We love Auntie Pam

Silly Aunt Pam!!!

Reunion

The last time we saw each other was in the hospital.  That time was a mix of emotions: utterly thrilled to have Carter, scared to death of motherhood, and grieved to think of how Rachael (Carter's birthmother) must be feeling. We left with hugs, thank yous, and talked about arranging a meeting in about a year.   Well...we couldn't wait! 

I talked about it all week long and absolutely LOVED the looks that followed.  If you have not experienced adoption, you can't understand the bond that it produces.  I was asked all sorts of questions.  "Won't it be strange?" was the most common.  I can tell you honestly-NOT AT ALL!!!

The visit was great!  Carter was sleeping when we arrived, but didn't think that Rachael and Doris needed to wait longer to hold him and see his adorable chubbiness up close and personal.  He showed off his million dollar smile, his constant talking, and even his gas problem.  *Sorry about that one, ladies!*

It is amazing to think that God knew from the beginning of time that our two families would be joined together forever by this little miracle.  I thank him everyday for that.  I pray that this relationship will help Carter understand his adoption and how loved he is.

In other news, we tried oatmeal for the first time today...

Male Bonding

While I was away at Camp Lutherhaven with my 8th grade confirmands, Travis was able to spend a little one-on-one time with Carter.  First, though, Carter had his first slumber party at Nana and Grampa's house.  He was thrilled to be able to spend time with Aunt Kearstyn, too!

When I got home, I couldn't help but want to rock him to sleep. 

We've been reading LOTS of books.  My favorite for some reason is becoming Are You My Mother? for obvious reasons.  He will sit very patiently and listen to most of all stories.  A few of the longer ones end pretty abruptly.

We have also begun reading our Bible and watching Veggie Tales.  Since Travis and I were fortunate enough to have attended a Lutheran elementary school, we we able to learn Bible stories, prayers, and receive religious education on a daily basis.  I would LOVE for Carter to have the same opportunity!  Unfortunately, there is not a school close enough to where we live.  It will be our sole duty to teach him all these things...so why not start young?!!

The other day, Travis was holding Carter and Travis starting pretending to cry.  Carter started belly laughing.  He thinks that wailing sound is hilarious!!

Getting Good

I think every new mom has those moments when they first bring their child home from the hospital.  The moments where you sit and wonder, "What in the world do I do with this kid?"  I could have been heard not only saying that, but also telling Travis that I didn't know what to do in other situations.  Obviously I don't know everything.  I am sure there will be days that baffle me as a mother.  However, I finally feel like I am getting really good at this!

Milestones:
Carter is huge!  We visited with one of our neighbors today who just had a 5 pound 7 ounce baby girl.  Carter looked like a linebacker next to her.  Don't get me wrong-I think he is perfect! It was just so funny to see.

We continue to work on using his arms during tummy time.  He is strong, but chooses to suck on his wrists rather than lift his head and chest off the ground.

Smiles galore!


Still loves "Baby Praise" but is getting sick of DVD #1.  On to the next one... He ditched the bouncy seat in favor of this big boy toy:

Carter had a big week!  He had cold #2 (thinking it might be allergies...).  Travis jokes that when he walks into the infant room at daycare it is like walking into death.  Snot, sniffles, and sneezes everywhere.  It is not their fault, but I have to keep reminding myself that it is helping to build his immunities.

He also was adored by the masses at Grandpa Richard and Liz's wedding. (Yes this is his Easter outfit....it served double duty.)

The Alabama Vonderau's came up for the occasion and fell in love with his "soft head."

He loved the DJ and fell asleep at 8, noise and all.  My favorite part of the evening was when Travis and I slow danced with Carter in between us.  "I'm so in love with you, it just keeps getting better. I wanna spend the rest of my life with you by my side. Forever and ever.

Every little thing that you do, Baby I'm amazed by you."

Mr. Personality

This week, Carter was full of personality.  He has randomly been smiling, but whenever I would put him on the spot ("Hey Travis, come watch this.  He smiles when I do this!") he would freeze under pressure.  This week he was laughing and smiling at everything.  Carter especially loves when I pretend like I am going to give him a big smooch, then back up at the last second or when I put the binky in his mouth and pull it out.  For some reason, he thinks both are hilarious.

We've been spending quite a bit of time at the lake with my great-grandpa, who has been under the weather.  I like to think that Carter helps to brighten his day. While we were there one day, the weather was incredible!  We played outside all day-watching the waves on the lake, looking at shells, finding a crawfish.  I can't wait to see Carter running along side his cousins in search of turtles and frogs in the creek!

Auntie Pam and Allison came to visit this week.  Allison (who is one of my youth group girls) was home from college.  Carter loved getting to tell her all the cool stuff he has been doing since he last saw her.  P.S. Shout out to the ladies at Cornerstone University who read this!!!!


For those of you who know me well, know that I REALLY enjoy to shop.  Now that Carter is here, I find myself doing most of that shopping for him.  I love to find little outfits that are funny (I bought a onsie that says "Eligible Bachlor" this weekend) or little man outfits.  He Easter outfit is by far my favorite!

The Easter bunny brought Carter his first Easter basket.  Rachael and her parents sent Carter a bunny (he loves to eat his nose), an outfit, and a 'stud muffin' bib.  Travis and I got Carter two Veggie tales DVDs, books, an an outfit.  I added some candy in there too.  Since Carter can't eat sweets yet, I guess I will have to help him with those :-)

We spent Easter at the lake with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandpa, great-grandpa, and friends.  Everyone loves this little guy so much!  Travis and I are blessed to have such incredible families and friends who have supported us on this journey.