Carter & Abby

Abigail Elizabeth...

2009-04-23T15:26:00.002-04:00

I love this picture. So I thought I'd post it for everyone to see.

Abby's 1st Birthday!

2009-04-23T14:56:00.002-04:00

Our Abby turned "1" on Saturday the 18th. It's hard to believe she's already 1. We had the party at our house. It was a beautiful day. After presents and cake, the kids played outside. Thank you to everyone who could attend and make her day a special one.

Abby loves her new slide!

~Abby's own little cake~

This is probably the only b-day Carter will be able to help with presents.

Carter's Big 3rd B-day Party!

2009-03-06T13:57:00.005-05:00

This year we were able to have Carter's birthday party at the Church house. As you can see, it was just the right size for all the kids. The theme this year was Disney "Cars." We celebrated with Pizza, cake, and ice cream. The kids had a blast! Thank you to all of you who were able to be there and make it a memorable day for Carter.

Birthday Boy!

2009-03-06T13:45:00.002-05:00

For Carter's 3rd B-day, we took him to Great Lakes Crossing. He loved beating Mommy at Air Hockey and riding the airplanes too. For dinner we all went to the Rainforest Cafe. Despite the thunder storms that occurred every 15 minutes, Carter thought it was pretty cool.

Our Big Boy Turns 3...

2009-03-06T13:22:00.003-05:00

Here are a few pictures from Carter's big birthday "week." We celebrated with Lee's parents on Sunday because Grandma was leaving for Florida. This was Carter's first "dinosaur" cake. He and Alexis had a great time playing with bubbles, new toys, and eating "frosting." Carter could do without the actual cake. He loves the frosting.

Merry Christmas 2008

2009-01-04T23:20:00.003-05:00

I thought I'd share our Christmas card photo. Don't let this fool you; this was one of about 30 or more shots. Patience is the key here. Carter is going to be 3 in February; and Abby is 8 months now. Time is flying by too fast. Carter still loves everything "Cars" while Abby is crawling and starting to pull up onto furniture. I'm going to have to get the gate back out! Merry Christmas to you all and Happy New Year!

Christmas Day

2009-01-04T22:49:00.005-05:00

This was Christmas Day at Grandma & Papa Jeffery's. As you can see Abby had quite an eventful day. Carter was introduced to Penny (Marty & Roxy's new puppy). For quite a while, Penny had Carter's full attention whether she wanted it or not. Thank you Roxy for your patience! There was quite a full house, as well as full stomachs, by the end of the night. The kids were overly excited and had a great day. Carter & Bella had a few "moments"; but overall, the day went as smooth as possible consideing there were five children under the age of 4 all under the same roof.

Our Christmas Morning!

2009-01-04T22:38:00.003-05:00

This was Abby's first Christmas. However, her favorite things were anything and everything that Carter opened. How funny is that! Look out Gianna; Abby might be a "Car" girl too! Carter had to have all the new toys (cars) he could fit on his new table for breakfast. It was awesome to see his face as he came out into the living room. He was very excited to see that Santa had brought him "too many cars." This was exactly what he kept asking for, by the way. Here are a couple of pictures of our morning.

'Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2009-01-04T22:27:00.005-05:00

Christmas Eve was spent at Nana & Poppy's. Carter loved helping Poppy play Santa almost as much as opening his own gifts. He also enjoyed all of the sweets that came with this holiday. There was also a storytime with Nany in the kitchen. Overall, this was a wonderful "Night Before Christmas."

Christmas came a little early this year...

2009-01-04T22:14:00.003-05:00

This was our Christmas with Grandma & Grandpa Rhoads. We celebrated a little early because they were flying to Florida for Christmas this year. We had a great time at Uncle Gary & Aunt Angie's house. This was Abby's first introduction to presents. She seemed to figure it out. Although, we all could have saved our money and just given her the paper and bows. Ha! Ha!

Carter & Abby Update...

2008-11-07T14:09:00.003-05:00

Our Carter will be 3 in February; and Abby is now 6 months. Wow! Time deffinately flies by fast. Carter still loves his cars & trucks. Now whenever we get a catalog or magazine in the mail, he is fast to grab it and find which toys he wants for Christmas. (That didn't take long; he's still 2). Abby's a little wobbly; but she can sit up all by herself now. She is also able to get up on her hands and knees and plop herself onto her belly an inch forward at at time. (So far, this is her method of crawling). As of right now, she loves her baby oatmeal, veggies, and fruit. (I'll keep my fingers crossed).

Halloween Rounds...

