I cannot believe it has been
seven 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...
He turned 2 and became a big brother. He cherished the role and adores his sweet sister...
Always there to comfort and entertain her...
Sharing his loves and teaching her to do all his favorite things...
She was happy to oblige and soon became his biggest fan...
He was born on a very special day, his Mimi's birthday, and has kept her on her toes since the day he was born. They will always be birthday buddies and cuddlebugs...
He turned 3 and jumped right in to Awana, soccer, swimming, gymnastics, tee ball, and kindermusik. He is a bundle of energy, excitement, and ideas- always planning or organizing something.
His laugh is contagious especially when he's 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...
He rarely sits still (might he fall asleep), but when he does, he 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 has been good to you. You are becoming such a little man. you still 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 were thrilled to move up to Little League baseball this year. being small definitely hasn't held you back as you continue to shine all around.
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.
You still love all things military and have plans to attend the Naval Academy one day and become a Marine. We are looking forward to taking you to Annapolis for the first time next year to visit and see your first Navy football game!
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. On June 24th we celebrated your spiritual birthday as you made the decision to accept Jesus into your heart during VBS. I was so blessed to be able to hear about the exact conversation because your leader was a friend and your first Cubbies teacher. 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!
Happy 7th Birthday sweet boy!!
He's been wanting Twister for a long time. I must say we had a good time playing and believe it or not the adults usually win. Long arms and legs are a definite plus!
Carter and Mimi pick where we eat dinner. He's not a big eater, but he definitely has his favorites. At the top of the list is Japanese. This kid can put away some serious amounts of white rice, zucchini, onions, and soup! We decided to try out the restaurant near Mimi and Grandpa's new house.
In addition to us and his grandparents, we invited both great-grandparents...
...and his great-great-great aunt. This was the first time Aunt Melba has been in a restaurant in years. She is 87 years old, legally blind, and has heart failure. It took a lot to get her there, but it was completely worth it. Carter was a complete gentleman- saved her a seat next to him and told her how happy he was that she made it. We are so blessed to have so much extended family and to be able to spend time with them like this. 
We pray you have a blessed year full of good health, good times with family and friends, and peace!
