11 months old

   My little infant will soon be a toddler, well he's already toddling around.  He has taken 10 steps by himself without falling.  He very stable, but still prefers to crawl.  I love the look on his face when he walks.  He's so proud of himself.  I would love for him to walk by his first birthday, I don't know why, I just think it would be cute.  We're having a party March 17th, the weekend before his birthday.  On his real birthday I have parent conferences, that I can't miss.  BOO! 
   Carter is babbling more than ever.  He also tries to mimic sounds and actions.  If I sigh, he will try to copy me.  If I fake burp, he will try to make that same sound.  The other day I combed his hair and then I gave it to him and he brushed his hair.  The next day I gave him a spoon and he brushed his hair with that, too.  He also signed the word "more".  I was so excited that my attempt to teach signing seems to be working.  Well actually he just did it one day and then stopped.  Anyone else teach their baby to sign?  When did they start doing it?  Carter waves "Bye-Bye" consistently and that's about it, so far.  Thank you Hannah for the DVD set, that has helped me to learn the signs, so I can teach Carter. 
  In other 11 months news, I can really see Carter's personality coming through.  I used to categorize his behavior as just things all babies do, but lately I've realized that it's more an indicator of who he is.  He is not shy at all; he loves to smile and engage people of all ages.  On the playground, he likes to approach other kids and try to play with them.  Carter is easy going, ready for any situation.  He'd eat a frog if I offered it to him.  Just as a test, we offered him raw onions and he ate them without making a face or anything.  I hope that wasn't too cruel.  He'll eat ethnic food and spicy food.  I hope you are always this open-minded, Carter.  You are just a fun, sweet boy!
    So far I've dropped one feeding and he has taken to cow's milk like a champ.  Today I'm dropping another one, so he'll be down to two feedings with me.  I have to say, it's been a little hard.  He seems to be a little sad, or maybe that's just me.  Letting go is tough.  Hello, independence!  Next thing you know, he'll be driving.  I'm just so happy that we've almost reached our goal of one year.  I'd like to thank all those folks who made it possible, like Mila, who brought Carter to work everyday.  And Blair, who always encouraged me, well almost always.  It's not always easy to sit with the lady wearing the hooter hider :).
  I love you Carter.  You make everyday wonderful.
Love,
Mommy 
  

Genki Sushi

 

         Genki Sushi is our favorite restaurant in Hong Kong.  I've heard they have Genki in the states now, too.  After church we take Carter there and entertain him with chopsticks and shiny menus.  He entertains us by throwing chopsticks and attempting to knock over scalding hot green tea on us while we eat.

Carter ate the corn sushi.  Everyone here is crazy over corn, they even put corn on pizza unless you request otherwise.

Genki has a conveyor belt that rotates the sushi around the restaurant for everyone to grab whatever they like.

At the playground

    I couldn't wait for the day when I could start taking Carter to the playground.  I figured it would be awhile before he could enjoy the slide and swings.  In Sai Kung, we found a playground just for kids under 5 and it's just the right size for Carter.  We've been twice and he's already made many friends his age and met his first girlfriend.  When Blair and I put him in the swing for the first time, he smiled from ear to ear and started laughing.  I seriously got tears in my eyes, because it was so sweet.  Ok it was beyond tears in my eyes, I was choked up over how happy Carter was.  It's so fun being able to see him explore the world now.  I can tell how much he enjoys getting out and watching other kids.  He lights up when he sees them.  Just watch the videos at the bottom and you might just cry, too.

The love interest

The next photos are from our second trip to the playground

Heartbreaker

Meet my niece

             My sweet sister, gave birth to Harper Elizabeth on February 9th.  Harper was 7 lbs., 14 oz. and 20.5 in. long.  Morgan was an absolute champ during a long labor and delivery.  They skyped us so we could see her just 3 hours after she was born.  I'm overjoyed to be an aunt.  Soon Carter and Harper will be best friends.  Congrats to Morgan and Will!