2008-11-07T13:46:00.004-05:00

This year Carter was a Detriot Tigers Baseball Player, complete with a Lightning McQueen Cars baseball hat of course! Abby was a little Pumpkin (thanks to her cousin Bella). We made our usual rounds to Nana & Papi's, Grandma & Papa Rhoads', Grandma & Papa Jeffery's, and a new stop to Mr. Tim's house (Tim & Sue Johnson). At first, Carter was all about putting candy into the little trick-or-treater's bags. Then the bigger kids made their appearance. Most of them were wearing pretty scary masks. That was the end of our little candy helper. Abby was content just being out and about. Here are a few pictures from our eventful night, as well as some of Bella and Carter carving pumpkins with Papa and Grandma.

Checking out all the goodies!

Pumpkin guts are still kinda yucky!

We Have a Screamer!

2008-10-16T12:54:00.007-04:00

Abby just loves anything that Carter says and does. This was the reaction I was able to capture on video the other night. Sorry about the quality of the video. All you really need is the audio anyways. Watch and enjoy!

A Big Boy Bed for our Big Boy

2008-10-10T15:38:00.003-04:00

As you can see, Carter loves his new Big Boy Bed! Thank you Aunt Leslie and Bella for this new "toy." As soon as we put it together, he wanted to get his Pooh Bear book and read a story all by himself. He sleeps great in it too. He hasn't even fallen out once.

Pumpkin Pickin' Time

2008-10-10T15:22:00.005-04:00

This is what we did for our last Saturday in September. We took the kids to get their pumpkins with Papa and Grandma Jeffery. We also went to the Apple Orchard for some donuts and let the kids play. As you can see, Jack couldn't wait for an apple. He probably would have eaten the core if we let him. We were probably at the pumpkin site for about a good hour. There were just so many photo opportunities, as you can see. The kids had a great time!

Abby's Cereal Time

2008-09-25T13:44:00.010-04:00

Abby is now 5 months. This is her first encounter with solid food. It came back out a couple of times; but overall she didn't seem to mind very much. She'd probably rather gum the spoon though. After she got use to the taste, she thought the whole thing was kind of funny. Big brother thought it was pretty cool. He was excited when I told him we were going to give Abby some cereal.

What's New with Carter...

2008-09-25T13:28:00.003-04:00

Carter is 2 and a half now and is deffinately all boy! Wow! Where does the time go? He loves going to the park, playing baseball, kicking his big blue ball as high as he can, and playing with his hundreds of cars. Here are a few recent pictures.

-Going down the big slide-

This is what Carter would call a "Honkin' Parkin' Lock."

(You know, where you park your cars.)

He loves his chicken!

-Smiling for Mommy-

The Glasses...

2008-08-27T11:51:00.003-04:00

The other day, Carter decided to see if his play glasses would fit Abby. As you can see, they're a pretty good fit. I just had to grab my camera.

~Abby laughing at her silly big brother~

Our Growing Girl...

2008-08-26T15:31:00.004-04:00

It's hard for us to believe, but Abby is already 4 months old! She loves to watch and laugh at her big brother Carter; which she thinks is hilarious! She also has learned to scoot forward on her tummy using her feet. Her big brother still thinks she is pretty cool. He tells me, "I love my Abby sister." How priceless is that?

She loves her "baby!"

See, tummy-time's not so bad.

Look at that smile!

A Stay @ Papa & Grandma Jeffery's...

2008-08-26T15:05:00.004-04:00

We are finally back in our house. As some of you know, we were having our hardwood floors refinished. This called for a getaway to the grandparents' for almost 2 weeks. You would have thought Carter was on vacation. He loved being at Papa & Grandma's! We used this time to introduce him to a toddler bed. He only fell out once. Yeah Carter!!! He is also in the process of serious potty training. He's doing great! Mommy hasn't actually brought out the big boy underwear; but he's wearing the cool alert pull-ups. He still has accidents (and would still rather poop in his pants); but we're getting there. He gets M&Ms for using the potty, which he thinks is pretty great! Just this past Sunday, he actually used the potty in his Sunday school class. (Mommy was shocked!)

Here's a small clip of how Carter kept himself busy. I'm not sure, but I think he's helping Grandma with the acorns. Ha! Ha!

All I can say is, "He's Daddy's Boy!"

2008-08-05T17:57:00.004-04:00

I just had to publish this video! Carter is deffinately my little "Ham!" Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!

Washing D.C., Here We Come!

