Dear Santa

We had a wonderful Christmas that stretched over several days. Lots of time with family and wonderful memories made. I've got plenty of pictures to share, but they're still on my camera. I will get them downloaded soon. And I'm hoping that in 2009 I will be much more faithful in keeping this blog updated! The kids are growing up so very fast...I can't believe it. So until next time, Happy New Year! May God bless you and yours beyond measure.

Here is a picture of Campbell and Carter with Santa. My parents took the kids to Opubco's family Christmas party and they got to sit on Santa's lap. Matt's mom and I tried to make it to the mall for pictures with a "real" Santa, but here we are, on December 31, and that never happened. Next year for sure!

Mr. Independent

Recently Matt was out of town and my sister came over to spend the night and hang out with me and the kids. On Saturday morning I had somewhere to be and Robyn was taking the kids, along with my parents, to visit some dear friends in Enid. As usual, it was a crazy morning and we were running behind... Carter took it upon himself to get dressed. He didn't realize it was cold outside and not raining, but I still need to give him credit for taking the initiative!
Now...look a little closer:
My sweet boy went the extra mile and put his clothes on backwards and even had his rain boots on the wrong foot. I like the fact that he is growing more independent, but even more, I love the fact that he still needs his Momma every now and then...

I Love Pickles!!

Campbell is eating anything that she can get her hands on these days! The other day I met Mom, Robyn and her boyfriend's sister for lunch and Campbell had her first pickle. She LOVED it! She threw a temper tantrum when I took the slimy, nasty remainder away from her. I can't believe how fast she is growing up...

So many new skills!

Campbell is growing up so fast...too fast if you ask me! In the two months she has mastered sitting up, eating food, and now rolling over completely. These are a few pictures I think are so cute of her - look at those rolls!!!

I'm on a mission to capture her rolling over on film now...we'll see how that goes!

State Fair 08...Just a little late!

Each year we go to the Fair on opening night with my family because my Dad is on the board and they do a special night for the board members and their families. Free fair food and free rides - it's always fun! This year was the best yet. Carter had a BLAST and I think Matt and I had even more fun watching him experience so many exciting things! Campbell was a trooper and was so cute taking it all in. I don't think she made a peep all night! Here are some pics from our night.

Carter loved this ride! Each turn would fling him into Matt and he would crack up. It was so fun watching them together!

This was the hot air balloon ride. Carter had to ride this one alone because Matt and I were too big to join him. Right as they were about to close off the ride to begin, the cutest little girl came up with her Daddy. The only open seat was with Carter. Is she not darling?! He was a perfect gentleman the whole time and they giggled and laughed as though they had known each other forever! I have a feeling he's going to be a charmer like his Daddy...

Carter and Uncle Jeff have become the best of friends! And they could easily pass as father and son. They played like little kids all night long! We didn't get many pictures of Campbell that night, and the ones we did get really aren't worth posting. My family took her with them a lot of the time so we could both go ride with Carter.

A week later we got to go back to the fair with Gran and Aunt Brookie for the Rodeo! We had so much fun eating fair food and then watching the bull riding, barrel racing, rodeo clowns and so much more! Carter was so excited to wear his cowboy hat and boots and kept them both on all night!

And finally...our rodeo princess!

Polka Dot Princess

Precious baby girl...oh how you melt my heart! Today is Campbell's 6-month birthday. It really is hard to fathom that she has been here for six months. It seems like just yesterday I went for my 37-week appointment and our doctor discovered a complication and sent us straight to the hospital for induction. Before we knew it, she was here. And instantly we couldn't imagine our lives without her.

Each day seems to bring a new discovery, a new skill and a whole new meaning to the word joy! God is so good. She is sitting up on her own, and now instead of falling over, she slowly bends over more and more as if she's stretching for cheerleading practice. She's eating cereal and has now mastered two vegetables. Yeah for green beans and peas. Tomorrow we might venture on to squash. She and Carter have such a special relationship, although now that she's big enough to start reaching for things, Carter is getting to learn about sharing. She is such a happy baby, easy going and so content no matter what. Her smile couldn't be more beautiful, but what makes me fall in love with her time and again is her sweet spirit. I couldn't ask for more.

