Hot Diggity Dog!

Here's Carter dancing to the Hot Diggity Dog song on the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. How can you not love this kid?!

Carter My Dear

I'm not sure how it's possible to love someone so much, but I do. You have enriched my life and continue to do so each and every day. I just wanted to take a minute to tell you all the things I love about you - an 18 month old angel with a mind of his own.

I love that you dole at kisses and hugs at the slightest request without a moments hesitation. I especially love the unprompted sugars, because it brings me so much happiness to know that the thought "I think I'll give Mommy a kiss" just popped into your brain all on it's own. I know one day it will be gross to kiss your dear ol' Mommy, so I'm soaking in as many as I can now.

I love that you have a ferocious appetite and will make a bee line for any type of food and stand there mouth open like a little birdy saying "bIIIte, bIIIte, bIIIte" until you get just a little taste. I also love that you cram way too much in your mouth at one time, because you think if I hurry up and eat this and then sign "more", Mommy will go ahead and give me more.

I love that you love books and would rather sit and read a book or be read too than watch TV or play with toys. I especially love when you're not quite ready to get up in the morning because you want to sit in your crib and read a book. Hey - everyone has to wake up in their own way - I get it, trust me.

I love it when daddy tries to tickle you and after laughing this infectious, pit-of-the-stomach laugh you immediately straighten up, shake your finger at Daddy and say "No, No". Everyone has boundaries and I'm glad you are comfortable expressing yours. Really - who likes to be tickled anyway?

Oh, but Carter, it's not all hugs and kisses, laughs and tickles. I even love when you get so mad the tears start flowing and you hurl yourself onto the floor, feet flailing about like the world is ending right this moment and all you need to save it is that cookie or box of raisins. The overwhelming anger and frustration has to come out somehow so you bite your own little finger, cry harder, and then bring it to Mommy to kiss all better. While these little tantrums can be trying, it shows passion and a sheer determination in you that I love.

I love that when you've just hit Mommy in the head and then shaking your finger say "no, no" and gently pat Mommy's head as if to say "this is the way we touch, not hit". You're learning sweet boy; we just need a little more practice on the no hit and gentle touches rules.

You are amazing and I love you - good, bad and ugly - with all my heart!