first BOTTLE.

Carter's first bottle. He seemed to like it.

I can't BELIEVE that November is over. My sister left yesterday, my parents and grandparents left this morning. It feels like they just got here. It's crazy how fast is went!

Carter is getting SO BIG. He is getting heavier to carry and his little arms and legs are getting fuller. He is more alert and can stay awake for long stretches of time. He studies things especially light. He is really strong and is

November was such a good month filled with so many good memories! I am sad it is over. Family all left yesterday and today, Casey starts school Monday, and I am going back to work part time on Monday. I'm a little intimidated with going back to work but thankfully I can bring Carter with me so we will just have to figure it out. It's only for a few more months.

Speaking of a few months, Casey has TEN more weeks of school!!!! We are getting really excited. We are preparing for GRADUATION and our big departure.We started packing our stuff and sent some things we don't need back to the Lou' with our parents. Though it has had it's moments, this year has gone by so fast. Casey is looking forward to getting a job (big prayers) and getting settled.

Carter is GETTING SO BIG. He is just growing and developing in front of our eyes. It's fun to watch and notice all the changes. One of his favorite things to do is stretch and arch his back.





I don't know why the fonts are different sizes. It won't change.

Auntie Katie.

The Blind Side - Official Trailer [HD]

Casey, Carter, and I just saw this movie and loved it! Go see it.

Advent Conspiracy - What is it?

Updates on Carter:
*He has gained almost a pound since leaving the hospital. I can't believe he is getting so big already. :(
*He is very alert and can stay awake for quite awhile.
*He hasn't quite slept through the night yet but he can make it through a 5 hour stretch.
*He LOVES to stretch, arch his back, roll his head back, and kick his legs. And there have been a few times when he has been able to roll from one side to the other.
*He is a good eater. We usually try for 30-40 minute feedings every 3 hours. He doesn't snake feed which is nice. I know exactly when he will need to eat so it helps in planning our day.
*He doesn't really like bath time yet. He much prefers taking a shower with his Dad holding him. He likes the security of someone holding him.
*He smiles a lot. He has lots of funny faces though he has no clue what he is doing.
*He doesn't really fuss unless provoked. He is pretty content and relaxed though he has gotten more vocal as he gets older.

Let's hope I can write an actual post that makes sense and isn't missing words. :) I noticed one of my last posts was pretty bad.

Carter is still doing well. We went to a breastfeeding class last night and a lactation nurse helped me getting a correct latching. It felt much better. Last Friday night he slept from 11-6:30 and we were hoping that would continue but it didn't. Sad. But he is quite the pooper. We can change him like 3 times in one hour. I guess it's a good problem to have.

Casey takes 4 more ASE tests today. He is excited about having them over and finding out the results. This is the last week of his 11th class. WOOT! WOOT! It has been so nice for him to not work. He can relax more and enjoy Carter.

It's fun to have my parents here and hang out. They will be here for the whole month of November. My Uncle is building another room in his house for all of his boys so my Dad is working on that. It has worked out nicely.

That's the deal with us.

What a crazy last few days! Phew. I can't believe that last Friday morning we were having a baby!

Today was our first doctor appointment and Carter is doing really well. Color is good. Weight has gone up. Circumcision was done really well. He LOVES to stretch out and flail his little arms around.

Casey has ASE tests on Thursday so he is getting ready for them. He really is a good and involved Dad. It makes my heart smile.

I am good. I feel like I have been thrown into a world wind of activity, details, and learning. My mind is worn out.

But our little family is doing well. Casey and I are both excited about everything and are so grateful for how everything worked out. For months we have been talking and trying to figure out how having a baby was logistically and financially going to work . And it couldn't have worked out any better than it did. After Carter was born, we sat in our hospital room in complete awe about all the little details to get him here. It teaches us once again that God is taking care of us.

Day 4.

Carter's big events today: eat, sleep, poop.

Day 4.

Carter's big events today: eating, sleeping, pooping.

He's a really easy baby. Doesn't cry a whole lot. He is eating well. AND HE'S REALLY CUTE. :)

Tomorrow is our first doctor appointment after being born.

Mom and Dad are doing well. Casey went back to school today. I am slowly moving much more easily and surviving breast feeding. I am learning a lot.

My Mom and Dad are here which is nice. My apartment has never been so straightened up and cleaned on a consistent basis.

Discharge Day. Day 3.

It was a good and overwhelming day. The night before was a little rough but we all managed to get sleep. (Some of us more than others.)

Carter and I improved greatly on feeding and am so thankful for loving nurses! Breast feeding can be a little challenging it seems and all of the nurses that I had were so helpful.

We left the hospital around 11:30. It was a exciting and strange feeling to leave with a baby.

We are trying to feed every 3 hours for 30 minutes. It's going pretty well. He kind of naturally is doing it on his own which is making it nice.

My parents arrived this afternoon and we were so excited! They helped us get settled into the apartment. They are staying at my Uncle's which works out nicely.

In conclusion we are all doing well. Casey is LOVING being a Dad. It's the sweetest thing ever! He says he loves taking care of Carter and playing with him. I couldn't have done it without his help and leadership. It's been a fun experience.