2 Months Old!!!

Carson celebrated his 2 month birthday with a doctor appointment and round of shots...FUN! He actually did REALLY good. He just turned beet red and only cried for a few seconds. As soon as I picked him up after they were done, he was fine. Here are a couple pre-shot pictures. Carson loved kicking his feet on paper on the table. He was also a happy boy for Dr. Hubbell.

Rockin' my post-shot bandaids...


Not surprisingly, he's a big boy. He measured 13lbs 2oz and was 24" long. His measurements were in the 83rd and 86th percentile, respectively. I knew he was long because he has already outgrown just about every 0-3 month outfit, and it was the length that was the problem. He already comfortably fits into all of his 3-6 month clothes, and even a few of them won't last long because of the length. How is our baby this big already?!? I already have a whole jumbo Pampers box full of clothes that he has outgrown... tear. :-(

Even though I'm a little sad that he's gotten so big so quickly, he's really starting to be in that "cute" phase. He loves to smile now, and that just melts my heart. Unfortunately, I can never capture most of those smiles on my real camera, only my phone. Boo. He definitely knows who his mommy is. I'm also pretty sure he knows who his daddy is too. He always gives Andrew a big smile when he gets home from work. Since he's gotten to see his Wannie so much, I think he recognizes her too. He also smiles A LOT on the changing table... this child does NOT like having a "poo poo" diaper. He also smiles and even laughs a little when he makes a "fountain" while trying to change him. It's like he knows it's funny to make a mess.


He's started drooling a lot and appears to have discovered his tongue. (Notice the drool on his outfit below.)


He has also discovered his hands, but still isn't quite sure what to do with them. He holds them up and looks at them. He manages to get them out of his Velcro swaddle blankets and then puts them in his mouth. Up until now, the swaddle blankets (I prefer the Halo Swaddle Sleepsack) were a must, but now that he loves to stretch out, I've been just having him sleep in those cute little footed sleeper outfits. Speaking of stretching out, this boy LOVES to just lay on his back and KICK, KICK, KICK those legs. No wonder he's tired after being awake for only an hour. Can you imagine kicking your legs for 30 minutes straight? You'd be tired too! It's so cute though, it's like he's trying to go somewhere. He loves laying on his play mat from Cousin Kim and staring at himself in the mirror. He also likes watching the flashing lights too.

He also is "talking" to us now. He's making the cute baby noises and then let's us respond, and then "talks" again. I know he wants to be able to talk for real SO bad!

Bath time is way more fun now. He just kicks those legs and definitely prefers to just lay in the bottom of the tub with a towel folded up under his head (thanks Wanda for suggesting this over the baby tubs!). He likes to "swim" where we grab his feet and swish him back and forth in the water. The happiness does tend to fade when we have to take him out. He doesn't like the drying off part.

He seems to be eating more often during the day now because he's spreading out his feedings at night. During the day he eats about every 2-3 hours. At night, his first sleep stretch is usually between 4-6 hours (amen!) and then he eats every 3 hours after that. We are starting to establish a night routine, and I think it helps everyone out. He usually gets his bath around 7:00pm, then eats, then is asleep around 8:00pm. If he seems fussy or tired, we've started the process as early as 6:00pm and had him asleep around 7:00pm. He usually wakes up somewhere between midnight and 2:00am and wants to eat, then once more before the morning. He's often up between 6:30 and 7:30am, but mommy usually tries to push that first morning "nap" so that I can stay in bed until 8:30 or 9:00am. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

This month Carson also went to the farm for this first time (a BIG deal and warrants a separate post) and drove with me to Austin so I could go to Richardson's bachelorette party. The drive there was NOT so good, but he made up for it on the way home. He stayed in his first hotels and slept like a champ!

A few more 2-month pictures...

























So... we're pretty much LOVING life with our little man! It's definitely exhausting, but totally worth it!!!

PassionNOT

***It was brought to my attention that apparently this post makes it sound like I am falling apart... I just wanted to let everyone know that I am great and this is just a little venting that I needed to let out.***

Okay, so I do know how to spell "passionate"... but this post is called "passionNOT."

