Meet Gilly

Or maybe it is Gilley (Bubble Guppies anyone??) ...to Addison it is "GeeWee" and she loves it.  The Carson's officially have a pet!  Addison is so very proud of her fish and makes sure to check up on him several times a day. 

 

Those close to me know I am just not a pet person.  I am not sure what happened to me but I didn't get that gene.  We will definitely not have any rodents or reptiles in our house like a hamster or a snake.  Josh and I both share the same opinion on cats... not happening.  The one animal that may survive in our house is a dog... just not in the immediate future.

 

Back to "GeeWee"... Aunt Ashley gave Addison her fish bowl when she was packing up her classroom and we had to get a fish for it of course!  The first attempt at the pet store was not successful.  Addison saw the snakes, screamed and Daddy had to exit the store to keep the peace.  I took her back a few days later, approached the entrance with one mission in mind... we just need a fish....success!

So far so good.  Gilly is now over a month old and still swimming!  Praise the Lord!

House Update: Get Done Already

It has been a bit since a house update and we are now at the point of "get done already".  We hope to close the first week of August.  They are so close to being done.  Just wrapping up some finishes, a good clean and final punch list.

 {study/home office}

 

{formal dining}

 

{upstairs playroom}

 

I don't know what I am most excited about...the yard, a double oven!, or maybe just getting out of the apartment. All I know is we are ready!

Luke Newborn Pictures

 

 

Courtesy of Narci D Photography

*Side Note:  I don't recommend newborn pictures at 9 am the morning of your little ones 5th day in this world.   Addison's hair looks like she just rolled out of bed because she did.  Our first attempt to get two kids out of the house looking descent during the morning hours, shouldn't have been for pictures!  By noon, we were completely exhausted and Luke had pooped on our photographer, her dress, props and backgrounds multiple times.    Needless to say, this was a definite "what was I thinking moment".  So very thankful for a very patient photographer who didn't let our chaos show through the lens.

Announcing Luke's Arrival

 

Picnic at the Park

We had some uncharacteristically awesome weather the first of July around here. The evenings were in the upper 70s so we took advantage one evening and headed to picnic in the park. 

 

Ok, we grabbed McDonald's on our way to the park but it still counts!  Addison loved it and it got Mommy and Luke out of the house which means it was a successful day!

 

Luke loves the Baby Bjorn which I never used with Addison... so funny how different two can be!  He hung out on Mommy most of the time we were at the park.  I am always behind the camera and cannot take a "selfie" very well so here is a quick snap of our peanut as we packed up to head home.

 

Ever since Luke arrived, Addison has looked and acted so much older.  Makes this Mommy a little sad but she is at such a fun age (tantrums aside).  She never stops talking, already has quite the imagination and dances at every chance she can get!

 

One day these little ones will outgrow evenings at the park... I am hoping it is many, many, many years from now.  We are all about living in the moment these days and soaking up every second!

Checkup with Dr. G: Luke 1 Month

We have a heavy-weight on our hands and we are so thankful.

 

 

11 lbs 11 oz - 87%

22.3 inches - 79%

 

Luke is the exact same height that Addison was at one month but is just about one pound heavier. He is a good eater to say the least.  We are so thankful for big, healthy babies.

Luke: 1 Month

Luke Matthew, you are 1 month old!  This month has flown by sweet boy.  It feels like yesterday that you joined our family and made us a family of 4.  You bring so much joy and love to our everyday.

 

 

 At 1 month you ...

• are eating every 2 - 3 hours, day and night- you have gone 4 hours once at night
• have some tummy issues going on that we are anxious to talk through with Dr. G.  Nothing out of the ordinary but you sure do work hard for those diapers and those little toots.
• are eating breast milk only but take a bottle of it 2-3 times a day to give Mommy a break, 4 ounces each feeding
• roll over from your tummy to your back during tummy time
• your favorite place to sleep is on Mommy 
• like your bouncy "bunny" seat if you are sleeping
• if you are awake, you like to be held but we force that tummy time a few times a day
• definitely don't love your paci the way big sister loves hers

• sleep on your back when in your crib, swaddled with arms out but you are not sleeping in your crib the entire night yet
• Mommy sleeps in your room with you at night.  We are working on getting you in your crib more and more and are hopeful your unsettling tummy improves soon!
• have a clogged tear duct on your left eye that we are massaging daily to get it to open up, it is definitely getting better!
• enjoy car rides and going on walks
• are already wearing size 1 diapers!
• your eyes are getting more blue every day
• have quite a bit of dark brown hair
• have outgrown all of your newborn clothes with the exception of a few sleepers.  You have a very long torso.
• seem to enjoy your baths but once you are out, there better be food ready
• have only been away from Mom for just under 2 hours on two different occasions
• shared your 1 month-day with Aunt Ashley's 32nd birthday!

With a 2 year old big sister and a newborn, life definitely has its challenges these days but we wouldn't change it for anything.  There is about an hour in between feedings that your tummy settles and you usually fall asleep.  Big sister is learning that you need extra love and care right now. It is a successful day when Mommy is showered before noon, we have clean clothes to wear, you both get naps in, and we all find food to eat.  If we venture out of the house without any major meltdowns... that is a spectacular day.  We happened to run an errand today and as I looked back over my shoulder and saw two car seats, I couldn't help but thank the good Lord for blessing us with two precious miracles.  We are so lucky to have been chosen to be your parents.

Little buddy, we cannot wait to see what this next month brings and what this first year has in store for you.  We all love you to the moon and back and are so glad you have joined our family!