It's PeePee in the Potty!!

Carter is beginning to show an interest in the potty...actually, let me clarify. Carter is beginning to show an interest in big-boy underwear. We spent a good 10 minutes in Target last week admiring the various options available for young men in his stage of life. He left quite excited to start using his the potty in order to get some Thomas underwear. I've told myself that I'm not going to push him in to using the potty...I've heard and read of far too many instances when the parent pushed and the kid just wasn't ready. So, I'm going to let him do it in his own time. Since the Target trip, he has asked to go a few times, some successful, others not so much. We did happen to catch a success on film, though! We had run out to Matt's parent's house after church last Sunday to pick up a trailer and a chain saw and Carter mentioned something about the potty. He sat down on it and decided he didn't have to. We didn't have a diaper handy, so while Matt ran out to get one I had him sit back down to wait. Well what do you know? He did it, and quite well I might add! He was so excited. He started screaming "I did it! Dat's peepee in da potty!!" Can't you tell how proud he is?!

Go Pokes!

Campbell was full of Orange Pride on Saturday! Although we didn't take the kids to the football game, she was there in spirit! Carter didn't care about wearing orange, as he was more interested in dressing appropriately to play at the park with Gran and Papa!

The Wonders of a Bumbo

When Carter was a baby, I saw no real need for a Bumbo. Hindsight proves I was a dumbo. (Yes, that was bad...) Our sweet friend Reese is lending us her Bumbo for Campbell to use. It has been so fun! She can join us like a big kid and just lights up when she's in it! A few weeks ago I was trying to get a few things done around the house, so I put her in it and plopped her in front of Noggin with Carter. Nothing like the Wonder Pets to save the day! Normally Carter is a busy body and won't sit still, so he wanders around from watching TV, to looking at a book, to pulling far too many toys out at once from the toy closet (formerly known as the coat closet - I love having a house with no storage!). I peeked in on them to make sure all was well and was so touched with what I saw. Carter had sat down next to Campbell so she wouldn't be alone and would lean over and either give her a kiss or tell her he loved her every so often. He is such a good brother to her and she absolutely adores him!

THE Anne...

One of the greatest blessings that Matt and I have is the love and support of amazing families on both sides. How grateful we are to both be accepted and loved by our inlaws as though we were their own, and their families as well! We are fortunate to have almost everyone in town or very near, except Matt's Aunt, Uncle and Cousins in North Carolina. Oh how we love them! I can remember back in high school when I met them for the first time. Their joy was contagious and they loved to be around each other! They laugh all the time, whether they are telling jokes or old stories, and when you're with them, you can't help but join right along! Matt and I really desire to be that kind of family...where we truly love to be around each other and have a blast while we're at it!! Over the summer we had the privilege of seeing Mark, Karen and the kids at one time or another when they were in OKC visiting. Matt's cousin, Anne, spent a couple of weeks here and we had the opportunity to take her to Stillwater and walk her all around the campus, sharing with her a little bit of our Orange Pride. Carter and Campbell had such a fun time with her (along with the rest of the NC crew!) and we can't wait to see them again! [Yes, Anne, we WILL make it to NC for a visit soon!] Here is Anne holding Campbell...

Our Strong Willed Son

Today was the first day of our first fall activity - a ladies Bible study I am taking part in. While there, Carter and Campbell get to play in the nursery with other kids their age. After Bible study, we went to lunch with a friend and on our way home, Carter fell asleep. Normally it's a simple process when we get home. I carry him from the car to his bed, he continues his nap, then wakes up an hour or two later ready to go. Well, today wasn't quite that easy.

