Half a year...

Dear Carson,

 

I can’t believe you are 6 months old today. You have brought so much light and love into my life these past 6 months…I am so blessed to have you.

I remember the day you were born like it was yesterday. The first time I saw you I wasn’t able to hold you because of having a c-section, but you looked at me like you knew who I was. The first time I got to hold you, you snuggled right in…it was a perfect fit. We were meant for each other, and it felt like you had been waiting to meet me as long as I had been waiting to meet you.

We have learned a lot about each other over the months, and you have grown and changed so much. You looked just like your Daddy when you were born, but now you look just like me. You laugh and smile at me, you love to play peek-a-boo, and you are so squirmy and wiggly. Luckily, you do still love to snuggle, because cuddle time with you is my favorite thing.

I love dressing you up in cute outfits, the more boyish the better. Clothes shopping for you is even more fun than shopping for myself!

I’m amazed how you learn and grow each and every day. You have changed my life in so many ways, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

You, little boy, have my whole heart. I would do anything for you, and I love you more than anything in the whole world.

At six months old, Carson can/is:

-wearing some 6 month clothes, but mostly 9 month, he needs the length

-wearing size 3 diaper

-eating 6 oz. bottles 5 or 6 times a day, and one serving of baby food at night. He has tried and loved squash, carrots, peas, sweet potatoes, peaches, pears, apples, and bananas. He hates rice cereal. We are going to try some oatmeal and see how that works out.

-sleeps through the night most of the time when he doesn’t have an ear infection. 

-laughs, giggles, coos, and goos, and is starting to make more consonant sounds.

-can almost sit up unsupported, but not quite.

-rolls from back to tummy frequently.

-loves to play peek-a-boo, he puts the blanket over his head and then pulls it off

-loves to be startled, he thinks it’s hilarious

-loves to splash in the bathtub

-he was at the dr. October 15 for his second double ear infection, and weighed 18 lbs. 4 oz. We will get his 6 month stats when he goes in a week or two

-he can sit in his Bumbo and hold his head up for a while now

-like the exersaucer now that his little legs almost reach the bottom

-puts anything and everything in to his mouth. And drools like a faucet, although no teeth have popped through yet.

5 Months Old!

Carson turned 5 months old on September 28. And for once, he wasn’t sick to celebrate his monthly birthday, hallelujah!

Carson rolled over from back to tummy for the first time this month. He’s only done it once, but he spends a lot of time laying on his side getting very close to doing it. I think he’s just being lazy. J

We started solids this month, and we started with rice cereal, but he wasn’t too interested in that. So we tried a little bit of baby food, and he loves it. He is really enjoying it, and he gets it most nights. So far we have tried peas, bananas, peaches, pears, and sweet potatoes. He didn’t seem to be a big fan of the peaches, but loves the rest. About a half hour or so after eating them he is WILD for a little while, the carbs and sugar must get to him.

Carson also seems to be enjoying bath time more…he’s discovered how fun it is to splash. Sometimes he splashes with his arms and legs, and sometimes just his arms. It’s super cute.

No shots or doctor’s appointments this month. I got on the scale with him October 8, and he weighs roughly 18 pounds. He’s so solid!

He has stopped sleeping through the night most of the time, which is unfortunate. With being sick and getting shots, and then us being gone and out a lot lately, his routine is messed  up, and like his Mama, he LOVES his routine. Aunt Meghan and Uncle Jason got married on October 6, so now that those festivities are over, things should get back to normal and hopefully he will start sleeping through the night again.

I just spent yesterday cleaning out his drawers and putting away stuff that no longer fits him. I have a huge tote of clothes that are too small. It breaks this mama’s heart a little bit that her little boy is growing up sooooo fast.

Here are some Carson statistics…

- Wears mostly 6 months clothes. There are some 9 month clothes that fit him great right now, and a few 3-6 month things that still fit. It really depends on the brand!

-wears size 3 diapers. 2’s still fit, but the 3’s are a bit roomier for his squishy thighs. J

-eats 6 oz bottles, 5 or 6 times a day, with one small feeding of baby food at night.

