I cannot believe it has been
eight years since we brought this tiny little bundle home to join our family...
Carter William
Born: January 2, 2004 6lbs9oz, 19in
It seems like just last year we were savoring the precious blessing that made us parents...
He was a happy, social, and bright baby who made everyone smile...
The first grandchild and great-grandchild on my side of the family, he was showered with attention and devoured it easily...
He was 1 before we knew it...
His interests came early.... balls, trucks, sports, books, tools...
You turned 2 and became a big brother. You cherished the role and adore your sweet sister...
Always there to comfort and entertain her...
Sharing your loves and teaching her to do all your favorite things...
She was happy to oblige and soon became your biggest fan...
You were born on a very special day, Mimi's birthday, and have kept her on her toes since the day you were born. They will always be birthday buddies and cuddlebugs...
You turned 3 and jumped right in to Awana, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, tee ball, and kindermusik. You are a bundle of energy, excitement, and ideas- always planning or organizing something.
Your laugh is contagious especially when playing. You were a smart, athletic, and outgoing 4 year old always eager to jump in to an activity (or organize it!) and learn something new about the world...
You rarely sit still (might you fall asleep), but when you do, you sleeps soundly...
Only to gear up for the next days events...
You were always an incredible big brother, but at the young age of 5, you had to rise to the challenges of cancer- giving up everything you knew as normal and instead praying for your sister, comforting her, reading her books, soothing her cries, keeping her company, bringing her things, helping her deal with treatments, talking with her, and carrying mamy burdens and stresses on your little shoulders.
We are so proud of how you handled it all. Being five wasn't supposed to be so hard. You matured so quickly, growing up right before our eyes. I cherish the fact that we homeschool and could spend our days together learning, playing, exploring, and just being. I'm just sorry you've had to learn about cancer so young and spent your days thinking about surgeries, radiation, port flushes, chemo, and germs... instead of playdates, kickball, playgrounds, and storytime. It doesn't seem fair, but I know God has a bigger plan for all of us.
Year
6 was good to you. You are becoming such a little man. You love ALL things sports related and can commentate any sporting event. You definitely have Grandpa's knack for sports and stats as you follow football, baseball, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, golf, and college wrestling. You love Little League baseball and anxiously await the start of the season.
That little head of yours remembers everything it sees and hears. Fortunately there's room for more than just sports :) You have made great strides in school this year and are excelling in reading, writing, spelling, and math. Your favorites are still history, geography, and science.
Carter, you keep us all on our toes from morning till night- playing sports, reading books, playing games, reenacting, pretending, talking, building, imagining, exploring. At times it is exhausting and we all look at you with exasperation. But never stop being you. You are full of drive, passion, and determination that will serve you well in life. You are a natural born leader and rule follower. You thrive on competition and sports, but most of all you love the people around you and make everyone feel included. Your tender heart for your family and friends is such a blessing. Your growing faith and knowledge of the Bible is exciting to see. God is planning great things for you and I am inspired every day to be a a better mother and person because of you. I am so thankful God chose me to be your mom!
Your
7th year has been full of exciting firsts as you lost 5 teeth...
...learned to tie your shoes and ride a two-wheeler, and had many new travel adventures like Williamsburg, Penn State...
...and your first trip to the Naval Academy.
It has also been an emotional year as your sister faced many tough surgeries and daily medical struggles. You have been by her side through it all offering help and encouragement- even when she was less than receptive.
You have also had to face loss head on as several little friends from the hospital earned their angel wings this past year- along with Aunt Melba and Uncle Jeff. It has been heartbreaking for all of us. Cancer continues to play a role in our lives as several of your close friends continue their battles. We are so proud of the way you walk beside them and courageously show your compassion and love for your friends.
You have also fully embraced opportunities to make a difference and fundraise for Kids of Childhood Cancer Foundation, Make a Wish, CureSearch, St. Baldrick's, and THON.
You continue to excel at sports and had a great season of Little League this year...
You were over the moon excited about playing flag football this year. You definitely have some skill and your knowledge of the game makes your leadership and commentary quite interesting
God has blessed you with some wonderful friendships this past year for which we are so thankful.
You still have a tender place in your heart for babies and when not on the field playing some sport can often be found with one our sweet little friends in your arms...
You also still love all things military- gear, role play, books, history, documentaries- you name it!
We are so blessed to have you as part of our family and enjoy the privilege of watching you grow up. God obviously has big plans for your future. It has not always been easy to see your heart break and watch you experience loss, pain, fear, and frustration but you have continued to persevere. The lows have made the highs even higher as we watch you learn, grow, share, and excel in so many areas of life. We love you, Carter!
Happy 8th Birthday sweet boy!!
The kids had a great time on the slides, inflatables, zip line, climbing, games, and ball shooters.
I think the adults liked it, too!
It was a great afternoon of laughs, fun, and friends...
