DAD'S HOME!!! (for 10 days)

You guys, I NEED a digital SLR camera, so if you could go ahead and start a fund for me that would be perfect. Taking pictures with my wimpy old camera just isn't as exciting. By the time my camera finally takes the pictures, Brooks has changed his handsome smile into a disgusting frown. Until you guys get me the camera, I'll do the best with what I have...
He's Home!



Fun with baby
So Zach was home these past 10 days and we had the best time! I knew this would be my favorite visit because Brooks and Zach can interact so much more now. It was so precious to see their father-son bond blooming. I can't imagine how Zach feels being stuck in North Carolina and having to simply rely on my pitiful explanations of the things Brooks is doing. Obviously my words cannot do justice to Brooks's capabilities so it was indescribable to have Zach home to witness them first hand. Luckily, Zach go to see a "first"

Brooks can clap!


Pool!
I was excited to have Zach play with him in the pool. If you've ever been swimming with Brooks, you understand how much he enjoys the pool, so I couldn't wait to show Zach.


Check out this awesome pool! And it's right down the street. Brooks was slightly afraid of the waterfalls but this time next year he'll be a madman in there!


Park and Zoo!




Before/After

Babysitter Time!
Thanks to Auntie Corinne and Grandpa Bob (I'm forcing Brooks to call him Pops because it's cool) Zach and I got to enjoy some time together at a friend's wedding and at a friends cookout.

We had so much fun at the wedding which was truly beautiful. My roommate from last year married her boyfriend of forever here in Columbus. We danced the night away, enjoyed good company, and took far too many photos in the photo booth (there was even props!) Afterward, we met some more friends who were in town for Maggie's bridal shower.



Zach and I AGAIN got to spend time with friends at a cookout back home in Centerville. It was sooo stinking hot that Friday so pictures were kept to a minimum due to disgustingness. All I wanted to do that night was play beer pong and flip cup since I hadn't in years...and we did! So it was a major success, I only wish I had been a better player! ANNNDDDD, Grandpa Bob (Pops) let us sleep in the next day which was crucial because Zach and I are old and can't drink like the rest of you guys anymore!

We also had the chance to visit with my momma and Zach's mom while we were home. We plopped Brooks on Aunt Ann's old pony (that she called Pizza Pony ha) for a photo opp and he loved it!


Unfortunately I didn't take any pics with my mom or many with Bob, but here's a pic that kills two birds with one stone. This is Brooks playing with Pops, and checkout that nice quilt! My talented momma made that in just a day or two. Her first quilt of many!!!! B loves it and so do I!

So as you can see, The Carman family had a fantastic week. We looooved having Dad home. It was crazy because if you know Brooks at all, you know he is the most perfect baby alive. But believe or not, he was even more perfect when Zach was home. He slept even longer through the night (7-7) and took 2 solid naps during the day. He was the happiest he could be, and just 'went with the flow.' That said, we cannot wait until he is home for good!

All done! But we're going to the Ohio State Fair this weekend and I'll post again soon! Have a great week!

Busy Weekend

NOT Pink Eye!
Hey guys! I don't have pink eye! Good news is baby does not have an incurable case of pink eye. He actually has a blocked tear duct says the ophthalmologist. So in about a week he is getting a little procedure done to fix it. Hopefully no more goupy-eye! Keep baby in your thoughts though, he is not going to be a happy camper that day (next Friday).


Pool Day
We had an impromptu pool day on Saturday before we headed to my parents house for the night.




After enjoying the sun, B was worn out. He relaxed with uncle Ryan before we hit the road. And as soon as he was in his carseat, he was fast asleep!



Happy 80th Grandpa!

Sunday we were up with the sun and headed to Frankfort, Kentucky to celebrate my Grandpa's 80th birthday. Doesn't he look great for 80? Insane!

Mark(uncle), Grandpa, and Momma

The whole fam



Yes, Corinne is of a different race




It was so good to see everyone and celebrate such an important day in my Grandpa's life! He had a special tribute at his church and people could not stop talking about what an amazing man my Grandpa is and how he has helped so many people. I teared up just thinking about the community that he has built down there and the unbelievable things that he has accomplished in 80 short years. I felt inspired to build a community of my own in Columbus. I'd love to join a church, or volunteer group, or club and start to make my mark like my grandpa has.

Brooks did so well on the road too! I'm super lucky to have such a well behaved baby and super scared for what baby #2 could bring. Brooks did end up getting a little cranky just as we were about 30 minutes outside of Columbus, but it was past his dinner time so it was valid. Ryan was in the back seat with him trying to help him out. He ended up giving him some snacks and this is what happened under Ryan's watch:


Evening stroll...
We went on a little walk yesterday and I knew we'd only be gown for less than 30 minutes so I didn't bring my camera. Ughh...worst decision ever. There was the cutest duck family near the pond. I tried to take some pics with my phone.


She had three little baby ducklings. Two of which stayed close to her and one little daredevil wanted to hang out with Brooks and I. It was weird, I felt like I could see exactly what the momma duck was thinking. I could see her counting 1-2-3 every once in awhile; just checking to make sure she had all her babies. It's a scary would out there!!!

That's the end of the super long post. Zach comes home on Thursday so I'd better get this house picked up! Enjoy the rest of your week, it's already almost Wednesday!

4th of July

We celebrated the 4th of July this weekend just like everyone else; with pool time, beer, parades, cookouts, and family. It could not have been any better (unless Zach was home of course).



Of course, of all the toys Brooks had in the pool, the pieces of mulch were his favorite. He found every tiny piece and immediately put it in his mouth. So I gave up and let him have at it.


Also, check out this awesome planter my mom made me as well as the perfect size chair for little man!

Ryan and Ellie (dog) came to visit us the next couple days and we had so much fun. Ellie could not get enough of Brooks, she looooved him! Brooks wasn't sure at first but by the time Ryan and Ellie left they were fast friends. We enjoyed a lazy day with friends followed by a night on the town. The next morning was ROUGH!!!!

Morning!





My favorite blog to read just posted her 4th of July post as well. And she was talking about how going to parades are pretty difficult with young kids and the heat and noise. She mentioned having to pass sweaty kids from parent to parent, cover their ears when the firetrucks come by, and try to keep them occupied. But that she will continue to do this year after year because it's tradition. She posted some pictures that she said were extremely deceiving because they made them look so happy to be at the parade. And that is EXACTLY how our first 4th of July was, and I also plan to continue this tradition year after year!


We even ran in the Centerville 5k together! Two years ago when I ran it, I finished right behind a 90 year old and right in front of a probably 6 year old. And this year...Brooks and I finished right behind two kids who ran the entire 3.1 miles BACKWARDS!!! We'll do better next year for sure!

We hope you guys enjoyed your 4th as much as we did.

Brooks just can't get rid of his eye infection so we are headed to the doctors early tomorrow morning. Wish us luck! ANNNDDDD...Zach is home in ONE week! Yay