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Profile. Love it.

Yesterday as I unloaded groceries the boys were playing in and around the car. Mason ended up in the driver's seat while Carter rambled around inside and out. While he was manuevering the doors open and closed he informed me that they were busy, on their way to a meeting at Chuck E. Cheese and that they'd talk to me later. All this time with them and I have no clue what they're doing as a side job.

**Please also notice the chalkings on the walls of our porch. I told them one time to go out and use the chalk for fun. Minutes later I walk out to see their work and, of course, they use the wall. What was I thinking? Thanks for the chalk, Aunt Jess. :)

The ROCKET

Harkening back to his childhood, Erik bought Carter (and himself) a rocket yesterday. I have no pictures of the rocket flying because, I'm not kidding, it went SO HIGH.

Mason with his "sick ball." He has two ear infections and we got this for him at the grocery store.

Carter's First Rocket Launch!

I'm trying, Daddy...

Erik: Did you have fun with Stella today, Carter? She's a great new friend, isn't she?

Carter: Yeah... but she doesn't share.

Erik: Carter, she does share. She shared her (Daddy's) Sprite with you.

Carter: Yeah...

Erik: And sometimes you have a hard time sharing, too, don't you?

Carter: Yeah, but I'm still growing and that's why I'm concerned... because making mistakes is how you learn...

Erik: Are you just saying that or are you really learning from your mistakes?

Carter: (Pause) I'm trying, Daddy...

Erik: I know you are and I'm so proud of you.

Unbelievable

Last night, after watching two episodes of Arrested Development (never seen it? We might consider loaning it to you if you're really nice to us...), Erik and I turned off the light, rolled over and readied for some sleep. Just as I close my eyes, Mason started crying. This is not a new phenomenon for him, waking in the middle of the night, and needing a bit of help going back to sleep.

This time we just laid there and laughed at his impeccable timing. We decided to just let him ride this one out and try to settle himself (I mean, he IS 20 months old!) After about 10 minutes we were feeling bad for him and really wanting to relax ourselves, so I rolled out of bed to get him and sit with him on the couch for a few minutes, which is our new routine for helping him settle. For some reason he does not want to stay in his room and sit in the rocking chair. We HAVE to be on the couch.

I climb out of bed and make my way for the bedroom door when... he stops crying. Impeccable timing. I stood there frozen in our bedroom, not wanting to stir him by my toe scratching the carpet. Then I turn my head and Erik and I say to each other: HOW. DOES. HE. DO. IT?

Definition of precious

We like to say push pause when one of the boys does something just precious.

In our car a few days ago Carter told Erik and I:

"Guys, I had this silly dream about me Mason. He was being so silly! He tickled my feelings! Can you believe it?!"

And Erik and I said, "Please, can we just push pause?"

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER!

Carter is 4 today!

Happy Birthday precious boy!