Carter's Day at the Park

I know I am a bad blogger but for some reason I can't figure out why I never have any time to sit in front of the computer like I used to-- maybe it is because I am chasing a 16 month old all around the house, the mall and the park!! But it is all worth it!

It has been a great few weeks. Carter amazes me everyday. He is so smart and so aware of everything that is going on. There are at least 5 new things I notice everyday that he does for the first time. He now knows how to open the stove (bad), he can reach the door handle on the back door (bad), he knows how to open the screen door to the deck (bad) and he pushes objects that he can stand on to other objects (chairs, couch) to give him height to climb onto them. Carter is understanding most of what we say to him. He is starting to recognize the different animals. If I ask him to get me his Elmo book out of his toy chest he knows exactly what I asked and runs and gets me the book. It is really amazing. His attention span is also growing. He sat while I read to him his farm animal book 10 times in a row. He also watches Sesame Street for 20 minutes straight.

Today he had his 16 month check up. He is a 1/2 in taller and weighs 1/2 pound more. The nurse and I swear he said bye to her as she left the room. Carter is talking or should i say babbling non stop and I know there are words in there that are itching to come out.

We finally had some nice warm days on the east coast. We took Carter to the park. I tried the swing for a second time and he still doesn't like it. He does enjoy sitting in the sand and has stopped trying to eat it.

Enjoy the pictures at the park.

This is his serious look.

He finally got to use his bucket.

He will climb on anything.

Get me out of this thing!!!

I love sand.

See you all soon!

Jodi

Carter's world

Sorry it has been so long --(or at least that is how its feels for me!). Carter is doing great-- he is full of energy and fights naptime-- but I am enjoying every moment with him.

We've been home for almost 2 weeks but it feels like months. I barely remember Russia- that plane ride home feel like ages ago.

Carter has had many firsts this past two weeks. He met grandma Stephanie and Grandma Diane. We had an appointment with the international pediatrician (he didn't enjoy that too much and either did Mommy!) He went to the mall, Toys R Us and Lowes.

Grandma Diane and Mommy took him to the diner for lunch and we finally found something he does not like- -- french fries!!! I am happy about this because then I can avoid them.

Carter had a playdate with Melia. This is the first time he has been around any other children since we have been back. He was a dream!!! He enjoyed every single second-- that made me realize that he has had it with Mommy and needs to be around other kids. I am planning to take him to a Gymboree class and hoping the weather warms up (we are in April) so I can take him to the playground.

This week we are visitng a few day care centers and we are visitng Daddy's office on Thursday.
Sunday is Easter and Grandma Diane left an Easter basket here for him (minus the candy). Mommy is also going to make him one and might put 1 chocolate bunny inside for him.

Here are some pics from the past week...


CArter doing his favorite thing--- eating!!!

Hanging out on the deck.

Taking a stroll in the driveway.


Playing with his favotire toy.

He loves to point that finger.




With Daddy on the deck.

Happy Easter!
Jodi

First Lollipop

Carter had his first lollipop today at the doctor's office. After he charmed all the the ladies and warmed the heart of his peditrician he was given a big orange lollipop. He was an angel-- nothing like he is at home.

We have had a fun time tearing apart the house, playing with pots and tupperware. (I am exhausted and trying so hard to get over a cold). He no longer cries when the food is gone (his Dr told me that I was feeding him too much! oops!) He eats whatever I cook- although he made some faces when I gave him broccoli. Tonight he had roasted acron squash and loved every bit of it. He adores bath time and for the most part is sleeping through the night.

Tomorrow is his first play date with Melia. He hasn't played with any other children since we were at the US embassy in Moscow.

I promise to post some new phots soon. For now here he is with his devilish look!! -Jodi

Finally Home!

After a 10 hour flight and only a few melt downs we made it back to NY!!! I apologize for not posting any pictures any sooner. We are exhausted and are trying very hard to get Carter on a schedule.

Carter is full of energy and having a great time. He woke at 4am Thursday morning and took his 2 naps. He gave Mommy a break on Friday morning and slept until 5 but only took 1 short nap today. I am hoping he lets us sleep until 6 tomorrow. Tomorrow we are going to the mall for new shoes (for him not me) and a new jacket. Sunday is the start of a busy week. First Carter gets to meet his grandma and uncle. Then a pediatrician appointment on Tuesday for his 15 month check-up and then meeting with the international pediatrician on Thursday. Also early Thursday morning Grandma is flying in from Vegas to spend 4 days with us (maybe Mommy can get a little extra sleep).

I have no more enegry to type so instead I will leave you with the pictures I promised.



Daddy, CArter and Mommy in front of St. Basil's Catherdral

Hey check out my new hat!

Our favorite thing to do in the hotel- pack and unpack the suit cases over and over again!

Chillin' with Dad.

I love being upside down!

I need a rest!

Check me out!

Good night!

Jodi

Productive Day

Hi everyone,
It is Tuesday morning in Moscow and Carter is taking his first nap of the day. We've come to realize that 2 naps is the way to go or else he is very cranky.

