2013 Super Pee Wee State Championship

The first weekend in March Carter competed in the state AAU Super Pee Wee wrestling tournament. It is a great way to end the "official" wrestling season ( it never really is over) I know I sound like a broken record, but both Jeremy and I couldn't be more proud of him! After a VERY long day of wrestling, he ended the day with a 4th place finish. He did it the hard way, winning his first match, then losing his second match (his first loss of the season). This means he had to go into the loser's bracket and keep winning to earn a qualifying place in the double elimination tournament. I think after his first loss, both Jeremy and I were thinking, " he might not even place this year" The competition was super tough, a 29 man bracket, 10 of them, including Carter, all place finishers last year. He proved us wrong. I saw something in him the next match that I have never seen out of him, he got a little angry! He put his game face on and decided he wasn't going to get beat. He won the next 5 in a row to finish 4th. The best match of the day was a revenge match from the previous year. He had to wrestle a kid that finished ahead of him last year, in second place, and basically beat Carter by using an illegal "groin squeeze" Carter HAD to win this match to place, and sure enough (although it was WAY to close for us all) he won 2-0! I was SO proud of him! Initially I think Carter was a little upset he finished a place lower this year, but we reassured him of all he has to be proud of. He finished the year 30-2, never missed a practice, spent extra time working on moves after practice, ate whatever Jeremy told him to, stayed healthy all season and always gave 110% in practice. Most importantly, he always showed good sportsmanship, helped the younger kids in practice, and was always was a good wrestling partner. I'd say that is a winning season! 

Date night!

A couple of weeks ago our church hosted its annual "Daddy Daughter" dance. Claire was over the moon excited about this all week! She tried on many dresses ( right up to the minute they had to leave!) to make sure it was the perfect one! I even let her put on a little of "mommy's" makeup to make her feel extra special! 

I couldn't wait for them to get home to see how it went! I knew this was way out of Jeremy's comfort zone but he was a great sport and even let her eat 2 cookies AND a cupcake at the dance. She was more excited about this than seeing 2 "real life" princess' there! They busted a move until Claire's feet starting hurting! I am so glad they got to spend this one on one time together! Jeremy admitted to having a blast and vowed to take his princess on more dates! 

15 months!

The caboose of our family is 15 months old already! He had well child check up last week and his stats are right on track! I always pull out Carter's stats and compare the two (bad I know) but they are so similar it is unreal! At this age Carter weighed the exact same (down to the ounce) but was 3 inches taller! 

Weight: 23.11 lbs ( 63%)

Height: 31.75 inches ( 68%)

Head:  19.25 inches ( 94%) atta boy! 

His appointment happened to be perfect timing as I had to pick him up at daycare the day before because of a fever. Doc found double ear infection so we are again on antibiotics and have to go back next week to get his immunizations since they wouldn't do them with his fever. Seems like this kid has been sick most of the winter! Doc's only words of advice were to get rid of the paci! Ugh! I know! But how cute is he sucking on his paci? 

Peek a boo! 

This is his favorite pastime! He LOVES playing in the lazy Susan or pantry and stacking things! He is getting really good at balancing the groceries! He did drop a can of soup on his toe a few weeks ago and ended up with a nasty black toenail! 

 Easy does it! 

 Steady steady

He isn't much for words yet but I am attributing that he has two older siblings to talk for him and he has his paci in his mouth all the time! He does say "more" and can sign it, ball and mom. He does get his point across with lots of pointing and grunting! He is a great listener most of the time and can get his own shoes out, throw things away in the garbage, find his hat, get a diaper, bring us the remote, and pick up toys. He is at the stage where he arches his back whenever trying to get him in the car seat, wants to walk everywhere and runs the opposite direction you want him to.  He is getting good at playing hide and seek and loves to sit on your lap to listen to a book. He has outgrown wanting to be rocked before bed (sniff sniff) but makes up for it by giving great big hugs with his chubby hands and wet slobbery kisses! 

It feels good to be on top!

Tough on top, top of the podium, top position, cross face, climb the ladder, half nelson, cal catcher, double leg take down, front headlock, single leg take down, finish, back points, this is just a hint of the secret language Jeremy and Carter speak to each other almost every minute they are together.  I am still learning the lingo, moves and scoring system and they often get a good laugh at me if I try and act like I know what I am talking about ( I really don't) or shout out something during a match that makes no sense. Usually I stick with easy words like "squeeze em, or roll em over" 

Carter has been to 6 tournaments now and we are all proud of his 19-0 record. His goal is to go undefeated this season and be the state champion. We are all hoping he reaches his goal, but a part of me thinks losing every now and then isn't all that bad. He has improved so much from last year. He has beaten kids older than him and heavier than him. He always shows good sportsmanship and never seems nervous (I am nervous enough for both of us). He always works hard in practice and supports his teammates. We often tell him these qualities are more important than winning. I think he knows that, but also says, " Yeah but winning is good too and it feels good to stand on the top of the award stand" I am sure it does! 

I am so proud of his accomplishments and no matter if he reaches his goal or not, he is a champion in my mind! 

Christmas 2012

Christmas eve we spent at home, just the 5 of us. I had to work that day, so Jeremy was in charge of our traditional candlelight Christmas eve dinner, prime rib and crab legs. He does such a great job, and it is seriously better than any prime rib you get at a restaurant! I look forward to this all year! It is the only time of year we eat at our dining room table and use our special Christmas tableware.  We enjoyed a birthday cake in honor of baby Jesus to completely overfill our bellies! 

After supper, the kids get to open their presents! 

The anticipation is killing them! 

Carter..PS3/DS games, marshmallow shooter, Nebraska lunchbox

 Claire..Leap pad 2, princess Legos, build a bear

Case..Elephant ball popper, balls, learning apple

After presents we checked Norad to see where Santa was. When we looked, he was heading toward Canada. Claire asked if Canada was close and I said, "well sort of" and told everyone in her most bossy pants way to get to bed! 

The kids actually all slept until about 7 which is a miracle for them! They were so thrilled to see what Santa had left them and filled their stockings with! 

 My kids ask for the most random things! For some reason the only thing they wanted was these giant stuff Tweety birds! Santa listened! He brought Case a little people wheelies car ramp.

We packed up the car and headed to Griswold to have brunch with Grandma Nancy and Lawerence. After filling our bellies there and adding to our loot, we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Berry's for more loot and more food. 

 Grandma and Grandpa Berry

 Grandma Mehlmann with great grand kids #10, #11 and #16

 Aunt Darcie and kiddos

 My 96 year old grandma rocking the Santa outfit! 

 Aunt Darcie got Claire her first ball glove. Although she had no clue what to do with it and put it on the wrong hand backwards, she still loved it as it is pink. I think little league may have their work cut out for them! 

Each Christmas we are reminded by how blessed we are with such great family and friends, and especially three healthy happy kids. As busy as we get with work, errands, kids activities, housework, etc, I try to take in every moment with these kiddos as I can. I know all too soon they will be grown and the thrill of Christmas will be different for all of us. We are excited to look ahead to 2013 and the big things we have planned!