-kicks and spins himself around when laying on his back on the floor

-laughs, smiles, coos, babbles, and gurgles at us

-recognizes faces

-makes eye contact

-lets you know when he likes or dislikes something

-holds his head up really well, and for longer periods of time

-loves his taggie blanket and burp rags to cuddle

-loves to snuggle and be held

-is becoming more mobile

-grabs things on his own, and usually puts them in his mouth

-pulls his paci out and then tries to get it back in, he does this all the time now. He usually tries to stick it in backwards or sideways

-is working on some teeth, though none have surfaced yet. He's a drool monster, and loves to chew on everything. Frozen teething rings seem to provide some relief for him.

-sometimes tries to hold his own bottle

-loves it when we imitate his goos and gaas, and tries to do it back to us. He's been doing more "yelling" too.

-supports himself on his elbows when doing tummy time...he still isn't a huge fan of tummy time, but will tolerate it, especially if Daddy or I lay down with him or we give him tummy time on our bed.

-bears weight on his legs, even though he doesn’t seem to enjoy it too much right now

-has started to whine when he wants to be held or picked up or have some attention. It's cute and annoying at the same time.

4 months old!!

Carson turned 4 months old on August 28. And just like his 3 month birthday, he was sick. This time I felt the need to take him to the doctor, and I’m glad I did, because he had a double ear infection. Poor baby.

September 5, Carson had his 4 month shots. Shots are just no fun at all. I hate having to hold him down and watch him cry, it’s awful. I know that not having the shots and developing the diseases he is being vaccinated from would be worse, but still, they stink. He got a fever from the shots, but this time I was smart enough to schedule them for late in the day so he could pretty much just crash the rest of the evening, which he did, and slept through the night as well.

He is getting more and more fun every day. He is trying to roll over from back to tummy, but usually just ends up on his side. He also tries to sit up, but his big ol’ melon inhibits that a little bit.

Carson weighed 17 pounds and was 27 inches long at his 4 month check-up. That means he has gained 4.5 pounds and 4 inches since his 2 month check-up. I’ve got a big boy on my hands. J He is in the 71^st percentile for his weight, and 51^st for his head circumference, I’m not sure about his length. I love every one of those 17 pounds, his chunky drumsticks are to die for.

He is doing great developmentally. He is right where he should be, which is always good to hear. I got the okay to start some rice cereal or baby food if I want to. I need Brent to get the high chair set up so I can let him try and see how he does.

Here are some things that Carson does at 4 months:

-wears size 3-6 and 6 month clothes. He’s still really long in the torso with short legs.

-wears size 2 diapers.

-eats 6 oz bottles, 5 or 6 times a day

-sleeps through the night most of the time

-kicks and spins himself around when laying on his back on the floor

-laughs, smiles, coos, babbles, and gurgles at us

-recognizes faces

-makes eye contact

-lets you know when he likes or dislikes something

-holds his head up really well, and for longer periods of time

-loves his taggie blanket and burp rags to cuddle

-loves to snuggle and be held

-is becoming more mobile

-grabs things on his own, and usually puts them in his mouth

-pulls his paci out and then tries to get it back in

-sometimes tries to hold his own bottle

-loves it when we imitate his goos and gaas, and tries to do it back to us

-supports himself on his elbows when doing tummy time

-bears weight on his legs, even though he doesn’t seem to enjoy it too much right now

Of course, I’m loving him more and more every day. :)

I will get some pictures of Carson over the last month posted soon for your visual enjoyment!

August 21

One year ago today, my life changed forever. All of the dreams, wishes, and prayers of the last 3 years had finally come true. When I opened that pregnancy test, I never expected to see two lines, I really didn’t. I had seen so many negative tests over the years, I was so used to only seeing one line, I didn’t believe it when I saw two.

My emotions were crazy that next week, and really, through most of the pregnancy. I was completely overjoyed and absolutely terrified at the same time. I wasn’t terrified about being a mother or having a child, I was so scared of losing the pregnancy, since that happened the last time. I did eventually relax and enjoy most of the pregnancy, but I never did completely get rid of that anxiety.

I had a lot of fun over those next 8 or so months planning for our little monkey. I debated about finding out the sex, how to decorate the nursery, names, and things I would and wouldn’t do.

I loved being pregnant. I loved the milestones….1^st trimester, 2^nd trimester, ultrasounds, feeling him kick, everything.

And now, I have everything I could have ever wanted. I am finally a mom. I have the most perfect little angel in the whole world, who was so worth all the struggles and tears. I would do anything for that little boy. His smiles melt my heart into a big puddle of Carson. I don’t know how I ever lived without him, or how I could ever live without him now.