2008-08-05T14:59:00.004-04:00

We drove to Washington D.C. at the end of July. We met Lee's sister and her family there. Carter liked playing with his cousin GiGi, swiming, and riding the metro (above/underground subway). This trip to D.C. was a first for our whole family. We saw quite a bit and had lots of fun! Next time we go, we'll make sure the kids are much older and the weather a lot cooler.

-Washington Monument-

-Abby & Aunt Krissy-

-Cooling off in the fountain-

-Naps were few and far between-

-GiGi & Carter @ Arlington Cemetary-

-White House-

-Changing of the Guard-

-White House again-

-Aquarium-

-Lincoln Memorial-

4th of July

2008-08-05T14:45:00.002-04:00

This year we spent the 4th at Lee's Grandma's on Lake Fenton. This was also the first time Carter had ever seen fireworks. At first, he wanted to leave. But by the time the show was over, he admitted to liking them.

Another first: Great Grandma meeting Abigail.

Just hanging out on the dock with Daddy.

Say Cheese...

2008-08-05T14:32:00.002-04:00

We just got our new camera; and I couldn't wait to try it out. Here are a couple of moments I was able to capture.

"Pretty in Pink"

Smiling at my big brother.

Abby's Fans...

2008-06-04T14:46:00.007-04:00

Of course, these are not Abby's only fans. She has many other adoring fans that have not been caught on film and/or haven't had the priveledge of meeting her yet.

Mommy, Daddy & Carter

Nana & Papi

Grammie Jeffery

Papa Jeffery

Papa Rhoads

Grammie Rhoads

Aunt Leslie

Uncle Jordan

Uncle Gary

Cousin Alexis

Proud Big Brother...

2008-06-04T14:33:00.003-04:00

In the begining, Carter wasn't sure about his new little sister. He would want someone else (not Mommy or Daddy) to hold her when she was crying. However, now he kisses and hugs her and loves to give her a pacifier. He thinks she needs it quite a bit; crying or not. It's amazing to watch the two of them together. I never knew I was capable of such love. God has truly blessed our family.

Our Newest Addition...

2008-06-04T14:14:00.004-04:00

Abigail Elizabeth Rhoads

April 18, 2008

1:59 p.m.

7 lbs 7 oz

20 1/2 in

(3 wks)

(Birth Announcement Photo)

(1 wk)

(6 wks)

Easter Traditions

2008-04-04T14:30:00.002-04:00

These are some of the "Egg Coloring" pictures that were taken at Papa & Grammie Jeffery's. As you can see, it was somewhat of a messy process. Carter was excited to see that the eggs came out of the cups different colors!

Look Who's 2!

2008-03-10T13:43:00.003-04:00

Trip to the Children's Museum (2-16-08)

2008-02-26T13:20:00.004-05:00

Grammie & Papa Jeffery had Bella and Jack for a weekend; so we all went to the Flint Children's Museum on a Saturday. The kids had a blast! There was so much for them to do. Carter loved the big fire engine and the helicopter; and Bella had a great time grocery shopping and playing house. Jack was excited just to be able to walk anywhere he wanted. Boy, are we glad Grammie found this place!

~ Taking a snack break~

~Climbing the rock wall with a little help~

~Time to brush~

~Attempting the Skeleton Puzzle~

Carter's Smiles

2008-02-26T13:12:00.003-05:00

This is the reaction we get lately when we ask Carter to smile.

Hopefully, we'll be able to get a good one for his 2 year pics.

They still crack me up! He's become such a ham;

and he knows it!

Here's one of the last great smiles. Ha! Ha!

Cousin Jack Turns 1...

2008-02-19T13:28:00.000-05:00

These are a few pictures from Jack's 1st B-day Party.

Look at that smile!

~Bella helping Jack with his Elmo cake~

Snow Days...

2008-02-01T14:07:00.001-05:00

This was Carter's first time using his new snow shovel.

Grammie came over to help.

Thinking about attempting the street.

Our New Train Station

2008-01-16T11:35:00.000-05:00

Papa Jeffery, Uncle Jordan, and Jack

stopped by the other day to play.

-Carter showing Jack how to roll them-

"This is how you do it, Uncle Jordan."

-Grandma Rhoads playing trains with Carter-

Mama was excited! This was the first veggie
in a couple of weeks. And look, he's using his fork like a big boy!

Belly Shots...

2008-01-15T14:35:00.000-05:00

Here are the first actual "belly shots" since my 2nd pregnancy.

These were taken @ 27 wks.

The name we've picked out is:

~Abigail Elizabeth~

Carter has already felt her kicking

and likes to kiss my belly.