So...right now we are in teal and dove season. For those that don't know, teal are small ducks... and they are quite delicious! Andrew is a duck hunting fanatic... it's ridiculous. He LIVES for this! For every day he doesn't have to work the hunt, he's hunting. I think last year he hunted every single day of teal season. Crazy! But, like I said, this is what he lives for. This is his passion, and I'm totally envious that he has something he is that passionate about. There are Specialists and Generalists. Specialists (doctors, for example) want to know everything there is to know about a certain topic. They are committed to it. Generalists prefer to know a little bit about a lot of things. Andrew is a Specialist for sure and I'm a Generalist. I have never really had a hobby or what not that I was truly, truly passionate about and willing (and wanting) to learn everything about it that I could. I get on little kicks where I am into something for a while, but then the passion fades. When I was younger, my life was primarily consumed with sports and youth group. In high school, I was really into dance and also had my own locker room jewelry business going. I loved making jewelry and had the entreprenuerial drive to start selling it. In college, I was all artsy-craftsy. I had a business with a guy friend called Yee-Haw Trading Company. We had a sales tax license and actually went to First Monday in Canton to sell our stuff. I hand-painted cow skulls we found out at the deer lease with Texas flags or whatever someone wanted. I also hand-painted picture frames and decorated frames with bottle caps, rope, etc. We took old shipping pallets and reset them into Texas flags that could be hung inside or on a fence. I just loved making things and then hoping someone liked them enough to want to buy them. I feel like I've written some of this before, so if this isn't news to you, I apologize.

If I had to think of one "hobby" that I have always enjoyed and have yet to get tired of, it would have to be photography. I have always LOVED taking pictures (bet you couldn't figure that one out!), but have never really taken the time to understand the art of photography. Since I haven't done that, I don't think it's really fair to claim it as a hobby. I don't know any of the technical stuff, but just love to capture moments through a lens. I know that if I did take the time to really learn the nuts and bolts of the art of photography, I would probably really, really LOVE it. Why I haven't done this yet, who knows.

I feel like I just used to be so much more driven, creative, entreprenuerial, and fearless. I don't know what happened, and I really hate that. I guess the fact that I changed my major so many times was probably a signal that I just flat out don't know what I want to do, or that I struggle to commit to anything wholeheartedly. I just feel that something is missing.I just feel like I go through the motions each day. I'm bored. I don't feel stimuated and excited by anything outside my family. I NEED something to pour my energy into. I guess this all sounds pretty crazy since we just had a baby two months ago, but these are all thoughts that have been going through my head for some time. Having a child now has been the absolute most amazing thing in my life. HE is my purpose. HE makes me excited to wake up each day to see what new thing he will do or just to see him flash that perfect, sweet little smile. HE is what I pour my energy into, BUT I need something else. Something that excites me and that I can retreat to when I want to be stimulated and feel a since of personal fufillment. I did have a sewing kick and actually did take a beginning sewing class here in Nederland. I really looked forward to that class each week and loved seeing the tangible result of my work. The dress actually turned out really good... too bad I went wrong somewhere and it doesn't fit through the chest. Oh well. Not surprisingly, I haven't sewed a thing since that class despite all the baby ideas floating around in my head. I had to light the fire under my own butt to actually sign up and go, but that was the best thing I had done for myself in a while.

I think the last sentence of that last paragraph is my problem. I really struggle with lighting that fire. I used to be comfortable just showing up for anything, but now, it's like I'm scared. What the heck?!? People that know me from high school and college know that is definitely not me. I could talk to a wall... or at least used to. I was completely okay with walking into a room full of strangers. Maybe part of my problem is that I'm out of practice. Working from home, you don't get much interaction with the outside world. You would think that you don't ever forget how to interact with new people, but I really feel like I'm kind of rusty. You know you're desperate for human interaction when you want to go to Walmart or HEB just to talk with the checkout people or random people in the aisles. Thank goodness for "friend of a friend" relationships, because I now have a new friend that went to A&M and lives in Nederland with her husband. I also met a girl in my breastfeeding class whose father used to work with Andrew. They had a little boy also the week after we did. We've been in contact as well and plan to get together soon. I hope the new relationships I have made here turn into good friendships because I really miss my girlfriends. That's another thing lacking... time with girlfriends.

We've been regulars at church for the last two years, but are just now starting to meet people. We've really wanted to be involved in some of the ministries, but nothing was really speaking to me. I went to the Ministry Fair a couple weeks ago and met some nice ladies and might be joining the Women's Guild. Of course, I had to miss the first meeting because I was already signed up for Infant CPR, but hopefully I can make the next one in October. I'm also signed up to go on the Women's ACTS Retreat in October. People camp out in the Parish Center for this, so I know it's good. I have heard nothing but amazing things about this retreat. I have heard it's spiritual impact it amazing and that you will also have friends for life once it's over. I'm really excited to put myself out there. It's definitely been a while. Now, if I can just get myself signed up for a photography class!

