24 of Carter.

1. The way he gets excited about little things. Turning on a light, snack time, going outside, the wagon, etc.
2. Singing "Jesus Loves Me" when putting him down for a nap and him ending with a loud "SO"
3. His big laugh, especially when he and Claira make each other laugh continuously.
4. Every time we go somewhere, I load Claira in the car first and then come back for him and he asks "Where's Claira?" like he doesn't have a clue that she is in the car and then gets excited and screams "Claira!" When I open his car door and he sees her.
5. When he and Claira hold hands in the car.
6. His wet kisses.
7. The big hug he gives Claira after getting in trouble for being unkind to her.
8. The way he is always looking for my approval and wants me to be proud of him.
9. "HANDS!" - any time there is something (food, dirt, etc) on his hands that he wants you to get off.
10. Hitting the same button on a toy over and over again.
11. "No poopoo"- any time his diaper is just wet.
12.Wanting to be a big boy and help do anything I ask.
13. His love for Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
14. Tickle time.
15. Singing. Especially "My God Is So Big" and "If you're happy and you know it"
16. The way he can stay clean when playing outside while Claira is covered in dirt.
17. The conversations he has with himself when he wakes up from his nap.
18. Reading books.
19. "Phone"- anytime my phone rings, he lets me know and helps me look for it.
20. "Nanon"- getting excited every time Brandon walks in the door.
21. "Bye Bye Nanon"- anytime Brandon kisses me Carter assumes he is leaving to go back to work.
22. Counting- Carter counts all the time especially when we are driving in the car.
23. "Shhh"- reminding me to be quiet when Claira falls asleep in the car.
24. Feeding Claira- when I ask him to share his snack with Claira he sweetly puts it in her mouth.

I have been so blessed by getting to keep Carter for the past 10 months. He is the most wonderful little nephew I could ever ask for. I am so thankful for the time we have spent together and the great friend Claira has. Carter's daddy is a school teacher, so he gets to spend the summer playing with his dad. I think Ben's goal is to remind Carter what it means to be a man; no teapots, baby dolls, bows or purses. I am excited about only having to take one kid to the grocery store and changing half as many diapers but I am sad that Claira is not going to have her playmate every day. Luckily Carter just lives around the corner and he did get a new swing set for his birthday this weekend. So, I have a feeling we will be visiting often.
So, on our last day together- I just wanted to say - "I love you Carter man."

Look how little they both were in August when Carter started coming over.

One of my favorite pics.
Talking on the remote/cell phones.
He wanted to wear a bow like Claira. (Shh, don't tell Ben.)
Fun times in the wagon.
They love to swing.
I might not miss the sound of the constant drumming.