We still don't have the capability to post pictures but I promise we will as soon as we get home which will be tomorrow!!!!!!!!

Yesterday we went to see Dr Boris. The doctor has nicknamed Carter "Budda Belly"- (no explanation needed from me!) All went well until they had to take blood from him. Well here is this little thing sitting on my lap struggling like you couldn't believe. They tried to get a vein in each arm but couldn't find one past all the chunkiness so they went for the top of the hands. (Lori I do not know how you do it as a pediatric nurse) They still couldn't get it from the right hand so then tried the left and after a couple of drips came out they finally stopped. Needlesstosay he was screaming and Mommy must have sweated 10 pounds off. It was horrible. They don't use bandaids in Russia-- instead they wrapped both hands in gauze that if looked like he had mittens on. We took plenty of pictures. I was happy when that was over- now I know what to expect when he sees his Dr back home- fun for me! We went to the US Embassy after the Dr to start the process of getting his visa.

When we came back to the hotel he took a 1 hour nap, had lunch and we decided to take the subway to Red Square. Compared to the NYC subway- Moscow subway stations are beautiful. There is so much detail in the structures and the trains look like they are from the 50s but everything is clean and open--not dark and dingy.

We walked around Red Square and took a picture in from of St. Basils which I promise to post as soon as I get home. We say the Kremlin and then came ack tot the hotel.

Today we have our interview with the US Embassy at 2. Tonight we will pack and get ready for our big trip home.

All of the Russian women we encountered yesterday think Carter looks just like John. They believe they have the same nose!I also realized that Carter takes after his cousin Kenny--- Carter just like Kenny loves to whine and already knows how to manipulate us!!!! We are in major trouble.

I will try and send another post before we leave----Jodi

1 step closer to home!

Hi Everyone,
We made it to Moscow. I am sorry to say that the hotel is having technical difficulties and I cannot get to the internet on my computer which means I cannot post any new pictures at this time. Currently I am using the computer in the executive lounge (Thanks to

Carter had his first plane ride yesterday. He was great in the airport- checking out everyone and walking all around. On the plane he started out OK strapped on his father's lap- I gave him some juice in a bottle at take off which kept him occupied. We were airborne for about 10 minutes when he started to crank (his new name is cranky-pants). Guess what happened-- after all that fuss once the food came around he stopped. I fed him a turkey and cheese sandwich for the next 30 minutes, then gave him some more juice. This knocked him out and he fell asleep on John's lap for the remaining 20 minutes of the flight.

Today (Sunday) was our only free day in Moscow. We were planning on taking the subway to Red Square to see the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral but it was way too cold to take him out. We spent the day playing in the hallways, eating and napping. After our trip to the US Embassy we plan to take a detour to Red Square.

We met a family who just adopted a 16 month old girl who are also staying in the hotel. Little did we know that Carter is such a flirt! He took one look at the little girl and started laughing and jumping up and down. It was really cute.

That is it for now--- stay tuned for tomorrow's adveture at the US Embassy. I hope I can post some pictures then.
Paka
Jodi

Carter's days and nights

I think Carter spoiled Mommy and Daddy the first night by sleeping 11 hours because it hasn't happened since and Mommy has the bags under her eyes to prove it!!! The two prior times we were in Russia I had a hard time sleeping-- I would sleep for 2 hours, wake up for two hours and continue that for the night. That was OK before when you didn't have to chase a 15 month old around all day!!! I am sure when I get home and get him on eastern standard time it will get better. (my fingers and toes are crossed)



Carter cries for 2 things- the first is when he finishes eating because he always wants more. After him eating everything the first day he was with us-- and after 6 poopy diapers later-- (John is a pro at changing those diapers-- and he is super fast- Anyone who knows John knows that he so precise with the things he does that he is never fast-- I am impressed), we've learned to feed him less and slower. The only thing he eats slow are animial crackers (thanks Aunt Debbie!) He loves to squish them in his hand and Mommy's hair.



He also cries when we put him down for a nap or to bed for the night. John and I decided we have to get a noise machine. We sit here and take turns making ssssshhh noises for 5 minutes while he fights to go to sleep. I think the noise is very calming to him.

I am testing out new nap schedules. Yesterday He napped from 11:15 to 1:00. At about 5 he was tired and crakny. We decided to eat dinner early and he was asleep by 745, but he was cranky most of the day. Today he went down for his nap at 12:20 after he ate lunch. He is still sleeping as I write this post and will probably get up at 2:15. We will see how his attitude is when he gets up.



Today is our last night in St. Petersburg. We are taking Carter on his first airplane ride tomorrow as we travel to Moscow. Yeah!!!!! It is only a 1 hour flight and a prelude to our 11 hour flight home. We arrive late Saturday afternoon and have Sunday to tour around. Monday and Tuesday we will be at the US Embassy and before you know it on our way home.



Here are some pictures of Carter playing in the hotel on our floor. There is a wide area by the elevator bank where he can run around without getting into trouble.
















Check out that double chin!!

This is his new favorite spot in our room.

Next post will be from Moscow! Stay tuned!

Jodi