Daddy has a little ways to go yet.

Christmas Eve 2007

2008-01-10T17:27:00.001-05:00

Christmas Day 2007

2008-01-10T14:15:00.000-05:00

Christmas Card Photos

2008-01-10T13:33:00.000-05:00

Here are just a few of the pics. that didn't make it onto our

Christmas card this year. Mama still thinks they're cute!

A Weekend @ the Florescu's

2007-12-18T14:20:00.000-05:00

Carter & I drove down with Papa & Grammie

for a night this past weekend.

The kids had a blast, with only a couple of incidents.

Bella & Carter are getting better at "playing nice"

with each other.

"The Nap After the Nap"

This is what happens when you play too hard.

Daddy's Little Copy-cat

2007-12-18T14:04:00.000-05:00

Carter likes to do everything that Daddy does.

"Time to Shave"

"Push-Ups"

-Playing at the Mall-

Crossroads Village 2007

2007-12-04T13:31:00.000-05:00

These pictures were taken on 11-25-07. This
was Carter's first trip to Crossroads Village.
He absolutely loved the train ride! We went
with G-ma Rhoads, Uncle Tom, Janae, and
Alexis. It was quite cold; but we still had fun!

2007-12-04T13:26:00.000-05:00

Here's an adorable picture of Carter & Andrea!
He acts so bashful and shy around her. It's
almost like he's flirting with her. He gets the
biggest smile on his face.

2007-12-04T12:59:00.000-05:00

Here are a few fall pictures of Carter & daddy

playing in the leaves.

Halloween 2007

2007-11-08T14:32:00.000-05:00

The first stop this year was to Papa & Grammie Jeffery's.

Carter had to carve his pumpkin.

However, he let Papa pull out the goopy stuff.

Grammie gave Carter a spoon,

since he wasn't using his hands.

Grandpa & Grandma Rhoads with a Pooh Bear.

"Sorry, this duck's just more interesting than the camera."

-Jordan, Andrea, & Jackson-

Who said bears and lions couldn't be friends.

Carter @ 20 Months...

2007-11-08T14:22:00.000-05:00

Getting one last swing in before the snow flies.

Carter sharing his green beans with Jack.

(Jack's not too crazy about them.)

Carter's 1st Potty Seat!

2007-10-27T09:50:00.000-04:00

Posing on the potty.

Being very silly!

"Is this how you poop?"

"I'm hiding from Mama."

"Sitting on the potty is pretty silly."

Happy 51st Papa!

2007-10-27T09:44:00.000-04:00

This was Papa's actual birthday.

So we had to bring over a cake.

Carter didn't feel good enough to blow out the candles.

However, who's too sick for cake and ice cream?

2007-10-27T09:37:00.000-04:00

Here are a few photos taken at this year's

October b-day party.

Do you think we have enough to blow out the candles?

1, 2, 3 blow!!!

The two boys playing together.

It wouldn't be a party without a photo shoot.

Hey, now the count is even!

(Two boys & two girls)

Giulianna Sofia Florescu has arrived!

2007-10-24T13:27:00.000-04:00

Giulianna was born on 10/10/07.

Time: 11:39 a.m.

Weight: 6 lbs. 12 oz.

Length: 19 in.

Congratulations to Leslie and Manuel!

First family photo.

Proud "Big Sister" Bella.

The proud grandparents.

You can't go anywhere without the paparazzi.

Carter was a little more interested in his sucker.

However, he is calling his new cousin "Nunanna."

Carter's 19 Months

2007-10-24T00:52:00.000-04:00

Carter & Alexis

Looking at some older pictures with Nana.

Carter loves the trains at Barnes & Noble.

Playing ball with Grandma.

Taking a cat nap on the couch.

Friendship Day

2007-10-23T21:20:00.000-04:00

This photo was taken at my parent's church

on Friendship Day.

There was a picnic under tents;

and the kids were able to run around.

I think it turned out pretty good.

If you click on the picture,

it will zoom in so you can see the faces better.

-September 2007-

September Birthday's 2007

2007-10-23T20:56:00.000-04:00

Blowing out candles is a group effort.

Marty and his little bundle of joy.

Playtime with Grammie.

Having a good laugh!

Jack can't pass up cake and ice cream.

Cake time!

Cider Mill / Pumpkin Patch

2007-10-23T20:40:00.000-04:00

This is the trip we made to the Cider Mill

and Pumpkin Patch in September.

The kids really enjoyed themselves!

The Daddy's with the kids.

Going for a wagon ride.

Jack and the pumpkins.

