Video

Just a (long) video of our little man. He smiles a little in the beginning.

And, Sarah, you must watch until the end because there's a special treat for you.

God Bless Dr. Brown

For over a week, we've been trying to get Carter to eat from a bottle. We tried Avent and Medela nipples, but he just drowned. He would struggle to breathe and make these awful noises, and his eyes would pop out and his arms would fly up. It was terrifying. For all of us.


Tonight we decided to try the Dr. Browns bottles just to see if it was any different. We were given advice to try all kinds of nipples to find the one that worked for him. We were also going to try pulling him off after 4 or 5 sucks (or whatever it would be right before he drowned) but he took to it like a champ. No choking. It was amazing. He drank 2.5 oz and now he's snoozing on Daddy.

I feel such relief. Now Chris can have the bonding time feeding him, and we can send him to daycare without me having to drop in every 3 hours to feed him!

Smiles

My little man gave his first awake smile on Friday and every day he gives us more and more. It's just amazing. And of course I can never catch it on film. It absolutely makes my day to see him grin like that.

Happy birthday, Brian!!

We were up in Baltimore this weekend to celebrate my stepdad's 65th birthday. Doesn't he look cute???!!!

He gets it from his Uncle Rick

This is how our little man wakes up. He's a bear.










Does that look say "Feed Me" or what?

Proof

Need further proof that Carter's a munchkin?

Thanks for the pic, Nelson!

One Month Checkup

We saw a different doctor in the practice today and she was AWESOME. We've been really happy with all the doctors we've met and I'm so glad I chose this practice. They rock.

Anyway...

My boobs must be making skim milk because we've got a little munchkin on our hands. He's up to 8 lbs 8 oz, which is the 10-25th percentile, and his length is now 21.5 inches, which is the 50th percentile. But the doctor was happy with his growth and overall health (minus the cold he's still fighting) and said we're doing a great job. Carter got his second hepatitis shot and screamed his little head off. Poor thing. But I nursed him right afterward (literally within 45 seconds) and he's been sleeping ever since.

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

Today, my little man turns one month old. One month! I can't believe it. The first two weeks were a complete haze of lack of sleep, baby blues, and sore nipples. I loved HIM but I didn't love every day. Now? I love every day. I love this child so much. He's so much fun. Right now he's laying on my chest as I type this, sleeping soundly after eating a meal that only I can provide. It's pretty amazing.


Here's his first monthly pic, compared to his monkey friend. Each month, I'll do a new one and see how he grows. I stole this idea from Girl, because she's creative like that.


And in other FABULOUS news....Chris is finally out of the Army!! Today was his last day of Individual Ready Reserve and he's now been released completely. To say I'm relieved is a huge understatement. I've been waiting for this day for 5 1/2 years.

Carter met Santa today!

Chris' office had their annual holiday party so Carter and I joined in the fun. Our carmelitas placed second in the bakeoff and Carter even got to meet Santa!! (Too bad he slept through it...)

Ryan Robert!

I suck. I completely forgot to post about the happy news last week...my nephew, Ryan Robert, was born!! He was born on December 3, 2007 and was 8 lbs, 10 oz and 20 inches long. A big boy! And he looks just like his granddaddy. I knew he would. I just felt it.

I can't wait for Carter to meet him this spring. I hope they grow as close as Holly and I have and become the best of friends.

I'm sorry, Ryan. I'm already a bad aunt. I'll make it up to you, little man.

She's all growed up!

Before any more times passes, we want to wish our friend Carley a belated Happy 2nd Birthday! You're growing up too fast, little girl.

MIA

Yes, I'm aware that I've been slacking. My baby is sick and it sucks. I wish I could give him some Mucinex...

Happy Hannukah!

What's in a name...

We've had a lot of people ask us where the name Carter came from. I don't think it's that unique of a name to have so many people confused about our choice, but I will tell you this...

He's not named after this guy or this guy. It's not a family name either. In fact, he's not named after anybody. It's just a name we like. I'm sure we saw it somewhere in a baby names book, or even from the baby store.

All I know is that I like that we chose a name that people seem to respond to. And if you're one of the few who don't like it, don't tell me. I don't care. :-P