Carter is TWO!

Carter turned 2 a week ago and I still haven't downloaded the pictures from my camera. I'll get to that soon, I promise. He brings us so much joy and I am thankful beyond words for the blessing of our son. Here are just a few of the things I love about this little man.

• I love his chubby arms and legs.
• His lower lip always seems to be sticking out – even if not as pronounced as it may have been a year ago (and I kind of miss the way his cheeks used to take over his whole face).
• He has the best little giggle.
  
• He likes to snuggle when he wakes up from a nap, sometimes for a good half hour.
• He likes to be touched. If I’m running my fingers up and down his arm or leg or playing with his hair and stop, he’ll grab my hand and put it back as if to tell me not to stop (this often happens during after-nap snuggle time).
• He has started asking me to come rock with him at night, even if daddy is home (Mark usually does the bedtime routine with them when he’s home).
• I love to watch him look at books – he isn’t very interested in actually hearing a story, but he looks so intently at books on his own.
• I also love how intently he plays. He likes to be at eye level with his trucks, cars or trains when he’s playing with them and is completely focused.
• I love how he backs up slowly and then charges full speed ahead to pounce on me.
• He gets so excited when he sees his daddy.
• He "talks" to and blows raspberries on my belly/his baby sister.
• I love to hear him say, “sorry” when he’s done something he isn’t supposed to – not just because he’s learning how to treat other people, but because the way he says it is so darn cute.
• He told me “dank-oo” without prompting when I gave him a plate of strawberries last week (and has done it on several occasions since).
• He has a sensitive and giving spirit – Ava was throwing a fit because she wanted to play with one of his new birthday toys and in the midst of me explaining (for the hundredth time) that he did not have to share his birthday toys, he handed her the toy.
• While he is now determined to walk up and down the stairs, always waits to hold my hand.
• I love the way he squeals when I threaten to eat his toes.
• I love the way he bounces when he runs.
• He claps for himself after doing a good job at something.
• I love when he cracks himself up.
• He gives great hugs and kisses.

God gave us such a special boy and we can't wait to see what the years ahead bring and what we might add to our list of things we love about him!