18 months.... WHAT?!

My "little" boy is 18 months today.... I'm kind of in shock about this. We don't go for his pedi check for another couple of weeks, so once we get 18 month stats, I'll be sure to post them. Until then, here is what Carter is doing at 18 months.

• Carter has more words now than I can even count. My mom suggested one day, starting in the morning, I just write down every word I hear him say, and see what all I get. If I get around to doing that, it should be interesting!
• In addition to having numerous words, Carter also has started saying short sentences. Among his favorite phrases are "Bye Daddy," "Hi Mommy," "More please," "Daddy mowing." Random, I know. 
• He's really gotten into toy cars. He loves to push them all over the floor, coffee table, wall, whatever is around. And he also makes a "vroom, vroom" noise while pushing them. Really, he loves all things 'transportation' right now. He recognizes the difference between cars, trucks, buses, trains and airplanes and all their respective sounds. He will point them all out to me while we're driving down the road.
• He's starting to help clean up his own toy/book messes, which I love! He follows basic directions really well.  
• He is REALLY into music, singing, and dancing! His favorite song to sing is still the ABCs, but he loves when we sing any song, really. He also love the Hot Dog Song from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.... he walks around the house singing "Hot Dog, Hot Dog, Hot Dog." You should look it up on youtube if you're not familiar.... SO cute! He also loves having the radio on in the car, and when catchy music comes on the TV, he almost always dances or bobs his head. He still loves watching GLEE with me every Tuesday, too!
• He's kind of scared of animals. Every time we've been to a petting zoo or pumpkin patch lately, he has been very nervous and hesitant around them, usually doesn't want to go close to them, and definitely won't touch them. Hopefully soon he'll realize how much fun they can be!
• Still very much into his books. He has a few favorites that he has somewhat memorized and he can pretty much "read" them along with me because he knows what is on each page. Also, he's started to say "The End" as we finish each book.
• He is really picking up his good manners. Can say and sign "Please," and does so when appropriate. Also, says "Thank you" (Tay too) about 75% of the time. Today I even heard him try to say "You're Welcome." Love my polite little guy!
• Can say several of his friends and family members names. Shout outs to: Mommy, Daddy, Nana, Gadad (my parents), Matt, Adew (my brothers), Geema & Geepa (Eric's parents), Mayon (Mason), Mia. We're working on many others! But I really love hearing him call people by his version of their names.

Here is my little man at 18 months... saying "Cheeeeese," of course!

This sure is a fun age... we love you Carter!

Just Listed!

After several weeks of decluttering, reorganizing, completing home projects, and realtor meetings, our first home is officially FOR SALE! I'm so excited to see how this whole process goes, and can't wait to see what the future holds in terms of our next home! Now if we can just make it through the chore of keeping the house perfect for showings! I'll definitely be keeping everyone informed on how it's going.... wish us luck!

Pumpkin Patch

Carter and I went with some friends to the Big Orange Pumpkin Farm earlier this week. There were goats, sheep, and cows to feed, lots of pumpkins to see, and we got to go on a hayride around the beautiful property! It was a great day!

 Carter & Mason drive a tractor!

 Little sweeties!

 Oh you know, just doing a little farming!

 Mason takes London and Carter for a spin.

 So many pumpkins!!

 The boys go pumpking picking....

 Found one, Mom!

 Mommy and Carter on the hayride

Tennessee Kid

I took some pictures of Carter this weekend while he was sportin' his Tennessee gear that Eric got him on his last trip to Nashville. I think he looks so grown up.... where did my little baby go?

 He loves his Stormie girl!

 Dad and Carter found a grasshopper!

 Love this!

Uncles and Airplanes

It was so nice this evening, Carter and I decided to spend most of it out in the backyard. While I sat and enjoyed the weather and a glass of wine, Carter "spoke" with his uncles on the phone (or a palm-sized woodchip that he plucked out of the flower bed) and did a little airplane spotting (which he is absolutely obsessed with lately). My youngest brother, Andrew, is at school at UT. Carter "talks" to Andrew on the phone daily, but since I caught it on video this time, I thought Andrew would enjoy seeing it! You can tell this boy misses his uncle. He also occasionally "talks" to my other brother, Matt, and my mom, Nana. But I guess since he sees them more often, phone conversations aren't as necessary!

ABCs

Oktoberfest

Mckinney had it's Oktoberfest this weekend on the square. We decided to take Carter on Saturday night, and met up some friends. Keeping true to his German roots, Carter had sauerkraut (which I could NOT believe) and sausage for dinner! Carter and Mason had so much fun dancing to the German music in front of the stage! We also took them for a ride on the little train, which they both loved, then later went to the petting zoo. And the weather could not have been more perfect! We all had a lot of fun!

Watching the band

Dancing..... so cute!

Not a great video... but you get the idea.  =)

 Lemur. Carter called this a "kitty kitty" again!

 Laura and Mason

 He loves cows, but not up close!

Little Buddies

Carter and his best little guy friend, Mason

 Taking a snack break from feeding the ducks!

 Sweet little guys

Laura, Amy, and I  took the boys to the park today... they had a ball!

Mason, Carter, & Gavin

 They were sticking their hands through the whole in this board, and dropping the wood chips all over the place. Carter thought this was the funniest thing ever.

 Hi-larious!

Carter is lucky to have so many fun playmates his age! He knows how to say Mason.... sounds like "Mayun." It's pretty adorable. He always has fun with his friends, and so does Mommy!

Playing Outside & Bath Time

Carter has really enjoyed playing outside after dinner each night now that the weather is milder. He gets dirty, though! Good thing bath immediately follows.

What, Mom?

Checking out an airplane... his new obsession lately!

Almost October, and look at that tan line! =)

Favorite part of bathtime... when Daddy dumps water over his head!

Look at how happy this makes him!!

Animal Sounds

Carter has gotten really good at lots of animal noises! He also does a clock and makes a ticking noise with his tongue.... but it's kind of hard to hear in this video. I have to say, it's pretty cute!