I continue to pray that I won't be afraid to put myself out there. I also pray that I will find something outside my family that really drives me and gives me a sense of fufillment. I think I will be a better wife and mother when I do.

***Again, I am not falling apart or depressed. I just needed to vent a little. It's sometimes my way of lighting the fire under my own butt. Reading my own posts gives me a new perspective even though I'm the one who wrote it. Putting thoughts to "paper" is the easiest way for me to think sometimes. Okay, that's all folks!***

Make Ya Smile Mondays...Tuesday Style

Since we were packing up the farm and on the road yesterday, I failed to post the second installment of "Make Ya Smile Mondays." So, here ya go... just a day late!

YES!!!

So, to update on the "So Over It" post... YES, I have loaded the car with my crap! Plan is to take it over to Goodwill tomorrow. Whoop... Thanks... and Gig 'Em!

Make Ya Smile Mondays...

I have several friends that have a "Worldless Wednesdays" post where all they do is post a picture, usually an adorable one of their child. I love this idea! So, to copy, but not totally copy, I am starting a "Make Ya Smile Monday" post. Of course, I probably won't be able to limit myself to just one picture, so here's three. Enjoy the first installment...

SO over it...

Okay, I admit it. I am a clutter queen. I hate clutter, but I also can't seem to get rid of it. We have too much stuff, or crap is probably a better word for it. I have bugged Andrew since we got married to have a garage sale. For some reason, I think that other people will find some value in our crap. There is some good crap, but is it really worth the hassle of a garage sale??? Andrew has always strongly said "NO"! Now that we have a little munchkin, I'm starting to agree with him. Old clothes and nick-nacks are not enough to warrant the time and effort for a garage sale, at least not now. If we had furniture or stuff that might actually bring a little money, okay, it's worth it. I know my parents have had a number of very successful garage sales in the past.

When we moved from Baytown, we took 2 pickup trucks full of crap to Purple Heart. I gave several bags of clothes to some girl and her mom that were walking down our street. Since moving here, I have taken a couple car loads of stuff to Goodwill. There were over 100 articles of clothing! Really?!?! Does one even need 100 articles of clothes (especially when you work at home)? Truth is... I'd been collecting these clothes for YEARS. I do not adhere to the "if you don't wear it in a year, get rid of it" rule. I have stuff I haven't worn since college, and unless I decide to start hitting up the college bar scene, won't be wearing again. I'm a sucker for something on sale or anything from Marshalls. I try to keep culling my clothes, but have been unsuccessful. Why am I attached to this stuff? I think it's the thought of wasting money. It's a sunk cost though. The money is already spent and I already don't wear it anymore.

So, the point of this post is that I am SO over it... I am so over the clutter and having all this extra crap that I don't need. Forget saving it for a garage sale. Forget the mentality that I might have something to wear it to some day. If I only wear it once just to wear it in order to justify keeping it, forget it. Forget the whole consignment store thing, I know I will never take it in. Plus, am I really going to get anything for my shirts and dresses from Target and Marshalls... NO, I am not.

SO... I'm clearing out the back of my car today to make room for all this crap! I WILL go to Goodwill this week and get some of this crap out of our house for good. I WILL tell Andrew that he has to hold me accountable as well. I know he won't mind! My dear readers, y'all hold me accountable as well... I NEED to declutter because it's really starting to drive me crazy.

Okay, that's all folks!

The Latest (Month 1)... the short version

Okay, so I feel like I'm never going to catch up now. I want this blog to be "in the moment" and not an update of what's going on weeks later. I feel I can better describe this journey of parenthood if I write about it as it's happening versus trying to remember details after a week or so. So, here's the super-condensed version of Carson's first month. I apologize that this is somewhat in baby book, bullet format, but it's the quickest and easiest way for me to organize my thoughts.

1st Month

-Carson's sleeping habits were a little unpredictable. Generally, he slept for 2-3 hour stretches at night, which meant only 1-2 hour stretches for mom. It took a little while for him to figure out his nights and days. He wanted to take long naps during the day which equaled not so long sleep stretches at night.




-As previously mentioned, eating has never been a problem... probably why he's been growing like a weed! He regained his birth weight in 4 days! At his 2 week check up, he was up to 9lbs 6oz (70th%) and was 21 3/4" long (87th%). His head was 36 1/4cm (34th%). I still can't figure out the head measurement. When he was born, he had a big 'ole head, I guess his body is just catching up with it.

