Just Hangin Out

Not a whole lot to report today. Carter has been doing AWESOME during the nights! He's sleeping 3 hours in between feedings and he goes right back to sleep after he eats. The only problem we seem to have is his "cranky period" which occurs every evening. There just doesn't seem to be anything we can do to comfort him. I was very concerned about this at first, dreading the worst, thinking it could the beginning of colic. So I did some research and it turns out that it's completely normal for newborns to be cranky in the evening, quite common actually. So, Mommy & Daddy just bear with the little guy and try our best to make him feel better until he can calm down.

Our other child, Maggie, went to visit G-ma & G-pa at the farm for a couple days. We thought maybe she could use a few days of fun since she hasn't been getting all the attention for the past few weeks. I think I'll vacuum today; it's so much easier to clean when she's gone b/c she chases the vacuum and tries to bite it! Guess that's the Heeler in her!

We introduced Carter to his bouncer last week. He seems to like it, but he goes to sleep almost instantly when we put him in it! I didn't get a picture of it, but yesterday he was actually awake in the bouncer and seemed somewhat interested in the lights and music and it was playing!

Soooo...it's been a while!

Greetings! Sorry for the delay in posting folks! We had a long, tiring week last week and quite a busy weekend! Then a trip to Topeka yesterday...we're all worn out!

We had some troubles with Carter sleeping through the night last week. In between feedings he just wouldn't stop crying. I think we may have fixed the problem (knock on wood). For one thing, I think our house was just too darn cold for him, so we bumped up the thermostat a bit. Another thing is that I was changing his diaper AFTER I fed him and that was waking him back up, causing him to be grumpy. So, I started changing the diaper before he eats and then I can just lay him back down afterward and he seems to be doing much better. He's even sleeping a little longer in between feedings, which helps Mommy and Daddy catch a few more winks too!

We had an exciting weekend. Carter had a visit from Jessie on Saturday afternoon, then Roxy, Ryan, & Kyler came Saturday evening and Carter got to go out to eat for the very first time. Of course, while Mom & Dad enjoyed a nice meal, Carter just stuck to milk ;) Check out this picture of Kyler "pretending" to kiss Carter!

On Sunday, we went to Osage where Carter got to meet his Great Grandma Mardell for the very first time.

Great aunts Alfreda & Shirley and cousin Jessica were there too! Little man was very well behaved...mostly because he slept the whole time, but he didn't even fuss when he had to have his diaper changed! In addition, Carter made visits to both sets of grandparents' houses on Sunday. It was an exhausting day for all of us, but it was great to get to spend time with all the family!

We found ourselves in Topeka for a majority of the day yesterday. I had my 2 week post-op appointment, so we thought it would be a good time to take Carter by my office and show him off. Then we headed to the doctor where we waited for over an hour in the waiting room, then another 30 minutes or so in the exam room. After it was all said and done, we'd been at the doctor for about 2 hours. Needless to say, I was NOT happy! On a good note though, the doc said I'm recovering quite well! After all that, we still had to go to Wal-Mart, umm, correction, HELL. (Someday I will dedicate an entire blog to how much I HATE Wal-Mart!) It was nearly 8:30 by the time we got home last night. Maybe that's why Carter slept so well last night! However, I'm thinking maybe he got a little TOO much sleep last night. He has been awake for nearly 4 straight hours today, which is quite unusual for him. He's been quite fussy too, even though he's eaten 3 times in the last 3 hours! In fact, I've been trying to post this blog now for nearly an hour now while Brent and I take turns trying to calm him down! Hopefully little man's discombobulation will end soon! Oh, and the last of Carter's umbilical cord finally fell off yesterday! He's a free man!

Enjoy these pics from the past few days.....

First Check Up!

Carter had his first appointment with Dr. Heeb yesterday. He has gained 7 oz, bringing him up to 7 lbs, 10 oz! Good job buddy! He has also gained 1/2 inch in length, now making him 19 1/2 inches. She was very impressed by his head size too; she said he has a very large brain! Yep, that's my kid :) We found out that Carter has a small eye infection, which is very common in newborns, so we got some eye drops for that and it's already starting to clear up. We were concerned about his diaper rash, so the doc took a look and explained that because I was on IV antibiotics during labor, I have a lot of yeast in my system which I pass to him during breastfeeding. The excess of yeast in his system is what gave him the very red bottom. So we got some meds to clear that up and they are working quite well already!

