Happy Birthday Carter!

I began having contractions at 7:45 in the morning on August 13. I called John at work to tell him to come home and then we both called our parents. I got Jack ready and fed him breakfast, and by the time John got home (with police escort no less!), my contractions were getting pretty painful. We dropped Jack off at a friend's house and headed to the hospital. I checked in at 8:50 and was dilated to a 6. Once in my room, they started the IV and rechecked me at an 8 and this is where I stayed for what felt like forever...at least to me :) The contractions were rough, and I wondered if I could truly handle it without an epidural. After my water broke, I was a 9. My mom arrived shortly after that - just in time. I was feeling LOTS of pressure and sure enough it was time. They called the doctor who got there fairly quickly. Once she was suited up, I pushed twice and sweet Carter arrived at 11:22 a.m. riding on a wave of gushing water!

Last picture outside of the hospital.

 He was ANYTHING BUT HAPPY!

 My chunkster!

Happy Half Birthday Big Boy!

So I might be crazy, but I decided to celebrate half birthdays. It's nothing extravagant - just a dessert and a candle, but I like it! It wasn't until about half way through the day when I realized what day it was. I was excited to find brownie mix in the pantry, and I began to talk to Jack about why the day was special. I also decided to teach him when his birthday is, and he's pretty dog gone cute saying it :)

 He was pumped about his candle

 So this is his typical smile face with his eyes all squinty.

 And this is what I get when I say - open your eyes!

Happy Half Birthday Sweet Boy!

Sprinklers

One really hot afternoon, I thought it would be fun for Jack to play in the sprinklers. He plays in water often, but he's never done this.

He was a little hesitant at first...

 but soon realized the fun!

 Why can't we all have this joy?

 So he enjoyed himself, but much like everything else, the fun only lasts about ten minutes, and he's ready to move on to the next thing!

Maybe it does get better!

So I always say that having Jack and my nephews so close in age is amazing...it doesn't get better. Well, when I found out I was pregnant with Carter, I knew Kaysey wasn't too interested in getting pregnant just yet so I said having friends with babies close in age will be the next best thing. Little did any of us know that Kaysey would soon get pregnant too...and not just with one boy, but TWO! So...it does get better. Not to mention that my niece Daelynn was born in February! 6 cousins all within ~3 years of each other. Being pregnant with Kays in both my pregnancies is just amazing but having our boys be some of the best of friends is just pure joy.

 Carter: 34 weeks, Eli & Nathan: 25 weeks

Luau Party

While the boys were in town, we headed over to one of my favorite places to take Jack - Miss Yolanda's - AKA Baby Power. She was having a Luau Party with all kinds of activities. I think the boys had fun :)

The boys were good sports...and so was John!

 We play "lolleyball" almost daily now :)

Cousin Time!

My sister brought the boys down in early July for one of the last times before the three turns to six! We had a great time together, and the boys played their hearts out. I can only imagine what it is going to be like in a year or two. It will be complete and amazing chaos. I love watching these boys grow together and seeing their love for each other only get bigger! We are utterly blessed.

 Swimming!

 Bouncing....

 

 Who has a tub big enough for 6?

 I think my child liked his ice cream :)

 Ben wanted to hold Jack's hand while watching t.v!

I really don't know if life gets much better than this.