-Carson likes to pretend he's swimming or practicing his boxing. Those are his "reflexes" right now. He just gets those arms going. He also snorts like a pig. Not many cute baby noises yet, just these snorts. It's pretty funny.

-Carson's not too much a fan of the sponge bath. We tried the baby tub without the hammock... fail. We tried laying him on a towel on the counter... fail. We tried in the tub with dad... fail. We tried the hammock in the baby tub... least amount of fail. Still not a fan though. Since his lovely little umbilical cord took 25 DAYS to fall off, we had to do the sponge bath thing for quite a while. When it did finally fall off, he had a cute little "inney." Andrew's grandmother told us that if it was an "outey" to actually put a little button in it to force it in. Who knew! Luckily, we didn't have to try this.

1st Sponge Bath at Home







-Carson enjoys watching his sock monkey that his Uncle Dave gave him. He hates weekly picture time with it (mostly because he doesn't like being propped up in a sitting position). He also has discovered himself in the mirror and loves to lay on his play mat and stare up into the mirror. He's becoming so much more alert and aware of his surroundings. He follows objects with his eyes and also looks toward where voices are coming from. If I hand him off to someone, he follows me with his eyes as I walk off.

-We gave him his first bottle of breast milk at about 3 weeks. He took it with no problem. Like I said above, this boy likes to eat. He doesn't care where it comes from. I still feed him at the breast most of the time, but it is nice that other people can help out too.

-MAJOR MOMENT...1st outing was to Academy on August 15th. Is anyone surprised?!? Didn't think so. Dad also gave Carson his first bottle today.


-Our life changed on August 18th. Our precious little man had been extremely fussy (pretty much all the time he was awake) and we had discovered that the vacuum cleaner really calmed him down. Pretty much silenced him within seconds. We could only vacuum so much and leave it laying upside down on the floor for so long, so we went on iTunes and were able to buy a 60-minute CD of nothing but vacuum! I burned this bad boy immediately and our life has never been the same since.

-We discovered that the reason for (most of) the fussiness was because of acid reflux. I suspected this, and at our two week appointment I brought it up with the doctor. He prescribed liquid Zantac which didn't really do a darn thing. I gave it to him for a month and didn't see any change. If anything, it seemed worse. Initially, Carson wasn't a big spitter-upper. He had silent reflux. He arched his back, pulled his legs up, and just screamed in pain during and after feedings. The first few days at home, we could only get him to sleep in his car seat. The Zantac seemed to bother him more. He acted like it just burned going down. We have since switched medicines (thanks to experienced mom advice from DeeAnn!). More on all that later.

-We went on our first walk on August 20th. Carson must like off-roading because he did just fine in my car seat frame stroller on the horrible asphalt roads by our house. Yep, no sidewalks. I'll be investing in the "real" stroller soon for sure!

-Carson slept for 4 hours straight on the 21st! Whoop!

-At about 3 weeks, I thought Carson was developing baby acne, but then I noticed it was also on his chest and back. Turns out it was just that his sebaceous glands were producing too much oil. So, no biggie. Apparently this is common. It just wasn't pretty. I wanted his precious baby skin back. He's now 7 weeks old and it seems like it's run its course... thank goodness.

-On his 1 month birthday, we went on our first restaurant outing. Granted, we went on a Sunday at 2:00pm to avoid any crowds. We went around the corner to La Fiesta and there was NO ONE there but us. He got a little fussy while his car seat was in the upside-down high chair, but he did fine once we put the car seat on the ground and rocked it with our foot.





We continue to be amazed by this little blessing that God has given us. Even though it has been as hard as everyone said it would be, I wouldn't trade it for anything! Even when he is screaming his head off, he is still the absolute most precious, perfect thing I have ever seen. I LOVE wrapping him up and rocking him. Being able to calm an upset baby is so rewarding. I just LOVE rocking him and staring at his precious little face. There is NOTHING sweeter. I love nursing him. I don't know what it is, but I guess it's just that mother/nurturing thing. The fact that God has given me the ability to sustain this little life is pretty cool.

Weekly Growth Pictures...

1 Week


2 Weeks


3 Weeks


4 Weeks



In addition to meeting his grandparents, aunt, uncle, great-grandmother, and great aunt (in previous posts), Carson had several other special visitors this month...

"Auntie" Greta






Cousins Blake and Alexander


Aunt Vivi



A few more pictures of our precious little man...


























































If that wasn't enough pictures for you or if you want your own coffee mug with Carson's picture, there are LOTS more on Shutterfly (because I am a picture taking fool)... http://thepeterspack.shutterfly.com