Carter at 3 Years Old

Sometimes I forget that Carter is only 3.  Because he has an older brother, I often just lump him into the same age that Ethan is--and sometimes the same expectations.  As his 3rd birthday approached it was like I realized for the first time that he was only TWO.  He tries so hard to keep up with and be like his brother that it's really easy to forget.  Carter has a silly personality that is really starting to shine through as he gets older.  He is a boy, through and through.  Gross things and potty humor make him laugh the most.  And as hard as I try, I can't help but giggle with him--even though I know I should be discouraging him.  ;)  He also is really starting to show a strong attachment to his dad.  Which is a double-edged sword because when Tristan is gone, it's really hard on him.  We've had to work a lot to make sure he feels connected to Tristan when he's out of town.

I love that Carter is turning into a snuggle bug.  If someone's going to come find me in the middle of the night to crawl in bed with me--it's going to be Carter.  I've gotten to a point that I let him stay with me and snuggle for a little bit before I take him back to his bed.  I just love that he wants to cuddle.  At night when we do bedtime I love the way he asks, "Will you lay with me?" in the sweetest voice.  It's hard to resist!

 Carter is definitely more of a free-spirit and an adventurous kid.  From food to playtime, if it's new or different, he's all about it!  At the same time, Carter has a tender heart.  He's the first to give up a toy or a sticker if one of his brother wants it.  It's really very sweet how willing he is to give up something to make them happy (most of the time).

 He really, really wants to be like Ethan.  So often when I ask him to make a choice he will check with me first by asking, "What did Ethan pick?" and then he'll choose the same thing.  I hope that these two have a strong relationship as they grow up and that Ethan can be a good role model for him as they grow.

 Here are some things to know about Carter at age 3:

 ::  Favorite person in the whole world:  Ethan  (so sweet)

 ::  Favorite color:  Green

 ::  Favorite T.V. show:  Rescubots

 ::  Favorite outfit:  Jeans and shirts (haha)

 ::  Favorite sport:  Soccer

 ::  Favorite song:  Peanut and a peanut house (I think he made that up...Lol)

 ::  Favorite cereal: Fruit Loops

 ::  Best Friend:  Sharon

 ::  What he wants to be when he grows up:  a pilot

 ::  Favorite book:  The Polar Express

 ::  What he thinks he's really good at:  Cleaning up

 ::  Where he wishes he could go on vacation: the beach

 ::  His best memory:  my birthday

 ::  What he would buy with $1,000:  a batman car

 ::  Vegetable he hates the most:  tomatoes

 ::  If he could have any wish, it would be:  a remote control car

 ::  Favorite ice cream flavor:  Blueberry (?)

 ::  Who his biggest hero is:  Dad

 ::  What he likes to do best with his friends:  Share with them

 ::  What he hopes he can do before his next birthday:  get car decorations

Interviewing a three-year-old is a funny experience.  But it's amazing how much he has matured in the last year and has developed some preferences.  I'm so grateful that this sweet boy is a member of our family.  I love that he is so different than his older brother, but that he holds him in such high esteem.  Our family just wouldn't be the same without this boy!