Lots Of Firsts!

Dear Carter,
Well, I made it through Jovie's first day of school. It was certainly hard to have that alone feeling, but it was made a lot better and easier by being with some of my favorite friends. Didn't she look so cute? I was actually doing fine with everything, until she came out of her room with this outfit on and told me that she wanted to wear it so that you could go to school with her. Of course the tears started to flow freely. I had always told her that you would probably go to her school with her, but in a different classroom. Since I know that you are always with us, it's nice to know that you really were there with her. We had another first in our house last weekend. Mikey finally learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. Yay Mikey! You would have been so proud of him baby boy!

We're gearing up for another week of going through the motions of life. The routine is helpful in easing the way that I miss you, but sometimes it's just not enough. Guess what little guy! I was so SO happy to see that so far your auction is up to over $400!! We've already passed our original goal of $240, and are looking to double it!!

If you would like to check it out, please take a look here: Carter's Auction . If you are new to Hyena Cart, it is very similar to Ebay. You just need to register (it takes two seconds and the link is on the bidding page). The auctions end on Thursday, so lets see just how many surgeries we can fund in Carter's name! As always thank you for your support.

Today!

Dear Carter,

I'm starting on a new adventure today. Jovie is starting preschool, so for the first time since you were in my tummy...I'll be all alone while the kids are at school. I'm really nervous for this, but excited for Jovie at the same time. It's the alone times that are the hardest for me. These are the times that my mind races and I remember everything about that final day with you. I try so hard to focus on your life and the good times, but that final day always pushes it's way into my memories.

I found some videos of you the other day, that I had completely forgotten about. That was a very nice surprise. I put them on my new computer, so I can see you with a click of the mouse at any time.

Our dear friend, April *pinkebody* is starting your auction today. It begins in a few hours. We are trying to raise enough money for at least one surgery that will be done in your name. See baby boy, you did change the world in so, SO many ways.

I love you, miss you, wish to kiss you.

Here is the link to the auction if anyone is interested: Carter's Auction . If you don't see anything that catches your interest, you can make a direct donation using the link in our sidebar. Remember, only $240 can change one child's life FOREVER, so every single penny counts.

PLEASE HELP

The fundraiser for Carter's One Smile page is set to begin this Thursday, September 9th. You can preview some of the items here:

Pinkebody's Store

I am so SO thankful to April, and all of the very talented ladies who donated items for this fundraiser. I appreciate each and every one of you for your generosity. Thank You!

The proceeds go to Operation Smile which is an organization that funds surgeries to repair cleft lips and palates. All donations are made in Carter's name. Our goal with this fundraiser is to raise enough for AT LEAST one surgery. Can you believe that one surgery only costs $240, and it changes a child life FOREVER?!?! Think about this....so far.....because of Carter.....at least 7-8 children will have this life-changing surgery, and we can help even more!

I would greatly appreciate it if you could at least just click on the link above to see if there is something that you like....there is more to be listed so be sure to check back on Thursday morning. If you don't spot something, then please consider a donation in Carter's name using the banner on the left of our blog. Every single penny counts!

PLEASE feel free to spread the word about this fundraiser on blogs, message boards, and Facebook. The more people we can make aware of this charity, the better! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!

Long Time

Dear Carter,

It's been a long time since I've written a letter to you. I honestly just haven't really been in the mood to. Of course you know that I talk to you every single day, so I know that you're not feeling ignored. A lot of things have happened since my last update.

First, Mikey started school. He's officially a first grader now. Wow, how time flies! I had a hard time with him being gone for the first week, but it's starting to feel a little more normal now. He's doing a great job in his class, and seems to be enjoying this new "school life". Yesterday, he finally learned how to ride his bike without training wheels. As you know, he's just never really wanted to try, but yesterday he got the nerve and he's doing great!

With Mikey being in school, I've been spending a lot of one on one time with Jovie. She still likes to talk about you every day, and of course I encourage it. Your big sister misses you like crazy, but she is so happy that you send her little signals throughout the day. We saw the most gorgeous butterfly at the park the other day, and Jovie just kept yelling "Hi Carter...I love you!".

Mikey and Jovie both started Soccer. Mikey's playing on the big field now, and Jovie's starting out on the little field. Sometimes being at that park is a little difficult because I remember the few times that we were able to take you to the games. I'm so glad that you at least got that opportunity.

Well, I'm about to start a new phase of my life that I wasn't expecting for quite awhile. Jovie will be starting Preschool on Thursday, and I'll be all alone. It's only for a few hours, but I have a feeling those few hours are going to seem like eternity. I was supposed to spend that alone time WITH you....not missing you. I'm going to just have to talk to you a lot that day, I guess.

As always, we still miss you, we love you, and we will never stop. We're still keepin' on!

Michael Allen

Mikey.

Compassionate.

Loving.

Video Game Expert.

Smart As A Whip.

Full Of Energy.

Full of LIFE!

Loves To Laugh.

Helper.

Strong.

Protector.

Big Brother.

And now....7 year old, and very soon to be 1st grader.

Seven years ago today, I was blessed to have this sweet boy enter my life.

Mikey,

You have had to learn a lot of things over the last 18 months that no boy should have to know. You have gone through much that has made you grow up fast, and you've handled it with grace. Now is the time, my sweet boy, to just play...have fun...and be a seven year old. We all love you, and are blessed to have you as a part of our family. We can't imagine a better big brother.

P.S. Don't forget to NEVER EVER outgrow Mommy hugs and kisses.