:00

....turning 1 in two weeks

This guy

"Oh, there's no way. You're pulling my leg, right?"

"Oh, you're serious!!!"

"Well come on MOM! We've got a lot to do before the party!!!"

I can't believe Aiden will be 1 in two weeks. Here are the invites:

A BIG thank you to Dayle who helped me with the layout. She is AWESOME! I didn't really go with a theme, I just liked the colors. It took me forever to decide what I wanted to do and if I even wanted to do a theme, but when I saw these invites I loved the colors and just decided to go with it. We have many more years for "themed" birthday parties. (oh and I had to white out our address. I didn't want any unexpected guests at the party!!!)

On a side note: I am not styling Aiden's hair like that these days. He had just gotten done eating some mandarin oranges and decided to run his hands through his hair. I guess it shows you how bad he needs a hair cut! I thought it was pretty cute, though.

Last week at the Carothers...

2008-08-03T20:15:00.004-05:00

Aiden turned 11 months old.......

Yes, we are all pretty shocked that he is almost a year old!!!!

But don't worry, he's still pretty laid back about getting older. It doesn't seem to faze him much.

Just as long as you give the boy some food he doesn't care what day of the week it is!!!

He has been having some crazy hair lately. I'm hoping he makes it to his first birthday before we have to give him a haircut. Jonathan just thinks we can do the "comb over" and I told him our son isn't 80 years old!

We definitely need to do some baby proofing around here. Aiden is into EVERYTHING!

I can't believe Aiden will be 1 this month. He has been doing some of the funniest things lately. He has us laughing constantly. Here are some things he is doing (I have to write them down here so I'll remember since I'm not doing a good job keeping his baby book up!)....

1. We've been giving him a lot of table food lately and he seems to like anything we give him. (I know that's a big shock). We still give him baby food, but we also try to give him whatever we are eating.

2. Trying to get him off the bottle.........it's NOT easy though. I guess it's like everything else, with time he will get used to it. He has three bottles a day and his first two I have been giving him them in a sippy cup and he's doing better taking them, but at night I'm still giving him his formula in a bottle. He'll drink water or juice out of a sippy cup all day long, it's the formula that's taking time getting used to.

3. As you saw in the earlier post, he's walking now. He started this around 10 and a half months and has only gotten faster and braver since then. He is all over the place. It's crazy because he started walking at the exact same age Jonathan did. Which brings me to...

4. He's definitely a daddy's boy! I've been trying to convince myself this whole time that he was a momma's boy, but I was only fooling myself. He loves his daddy, which I love.

5. Remember the gate picture? Well now Aiden thinks it's hilarious to put his toys under the gate and watch it them all fall down the stairs. It's all fun and games until someone falls down the stairs because they slip on a ball.

We love you so much Aiden and feel so blessed that God gave us the privilege of being your parents. You have the best little personality and we never knew we could love someone so much. Thanks for bringing us so much joy.

Also, last Wednesday was Jonathan's birthday! He celebrated the big 2-9! His last year in the 20's. Jonathan had to work, but Aiden and I met him at Panera Bread for lunch. Then that night we had our bible study, but I brought his favorite cake (Baskin Robbins) to group so we could all celebrate. We love you so much Jonathan and I thank God for you everyday. I'm so glad that Aiden has a daddy like you to look up to. I love how he loves you so much, it's an easy thing to do.

This picture was taken last week. I was surprised Aiden stayed still long enough for me to get it because he never stays still for a long time. Let alone in anyones lap. Like I said before, though, he loves his daddy.

This was the only other picture I could find with Aiden in Jonathan's lap. This was when Aiden was about 3 weeks old. It doesn't even look like the same baby. I just love my guys...

Aiden walking

2008-07-25T17:16:00.002-05:00

Here's a better video of Aiden walking. It cracks me up because you can see Madelyn in the background walking and it looks like he goes right up to her and tries to knock her down. Typical boy!