The Pumpkin Patch

Amanda, Finley, Carson & I enjoyed a beautiful Saturday afternoon at the Sweet Berry Farm in Marble Falls. The kids enjoyed playing in the pumpkins (as you can see below) as well as tasting some pumpkin ice cream. It was fantastic! Finley and Carson had fun on their first hay ride as well.

Yeah! We got a smile :-) Miss Finley loves to say "cheese", however, its difficult to get "cheese", the smile, and her eyes looking at the camera all at the same time :-) Success!

Carson enjoyed chewing on the pumpkin stems....and the grass :-)

Amanda, Finley, and Riggs (due Dec 15th!!)

Carson loves the camera!

Nap # 1

Nap # 2... kicking his feet up, getting comfortable!

Who does he REALLY look like???

Ok, I see that NO ONE thinks Carson looks like me (as you can see from the results of the poll shown below). Well, a few of you think he looks like both of us, which is what I have to agree with. Take a look for yourself. (Thanks for the idea Val!)

He's got his daddy's smile, and dimples, and blue eyes....

There is a little bit of mommy here...I think.

Looks like he got his daddy's head - or at least the shape of it :-) Hey look, those could be my eyes (the shape that is...)

So it looks like his chunky little legs came from mommy... Is that it???

The last two weeks...

We celebrated Miss Finley's 2nd Birthday at the Dell Diamond pool. Carson had a blast! And here he his...smiling for the camera. He is pretty good at it (since mom has it in his face constantly)!

Look at those blue eyes!

We tried finger food for the first time last weekend.

Once he got used to the rough texture at first, he loved them! They are a great way to distract him while I am getting his dinner ready.

Ok, he is definitely growing up too fast...sippy cups already!!! The last time I gave him one he pored it all over his head. This time was a much better experience.

Just "monkeying" around... He was wrestling with his monkey -- too cute!

Eating & Sleeping...

Soooo cute! The girls at daycare sent me this pic of Carson falling asleep while snacking in the high chair today. Love it!!! By the way, he is cutting tooth #2!!! I can't believe it.

6 month stats

Carson had his 6 month check-up today. He is still in the 97th percentile for his weight...weighing in at a whopping 21 lbs 13 ounces. He is in the 85th percentile for his height at 27.5 inches. And finally (this one is for is for you Amanda) he is in the 97th percentile for his head at 47 cm :-) Although he remains at the top of the charts, he is following the same growth pattern he has had since day 1. He's gonna be a big boy!

Going in to this morning's appointment I was so concerned I was feeding Carson too much. Actually, this has been a concern all along. The doctor has once again calmed my fears...Carson is just a big boy and will require more food. All is well...he loves to eat and I love to feed him! Its now time to introduce finger foods such as veggie puffs, pinwheels, and teething biscuits as well as a sippy cup. Fun! Fun!

My little monkey was all over the place when the doctor was examining him. He just wanted to show off his new skills :-) Finally she gave him a tongue depressor to chew on to distract him so she could finish the exam.

Our little Monkey

All work, no play

Mommy and Daddy agree...Carson needs more play and less work.

Too cute!!!

Carson's First Tooth!!!

I can't believe it...Carson is cutting his first tooth! He has been waking up 4-5 times a night since last weekend. I assumed this is what it was...but wasn't convinced until I had the proof. I now have the proof...I felt the tooth cutting through his gums (poor guy). I'll post pics as soon as it has emerged. Our little boy is growing up.

Little ladies man

Carson had quite a weekend...his first blind date and a visit from Miss Finley!

Carson and Mommy went to the park to meet our friend Amanda Casey's little girl Eliza. Carson enjoyed his first time on the swing, but it appeared Carson was a little shy.

Amanda Gordon and her little girl Finley joined us for a lazy Sunday afternoon. Looks like Carson's blue eyes were a hit with Miss Finley. She must have a thing for younger men. Miss Finley turns 2 on Wednesday! Happy Birthday Miss Finley!!!

Pucker up Carson

Hungry Carson....

It appears Carson wasn't done with his breakfast this morning.... He wanted to lick the bowl!
Luckily I had my cell phone close by so I could capture this moment with the camera on my cell phone. No wonder he is a monster!!! He lets out a cry each time he swallows his food before I have a chance to get more food on his spoon and get it to his mouth. When he is hungry...he's hungry!

Sitting pretty, standing tall

Another skill we have been working on is sitting by himself. We have learned the trick to sitting for longer periods of time. Put something in front of him that he has to lean forward to play with.

Uncle Phillip was working on his standing skills as well. This is a great picture although its an illusion. Carson was falling backward when I snapped this pic. He still likes to stand on his tip toes so we are still a little ways off from him standing completely on his own.

Rocking and Rolling

Brian and I were on the floor last Thursday evening engaging in our daily "Tummy Time" activities with Carson when he showed us what he has obviously been working on at day care. He popped up on his hands and knees and started rocking back and forth!! This was the first time we witnessed him make it to his knees. Before now it was more of a "cat stretch" position with an occasional attempt to get his knees under him.

He is a tough kid. When he gets on his hands and knees, starts to rock back and forth, he lunges forward and does a face plant. Apparently the legs are a little stronger than the arms. He is soooo close! Check out this video.

Uncle Phillip

Uncle Phillip loves his visits with Carson. He no longer wants to play with Brian & Kelly. It's ALL ABOUT CARSON ;-) Oh well, this is the way its gonna be for now on. We will get used to it I guess.

He does have the magic touch when it comes to feeding Carson. Somehow he managed to keep Carson very clean. Mommy and Daddy haven't figured that one out.

Carson thanked Uncle Phillip for not getting Bananas and Green Beans all over his "Game Day Gear".

Carson enjoyed naps with Uncle Phillip on Friday and Saturday!

Van Hook Annual Float Trip - 2008

This time last year Carson was still "cooking" and Mama and Papa Hook were so excited to welcome Baby Schmitt. This year we were warned (threatened) if we came without baby in tow were weren't welcomed...ha! As usual, we had a fantastic time and as you can see...so did Carson. Poor guy was worn out each night.

Carson absolutely loves the water...but Mommy is always cautious of too much sun. This set-up seemed to work well.

The Schmitt Family

Look at those smiles!!!

Daddy's favorite game.

What a handsome bunch.

Can't wait for next year!!!