Sunday, February 6, 2011

Carter Joins Our Family

Well I happened to come across this poor, neglected blog and found it hasn't been updated for some time now. I almost forgot we had a blog! I actually remembered when I was reading Elder and Sister Hoggan's blog about their mission adventures in Germany and saw the link to our blog. It might just be old age, but I'd like to blame it on rebuilding my computer and not saving any of my browser favorites. Anyway, the past few months sped by as they always seem to. Christmas was great and it was nice to be able to have our own tree and decorations on the house. Last year we didn't do any of that since we were going to be in Utah with Amy's parents and family. I really enjoyed the time off of work as well.

January was full of busy-ness. Amy had piano lessons as usual and I had work. On top of that, she was working on putting the finishing touches on the Kent Stake's Women's Conference program. She was released from her Personal Progress calling with the YW and called as the ward music chairperson. It was a good switch for her with the arrival of Carter.

On the morning of Jan 27th, Amy began having regular contractions and we began to monitor them. As they increased and became closer together, it became evident that we would be making a trip to the hospital. Shortly after noon, we decided to head in. We checked in at about 3 pm. This time, rather than going 'natural', Amy opted for an epidural. It was so much different than before. We were able to watch movies and relax. I even was able to get some work done that I needed to finish up. (I'm really grateful for a job that allows me to work virtually from home/other locations sometimes). The doctor came in and checked her probably about 6 pm and estimated that the baby would arrive by 9pm that night. I had my doubts about that. However, shortly before 9 pm, Amy was checked again and they said the baby was low enough to be delivered. The nurse called for some additional help to get everything prepped for the delivery and the doctor was alerted. He came in, Amy pushed twice, and Carter was here! I was amazed how easy it was -- last time with Emma was a nightmare that I look back fondly on (pretty weird I know). I was even more amazed that the doctor was almost right on with his prediction -- Carter was born at 9:09 pm. The doctor let me cut the cord, which I find a symbolic gesture and pretty neat.


He didn't cry much. Nurses were trying to clear the fluid out of his nose and mouth. They gently tried to get him to cry to expel that fluid. He finally got enough of a cry to force that fluid out. They cleaned him up a little bit and let Amy hold him. After a while they brought in the scale and got his measurements: 8 lbs 8.4oz and 20" long. He had a healthy color and a healthy bump on his head, caused most likely by the speedy delivery, which I will conveniently be able to tease him about later in life.... such as that he was dropped on his head when he was born.

Amy zonked out shortly thereafter. I was up until around 1:30 am while the nurses kept coming in and doing their checks and the all important first baby bath. After that, I don't remember much. Carter had a really good first night and slept for most of it. We stayed at the hospital the next day and night and came home on Saturday morning. Some of our family and church friends visited us at the hospital. Amy really wanted to go see the conference program which was going on and we debated as we drove down the road. We ended up going to my parents' house and showing Grammee her latest great-grandchild. It was such a relief when we finally made it home. We could sleep and relax and Carter made it very easy for us.



Carter all decked out in his "going home" clothes (above). Us leaving the hospital Sat morning (below).


Emma is adjusting well. The first few days she had the "what is this thing" look on her face but now she always wants to pat him and say hi to him. She had her moments where she wanted to be in mommy's lap while Carter occupied that position but I think she's coming to grips with the reality that Carter is here to stay and she'll have to wait her turn.



We've had a generous showing of support from many friends in the ward, family members, and neighbors for which we are very grateful and appreciative. To all those that helped us in any way, whether it was bringing meals or gifts or just simply saying "congratulations," we wholeheartedly say Thank You!!