Carter has been doing much better on his sleeping. The past two nights went a lot more smoothly and mommy and daddy got a little more sleep! Today Brent and I finally got smart and napped when he did. We both feel so much better now!

Uncle Brandon came to visit Carter today. I think Carter kinda liked him ;) I know he'll be excited to go fishing with Uncle Brandon when he gets a little older!

We tried tummy time on the bed for the first time today. Carter did awesome! He didn't mind being on his tummy at all and he actually rolled from his stomach to his side! Earlier today, he was lying on his back and he rolled to his side too! We couldn't believe our eyes! We were astonished when he lifted his head when he was 2 days old and now he is rolling at 9 days old! I'm telling you, he's going to be a genius!

Happy 1 Week Birthday Carter!

I can't believe Carter is already one week old! Where does time go?!
Today was a very tired day around the Gibson house. We had a pretty rough night last night. Carter couldn't seem to get enough to eat; he was eating every 1 1/2 hours rather than every 2 hours. And he cried more than he slept in between feedings so Mommy & Daddy didn't get much sleep either!

Hopefully tonight will be better. We all need to be rested up because Carter has his first pediatrician appointment tomorrow! We can't wait to see how much weight he's gained...as much as ate last night, it better be a lot!

Sleep tight sweetheart!

We Heart Carter

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Mr. Carter had a big day today! He had his first bath, which I don't think he liked too much......

He also got a visit from his great-great-grandma Ruby......

He made his first trip to the grocery store, had a visit from his great-grandma Granger, his Aunty Courtney and Uncle Moises, and got to spend some quality time with Meema Bryson......

Look at how tired little man was at the end of the day, even Daddy was worn out!

Doing Great!

Well, we are on our 3rd day at home and things are going wonderful! Carter is adjusting very well, as are Mommy and Daddy. Even Maggie is getting used to her little brother, even though she's still a little jealous!

Yesterday we had our appointment at the First Days Clinic. Carter has gained 1/2 ounce since leaving the hospital which is great! He is doing a good job on feeding and his jaundice level is nothing to worry about. His reflexes are all great too. He's just a very healthy baby! We have our first appointment with the pediatrician on Monday. Hopefully he'll be up a few more ounces in weight.

So far, Carter has been doing really well on sleeping, but I'm still not getting much sleep myself. He is eating every 2 hours right now, so sleep has become pretty much non-existent. But it's well worth it! He hasn't been too cranky either. There have only been a couple times when he just wouldn't stop crying. Other than that, he's really a good baby! Hopefully Brent and I can get a good nap in today since my mom will be here. My wonderful mom has taken off a couple weeks of work to help us around here. She's been wonderful--thanks Mom!

Carter got to try out his swing for the first time yesterday and he loved it! He seemed so content just a swingin away!

Here are some other pictures we took yesterday. Enjoy! We are going to try taking our first bath today, so look for pictures of that to come!

Click this link for a photo album filled with pics of Carter.

Introducing Carter Kahle Gibson

We were expecting to be going to the hospital today for a scheduled c-section and to welcome our little man into this world. Little did we know that Carter had plans of his own and we would actually be bringing him home from the hospital today!

On Sunday, I started having contractions so we rushed to the hospital. My doctor had stated how important it was to get him out before labor progressed. We arrived at the hospital at about 2:00 pm. While in the bathroom changing into my gown, my water broke! Carter was not wasting any time! He was born at 4:06 pm, weighing in at 7lbs, 13 oz and 19 inches long. He is the most amazing and wonderful thing that Brent and I have ever seen. Words cannot even begin to describe the love we have for him!

It was so nice to be able to come home today after spending three long days in the hospital! While I was recovering from my surgery, Brent was absolutely wonderful. He was so helpful with Carter and to me as well. He is already a terrific daddy!!

