Terrible, Terrible, Terrible Two's

Ok, this is an understatement! Carsen is growing like a weed every day, and his vocabulary is expanding exponentially.....now including such phrases as, "don't look at me", "leave me alone", "no kisses for you", and the ever-popular, "whatcha doin' mommy/daddy" every ten seconds. Don't get me wrong, at times, he's an absolute delight and provides more fun and entertainment to Kevin and I than we've had in years, but he is certainly giving us a run for our money. I cannot believe the stubbornness of this kid, and his drive towards independence. He'll actually take his shoes off after I've put them on, untie them, then put them back on himself, just to know he's done it. We ponder on how we've managed to create such a fiercely independent and stubborn creature....hmmmm, I wonder!!!

Carsen is loving 'school' (daycare) and loves all the neighborhood kids, who all happen to be little girls! He's such a charmer, and can be so very polite and sweet when he wants to be. We took the kids downtown for Thanksgiving, and Carsen was amazed with the 'Big City', and mostly loved all the firetrucks, ambulances, and homeless people playing drums on buckets. He thought the lights, hotel, and big buildings were ok, but it was really the destitutes of Chicago that caught his eye. Go figure.

We're looking forward to Christmas with him this year, as he's really keen to what's going on. He knows Santa is going to come and bring him toys, but hasn't figured out yet that he needs to be a GOOD boy!! We love watching him grow into a little person and we're touched at his gentleness and caring towards Kendall. He now runs into her room in the mornings, shouting 'good morning baby', or 'hello sweetie'. When he talks to her, his voice is so gentle. He helps her up when she falls over, and even gives her toys. Even though at times he can be such an angel with her, he'll push her over, put a blanket over her face, or sit on her two seconds later. The silly thing is he always tattles on himself, admitting he made her cry!

It'll be a very interesting dynamic once baby #3 joins the family!! Happy holidays and kisses to all!

A day with Thomas

A few weeks back we went to the train museum in Union Illinois because Thomas the Tank Engine was passing through. We had a chance to take a picture with Thomas and even got to ride in a passenger train that Thomas was pulling (not really)! The day was fun until someone got really tired and decided that it wasn't worth cooperate anymore... There are quite a few trains at this museum including a number of pre-1900 ones. It's amazing that they could build these things back over 100 years ago.

More Carsen Birthday bash!

I didn't have these pics developed yet (yes I still use 35mm film...), so here are some good ones from the big bash back in July.

Happy Boy

So, at my last posting, Mr. Carsen was on a tear to drive us nuts. He has since mellowed a little, primarily due to his ability to communicate with us. He is talking so much and picking up everything he possible can. A smart little guy, he knows what we are saying sometimes, without us even needing to say it.

His birthday party was a huge hit. We over did it by inviting 80 people, which almost everyone showed up. We were running all day, but in the end, it was fun to see everyone having a good time. There were a ton of kids and all of the activities we planned went over well without any snags. It will be some time before we have such a gathering like that again.

Carsen is so happy all the time and is starting to love hanging out with his dad more and more. Something that he would have nothing to do with 60 days ago!

Carsen having fun at his party.

Carsen and Dad shaving with Carsen's new shaving kit.

TERRIBLE TWOS!

Now, take a look at this picture here:

You're thinking to yourself---what a cute, pleasant boy, right? Hardly!

And this same kid here:

IS A TERROR! He's outright hell on wheels.

He's going through this stage of doing nothing but whining, crying, clinging to mom and instigating trouble. On top of all that is going on, we have Carsen running around causing all kinds of chaos.

Regardless, we still love him to death and hope that he gets through this phase somewhat quickly...

If there are any takers for babysitting, please step forward!!!!

Our little friend

We can't talk enough about Carsen. He is growing and learning every day. He's putting small sentences together and his ability to associate responses to situations continues to amaze us. He's a little person that is taking on his own personality and is a performer to boot. He loves to dance, make others laugh and play with Thomas the train. He is a mommy's boy and a jealous little guy when Dad or Kendall are taking some of mom's precious time.

More on him later...

Halloween and Our Thanksgiving Trip

More pictures from Halloween and from our annual trip into the city the day before Thanksgiving. He really likes chocolate...