He would NOT go back to sleep. I laid with him (a bad habit we started and now are trying to break) for much longer than I should have (poor Campbell was starving and making all sorts of noise in the living room) and finally drew the line in the sand and left. He flipped out. He wouldn't stay in his bed, kept throwing temper tantrums where he'd dramatically fall on the floor while flailing around, and then started being really ugly to Campbell while I was feeding her. As soon as I could get up, he was carried to his room, put in bed and told to stay there. Of course that didn't work. No sooner would I shut the door then he would open it and start the hysterical whining/crying/demands again..."Mom come way (lay) with me." This went on for far too long. After several spankings and the revoking of TV and Thomas the Train privileges for the rest of the day he still wouldn't give up. So I pulled the "Love and Logic" towel-over-the-door trick, which safely keeps him in his room so that he can't open the door. You're probably wondering why I didn't do that sooner...good question. He was mad. Yelling and screaming like there was no tomorrow. The real kicker is that I had an appointment with our insurance guy at our house. Of course Carter was still going strong when he got here. And of course he screamed the entire time he was here. Finally it got quiet in his room. After the appointment I looked under the door. And there he was...I couldn't resist snapping a picture of my little stinker.

Orange Power

This picture is here for two reasons:

1) To showcase just how fabulous Campbell looks in orange. Even you Sooner fans can't disagree!! (Although some friends thought it was just hilarious to teach Carter to say "Boomer Sooner", complete with motions. It wasn't funny.)
2) To let you see how much she has grown! And, yes, I take way too long to get pictures from the camera to the computer...this picture was taken on June 20!

Definitely a Keeper...

When Carter gets married, this picture will definitely make an appearance at one point or another. We were on our way home from a family get together and Carter would not take these glasses off, even after he fell asleep! He thinks he's pretty cool when he wears them. Who wouldn't agree?!

Happy Baby

While I don't think this picture really looks like Campbell, I wanted to post it because it really captures her smile. We had spent the evening with Matt's family and had such a fun time. Matt's dad took this picture - he's got a gift for capturing those special moments! 

Summer's Here...

There is a tradition in my family fondly known as "Thompson Sundays". We go over to my parent's house and swim, hang out and eat great food. This was the first official Sunday of the season. As you can see, Carter was ready to go:

Here are two out of three of Campbell's aunts (my sister, Robyn, on the left and my brother's wife, Sarah, on the right.)
Is that not the cutest swimsuit you've ever seen? I'm sure that's partly to do with the cutie pie wearing it, right?!
Here's my happy little guy - he had so much fun swimming and playing with everyone. This picture captures his pure joy...I love my Cman!!
I know this picture seems kind of random, and I'm sure it still will after I'll explain it, but I'm going to any way. This portable travel swing has been an invaluable baby fixture at my parent's house. We first used it with Carter and now with Campbell. It allows us to have the baby outside with us in the shade while we swim and what not. Carter would periodically get out of the pool and go check on "My Baby Sister" throughout the afternoon. This particular time he was up there for quite a while. I decided I should probably check on him to make sure he wasn't traumatizing her or anything like that. What I found melted my heart...he was singing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star to her. And she was just staring at him with the most precious look. He is such a great brother!

Lindsey Came to Visit!

A few weeks ago my dear friend Lindsey was in town for some work meetings and stopped by the house on her way back to her parent's for a quick visit. What a special surprise it was! Don't you love how a few moments here and there with a true friend seem as though no time has passed since the last visit? What a blessing she is to my life! Look at how Campbell is just gazing at her...so sweet! Love you, Linds!!

Typical Friday

Here are a few pictures from a typical Friday at our house. Carter loves to cuddle with Campbell each morning in our bed. (No, our kids do not sleep in bed with us, they just both end up there by the time morning comes around.) On this day, I wasn't fast enough with grabbing the camera to capture the truly sweet moments when they were both grinning and enjoying each other, but at least you will get the idea!

And here is our little girl, who is no longer little! Who would have ever guessed she was barely over 5 pounds when she was born? 

She's getting really good at holding her head up - I think it helps her keep an eye on that crazy brother of hers at all times!

Our Cutie Pie

A few weeks ago I was headed out the door to meet a friend for lunch. Campbell was the guest of honor and I couldn't resist capturing this moment...isn't she cute?! She's such a trooper - she lets us drag her along anywhere and is just along for the ride!

