Anywhere is a Good Place for a Nap....

To say that Carson has interesting naptime habits is an understatement! Typically he'll spend the first 15 to 20 minutes of his "quiet time" straightening and organizing his own bed (the one on right). Usually this means putting all of his stuffed animals in just the right place on his bed and sometimes he'll add in some cars and trucks. On this day, for some reason, he skipped that step. Then he'll climb into Jason's bed (the one on the left) to nap....for he wouldn't want to now mess up his own bed...can you say OCD? For whatever reason he decided that the floor was the better option on this particular day...he's propped up against a large stuffed horse and is peacefully asleep. We noticed this unique pose on our video monitor so I stopped in to get a picture. But do notice....he did not use his own comforter as a cover....he is using Jason's blanket as well as some blankets we use to cover up the window!

February 12th through the 21st

Carson and Jackson. 2-12-11
Beginning to look like a little man....growing up so fast...nearly 6 weeks old.

Love the overall look.

Carson just loves his little brother.

February 3rd to February 6th

Grammy came back into town on February 3rd and stayed until the 6th. She always catches me up with plenty of pictures.
Jackson....1 month old.

I promise to hold onto this picture until Madison gets married one day!.....she just wouldn't cooperate with Grammy!

Carson, on the other hand, fully cooperates.

Bath time for Jackson.

Waiting patiently for picture time at Sears....they didn't remain in this position for long...

Jackson fully cooperates and patiently waits.

Cereal time....their favorite!

Finally, Madison cooperates and shows off her pearly whites!

Jackson enjoys his activity mat.

Carson squeezes in close with Jackson.

Super Bowl Sunday.....unfortuneately they didn't pull out a victory! This picture was obviously taken before the game....:)

A kiddo shot. Grammy gives Jackson one last squeeze before heading back to Ohio.

Maryland Snow 2011

2011 didn't even compare to 2010 in the amount of snow we received. But when we did get about 6 to 8 inches it was beautiful and the kids made the most of it.
A very large snowman created by Matt and the kids.

A snow day isn't complete without a little bit of sledding.....Matt and the kids really made the most of it and went sledding about 3 days in a row. Here are some videos.

Swim Team 2011

I was thrilled to get Madison on a swim team during the summer. We joined a pool where a number of other church members attend. And the coaches of the swim team were 2 young ladies also from our church...one of whom I taught when she was in 6th grade.
Here Madison is on the day of her first swim meet!
And no first swim team post would be complete without a video of her very first race! I'm happy to say that she won her heat and in later meets cut like 30 seconds off of her first time!

January 21st through the 28th

After Grammy left on the 16th I didn't do a great job of getting a ton of pictures, but I did get a few.
1-21-11....2 1/2 weeks old...sleeping soundly on the couch.
1-22-11....first "real" bath....he loved every minute of it.

After the bath....all wrapped up.

And then dressed for bed.

1-25-11...3 weeks old....Madison and Carson never tire of being close to him.

Another great sleeping picture.

1-28-11...3 1/2 weeks old!

Family Picture Attempts

Before departing for Ohio on January 16th, Grammy wanted to get a couple family pictures. Jackson was sound asleep in his carseat and I refused to wake him, but we were able to get a few shots without him.

Happy Birthday Daddy and Jason

For the last 4 years there has been a double celebration on January 15th....in 2008 Jason was born on Matt's 40th birthday. This year we celebrated Matt's 43rd and Jason's 3rd birthdays. It was a Saturday, Grammy and Grandpa were here, and we went out to eat at Outback. Here Matt and Jason pose with their cake.
Prior to going out to eat, we spent some time opening presents. Madison is just about to realize that none of these presents are for her. But she is excited to give her brother a present that she helped pick out.

Jason is eager to get started.

Daddy takes some time to read his card....kids patiently waiting.

And he reads yet another card....made by Madison.

Daddy receives the Hines Ward jersey....and Madison holds up Jason's new jersey.

I was more than happy to wear Matt's "old" jersey for the night....Troy Polamalu. After all, it was also the evening of a playoff game between the Steelers and the Ravens....fortuneately the Steelers pulled out a victory.

The kids enjoy decorating the dining room with all the balloons.

Jason is very happy with his new trucks.

Both boys got to open their birthday presents from Grammy and Grandpa....new Diego bikes with training wheels.

And they enjoyed trying them out in the living room.

A little Happy Birthday video....taken at Outback.

January 11th through January 18th

1-11-11

1-11-11....a friendly game of Don't Break the Ice?

1-11-11....so cute.

1-12-11....a mid-morning snooze in his crib....not sure why this picture flipped?

1-12-11....one of his many sponge baths...peek-a-boo, I see you.

1-12-11....group picture...notice that they're all wearing their monkey jammies?

1-12-11

1-13-11

The swing looks like it's swallowing him up...can't believe how little he once was.

1-14-11....we had some cookie mix so the kids enjoyed icing some cookies...then eating them, of course.

1-14-11....you can't expect them both to have the perfect smile in the same picture! Here Jackson cooperates....Carson doesn't!

Now you've got it Carson....Jackson, however, is fast asleep!

1-14-11

1-15-11....Jackson on Matt's and Jason's birthday!

1-16-11...chillin in the swing.

1-17-11....Madison shows off her work with blocks.

1-18-11...big sister, littlest brother.

1-18-11...Jackson....2 weeks, 1 day