The 24th Year of Being Born

So yesterday was my 24th birthday. It was a relaxed day even though I had to work. I got some wonderful gifts from my coworkers - bath salts, lotion, shower gel, etc. One coworker of mine knows we're doing more Crockpot meals so she got me a really cool Crockpot recipe box filled with TONS of recipes. Im so excited to try them out. I've been craving sweets like crazy so I got a bunch of candy including a whole box of double stuffed Oreos from a girlfriend of mine! Matt stopped by in the afternoon with flowers, chocolates and a wonderful smelling box of candles.

Its crazy to think that I was only 18 when Matt and I first started dating. I still remember the year he turned 21 and I pretty much forced him to have a beer because he could now legally drink. Of course I still laugh when someone asks to see his drivers license when buying alcohol because his picture is the same one from when he was 16. To think that he was 16 TEN years ago (Now I dont feel so old ;).

Im not sure what 24 is suppose to feel like. I remember talking to my mom yesterday and she mentioned that she was 23 when she had my older sister. So Im a year behind age-wise, but Im ready to be a mom at the "ripe" age of 24.

Just think - at my 25th birthday I will have a 8 month old. Crazy.

Little Ava's Nursery!

On Saturday, January 17th, my parents came down to help paint Ava's nursery. Actually let me rephrase that - Dad and Matt painted Ava's room while my mom and I went shopping, lol.

I went crazy picking out colors. I brought home millions of those color swatches from Home Depot and stared at them for HOURS. Matt and I didn't want anything pink, and we both really liked green. I searched for hours on the internet for ideas and finally settled on the nice thick stripe around the room.

Below are the beginning and ending results of the nursery colors!

The colors came out beautifully and the room is turning out better than I could have imagined. I still have a bit of decorating to do with the walls, but its progressing nicely. We bought her crib and changing table from USA Baby in Clovis back in October so it finally has a home (although still missing the mattress and bedding). Although the futon takes up a bit of room, I know I will definitely appreciate it when I want to just relax with my baby girl. The chiffarobe was given to us to use by Matt's aunt, Mel. Its been used by pretty much everyone in the family so its fun to have a family item for her to use (plus extra storage!) Now all we need is little baby Ava and we're set!

The First of Many!

After reading my sister-in-law's family blog and my sister's travel blog, I became inspired to start one for my little family.

Well... semi-little. In May 2009, we will be welcoming our daughter, Ava Jayneen Carter. She's my main reason for starting this blog. I want to keep friends and family updated on what our family is up to, so that when I see them periodically (ie. holidays) and they ask, "What new?" I dont just answer with "You know - work, family - same old" but instead let them know of my blog so they can follow the Carter Clan every step of the way.

It'll definitely be a new adventure, but I hope you enjoy the ride with us!