Fun with Papa

A few weeks ago, it was grand central station at our house. We had electricians doing some work, Matt and I were trying to get out the door for Bible Study, Aunt Brookie was coming to babysit, and Papa stopped by to say hi. In the midst of the chaos, Carter decided it was time to start hamming it up and entertaining everyone. Sweet Campbell was just taking it all in. Papa finally got a break from the Carter Show and was taking a few minutes to hold her. Next thing we know, he walks around the corner with both kiddos. I think the smiles say it all!

The Tractor

Matt's parents recently finished refurbishing Matt's John Deere tractor from when he was a little boy. They had us out to their house recently to give Carter the tractor for his birthday. He thought it was the coolest thing ever! He quickly found one of Papa's turkey decoys and hauled it around the yard. 

Our Little Trooper

Carter and Campbell are developing the most precious relationship right before our very eyes. She lets him fiddle with her all the time - whether it's talking to her, kissing her, poking her in the eye, throwing balls at her, or in this instance, putting jewelry on her. She just follows him with her big blue eyes and takes it all in. I came in the room after noticing how quiet they were being, and found Carter making her "pretty". And look how cute she is!! I'm smitten with this little gal!

Carter's Night-Night

This cradle has been passed down for several generations in my family. It was built for my great grandfather by my great-great grandfather. It is passed to the oldest child when they have their first child. The only problem with this time around? I just recently got it...so while it will be passed to Carter some day when he has his first child, I'll have to tell him that he never slept in it as a baby. When we pulled it out of my parent's attic a few weeks ago and told him it was his cradle, he jumped right in and started pretending he was sleeping. I figure baby, toddler, 2 years old...what's the big difference any way?! I've got to get a cushion for it and then we'll use it for Campbell for naps and what not. 

Home Depot Fun

Carter has reached the point in life where he is no longer content to sit nicely in a cart when we're at the grocery store or some other similar place. So, when we headed to Home Depot to pick out our new washer & dryer, he was thrilled to drive the car. I couldn't resist posting this picture - it totally captures the joy our little man is filled with!!

Carter's First Dentist Appointment

Here is Carter at his first Dentist appointment. I scheduled my six month check up for two weeks before Campbell's arrival, which didn't quite work since she came early. So...Matt came along and joined in the fun. I knew I couldn't handle a curious 2 year old, a newborn and getting my teeth cleaned on my own quite yet. Carter was totally interested while I was in the chair, watching and taking it all in. Next it was his turn (keep in mind that all they planned to do was count his teeth and get him used to the idea of someone looking in his mouth). They said he could stay on my lap, so here is a picture of him checking out the cool light above the chair:

It all went down hill from this point. Patty, my sweet dental hygienist, was showing him the different tools while being pelted with "What's that mean?" (Carter's way of asking "what's that?"). She simply asked him if she could count his teeth. He looked straight at her and said "NO", climbed off my lap and was ready to go. So we did just that. No sense in scarring the poor boy for life quite yet!!

A quick recap...

Campbell Grace, our daughter, was born on March 17. She was about 3 weeks early and weighted a whopping 5.7 pounds and was 19 inches long. She missed sharing a birthday with her brother by 18 minutes! What are the chances of that?! She's doing great and is such a blessing to our family. We love watching her and Carter interact...he is crazy about his "Baby" and can't wait to see her each day. What we get to witness each and every day is definitely the start of a very special relationship they will have for the rest of their lives. I've learned through our Little Miss that I should never say never...I always thought I just wanted boys. What was I thinking?! 

Here are a few pictures from her first weeks:

In this shot she is an hour or two old. She has grown a bunch since then, but she still looks very much the same!

This was her first bath at home. She remained completely relaxed the whole time. And yes, she looked a bit yellow those first few days...
Here she is on Easter Sunday. This was a big day for her - she got to meet the rest of our families that hadn't yet seen her. Isn't her Easter bunny cute?

Here We Go...

I must admit...my track record of staying current with a blog is sorry, to say the least! But, with recent changes at our house, I'm more determined than ever to document the little moments of our lives - particularly those of Carter and Campbell. (For those of you that don't know, we've decided that I will stay at home with the kids instead of going back to work. Scary? Yes! Exciting and without a doubt what God's calling us to do for our family? Absolutely!!) So here is our new blog, where we'll share our precious blessings with all of you!