Happy (Early) Birthday!

We celebrated Carter's 5th birthday on Saturday at Chuck E Cheese.  He was so lucky to have so many special people there - Gigi (Great-Grandma Clariece), Nana, Grandma and Granddad, cousins, aunts, and lots of special friends.  Carter's excitement was nearly uncontainable - and so adorable!  As usual, he was spoiled by everyone - 3 wii games, board games, gift cards, and a new pack of gum - lucky boy!  We are so blessed to have such special people to share our lives with.  It sure is hard to leave.

Too Cute!

Some people choose cloth diapers so they can avoid putting chemicals on their baby's bum.  Others make this choice to reduce the 5000+ diapers that will enter our landfills because of disposable diapers.  But me? Yeah, I think both of those reasons are pretty important... but my favorite reason?  Have you seen cloth diapers and covers?  There is seriously nothing cuter to put on your baby.  And that was reason enough to convince me!

Want to see my latest arrivals?  Here are two darling diaper covers from SweetVioletsMama on Etsy.

This cover is upcycled from wool and cashmere sweaters - reborn as a diaper cover.

This cute animal print cover is made out of fleece - perfect to keep leaks away!

Yep - our baby's bottom is going to be the cutest one you have ever seen! 

Yes, We Have a Name...

...or three.  The current favorites, as chosen by Carter, are (in no particular order): Cold, Snow, and Bonzo.  We are leaning towards Bonzo, but that is subject to change, of course.  Don't go embroidering any blankets just yet!

Baby Bonzo is getting pretty strong in there.  He's moving and shaking my belly for all to see.  It is a pretty amazing sight!  He has finally given up on his stubborness and allowed Chris to feel his crazy movements.  The many movements are surely my favorite part of being pregnant.  One of my least favorite parts of pregnancy has also kicked in - terribly sore hips.  Yoga seems to be the most helpful thing to keep the pain at bay... if only I could go everyday!

An Unexpected Trip

This was a great morning - I dropped Carter off at school, picked up some fabulous iced cinnamon mochas from Lola's, and headed over to hang out with my sweet friend, Eve Elise and her cute kiddos.  After about an hour of chatting, I got a phone call from Carter's teacher.  First thought that ran through my head?  What did my child do now? But, this definitely wasn't his fault - he was sick.  Poor kiddo.  Then, my brain started racing - yesterday, at basketball practice, he had a ball bounce off of his head.  No big deal, right?  But then, at 11:30pm, he woke up crying about his head hurting.  He ended up going back to sleep, so I didn't think too much of it... but then, vomiting with no fever?  Of course, I immediately thought that Carter had some kind of traumatic brain injury that was surely worsening by the second.  What kind of mother am I?!  I rushed him to Phoenix Children's Hospital to get checked out - can't mess around with that precious brain!

Thankfully everything checked out fine.  The doctor said it was all just a strange coincidence of unrelated events, and he is probably just getting a stomach bug.  Now Carter is back home, curled up in Granddad's bed, watching the Golf Channel.  Yep.  That's right - the GOLF Channel.  He should be asleep in no time!

Bye-Bye Baby Tooth!

My little baby is getting SO big!  His first baby tooth wiggled out last night, with a little help from Grandma.  I have never seen Carter so genuinely thrilled by anything! He ran around the kitchen yelling, "I lost my tooth!!!" and grinning the sweetest, toothless smile you have ever seen.

The tooth fairy was on duty last night, and left him a little money and a note.  I thought that the money would have been the most exciting part, but no... Carter was enthralled at the gift of the... paperclip.  Seriously!  I don't know where this kid gets it!  Granddad and I took him to spend his money tonight, and he chose to buy a pack of gum.  This is another big first for our little man - he's never had gum before!  Of course, he chewed it like a champ, and didn't even stick it in my hair.  Total success :)

Bummer.

This was not quite the morning I had hoped for.  I drove myself up to Anthem to pick up our completed taxes.  I skipped the stop for a mocha - even though I was really craving one... that was problem number one, but certainly not the worst.  Once I got to the accountant's, I was shocked to see our taxes.  We usually owe a hundred or so - no big deal... but this year we owe a whopping $6200.  Oh. My. Goodness.  Guess I'd better start digging for change in the couch cushions!  On second thought, maybe it is a good thing I didn't stop for that mocha... I can use all of the extra $ that I can get!

On a much more positive note, I was able to pop in for a visit with my friend, Genea, and her adorable kids this morning.  Talk about one awesome stay-at-home momma!  She sent me on my way with a huge basket of maternity clothes and adorable onesies and bibs from her new business - PRAISEwear.  If you have a minute to check it out, please do so!

Perfect Heart

I was a little bit nervous going into my appointment this morning.  I spent the 40 minutes in the car listening   to the most uplifting and calming music I have on the ipod, and reminding myself - over and over - that no matter what the outcome of the scan... we love this baby, and everything would be okay.  After waiting what seemed like an eternity in the waiting room, the ultrasound technician finally took me back into the exam room.  She spent well over an hour completing her measurements and trying to get every possible angle of every part of the body.  She was so incredibly thorough, that I just knew I was in good hands.  When she was done, she brought the doctor in to talk to me and do her own ultrasound exam.  After another 20 minutes of measuring/examining, the doctor assured me that there is NOTHING to be concerned about.  She showed me all of the parts of baby's heart, and showed me just how perfectly sized they are.  Since I know absolutely nothing about a baby's anatomy, I'll just take her word for it.

This entire experience has just reminded me how often we take for granted our health... the health of our children... and the health of our pregnancies.  It truly is an absolute miracle to have a healthy baby.  Thankfully, this is a miracle that happens many, many times everyday - but the frequency really shouldn't lessen how miraculous an event it truly is.  I am so very thankful that my little boy is growing just right... and I will continue to thank God every single day for giving me the chance to have another healthy child.

Another Appointment

Today was our second anatomy ultrasound.  During our ultrasound 3 weeks ago, the technician was unable to get a couple of pictures that they needed, due to my rather lazy baby.  He just wasn't interested in rolling  over.  So, fast forward to today... my baby boy was as lazy as ever, and refused to give up the views necessary to complete the anatomy ultrasound to my doctor's satisfaction.  Apparently, the angle that they are viewing his heart makes it look like the atrium might be slightly different sizes... but they can't tell if it is just the angle, or an actual issue.  Now, I am being referred to a perinatologist for a level II ultrasound, so they can attempt to get the view they need to reassure them that everything is perfect with our little man.  In the meantime, I am doing my very best to trust in whatever this situation may bring.  If nothing is wrong -fantastic!  If they find a problem, then we'll deal with that.  I know that we are given situations that we can manage.

A New Chapter

Today is bittersweet day.  Chris is embarking on a great new adventure - his new job - and our family starts getting used to a lot less daddy-time, until we are all together again in Portland.  Not only is Chris starting a new job, but they have him beginning by attending a huge conference.  He's been studying all of their information, so he knows what to talk about to all of the attendees... sure doesn't want to sound like it is his first day, even though it is!  It'll be a great trip to Chicago for him.  He'll be able to meet everyone in his company, get to know some of his customers, and have a great time wining-and-dining.  I'm a little jealous!  Well, at least of the eating part.
Carter was sad to say goodbye, but I think the adjustment will be better than expected.  He has already surprised us by his amazing attitude with the move to Grandma and Granddad's house, and his excitement about our upcoming transition to Portland.  He is an awesome kid - we are so lucky to have him.  I am so excited to start this new step in life, and hope it continues to go as smoothly as possible.