He is truly my miracle. I have loved him every minute of this last year, even before I knew him. From the moment those two lines showed up, I was done for.

Someone told me once that children choose their parents. They come down from Heaven at just the right time to meet their moms and dads and become a family. There might have been other babies that thought about choosing us, but Carson was meant for us.

3 Months!!

My little Carson bug was 3 months old on July 28th. He spent his 3 month birthday with his first cold and fever, that was no fun. I seriously cried hearing him cough and sniffle for the first time, and all I wanted to do was make it better. We had our first doses of baby Tylenol, and it seemed to help him feel better.
He is the light of our lives. He's getting more and more fun each day, talking and laughing and smiling and just being amazing. He's definitely recognizing mom and dad and has big smiles for us when we get home from work and pick him up from daycare.
At 3 months old, Carson is/can...
--wearing 3 month and some 3/6 month clothes, and a few 0/3 month bottoms with his short little legs.
--wearing size 2 diapers
--eating 6 oz. at a time every 2-4 hours during the day.
--usually sleeps through the night and gets up around 5 or 6 for the day, although the past week with his cold he's been waking up before that to eat, I think his poor throat hurts and he's thirsty. :(
--picking up items and holding them better, and then usually putting them in his mouth.
--smiles all the time!
--blows lots of spit bubbles
--kicks and kicks and kicks those little legs, I always ask him where he's going with them.
--drools all over and is wearing bibs more often.

 Here are some Carson pictures from the last month to enjoy!!

I Believe...

I beleive

I believe-
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe-
That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a
while and, you must forgive them for that.

I believe-
That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance.
Same goes for true love.

I believe-
That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe-
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe-
That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them

I believe-
That you can keep going long after you think you can't.

I believe-
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe-
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe-
That regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I believe-
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe-
That money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe-
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones that offer a hand to help you get back up.

I believe-
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe-
That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe-
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe-
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe-
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe-
That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe-
That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other, And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe-
That you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe-
That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe--
That no matter how steep the mountain, the Lord will always climb it with us.

I believe-
That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.

I believe-
That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.

I believe-
That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.

I believe-
That even though we don't always understand it, God always has a plan for us and everything happens for a reason.

I believe-
In being silly, laughing and dancing around, and acting like a child just for the heck of it.

I believe-
In never giving up on your dreams. The road you travel may be more difficult than you ever imagined, but someday, your dreams WILL come true.

I believe-
That good things come to those who wait.

I believe-
That the people you care about most in life are the essence of life.
Tell them today how much you love them and what they mean to you.

I believe-

That the best things in life truly are worth waiting for.


So, I want to know. What do YOU believe?

2 months old!

My little Carson David turned 2 months old last week on the 28th. He's growing up so fast! He had a good checkup at the doctor, he said he is growing well, and getting very strong. We also had our first experience with shots, which was not so fun. Carson was a trooper and cried while they gave him the shots, but stopped and slept right after. Later at daycare, when Sheena changed his diaper he got fussy and cried for most of the rest of the day, I think his little legs were sore. He alternated between crying and sleeping the rest of the night, it's so hard to watch your child hurt. And the info they give you nowadays says not to give your baby Tylenol unless their fever is over 100, because Tylenol can make the immunizations less effective. We had a hard night, but once he fell asleep, he did good and only woke up once to eat.
At 2 months old, Carson can/is:
Weighs 12 lbs, 13 oz. and was 23 1/2 inches long
--Eating 5 oz. every 2-4 hours during the day, and usually sleeping 8 or 9 until 4 or 5, though sometimes he wakes up at 3 to eat.
--Sleeping through the night often! The first night was June 18.
--Rolling over from tummy to back. He's done this 3 or 4 times, the first time was June 23 on his 8 week birthday!
--Wearing size 1 or 1-2 diapers
--Wearing 0-3 bottoms, and mostly 3 month tops, although some 0-3 and some 3-6 fit him.
--Sleeps in his crib swaddled with his arms out
--Cooing, gurgling, and doing lots of talking
--Smiling and laughing at things and people
--Going longer stretches between eating, yay!
--Loves his play mat, he loves to look at the baby in the mirror
--Loves his paci
--Much more alert, spends hours awake during the day
--Is a good napper
--Loves bath time.
--Occasionally sucking his thumb when he can find it. :)