Carter is doing wonderful. He is such a good baby! The only time he really gets fussy is when we change his diaper or when he's really hungry. (Let's just hope we continue to be that lucky!!) He's lost 8.5 % of his weight (10 oz) since his birthday and as of this morning weighed just barely over 7 lbs. The pediatrician is a little concerned and said if he loses 10% of his weight, we will have to supplement with formula. We're really hoping that doesn't happen! He's doing very well with breastfeeding so we're not sure why his weight is down so much. We have an appointment tomorrow morning at the First Days clinic so he can have his weight checked and they can make sure he is feeding correctly. Speaking of feeding, time to go, Carter is hungry! I'll try to write more tomorrow and of course get some more pictures up, either on Facebook or Picassa.

Check out Carter on the St. Francis wesbite at: http://www.stfrancistopeka.org/body.cfm?id=29. Just click February Babies and scroll down to his name.

Bedridden

My swelling got increasingly bad as the day went on yesterday. Not only were my feet/ankles/legs swollen like usual, but my face, hands, and arms started swelling as well. I was seriously starting to look like a balloon. It was becoming quite painful too and people at work were getting worried about me, so I called my doctor. After speaking with his nurse, it sounded like I was going to be okay, as long as I don't get a headache or blurred vision. However, she said it sounds like I have a problem with my circulation. So, guess what that means...BEDREST until Wednesday! Yay! (not so much) I just have to make sure I drink plenty of water and lay on my left side (best for circulation). The next few days are going to be B-O-R-I-N-G! And, I'm very disappointed b/c I'm going to miss my friend Amanda's baby shower this afternoon AND my mama was taking me to get a pedicure this evening too. Not now :( I know this is the best thing for me and the baby, but jeeze it really sucks!

One good note; our awesome friend Courtney came over last night and helped Brent put the carseat in! So I can stop worrying about that finally! And we got to see little Noah, which is always a treat :)

There's a Baby Coming Soon!

We had our 37 week appointment today and found out some very exciting news! Carter is still breech and I am already dilated to 2 cm. so Dr. Wiley scheduled a c-section for next Wednesday, Feb. 11. We're very excited to know that in exactly one week, our precious little son will be arriving on this earth. While I'm a little nervous about having surgery and the risks that go along with it, I know that this is the best and safest thing for Carter. Dr. Wiley doesn't want to risk me going into labor and since I'm full term, he thought next week would be best. It all finally seems so real! There's a light at the end of the tunnel!

I am also very excited to almost be done with pregnancy. I don't know that I could have taken 3 more weeks! My blood pressure was excellent today, but my weight was up a lot more than it should be, due to the fact that I'm swollen to the size of a watermelon! Check out this picture I took last night.

Here's one of the last pictures we'll have of Mister Carter inside his mommy. At this time next week, we'll finally be looking at Carter's face instead of my belly!

Sleep?? What sleep?!

Lately, my sleep has gone from rough and very uncomfortable to pretty much non-existent! I guess this is my body's way of gearing me up for what it's going to be like caring for an infant! However, it's still not pleasant. I awoke around 5 am this morning and after tossing and turning for an hour and half, finally decided just to get up! It's okay though, I don't mind getting up early b/c I needed to get some more laundry done. Laundry laundry laundry! It seems like that's all we ever do around here! I can't even imagine how much worse it's going to get once Carter is here! Of course, part of the problem is that my mom and I can't stop buying him clothes, so I'm already doing a load of his laundry every week! Plus, I want to get all of my stuff done early today so I can rest this afternoon and be ready for the SUPER BOWL tonight!! Sadly though, tonight's game will officially culminate our beloved football season :( NFL Sunday is Brent and I's favorite day of the week! But I guess it's good timing b/c with a newborn here, we probably wouldn't get much of a chance to concentrate on the games anyway! I don't really care who wins tonight. I like the Steelers, but I really like the Cardinals too and I think it's great that they've made it all this way. Plus, I really like Kurt Warner, but who doesn't love Big Ben? I'll just root for both teams I guess!

One last thing....just want to give an ENORMOUS thank you to my wonderful husband for everything he did around the house yesterday. I felt so bad, I tried to help him with the cleaning, but got so worn out I had to go lay down! Brent has been so awesome these past few weeks with getting things done around here....love you honey!

Oh, and it's officially February!! The month that our son will arrive....only 22 days until our due date!!