Silly cousins!

Carter's 1st Amish Camping Trip

2007-09-14T14:29:00.000-04:00

Carter & His "Bewa"

2007-09-14T13:32:00.000-04:00

Bella needed her leotard on to show Carter how to dance.

Carter's now 18 months;

and he just loves his cousin "Bewa"!

How do we get them to sit still for so many pictures?
I think it's called a bribe.

A New Little Addition

2007-09-14T13:05:00.000-04:00

As most of you may know, we have a new little one on the way.

This is the first ultrasound (7 wks 4 days).

The due date is April 14, 2008.

It's not the greatest picture in the world.

The head is on the right;

and those little things on either side are the arms and legs.

Carter can almost say "big brother".

I've told him that there's a baby in mama's belly,

but I don't think he fully understands yet.

Other than being tired and having to use and inhaler for the first time,

things are going pretty good.

Please keep us in your prayers.

The 3 Amigos

2007-08-15T12:39:00.000-04:00

Just this past weekend,

all 3 of the cousins were at Papa & Grammie's.

Now that they're getting so big,

they seem to have a pretty good time together.

~Carter's not so sure about this kissing thing...

...but he eventually gives in~

A Visitor From N.Y.

2007-08-14T14:52:00.000-04:00

~Carter with Uncle Tommy~

August 3, 2007

2007-08-09T15:27:00.001-04:00

Playing in the Sandbox with Grammie & Uncle Jordy...

2007-08-09T15:14:00.001-04:00

Carter's 17 Months...

2007-08-03T13:58:00.001-04:00

Carter is 17 months old.

He is now able to repeat quite a bit of what he hears.

He loves any kind of "big truck", trains, cars, motorcycles...

...well, pretty much anything with wheels and a motor.

He's also trying to feed himself, which is usually quite messy.

He's getting to be a "big boy", but he's still our little baby.

As you can see, he's quite the "ham!"

Sleepover @ Bella's

2007-08-03T13:45:00.000-04:00

~Splashing in the Fountain~

~Stoping for a picture~

~Making Music~

~Snack Break~

Carter, Bella & Tori

2007-07-19T15:57:00.000-04:00

~Coloring with the girls~

"Look what I did!"

~Carter with his Great Aunt Karen~

~Bubble Time~

"Bubbles...

bubbles...

and still...

more bubbles!"

Carter's Cousins (Alexis & GiGi)...

2007-07-12T12:12:00.000-04:00

Carter's Cousins (Bella & Jack)...

2007-07-12T12:11:00.000-04:00

The 3 Little Rascals

2007-07-10T18:08:00.000-04:00

"It's quite tricky...

getting everyone...
to look and smile...
at the same time."

16 Months and Counting...

2007-07-10T18:02:00.001-04:00

~Grandpa & Carter checking out the flagpole~

"I know we're not moving, but I'm still holding on"

~Carter loving on Allie~

"Look at my new trick!"

"Mommy thinks it's gross; but I think it's hillarious!"

Two at the Zoo...

2007-07-10T17:55:00.000-04:00

~Trying to cheer up the boy~

"How fast will this thing go?"

"Are you sure this is safe?"

Cousin Bella's Two!

2007-07-10T17:49:00.000-04:00

~Just hangin' out with Daddy & Jack~

~Getting a check-up from Dr. Bella~

~Splish Splash~

15 Months Old

2007-07-10T17:25:00.000-04:00

~Let's play ball~

~Storytime~

~A good distraction

as Grandma attempts to cut my hair~

~My very first haircut~

~Carter's library~

Look Who's One!

2007-07-10T17:06:00.000-04:00

Carter's big day was at his house. There was a great turn-out.

We had Carter & Daddy's favorite (pizza).

The poor birthday boy had a double ear infection.

So he wasn't feeling quite himself.

However, he did get lots of great presents and ate some ice cream;

so it was a pretty good day.

Carter's Winnie the Pooh cake!

Not too excited about getting frosting on his fingers!

~GiGi, Carter-boy, & Alexis~

A Glance Back...

2007-07-10T10:16:00.000-04:00

Two handsome boys!

(8 wks)

Cute hat!
(3 mo)

2007-07-09T19:47:00.000-04:00

First Solid Foods!

(5 mo)

Ribbitt!
(6 mo)

Florida Christmas!
(10 mo)

~Our Sweet Little Baby Boy~

2007-07-09T13:20:00.001-04:00

Carter Alan Rhoads

Feb. 24, 2006

4:18 p.m.

8 lbs 7 oz

20 1/2 in